JP2022129086A - Toll collection system and toll collection method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a toll collection system that can accurately detect a forward direction of a vehicle regardless of whether a reverse lane is switched to an entrance lane or an exit lane.SOLUTION: A toll collection system includes: a toll ticket issuing machine that issues a toll ticket to a vehicle traveling in a reverse lane toward a toll road; an automatic toll collection machine that collects tolls calculated based on the toll ticket from the vehicle traveling in the reverse lane toward a public road side; a first vehicle separator that detects vehicles traveling in a first position; a second vehicle separator that detects vehicles traveling in a second position; and a lane switching device that outputs a switching signal indicating that the reverse lane has been switched to the entrance lane or an exit lane. Based on the switching signal, the first vehicle separator performs either first processing of detecting a direction toward the public road side as the forward direction or second processing of detecting a direction toward the toll road side as the forward direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to toll collection systems and toll collection methods.

Among the toll gates of toll roads, there are toll gates in which the frequency of use of the entrance toll gate and the use frequency of the exit toll gate are significantly different depending on the time of day. For example, there is a tollgate in which the frequency of use of the entrance tollgate increases during working hours, and the exit tollgate is used frequently during off-work hours. At such toll gates, the optimum number of entrance lanes and exit lanes in consideration of traffic congestion prevention fluctuates depending on the time of day. there were.

For this reason, there has been considered a technique of reverse operation in which one lane is reversed as an entrance lane or an exit lane. For example, in Patent Document 1, in forward mode, the first vehicle detector installed on one end side of the reverse lane functions as an entry detector, and the second vehicle detector installed on the other end side functions as an exit detector. , the second vehicle detector functions as an entrance detector and the first vehicle detector functions as an exit detector in the reverse direction mode.

JP 2015-41347 A

However, with the conventional technology, vehicle detectors installed at both ends of the reverse lane cannot distinguish between forward and backward movement of the vehicle. In order to make a reverse lane that can distinguish whether the vehicle is moving forward or backward, it is necessary to install an entrance detector and an exit detector for the entrance lane, and an entrance detector and an exit detector for the exit lane, respectively. increase. For this reason, there has been a demand for a system capable of distinguishing whether the vehicle is traveling forward or backward while reducing the number of devices by commonizing the devices for the entrance lane and the exit lane of the reverse lane.

The present disclosure has been made in view of such problems, and enables the reverse lane to be switched to either the entrance lane or the exit lane with a simple equipment configuration, and accurately detects the forward direction of the vehicle. To provide a toll collection system and a toll collection method capable of

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the toll collection system 1 connects a general road and a toll road, and includes an entrance lane on which a vehicle heading for the toll road travels and an exit lane on which a vehicle heading for the general road travels. A toll collection system 1 installed in a reverse lane that can be switched to either one, and a first vehicle separator installed at a first position on the side of the toll road in the lane direction to detect a vehicle traveling in the first position. 10, a second vehicle separator 11 installed at a second position on the general road side in the lane direction to detect a vehicle traveling in the second position, and switching the reverse lane to the entrance lane or the exit lane. to the first vehicle separator 10 and the second vehicle separator 11 respectively. Based on the switching signal, the first vehicle separator 10 detects the direction toward the general road side as the forward direction of the vehicle, and the direction toward the toll road side as the reverse direction. Either of the second processing is executed to detect the heading direction as the forward direction of the vehicle and the direction toward the general road side as the backward driving direction.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the toll collection method connects an ordinary road and a toll road, and includes an entrance lane on which a vehicle heading for the toll road travels, and an exit lane on which a vehicle heading for the ordinary road travels. A toll collection method in a reverse lane that can be switched between two lanes, the first vehicle separator 10 detecting a vehicle traveling at a first position on the toll road side in the lane direction, and the second vehicle separator 11 detecting a step of detecting a vehicle traveling at a second position on the general road side in the lane direction; and outputting to each of the two vehicle separators 11 . The step of detecting a vehicle traveling at the first position includes a first process of detecting a direction toward a general road as a forward direction of the vehicle and a direction toward a toll road as a reverse direction based on the switching signal; and second processing for detecting the direction toward the toll road side as the forward direction of the vehicle, and the direction toward the general road side as the reverse direction.

According to the toll collection system and toll collection method according to the present disclosure, it is possible to switch the reverse lane to either the entrance lane or the exit lane with a simple equipment configuration, and to accurately detect the forward direction of the vehicle. can.

1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a toll collection system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a vehicle separator according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a toll collection system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing during exit operation of the toll collection system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing during entrance operation of the toll collection system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the toll collection system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this indication. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of equipment that constitutes a toll collection system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG.

<First Embodiment>
A toll collection system 1 and a toll collection method according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG.

(Overall configuration of toll collection system)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a toll collection system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
As shown in FIG. 1, a toll collection system 1 according to the present embodiment connects a general road and a toll road, and includes an entrance lane in which a vehicle A traveling to the toll road runs, and a vehicle A traveling to the general road. It is provided in the reverse lane L that can be switched to any of the exit lanes. The toll collection system 1 includes a toll ticket issuing machine 2, an automatic toll collection machine 3, a lane switching device 4, a first vehicle separator 10, a second vehicle separator 11, a third vehicle separator 12, A first start controller 13 , a second start controller 14 , and a vehicle type determination device 15 are provided.

A toll ticket issuing machine 2 is installed on an island I on the side of a reverse lane L, and issues a toll ticket to a vehicle A traveling on the reverse lane L toward the toll road side (-X side).

The automatic toll collection machine 3 is installed on the island I on the side of the reverse lane L, and collects the toll calculated based on the toll ticket from the vehicle A traveling in the reverse lane L toward the general road side (+X side). receive.

The lane switching device 4 is installed on the island I on the roadside of the reverse lane L, and outputs a signal (switching signal) indicating that the reverse lane L has been switched to the entrance lane or the exit lane. 3. Output to the first vehicle separator 10, the second vehicle separator 11, the third vehicle separator 12, and the vehicle type discrimination device 15, respectively.

The first vehicle separator 10 is installed at a first position P1 on the toll road side (-X side) relative to the toll ticket issuing machine 2 and the automatic toll collection machine 3 in the lane direction (±X direction). A vehicle A traveling on P1 is detected. The first position P1 is set at the end of the reverse lane L on the toll road side. The first vehicle separator 10 includes a vehicle detector 101 that detects the presence or absence of the vehicle A at the first position P1, and a footboard 102 that detects whether the vehicle A moves forward or backward.

The second vehicle separator 11 is installed at a second position P2 on the general road side (+X side) from the toll ticket issuing machine 2 and the automatic toll collection machine 3 in the lane direction (±X direction). A running vehicle A is detected. The second position P2 is set at the end of the reverse lane L on the general road side. The second vehicle separator 11 includes a vehicle detector 111 that detects the presence or absence of the vehicle A at the second position P2, and a footboard 112 that detects whether the vehicle A moves forward or backward.

The third vehicle separator 12 is installed at a third position P3 between the second vehicle separator 11 and the automatic toll collection machine 3 in the lane direction (±X direction), and controls the vehicle A traveling at the third position P3. To detect. The third vehicle separator 12 includes a vehicle detector 121 that detects the presence or absence of the vehicle A at the third position P3, and a footboard 122 that detects whether the vehicle A moves forward or backward.

The first start controller 13 is installed between the first vehicle separator 10 and the ticket issuing machine 2 in the lane direction (±X direction). The first departure controller 13 raises and lowers the opening/closing bar according to the opening/closing command from the ticket issuing machine 2 to open the reverse lane L (passage of vehicle A is permitted) and block (passage of vehicle A is restricted).

The second start controller 14 is installed between the automatic toll collection machine 3 and the third vehicle separator 12 in the lane direction (±X direction). The second start controller 14 raises and lowers the opening/closing bar according to the opening/closing command from the automatic toll receiver 3, thereby opening the reverse lane L (permitting the passage of the vehicle A) and closing it (restricting the passage of the vehicle A).

The vehicle type discriminating device 15 discriminates the vehicle type of the vehicle traveling in the reverse lane L. When the vehicle type discrimination device 15 according to the present embodiment receives a signal indicating switching to the entrance lane from the lane switching device 4, the vehicle type discrimination device 15 executes vehicle type discrimination processing of the vehicle A and notifies the toll ticket issuing machine 2 of the discrimination result. .

The toll collection system 1 further has a roof R that covers the toll issuing machine 2 and the automatic toll collection machine 3 above. The roof R prevents the toll issuing machine 2 and the automatic toll collection machine 3 from getting wet with rain. In addition, the roof R prevents the passenger from getting wet in the rain when the passenger of the vehicle A picks up the issued toll ticket or pays the toll via the automatic toll collection machine 3. .

(Functional configuration of vehicle separator)
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the vehicle separator according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle detector 101 of the first vehicle separator 10 has a pair of a light emitter 101A and a light receiver 101B facing each other with the reverse lane L therebetween. In the vehicle detector 101, when the vehicle A does not exist at the first position P1, the light receiver 101B receives the light projected from the light projector 101A. When the vehicle A exists at the first position P1, the vehicle detector 101 is blocked by the vehicle body of the vehicle A, and the light emitted from the light emitter 101A is not received by the light receiver 101B. The vehicle detector 101 detects whether or not the vehicle A is present at the first position P1 based on whether or not the light receiver 101B has received the light.

The vehicle detector 111 of the second vehicle separator 11 and the vehicle detector 121 of the third vehicle separator 12 also have the same configuration as the vehicle detector 101 of the first vehicle separator 10 . The vehicle detector 111 of the second vehicle separator 11 detects whether or not the vehicle A is present at the second position P2 based on whether or not the light receiver 101B has received light. The vehicle detector 121 of the third vehicle separator 12 detects whether or not the vehicle A is present at the third position P3 based on whether or not the light receiver 101B has received light.

The tread plate 102 of the first vehicle separator 10 is embedded in the reverse lane L1 at a first position P1 in the lane direction (±X direction). The tread plate 102 extends in the lane width direction (±Y direction) and is composed of two pressure sensors 102A and 102B that detect the stepping on by the tires of the vehicle A. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the pressure sensor 102A is installed on the toll road side (-X side) in the lane direction, and the pressure sensor 102B is installed on the general road side (+X side) in the lane direction. The footboard 102 determines whether the vehicle A is moving forward or backward according to the order in which the pressure sensors 102A and 102B are pressed.

Specifically, when the reverse lane L is operated as an exit lane (that is, when a switching signal indicating "exit lane" is received from the lane switching device 4), the footboard 102 moves toward the general road side (+X side). A first process of detecting the heading direction as the forward direction of the vehicle A is executed. In this case, the footboard 102 detects that the vehicle A is moving forward when the pressure sensors 102A and 102B detect the stepping on the tires in that order. On the other hand, when the pressure sensors 102B and 102A detect stepping on the tires in this order, the footboard 102 detects that the vehicle A is moving backward.

Further, when the reverse lane L is operated as an entrance lane (that is, when a signal indicating the "entrance lane" is received from the lane switching device 4), the footboard 102 moves toward the toll road side (-X side). A second process of detecting the forward direction of the vehicle A is executed. In this case, the tread 102 detects that the vehicle A is moving forward when the pressure sensors 102B and 102A detect stepping on the tires in that order. On the other hand, when the pressure sensors 102A and 102B detect stepping on the tires in this order, the footboard 102 detects that the vehicle A is moving backward.

The footboard 112 of the second vehicle separator 11 and the footboard 122 of the third vehicle separator 12 also have the same configuration as the footboard 102 of the first vehicle separator 10 . That is, the footboard 112 of the second vehicle separator 11 detects forward and backward movement of the vehicle A at the second position P2. The footboard 112 of the third vehicle separator 12 detects forward and backward movement of the vehicle A at the third position P3. As with the tread 102 of the first vehicle separator 10, the tread 112 of the second vehicle separator 11 and the tread 122 of the third vehicle separator 12 are arranged on the general road side ( +X side) is detected as the forward direction of the vehicle A, and when the reverse lane L is operated as an entrance lane, the direction toward the toll road side (-X side) is detected as the forward direction of the vehicle A.

Further, the treadle 112 of the second vehicle separator 11 further detects the number of times the tire is stepped on by the pressure sensors 102A and 102B, the number of axles of the vehicle A based on the stepping position, the wheel width and the wheel span of the vehicle A. Information such as the number of axles is used for vehicle type determination processing by the vehicle type determination device 15 .

The second vehicle separator 11 may stop outputting the detection result when the reverse lane L is used as the exit lane. Further, the third vehicle separator 12 may stop outputting the detection result when the reverse lane L is used as the entrance lane.

(Arrangement of each component of the toll collection system)
As shown in FIG. 1, the distance D1 between the ticket issuing machine 2 (installation position P4) and the second vehicle separator 11 (second position P2) in the lane direction (±X direction) is 15 is set to a distance at which the vehicle type discrimination process can be completed. The vehicle type discriminating device 15 according to this embodiment discriminates the vehicle type of the vehicle A based on the number of axles, the wheel width, the wheel span, etc. detected by the tread plate 112 of the second vehicle separator 11 . Therefore, the vehicle type identification device 15 completes the identification process after all the tires of the vehicle A have passed the footboard 112 and the number of axles and the like have been specified. Therefore, the distance D1 is set to be equal to or longer than the maximum vehicle length of the vehicle A (for example, "18 m").

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1, in order to reduce the installation cost of the roof R, it is desirable to minimize the length D3 of the roof R in the lane direction (±X direction) (for example, 12 m). In addition, since it is necessary to ensure that the distance D1 between the ticket issuing machine 2 and the second vehicle separator 11 is equal to or greater than the maximum vehicle length of the vehicle A, the installation position P4 of the ticket issuing machine 2 is placed on the roof R. Placed as a reference. Therefore, the installation position P5 of the automatic toll collection machine 3 is set so that the distance D4 from the installation position P4 of the ticket issuing machine 2 to the installation position P5 of the automatic toll collection machine 3 is shorter than the length D3 of the roof R. be done.

Furthermore, the distance D2 between the automatic toll receiver 3 (installation position P5) and the third vehicle separator 12 (third position P3) in the lane direction (±X direction) is the minimum vehicle length of the vehicle A (for example, "2.8 m") or less. When the automatic toll collection machine 3 completes the toll collection processing and the third vehicle separator 12 detects that the vehicle A has passed the third position P3 in the forward direction, the second start controller 14 turns on the open/close bar. send a command to close the At this time, if the distance between the automatic toll collection machine 3 and the third vehicle separator 12 is set to be longer than the minimum vehicle length of the vehicle A, the following vehicle A will be stopped before the preceding vehicle A passes the third position P3. The vehicle may reach the position of the second start controller 14 . Then, when the second start controller 14 lowers the opening/closing bar, the opening/closing bar may collide with the following vehicle. In order to suppress such a collision between the opening/closing bar and the vehicle A, the distance D2 is set to be equal to or less than the minimum vehicle length of the vehicle A so that the following vehicle cannot enter.

For the same reason, the distance between the ticket issuing machine 2 (installation position P4) and the first vehicle separator 10 (first position P1) in the lane direction (±X direction) is also less than or equal to the minimum vehicle length of the vehicle A. may be set to

(Functional configuration of toll collection system)
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the toll collection system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
As shown in FIG. 3, the lane switching device 4 has a switch 41 (for example, a rotary switch) for switching the reverse lane L to the exit lane or the entrance lane. The lane switching device 4 receives the operation of the switch 41 by the toll gate attendant and outputs a switching signal indicating whether the reverse lane L is to be operated as an "exit lane" or as an "entrance lane". , automatic toll collection machine 3, first vehicle separator 10, second vehicle separator 11, third vehicle separator 12, and vehicle type discrimination device 15, respectively. The switch 41 of the lane switching device 4 is a mechanical switch. For example, it is assumed that the switching signal indicating the "entrance lane" is set to "ON" and the switching signal indicating the "exit lane" is set to "OFF". In this case, when the power of the lane switching device 4 is turned off due to a failure or the like, the switching signal is in the "OFF" state, so the reverse lane L can be continuously operated in the "exit lane" state. . Alternatively, the switching signal indicating the "exit lane" may be "ON" and the switching signal indicating the "entrance lane" may be "OFF".

In addition, when the switching signal is the "exit lane", the lane switching device 4 is connected to the communication line C1 between the lane switching device 4 and the automatic toll collection machine 3, and each vehicle separator (first vehicle separator) is connected to the lane switch device 4. 10, the second vehicle separator 11, the detection result of the third vehicle separator 12) is output to the automatic toll collection machine 3 through the communication line C1 of the lane switching device 4. On the other hand, in the lane switching device 4, when the switching signal is "entrance lane", the communication line C2 between the lane switching device 4, the ticket issuing machine 2, and the vehicle type discrimination device 15 is connected, and each vehicle separator is connected. The detection result is output to the ticket issuing machine 2 and the vehicle type discrimination device 15 through the communication line C2 of the lane switching device 4. FIG. As in the above example, when the power supply of the lane switching device 4 is turned off due to a failure or the like, the switching signal is in the "OFF" state, so either of the communication lines C1 and C2 is connected. . As a result, it is possible to prevent the reverse lane L from becoming inoperable due to a failure of the lane switching device 4 or the like.

The detection result of the vehicle A by the first vehicle separator 10 (presence or absence of the vehicle A at the first position P1, distinction between forward and backward movement) is transmitted through the communication line C2 of the lane switching device 4 to the ticket issuing machine 2 and the automatic toll system. It is output to the receiver 3. Similarly, the detection result of the vehicle A by the second vehicle separator 11 is output to the ticket issuing machine 2 and the vehicle type discrimination device 15 through the communication line C2 of the lane switching device 4 . The detection result of the vehicle A by the third vehicle separator 12 is output to the automatic toll collection machine 3 through the communication line C1 of the lane switching device 4 . Since these detection results include forward and backward movement information of the vehicle A, the toll ticket issuing machine 2 and automatic toll collection machine 3 detect that the vehicle A is at the first position P1, the second position P2, and the third position P3. It is possible to accurately detect whether each position has been passed by moving forward or not because it has moved backward.

When the reverse lane L is used as the entrance lane, the toll ticket issuing machine 2 receives the detection result (detection of the vehicle A entering the reverse lane L) received from the second vehicle separator 11 and the vehicle type determination device 15. A toll ticket for the vehicle A is issued based on the vehicle type discrimination result. The toll ticket includes the date and time when vehicle A traveled in the reverse lane (for example, the date and time when vehicle A was detected by the second vehicle separator 11), information that can identify the entrance tollgate, and information that can be identified by the vehicle type determination device 15. Information including the vehicle type of the vehicle A is recorded. Further, when issuing the ticket, the ticket issuing machine 2 transmits an opening command to the first start controller 13 to permit the vehicle A to leave the reverse lane L.

Further, when the passing ticket issuing machine 2 receives the detection result (detection of the exit of the vehicle A from the reverse lane L) received from the first vehicle separator 10, it transmits a close command to the first start controller 13, To restrict the exit of the next vehicle A from the reverse lane L.

The vehicle type discrimination device 15 performs vehicle type discrimination processing of the vehicle A based on the detection result received from the second vehicle separator 11 when the reverse lane L is used as the entrance lane. The vehicle type discriminating device 15 discriminates the vehicle type of the vehicle A based on the number of axles, the wheel width, the wheel span, etc. of the vehicle A included in the detection result of the second vehicle separator 11, for example. The identification result by the vehicle type identification device 15 is notified to the ticket issuing machine 2 and recorded in the ticket.

(Processing flow during exit operation of toll collection system)
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing during exit operation of the toll collection system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
Hereinafter, the flow of processing (toll collection method) when operating the reverse lane L as the "exit lane" will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

First, when an attendant operates the switch 41 of the lane switching device 4 to switch the reverse lane L to the "exit lane", the lane switching device 4 switches the first vehicle separator 10, the second vehicle separator 11, and the third vehicle. A switching signal indicating switching to the "exit lane" is output to each of the separator 12, the toll issuing machine 2, the automatic toll collection machine 3, and the vehicle type discrimination device 15. FIG. Then, each device performs a process of changing the detection logic or the like according to the switching signal (step S100).

Specifically, the vehicle detector 101 of the first vehicle separator 10 functions as an entry-side vehicle detector that detects the entry of the vehicle A from the toll road into the reverse lane L (exit lane) at the first position P1. do. In addition, the first vehicle separator 10 performs "first processing" for detecting the direction from the toll road side to the general road side (+X direction in FIG. 1) as the forward direction of the vehicle A based on the detection signal of the footboard 102. Toggle the detection logic to run.

The second vehicle separator 11 stops outputting the detection result because the detection result is no longer used in the exit lane.

The vehicle detector 121 of the third vehicle separator 12 functions as an exit-side vehicle detector that detects the exit of the vehicle A from the reverse lane L (exit lane) at the third position P3. In addition, the third vehicle separator 12 performs "first processing" for detecting the direction from the toll road side to the general road side (+X direction in FIG. 1) as the forward direction of the vehicle A based on the detection signal of the footboard 122. Toggle the detection logic to run.

Further, the ticket issuing machine 2 outputs an open command to the first start controller 13 so that the first start controller 13 always opens the reverse lane L. The automatic toll collection machine 3 outputs a close command to the second start controller 14 so that the second start controller 14 blocks the reverse lane L until the toll collection processing is completed.

Next, the automatic toll collection machine 3 determines whether or not the first vehicle separator 10 has detected that the vehicle A has entered the reverse lane L (step S101). If the entry of vehicle A has not been detected (step S101: NO), automatic toll collection machine 3 waits until the entry of vehicle A is detected. On the other hand, if the entry of vehicle A is detected (step S101: YES), the automatic toll collection machine 3 executes toll collection processing for collecting the toll for vehicle A (step S102). The toll collection process is similar to the existing process. For example, the automatic toll collection machine 3 accepts the insertion of a toll ticket from the passenger of the vehicle A, and based on the entrance tollgate information, the vehicle type information, etc. recorded in the toll ticket, determines the travel distance and vehicle type of the vehicle A. Calculate the toll according to Further, the automatic toll collection machine 3 performs processing such as payment of the toll from the passenger of the vehicle A, refund of change, and the like.

When the automatic toll collection machine 3 completes the toll collection process, it outputs an open command to the second start controller 14 (step S103). Then, the second start controller 14 raises the opening/closing bar to permit the vehicle A to leave the reverse lane L.

Next, the automatic toll collection machine 3 determines whether or not the exit of the vehicle A from the reverse lane L is detected by the third vehicle separator 12 (step S104). If exit of vehicle A is not detected (step S104: NO), automatic toll collection machine 3 waits until exit of vehicle A is detected. On the other hand, when exit of vehicle A is detected (step S104: YES), automatic toll collection machine 3 outputs a close command to second start controller 14 (step S105). Then, the second start controller 14 lowers the opening/closing bar to restrict the exit from the reverse lane L of the following vehicle.

Each device of the toll collection system 1 repeatedly executes the above-described steps S101 to S105 while the lane switching device 4 outputs a switching signal indicating the "exit lane".

(Processing flow during entrance operation of toll collection system)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing during entrance operation of the toll collection system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
Hereinafter, the flow of processing when operating the reverse lane L as the "entrance lane" will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

First, when an attendant operates the switch 41 of the lane switching device 4 to switch the reverse lane L to the "entrance lane", the lane switching device 4 switches the first vehicle separator 10, the second vehicle separator 11, and the third vehicle. A switching signal indicating switching to the "entrance lane" is output to each of the separator 12, the ticket issuing machine 2, the automatic toll collection machine 3, and the vehicle type discrimination device 15. FIG. Then, each device performs a process of changing the detection logic or the like according to the switching signal (step S110).

Specifically, the vehicle detector 101 of the first vehicle separator 10 functions as an exit-side vehicle detector that detects the exit of the vehicle A from the reverse lane L (entrance lane) at the first position P1. In addition, the first vehicle separator 10 detects the direction from the general road side to the toll road side (-X direction in FIG. 1) as the forward direction of the vehicle A based on the detection signal of the footboard 102 (second processing). Switch the detection logic so that

At the second position P2, the vehicle detector 111 of the second vehicle separator 11 functions as an entry-side vehicle detector that detects the entry of the vehicle A from the general road into the reverse lane L (entrance lane). In addition, the second vehicle separator 11 detects the direction from the general road side to the toll road side (-X direction in FIG. 1) as the forward direction of the vehicle A based on the detection signal of the footboard 112 (second processing). Switch the detection logic so that

The third vehicle separator 12 stops outputting the detection result because the detection result is no longer used in the entrance lane.

Further, the ticket issuing machine 2 outputs a close command to the first departure controller 13 so that the first departure controller 13 blocks the reverse lane L until the ticket issuing process for the vehicle A is completed. The automatic toll collection machine 3 outputs an opening command to the second start controller 14 so that the second start controller 14 opens the reverse lane L at all times.

Next, the vehicle type discrimination device 15 determines whether or not the second vehicle separator 11 has detected that the vehicle A has entered the reverse lane L (step S111). If the entry of the vehicle A is not detected (step S111: NO), the vehicle type determination device 15 waits until the entry of the vehicle A is detected. On the other hand, when the entry of the vehicle A is detected (step S111: YES), the vehicle type determination device 15 executes vehicle type determination processing for the vehicle A (step S112). The vehicle type discrimination process is the same as the existing process. For example, the vehicle type discriminating device 15 discriminates the vehicle type of the vehicle A based on the detection results (the number of axles, the wheel width, the wheel span, etc.) of the second vehicle separator 11 . The vehicle type discrimination device 15 also includes license plate information of the vehicle A read by a license plate reader (not shown), vehicle length detector (not shown), vehicle height detector, and vehicle width detector (not shown). , vehicle height, vehicle width, etc., the vehicle type of the vehicle A may be determined. The determination result of the vehicle type determination device 15 is transmitted to the ticket issuing machine 2 .

When receiving the determination result from the vehicle type determination device 15, the toll ticket issuing machine 2 performs processing for issuing a toll ticket recording the vehicle type of the vehicle A (step S113).

When the ticket issuing process is completed, the ticket issuing machine 2 outputs an open command to the first start controller 13 (step S114). Then, the first start controller 13 raises the opening/closing bar to allow the vehicle A to leave the reverse lane L.

Next, the ticket issuing machine 2 determines whether or not the exit of the vehicle A from the reverse lane L is detected by the first vehicle separator 10 (step S115). If exit of vehicle A is not detected (step S115: NO), ticket issuing machine 2 waits until exit of vehicle A is detected. On the other hand, when exit of the vehicle A is detected (step S115: YES), the ticket issuing machine 2 outputs a closing command to the first departure controller 13 (step S116). Then, the first start controller 13 lowers the opening/closing bar to restrict the exit from the reverse lane L of the following vehicle.

Each device of the toll collection system 1 repeatedly executes the above-described steps S110 to S116 while the lane switching device 4 outputs a switching signal indicating the "entrance lane".

(Effect)
As described above, the toll collection system 1 according to the present embodiment outputs a switching signal indicating switching to the "entrance lane" or the "exit lane" from the lane switching device 4 to each device of the toll collection system 1. . Further, the first vehicle separator 10 detects the direction toward the general road side as the forward direction of the vehicle A, and the direction toward the toll road side as the reverse direction based on the switching signal. Either of the "second processing" is executed to detect the direction toward the side as the forward direction of the vehicle A and the direction toward the general road as the reverse direction.
By doing so, the toll collection system 1 can accurately detect the forward direction of the vehicle A while allowing the first vehicle separator 10 to be shared by both the entrance lane and the exit lane of the reverse lane L. . For this reason, it is not necessary to prepare all the devices for the entry and exit detectors for the entrance lane and the entry and exit detectors for the exit lane, so the equipment introduction cost for the reverse lane L can be reduced. can. In addition, since it is possible to distinguish between forward and backward travel, for example, even when the vehicle A moves backward and exits after entering the reverse lane L, the entry and exit of the vehicle A can be prevented. can be detected correctly. As a result, it is possible to prevent the accuracy of managing the number of vehicles A existing in the reverse lane L from deteriorating.

In addition, the staff simply operates the switch 41 of the lane switching device 4 to make all the devices of the toll collection system 1 function as "entrance lane" or "exit lane". can be switched at once. As a result, it is not necessary to switch the settings of each device one by one, so the workload of the staff can be greatly reduced. It is possible to reduce the risk of contact with

The toll collection system 1 also includes a third vehicle separator 12 . When the switching signal indicates the "exit lane", the "first process" is executed in the first vehicle separator 10 and the third vehicle separator 12 to control the entry and exit of the vehicle A into the reverse lane L (exit lane). To detect. Further, when the switching signal indicates the "entrance lane", the "second process" is executed in the second vehicle separator 11 and the first vehicle separator 10, and the vehicle A enters the reverse lane L (exit lane) and Detect exits.
In this way, by operating the second vehicle separator 11 for the "entrance lane" and the third vehicle separator 12 for the "exit lane" separately, the degree of freedom in arranging each device of the toll collection system 1 can be ensured. For example, as in the example of FIG. By changing the installation position of the machine 3, it is possible to realize a machine layout that satisfies such restrictions.

Further, the distance D2 in the lane direction between the automatic toll collection machine 3 and the third vehicle separator 12 is set to the minimum vehicle length of the vehicle A or less.
By doing so, the time from the completion of the toll collection processing by the automatic toll collection machine 3 to the detection that the vehicle A has left the reverse lane L is shortened, so that the toll collection processing of the following vehicle can be speeded up. can start at
Further, when the second start controller 14 is arranged between the automatic toll collection machine 3 and the third vehicle separator 12, the vehicle A that has completed the toll collection process leaves the reverse lane L (the third vehicle separator 12), the following vehicle cannot reach the second start controller 14. As a result, when the opening/closing bar of the second start controller 14 is lowered, it is possible to prevent the opening/closing bar from colliding with the following vehicle.

Also, the distance D1 in the lane direction between the ticket issuing machine 2 and the second vehicle separator 11 is set to a distance at which the vehicle type identification process by the vehicle type identification device 15 can be completed. Specifically, the distance D1 is set to be equal to or greater than the maximum vehicle length of the vehicle A.
By doing so, the toll ticket issuing machine 2 can issue a toll ticket even for a vehicle with a long vehicle length after the vehicle type discrimination processing is completed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the lack of information recorded in the pass (the type of vehicle becomes unknown).

<Second embodiment>
Next, a toll collection system 1 and a toll collection method according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG.
Components common to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a toll collection system according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.
As shown in FIG. 6, the toll collection system 1 according to the present embodiment omits the third vehicle separator 12 according to the first embodiment, and both the "entrance lane" and the "exit lane" It is configured such that the vehicle separator 10 and the second vehicle separator 11 are shared.

(Arrangement of each component of the toll collection system)
As shown in FIG. 6, the distance D1 between the ticket issuing machine 2 (installation position P4) and the second vehicle separator 11 (second position P2) in the lane direction (±X direction) is the first As in the embodiment, the distance is set so that the vehicle type identification process by the vehicle type identification device 15 can be completed. Specifically, the distance D1 is set to be equal to or longer than the maximum vehicle length of the vehicle A (for example, "18 m").

Also, as shown in FIG. 6, it is assumed that the toll collection system 1 according to the present embodiment does not require a roof R because it is located under an elevated road, for example. In this case, unlike the first embodiment, there is no restriction on the distance D4 between the ticket issuing machine 2 and the automatic toll collection machine 3 in the lane direction (±X direction). Therefore, the automatic toll collection machine 3 according to the present embodiment uses the second vehicle separator 11 as a device for detecting the vehicle A exiting from the reverse lane L to the general road side (+X side).

Further, the distance D2 between the automatic toll receiver 3 (installation position P5) and the second vehicle separator 11 (second position P2) in the lane direction (±X direction) is the minimum vehicle length of the vehicle A (for example, "2.8 m") or less. Even if the distance between the ticket issuing machine 2 (installation position P4) and the first vehicle separator 10 (first position P1) in the lane direction (±X direction) is set to be equal to or less than the minimum vehicle length of the vehicle A, good.

(Functional configuration of vehicle separator)
The functional configuration of the first vehicle separator 10 according to this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. That is, when the switching signal is "exit lane", the vehicle detector 101 of the first vehicle separator 10 detects a vehicle A entering the reverse lane L from the toll road side (-X side). function as a vessel. The footboard 102 executes a first process of detecting the direction toward the general road (+X side) as the forward direction of the vehicle A. FIG. On the other hand, when the switching signal is "entrance lane", the vehicle detector 101 of the first vehicle separator 10 detects a vehicle A exiting from the reverse lane L to the toll road side (-X side). function as a vessel. The footboard 102 executes a second process of detecting the direction toward the toll road (-X side) as the forward direction of the vehicle A. FIG.

Further, when the switching signal is "exit lane", the vehicle detector 111 of the second vehicle separator 11 according to the present embodiment detects the vehicle A exiting from the reverse lane L to the general road side (+X side). It functions as an exiting vehicle detector. The tread plate 112 performs a first process of detecting the direction toward the general road (+X side) as the forward direction of the vehicle A. As shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the switching signal is "entrance lane", the vehicle detector 111 of the second vehicle separator 11 is an entrance side vehicle detector that detects a vehicle A entering the reverse lane L from the general road side (+X side). function as The tread plate 112 performs a second process of detecting the direction toward the toll road side (-X side) as the forward direction of the vehicle A. FIG. Therefore, the automatic toll collection machine 3 according to the present embodiment determines whether or not the exit of the vehicle A from the reverse lane L is detected by the second vehicle separator 11 in step S104 of FIG.

(Effect)
As described above, in the toll collection system 1 according to the present embodiment, when the switching signal is the "exit lane", the first vehicle separator 10 and the second vehicle separator 11 direct the vehicle toward the general road. If the switching signal is an "entrance signal", a "second process" is executed to detect the direction toward the toll road as the forward direction of vehicle A. .
By doing so, both the first vehicle separator 10 and the second vehicle separator 11 can be shared between the entrance lane and the exit lane, so that the equipment introduction cost for the reverse lane L can be further reduced. Further, as in the first embodiment, even if the vehicle A moves backward and exits after entering the reverse lane L, the entry and exit of the vehicle A can be detected correctly. can be done.

<Hardware configuration>
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of equipment that constitutes a toll collection system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.
As shown in FIG. 7, computer 900 includes CPU 901 , main memory 902 , auxiliary memory 903 , and interface 904 .

Each device constituting the toll collection system 1 (first vehicle separator 10, second vehicle separator 11, third vehicle separator 12, ticket issuing machine 2, automatic toll collection machine 3, and vehicle type discrimination device 15 ) are implemented in the computer 900 respectively. The operation of each processing unit described above is stored in the auxiliary storage device 903 in the form of a program. The CPU 901 reads out the program from the auxiliary storage device 903, develops it in the main storage device 902, and executes the above processing according to the program. In addition, the CPU 901 secures storage areas corresponding to the storage units described above in the main storage device 902 according to the program.

The program may be for realizing part of the functions that the computer 900 is caused to exhibit. For example, the program may function in combination with another program already stored in the auxiliary storage device 903 or in combination with another program installed in another device. In another embodiment, the computer 900 may include a custom LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) in addition to or instead of the above configuration. Examples of PLD include PAL (Programmable Array Logic), GAL (Generic Array Logic), CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). In this case, part or all of the functions implemented by the CPU 901 may be implemented by the integrated circuit.

Examples of the auxiliary storage device 903 include magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, optical disks, semiconductor memories, and the like. Auxiliary storage device 903 may be an internal medium directly connected to the bus of computer 900, or an external storage device 910 connected to computer 900 via interface 904 or a communication line. Further, when this program is delivered to the computer 900 via a communication line, the computer 900 receiving the delivery may develop the program in the main storage device 902 and execute the above process. In at least one embodiment, secondary storage 903 is a non-transitory, tangible storage medium.

Also, the program may be for realizing part of the functions described above. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that implements the above-described functions in combination with another program already stored in the auxiliary storage device 903 .

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these as long as they do not deviate from the technical idea of the present invention, and some design changes and the like are possible.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the lane switching device 4 is provided as an independent device, but it is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the lane switching device 4 may be built into the ticket issuing machine 2 or the automatic toll collection machine 3 .

Further, in still another embodiment, the lane switching device 4 may be incorporated in a monitoring panel installed at a remote location such as a tollgate office. In this case, the lane switching device 4 receives the switching operation of the "entrance lane" and the "exit lane" via a software switch instead of the mechanical switch 41, and transmits a switching command to each device of the toll collection system 1. You may make it As a result, it is possible for the attendant to easily switch lanes without going to the reverse lane L.

<Appendix>
The toll collection system and toll collection method described in the above-described embodiments are understood as follows, for example.

According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the toll collection system 1 connects a general road and a toll road, and includes an entrance lane on which a vehicle heading for the toll road travels, and an exit lane on which a vehicle heading for the general road travels. A toll collection system 1 installed in a reverse lane switchable to any of the lanes, the first vehicle installed at a first position on the side of the toll road in the direction of the lane and detecting a vehicle traveling in the first position. A separator 10, a second vehicle separator 11 installed at a second position on the general road side in the lane direction to detect a vehicle traveling in the second position, and switching the reverse lane to an entrance lane or an exit lane. and a lane switching device 4 that outputs a switching signal indicating that the first vehicle separator 10 and the second vehicle separator 11 respectively. Based on the switching signal, the first vehicle separator 10 detects the direction toward the general road side as the forward direction of the vehicle, and the direction toward the toll road side as the reverse direction. Either of the second processing is executed to detect the heading direction as the forward direction of the vehicle and the direction toward the general road side as the backward driving direction.

By doing so, the toll collection system 1 can accurately detect the forward direction of the vehicle A while allowing the first vehicle separator 10 to be shared by both the entrance lane and the exit lane of the reverse lane L. . For this reason, it is not necessary to prepare all the devices for the entry and exit detectors for the entrance lane and the entry and exit detectors for the exit lane, so the equipment introduction cost for the reverse lane L can be reduced. can.

According to the second aspect of the present disclosure, in the toll collection system 1 according to the first aspect, when a switching signal indicating switching to the exit lane is received from the lane switching device 4, the first vehicle separator 10 and the second vehicle separator 11 performs the first process, and when receiving a switching signal indicating switching to the entrance lane from the lane switching device 4, the first vehicle separator 10 and the second vehicle separator The device 11 executes the second processing.

By doing so, both the first vehicle separator 10 and the second vehicle separator 11 can be shared between the entrance lane and the exit lane, so that the equipment introduction cost for the reverse lane L can be further reduced. Further, even if the vehicle A moves backward and exits after entering the reverse lane L, the entry and exit of the vehicle A can be detected correctly.

According to the third aspect of the present disclosure, the toll collection system 1 according to the first aspect is installed on the roadside of the reverse lane, and collects tolls from vehicles traveling in the reverse lane toward the general road side. and a third vehicle installed at a third position between the second vehicle separator 11 and the automatic toll collection machine 3 in the lane direction to detect a vehicle traveling in the third position. A separator 12 is further provided. The lane switching device 4 further outputs the switching signal to the third vehicle separator 12 . When a switching signal indicating switching to the exit lane is received from the lane switching device 4, the first vehicle separator 10 and the third vehicle separator 12 execute the first process, and the lane switching device 4 The first vehicle separator 10 and the second vehicle separator 11 perform the second process when receiving a switching signal indicating switching to the entrance lane.

By doing so, the second vehicle separator 11 for the "entrance lane" and the third vehicle separator 12 for the "exit lane" can be operated separately. It is possible to ensure the degree of freedom in arranging the devices. For example, as in the example of FIG. By changing the installation position of the machine 3, it is possible to realize a machine layout that satisfies such restrictions.

According to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in the toll collection system 1 according to the third aspect, the distance in the lane direction between the automatic toll collection machine 3 and the third vehicle separator 12 is the minimum distance of the vehicle It is set below the vehicle length.

By doing so, the time from the completion of the toll collection processing by the automatic toll collection machine 3 to the detection that the vehicle A has left the reverse lane L is shortened, so that the toll collection processing of the following vehicle can be speeded up. can start at

According to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the toll collection system 1 according to any one of the first to fourth aspects is a vehicle type that discriminates the vehicle type based on the detection result of the second vehicle separator. Further, a discriminating device 15 and a toll ticket issuing machine installed on the side of the reverse lane and issuing a toll ticket recording the discriminated vehicle type to a vehicle traveling in the reverse lane toward the toll road. Prepare. The distance in the lane direction between the ticket issuing machine 2 and the second vehicle separator 11 is set to be equal to or greater than the maximum vehicle length of the vehicle.

By doing so, the toll ticket issuing machine 2 can issue a toll ticket even for a vehicle with a long vehicle length after the vehicle type discrimination processing is completed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the lack of information recorded in the pass (the type of vehicle becomes unknown).

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a toll collection method connects an ordinary road and a toll road, and includes an entrance lane on which a vehicle traveling to the toll road travels, and an exit lane on which a vehicle traveling to the ordinary road travels. A toll collection method in a reverse lane that can be switched to either of the steps of detecting a vehicle traveling at a first position on the toll road side in the lane direction by a first vehicle separator 10; 11, a step of detecting a vehicle traveling at a second position on the general road side of 11; and outputting to each vehicle separator 11 . The step of detecting a vehicle traveling at the first position includes a first process of detecting a direction toward a general road as a forward direction of the vehicle and a direction toward a toll road as a reverse direction based on the switching signal; and second processing for detecting the direction toward the toll road side as the forward direction of the vehicle, and the direction toward the general road side as the reverse direction.

1 toll collection system 2 toll ticket issuing machine 3 automatic toll collection machine 4 lane switching device 10 first vehicle separators 101, 111, 121 vehicle detectors 102, 112, 122 footboard 11 second vehicle separator 12 third vehicle separator 13 First start controller 14 Second start controller 15 Vehicle type discrimination device 900 Computer 901 CPU
902 Main storage device 903 Auxiliary storage device 904 Interface 910 External storage device

Claims (6)

A toll collection system provided in a reverse lane that connects a general road and a toll road and can be switched between an entrance lane for vehicles traveling toward the toll road and an exit lane for vehicles traveling toward the general road. and
a toll ticket issuing machine that is installed on the side of the reverse lane and issues a toll ticket to a vehicle traveling on the reverse lane toward the toll road;
a first vehicle separator installed at a first position on the side of the toll road in the lane direction and detecting a vehicle traveling in the first position;
a second vehicle separator installed at a second position on the side of the general road in the lane direction and detecting a vehicle traveling at the second position;
a lane switching device that outputs a switching signal indicating that the reverse lane has been switched to the entrance lane or the exit lane to each of the first vehicle separator and the second vehicle separator;
with
Based on the switching signal, the first vehicle separator performs first processing for detecting the direction toward the general road side as the forward direction of the vehicle, and the direction toward the toll road side as the reverse direction, and the direction toward the toll road side. executing any of the second processing for detecting the direction as the forward direction of the vehicle and the direction toward the general road as the reverse direction;
toll collection system. When receiving a switching signal indicating switching to the exit lane from the lane switching device, the first vehicle separator and the second vehicle separator perform the first process,
When a switching signal indicating switching to the entrance lane is received from the lane switching device, the first vehicle separator and the second vehicle separator perform the second process.
The toll collection system according to claim 1. an automatic toll collection machine installed on the roadside of the reverse lane for collecting tolls from vehicles traveling on the reverse lane toward the general road;
a third vehicle separator installed at a third position between the second vehicle separator and the automatic toll receiver in the lane direction to detect a vehicle traveling in the third position;
The lane switching device further outputs the switching signal to the third vehicle separator,
When receiving a switching signal indicating switching to an exit lane from the lane switching device, the first vehicle separator and the third vehicle separator perform the first process,
When a switching signal indicating switching to the entrance lane is received from the lane switching device, the first vehicle separator and the second vehicle separator perform the second process.
The toll collection system according to claim 1. The distance in the lane direction between the automatic toll collection machine and the third vehicle separator is set to be equal to or less than the minimum vehicle length of the vehicle,
The toll collection system according to claim 3. a vehicle type discriminating device that discriminates the vehicle type of the vehicle based on the detection result of the second vehicle separator;
a toll ticket issuing machine that is installed on the side of the reverse lane and issues a toll ticket that records the determined vehicle type to a vehicle traveling in the reverse lane toward the toll road;
further comprising
The distance in the lane direction between the ticket issuing machine and the second vehicle separator is set to be equal to or greater than the maximum vehicle length of the vehicle,
A toll collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A toll collection method in a reverse lane that connects a general road and a toll road and can be switched to either an entrance lane for vehicles heading for the toll road or an exit lane for vehicles heading to the general road. ,
detecting a vehicle traveling at a first location on the toll road side in the lane direction with the first vehicle separator;
detecting a vehicle traveling at a second position on the general road side in the lane direction by a second vehicle separator;
a step of outputting a switching signal indicating that the reverse lane has been switched to the entrance lane or the exit lane to each of the first vehicle separator and the second vehicle separator;
has
The step of detecting a vehicle traveling at the first position includes a first process of detecting a direction toward a general road as a forward direction of the vehicle and a direction toward a toll road as a reverse direction based on the switching signal; and second processing for detecting the direction toward the toll road side as the forward direction of the vehicle, and the direction toward the general road side as the reverse direction.
Toll collection method.

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