JP2001034800A - On-vehicle machine for toll collection system for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an on-vehicle machine for a vehicle toll collection system which expands a range wherein an automatic toll collection service is provided, makes it possible to receive multiple toll collection services without changing a card medium by a passenger, and can greatly improve convenience. SOLUTION: The on-vehicle machine stores multiple card media at the same time and is provided with multiple automatic toll collection services, and the on-vehicle machine is equipped with a service detecting means S2 which detects which of multiple automatic toll collection services is expected and selecting means S5, S7, and S9 which select one card medium matching the service detected by the service detecting means out of the card media and automatically collects a toll by the one selected card medium.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a toll collection system for a vehicle that exchanges information with entrances and exits of toll roads or roadside equipment installed in front of these toll collection. Related to in-vehicle equipment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an automatic toll collection system (Electronic Toll) has been developed for the purpose of non-stop at tollgates on toll roads, mitigation of traffic congestion, cashlessness, and reduction of human expenses.
Collection so-called ETC) has been developed. That is, when a vehicle passes an entrance of a toll road, the vehicle includes a roadside device installed at an entrance or an exit of a toll road, an on-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle, and an IC card that is attached to and detached from a card reader of the on-vehicle device. , Transmit and receive information between the onboard equipment and the entrance roadside equipment, and when the vehicle passes through the exit of the toll road,
This is an automatic toll collection system that calculates the toll road usage fee of the vehicle and enables toll collection from the account of the IC card owner (JP-A-8-305908, JP-A-8-305908).
-2594, JP-A-8-305914, JP-A-1
0-222705).

[0003] However, in the above-mentioned on-board unit for the automatic toll collection system (for the ETC system), a technical idea of performing an automatic toll collection service on a toll road and another automatic toll collection service different from the service is provided. There is no suggestion about using a plurality of card media for such a plurality of automatic toll collection services.

[0004]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of card media (an ETC system dedicated card, a credit card, an electronic money card,
(See Prepaid Card, IC Card) to accommodate (store) at the same time, and to receive a plurality of automatic toll collection services. Service detecting means for detecting whether a service is to be received, and selecting one suitable card medium from a plurality of card media corresponding to the detected service, and selecting automatic card collection with the card medium By providing means, ETC
Not only can the system be used effectively to extend the range of receiving the automatic toll collection service, but also the occupant can receive multiple automatic toll collection services without replacing the card media, It is an object of the present invention to provide an in-vehicle device for a toll collection system for a vehicle, which can achieve a significant improvement.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the object of the first aspect, the service detecting means detects the current position of the vehicle detected by the current position detecting means and the automatic toll collection. By detecting the automatic toll collection service that is to be received based on the proximity relationship (distance relationship) with the location information (location information) that can receive the service, the automatic toll service that is to be received is accurately detected The purpose of the present invention is to provide an on-board device for a toll collection system for a vehicle that can perform the operation.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the object of the first aspect of the present invention, the above-mentioned service detecting means detects the advance notice signal of the automatic toll collection system (see the signal issued from the advance notice gate). By detecting the automatic toll collection service to be received in response to the reception, it is not necessary to detect the current position of the vehicle by receiving the advance notice signal, and the automatic toll collection service to be received is more accurate. It is an object of the present invention to provide an in-vehicle device for a vehicle toll collection system which can be detected at a time.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the object of the second or third aspect, a card reader for selectively reading a plurality of card media is provided, and When the automatic toll collection service to be received is detected, the card reader is switched to read the selected card medium (refer to the card changer), so that the card information can be prepared for reading in advance, and the response to the automatic toll collection is performed. It is another object of the present invention to provide an in-vehicle device for a vehicle toll collection system capable of improving responsiveness.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the object of the fourth aspect, a reading medium is switched to a card medium in which an automatic toll collection service is normally continued, or a card medium for an ETC system. In the former case, there is a high possibility that information communication will be performed for automatic toll collection. By reading and switching the card medium during service continuation, it is possible to respond immediately to reading. In the latter case, by preparing a card medium for an automatic toll collection service on toll roads, it is possible to improve responsiveness to reading and to mount a vehicle for a vehicle toll collection system that does not hinder non-stop operation of the vehicle. The purpose is to provide a machine.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the object of the first aspect, information of different types is stored in a plurality of card media. It is an object of the present invention to provide an in-vehicle device for a vehicle toll collection system capable of improving compatibility with a plurality of independent automatic toll collection services.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle toll collection system for a vehicle which transmits and receives information to and from a roadside device installed on a toll road to execute toll collection. The in-vehicle device is configured to simultaneously accommodate a plurality of card media and receive a plurality of automatic toll collection services, and the in-vehicle device may perform any of a plurality of automatic toll collection services. Service detecting means for detecting whether or not the service is to be received; and one card medium suitable for the service is selected from a plurality of card media corresponding to the automatic toll collection service detected by the service detecting means. And a selection means for performing automatic toll collection using one card medium.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, a current position detecting means for detecting a current position of the own vehicle is provided, and the service detecting means detects the current position. Vehicle-mounted device for a vehicle toll collection system that detects the automatic toll collection service to be received based on the proximity relationship between the current position of the own vehicle detected by the means and the position information that can receive the automatic toll collection service It is characterized by.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention, the service detecting means responds to a notice signal of the automatic toll collection system.
It is an in-vehicle device for a vehicle toll collection system that detects an automatic toll collection service to be received.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the second or third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a card reader for selectively reading a plurality of card media, and the selecting means is provided for detecting a service. When the automatic toll collection service to be received by the means is detected, the in-vehicle device for a toll collection system for a vehicle allows the card reader to switch the reading of the selected card medium.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the fourth aspect of the present invention, reading is switched to a card medium in which the automatic toll collection service is normally continued, or automatic toll collection on a toll road is performed. It is an in-vehicle device for a vehicle toll collection system that reads out and switches to a service card medium.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention, a vehicle toll collection in which different types of information are stored in the plurality of card media. It is a vehicle-mounted device for systems.

[0016]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the service detecting means includes a plurality of automatic toll collection services (automatic toll collection service for toll roads and another automatic toll service different from the service). (Toll collection service and multiple services) is detected, and the selection means accommodates the automatic toll collection service detected by the above-mentioned service detection means in the on-board unit at the same time. One card medium suitable for the service is selected from the plurality of card media thus selected, and the selected one is selected.
Automatic collection of tolls on one card medium. As a result, it is possible to effectively use the ETC system to expand the range of receiving the automatic toll collection service, and also to enable the occupant to receive a plurality of automatic toll collection services without replacing the card medium at all. Therefore, there is an effect that the convenience can be greatly improved.

According to the invention described in claim 2 of the present invention,
In addition to the effect of the first aspect of the present invention, the current position detecting means detects the current position of the own vehicle, and the service detecting means detects the current position of the own vehicle detected by the current position detecting means. The automatic toll collection service to be received is detected based on the proximity relationship with the position information at which the toll collection service can be received.

As described above, the automatic toll collection service to be received is detected based on the proximity relationship between the current position and the position information, so that the automatic toll collection service to be received can be accurately detected. effective.

According to the third aspect of the present invention,
In addition to the effects of the first aspect of the present invention, the service detecting means detects an automatic toll collection service to be received in response to receiving an advance notice signal of the automatic toll collection system. There is no need to detect the current position of the own vehicle at all by using the above, and there is an effect that the automatic toll collection service to be received can be more accurately detected in advance by receiving the above-mentioned notice signal.

According to the invention described in claim 4 of the present invention,
In addition to the effect of the second or third aspect of the present invention, the above card reader selectively reads a plurality of card media, but the above selection means has an automatic toll collection service to be received by the service detection means. Readout switching of the card medium selected by the above card reader when detected
(Card change).

As described above, the card medium can be selected in advance according to the automatic toll collection service to be received, and the card information can be read out, so that the responsiveness and responsiveness to the automatic toll collection can be improved. effective.

According to the invention described in claim 5 of the present invention,
In addition to the effect of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the reading is switched to the card medium in which the automatic toll collection service is continuing in normal times. Alternatively, reading is switched to a card medium for the ETC system. For this reason, in the former case, there is a high possibility that information communication (data transmission / reception) will be performed for automatic toll collection, and by reading and switching the card medium during service continuation, it is possible to perform reading. It has the effect of being able to respond immediately.

In the latter case, a card medium for an automatic toll collection service for toll roads (ie, ETC)
System card media) can be prepared,
The read response can be improved, and the non-stop operation of the vehicle is not hindered at all.

According to the invention described in claim 6 of the present invention,
In addition to the effects of the first aspect of the present invention, since different types of information are stored in a plurality of card media, the suitability for a plurality of independent automatic toll collection services can be improved. There is an effect that can be achieved.

In other words, the plurality of automatic toll collection services are independent of each other, and by providing a plurality of card media having different types of stored information according to the plurality of toll collection services, the service for the user can be improved to improve compatibility. Performance can be improved.

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. The drawing shows an in-vehicle device for a vehicle toll collection system. First, referring to FIG. 1, an example of the arrangement of roadside devices in an automatic toll collection system (Electronic Toll Collection; hereinafter simply referred to as an ETC system) on a toll road. Will be described.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of roadside equipment. A normal gate 3 for issuing a toll ticket and an entrance antenna 4 by an ETC system are installed at an entrance 2 of a toll road 1. A toll lane (so-called normal lane) 5 is provided corresponding to 3, and a lane dedicated to an automatic toll collection system (hereinafter simply referred to as an ETC lane) 6 is provided corresponding to the entrance antenna 4.

In front of the toll road entrance 2, an entrance antenna 7 for transmitting an entrance notice signal (predetermined signal) is provided. Although this embodiment exemplifies a case where the front side of the entrance to the entrance 2 both have six lanes, the number of lanes is not limited.

On the other hand, on the front side of the toll road exit 8, an exit front antenna 13 for transmitting an exit notice signal (predetermined signal) is provided.

Further, at the exit 8 of the toll road 1, a conventional normal gate 9 for collecting cash as a usage fee and an exit antenna 10 by an ETC system are installed. A normal lane 11 is provided, and an ETC lane 1 is provided corresponding to the exit antenna 10.
2 are provided. In this embodiment, the case where the front side of the exit has five lanes and the side of the exit 8 has six lanes is illustrated, but the number of lanes is not limited.

Here, the above-mentioned ETC system includes the antennas 4, 7, 10, and 13 installed at the entrance 2 and the exit 8 of the toll road 1 or in front of them, the on-board equipment mounted on the vehicle, and the on-board equipment. A credit card or other IC card as a card medium which is attached to and detached from a card reader, and when the vehicle passes through the entrance 2 of the toll road 1, information is transmitted and received between the vehicle-mounted device and the entrance antenna 4 so that the vehicle When the vehicle passes the exit 8 of the toll road 1 through the ETC lane 12, the toll road usage fee of the vehicle is calculated and the IC
It is a system that enables collection of fees from the account of the card medium owner such as a card, etc.
It aims to reduce cash and reduce human expenses.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an entire vehicle toll collection system including a plurality of roadside devices including the ETC roadside devices on the toll road described above and an in-vehicle device. Ferry roadside equipment 15 to be received, drive-through roadside equipment 16 to automatically receive drive-through usage fee, gas station roadside equipment 1 to automatically receive usage fee at gas station
7. ETC unit 1 as in-vehicle device mounted on vehicle
8 and a navigation device 19.

The above ETC roadside equipment 14 includes a roadside CPU 20 as control means, a ROM 21 as storage means for storing a customer database, and a transmission / reception antenna 22 as transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving data. Are the plurality of antennas 4, 7,
10, 13 are collectively shown for convenience of illustration).

The ferry roadside device 15 includes a roadside CPU 30 as control means, a ROM 23 as storage means for storing a customer database, and a transmitting / receiving antenna 24 (transmitting a ferry notice signal) as transmitting / receiving means for transmitting and receiving data. (Includes both the announcement gate antenna and the ferry request signal transmission antenna)
And

Further, the drive-through roadside device 16 includes:
Roadside CPU 40 as control means, ROM 25 as storage means for storing a customer database, and transmission / reception antenna 26 as transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving data
(Including both an antenna of a notice gate for transmitting a drive-through notice signal and an antenna of transmitting a drive-through request signal).

Further, the gas station roadside equipment 17 includes a roadside CPU 50 as a control means, a ROM 27 as a storage means storing a customer database, and a transmission / reception antenna 28 as a transmission / reception means for transmitting and receiving data (a gas station notice). (Including both an antenna of a notice gate for transmitting a signal and an antenna for transmitting a gas station request signal).

On the other hand, the ETC unit 18 as a vehicle-mounted device
Is mounted on the upper part of the instrument panel of the vehicle, near the front header, or near the navigation position. This ETC
The unit 18 includes each of the above-described roadside devices 14, 15, 16, 1
7 transmit / receive antennas (so-called ETC antennas) 29 for transmitting / receiving information (data) to / from the transmitting / receiving antennas 22, 24, 26, and 28, and input parameters (variables such as the number of occupants, ordered items, and ordered quantities). An input switch 31 including a numeric keypad and a keyboard as input means;
A plurality of card media (hereinafter simply referred to as cards) C1, C
And a single card reader 32 that allows only one card selected from C3 and C3 to read information on the card C.
A selection mechanism (so-called card changer) 33 for selecting one of the plurality of cards C1, C2, and C3 and mounting the card in the card insertion slot of the card reader 32; A display unit 34 (so-called display device) for visually displaying a usage fee, a usage fee at a drive-through, a usage fee at a gas station, and the like,
A notification unit 35 such as a buzzer (including an electronic buzzer) for notifying the occupant of necessary information and an audio notification unit, and the number of seated occupants of the vehicle
An occupant detection sensor 36 for automatically detecting (parameters) is provided.

The CPU 60 as control means includes a transmitting / receiving antenna 29, an input switch 31, a card reader 32,
Based on the necessary input from the occupant detection sensor 36, the RO
According to the program stored in M37, the display unit 34,
The notification unit 35, the selection mechanism 33, the card reader 32, and the transmission / reception antenna 29 are driven and controlled, and the RAM 38 stores necessary data, a map M1 shown in FIG. 3, and the like.

Here, the ETC unit 18 accommodates a plurality of cards C1, C2, and C3 simultaneously in the unit, and provides a plurality of automatic toll collection services, that is, an automatic toll collection service on a toll road in the ETC system, and a ferry service. It is configured to be able to receive an automatic toll collection service at the time of use, an automatic toll collection service at the time of using drive-through, and an automatic toll collection service at the time of using a gas station.

The plurality of cards C1, C2, C3 are set, for example, as follows (see FIG. 3). Card C1 is the first
The card C2 is set on the credit card and can be used for the automatic toll collection service when using the ferry and when using the drive-through. The card C2 is set as the second credit card, and the automatic toll collection service when using the drive-through and when using the gas station. The card C3 is a credit card dedicated to ETC, and can be used for an automatic toll collection service when the toll road 1 is used. The setting of the cards C1, C2, C3 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.

The plurality of automatic toll collection services described above are independent of each other, and information of different types is stored in advance in each card C1, C2, C3 so as to correspond to the plurality of automatic toll collection services. Have been.

That is, the card C3 for the ETC is the card I
Information such as D (personal identification information), account number, and owner's name is stored. Card C1 stores information such as credit ID, card number, use history of ferry and drive-through. The card C2 stores information such as a credit ID, a card number, a history of a drive-through and a gas station, the number of points according to the purchase amount, and a discount rate.

A map M1 shown in FIG. 3 is a storage means in which cards C1, C2, and C3 usable at each tollgate are set as shown in the figure, corresponding to a plurality of types of tollgates for the automatic toll collection service. is there. By the way, the ET shown in FIG.
The navigation device 1 is included in the CPU 60 of the C unit 28.
Nine CPUs 70 are connected.

The navigation device 19 is a GPS satellite
(Not shown), and has a GPS antenna 39 for receiving a radio wave from the GPS receiver 41.
The GPS receiver 41, a gyro 42 as a traveling direction (relative running direction) detecting means, and a vehicle speed sensor 43 as a vehicle speed detecting means are connected to the CPU 70, respectively.

The above-described elements 41, 42 and 43 are used for a vehicle.
Current position detecting means 44 for detecting the current position of (own vehicle)
On the other hand, the CPU 70 is connected to a map memory 45 such as a CD-ROM for storing road map information.

The CPU 70 executes a ROM operation based on inputs from the GPS receiver 41, the gyro 42, and the vehicle speed sensor 43.
(Not shown) according to the program stored in the display unit 4
6. Drive control of the notifying unit 47 and the map memory 45
The own vehicle position is displayed on the map read out from.

CPU 6 of ETC unit 18 shown in FIG.
0 is a service detecting means (refer to the second step S2 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4) for detecting which of the plurality of automatic toll collection services is to be received, and a service detecting means (step S2). In step S2), only one card compatible with the service is selected from a plurality of cards C1, C2, and C3 corresponding to the one automatic toll collection service detected in step S2, and the automatic toll collection is performed using the selected one card. (See steps S5, S7, S9 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4)
And also serves as.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the service detecting means (see step S2) receives the current position of the vehicle detected by the current position detecting means 44 (see first step S1) and the automatic toll collection service. Location information that can be
Based on the proximity relationship with (location information), an automatic toll collection service to be received is detected.

The above-mentioned selection means (steps S5 and S5)
7 and S9), when the service detecting means (see step S2) detects the automatic toll collection service to be received (see YES determination in the second step S2), one card selected by the card reader 32 (C1, C
2, one of C3) (card changer operation) (particularly, refer to the ninth step S9).

Further, in the normal state, the reading is switched to the card for which the automatic toll collection service is continuing, or the reading is switched to the card C3 for the automatic toll collection service on the toll road 1 (see steps S10 and S11). . The operation of the in-vehicle device for the vehicle toll collection system thus configured will be described in detail below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In the first step S1 (current position detecting means),
The CPU 60 drives the navigation device 19 and uses the GPS
The current position is measured by a current position detecting means 44 comprising a receiving device 41, a gyro 42, and a vehicle speed sensor 43, and the navigation CPU
The current position is detected by transmitting and receiving data to and from 70.

Next, a second step S2 (service detecting means)
Then, the CPU 60 determines whether or not the vehicle is near a tollgate of any of the automatic toll collection services based on the proximity relationship between the current position of the own vehicle and the above-mentioned position information of the tollgate, and If not (NO determination), the tenth step S1
0 and it is near any tollgate (YES
At the time of the determination), the process proceeds to the next third step S3.

In the third step S3 (valid card number detecting means), the CPU 60 compares the current position data with the map data in the map memory 45 to specify which tollgate is located, as shown in FIG. Referring to the map M1,
The number of valid cards for the service is detected.

That is, when the specified tollgate is a tollgate on a toll road, the number of cards is 1 for only card C3.
If the specified tollgate is a ferry tollgate, the number of cards is one card C1 only, and if the specified tollgate is a drive-through tollgate, the number of cards is If there are two cards C1 and C2, and the specified tollgate is a gas station tollgate, the number of cards is only one card C2.

Next, in the fourth step S4 (determination means), the CP
U60 determines whether or not the number of cards is valid for the service. If YES, the process proceeds to step S5, and if NO, the process proceeds to another sixth step S6.

In the above-described fifth step S5, the CPU 60 selects only one of a plurality of cards C1 and C2 effective for the service. On the other hand, in the above-mentioned sixth step S6 (determination means), the CPU 60 determines whether or not there is one valid card for the detected service, and YES
When the determination is made, the process proceeds to the next seventh step S7, and when the determination is NO, the process proceeds to another eighth step S8.

In the above-mentioned seventh step S7, the CPU 60 selects the one card valid for the service, while in the above-mentioned eighth step S8, it is determined that there is no card valid for the service. Then, the CPU 60 drives the display unit 34 and the notification unit 35 to execute a warning notification (warning) that there is no valid card to be read,
It returns to the first step S1.

Next, at a ninth step S9, the CPU 60 operates the selection mechanism 33 to switch and mount the selected one card to the card reader 32. On the other hand, the tenth
In step S10, the CPU 60 determines whether or not the automatic toll collection service is ongoing (for example, while traveling on a toll road).
When the determination is S, the process proceeds to the third step S3, and when the determination is NO, the process proceeds to another eleventh step S11.

During the continuation of the automatic toll collection service, only one card for the service is switched to the card reader 32 by the processing in steps S3, S4, S6, S7 and S9.

In the above-described eleventh step S11, the CPU 60 deactivates the selection mechanism 33 or performs ETC in response to the non-continuation of the automatic toll collection service.
Card C3 is preferentially selected, and the card C3 is switched and mounted on the card reader 32.

In this way, the toll collection service which is going to receive the service from the plurality of automatic toll collection services is specified (detected), and only one card corresponding to the detected service is selected. This card is switched to the card reader 32 and mounted.

Next, referring to the flowcharts of FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8, only the selected one card (C
1, C2, C3) will be described.

First, referring to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, the operation of automatically collecting the usage fee of the toll road 1 (so-called E
The automatic toll collection process in the TC system will be described. In this case, the card C3 selected in advance according to the flowchart of FIG. 4 is used.

The flowchart on the left side of FIG.
A control flow by the PU 20 is shown, and a flowchart on the right side shows a control flow by the CPU 60 on the ETC unit 18 side. In the first step A1, the roadside CPU 20 transmits (constantly transmits) an ETC notice signal to the vehicle at the notice gate (see the antenna 13 at the exit).

Next, in a second step A2, the roadside CPU 20
Drives the exit antenna 10 to transmit an ETC request signal to the vehicle. Next, in a third step A3, the roadside CPU 20 performs a vehicle passage determination, and in a next fourth step A4, the roadside CPU 20 determines whether or not the vehicle has passed,
When the determination is NO, the process returns to the large one step A1.
When the determination is YES, the process proceeds to the next fifth step A5.

In the fifth step A5, the roadside CPU 20
Switches the transmission / reception antenna 22 to the reception mode, and executes reception detection of the credit ID and the vehicle type data transmitted from the transmission / reception antenna 29 of the ETC unit 18.

Next, in a sixth step A6, the roadside CPU 20
Determines whether or not it is reception. When the determination is NO, the process proceeds to the fifteenth step A15, while when the determination is YES, the process proceeds to the next seventh step A7.

In the above-described seventh step A7, the roadside CPU 2
A value of 0 determines whether the received data is appropriate. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to the fifteenth step A15, while if the determination is YES, the process proceeds to the next eighth step A8.

In the above-mentioned eighth step A8, the roadside CPU 2
0 executes the vehicle type determination of the large, ordinary, and mini vehicles from the appearance of the vehicle. For this vehicle type determination, a vehicle type determination sensor such as a laser vehicle shape sensor can be used.

Next, in a ninth step A9, the roadside CPU 20
Determines whether or not vehicle type determination is possible.
While the process proceeds to step A15, when the determination is YES, the process proceeds to the next tenth step A10.

In the above-described tenth step A10, the roadside CP
U20 determines whether or not the vehicle type data received and detected in advance in the fifth step A5 matches the data determined in the eighth step A8, and if NO, the fifteenth step A1 is performed.
On the other hand, when YES is determined, the process proceeds to the next eleventh step A11.

In the eleventh step A11, the roadside CP
U20 calculates the toll on the toll road 1 from the entry interchange name, exit interchange name, vehicle type data, etc., through which the vehicle with the credit ID has passed.

Next, in a twelfth step A12, the roadside CPU
20 switches the transmission / reception antenna 22 to the transmission mode and transmits a signal such as a toll on the toll road 1 to the vehicle. Next, in a thirteenth step A13, the roadside CPU 20 executes toll charging. That is, a fee is collected from the account of the owner of the ETC card C3 selected according to the flowchart of FIG.

Next, in a fourteenth step A14, the roadside CPU
20 is the ETC lane 12 until the vehicle passes.
The gate (not shown) provided at the outlet of the device is controlled to open. On the other hand, in the fifteenth step A15, the roadside CP
U20 is NO in each step A6, A7, A9, A10
In response to the determination, the above-mentioned gate is closed and a warning notification (warning) process is executed.

The control flowchart of the roadside CPU 20 has been described above. The control of the ETC unit 18 as a vehicle-mounted device is executed as follows.

That is, in the first step B1, the CPU 6
0 switches the transmission / reception antenna 29 to the reception mode,
The detection of the notice signal is executed.

Next, in a second step B2, the CPU 60 determines whether or not a notice signal has been received. When the determination is YES, the CPU 60 proceeds to the next third step B3, while when the determination is NO, the CPU 60 skips to another eighth step B8. I do. Note that, instead of the configuration in which the process shifts to the eighth step B8 when the determination is NO, the configuration may return to the first step B1.

In the above-described third step B3, the CPU 60 detects whether or not the ETC card C3 is mounted on the card reader 32 based on the signal from the card reader 32 and whether the collection of the ETC fee is possible or not.

Next, in a fourth step B4, the CPU 60
It is determined whether or not toll collection by the TC system is possible.
At the time of ES determination, the process shifts to the seventh step B7, while NO
When the determination is made, the process proceeds to another fifth step B5.

In the above-described fifth step B5, the CPU 60 drives the display unit 34 and the notifying unit 35 to execute a warning that the ETC card C3 is not mounted on the card reader 32 and to pass the vehicle. It guides to the ticket lane 11 and executes the instruction to insert the card C3.

Next, in a sixth step B6, the CPU 60 re-activates the selection mechanism 33 and other operations to cause the card C3 for ETC to operate.
It is determined whether or not has been inserted. When the determination is NO, a series of processes is terminated, and the process returns to the first step B1.
When the determination is YES, the process proceeds to the seventh step B7.

At the above-described seventh step B7, the CPU 60 drives the display unit 34 and the notification unit 35 to guide the vehicle to the ETC lane 12. Next, in an eighth step B8, the CPU 6
0 executes reception detection of the ETC request signal via the transmission / reception antenna 29.

Next, at a ninth step B9, the CPU 60 determines whether or not a request signal has been received. When the determination is NO, the CPU 60 returns to the first step B1, and when the determination is YES, the CPU 60 proceeds to the next tenth step B10.

In the tenth step B10, the CPU 60
Switches the transmission / reception antenna 29 to the transmission mode and transmits the credit ID and the vehicle type data to the ETC roadside device 14.
Next, in an eleventh step B11, the CPU 60 switches the transmission / reception antenna 29 to the reception mode and detects reception of a signal such as a toll from the ETC roadside device 14.

Next, in a twelfth step B12, the CPU 60
Determines whether or not a signal such as a toll is received. If the determination is NO, the process waits until the signal is received. If the determination is YES, the process proceeds to the next thirteenth step B13.

In the thirteenth step B13, the CPU 60
Drives the display unit 34 to visually display the received toll and the like. In this way, the ETC unit 18 transmits and receives data to and from the ETC roadside device 14 installed on the toll road 1 using the preselected ETC card C3. Automatically receive.

Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the operation of automatically collecting the ferry usage fee by effectively utilizing the ETC system will be described. In this case, the card C1 previously selected according to the flowchart of FIG. 4 is used.

The flowchart on the left side of FIG. 6 shows the control flow of the ferry roadside device 15 by the roadside CPU 30, and the flowchart on the right side is the ETC unit 1.
8 shows a control flow by the CPU 60 on the eight side.

In the first step E1, the roadside CPU 30 sets the notice gate provided on the near side (see the transmitting / receiving antenna 24).
To send a ferry notice signal. Next, the second step E
In 2, the roadside CPU 30 transmits / receives a ferry request signal from the main gate portion (see the transmitting / receiving antenna 24) provided near the shipboard position.

Next, in a third step E3, the roadside CPU 30
Performs a vehicle passage determination, and in the next fourth step E4, the roadside CPU 30 determines whether or not the vehicle has passed. When the determination is NO, the process returns to the first step E1. On the other hand, when the determination is YES, the next fifth step E5 is performed. Move to

In the fifth step E5, the roadside CPU 30
Executes detection of receipt of credit ID and vehicle type data from the ETC unit 18. In the next sixth step E6, the roadside CPU 30 determines whether or not data is received. When the determination is NO, the process proceeds to a fifteenth step E15, and when the determination is YES, the process proceeds to the next seventh step E7.

In the seventh step E7, the roadside CPU 30
Determines whether the received data is appropriate. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to the fifteenth step E15, while if the determination is YES, the process proceeds to the next eighth step E8.

In the eighth step E8, the roadside CPU 30
Performs a vehicle type determination of a large vehicle, a normal vehicle, a mini vehicle, or the like. For this vehicle type determination, a vehicle type determination sensor such as a laser vehicle shape sensor is used, and the vehicle type determination is executed from the appearance of the vehicle.

Next, in a ninth step E9, the roadside CPU 30
Determines whether the vehicle type can be determined.
On the other hand, when the judgment is YES, the process shifts to the next tenth step E10.

In the tenth step E10, the roadside CPU
30 determines whether or not the vehicle type data determined in the eighth step E8 and the vehicle type data received in the fifth step E5 match. When the determination is NO, the process proceeds to the 15th step E15. The process moves to step E11. This eleventh step E11 (charge calculation means)
Then, the roadside CPU 30 calculates the ferry usage fee based on the number of passengers.

Next, in a twelfth step E12, the roadside CPU
The transmitting / receiving antenna 30 transmits the calculated ferry usage fee signal to the vehicle using the transmitting / receiving antenna 24 as a transmitting mode.
Next, in a thirteenth step E13 (collection means), the roadside CPU 3
0 executes ferry usage charge accounting. That is, the use fee of the ferry is collected from the account of the owner of the card C1.

Next, in a fourteenth step E14, the roadside CPU
The gate 30 opens the gate (not shown) at the ship-loading position until the vehicle passes. On the other hand, in the above-described fifteenth step E15, the roadside CPU 30 determines in steps E6, E7, E
9. In response to the NO determination at E10, close the gate at the onboard position and issue a warning (that is, a warning)
Emits.

The control flowchart of the roadside CPU 30 has been described above. The control of the ETC unit 18 as the vehicle-mounted device is executed as follows.

That is, in the first step F1, the CPU 6
0 switches the transmission / reception antenna 29 to the reception mode and executes reception detection of the ferry notice signal. Next, the second step F
In 2, the CPU 60 determines whether or not a ferry notice signal has been received. If YES, the process proceeds to the next third step F3, whereas if NO, the process skips to the ninth step F9. Note that instead of skipping to the ninth step F9 when the determination is NO, a configuration may be adopted in which the process returns to the first step F1.

In the above-described third step F3, the CPU 60 determines whether the card C1 is mounted on the card reader 32 based on a signal from the card reader 32 and the card C1 can be collected, or if the card C1 is not mounted, the charge is collected. Detect if it is not possible.

Next, in a fourth step F4, the CPU 60 determines whether or not toll collection is possible. When the determination is YES, the process proceeds to the seventh step F7, and when the determination is NO, the process proceeds to another fifth step F5.

In the above-described fifth step F5, the CPU 60 drives the display unit 34 and the notification unit 35 to execute a warning (warning) that the card C1 is not inserted, and
Instruct the insertion of the card C1.

Next, in a sixth step F6, the CPU 60 determines whether or not the card C1 has been inserted due to the reactivation of the selection mechanism 33 or the like. When the determination is NO, a series of processes is terminated, and the process proceeds to the first step F1. On the other hand, when the determination is YES, the process shifts to the seventh step F7.

In the above-described seventh step F7, the CPU 60 drives the display unit 34 and the notifying unit 35 so that the input switch 31
Is used to input the number of occupants, or the occupant detection sensor 36 is driven to automatically detect the number of occupants. In addition,
As the occupant detection sensor 36, a sensor for an occupant protection device such as an airbag can be used.

Next, in an eighth step F8, the CPU 60 determines the number of occupants (parameter) input using the input switch 31.
Or the detection content automatically detected by the occupant detection sensor 36
(That is, the number of occupants as a parameter) is stored (stored) in a predetermined area of the RAM 38 in a readable manner.

Next, in a ninth step F 9, the CPU 60 performs reception detection of the ferry request signal from the ferry roadside device 15 by setting the transmission / reception antenna 29 to the reception mode.

Next, at a tenth step F10, the CPU 60
Determines whether a ferry request signal has been received, returns to the first step F1 when the determination is NO, and shifts to the next eleventh step F11 when the determination is YES.

In the eleventh step F11 (parameter advance transmission means), the CPU 60 switches the transmission / reception antenna 29 to the transmission mode, and transmits the credit ID, the vehicle type data, and the number of people data from the ETC unit 18 to the ferry roadside device 15.

Next, in a twelfth step F12, the CPU 60
Switches the transmission / reception antenna 29 to the transmission / reception mode and executes reception detection of the ferry usage fee signal. Next, in a thirteenth step F13, the CPU 60 determines whether or not a ferry usage fee signal has been received. When the determination is NO, the CPU 60 waits until there is a reception, and when the determination is YES, the process proceeds to the next fourteenth step F14.

In this fourteenth step F14, the CPU 60
Drives the display unit 34 to visually display the received ferry usage fee. In this way, the ETC system can be effectively used, and the use fee of the ferry can be automatically collected using the card C1 selected in advance.

Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, the operation of automatically collecting the drive-through usage fee by effectively using the ETC system will be described. In this case, the card C1 or C2 previously selected according to the flowchart of FIG. 4 is used, but for convenience of explanation,
The card C2 is used.

The flowchart on the left side shown in FIG. 7 shows a control flow by the roadside CPU 40 of the drive-through roadside device 16, and the flowchart on the right side shows a control flow by the CPU 60 on the ETC unit 18 side.

In the first step J1, the roadside CPU 40 operates the notice gate provided on the near side (see the transmitting / receiving antenna 26).
Sends a drive-through notice signal. In the second step J2, the roadside CPU 40 transmits a drive-through request signal from the main gate portion (see the transmitting / receiving antenna 26).

Next, in a third step J3, the roadside CPU 40
Performs a vehicle passage determination, and in a next fourth step J4, the roadside CPU 40 determines whether or not the vehicle is passing. When the determination is NO, the process returns to the first step J1. When the determination is YES, the next fifth step J5 is performed. Move to In the fifth step J5, the roadside CPU 40 detects the receipt of the credit ID and the order data from the ETC unit 18.

Next, in a sixth step J6, the roadside CPU 40
Determines whether or not data is received. When the determination is NO, the process proceeds to the twelfth step J12. When the determination is YES, the process proceeds to the next seventh step J7.

In this seventh step J7, the roadside CPU 40
Determines whether the received data is appropriate. When the determination is NO, the process proceeds to the twelfth step J12, and when the determination is YES, the process proceeds to the eighth step J8.

Next, in an eighth step J8 (charge calculation means),
The roadside CPU 40 calculates a fee based on the order data.

Next, in a ninth step J9, the roadside CPU 40
Transmits the calculated fee information to the vehicle using the transmitting / receiving antenna 26 as a transmission mode. Next, in a tenth step J10 (collection means), the roadside CPU 40 executes a drive-through purchase fee charging. That is, a fee is collected from the account of the owner of the card C2.

Next, at an eleventh step J11, the roadside CPU
The gate 40 opens a gate (not shown) provided at the exit until the vehicle passes. On the other hand, in the twelfth step J12, the roadside CPU 40 closes the gate and issues a warning (that is, a warning) in response to the NO determinations in steps J6 and J7.

The above is the control flowchart of the roadside CPU 40. The control of the ETC unit 18 as the vehicle-mounted device is executed as follows. That is, in the first step K1, the CPU 60 switches the transmission / reception antenna 29 to the reception mode, and detects the reception of the drive-through notice signal.

Next, in a second step K2, the CPU 60 determines whether or not a drive-through notice signal has been received, and
At the time of S determination, the process proceeds to the next third step K3, while N
When the determination is O, the process skips to the ninth step K9. In addition,
Instead of skipping to the ninth step K9 at the time of NO determination, a configuration may be adopted in which the process returns to the first step K1.

In the above-described third step K3, the CPU 60 determines whether the card C2 is mounted on the card reader 32 based on a signal from the card reader 32 and the card C2 can be collected or the card can be collected when the card is not mounted. Detect if it is not possible.

Next, in a fourth step K4, the CPU 60 determines whether or not toll collection is possible. When the determination is YES, the process proceeds to a seventh step K7, and when the determination is NO, the process proceeds to another fifth step K5.

In the fifth step K5, the CPU 60 drives the display section 34 and the notification section 35 to execute a warning (warning) that the card C2 is not inserted, and instructs the card C2 to be inserted. .

Next, in a sixth step K6, the CPU 60 determines whether or not the card C2 has been inserted due to reactivation of the selection mechanism 33 or the like. On the other hand, when the determination is YES, the process proceeds to the seventh step K7.

At the seventh step K7, the CPU 60 drives the display unit 34 and the notification unit 35 to instruct the order input by the input switch 31. The occupant operates the input switch 31 including a numeric keypad or the like to select the type and quantity of the desired product.
(That is, parameters). Then the eighth
In step K8, the CPU 60 holds (stores) the input content by operating the input switch 31 in a predetermined area of the RAM 38.

Next, in a ninth step K9, the CPU 60 performs reception detection of the drive-through request signal by setting the transmission / reception antenna 29 to the reception mode. Next, at a tenth step K10, the CPU 60 determines whether or not a drive-through request signal has been received. When the determination is NO, the CPU 60 returns to the first step K1. When the determination is YES, the CPU 60 proceeds to the next eleventh step K11.

In the eleventh step K11 (parameter advance transmission means), the CPU 60 switches the transmission / reception antenna 29 to the transmission mode, and sends the credit ID and the order data from the ETC unit 18 to the drive-through roadside device 16.
(Parameter) is sent. Next, the twelfth step K12
Then, the CPU 60 switches the transmission / reception antenna 29 to the reception mode and executes reception detection of the fee information in the drive-through.

Next, in a thirteenth step K13, the CPU 60
Determines whether or not the fee information has been received. If the determination is NO, the process waits until there is reception, whereas if the determination is YES, the process proceeds to the next fourteenth step K14.

In the fourteenth step K14, the CPU 60
Drives the display unit 34 to visually display the received fee for the drive-through. In this way, it is possible to automatically collect a drive-through purchase fee by effectively using the ETC system and using the card C2 selected in advance.

Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, the operation of automatically collecting the usage fee of the gas station by effectively using the ETC system will be described. In this case, a card C2 previously selected according to the flowchart of FIG. 4 is used.

The flowchart on the left side of FIG. 8 shows a control flow by the roadside CPU 50 of the roadside device 17 for a gas station, and the flowchart on the right side shows a control flow by the CPU 60 of the ETC unit 18.

In the first step N1, the roadside CPU 50 operates the notice gate provided on the near side (see the transmitting / receiving antenna 28).
To send a gas station notice signal. In the second step N2, the roadside CPU 50 transmits a gas station request signal from the gate portion (see the transmitting / receiving antenna 28).

Next, in a third step N3, the roadside CPU 50
Performs a vehicle passage determination, and in the next fourth step N4, the roadside CPU 50 determines whether or not the vehicle is passing. When the determination is NO, the process returns to the first step N1, while when the determination is YES, the next fifth step N5 is performed. Move to In this fifth step N5, the roadside CPU 50 detects the receipt of the credit ID and the order data from the ETC unit 18.

Next, in a sixth step N6, the roadside CPU 50
Determines whether or not data is received. When the determination is NO, the process proceeds to the twelfth step N12, and when the determination is YES, the process proceeds to the next seventh step N7.

In this seventh step N7, the roadside CPU 50
Determines whether the received data is appropriate. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to the twelfth step N12, whereas if the determination is YES, the process proceeds to the eighth step N8.

Next, in an eighth step N8 (charge calculation means),
The roadside CPU 50 calculates a fee based on the order data.

Next, in a ninth step N9, the roadside CPU 50
Transmits the calculated fee information to the vehicle using the transmitting / receiving antenna 28 as a transmission mode. Next, in a tenth step N10 (collection means), the roadside CPU 50 executes charging of the usage fee at the gas station. That is, card C2
Collect fees from the owner's account.

Next, in an eleventh step N11, the roadside CPU
50 opens a gate (not shown) provided at an exit portion until the vehicle passes. On the other hand, in the twelfth step N12, the roadside CPU 50 closes the gate and issues a warning (i.e., a warning) in response to the NO determinations in steps N6 and N7.

The above is the control flowchart of the roadside CPU 50. The control of the ETC unit 18 as the vehicle-mounted device is executed as follows. That is, in the first step P1, the CPU 60 switches the transmission / reception antenna 29 to the reception mode, and detects the reception of the gas station notice signal.

Next, in a second step P2, the CPU 60 determines whether or not a gas station notice signal has been received.
At the time of ES determination, the process proceeds to the next third step P3.
When the determination is NO, the process skips to ninth step P9. It should be noted that, instead of the configuration in which the process skips to the ninth step P9 when the determination is NO, the configuration may return to the first step P1.

In the above-mentioned third step P3, the CPU 60 determines whether the card C2 is mounted on the card reader 32 based on the signal from the card reader 32 and the charge can be collected, or the charge collection is performed when the card is not mounted. Detect if it is not possible.

Next, in a fourth step P4, the CPU 60 determines whether or not toll collection is possible. When the determination is YES, the process proceeds to a seventh step P7, and when the determination is NO, the process proceeds to another fifth step P5.

In the fifth step P5, the CPU 60 drives the display section 34 and the notifying section 35 to execute a warning (warning) that the card C2 is not inserted, and instructs the card C2 to be inserted. .

Next, in a sixth step P6, the CPU 60 determines whether or not the card C2 has been inserted due to the reactivation of the selection mechanism 33 or the like. When a NO determination is made, a series of processes is terminated, and the process proceeds to the first step P1. On the other hand, when the determination is YES, the process shifts to the seventh step P7.

In the seventh step P7, the CPU 60 drives the display unit 34 and the notification unit 35 to instruct the order input by the input switch 31. The occupant can operate the input switch 31 composed of a numeric keypad or the like to input order data (so-called parameters) such as a desired type of gasoline to be injected, an injection amount, and oil change. Next, in an eighth step P8, the CPU 60 holds (stores) the input content by operating the input switch 31 in a predetermined area of the RAM 38.

Next, in a ninth step P9, the CPU 60 performs reception detection of the gas station request signal by setting the transmission / reception antenna 29 to the reception mode. Then the tenth
In Step P10, the CPU 60 determines whether or not the gas station request signal has been received. When the determination is NO, the CPU 60 returns to the first step P1, and when the determination is YES, the process shifts to the next eleventh step P11.

At the eleventh step P11 (parameter advance transmission means), the CPU 60 switches the transmission / reception antenna 29 to the transmission mode, and transmits the credit ID and the order data (parameter) from the ETC unit 18 to the gas station roadside device 17. . Next, the twelfth step P12
Then, the CPU 60 switches the transmission / reception antenna 29 to the reception mode and executes the reception detection of the charge information at the gas station.

Next, in a thirteenth step P13, the CPU 60
Determines whether or not the fee information has been received. If the determination is NO, the process waits until there is reception, while if the determination is YES, the process proceeds to the next fourteenth step P14.

In this fourteenth step P14, the CPU 60
Drives the display unit 34 to visually display the received charge at the gas station. Thus, the ETC system can be effectively used, and the usage fee at the gas station can be automatically collected using the card C2 selected in advance.

In short, the embodiment shown in FIGS.
According to the embodiment corresponding to claims 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6, the service detecting means (see the second step S2) includes a plurality of automatic toll collection services (automatic toll collection service for toll road 1). And a plurality of other automatic toll collection services different from this service), the selection means (see steps S5, S7 and S9) provides the selection means described above. Corresponding to one automatic toll collection service detected by the service detecting means (see the second step S2) (see the ETC unit 18)
One of the plurality of cards C1, C2, and C3 accommodated at the same time is selected from among the plurality of cards C1, C2, and C3, and automatic toll collection is performed on the selected one card medium. As a result, of course, the range of receiving the automatic toll collection service can be expanded by effectively using the ETC system, and the plurality of automatic toll collection services can be provided without the occupant replacing the cards C1, C2, and C3 at all. There is an effect that the convenience can be greatly improved.

The current position detecting means 44 detects the current position of the own vehicle, and the service detecting means (see the second step S2) detects the current position of the own vehicle detected by the current position detecting means 44. The automatic toll collection service to be received is detected based on the proximity relationship with the position information (see the map data in the map memory 45) at which the automatic toll collection service can be received.

As described above, the automatic toll collection service to be received is detected based on the proximity relationship between the current position and the position information, so that the automatic toll collection service to be received can be accurately detected. effective.

Further, the above-mentioned card reader 32 selectively reads the plurality of cards C1, C2, C3, but the above-mentioned selecting means (see steps S5, S7, S9) is a service detecting means (second step S2). When the automatic toll collection service to be received by the card reader 32 is detected, one card (C1, C2, C3) selected by the card reader 32 described above is detected.
Readout switching (card change)
Can be performed.

As described above, the card can be selected in advance according to the automatic toll collection service to be received and the card information can be read out, so that the responsiveness and the responsiveness to the automatic toll collection can be improved. There is.

In addition, normally, the card is read and switched to a card in which the automatic toll collection service is continuing. Alternatively, the reading is switched to the card C3 for the ETC system (step S1).
0, S11).

For this reason, in the former case, there is a high possibility that information communication (data transmission / reception) will be performed for automatic toll collection, and by reading out and switching cards during service continuation, There is an effect that it is possible to immediately respond to reading (immediate response).

In the latter case, the card C3 (ie, ETC) for the automatic toll collection service for toll roads is used.
A card C3) for the system can be prepared,
The read response can be improved, and the non-stop operation of the vehicle is not hindered at all.

Further, a plurality of cards C1, C2, C3
Has stored information of different types,
There is an effect that the suitability for a plurality of independent automatic toll collection services can be improved.

That is, the plurality of automatic toll collection services are independent of each other, and the plurality of cards C1, C2, C
Provision of 3 makes it possible to improve the adaptability and the serviceability to the user.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another embodiment of the vehicle-mounted device for the vehicle toll collection system. In this embodiment, the circuit devices shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 are used. However, in this embodiment, the CPU of the ETC unit 18 shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 60 denotes a service detection unit (see the second step Q2 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 9) for detecting which of the plurality of automatic toll collection services is to be received, and a service detection unit (the second 2 step Q
2), only one card matching the service is selected from a plurality of cards C1, C2, C3 corresponding to the one automatic toll collection service detected, and the automatic toll collection is performed by the selected one card. (See FIG. 9)
(See steps Q5, Q7, Q9 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3).

In this embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the above-mentioned service detecting means (see step Q2) receives an automatic charge to be received in response to a notice signal transmitted from a notice gate of each automatic charge collection system. Detect toll collection service.

The above-mentioned selection means (steps Q5, Q5
7, Q9), when the automatic toll collection service to be received by the service detecting means (see step Q2) is detected (see YES determination in the second step Q2), one card selected by the card reader 32 (C1, C
2, one of C3) (card changer operation) (particularly, refer to the ninth step Q9).

Further, in normal operation, reading is switched to a card for which the automatic toll collection service is continuing, or read and switched to the card C3 for the automatic toll collection service of the toll road 1 (see steps Q10 and Q11). . The operation of the in-vehicle device for a vehicle toll collection system configured as described above will be described in detail below with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

In the first step Q1, the CPU 60 switches to the reception mode of the transmission / reception antenna 29, executes the detection of the notice signal from the notice gate, and executes the next second step Q2.
Then, the CPU 60 determines whether or not a notice signal has been received. When the determination is YES (when the notice signal is received), the process proceeds to the next third step Q3, while when the determination is NO (when the notice signal is not received). Then, the process proceeds to another tenth step Q10.

Here, the fact that the transmitting / receiving antenna 29 receives the advance notice signal from the advance notice gate means that the own vehicle is traveling in an area where the advance notice signal of the automatic toll collection system can be received. Which toll booth of the automatic toll collection service can be specified from the signal.

In the above-described third step Q3 (valid card number detecting means), the CPU 60 refers to the map M1 shown in FIG. 3 to detect the number of valid cards relating to the service.

That is, when the tollgate specified by the advance notice signal is a tollgate on a toll road, the number of cards is only one card C3, and the tollgate specified by the advance notice signal is a ferry tollgate. In some cases, the number of cards is only one card C1. When the tollgate specified by the advance notice signal is a drive-through tollgate, the number of cards is two cards C1 and C2. Is a gas station tollgate, the number of cards is only one card C2.

Next, in the fourth step Q4 (determination means), the CP
U60 determines whether or not the number of cards is valid for the service. If YES, the process proceeds to step Q5 as soon as possible, while if NO, the process proceeds to another sixth step Q6.

In the above-described fifth step Q5, the CPU 60 selects only one of a plurality of cards C1 and C2 valid for the service. On the other hand, in the above-described sixth step Q6 (determination means), the CPU 60 determines whether or not there is one valid card for the detected service, and YES
When the determination is made, the process proceeds to the next seventh step Q7, and when the determination is NO, the process proceeds to another eighth step Q8.

At the above-mentioned seventh step Q7, the CPU 60 selects the one card valid for the service, while at the above-mentioned eighth step Q8, it is determined that there is no card valid for the service. Then, the CPU 60 drives the display unit 34 and the notification unit 35 to execute a warning notification (warning) that there is no valid card to be read,
It returns to the first step Q1.

Next, at a ninth step Q9, the CPU 60 operates the selection mechanism 33 to switch and mount the selected one card to the card reader 32. On the other hand, the tenth
In step Q10, the CPU 60 determines whether or not the automatic toll collection service is continuing (for example, while traveling on a toll road).
When the determination is S, the process proceeds to the third step Q3, and when the determination is NO, the process proceeds to another eleventh step Q11.

During the continuation of the automatic toll collection service, only one card for the service is switched to the card reader 32 by the processing in the steps Q3, Q4, Q6, Q7, Q9.

By the way, in the above-described eleventh step Q11, the CPU 60 deactivates the selection mechanism 33 or executes the ETC in response to the non-continuation of the automatic toll collection service.
Card C3 is preferentially selected, and the card C3 is switched and mounted on the card reader 32.

In this way, the toll collection service which is going to receive the service from the plurality of automatic toll collection services is specified (detected), and only one card corresponding to the detected service is selected. This card is switched to the card reader 32 and mounted.

Note that only the selected one card (C
1, C2, and C3) is as described above based on the flowcharts of FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 8.

As described above, the embodiment shown in FIG.
According to the embodiments corresponding to 3, 5, and 6), the above-described service detecting means (see the second step Q2) is different from the plurality of automatic toll collection services (the automatic toll collection service of the toll road 1). It detects which service among a plurality of other automatic toll collection services is to be received, and selects the selecting means (each step Q5, Q7,
Q9) includes the above-described service detecting means (second step Q9).
2), selects one of the plurality of cards C1, C2, C3 simultaneously accommodated in the vehicle-mounted device (see the ETC unit 18) corresponding to the detected automatic toll collection service. One is selected, and the automatic toll collection is performed using the selected one card medium. As a result, of course, the range of receiving the automatic toll collection service can be expanded by effectively using the ETC system, and the plurality of automatic toll collection services can be provided without the occupant replacing the cards C1, C2, and C3 at all. There is an effect that the convenience can be greatly improved.

In addition, the above-mentioned service detecting means is (second
Since the automatic toll collection service to be received is detected in response to the reception of the advance notice signal of the automatic toll collection system, there is no need to detect the current position of the own vehicle using a navigation device or the like. By receiving the above-mentioned notice signal, there is an effect that the automatic toll collection service to be received can be detected in advance and more accurately.

The card reader 32 selectively reads a plurality of cards C1, C2, C3. The selecting means (see steps Q5, Q7, Q9) is a service detecting means (second step Q2). When the automatic toll collection service to be received is detected by the card reader 32, the above-described card reader 32 can switch the reading of one selected card (card change).

As described above, the cards C1, C2, and C3 can be selected in advance according to the automatic toll collection service to be received, and the card information can be read out, so that the responsiveness and responsiveness to the automatic toll collection can be improved. There is an effect that can be achieved.

Further, at normal time, the card is read out and switched to the card for which the automatic toll collection service is continuing. Alternatively, the reading is switched to the card C3 for the ETC system. For this reason, in the former case, there is a high possibility that information communication (data transmission / reception) will be performed for automatic toll collection. (Immediate response).

In the latter case, the card C3 for the automatic toll collection service of the toll road 1 (that is, ET
It is possible to prepare a card C3) for the C system, to improve readiness, and to prevent the nonstop operation of the vehicle at all.

Further, a plurality of cards C1, C2, C3
Has stored information of different types,
There is an effect that the suitability for a plurality of independent automatic toll collection services can be improved.

In other words, the plurality of automatic toll collection services are independent of each other, and the plurality of cards C1, C2, C
Provision of 3 makes it possible to improve the adaptability and the serviceability to the user.

In the correspondence between the configuration of the present invention and the above-described embodiment, the on-vehicle device of the present invention corresponds to the ETC unit 18 of the embodiment.
1, C2, C3, and the service detecting means is a CPU
In response to steps S2 and Q2 by the 60 control, the selecting means selects steps S5, S7 and S9 or steps Q5 and Q5.
The card medium for the automatic toll collection service for toll roads corresponding to 7, Q9 corresponds to the card C3, but the present invention is not limited to only the configuration of the above embodiment.

For example, as the above-mentioned card, an electronic money card or a prepaid card may be used in addition to the above-described credit card. Further, instead of providing the input switch 31 as input means for inputting parameters on the ETC unit 18 side, the input switch 31 may be provided on the roadside devices 15, 16, 17 side. ETC unit 18
It is needless to say that the CPU 60 and the navigation CPU 70 may be integrated and the two display units 34 and 46 and the two notification units 35 and 47 may be unified.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a toll road showing an example of the arrangement of roadside devices.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the entire system including the vehicle-mounted device for the vehicle toll collection system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a map stored in a RAM.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing service detection and card selection processing.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an automatic toll collection process on a toll road.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an automatic ferry charge collection process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an automatic collection process of a drive-through usage fee.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an apparatus for automatically collecting gasoline station charge.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another embodiment of the service detection and card selection processing.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Toll road 14 ... Roadside equipment 18 ... ETC unit (vehicle equipment) 32 ... Card reader 44 ... Current position detection means C1, C2, C3 ... Card (card medium) S2, Q2 ... Service detection means S5, S7, S9 ... Selection means Q5, Q7, Q9 ... Selection means

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G08G 1/09 G08G 1/09 DF Term (Reference) 2F029 AA02 AB01 AB07 AB09 AC02 AC04 AC13 AC14 AC18 3E027 EA01 EC08 EC10 5H180 AA01 BB04 BB12 BB13 CC03 EE10 FF04 FF05 FF22 FF25 FF27 FF32 5J062 AA05 BB01 CC07 9A001 CC02 CC05 JJ01 JJ77 JJ78

Claims (6)

[Claims] An on-vehicle device for a vehicle toll collection system for transmitting and receiving information to and from a roadside device installed on a toll road to execute toll collection, wherein the on-vehicle device simultaneously stores a plurality of card media. The in-vehicle device is configured to accommodate and receive a plurality of automatic toll collection services, wherein the on-vehicle device detects a service to be received from among the plurality of automatic toll collection services; From a plurality of card media corresponding to the automatic toll collection service detected by the means 1
Selecting means for selecting one card medium and performing automatic toll collection with the selected one card medium. 2. A current position detecting means for detecting a current position of the own vehicle, wherein the service detecting means compares the current position of the own vehicle detected by the current position detecting means with position information capable of receiving an automatic toll collection service. The vehicle-mounted device for a vehicle toll collection system according to claim 1, wherein an on-board automatic toll collection service to be received is detected based on the proximity relationship. 3. The vehicle-mounted device for a vehicle toll collection system according to claim 1, wherein said service detection means detects an automatic toll collection service to be received in response to receiving an advance notice signal of the automatic toll collection system. 4. A card reader for selectively reading a plurality of card media, wherein said selecting means detects a card selected by said card reader when an automatic toll collection service to be received is detected by a service detecting means. 4. The on-vehicle device for a toll collection system for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the read of the medium is switched. 5. The vehicle-mounted device for a toll collection system for a vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the reading is switched to a card medium for which the automatic toll collection service is being continued, or the reading is switched to a card medium for an automatic toll collection service on a toll road. 6. The vehicle-mounted device for a vehicle toll collection system according to claim 1, wherein information of different types is stored in said plurality of card media.