JP2022020970A - Toll management system, toll management device, program, and toll management method - Google Patents

Abstract

To enable complex toll calculations with minimal increase in cost.SOLUTION: A toll management system includes an entrance control device and a server device according to an embodiment. The entrance control device includes a detection unit and an entrance communication unit. The detection unit detects that a vehicle has entered through an entrance of a toll road. The entrance communication unit transmits an entry time at which the vehicle entered through the entrance to the server device. The server device includes a server communication unit and a processing unit. The server communication unit receives the entry time. The processing unit determines a time prior to an expected time of arrival as a toll calculation time for determining an amount of a toll for the toll road when the vehicle enters from the entrance and exits from a first exit. The expected time of arrival is a time obtained by adding to the entry time the expected time taken by the vehicle to exit from the first exit of the toll road after entering from the entrance. The processing unit obtains the amount of the toll when the toll calculation time is reached.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a charge management system, a charge management device, a program, and a charge management method.

The toll system on toll roads such as expressways refers to the information necessary for toll calculation, such as which entrance to enter and which exit to exit, when a toll calculation request is made by the exit tollhouse. Ask for the amount. However, in such a toll system, it is necessary to calculate the toll in a short time when the vehicle passes through the exit tollhouse, so even if it is possible to perform a simple calculation, it is difficult to perform a complicated discount calculation or the like. ..

In addition, a toll system that detects a vehicle by a communication device such as a free flow antenna or an ITS (intelligent transportation system) spot placed on the main line of a toll road and calculates the toll at the tollhouse ahead of the communication device in advance. There is. However, in such a charge system, a large number of communication devices must be arranged on the main line in order to calculate the charge in advance, which increases the construction cost and the operation cost. It is possible to reduce the number of communication devices on the main line, but the number of tollhouses subject to charge calculation will increase. This increase will result in increased application queries, processing load and network traffic. Therefore, the required specifications of the server and the network become high, and the construction cost and the operation cost become high.

Japanese Patent No. 6339031

An object to be solved by an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a charge management system, a charge management device, a program, and a charge management method that can suppress an increase in cost and enable complicated charge calculation.

The entrance control device and the server device of the embodiment are included. The entrance control device includes a detection unit and an entrance communication unit. The detection unit detects that the vehicle has entered from the entrance of the toll road. The entrance communication unit transmits the entrance time when the vehicle enters from the entrance to the server device. The server device includes a server communication unit and a processing unit. The server communication unit receives the entrance time. The processing unit determines the time before the expected arrival time as the toll calculation time for obtaining the amount of the toll toll on the toll road when the vehicle enters from the entrance and exits from the first exit. The estimated arrival time is the time obtained by adding the estimated time required from the entry of the vehicle from the entrance to the exit from the first exit of the toll road to the entrance time. The processing unit obtains the amount of money when the charge calculation time is reached.

The figure which shows the outline of the charge management system which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a main circuit configuration of a central device in FIG. 1 and a road management device in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a main part of an inlet control device in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a main part of an exit control device in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a main part of a passage detection device in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a main part of an in-vehicle device in FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of the processing by the processor of the central apparatus in FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of the processing by the processor of the central apparatus in FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of the processing by a processor in FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of the processing by a processor in FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of the processing by a processor in FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of the processing by a processor in FIG. The figure which shows the structural data as a directed graph. The figure which shows the example of the fastest IC pair data. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a timing table stored in the auxiliary storage device of the central device in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a schedule table stored in the auxiliary storage device of the central device in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a schedule table stored in the auxiliary storage device of the central device in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a charge table stored in the auxiliary storage device of the central device in FIG. 2.

Hereinafter, the charge management system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each drawing used for the explanation of the following embodiment, the scale of each part may be changed as appropriate. In addition, the drawings used in the following embodiments may be omitted for the sake of explanation. Further, in each drawing and in the present specification, the same reference numerals indicate similar elements.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a charge management system 1 according to an embodiment.
The toll management system 1 manages tolls on the toll road R. The toll road R is a road that requires a toll for passage such as an expressway. Each interchange on the toll road R is assigned a unique number for each interchange. Such a number shall be referred to as an interchange number. The interchange on the toll road R includes the entrance, exit and junction of the toll road R. Further, the interchange is typically a grade separation, but may be a level crossing. FIG. 1 shows IC0 to IC5 as interchange numbers for entrances and exits, and JCT1 to JCT3 as interchange numbers for junctions. The entrance tollhouse and the exit tollhouse in the same place may have the same interchange number or different interchange numbers. As an example, the toll management system 1 includes a central device 100, a road management device 200, an entrance control device 300, an exit control device 400, a passage detection device 500, and an in-vehicle device 600.

The central device 100, the entrance control device 300, the exit control device 400, and the passage detection device 500 are connected to the network NW. The network NW is, for example, a communication network including the Internet. The network NW is, for example, a communication network including a WAN. The network NW may be a communication network including a private network. The network NW may be a communication network including a LAN. Further, the network NW may be a wireless line or a wired line, and a wireless line and a wired line may be mixed. The road management device 200 may also be connected to the network NW.

The central device 100 is a server device that plays a central role in controlling and managing the entire toll road R.
The road management device 200 stores and manages information regarding the structure of the toll road R and the like.

The entrance tollhouse on the toll road R is provided with an entrance control device 300. FIG. 1 shows one entrance tollhouse (IC0) and one entrance control device 300. However, there are typically multiple entrance tollhouses. Further, one entrance tollhouse may be provided with a plurality of entrance control devices 300. The entrance control device 300 controls each device at the entrance tollhouse.

The exit tollhouse on the toll road R is equipped with an exit control device 400. FIG. 1 shows a plurality of exit tollhouses (IC1 to IC5) and exit control devices 400 (exit control devices 400-1 to exit control devices 400-5) installed in each of the exit tollhouses. The number of exit tollhouses shown in FIG. 1 is 5, but the number of exit tollhouses is not limited. Further, one exit tollhouse may be equipped with a plurality of exit control devices 400. The exit control device 400 controls each device at the exit tollhouse.

The passage detection device 500 is installed at a predetermined passage detection position such as the main line of the toll road R. The passage detection device 500 detects a vehicle that has passed a predetermined passage detection position on the toll road R. The passage detection position is not an interchange, but an interchange number is assigned for convenience. However, the passage detection position may be within the interchange. Note that FIG. 1 shows one passage detection position having the interchange number D1 and one passage detection device 500 corresponding to the passage detection position. However, the toll road R may have a plurality of passage detection positions. The toll road R is provided with a passage detection device 500 at each passage detection position.

The vehicle traveling on the toll road R includes an in-vehicle device 600. The in-vehicle device 600 is a device for using the ETC system.

The circuit configuration of the main part of each device in the charge management system 1 will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a main circuit configuration of the central device 100 and the road management device 200.
The central device 100 includes, for example, a processor 110, a ROM (read-only memory) 120, a RAM (random-access memory) 130, an auxiliary storage device 140, and a communication interface 150. Then, a bus 160 or the like connects each of these parts. The central device 100 is an example of a server device. Further, the central device 100 is an example of a charge management device.

The processor 110 corresponds to a central part of a computer that performs processing such as arithmetic and control necessary for the operation of the central device 100. The processor 110 controls each unit to realize various functions of the central device 100 based on a program such as firmware, system software, and application software stored in the ROM 120 or the auxiliary storage device 140. Further, the processor 110 executes a process described later based on the program. A part or all of the program may be incorporated in the circuit of the processor 110. The processor 110 is, for example, a CPU (central processing unit), an MPU (micro processing unit), a SOC (system on a chip), a DSP (digital signal processor), a GPU (graphics processing unit), an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), and the like. PLD (programmable logic device) or FPGA (field-programmable gate array). Alternatively, the processor 110 is a combination of a plurality of these. The processor 110 or a computer centered on the processor 110 is an example of a processing unit.

The ROM 120 corresponds to the main storage device of a computer centered on the processor 110. The ROM 120 is a non-volatile memory used exclusively for reading data. The ROM 120 stores, for example, firmware among the above programs. The ROM 120 also stores data and the like used by the processor 110 to perform various processes.

The RAM 130 corresponds to the main storage device of a computer centered on the processor 110. The RAM 130 is a memory used for reading and writing data. The RAM 130 is used as a work area for storing data temporarily used by the processor 110 for performing various processes. The RAM 130 is typically a volatile memory.

The auxiliary storage device 140 corresponds to an auxiliary storage device of a computer centered on the processor 110. The auxiliary storage device 140 is, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disk drive), a flash memory, or the like. The auxiliary storage device 140 stores, for example, system software and application software among the above programs. Further, the auxiliary storage device 140 stores data used by the processor 110 for performing various processes, data generated by the processes of the processor 110, various set values, and the like.

The auxiliary storage device 140 also stores the timing table 141, the schedule table 142, the charge table 143, and the pre-distribution table 144. Each table will be described later.

The communication interface 150 is an interface for the central device 100 to communicate via a network NW or the like. Further, the communication interface 150 is an interface for the central device 100 to communicate with the road management device 200. The communication interface 150 is an example of the server communication unit.

The bus 160 includes a control bus, an address bus, a data bus, and the like, and transmits signals transmitted and received by each part of the central device 100.

The road management device 200 includes, for example, a processor 210, a ROM 220, a RAM 230, an auxiliary storage device 240, and a communication interface 250. Then, a bus 260 or the like connects each of these parts.

The processor 210 corresponds to a central part of a computer that performs processing such as calculation and control necessary for the operation of the road management device 200. The processor 210 controls each part to realize various functions of the road management device 200 based on a program such as firmware, system software, and application software stored in the ROM 220 or the auxiliary storage device 240. Further, the processor 210 executes a process described later based on the program. A part or all of the program may be incorporated in the circuit of the processor 210. The processor 210 is, for example, a CPU, MPU, SoC, DSP, GPU, ASIC, PLD, FPGA, or the like. Alternatively, the processor 210 is a combination of a plurality of these.

The ROM 220 corresponds to the main storage device of a computer centered on the processor 210. The ROM 220 is a non-volatile memory used exclusively for reading data. The ROM 220 stores, for example, firmware among the above programs. The ROM 220 also stores data and the like used by the processor 210 to perform various processes.

The RAM 230 corresponds to the main storage device of a computer centered on the processor 210. The RAM 230 is a memory used for reading and writing data. The RAM 230 is used as a work area for storing data temporarily used by the processor 210 for performing various processes. The RAM 230 is typically a volatile memory.

The auxiliary storage device 240 corresponds to an auxiliary storage device of a computer centered on the processor 210. The auxiliary storage device 240 is, for example, an EEPROM, an HDD, a flash memory, or the like. The auxiliary storage device 240 stores, for example, system software and application software among the above programs. Further, the auxiliary storage device 240 stores data used by the processor 210 for performing various processes, data generated by the processes of the processor 210, various set values, and the like.

The communication interface 250 is an interface for the road management device 200 to communicate with the central device 100 and the like.

The bus 260 includes a control bus, an address bus, a data bus, and the like, and transmits signals transmitted and received by each part of the road management device 200.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a main circuit configuration of the inlet control device 300.
The inlet control device 300 includes, for example, a processor 310, a ROM 320, a RAM 330, an auxiliary storage device 340, a communication interface 350, an ETC (electronic toll collection) interface 360, and a control interface 370. Then, a bus 380 or the like connects each of these parts.

The processor 310 corresponds to a central part of a computer that performs processing such as calculation and control necessary for the operation of the entrance control device 300. The processor 310 controls each part to realize various functions of the inlet control device 300 based on a program such as firmware, system software, and application software stored in the ROM 320 or the auxiliary storage device 340. Further, the processor 310 executes a process described later based on the program. A part or all of the program may be incorporated in the circuit of the processor 310. The processor 310 is, for example, a CPU, MPU, SoC, DSP, GPU, ASIC, PLD, FPGA, or the like. Alternatively, the processor 310 is a combination of a plurality of these.

The ROM 320 corresponds to the main storage device of a computer centered on the processor 310. The ROM 320 is a non-volatile memory used exclusively for reading data. The ROM 320 stores, for example, firmware among the above programs. The ROM 320 also stores data and the like used by the processor 310 to perform various processes.

The RAM 330 corresponds to the main storage device of a computer centered on the processor 310. The RAM 330 is a memory used for reading and writing data. The RAM 330 is used as a work area for storing data temporarily used by the processor 310 for performing various processes. The RAM 330 is typically a volatile memory.

The auxiliary storage device 340 corresponds to an auxiliary storage device of a computer centered on the processor 310. The auxiliary storage device 340 is, for example, an EEPROM, an HDD, a flash memory, or the like. The auxiliary storage device 340 stores, for example, system software and application software among the above programs. Further, the auxiliary storage device 340 stores data used by the processor 310 for performing various processes, data generated by the processes of the processor 310, various set values, and the like.

Further, the auxiliary storage device 340 stores the interchange number of the entrance tollhouse where the entrance control device 300 is installed. The interchange number is hereinafter referred to as "installation number".

The communication interface 350 is an interface for the entrance control device 300 to communicate via a network NW or the like. The communication interface 350 is an example of an entrance communication unit.

The ETC interface 360 is an interface for the inlet control device 300 to communicate with the antenna device 361. The inlet control device 300 controls the antenna device 361 via the ETC interface 360.

The antenna device 361 is a device for communicating with the in-vehicle device 600. The antenna device 361 includes an antenna and a device for controlling the antenna. The entrance control device 300 communicates with the in-vehicle device 600 via the antenna device 361.

The control interface 370 is an interface for the entrance control device 300 to communicate with each device at the entrance tollhouse. The entrance control device 300 controls the vehicle detection device 371, the vehicle type determination device 372, the display device 373, the start control device 374, and the like via the control interface 370.

The vehicle detection device 371 is a device that detects a vehicle that has entered the lane in the entrance toll station. The vehicle detection device 371 that has detected the vehicle outputs the vehicle detection signal to the control interface 370.

The vehicle type determination device 372 is a device that determines the vehicle type of the vehicle passing through the entrance tollhouse. The vehicle type discrimination device 372 outputs vehicle type information indicating the vehicle type discrimination result to the control interface 370.

The display device 373 notifies the driver of the vehicle in the entrance toll office and the like by displaying various information. The display device 373 displays, for example, driving guidance such as driving, stopping, or starting. Further, the display device 373 displays, for example, guidance regarding tolls and the like.

The start control device 374 controls the opening and closing of the start control bar based on the start control information output from the control interface 370. The start control bar closes the lane of the entrance tollhouse in the closed state and prevents the vehicle from passing through the lane of the entrance tollhouse. The start control bar also indicates that the vehicle is allowed to pass through the lane of the entrance tollhouse in the open state.

The bus 380 includes a control bus, an address bus, a data bus, and the like, and transmits signals transmitted and received by each unit of the entrance control device 300.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a main circuit configuration of the exit control device 400.
The exit control device 400 includes, for example, a processor 410, a ROM 420, a RAM 430, an auxiliary storage device 440, a communication interface 450, an ETC interface 460, and a control interface 470. Then, a bus 480 or the like connects each of these parts.

The processor 410 corresponds to a central part of a computer that performs processing such as calculation and control necessary for the operation of the exit control device 400. The processor 410 controls each part to realize various functions of the exit control device 400 based on a program such as firmware, system software, and application software stored in the ROM 420 or the auxiliary storage device 440 or the like. Further, the processor 410 executes a process described later based on the program. A part or all of the program may be incorporated in the circuit of the processor 410. The processor 410 is, for example, a CPU, MPU, SoC, DSP, GPU, ASIC, PLD, FPGA, or the like. Alternatively, the processor 410 is a combination of a plurality of these.

The ROM 420 corresponds to the main storage device of a computer centered on the processor 410. The ROM 420 is a non-volatile memory used exclusively for reading data. The ROM 420 stores, for example, firmware among the above programs. The ROM 420 also stores data and the like used by the processor 410 to perform various processes.

The RAM 430 corresponds to the main storage device of a computer centered on the processor 410. The RAM 430 is a memory used for reading and writing data. The RAM 430 is used as a work area for storing data temporarily used by the processor 410 for performing various processes. The RAM 430 is typically a volatile memory.

The auxiliary storage device 440 corresponds to an auxiliary storage device of a computer centered on the processor 410. The auxiliary storage device 440 is, for example, an EEPROM, an HDD, a flash memory, or the like. The auxiliary storage device 440 stores, for example, system software and application software among the above programs. Further, the auxiliary storage device 440 stores data used by the processor 410 for performing various processes, data generated by the processes of the processor 410, various set values, and the like.

Further, the auxiliary storage device 440 stores the interchange number of the exit tollhouse where the exit control device 400 is installed. The interchange number is hereinafter referred to as "installation number".
Further, the auxiliary storage device 440 stores the exit charge table 441. The exit charge table 441 will be described later.
The auxiliary storage device 440 is an example of a storage unit.

The communication interface 450 is an interface for the exit control device 400 to communicate via a network NW or the like. The communication interface 450 is an example of an exit communication unit.

The ETC interface 460 is an interface for the exit control device 400 to communicate with the antenna device 461. The exit control device 400 controls the antenna device 461 via the ETC interface 460.

The antenna device 461 is a device for communicating with the in-vehicle device 600. The antenna device 461 includes an antenna and a device for controlling the antenna. The exit control device 400 communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 600 via the antenna device 461.

The control interface 470 is an interface for the exit control device 400 to communicate with each device at the exit tollhouse. The exit control device 400 controls the vehicle detection device 471, the display device 472, the start control device 473, and the like via the control interface 470.

The vehicle detection device 471 is a device that detects a vehicle that has entered the lane in the exit toll station. The vehicle detection device 471 that has detected the vehicle outputs the vehicle detection signal to the control interface 470.

The display device 472 notifies the driver of the vehicle in the exit toll office and the like by displaying various information. The display device 472 displays, for example, driving guidance such as driving, stopping, or starting. Further, the display device 472 displays, for example, guidance regarding tolls and the like.

The start control device 473 controls the opening and closing of the start control bar based on the start control information output from the control interface 470. The start control bar closes the exit tollhouse lane in the closed state and prevents the vehicle from passing through the exit tollhouse lane. The start control bar also indicates that the vehicle is allowed to pass through the lane of the exit tollhouse in the open state.

The bus 480 includes a control bus, an address bus, a data bus, and the like, and transmits signals transmitted and received by each part of the exit control device 400.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a main part of the passage detection device 500.
The passage detection device 500 includes, for example, a processor 510, a ROM 520, a RAM 530, an auxiliary storage device 540, a communication interface 550, and a control interface 560. Then, a bus 570 or the like connects each of these parts.

The processor 510 corresponds to a central part of a computer that performs processing such as calculation and control necessary for the operation of the passage detection device 500. The processor 510 controls each unit to realize various functions of the passage detection device 500 based on a program such as firmware, system software, and application software stored in the ROM 520 or the auxiliary storage device 540. Further, the processor 510 executes a process described later based on the program. A part or all of the program may be incorporated in the circuit of the processor 510. The processor 510 is, for example, a CPU, MPU, SoC, DSP, GPU, ASIC, PLD, FPGA, or the like. Alternatively, the processor 510 is a combination of a plurality of these.

The ROM 520 corresponds to the main storage device of a computer centered on the processor 510. The ROM 520 is a non-volatile memory used exclusively for reading data. The ROM 520 stores, for example, firmware among the above programs. The ROM 520 also stores data and the like used by the processor 510 to perform various processes.

The RAM 530 corresponds to the main storage device of a computer centered on the processor 510. The RAM 530 is a memory used for reading and writing data. The RAM 530 is used as a work area for storing data temporarily used by the processor 510 for performing various processes. The RAM 530 is typically a volatile memory.

The auxiliary storage device 540 corresponds to an auxiliary storage device of a computer centered on the processor 510. The auxiliary storage device 540 is, for example, an EEPROM, an HDD, a flash memory, or the like. The auxiliary storage device 540 stores, for example, system software and application software among the above programs. Further, the auxiliary storage device 540 stores data used by the processor 510 for performing various processes, data generated by the processes of the processor 510, various set values, and the like.

Further, the auxiliary storage device 540 stores the interchange number of the passage detection position where the passage detection device 500 is installed. The interchange number is hereinafter referred to as "installation number".

The communication interface 550 is an interface for the passage detection device 500 to communicate via the network NW or the like.

The control interface 560 is an interface for the passage detection device 500 to communicate with the passage detection sensor 561 and the like. The passage detection device 500 controls the passage detection sensor 561 and the like via the control interface 560.

The passage detection sensor 561 detects that the vehicle has passed the passage detection position of the toll road R. The passage detection sensor 561 detects the passage of the vehicle by communicating with the in-vehicle device 600 using, for example, ETC, ITS, DSRC, V2X, or the like. Further, the passage detection sensor 561 acquires, for example, a card number of an ETC card from the in-vehicle device 600 as identification information for identifying the vehicle. The passage detection sensor may be a sensor that detects the passage of the vehicle by another method.

The bus 570 includes a control bus, an address bus, a data bus, and the like, and transmits signals transmitted and received by each part of the passage detection device 500.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a main part of an in-vehicle device 600.
The in-vehicle device 600 includes, for example, a processor 610, a ROM 620, a RAM 630, an auxiliary storage device 640, an ETC antenna 650, and a card reader 660. Then, a bus 670 or the like connects each of these parts.

The processor 610 corresponds to a central part of a computer that performs processing such as calculation and control necessary for the operation of the in-vehicle device 600. The processor 610 controls each unit to realize various functions of the in-vehicle device 600 based on a program such as firmware, system software, and application software stored in the ROM 620 or the auxiliary storage device 640. Further, the processor 610 executes the process described later based on the program. A part or all of the program may be incorporated in the circuit of the processor 610. The processor 610 is, for example, a CPU, MPU, SoC, DSP, GPU, ASIC, PLD, FPGA, or the like. Alternatively, the processor 610 is a combination of a plurality of these.

The ROM 620 corresponds to the main storage device of a computer centered on the processor 610. The ROM 620 is a non-volatile memory used exclusively for reading data. The ROM 620 stores, for example, firmware among the above programs. The ROM 620 also stores data and the like used by the processor 610 to perform various processes.

The RAM 630 corresponds to the main storage device of a computer centered on the processor 610. The RAM 630 is a memory used for reading and writing data. The RAM 630 is used as a work area for storing data temporarily used by the processor 610 for performing various processes. The RAM 630 is typically a volatile memory.

The auxiliary storage device 640 corresponds to an auxiliary storage device of a computer centered on the processor 610. The auxiliary storage device 640 is, for example, an EEPROM, an HDD, a flash memory, or the like. The auxiliary storage device 640 stores, for example, system software and application software among the above programs. Further, the auxiliary storage device 640 stores data used by the processor 610 for performing various processes, data generated by the processes of the processor 610, various set values, and the like.

The ETC antenna 650 is an antenna for the vehicle-mounted device 600 to communicate for the use of ETC. The in-vehicle device 600 communicates with the antenna device 361, the antenna device 461, and the like via the ETC antenna 650.

The card reader 660 can insert the ETC card 661. The card reader 660 reads the information recorded on the ETC card 661 by communicating with the inserted ETC card 661. Further, the card reader 660 writes information to the ETC card 661 by communicating with the ETC card 661.

The ETC card 661 is an IC card that records contract information such as a card number and an expiration date of the card. The card number is unique identification information for each ETC card 661.

The bus 670 includes a control bus, an address bus, a data bus, and the like, and transmits signals transmitted and received by each part of the in-vehicle device 600.

Hereinafter, the operation of the charge management system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 12 and the like. The content of the process in the following operation description is an example, and various processes that can obtain the same result can be appropriately used. 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing an example of processing by the processor 110 of the central device 100. The processor 110 executes the processes of FIGS. 7 and 8 based on a program stored in, for example, the ROM 120 or the auxiliary storage device 140. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the processor 310 of the inlet control device 300. The processor 310 executes the process of FIG. 9 based on a program stored in, for example, the ROM 320 or the auxiliary storage device 340. 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing an example of processing by the processor 410 of the exit control device 400. The processor 410 executes the processes of FIGS. 10 and 11 based on a program stored in, for example, the ROM 420 or the auxiliary storage device 440. The processor 410 processes the processes of FIGS. 10 and 11 in parallel or in parallel, for example. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the processor 510 of the passage detection device 500. The processor 510 executes the process of FIG. 12 based on a program stored in, for example, ROM 520 or auxiliary storage device 540.

Road management device when there is a change in the structure of the toll road R, such as the creation of a new road on the toll road R, the abolition of some roads on the toll road R, or the change in the speed limit of the toll road R. The processor 210 of the 200 generates structural information. The structural information includes information on changes in the structure of the toll road R. The structural information notifies the information regarding the structure of the toll road R. After generating the structural information, the processor 210 instructs the communication interface 250 to transmit the structural information to the central device 100. In response to this transmission instruction, the communication interface 250 transmits the structural information to the central device 100. The transmitted structural information is received by the communication interface 150 of the central device 100.

In step S11 of FIG. 7, the processor 110 of the central device 100 determines whether or not the structural information has been received by the communication interface 150. If the structural information is not received, the processor 110 determines No in step S11 and proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, the processor 110 determines whether or not the admission information has been received by the communication interface 150. If the admission information is not received, the processor 110 determines No in step S12 and proceeds to step S13. The admission information will be described later.

In step S13, the processor 110 determines whether or not the charge calculation time has come. If the charge calculation time has not arrived, the processor 110 determines No in step S13 and proceeds to step S14 in FIG. The charge calculation time will be described later.

In step S14, the processor 110 determines whether or not the entry information has been received by the communication interface 150. If the participation information is not received, the processor 110 determines No in step S14 and proceeds to step S15. The participation information will be described later.

In step S15, the processor 110 determines whether or not the confirmation information has been received by the communication interface 150. If the confirmation information is not received, the processor 110 determines No in step S15 and proceeds to step S16. The confirmed information will be described later.

In step S16, the processor 110 determines whether or not the passage information has been received by the communication interface 150. If the passage information is not received, the processor 110 determines No in step S16 and returns to step S11 in FIG. 7. Thus, the processor 110 is in a standby state in which steps S11 to S16 of FIGS. 7 and 8 are repeated until structural information, entrance information, entry information, confirmation information, or passage information is received or the charge calculation time is reached. Will be. The passage information will be described later.

If the structure information is received while the processor 110 of the central device 100 is in the standby state of steps S11 to S16 of FIGS. 7 and 8, it is determined as Yes in step S11 of FIG. 7 and the process proceeds to step S17. And proceed.
In step S17, the processor 110 creates the fastest IC pair data using the structural information. Structural information includes structural data and individual data.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing structural data as a directed graph. In FIG. 13, the interchange number is used as a node, and a directed edge (arrow) indicates that the node can be reached from the node. The structural data is data showing the connection of each node. For example, IC0 and IC1 are connected only by a directed edge from IC0 to IC1. This indicates that the IC0 can reach the IC1 without going through another node, but the IC1 can not reach the IC0 without going through another node. For example, IC3 and JCT3 are connected by two directed edges, a directed edge from IC3 to JCT3 and a directed edge from JCT3 to IC3. This indicates that the IC3 can reach the JCT3 without going through another node, and the JCT3 can reach the IC3 without going through another node. Note that FIG. 13 shows the structural data by extracting the nodes and the directed edges that can be reached when entering the toll road R from IC0.

The individual data is data given to each edge of the structural data. The individual data includes the distance of the toll road R main line between the nodes and the speed limit between the nodes. An example of individual data is shown below.
IC0 → IC1: Distance 8km, speed limit 80km / h
IC1 → IC2: Distance 20km, speed limit 80km / h
IC2 → D1: Distance 8km, speed limit 80km / h
D1 → JCT1: Distance 8km, speed limit 80km / h
JCT1 → IC3: Distance 6km, speed limit 60km / h
IC3 → JCT3: Distance 60km, speed limit 60km / h
JCT3 → IC4: Distance 10km, speed limit 100km / h
JCT1 → JCT2: Distance 2km, speed limit 40km / h
JCT2 → IC5: Distance 30km, speed limit 100km / h

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the fastest IC pair data (pair data P1 to pair data P5). The fastest IC pair data is data indicating a route that can be reached from the start point to the end point at the fastest speed. Here, the starting point is the entrance of the toll road R or the passage detection position. The end point is the exit of the toll road R. Note that FIG. 14 shows only the fastest IC pair data when entering the toll road R from IC0. That is, FIG. 14 shows only the fastest IC pair data starting from IC0. The leftmost interchange number of the fastest pair data shown in FIG. 14 is referred to as an entry number, and the rightmost interchange number is referred to as an entry number. For example, the pair data P3 indicates the fastest route from the entrance of the entrance number IC0 to the exit of the entry number IC3. The route is a route that proceeds in the order of IC0, IC1, IC2, D1, JCT1, and IC3. The processor 110 may use the fastest IC pair data as the route that can be reached at the fastest speed when moving at the speed limit included in the individual data, or the fastest IC pair data as the route that has the shortest travel distance regardless of the speed limit. It is also good.

In step S18, the processor 110 obtains the estimated time required for movement from the inlet to the exit for each fastest IC pair data. For example, the estimated time is the time when the processor 110 moves from the entrance to the exit at the speed limit. In this case, according to the above-mentioned example of the individual data, the estimated time of the pair data P1 is 0.1 hours, the estimated time of the pair data P2 is 0.35 hours, the estimated time of the pair data P3 is 0.65 hours, and the pair. The estimated time of the data P4 is 1.75 hours, and the estimated time of the pair data P5 is 0.9 hours. The estimated time obtained by this method is hereinafter referred to as "first estimated time".
Alternatively, the estimated time is the time when the processor 110 moves from the entrance to the exit at a constant speed. In this case, it is preferable that the processor 110 obtains the estimated time using a sufficiently high speed. This is to prevent the vehicle from reaching the exit from the entrance faster than expected. As an example, the processor 110 obtains an estimated time when moving at 300 km / h. In this case, the estimated time of the pair data P1 is 0.03 hours, the estimated time of the pair data P2 is 0.09 hours, the estimated time of the pair data P3 is 0.16 hours, and the estimated time of the pair data P4 is 0.40 hours. , The expected time of the pair data P5 is 0.25 hours. The estimated time obtained by this method is hereinafter referred to as "second estimated time".

The processor 151 may obtain the estimated time by using a method different from the first expected time and the second expected time. For example, the processor 151 may be obtained by using information about the actual results on the toll road R. Here, the actual result is a record of the vehicle actually driven on the toll road R. The toll management system 1 can obtain information on such achievements by measuring the time taken for each vehicle to move from the entrance to the exit. The processor 151 acquires, for example, the average time taken to move from the entrance to the exit by referring to the information, and sets the average time as the expected time.
Further, the processor 110 may simultaneously perform the process of step S17 and the process of step S18.

In step S19, the processor 110 creates timing data using the estimated time obtained in step S18.
The processor 110 obtains the charge calculation timing for each fastest IC pair data by using a predetermined function from the estimated time obtained in step S18. The toll calculation timing indicates the time from when the vehicle enters the toll road from the entrance to when the toll is calculated. The function is, for example, charge calculation timing = (expected time-time T1). The time T1 is a time of 0 hours or more. As an example, the time T1 is 0.05 hours. In this case, the charge calculation timing of the pair data P1 is (0.1 hour −0.05 hours) = 0.05 hours when the first expected time is used. Alternatively, the function is, for example, charge calculation timing = (expected time × coefficient k). In addition, k <1. As an example, k = 0.9. In this case, the charge calculation timing of the pair data P1 is (0.1 hour × 0.9) = 0.09 hours when the first expected time is used. The reason for obtaining the toll calculation timing using a predetermined function is to prevent the vehicle from reaching the exit before the toll calculation. However, the predetermined function may be charge calculation timing = expected time. For example, when the second estimated time is used, if the estimated time is obtained using a sufficiently high speed, it is considered that there is no problem even if the estimated time is used as the charge calculation timing.
The processor 110 may obtain the toll calculation timing by using the information about the actual results on the toll road R.

The processor 110 stores the charge calculation timing for each fastest IC pair data obtained as described above in the timing table 141 as timing data.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a timing table 141 stored in the auxiliary storage device 140. The timing table 141 includes, as an example, an entry number, an entry number, an estimated time [h], and a charge calculation timing [h]. The timing table 141 associates the expected time and the charge calculation timing with the fastest IC pair data specified by the entry number and the entry number. As a result, the timing table 141 stores the expected time and charge calculation timing of each fastest IC pair data. The expected time shown in FIG. 15 is the first estimated time.
The processor 110 returns to step S11 after the processing of step S19.

When the vehicle passes through the toll road R, it passes through the entrance tollhouse and enters the toll road R. The vehicle is detected by the vehicle detection device 371 when passing through the entrance tollhouse.
In step S41 of FIG. 9, the processor 310 of the entrance control device 300 waits for the vehicle to be detected by the vehicle detection device 371. If the vehicle is detected by the vehicle detection device 371, the processor 310 determines Yes in step S41 and proceeds to step S42.
From the above, the processor 310 functions as a detection unit for detecting that the vehicle has entered from the entrance of the toll road R in cooperation with the vehicle detection device 371.

In step S42, the processor 310 determines the vehicle type of the vehicle detected in step S41. That is, the processor 310 acquires vehicle type information from the vehicle type determination device 372. The vehicle type here is a vehicle type to be used for charge calculation. The vehicle type indicates, for example, a classification of a passenger car, a large vehicle, and the like. Further, the vehicle type information may include the number of axles of the vehicle and the like. Alternatively, the processor 310 may acquire vehicle model information from the vehicle-mounted device 600 via the antenna device 361. In this case, the processor 310 may acquire vehicle type information in step S44 instead of step S42.

In step S43, the processor 310 controls the antenna device 361 to start communication with the vehicle-mounted device 600 of the vehicle detected by the vehicle detection device 371.

In step S44, the processor 310 acquires contract information from the ETC card 661 by communicating with the vehicle-mounted device 600 via the antenna device 361.

In step S45, the processor 310 acquires the current time. The time indicates the time when the vehicle passed the entrance tollhouse (the time when the vehicle entered the toll road R). Hereinafter, the time acquired in step S45 is referred to as "entrance time".
In step S46, the processor 310 controls the start control device 374 to open the transmission control bar.

In step S47, the processor 310 generates admission information. The admission information includes, for example, an installation number stored in an auxiliary storage device 340 or the like, an admission time acquired in step S45, vehicle type information acquired in step S42 or step S44, and contract information acquired in step S44. The entrance information notifies that the vehicle specified by the contract information will pass through the entrance tollhouse specified by the installation number at the entrance time. After generating the admission information, the processor 310 instructs the communication interface 150 to transmit the admission information to the central device 100. In response to this transmission instruction, the communication interface 150 transmits the entrance information to the central device 100. The transmitted admission information is received by the communication interface 150 of the central device 100. The processor 310 returns to step S41 after the processing of step S47.

On the other hand, if the entrance information is received while the processor 110 of the central device 100 is in the standby state of steps S11 to S16 of FIGS. 7 and 8, it is determined as Yes in step S12 of FIG. Proceed to S20.

In step S20, the processor 110 stores the received admission information in the auxiliary storage device 140 or the like.

In step S21, the processor 110 refers to the timing table 141 and acquires the timing data of the fastest IC pair data in which the interchange number included in the entrance information received in step S12 is the entrance number. For example, if the interchange number included in the admission information is IC0, the processor 110 refers to the timing table 141 and acquires the charge calculation timing from all the records whose admission number is IC0.

In step S22, the processor 110 creates a toll calculation schedule for the vehicle specified by the card number included in the admission information received in step S12, using the toll calculation timing acquired in step S21. That is, the processor 110 obtains the time for calculating the toll when the vehicle exits from each exit by adding each charge calculation timing acquired in step S21 to the entrance time included in the entrance information. As an example, it is assumed that the entrance time is YYYYMMDD 12:13:00. In addition, YYYYMMDD indicates a date. In this case, the charge calculation time, which is the scheduled time for calculating the charge when the vehicle enters from IC2, is YYYYMMDD, which is 0.05h, which is the charge calculation timing of the pair data P1, added to the entrance time YYYYMMDD 12:13:00. It is 12:16:00. The processor 110 stores each charge calculation time obtained in this way in the schedule table 142 by associating it with the card number of the vehicle and the interchange number at the exit and adding it to the schedule table 142. The schedule created here starts from the entrance tollhouse specified by the installation number.
Since the charge calculation timing is a time equal to or less than the expected time, the charge calculation time is a time before the expected arrival time. The estimated arrival time is the time when the estimated time is added to the entrance time instead of the charge calculation timing.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a schedule table 142 stored in the auxiliary storage device 140. The schedule table 142 includes, as an example, a vehicle ID, an exit IC, and a toll calculation time. The vehicle ID is identification information that identifies the vehicle, and is, for example, a card number. The exit IC indicates the interchange number of the exit. The schedule table 142 associates the charge calculation time with the vehicle ID and the exit IC. As a result, the schedule table 142 stores the charge calculation time of the charge when the vehicle specified by the vehicle ID enters from the exit specified by the exit IC. The processor 110 adds a record to the schedule table 142 so that the record having the same vehicle ID becomes higher as the record has the earlier charge calculation time.

The processor 110 may create a schedule so that the charge calculation of the plurality of exits is collectively performed by setting the charge calculation time of the plurality of exits to the same time. For example, the processor 110 creates a schedule so that the toll calculation of a plurality of exits whose arrival time is within a predetermined time is collectively performed. For this purpose, the processor 110 has, for example, the charge calculation time of the (n + 1) th record from the top and n from the top among the records whose vehicle ID is the same as the card number included in the admission information received in step S12. When the time difference from the charge calculation time of the second record is within a predetermined time, the charge calculation time of the (n + 1) th record is rewritten to the same time as the charge calculation time of the nth record. The processor 110 performs this process from the case of n = 1 to the case of n = (the number of records whose vehicle ID is the same as the card number included in the admission information received in step S12-1). Do it in order from the smallest. Note that n is a natural number. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the schedule table 142-2 after this processing is performed. In FIG. 17, the charge calculation times from the first line to the fourth line are the same time.
The processor 110 returns to step S11 after the processing of step S22.

If the current time is the charge calculation time of any record in the schedule table 142 while the processor 110 is in the standby state of steps S11 to S16 of FIGS. 7 and 8, the step of FIG. 7 is performed. In S13, it is determined as Yes, and the process proceeds to step S23.

In step S23, the processor 110 obtains the amount of the toll for the record whose toll calculation time is the current time. For example, if the current time is YYYYMMDD 12:31:00, the processor 110 obtains the amount of toll when a vehicle having a vehicle ID of C0001 enters from an exit tollhouse whose exit IC is IC2. At this time, the processor 110 acquires the entrance information including the vehicle ID from the entrance information stored in the auxiliary storage device 140. Then, the processor 110 obtains the amount of the toll fee using the admission information. The processor 110 may obtain the amount of the toll using various conditions such as the vehicle type, the entrance time, the current time, and other conditions of the vehicle in order to obtain the amount of the toll.

In step S24, the processor 110 stores the amount of the toll obtained in step S23 in the toll table 143 in association with the vehicle ID and the exit IC corresponding to the toll.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a charge table 143 stored in the auxiliary storage device 140. The toll table 143 includes a vehicle ID, an exit IC, and a toll [yen]. The toll table 143 associates the toll amount with the vehicle ID and the exit IC. As a result, the toll table 143 stores the amount of the toll when the vehicle specified by the vehicle ID enters from the exit specified by the exit IC.

In step S25, the processor 110 refers to the pre-distribution table 144 and determines whether or not the exit IC corresponding to the toll obtained in step S23 is the target of the pre-distribution of the toll. The pre-distribution table 144 stores whether or not each exit tollhouse is subject to pre-distribution of tolls. The exit tollhouse that is the target of pre-distribution is, for example, an exit tollhouse where the communication infrastructure is not sufficiently prepared and communication may take time. If the toll is transmitted to such an exit tollhouse in advance, the problem due to the time required for communication is unlikely to occur. If the exit IC corresponding to the toll obtained in step S23 is not subject to pre-distribution of the toll, the processor 110 determines No in step S25 and proceeds to step S11. On the other hand, if the exit IC is subject to pre-distribution of tolls, the processor 110 determines Yes in step S25 and proceeds to step S26.

In step S26, the processor 110 generates advance charge information. The advance toll information includes the toll obtained in step S23 and the vehicle ID corresponding to the toll. The advance fare information notifies the exit control device 400 of the exit of the toll when the vehicle specified by the vehicle ID enters from the specific exit. After generating the advance charge information, the processor 110 instructs the communication interface 150 to transmit the advance charge information to the exit control device 400. In response to this transmission instruction, the communication interface 150 transmits the advance charge information to the exit control device 400. The transmitted advance charge information is received by the communication interface 450 of the exit control device 400. The processor 110 returns to step S11 after the processing of step S26.

On the other hand, in step S51 of FIG. 10, the processor 410 of the exit control device 400 determines whether or not the advance charge information has been received by the communication interface 450. If the advance charge information is not received, the processor 410 determines No in step S51 and proceeds to step S52.

In step S52, the processor 410 determines whether or not the deletion instruction information has been received by the communication interface 450. If the deletion instruction information is not received, the processor 410 determines No in step S52 and returns to step S51. Thus, the processor 410 is in a standby state in which steps S51 and S52 are repeated until the advance charge information or the deletion instruction information is received. The deletion instruction information will be described later.

If the advance charge information is received while the processor 410 is in the standby state of step S51 and step S52, the processor 410 determines Yes in step S51 and proceeds to step S53.
In step S53, the processor 410 associates the vehicle ID included in the advance charge information with the toll included in the advance charge information and stores it in the exit charge table 441. The exit toll table 441 is a table for storing pre-distributed tolls. The processor 410 returns to step S51 after the processing of step S53.

Vehicles entering from the toll road R pass through the exit tollhouse. At this time, the vehicle is detected by the vehicle detection device 471 at the exit tollhouse.

In step S61 of FIG. 11, the processor 410 of the exit control device 400 waits for the vehicle to be detected by the vehicle detection device 471. If the vehicle is detected by the vehicle detection device 471, the processor 410 determines Yes in step S61 and proceeds to step S62.

In step S62, the processor 410 controls the antenna device 461 to start communication with the vehicle-mounted device 600 of the vehicle CA detected by the vehicle detection device 371.

In step S63, the processor 410 acquires contract information from the ETC card 661 by communicating with the vehicle-mounted device 600 via the antenna device 461.

In step S64, the processor 410 acquires the current time. The time indicates the time when the vehicle passes the exit tollhouse (the time when the vehicle leaves the toll road). Hereinafter, the time acquired in step S64 is referred to as "participation time".

In step S65, the processor 410 refers to the exit toll table 441 and determines whether or not the toll associated with the card number acquired in step S62 is stored. If the toll associated with the card number is stored in the exit toll table 441, the processor 410 determines Yes in step S65 and proceeds to step S66.

In step S66, the processor 410 acquires the toll associated with the card number from the exit toll table 441.

On the other hand, if the toll fee associated with the card number is not stored in the exit toll table 441, the processor 410 determines No in step S65 and proceeds to step S67.
In step S67, the processor 410 generates entry information. The participation information includes the installation number stored in the auxiliary storage device 440 or the like, the contract information acquired in step S63, and the participation time acquired in step S64. The entry information notifies that the vehicle specified by the contract information will pass through the exit tollhouse specified by the installation number at the entry time. After generating the participation information, the processor 410 instructs the communication interface 450 to transmit the participation information to the central device 100. In response to this transmission instruction, the communication interface 450 transmits the participation information to the central device 100. The transmitted participation information is received by the communication interface 150 of the central device 100.

On the other hand, if the participation information is received while the processor 110 of the central device 100 is in the standby state of steps S11 to S16 of FIGS. 7 and 8, it is determined as Yes in step S14 of FIG. Proceed to S27.

In step S27, the processor 110 refers to the toll table 143 to acquire the toll. That is, the processor 110 acquires the toll for the record in which the vehicle ID is the card number included in the entry information received in step S27 and the exit IC is the interchange number included in the entry information. The toll is a toll when the vehicle specified by the card number enters from the toll road R through the exit tollhouse specified by the interchange number.

In step S28, the processor 110 generates charge information. The toll information includes the amount of the toll acquired in step S27. The charge information notifies the amount. After generating the charge information, the processor 110 instructs the communication interface 150 to transmit the charge information to the exit control device 400 which is the transmission source of the participation information. In response to this transmission instruction, the communication interface 150 transmits the charge information to the exit control device 400. The transmitted charge information is received by the communication interface 450 of the exit control device 400. After the processing of step S28, the processor 110 returns to step S11 of FIG.

On the other hand, in step S68 of FIG. 11, the processor 410 of the exit control device 400 waits for the charge information to be received by the communication interface 450. If the charge information is received, the processor 410 determines Yes in step S68 and proceeds to step S69. Further, the processor 410 proceeds to step S69 even after the processing of step S66.

In step S69, the processor 410 generates detailed information. For example, the installation number stored in the auxiliary storage device 440 or the like, the entry time acquired in step S64, and the amount of the toll are included. The amount is the amount of the toll acquired in step S66 or the amount of the toll included in the toll information received in step S68. The detailed information notifies the amount of the toll fee and the like. After generating the detailed information, the processor 410 controls the antenna device 461 to transmit the detailed information to the in-vehicle device 600. The transmitted detailed information is received by the ETC antenna 650 of the vehicle-mounted device 600.

Upon receiving the detailed information, the vehicle-mounted device 600 displays the amount of money included in the detailed information on the display device, outputs a voice for reading the detailed information from the speaker, and notifies the driver of the vehicle of the detailed amount.

In step S70, the processor 410 controls the start control device 473 to open the transmission control bar.

In step S71, the processor 410 generates definite information. The confirmation information includes the contract information acquired in step S63, the installation number stored in the auxiliary storage device 440 and the like, the entry time acquired in step S64, and the amount of the toll. The amount is the amount of the toll acquired in step S66 or the amount of the toll included in the toll information received in step S68. The confirmation information notifies that the vehicle specified by the contract information has entered from the exit tollhouse specified by the installation number at the entry time. In addition, the confirmed information notifies the amount of the toll of the vehicle. After generating the confirmation information, the processor 410 instructs the communication interface 450 to transmit the confirmation information to the central device 100. In response to this transmission instruction, the communication interface 450 transmits the confirmation information to the central device 100. The transmitted confirmation information is received by the communication interface 150 of the central device 100. The processor 410 returns to step S61 after the processing of step S71.

On the other hand, if the confirmation information is received while the processor 110 of the central device 100 is in the standby state of steps S11 to S16 of FIGS. 7 and 8, it is determined as Yes in step S15 of FIG. Proceed to S29. The card number included in the confirmed information is hereinafter referred to as "reception card number".
In step S29, the processor 110 collects the toll by using the ETC card of the receiving card number to perform a process for making a payment for the amount included in the confirmed information.

From the above, the settlement is performed in response to the receipt of the confirmed information. Therefore, the processor 410 functions as a determination unit for determining to receive the toll for the amount by performing the process of step S71 in FIG.

In step S30 of FIG. 8, the processor 110 deletes all the records whose vehicle ID is the receiving card number from the schedule table 142. Further, the processor 110 deletes all the records whose vehicle ID is the receiving card number from the charge table 143. The processor 110 may delete the record immediately or after a certain period of time.

In step S31, the processor 110 generates deletion instruction information. The deletion instruction information includes the receiving card number. After generating the deletion instruction information, the processor 110 instructs the communication interface 150 to transmit the deletion instruction information to each of the exit control devices 400 installed at the exit tollhouse to be distributed in advance. .. In response to this transmission instruction, the communication interface 150 transmits the deletion instruction information to each exit control device 400. The transmitted deletion instruction information is received by the communication interface 450 of each exit control device 400. After the processing of step S31, the processor 110 returns to step S11 of FIG.
From the above, the exit tollhouse specified by the interchange number included in the confirmation information received in step S15 is an example of the second exit. Further, the exit tollhouse to which the deletion instruction information is transmitted in step S31 is an example of the first exit.

On the other hand, if the deletion instruction information is received while the processor 410 of the exit control device 400 is in the standby state of step S51 and step S52 of FIG. 10, it determines Yes in step S52 and proceeds to step S54. ..
In step S54, the processor 410 deletes a record from the exit charge table 441 whose vehicle ID is the same as the card number included in the deletion instruction record. The processor 410 may delete the record immediately or after a certain period of time. The processor 410 returns to step S51 after the processing of step S54.
Therefore, the processor 410 functions as a deletion unit for deleting the amount of the toll by performing the process of step S54.

When the vehicle passes through the passage detection position where the passage detection device 500 is installed, the vehicle is detected by the passage detection device 500.

In step S81 of FIG. 12, the processor 510 of the passage detection device 500 waits for the vehicle to be detected by the passage detection sensor 561. If the vehicle is detected by the passage detection sensor 561, the processor 510 determines Yes in step S81 and proceeds to step S82.

In step S82, the processor 510 acquires the card number of the ETC card 661 from the vehicle-mounted device 600 of the vehicle detected by the passage detection sensor 561.

In step S83, the processor 510 acquires the current time. The time indicates the time when the vehicle is detected by the passage detection device 500, and indicates the time when the vehicle passes the installation position of the passage detection device 500. Hereinafter, the time acquired in step S83 is referred to as a “passing time”.

In step S84, the processor 510 generates transit information. The passage information includes the installation number stored in the auxiliary storage device 540, the card number acquired in step S82, and the passage time acquired in step S83. The passage information notifies that the vehicle specified by the card number has passed the passage detection position specified by the installation number at the passage time. After generating the passage information, the processor 510 instructs the communication interface 550 to transmit the passage information to the central device 100. In response to this transmission instruction, the communication interface 550 transmits the passage information to the central device 100. The transmitted passage information is received by the communication interface 150 of the central device 100. The processor 510 returns to step S81 after the processing of step S84.

On the other hand, if the passage information is received while the processor 110 of the central device 100 is in the standby state of steps S11 to S16 of FIGS. 7 and 8, it is determined as Yes in step S16 of FIG. Proceed to S32. In step S32, the card number included in the passing information is hereinafter referred to as “passing card number”, and the processor 110 identifies an exit tollhouse where the vehicle specified by the passing card number is unreachable by using structural data or the like. For example, when a vehicle passes through the passage detection device 500 whose interchange number is D1, it can be seen from the structural data that the vehicle cannot reach the exit tollhouses of IC1 and IC2 due to the direction and connection of the directed edge. It is identifiable.

The passage detection position specified by the interchange number included in the passage information received in step S16 is an example of the first position. In this case, the exit tollhouse that is not reachable from the passage detection position is an example of the first exit. Alternatively, the passage detection position is an example of the second position. In this case, the exit tollhouse reachable from the passage detection position is an example of the first exit.

In step S33, the processor 110 deletes from the toll table 143 the record corresponding to the toll when entering from the exit tollhouse specified in step S32 for the toll of the vehicle specified by the passing card number. The processor 110 may delete the record immediately or after a certain period of time.

In step S34, the processor 110 generates deletion instruction information. The deletion instruction information includes the passing card number. After generating the deletion instruction information, the processor 110 transmits the deletion instruction information to each of the exit control devices 400 installed at the exit tollhouse to be pre-distributed among the exit tollhouses specified in step S32. Instruct the communication interface 150 to do so. In response to this transmission instruction, the communication interface 150 transmits the deletion instruction information to each exit control device 400. The transmitted deletion instruction information is received by the communication interface 450 of each exit control device 400.

In step S35, the processor 110 updates the schedule table 142. That is, the processor 110 has each of the exit tollhouses reachable from the passage detection position specified by the installation number included in the passage information received in step S16 of FIG. 8 in the schedule created in step S22 of FIG. Recalculate the toll calculation time of the toll. In step S22 of FIG. 7, the processor 110 obtains the toll calculation time of each exit tollhouse starting from the entrance tollhouse specified by the interchange number included in the entrance information. On the other hand, in step S16 of FIG. 8, the processor 110 obtains the charge calculation time of each exit tollhouse starting from the passage detection position specified by the installation number included in the passage information. However, the processor 110 does not update the record in the schedule table 142 whose charge calculation time has passed the current time.
For example, assume that the passing time of D1 is YYYYMMDD 12:48:00. The charge calculation timing from D1 to IC3 is stored in the timing table 141, and is, for example, 0.15 h. Therefore, when the exit IC is IC3, the charge calculation time is YYYYMMDD 13:57:00. In this case, the processor 110 updates the schedule table 142 by rewriting the charge calculation time of the record in which the vehicle ID is the passing card number and the exit IC is IC3 in the schedule table 142 to YYYYMMDD 13:57:00. do.
The processor 110 returns to step S11 after the processing of step S35.

The toll management system 1 of the embodiment obtains the toll of the toll road R when the vehicle exits from the exit before the estimated arrival time when the vehicle arrives at the exit. As described above, since the toll management system 1 of the embodiment obtains the amount of the toll in advance, there is no problem even if it takes time to process the amount of the toll. That is, the toll management system 1 of the embodiment can calculate a complicated toll without using a computer having a high processing speed. Therefore, the charge management system 1 of the embodiment can perform complicated charge calculation while suppressing an increase in cost.

Further, the toll management system 1 of the embodiment transmits a toll to the exit tollhouse, which is the target of advance distribution, before the vehicle reaches the exit tollhouse. Since the toll is sent in advance, it may take some time to send. Therefore, the toll management system 1 of the embodiment can transmit the toll to the exit tollhouse even when the communication infrastructure of the exit tollhouse is not prepared.

Further, according to the toll management system 1 of the embodiment, the central device 100 deletes the amount of the toll pre-distributed to each exit tollhouse by transmitting the deletion instruction information. As a result, the charge management system 1 of the embodiment prevents the amount of information of the amount of money stored in the exit control device 400 of each exit tollhouse from continuing to increase.

Further, according to the toll management system 1 of the embodiment, the central device 100 transmits the deletion instruction information when the vehicle enters the toll road R. Thereby, the charge management system 1 of the embodiment can delete the unnecessary amount of money stored in the exit control device 400 of each exit tollhouse.

Further, according to the toll management system 1 of the embodiment, when the vehicle passes the passage detection position where the passage detection device 500 is installed, the central device 100 is deleted from the passage detection position to the exit tollhouse which is not reachable. Send instruction information. Thereby, the charge management system 1 of the embodiment can delete the unnecessary amount of money stored in the exit control device 400 of each exit tollhouse.

Further, the charge management system 1 of the embodiment recreates the schedule for the vehicle when the vehicle passes the passage detection position. Thereby, the charge management system 1 of the embodiment can update the schedule to the schedule based on the latest vehicle position.

The above embodiment can be modified as follows.
In the above embodiment, the processor 110 of the central device 100 deletes the records from the schedule table 142 and the charge table 143 in response to the confirmation information being received. However, the processor 110 may delete the record from the schedule table 142 and the charge table 143 in response to the transmission of the charge information.

The charge management system 1 of the above embodiment uses a card number as a vehicle ID. However, instead of the card number, the charge management system 1 has unique identification information for each vehicle such as a vehicle registration number or a vehicle number recorded on a license plate or the like, or a WCN (wireless call number) recorded on an in-vehicle device 600. ) Or, identification information unique to each in-vehicle device 600 such as the in-vehicle device management number may be used as the vehicle ID. When the charge management system 1 uses any of these identification information, the charge management system 1 reads the identification information from the vehicle using various sensors or the like. A sensor that reads unique identification information for each vehicle is, for example, a camera that reads a license plate. The camera is connected to, for example, the control interface 370 of the entrance control device 300, the control interface 470 of the exit control device 400, and the control interface 560 of the passage detection device 500, respectively.

In the above embodiment, the speed limit between the nodes is constant. However, the speed limit between the nodes may change on the way. As an example, of the distance of 8 km from IC0 to IC1, 4 km has a speed limit of 80 km / h, and the remaining 4 km has a speed limit of 100 km / h. The first expected time in this example is 0.05 [h] + 0.04 [h], which is 0.09 hours.

In the above embodiment, the toll management system 1 obtains the toll calculation time for the exit ahead (downstream) of the passage detection position in step S22 according to the fact that the vehicle has passed the entrance tollhouse. Then, when the vehicle passes the passage detection position, the charge management system 1 updates the charge calculation time for the exit tollhouse ahead of the passage detection position in step S35. However, the toll management system 1 does not determine the toll calculation time for the exit tollhouse ahead of the passage detection position according to the fact that the vehicle has passed the entrance tollhouse, and the vehicle has passed the passage detection position. You may ask for it accordingly. However, the toll management system 1 responds to the fact that the vehicle has passed through the entrance tollhouse for the exit tollhouse that can be reached without passing through the passage detection position, even if the exit tollhouse is ahead of the passage detection position. To find the charge calculation time. That is, in step S22 of FIG. 7, the processor 110 of the central device 100 obtains the charge calculation time only for the exit tollhouse that can be reached from the entrance tollhouse where the vehicle has entered without passing through the passage detection position. Then, in step S35 of FIG. 8, the processor 110 obtains the charge calculation time only for the exit tollhouse that can be reached without passing through another passage detection position from the passage detection position where the vehicle has passed. Then, the processor 110 adds the obtained charge calculation time to the schedule table 142. However, when the processor 110 requests the toll calculation time to the same exit tollhouse more than once, the processor 110 updates the schedule table 142 in the same manner as in step S35.
In the above case, the passage detection position is an example of the third position. An exit tollhouse that can be reached from the entrance tollhouse where the vehicle has entered without passing through the passage detection position is an example of the first exit. Further, the exit tollhouse that can be reached from the passage detection position where the vehicle has passed is an example of the third exit.

The processor 110, processor 210, processor 310, processor 410, processor 510 or processor 610 may realize a part or all of the processing realized by the program in the above embodiment by the hardware configuration of the circuit.

Each device in the above embodiment is transferred to, for example, an administrator of each device in a state where a program for executing each of the above processes is stored. Alternatively, each device is transferred to the administrator or the like in a state where the program is not stored. Then, the program is separately transferred to the administrator or the like, and is stored in each device based on the operation by the administrator or the serviceman. The transfer of the program at this time can be realized by using a removable storage medium such as a disk medium or a semiconductor memory, or by downloading via the Internet or a LAN.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and variations thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

1 ... Charge management system, 100 ... Central device, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 ... Processor, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620 ... ROM, 130, 230, 330, 430 , 530, 630 ... RAM, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640 ... auxiliary storage device, 141 ... timing table, 142 ... schedule table, 143 ... charge table, 144 ... pre-distribution table, 150, 250, 350, 450, 550 ... Communication interface, 160, 260, 380, 480, 570, 670 ... Bus, 200 ... Road management device, 300 ... Entrance control device, 360, 460 ... ETC interface , 361, 461 ... Antenna device, 370, 470, 560 ... Control interface, 371, 471 ... Vehicle detection device, 372 ... Vehicle type discrimination device, 373, 472 ... Display device, 374, 473 ... Start control Device, 400 ... Exit control device, 441 ... Exit charge table, 500 ... Passage detection device, 561 ... Passage detection sensor, 600 ... In-vehicle device, 650 ... ETC antenna, 660 ... Card reader, 661 ... … ETC card

Claims (12)

Including entrance control device and server device
The entrance control device is
A detector that detects that a vehicle has entered from the entrance of a toll road,
It is provided with an entrance communication unit that transmits the entrance time when the vehicle enters from the entrance to the server device.
The server device is
The server communication unit that receives the entrance time and
The vehicle enters from the entrance at a time before the estimated arrival time, which is the sum of the estimated time required for the vehicle to enter from the entrance and exit from the first exit of the toll road at the entrance time. A toll management system including a processing unit that determines as a toll calculation time for obtaining the amount of toll toll on the toll road when entering from the first exit, and obtains the amount when the toll calculation time is reached. Including an exit controller,
The processing unit controls the server communication unit so as to transmit the amount of money to the exit control device before the vehicle reaches the first exit.
The exit control device is
The exit communication unit that receives the above amount and
A storage unit that stores the amount of money received by the exit communication unit, and a storage unit.
The toll management system according to claim 1, further comprising a determination unit that determines to receive the toll for the amount stored in the storage unit when the vehicle arrives at the first exit. The processing unit controls the server communication unit so as to send instruction information instructing to delete the amount of money stored in the storage unit to the exit control device.
The exit communication unit receives the instruction information and receives the instruction information.
The charge management system according to claim 2, wherein the exit control device further includes a deletion unit that deletes the amount of money stored in the storage unit in response to the reception of the instruction information by the exit communication unit. The fee management system according to claim 3, wherein the processing unit transmits the instruction information when the vehicle enters from a second exit different from the first exit. The third or fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein the processing unit transmits the instruction information when the vehicle passes through the first position in the toll road where the first exit is not reachable. Charge management system. One of claims 1 to 5, wherein the processing unit obtains the estimated time using the distance from the inlet to the first outlet and the speed limit from the inlet to the first outlet. The charge management system described in the section. The fee according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the processing unit uses the time required when the vehicle moves from the entrance to the first exit at a constant speed as the estimated time. Management system. When the vehicle passes the second position where the first exit can be reached, the processing unit redetermines the charge calculation time using the time when the vehicle passes the second position. The charge management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The processing unit determines an estimated arrival time for the first exit that can be reached without passing through the third position in response to the vehicle entering from the entrance, and the vehicle determines the expected arrival time of the third exit. The charge management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the estimated arrival time for the third exit reachable from the third position is determined according to the passage of the position. .. The time before the estimated arrival time, which is the sum of the entrance time when the vehicle enters from the entrance of the toll road and the estimated time required from the entry of the vehicle from the entrance to the exit from the first exit of the toll road. A process of determining the amount of toll toll on the toll road when the vehicle enters from the entrance and exits from the first exit, and when the toll calculation time is reached, the amount is calculated. A charge management device equipped with a department. The processor of the charge management device,
The time before the estimated arrival time, which is the sum of the entrance time when the vehicle enters from the entrance of the toll road and the estimated time required from the entry of the vehicle from the entrance to the exit from the first exit of the toll road. A process of determining the amount of toll toll on the toll road when the vehicle enters from the entrance and exits from the first exit, and when the toll calculation time is reached, the amount is calculated. A program to function as a department. The time before the estimated arrival time, which is the sum of the entrance time when the vehicle enters from the entrance of the toll road and the estimated time required from the entry of the vehicle from the entrance to the exit from the first exit of the toll road. It is determined as a toll calculation time for calculating the amount of toll toll on the toll road when the vehicle enters from the entrance and exits from the first exit, and when the toll calculation time is reached, the amount is calculated. Charge management method.

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