JP4080848B2 - Toll collection method, toll collection system, lane control device, in-vehicle device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a toll collection method that automatically collects tolls for vehicles in a non-stop manner, a toll collection system, a lane control device used in the system, and the like, and particularly for a single ETC. The present invention relates to a toll collection method, a toll collection system, a lane control device, and a vehicle-mounted device suitable for paying tolls for a plurality of vehicles using a card (credit card for ETC).
[0002]
[Prior art]
The ETC (electronic toll collection) system is a system that automatically collects and collects tolls in a non-stop manner for the purpose of alleviating traffic jams in the vicinity of toll booths such as motorways. On the toll gate side, an ETC lane control device (hereinafter simply referred to as a lane control device) that can radiate communication radio waves to the ETC lane via an antenna and performs control for toll collection is provided. A vehicle-mounted device equipped with an ETC card for payment is installed. Communication between the antenna and the vehicle-mounted device is performed, and the toll is automatically collected and collected.
[0003]
When a user uses such an ETC system, it may be desired to pay (settlement) a toll for a specific plurality of vehicles with a single ETC card. As one of methods and systems corresponding to such a case, there is one described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-134792.
[0004]
According to the disclosure of the publication, information regarding whether the vehicle is to be paid in a lump sum or the vehicle to be paid is held in the vehicle-mounted device, and the payment processing for the lump sum payment is performed by acquiring this information on the system side. I have to. Here, it is assumed that all the on-vehicle devices are individually compatible with the ETC system.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-134792 A
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, there is a case where only one vehicle is equipped with the on-vehicle device, and no on-vehicle device for the ETC system is installed on other vehicles. Even in such a case, if the vehicle is equipped with on-board equipment and the fees are paid in a lump sum, and the vehicle other than the above can be used at a tollgate, etc., the convenience of the user can be improved. Greatly improved.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and a toll collection method, a toll collection system, and a lane control device used in the system, etc. for automatically collecting vehicle tolls in a non-stop manner, An object of the present invention is to provide a toll collection method, a toll collection system, a lane control device, and an in-vehicle device capable of paying tolls for a plurality of vehicles with a single ETC card.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problem, the toll collection method according to the present invention is a method in which at least an entrance information is held in a parent vehicle-mounted device at an entrance lane portion for a first vehicle equipped with the parent vehicle-mounted device. Entry lane for one or two or more second vehicles in which the child on-board device is mounted, the process of holding at least the entrance information in the child on-vehicle device in which the association with the parent on-vehicle device is set. The second step performed by the unit, the third step for causing the parent vehicle-mounted device to hold the number information of the second vehicle, and the entrance information held in the parent vehicle-mounted device are acquired and acquired. The first vehicle that generates the charge information for the first vehicle based on the received information is performed as the first vehicle passes through the exit lane, and the second vehicle held from the parent vehicle-mounted device. Number information of A second step of acquiring and second exit processing for acquiring the entrance information held in the child onboard unit and generating fee information for the second vehicle based on the acquired information. A fifth step to be performed as the vehicle exits the exit lane, and the fee information obtained by the second exit process is obtained for each of the second vehicles that have been acquired for each exit of the exit lane of the second vehicle. And a sixth step of generating collective payment fee information for the first vehicle by adding up within the number information and adding the added fee to the fee information obtained by the first exit processing. It is characterized by comprising.
[0009]
That is, a function as a parent vehicle-mounted device is added to the vehicle-mounted device, and a child vehicle-mounted device whose relationship with the parent vehicle-mounted device is set in advance can be used in combination. One or two or more slave vehicle-mounted devices can be used, and the number of the child vehicle-mounted devices can be held in the parent vehicle-mounted device as information on the number of vehicles on which they are mounted. Since the child on-board unit has a relationship with the parent on-board unit, the child on-board unit retains entrance information and the like and enables communication with the lane control device side by side as well as the parent on-board unit. The toll for a vehicle equipped with an on-vehicle device is received by settlement with an ETC card attached to the parent on-vehicle device without error. Therefore, it is possible to pay tolls for a plurality of vehicles with a single ETC card.
[0010]
In addition, the toll collection system according to the present invention includes a means for performing at least an entrance information in a parent vehicle-mounted device in an entrance lane portion for a first vehicle equipped with the parent vehicle-mounted device, and at least the entrance information. Means for holding at the entrance lane portion for one or more second vehicles on which the child on-board device is mounted, the processing for holding the child on-vehicle device that is associated with the parent on-vehicle device, A first exit process for acquiring the entrance information held in the vehicle-mounted device and generating fee information for the first vehicle based on the acquired information is performed as the first vehicle passes through the exit lane. And means for acquiring the number information of the second vehicle from the parent vehicle-mounted device, the entrance information held in the child vehicle-mounted device, and the fee for the second vehicle based on the acquired information Means for performing a second exit process for generating a report when the second vehicle exits the exit lane section, and the fare information obtained by the second exit process for each exit of the second vehicle exit lane section The total payment fee for the first vehicle is calculated by adding up to the fee information obtained by the first exit processing. Means for generating information.
[0011]
Even in this system, it is possible to pay tolls for a plurality of vehicles with a single ETC card by the operation similar to the above method.
[0012]
Further, the lane control device according to the present invention includes means for performing at least an entrance information in a parent vehicle-mounted device in an entrance lane portion for a first vehicle equipped with the parent vehicle-mounted device; Means for acquiring information related to the parent vehicle-mounted device from the second vehicle equipped with the child vehicle-mounted device for which the association is set, and when the entrance information is held in the parent vehicle-mounted device related to the acquired information And means for holding at least the entrance information in the child vehicle-mounted device at the entrance lane portion for the second vehicle on which the child vehicle-mounted device is mounted.
[0013]
This lane control device is a device for vehicle entry processing that can be used in the above method or system. When this device holds the entrance information in the parent vehicle-mounted device, the child vehicle-mounted device holds the entrance information in order to guarantee the entrance of the vehicle on the paying side. Because.
[0014]
Each of the above means can be configured by a hard wafer such as a CPU (central processing unit) or a memory and software such as basic software and application programs. The same applies to the means mentioned below.
[0015]
Further, another lane control device according to the present invention acquires entrance information held in the parent vehicle-mounted device, and generates fee information for the first vehicle on which the parent vehicle-mounted device is mounted based on the acquired information. The number of second vehicles on which the first exit processing is performed as the first vehicle passes through the exit lane and the child vehicle-mounted device whose relationship with the parent vehicle-mounted device is set from the parent vehicle-mounted device. When the information acquiring means and the number information of the second vehicle are obtained, the second vehicle is obtained based on the acquired information obtained by acquiring the inlet information held in the child onboard unit. Means for performing second exit processing for generating fee information for passing the exit lane portion of the second vehicle, and the fee information obtained by the second exit processing is used for the exit lane portion of the second vehicle. The second vehicle acquired for each passage Means for generating sum payment fee information for the first vehicle by adding up within the number information and adding the added fee to the fee information obtained by the first exit processing. It is characterized by.
[0016]
This lane control device is a device for vehicle exit processing that can be used in the above-described method or system. When this apparatus obtains the number information of the second vehicle (the vehicle to be paid), the processing for generating the charge information for the second vehicle is the vehicle that is the payment source (the first vehicle This is to secure the exit of the vehicle on the side where the exit of the vehicle) is paid.
[0017]
Moreover, the vehicle-mounted device according to the present invention includes a sensor that detects that the vehicle has been removed from the mounting position in the vehicle, and a unit that erases information held based on the detected result. And
[0018]
This vehicle-mounted device is used as a child vehicle-mounted device, and therefore can be used by moving between vehicles. Therefore, for example, when various information is already held at the entrance, if it is moved to another vehicle with a different vehicle type or the like and used, illegal fee evasion will be possible. In view of this, a sensor for detecting this and a means for erasing the stored information based on the detection result are provided corresponding to the case where the sensor is removed from the position after being installed in the vehicle. It is an apparatus for facilitating the operation of a system that allows payment of tolls for multiple vehicles with a single ETC card.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As an embodiment of the toll collection method of the present invention, in the first step, further, information specific to the parent vehicle-mounted device is acquired and transmitted to the integrated control device, and in the second step, The processing for holding the entrance information in the slave vehicle-mounted device is an entrance lane portion of the second vehicle different from the entrance lane portion of the first vehicle, and is connected to the integrated control device 1 or 2 As described above, the transmission is performed independently of each other on the premise that the transmitted in-vehicle device specific information exists in the integrated control device.
[0020]
Thereby, at the time of entrance, the entrance lane of the vehicle carrying the parent vehicle-mounted device and the entrance lane of the vehicle carrying the child on-vehicle device may not be the same.
[0021]
As an embodiment, the fourth step includes the exit lane portion of the first vehicle, the exit lane portion of the second vehicle, and the exit lane portion of the first vehicle. The integrated control device is connected to a different one, the fifth step is performed by the integrated control device, and the sixth step is performed by the integrated control device.
[0022]
Thereby, at the time of leaving, the entrance lane of the vehicle carrying the parent vehicle-mounted device and the entrance lane of the vehicle carrying the child on-vehicle device may not be the same.
[0023]
As an embodiment, the fifth step is performed only within a certain time from the start of the fourth step. Thereby, for example, the memory function burden on the side of the lane control device or the system including the same can be reduced. In other words, after generating the charge information of the vehicle mounted with the onboard equipment, it is necessary to retain information indicating the exit of the vehicle mounted with the onboard equipment in preparation for the return of the vehicle mounted with the child onboard equipment. This information cannot be discarded unless the exit is completed. For this reason, it is limited within a certain time.
[0024]
As an embodiment, the second step is performed only within a certain time from the start of the first step. Also in this case, for example, the storage function burden on the side of the lane control device or the system including the same can be reduced.
[0025]
Based on the above, embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a toll collection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, this system includes a host computer 11, relay computers (integrated control devices) 21, 22, 23, ..., lane control devices 31, 32, ..., a host-relay computer connection line 12, a relay computer. -It has the connecting line 13 between lane controllers.
[0026]
The host computer 11 is installed in the center and is connected online to the relay computers 21,... Installed in each toll gate via the host-relay computer connection line 12. The host computer 11 can register a charge table and setting data, and distribute the registered table and the like to each relay computer 21 through the host-relay computer connection line 12. Further, the processing data is collected from each relay computer 21,...
[0027]
The relay computers 21,... Are connected online to the lane control devices 31,... Installed in each lane (ETC lane) via the relay computer-lane control device connection line 13. The relay computer 21... Stores various tables distributed from the host computer 11, and also stores these tables for the lane control devices 31,... Via the relay computer-lane control device connection line 13. Etc. Further, the processing data is collected from the lane control devices 31,... Via the relay computer-lane control device connection line 13, and necessary processing is performed, and the data is temporarily held and transmitted to the host computer 11. Alternatively, it is transmitted to the lane control device 31,.
[0028]
The lane control device 31, etc. receives various tables from the relay computer 21, etc. via the relay computer-lane control device connection line 13, stores them inside, and collects charges for the passing vehicle based on this. The result is transmitted to the relay computers 21 through the relay computer-lane control device connection line 13.
[0029]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the relay computer 21 (22,...). As shown in FIG. 2, the relay computer 21 includes a CPU 21a, an internal bus 21b, a memory 21c, a disk 21d, a host computer interface 21e, a lane control device interface 21f, and an operation display unit 21g.
[0030]
The CPU 21a performs overall control and processing, and exchanges data for that purpose with other units via the bus 21b. The bus 21b is connected to each unit and serves as a communication path for data input / output to / from each unit. The memory 21c stores programs and various data. The disk 21d functions as an auxiliary storage device of the memory 21c and stores programs and various data as necessary. The host computer interface 21 e performs communication control with the host computer 11. The lane control device interface 21f performs communication control with the lane control devices 31, 32,. The operation display unit 21g performs various operations and displays the results.
[0031]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the lane control device 31 (32,...). As shown in FIG. 3, the lane control device 31 includes a CPU 31a, an internal bus 31b, a memory 31c, an auxiliary storage device 31d, a relay computer interface 31e, a radio control device interface 31f, an operation display unit 31g, a roadside display unit interface 31h, and I. / O device 31i.
[0032]
The CPU 31a performs overall control and processing, and exchanges data for that purpose with other units via the bus 31b. The bus 31b is connected to each unit and serves as a communication path for data input / output to / from each unit. The memory 31c stores programs and various data. The auxiliary storage device 31d functions as an auxiliary storage device of the memory 31c, and stores programs and various data as necessary. The relay computer interface 31 e performs communication control with the relay computer 21. The wireless control device interface 31 f performs communication control with the wireless control device 41. The operation display unit 31g performs various operations and displays the results. The roadside indicator interface 31h controls communication with the roadside indicator 42. The I / O device 31i is a device that is directly installed in the ETC lane such as a vehicle detector or a transmission controller.
[0033]
Here, the wireless control device 41 is a device that performs wireless communication with the vehicle-mounted device mounted on the vehicle entering the ETC lane, and radiates radio waves including various information and receives radiated radio waves from the vehicle-mounted device. And do. The roadside indicator 42 displays various types of information for vehicles passing through the ETC lane.
[0034]
Next, an embodiment in which toll collection is performed using the toll collection system described above will be described. 4 to 8 are flowcharts for explaining a processing flow relating to entrance of the vehicle. FIG. 9 to FIG. 12 are flowcharts for explaining a processing flow related to leaving the vehicle.
[0035]
First, with reference to FIG. 4 thru | or FIG. 8, the process at the time of vehicle entrance, etc. are demonstrated. FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating the preparation for making a vehicle subject to charge payment to another vehicle. As shown in FIG. 4, in order to make such an object, the child on-board unit is attached to the “certain vehicle”. In the child on-board device, the relationship with the parent on-vehicle device is set in advance. Such a setting may be performed by, for example, a store or the like including the related information with the unique information of the parent onboard device in the unique information held in the child onboard device. Such a child on-vehicle device is a so-called child device of a normal vehicle-mounted device (parent vehicle-mounted device), and can be sold in combination or additionally with the parent vehicle-mounted device.
[0036]
The child on-board device is the same as the parent on-vehicle device in that information can be exchanged wirelessly with the lane control device side in the ETC lane, and is different in that no ETC card is attached. By attaching the child on-vehicle device to the vehicle, the child on-vehicle device enters a standby state for operation. In more detail, “by attaching” can be said to be a state in which, for example, the on-vehicle device side detects that the power is supplied and attached.
[0037]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing flow associated with entrance of a vehicle to a toll road or the like. First, when a vehicle equipped with a vehicle-mounted device enters the ETC lane, information is wirelessly exchanged between the wireless control device 41 (see FIG. 3) and the vehicle-mounted device to determine whether the vehicle mounted with the parent vehicle-mounted device or the vehicle mounted with the child vehicle-mounted device. A determination is made on the toll collection system (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “system”) (step 51). For this purpose, for example, the information may be included in information unique to the vehicle-mounted device and the determination may be made based on the information. Alternatively, the determination may be made based on whether or not the ID of the ETC card is obtained.
[0038]
If it is a vehicle equipped with a child vehicle-mounted device, a pass ticket (with the name of the entrance intern, vehicle type, time, etc.) is issued, for example, automatically or manually (step 52). This is to secure the entrance of the paying vehicle to the entrance of the paying vehicle. In other words, if the vehicle that is the payment source has not yet entered, the child onboard equipment-equipped vehicle is not treated as an ETC vehicle that can pass through the toll gate non-stop. However, this is not essential. An example.
[0039]
When a vehicle equipped with the parent vehicle-mounted device enters the ETC lane, normal ETC processing is performed on the vehicle-mounted device (step 53). As normal ETC processing, for example, entry information such as an entrance intern name and vehicle type information of the vehicle are transmitted to the parent vehicle-mounted device. In addition, information specific to the parent vehicle-mounted device is acquired and held in order to confirm the correspondence with the vehicle on which the child vehicle-mounted device is subsequently installed. As the vehicle type information, for example, information detected on the system side by detecting the number of axles with a footboard provided in the ETC lane can be used.
[0040]
If the processing in step 53 is normally completed (Y in step 54), then, it is prepared for the vehicle onboard device-equipped vehicle to enter the ETC lane. If not completed normally (N in Step 54), the vehicle mounted with the parent vehicle-mounted device is not handled as an ETC vehicle, and a pass ticket is issued automatically or manually (Step 59). In the case of performing the process of step 59, a passing ticket is also issued by automatic issuance or by hand for each vehicle onboard child vehicle that subsequently enters (steps 60 and 61).
[0041]
After the ETC process at the time of entry is normally performed for the parent vehicle-mounted device, when the child vehicle-mounted device enters the ETC lane (Y in step 55), the ETC process is performed on the child vehicle-mounted device (step 56). As the ETC process for the child on-vehicle device, for example, the unique information of the child on-vehicle device is acquired, and the correspondence between this and the held unique information of the parent on-vehicle device is confirmed. For example, the vehicle type information is transmitted and the child vehicle-mounted device holds the information.
[0042]
If step 56 is completed normally (Y of step 57), it prepares for the entrance of the next child onboard equipment mounting vehicle (step 55). As a result, the vehicle equipped with the child onboard equipment can pass and enter the ETC lane in a non-stop manner. If it does not end normally (N in step 57), it will not be handled as a vehicle equipped with a child on-board device, and a pass ticket will be issued automatically or manually (step 58) to prepare for the entry of the next vehicle onboard device equipped vehicle. (Step 55).
[0043]
In step 55 or 60, if the system does not know how many of the child onboard equipment-equipped vehicles will enter prior to the entry of the child onboard equipment equipped vehicle, it will wait for the entrance of the child onboard equipment equipped vehicle. It may be possible to stay at that step. In order to solve this problem, for example, a timer may be provided so that the vehicle stays only within a certain period of time after entering the parent vehicle-mounted device, and is terminated when a certain period of time has elapsed. In addition, it is configured so that the number of objects to be paid in a lump sum can be registered in the parent in-vehicle device, and this is registered in the parent in-vehicle device before the vehicle on the main on-vehicle device enters the ETC lane, If the information is acquired when the vehicle mounted with the on-vehicle equipment enters the ETC lane, the processing can be terminated by entering the number of vehicles mounted with the on-vehicle equipment.
[0044]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing performed on the parent vehicle-mounted device in advance prior to leaving the vehicle-mounted device. In other words, the number of vehicles equipped with the child onboard equipment is input to the parent onboard equipment and held. Accordingly, it is intended that the payment of the fee at the time of leaving is limited to the maximum of the own vehicle and the input number of on-vehicle equipment-equipped vehicles. In addition, when the input of the number of units is performed before entering the toll road or the like of the vehicle mounted with the onboard vehicle, the effects described in the previous paragraph are further obtained.
[0045]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing content of step 53: “normal ETC processing (entrance)” shown in FIG. FIG. 7A corresponds to what has already been described, and FIG. 7B can be used instead of the processing of FIG. 7A.
[0046]
In the process shown in FIG. 7A, as described above, the parent vehicle-mounted device transmits and holds the entrance information and the vehicle type information, and acquires the unique information of the parent vehicle-mounted device (step 71). The acquisition of the unique information of the parent in-vehicle device is to determine the child on-vehicle device corresponding to this. In this case, if the vehicle mounted with the parent vehicle-mounted device and the vehicle mounted with the child vehicle-mounted device do not enter by the same ETC lane, the non-stop approach of the vehicle mounted with the child vehicle-mounted device cannot be made from the ETC lane.
[0047]
On the other hand, when the process shown in FIG. 7B is performed, the ETC of the vehicle mounted with the child onboard equipment is not necessary even if the vehicle mounted with the onboard equipment and the vehicle mounted with the child onboard equipment enter the same ETC lane. Non-stop approach from the lane may be possible. That is, after the entrance information and the vehicle type information are transmitted and held to the parent vehicle-mounted device in step 71a, the unique information of the parent vehicle-mounted device is acquired, and this is then used as the relay computer 21 (22,...) (See FIGS. 1 to 3). (Step 72a). In this way, since the plurality of lane control devices 31 (32,...) Are connected to the relay computer 21, the child on-vehicle device specific information from each lane control device 31 (32,. It is possible to determine whether there is a correspondence with the unique information.
[0048]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing content of step 56: “ETC processing (entrance) for child on-vehicle device” shown in FIG. FIG. 8A corresponds to what has already been described, and FIG. 8B can be used instead of the process of FIG.
[0049]
In the process shown in FIG. 8A, as described above, first, the unique information of the child on-vehicle device is acquired, and the correspondence between the unique information on the parent on-vehicle device already held is confirmed (step 81). Then, the entrance information and the vehicle type information are transmitted to and stored in the slave on-vehicle device (step 82). In this case, it is assumed that the vehicle mounted with the vehicle onboard device and the vehicle mounted with the child vehicle mounted device enter the same ETC lane, and the process shown in FIG. 7A is performed as a normal ETC process for the parent vehicle mounted device. Corresponds to the case.
[0050]
On the other hand, the process shown in FIG. 8B corresponds to the case where the parent vehicle-mounted device-equipped vehicle and the child vehicle-mounted device-equipped vehicle do not enter the same ETC lane. That is, in step 81a, the unique information of the child on-vehicle device is acquired and transmitted to the relay computer 21 (22,...). Then, the relay computer 21 (22,...) Confirms the correspondence between the child OBE specific information and the parent OBE specific information transmitted in advance, and the result is acquired by the lane control device 31 (32,...). (Step 82a). In response to the acquired correspondence confirmation, the child onboard equipment transmits and holds the entrance information, the vehicle type information, and the like (step 83a).
[0051]
Therefore, even when the parent vehicle-mounted device-equipped vehicle and the child vehicle-mounted device-equipped vehicle do not enter the same ETC lane, the child on-vehicle device-equipped vehicle can make non-stop entry from the ETC lane. Further, since the operations of the lane control devices 31 (32,...) Can be performed independently, a plurality of on-vehicle equipment-equipped vehicles can also enter non-stop from a plurality of ETC lanes in parallel.
[0052]
Next, with reference to FIG. 9 to FIG. 12, processing at the time of leaving the vehicle will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing flow associated with leaving a vehicle from a toll road or the like. Here, a case will be described as an example where the parent vehicle-mounted device-equipped vehicle and the child vehicle-mounted device-equipped vehicle do not have to leave the same ETC lane. First, when a vehicle equipped with a vehicle-mounted device enters the ETC lane, information is wirelessly exchanged between the wireless control device 41 (see FIG. 3) and the vehicle-mounted device to determine whether the vehicle mounted with the parent vehicle-mounted device or the vehicle mounted with the child vehicle-mounted device. Judgment is made on the toll collection system side (step 91). For this purpose, as in the case of entering the vehicle, for example, the information unique to the vehicle-mounted device may be included in the determination, and the determination may be made based on this, or whether the ID of the ETC card can be obtained or not is determined. You may make it do.
[0053]
If the vehicle is equipped with a child on-vehicle device, the system acquires the entrance information held in the child on-vehicle device, and the receiving person responds to the acquired entrance information (step 92). This is to secure the exit of the paying vehicle for leaving the vehicle that is the payment source. That is, when the vehicle that is the payment source has not yet left, a fee is separately collected for the vehicle mounted with the child on-board device in order to prevent unauthorized fee evasion. The number of units to which the receivers correspond individually is counted and held on the system side (relay computer 21 (22,...)) Together with the child onboard unit specific information (step 93).
[0054]
When the vehicle mounted with the parent vehicle-mounted device enters the ETC lane, normal ETC processing is performed on the vehicle-mounted device (step 94). As normal ETC processing, for example, entrance information such as an entrance intern name held in the parent vehicle-mounted device, vehicle type information of the vehicle, and ID of an ETC card are acquired to generate fee information. The vehicle type information may be detected on the system side, for example, by detecting the number of axles using a footboard provided in the ETC lane, and the corresponding correspondence may be confirmed.
[0055]
Furthermore, information specific to the parent vehicle-mounted device is acquired and held in order to confirm the correspondence with the vehicle on which the child vehicle-mounted device is mounted in order to leave the vehicle. The generated toll information and the parent vehicle-mounted device specific information are transmitted from the lane control device 31 (32,...) To the relay computer 21 (22,...).
[0056]
If the process of step 94 is normally completed (Y in step 95), then, it is prepared for the vehicle onboard device-equipped vehicle to enter the ETC lane. If it does not end normally (N in Step 95), the entrance information held in the parent vehicle-mounted device is acquired on the system side, and the receiving person responds with the acquired entrance information (Step 105). In the case of performing the process of step 105, the entrance information held in the slave on-board device is also acquired on the system side for the vehicle mounted on the slave on-board device to be subsequently exited. Corresponding (step 106).
[0057]
When the ETC process at the time of leaving the parent vehicle-mounted device is normally performed, the information on the number of vehicles mounted on the child vehicle-mounted device held in the parent vehicle-mounted device is prepared in preparation for the subsequent entry of the vehicle on-vehicle device into the ETC lane. Is transmitted to the relay computer 21 (22,...) (Step 96). This processing may be performed in advance in step 94. Further, a timer is set in preparation for the case where all the on-vehicle equipment-equipped vehicles targeted for payment in a certain time do not leave (step 97). Here, since it is assumed that there are no restrictions on the exit lane of the vehicle mounted with the child onboard equipment, the timer is set in all the ETC lanes for exit.
[0058]
After the processing of step 97 is performed, the difference between the number of on-vehicle devices mounted on the child onboard equipment transmitted to the relay computer 21 (22,...) And the number of already supported vehicles is confirmed (step 98). When the difference number is zero, all the onboard equipment-equipped vehicles have exited, and the process ends. When the difference number is 1 or more and the vehicle mounted on the child onboard equipment enters the ETC lane, it is determined whether or not it is within the set timer time (step 99, at this time the child onboard equipment specific information) Is transmitted to the relay computer 21 (22,...)).
[0059]
If it is not within the timer effective time (N in Step 99), the entrance information held in the child on-board unit is acquired on the system side, and the receipt person responds with the acquired entrance information (Step 106). Subsequently, since the on-vehicle device mounted vehicle that leaves the vehicle is not within the timer valid time, the entrance information held in the child on-vehicle device is acquired on the system side, and the receiving person responds to the acquired entrance information (step 106).
[0060]
If it is within the timer effective time (Y in step 99), the ETC process is performed for the child on-vehicle device (step 100). As ETC processing for the child on-board device, entrance information and vehicle type information are obtained from the child on-board device, fee information is generated, and this is transmitted to the relay computer 21 (22...). As a result, the relay computer 21 (22...) Confirms the correspondence between the transmitted unique information of the child OBE and the transmitted / held unique information of the parent OBE, and collects payment information on the parent OBE. Is generated. Specifically, the contents of the fee information for the child on-vehicle device are added to the contents of the fee information for the existing on-vehicle device, and the accumulated charges are included in the contents of the collective payment fee information.
[0061]
Here, when the ETC process for the child on-vehicle device does not end normally (N in Step 101), the receiving person responds based on the acquired entrance information (Step 103). When the ETC process for the child on-vehicle device is normally completed (Y in Step 101), the count of the already supported number is incremented by the generation of the collective payment fee information, and the process returns to Step 98. In the latter case, the vehicle equipped with the child onboard equipment can pass and exit the ETC lane nonstop. After returning to step 98, the same processing as described above is performed in preparation for the next vehicle mounted on-board device.
[0062]
In addition, according to the process of the above description, the fee payment at the time of leaving, which the parent onboard equipment mounted vehicle pays, is the maximum between the own vehicle and the number of child onboard equipment mounted vehicles input to the parent onboard equipment. Be limited.
[0063]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing content of step 94: “normal ETC processing (exit)” shown in FIG. FIG. 10 (a) corresponds to what has already been described, and FIG. 10 (b) can be employed instead of the process of FIG. 10 (a).
[0064]
In the process shown in FIG. 10A, as already described, the entrance information, the vehicle type information, the unique information of the parent in-vehicle device, and the ID of the ETC card held in the parent on-vehicle device are acquired (step 111). Further, fee information is generated for the vehicle mounted with the onboard equipment, and this and the information specific to the onboard equipment are transmitted to the relay computer 21 (22,...) (Step 112).
[0065]
On the other hand, in the process shown in FIG. 10 (b), the entrance information, the vehicle type information, the unique information of the parent onboard device, and the ID of the ETC card held in the parent onboard device are acquired, and these are relayed to the relay computer. 21 (22,...) (Step 111a). That is, generation of toll information for the vehicle mounted with the onboard vehicle is performed not by each lane control device 31 (32,...) But by the relay computer 21 (22,...). Although the load on the relay computer 21 (22,...) Increases somewhat, the load on each lane control device 31 (32,...) Can be reduced accordingly.
[0066]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing content of step 100: “ETC processing (exit) for child on-vehicle device” shown in FIG. FIG. 11A corresponds to what has already been described, and FIG. 11B can be used instead of the process of FIG.
[0067]
In the process shown in FIG. 11 (a), as already described, first, entrance information and vehicle type information held in the child on-vehicle device are acquired (step 115), and then fee information is generated and generated by these. The fee information is transmitted to the relay computer 21 (22,...) (Step 116).
[0068]
On the other hand, in the process shown in FIG. 11B, the entrance information and the vehicle type information held in the child on-board device are acquired and transmitted to the relay computer 21 (22) (step 115a). That is, generation of toll information for the vehicle mounted with the child onboard equipment is performed by the relay computer 21 (22,...) Instead of the lane control devices 31 (32,...). In this case as well, as with the case shown in FIG. 10B, the load on the relay computer 21 (22,...) Is slightly increased, but the load on each lane control device 31 (32,...) Is reduced accordingly. can do.
[0069]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process flow performed by the relay computer 21 (22,...) In the process of leaving the vehicle shown in FIG. FIG. 12 (a) corresponds to the case of leaving the vehicle already described in FIG. 9, and FIG. 12 (b) can be used instead of the process of FIG. 12 (a). This corresponds to the processing of the lane control device 31 (32,...) Shown in 10 (b) and FIG. 11 (b).
[0070]
That is, in the case shown in FIG. 12 (a), as already described, the fee information of the vehicle mounted with the parent vehicle-mounted device transmitted from the lane control device 31 (32,. Hold it (step 121). Then, the contents of the fee information of the vehicle mounted with the child onboard equipment transmitted thereafter are added to the contents of the collective payment fee information and updated (step 122). The contents accumulated and updated in this way become the fee that the parent vehicle-mounted device has to pay in a lump. This fee is charged and charged based on the ID of the ETC card.
[0071]
On the other hand, in the case shown in FIG. 12B, the fare information for each vehicle only is not generated by each lane control device 31 (32,...), But is also generated by the relay computer 21 (22,...). This is the case.
[0072]
That is, fee information is generated from the entrance information and vehicle type information of the vehicle mounted with the parent vehicle-mounted device transmitted from the lane control device 31 (32,...), And temporarily stored as collective payment fee information (step) 121a). Then, fee information is generated from the entrance information and the vehicle type information of the vehicle onboard equipment-mounted vehicle transmitted thereafter, and this content is added to the content of the collective payment fee information and updated (step 122a). The contents accumulated and updated in this way become the fee that the parent vehicle-mounted device has to pay in a lump. This fee is charged and charged based on the ID of the ETC card.
[0073]
In the above description of FIGS. 9 to 12, the case where the parent vehicle-mounted device mounted vehicle and the child vehicle-mounted device mounted vehicle do not have to leave the same ETC lane has been described as an example. You may make it respond | correspond only when a vehicle and a vehicle mounted with a vehicle onboard equipment leave the same ETC lane. In that case, the “send to relay computer” portion of the processing described in FIGS. 10 and 11 is not performed, and each processing described in FIG. 12 is performed for each lane control device 31 (32,...). ).
[0074]
Next, a configuration example of the on-vehicle device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a part of the configuration of a slave on-vehicle device that can be used in the present invention. The child onboard device can be used by moving between vehicles. Therefore, for example, when various information is already held at the entrance, if it is moved to another vehicle with a different vehicle type or the like and used, illegal fee evasion will be possible. What is shown in FIG. 13 is a configuration example that eliminates such inconvenience.
[0075]
As shown in FIG. 13, the in-vehicle device 131 is provided with a concave portion 132, and a light emitting portion 133 and a light receiving portion 134 of a photocoupler are disposed between the opposing surfaces of the concave portion. The child onboard unit 131 is held in the holder 135 and mounted in the vehicle. The holder 135 is fixed in the vehicle and has a convex portion 136 that fits into the concave portion 132 of the child onboard unit 131.
[0076]
As a result, the light-shielded state between the light emitting unit 133 and the light receiving unit 134 of the photocoupler is detected only when the child onboard device 131 is held by the holder 135. At this time, an internal circuit (not shown) of the child on-vehicle device is configured so that the child on-vehicle device 131 is in an operation standby state. When the holder 135 is removed, light is transmitted between the light emitting unit 133 and the light receiving unit 134 and the state is detected. At this time, an internal circuit (not shown) is configured so as to erase, for example, vehicle type information held in the child onboard unit 131.
[0077]
In the on-vehicle unit 131 having such a configuration, processing as shown in FIG. 14 can be performed. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a part of processing performed in the child onboard unit 131. That is, it is always monitored whether or not the child onboard device 131 is removed from the attachment position (step 141), and if it is detected that the child onboard device 131 has been removed, the vehicle type information is deleted (step 142). If at least the vehicle type information is erased, the exit process at the exit does not end normally, so that illegal fee evasion can be prevented. Note that the information to be deleted does not have to be vehicle type information alone.
[0078]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, a function as a parent vehicle-mounted device is added to the vehicle-mounted device, and a child vehicle-mounted device whose relationship with the parent vehicle-mounted device is set in advance is used in combination. Similar to the parent vehicle-mounted device, the child vehicle-mounted device retains entrance information and the like and can communicate with the lane control device wirelessly. As a result, the toll for the vehicle equipped with the child on-board device is received by payment with the ETC card attached to the parent on-vehicle device without error. Therefore, it is possible to pay tolls for a plurality of vehicles with a single ETC card.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a toll collection system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a relay computer 21 (22,...) Shown in FIG.
3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a lane control device 31 (32,...) Shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a processing flow related to entrance of a vehicle, and shows a preparation for making a certain vehicle subject to charge payment to another vehicle.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing flow associated with entrance of a vehicle to a toll road or the like.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow related to entry of a vehicle, and shows a process performed on a parent vehicle-mounted device in advance prior to leaving the vehicle-mounted device.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing contents of step 53: “normal ETC processing (entrance)” shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing contents of step 56: “ETC processing (entrance) for child onboard equipment” shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing flow associated with leaving a vehicle from a toll road or the like.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing contents of step 94: “normal ETC processing (exit)” shown in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing contents of step 100: “ETC processing (exit) for child on-vehicle device” shown in FIG. 9;
12 is a flowchart showing a processing flow performed by the relay computer 21 (22,...) In the processing at the time of leaving the vehicle shown in FIG.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a part of the configuration of a slave on-vehicle device that can be used in the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a part of processing performed in the child onboard unit 131;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Host computer 12 ... Host-relay computer connection line 13 ... Relay computer-lane control device connection line 21, 22, 23 ... Relay computer 21a ... CPU 21b ... Internal bus 21c ... Memory 21d ... Disk 21f ... Lane control device Interface 21g: Operation display unit 31, 32 ... Lane control device 31a ... CPU 31b ... Internal bus 31c ... Memory 31d ... Auxiliary storage device 31f ... Wireless control device interface 31g ... Operation display unit 31h ... Roadside display interface 31i ... I / O Device 41 ... Radio control device 42 ... Roadside indicator 131 ... Sub-vehicle equipment 132 ... Recessed portion 133 ... Light emitting portion 134 ... Light receiving portion 135 ... Holder 136 ... Convex portion

Claims (9)

A first step of performing at least entrance processing on the parent vehicle-mounted device at an entrance lane for a first vehicle equipped with the parent vehicle-mounted device;
A process of holding at least the entrance information in a child on-vehicle device that is set to be associated with the parent on-vehicle device is performed in an entrance lane portion for one or more second vehicles that are equipped with the child on-vehicle device. Two steps,
A third step of causing the parent vehicle-mounted device to retain the number information of the second vehicle;
The first exit process for acquiring the entrance information held in the parent vehicle-mounted device and generating fee information for the first vehicle based on the acquired information is used for passing the exit lane of the first vehicle. And a fourth step of acquiring the number information of the second vehicle held from the parent vehicle-mounted device,
A second exit process for acquiring the entrance information held in the child onboard device and generating fee information for the second vehicle based on the acquired information is used to pass the exit lane of the second vehicle. A fifth step to be performed,
The charge information obtained by the second exit processing is integrated within the acquired number information of the second vehicle every time the second vehicle leaves the lane, and the integrated charge is calculated as the first charge. And a sixth step of generating collective payment fee information for the first vehicle by adding to the fee information obtained by the exit processing. In the first step, further, information unique to the parent vehicle-mounted device is acquired and transmitted to the integrated control device,
In the second step, the processing for holding the entrance information in the child vehicle-mounted device is an entrance lane portion of the second vehicle different from the entrance lane portion of the first vehicle, and the integrated control The one or two or more connected to the device are performed independently of each other on the premise that the transmitted parent vehicle-mounted device specific information exists in the integrated control device. Toll collection method. The fourth step is connected to the exit lane portion of the first vehicle and the exit lane portion of the second vehicle that is different from the exit lane portion of the first vehicle. Performed in the integrated controller
The fifth step is performed by the integrated control device,
The toll collection method according to claim 1, wherein the sixth step is performed by the integrated control device. The toll collection method according to claim 1, wherein the fifth step is performed only within a certain period of time from the start of the fourth step. The toll collection method according to claim 1, wherein the second step is performed only within a predetermined time from the start of the first step. Means for performing at least entrance processing on the parent vehicle-mounted device in the entrance lane portion for the first vehicle equipped with the parent vehicle-mounted device;
Means for performing at least the entrance information in the entrance lane for one or more second vehicles on which the child on-board device is mounted, the processing for holding the entrance information on the child on-board device that is set to be associated with the parent on-vehicle device. When,
The first exit process for acquiring the entrance information held in the parent vehicle-mounted device and generating fee information for the first vehicle based on the acquired information is used for passing the exit lane of the first vehicle. And means for acquiring the number information of the second vehicle from the parent vehicle-mounted device,
A second exit process for acquiring the entrance information held in the child onboard device and generating fee information for the second vehicle based on the acquired information is used to pass the exit lane of the second vehicle. Accompanying means,
The charge information obtained by the second exit processing is integrated within the acquired number information of the second vehicle every time the second vehicle leaves the lane, and the integrated charge is calculated as the first charge. And a means for generating collective payment fee information for the first vehicle by adding to the fee information obtained by the exit processing of the toll. Means for performing at least entrance processing on the parent vehicle-mounted device in the entrance lane portion for the first vehicle equipped with the parent vehicle-mounted device;
Means for acquiring information related to the parent vehicle-mounted device from a second vehicle equipped with a child vehicle-mounted device that is set to be associated with the parent vehicle-mounted device;
When the parent in-vehicle device related to the acquired information holds the entrance information, at least the entrance information is held in the child on-vehicle device, the processing for the second vehicle equipped with the child on-vehicle device A lane control device comprising means for performing at an entrance lane portion. A first exit process for acquiring entrance information held in the parent vehicle-mounted device and generating fee information for the first vehicle on which the parent vehicle-mounted device is mounted based on the acquired information is exited from the first vehicle. Means for acquiring the number information of the second vehicle equipped with the child on-board device in which the association with the parent on-vehicle device is set from the parent on-vehicle device while performing along with passing through the lane part;
When the number information of the second vehicle is obtained, the entrance information held in the child on-board device is acquired, and fee information is generated for the second vehicle based on the acquired information. Means for performing the second exit process as the second vehicle passes the exit lane;
The charge information obtained by the second exit processing is integrated within the acquired number information of the second vehicle every time the second vehicle leaves the lane, and the integrated charge is calculated as the first charge. A lane control device comprising: means for generating collective payment fee information for the first vehicle by adding to the fee information obtained by the exit processing. A sensor for detecting removal from the mounting position in the vehicle;
A vehicle-mounted device comprising: means for erasing information held based on the detected result.

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