JP5589415B2 - In-vehicle communication device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention is mounted on a vehicle and has a configuration capable of inserting and removing an IC card, reading information recorded on the inserted IC card, writing information to the IC card, and roadside The present invention relates to an in-vehicle communication device that performs wireless communication with a machine. In particular, preferably, the present invention relates to an ETC on-vehicle device used in an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection: registered trademark) system that automatically performs toll payment by performing wireless communication with a roadside device installed at a toll gate on a toll road. Is.

  Conventionally, it is described in Patent Document 1 as an example of an in-vehicle communication device that reads information recorded on an inserted IC card, writes information to the IC card, and performs wireless communication with a roadside device. There was an in-vehicle communication terminal device (ETC in-vehicle device).

  This ETC vehicle-mounted device includes a control circuit, a first LED as a status display lamp, a second LED, a buzzer, an IC card interface, and the like. Then, the IC card mounting state, its own operating state, and the like are detected, and the detection result is displayed by the first LED and the second LED. For example, when it is determined that there is a failure, the first LED is blinked, and when the IC card is not inserted, the second LED is blinked with high brightness.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-306762

  In the case of the ETC in-vehicle device described in Patent Document 1, if the IC card cannot be normally recognized when the IC card is inserted, an error notification to the user can be performed by causing the LED to emit light. It is also conceivable to notify the user of an error by outputting a message. However, this error notification is only a unique notification.

  Therefore, the user can solve the problem by reinserting the IC card, such as an IC card insertion error (such as inserting the wrong side upside down) or a temporary contact failure in the electrical contact between the IC card and the ETC in-vehicle device. Even if there is a malfunction, there is a possibility that it may be mistaken for a failure of the IC card itself or the ETC in-vehicle device itself.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and reduces the misunderstanding of a problem that may be solved by re-inserting the IC card as a failure of the IC card itself or the in-vehicle communication device itself. It is an object of the present invention to provide an in-vehicle communication device that can perform the above-mentioned.

In order to achieve the above object, the in-vehicle communication device according to claim 1 is mounted on a vehicle and has an insertion portion that is inserted in a state where the IC card can be taken out, and is inserted into the insertion portion. Reading information recorded on the IC card, writing information to the IC card, and performing wireless communication with the roadside device,
An abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormality of the IC card inserted in the insertion portion;
Counting the number of times an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting means, and if no abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting means, the counting means for clearing the counted number of times,
Reinsertion notification means for outputting a reinsertion notification for prompting reinsertion of the IC card when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection means until the number counted by the counting means reaches a predetermined plural number of times,
An IC card error notification means for outputting an IC card error notification indicating an abnormality of the IC card when the number of times counted by the counting means reaches a predetermined plurality of times ;
An IC card detection unit for detecting insertion of the IC card into the insertion unit and removal of the IC card from the insertion unit;
IC card that determines whether the same IC card has been reinserted or replaced with another IC card when insertion of the IC card is detected after detection of removal of the IC card by the IC card detection unit Determination means ,
The counting means continues counting when the IC card determining means determines that the same IC card has been reinserted, and clears the counted number when it is determined that the IC card has been replaced with another IC card. It is characterized by that.

  Thus, by notifying the abnormality of the IC card, by outputting a notification that prompts the re-insertion of the IC card, for example, by reinserting the IC card such as reverse insertion or temporary connection failure It is possible to reduce misunderstanding of a possible failure as a failure of the IC card itself or the in-vehicle communication device itself.

Further , by doing in this way, when the counted number reaches a predetermined plural number, it can be considered that the abnormality has not been resolved despite the re-insertion with the same IC card. Therefore, it is preferable that an IC card error notification indicating an abnormality of the IC card can be output when the abnormality is not resolved despite the re-insertion with the same IC card.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a time measuring means for measuring an elapsed time from detection of removal of the IC card by the IC card detection unit to detection of insertion of the IC card, When the elapsed time measured by the time measuring means does not reach the predetermined time, it is determined that the same IC card is reinserted. When the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time, the IC card is replaced with another IC card and inserted. You may make it determine with having carried out.

Usually, it takes about several seconds to take out the IC card inserted into the insertion portion and insert it again into the insertion portion. However, when an IC card inserted in the insertion portion is taken out and replaced with another IC card and inserted into the insertion portion, it is necessary to take out an IC card different from the inserted IC card from a wallet or the like. That is, when replacing with another IC card, it takes a longer time than the time required to re-insert the same IC card. Therefore, as shown in claim 2 , the same IC card is reinserted or replaced with another IC card depending on the elapsed time from detection of removal of the IC card until insertion of the IC card is detected. Can be determined.

Furthermore, as shown in claim 3, the IC card determination means determines based on the information read from the IC card, or the same IC card is reinserted, are inserted are replaced with another I C card You may do it.

In addition, as described in claim 4 , when the IC card determining means determines that the IC card has been replaced with another IC card and the abnormality detecting means detects an abnormality, the in-vehicle communication device itself An in-vehicle communication device error notification means for outputting an in-vehicle communication device error notification indicating the abnormality may be provided.

  In this way, when it is determined that another IC card is inserted and an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection means, the abnormality may not be resolved even though another IC card is inserted. High nature. In such a case, since there is a high possibility of abnormality in the in-vehicle communication device itself, it is preferable to output an error notification indicating the abnormality in the in-vehicle communication device itself.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the reinsertion notification means may output a reinsertion notification including a confirmation notification that prompts confirmation of contamination of the IC card inserted into the insertion unit.

If the IC card is dirty, an abnormality may be detected even if there is no abnormality in the IC card itself and the in-vehicle communication device itself. In view of the above, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce mistakes that may be solved by eliminating dirt on the IC card as failures of the IC card itself and the in-vehicle communication device itself.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the abnormality detection means may detect an abnormality with a plurality of items, and the counting means may count the number of times an abnormality is detected for each item.

For example, as shown in claim 7 , the IC card inserted into the insertion unit includes an activation unit that performs an activation process including power supply and clock signal supply, and the abnormality detection unit includes a plurality of abnormality detection units. As one of the items, an abnormality is detected based on the activation result by the activating means, and when there is no response from the IC card in the activation process by the activating means, it may be determined that there is an abnormality. Thereby, it is possible to detect abnormalities such as reverse insertion of the IC card and temporary connection failure.

Further, as shown in claim 8, reads the configuration information from the inserted IC card into the insertion portion, comprising a confirmation means for confirming whether it is appropriate IC card based on the configuration information, the abnormality detecting means Is to detect an abnormality based on the confirmation result of the confirmation means as one of a plurality of items, and may be determined to be abnormal when the confirmation means confirms that the card is not an appropriate IC card. As a result, an abnormality in which an IC card other than an appropriate IC card is inserted can be detected.

Furthermore, as shown in claim 9 , the authentication means is provided for reading out the authentication information from the IC card inserted into the insertion portion and authenticating whether or not it is a legitimate IC card based on the authentication information. The means detects an abnormality based on the authentication result of the authentication means as one of the plurality of items. If the authentication means determines that the IC card is not a regular IC card, the abnormality may be determined. Thereby, it is possible to detect an abnormality in which an IC card other than a regular IC card is inserted.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the ETC onboard equipment in embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the control part in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the initialization process operation | movement of the ETC onboard equipment in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the activation process operation | movement of the ETC onboard equipment in embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the in-vehicle communication device of the present invention is applied to an ETC in-vehicle device 10 used in an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection: registered trademark) system will be described. This ETC vehicle-mounted device 10 is mounted on a vehicle and has a configuration in which an IC card (ETC card) can be inserted and removed, and reads information recorded on the inserted IC card, to the IC card. Information writing and wireless communication with a roadside machine (ETC roadside machine). In other words, the ETC in-vehicle device 10 includes a function as a card reader / writer device and a function as a wireless communication device.

  Here, the ETC system will be briefly described. The ETC system includes, for example, an antenna of an ETC roadside machine as a roadside machine installed at a toll gate (ETC gate) such as an entrance / exit of a toll road such as an expressway, and a communication unit 3 of an ETC onboard device 10 mounted on a vehicle. So-called road-to-vehicle communication with the antenna provided is performed.

  By this road-to-vehicle communication, the vehicle can pass through the toll gate without stopping, and the toll is automatically settled at that time. At this time, the ETC in-vehicle device 10 is in a state where an ETC card (IC card) having a charge settlement function is inserted into the IC card interface (insertion unit) 1 and the ETC card and the IC card interface 1 are electrically connected. It can be used. Thus, the ETC system can be restated as an automatic fee collection system.

  Although a detailed description is omitted, when the ETC roadside unit detects the approach of the vehicle in the ETC lane, it performs necessary communication with the ETC on-board unit 10 and executes gate opening / closing control, billing processing, and the like. At this time, necessary information such as gate passage information and billing information is transmitted to the ETC vehicle-mounted device 10. In addition, as an ETC roadside machine, the information (data) which guides the availability of the ETC exclusive gate with respect to the ETC onboard equipment 10 by road-to-vehicle communication, or the information (data) which alerts forgetting to insert the ETC card ) Etc., there is also a roadside machine for notice.

  In addition, the ETC card is a known contact type (contact type) IC card in this case, and a total of, for example, eight (or six) contact electrodes are provided at predetermined positions on the surface of the plastic card incorporating the IC chip. It is comprised. As this ETC card, an IC card dedicated to the ETC system that has only an ETC payment function, or a multi-function IC card that combines multiple functions such as a credit payment function in one IC card in addition to the ETC payment function, etc. can do. That is, the ETC card is an IC card having at least an ETC payment function.

  Although not shown, the ETC card includes a control unit mainly composed of a microcomputer (CPU) and a storage unit including a flash memory. Further, when the ETC card is inserted into the IC card interface 1 described later, each contact electrode comes into contact with the contact of the IC card interface 1 and is electrically connected to the ETC vehicle-mounted device 10. The ETC card is supplied with power and a clock signal from the ETC on-board device 10 while being electrically connected to the ETC on-board device 10. In addition, the storage unit includes contract information (ID information (authentication information), user information, information related to a credit payment function, configuration information for specifying usable functions (such as an ETC payment function and a credit payment function)). In addition to being recorded in advance, usage history information (information of the passed ETC gate) and the like are written.

  The ETC vehicle-mounted device 10 applied to this ETC system is configured to include main components as shown in FIG. That is, the ETC vehicle-mounted device 10 includes a control unit 2 that controls the entire ETC vehicle-mounted device 10, and an IC card interface 1 and an IC card interface that are connected to the control unit 2 and can insert and remove an ETC card. 1 shows various states of an IC card detection unit 11 that detects whether or not an ETC card is inserted, a communication unit 3 that performs radio communication (road-to-vehicle communication) with an ETC roadside device via an antenna, and an ETC vehicle-mounted device 10. The LED 4 and a speaker 5 for outputting sound such as an error message are provided. The ETC vehicle-mounted device 10 is directly connected to a battery 61 mounted on the vehicle via a power supply terminal, and includes a power supply circuit 6 that generates a predetermined DC power supply and supplies it to the control unit 2. The control unit 2 is supplied with power when, for example, an ACC (accessory) switch (not shown) is turned on.

  Here, the components of the ETC vehicle-mounted device 10 will be described in more detail. The IC card interface 1 has several contacts. The IC card interface 1 is electrically connected to the ETC card by contacting the contact electrodes of the ETC card with the ETC card inserted. The control unit 2 supplies power, supplies clock signals, reads and writes information, and the like to the ETC card via the connector of the ETC card interface 1.

  Further, the IC card detection unit 11 detects insertion of an ETC card into the IC card interface 1 and removal of the ETC card from the IC card interface 1. When the ETC card is inserted into the IC card interface 1, the IC card detection unit 11 mechanically contacts the inserted ETC card and sends a signal indicating that the ETC card has been inserted to the control unit 2. A switch mechanism is provided for output. When the ETC card is removed from the IC card interface 1, the output of a signal indicating that the ETC card has been inserted is stopped. That is, the IC card detection unit 11 detects insertion of the ETC card into the IC card interface 1 and removal of the ETC card from the IC card interface 1 depending on whether or not the ETC card is mechanically in contact with the switch mechanism. To do.

  As described above, the IC card detection unit 11 detects whether or not the ETC card is inserted depending on whether or not it is mechanically in contact with the switch mechanism. Therefore, the IC card detection unit 11 has the same size and shape as the ETC card (IC card). Even when a card is inserted, a signal indicating that an ETC card has been inserted is output.

  Further, the communication unit 3 operates with power supplied via the power circuit 6. It is configured by a known communication circuit and antenna capable of wireless communication (road-to-vehicle communication) with an ETC roadside device. Road-to-vehicle communication performed between the communication unit 3 and the ETC roadside machine (via an antenna) is, for example, a communication system DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication) using ASK (amplitude shift keying). A wireless communication method called “dedicated narrow area communication” can be used.

  Further, a plurality of LEDs 4 (a plurality of LEDs having different emission colors) are provided at positions where light emission can be visually recognized from the outside of the ETC on-vehicle device 10, and are output from the control unit 2 according to various states of the ETC on-vehicle device 10. Light is emitted by the drive signal. In the present embodiment, an example in which green LED 4 and orange LED 4 are provided will be described as an example. When the ETC on-board unit 10 is operating normally, the green LED 4 is caused to emit light, and the ETC on-board unit 10 has some abnormality (for example, an abnormality related to the inserted IC card, an abnormality of the ETC on-board unit 10 itself, etc.). In this case, the orange LED 4 is caused to emit light. In addition to changing the emission color according to various states of the ETC in-vehicle device 10 as described above, the emission mode may be changed, or the emission color and the emission mode may be changed.

  Further, the speaker 5 outputs a voice message such as an error message according to the voice data output from the control unit 2. The voice message output from the speaker 5 includes an error message when an abnormality occurs in the ETC on-vehicle device 10 (for example, an abnormality related to the inserted IC card, an abnormality of the ETC on-vehicle device 10 itself), In addition to a message that informs whether or not the dedicated gate can be used and a message that alerts the user to forgetting to insert the ETC card, a message that indicates a reinsertion notification that prompts the user to reinsert the ETC card is included as will be described in detail later.

  The control unit 2 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, an input / output circuit I / O (not shown), and a bus connecting these components. A line (not shown) is provided. The CPU 21 executes various processes such as an initialization process (including an activation process) by using the RAM 23 as a work area based on the control program and data stored in the ROM 22. The ROM 22 has a program storage area and a data storage area. A control program is stored in the program storage area, and data necessary for the operation of the control program is stored in the data storage area. This data includes voice data of a voice message output from the speaker 5 for the ETC onboard device 10 to notify the user.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing functions related to the characteristic part of the present invention among the functions executed by the control unit 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 2 includes a card initialization unit 2a, a timer unit 2b, an error number counting unit (hereinafter also simply referred to as a counting unit) 2c, a notification instruction unit 2d, a communication control unit 2e, and an encryption unit 2f. Etc. are provided.

  The card initialization unit 2a performs an initialization process for the inserted ETC card when the ETC card is inserted into the IC card interface 1. This initialization process includes an activation process (activation means) for supplying power and a clock signal to the inserted ETC card, reading configuration information from the inserted IC card, Confirmation processing (confirmation means) for confirming whether the card is an ETC card (an appropriate IC card having an ETC payment function) based on the ID information is read from the inserted IC card and Authentication processing (authentication means) for authenticating whether or not the card is an ETC card.

  The card initialization unit 2a performs activation processing, confirmation processing, and authentication processing, and detects an abnormality of the inserted ETC card based on the result of each processing (abnormality detection means). That is, an abnormality is detected by a plurality of items (activation result by the activation process, confirmation result by the confirmation process, authentication result by the authentication process).

  For example, an abnormality can be detected from the activation result of the activation process as one of a plurality of items. This is determined to be abnormal when, for example, power supply and clock signal cannot be supplied to the ETC card and no response is received from the ETC card (when activation fails) by the activation process. As a result, an insertion error (hereinafter simply referred to as reverse insertion) in which the ETC card is inserted reversely into the IC card interface 1 or a temporary contact between the contact of the IC card interface 1 and the contact electrode of the ETC card is caused. An abnormality such as a connection failure (hereinafter also simply referred to as a temporary connection failure) can be detected.

  In addition, an abnormality can be detected from the confirmation result of the confirmation process as one of a plurality of items. This is determined to be abnormal when it cannot be confirmed that the card is an ETC card (that is, when it is confirmed that the card is not an appropriate ETC card and the configuration information does not include information indicating the ETC payment function). To do. As a result, it is possible to detect an abnormality in which an IC card other than an appropriate ETC card (an IC card having no ETC payment function) is inserted.

  Also, an abnormality can be detected from the authentication result of the authentication process as one of a plurality of items. This is determined as abnormal when it is not determined that the card is a legitimate ETC card (that is, when it is determined that the card is not a legitimate ETC card and the ID information is not legitimate ID information). Thereby, it is possible to detect an abnormality in which an ETC card other than a regular ETC card is inserted.

  In this embodiment, an example in which an abnormality is detected using a plurality of items will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the object of the present invention can be achieved even if an abnormality is detected by one item. The initialization process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

  The timer unit 2b measures an elapsed time from when the IC card detection unit 11 detects the removal of the ETC card until the insertion of the ETC card is detected (time measuring means).

  Normally, it takes about several seconds to take out an ETC card inserted into the IC card interface 1 and insert it again into the IC card interface 1. However, when an ETC card inserted into the IC card interface 1 is taken out and replaced with another ETC card and inserted into the IC card interface 1, an ETC card different from the inserted ETC card is taken out from a wallet or the like. There is a need. Therefore, when replacing with another ETC card, it takes longer time (for example, 30 seconds or more) than the time required for re-inserting the same ETC card.

  Therefore, until the time elapsed by the timer unit 2b reaches a predetermined time set to a time (for example, 30 seconds or more) longer than the time required for replacement with another ETC card, the ETC card is another ETC card. It is unlikely that they have been exchanged, and it can be considered that the same ETC card is reinserted. On the other hand, when the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time, it is highly possible that the ETC card has been replaced with another ETC card, and it can be considered that another IC card is inserted. Therefore, in this embodiment, whether the same ETC card is reinserted or replaced with another ETC card is inserted depending on whether or not the elapsed time counted by the timer unit 2b exceeds a predetermined time. to decide.

  The counting unit 2c counts the number of times an abnormality has been detected, temporarily stores the counted number in the RAM 23 or the like, and clears the counted number (the stored number) when no abnormality is detected. (Counting means) That is, the activation process, the confirmation process, and the authentication process are performed, and when an abnormality is detected, the number is counted up. When no abnormality is detected, the counted number (stored number) is cleared. The counting unit 2c continues counting when the same IC card is reinserted, and clears the counted number when it is determined that the IC card has been replaced with another IC card.

  Furthermore, when the abnormality is detected by a plurality of items as in the present embodiment, the counting unit 2c counts the number of times the abnormality is detected for each item. In other words, the number of times that an abnormality has been detected is the number of times that activation has failed, the number of times that an abnormality has not been confirmed as an ETC card, or the number of times that it has not been determined to be a regular ETC card. . In the description of the flowchart described later, the count unit 2c will be described using an example in which the number of times of failure in the activation process is counted.

  The notification instructing unit 2 d reads out audio data such as an error message output from the speaker 5 from the ROM 22 and outputs it to the speaker 5. In addition, the notification instruction unit 2d outputs a drive signal corresponding to various states of the ETC on-vehicle device 10 to the LED 4.

  The communication control unit 2e performs communication control of the communication unit 3 that performs wireless communication (road-to-vehicle communication) with the ETC roadside device. The encryption unit 2f performs encryption / decryption processing of information (data) transferred to and from the ETC roadside device.

  Here, based on the flowchart shown to FIG. 3, 4, the processing operation of the ETC onboard equipment 10 is demonstrated.

  First, the initialization processing operation of the ETC on-vehicle device 10 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. The initialization process of the ETC on-board unit 10 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 is a time sufficiently shorter than a predetermined time (time required for reinserting the same ETC card (several seconds) when power is supplied to the ETC on-board unit 10. ) Every time.

  In step S1, the control unit 2 determines whether an ETC card has been inserted into the IC card interface 1 based on whether a signal indicating that an ETC card (IC card) has been inserted is output from the IC card detection unit 11. Determine. If it is determined that an ETC card is inserted, the process proceeds to step S2, and if it is determined that no ETC card is inserted, the determination in step S1 is repeated. As described above, the initialization process of the ETC on-vehicle device 10 is executed every predetermined time. Therefore, if it is determined in step S1 that no ETC card is inserted, the initialization process may be temporarily terminated.

  By the way, as described above, the IC card detection unit 11 detects whether or not the ETC card is inserted depending on whether or not the ETC card is in mechanical contact with the switch mechanism. Even when a card having the same size and shape as the card is inserted, a signal indicating that the ETC card has been inserted is output. Therefore, at the time when a signal indicating that the ETC card is inserted is output, the IC card interface 1 has an IC card having only a credit settlement function in addition to an ETC card having an ETC settlement function, There is a possibility that a card having no ETC settlement function or credit settlement function having the same size and shape as the card is inserted.

  Next, in step S2, the control unit 2 (card initialization unit 2a) performs an activation process. This activation process will be described later. At the end of the activation process, the IC card interface 1 has only a credit payment function (not having an ETC payment function) in addition to an ETC card having an ETC payment function. May have been inserted. That is, even if the IC card has only a credit settlement function, the activation process may be successful if it is properly inserted into the IC card interface 1 (with no mistakes in the front, back, and insertion directions). However, a card that does not have an ETC settlement function or a credit settlement function having the same size and shape as the IC card (non-IC card) is excluded at this point because the activation process in step S2 fails. .

  In step S <b> 3, the control unit 2 reads configuration information from the IC card inserted in the IC card interface 1 through several contacts provided in the IC card interface 1. That is, the configuration information is read from the IC card inserted into the IC card interface 1 in a state where several contacts provided on the IC card interface 1 are in contact with the contact electrodes of the IC card.

  In step S4, the control unit 2 determines whether the IC card inserted into the IC card interface 1 is an ETC card based on the configuration information read in step S3. That is, confirmation processing for confirming whether or not the IC card is appropriate is performed (confirmation means). If the information indicating the ETC payment function is confirmed, it is determined that the card is an ETC card, and the process proceeds to step S7. On the other hand, if it is not confirmed that the card is an ETC card (that is, if it is confirmed that the card is not an appropriate ETC card and the configuration information does not include information indicating the ETC payment function), it is determined as abnormal. Determine and proceed to step S5. As described above, an abnormality is detected as one of a plurality of items based on the confirmation result of the confirmation process. As a result, it is possible to detect an abnormality in which an IC card other than an appropriate ETC card (an IC card having no ETC payment function) is inserted.

  In step S5, in order to notify that there is an abnormality, the notification instruction unit 2d stops outputting the drive signal to the green LED 4 to turn off the green LED 4, and sends a drive signal indicating that the orange LED 4 blinks. The orange LED 4 is blinked by outputting.

  In step S <b> 6, the notification instruction unit 2 d performs voice guidance for card error notification via the speaker 5. That is, the voice data of the error message indicating that it cannot be confirmed that the card is an ETC card is read from the ROM 22 and output to the speaker 5. As a result, an error message indicating that the ETC card cannot be confirmed is output from the speaker 5. When the process in step S6 ends, the initialization process ends.

  In step S <b> 7, the control unit 2 reads ID information from the IC card inserted in the IC card interface 1 through several contacts provided in the IC card interface 1. That is, ID information is read from the IC card inserted into the IC card interface 1 in a state where several contacts provided on the IC card interface 1 are in contact with the contact electrodes of the IC card.

  In step S8, the control unit 2 determines whether or not the ETC card inserted in the IC card interface 1 is a regular ETC card based on the ID information read in step S7. That is, an authentication process (authentication unit) for determining whether the card is a regular ETC card is performed. When the ID information read from the ETC card and the authentication information stored in advance in the ROM 22 of the ETC on-board device 10 satisfy a predetermined correspondence (in the case of authentication OK), it is a regular ETC card. And the process proceeds to step S11. On the other hand, if the ID information read from the ETC card and the authentication information stored in advance in the ROM 22 of the ETC on-vehicle device 10 do not satisfy the predetermined correspondence (in the case of authentication NG), it is determined as abnormal. Proceed to step S9. As described above, an abnormality is detected based on an authentication result obtained by the authentication process as one of a plurality of items. Thereby, it is possible to detect an abnormality in which an ETC card other than a regular ETC card is inserted.

  In step S9, in order to notify that there is an abnormality, the notification instruction unit 2d stops outputting the drive signal to the green LED 4 to turn off the green LED 4 and sends a drive signal indicating that the orange LED 4 blinks. The orange LED 4 is blinked by outputting.

  In step S <b> 10, the notification instruction unit 2 d performs voice guidance for authentication error notification via the speaker 5. That is, the voice data of the error message indicating that it cannot be confirmed that the card is a legitimate ETC card is read from the ROM 22 and output to the speaker 5. As a result, an error message is output from the speaker 5 indicating that the authentic ETC card cannot be confirmed. When the process in step S10 ends, the initialization process ends.

  In step S11, the notification instructing unit 2d outputs a drive signal indicating that the green LED 4 is lit in order to notify that the initialization process is completed without abnormality and the ETC on-vehicle device 10 is usable. To turn on the green LED 4. When the process in step S11 ends, the initialization process ends.

  Here, based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, it demonstrates in detail regarding the activation process operation | movement of the ETC onboard equipment 10. FIG. As described above, at this stage, the IC card interface 1 does not have an ETC card, an IC card having ETC payment information, an ETC payment function or a credit payment function having the same size and shape as the IC card. Although there is a possibility that a card is inserted, it is simply referred to as an ETC card for convenience.

  This activation process is a process for supplying power and a clock signal to the inserted ETC card (activation means). Further, a signal for resetting the ETC card may be supplied to the ETC card. When the ETC card is inserted into the IC card interface 1, several contacts provided on the IC card interface 1 come into contact with the contact electrodes of the ETC card, and the ETC onboard device 10 and the ETC card are electrically connected. Connected. This activation process succeeds in a state where the ETC on-board unit 10 and the ETC card are electrically connected as described above and there is a response from the ETC card.

  First, in step S20, the control unit 2 (card initialization unit 2a) supplies power and a clock signal to the inserted ETC card, and activation is successful depending on whether or not there is a response from the ETC card. Determine whether or not. When the power supply and the clock signal can be supplied to the ETC card and there is a response from the ETC card, the activation is considered successful and the process proceeds to step S21. For example, the power supply and the clock signal are supplied to the ETC card. If there is no response from the ETC card, the activation is considered to have failed and the process proceeds to step S22.

  The card initialization unit 2a determines that there is no abnormality in the inserted ETC card when the activation is successful, and determines that there is an abnormality in the inserted ETC card when the activation fails. The failure of the activation process may occur when the power supply and the clock signal cannot be supplied to the ETC card due to, for example, the back of the ETC card or a temporary connection failure. Therefore, it is possible to detect an abnormality such as reverse insertion of an ETC card or temporary connection failure.

  In step S21, since it was determined that the activation was successful and the ETC card is normal, the timer unit 2b clears the elapsed time, and the count unit 2c clears the counted number (stored number). To do. And it returns to the flowchart of FIG. 3 (it progresses to step S3 of FIG. 3).

  On the other hand, in step S22, since the activation has failed and it is determined that there is an abnormality in the ETC card, the counting unit 2c counts up the counter. Thereafter, in step S23, the control unit 2 (card initialization unit 2a) checks the number of times counted by the counting unit 2c and stored in the RAM 23 (the number of times an abnormality has been detected or the number of failures). In step S24, the control unit 2 (card initialization unit 2a) determines the number of times confirmed in step S23. That is, it is determined whether or not the failure is the first time. If it is determined that the failure is the first time, the process proceeds to step S25. If it is determined that the failure is not the first time, the process proceeds to step S29. The reason for determining whether or not the number of times of failure is the first time is to change the message output from the speaker 5 in accordance with the number of times of failure (the number of times an abnormality has been detected).

  In step S25, in order to notify that there is an abnormality, the notification instruction unit 2d stops outputting the drive signal to the green LED 4 to turn off the green LED 4 and sends a drive signal indicating that the orange LED 4 blinks. The orange LED 4 is blinked by outputting.

  At this stage, it is still the first failure, and there is a possibility that the abnormality can be solved by reinserting the ETC card such as reverse insertion or temporary connection failure. Therefore, in step S <b> 26, the notification instruction unit 2 d performs voice guidance for alerting through the speaker 5. That is, the voice data of the message indicating the reinsertion notification for prompting the reinsertion of the ETC card is read from the ROM 22 and output to the speaker 5 (reinsertion notification means). As a result, the speaker 5 outputs a message indicating a reinsertion notification for prompting reinsertion of the ETC card. When the process in step S26 is completed, in step S27, the process waits for the ETC card to be taken out and proceeds to step S28.

  In step S28, the timer unit 2b starts to measure the elapsed time from when the IC card detection unit 11 detects the removal of the ETC card until the insertion of the ETC card is detected (timer start). . When the process in step S28 ends, the activation process ends (end) and the initialization process also ends.

  The timer unit 2b starts timing when the IC card detection unit 11 detects removal of the ETC card, and ends counting when the IC card detection unit 11 detects insertion of the ETC card. The measured elapsed time is temporarily stored in the RAM 23. This is to determine whether the same ETC card has been reinserted or replaced with another ETC card depending on whether or not the elapsed time counted by the timer unit 2b has exceeded a predetermined time.

  In this way, in the case of the first activation failure, by outputting a message indicating a re-insertion notification prompting the re-insertion of the ETC card, for example, reinserting an ETC card such as reverse insertion or temporary connection failure It is possible to reduce misunderstandings that may be solved by doing this as a failure of the ETC card itself or the in-vehicle communication device itself.

  On the other hand, in step S29, the control unit 2 (card initialization unit 2a) checks the time measured by the timer unit 2b. That is, the elapsed time from when the removal of the ETC card is detected until the insertion of the ETC card is detected, which is measured by the timer unit 2b and stored in the RAM 23, is confirmed.

  In step S30, the control unit 2 (card initialization unit 2a) determines whether the same ETC card has been reinserted or replaced with another ETC card, and the elapsed time has reached a predetermined time. It is determined whether or not it exceeds (IC card determination means). If it is determined that the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time, it is considered that the ETC card inserted into the IC card interface 1 is taken out and another ETC card is inserted (replaced with another ETC card). Proceed to On the other hand, if it is determined that the elapsed time does not exceed the predetermined time, the ETC card inserted in the IC card interface 1 is taken out and the ETC card is reinserted (the same ETC card is reinserted). Then, the process proceeds to step S31.

  In step S31, the control unit 2 (card initialization unit 2a) clears the timer. That is, the elapsed time stored in the RAM 23 is cleared in order to measure the elapsed time from when the IC card detection unit 11 detects the removal of the ETC card until the insertion of the ETC card is detected.

  In step S32, the control unit 2 (card initialization unit 2a) determines the number of times counted by the counting unit 2c and stored in the RAM 23 (the number of times an abnormality has been detected or the number of failures). Here, it is determined whether the failure is the second time, the third time, or the fourth time or more. If the second failure is determined, it is an activation failure when the same ETC card is re-inserted twice, and it is still considered that the abnormality may be resolved by re-inserting the same ETC card. Then, the process proceeds to step S33. If it is determined that the failure has occurred for the third time, the abnormality is not resolved even though the same ETC card is reinserted three times, so that the ETC card itself is regarded as having an abnormality and the process proceeds to step S37. If it is determined that the failure is the fourth or more times, the abnormality is not resolved even though the same ETC card is re-inserted four or more times. Therefore, the ETC on-vehicle device 10 itself is regarded as having an abnormality and the process proceeds to step S41. .

  Note that the present invention outputs an ETC card error notification indicating an ETC card abnormality when the number of times counted by the counting unit 2c reaches a predetermined number of times. In this embodiment, three times are used as an example of a predetermined plural number of times for determining whether or not to output an ETC card error notification (message) indicating an abnormality of the ETC card itself. To do.

  In step S33, as in step S25 described above, the notification instruction unit 2d turns off the green LED 4 by stopping the output of the drive signal to the green LED 4 to notify that there is an abnormality, The orange LED 4 is caused to blink by outputting a drive signal indicating blinking.

  In step S34, as in step S26 described above, the notification instruction unit 2d has not yet reached a predetermined number of times (in this case, three times), and thus performs voice guidance for alerting through the speaker 5. . That is, the voice data of the message indicating the reinsertion notification for prompting the reinsertion of the ETC card is read from the ROM 22 and output to the speaker 5 (reinsertion notification means). As a result, the speaker 5 outputs a message indicating a reinsertion notification for prompting reinsertion of the ETC card. When the processing in step S34 is completed, in step S35, as in step S27 described above, the process waits for the ETC card to be taken out and proceeds to step S36.

  In step S36, as in step S28 described above, the timer unit 2b measures the elapsed time from when the IC card detection unit 11 detects the removal of the ETC card until the insertion of the ETC card is detected. Start timing (timer start). When the process in step S36 is completed, the activation process is ended (end) and the initialization process is also ended.

  As described above, when the number of detected abnormalities does not reach the predetermined plural times (here, three times) (here, in the case of the first or second activation failure), the ETC card is reinserted. By outputting a message indicating a re-insertion notification that prompts the user, for example, the ETC card itself or the in-vehicle communication device can be solved by reinserting the ETC card such as reverse insertion or temporary connection failure. It is possible to reduce misunderstanding as a failure of itself.

  If it is determined in step S32 that it is the third failure, in step S37, the notification instruction unit 2d stops outputting the drive signal to the green LED 4 in order to notify that there is an abnormality. To turn off the green LED 4 and output a drive signal indicating that the orange LED 4 blinks, thereby causing the orange LED 4 to blink.

  In step S38, the notification instruction unit 2d determines that the number of times counted (the number of times the activation has failed) has reached a predetermined plurality of times (here, three times). Give guidance. That is, voice data of a message indicating an ETC card error notification indicating an ETC card abnormality is read from the ROM 22 and output to the speaker 5 (IC card error notification means). As a result, the speaker 5 outputs a message indicating an ETC card error notification indicating an ETC card abnormality. When the process in step S38 is completed, in step S39, the process waits for the ETC card to be taken out and proceeds to step S40.

  In step S40, similarly to step S28 described above, the timer unit 2b measures the elapsed time from when the IC card detection unit 11 detects removal of the ETC card until the insertion of the ETC card is detected. Start timing (timer start). When the process in step S40 ends, the activation process ends (end) and the initialization process also ends.

  Thus, when the number of times that an abnormality has been detected (the number of times the activation has failed) has reached a predetermined number of times (here, three times), the elapsed time has not reached the predetermined time. In addition, a message indicating a re-insertion notification prompting re-insertion of the ETC card is output until the number of times that an abnormality has been detected (the number of times the activation has failed) reaches a predetermined plural number (here, three times). The In other words, the number of times that an abnormality has been detected reaches a predetermined number of times. This means that an abnormality has been detected even though the same ETC card has been reinserted (activation failed, the abnormality has been resolved). It was not). Therefore, when the number of detected abnormalities reaches a predetermined number of times, it is preferable to output a message indicating an ETC card error notification indicating an abnormality of the ETC card itself. In other words, the ETC in-vehicle device 10 in the present embodiment outputs a message indicating an error notification for the first time when an abnormality in the same item (here, the activation process) continues multiple times on the same ETC card.

  Further, when it is determined in step S32 that the failure is the fourth or more times, in step S41, the notification instruction unit 2d outputs a drive signal to the green LED 4 in order to notify that there is an abnormality. By stopping, the green LED 4 is turned off, and the orange LED 4 is caused to blink by outputting a drive signal indicating that the orange LED 4 is blinking.

  In step S <b> 42, the notification instruction unit 2 d performs voice notification of failure notification via the speaker 5. That is, voice data of a message indicating an in-vehicle communication device error notification indicating an abnormality in the ETC on-vehicle device 10 is read from the ROM 22 and output to the speaker 5 (in-vehicle communication device error notification means). As a result, the speaker 5 outputs a message indicating an in-vehicle communication device error notification indicating an abnormality of the ETC in-vehicle device 10 itself.

  And in step S43, since activation failed and it was determined that there was an abnormality in the ETC card and the ETC in-vehicle device 10, the timer unit 2b clears the elapsed time and the count unit 2c (Memorized number of times) is cleared. Then, the activation process ends (end) and the activation process ends (end).

  Thus, when failure is detected four times or more, there is a high possibility of abnormality of the ETC on-board device 10 itself, so it is preferable to output an error notification indicating the abnormality of the ETC on-vehicle device 10 itself.

  Further, as described above, in the determination in step S30, the elapsed time from the detection of removal of the ETC card by the IC card detection unit 11 to the detection of insertion of the ETC card exceeds a predetermined time. In the same manner, the process proceeds to step S41. If the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time, there is a high possibility that the abnormality has not been resolved even though another ETC card is inserted. Even in such a case, since there is a high possibility of abnormality in the ETC on-vehicle device 10 itself, it is preferable to output an error notification indicating the abnormality of the ETC on-vehicle device 10 itself.

  As described above, in this embodiment, before notifying the abnormality of the ETC card, by outputting a notification prompting the re-insertion of the ETC card, for example, an IC card such as reverse insertion or temporary connection failure can be detected. It is possible to reduce mistakes that may be solved by re-insertion as a failure of the ETC card itself or the in-vehicle communication device itself.

  That is, the ETC on-board device 10 in the present embodiment does not notify the user of a unique error, but first alerts the user in consideration of the occurrence frequency (number of times) of abnormality. By notifying an error for the first time when an abnormality of the same factor occurs multiple times on the same card, it is possible to reduce misunderstandings that the ETC card itself or the in-vehicle communication device itself is faulty.

  As mentioned above, although preferable embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not restrict | limited to the embodiment mentioned above at all, and various deformation | transformation are possible in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which a message is output by voice has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a display unit such as a liquid crystal display device may be provided, and a message may be output as characters on the display unit. Further, the message may be output from the speaker 5 as a voice and the message may be output as a character from the display unit.

  In the above-described embodiment, when an abnormality is detected until the number of times the abnormality is detected in the activation process reaches a predetermined number of times, a re-insertion notification that prompts re-insertion of the IC card is output. In the above example, the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is applied to the activation process. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The object of the present invention can be achieved even if the same processing is applied to the above-described confirmation processing and authentication processing. Further, the object of the present invention can be achieved even if the same processing is applied to all of the activation processing, confirmation processing, and authentication processing. In other words, the object of the present invention can be achieved by applying the present invention to all or any one of the activation process, the confirmation process, and the authentication process.

  For example, when applied to the confirmation process, this confirmation process flowchart adds a configuration information read process (step S3 in FIG. 3) before the determination in step S20 in the activation process flowchart shown in FIG. You may make it employ | adopt for the determination whether the activation of step S20 succeeded in the determination whether the confirmation was successful. Similarly, when applied to the authentication process, this authentication process flowchart includes an IC information read process (step S7 in FIG. 3) before the determination in step S20 in the activation process flowchart shown in FIG. Then, the determination whether or not the activation in step S20 is successful may be adopted instead of the determination whether or not the authentication is successful. In this case, steps S3, S5, and S6 and steps S7, S9, and S10 in FIG. 3 are included in the confirmation process and the authentication process, respectively.

  In the above-described embodiment, whether the same ETC card is reinserted during the elapsed time from when the IC card detection unit 11 detects removal of the ETC card until insertion of the ETC card is detected, Although an example of determining whether the card has been inserted after being exchanged for another ETC card has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. In the confirmation process and the authentication process, the ETC card (IC card) and the ETC in-vehicle device 10 are electrically connected, and communication between the ETC card (IC card) and the ETC in-vehicle device 10 is possible. is there. Therefore, when the present invention is applied to the confirmation process or the authentication process, it is determined whether the same ETC card is reinserted or replaced with another ETC card based on information read from the ETC card. Good (IC card determination means).

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example of outputting a message indicating a reinsertion notification prompting reinsertion of an ETC card when an abnormality is detected until the number of times the abnormality is detected reaches a predetermined plural number of times. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a message including a confirmation notice for prompting confirmation of dirt on the ETC card (in particular, confirmation of dirt on each contact electrode) may be output as a message indicating the reinsertion notice.

  1 IC card interface, 11 IC card detection unit, 2 control unit, 21 CPU, 22 ROM, 23 RAM, 3 communication unit, 4 LED, 5 speaker, 6 power supply circuit, 61 battery, 2a card initialization unit, 2b timer unit 2c Error count section, 2d notification instruction section, 2e communication control section, 2f encryption section, 10 ETC on-board unit

Claims (9)

It is mounted on a vehicle and has an insertion part that is inserted in a state where the IC card can be taken out, and reads information recorded in the IC card inserted into the insertion part, An in-vehicle communication device for writing information and performing wireless communication with a roadside device,
An abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormality of the IC card inserted in the insertion portion;
Counting the number of times that an abnormality has been detected by the abnormality detection means, and if no abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection means, a counting means for clearing the counted number of times,
Reinsertion notification means for outputting a reinsertion notification prompting reinsertion of the IC card when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection means until the number counted by the counting means reaches a predetermined plurality of times When,
An IC card error notifying means for outputting an IC card error notification indicating an abnormality of the IC card when the number counted by the counting means reaches a predetermined plural number of times;
An IC card detection unit that detects insertion of the IC card into the insertion unit and removal of the IC card from the insertion unit;
When insertion of the IC card is detected after detection of removal of the IC card by the IC card detection unit, it is determined whether the same IC card has been reinserted or replaced with another IC card. IC card determination means for performing ,
The counting means continues counting when the IC card determining means determines that the same IC card has been reinserted, and counts the number of times when it is determined that the IC card has been replaced with another IC card. vehicle communication device according to claim clear to Rukoto. The IC card detection unit includes a timing unit that counts an elapsed time from when the removal of the IC card is detected until the insertion of the IC card is detected, and the card determination unit counts the time by the timing unit. If the elapsed time does not reach the predetermined time, it is determined that the same IC card has been reinserted, and if the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time, it is determined that the IC card has been replaced with another IC card. The in-vehicle communication device according to claim 1. The IC card determination unit, based on the information read from the IC card, or the same IC card is reinserted, in claim 1, characterized in that to determine whether the inserted is replaced with another IC card The vehicle-mounted communication apparatus of description. If the IC card determining means determines that the IC card has been replaced with another IC card and an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting means, an in-vehicle communication device error indicating an abnormality in the in-vehicle communication device itself vehicle communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein Rukoto includes a vehicle communication device error notification means for outputting a notification. The reinsertion notifying means any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in also be output from the re-insertion notification that includes an acknowledgment of prompt confirmation of contamination of the inserted the IC card into the insertion portion The in-vehicle communication device described in 1. 6. The abnormality detection unit detects an abnormality by a plurality of items, and the counting unit counts the number of times an abnormality is detected for each item. The in-vehicle communication device described in 1. The IC card inserted in the insertion unit includes an activation unit that performs an activation process including a power supply and a clock signal supply, and the abnormality detection unit includes the abnormality detection unit as one of the plurality of items. It is intended to detect an abnormality by the activation result of the activation means, according to claim 6, wherein determining that the abnormality when at activation by the activating means there is no response from the IC card In-vehicle communication device. The configuration information is read out from the IC card inserted into the insertion unit, and confirmation means for confirming whether the IC card is an appropriate IC card based on the configuration information is provided, and the abnormality detection unit includes a plurality of the items 8. The apparatus according to claim 6 or 7 , wherein an abnormality is detected based on a confirmation result of the confirmation means as one of the cases, and an abnormality is determined when the confirmation means confirms that the card is not an appropriate IC card. In-vehicle communication device. The authentication means reads out authentication information from the IC card inserted into the insertion unit, and authenticates whether or not the IC card is a regular IC card based on the authentication information. 9. An item according to claim 6 , wherein an abnormality is detected based on an authentication result of the authentication unit as one of the items, and an abnormality is determined when the authentication unit determines that the card is not a regular IC card . The vehicle-mounted communication apparatus as described in any one .

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