JP2004237814A - Electronic license plate recognizing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic license plate recognizing system equipped with a function that can check abnormal conditions (dishonest falsification of information, deletion of the information, and the like) in a vehicular side, detecting the abnormal conditions at a stage where a vehicle owner does not know the abnormal conditions, preventing abuse caused by removing, and enabling the safe use of the electronic license plate. <P>SOLUTION: The electronic license plate recognizing system includes the electronic license plate 10 having a license plate body 12 and an electronic unit 11, and attached to the outside of a vehicle; and a vehicular interior communicating module 22 installed in a vehicular interior. The electronic unit 11 is equipped with an ROM15 for memorizing vehicular information, and the vehicular interior communicating module 22 is equipped with an ROM318 for memorizing basic vehicular information that becomes the base of the vehicular information in the inside of the vehicle. A comparing means for comparing the vehicular information memorized in the electronic license plate with the basic vehicular information memorized in the vehicular inside is provided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic license plate recognition system for a vehicle.
[0002]
[Prior art]
License plates for vehicles such as automobiles have been digitized, and various applications are being planned, and development is proceeding toward their practical use. The electronic license plate can register vehicle information, vehicle inspection information, and other information. The registration information can be electronically exchanged with devices on the road side for various uses (for example, automation of toll collection, traffic flow Optimization, restrictions on inflow of traffic through urban areas, etc.) are being considered. In addition, various measures such as privacy protection and security measures have been taken toward practical use. Furthermore, it is required that the electronic license plate can be used safely.
[0003]
As a conventional technique, for example, in Patent Document 1, an electronic license plate of a vehicle storing unique data such as a vehicle code and a police car equipped with data of a arranged vehicle (arranged vehicle such as a stolen vehicle) communicate with each other. A proposal has been made to determine whether the other vehicle communicated with the patrol car is a arranged vehicle (arranged vehicle such as a stolen vehicle) by comparing the data with the police car. In this publication technique, under the condition that the data of the arranged vehicle is specified in advance, if the vehicle owner or the like is aware of the abnormality of the vehicle and is not notified in advance, it cannot be detected. Further, if the electronic license plate is removed and misused, or if the electronic license plate itself is tampered with, the abnormality cannot be found.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-2410
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has a function of confirming an abnormality (illegal information tampering, information deletion, etc.) on the vehicle side, and detects an abnormality when the vehicle owner does not know the abnormality. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic license plate recognition system that can detect and prevent abuse due to removal, and can use a safe electronic license plate.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Functions / Effects]
In order to solve the above problems, the electronic license plate recognition system of the present invention includes an electronic license plate having a license plate main body and an electronic unit and mounted outside the vehicle, and an in-vehicle unit installed in the vehicle,
The electronic unit includes a vehicle information storage unit in a plate that stores vehicle information unique to the vehicle,
The in-vehicle unit includes an in-vehicle information storage unit that stores basic vehicle information specific to the vehicle on which the vehicle information is based.
Further, a collating means for collating vehicle information stored in the in-vehicle information storage means with basic vehicle information stored in the in-vehicle information storage means is provided.
[0007]
With the above configuration, it is possible to confirm the abnormality of the vehicle information stored in the electronic license plate attached to the outside of the vehicle by comparing the abnormality with the vehicle information stored inside the vehicle, which is the basis of the determination.
[0008]
In the present invention, the electronic unit includes a license plate-side communication unit that communicates with the outside,
The in-vehicle unit includes a vehicle-side communication unit that communicates with the outside,
The collation means is provided outside the vehicle, includes an information center for collating information,
This information center is characterized in that the vehicle information transmitted from the license plate side communication means is compared with the basic vehicle information transmitted from the vehicle side communication means.
[0009]
With the above configuration, the vehicle information stored in the electronic license plate and the vehicle information stored in the vehicle can be compared and collated by communication via the information center, and abnormalities such as unauthorized alteration of the electronic license plate can be detected.
[0010]
Further, as a preferred aspect of the present invention, the verification means communicates with the electronic license plate via a road communication terminal installed on the road or the like and stores a vehicle information received from the electronic license plate. Including
The information center includes a storage device that is connected to the roadside communication terminal management center via a communication network and stores information received from the roadside communication terminal management center, and a vehicle from the electronic license plate stored in the storage device. Information and collation with basic vehicle information received from the in-vehicle unit to communicate with the in-vehicle unit via a cellular communication base station that is a wireless communication base station,
Further, a display means is provided in the vehicle and receives and displays the collation result from the information center.
[0011]
With the above configuration, the vehicle information stored in the electronic license plate and the vehicle information stored in the vehicle can be compared and collated by communication via the information center, and abnormalities such as unauthorized alteration of the electronic license plate can be detected. Moreover, the vehicle owner can know the abnormality in the vehicle.
[0012]
Further, the present invention includes a theft detection sensor provided in the vehicle, which operates in an abnormal state and detects theft of the vehicle,
The electronic unit receives a theft detection signal from the theft detection sensor, and stores stolen transmission information including vehicle information and information indicating theft, and stolen transmission information stored in the theft storage means. Transmitting means for transmitting to the road communication terminal management center via the road communication terminal,
The roadside communication terminal management center includes a reception processing unit for specifying the location of the roadside communication terminal and the like and the vehicle owner from the transmission information.
[0013]
With the above configuration, it is possible to notify the roadside communication terminal management center that the vehicle is a stolen vehicle against theft of the vehicle, and upon receiving this theft information, the roadside communication terminal management center, for example, Thus, it is possible to provide information such as the location, movement history, owner, and car number of the stolen vehicle, and also to inform the vehicle owner of the information.
[0014]
Further, the electronic unit receives abnormality detection signal from the electronic license plate detachment detecting device, and stores abnormality transmission information including vehicle information and information indicating abnormality, and stores the vehicle information in the plate after storage. Information erasing means for erasing the vehicle information stored in the means, and transmitting means for transmitting the abnormal transmission information stored in the abnormal storage means to the road communication terminal management center via the road communication terminal. .
[0015]
With the above configuration, it is possible to notify the road communication terminal management center of the abnormality, and the road communication terminal management center can provide information to, for example, the police, and also provides the vehicle owner with the information. It is possible to inform. Even if the removed electronic license plate cannot communicate with the on-road communication terminal at all, the stored vehicle information is erased, and the information saved in the RAM is also erased when the battery is exhausted, and the electronic license plate is erased. All the vehicle information in the vehicle will be deleted, thereby preventing unauthorized use of the electronic license plate.
[0016]
The in-vehicle unit further includes a request unit that sends a signal requesting permission to remove an electronic license plate to the information center,
The electronic unit includes: a license number storage unit that stores an electronic license plate license number given from the road communication terminal management center via the road communication terminal in accordance with a command from the information center; Determining means for determining whether or not the number matches the electronic license plate permission number stored by the means.
[0017]
The electronic license plate is required to be able to write data at the vehicle inspection site or at a dealer or the like, even if the electronic license plate is removed by a shipping inspector, a system administrator, or an IC manufacturer, as necessary. . With the above configuration, this can be made possible.
[0018]
Also, the in-vehicle unit is a mobile phone having a function of detecting its own position, and transmits the position information to the information center as a vehicle position, and can be accessed from the mobile phone. Similarly, the vehicle information in the electronic license plate and the vehicle information in the vehicle can be compared and collated, and abnormalities such as unauthorized alteration of the electronic license plate can be detected.
[0019]
Further, as a preferable aspect of the present invention, the collating means is provided inside the in-vehicle unit, and the vehicle information stored in the in-plate vehicle information storing means and the vehicle information stored in the in-vehicle information storing means are provided. It is characterized by collating with basic vehicle information.
[0020]
With the above configuration, the vehicle information stored in the electronic license plate and the vehicle information stored in the vehicle can be compared and collated on the in-vehicle LAN or the like using the in-vehicle unit installed in the vehicle. Anomalies such as falsification can be detected.
[0021]
As a further preferred aspect, the in-vehicle unit collates communication means for communicating with the electronic license plate, and compares vehicle information received by the communication means with vehicle information stored in the in-vehicle information storage means. Matching means for performing the matching.
[0022]
With the above configuration, the vehicle information stored in the electronic license plate can be compared with the vehicle information stored in the vehicle by performing internal communication using the in-vehicle unit installed in the vehicle, and the electronic license plate can be compared. Abnormalities such as unauthorized tampering can be detected.
[0023]
The in-vehicle unit is a vehicle key with a built-in communication function including a keyless communication circuit that wirelessly communicates with the vehicle. The stored vehicle information can be compared and collated, and abnormalities such as unauthorized alteration of the electronic license plate can be detected.
[0024]
Further, the vehicle key with a built-in communication function includes transmitting means for transmitting a predetermined specific signal to the electronic license plate for permitting removal of the electronic license plate, and the electronic unit includes a specific signal for storing the specific signal in advance. Storage means, and a determination means for determining whether or not a received signal received from the outside matches the specific signal stored in the specific signal storage means. By doing so, the electronic license plate can be removed and data can be changed.
[0025]
Further, the electronic unit includes a pattern storage unit that stores a key pattern set in advance for removal permission determination, and determines whether a pattern received from the outside matches the key pattern stored in the pattern storage unit. It is characterized in that it comprises a determination means, and in a detached state, in response to a case where it is required to perform normal communication, by taking the permission step, it is possible to remove the electronic license plate, Data can be changed.
[0026]
The present invention also includes an electronic license plate having a license plate main body and an electronic unit and mounted outside a vehicle,
The electronic unit is a vehicle information storage unit in a plate that stores vehicle information unique to the vehicle, a communication unit that communicates with the outside,
An electronic license plate removal detection device that detects that the electronic license plate attached to the vehicle has been removed,
An information erasing unit that receives a detection signal of removal from the electronic license plate removal detection device and erases vehicle information stored in the in-plate vehicle information storage unit;
When the electronic license plate is illegally removed from the vehicle, the stored vehicle information can be erased to prevent unauthorized use.
[0027]
Further, the present invention includes an electronic license plate that has a license plate body and an electronic unit and is mounted outside a vehicle,
The electronic unit is a vehicle information storage unit in a plate that stores vehicle information unique to the vehicle, a communication unit that communicates with the outside,
An electronic license plate removal detection device that detects that the electronic license plate attached to the vehicle has been removed,
A transmission stop unit that receives a removal detection signal from the electronic license plate removal detection device and disables communication with the outside; and a data transmission unit that transmits dummy data so that normal information cannot be transferred. , A detachment corresponding means for performing any of the above,
In the case where the electronic license plate is illegally removed from the vehicle, it is possible to prevent communication or prevent the establishment of communication by transmitting dummy data to prevent unauthorized use of the electronic license plate. it can.
[0028]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to examples shown in the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a front view of an electronic license plate according to the present invention. The electronic license plate 10 includes a license plate main body 12 and an electronic unit 11 mounted on an upper corner of the license plate main body. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic unit, including a communication unit 13 for performing wireless communication with the outside, a control unit 14, a ROM 15 for storing vehicle-specific vehicle information such as a vehicle ID and a driver ID, and an electronic number. It includes a plate removal detection device 16, a RAM 17 as a readable and writable storage device, a data processing circuit 18, a battery power supply circuit 19 for supplying power to each part of the electronic unit, and the like.
[0029]
FIG. 3 is an overall configuration diagram showing the concept of the electronic license plate recognition system according to the present invention. The electronic license plate 10 is mounted on the front of a vehicle 21. On the road, a plurality of road communication terminals 25 that communicate with the electronic license plate 10 are installed at various places on the road. A roadside communication terminal management center 26 is provided at a predetermined location to store and store a history of communication between the electronic license plate 10 and the roadside communication terminal 25.
[0030]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic license plate recognition system. The roadside communication terminal management center 26 includes a CPU 40, a ROM 41, a RAM 42, an I / O interface 43, and a hard disk device (HDD) 44 as a large-capacity storage unit as management computers. The communication of the electronic license plate 10 causes vehicle information (vehicle ID, driver ID) and the like stored in the electronic license plate to be stored in the HDD 44 of the roadside communication terminal management center 26.
[0031]
On the other hand, an in-vehicle communication module 22 is provided inside the vehicle 21. An information center 27 is connected to the in-vehicle communication module 22 via a cellular communication base station 28 which is a base station for wireless communication. The information center 27 communicates with the in-vehicle communication module 22 via the cellular communication base station 28, and forms the core of a network of these in-vehicle communication modules 22. The information center 27 has a function as a server, and includes a CPU 50, a ROM 51, a RAM 52, an I / O interface 54, and an HDD 54. This is a concept in which various services can be received when a user accesses the communication module 22 in the vehicle. The services include, for example, rescue when a trouble occurs during driving, vehicle maintenance guidance, town information search, news information service, game / music download, and the like. The information center 27 is connected to the on-road communication terminal management center 26 via a communication network. The information center 27 receives the information stored in the roadside communication terminal management center 26 by transmitting the information from the roadside communication terminal management center 26, and stores the information in the HDD 54. The vehicle 21 is provided with a communication antenna 24.
[0032]
FIG. 6 is an explanatory view schematically showing the connection configuration of the in-vehicle devices. The in-vehicle communication module 22, the key cylinder 42, the navigation device 324, the audio 323, the theft detection sensor 321, and the in-vehicle display device 322 are respectively provided in the vehicle. They are connected by LAN 326. 325 is a display of the navigation device 324.
[0033]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the in-vehicle communication module 22. The communication unit 313, the baseband signal processing unit 314, the electronic number pre-rate communication circuit 315, the control unit 317, the ROM 318, the on-vehicle signal processing circuit 319, the data A processing circuit 320 and a RAM 321 are provided. Reference numeral 312 denotes an antenna duplexer, which is connected to the antenna duplexer 312 and the communication antenna 311, and separately provided with a communication antenna 316 connected to the electronic license plate communication circuit 315.
[0034]
The in-vehicle communication module 22 shown in FIGS. 4, 6 and the like stores basic unique vehicle information (vehicle ID, driver ID) in the ROM 318. This vehicle information is transmitted to the information center 27 together with the position information and time information obtained by the navigation device 324 and the like. The information center 27 collects information from both the electronic license plate 10 and the in-vehicle communication module 22. The information center 27 has matching means for comparing and matching the vehicle information in the electronic license plate 10 with the vehicle information in the vehicle, and determines whether or not the vehicle information is correct. In the determination procedure, first, vehicle information stored inside the vehicle is used as basic information serving as a basis for the determination. The program for determination and the stored data are sequentially read from the HDD 54, stored in the RAM 52, and collation is performed. The result of the comparison is output from the CPU 50. That is, the vehicle information (vehicle ID and driver ID) in the electronic license plate 10 stored in the on-road communication terminal management center 26 and the electronic license plate such as the time when communication was performed between the electronic license plate 10 and the on-road communication terminal 25. The information on the 10 side is compared with the vehicle information (vehicle ID, driver ID) obtained from the in-vehicle communication module 22 and the vehicle interior side information such as position information and time information obtained by the navigation device and the like. It is determined whether the vehicle information in the electronic license plate 10 has been tampered with or illegally deleted. As a result, the vehicle can confirm the abnormality on its own, and can detect the abnormality when the vehicle owner does not know the abnormality.
[0035]
After the vehicle information is determined by the information center 27, the result of the determination is transmitted to the in-vehicle communication module 22 via the cellular communication base station 28 and the communication antenna 24, and is displayed or announced on the display 325 of the in-vehicle navigation device 324. Or a display or a sound is displayed on another in-vehicle display 322. Thereby, the result of the abnormality diagnosis can be known in the vehicle.
[0036]
The information such as the vehicle ID and the driver ID stored in the in-vehicle communication module 22 can be changed or deleted only by a car maker, a specific car dealer, or a vehicle inspection factory. The vehicle ID and the driver ID may be stored in the information center 27 instead of the in-vehicle communication module 22. However, it is limited to the case where the in-vehicle communication module 22 mounted on the vehicle cannot be taken out of the vehicle.
[0037]
Further, the in-vehicle communication module 22 can be replaced with a mobile phone 29 installed in the vehicle. If the mobile phone 29 has a function of detecting its own position, it recognizes the position information as a vehicle position and sends it to the information center 27. Further, the mobile phone 29 can input and store vehicle information (vehicle ID, driver ID) owned by the user. The vehicle information from the mobile phone 29 and the vehicle information from the electronic license plate can be compared and collated. As a result, the same effect is obtained by using the mobile phone 29, and unauthorized use of the electronic license plate can be prevented. At this time, the vehicle information input to the mobile phone 29 is protected by highly confidential security, and cannot be easily confirmed by a third party.
[0038]
When the electronic license plate 10 is driven by a battery, it is necessary to suppress power consumption. Therefore, it is avoided that all the roadside communication terminals 25 accumulate the histories and perform the processing for confirming the abnormality of the electronic license plate 10, and the confirmation is automatically performed at a certain time interval (for example, once a week). Can be set. Thereby, power consumption can be suppressed. However, if a situation arises in which the driver needs to forcibly diagnose the abnormality of the electronic license plate 10, the abnormality can be diagnosed by a command from the driver.
[0039]
The on-road communication terminal 25 is installed not only on a road but also in a car dealer, a vehicle inspection factory, a convenience store, or the like. For example, when a vehicle is inspected by a car dealer, abnormality diagnosis can be performed at the same time. Thus, the abnormality diagnosis can be performed at the nearest place regardless of the place, which is convenient for the vehicle owner.
[0040]
Next, FIG. 5 shows an image of another embodiment of the present invention in which the vehicle information X in the electronic license plate and the vehicle information Y in the vehicle are directly compared to confirm the abnormality of the electronic license plate. The storage destination of the in-vehicle vehicle information may be the in-vehicle communication module 22, an in-vehicle ECU (Electric Control Unit) of the keyless entry system, or the vehicle key 41 with a built-in communication function.
[0041]
The in-vehicle information (vehicle ID, driver ID) is stored in the ROM 318 of the in-vehicle communication module 22. In this example, the electronic license plate communication circuit 315 communicates with the electronic license plate 10, and the data processing circuit 320 stores the vehicle information stored in the ROM 15 of the electronic license plate 10 and the ROM 318. The vehicle information is directly collated to determine whether there is any abnormality. Thus, abnormality diagnosis can be performed without the intervention of the external information center 27, and illegal use of the electronic license plate 10 can be prevented. Note that the electronic license plate 10 and the in-vehicle communication module 22 may be connected via the in-vehicle LAN 326, and the same effect is obtained by collating the vehicle information through the in-vehicle LAN 326.
[0042]
Next, an example in which the in-vehicle communication module 22 is replaced with a vehicle key 41 with a built-in communication function will be described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a collation image of vehicle information between the electronic license plate 10 and the vehicle key 41 with a built-in communication function. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle key 41 with a built-in communication function. A processing circuit 408, a RAM 410, and a power supply circuit 409 are provided. Reference numeral 402 denotes a communication antenna connected to the keyless communication circuit 405, and reference numeral 401 denotes a communication antenna connected to the electronic license plate communication circuit 403. Vehicle information (vehicle ID, driver ID) is stored in the ROM 407. Also in this embodiment, in order to suppress power consumption, when the key insertion shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 is performed, communication is performed only once, and the vehicle information in the electronic number plate 10 and the vehicle key 41 with the communication function are stored in the vehicle key 41. Confirmation with the stored in-vehicle information is performed, and thereafter communication is prohibited.
[0043]
Next, a flow of collation of the vehicle information in the plate with the vehicle information in the key will be described. In S410, it is determined whether or not the vehicle key 41 with a built-in communication function is inserted into the key cylinder 42 (S410). If the key 41 has been inserted, the position in the key cylinder 42 is detected in S415, and it is confirmed whether the ACC and IG are in the OFF state (S415). ACC and IG indicate the positions of the keys of the key cylinder 42, and detect the state of the vehicle key 41 with a built-in communication function in the key cylinder 42 to perform communication control. If NO in S415, the process proceeds to S420, where communication is performed between the vehicle key 41 with a built-in communication function and the electronic license plate 10, and the vehicle information stored in the electronic license plate 10 by the data processing circuit 406 and stored in the ROM 407. When the data collation with the vehicle information is started and the data collation is completed (S425), it is determined whether or not the electronic license plate 10 has an abnormality (S430). If YES (if there is no abnormality), the collation history is stored in the RAM 410 (S440). After one communication, the subsequent communication is prohibited (S445). When the vehicle key 41 with a built-in communication function is removed from the key cylinder 42, the collation history is reset (S455). On the other hand, if the determination in S430 is NO (if there is an abnormality), the display 325 of the in-vehicle navigation device 324 informs or announces that there is an abnormality, or displays or sounds on another in-vehicle indicator 322. Is notified (S435).
[0044]
It is not necessary to perform the abnormality diagnosis every time the vehicle key 41 with a built-in communication function is inserted and removed from the key cylinder 42. Therefore, the abnormality diagnosis is performed at a certain interval (for example, once every 20 times). Can be. As a result, the same effect can be obtained by using the vehicle key 41 with a built-in communication function, and unauthorized use of the electronic license plate 10 can be prevented.
[0045]
Further, as another embodiment of the present invention, an example of an anti-theft service using the electronic license plate 10 will be described. When a theft is detected by the theft detection sensor 321 in FIG. 6, the abnormality (vehicle theft, etc.) of the vehicle can be notified to a vehicle owner, a police station, or the like. As means for operating the theft detection sensor 321, for example, a sensor that senses shock or vibration detects an abnormality when the glass of the vehicle is hit or cracked, or activates the sensor, or detects a tilt of the vehicle body. When the entire vehicle is to be carried by a tow truck or the like with a sensor, it is detected that an abnormality has occurred and the vehicle is activated.
[0046]
FIG. 11 is an overall configuration diagram showing the concept of the anti-theft service, in which a theft signal is transmitted from the electronic license plate 10 of the vehicle 21 (stolen vehicle) to the roadside communication terminal 25. The road communication terminal management center 26 receives the theft information via the road communication terminal 25.
[0047]
FIG. 12 shows the flow of processing after reception by the roadside communication terminal management center 26. First, a communication operation flow (control flow 101) on the vehicle side in the stolen state will be described. If it is determined in S1110 that the vehicle has been stolen, the process moves to S1120, and a signal from the theft detection sensor 321 is sent to the control unit 14 of the electronic unit 11 in the electronic license plate 10. When the vehicle is in the stolen state, the control unit 14 of the electronic unit 11 stores the theft transmission information including information that can identify the vehicle such as vehicle information (vehicle ID and driver ID) and information that informs the theft in its own RAM 17 (S1120). ). Thereafter, the vehicle information (vehicle ID, driver ID) in the ROM 15 (EEPROM) of the electronic license plate 10 is deleted (S1130). Then, the stolen transmission information stored in the RAM 17 is transmitted as a signal to the roadside communication terminal 25 (S1140). In step S1150, the remaining capacity of the battery is checked to determine whether power supply is possible. In the case of YES (when power supply is possible), transmission is continued. If NO (if power supply is not possible), the process ends. Thereby, when a theft is encountered, an emergency situation can be notified. In addition, by erasing important vehicle information from the electronic license plate 10, it is possible to safely protect the electronic license plate 10 from unauthorized use.
[0048]
The control flow 102 in FIG. 13 shows an embodiment in which a step (S1210) of checking whether or not the on-road communication terminal 25 is nearby is added in order to transmit the theft information for as long as possible. In this way, information indicating that the vehicle is a stolen vehicle can be transmitted only near the roadside communication terminal 25. Other steps are the same as the control flow 101.
[0049]
The control flow 103 in FIG. 14 shows the communication operation on the roadside communication terminal 25 and the roadside communication terminal management center 26 in the stolen state. The road communication terminal management center 26 can receive the theft signal, specify the location of the road communication terminal that detected the theft signal, and specify the owner of the vehicle (S1320, S1330). In addition to providing information such as the location, movement history, owner, and car number of the stolen vehicle to the police station 101, for example, the specific vehicle owner 102 who has subscribed to the theft information service is also provided with these information. Information can be notified (S1340, S1350). As a result, the stolen vehicle can be tracked, which can lead to early detection of a vehicle arranged by the police.
[0050]
In the anti-theft service, when the vehicle 21 incorporates the in-vehicle communication module 22, the road communication terminal management center 26 reports theft information to the information center 27 after detecting the vehicle theft, and May provide information to the vehicle owner. If the movement tracking of the vehicle can be performed by the position detection function in the vehicle and the communication module 22 in the vehicle, this function and the tracking function by the electronic license plate 10 described above may be used in combination, or either one may be selected. It may be a use or adaptive choice. This makes it possible to track the movement of a stolen vehicle, which can contribute to early detection of a vehicle arranged by the police.
[0051]
Next, FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of a method of detecting the removal of the fixed portion of the electronic license plate 10. If the electronic license plate 10 is once attached to the vehicle and then illegally removed from the vehicle, the vehicle information stored in the ROM 15 in the electronic unit 11 is erased in order to conceal the information and prevent unauthorized use. It is necessary to be able to cope with such a situation.
[0052]
FIG. 15B is an explanatory view showing an image of a lock mechanism of the electronic license plate 10. The electronic license plate 10 is fixed by a socket 521 having a lock mechanism. The socket 521 detects whether or not it is attached. If it is detected that the socket has been removed, the device 531 that accesses the electronic license plate 10 accesses the electronic unit 11 to access the outside of the electronic unit 11. The control unit 14 deletes the vehicle information (vehicle ID, driver ID) in the ROM 15 via the electronic license plate removal detection device 16 (FIG. 15A).
[0053]
FIG. 15c shows an embodiment of the socket 521 and the access device 531. The contact 161 on the electronic license plate 10 side is made conductive while the fastening screw 531a for fixing the electronic license plate 10 is tightened, and the socket 521 is removed. When the contact 161 is opened in this state, electrical detection is performed.
[0054]
15D, a light shielding bar 531b is provided on the socket 521b side, and the light emitting device 162 and the light receiving sensor 163 are provided on the electronic license plate 10 side. They are arranged to face each other with the light shielding groove 532 interposed therebetween. When the socket 521b is attached, the light-shielding rod 531b is located in the light-shielding groove 532 to shield the light, and when the socket 521b is removed, the light-shielding groove 532 is opened to allow light to pass therethrough. 163 detects the optical signal. Accordingly, when the electronic license plate 10 is illegally removed from the vehicle, it is possible to reliably detect the electronic license plate 10 and take measures to prevent unauthorized use.
[0055]
FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an electric circuit configuration for detecting attachment / detachment of the electronic license plate 10. The sealing can 615 in this electric circuit corresponds to, for example, the contact 161 (FIG. 15c), and is closed when the electronic license plate 10 is mounted. This electric circuit includes an electronic license plate IC 61b, a two-input AND circuit 616, a module coupling part (+) 613, a module coupling part (-) 614, a sealing can 615, a ROM 15, and a control circuit 14 '. In this circuit, the application timing signal 612 is supplied to one terminal A of the two-input AND circuit 616 and the module coupling section (+) 613, and the module coupling section (+) 613 and the module coupling section (−) are sealed by the can 615. When the terminal 614 is connected (the electronic license plate 10 is in the mounted state), a similar signal is applied to the other terminal B of the two-input AND circuit 616. Therefore, if a High (hereinafter abbreviated as H) signal is output as the application timing signal, and the output signal 611 (also referred to as a connection confirmation signal) of the two-input AND circuit 616 is in the H state in that state, the state is normal.
[0056]
On the other hand, when the can 615 is opened (in a state where the electronic license plate 10 is removed), the input terminal B of the two-input AND circuit 616 becomes Low (hereinafter abbreviated as L) level, and the output of the two-input AND circuit 616 is output. The signal 611 also becomes L level, and it is determined that the signal is abnormal. That is, in this circuit, when confirming the attachment / detachment of the electronic license plate 10 (or when determining whether or not to erase data), the application timing signal 612 is set to the H level and the output signal of the two-input AND circuit 616 is output. At 611, the state and the processing are determined.
[0057]
The NOT circuit 617 and the pMOSFET 618 in FIG. 16 operate as switches when the pMOSFET 618 is turned ON / OFF with an applied signal as an input signal. When a signal is applied to one terminal A of the two-input AND circuit 616, the pMOSFET 618 turns ON, and the output of the module coupling unit (+) 613 turns ON. On the other hand, when the input signal is in the L state, the pMOSFET 618 is turned off, and the output of the module coupling unit (+) 613 is also turned off.
[0058]
As another embodiment of the circuit of this part in FIG. 16, in FIG. 18, a NOT circuit 621, a CMOSFET 622, and resistors 623 and 624 are provided, thereby covering a point where a signal entering an input terminal of the AND circuit is easily delayed and rising. And prevent malfunction of the AND circuit.
[0059]
Further, in FIG. 19, the circuit is constituted by NOT circuits 625 and 626, a resistor 627, and diodes 628 and 629, and the same effect is obtained.
[0060]
FIG. 17 shows an example in which the voltage dividing resistor 619 in FIG. 16 is changed to an nMOSFET 620, and there is an effect of removing noise by the resistance of the nMOSFET 620. As a result, abnormalities when the electronic license plate 10 is removed can be reliably and promptly detected, a signal can be sent to the control circuit 14 ', and vehicle information can be erased or the like, thereby preventing unauthorized use. Note that a modification may be used in which the detection of an optical signal when the electronic license plate 10 is removed and the sealing can 615 are associated with each other using the light transmission type sensor shown in FIG. 15D.
[0061]
When the electronic license plate 10 is removed, in addition to erasing the vehicle information in the electronic license plate 10, by changing the communication control of the electronic license plate 10, the information can be more securely concealed. . FIG. 20 shows a flow of the communication control. In the control flow 71 shown in FIG. 20A, when it is determined that a disconnection has occurred due to disconnection, no response is made so as not to transmit even if a received signal is detected, communication with the electronic unit 11 is disabled, and external data writing is performed. To prevent
[0062]
As another embodiment, in the control flow 72 shown in FIG. 20B, when it is determined that the wire is disconnected, the internal data is erased and the received signal is not transmitted even if it is detected (S710).
[0063]
In the control flow 73 shown in FIG. 20C, when it is determined that the communication is broken, dummy transmission irrelevant to communication is performed to prevent communication establishment (S720). As a result, for example, even if the removed electronic license plate 10 is illegally used, it is disturbed by the dummy data and normal information cannot be transferred.
[0064]
In the control flow 74 shown in FIG. 20D, when it is determined that the connection is broken, the internal data is erased, and the dummy transmission irrelevant to the communication is performed to prevent the establishment of the communication (S710, S720). As a result, normal communication cannot be performed, and unauthorized use when the electronic license plate 10 is removed can be prevented.
[0065]
In addition to the above-described method, a method of finally disabling the communication function (receiving function) of the electronic license plate 10 when the electronic license plate 10 is removed can be considered. FIG. 21 shows the communication control flow. In the control flow 90, when the electronic license plate 10 is removed and abnormality is confirmed, when the abnormality is detected in the control unit 14 of the electronic unit 11 (S911), the vehicle information (vehicle ID, driver ID) and the abnormality are notified. The abnormal transmission information including the information is stored in its own RAM 17 (S912). Thereafter, the vehicle information (vehicle ID, driver ID) in the ROM 15 (EEPROM) of the electronic license plate 10 is deleted (S913). Then, the abnormal transmission information is transmitted as a signal to the roadside communication terminal 25 (S914). At that time, it is confirmed whether or not power supply from the battery is possible. If YES, the transmission information for notifying the abnormality is continuously transmitted until the battery (battery) in the electronic license plate 10 runs out (S915).
[0066]
When the removed electronic license plate 10 approaches the on-road communication terminal 25, the on-road communication terminal 25 detects the abnormality, and the on-road communication terminal management center 26 receives the abnormality information via the on-road communication terminal 25. This abnormality information is transmitted from the on-road communication terminal management center 26 to the information center 27, and the information center 27 can notify the vehicle owner of the abnormality of the electronic license plate 10.
[0067]
Further, even if the removed electronic license plate 10 cannot communicate with the on-road communication terminal 25 at all, the electronic license plate 10 has the stored vehicle information deleted and stored in the RAM at the same time when the battery is consumed. The information is also erased, and all the vehicle information in the electronic license plate 10 is erased, thereby preventing unauthorized use of the electronic license plate 10.
[0068]
Further, the electronic license plate 10 can be used to write data even when a shipping inspector, a system administrator, an IC manufacturer, or the like removes the electronic license plate 10 as necessary at a vehicle inspection hall or a dealer. Is required. The in-vehicle communication module 22 sends a signal requesting permission to remove the electronic license plate 10 to the information center 27, and instructs the specific on-road communication terminal 25 from the on-road communication terminal management center 26 according to a command from the information center 27. An electronic license plate permission number can be given to the electronic license plate 10 via the electronic license plate 10 so that the electronic license plate 10 can be removed.
[0069]
First, an electronic license plate permission number is stored in the ROM 15 in the electronic unit 11 of the electronic license plate 10 in advance, and an externally received signal (a signal input by an inspector at a vehicle inspection site or the like) receives the electronic license plate permission number. The data processing circuit 18 determines whether or not the number matches. As a result, data can be written even at the vehicle inspection site, at a dealer, or the like, even when the shipping inspector, system administrator, or IC manufacturer removes the electronic license plate 10 as necessary. The electronic license plate permission number can be stored in a memory separate from the ROM 15.
[0070]
Note that the in-vehicle communication module 22 can be replaced with a mobile phone 29. If the mobile phone 29 has a function of detecting its own position, the position information is recognized as the vehicle position and transmitted to the information center 27. A signal requesting permission to remove the electronic license plate 10 can be input and stored in the mobile phone 29. In this case, the on-road communication terminal 25 is limited to a specific vehicle inspection site and dealer.
[0071]
In the case of the example of the vehicle key 41 with a built-in communication function, while the vehicle key 41 with a built-in communication function is inserted into the key cylinder 42, predetermined special information for permitting the removal of the electronic license plate 10 is transmitted. By sending the electronic license plate 10 to the electronic license plate 10, the electronic license plate 10 can be removed and data can be changed. The vehicle key 41 with a built-in communication function detects the state in the key cylinder 42 and performs communication control. The vehicle key 41 with a built-in communication function is in a normal position, and the vehicle key 41 with a built-in communication function is In a communication state with the license plate 10, when a predetermined specific signal is received by the electronic license plate 10 from the communication function built-in vehicle key 41, the data processing circuit 18 determines that the signal corresponds to permission. The specific signal is stored in advance in the ROM 15 in the electronic unit 11 as a specific signal for permitting removal of the electronic license plate 10. Thus, when a situation in which the vehicle owner needs to remove the vehicle occurs, the vehicle owner can perform the operation internally using the vehicle key 41 with a built-in communication function. This specific signal is protected by security and cannot be easily confirmed by a third party.
[0072]
Further, the following processing can be considered as another embodiment. If it is required to enable normal communication even in the module state of the electronic license plate, that is, in the same state as when the electronic license plate 10 is removed, it is confirmed and permitted in the next step. First, the electronic unit 11 of the electronic license plate 10 stores in the ROM 15 a key pattern set in advance as data serving as a basis for determining whether or not to permit normal communication in a detached state. The data processing circuit 18 determines whether or not it matches the key pattern.
[0073]
As the key pattern, a key pattern in which a plurality of letters and numbers are combined is used to prevent a third party from easily falsifying data. As a key pattern, for example, a guard can be applied to enable normal operation only when the electronic unit 11 receives six communication data such as AA → 55 → A5 → 5A → C3 → 3C in order. If the order is different, a circuit for judging an abnormality may be provided. FIG. 22 shows a flow of communication control in that case.
[0074]
The control flow 80 is a modified example of FIG. 20A (control flow 71), and forms an abnormal flow when there is removal. A special determination is made when the received signal is detected and it is determined that there is a disconnection (S811). At this stage, if the guard is in the non-release state and the order is OK in the key pattern order determination, the guard release flag is set to "1". After the guard release flag is set to 1, the special judgment point (S811) is made to look like a normal operation. The guard is released and normal communication can be performed (S812, S813). In this manner, even when it is required to perform normal communication in the detached state, the electronic license plate 10 can be removed and data can be changed by performing the permission step. 20b, 20c, and 20d may be similar modifications. Although the number of transmissions of the communication data is six in the embodiment, it may be further increased in order to enhance confidentiality.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of an electronic license plate according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the electronic unit.
FIG. 3 is an overall configuration diagram showing the concept of an electronic license plate recognition system of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the electronic license plate recognition system.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the concept of the recognition system.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory view schematically showing an example of a connection configuration of the in-vehicle device according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of an in-vehicle communication module according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing an example of a collation image of vehicle information between an electronic license plate and a vehicle key with a built-in communication function according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a vehicle key with a built-in communication function according to the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a vehicle information collation procedure in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of a concept of an anti-theft service according to the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the communication control operation of FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing another embodiment of FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing another embodiment of FIG. 12;
FIG. 15 is an explanatory view showing an example of a method for detecting removal of a fixed portion of an electronic license plate according to the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of an electric circuit for detecting attachment / detachment of an electronic license plate according to the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of FIG. 16;
FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of FIG. 16;
FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of FIG. 16;
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of communication control when removing an electronic license plate according to the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of control of a function stop in an electronic license plate according to the present invention.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a modification of FIG. 20;
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Electronic license plate
11 Electronic unit
12 License plate body
13 Communication means
14 Control unit
15 Memory
16 Electronic license plate removal detection device
17 RAM
22 In-vehicle communication module
24 Communication antenna
25 Roadside communication terminals
26 Roadside Communication Terminal Management Center
27 Information Center
28 Cellular Communication Base Station
29 Mobile phone
41 Vehicle key with built-in communication function
42 key cylinder
321 Theft detection sensor

Claims (14)

Includes an electronic license plate that has a license plate body and an electronic unit and is mounted outside the vehicle, and an in-vehicle unit installed in the vehicle,
The electronic unit includes a vehicle information storage unit in a plate that stores vehicle information unique to the vehicle,
The in-vehicle unit includes an in-vehicle information storage unit that stores basic vehicle information specific to the vehicle on which the vehicle information is based.
An electronic license plate recognition system, further comprising: a verification unit that verifies vehicle information stored in the in-plate vehicle information storage unit and basic vehicle information stored in the in-vehicle information storage unit. The electronic unit includes a license plate side communication unit that communicates with the outside,
The in-vehicle unit includes a vehicle-side communication unit that communicates with the outside,
The collation means is provided outside the vehicle, includes an information center for collating information,
2. The electronic license plate recognition system according to claim 1, wherein the information center collates the vehicle information transmitted from the license plate communication means with basic vehicle information transmitted from the vehicle communication means. . The verification means includes a road communication terminal management center that communicates with the electronic license plate via a road communication terminal installed on the road or the like and stores vehicle information received from the electronic license plate,
The information center includes a storage device that is connected to the roadside communication terminal management center via a communication network and stores information received from the roadside communication terminal management center, and a vehicle from the electronic license plate stored in the storage device. Information and collation with basic vehicle information received from the in-vehicle unit to communicate with the in-vehicle unit via a cellular communication base station that is a wireless communication base station,
3. The electronic license plate recognition system according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit provided in the vehicle, for receiving and displaying the collation result from the information center. The vehicle includes a theft detection sensor that operates in an abnormal state and detects theft of the vehicle,
The electronic unit receives a theft detection signal from the theft detection sensor, and stores stolen transmission information including vehicle information and information indicating theft, and stolen transmission information stored in the theft storage means. Transmitting means for transmitting to the road communication terminal management center via the road communication terminal,
4. The electronic license plate recognition system according to claim 3, wherein the on-road communication terminal management center includes reception processing means for specifying a location of the on-road communication terminal or the like and a vehicle owner from the transmission information. The electronic unit receives abnormality detection signals from the electronic license plate detachment detecting device, stores abnormality transmission information including vehicle information and information indicating abnormality, and stores abnormality information in the in-plate vehicle information storage means after the storage. Information erasing means for erasing vehicle information stored in the vehicle, and transmitting means for transmitting the abnormal transmission information stored in the abnormal storage means to the road communication terminal management center via the road communication terminal. The electronic license plate recognition system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The in-vehicle unit includes a request unit that sends a signal requesting permission to remove an electronic license plate to the information center,
The electronic unit includes: a license number storage unit that stores an electronic license plate license number given from the road communication terminal management center via the road communication terminal in accordance with a command from the information center; The electronic license plate recognition system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, further comprising a determination unit configured to determine whether the license number matches the electronic license plate permission number stored by the unit. 7. The mobile phone according to claim 2, wherein the in-vehicle unit is a mobile phone having a function of detecting its own position, and transmits the position information to the information center as a vehicle position. Electronic license plate recognition system as described. The collating means is provided inside the in-vehicle unit, and collates the vehicle information stored in the in-plate vehicle information storage means with the basic vehicle information stored in the in-vehicle information storage means. The electronic license plate recognition system according to claim 1, wherein The in-vehicle unit includes communication means for communicating with the electronic license plate, and compares vehicle information received by the communication means with vehicle information stored in the in-vehicle information storage means. Item 8. An electronic license plate recognition system according to Item 8. 10. The electronic license plate recognition system according to claim 8, wherein the in-vehicle unit is a vehicle key having a communication function including a keyless communication circuit that wirelessly communicates with the vehicle. The communication function-equipped vehicle key includes a transmission unit that transmits a predetermined signal for permitting electronic license plate removal to the electronic license plate,
The electronic unit includes a specific signal storage unit that stores the specific signal in advance, and a determination unit that determines whether a received signal received from the outside matches the specific signal stored in the specific signal storage unit. The electronic license plate recognition system according to claim 10, wherein: The electronic unit includes a pattern storage unit that stores a key pattern that is set in advance for removal permission determination, and determines whether a pattern received from the outside matches the key pattern stored in the pattern storage unit. The electronic license plate recognition system according to any one of claims 8 to 11, further comprising a determination unit. Includes an electronic license plate that has a license plate body and an electronic unit and is mounted outside the vehicle,
The electronic unit is a vehicle information storage unit in a plate that stores vehicle information unique to the vehicle, a communication unit that communicates with the outside,
An electronic license plate removal detection device that detects that the electronic license plate attached to the vehicle has been removed,
An information erasing unit that receives a detection signal of removal from the electronic license plate removal detection device and erases vehicle information stored in the in-plate vehicle information storage unit;
An electronic license plate recognition system comprising: Includes an electronic license plate that has a license plate body and an electronic unit and is mounted outside the vehicle,
The electronic unit is a vehicle information storage unit in a plate that stores vehicle information unique to the vehicle, a communication unit that communicates with the outside,
An electronic license plate removal detection device that detects that the electronic license plate attached to the vehicle has been removed,
A transmission stop unit that receives a removal detection signal from the electronic license plate removal detection device and disables communication with the outside; and a data transmission unit that transmits dummy data so that normal information cannot be transferred. , A detachment corresponding means for performing any of the above,
An electronic license plate recognition system comprising:

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