JP2017187897A - Lane controller and method for controlling lane - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a continuous operation of an ETC system even if a foreign substance is attached to a first vehicle detector.SOLUTION: The lane controller according to an embodiment includes an antenna, a first vehicle detector, a second vehicle detector, and a controller. The controller starts emission of a radio wave from an antenna and enables a radio communication with a vehicle if the first vehicle detector detects an entrance of a vehicle into a communication range, and executes regular state processing of stopping the emission of the radio wave from the antenna if the second vehicle detector detects an exit of a vehicle out of the communication range. If the first vehicle detector detects an entrance of a vehicle into the communication range when the second vehicle detector detects an exit of a vehicle out of the communication range, the controller stops the regular state processing, and executes abnormal state processing of allowing a radio communication with a vehicle by emitting a radio wave from the antenna until the second vehicle detector detects an exit of a vehicle out of the communication range again.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a lane control device and a lane control method.

  In the ETC lane where an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) system is installed, two vehicles are detected along the traveling direction of the vehicle passing through the ETC lane within a communication range in which wireless communication with the vehicle is possible via the antenna. A vessel is installed. In the ETC system, wireless communication of the vehicle via the antenna is controlled based on the detection result of the vehicle by the two vehicle detectors.

JP2015-114712A JP 2006-209428 A

  By the way, of the two vehicle detectors installed in the ETC lane, the upstream vehicle detector in the traveling direction of the vehicle is installed near the entrance to the ETC lane, and the roof is not installed above it. Therefore, foreign matters such as snow and dust are likely to adhere. Foreign matter adhering to the vehicle detector is often removed naturally in a few minutes, but while the foreign matter is attached, the upstream vehicle detector cannot detect the vehicle that has entered the ETC lane. There is a case. In this case, since the ETC system cannot detect the vehicle by the upstream vehicle detector, it cannot start irradiation of radio waves from the antenna, and can perform wireless communication with the vehicle passing through the ETC lane. Can not.

  The lane control device of the embodiment includes an antenna, a first vehicle detector, a second vehicle detector, and a control unit. The first vehicle detector detects entry of a vehicle into a communication range in which radio communication is possible by radiating radio waves from an antenna. The second vehicle detector detects the exit of the vehicle from the communication range. When the first vehicle detector detects that the vehicle has entered the communication range, the control unit starts radio wave irradiation from the antenna to enable wireless communication with the vehicle and communicates with the second vehicle detector. When the exit of the vehicle from the range is detected, a normal state process for stopping the irradiation of radio waves from the antenna is executed, and when the exit of the vehicle from the communication range is detected by the second vehicle detector When the first vehicle detector detects the entry of the vehicle into the communication range, the normal state process is stopped, and the second vehicle detector detects the vehicle exit from the communication range again. Until then, the abnormal state processing is executed to enable radio communication with the vehicle by radiating radio waves from the antenna.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an ETC system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the roadside device of the ETC system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of wireless communication processing with the vehicle by the roadside device of the ETC system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing for starting wireless communication in the roadside device of the ETC system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing for stopping wireless communication by the roadside device of the ETC system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of monitoring processing of the first vehicle detector and the second vehicle detector during the abnormal state processing by the roadside device of the ETC system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a timing chart for explaining an example of an abnormal state process by the ETC system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a timing chart for explaining an example of an abnormal state process by the ETC system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a timing chart for explaining an example of an abnormal state process by the ETC system according to the present embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an ETC system to which a lane control device and a lane control method according to the present embodiment are applied will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an ETC system according to the present embodiment. The roadside device included in the ETC system according to the present embodiment is installed on the roadside of an ETC lane of a toll road such as an expressway, and performs wireless communication with the vehicle C passing through the ETC lane to charge for toll road traffic Send and receive fee information necessary for receipt. Specifically, the roadside device includes an antenna 101, a first vehicle detector S1, and a second vehicle detector S2, as shown in FIG. The antenna 101 is provided so as to be able to radiate radio waves toward a vehicle passing through the ETC lane. The first vehicle detector S1 is provided so as to be able to detect the entry of the vehicle C into the communication range A in which the vehicle C can be wirelessly communicated with via the antenna 101. The second vehicle detector S2 is provided so as to be able to detect the exit of the vehicle C from within the communication range A. Specifically, the second vehicle detector S2 detects a vehicle C passing through a position downstream of the position where the first vehicle detector S1 detects entry into the communication range A in the traveling direction of the vehicle C. By detecting, the exit of the vehicle C from within the communication range A is detected. Then, the roadside device radiates radio waves from the antenna 101 based on the detection results of the vehicle C by the first vehicle detector S1 and the second vehicle detector S2, and performs wireless communication with the vehicle C passing through the ETC lane. .

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the roadside device of the ETC system according to the present embodiment. A roadside device 200 (an example of a lane control device) included in the ETC system according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 201, an antenna 101, a first vehicle detector S1, and a second vehicle detector, as shown in FIG. S2 and other devices (for example, display devices). The control unit 201 executes normal state processing or abnormal state processing based on the detection result of the vehicle C by the first vehicle detector S1 and the second vehicle detector S2. Specifically, in the normal state process, the vehicle entering the communication range A from the state where the first vehicle detector S1 does not detect the entry of the vehicle C into the communication range A (hereinafter referred to as entry off). When entry of C is detected (hereinafter referred to as entry on), radio wave irradiation from the antenna 101 is started to enable wireless communication with the vehicle C. In the normal state process, the exit of the vehicle C from the communication range A from the state in which the second vehicle detector S2 does not detect the exit of the vehicle C from the communication range A (hereinafter referred to as “exit off”). Is detected (hereinafter referred to as “exit on”), the irradiation of radio waves from the antenna 101 is stopped.

  Further, in the abnormal state process, when the second vehicle detector S2 is turned off, the normal state process is stopped when the first vehicle detector S1 remains on. The abnormal state process is a process that enables radio communication with the vehicle C by irradiating the radio wave from the antenna 101 until the second vehicle detector S2 is turned on again. Thereby, even if a foreign object adheres to the first vehicle detector S1 and the first vehicle detector S1 remains in the on state, wireless communication can be performed with the vehicle C that has entered the communication range A. Even if foreign matter adheres to the first vehicle detector S1, the operation of the ETC system can be continued. Thereafter, when the first vehicle detector S1 is turned off while the abnormal state process is being executed (that is, when a foreign object is removed from the first vehicle detector S1), the control unit 201 performs an abnormality. Cancels the status process and executes the normal status process.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 201 includes a determination unit 201a and a communication control unit 201b. The determination unit 201a is based on the detection result of the entry of the vehicle C into the communication range A by the first vehicle detector S1 and the detection result of the exit of the vehicle C from the communication range A by the second vehicle detector S2. It is determined whether or not to perform wireless communication with the vehicle C. The communication control unit 201b performs wireless communication with the vehicle C (in this embodiment, the vehicle-mounted device mounted on the vehicle C) via the antenna 101 according to the determination result of whether to perform wireless communication with the vehicle C. . In addition, the communication control unit 201 b transmits and receives various information such as the result of wireless communication with the vehicle C that has passed through the communication range A to and from the host device 203.

  Next, wireless communication processing with the vehicle C by the roadside device 200 of the ETC system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of wireless communication processing with the vehicle by the roadside device of the ETC system according to the present embodiment.

  First, the control unit 201 executes normal state processing. Specifically, the determination unit 201a determines whether or not the first vehicle detector S1 is turned on from the approach off (step S301). When the first vehicle detector S1 is not turned on from entering off (step S301: No), the determining unit 201a does not start radiating radio waves from the antenna 101, and the vehicle C enters the communication range A. Wait for the approach.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the first vehicle detector S1 is turned on from the approach-off (step S301: Yes), the communication control unit 201b starts radiating radio waves from the antenna 101, and communicates with the vehicle C. Wireless communication is started (step S302). Details of the operation in step S302 will be described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the determination unit 201a determines whether or not the second vehicle detector S2 is turned on (step S303). When the second vehicle detector S2 remains off (step S303: No), the communication control unit 201b continues to radiate radio waves from the antenna 101.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the second vehicle detector S2 is turned off from the exit-off state (step S303: Yes), the communication control unit 201b transmits the radio wave from the antenna 101 until the wireless communication with the vehicle C is completed. Continue irradiation. When wireless communication with the vehicle C has been completed, the communication control unit 201b determines that the vehicle C that has passed the communication range A is an ETC vehicle that can handle ETC. On the other hand, when the communication with the vehicle C becomes abnormal when the second vehicle detector S2 is turned on, the communication control unit 201b stops radiating radio waves from the antenna 101 (step S304). . Here, the cause of the communication abnormality is a case where the vehicle C that has passed through the communication range A is a non-ETC vehicle that is not an ETC vehicle or a communication abnormality due to some reason. Details of the operation in step S304 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Thereafter, the determination unit 201a determines whether or not the second vehicle detector S2 is turned off (step S305). When it is determined that the second vehicle detector S2 is not turned off (step S305: No), the communication control unit 201b waits for the second vehicle detector S2 to be turned off.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the second vehicle detector S2 is turned off (step S305: Yes), the determination unit 201a determines whether or not the first vehicle detector S1 is on (step S306). . When it is determined that the first vehicle detector S1 is on (step S306: Yes), the determination unit 201a may have a foreign object attached to the first vehicle detector S1, and thus within the communication range A. It is determined that the vehicle C cannot be detected. Specifically, when the second vehicle detector S2 is exiting off, the vehicle C is considered to have passed the communication range A. Therefore, when the second vehicle detector S2 is turned off, the first vehicle detector S1 is turned on unless the following vehicle has already entered the communication range A. Does not occur.

  If it is determined that the vehicle C cannot be detected within the communication range A because the foreign object may be attached to the first vehicle detector S1, the communication control unit 201b returns to step S302, Execute abnormal condition processing. Specifically, the communication control unit 201b starts irradiation of radio waves from the antenna 101 again regardless of the detection result of the vehicle C entering the communication range A by the first vehicle detector S1, and the vehicle It is assumed that wireless communication with C is possible. As a result, even if foreign matter adheres to the first vehicle detector S1 and the first vehicle detector S1 does not switch from entering off to entering on, wireless communication with the vehicle C can be performed. Even if a foreign object adheres to 1 vehicle detector S1, the operation of the ETC system can be continued.

  When the first vehicle detector S1 remains on (step S306: Yes), the determination unit 201a determines that a foreign object remains attached to the first vehicle detector S1, and returns to step S302 again. Return to continue abnormal state processing.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the first vehicle detector S1 is turned off (step S306: No), the determination unit 201a determines that the foreign object has been removed from the first vehicle detector S1, and an abnormal state process is performed. Is canceled and the process returns to step S301 to execute the normal state process.

  Next, details of a process (step S302 in FIG. 3) for starting wireless communication with the vehicle C by the roadside apparatus 200 of the ETC system according to the present embodiment will be described using FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing for starting wireless communication in the roadside device of the ETC system according to the present embodiment.

  When the first vehicle detector S1 is turned on from the entry off (step S301: Yes) or when the second vehicle detector S2 is turned off, it is determined that the first vehicle detector S1 is on. If it is determined (step S306: Yes), the communication control unit 201b determines whether or not the irradiation of radio waves from the antenna 101 has been started (step S401). When the irradiation of the radio wave from the antenna 101 has been started (step S401: Yes), the communication control unit 201b continues the irradiation of the radio wave as it is. On the other hand, when radio wave irradiation from the antenna 101 is not performed (step S401: No), the communication control unit 201b starts radio wave irradiation from the antenna 101 (step S402).

  Next, details of a process (step S304 in FIG. 3) for ending the wireless communication with the vehicle C by the roadside apparatus 200 of the ETC system according to the present embodiment will be described using FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing for stopping wireless communication by the roadside device of the ETC system according to the present embodiment.

  When the second vehicle detector S2 is turned on (step S303: Yes), the communication control unit 201b determines whether wireless communication with the vehicle C has been started (step S501). If it is determined that the wireless communication with the vehicle C has not been started (step S501: No), the communication control unit 201b stops radiating radio waves from the antenna 101 (step S502). On the other hand, if it is determined that wireless communication with the vehicle C has been started (step S501: Yes), the communication control unit 201b has completed transmission and reception of fee information with the vehicle C and has completed wireless communication. It is determined whether or not (step S503). When it is determined that the wireless communication is completed (step S503: Yes), the communication control unit 201b stops radiating radio waves from the antenna 101 (step S502). On the other hand, when it is determined that wireless communication has not been completed (step S503: No), the communication control unit 201b starts a communication timer (not shown) (step S504). Then, when the time counted by the communication timer reaches a preset time and the time is up (step S505: Yes), the communication control unit 201b stops the irradiation of radio waves from the antenna 101 (step S502). ).

  Next, the monitoring process of the first vehicle detector S1 and the second vehicle detector S2 during the abnormal state process by the roadside device 200 of the ETC system according to the present embodiment will be described using FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of monitoring processing of the first vehicle detector and the second vehicle detector during the abnormal state processing by the roadside device of the ETC system according to the present embodiment.

  While executing the abnormal state process, the determination unit 201a detects the detection result of the vehicle C entering the communication range A by the first vehicle detector S1 and the communication range by the second vehicle detector S2 every predetermined period. A monitoring process for monitoring the detection result of the exit of the vehicle C from A is executed. Specifically, the determination unit 201a determines whether or not the first vehicle detector S1 is turned off (step S601). When it is determined that the first vehicle detector S1 is not turned off (step S601: No), there is a high possibility that foreign matter has not been removed from the first vehicle detector S1, so the communication control unit 201b is abnormal. The state process is continued (step S602). On the other hand, if it is determined that the first vehicle detector S1 is turned off (step S601: Yes), the determination unit 201a determines whether the second vehicle detector S2 is turned off (step). S603). If it is determined that the second vehicle detector S2 is leaving (step S603: No), the vehicle C may not pass through the ETC lane, and wireless communication with the vehicle C may not be completed. The communication control unit 201b returns to step S601 and continues the abnormal state process. On the other hand, when it is determined that the second vehicle detector S2 is exiting off (step S603: Yes), the communication control unit 201b removes the foreign matter attached to the first vehicle detector S1, and the vehicle C is within the communication range. Is determined not to pass, and the abnormal state process is terminated (step S604).

  Next, the abnormal state process by the ETC system according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9 are timing charts for explaining an example of abnormal state processing by the ETC system according to the present embodiment.

  The control part 201 performs a normal state process, when the foreign material has not adhered to 1st vehicle detector S1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 201 starts radiating radio waves from the antenna 101 when the first vehicle detector S1 is switched from approach-off to approach-on at time A, as shown in FIG. The wireless communication with the preceding vehicle C is possible. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7, when the second vehicle detector S2 is turned on at time B, the control unit 201 stops radiating radio waves from the antenna 101 based on the flowchart of FIG. .

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, when the first vehicle detector S1 is switched from entry off to entry on at time D, the control unit 201 starts radiating radio waves from the antenna 101 again at time D. It is assumed that wireless communication with the following vehicle C is possible. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7, when the second vehicle detector S <b> 2 is turned on at time E, the control unit 201 stops radiating radio waves from the antenna 101.

  By the way, in the conventional ETC system, as shown in FIG. 8, when a foreign object adheres to the first vehicle detector S1 and the first vehicle detector S1 remains on, at time D, Even if the following vehicle C enters the communication range A, the first vehicle detector S1 does not switch from the entry off to the entry on. Therefore, in the conventional ETC system, if a foreign object adheres to the first vehicle detector S1, wireless communication with the vehicle C cannot be performed, and the operation of the ETC system cannot be continued.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, when the second vehicle detector S2 is turned off at time C, the control unit 201 causes the first vehicle detector S1 to adhere to the foreign object when the second vehicle detector S2 is turned off. When the approach is on, the irradiation of radio waves from the antenna 101 is started to enable wireless communication with the following vehicle C. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, when the following vehicle C enters the communication range A at time D, the control unit 201 does not have to switch the first vehicle detector S1 from the entry off to the entry on. Can perform wireless communication with the following vehicle C. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9, when the second vehicle detector S <b> 2 is turned on at time E, the control unit 201 stops radiating radio waves from the antenna 101.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 9, when the second vehicle detector S2 is turned off at time F, the control unit 201 does not remove the foreign matter and the first vehicle detector S1 remains on. In some cases, irradiation of radio waves from the antenna 101 is started again so that wireless communication with the next succeeding vehicle C is possible. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9, when the first vehicle detector S1 is turned off at time H, the controller 201 determines that the foreign object has been removed from the first vehicle detector S1, and the control unit 201 The irradiation of radio waves from is stopped, and normal state processing is executed.

  Thus, according to the roadside apparatus 200 concerning this embodiment, even if a foreign material adheres to 1st vehicle detector S1, operation | use of an ETC system can be continued.

  In the roadside apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment, the vehicle C retreats and reenters the communication range A due to forgetting to insert the ETC card into the vehicle-mounted device, and the second vehicle detector S2 is not turned off. When the first vehicle detector S1 enters from on to off, the control unit 201 starts radiating radio waves from the antenna 101 and performs wireless communication with the same vehicle C again.

  Therefore, the control unit 201 (an example of a setting unit) performs a radio wave irradiation priority mode in which priority is given to wireless communication with the vehicle C entering the communication range A in the forward direction or in reverse according to an operation of an operation unit (not shown). Thus, a reverse vehicle detection priority mode that prioritizes wireless communication with the vehicle C entering the communication range A may be settable. Then, when the radio wave irradiation priority mode is set, the control unit 201 executes normal state processing or abnormal state processing when the first vehicle detector S1 is on. On the other hand, when the reverse vehicle detection priority mode is set, the control unit 201 radiates radio waves when the second vehicle detector S2 is not turned off and the first vehicle detector S1 is turned on again. Prohibit starting. As a result, it is possible to prevent wireless communication with the vehicle C entering the communication range A by retreating again.

  Note that the program executed by the roadside apparatus 200 of the present embodiment is provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM (Read Only Memory) or the like. The program executed by the roadside apparatus 200 of the present embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format, and is a computer such as a CD-ROM, floppy disk (registered trademark), CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). The information may be provided by being recorded on a recording medium that can be read by the user.

  Furthermore, the program executed by the roadside apparatus 200 of the present embodiment may be configured to be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. Further, the program executed by the roadside device 200 of the present embodiment may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The program executed by the roadside apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment has a module configuration including the above-described units (determination unit 201a, communication control unit 201b), and CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the actual hardware. By reading the program from the ROM and executing it, the above-described units are loaded onto the main storage device, and the determination unit 201a and the communication control unit 201b are generated on the main storage device.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. This embodiment is included in the scope and gist of the invention, and is also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Reference Signs List 101 antenna 200 roadside device 201 control unit 201a determination unit 201b communication control unit A communication range C vehicle S1 first vehicle detector S2 second vehicle detector

Claims (6)

An antenna,
A first vehicle detector that detects an approach of a vehicle into a communication range capable of wireless communication by emitting radio waves from the antenna;
A second vehicle detector for detecting exit of the vehicle from the communication range;
When the first vehicle detector detects the entry of the vehicle into the communication range, it starts radio wave irradiation from the antenna to enable wireless communication with the vehicle, and the second vehicle detector When a vehicle exit from the communication range is detected, a normal state process is performed to stop the irradiation of radio waves from the antenna, and the vehicle exit from the communication range is detected by the second vehicle detector. If the first vehicle detector remains detected by the first vehicle detector when it is no longer being stopped, the normal state processing is stopped, and the second vehicle detector again A control unit that executes an abnormal state process that enables radio communication with the vehicle by radiating radio waves from the antenna until the vehicle exit from the communication range is detected;
Lane control device with   The control unit stops the abnormal state process when the first vehicle detector does not detect the entry of the vehicle into the communication range while the abnormal state process is being performed. The lane control device according to claim 1, wherein the lane control device executes normal state processing. A setting unit for setting a reverse vehicle detection priority mode that prioritizes wireless communication with a vehicle entering the communication range by reversing;
When the reverse vehicle detection priority mode is set, the control unit detects again that the vehicle has left the communication range by the second vehicle detector, and the first vehicle detector again detects the vehicle exit. The lane control device according to claim 1, wherein, when an approach of a vehicle into a communication range is detected, irradiation of radio waves is prohibited. When the first vehicle detector detects that the vehicle has entered a communication range in which radio communication can be performed by radiating radio waves from the antenna, radio wave communication from the antenna is started to enable wireless communication with the vehicle. When the second vehicle detector detects that the vehicle has left the communication range, the normal state process for stopping the irradiation of radio waves from the antenna is performed.
When the second vehicle detector detects the exit of the vehicle from within the communication range, the normal state process is performed when the first vehicle detector detects the exit of the vehicle from within the communication range. The abnormal state process is executed to radiate radio waves from the antenna and enable wireless communication with the vehicle until the second vehicle detector detects that the vehicle has left the communication range again. ,
Lane control method including the above.   If the first vehicle detector no longer detects the vehicle entering the communication range while the abnormal state process is being executed, the abnormal state process is stopped and the normal state process is executed. The lane control method according to claim 4, further comprising: Set a reverse vehicle detection priority mode that prioritizes wireless communication with a vehicle entering the communication range by reversing,
When the reverse vehicle detection priority mode is set, the second vehicle detector does not detect the exit of the vehicle from within the communication range, and the first vehicle detector returns to the communication range again. When a vehicle approach is detected, radio wave irradiation is prohibited.
The lane control method according to claim 4, further comprising:

Images