JP2004341963A - Exhaust gas charging system for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To promote the reduction in emission of exhaust gas at the time of vehicle idling, and monitor an abnormal operation of an on-vehicle machine mounted on a vehicle side. <P>SOLUTION: This system comprises the on-vehicle machine 100 having an idling detection means 29 and a radio communication means 22 connected to a communication network N, a management unit 15 for receiving the idling information detected by the on-vehicle machine 100 through the communication network N and charging the exhaust gas discharged from the vehicle 11, and an inspection device 30 for communicating with the on-vehicle machine 100 through the communication network N to monitor the normal operation of the on-vehicle machine 100. The inspection device 30 transmits a vehicle ID to the management unit 15 through the communication network N, the management unit 15 transmits a communication connection ID with the on-vehicle machine 100 to the inspection device 30 based on the vehicle ID, and the inspection device 30 establishes the communication with the on-vehicle machine 100 based on the connection ID to monitor the normal operation of the on-vehicle machine 100. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an exhaust gas billing system for a vehicle, and more particularly, to a system that automatically charges for exhaust gas emission during idling of a vehicle or the like and enables normal operation of a vehicle-mounted device to be monitored.
[0002]
[Prior art]
BACKGROUND ART Exhaust gas from a vehicle having an internal combustion engine such as an automobile contains harmful substances that cause air pollution, such as CO and NOx. In automobiles, etc., the harmful substances in the exhaust gas are usually removed by removing the harmful substances through a catalyst and then released to the atmosphere. However, even with this catalyst, it is possible to remove 100% of the harmful substances in the exhaust gas. It is difficult at present.
Also, in order to obtain a sufficient purifying action by this catalyst, the exhaust gas must be at a high activation temperature or higher, so that the exhaust gas passing through the catalyst has a very high temperature. The emission of the exhaust gas containing the pollutants, CO ₂ , and the like at a high temperature in this manner has a problem that greatly affects the environment and global warming by being released to the atmosphere.
[0003]
As is also the signing of the Kyoto Protocol, Japan has also become necessary significant efforts to reduce such as CO _2, but has gradually increased the results of the CO ₂ reduction in the business sector, the civilian sector Ya At present, the transport sector has not achieved much success. In the transportation sector, efforts are being made to reduce exhaust gas emissions by introducing fuel-efficient vehicles.However, the replacement of current vehicles with fuel-efficient vehicles will not proceed immediately. Become. For this reason, it is an important issue to reduce the exhaust gas for the current vehicle.
[0004]
For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-319252 shown in FIG. 11, a measuring device 1 and an electric bulletin board 2 are installed near an intersection of a road, and a measured value of the concentration of CO ₂ or the like measured by the measuring device 101 is transmitted to a network. The measured value is compared with a predetermined upper limit value. If the upper limit is exceeded, charging is started when a specific type of vehicle such as a diesel vehicle that emits a large amount of pollutants passes through the gate, and the charging status is displayed on the electronic bulletin board 2.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-319252 A
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, according to the system shown in FIG. 11, since all the specific types of vehicles passing through the gate are charged uniformly, for example, a diesel vehicle charged at a certain point in time stops the engine in the area after passing through the gate. Even if the exhaust gas is not exhausted, the vehicle may be charged, and there is a problem in that it is difficult to perform charging management according to the running situation of each vehicle.
In addition, in order to reduce the emission of exhaust gas, various measures such as running at economic speed and reducing the traveling distance can be considered. In particular, long-distance traveling drivers sleep in the parking lot at night. In some cases, it is an environmental problem that fuel is consumed and exhaust gas is discharged in an idling state to operate the air conditioner, and it is desired to eliminate useless idling as much as possible.
[0007]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a system for managing an exhaust gas emission state at the time of idling for each vehicle to promote a reduction in exhaust gas emission, and an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle side It is an object of the present invention to monitor the abnormal operation of the device.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an in-vehicle device including an idling detection unit that detects an idling state of a vehicle and a wireless communication unit that connects to a communication network.
A management unit that receives idling information detected by the on-vehicle device via the communication network, and charges for exhaust gas discharged from the vehicle;
A movable inspection device that communicates with the in-vehicle device via the communication network and monitors a normal operation of the in-vehicle device,
The inspection device transmits a vehicle ID to the management unit via the communication network, and the management unit transmits a connection ID for communication with the on-vehicle device to the inspection device based on the received vehicle ID. The apparatus provides a vehicle exhaust gas billing system characterized by establishing communication with the on-vehicle device based on the connection ID and monitoring normal operation of the on-vehicle device.
[0009]
With the above configuration, it is possible to automatically charge for an idling state in which exhaust gas is exhausted even when the vehicle is not running, and useless idling is minimized for the driver of the vehicle. This can contribute to reducing CO ₂ emissions, reducing pollutant emissions, and reducing fuel consumption.
In addition, for example, a patrol officer or the like can carry on the above inspection device and use it to monitor the normal operation of the in-vehicle device that detects the idling state of the vehicle. Can be caught.
[0010]
In addition, the inspection device obtains a connection ID for wireless communication with the on-vehicle device by inquiring the management unit based on the vehicle ID (vehicle number or on-vehicle device ID, etc.). The normal operation of the vehicle-mounted device can be monitored by wireless communication with the vehicle. In addition, since the connection is established via the communication network by inquiring of the management unit, there is an advantage that the inspection device may be located at a position distant from the vehicle.
When inquiring based on the in-vehicle device ID, it is necessary that the in-vehicle device ID be specified outside the vehicle so that the inspection device can know the in-vehicle device ID.
[0011]
Also, the present invention provides an on-board unit having an idling detection unit that detects an idling state of a vehicle, a wireless communication unit that connects to a communication network, and a short-range wireless communication unit that does not pass through a communication network.
A management unit that receives idling information detected by the on-vehicle device via the communication network, and charges for exhaust gas discharged from the vehicle;
A movable inspection device for monitoring the normal operation of the in-vehicle device by communicating with the in-vehicle device by short-range wireless communication,
The inspection apparatus provides an exhaust gas billing system for a vehicle, wherein the inspection apparatus directly communicates with the in-vehicle device in an area communicable from the vehicle by short-range wireless communication to monitor a normal operation of the in-vehicle device. .
[0012]
With the above configuration, the inspection device communicates directly with the in-vehicle device in the vicinity of the vehicle, so that the inspection device does not need to go through a communication network or a management unit, and communication costs can be reduced. There is an advantage that communication can always be established as long as the user enters a certain distance range.
As the short-range wireless communication, for example, it is preferable to use infrared communication, wireless LAN, Bluetooth, UWB (Ultra Wide Band), or the like. In particular, it is preferable to use infrared communication with a short communication distance and high directivity. This is more preferable because there is no miscommunication with other in-vehicle devices and the cost is low.
[0013]
If the inspection device confirms that the in-vehicle device is not operating normally, a penalty including fines and / or license deductions is imposed on the manager of the vehicle.
[0014]
With the above configuration, if the in-vehicle device is not operating properly, the vehicle administrator can be fined and the driver deducted the license, so that the administrator can stop the in-vehicle device improperly or leave it as a failure. It is a deterrent to prevent.
[0015]
The vehicle has a display means,
The amount charged to the vehicle is transmitted from the management unit to the vehicle via the communication network, and the display unit displays the charged amount.
[0016]
With the above configuration, the driver can be notified of the charged amount, so that the driver can be conscious of eliminating unnecessary idling and the driver's environmental awareness can be improved. Note that it is also preferable to provide a warning by voice by providing voice means or the like.
[0017]
The billing amount is withdrawn from the account specified by the manager of the vehicle, and when the balance cannot be withdrawn due to insufficient balance of the account, the management unit notifies the in-vehicle device through the communication network, and the display means. Display a warning.
[0018]
If the charging amount is deducted from the account specified by the vehicle manager, the administrator does not have to put a burden on the operation of the present system. Further, when the balance is insufficient, a warning is displayed on the display means, so that payment to the account can be prompted.
The fee may be debited from the administrator's personal account, or may be debited by being previously transferred to a dedicated account established in advance by the administrator. Also, the credit card may be debited in cooperation with a credit card company.
[0019]
If the account cannot be debited due to insufficient balance, it is preferable to set a surcharge.
In this case, the manager of the vehicle to be charged usually wants to avoid collecting the extra fee, so that it is possible to make the payment thorough.
[0020]
The idling detection unit includes an engine operation state detection unit that detects stop / drive of the engine, and a travel stop detection unit that detects that the vehicle is in a stop state,
The idling state is recognized from the engine drive information detected by the engine operation state detection means and the vehicle stop information detected by the travel stop detection means.
[0021]
With this configuration, it is possible to recognize the idling state in which the engine is driven when the vehicle is stopped based on the engine drive information and the vehicle stop information. Further, the idling time can be calculated from the difference between the engine driving time and the vehicle running time, or from the difference between the vehicle stopping time and the engine non-driving time.
At this time, the vehicle may be in an idling state in which the vehicle stops running due to a signal waiting, a warm-up operation at the start of driving, traffic congestion, or the like. It is desirable to judge only the case in which charging is to be performed.
The calculation of the idling time may be calculated on the management unit side, or may be calculated on the vehicle side and then transmitted to the management unit.
[0022]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle exhaust gas billing system 10 connects a vehicle 11, a management unit 15, and an inspection device 30 via a communication network N.
In the vehicle 11, as a vehicle-mounted device 100, a main device 12, an engine speed sensor (engine operating state detecting means) 14 for detecting an engine speed connected to the engine E, and a vehicle speed sensor (travel stop detecting means) 13. The engine speed sensor 14 and the vehicle speed sensor 13 are combined to form idling detection means 29.
[0023]
The management unit 15 includes a communication unit 16 serving as an interface to the communication network N, a calculation unit 17, and a database 18, and is network-connected to a bank 27 and a card company 28. The database 18 stores the vehicle number of each vehicle 11, the vehicle-mounted device ID unique to each main device 12, the manager corresponding to the vehicle number (and the vehicle-mounted device ID), and the vehicle number (and the vehicle-mounted device ID). The corresponding engine displacement and the communication connection ID corresponding to the on-vehicle device ID are stored.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 2, the main device 12 is used for infrared communication with a CPU (central processing unit) 20, a storage unit 21, a wireless communication unit 22 serving as an interface to the communication network N, and an inspection device 30. The main unit 12 includes an infrared communication unit (short-range communication unit) 23, a monitor (display unit) 24, a speaker 25, and an operation lamp 26 for notifying whether the main device 12 is normal or abnormal. Note that it is preferable to use a mobile phone network or the like as the wireless communication by the wireless communication unit 22.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 3, the inspection device 30 is used for infrared communication with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, a storage device 32, a wireless communication unit 33 serving as an interface to the communication network N, and the main device 12. And a monitor 35.
[0026]
Next, a processing procedure on the vehicle 11 side will be described with reference to FIG.
When the ACC (accessory) of the vehicle 11 is turned on by a key and vehicle stop information indicating that the vehicle 11 is in a stopped state is detected by the vehicle speed sensor 13 (S1), the storage unit 21 of the main device 12 stores the information. An idling start time is set (S2), and when engine drive information indicating that the engine E is in a drive state is detected by the engine speed sensor 14 (S3), the engine is regarded as idling. Then, when the engine E is stopped by the engine speed sensor 14 or when the vehicle 11 moves (runs) by the vehicle speed sensor 13 (S4), the idling end time is set (S5). ).
The packet data having the vehicle-mounted device ID, the idling start time and the idling end time is transmitted to the management unit 15 via the wireless communication means 22 and the communication network N (S6).
[0027]
The management unit 15 that has received the packet data performs a predetermined accounting process described later, and the vehicle 11 receives the accounting content transmitted from the management unit 15 via the communication network N (S7). The vehicle 11 displays the received billing content on the monitor 24 (S8), and notifies the vehicle driver of the billed amount.
[0028]
Next, a processing procedure on the management unit 15 side will be described with reference to FIG.
The communication unit 16 receives the packet data transmitted from the main device 12 via the communication network N, and obtains the vehicle-mounted device ID, the idling start time, and the idling end time (S20).
An idling time is calculated from the acquired idling start time and idling end time (S21), and the idling time is calculated by taking into account the engine displacement of the vehicle 11 acquired by referring to the database 18 based on the acquired in-vehicle device ID. The corresponding billing amount is determined (S22). That is, for the same idling time, for example, the charge amount is set higher for a truck with a large engine displacement than for a normal car with a small engine displacement.
[0029]
Then, the debit account number of the vehicle manager is acquired from the bank 27 (or the credit card company 28) from the on-board device ID (S23), and the balance is confirmed from the account number (S24). If the balance is sufficient for the charge, the charge is deducted from the account number (S26). On the other hand, if the balance is not enough for the charge amount, the charge amount is deducted by the deductible amount (S27), and the debt that could not be debited and the charging time are added to the charge list in the database 18. (S28). Then, the packet data having the balance shortage and the shortage amount is transmitted to the main device 12 via the communication network N (S29).
[0030]
In addition, the management unit 15 periodically performs a batch process for recharging when all of the charged amount cannot be deducted due to insufficient balance. In detail, as shown in FIG. 6, a charge list of the database 18 is referred to (S30), and a case where a fixed time has passed from the charge time is searched (S31). Since it is considered that additional payment has been made to the account after a certain period of time, a penalty premium is added to the debt, and the account is debited again (S32). Then, if the withdrawal is successful, it is deleted from the extra charge list (S33). Note that if the balance cannot be debited due to a shortage, it is not deleted from the surcharge list.
[0031]
Hereinafter, a procedure for monitoring the normal operation of the main device 12 by the inspection device 30 will be described.
First, the processing in the inspection device 30 will be described with reference to FIG.
The inspection device 30 is owned by a police officer or the like patroling a public road, and the police officer looks at the license plate of the vehicle 11 to inquire about a connection ID required for communication connection with the main device 12. The information is transmitted from the inspection device 30 to the management unit 15 via the wireless communication unit 33 and the communication network N (S40).
Then, the inspection device 30 receives a connection ID for establishing communication with the main device 12 corresponding to the vehicle number from the management unit 15 (S41), and uses the connection ID to communicate with the communication network N with the main device 12. A communication connection is established via the server (S42).
[0032]
When the communication connection with the main device 12 cannot be established (S43), the operation abnormality of the main device 12 is displayed on the monitor 35 of the inspection device 30 (S48). There is a possibility that the wireless communication means 22 of the main device 12 is out of the communication area. In such a case, the operation lamp 26 of the main device 12 installed at a position easily visible from the outside of the vehicle 11 indicates that it is out of the communication area. When the main device 12 transmits the idling information to the management unit 15, a retry function of repeatedly transmitting data until the vehicle enters the communication area area is displayed. It is good to have.
It should be noted that the inspection device 30 determines whether or not it is out of the communication area of the main device 12 in addition to the above. You may confirm whether it is.
[0033]
On the other hand, when the connection has been established (S43), transmission of the idling information (idling start time and idling end time) of the vehicle 11 and the in-vehicle device ID is requested (S44).
The idling information is received from the main device 12 via the communication network N and the wireless communication means 33 (S45). If the idling information has not been normally logged, the fact that the operation of the main device 12 is abnormal is displayed on the monitor 35 of the inspection device 30 (S49). On the other hand, when the idling information is normally logged, the in-vehicle device ID and the idling information are stored in the storage unit 32.
[0034]
It should be noted that the information on the plurality of vehicles stored in the storage unit 32 in this manner may be transmitted to the management unit 15 collectively later to check whether or not the billing has been normally performed. Thereby, when the driver ends the idling stop state, even if the main device 12 is stopped and transmission of idling information to the management unit 15 is illegally prevented, the illegal act can be detected. It should be noted that penalties such as fines and deductions of driver's licenses will be imposed when this fraudulent activity is discovered, as with traffic violations.
[0035]
When the inspection device 30 detects an abnormal operation of the main device 12 (S48, S49), the vehicle manager does not intentionally stop the main device 12 illegally, but simply fails. However, in the case of a failure, it is not always possible to replace or repair the main device 12 immediately. Therefore, only when the cause is a failure, the vehicle manager informs the management unit 15 in advance that the failure has occurred. Is notified through a normal telephone line, the Internet, or the like, so that a certain charging grace period may be given. Then, the inspection apparatus 30 may communicate with the management unit 15 so that the grace period can be recognized.
[0036]
The processing in the management unit 15 will be described with reference to FIG.
The management unit 15 receives the vehicle number information from the inspection device 30 via the communication network N (S50), searches the database 18 for a connection ID for establishing a communication connection with the main device 12 (S51), and obtains a search result. Is transmitted to the inspection device 30 via the communication network N (S52).
[0037]
The processing in the main device 12 will be described with reference to FIG.
The main device 12 receives the idling information (idling start time, idling end time) and the transmission request of the vehicle-mounted device ID from the inspection device 30 via the communication network N (S60), and in response thereto, the idling information (idling start time, The idling end time) and the vehicle-mounted device ID are transmitted to the inspection device 30 (S61).
[0038]
Next, a case where infrared communication is used for checking the operation of the main device 12 by the inspection device 30 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 10, the inspection device 30 arranges the inspection device 30 near the vehicle 11 without making an inquiry to the management unit 15 via the communication network N, and communicates with the infrared communication unit 34 of the inspection device 30. The normal operation of the main device 12 is checked by directly performing infrared communication with the infrared communication means 23 of the main device 12.
[0039]
As described above, since the inspection device 30 communicates directly with the main device 12 in the vicinity of the vehicle 11 for a short distance, it is not necessary to intervene the communication network N or the management unit 15, so that the communication cost can be reduced and the communication area can be reduced. Communication can always be established as long as the user enters a certain distance range. In addition, since infrared communication has a short communication distance and high directivity, erroneous communication with an in-vehicle device of another nearby vehicle can be prevented and the apparatus cost is low.
In addition, as a type of the short-range wireless communication, a wireless LAN, Bluetooth, UWB (Ultra Wide Band), or the like is preferably used in addition to the infrared communication. Further, the communication contents are the same as those via the above-described communication network N, and thus the description is omitted.
[0040]
Although the vehicle 11 is detected to be in the stopped state by the vehicle speed sensor 13, the vehicle 11 is detected based on the absolute position coordinates of the vehicle 11 detected by the GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite 19. The stop may be detected.
Alternatively, since the vibration always occurs due to the unevenness of the road while the vehicle is running, it is determined that the vehicle is in the running state when the vibration information is equal to or more than a certain value using the acceleration sensor, and the vehicle is in the stopped state when the vibration information is equal to or less than the certain value. By judging that, the traveling stop state may be grasped without the vehicle speed sensor. When this acceleration sensor is used, since the installation place is not limited, the acceleration sensor can be built in the main device 12, the connection cables and connection interfaces can be reduced, the configuration provided on the vehicle side can be simplified, and the cost can be reduced.
[0041]
【The invention's effect】
As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, automatic billing can be performed for the idling state, and the driver of the vehicle can be instilled in a sense of avoiding useless idling. _{2 It} can contribute to emission reduction, reduction of pollutant emission, and reduction of fuel consumption. In addition, since the normal operation of the in-vehicle device that detects the idling state of the vehicle can be monitored by using the above-described inspection device, it is possible to detect a charge collection escape due to an improper stop of the in-vehicle device and to discover a failure of the in-vehicle device. it can.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall view of an exhaust gas billing system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a main device.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an inspection device.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an on-vehicle device in a charging process.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a management unit in a charging process.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating batch processing of a management unit.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the inspection apparatus in the monitoring processing.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a management unit in a monitoring process.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the vehicle-mounted device in the monitoring process.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing monitoring by infrared communication.
FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a conventional example.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Exhaust gas billing system 11 Vehicle 12 Main device 13 Vehicle speed sensor (travel stop detecting means)
14. Engine speed sensor (engine operating state detecting means)
15 management unit 16 communication means 17 calculation means 18 databases 22, 33 wireless communication means 23, 34 infrared communication means (short-range wireless communication means)
24 monitor (display means)
25 Speaker 26 Operation lamp 27 Bank 28 Credit card company 30 Inspection device 100 In-vehicle device E Engine N Communication network

Claims (7)

An in-vehicle device having an idling detection unit that detects an idling state of the vehicle and a wireless communication unit that connects to a communication network;
A management unit that receives idling information detected by the on-vehicle device via the communication network, and charges for exhaust gas discharged from the vehicle;
A movable inspection device that communicates with the in-vehicle device via the communication network and monitors a normal operation of the in-vehicle device,
The inspection device transmits a vehicle ID to the management unit via the communication network, and the management unit transmits a connection ID for communication with the on-vehicle device to the inspection device based on the received vehicle ID. An exhaust gas billing system for a vehicle, wherein the device establishes communication with the on-vehicle device based on the connection ID and monitors normal operation of the on-vehicle device. An on-board unit having an idling detection unit that detects an idling state of a vehicle, a wireless communication unit that connects to a communication network, and a short-range wireless communication unit that does not pass through a communication network;
A management unit that receives idling information detected by the on-vehicle device via the communication network, and charges for exhaust gas discharged from the vehicle;
A movable inspection device for monitoring the normal operation of the in-vehicle device by communicating with the in-vehicle device by short-range wireless communication,
An exhaust gas billing system for a vehicle, wherein the inspection device directly communicates with the in-vehicle device within an area communicable with the vehicle by short-range wireless communication to monitor a normal operation of the in-vehicle device. Claim 1 or Claim wherein if the inspection device confirms that the in-vehicle device is not operating normally, a penalty including a fine or / and a license deduction will be imposed on a manager of the vehicle. Item 3. An exhaust gas billing system for a vehicle according to item 2. The vehicle has a display means,
The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the amount charged to the vehicle is transmitted from the management unit to the vehicle via the communication network, and the display unit displays the charged amount. Exhaust gas billing system. The billing amount is withdrawn from the account specified by the manager of the vehicle, and when the balance cannot be withdrawn due to insufficient balance of the account, the management unit notifies the in-vehicle device via the communication network, and the display means. The vehicle exhaust gas billing system according to claim 4, wherein a warning is displayed. 6. An exhaust gas billing system for a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein a surcharge is set when the account cannot be debited due to insufficient balance of the account. The idling detection unit includes an engine operation state detection unit that detects stop / drive of the engine, and a travel stop detection unit that detects that the vehicle is in a stop state,
7. The engine according to claim 1, wherein an idling state is recognized based on engine drive information detected by the engine operation state detection unit and vehicle stop information detected by the travel stop detection unit. Exhaust gas billing system for vehicles.

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