JP4337735B2 - Automatic fee settlement in-vehicle system - Google Patents

Description

  In an automatic fee settlement system represented by an ETC (registered trademark, the same shall apply hereinafter) system (Electronic Toll Collection System), etc., an IC card such as an ETC card storing fee settlement information is installed in the vehicle-mounted device. The present invention relates to a technology for making an automatic fee settlement system usable without being inserted into the system.

  Conventionally, on toll roads such as expressways, vehicles are automatically stopped without stopping for the purpose of reducing congestion at non-stop toll booths, improving convenience by making cashless, reducing labor costs by unmanning toll booths, etc. In addition, an automatic fee collection system (ETC system) capable of paying a fee has been put into practical use. The ETC system in Japan consists of a roadside device installed on the road, a vehicle side device (so-called ETC on-board device) that collects tolls by two-way wireless communication, and an IC card (so-called ETC card) to settle it. (For example, refer patent document 1). This ETC card stores information necessary for using the ETC system, such as fee settlement information based on personal information and usage details information.

When using this ETC system, the user inserts an ETC card into the card slot of the ETC on-board unit mounted on the vehicle. Then, communication is performed between the ETC on-board unit and the road device in a state where the ETC card is inserted into the ETC on-board unit. In other words, charges are automatically collected by transmitting information read from the ETC card to the road device or writing information transmitted from the road device to the ETC card.
JP-A-8-235490

  However, in the conventional ETC on-board unit, when using the ETC system, forgetting to insert the ETC card into the ETC on-board unit or the ETC card is not recognized by the ETC on-board unit due to poor insertion, There is a risk of entering an ETC gate. In such a case, the ETC vehicle-mounted device cannot communicate with a road device necessary for using the ETC system, so the vehicle cannot pass through the ETC dedicated gate.

  On the other hand, after using the ETC system, it may be possible to get off the vehicle while forgetting to remove the ETC card from the ETC in-vehicle device. In such a case, the ETC card may be lost or stolen and used illegally. Further, when the user gets on without carrying the ETC card, the ETC system cannot be used even if the ETC on-board unit is mounted on the vehicle.

  Thus, in the conventional ETC onboard equipment, an ETC card must be inserted every time the ETC system is used, and such work is complicated for the user. However, it is not preferable from the viewpoint of security to get off the vehicle or store it in the vehicle while the ETC card is inserted into the ETC card.

  The above-mentioned problems are not limited to payment of tolls on toll roads using the ETC system. Drive-through shopping, gas stations, tolls using credit cards, prepaid cards, and other IC cards This occurs similarly in an automatic fee settlement system in which a fee for a parking lot or the like is electronically settled by two-way wireless communication between an on-vehicle device and a road device.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and forgot to insert the IC card by making it possible to use the automatic fee settlement system without inserting the IC card into the vehicle-mounted device. If the vehicle enters the gate for the automatic toll payment system while it is still in a bad state or is not inserted properly, or if you forget to remove the IC card when you get off, It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic fee settlement in-vehicle system that can use an automatic fee settlement system.

The automatic fee settlement in-vehicle system according to claim 1, which has been made to solve the above-described problem, includes at least a key for starting an engine and an in-vehicle device that performs two-way wireless communication with a road device. ing. The key includes key side communication means for communicating with the in-vehicle device and key side storage means for storing at least charge settlement information. The in-vehicle device includes vehicle-side communication means that communicates with the key-side communication means, at least a card reader / writer that reads and writes the contents of an IC card that stores charge settlement information, and control means. The control means may charge settlement information received from the key side communication means by the vehicle sides communication means, or performs settlement of fee based on either charge settlement information read from the IC card by the card reader-writer.

  The term “key” as used herein refers to a key (a so-called remote key) that performs a predetermined operation by performing wireless communication between the key and the vehicle side device, even a key-shaped mechanical key that operates a device by a mechanical operation. , Smart key, etc.). The communication performed by the key side communication means and the vehicle side communication means may be wireless communication or wired communication.

  Further, the “charge settlement information” here is information based on the user's personal information for settlement of the fee, and is generally given from a credit card company or the like by the user's application. In an automatic fee settlement system such as a conventional ETC system, the fee settlement information is stored in an IC card such as an ETC card.

  In an automatic fee settlement system such as a conventional ETC system, when using toll roads and various services, an IC card such as an ETC card storing fee settlement information for settlement of charges is inserted in the vehicle-mounted device. There was a need to do. However, in the automatic fee settlement in-vehicle system of the present invention, the information for fee settlement stored in the IC card is stored in the key, and the information for fee settlement is transmitted from the key to the in-vehicle device, so that the cardless It is possible to use an automatic fee settlement system.

  By the way, the information stored in the conventional IC card includes information related to the usage status of the automatic fee settlement system such as usage history and billing information obtained by communication between the in-vehicle device and the road device, in addition to the fee settlement information. Some “use details information” is included. The user can check the usage status by reading the usage details information with a card reader or the like and displaying the contents on a screen or printing them with a printer.

On the other hand , when the fee is settled by using the key without using the IC card, the usage details related to the settlement is not stored in the IC card, and the fee is settled using the IC card. It is conceivable that the usage details information relating to the settlement is not stored in the key side storage means provided in the key. In such a case, even if the IC card and the key are in a so-called original and copy relationship (that is, the relationship between the key and the IC card) that stores common fee settlement information, the usage stored in each is stored. The details of the detail information may not match. In such a case, for example, even if the user uses the IC card to display or print the contents of the usage details information on the screen in order to confirm the usage situation of the toll road, etc., it is stored in the IC card. Since the usage details information does not include the usage details information when the payment is made using the key, there is a possibility that the user cannot accurately grasp the usage status. In addition, even when the contents of the usage details information stored in the key side storage means are displayed on the in-vehicle monitor or the like via the in-vehicle LAN, etc., the key side storage means is settled using an IC card. Since the usage details information is not included, there is a possibility that the user cannot accurately grasp the usage status.

In view of such a situation, it is preferable to match the contents of the usage details information stored in the key storage means and the IC card.
Therefore, in the automatic fee settlement in-vehicle system of the present invention , when performing settlement based on the fee settlement information acquired from the key, the usage details information acquired by communication between the road device and the in-vehicle device is stored in the key side storage means. When the payment is made based on the charge settlement information acquired from the IC card, the usage details information is stored in the IC card. Then, an information matching process is executed to match the contents of the usage details information stored in the key side storage means with the details of the usage details information stored in the IC card. As a specific example of the “information matching process”, the contents of the usage details information stored in the key and the IC card are compared with each other, and the information is stored in the key or the IC card so as to complement each difference. What is necessary is just to perform a process.

  Thus, by matching the contents of the usage details information stored in the key-side storage means and the IC card, even if the user uses the key and the IC card together to settle the fee, the user can It is convenient because the usage status can be accurately grasped.

As in the automatic fee settlement in-vehicle system according to claim 2 , the information matching process is executed by providing an input means for inputting a process start instruction from the user for causing the control means to execute the information matching process. You may comprise so that the timing which performs can be instruct | indicated by a user. Here, the operation part operated by the user in the input means may be provided on the key side or on the in-vehicle device side.

Further, the automatic fee settlement in-vehicle system according to claim 3 is provided with a notifying means for notifying the user of information. When the processing start instruction is input by the input unit, the notification unit is used when the IC card is not set to be readable / writable in the card reader / writer, or the charge settlement information stored in the key side storage unit In at least one of cases where the fee settlement information stored in the IC card does not match, the user is notified of this.

  That is, even if an instruction to execute the information matching process is input by the user, the fact is notified when the IC card is not set in the card reader / writer. In addition, when an IC card with different key and charge settlement information is set (that is, when the key and the IC card do not correspond), the usage details information cannot be matched, so the key and the ETC card are Notifying the user that the information is not supported is convenient because the user can know that the information matching process cannot be executed.

  In addition, as a notification means, you may use any means, such as alerting | reporting by an audio | voice, the alerting | reporting by the display of a screen or an indicator lamp. Further, the notification method may be changed depending on whether the IC card is not set or the key does not correspond to the IC card.

In addition to the configuration in which the information matching process as described above is started in response to an instruction from the user, the IC card can be set to be readable and writable in the card reader / writer as in the automatic fee settlement in-vehicle system according to claim 4. The information matching process is automatically started when the charge settlement information stored in the key storage means matches the charge settlement information stored in the IC card. It may be configured.

  According to such a configuration, the information matching process is automatically performed in a situation in which the usage details stored in the key and the usage details stored in the card can be matched, which is convenient for the user. high.

Further, as in the automatic fee settlement in-vehicle system according to claim 5 , the information matching process is started by inputting a processing start instruction from the user by the input means, or the information matching process is automatically performed. It may be configured to include selection instruction input means for inputting a selection instruction from a user for selecting whether to start. According to such a configuration, it is convenient because it is possible to select whether to execute the information matching process or automatically according to an instruction from the user, according to the preference of the user.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Configuration of ETC in-vehicle system 1]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ETC in-vehicle system 1 which is an embodiment of an automatic fee settlement in-vehicle system of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the ETC in-vehicle system 1 of this embodiment includes an ETC in-vehicle device 10, a smart key ECU 20, an in-vehicle LAN 30, and a smart key 40. The ETC in-vehicle device 10 and the smart key ECU 20 include the in-vehicle LAN 30. It is connected so that it can communicate via.

  The ETC vehicle-mounted device 10 includes a wireless communication unit 11, a control unit 12, a memory 13, a card reader / writer 14, a vehicle-mounted LAN communication unit 15, a notification unit 16, a write instruction input unit 17, an automatic / manual selection input unit 18, and the like. Yes.

  The wireless communication unit 11 includes a known communication circuit and antenna. Then, information for fee settlement processing is transmitted and received by performing wireless communication by the DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication) wireless method with the on-road device 2 installed at a toll booth on a toll road.

  The memory 13 is composed of an EEPROM or the like that can be electrically rewritten, and stores information received via the wireless communication unit 11 and the in-vehicle LAN communication unit 15. Further, setup information such as vehicle information related to a vehicle necessary for the payment of the fee is registered in the memory 13 in advance.

  The card reader / writer 14 reads information stored in the IC chip of the ETC card 3 and writes information to the IC chip. The card reader / writer 14 is inserted into a card slot (not shown) provided in the main body of the ETC on-vehicle device 10. By inserting the ETC card 3, the ETC card 3 is set to the card reader / writer 14 so as to be readable and writable.

The in-vehicle LAN communication unit 15 is a communication interface for communicating with the smart key ECU 20 via the in-vehicle LAN 30.
The alerting | reporting part 16 displays various information by LED, and is for alert | reporting to a user. Specifically, the user can be notified of the status of the ETC in-vehicle system 1 by turning on or blinking an indicator lamp that indicates whether the system can be used or a lamp that indicates that the system is operating normally or abnormally. To do.

The write instruction input unit 17 is for accepting an input operation for instructing the start of an information matching process, which will be described later, from a user using an input button.
The automatic / manual selection input unit 18 automatically starts the information matching process in the information matching process described later, or starts the information matching process by accepting an input operation from the user by the writing instruction input unit 17. An input operation for selecting the item is received from the user by an input button.

  The control unit 12 includes a known microcomputer mainly composed of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The control unit 12 controls each unit of the ETC in-vehicle device 10 and executes various processes such as a fee settlement process in the ETC system. In addition, the control unit 12 executes each process related to exchange of information with the smart key 40 described later.

On the other hand, the smart key ECU 20 includes a wireless communication unit 21, a control unit 22, an in-vehicle LAN communication unit 23, and the like.
The wireless communication unit 21 includes a known communication circuit and antenna. Then, two-way wireless communication is performed with the smart key 40 within a predetermined range from the vehicle, and the door unlocking / locking and the engine starting / stopping are executed in the same manner as in the known smart key system (hereinafter referred to as the “smart key system”). , Which is also referred to as smart key processing). In addition, various information used for processing (hereinafter also referred to as ETC processing) related to the use of the ETC system, which will be described later, is transmitted and received.

  The in-vehicle LAN communication unit 23 is a communication interface for communicating with the ETC in-vehicle device 10 and a door unlocking / locking device and an ignition device (not shown) via the in-vehicle LAN 30.

  The control unit 22 includes a well-known microcomputer mainly composed of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and controls each unit of the smart key ECU 20 so that the ETC in-vehicle device 10 and the smart key 40 in the smart key process and the ETC process are connected. Execute processing related to the exchange of information. Further, the control unit 22 causes a door unlocking / locking device and an ignition device (not shown) to perform door unlocking / locking and engine start / stop based on communication with the smart key 40 in the smart key process.

On the other hand, the smart key 40 includes a wireless communication unit 41, a control unit 42, a memory 43, a battery 44, and the like.
The wireless communication unit 41 is configured by a known communication circuit and antenna, performs bidirectional wireless communication with the smart key ECU 20 within a predetermined range from the vehicle, and various information used for smart key processing and ETC processing. Send and receive.

  The memory 43 is composed of an EEPROM or the like whose contents can be electrically rewritten, and stores fee settlement information, usage details information, and other necessary information in the ETC system. In addition, these information memorize | stored in the memory 43 is the same information as the information memorize | stored in the ETC card | curd 3 in the conventional ETC vehicle-mounted system.

Here, a supplementary explanation of the charge settlement information and usage details information stored in the memory 43 will be provided.
The information for fee settlement is information based on the personal information of the user for settlement of the fee, and is information related to authentication of the user of the ETC system (that is, the owner of the smart key 40 here), payment of the fee, etc. Information including financial institution related information and other necessary information.

  In order to register the fee settlement information in the memory 43 of the smart key 40, the fee settlement information stored in the ETC card 3 is read by the card reader / writer 14, and this is smartly performed using the in-vehicle LAN 30 and wireless communication. It may be transmitted to the key 40 and registered in the memory 43 of the smart key 40. At this time, in order to prevent the fee settlement information of the ETC card 3 from being copied to another smart key 40 other than the regular smart key 40 from the viewpoint of security, the fee settlement to the smart key 40 is performed. It is desirable to copy the business information only once under the following conditions. That is, in the state where the ETC on-board device 10 is set up and the ETC card 3 is set in the card reader / writer, the ETC on-board device 10 first recognizes the smart key 40 to which the charge settlement information can be written, and the ETC card 3 If the condition that the “copy prohibition information to smart key” is not written is satisfied, the fee settlement information is copied to the smart key 40. Then, after the copy is executed, “copy prohibition information to smart key” is written to the ETC card 3 using the card reader / writer 14. As described above, after copying the fee settlement information to the smart key 40, the copy of the fee settlement information of the ETC card 3 is limited to one time by writing “copy prohibition information to the smart key” to the ETC card 3. be able to.

  The usage details information is information regarding the usage status of the ETC such as passage information of the toll road gate and billing information, and is information acquired by communication between the ETC on-board unit 10 and the roadside device 2. In the following, for the convenience of explanation, fee settlement information and usage details information are also referred to as “ETC information”.

  Returning to the configuration of the smart key 40. The control unit 42 is composed of a well-known microcomputer mainly composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and controls each part of the smart key 40 to exchange information with the smart key ECU 20 related to smart key processing and ETC processing. Execute.

The battery 44 is a power source for driving each part of the smart key 40, and a primary battery such as a lithium battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or the like is used.
The schematic configuration of the ETC in-vehicle system 1 has been described above. The correspondence between the configuration of the ETC in-vehicle system 1 in the present embodiment and the configuration described in the claims is as follows. That is, the ETC vehicle-mounted device 10, the smart key ECU 20 and the vehicle-mounted LAN 30 of the present embodiment correspond to the vehicle-mounted device in the claims, the smart key 40 corresponds to the key, the control unit 12 corresponds to the control means, and the memory 13 Corresponds to the vehicle storage means, the notification section 16 corresponds to the notification section, the writing instruction input section 17 corresponds to the input section, the automatic / manual selection input section 18 corresponds to the selection instruction input section, and the wireless communication section 21 corresponds to the vehicle side communication means, the wireless communication unit 41 corresponds to the key side communication means, and the memory 43 corresponds to the key side storage means.

[Explanation of smart key processing and ETC processing flow]
FIG. 2 is a ladder chart for explaining the flow of smart key processing and ETC processing performed by the ETC in-vehicle system 1.

  First, on the vehicle side, the smart ECU 20 searches for the smart key 40 by transmitting an activation signal to the smart key 40. When the passenger carrying the smart key 40 approaches within the propagation range of the activation signal, the smart key 40 receives the activation signal and transmits a response signal to the smart key ECU 20. Next, when the smart key ECU 20 receives the response signal transmitted from the smart key 40, the smart key ECU 20 transmits a door lock release code transmission request signal to the smart key 40. When the smart key 40 receives the door lock release code transmission request signal, the smart key 40 transmits a door lock release code registered in advance in the ROM of the control unit 42 to the smart key ECU 20.

  When the smart key ECU 20 receives the door unlock code transmitted from the smart key 40, the smart key ECU 20 collates the received code with the code registered in the ROM of the control unit 22 in advance. Transitions to the door unlock standby state as successful.

  On the other hand, the door knob of the vehicle is provided with a touch sensor that detects that a person has touched the door knob, and when detecting that the passenger touches the door knob in the door unlock release standby state, the smart key ECU 20 releases the door lock. To do. When the door lock is released, the passenger opens the door, gets into the vehicle and closes the door.

  Next, when the occupant presses the start button of the engine, the smart key ECU 20 transmits an immobil code transmission request signal for turning on the ignition. When the smart key 40 receives the immobil code transmission request signal, the smart key 40 transmits an immobil code registered in advance in the ROM of the control unit 42 to the smart key ECU 20.

  When the smart key ECU 20 receives the immobilizer code transmitted from the smart key 40, the smart key ECU 20 collates the received code with a code registered in the ROM of the control unit 22 in advance. Turn on the ignition as

  When the ignition is turned on, the power to the ETC vehicle-mounted device 10 is turned on. Then, the ETC in-vehicle device 10 checks whether or not the ETC card 3 is set in the card reader / writer 14. If the ETC card 3 is not set, an ETC information acquisition request signal is sent to the smart key ECU 20 via the in-vehicle LAN 30. Send to.

  When the smart key ECU 20 receives the ETC information acquisition request signal transmitted from the ETC on-vehicle device 10, the smart key ECU 20 transmits an ETC information transmission request signal to the smart key 40. When the smart key 40 receives this ETC information transmission request signal, the smart key 40 transmits the ETC information stored in the memory 43 to the smart key ECU 20. The smart key ECU 20 transmits the ETC information received from the smart key 40 to the ETC in-vehicle device 10 via the in-vehicle LAN 30. The on-board ETC device 10 receives the ETC information from the smart key ECU 20 and writes the received ETC information into the memory 13. Thereafter, the ETC on-board device 10 performs settlement of tolls such as toll roads based on the ETC information stored in the memory 13.

  First, when the vehicle passes through the ETC gate at the entrance toll gate of the toll road, the ETC on-vehicle device 10 communicates with the on-road device 2 via the wireless communication unit 11, and stores the ETC information stored in the memory 13 and the vehicle. Based on the information or the like, necessary information is transmitted to the road device 2, and entrance information is received from the road device 2. Then, the received entrance information is written in the memory 12 and further transmitted to the smart key ECU 20 via the in-vehicle LAN 30.

  When the smart key ECU 20 receives the entrance information transmitted from the ETC on-vehicle device 10, the smart key ECU 20 transmits the received entrance information together with the write request signal to the smart key 40. When the smart key 40 receives the entrance information transmitted from the smart key ECU 20, the smart key 40 writes the received entrance information in the memory 43 as usage details information of the ETC information.

  When traveling on a toll road and taking a break in the service area (SA) or the like on the way, when the occupant gets off the vehicle and then gets on again, the ETC on-vehicle device 10 again returns to the smart key 40 as described above. ETC information is acquired from the data and written in the memory 13.

  Next, when the vehicle passes through the ETC gate at the exit toll gate of the toll road, necessary information is transmitted to the road device 2 based on the ETC information, vehicle information, etc. stored in the memory 13. Receive exit information. Then, the received exit information is written in the memory 12 and further transmitted to the smart key ECU 20 via the in-vehicle LAN 30.

  When the smart key ECU 20 receives the exit information transmitted from the ETC on-vehicle device 10, the smart key ECU 20 transmits the received exit information to the smart key 40 together with the write request signal. Then, when the smart key 40 receives the exit information transmitted from the smart key ECU 20, the smart key 40 writes the received exit information in the memory 43 as the usage details information of the ETC information.

[ETC information acquisition processing]
Hereinafter, each process performed when the ETC onboard equipment 10 acquires ETC information from the smart key 40 is demonstrated based on the flowchart of FIGS.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the control unit 12 of the ETC on-vehicle device 10 when the ETC on-vehicle device 10 acquires ETC information from the smart key 40.
First, when the ignition is turned on (step 101, hereinafter simply referred to as S101, the same applies hereinafter), the ETC card 3 is set in the card reader / writer 14 (that is, a card is inserted in the card slot). (S102), and the process proceeds to S103. Here, when the ETC card 3 is inserted (S103: No), it shifts to the operation mode in which the ETC card 3 is used to settle the fee (S104), and the process is terminated. In the operation mode in which the payment is made using the ETC card 3, the ETC information is acquired from the ETC card 3 via the card reader / writer 14 as in the conventional ETC in-vehicle system, and the payment is made based on the ETC information. Do. Note that the usage details information acquired when the fee is settled using the ETC card 3 is written to the ETC card 3 via the card reader / writer 14.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S103 that the ETC card 3 is not inserted (S103: Yes), the system waits for one minute with a timer (not shown) (S105) and confirms whether the ETC card 3 is inserted again. (S106). Here, when it is determined that the ETC card 3 is inserted (S106: No), the process proceeds to S104, and an operation mode in which a fee is settled using the ETC card 3 is executed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S106 that the ETC card 3 is not inserted (S106: Yes), an ETC information acquisition request signal is transmitted to the smart key ECU 20 via the in-vehicle LAN communication unit 15 (S107). Then, the ETC information transmitted from the smart key ECU 20 in response to the ETC information acquisition request signal transmitted in S107 is received via the in-vehicle LAN communication unit 15 (S108), and the received ETC information is written in the memory 13. (S109).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the writing is normally completed (S110). Here, when it is determined that the writing has not ended normally (S110: No), 1 is added to the counter of the number of tries (0 by default) (S111). Here, if the counter of the number of tries is less than 3 (S112: No), the process returns to S107. When the counter of the number of tries reaches 3 (S112: Yes), the notification means 16 displays that the ETC system is not available (S113) and ends the process. Specifically, an indicator lamp that indicates that the system is in an unusable state is turned on.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S110 that the writing of ETC information has been completed normally (S110: Yes), the notification means 16 displays that the ETC system is available (S114). Specifically, an indicator lamp that indicates that the system is available is turned on. And it transfers to the operation mode which performs payment of a cardless card (S115), and complete | finishes a process.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a communication process executed by the control unit 22 of the smart key ECU 20 when the ETC on-vehicle device 10 acquires ETC information.
First, when the ETC information acquisition request signal transmitted from the ETC in-vehicle device 10 in S107 of FIG. 3 is received via the in-vehicle LAN communication unit 23 (S201), the ETC information transmission request signal is transmitted via the wireless communication unit 21 to the smart key. 40 (S202). Then, the ETC information transmitted from the smart key 40 in response to the ETC information transmission request signal transmitted in S202 is received via the wireless communication unit 21 (S203), and the received ETC information is transmitted via the in-vehicle LAN communication unit 23. To the ETC on-vehicle device 10 (S204), and the process is terminated.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a communication process executed by the control unit 42 of the smart key 40 when the ETC on-vehicle device 10 acquires ETC information.
First, when the ETC information transmission request information transmitted from the smart key ECU 20 in S202 of FIG. 4 is received via the wireless communication unit 41 (S301), the ETC information stored in the memory 43 is read (S302). Then, the read ETC information is transmitted to the smart key ECU 20 via the wireless communication unit 41 (S303), and the process ends.

[ETC information writing process]
Hereinafter, each process performed when the ETC onboard equipment 10 writes the information acquired by communication with the road apparatus 2 in the smart key 40 is demonstrated based on the flowchart of FIGS.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the control unit 12 of the ETC on-vehicle device 10 when the information acquired by the ETC on-vehicle device 10 by communication with the road device 2 is written in the smart key 40.

  First, information to be written to the smart key 40 (hereinafter referred to as write data) is acquired (S401). Here, “write data” refers to gate information acquired by the ETC vehicle-mounted device 10 through communication with the roadside device 2, usage details information that is billing information, and the like.

  Next, the write data acquired in S401 is transmitted to the smart key ECU 20 via the in-vehicle LAN communication unit 15 (S402). And the writing result information transmitted from smart key ECU20 according to the writing data transmitted in S402 is received via the vehicle-mounted LAN communication part 15 (S403). If the received write result information has a content indicating normal termination (S404: Yes), the processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when the write result information received in S403 has contents indicating abnormal termination (S404: No), 1 is added to the counter of the number of tries (0 by default) (S405). Here, if the counter of the number of tries is less than 3 (S406: No), the processing returns to S402. When the counter of the number of tries reaches 3 (S406: Yes), the notification means 16 displays that the data writing has ended abnormally (S407), and ends the process. Specifically, an indicator lamp that indicates that the operation state is abnormal is turned on.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a communication process executed by the control unit 22 included in the smart key ECU 20 when the information acquired by the ETC on-vehicle device 10 through communication with the road device 2 is written in the smart key 40.

  First, when the write data transmitted from the ETC in-vehicle device 10 in S402 of FIG. 6 is received via the in-vehicle LAN communication unit 23 (S501), the received write data is sent to the smart key 40 via the wireless communication unit 21. Transmit (S502). Then, the write result information transmitted from the smart key 40 in accordance with the write data transmitted in S502 is received via the wireless communication unit 21 (S503), and the received write result information is received via the in-vehicle LAN communication unit 23. It transmits to the ETC onboard equipment 10 (S504), and a process is complete | finished.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating communication processing executed by the control unit 42 included in the smart key 40 when the ETC on-board device 10 writes information acquired by communication with the road device 2 in the smart key 40.

  First, when the write data transmitted from the smart key ECU 40 in S502 of FIG. 7 is received via the wireless communication unit 41 (S601), the received write data is written in the memory 43 (S602).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the writing has been completed normally (S603). Here, when it is determined that the writing is normally completed (S603: Yes), the writing result information indicating that the writing is normally completed is transmitted to the smart key ECU 20 via the wireless communication unit 41 (S604). The process ends. If it is determined that writing has not ended normally (S603: No), write result information indicating that writing has ended abnormally is transmitted to the smart key ECU 20 via the wireless communication unit 41 (S605). The process ends.

[Information alignment processing]
Hereinafter, information matching processing executed when information stored in the ETC card 3 and the smart key 40 is matched will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

  FIGS. 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing an information matching process executed by the control unit 12 included in the ETC on-vehicle device 10 to match the ETC information stored in the ETC card 3 and the smart key 40.

  First, when the ignition is turned on (S701), it is determined whether or not an instruction to automatically start the information matching process is input by the automatic / manual selection input unit 18 (S702). If it is determined that an instruction to automatically start the information matching process is input (S702: Yes), it is determined whether the ETC card 3 is inserted in the card slot (S704), and the ETC card is determined. If it is determined that 3 is not inserted (S704: No), the process returns to S702.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S704 that the ETC card 3 is inserted in the card slot (S704: Yes), ETC information is acquired from the smart key 40 (S705). In step S705, the procedure for acquiring ETC information from the smart key 40 is the same as the processing in steps S107 and S108 (see FIG. 3) in the “ETC information acquisition process” described above. Further, the ETC information acquired from the smart key 40 in S705 is referred to as “D1” for convenience of explanation. Subsequently, the ETC information stored in the ETC card 3 is acquired via the card reader / writer 14 (S706). The ETC information acquired from the ETC card 3 in S706 is referred to as “D2”.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the information for charge settlement included in the respective information matches with D1 and D2 (S707). Here, when it is determined that the information for fee settlement does not match (S707: No), the processing is ended as it is.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S707 that the information for fee settlement matches (S707: Yes), the difference between the contents of D1 and D2 is calculated (S708), and the information in D1 but not in D2 (referred to as “D3”). ) And information that is in D2 but not in D1 (referred to as “D4”) is acquired (S709, S710). Then, D3 is written into the ETC card 3 via the card reader / writer 14 (S711).

  Subsequently, D4 is transmitted to the smart key ECU 20 as write data to the smart key 40 via the in-vehicle LAN communication unit 15 (S712), and transmitted from the smart key ECU 20 according to the transmitted write data (D4). The write result information is received via the in-vehicle LAN communication unit 15 (S713). In the communication processing of S712 and S713, the communication processing executed by the smart key ECU 20 and the smart key 40 is the same as the processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 and 8 in the “ETC information writing processing” described above.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the write result information received in S713 has contents indicating normal end (S714). If the information indicates normal end (S714: Yes), the process ends. On the other hand, if the write result information received in S713 is the content indicating abnormal termination (S714: No), 1 is added to the counter of the number of tries (0 by default) (S715). Here, if the counter of the number of tries is less than 3 (S716: No), the processing returns to S712. If the counter of the number of tries reaches 3 (S716: Yes), the notification means 16 displays that the data writing has ended abnormally (S717) and ends the process. Specifically, an indicator lamp that indicates that the operation state is abnormal is turned on.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S702 that an instruction to start the information matching process is input by a manual instruction input (S702: No), the writing switch of the writing instruction input unit 17 is continued for one second or more by the user. It is determined whether or not it is turned on (S703), and when it is determined that the on state has not continued for one second or longer (S703: No), the process returns to S702. On the other hand, if it is determined that the user has continuously turned on for one second or more (S703: Yes), the process proceeds to S801 (see FIG. 10).

  In S801, it is determined whether or not the ETC card 3 is inserted in the card slot. If it is determined that the ETC card 3 is not inserted (S801: No), the notification means 16 displays a warning that the ETC card 3 is not inserted (S802), and the process is terminated. Specifically, the indicator lamp that displays the abnormal operation state blinks quickly for a certain time (for example, 5 seconds).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S801 that the ETC card 3 is inserted in the card slot (S801: Yes), ETC information (D1) is acquired from the smart key 40 (S803). In step S803, the procedure for acquiring ETC information from the smart key 40 is the same as the processing in steps S107 and S108 (see FIG. 3) in the “ETC information acquisition process” described above. Subsequently, the ETC information (D2) stored in the ETC card 3 is acquired via the card reader / writer 14 (S804).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the fee settlement information included in the respective information is the same in D1 and D2 (S805). Here, when it is determined that the information for fee settlement does not match (S805: No), the notification means 16 warns that the smart key 40 and the ETC card 3 do not correspond (that is, the owner is different). (S806), and the process ends. Specifically, the indicator lamp that displays the abnormal operation state blinks slowly for a certain time (for example, 5 seconds).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S805 that the information for charge settlement is the same (S805: Yes), the difference between the contents of D1 and D2 is calculated (S807), the information in D1 but not in D2 (D3), and D2 Therefore, information (D4) that is not present in D1 is acquired (S808, S809). Then, D3 is written to the ETC card 3 via the card reader / writer 14 (S810).

  Subsequently, D4 is transmitted to the smart key ECU 20 as write data to the smart key 40 via the in-vehicle LAN communication unit 15 (S811), and transmitted from the smart key ECU 20 according to the transmitted write data (D4). The write result information is received via the in-vehicle LAN communication unit 15 (S812). In the communication processing of S811 and S812, the communication processing executed by the smart key ECU 20 and the smart key 40 is the same as the processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 and 8 in the “ETC information writing processing” described above.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the write result information received in S812 is a content indicating normal end (S813). If the content is a content indicating normal end (S813: Yes), the notification unit 16 writes data. A message indicating the normal end is displayed (S817), and the process ends. Specifically, the indicator lamp that displays the normal operation state blinks slowly for a certain time (for example, 5 seconds).

  On the other hand, if the write result information received in S812 has contents indicating abnormal termination (S813: No), 1 is added to the counter of the number of tries (0 by default) (S814). If the counter of the number of tries is less than 3 (S815: No), the process returns to S811. When the counter of the number of tries reaches 3 (S815: Yes), the notification means 16 displays that the data writing has ended abnormally (S816) and ends the process. Specifically, an indicator lamp that indicates that the operation state is abnormal is turned on.

[effect]
According to the ETC in-vehicle system of this embodiment, there are the following effects.
That is, by installing the function of the ETC card 3 in the smart key 40, the ETC system can be used without inserting the ETC card 3 into the ETC onboard device 10. Therefore, the troublesomeness of inserting and removing the ETC card 3 can be eliminated, and convenience is improved. Further, when using a toll road or the like, it is possible to prevent the ETC card 3 from entering the ETC dedicated lane in a state where the ETC system cannot be used due to forgetting to insert the ETC card 3 or insertion failure. Further, since it can be used without a card, it is possible to solve a security problem such as forgetting to remove the card while it is inserted into the ETC on-vehicle device 10 and losing the card. In addition, since it is possible to prevent a situation in which the ETC system cannot be used by forgetting to carry the ETC card 3, it is highly convenient. Further, the smart key 40 cannot be used in other vehicles, that is, since the ETC system cannot be used in other vehicles using the smart key 40, the security is high.

  In the smart key process and the ETC process described above, since communication devices such as the smart key ECU 20 and the wireless communication unit 41 are shared, it is not necessary to install a different communication device for each system. Therefore, the system configuration can be simplified, and cost reduction and space saving of the apparatus can be realized.

  Furthermore, it is possible to make a payment with either the smart key 40 or the ETC card 3, and furthermore, information such as usage details information stored in the smart key 40 and the ETC card 3 can be matched. Convenience is high.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes as long as they belong to the technical scope of the present invention. It is.

  For example, an immobilizer system may be used instead of the smart key system in the above embodiment. When this immobilizer system is used, the electric power for driving the electronic key is supplied by the induced electromotive force generated by the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the vehicle, so there is no risk of running out of the battery.

  Further, instead of wireless communication between the smart key 40 and the smart key ECU 20 in the above embodiment, the mechanical key is inserted into the key cylinder so that the key and the connector provided on the key cylinder are connected to each other. It may be configured to enable wired communication. In this case, the key and the ETC in-vehicle device may be configured to be communicably connected via a dedicated cable or the like, or may be configured to be communicable by the in-vehicle LAN 30 via an appropriate ECU. Further, if the electric power for driving the electronic key is supplied from the vehicle in a wired manner, it is not necessary to mount a power source on the key, so that the key can be made compact.

  Further, the smart key 40 may be provided with the write instruction input unit 17 and the automatic / manual selection input unit 18 in the above embodiment. In this case, it is convenient because a remote operation can be performed by an input button provided on the smart key 40.

Moreover, the alerting | reporting part 16 may alert | report information not only by the display by LED but by the display by a liquid crystal screen etc., and the sound by a speaker or a buzzer.
In addition, the automatic toll payment in-vehicle system of the present invention is not only for payment of tolls on toll roads in the ETC system, but also drive-through shopping by credit card, prepaid card or other IC card, gas station, toll parking lot, etc. It can also be used for electronic payment of fees.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the ETC vehicle-mounted system which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a ladder chart for demonstrating the flow of the process which an ETC vehicle-mounted system performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process in which an ETC onboard equipment acquires ETC information. It is a flowchart which shows the communication process which smart key ECU performs, when an ETC onboard equipment acquires ETC information. It is a flowchart which shows the communication process which a smart key performs, when an ETC onboard equipment acquires ETC information. It is a flowchart which shows the process which writes the information which the ETC onboard equipment acquired by communication with a roadside apparatus in a smart key. It is a flowchart which shows the communication process which smart key ECU performs, when the information acquired by ETC onboard equipment by communication with a roadside apparatus is written in a smart key. It is a flowchart which shows the communication process which a smart key performs, when writing the information which the ETC onboard equipment acquired by communication with a road apparatus writes in a smart key. It is a flowchart which shows the process which an ETC onboard equipment performs in order to match the ETC information memorize | stored in an ETC card and a smart key. It is a flowchart which shows the process which an ETC onboard equipment performs in order to match the ETC information memorize | stored in an ETC card and a smart key.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... ETC vehicle-mounted system, 2 ... Road device, 3 ... ETC card, 10 ... ETC vehicle-mounted device, 11, 21, 41 ... Wireless communication part, 12, 22, 42 ... Control part, 13, 43 ... Memory, 14 ... Card Reader / writer, 15, 23 ... In-vehicle LAN communication unit, 16 ... Informing unit, 17 ... Write instruction input unit, 18 ... Automatic / manual selection input unit, 20 ... Smart key ECU, 30 ... In-vehicle LAN, 44 ... Battery

Claims (5)

An automatic fee payment in-vehicle system in an automatic fee payment system that electronically performs fee payment processing for a service by performing bidirectional wireless communication between a vehicle side device and a roadside device,
The automatic fee settlement in-vehicle system is
At least a key to start the engine,
An in-vehicle device that performs bidirectional wireless communication with the road device,
The key is
Key-side communication means for communicating with the in-vehicle device;
Key-side storage means for storing at least charge settlement information that is information for using the automatic charge settlement system;
The in-vehicle device is
Vehicle side communication means for communicating with the key side communication means;
A card reader / writer for reading and writing the content of at least the IC card for storing the charge settlement information;
Control means,
The control means includes
The fee is settled based on either the fee settlement information received from the key side communication unit by the vehicle side communication unit or the fee settlement information read from the IC card by the card reader / writer. ,
When performing the settlement based on the fee settlement information obtained from the key, the usage details information obtained by communication between the road device and the in-vehicle device is stored in the key side storage means and obtained from the IC card. When making the payment based on the information for charge settlement, the usage details information is stored in the IC card,
Further, an information matching process is executed to match the contents of the usage details information stored in the key storage means with the details of the usage details information stored in the IC card. Charge settlement in-vehicle system. In the automatic fee settlement in-vehicle system according to claim 1,
Input means for inputting a process start instruction from a user for causing the control means to execute the information matching process;
The automatic charge settlement in-vehicle system , wherein the control means starts the information matching process when the processing start instruction is input by the input means . In the automatic fee settlement in-vehicle system according to claim 2,
The in-vehicle device includes a notification unit for notifying a user of information,
The notification means is stored in the key-side storage means when the IC card is not set to be readable / writable in the card reader / writer when the processing start instruction is input by the input means. In the automatic fee settlement in-vehicle system, the charge settlement information is notified to the user in at least one of cases where the fee settlement information and the fee settlement information stored in the IC card do not match. . In the automatic fee settlement in-vehicle system according to claim 1 ,
When the IC card is set to be readable and writable in the card reader / writer, the control means is configured to store the charge settlement information stored in the key side storage means and the IC card. An automatic fee settlement in-vehicle system , wherein the information matching process is automatically started when the information for fee settlement matches . In the automatic fee settlement in-vehicle system according to claim 2 or claim 3 ,
From the user for selecting whether to start the information matching process by inputting the processing start instruction from the user by the input means or to automatically start the information matching process A selection instruction input means for inputting a selection instruction;
When the selection instruction for selecting the start of the information matching process by the input of the process start instruction is input by the selection instruction input unit, the control unit inputs the process start instruction by the input unit To start the information matching process,
When the selection instruction for selecting the start of the information matching process is input automatically, the control unit is configured to read and write the IC card in the card reader / writer, and An automatic fee characterized in that the information matching process is automatically started when the fee settlement information stored in the side storage means matches the fee settlement information stored in the IC card. Payment in-vehicle system.

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