JP2008097406A - Toll collection system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To keep evidences for later forcible toll collection from drivers of vehicles which have illegally passed a toll road, at a low cost. <P>SOLUTION: A toll collection system includes: an imaging apparatus 25b which photographs the inside of a lane to output moving image data with a time stamp; a booth processing apparatus 21 which performs passage processing of a vehicle entering the lane; a vehicle detection device 27 which detects that the vehicle has passed a position of the booth processing apparatus 21; and an image processing apparatus 23 which has a memory capable of storing moving image data of about 30 seconds and cyclically stores moving image data input from the imaging apparatus 25a, within a capacity range of the memory, and gives number information of the vehicle recognized from moving image data in the memory, the time, and preset lane identification information as an index of moving image data and sends them to a lane controller 20 to preserve them in the case that processing of the vehicle is incomplete when the vehicle is detected by the vehicle detection device 27. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a toll collection system and a toll collection method introduced, for example, on a toll road.

  At present, a wireless automatic toll collection system (ETC system: Electronic Toll Collection system) is widely used as a toll collection system in toll road tolls.

  In the case of this ETC system, the vehicle used is equipped with a dedicated on-board device, and performs automatic billing and the like by wireless communication with an ETC antenna installed at an entrance (exit) of a road toll gate or the like.

  When the ETC process ends normally, the bar of the start control device that closes the traffic lane opens, and the vehicle in use can pass through the traffic lane in a non-stop manner.

  The traffic information of each vehicle that has been subjected to ETC processing is given to a central processing unit at a higher level through a data processing device at a toll booth, and finally credit processing is performed, and the toll is deducted from an account of a financial institution. Collected.

  The main purpose of this system is to reduce congestion at toll booths and to save labor automatically in toll collection. Some toll gates are equipped with cameras for photographing passing vehicles for the purpose of remotely monitoring the traffic conditions of the vehicles.

  By the way, toll roads tend to increase the number of vehicles that pass through the toll gates illegally. If you try to prevent this, there is a risk of an accident because the opponent is a vehicle.

  For this reason, at the toll gate on the toll road, from the viewpoint of safety, the ability to prevent unauthorized vehicles is intentionally suppressed.

  The bar of the start control device, which becomes a traffic gate, is structured to open in the vertical direction, but it can also be pushed (breakthrough) in the vehicle traveling direction in the closed state, and the bar is opened at a position opened about 90 degrees. Locked. In addition, the bar itself breaks when momentary or more force is momentarily applied, so there is no ability to stop the running vehicle.

  Abuse vehicles that break through the closed bar of the toll gate without being charged without taking advantage of this and not mounting the vehicle-mounted device or intentionally inserting the ETC card into the vehicle-mounted device have not passed.

  For this reason, as a business operator who operates a toll road, a huge amount of damage has occurred. In addition, the majority of users who pay regular fees have an unfair feeling, and recently, the neglect of such unfairness has been taken up by the news media and has become a social problem.

  Also, if the bar is fixed in an open state due to an illegal breakthrough of the preceding vehicle, even if an ETC processing abnormality occurs when the following vehicle enters the lane, the user will not notice the error and will be processed normally Entering the toll road as if it was allowed to pass, it becomes abnormal when entering the ETC lane at the exit tollgate, which is one of the factors leading to unsafe situations such as flow obstruction or rear-end collisions It was.

  Conventionally, cameras for vehicle monitoring have been installed at some exit toll gates, and continuous recording of continuous video has been performed. However, there is a large amount of information when constantly recording camera monitoring video. Therefore, there is a problem that it is expensive to record and leave a high-resolution image, and the quality until the vehicle is specified later is not provided.

Therefore, in recent years, a technique has been proposed in which an image of a vehicle at the moment when an unauthorized vehicle breaks through a blocking bar is automatically captured and left as evidence (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2005-234875 A

  However, even if an image of the vehicle at the moment of the breakthrough is left, the final judgment as to whether it is an unauthorized vehicle requires post-processing of the human system. It was insufficient as evidence to collect fees forcibly afterwards.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve such a problem, and it is possible to leave evidence materials for forcibly collecting a fee later on a vehicle that has illegally passed on a toll road while suppressing costs. The purpose is to provide a toll collection system and a toll collection method.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the toll collection system of the present invention can store moving image data for a predetermined period, and an imaging device that captures an image of the lane from the front and / or rear and outputs moving image data with a time stamp. A memory having a capacity, storage control means for cyclically storing moving image data input from the imaging device within a range of the capacity of the memory, a data storage device capable of storing the moving image data, and a predetermined position in the lane And a processing means for performing passage processing of a vehicle that has entered the lane by radio or a staff operation, and a position advanced from the installation position of the processing means in the lane to detect the passage of the vehicle If the passage of the vehicle by the processing means is not completed when the detection device detects the passage of the vehicle, the time is recorded. And extracting a still image of a fixed time before and after the time from the moving image data read from the memory, recognizing means for recognizing the number information of the vehicle from among the number information of the vehicle recognized by the recognizing means, And a storage control unit that stores in the data storage device the detailed data provided with the time and preset lane identification information as an index of the moving image data.

  The toll collection system of the present invention is arranged near the vehicle body exit of the lane, and a start control device that rotates a bar for allowing or preventing passage of the vehicle to leave the lane in the vertical direction, An imaging device that is attached to the bar to capture the front of the vehicle that has entered the lane and that constantly captures and outputs moving image data with a time stamp; and a memory having a capacity capable of storing moving image data for a predetermined period; Storage control means for cyclically storing moving image data input from the imaging device within a range of the memory capacity, a data storage device capable of storing the moving image data, and the opening / closing control operation of the start control device A detection device that detects that the bar has moved in a direction different from the direction in which the bar normally moves, and the detection device moves the bar in a direction different from that during normal operation. If it is detected, the time is stored, and a still image of a certain time before and after the time is extracted from the moving image data held in the memory until that time, and the vehicle number information is extracted from the still image. Recognizing means for recognizing and storing control for storing in the data storage device detailed data provided with the vehicle number information recognized by the recognizing means, the time, and preset lane identification information as an index of the moving image data Means.

  A toll collection system according to the present invention is arranged near the vehicle body exit of a lane, and a start control device that rotates a bar for permitting or preventing passage of a vehicle to exit from the lane in the vertical direction; An imaging device that is attached to the bar to capture the front of the vehicle that has entered the lane and that constantly captures and outputs moving image data with a time stamp; and a memory having a capacity capable of storing moving image data for a predetermined period; Storage control means for cyclically storing moving image data input from the imaging device within a capacity range of the memory, a data storage device capable of storing the moving image data, and moving image data input from the imaging device. Vehicle collision detection means for detecting that the vehicle has collided with the bar when the fixed imaging object at the steady position of the imaging device is not projected. When the vehicle collision detection means detects that the vehicle has collided with the bar, the time is stored, and from the moving image data held in the memory until that time, the stationary time before and after the time Recognizing means for extracting the image and recognizing the vehicle number information from the image, and the vehicle number information recognized by the recognizing means, the time, and preset lane identification information as the index of the moving image data And a storage control unit that stores the assigned detailed data in the data storage device.

  In the toll collection method of the present invention, the image pickup device takes a picture of the inside of the lane from the front and / or the rear and outputs moving image data with a time stamp; Storing cyclically within the range of the capacity of its own memory, and processing means arranged at a predetermined position in the lane, performing a passing process of the vehicle that has entered the lane by radio or a staff operation, A step of detecting the passage of the vehicle by a detection device disposed at a position ahead of the installation position of the processing means in the lane, and the processing when the passage of the vehicle is detected by the detection device. If the processing of the vehicle by the means is not completed, the recognition means stores the time and is constant around the time from the moving image data read from the memory. A storage control means for extracting a still image between the step and recognizing the vehicle number information from among the steps, and recognizing the vehicle number information recognized by the recognition means, the time, and preset lane identification information; Storing detailed data added as an index of the moving image data in a data storage device.

  According to the toll collection method of the present invention, the start control device disposed near the vehicle body exit of the lane rotates the bar for permitting or preventing the passage of the vehicle about to leave the lane in the vertical direction. An imaging device attached to the bar to capture the front of the vehicle that has entered the lane, and constantly shooting to output moving image data with a time stamp; and moving image data input from the imaging device The storage control means cyclically stores the range within the capacity of its own memory, and the detection device detects that the bar has moved in a direction different from a normal direction by the opening / closing control operation of the start control device. When the detection unit detects that the bar has moved in a direction different from that during normal operation, the recognition unit stores the time. Extracting a still image of a predetermined time before and after the time from the moving image data held in the memory up to that time, recognizing the vehicle number information therefrom, and the vehicle recognized by the recognition means Storing the detailed data to which the storage control means assigns the number information, the time, and the preset lane identification information as an index of the moving image data in a data storage device.

  According to the toll collection method of the present invention, a start control device arranged in the vicinity of a vehicle body exit of a lane rotates a bar for permitting or preventing passage of a vehicle to leave the lane in the vertical direction. An imaging device attached to the bar for photographing the front side of the vehicle that has entered the lane, constantly shooting and outputting moving image data with a time stamp, and input from the imaging device The step in which the storage control means cyclically stores the moving image data within the range of the capacity of its own memory, and the moving image data input from the imaging device no longer displays the fixed imaged object at the steady position of the imaging device. The vehicle collision detection means detects that the vehicle has collided with the bar, and the vehicle collision detection means detects the vehicle. When it is detected that the vehicle has collided with the vehicle, the recognition means stores the time and extracts a still image of a predetermined time before and after the time from the moving image data held in the memory, and from among the still image, the vehicle number A data storage device including a step of recognizing information, and detailed data in which a storage control unit assigns the vehicle number information recognized by the recognition unit, the time, and preset lane identification information as an index of the moving image data And a step of storing the data.

  In the present invention, the moving image data that is always captured in the lane within the memory area of the memory is cyclically stored, and if a vehicle that attempts to pass the lane illegally is detected by some detection methods, Number information, time, and lane identification information are assigned as indexes to the video data in the memory in which the vehicle is shown, and saved in the data storage device, so it is possible to leave more reliable evidence than leaving only the instantaneous still image. it can.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the evidence material for forcibly collecting a charge later with respect to the vehicle which carried out the toll road illegally can be left, restraining cost.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a control system diagram of a toll gate in the toll collection system according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a layout diagram of devices installed in the exit lane in the toll collection system of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, this toll collection system includes a toll gate data processing device 11 provided for each toll gate, roadside equipment provided for each lane of the toll gate, and these toll gate data processing devices 11. And a central processing unit 13 connected through a communication line 12. The toll booth data processing devices 11 are connected to each other via a toll booth communication line 14.

  A plurality of lanes (vehicle passages for toll collection processing) of the toll gate in this example are provided with roadside portions (hereinafter referred to as “islands”) for separating (separating) lanes. . In this example, two entrance lanes and one exit lane are shown.

  The entrance lane is a lane for performing entrance processing on a vehicle entering a toll road. The entrance processing is entrance ticket issuing processing or entrance processing using a wireless automatic toll collection system (ETC system: Electronic Toll Collection system). The exit lane is a lane that performs exit processing on a vehicle using a toll road. The exit process is a process of collecting a usage fee from a vehicle using a toll road, such as a settlement process using a toll ticket or a billing process using ETC. The entrance process and the exit process are collectively referred to as a traffic process for a vehicle that has entered the lane.

  Equipment for ETC processing includes sensors for detecting a vehicle (vehicle detection and vehicle type discrimination device 22a as a first sensor, vehicle detection device 22b as a second sensor, vehicle detection device 22c as a third sensor), image The processing device 23, the roadside display 24, the imaging devices 25a and 25b, the vehicle detection device 27, the start control device 28, the roadside wireless device 29, the lane control device 20 that controls these devices, and the like, these devices are called roadside devices. .

  Sensors (vehicle detection and vehicle type discrimination device 22a, vehicle detection devices 22b and 22c, vehicle detection device 27) are provided with columnar members facing each other on both islands across the lane, and a plurality of light emitting units are connected to these columnar members. A light-blocking sensor consisting of a light-receiving unit is provided at different heights. Multiple infrared rays are sent from different heights across the lane, and the passing vehicle detects the passage of the vehicle by blocking the infrared rays. To do. That is, these sensors detect the position and traveling direction of a vehicle that has entered this lane.

  The vehicle detection and vehicle type discriminating device 22a is located at the entry position of the wireless communication area where the vehicle-mounted device and the roadside wireless device 29 that have entered the lane are wirelessly communicated (disposed at the front end of the vehicle traveling direction). Wireless communication is started by vehicle detection by the vehicle type determination device 22a, which detects a vehicle that has entered the lane.

  Unlike other sensors, the vehicle detection and vehicle type determination device 22a has sensors for detecting treadle-like wheels and axles laid on the road surface in order to perform vehicle type determination. In addition, the vehicle detection and vehicle type discrimination device 22a also performs vehicle type (vehicle outer shape) detection, vehicle separation detection, and the like.

  The vehicle detection device 22b is disposed at the exit position of the wireless communication area formed by the roadside wireless device 29 (the vehicle traveling direction end portion. The vehicle detection device 22b detects that the vehicle has reached the end of the wireless communication area. To do.

  The vehicle detection device 22c is disposed immediately after the start control device 28 (in front of the vehicle traveling direction). The vehicle detection device 22c detects that the vehicle has passed the position of the start control device 28 and has left the lane. That is, the vehicle detection device 22c detects that the vehicle has left the lane. This detection information is used by the lane control device 20 for managing the number of vehicles in the lane.

  The roadside indicator 24 is arranged on the island at a position ahead of the booth 1 in the vehicle approach direction. The roadside indicator 24 electronically displays the ETC processing status and processing result to the vehicle passing through the lane and notifies (notifies) the driver.

  The roadside apparatus 29 includes an ETC processing antenna and a radio control unit. The roadside wireless device 29 forms a wireless communication area so as to cover the installation range of the vehicle detection and vehicle type determination device 22a and the vehicle detection device 22b. The roadside wireless device 29 performs wireless reception processing by ETC by performing wireless communication with the vehicle-mounted device mounted on the vehicle.

  Here, the first embodiment (each device configuration and each arrangement of the exit lane) will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the exit lane of the toll booth, a booth 1 equipped with a booth processing machine 21, an imaging device 25a, 25b, a vehicle detection device 27, and a start control device 28 are installed on the island. .

  The booth 1 is a place for processing card media such as an IC card and a toll ticket handed over by a user such as a driver of a vehicle that has entered the lane when a receipt person waits (stays). In the booth 1, in addition to the booth processor 21, devices such as a lane control device 20 and an image processing device 23 for controlling ETC processing are provided.

  The roadside radio device 29 and the booth processor 21 function as a processing unit that performs a traffic process of a vehicle that has entered the lane by radio or a staff operation.

  The imaging devices 25a and 25b are moving image capturing means such as a digital video camera or an ITV camera that captures moving image data such as MPEG-4 format (3GPP / 3GPP2, SD-Video, etc.) with a time stamp. In addition, the imaging devices 25a and 25b may be analog recording video cameras.

  The ITV camera captures continuous still images (JPEG images) of several tens of frames per second, for example, 30 frames / second, and records a time stamp on each image. The imaging device 25a is provided at substantially the same position as the booth 1 in the vehicle traveling direction. The imaging device 25a is for imaging the rear part of the vehicle with a moving image, and mainly images the vicinity of the license plate.

  The imaging device 25b is installed at the roadside position ahead of the start control device 28 in the vehicle traveling direction. The imaging device 25b is for imaging the vicinity of the bar 28a and the vicinity of the windshield (driver's seat portion) of the start control device 28, and mainly captures the evidence video of the illegal vehicle breakthrough.

  The start control device 28 is arranged ahead of the booth 1 in the vehicle traveling direction. The bar 28a of the start control device 28 is installed so as to protrude across the lane or to be opened and closed in the vertical direction.

  The vehicle detection device 27 is disposed at a position that is forward of the installation position of the booth processor 21 that is processing means in the lane, and at a position immediately before the start control device 28. The distance from the vehicle detection device 27 to the start control device 28 is about 1 m, and the time when the vehicle is detected by the vehicle detection device 27 is within the error range even when the vehicle collides with the start control device 28. The vehicle detection device 27 is a detection device that detects that the vehicle has passed the position.

  The vehicle detection device 27 detects the passage (start) of the vehicle and outputs a passage detection signal to the lane control device 20. When detected by the vehicle detection device 27, the lane control device 20 determines that the vehicle that has not been subjected to the ETC process or the tollee process in the booth 1 is an “illegal vehicle”, that is, the breakthrough vehicle X2.

  The start control device 28 is installed near the exit of the lane. The start control device 28 controls the progress of the vehicle (start permission and passage prohibition) under the control of the lane control device 20 by raising and lowering the bar 28a from the road. The start control device 28 includes a direction in which the impact force is alleviated when the vehicle collides with the bar 28a as a safety measure when the vehicle traveling in the lane collides with the bar 28a (vehicle traveling direction: bar release direction). ) Is provided with a collision safety mechanism that turns the bar 28a and opens the lane.

  The operation mode of the start control device 28 includes an automatic opening / closing mode and a fixed mode. The automatic opening / closing mode is a mode in which the bar 28a is normally closed, and the bar 28a is opened when the receipt process has been completed. The fixed mode is fixed to each state of “open” fixed or “closed” fixed specified by a button on the screen of the booth processor 21. Usually, in the lane where the ETC system is installed, the start control device 28 is operated in the automatic opening / closing mode in order to omit the receipt operation.

  The image processing device 23 includes a small-capacity memory that can repeatedly store moving image data captured by the imaging devices 25a and 25b for about 30 seconds, and a CPU that controls storage and reading of the moving image data in the memory. Have.

  The CPU of the image processing device 23 functions as a storage control unit that cyclically stores the moving image data input from the imaging devices 25a and 25b within a memory capacity range.

  The CPU of the image processing device 23 functions as a moving image transfer means for storing the moving image data to the full capacity of the memory including the time point by inputting the trigger signal S from the lane control device 20 and then transferring it to the lane control device 20. .

  When the trigger signal S is input, the CPU of the image processing device 23 reads the moving image data stored in the memory, extracts a still image of a certain time before and after the time when the trigger signal S is input from the moving image data, It functions as a recognition means for recognizing the number information of the vehicle license plate from the image.

  The CPU of the image processing device 23 receives the trigger signal S, stores the remaining 15 seconds of moving image data up to the capacity of the memory, and then stores all the data (moving image data of about 30 seconds) held in the memory. The data is transferred to the lane control device 20 and stored in a hard disk drive (HDD). A hard disk drive (HDD) is a data storage device capable of storing a large amount of moving image data.

  The lane control device 20 includes a CPU that controls the processing of the device, a memory that is a storage device that stores control programs and various data, a nonvolatile storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), sensors, antennas, and the like. An input / output control unit that controls input / output and a communication control unit that controls communication with devices such as an IC card reader and a booth processor 21 are included.

  The control program, for example, performs an operation to execute payment by operating the screen of the booth processor 21, receives a notification of the result of executing the charge calculation process, determines that the process is complete, and sets the bar 28 a to the start control device 28. Control to raise.

  The lane control device 20 and the image processing device 23 are arranged in a booth 1 installed at a predetermined position in the lane. The lane control device 20 and the image processing device 23 are connected by a communication line.

  When the vehicle detection device 27 detects that the vehicle has passed, the lane control device 20 improperly handles the vehicle if the processing means (the roadside wireless device 29 and the booth processor 21) has not completed the vehicle processing. The vehicle is determined to be a breakthrough vehicle, the time is stored in the memory, and the trigger signal S is output to the image processing device 23.

  The lane control device 20 stores in the hard disk drive device (HDD) detailed data to which the vehicle number information recognized by the image processing device 23, the time, and preset lane identification information as an index of moving image data are stored. Functions as a means.

  In this lane, a conventional type of ticket processing device and a device for ETC processing are arranged in a mixed manner.

  That is, in the booth 1, in addition to the booth processor 21 as a means for processing cash or a magnetic storage type card medium corresponding to cash (a prepaid card, a coupon ticket, a credit card, etc.), an indicator in the booth, a lane A monitoring control panel, an IC card reader that performs processing of cash or electronic card type electronic storage card media (ETC card and non-contact IC card) corresponding to cash are provided. These devices are connected to the booth processor 21 via a communication line, and perform toll collection processing on the vehicle in cooperation with each other.

  The booth processor 21 includes a display operation unit operated by a receipt person, and a toll collection process in a conventional system using cash or a card medium equivalent to cash (a prepaid card, a coupon ticket, a credit card, or the like). I do. The booth processor 21 has a card medium information reading function for reading information from a pass ticket, a prepaid card, and the like, and a toll collection function for collecting a toll for a vehicle (user).

  The booth display notifies (reports) the ETC processing status and processing result to the receiver. The ETC processing status and processing result may be notified by voice in addition to being displayed on the booth display.

  The lane monitoring control panel displays a malfunction such as a malfunction of the device on a message screen and notifies (notifies) the receiver in the booth 1 or switches the operation mode of the system.

  The IC card reader reads / writes a card medium such as an ETC card or a non-contact IC card, reads information from the card medium inserted into the card slot, and writes necessary information after card processing.

  For example, an IC card reader writes from a plurality of toll collection card media (passage tickets, ETC cards, non-contact IC cards, etc.) held in a vehicle exiting a toll road exit to the card media at the toll road entrance. It functions as card medium information reading means for reading the received entrance information.

  There are two types of IC cards: IC cards for ETC systems (post-payment type ETC cards) and IC cards for non-contact fee collection systems (contactless IC cards that can be charged with a prepaid method and can be charged in narrow area wireless communication) )

  The non-contact IC card is obtained from a flash memory as storage means for storing money amount data (remaining amount information) and a card ID (card identification information) for paying a toll road fee, and an IC card reader when using the toll road. The amount data and card ID are read and transmitted from the flash memory according to the amount data read request, and the usage information such as entrance information (including vehicle information) and exit information, amount data to be charged, etc. are received from the IC card reader. An antenna, and an MPU (microprocessor unit) that stores use history information such as entrance information (including vehicle information) and exit information received by the antenna in a flash memory and counts and stores data of payment results ing.

  A vehicle using an ETC card is equipped with a vehicle-mounted device. The in-vehicle device includes a card storage unit that stores the IC card, an interface unit with the IC card, an information processing unit that processes information read through the interface unit, and stores a processing result in the memory, and stores the processing result in the memory. The radio control unit that transmits the received information from the OBE antenna and stores the information received by the OBE antenna in the memory, the display operation unit that is operated by the user and guides the operation contents, and the respective units are integrated. And a control unit for controlling.

  In the memory, in addition to vehicle information such as the vehicle length, vehicle height, number of axles, weight, application, and features of the vehicle on which this on-board device is mounted, an ID number for identifying the on-board device from other on-board devices (hereinafter referred to as “on-vehicle device”) (Referred to as “vehicle equipment ID”) is stored in advance.

  The display / operation unit includes an operation unit including a key operation unit operated by the user, a display unit including a character display for guiding operation contents and an LED lamp, and an IC card insertion and removal. It is equipped with a mouth.

  The display unit displays various information such as wireless processing information and notifies the user (driver or the like).

  The ETC card is provided with a flash memory that can store and read information, an interface unit that exchanges data with the interface unit of the vehicle-mounted device, and a CPU that controls the interface unit and the flash memory.

  The flash memory stores card identification information (hereinafter referred to as “card ID”) corresponding to the user's bank withdrawal account, special contract information indicating whether discounts can be applied, etc., and billing information such as the contract expiration date. Yes. In addition, when the vehicle passes through the entrance lane of the entrance toll gate, the use history information such as the date and time of passage, the toll gate number for identifying the toll booth, and the vehicle type of the vehicle is stored in the flash memory as the card ID. Is stored in association with.

  When the ETC card is installed in the vehicle-mounted device, its own flash memory is added to the memory on the vehicle-mounted device only after the validity of the vehicle-mounted device is confirmed by exchanging signals with the control unit via the IC card processing unit of the vehicle-mounted device. The billing information stored in is sent.

  The booth processor 21 stores a display operation section where various operations including lump sum payment are performed by the receiver, a toll reading section for reading a toll, a toll table for calculating a toll for a vehicle, and the like. A memory serving as a work area, a communication interface (communication I / F) with an IC card reader, and a control unit that performs overall control of the apparatus. In addition, a receipt issuing department is provided. The charge table stores charge information between the toll booth and other toll booths. In addition to the above, a number of messages for prompting operation, instructing instructions, and the like are registered in the memory.

  For example, when the information of the pass ticket is read and the entrance information included in the pass ticket information or the entrance information included in the card information of the IC card is obtained through the communication I / F, the control unit determines whether to pay. If an operation to cancel the payment process is performed while an operation to cancel the payment process is performed, a separate fee is charged for the IC card and a card medium such as a pass ticket. Perform receipt processing. The operation of making a payment is an operation in which a receipt person presses a button displayed on the display operation unit of the booth processor 21.

  In other words, when the operation for executing the payment process is performed by the display operation unit, the control unit adds up the tolls for all card media (passage ticket, non-contact IC card, etc.) having the entrance information. Then, it is deducted from the remaining amount information of one IC card in the card medium (passage ticket, non-contact IC card, etc.).

  The toll gate data processing device 11 is a computer including a CPU, a memory, a hard disk drive device, a network interface, and the like. The hard disk drive device stores a negative list 41 as shown in FIG.

  The negative list 41 stores the number of cases / week and the illegal rank corresponding to the number information extracted from the index of the moving image data. The number of cases / week is the number of times the same number information is detected in one week.

  The fraud rank indicates the degree of fraud, and the smaller the numerical value, the more malicious the rank. The fraud rank is set by comparing the number of cases / number of weeks with a preset threshold value. For example, if the number of cases / week is “1” or “2”, that is, once or twice in one week, “3” is set as the incorrect rank. Further, if the number of cases / week is “3”, that is, three times in one week, “2” is set as the unauthorized rank. Further, if the number of cases / week is “4”, that is, four or more times in one week, “1” is set as the unauthorized rank.

  When the fraud rank becomes “1”, the CPU of the toll booth data processing device 11 uses the information on the corresponding number in the negative list 41 as the second list provided separately on the hard disk drive (HDD). (Not shown) and registered as a higher management target. The upper management target is a target for submitting a damage report to a police agency or a candidate for custody. Note that the number of cases (number of times) setting in this example is an example, and may be managed monthly, daily, day of the week, or the like.

  The central processing unit 13 is a computer including a CPU, a memory, a hard disk drive device, a network interface, and the like. The central processing unit 13 aggregates the charging data of each vehicle received from each tollgate data processing device 11 and collects charges by ETC processing. In this case, the usage information generated from the billing data is notified to the credit company or the like of the ETC card issuer designated by the individual card ID.

  The operation of this fee collection system will be described below. A normal process at normal times and a process when an unauthorized vehicle attempts to break through will be described.

  There are two types of toll road charge systems: distance system and uniform system. The distance-based charging method is a method in which the toll changes according to the section or distance from the entrance to the exit, and processing at both the entrance and the exit is required. The uniform charging method is a method of collecting a fixed toll at the entrance or exit, and may be either the entrance or exit processing. Charges differ for each vehicle type for both distance and uniform systems. The vehicle type is a vehicle type decided by a business operator who operates a toll road, such as a normal vehicle, a large vehicle, a two-wheeled vehicle, and the like.

  Normally, in the case of toll roads that use a distance-based charging system, vehicles enter the toll road after checking the entrance at the entrance toll gate, pass through the toll road, and then at the exit toll gate. Pay the toll from the entrance toll gate to this exit toll booth.

(Normal processing at normal times)
In the following, on a toll road that uses a distance-based charging system, a vehicle equipped with an on-board device for ETC enters the toll road by performing entrance processing by ETC wireless communication in the entrance lane of the entrance toll gate. Then, after passing the toll road, the operation when entering the exit lane of the desired toll booth, performing the exit processing and leaving the lane will be described.

  When the vehicle enters the exit lane, the vehicle detection and vehicle type discrimination device 22a installed in front of the roadside radio device 29 detects the vehicle entry, further discriminates the vehicle type, and detects the vehicle entry and the vehicle type. Information is transmitted to the lane control device 20 of the lane.

  The lane control device 20 detects that the vehicle has entered the wireless communicable area of the roadside wireless device 29 based on the detection signal received from the vehicle detection and vehicle type discriminating device 22a, and controls the roadside wireless device 29 to emit radio waves. Make a call.

  As a result, if the vehicle is a vehicle (hereinafter referred to as “ETC vehicle”) on which an on-vehicle device is mounted, wireless communication is performed between the roadside device 29 and the on-vehicle device, so that the ETC processing can be performed from the on-vehicle device. Information is obtained, and predetermined exit processing is performed based on the information.

  Predetermined processing is to determine the validity of the vehicle, the vehicle-mounted device and the ETC card from the vehicle information obtained from the vehicle-mounted device, the vehicle-mounted device ID and the card ID, and when it is determined to be valid, Perform exit processing (charge calculation) based on the obtained entrance information and the charge table pre-stored charge table, and exit information (tollgate number, passage time, usage fee, etc.) through the in-vehicle device Processing such as writing to an ETC card.

  The roadside apparatus 29 confirms that the information on the exit processing result has been normally recorded with respect to the vehicle-mounted device, and notifies the lane controller 20 of the information.

  When the vehicle that has entered the exit lane is not equipped with an on-vehicle device (this is referred to as a “non-ETC vehicle”), or when ETC processing is not performed for some reason, the lane controller 20 detects the vehicle. When the passage of the vehicle is detected by the device 22b, a message is displayed on the roadside indicator 24 so that processing is performed in the booth 1, so that the vehicle driver stops the vehicle at the position of the booth 1 and responds to the receipt. Finish the exit process.

  When the driver of the vehicle hands the toll to the toll collector, the toll collector applies the toll ticket to the booth processor 21, thereby calculating the toll and displaying the toll. After the receipt amount is received from the driver of the vehicle, the receipt person inputs the receipt amount into the booth processing device 21 so that a receipt is issued from the booth processing device 21 and processed at the booth processing device 21 at the same time. Information on the processing result is transmitted and notified to the lane control device 20. The lane control device 20 receives this notification and determines that the processing is finished. The receipt person passes the issued receipt to the driver of the vehicle, and the processing as the receipt person is completed.

  In addition, if the driver or passenger who is the user has an ETC card, the ETC card is handed to the receiver. The receipt person puts the received ETC card on the IC card reader in the booth 1, so that the IC card reader reads the entrance information from the ETC card, calculates the toll, and writes it to the ETC card together with the exit information. Thereafter, the receipt person returns the ETC card to the user on the vehicle side, and the exit process is completed.

  The lane control device 20 collates the information from the vehicle detection and vehicle type discrimination device 22a (entry detection signal and vehicle type information), the ETC processing result obtained from the roadside radio device 29, and the vehicle information from the vehicle-mounted device. When the process ends normally and the vehicle types match each other, the start control device 28 is controlled so as to allow passage of the vehicle.

  The start control device 28 receives control from the lane control device 20, opens the bar 28a, and permits passage of the vehicle. During this time, imaging by the imaging devices 25a and 25b is always performed.

  When a vehicle that has successfully completed the billing process is detected by the vehicle detection device 27, the lane control device 20 does not issue a trigger signal, and the moving image data stored in the memory of the image processing device 23 is the lane. Transfer and storage to the control device 20 are not performed.

  Further, the image processing device 23 does not perform processing for analyzing moving image data, extracting a license plate image, and recognizing (reading) the number from the image.

  In a state in which the vehicle detection device 27 does not detect the passage of the vehicle, while the bar 28a is “closed”, a certain moving image data including a predetermined target is continuously taken (fixed point monitoring). While the bar 28a is not broken, the image processing device 23 continues to monitor that the bar 28a is in a “closed” home position.

  And the vehicle detection apparatus 22c detects the passage of the said vehicle, and the detection signal is notified to the lane control apparatus 20, and the process of one vehicle is complete | finished.

  When the toll collection process at the toll gate at the exit of the toll road is completed in this way, the processing result data (entry / exit information) is sent from the lane control device 20 to the toll gate data processing device 11. The toll gate data processing device 11 accumulates the input / output information for a certain period of time, performs batch processing, and uploads the data (batch data) to the central processing device 13. The central processing unit 13 aggregates the uploaded batch data and notifies each charge content to a charge debiting organization such as a credit company.

(Treatment when an unauthorized vehicle attempts to break through)
The lane control device 20 determines whether it is “illegal breakthrough” based on the state of toll collection and the notification timing of signals received from each device.

  For example, when a vehicle detection signal from the vehicle detection device 27 is received by the lane control device 20 and it is detected that the vehicle has passed the position of the vehicle detection device 27 (Yes in S101 in FIG. 4), the corresponding vehicle is charged. If the receipt process has not been completed, that is, if the vehicle has not been charged (Yes in S102), the lane control device 20 transmits a trigger signal S indicating breakthrough vehicle detection to the image processing device 23 ( S103).

  When the image processing device 23 receives the trigger signal S from the lane control device 20, it continuously records (records) the moving image data stored in its own memory for about 15 seconds, and then the moving image data becomes full. At this time, all moving image data stored in the memory, that is, moving image data of 15 seconds taken before the moment when the trigger signal S is received and the subsequent 15 seconds are transferred to the lane control device 20 in total. .

  That is, the image processing device 23 transmits the moving image data before and after receiving the trigger signal held in the internal memory, that is, before and after detecting the unauthorized breakage, to the lane control device 20 (S104).

  Here, the operation of the entire system for the breakthrough vehicle X2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the case of this toll collection system, images in the lane are always imaged with time stamps by the imaging devices 25a and 25b installed in the lane and transferred to the image processing device 23. The image processing device 23 takes about 30 seconds. The moving image data is continuously stored in the memory cyclically (S201 in FIG. 5).

  When a vehicle enters the lane and the vehicle detection device 27 detects the vehicle without completing the processing for the vehicle, the lane control device 20 stores the vehicle detection time in its own memory and performs image processing. A trigger signal S is output to the device 23.

  When the trigger signal S is input (Yes in S202), the image processing device 23 stores the time when the trigger signal S is input in the memory and continues to store the moving image data thereafter, and then from a few seconds. Stores video data of several tens of seconds until the memory is full. At the time of receiving the trigger signal, since at least the video at the moment of the illegal break has been taken, the moving image data previously held in the memory may be read and the following processing may be performed.

  The image processing device 23 reads out the moving image data stored in the memory, extracts a still image of a predetermined time before and after the stored time, and extracts the number information from the image of the license plate at the front part or the rear part of the vehicle included in the still image. Recognize At this time, the number is recognized using a number recognition technique. The license recognition technology is a technology for recognizing license plate characters (several Chinese characters, one hiragana, and four numbers) from an image on which the license plate is reflected.

  The image processing device 23 assigns the recognized number information, the stored time (occurrence date / time / minute / second), and preset lane identification information (tollgate number, lane number) as index information of the moving image data. (S203).

  Then, the image processing device 23 generates detailed data associated with the captured moving image data and transmits it to the lane control device (S204).

  When the lane control device 20 receives the detailed data associated with the moving image data, it stores it in the hard disk drive (HDD) (S205). Saving moving image data and detailed data in the lane control device 20 is called primary storage.

  The detail data includes a toll gate number, a lane number, an occurrence date / time, a minute / second, a number, and the like, and may include vehicle information. The image data includes, in addition to moving image data, still images at the moment of fraud extracted from the moving image data (driver images at the moment of fraud, license plate images at the moment of fraud, vehicle images, etc.).

  In this way, the moving image data and the detailed data are stored in the hard disk drive device (HDD) of the lane control device 20.

  Then, the lane control device 20 transmits the moving image data and the detailed data stored in the hard disk drive device (HDD) to the toll gate data processing device 11 (S206).

  The CPU of the toll gate data processing device 11 creates a database of the detailed data received from the lane control device 20 of each lane, and generates a negative list 41 as shown in FIG.

  In this case, the CPU of the tollgate data processing apparatus 11 associates the number information of the detailed data with the time, lane identification information, the number of times, and the rank, and the negative list 41 that is an unauthorized vehicle list from which each information can be extracted by the number information. New information is registered in (S207). The negative list 41 is stored in a hard disk device HDD as list storage means.

  The CPU of the toll booth data processing device 11 searches the negative list 41 using the number information extracted from the detailed data as a key, adds data that does not have number information in the negative list 41 to the list as a new record, and already has the number information. If it exists in the negative list 41, the number of records of the number information is counted up.

  Then, the CPU of the toll gate data processing device 11 increases the rank of the record when the number of times counted up exceeds a predetermined value.

  In addition, when the fraud rank is equal to or higher than a predetermined value (in this example, the fraud rank increases in the direction of “3” → “2” → “1” and the fraud rank is “1”) (in S208) Yes), the CPU of the toll gate data processing apparatus 11 ranks and records the data of the record into the abnormal train list (candidate for inspection) as the second list (S209).

  Ranking is not only based on the number of times (number of cases), but also weighted by the continuity of the same vehicle, the specifics of the toll booth, the customs from the day / time zone, etc. Good.

  The CPU of the toll booth data processing device 11 compares the billing data properly processed in each lane with the data of the negative list 41 and the abnormal training vehicle list (candidate for inspection), and determines whether there is data with matching number information. Check (S210).

  As a result of this check, if the number data included in the negative list 41 and the abnormal train list (candidates for inspection) are present in the billing data properly processed in each lane, that is, there is matching number information. If the vehicle has the number information (Yes in S210), the data is deleted from the negative list 41 or the number of times (number of the data) is decremented, assuming that the fee payment process has been performed after the start is detected. (S211).

  In the tollgate data processing device 11 of each tollgate, the billing data that has been properly processed by batch processing at a predetermined time of the day (once a day, 0 o'clock, etc.), the negative list 41 and the abnormal train list (Cleared candidate) data is transmitted to the central processing unit 13.

  The central processing unit 13 sends the normally processed billing data to the financial institution, and sends the relevant clearance organization for the abnormal train list (candidate for inspection).

  There are several variations in the operation of this system in order to leave evidence after reliably identifying unauthorized vehicles.

  Number information, driver images, etc. are extracted from moving image data as evidence information that can reliably identify fraud, and are recorded and stored in association with moving image data for use as fraud evidence data and deterrence.

  The number information is converted into text data by performing character recognition processing in the image processing device 23 from the image of the license plate portion of the vehicle obtained by photographing by the imaging devices 25a and 25b, and as detailed data together with the image of the number portion, By giving to the toll booth data processing device 11 provided for each toll booth, the toll booth data processing device 11 statistically aggregates the detailed data and uses the negative list 41 shown in FIG. After assigning an illegal rank such as gender, those with an illegal rank exceeding a certain level are rated as higher management targets.

In addition, the moving image data is not tampered with using a technique such as digital watermarking and has evidence.
Furthermore, if the vehicle reaches the position of the vehicle detection device 27 without completing the process even though the driver is not aware of fraud due to an accident, a driver's mistake, or a misunderstanding, In some cases, cash collection or the like is performed by backing up and charges are collected correctly.

  In this case, regular toll collection data (toll collection result data) is uploaded from the lane control device 20 to the toll gate data processing device 11, so that the toll gate data processing device 11 and the data of the negative list 41 and the regular tolls are displayed. By comparing the number information and time of receipt data (charge collection data), if there is information that matches each other, the number of records in the negative list 41 is reduced by one.

  Further, when the number of corresponding records in the negative list 41 is “1”, if it is reduced by one, it becomes “0”, so the record itself is deleted from the negative list 41. That is, the data as an unauthorized vehicle is automatically canceled by database processing on the host system side.

  As described above, according to the fee collection system of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

(1. Easy and inexpensive identification of unauthorized vehicles and electronic preservation of unauthorized evidence)
At the moment when the lane control device 20 detects fraud, a trigger signal is transmitted to the image processing device 23, and the moving image data that is continuously taken by the imaging device is converted into moving image data for about 15 seconds before and after the trigger signal. Is stored in the memory, and then transferred to the lane control device 20 and stored in the hard disk drive (HDD), so that evidence records can be reliably left with moving image data showing continuous movement.

  Normally, the imaging devices 25a and 25b always take images of the fixed positions of the lane, and for example, the moving image data is cyclically stored in the memory with one cycle of 30 seconds, for example, and the trigger signal input in the case of the occurrence of fraud As a result, the moving image data is properly stored, so that it is possible to reliably leave data as evidence of fraud while suppressing the storage capacity (cost).

  Text data (vehicle number information, date and time of occurrence, etc.) obtained by character recognition of number information obtained from moving image data is stored as an index of moving image data, and is associated with vehicle images, driver images, etc. This makes it possible to aggregate using statistics, and to construct a database that ranks the addictiveness of vehicles with frequent fraud.

  Further, when the number information and the time information are stored in association with the moving image data, electronic information that can withstand a role as a document of fraud evidence can be left by using a technique such as digital watermark.

  That is, it is possible to leave the evidence material for easily identifying the unauthorized vehicle while suppressing the cost in the form of electronic information (a moving image format that shows the state when the bar 28a is broken).

(2. Charge fairing and fraud deterrence effect)
Because illegal vehicles can be identified from the video data recorded when fraud occurs, it is possible to identify illegal vehicles and collect charges including surcharges by conducting a follow-up survey in cooperation with police and other regulatory agencies. . A deterrent effect can also be expected by disclosing information on unauthorized vehicles to the media.

(3. Profit improvement effect on the business side)
Above 1.2. As a result, the uncollected usage fee of several hundred million yen per year can be charged appropriately, which can be expected to improve the profitability of operators operating toll roads.

(4. Automatic labor saving effect)
Automating the process when fraud occurs and, as a result, deterring fraud, it is expected to reduce the work of the toll booth and maintenance personnel (responding to fraudulent vehicles, repairing broken bars 28a, restoration, etc.) it can.

  That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to leave the evidence material for forcibly collecting the fee for the vehicle illegally passing on the toll road later while suppressing the cost.

  In the first embodiment, the lane control device 20 and the image processing device 23 are configured as separate hardware, but these may be configured as one hardware and each function may be realized by one hardware. In the second and third embodiments described below, an example in which the function of the image processing device 23 is incorporated in the lane control device 20 will be described.

  Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The main configuration (FIG. 1) for performing processing related to fee collection in the first embodiment and this second embodiment is the same.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the toll collection system of the second embodiment includes a start control device 28 disposed in the vicinity of the vehicle exit exit of the lane, and an imaging device 25c attached to the bar 28a of the start control device 28. A bar movement sensor 30 as a detection device and a lane control device 20 are provided.

  The bar 28a of the start control device 28 is for permitting or preventing passage of a vehicle that is about to leave the lane. In normal operation, as shown in FIG. 7, the bar 28a is moved up and down by the start control device 28 in a vertical direction (lifting direction) from the road surface so as to draw an arc, and the lane is opened and closed. Is done.

  Normally, in the automatic opening / closing mode, the bar 28a is lowered so as to block the lane at the bar closing position A, thereby preventing the vehicle from passing therethrough. When the vehicle that has entered the lane completes the process, the bar 28a is rotated upward, the bar tip moves to the bar opening position B, opens the lane, and allows the vehicle to pass. .

  The bar movement sensor 30 detects that the bar 28a has moved in a direction (release direction such as a vehicle traveling direction) different from the direction in which the bar 28a normally moves (the direction in which the bar 28a rotates up and down) in the opening / closing control operation of the start control device 28. To do. That is, the bar movement sensor 30 detects that some force in the release direction is applied to the bar 28a and the bar 28a has moved (rotated) to the bar release position (lock position) C.

  The imaging device 25c is attached to the bar 28a with the lens portion directed toward the lane entrance in order to photograph the front of the vehicle that has entered the lane. The imaging device 25c always performs a shooting operation regardless of whether the vehicle has entered the lane, and outputs moving image data with a time stamp to the lane control device 20.

  The lane control device 20 includes a small-capacity memory (not shown) capable of storing moving image data for a predetermined period (about 30 seconds) and a hard disk drive device (data storage device capable of storing a large amount of moving image data). HDD). The moving image data is, for example, moving image data in MPEG-4 format (3GPP / 3GPP2, SD-Video, etc.).

  The memory is volatile so that the stored content is erased when the lane control device 20 stops (when power supply is stopped). In the hard disk drive (HDD), even if the power supply is stopped, the data once stored does not disappear.

  The lane control device 20 functions as a storage control unit that cyclically stores the moving image data input from the imaging device 25c within the range of the memory capacity. “Cyclic storage” means that data is always overwritten and recorded within a memory capacity range.

  When the lane control device 20 detects that the bar 28a has moved in a direction different from that during normal operation by the bar movement sensor 30, the lane control device 20 stores the time and the moving image data held in the memory up to that time. It functions as a moving image data storage means for storing in a hard disk drive (HDD).

  The lane control device 20 extracts still images of a certain time before and after the time when the movement of the bar 28a is detected by the bar movement sensor 30 from the moving image data stored in the hard disk drive device (HDD), and the number information of the breakthrough vehicle X2 Functions as a recognition means.

  The lane control device 20 serves as a storage control means for storing detailed data in which the recognized vehicle number information, the stored time, and preset lane identification information as an index of moving image data are stored in a hard disk drive device (HDD). Function.

Here, the operation of the second embodiment and the fee collection system will be described with reference to FIG.
An example will be described in which when the breakthrough vehicle X2 intentionally collides with the bar 28a and attempts to break through forcibly, the fraud evidence is automatically left by detecting the rotation of the bar 28a.
In the case of the second embodiment and the toll collection system, the lane control device 20 determines whether or not it is “illegal breakthrough” based on the notification timing of the detection signal from the bar movement sensor 30.

  For example, when the detection signal from the bar movement sensor 30 is received by the lane control device 20 and it is detected that the bar 28a has moved to the bar release position C (Yes in S301 in FIG. 8), the corresponding vehicle receives the toll collection process. If the vehicle has not been completed, that is, if the vehicle has not been charged (Yes in S302), the lane control device 20 determines that there is a forced breakthrough due to an unauthorized vehicle, and stores the time in a memory ( S303) The moving image data stored in the memory is continuously recorded (recorded) for about 15 seconds.

  Then, when the moving image data reaches the storage capacity, the lane control device 20 takes the entire moving image data stored in the memory, that is, 15 seconds taken before the moment of detecting the illegal break and 15 seconds thereafter. Is transferred to a hard disk drive (HDD) for storage.

  In other words, the lane control device 20 stores the moving image data before and after the unauthorized break detection stored in the memory in the hard disk drive device (HDD) (S304).

  Thus, according to the toll collection system of the second embodiment, the imaging device 25c and the bar movement sensor 30 are provided on the bar 28a of the start control device 28, and the bar 28a is provided in a direction (bar release direction) different from that during normal operation. When a bar release is detected by the bar movement sensor 30, the moving image data in which the imaging device 25c continues to capture the lane during that time is stored in the hard disk drive device (HDD) and is left behind. It is possible to reliably leave evidence that shows that illegal acts such as forced breakthrough have occurred.

  Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the third embodiment, when the breakthrough vehicle X2 deliberately collides with the bar 28a to attempt a forced breakthrough, the evidence of fraud is automatically left by detecting a change in the moving image data photographed by the imaging device 25c. It is an example.

  In the third embodiment, the lane control device 20 determines whether or not it is “illegal breakthrough” based on a change in moving image data captured by the imaging device 25c.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the toll collection system of the third embodiment includes a start control device 28 disposed in the vicinity of the vehicle exit exit of the lane, and an imaging device 25c attached to a bar 28a of the start control device 28. A lane control device 20 and a fixed point mark P are provided.

  That is, in the third embodiment, the bar movement sensor 30 is deleted from the configuration of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 6, while the fixed point mark P is installed on the island, and the same configuration as that of the second embodiment is adopted. Are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The imaging device 25c is attached to the bar 28a with the lens portion directed toward the lane entrance in order to photograph the front of the vehicle that has entered the lane. The imaging device 25c always performs a shooting operation regardless of whether the vehicle has entered the lane, and outputs moving image data with a time stamp to the lane control device 20.

  The fixed point mark P is a fixed photographic object that does not affect the passage of the vehicle and is always reflected in the imaging range of the imaging device 25c when the bar 28a is at the bar closing position A, for example, a colored object standing on an island. Columnar members and the like.

  When it is detected that the moving image data captured by the imaging device 25c has changed, the lane control device 20 stores the time and stores the moving image data held in the memory up to that time in the hard disk drive device (HDD). ) Function as a moving image data storage means.

  The lane control device 20 detects whether or not the vehicle has collided with the bar 28a from the change in the moving image data input from the imaging device 25c.

  For example, the lane control device 20 detects that the vehicle has collided with the bar 28a when the moving image data input from the imaging device 25c no longer shows the fixed point mark P at the steady position of the imaging device 25c. Functions as a means.

  The lane control device 20 extracts, from the moving image data stored in the hard disk drive device (HDD), a still image of a predetermined time before and after the time when the change of the moving image data is detected, and the number information of the breakthrough vehicle X2 that collides with the bar 28a. Functions as a recognition means.

  The lane control device 20 serves as a storage control means for storing detailed data in which the recognized vehicle number information, the stored time, and preset lane identification information as an index of moving image data are stored in a hard disk drive device (HDD). Function.

Next, the operation of the fee collection system of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
For example, in the case of the bar 28a of the start control device 28 operating normally, the fixed point mark P is always projected at a predetermined position within the shooting range of the imaging device 25c at the bar closing position A.

  Further, the lane control device 20 controls to stop the photographing operation of the imaging device 25c while the bar 28a is rotated up and down by the normal operation.

  In this case, the lane control device 20 always monitors whether or not the fixed point mark P is reflected in the moving image data photographed by the imaging device 25c.

  When the fixed point mark P is not captured for a certain period of time (Yes in S401 in FIG. 10), the lane control device 20 determines that the bar 28a has moved or rotated from the bar closing position A to another position, The lane control device 20 determines that there has been a forced breakthrough (illegal breakthrough) by an unauthorized vehicle, stores the time at that time in a memory (S402), and records the moving image data stored in the memory as it is for about 15 seconds. (Recording) After the video data becomes full, all the video data stored in the memory, that is, 15 seconds taken before the moment of detecting the illegal break and 15 seconds thereafter Is transferred to a hard disk drive (HDD) for storage.

  In other words, the lane control device 20 stores the moving image data before and after the unauthorized break detection stored in the memory in the hard disk drive device (HDD) (S403).

  As described above, according to the toll collection system of the third embodiment, it is possible to automatically detect a forced vehicle breakthrough by software processing from moving image data without providing the bar movement sensor 30 on the bar 28a of each lane. In addition, since the video data that is fraudulent evidence and the document data such as the detailed data are stored in a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), the hardware introduction cost is reduced compared to the second embodiment. Can be reduced.

In addition, this invention is not limited only to the said embodiment, You may deform | transform a component in the range which does not deviate from the summary in an implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be configured by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment.
For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the whole fee collection system of one embodiment of this invention. It is an arrangement plan of equipment installed in the exit lane in the toll collection system of the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the negative list of a toll gate data processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the fee collection system of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed operation | movement at the time of fraud breakthrough in the fee collection system of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the fee collection system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the motion of a normal bar. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the fee collection system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the fee collection system of 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the fee collection system of 3rd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Booth, 11 ... Toll booth data processor, 12 ... Communication line, 13 ... Central processing unit, 14 ... Inter-toll booth communication line, 20 ... Lane control device, 21 ... Booth processor, 22a ... Vehicle detection and vehicle type discrimination Device, 22b, 22c ... Vehicle detection device, 23 ... Image processing device, 24 ... Roadside indicator, 25a, 25b, 25c ... Imaging device, 27 ... Vehicle detection device, 28 ... Start control device, 28a ... Bar, 29 ... Roadside Wireless device, 30 ... Bar movement sensor, 41 ... Negative list, A ... Bar closed position, B ... Bar open position, C ... Bar release position (lock position), P ... Fixed point mark, S ... Trigger signal, X1 ... Normal vehicle , X2 ... Breakthrough vehicle.

Claims (8)

An imaging device that captures images of the lane from the front and / or rear and outputs video data with a time stamp;
A memory capable of storing video data for a predetermined period;
Storage control means for cyclically storing moving image data input from the imaging device within a range of the capacity of the memory;
A data storage device capable of storing the moving image data;
Processing means that is disposed at a predetermined position in the lane and that performs a traffic process of a vehicle that has entered the lane by radio or a staff member;
A detection device that is disposed at a position advanced from the installation position of the processing means in the lane, and detects the passage of the vehicle;
When the passage of the vehicle is detected by the detection device, if the vehicle passage processing by the processing means is not completed, the time is stored and the moving image data read from the memory is constant before and after the time. A recognizing means for extracting a still image of time and recognizing the vehicle number information from the time image;
Storage control means for storing in the data storage device detailed data provided with the vehicle number information recognized by the recognition means, the time, and preset lane identification information as an index of the moving image data. A toll collection system characterized by A start control device that is arranged in the vicinity of the vehicle body exit of the lane and that rotates a bar for allowing or preventing passage of the vehicle to leave the lane in the vertical direction;
An imaging device that is attached to the bar to capture the front of the vehicle that has entered the lane, and that always captures and outputs moving image data with a time stamp;
A memory capable of storing video data for a predetermined period;
Storage control means for cyclically storing moving image data input from the imaging device within a range of the capacity of the memory;
A data storage device capable of storing the moving image data;
A detection device that detects that the bar has moved in a direction different from the direction in which the bar normally moves in the opening / closing control operation of the start control device;
When it is detected by the detection device that the bar has moved in a direction different from that during normal operation, the time is stored, and from the moving image data held in the memory up to that time, a predetermined time before and after the time Recognizing means for extracting the still image and recognizing the vehicle number information from the
Storage control means for storing in the data storage device detailed data provided with the vehicle number information recognized by the recognition means, the time, and preset lane identification information as an index of the moving image data. A toll collection system characterized by A start control device that is disposed in the vicinity of the vehicle body exit of the lane and that rotates a bar for permitting or preventing passage of the vehicle to leave the lane in the vertical direction;
An imaging device that is attached to the bar to capture the front of the vehicle that has entered the lane, and that always captures and outputs moving image data with a time stamp;
A memory capable of storing video data for a predetermined period;
Storage control means for cyclically storing moving image data input from the imaging device within a range of the capacity of the memory;
A data storage device capable of storing the moving image data;
Vehicle collision detection means for detecting that the vehicle has collided with the bar when the moving image data input from the imaging device no longer shows a fixed imaged object at a steady position of the imaging device;
When it is detected by the vehicle collision detection means that the vehicle has collided with the bar, the time is stored, and from the moving image data held in the memory up to that time, a still image of a fixed time before and after the time Recognizing means for recognizing the vehicle number information from the vehicle,
Storage control means for storing in the data storage device detailed data provided with the vehicle number information recognized by the recognition means, the time, and preset lane identification information as an index of the moving image data. A toll collection system characterized by A list in which a time, lane identification information, number of times, and rank are associated with the number information and each information can be extracted by the number information, and a second list different from the first list is stored. Storage means;
The first list is searched using the number information extracted from the detailed data stored in the data storage device as a key, and data that does not have number information in the first list is added to the list as a new record. Is present in the first list, means for counting up the number of records of the number information,
Means for raising the rank of the record when the number of times counted up exceeds a predetermined value;
The fee collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising means for registering the data of the record in the second list when the rank exceeds a predetermined value. A step in which the imaging device photographs the inside of the lane from the front and / or the rear, and outputs moving image data with a time stamp;
The storage control means cyclically stores the moving image data input from the imaging device within the range of its own memory capacity;
The processing means arranged at a predetermined position in the lane performs a passage process of the vehicle that has entered the lane by radio or a staff operation,
A detection device disposed at a position advanced from the installation position of the processing means in the lane detects the passage of the vehicle;
When the detection device detects passage of the vehicle, if the processing of the vehicle by the processing means is not completed, the recognition means stores the time and from the moving image data read from the memory Extracting a still image of a certain time before and after the time, and recognizing the vehicle number information from among them,
Storing the detailed data provided by the storage control unit as an index of the moving image data with the vehicle number information recognized by the recognition unit, the time, and the preset lane identification information. Toll collection method characterized by A step in which a start control device arranged in the vicinity of the vehicle body exit of the lane rotates a bar for allowing or preventing passage of the vehicle to leave the lane in the vertical direction;
An imaging device attached to the bar to capture the front of the vehicle that has entered the lane, and constantly shooting to output moving image data with a time stamp;
The storage control means cyclically stores the moving image data input from the imaging device within the range of its own memory capacity;
A step of detecting by the detection device that the bar has moved in a direction different from a normal direction in the opening / closing control operation of the start control device;
When it is detected by the detection device that the bar has moved in a direction different from that during normal operation, the recognition means stores the time and from the moving image data held in the memory until that time, Extracting a still image of a certain time before and after the time, and recognizing the vehicle number information from among them,
Storing the detailed data provided by the storage control unit as the index of the moving image data with the vehicle number information, the time, and the preset lane identification information recognized by the recognition unit, in a data storage device. Charge collection method characterized by this. A step in which a start control device arranged in the vicinity of the vehicle body exit of the lane rotates a bar for allowing or preventing passage of the vehicle to leave the lane in the vertical direction;
An imaging device attached to the bar for photographing the front of the vehicle that has entered the lane, and constantly shooting and outputting moving image data with a time stamp;
The storage control means cyclically stores the moving image data input from the imaging device within the range of its own memory capacity;
The vehicle collision detection means detects that the vehicle has collided with the bar when the moving image data input from the imaging device no longer shows a fixed imaged object at a steady position of the imaging device.
When it is detected by the vehicle collision detection means that the vehicle has collided with the bar, the recognition means stores the time, and from the moving image data held in the memory, a still image of a fixed time before and after the time And recognizing the vehicle number information from among them,
Storing the detailed data provided by the storage control unit as the index of the moving image data with the vehicle number information, the time, and the preset lane identification information recognized by the recognition unit, in a data storage device. Charge collection method characterized by this. Using the number information extracted from the detailed data stored in the data storage device as a key, the number information is searched for a first list corresponding to time, lane identification information, number of times, and rank, and the first list is searched. Adding data with no number information to the list as a new record, and if the number information already exists in the first list, counting up the number of records of the number information; and
A step of raising the rank of the record when the number of times counted up exceeds a predetermined value;
8. The fee collection method according to claim 5, further comprising: registering data of the record in the second list when the rank becomes a predetermined value or more. 9.

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