JP2022075806A - Vehicle guidance system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicle guidance system safely guiding a vehicle even when a general vehicle enters an entrance for ETC vehicles or an ETC system is not normally operated for the ETC vehicles.

SOLUTION: A vehicle guidance system includes a crossing gate 1, a first vehicle detector 2a, a gate front antenna 3, a second vehicle detector 2b, guide means 4, a third vehicle detector 2c, a fourth vehicle detector 2d and an ETC gate 5. When the first vehicle detector detects entry of a vehicle, the vehicle guidance system closes the crossing gate to space a prescribed interval from a subsequent vehicle, when the second vehicle detector detects an entering vehicle, confirms that the vehicle has passed through the gate front antenna, and determines at this timing whether to be communicable, not to be communicable or to be disapproved, and when the third or fourth vehicle detector detects the entering vehicle, opens the crossing bar for the subsequent vehicle.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle guidance system, and more specifically, to a vehicle guidance system for safely guiding a vehicle used at an entrance / exit for an ETC vehicle installed at an entrance / exit of a toll road.

In recent years, ETC systems (Electronic Toll Collection System) have been installed at tollhouses on toll roads. As shown in FIG. 1, the ETC system automatically settles tolls using wireless communication between the roadside antennas 3 and 5 installed at the tollhouse gate and the on-board unit 20 mounted on the vehicle 14. , It is a system that allows non-stop traffic through tollhouses. The ETC system is basically installed on the dashboard of the vehicle 14, etc., and is a wireless device that communicates information necessary for charge calculation. It consists of an IC card (ETC card) 21 on which contract information is recorded, and roadside antennas (ETC roadside wireless devices) 3, 5 etc. that are installed on the lane of the toll station and communicate wirelessly with the on-board unit 20. Has been done. Of these, the on-board unit 20 is sold to users by a private company, the ETC card 21 is lent to users by a credit company, and the roadside antennas 3 and 5 are installed by a toll road operator.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the entrance ticketing method used on many toll roads, entrance information is wirelessly transmitted from the roadside antennas 3 and 5 to the on-board unit 20 at the entrance tollhouse, and after traveling on the toll road 7, the entrance information is transmitted. At the exit tollhouse, the entrance information is wirelessly transmitted from the in-vehicle device 20 to the roadside antennas 3 and 5, the toll calculation is performed by the separately provided toll calculation computer, and the toll information is directed from the roadside antennas 3 and 5 to the in-vehicle device 20. It is transmitting wirelessly. In a simple toll collection method such as an urban expressway, such ETCs may be installed at least at one place between the entrance and the exit. The number of roadside antennas 3 and 5 may be one or two or more.

The advantages of ETC are wide-ranging, such as eliminating traffic congestion at tollhouses, reducing noise by reducing stops and departures at tollhouses, improving the environment by reducing exhaust gas, and reducing convenience and management costs associated with cashless payments. The effect is expected.
The title of the invention, "High Speed", was filed on November 10, 1994 (Japanese Patent Application No. 6-286508) and published on May 31, 1996 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-138095). There is a "road toll collection system".

This prior application discloses a technique for collecting tolls when going out from a toll road to a general road (paragraph 0036), and tolls are collected between the sensor 14 for a wireless IC card and the wireless IC card.

However, at the moment, not all vehicles are ETC system compatible vehicles, so in the lanes of tollhouses on toll roads, there are also ETC vehicle exclusive lanes labeled "ETC exclusive" and ETC vehicles labeled "ETC general". There are lanes where general vehicles can pass together and lanes where the ETC system labeled "general" cannot be used. Therefore, a general vehicle may accidentally enter the ETC vehicle dedicated lane. In this application document, the "ETC vehicle" means a vehicle that can collect charges by ETC, and the "general vehicle" means a vehicle that cannot use the ETC system.

Further, even in the case of an ETC vehicle, there may be a case where the on-board unit cannot communicate normally with the roadside antenna. For example, the ETC card is not inserted into the vehicle-mounted device, is incompletely inserted, is inserted immediately before, or the like.

In such a case, the open / close bar goes down and it becomes impossible to proceed, so it is necessary to stop the vehicle and call the staff with the intercom. As a result, traffic congestion at the tollhouse is promoted, and the original purpose of ETC is not met. In addition, if a vehicle that has been blocked from passing by the opening / closing bar descending and tries to drive back from the lane, it may collide with a following vehicle, which is extremely dangerous.

However, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, there is no mention of providing a safe vehicle guidance system as described later in a vehicle guidance system using an ETC system.

Therefore, according to the present invention, even when a general vehicle enters the entrance / exit for an ETC vehicle or the ETC system does not operate normally for an ETC vehicle (communication between the roadside antenna and the on-board unit is impossible / impossible). It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle guidance system for safely guiding a vehicle.

Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a safe vehicle guidance system in a vehicle guidance system using an ETC system, for example, which does not allow traveling of a reverse vehicle or can avoid a collision between a preceding vehicle and a following vehicle. And.

In view of the above object, the vehicle guidance system according to the present invention is a vehicle guidance system used for an interchange having an ETC vehicle lane at a tollhouse between a general road and a toll road, and is a roadside antenna and an on-board unit. It is characterized in that a means for allowing the vehicle to leave the ETC vehicle lane is provided when communication failure or communication failure occurs between the vehicle and the vehicle.

Further, in the vehicle guidance system described above, the means capable of leaving the ETC vehicle lane is guided from the ETC vehicle lane to the lane where the vehicle re-enters the tollhouse or the general public lane. It can be a lane.

Further, in the vehicle guidance system described above, the roadside antenna has an antenna in front of the gate for determining whether or not wireless communication is possible with the vehicle-mounted device, and an ETC antenna for transmitting and receiving entrance information and charge information. It can also be.

Further, in the above-mentioned vehicle guidance system, the system includes a breaker, a first vehicle detection device, a gate front antenna, a second vehicle detection device, a guidance means, a third vehicle detection device, and a fourth vehicle detection device. And having an ETC gate, when the first vehicle detection device detects the approach of a vehicle, the breaker is closed so as to leave a certain distance from the following vehicle, and the second vehicle detection device When an approaching vehicle is detected, it is confirmed that the vehicle has passed the antenna in front of the gate, and at this timing, it is determined whether communication is possible, communication is impossible, or impossible, and the third or fourth vehicle detection device is used. When an approaching vehicle is detected, the breaker can be opened for the following vehicle.

Further, in the above-mentioned vehicle guidance system, when it has at least one guidance device and it is determined that the antenna in front of the gate can communicate with the vehicle-mounted device or communication is impossible / impossible, the guidance device is based on the determination result. It is also possible to guide the vehicle to a predetermined guidance destination.

Further, the vehicle guidance system according to the present invention is a system for guiding a vehicle entering and exiting from an ETC vehicle exclusive entrance and exit when a vehicle equipped with an ETC in-vehicle device enters and exits a general road and a toll road, and is a system for guiding the vehicle entering and exiting from the general road and the toll road. Is it possible to collect charges by ETC by recognizing the detection means that detects vehicles entering and exiting the road, the communication means that communicates data with the ETC in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle, and the data received by the communication means? According to the determination means for determination and the result of determination by the determination means, a vehicle capable of collecting tolls by ETC is guided to a route from a general road to a toll road or from a toll road to a general road through an ETC gate. , Equipped with a guidance means to guide vehicles that cannot be charged by ETC to the route returning to the front of the doorway or the doorway for general vehicles, and when the detection means detects the entry of the vehicle, the breaker is lowered. It is characterized by preventing the back running of the vehicle that has entered and the entry of the following vehicle.

Further, the vehicle guidance system described above can be installed in a toll road tollhouse, a service area or a parking area.

Further, the vehicle guidance system described above can be installed in a toll area including at least a toll parking lot, a toll car wash and a drive-in theater.

Further, the vehicle guidance system according to the present invention is a vehicle guidance system used for an interchange having an ETC vehicle lane at a toll station between a general road and a toll road, and branches from the middle of the ETC vehicle lane. The lane for separating the vehicle from the ETC vehicle lane when communication failure or communication failure occurs between the roadside antenna and the in-vehicle device is provided, and the lane for disconnecting from the ETC vehicle lane is provided. It is a lane that guides the vehicle to the toll booth or a lane for general vehicles, and another fraudulent activity is made with respect to the portion of the ETC vehicle lane and the portion of the departure lane beyond the branching point. Each has a closed section to prevent reverse entry of vehicles.

Further, in the vehicle guidance system described above, the roadside antenna has a front-gate antenna for determining whether or not wireless communication is possible with the vehicle-mounted device, and an ETC antenna for transmitting and receiving entrance information and charge information. You can also.

Further, in the vehicle guidance system described above, the system includes a first breaker, a first vehicle detection device, an antenna in front of the gate, a second vehicle detection device, and a guidance means including a breaker for creating a closed section. It has a first closed section sensor in the ETC vehicle lane ahead of the branch point, and has a first closed section in the ETC vehicle lane ahead of the branch point. It has a third vehicle detection device, an ETC gate, a second breaker, a fourth vehicle detection device ahead of the first closed section, and the departure from the branch point. The lane has a second closed section sensor, the second closed section of the departure lane has a fifth vehicle detection device, a third breaker, and a sixth closed section is ahead of the second closed section. When the first vehicle detection device detects the approach of a vehicle, the first vehicle detection device is closed to separate the vehicle from the following vehicle, and the second vehicle detection device is used. When an approaching vehicle is detected, it is confirmed that the vehicle has passed the antenna in front of the gate, and at this timing it is determined whether communication is possible or communication is impossible or impossible, and the vehicle detection device detects the approaching vehicle in the closed section. When it is detected, the breaker of the guidance means is closed, and when the vehicle detection device provided at the end of the closed section detects the passage of the vehicle, the breaker at the exit of the closed section is closed, so that another illegal vehicle exits the closed section. Prevents reverse entry from the side, and even if another illegal vehicle enters backward by passing a vehicle leaving the closed section, if the closed section sensor determines that there is a vehicle in the closed section, it will notify the monitoring center. If the closed section sensor determines that there is no vehicle in the closed section, the first breaker can be opened for the following vehicle.

Further, the vehicle guidance method according to the present invention is a vehicle guidance method used for an interchange having an ETC vehicle lane at a toll station between a general road and a toll road, and the interchange includes a roadside antenna and a vehicle. A lane for separating the vehicle from the ETC vehicle lane when communication failure or communication failure occurs with the device is provided, and the lane for disconnecting the vehicle from the ETC vehicle lane is to move the vehicle to the toll station. It is a lane for re-entry or a lane for guiding to a lane for general vehicles, and in the vehicle guidance method, when the first vehicle detection device detects the approach of a vehicle, the first breaker is closed and the vehicle is between the following vehicle. When the second vehicle detection device detects an approaching vehicle at regular intervals, it is confirmed that the vehicle has passed the antenna in front of the gate, and communication is possible or impossible / impossible at this timing. When it is judged that communication is possible, the second gate is opened and guided to the ETC gate and the third vehicle detection device, sent to the desired road, and when it is judged that communication is impossible or impossible, the third When the gate of the vehicle is opened, the vehicle is guided to the fourth vehicle detection device, sent out to the re-entry lane, and the third or fourth vehicle detection device detects an approaching vehicle, the first breaker is turned on for the following vehicle. Open, including each step.

Further, the vehicle guidance method according to the present invention is a vehicle guidance method used for an interchange having an ETC vehicle lane at a toll station between a general road and a toll road, and the first block is used for the interchange. It has a guidance means including a machine, a first vehicle detection device, an antenna in front of the gate, a second vehicle detection device, and a breaker for creating a closed section, and is for the ETC vehicle ahead of the branch point. The lane has a first closed section sensor, and a third vehicle detection device, an ETC gate, and a second cutoff device are provided in the first closed section of the ETC vehicle lane beyond the branch point. It has a fourth vehicle detection device at the end of the first closed section, and has a second closed section sensor in the departure lane ahead of the branch point, and has a second closed section sensor. The closed section 2 has a fifth vehicle detection device and a third breaker, and a sixth vehicle detection device is provided ahead of the second closed section, and the vehicle guidance method is the first. When the vehicle detection device of the above detects the approach of the vehicle, the first breaker is closed to separate the vehicle from the following vehicle, and when the second vehicle detection device detects the approaching vehicle, the vehicle has an antenna in front of the gate. It is confirmed at this timing whether communication is possible or communication is impossible / impossible, and when the vehicle detection device detects an approaching vehicle in the closed section, the breaker of the guidance means is closed. When the vehicle detection device provided at the end of the closed section detects the passage of a vehicle, it closes the breaker at the exit of the closed section to prevent another (illegal) vehicle from entering backward from the exit side of the closed section. Even if another fraudulent vehicle enters the vehicle by passing the vehicle leaving the closed section, if the closed section sensor determines that there is a vehicle in the closed section, it will notify the monitoring center and perform other processing such as notifying the closed section. If the sensor determines that there is no vehicle in the closed section, it includes each step of opening the first breaker for the following vehicle.

Further, the computer program according to the present invention is a computer program that executes each step of the vehicle guidance method described above.

Further, the recording medium according to the present invention is a recording medium on which the above-mentioned computer program is recorded.
In view of the above object, the vehicle guidance system according to the present invention is a system that guides a vehicle entering and exiting from an ETC vehicle exclusive entrance / exit installed in a toll road tollgate, a service area, or a parking area. A first detection means for detecting a vehicle entering and exiting a road toll station, a service area or a parking area, a first breaker installed corresponding to the first detection means, and an ETC mounted on the vehicle. The communication means for communicating data with the in-vehicle device, the determination means for recognizing the data received by the communication means to determine whether the toll collection by ETC is possible, and the toll collection by ETC according to the result of the determination by the determination means. A possible vehicle is guided through the ETC gate to the first lane leading to the toll road toll station, service area or parking area, or to the route exiting the toll road toll station, service area or parking area, and ETC. The guidance means is provided with a guiding means for guiding the vehicle for which the toll collection is not possible to the route returning to the front of the entrance / exit for ETC vehicles or the second lane leading to the entrance / exit for general vehicles. A second detection that includes a second breaker provided in the lane, a third breaker provided in the second lane, and further detects a vehicle that has passed the second breaker. A means and a third detecting means for detecting a vehicle that has passed through the third breaker are provided, and when the approach of the vehicle is detected by the first detecting means, after the vehicle has passed, the said The first breaker is lowered, and when the passage of the vehicle is detected by the second detection means, the second breaker is lowered after the vehicle has passed.
Further, in the vehicle guidance system described above, when the passage of a vehicle is detected by the third detection means, the third barrier can be lowered after the vehicle has passed.
Further, in the vehicle guidance system described above, the ETC vehicle exclusive exit from the toll area including at least one of the toll road toll road, service area or parking area or toll parking lot, toll car wash place and drive-in theater. At the position where you exited or entered the toll area including at least one of the toll road toll road, service area or parking area or toll parking lot, toll car wash area and drive-in theater from the ETC car exclusive entrance. The breaker 4 and the fourth detection means for detecting the vehicle are provided, whereby a closed section is formed between the second breaker and the fourth breaker, and the fourth detection means is provided. When the passage of the vehicle is detected by the vehicle, the fourth breaker may be lowered after the vehicle has passed.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle guidance system for safely guiding a vehicle even when a general vehicle enters the entrance / exit for the ETC vehicle or the ETC system does not operate normally for the ETC vehicle. You can.

Further, according to the present invention, in a vehicle guidance system using an ETC system, for example, to provide a safe vehicle guidance system that does not allow traveling of a reverse vehicle or can avoid a collision between a preceding vehicle and a following vehicle. Can be done.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same elements shown in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted.

First, we will explain the vehicle guidance system using the ETC system used at the entrance tollhouse of the toll road, then the vehicle guidance system used at the exit tollhouse, and further application examples (interchange with enhanced reverse run prevention function, smart Interchanges, parking lots, etc.) will be explained.

[Vehicle guidance system using ETC system for entrance toll station]
FIG. 3 shows a vehicle guidance system using an ETC system used at an entrance tollhouse.

The vehicle travels from the general road 8 toward the toll road 7, and a tollhouse 9 is provided between them. Conventionally, the tollhouse 9 has three lanes. Lanes (A → D) are for ETC only, and lanes B and C are for general vehicles. In the present embodiment, a lane E (also referred to as a “re-entry lane”) newly branched from A is prepared. Here, route A → D is a route that goes through the ETC gate 5 to the toll road 7, and route A → E is a lane for re-entering the tollhouse 9.

The lanes A to D are basically provided with roadside antennas 3 and 5, and perform wireless communication with the on-board unit. FIG. 4 shows the details of lanes A → D and A → E, and will be further described accordingly. A vehicle enters from a general road 8, passes through a barrier 1 opened in advance, is detected by a vehicle detection device 2a, and is on the side of a roadside antenna (antenna in front of a gate) 3 for determining whether wireless communication is possible. It passes and is detected by the vehicle detection device 2b.

When it is determined that wireless communication with the antenna in front of the gate 3 is possible, the guidance device 4-1 opens while the guidance device 4-2 is closed, passes by the vehicle detection device 2c, and is a roadside antenna (ETC gate). Upon receiving the entrance information for the on-board unit from 5, the vehicle can proceed to the toll road 7.

When it is determined that wireless communication with the antenna in front of the gate is impossible or impossible, the guidance device 4-2 is opened while the guidance device 4-1 is closed, and the guidance device 4-2 is advanced to lane E to move to the side of the vehicle detection device 2d. Go back to the point where you can select any of lanes A, B, and C again. Conventionally, since the re-entry lane E did not exist, when the opening / closing bar 4-1 went down and could not proceed, it was necessary to stop the vehicle and call a staff member with an intercom or the like. As a result, traffic congestion at the tollhouse 9 is promoted, and the original purpose of ETC cannot be achieved. Further, if a vehicle whose passage is stopped by descending the opening / closing bar 4-1 travels back from lane D and tries to exit lane A, it may collide with a following vehicle, which is extremely dangerous. .. However, by providing the re-entry lane E, such problems and dangers can be systematically solved.

Here, as shown in FIG. 7 (this is an example of an exit tollhouse), a vehicle whose wireless communication is impossible or impossible passes from lane A through lane E, and a toll ticketing box 6 for lane B or C. It may be configured to join the earlier point. The lanes B and C are lanes for general vehicles, and a toll ticket issuing box 6 is provided respectively.

Returning to FIG. 4, the antenna 3 in front of the gate is provided with a communication means for communicating data with the ETC on-board unit mounted on the vehicle and a determination means for recognizing the received data and determining whether or not the charge can be collected by ETC. Has been done.

The guidance devices 4-1 and 4-2 are, for example, in the form of a barrier, and when guiding to route D, the barrier on the route D side is opened, the barrier on the route E side is closed, and when guiding to route E, the route is used. There is a method of opening the barrier on the E side and closing the barrier on the route D side for guidance. In addition, the display panel may be used to display characters such as "passable" and "impossible" for each route, and "↑" (arrow) for passable routes and impassable routes. May display a symbol or picture such as "x" (cross mark). Further, the reason for guiding to the route E such as "ETC unreadable" may be displayed. Further, the barrier type and the display panel type may be used together.

The toll ticket issuing box 10 is a manned or unmanned facility for collecting tolls with cash, a magnetic card, or the like, and is currently introduced at tollhouses on expressways.

While paying attention to the functions of the plurality of vehicle detection devices 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d shown in FIG. 4, the guidance method of the vehicle guidance system of FIGS. 3 and 4 will be briefly described using the flow shown in FIG. When the first vehicle detection device 2a detects the approach of the vehicle (step S02), the barrier 1 is closed so as to leave a certain distance from the following vehicle (step S03). As will be described later, the breaker 1 does not open unless the vehicle detection device 2c or 2d detects the vehicle, so that collision between the preceding vehicle and the following vehicle can be avoided, and the preceding vehicle is prevented from running backward in lane A. can. When the second vehicle detection device 2b detects an approaching vehicle (step S05), it is confirmed that the vehicle has passed the antenna 3 in front of the gate, and it is determined at this timing whether communication is possible or communication is impossible / impossible. (Steps S06, S07). The determination time is fixed so that it is possible to distinguish between a state in which the vehicle has not passed and a state in which wireless communication has not been performed even though the vehicle has passed.

If communication is possible, the guidance device 4-1 opens and is guided to the lane D to proceed to the toll road 7 (step S08). On the contrary, if communication is impossible or impossible, the guidance device 4-2 opens and is guided to lane E, and returns to the place where lanes A, B, and C are selected again (step S13). Here, "communication impossible / impossible" includes the case where a general vehicle accidentally enters and the case where the ETC vehicle does not succeed in wireless communication for some reason.

When the third vehicle detection device 2c detects an approaching vehicle (step S09), since this vehicle is escaping from lanes A → D, the barrier 1 is opened (step S10), and similarly, the fourth vehicle detection device When 2d detects an approaching vehicle (step S14), it is escaping from lanes A → E, so the barrier 1 is opened (step S15). As a result, when one vehicle enters the section of the vehicle detection devices 2c and 2d from the barrier 1, this section becomes a kind of closed area, and the existence of only one vehicle is allowed. ing. Therefore, no collision between the preceding vehicle and the following vehicle occurs in this closed area. As long as the ETC system is operating normally, the time when the breaker 1 is closed is the time from the breaker 1 to the ETC gate 5 for the vehicle to pass through the ETC gate 5, which is only a few seconds, which is the original non-stop of the ETC system. Stop driving is practically secured.

The front-gate antenna 3 and the ETC gate 5, which are roadside antennas, are installed together at the point of the front-gate antenna 3, and it is possible to determine whether wireless communication is possible and transmit entrance information if possible. May be executed at once.

Further, although the above-mentioned embodiment is an entrance ticketing method, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be adopted in a simple collection method. In this case, such a guidance system may be provided at least one place between the entrance and the exit of the toll road.

The guidance system of FIGS. 3 and 4 is executed by a computer (not shown) connected to each barrier, each vehicle detection device, an antenna in front of the gate, an ETC gate, and the like. The guidance method described above is programmed, loaded into this computer, and executed. Furthermore, this program is recorded on a suitable recording medium. The present invention includes not only the above-mentioned guidance system, but also such a guidance method, a program for executing the guidance method, and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) This embodiment can be realized only by preparing a new re-entry lane E without making major changes to the conventional interchange.
(2) After entering the ETC lane, even if ETC wireless communication is impossible or impossible, the re-entry lane E is prepared, so congestion does not occur.
(3) When the vehicle detection device 2a detects an approaching vehicle, the barrier 1 is closed, and then the barrier 1 cannot be opened unless the vehicle detection devices 2c and 2d detect the approaching vehicle. It can be stopped.
(4) Further, since the number of vehicles between the barrier 1 and the vehicle detection devices 2c and 2d is limited to one, a collision accident between the approaching vehicle and the following vehicle can be avoided.

[Vehicle guidance system using ETC system for exit toll office]
FIG. 6 shows a vehicle guidance system using an ETC system at an exit tollhouse.

The vehicle travels from the toll road 7 toward the general road 8, and a tollhouse 9 is provided between them. Conventionally, three lanes have been prepared at the tollhouse. Lanes (A → D) are for ETC only, and lanes B and C are for general vehicles. In this embodiment, a new re-entry lane E is prepared.

The vehicle guidance system using the ETC system for the exit toll station in FIG. 6 is basically the same as that in FIGS. 3 and 4.

While paying attention to the functions of the plurality of vehicle detection devices 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d shown in FIG. 6, the guidance method of the vehicle guidance system of FIGS. 6 and 7 will be briefly described using the flow shown in FIG. When the first vehicle detection device 2a detects the approach of the vehicle (step S22), the barrier 1 is closed so as to leave a certain distance from the following vehicle (step S23). When the second vehicle detection device 2b detects an approaching vehicle (step S25), it is confirmed that the vehicle has passed the antenna 3 in front of the gate, and it is determined at this timing whether communication is possible or communication is impossible / impossible. (Steps S26 and S27). If communication is possible, the guidance device 4-1 opens and is guided to the lane D to proceed to the general road 8. On the contrary, if communication is impossible or impossible, the guidance device 4-2 opens and is guided to the re-entry lane E, and returns to the place where the lanes A, B, and C are selected again. As shown in FIG. 7, the vehicle may be guided to the general vehicle lane B or C.

At this time, when the third vehicle detection device 2c detects an approaching vehicle (step S29), since this vehicle is escaping from lanes A → D, the barrier 1 is opened (step S30), and similarly, the fourth vehicle is detected. When the vehicle detection device 2d detects an approaching vehicle (step S34), the barrier 1 is opened because the vehicle is escaping from lanes A → E (step S35).

Similarly, the guidance system of FIGS. 6 and 7 is executed by a computer (not shown) connected to each barrier, each vehicle detection device, an antenna in front of the gate, an ETC gate, and the like. The guidance method described above is programmed, loaded into this computer, and executed. Furthermore, this program is recorded on a suitable recording medium. The present invention includes not only the above-mentioned guidance system, but also such a guidance method, a program for executing the guidance method, and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

According to this embodiment, the same effects as those described in (1) to (4) described above can be obtained.

[Other application examples]
(Interchange with enhanced reverse entry prevention function)
However, in the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 4, it is not possible to prevent an illegal vehicle for the purpose of non-payment of charges from entering the ETC vehicle lane retroactively from the exit of the ETC vehicle lane or the exit of the departure lane. It has the problem of. In order to solve this problem, in the embodiment described below, a reverse run prevention means is similarly provided for each of the lanes D and E by a combination of a breaker and a vehicle detection device.

FIG. 9 is a modification of FIG. 4, and is a diagram showing a configuration of an interchange with an enhanced reverse entry prevention function. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a guidance method of the vehicle guidance system of FIG.

Comparing the configuration of the interchange of FIG. 9 with that of FIG. 4, in addition to the closed section (section of the barrier 1 to the barrier 4-1 and 4-2) described in FIG. 4, the closed section F (breaker 1) -2 to the section of the barrier 4-1) and the closed section G (the section of the barrier 1-3 to the barrier 4-2) are formed. As shown in FIG. 9, in order to form the closed section F, a breaker 1-2, a vehicle detection device 2e, and a closed section sensor 16 are newly provided, and in order to form the closed section G, a new breaker 1 is provided. -3, a vehicle detection device 2f, a closed section sensor 17 is provided, and a closed section sensor 18 is further provided.

Comparing the flow of FIG. 10 with that of FIG. 8, the difference is substantially that steps S50 to 54, 56, 59 to 62 are newly added to FIG. 10.

To briefly explain this embodiment with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, when a vehicle enters the lane D, when the vehicle detection device 2c detects the vehicle (step S49), the barrier 4-1 is closed to cut off. The machine 1-2 is opened (step S50), and then the barrier 4-1 is kept closed until the antenna 3 in front of the gate recognizes and determines the following vehicle (step S48). When the vehicle detection device 2e detects a vehicle (step S52), the barrier 1-2 is closed (step S53) to prevent an unauthorized vehicle from entering backward from the exit of lane D. When the vehicle section sensor 16 confirms that there is no vehicle in the closed section F (step S54), the barrier 1 is opened (step S55) and the following vehicle can enter. Even if another fraudulent vehicle enters the closed section F by passing the vehicle, if the closed section sensor 16 determines that the vehicle is in the closed section F (step S54), the monitoring center is notified. Process and prevent unauthorized vehicles from entering any further.

The same applies to lane E. When a vehicle enters lane E, when the vehicle detection device 2d detects the vehicle (step S58), the barrier 4-2 is closed and the barrier 1-3 is opened (step S59), and then the antenna 3 in front of the gate follows. Keep the breaker 4-2 closed until the vehicle is recognized and judged (step S57). When the vehicle detection device 2f detects a vehicle (step S60), the barrier 1-3 is closed (step S61) to prevent an unauthorized vehicle from entering backward from the exit of lane E. When the vehicle section sensor 17 confirms that there is no vehicle in the closed section G (step S62), the barrier 1 is opened (step S63) and the following vehicle can enter. Even if another fraudulent vehicle enters the vehicle in reverse by passing the vehicle leaving the closed section F, if the closed section sensor 17 determines that the vehicle is in the closed section G (step S62), the monitoring center is notified. Process and prevent unauthorized vehicles from entering any further.

Further, if necessary, a closed section sensor 18 may be provided to finally confirm the presence or absence of a vehicle in lane A.

The image taken by the closed section sensor is displayed on the monitor of the monitoring center (not shown), and the observer monitors it. Here, the closed section sensor may be a normal visible camera, an infrared camera, or a combination of both, if necessary. When an infrared camera is used, the high temperature of the engine portion of the vehicle is detected, so that even if a plurality of vehicles enter at the same time, they can be identified.

Please be aware that this embodiment can be applied to both entrance and exit interchanges.

(Vehicle guidance system for smart interchanges)
FIG. 11 shows a modified example, specifically, an example in which the vehicle guidance system of the present invention is introduced into a smart interchange. A smart interchange is an interchange (tollhouse) exclusively for ETC vehicles that installs ETC gates in the parking-area and service-area of expressways to connect to general roads, and is planned to be introduced experimentally from 2004. Has been done. It is characterized by being able to be constructed and managed at a lower cost than conventional interchanges, and is expected to improve the convenience of expressways and revitalize the surrounding area. However, it is not economical because a staff member must be stationed in case a general vehicle enters the smart interchange and gets stuck.

As shown in FIG. 11, a parking-area or a service-area 11 is provided between the general road 8 and the toll road 7. There is an entrance tollhouse 12 for entering the toll road 7 from the general road 8 and an exit tollhouse 13 for exiting the general road 8 from the toll road 7. The roles of the entrance tollhouse 12 lanes (A → D) and (A → E), and the exit tollhouse 13 lanes (A → D) and (A → E), except that there are no general vehicle lanes B and C. The role of is the same as that of FIGS. 3, 4, 6 and 7.

According to the vehicle guidance system of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the entry of general vehicles and target only ETC vehicles, so that the interchange can be unmanned and economic effects can be expected.

(Vehicle guidance system for pay parking lots, etc.)
Further, the present invention is not limited to a tollhouse connecting a toll road and a general road, and is installed in an area where a toll is required, such as a toll parking lot, a toll car wash, or a drive-in theater. You can also do it. FIG. 12 is an example of a pay parking lot in which the vehicle guidance system of the present invention is introduced.

From the entrance, the vehicle (ETC vehicle and general vehicle) 14 enters the parking lot through the barrier 1. Whether or not ETC communication is possible is determined by the antenna 3 in front of the gate, and if possible, the antenna 3 is guided in the direction of route D. After parking, go out from the ETC car exit. If wireless communication is not possible or not, you will be guided in the direction of Route E, and you will receive an admission ticket with the admission time at the admission ticket issuing office 15. After parking, pay the fee at the toll collection point 6 and go out from the general vehicle exit.

In this case, since the involvement of manpower in the ETC vehicle can be omitted, labor costs can be saved.

Similarly, the system of FIGS. 9, 11 and 12 is executed by a computer (not shown) connected to each barrier, each vehicle detection device, an antenna in front of the gate, an ETC gate, and the like. The guidance method described above is programmed, loaded into this computer, and executed. Furthermore, this program is recorded on a suitable recording medium. The present invention includes not only the above-mentioned guidance system, but also such a guidance method, a program for executing the guidance method, and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

The embodiment of the vehicle guidance system according to the present invention has been described above, but it should be noted that the above description is an example and the present invention is not limited to this description. Changes and improvements that can be made by those skilled in the art are within the technical scope of the present invention. The technical scope of the present invention is defined based on the description of the appended claims.
[Invention 1]
In a vehicle guidance system used for interchanges that have ETC vehicle lanes at tollhouses between general roads and toll roads.
A system characterized in that a means for allowing a vehicle to leave the ETC vehicle lane when communication failure or communication failure occurs between a roadside antenna and an on-board unit is provided.
[Invention 2]
In the vehicle guidance system according to the first invention.
The means for leaving the ETC vehicle lane is a system consisting of a lane that branches off from the ETC vehicle lane and is guided to a lane for the vehicle to re-enter the tollhouse or a lane for the general public.
[Invention 3]
In the vehicle guidance system according to the invention 1.
The roadside antenna is a system having a front-gate antenna for determining whether or not wireless communication is possible with an on-board unit and an ETC antenna for transmitting and receiving entrance information and charge information.
[Invention 4]
In the vehicle guidance system according to the invention 1.
The system includes a breaker, a first vehicle detection device, a front-gate antenna, a second vehicle detection device, a guiding means, a third vehicle detection device, a fourth vehicle detection device, and an ETC gate.
When the first vehicle detection device detects the approach of a vehicle, the barrier is closed so that there is a certain distance from the following vehicle.
When the second vehicle detection device detects an approaching vehicle, it is confirmed that the vehicle has passed the antenna in front of the gate, and at this timing, it is determined whether communication is possible or communication is impossible or impossible.
A system that opens the barrier for the following vehicle when the third or fourth vehicle detection device detects an approaching vehicle.
[Invention 5]
In the vehicle guidance system according to the invention 1.
The system has at least one guidance device.
A system that guides a vehicle to a predetermined guidance destination by the guidance device based on the determination result when the antenna in front of the gate determines that communication is possible or communication is impossible / impossible with the on-board unit.
[Invention 6]
It is a system that guides vehicles entering and exiting from the ETC vehicle dedicated entrance when a vehicle equipped with an ETC on-board unit enters and exits a general road and a toll road.
Detection means for detecting vehicles entering and exiting general roads and toll roads,
A communication means for communicating data with the ETC on-board unit mounted on the vehicle,
A determination means that recognizes the data received by the communication means and determines whether or not the charge can be collected by ETC.
According to the result of the determination by the determination means, the vehicle that can collect the toll by ETC is guided to the route from the general road to the toll road or from the toll road to the general road through the ETC gate, and the toll collection by ETC is performed. Equipped with a guidance means to guide the impossible vehicle to the route returning to the front of the doorway or the doorway for general vehicles.
A system characterized in that when the approach of a vehicle is detected by the detection means, the barrier is lowered to prevent the approaching vehicle from traveling backward and the following vehicle from entering.
[Invention 7]
The system according to invention 6, which is installed in a toll road tollhouse, a service area, or a parking area.
[Invention 8]
The system according to invention 6, which is installed in a pay area including at least a pay parking lot, a pay car wash, and a drive-in theater.
[Invention 9]
In a vehicle guidance system used for interchanges that have ETC vehicle lanes at tollhouses between general roads and toll roads.
A lane for separating the vehicle from the ETC vehicle lane when communication failure or communication failure occurs between the roadside antenna and the on-board unit, which branches from the middle of the ETC vehicle lane, is provided.
The lane for leaving the ETC vehicle lane is a lane for re-entering the tollhouse or a lane for guiding the vehicle to a general vehicle lane.
A vehicle guidance system in which a closed section for preventing reverse entry of another illegal vehicle is provided for a portion of the ETC vehicle lane and a portion of the departure lane beyond the branching point.
[Invention 10]
In the vehicle guidance system according to the invention 9.
The roadside antenna is a system having a front-gate antenna for determining whether or not wireless communication is possible with an on-board unit and an ETC antenna for transmitting and receiving entrance information and charge information.
[Invention 11]
In the vehicle guidance system according to the invention 9.
The system has a guiding means including a first barrier, a first vehicle detector, a front-gate antenna, a second vehicle detector, and a barrier to create a closed section.
A first closed section sensor is provided in the ETC vehicle lane ahead of the branch point, and a third vehicle detection is performed in the first closed section of the ETC vehicle lane ahead of the branch point. It has a device, an ETC gate, a second barrier and a fourth vehicle detection device ahead of the first closed section.
Further, a second closed section sensor is provided in the departure lane ahead of the branch point, and a fifth vehicle detection device and a third barrier are provided in the second closed section of the departure lane. A sixth vehicle detection device is provided at the end of the second closed section.
When the first vehicle detection device detects the approach of a vehicle, the first barrier is closed to separate the vehicle from the following vehicle.
When the second vehicle detection device detects an approaching vehicle, it is confirmed that the vehicle has passed the antenna in front of the gate, and at this timing, it is determined whether communication is possible or communication is impossible or impossible.
When the vehicle detection device detects an approaching vehicle in the closed section, the barrier of the guiding means is closed, and when the vehicle detection device provided at the tip of the closed section detects the passage of the vehicle, the barrier at the exit of the closed section is closed. Prevents another fraudulent vehicle from entering backwards from the exit side of the closed section.
In the unlikely event that another fraudulent vehicle enters backwards by passing a vehicle leaving the closed section, if the closed section sensor determines that there is a vehicle in the closed section, it will perform processing such as notifying the monitoring center.
A system that opens a first barrier for the following vehicle when the closed section sensor determines that there is no vehicle in the closed section.
[Invention 12]
A vehicle guidance method used for interchanges that have ETC vehicle lanes at tollhouses between general roads and toll roads.
The interchange is provided with a lane for separating the vehicle from the ETC vehicle lane when communication failure or communication failure occurs between the roadside antenna and the on-board unit.
The lane for leaving the ETC vehicle lane is a lane for re-entering the tollhouse or a lane for guiding the vehicle to a general vehicle lane.
The vehicle guidance method is
When the first vehicle detection device detects the approach of a vehicle, the first barrier is closed so that there is a certain distance from the following vehicle.
When the second vehicle detection device detects an approaching vehicle, it is confirmed that the vehicle has passed the antenna in front of the gate, and at this timing, it is determined whether communication is possible or communication is impossible or impossible.
When it is determined that communication is possible, the second gate is opened, guided to the ETC gate and the third vehicle detection device, and sent to the desired road.
When it is determined that communication is impossible or impossible, the third gate is opened, the vehicle is guided to the fourth vehicle detection device, and the vehicle is sent to the re-entry lane.
A vehicle guidance method including each step of opening the first barrier for a following vehicle when the third or fourth vehicle detection device detects an approaching vehicle.
[Invention 13]
A vehicle guidance method used for interchanges that have ETC vehicle lanes at tollhouses between general roads and toll roads.
The interchange has a guiding means including a first barrier, a first vehicle detector, an antenna in front of the gate, a second vehicle detector, and a barrier for making a closed section.
A first closed section sensor is provided in the ETC vehicle lane ahead of the branch point, and a third vehicle detection is performed in the first closed section of the ETC vehicle lane ahead of the branch point. It has a device, an ETC gate, a second barrier and a fourth vehicle detection device ahead of the first closed section.
Further, a second closed section sensor is provided in the departure lane ahead of the branch point, and a fifth vehicle detection device and a third barrier are provided in the second closed section of the departure lane. A sixth vehicle detection device is provided at the end of the second closed section.
The vehicle guidance method is
When the first vehicle detection device detects the approach of a vehicle, the first barrier is closed to separate the vehicle from the following vehicle.
When the second vehicle detection device detects an approaching vehicle, it is confirmed that the vehicle has passed the antenna in front of the gate, and at this timing, it is determined whether communication is possible or communication is impossible or impossible.
When the vehicle detection device detects an approaching vehicle in the closed section, the barrier of the guiding means is closed, and when the vehicle detection device provided at the tip of the closed section detects the passage of the vehicle, the barrier at the exit of the closed section is closed. Prevents another fraudulent vehicle from entering backwards from the exit side of the closed section.
In the unlikely event that another fraudulent vehicle enters backwards by passing a vehicle leaving the closed section, if the closed section sensor determines that there is a vehicle in the closed section, it will perform processing such as notifying the monitoring center.
A vehicle guidance method comprising each step of opening a first barrier for a following vehicle when the closed section sensor determines that there is no vehicle in the closed section.
[Invention 14]
A computer program that causes a computer to execute each step of the vehicle guiding method according to the invention 12 or 13.
[Invention 15]
A recording medium on which the computer program according to the invention 14 is recorded.

It is a figure explaining the basics of an ETC system. It is a figure explaining the wireless communication between a roadside antenna and an on-board unit in an entrance tollhouse and an exit tollhouse in the ETC system of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the ETC system use vehicle guidance system for the entrance toll office which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a partially enlarged view of the vehicle guidance system of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the guidance method of the vehicle guidance system of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the vehicle guidance system using the ETC system for the exit toll office which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a modification of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the guidance method of the vehicle guidance system of FIG. It is a modification of FIG. 4, and is a figure which shows the structure of the interchange which enhanced the reverse approach prevention function. It is a flowchart explaining the guidance method of the vehicle guidance system of FIG. It is an application example of this invention, and is the figure which shows the example which applied to the smart interchange. It is an application example of this invention, and is the figure which shows the example which applied to the pay parking lot.

1: Breaker, 2,2a, 2b, 2c, 2d: Vehicle detection device, 3: Gate front antenna, 4: Guidance device, 5: ETC gate, 6: Toll collection box, 7: Toll road, 8: General road , 9: Tollhouse, 10: Toll ticketing box, 11: Parking area, Service area, 12: ETC car exclusive entrance tollhouse, 13: ETC car exclusive exit tollhouse, 14: Vehicle, 15: Parking ticket issuing machine, 16, 17, 18: Closed section sensor

Claims (6)

It is a system that guides vehicles entering and exiting from the ETC vehicle exclusive entrance / exit installed in the toll road tollhouse, service area or parking area.
The first detection means for detecting a vehicle entering and exiting the toll road tollhouse, service area or parking area, and
A first barrier installed corresponding to the first detection means, and
A communication means for communicating data with the ETC on-board unit mounted on the vehicle,
A determination means that recognizes the data received by the communication means and determines whether or not the charge can be collected by ETC.
According to the result determined by the determination means, a vehicle capable of collecting tolls by ETC is entered into the toll road tollhouse, service area or parking area through the ETC gate, or the toll road tollhouse, service area or parking area. Guidance means to guide the vehicle to the first lane leading to the route exiting from, and to the route returning to the front of the ETC vehicle exclusive entrance / exit or the second lane leading to the general vehicle entrance / exit for vehicles for which toll collection by ETC is not possible. And, with
The guiding means guides the second barrier provided in the first lane, the third barrier provided in the second lane, and the first lane or the second lane. And a display panel capable of displaying the information to be used and the reason for guiding to the second lane.
Further, a second detecting means for detecting a vehicle that has passed through the second barrier and a third detecting means for detecting a vehicle that has passed through the third barrier are provided.
The shape of the connection portion of the second lane with the first lane is a curved road that is bent in a direction in which the vehicle can smoothly travel when passing through the first barrier and entering the second lane. And
When the approach of the vehicle is detected by the first detection means, the first barrier is lowered after the vehicle has passed, and when the passage of the vehicle is detected by the second detection means, the vehicle is said. A vehicle guidance system characterized in that the second barrier is lowered after the vehicle has passed. The vehicle guidance system according to claim 1, further comprising lowering the third barrier after the vehicle has passed when the passage of the vehicle is detected by the third detection means. The toll road tollhouse, service area or parking area through the vehicle guidance system according to claim 1 or 2, the lane in which the first detection means and the first breaker are installed, and the ETC gate. The first lane leading to the route to enter or exit from the toll road tollhouse, service area or parking area, and the second lane leading to the route returning to the front of the ETC vehicle exclusive entrance or the entrance for general vehicles. A smart interchange featuring ,. A toll road tollhouse characterized by having the smart interchange according to claim 3. A highway service area characterized by having the smart interchange according to claim 3. A highway parking area characterized by having the smart interchange according to claim 3.

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