JP2011233089A - Toll collection system, toll collection method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To read vehicle information again from an in-vehicle device upon failure of reading the vehicle information via a first antenna, and write predetermined information on the in-vehicle device of a vehicle present in front of a start controller in a direction of travel of the vehicle.SOLUTION: The toll collection system includes: a first antenna 15 defining a certain range of an inlet of a passage as a communication area and reading vehicle information specifying a vehicle 20 from an in-vehicle device 21 installed with the vehicle 20; a start controller 17 disposed in front of the first antenna 15 in the direction of travel of the vehicle 20 for opening and closing the passage; and a second antenna 16 defining a certain range in front of and rear of the start controller 17 in the direction of travel of the vehicle 20 as a communication area, reading the vehicle information from the in-vehicle device 21, and writing the predetermined information in the in-vehicle device 21 when reading of the vehicle information by the first or second antenna 15, 16 is successful.

Description

  The present invention relates to a fee collection system, a fee collection method, and a program that are installed at a toll gate of a toll facility for a vehicle such as a toll road or a parking lot and collect a use fee of the toll facility of the toll facility.

  In recent years, there is ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) as a method of collecting usage fees for toll facilities for vehicles such as expressways and toll roads. The toll collection method by ETC collects tolls by performing wireless communication between an IC card set in a vehicle-mounted device mounted on a vehicle and a toll collection system installed at a toll gate.

  However, as the penetration rate of ETC improves, problems such as forgetting to insert an IC card into the vehicle-mounted device and the occurrence of abnormal communication between the toll collection system and the vehicle-mounted device are increasing. When such a situation occurs, the start controller installed at the toll gate blocks the ETC lane in order to prevent the corresponding vehicle from passing. The clerk at the toll booth visits the site, listens to the situation from the user and performs billing, and then the clerk opens the start controller. Therefore, there is a problem that the ETC lane cannot be used during this period and the vehicle stays in the ETC lane.

  In addition, in a toll collection system for uniform section roads where the toll is constant for each vehicle type, and in a distance road entrance system in which the toll varies depending on the travel distance and vehicle type, two antennas, the first antenna and the second antenna, are used. Toll collection processing. Specifically, the toll collection system reads vehicle information from the vehicle-mounted device using a first antenna installed behind the start controller in the vehicle traveling direction, and the second installed in the vehicle traveling direction forward of the start controller. Toll collection processing is performed by writing measurement information (a billing vehicle type and a billing fee determined using the number of axles) by an axle sensor using an antenna.

  In the current toll collection system, the first vehicle detector that starts communication by the first antenna by detecting the vehicle and the second vehicle detection that ends communication by the first antenna by detecting the vehicle. The distance between the first antenna and the device is 4 m, and the first antenna uses the range between the first vehicle detector and the second vehicle detector as a communication area. Moreover, the distance between the 1st vehicle detector and the 3rd vehicle detector which starts communication by a 2nd antenna by detecting a vehicle is 18.5 m or more. The third vehicle detector is installed behind the start controller in the vehicle traveling direction and in the vicinity of the start controller. The distance between the start controller and the second antenna is 12.5 m.

  In addition, the first antenna and the second antenna installed in the same lane communicate using the same radio frequency, and use a radio frequency different from that of the first antenna and the second antenna in the adjacent lane. In the current toll collection system, two radio frequencies of A channel and B channel can be used.

  In order to solve this problem, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a technique of installing a recovery antenna in the vicinity of the start controller of the toll collection system. According to Patent Documents 1 and 2, when communication with the vehicle-mounted device using the main antenna fails, communication with the vehicle-mounted device is performed using the recovery antenna, and when the communication ends normally, the start controller is opened. Thereby, the service stop period of the ETC lane can be shortened.

JP 2004-310636 A JP 2008-102844 A

  However, when the methods described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are used, it is necessary to newly provide a recovery antenna at the toll booth. Furthermore, in the toll collection system for the uniform section road and the entrance system for the distance road, the toll collection process is performed using the first antenna and the second antenna, and therefore, further between the first antenna and the second antenna. When a recovery antenna is installed, radio wave interference may occur between the antennas.

Note that it may be possible to add the function of a recovery antenna to the second antenna by changing the communication area of the second antenna to the rear of the start controller in the vehicle traveling direction. However, in this case, the following problems occur. To do.
In the second antenna, since it is necessary to write the determined charging vehicle type and charging fee to the on-vehicle device, the processing by the toll collection system is not in time, and there is a possibility that the determined charging vehicle type and charging fee cannot be written to the on-vehicle device.
The axle sensor determines the billing vehicle type when the vehicle passes the first vehicle detector or when the number of detected axles exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 6 axes). Therefore, when the vehicle is long, the vehicle enters the communication range of the second antenna without passing through the first vehicle detector. May not be able to be written.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and is a toll collection system that is installed in a paid facility for a vehicle and collects a usage fee of the toll facility, and the traffic provided in the toll facility. A predetermined range at the entrance of the processing passage is a communication area, and a first antenna that reads vehicle information that identifies the vehicle from an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle, and the passage in front of the first antenna in the vehicle traveling direction. A start controller installed to be openable and closable, and a predetermined range of the start controller in a vehicle traveling direction front and a vehicle traveling direction rear is set as a communication area, the vehicle information is read from the vehicle-mounted device, and the first antenna or And a second antenna that writes predetermined information to the vehicle-mounted device when the own antenna successfully reads vehicle information.

  In addition, the present invention provides an axle sensor that is installed behind the start controller in the vehicle traveling direction and detects whether or not the axle has passed as the vehicle travels, and the first antenna, the start controller, and the second antenna. A lane server to be controlled, wherein the lane server reads out vehicle information from an onboard device mounted on the vehicle via the first antenna, and the first vehicle information reading unit. When the vehicle information readout fails, the second vehicle information readout unit that reads out the vehicle information from the vehicle-mounted device via the second antenna, the first vehicle information readout unit, or the second vehicle information When the vehicle information reading unit succeeds in reading the vehicle information, a start control unit that opens the start controller and a vehicle type estimation unit that estimates the vehicle type of the vehicle using the number of axles detected by the axle sensor. When When the first vehicle information reading unit or the second vehicle information reading unit succeeds in reading the vehicle information, the vehicle type estimated by the vehicle type estimation unit is indicated to the vehicle-mounted device via the second antenna. And a vehicle type information writing unit for writing vehicle type information.

  Moreover, in this invention, the said 2nd antenna is installed ahead of the vehicle advancing direction from the communication area | region of the said 2nd antenna, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  In the present invention, the first antenna and the second antenna communicate with each other using different frequencies.

  In the present invention, the first antenna and the second antenna are installed for each lane of the toll facility, and the first antenna performs communication at a frequency different from that of the first antenna in an adjacent lane, The two antennas are characterized by performing communication at a frequency different from that of the second antenna in adjacent lanes.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that in the plurality of lanes, antennas using a first frequency and antennas using a second frequency are alternately installed.

  In the present invention, the communication area of the second antenna is a range of 4 m forward in the vehicle traveling direction and 4 m rearward in the vehicle traveling direction.

  The present invention also provides a first antenna having a communication area as a predetermined range of an entrance of a passage for passage processing provided in a toll facility for vehicles, and the passage in front of the first antenna in the vehicle traveling direction. A starter controller that can be freely opened and closed, a second antenna that has a predetermined range in the vehicle traveling direction forward and rearward in the vehicle traveling direction of the starter controller, and a vehicle traveling direction rearward from the starter controller. An axle sensor that counts the presence or absence of passage of the axle as the vehicle travels, and a lane server that controls the first antenna, the start controller, and the second antenna, and collects the usage fee of the toll facility. A toll collection method using a toll collection system, wherein the first vehicle information reading unit of the lane server reads vehicle information from an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle via the first antenna, and the lane The second vehicle information reading unit of the driver reads vehicle information from the vehicle-mounted device via the second antenna when the first vehicle information reading unit fails to read the vehicle information, and the lane The start control unit of the server opens the start controller when the first vehicle information reading unit or the second vehicle information reading unit succeeds in reading the vehicle information, and the vehicle type of the lane server The estimation unit estimates the vehicle type of the vehicle using the number of axles detected by the axle sensor, and the vehicle type information writing unit of the lane server reads the first vehicle information reading unit or the second vehicle information reading. When the unit succeeds in reading the vehicle information, vehicle type information indicating the vehicle type estimated by the vehicle type estimation unit is written into the vehicle-mounted device via the second antenna.

  The present invention also provides a first antenna having a communication area as a predetermined range of an entrance of a passage for passage processing provided in a toll facility for vehicles, and the passage in front of the first antenna in the vehicle traveling direction. A starter controller that can be freely opened and closed, a second antenna that has a predetermined range in the vehicle traveling direction forward and rearward in the vehicle traveling direction of the starter controller, and a vehicle traveling direction rearward from the starter controller. An axle sensor that counts the presence or absence of passage of the axle as the vehicle travels, and a lane server that controls the first antenna, the start controller, and the second antenna, and collects the usage fee of the toll facility. A first vehicle information reading unit that reads vehicle information from the vehicle-mounted device mounted on the vehicle via the first antenna, and the first vehicle information reading unit of the lane server of the toll collection system is the vehicle information. When reading fails, the second vehicle information reading unit, the first vehicle information reading unit, or the second vehicle information reading unit that reads vehicle information from the vehicle-mounted device via the second antenna A start control unit that opens the start controller when vehicle information is successfully read, a vehicle type estimation unit that estimates the vehicle type of the vehicle using the number of axles detected by the axle sensor, and the first vehicle information Vehicle type information for writing vehicle type information indicating the vehicle type estimated by the vehicle type estimation unit to the vehicle-mounted device via the second antenna when the reading unit or the second vehicle information reading unit succeeds in reading the vehicle information. It is a program for functioning as a writing unit.

  According to the present invention, the second antenna uses the predetermined range in the forward direction and the backward direction of the start controller as the communication area. Thereby, when reading of vehicle information fails with a 1st antenna, the 2nd antenna can read vehicle information from the onboard equipment of the vehicle which exists in the advancing direction of a start controller. In addition, the second antenna can write predetermined information in an on-vehicle device of a vehicle that exists in front of the start controller in the traveling direction.

1 is a configuration diagram of a fee collection system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the structure of a lane server. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a fee collection system. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the vehicle type estimation process by a lane server. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the normal time process by a lane server. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the process at the time of abnormality by a lane server. It is a block diagram of the fee collection system by other embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a toll collection system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The toll collection system is provided in a passage for passage processing provided in a toll gate on a toll road, and includes an axle sensor 11, a first vehicle detector 12, a second vehicle detector 13, and a third vehicle detector 14. , A first antenna 15, a second antenna 16, a start controller 17, a roadside indicator 18, and a lane server 19.
The axle sensor 11 is embedded in the lane width direction of the passage, detects a press when the vehicle 20 passes, and outputs an axle signal indicating the presence or absence of the press to the lane server 19. The axle signal indicates “HIGH” when the axle sensor 11 detects pressing, and indicates “LOW” when it does not detect pressing. The axle sensor 11 is provided at the entrance of the passage.
The 1st vehicle detector 12, the 2nd vehicle detector 13, and the 3rd vehicle detector 14 are comprised from a pair of optical sensor installed in the both sides of the lane of a passage, and are the space between optical sensor pairs. A vehicle detection signal indicating whether is in a light-transmitting state or a light-blocking state is output to the lane server 19. The axle signal indicates “HIGH” when the optical sensor pair is in a light-transmitting state and indicates “LOW” when the optical sensor pair is in a light-shielding state. The lane server 19 detects the entry of the vehicle 20 when the vehicle detection signal transits from “HIGH” to “LOW”, and the vehicle detection signal transits from “LOW” to “HIGH”. 20 passes are detected.

The first vehicle detector 12 is installed at substantially the same position as the axle sensor 11 in the vehicle traveling direction of the passage.
The second vehicle detector 13 is installed approximately 4 m ahead of the first vehicle detector 12 in the vehicle traveling direction.
The third vehicle detector 14 is installed approximately 18.5 m or more ahead of the first vehicle detector 12 in the vehicle traveling direction.

The first antenna 15 communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 21 mounted on the vehicle 20, and reads vehicle information identifying the vehicle 20 from the vehicle-mounted device 21 under the control of the lane server 19. Moreover, the 1st antenna 15 is installed in the vehicle advancing direction back of the 2nd vehicle detector 13, and makes the range between the 1st vehicle detector 12 and the 2nd vehicle detector 13 into a communication area. The first antenna 15 communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 21 using a predetermined frequency (A channel).
The second antenna 16 communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 21 mounted on the vehicle 20, and writes vehicle type information determined using the number of axles counted by the axle sensor 11 in the vehicle-mounted device 21 under the control of the lane server 19. Further, the second antenna 16 is installed approximately 4 m behind in the vehicle traveling direction from the start controller 17, and a range of approximately 4 m forward in the vehicle traveling direction of the start controller 17 and approximately 4 m behind in the vehicle traveling direction is a communication area. And The second antenna 16 communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 21 using a predetermined frequency (B channel) different from that of the first antenna 15.

The start controller 17 includes a blocking bar that can be opened and closed freely, and opens or closes the path by opening and closing the blocking bar under the control of the lane server 19. The start controller 17 is installed behind the third vehicle detector 14 in the vehicle traveling direction.
The roadside indicator 18 displays information notified to the driver of the vehicle 20 under the control of the lane server 19.
The lane server 19 controls each device of the toll collection system.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the lane server.
The lane server 19 includes a vehicle approach signal input unit 101, a vehicle information reading unit 102 (first vehicle information reading unit, second vehicle information reading unit), a radio unit 103, an axle signal input unit 104, a vehicle type estimation unit 105, A vehicle type information writing unit 106, a display control unit 107, a start control unit 108, and an operation unit 109 are provided.
The vehicle entry signal input unit 101 receives input of a vehicle entry signal indicating entry and passage of a vehicle from the first vehicle detector 12, the second vehicle detector 13, and the third vehicle detector 14.
The vehicle information reading unit 102 generates request information for reading vehicle information and a link ID from the vehicle-mounted device 21 and outputs the request information to the wireless unit 103. Here, the link ID is a value determined by a random number when the vehicle-mounted device 21 is activated, and is information that identifies the vehicle-mounted device 21.
Further, the vehicle information reading unit 102 inputs vehicle information and link information from the radio unit 103 and outputs the vehicle information and link information to the vehicle type information writing unit 106. Further, the vehicle information reading unit 102 outputs read success / failure information indicating success / failure of reading vehicle information and link information to the display control unit 107 and the start control unit 108.

  The wireless unit 103 converts the request information input from the vehicle information reading unit 102 or the vehicle type information writing unit 106 into a wireless signal, and transmits the wireless signal to the vehicle-mounted device 21 via the first antenna 15 or the second antenna 16. The radio unit 103 receives vehicle information and link information from the vehicle-mounted device 21 via the first antenna 15 or the second antenna 16, and converts the received vehicle information and link information into a baseband signal to read vehicle information. Output to the unit 102.

The axle signal input unit 104 inputs an axle signal indicating the presence or absence of an axle from the axle sensor 11 and outputs the input axle signal to the vehicle type estimation unit 105.
The vehicle type estimation unit 105 identifies the number of axles of the vehicle 20 by counting the number of times the axle signal input from the axle signal input unit 104 has transitioned from “LOW” to “HIGH”, and uses the number of axles to identify the vehicle 20. Estimate the vehicle type. The vehicle type estimation unit 105 outputs vehicle type information indicating the estimated vehicle type to the vehicle type information writing unit 106.
When the vehicle information reading unit 102 reads the vehicle information, the vehicle type information writing unit 106 writes the vehicle type information input from the vehicle type estimation unit 105 to the in-vehicle device 21 having the link ID read by the vehicle information reading unit 102. Request information is generated, and the request information is output to the wireless unit 103.

The display control unit 107 generates display information according to whether the vehicle information reading unit 102 has read the vehicle information, and outputs the generated display information to the roadside display 18.
When the vehicle information reading unit 102 reads vehicle information, the start control unit 108 outputs an opening command to open the passage to the start controller 17. Further, when the vehicle approach signal input from the third vehicle detector 14 by the vehicle approach signal input unit 101 transitions from “LOW” to “HIGH”, a block command for blocking the passage is output to the start controller 17. To do.
The operation unit 109 receives an input operation from an office worker and outputs a re-communication command for reading vehicle information via the second antenna 16 to the vehicle information reading unit 102.

  As described above, the toll collection system uses the predetermined range at the entrance of the passage as the communication area, and reads the vehicle information for identifying the vehicle 20 from the vehicle-mounted device 21 mounted on the vehicle. The vehicle control information is obtained from the vehicle-mounted device 21 by setting the start controller 17 installed in the front of the vehicle traveling direction so that the passage can be opened and closed, and a predetermined range of the start controller 17 in the front of the vehicle traveling direction and the rear of the vehicle traveling direction. When the first antenna 15 or the own antenna succeeds in reading the vehicle information, the second antenna 16 is provided which writes the vehicle type information in the vehicle-mounted device 21.

Further, since the lane server 19 has the above-described configuration, the vehicle information reading unit 102 reads vehicle information from the vehicle-mounted device 21 mounted on the vehicle 20 via the first antenna 15, and the vehicle information reading unit 102 When reading of vehicle information via the first antenna 15 fails, vehicle information is read from the vehicle-mounted device 21 via the second antenna 16.
Next, when the vehicle information reading unit succeeds in reading the vehicle information, the start control unit 108 opens the blocking bar of the start control device 17. Further, the vehicle type estimation unit 105 estimates the vehicle type of the vehicle 20 using the number of axles detected by the axle sensor 11. Then, the vehicle type information writing unit 106 indicates the vehicle type information indicating the vehicle type estimated by the vehicle type estimation unit 105 to the vehicle-mounted device 21 via the second antenna 16 when the vehicle information reading unit 102 succeeds in reading the vehicle information. Write.
As a result, when the toll collection system fails to read the vehicle information with the first antenna 15, the vehicle information is received from the vehicle-mounted device 21 of the vehicle 20 existing behind the start controller 17 via the second antenna 16. Can be read. In addition, the toll collection system can write the vehicle type information in the vehicle-mounted device 21 of the vehicle 20 that exists in the forward direction of the start controller 17 via the second antenna 16.

Next, the operation of the fee collection system will be described.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the fee collection system.
When the toll collection system is waiting for the vehicle 20 to enter, the vehicle entry signal input unit 101 of the lane server 19 has the vehicle entry signal input from the first vehicle detector 12 changed from “HIGH” to “LOW”. It is determined whether or not a transition has been made (step S1). Thereby, the vehicle approach signal input unit 101 determines whether or not the vehicle 20 has entered between the pair of optical sensors of the first vehicle detector 12.

If the vehicle approach signal input unit 101 determines that the vehicle approach signal input from the first vehicle detector 12 has not changed from “HIGH” to “LOW” (step S1: NO), the determination at step S1 Is repeatedly executed to wait for the vehicle 20 to enter.
On the other hand, when the vehicle approach signal input unit 101 determines that the vehicle approach signal input from the first vehicle detector 12 has transitioned from “HIGH” to “LOW” (step S1: YES), the vehicle type estimation unit 105 Then, the vehicle type estimation process is started (step S2). The vehicle type estimation process is a process of estimating the vehicle type of the vehicle 20 by counting the number of axles using the axle signal input from the axle sensor 11. The vehicle type estimation process is executed in parallel with the processes after step S2. That is, the processes after step S2 are executed without waiting for the end of the vehicle type estimation process.

Hereinafter, the vehicle type estimation process will be described in detail.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the vehicle type estimation process by the lane server.
When the vehicle type estimation unit 105 starts the vehicle type estimation process in step S2, the vehicle type estimation unit 105 initializes the count value of the number of axles of the vehicle 20 stored in the internal memory to “0” (step S21). Next, the axle signal input unit 104 determines whether or not the axle signal input from the axle sensor 11 has transitioned from “LOW” to “HIGH” (step S22). Thus, the axle signal input unit 104 determines whether or not the tire of the vehicle 20 is on the axle sensor 11.

When the axle signal input unit 104 determines that the axle signal input from the axle sensor 11 has transitioned from “LOW” to “HIGH” (step S22: YES), the vehicle type estimation unit 105 stores the number of axles stored in the internal memory. “1” is added to (step S23).
On the other hand, if the axle signal input unit 104 determines that the axle signal input from the axle sensor 11 has not transitioned from “LOW” to “HIGH” (step S22: NO), or the vehicle type estimation unit 105 in step S23. When the number of axles is added, the vehicle approach signal input unit 101 determines whether or not the vehicle approach signal input from the first vehicle detector 12 has transitioned from “LOW” to “HIGH” (step S24). Thereby, the vehicle approach signal input unit 101 determines whether or not the vehicle 20 has passed between the pair of optical sensors of the first vehicle detector 12.

When the vehicle entry signal input unit 101 determines that the vehicle entry signal input from the first vehicle detector 12 has not changed from “LOW” to “HIGH” (step S24: NO), the vehicle type estimation unit 105 Then, it is determined whether or not the number of axles stored in the internal memory indicates 6 or more (step S25).
When it is determined that the number of axles stored in the internal memory is less than 6 (step S25: NO), the vehicle type estimation unit 105 returns to step S22 and continues counting the number of axles.

On the other hand, when the vehicle type estimation unit 105 determines that the number of axles stored in the internal memory is less than 6 (step S25: NO), or in step S24, the vehicle approach signal input unit 101 causes the first vehicle detector 12 to When it is determined that the vehicle approach signal input from “LOW” has transitioned to “HIGH” (step S24: YES), the vehicle type estimation unit 105 estimates the vehicle type using the counted number of axles, and determines the estimated vehicle type. The vehicle type information shown is output to the vehicle type information writing unit 106 (step S26). For example, the vehicle type estimation unit 105 determines that the vehicle is a “normal vehicle” when the number of axles is “2”, and determines that the vehicle is a “large vehicle” when the number of axles is “3” or “4”. When the number of axles is “5” or more, it is determined that the vehicle is an “extra large vehicle”.
The lane server 19 ends the vehicle type estimation process when the vehicle type estimation unit 105 outputs the vehicle type information.

With reference to FIG. 3, when the vehicle type estimation unit 105 starts the vehicle type estimation process in step S <b> 2, the vehicle information reading unit 102 generates request information for reading the vehicle information and the link ID from the vehicle-mounted device 21 and outputs the request information to the wireless unit 103. To do. Next, the radio | wireless part 103 starts the 1st antenna 15, and transmits the request information input from the vehicle information reading part 102 to the onboard equipment 21 (step S3).
When the vehicle-mounted device 21 receives request information from the first antenna 15, the vehicle information stored in the IC card inserted into the vehicle-mounted device 21 and the link ID stored in the vehicle-mounted device 21 are laned via the first antenna 15. Send to server 19.

Next, the wireless unit 103 determines whether vehicle information and a link ID have been received from the vehicle-mounted device 21 (step S4). When it is determined that the wireless unit 103 has not received the vehicle information and the link ID from the vehicle-mounted device 21 (step S4: NO), the vehicle entry signal input unit 101 inputs the vehicle entry from the second vehicle detector 13. It is determined whether or not the signal has transitioned from “HIGH” to “LOW” (step S5). Thereby, the vehicle entry signal input unit 101 determines whether or not the vehicle 20 has entered between the pair of optical sensors of the second vehicle detector 13.
In addition, when the vehicle 20 enters the second vehicle detector 13 before the vehicle-mounted device 21 transmits the vehicle information and the link ID, there is no IC card inserted in the vehicle-mounted device 21 or the vehicle 20 It can be considered that the vehicle-mounted device 21 is not mounted.
If the vehicle entry signal input unit 101 determines that the vehicle entry signal input from the second vehicle detector 13 has not transitioned from “HIGH” to “LOW” (step S5: NO), the process returns to step S4. The vehicle information and link ID reception determination is continued.

Moreover, when the radio | wireless part 103 determines with reception of vehicle information and link ID from the onboard equipment 21 having been completed by step S4 (step S4: YES), communication with the onboard equipment 21 is complete | finished and a 1st antenna is made. Stop (step S6). The radio unit 103 converts the received vehicle information and link ID into a baseband signal and outputs the baseband signal to the vehicle information reading unit 102.
Next, the vehicle entry signal input unit 101 determines whether or not the vehicle entry signal input from the second vehicle detector 13 has transitioned from “HIGH” to “LOW” (step S7). When the vehicle entry signal input unit 101 determines that the vehicle entry signal input from the second vehicle detector 13 has not changed from “HIGH” to “LOW” (step S7: NO), the vehicle entry signal input unit 101 makes the determination of step S7. By repeatedly executing, the vehicle 20 waits for the vehicle 20 to enter the second vehicle detector 13.

When the vehicle entry signal input unit 101 determines that the vehicle entry signal input from the second vehicle detector 13 has transitioned from “HIGH” to “LOW” (step S7: YES), the vehicle information reading unit 102 It is determined whether the vehicle information and the link ID received from the wireless unit 103 are normal (step S8).
When the vehicle information reading unit 102 determines that the vehicle information and the link ID received from the wireless unit 103 are normal (step S8: YES), the lane server 19 executes normal processing (step S9), Exit. The normal process is a charging process when the process by the first antenna 15 is normally completed. The detailed operation of the normal process will be described later.

  On the other hand, when the vehicle information reading unit 102 determines that the vehicle information and the link ID received from the wireless unit 103 are abnormal (step S8: NO), or the vehicle approach signal input unit 101 is the second in step S5. When it is determined that the vehicle approach signal input from the vehicle detector 13 has shifted from “HIGH” to “LOW” (step S5: YES), the lane server 19 executes an abnormal time process (step S10). Exit. The abnormal process is a charging process when the process by the first antenna 15 is not normally completed. The detailed operation of the abnormality process will be described later.

Next, the operation of the normal time process by the lane server 19 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of normal processing by the lane server.
First, when the vehicle information reading unit 102 determines that the vehicle information and the link ID received from the wireless unit 103 are normal, the display control unit displays read success / failure information indicating that the reception of the vehicle information and the link ID has been completed normally. 107 and the start control unit 108.
When the start control unit 108 receives the read success / failure information indicating that the reception of the vehicle information and the link ID has been normally completed from the vehicle information read unit 102, the start control unit 108 outputs an opening command for opening the passage to the start controller 17 (step S1). S101). When the start controller 17 receives an opening command from the lane server 19, the start controller 17 raises the blocking bar and opens the passage.
Further, when the display control unit 107 inputs read success / failure information indicating that the reception of the vehicle information and the link ID has been normally completed from the vehicle information reading unit 102, the display control unit 107 displays on the roadside indicator 18 that the passage is permitted. Information is output (step S102). When the display information is input from the lane server 19, the roadside display 18 displays the input display information on the screen.

Next, when the execution of the vehicle type estimation process in step S <b> 2 is completed and the vehicle type information writing unit 106 inputs the vehicle type information from the vehicle type estimation unit 105, the vehicle type information writing unit 106 inputs the vehicle type information from the vehicle type estimation unit 105. Request information for writing the vehicle type information to the vehicle-mounted device 21 having the link ID read by the vehicle information reading unit 102 is generated, and the request information is output to the wireless unit 103. Next, the radio | wireless part 103 starts the 2nd antenna 16, and transmits the request information input from the vehicle information reading part 102 to the onboard equipment 21 (step S103).
As described above, by transmitting the vehicle type information to the vehicle-mounted device 21 having the link ID read in step S4, communication can be performed without erroneous recognition even when a plurality of vehicles 20 exist in the communication area of the second antenna. It can be performed.

  Next, the vehicle entry signal input unit 101 determines whether or not the vehicle entry signal input from the third vehicle detector 14 has transitioned from “HIGH” to “LOW” (step S104). Thereby, the vehicle entry signal input unit 101 determines whether or not the vehicle 20 has entered between the pair of optical sensors of the third vehicle detector 14.

If the vehicle approach signal input unit 101 determines that the vehicle approach signal input from the third vehicle detector 14 has not changed from “HIGH” to “LOW” (step S104: NO), the determination in step S104 Is repeatedly executed to wait for the vehicle 20 to enter.
On the other hand, when the vehicle approach signal input unit 101 determines that the vehicle approach signal input from the third vehicle detector 14 has transitioned from “HIGH” to “LOW” (step S104: YES), the display control unit 107 Then, a turn-off command is output to the roadside indicator 18 (step S105). The roadside indicator 18 turns off the screen when a turn-off command is input from the lane server 19.

  Next, the vehicle entry signal input unit 101 determines whether or not the vehicle entry signal input from the third vehicle detector 14 has transitioned from “LOW” to “HIGH” (step S106). Thereby, the vehicle approach signal input unit 101 determines whether or not the vehicle 20 has passed between the optical sensor pairs of the third vehicle detector 14.

If the vehicle entry signal input unit 101 determines that the vehicle entry signal input from the third vehicle detector 14 has not changed from “LOW” to “HIGH” (step S106: NO), the determination in step S106 Is repeatedly executed to wait for the vehicle 20 to pass.
On the other hand, when the vehicle entry signal input unit 101 determines that the vehicle entry signal input from the third vehicle detector 14 has transitioned from “LOW” to “HIGH” (step S106: YES), the start control unit 108 Then, the start controller 17 outputs a block command for blocking the passage (step S107). When the start controller 17 receives a block command from the lane server 19, the start controller 17 lowers the blocking bar and blocks the passage.

Next, the wireless unit 103 determines whether or not the writing of the vehicle type information to the in-vehicle device 21 is completed (step S108). When it is determined that the writing of the vehicle type information to the vehicle-mounted device 21 is not completed (step S108: NO), the wireless unit 103 performs a communication timeout process (step S109).
On the other hand, when it is determined that the writing of the vehicle type information to the vehicle-mounted device 21 is completed (step S108: YES), or when a communication timeout process is performed, the wireless unit 103 performs an ETC process on the toll gate server (not shown). Data is transmitted (step S110), and the process ends.
As described above, when the vehicle information and the link ID are successfully read by the first antenna 15, the toll collection system can estimate the vehicle type and write the vehicle type information via the second antenna 16.

Next, the operation of the abnormal time process by the lane server 19 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the abnormal time process by the lane server.
First, when the vehicle information reading unit 102 fails to receive the vehicle information and the link ID from the radio unit 103, the vehicle information reading unit 102 displays the reading success / failure information indicating that the reception of the vehicle information and the link ID has failed. To 108.
When the display control unit 107 inputs the reading success / failure information indicating that the vehicle information and the link ID have failed to be received from the vehicle information reading unit 102, the display control unit 107 outputs display information indicating that the vehicle is instructed to stop. (Step S201). When the display information is input from the lane server 19, the roadside display 18 displays the input display information on the screen.

Next, the operation unit 109 of the lane server 19 determines whether or not an operation by a clerk is accepted (step S202). When it is determined that the operation by the clerk is not accepted (step S202: NO), the operation unit 109 repeats the determination in step S202 and waits for the operation by the clerk.
When the driver of the vehicle 20 stops the vehicle 20 according to the information indicated by the roadside indicator 18, the driver contacts an office worker using an interphone (not shown) installed on the roadside. When the office worker receives a notification from the driver, the office worker inputs a re-communication command for causing the vehicle information to be read out to the lane server 19.

When the operation unit 109 receives an operation by the clerk (step S202: YES), the operation unit 109 outputs a re-communication command input by the clerk to the vehicle information reading unit 102. Next, the vehicle information reading unit 102 generates request information for reading the vehicle information and the link ID from the vehicle-mounted device 21 and outputs the request information to the wireless unit 103. The vehicle type information writing unit 106 generates request information for writing the vehicle type information input from the vehicle type estimation unit 105 to the vehicle-mounted device 21 having the link ID read by the vehicle information reading unit 102, and transmits the request information to the wireless unit. To 103.
Next, the radio | wireless part 103 starts the 2nd antenna 16, and transmits the request information input from the vehicle information reading part 102 and the vehicle type information writing part 106 to the onboard equipment 21 (step S203).

Next, the wireless unit 103 receives the vehicle information and the link ID from the vehicle-mounted device 21, and determines whether or not the writing of the vehicle type information has been completed (step S204). When the wireless unit 103 receives the vehicle information and the link ID from the vehicle-mounted device 21 and determines that the writing of the vehicle type information is completed (step S204: YES), the wireless unit 103 is based on the received vehicle information and the link ID. It is converted into a band signal and output to the vehicle information reading unit 102. Next, the vehicle information reading unit 102 determines whether or not the vehicle information and the link ID received from the wireless unit 103 are normal (step S205).
When the vehicle information reading unit 102 determines that the vehicle information and the link ID received from the wireless unit 103 are normal (step S205: YES), the reading success / failure indicating that the reception of the vehicle information and the link ID has been normally completed. Information is output to the display control unit 107 and the start control unit 108.

  When the start control unit 108 receives the read success / failure information indicating that the reception of the vehicle information and the link ID has been normally completed from the vehicle information read unit 102, the start control unit 108 outputs an opening command for opening the passage to the start controller 17 (step S1). S206). Further, when the display control unit 107 inputs read success / failure information indicating that the reception of the vehicle information and the link ID has been normally completed from the vehicle information reading unit 102, the display control unit 107 displays on the roadside indicator 18 that the passage is permitted. Information is output (step S207).

  On the other hand, if the wireless unit 103 determines in step S204 that reception of vehicle information and link ID from the vehicle-mounted device 21 or writing of vehicle type information has failed (step S204: NO), the driver of the vehicle 20 moves to the roadside. Call the clerk using the provided intercom, and manually open the blocking bar of the start controller 17 and perform the accounting process (in the case of the entrance system on the distance road, the ticket issuing process for the pass ticket). (Step S208).

When the start controller 17 opens the passage in step S206 or step S208, the vehicle approach signal input unit 101 determines whether the vehicle approach signal input from the third vehicle detector 14 has transitioned from “HIGH” to “LOW”. It is determined whether or not (step S209).
If the vehicle entry signal input unit 101 determines that the vehicle entry signal input from the third vehicle detector 14 has not changed from “HIGH” to “LOW” (step S209: NO), the determination in step S209 is performed. Is repeatedly executed to wait for the vehicle 20 to enter.
On the other hand, when the vehicle entry signal input unit 101 determines that the vehicle entry signal input from the third vehicle detector 14 has transitioned from “HIGH” to “LOW” (step S209: YES), the display control unit 107 Then, a turn-off command is output to the roadside indicator 18 (step S210).

Next, the vehicle entry signal input unit 101 determines whether or not the vehicle entry signal input from the third vehicle detector 14 has transitioned from “LOW” to “HIGH” (step S211).
If the vehicle entry signal input unit 101 determines that the vehicle entry signal input from the third vehicle detector 14 has not changed from “LOW” to “HIGH” (step S211: NO), the determination in step S211 Is repeatedly executed to wait for the vehicle 20 to pass.
On the other hand, when the vehicle entry signal input unit 101 determines that the vehicle entry signal input from the third vehicle detector 14 has transitioned from “LOW” to “HIGH” (step S211: YES), the start control unit 108 Then, the start controller 17 outputs a block command for blocking the passage (step S212).

Then, the lane server 19 transmits ETC processing data to a toll gate server (not shown) (step S213), and the processing is terminated.
As described above, even when the vehicle information and the link ID are unsuccessfully read by the first antenna 15, the toll collection system estimates the vehicle type information, reads the vehicle information and the link ID via the second antenna 16, and Car type information can be written. As a result, even if the driver of the vehicle 20 forgets to insert the IC card into the vehicle-mounted device 21, communication can be performed again by reinserting the IC card in the communication area of the second antenna 16. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of traffic on the ETC lane.

As described above, the first embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to that described above, and various designs can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is possible to make changes.
FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a fee collection system according to another embodiment.
For example, in the present embodiment, the case where the toll collection system is provided in a single lane has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the toll collection system may be provided in a plurality of lanes. In this case, it is preferable that the first antenna 15 performs communication at a frequency different from that of the first antenna 15 in the adjacent lane, and the second antenna 16 performs communication at a frequency different from that of the second antenna 16 in the adjacent lane. . Thereby, the occurrence of radio wave interference between adjacent lanes can be avoided.
In addition, when the frequency which can be used is two, A channel and B channel, as shown in FIG. 7, the antenna which uses A channel and the antenna which uses B channel are installed alternately, so that radio waves Interference can be avoided.

  Moreover, although the case where the 1st antenna 15 and the 2nd antenna 16 were installed in the vehicle advancing direction ahead from each communication area was demonstrated in this embodiment, it is not restricted to this. For example, the second antenna 16 is installed in the vicinity of the start controller 17 and uses a range approximately 4 m ahead of the start controller 17 in the vehicle traveling direction and approximately 4 m behind the vehicle traveling direction as a communication area. In addition, when the antenna of the vehicle-mounted device 21 is installed so as to have directivity ahead in the traveling direction, the first antenna 15 and the second antenna 16 should be installed ahead of the respective traveling areas in the vehicle traveling direction. Therefore, malfunction can be avoided.

  In the present embodiment, the lane server 19 includes the operation unit 109 and the vehicle information and the link information are read through the second antenna 16 by the operation of the office worker. However, the present invention is not limited to this. 3, when the vehicle information reading unit 102 outputs the reading success / failure information indicating that the vehicle information and the link ID have failed to be received in the abnormality processing in step S10 shown in FIG. The reading of vehicle information and link information may be started via the two antennas 16.

  The lane server described above has a computer system inside. The operation of each processing unit described above is stored in a computer-readable recording medium in the form of a program, and the above processing is performed by the computer reading and executing this program. Here, the computer-readable recording medium means a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a semiconductor memory, or the like. Alternatively, the computer program may be distributed to the computer via a communication line, and the computer that has received the distribution may execute the program.

  The program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, what can implement | achieve the function mentioned above in combination with the program already recorded on the computer system, and what is called a difference file (difference program) may be sufficient.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Axle sensor 12 ... 1st vehicle detector 13 ... 2nd vehicle detector 14 ... 3rd vehicle detector 15 ... 1st antenna 16 ... 2nd antenna 17 ... Start controller 18 ... Roadside indicator 19 ... Lane server 20 ... Vehicle 21 ... Onboard equipment 101 ... Vehicle approach signal input unit 102 ... Vehicle information reading unit 103 ... Radio unit 104 ... Axle signal input unit 105 ... Vehicle type estimation unit 106 ... Vehicle type information writing unit 107 ... Display control unit 108 ... Start control unit 109 ... Operating unit

Claims (9)

A toll collection system that is installed in a paid facility for vehicles and collects the usage fee of the paid facility,
A first antenna that reads vehicle information that identifies a vehicle from an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle, with a predetermined range of an entrance of a passage for passage processing provided in the pay facility as a communication area;
A start controller installed in front of the first antenna in the vehicle traveling direction so that the passage can be freely opened and closed;
When a predetermined range in the vehicle traveling direction forward and vehicle traveling direction rear of the start controller is used as a communication area, the vehicle information is read from the vehicle-mounted device, and the first antenna or the own antenna successfully reads the vehicle information. A second antenna for writing predetermined information to the vehicle-mounted device;
A toll collection system characterized by comprising: An axle sensor that is installed behind the start controller in the vehicle traveling direction and detects the presence or absence of the passage of the axle as the vehicle travels;
A lane server that controls the first antenna, a start controller, and a second antenna;
The lane server is
A first vehicle information reading unit that reads vehicle information from an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle via the first antenna;
A second vehicle information reading unit that reads vehicle information from the vehicle-mounted device via the second antenna when the first vehicle information reading unit fails to read the vehicle information;
A start control unit that opens the start controller when the first vehicle information read unit or the second vehicle information read unit succeeds in reading the vehicle information;
A vehicle type estimation unit that estimates the vehicle type of the vehicle using the number of axles detected by the axle sensor;
When the first vehicle information reading unit or the second vehicle information reading unit succeeds in reading the vehicle information, the vehicle type estimated by the vehicle type estimation unit is indicated to the vehicle-mounted device via the second antenna. The toll collection system according to claim 1, further comprising: a vehicle type information writing unit that writes vehicle type information.   The toll collection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second antenna is installed in front of the vehicle traveling direction from a communication area of the second antenna.   The fee collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna perform communication using different frequencies. The first antenna and the second antenna are installed for each lane of the pay facility,
The first antenna performs communication at a frequency different from that of the first antenna in an adjacent lane,
The toll collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second antenna performs communication using a frequency different from that of the second antenna in an adjacent lane. The toll collection system according to claim 5, wherein, in a plurality of lanes, antennas using the first frequency and antennas using the second frequency are alternately installed.   6. The fee collection system according to claim 1, wherein a communication area of the second antenna is in a range of 4 m forward in the vehicle traveling direction and 4 m rearward in the vehicle traveling direction. A first antenna having a predetermined area at the entrance of a passage for passage processing provided in a toll facility for vehicles as a communication area, and the passage is installed in front of the first antenna in the vehicle traveling direction so as to be opened and closed. A start controller, a second antenna having a communication area in a predetermined range ahead and behind the vehicle in the vehicle advance direction of the start controller, and behind the start in the vehicle advance direction from the start controller, A toll collection system that includes an axle sensor that counts the presence or absence of passing axles, a lane server that controls the first antenna, the start controller, and the second antenna, and collects the usage fee of the toll facility. Toll collection method,
The first vehicle information reading unit of the lane server reads vehicle information from an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle via the first antenna,
The second vehicle information reading unit of the lane server reads vehicle information from the vehicle-mounted device via the second antenna when the first vehicle information reading unit fails to read the vehicle information,
The start control unit of the lane server opens the start controller when the first vehicle information reading unit or the second vehicle information reading unit succeeds in reading the vehicle information,
The vehicle type estimation unit of the lane server estimates the vehicle type of the vehicle using the number of axles detected by the axle sensor,
The vehicle type information writing unit of the lane server is connected to the vehicle-mounted device via the second antenna when the first vehicle information reading unit or the second vehicle information reading unit succeeds in reading the vehicle information. A toll collection method, wherein vehicle type information indicating the vehicle type estimated by the vehicle type estimation unit is written. A first antenna having a predetermined area at the entrance of a passage for passage processing provided in a toll facility for vehicles as a communication area, and the passage is installed in front of the first antenna in the vehicle traveling direction so as to be opened and closed. A start controller, a second antenna having a communication area in a predetermined range ahead and behind the vehicle in the vehicle advance direction of the start controller, and behind the start in the vehicle advance direction from the start controller, The lane of a toll collection system comprising an axle sensor for counting the presence or absence of a passing axle, a lane server for controlling the first antenna, a start controller, and a second antenna, and collecting a usage fee for the toll facility Server
A first vehicle information reading unit that reads vehicle information from an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle via the first antenna;
A second vehicle information reading unit that reads vehicle information from the vehicle-mounted device via the second antenna when the first vehicle information reading unit fails to read the vehicle information;
A start control unit that opens the start controller when the first vehicle information read unit or the second vehicle information read unit succeeds in reading the vehicle information;
A vehicle type estimation unit that estimates the vehicle type of the vehicle using the number of axles detected by the axle sensor;
When the first vehicle information reading unit or the second vehicle information reading unit succeeds in reading the vehicle information, the vehicle type estimated by the vehicle type estimation unit is indicated to the vehicle-mounted device via the second antenna. A program for functioning as a vehicle type information writing unit for writing vehicle type information.

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