JP6831223B2 - Toll collection system, toll collection method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a toll collection system, toll collection methods and programs .

Tollhouses on toll roads such as expressways may be provided with a vehicle type discrimination device that automatically discriminates the vehicle type classification of vehicles from the viewpoint of improving the efficiency of toll collection processing performed on traveling vehicles. In this case, the tollhouse discriminates the vehicle type classification of the vehicle traveling through the vehicle type discriminating device, and performs billing processing according to the discriminated vehicle type classification.
The vehicle type discrimination device described above includes, for example, a vehicle detector that can detect the passage of vehicles one by one, a tread plate that can detect the stepping on the tires of a traveling vehicle, and the like (see Patent Document 1). Further, a technique has been developed in which the license plate of a vehicle is read and the vehicle type is determined based on the read license plate information (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

At the above-mentioned tollhouse, for example, a charge amount can be set for each of five types of vehicle types: "light vehicle (including motorcycle)", "ordinary vehicle", "medium-sized vehicle", "large vehicle", and "extra-large vehicle".
In order to identify the above-mentioned vehicle type classification for a vehicle traveling in the lane of the tollgate, the vehicle type determination device is used for various vehicles such as the license plate, the number of axles, the tread width, the vehicle height, and the vehicle length while traveling in the lane. The characteristic information is acquired, and the vehicle type classification is uniquely specified based on the combination of the acquired vehicle characteristic information.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 08-235487 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-002534

Depending on the location conditions of the tollhouse on the expressway, etc., it is assumed that sufficient installation space for installing the tollhouse may not be secured. Then, at the tollhouse, the lane length for performing vehicle type discrimination processing, toll collection processing, and the like for the traveling vehicle must be shortened.
However, in this case, for example, when the traveling vehicle is a large truck or the like (a vehicle having a relatively large vehicle length), before the rear end of the vehicle body of the vehicle finishes passing through the vehicle type discrimination device (tail missing). It is assumed that the driver's seat position of the vehicle will reach the toll collection position (manned booth, automatic toll collection machine, etc.) for which toll collection processing should be performed.

Normally, the vehicle type discrimination device outputs the vehicle type discrimination result at the timing when the tail missing is detected. Then, if the tip of the vehicle body reaches the toll collection position (manned booth, automatic toll collection machine, etc.) before passing through the stern, the vehicle type will be determined forever even though it is necessary to perform the toll collection process. The vehicle type discrimination result is not output from the device. That is, since the vehicle type determination device cannot detect whether or not the tip of the vehicle body has reached the toll collection position, it is not possible to specify the timing at which the vehicle type determination result is output except for the missing tail.

An object of the present invention is a toll collection system, a toll collection method, and a program capable of providing information indicating one vehicle type classification to which the vehicle belongs or a candidate for the vehicle type classification when the vehicle reaches a toll collection position on the lane. Is to provide.

The vehicle type discrimination device (20) according to one aspect of the present invention includes a vehicle feature information detection sensor (20A) that detects vehicle feature information for discriminating the vehicle type from a vehicle (A) traveling in the lane (L). Based on the vehicle feature information detected by the vehicle feature information detection sensor, the vehicle type discrimination processing unit (200) that identifies one vehicle type classification to which the vehicle belongs or a candidate for the vehicle type classification, and the vehicle feature information detection. A cutoff position vehicle detector (206) for detecting the entry of the vehicle into the cutoff detection position (D3) defined on the downstream side of the sensor is provided. Further, the vehicle type determination processing unit determines the one vehicle type based on the vehicle characteristic information acquired before the cutoff detection time at the time of cutoff detection when the vehicle's approach is detected by the cutoff position vehicle detector. Alternatively, the candidate for the vehicle type classification is specified and output.
By doing so, no matter what the processing stage (degree of detection of vehicle feature information) in the vehicle feature information detection unit is, when the vehicle reaches the cutoff detection position, it is acquired by that stage. Based on the created vehicle characteristic information, one vehicle type classification to which the vehicle belongs or a candidate for the vehicle type classification is specified and output. Therefore, when the vehicle reaches a predetermined position (discontinuation detection position) on the lane, it is possible to provide the recipient with information indicating one vehicle type classification to which the vehicle belongs or a candidate for the vehicle type classification.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the above-mentioned vehicle type discrimination device is the same position in the lane direction as the vehicle feature information detection sensor, or the vehicle to the approach detection position (D1) defined on the upstream side. An approach-side vehicle detector (201) for detecting entry and exit is further provided, and the vehicle type determination processing unit is used when the approach-side vehicle detector detects a trail omission before the time when the stoppage is detected. Is the one vehicle type classification or the above-mentioned one vehicle type classification based on the vehicle characteristic information acquired before the time when the lane dropout is detected at the time when the lane dropout is detected by the approaching side vehicle detector. The candidate for the vehicle type classification is specified and output.
By doing so, if the approaching vehicle detector detects the tail omission before the vehicle reaches the cutoff detection position, the vehicle does not have to wait for the cutoff detection position to be reached. Based on the vehicle characteristic information acquired up to that point (until the time when the vehicle tail is detected), one vehicle type classification to which the vehicle belongs or a candidate for the vehicle type classification is specified and output. Therefore, since the collector can receive the offer of one vehicle type classification or the vehicle type classification candidate earlier, the toll collection process can be performed quickly and the service time per vehicle can be shortened. it can.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, when the vehicle type determination processing unit detects a tail omission by the approaching vehicle detector after the cutoff detection time, the vehicle type determination processing unit is said to have the cutoff detection time. In addition to the output of the vehicle type classification candidates, the one vehicle type classification is further based on the vehicle characteristic information acquired before the vehicle tail omission detection time at the vehicle tail omission detection time after the discontinuation detection time. Or, the candidate for the vehicle type classification is specified and output.
By doing so, when the tail omission is detected after the toll collection process is completed, one vehicle type classification or vehicle type classification based on more vehicle characteristic information acquired from the vehicle type determination device. Candidates are output.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the cutoff position vehicle detector projects a laser beam (Q) from above the lane toward the road surface of the lane and scans the laser beam along the lane direction. It is a laser scanner.
By doing so, it is possible to determine whether or not the tip of the vehicle body of the traveling vehicle has reached the cutoff detection position by using the laser scanner.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the vehicle type determination processing unit is at a time when the detection position of the vehicle body tip of the vehicle by the laser scanner is downstream of the cutoff detection position, and before the cutoff detection time. Based on the vehicle feature information acquired in the above, the vehicle type classification or the candidate of the vehicle type classification is specified and output.
By doing so, when the position of the tip of the vehicle body detected by the laser scanner becomes downstream from the cutoff detection position, one vehicle type classification to which the vehicle belongs or a candidate for the vehicle type classification is specified. .. Therefore, even if the tip of the vehicle body of the vehicle has not slipped out of the tail before reaching the toll collection position, it is possible to provide the vehicle feature information to the toll collection machine.

Further, one aspect of the present invention is to receive the above-mentioned vehicle type discriminating device and the candidate for the one vehicle type classification or the vehicle type classification from the vehicle type discriminating device, and to receive the one vehicle type classification or the vehicle type classification. It is a toll collection system equipped with a toll collection machine that supports the toll collection process of the collector based on the candidates.
According to such a toll collection system, even if the vehicle type discrimination device cannot uniquely identify the vehicle type classification, the collector is supported based on the vehicle type classification candidates received from the vehicle type discrimination device. Can be done.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the toll collection machine performs the toll collection process when the toll collection device receives the one vehicle type classification or the candidate for the vehicle type classification from the vehicle type determination device. Start accepting the vehicle type classification designation operation, which is one of the above.
By doing so, the collector can input the vehicle type classification designation operation to the toll collector by the toll collector from the vehicle type determination device to one vehicle type classification to which the vehicle belongs, or a candidate for the vehicle type classification. Will be restricted after accepting. Here, assuming that the recipient can freely input the vehicle type classification designation operation before accepting one vehicle type classification or the vehicle type classification candidate from the vehicle type determination device, the one originally accepted from the vehicle type determination device. It is assumed that the recipient mistakenly specifies the vehicle type classification that could have been excluded by the vehicle type classification (or the candidate for the vehicle type classification). Therefore, by adopting the above-described aspect, it is possible to prevent the recipient from designating the wrong vehicle type classification.

Further, one aspect of the present invention includes a vehicle feature information detection step for detecting vehicle feature information for determining a vehicle type from a vehicle traveling in a lane using a vehicle feature information detection sensor, and a vehicle feature information detection step. Based on the vehicle feature information detected in, the vehicle feature information detection is performed by using a vehicle type determination processing step for identifying one vehicle type classification to which the vehicle belongs or a candidate for the vehicle type classification, and a cutoff position vehicle detector. It has a cutoff position vehicle detection step that detects the entry of the vehicle into the cutoff detection position defined on the downstream side of the sensor, and in the vehicle type determination processing step, the cutoff position vehicle detector enters the vehicle. This is a vehicle type determination method that identifies and outputs the vehicle type classification or the candidate for the vehicle type classification based on the vehicle characteristic information acquired before the discontinuation detection time when the vehicle type is detected.

Further, one aspect of the present invention is a vehicle feature information detection sensor that detects vehicle feature information for determining a vehicle type from a vehicle traveling in a lane, and a discontinuation defined on the downstream side of the vehicle feature information detection sensor. A computer of a vehicle type determination device including a cutoff position vehicle detector that detects the entry of the vehicle into the detection position, and the vehicle to which the vehicle belongs based on the vehicle characteristic information detected by the vehicle characteristic information detection sensor. The vehicle type discrimination processing unit functions as a vehicle type discrimination processing unit that identifies a vehicle type classification or a candidate for the vehicle type classification, and the vehicle type discrimination processing unit performs the termination at the time of the termination detection when the approach of the vehicle is detected by the termination position vehicle detector. It is a program that identifies and outputs the one vehicle type classification or the candidate of the vehicle type classification based on the vehicle feature information acquired before the detection time.

According to the toll collection system, the toll collection method, and the program described above, it is possible to provide information indicating the vehicle type classification to which the vehicle belongs or the candidate of the vehicle type classification when the vehicle reaches a predetermined position on the lane.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the toll collection system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the functional structure of the charge collection system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the processing flow of the vehicle type discriminating device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the processing flow of the charge receiving machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a 1st figure explaining the function of the toll collector which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a 2nd figure explaining the function of the charge collecting machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a 3rd figure explaining the function of the toll collector which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the processing flow of the vehicle type discriminating device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the function of the charge collecting machine which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the charge collection system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the function of the vehicle type discriminating device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, the toll collection system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

(Overall configuration of toll collection system)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a toll collection system according to the first embodiment.
The toll collection system 1 according to the first embodiment is provided at an exit tollhouse of an expressway which is a toll road, and charges (charge amount) according to the vehicle type classification of the vehicle A from the vehicle A using the expressway. It is a facility for collecting goods. If the toll road is in the form of collecting tolls at the entrance tollhouse, the toll collection system 1 may be provided at the entrance tollhouse.
In addition, the toll collection system 1 according to the first embodiment requests payment of a billing amount according to the vehicle type classification of the traveling vehicle A. Therefore, in the toll collection system 1, a vehicle type discriminating device 20 for discriminating the vehicle type classification of the vehicle A is installed on the upstream side (+ X direction side) in the lane direction from the toll collection position D2 where the manned booth 10 is installed. There is.
In the vehicle type determining device 20 according to the present embodiment, for example, the vehicle A is one of five types of "light vehicle (including two-wheeled vehicle)", "ordinary vehicle", "medium-sized vehicle", "large vehicle", and "extra-large vehicle". Identify which vehicle category it belongs to.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the driver or the like of the vehicle A using the expressway is in the tollhouse lane leading from the expressway side to the general road side in the toll collection system 1 provided at the exit tollhouse (hereinafter, "lane"). It is written as "L".) Island I is laid on both sides of the lane L in the lane width direction, and various devices and equipment constituting the toll collection system 1 are installed on the island I.

In the following description, the direction in which the lane L extends (± X direction in FIG. 1) is also described as the “lane direction”, and the direction horizontally orthogonal to the lane direction (± Y direction in FIG. 1) is also described. Also described as "lane width direction". Further, the expressway side (+ X direction side in FIG. 1) in the lane direction of the lane L is also described as the "upstream side" of the lane L or the "front side in the traveling direction" of the vehicle A. Further, the general road side (-X direction side in FIG. 1) in the lane direction of the lane L is also described as the "downstream side" of the lane L or the "back side in the traveling direction" of the vehicle A.

As shown in FIG. 1, the toll collection system 1 includes a manned booth 10, a toll collection machine 11, and a vehicle type determination device 20.
At the manned booth 10, a collector who performs toll collection processing with the vehicle A traveling in the lane L is stationed. Inside the manned booth 10, a toll collector 11 is installed, which is used by a collector to collect tolls from a vehicle A traveling in the lane L according to the vehicle type classification of the vehicle A. The collector operates the toll collector 11 installed in the manned booth 10 in the process of toll collection processing with the driver of the vehicle A and the like.
Further, the driver or the like of the vehicle A stops the vehicle A when the driver's seat position of the vehicle A reaches the toll collection position D2 (small window of the manned booth 10) where the toll collection process should be performed, and the manned booth 10 Performs toll collection processing with the collection staff stationed at.

The vehicle type determination device 20 is provided on the upstream side of the manned booth 10 in the lane L. The vehicle type discrimination device 20 includes various sensor devices (entry side vehicle detector 201, cutoff position vehicle detector 206, and a plurality of vehicle feature information detection sensors 20A) provided on the island I, and a vehicle type discrimination processing unit 200. And have.

The vehicle type discrimination processing unit 200 has a plurality of vehicle feature information acquired through a plurality of vehicle feature information detection sensors 20A (tread plate 202, license plate recognition device 203, vehicle height detector 204, and vehicle length detector 205) described below. Among the above-mentioned five vehicle type categories, one vehicle type category to which the traveling vehicle A belongs or a candidate for the vehicle type category is specified based on the above. Here, the vehicle feature information is various information indicating the appearance and structural features of the vehicle A, and in the present embodiment, various specifications (vehicle height, vehicle length, axle) of the vehicle body of the vehicle A. Number) and information that can be read from the license plate.
Although the details will be described later, when the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 can uniquely identify the vehicle type classification to which the vehicle A belongs from one or a plurality of vehicle characteristic information obtained through the vehicle characteristic information detection sensor 20A. , Outputs the specified "one vehicle type classification". Further, when the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 cannot uniquely identify the vehicle type classification of the vehicle A from one or a plurality of vehicle characteristic information obtained through the vehicle characteristic information detection sensor 20A (a plurality of vehicle type classifications are applicable). Outputs a combination of a plurality of vehicle type categories within a range that can be specified from the obtained vehicle characteristic information as a "candidate for the vehicle type category" to which the vehicle A belongs.

The approach-side vehicle detector 201 detects the entry and exit of the vehicle A at the same position in the lane direction as the vehicle feature information detection sensor 20A, or at the approach detection position D1 defined on the upstream side (+ X direction side).
Specifically, the approach side vehicle detector 201 is installed at the approach detection position D1 located on the most upstream side of the lane L. The approach-side vehicle detector 201 is a so-called transmissive vehicle detector, which extends in the height direction (± Z direction) on the island I at the approach detection position D1 and extends the lane L in the lane width direction (± Y). It has a floodlight tower and a light receiving tower that face each other across the direction). Then, the approach-side vehicle detector 201 determines the entry and exit (existence, non-existence) of the vehicle A at the approach detection position D1 based on whether or not the light receiving tower receives the detection light projected from the floodlight tower. The indicated vehicle detection signal is output.

The vehicle feature information detection sensor 20A is a plurality of detection sensors provided on an island along the lane L or on the road surface of the lane L. Specifically, the vehicle feature information detection sensor 20A according to the present embodiment is a tread plate 202, a license plate recognition device 203, a vehicle height detector 204, and a vehicle length detector 205 described below, and each of them is a traveling vehicle. Various signals according to vehicle characteristic information (number of axles, license plate information, vehicle height, vehicle length, etc.) for determining the vehicle type of A are detected.

The tread plate 202 is embedded on the road surface of the lane L extending in the lane width direction, and outputs a stepping detection signal corresponding to the stepping by the tire of the vehicle A traveling through the energization sensor installed inside.
The installation position of the tread plate 202 in the lane direction is the same as the installation position of the approach side vehicle detector 201 in the lane direction (both are the approach detection position D1 shown in FIG. 1).
The vehicle type discrimination processing unit 200 can measure the number of axles of the vehicle A by the number of times the stepping detection signal from the tread plate 202 is received while the approaching vehicle detector 201 is detecting the presence of the vehicle A. The vehicle type determination processing unit 200 identifies the vehicle type classification to which the vehicle A belongs based on the measured number of axles of the vehicle A.
When the number of detected axles is "4" or less, the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 according to the present embodiment selects "light vehicle", "ordinary vehicle", "medium-sized vehicle", and "medium-sized vehicle" as candidates for the vehicle type classification to which vehicle A belongs. Identify as a "large vehicle". Further, when the number of detected axles is "5" or more, the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 uniquely identifies the vehicle type classification of the vehicle A as an "extra large vehicle".

The tread plate 202 may be capable of specifying the position in the lane width direction of the vehicle A stepping on the tire. That is, the tread plate 202 outputs a treading position detection signal indicating a position in the lane width direction of being trampled by the tire.
In this case, the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 measures the tread width of the vehicle A as one of the vehicle characteristic information of the vehicle A based on the stepping position detection signal on the tread plate 202. The vehicle type determination processing unit 200 may specify one vehicle type classification to which the vehicle A belongs or a candidate for the vehicle type classification based on the measured tread width of the vehicle A.
Further, the tread plate 202 may be capable of discriminating the tire pattern (single tire or double tire) of the trampled tire. That is, the tread plate 202 outputs a tread width detection signal capable of specifying the "width" (information related to the tire pattern) of the treaded tire.
In this case, the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 determines the tire pattern of the vehicle A as one of the vehicle characteristic information of the vehicle A based on the stepping width detection signal on the tread plate 202.

The license plate recognition device 203 is provided at a position where the vehicle body of the vehicle A that has reached a predetermined position (entrance detection position D1) in the lane direction can be photographed from the front side (the back side in the traveling direction of the vehicle A).
The license plate recognition device 203 photographs the vehicle A from the front side at the timing when the detection signal indicating the approach of the vehicle A is output from the approach side vehicle detector 201, and acquires image data including the license plate of the vehicle A. To do. Then, the license plate recognition device 203 uses the license plate information (license plate size, classification number written on the license plate, and color (shading relationship between the character portion and the background portion) through image processing on the acquired image data. )) To get.
The vehicle type determination processing unit 200 identifies one vehicle type classification to which the vehicle A belongs or a candidate for the vehicle type classification based on the license plate information acquired by the license plate recognition device 203.
When the plate size of the license plate classified as "small", "medium", "large", etc. belongs to "medium", the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 according to the present embodiment selects a candidate for the vehicle type classification to which vehicle A belongs. If you specify "light vehicle", "ordinary vehicle", and "medium-sized vehicle" and the plate size belongs to "large", the candidates for the vehicle type classification to which vehicle A belongs are "medium-sized vehicle", "large vehicle", and "large vehicle". Identify as an oversized vehicle.
Further, when the first digit of the classification number stamped on the license plate is "1" or "2", the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 according to the present embodiment selects the candidate for the vehicle type classification to which the vehicle A belongs. Identify as "medium-sized vehicle", "large vehicle", "extra-large vehicle", and if the first digit of the classification number is "3", the vehicle type classification to which vehicle A belongs is uniquely identified as "ordinary vehicle". To do.

The vehicle height detector 204 is provided on the island I at a predetermined height (± Z direction). The vehicle height detector 204 outputs a vehicle height detection signal according to the presence / absence of the vehicle body of the vehicle A traveling in the lane L through a floodlight and a light receiver facing the lane L in the lane width direction.
The vehicle type determination processing unit 200 determines whether or not the vehicle A is at or above a predetermined vehicle height (the height at which the vehicle height detector 204 is installed) based on the vehicle height detection signal from the vehicle height detector 204. be able to. The vehicle type determination processing unit 200 identifies candidates for the vehicle type classification to which the vehicle A belongs based on the determination result of the vehicle height of the vehicle A.
When the vehicle height detection signal remains "OFF" (the vehicle height of the vehicle A is less than the above-mentioned predetermined height), the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 according to the present embodiment selects a candidate for the vehicle type classification to which the vehicle A belongs. Identify as "light vehicle", "ordinary vehicle", and "medium-sized vehicle". Further, when the vehicle height detection signal is "ON" (the vehicle height of the vehicle A is equal to or higher than the above-mentioned predetermined height), the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 selects a candidate for the vehicle type classification to which the vehicle A belongs as a "medium-sized vehicle". Identify as "large vehicle" or "extra large vehicle".

The vehicle length detector 205 is provided on the downstream side of the approaching vehicle detector 201 by a predetermined distance in the lane direction. The vehicle length detector 205 outputs a vehicle length detection signal according to the entry / exit of the vehicle A traveling in the lane L at the installation position through the floodlight and the light receiver facing the lane L in the lane width direction. ..
In the vehicle type determination processing unit 200, the vehicle A has a predetermined vehicle length (entry side vehicle detector) based on the combination of the vehicle detection signal from the approach side vehicle detector 201 and the vehicle length detection signal from the vehicle length detector 205. It can be determined whether or not the distance between 201 and the vehicle length detector 205) or more. The vehicle type determination processing unit 200 identifies candidates for the vehicle type classification to which the vehicle A belongs based on the determination result of the vehicle length of the vehicle A.
The vehicle type determination processing unit 200 according to the present embodiment has the vehicle length detection signal "ON" (the vehicle length of the vehicle A is equal to or longer than the above-mentioned predetermined length) while the vehicle detection signal is "ON". In this case, the candidates for the vehicle type classification to which the vehicle A belongs are specified as "ordinary vehicle", "medium-sized vehicle", "large vehicle", and "extra-large vehicle". Further, when the vehicle length detection signal becomes "ON" (the vehicle length of the vehicle A is less than the above-mentioned predetermined length) after the vehicle detection signal becomes "OFF", the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 of the vehicle A Specify the vehicle type classification as "light vehicle".

The cutoff position vehicle detector 206 has a cutoff detection position D3 defined on the downstream side of the plurality of vehicle feature information detection sensors 20A (tread plate 202, license plate recognition device 203, vehicle height detector 204, and vehicle length detector 205). Detects the entry and exit (existence, non-existence) of the vehicle A in.
The cutoff position vehicle detector 206 according to the present embodiment has the same aspect as the approaching vehicle detector 201. That is, the cutoff position vehicle detector 206 is installed at the cutoff detection position D3 in the lane direction. The cutoff position vehicle detector 206 has a floodlight tower and a light receiving tower extending in the height direction (± Z direction) on the island I at the cutoff detection position D3 and facing each other with the lane L in the lane width direction. Then, the cutoff position vehicle detector 206 determines the entry and exit (existence, non-existence) of the vehicle A at the cutoff detection position D3 based on whether or not the light receiving tower receives the detection light projected from the light emitting tower. The indicated vehicle detection signal is output.

In another embodiment, the cutoff position vehicle detector 206 is not limited to the above mode (transmissive vehicle detector). For example, the cutoff position vehicle detector 206 may be a reflective vehicle detector. Further, the cutoff position vehicle detector 206 may be a tread plate installed at the cutoff detection position D3 and detecting the stepping on the tire at the cutoff detection position D3, or may be an ultrasonic sensor or the like. That is, the cutoff position vehicle detector 206 may have any form as long as it is a sensor capable of determining whether or not the vehicle A has reached the cutoff detection position D3 defined in the vicinity of the toll collection position D2.

Further, in the present embodiment, the approach-side vehicle detector 201 is a sensor for entering and exiting the vehicle A at the approach detection position D1, and has been described separately from the vehicle feature information detection sensor 20A that detects the vehicle feature information. However, other embodiments are not limited to this aspect. For example, in another embodiment, the approaching vehicle detector 201 may have a function as a vehicle feature information detection sensor 20A that detects predetermined vehicle feature information. For example, the approaching vehicle detector 201 may output a light receiving pattern or the like in the light receiving tower that can determine "presence or absence of a towed vehicle" which is one of the vehicle characteristic information.

Here, in the first embodiment (FIG. 1), the cutoff detection position D3 is slightly upstream (+ X direction) from the toll collection position D2 due to the limitation of the arrangement space of the cutoff position vehicle detector 206 on the island I. Side), but is not limited to this aspect in other embodiments. That is, in another embodiment, the discontinuation detection position D3 is the same position as the toll collection position D2 or the toll collection position if it can be arranged due to the arrangement relationship with the manned booth 10 and other devices on the island I. It may be specified on the downstream side (-X direction side) of D2.
However, from the viewpoint of shortening the service time (time required for toll collection) for the user, it is preferable that the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 completes the vehicle type determination processing by the time the vehicle A reaches the toll collection position D2. .. Therefore, it is upstream from the toll collection position D2 by the distance corresponding to the time required for the vehicle type discrimination process (the time from the time when the vehicle A reaches the cutoff detection position D3 to the time when one vehicle type classification (candidate for the vehicle type classification) is output). The cutoff position vehicle detector 206 (cutoff detection position D3) may be provided on the side.

Further, in the first embodiment, the distance ΔD between the approach detection position D1 where the approach vehicle detector 201 (and the tread 202) is installed and the toll collection position D2 where the manned booth 10 is installed is the toll collection system 1. It is set to about 7 to 12 meters depending on the installation space. The maximum length of vehicle A, which is expected to travel at the exit tollhouse, is about 18 meters. Therefore, when the vehicle A is a large truck or the like having a vehicle length of 12 meters or more, the vehicle A slips out of the tail even though the front end (driver's seat) of the vehicle body of the vehicle A reaches the toll collection position D2. It is assumed that it is not in the state.
Here, "passing through the stern" means that the rear end of the vehicle body of the vehicle A traveling downstream (-X direction side) in the lane L has passed the approach detection position D1, and the approach side vehicle detector 201 is the vehicle A. It means that the existence of is no longer detected.

(Functional configuration of toll collection system)
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the toll collection system according to the first embodiment.
First, the functional configuration of the vehicle type discriminating device 20 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle type discrimination device 20 includes a vehicle type discrimination processing unit 200, an approaching vehicle detector 201, and a plurality of vehicle feature information detection sensors 20A (tread plate 202, number plate recognition device 203, vehicle height detector). It has 204, a vehicle length detector 205), and a cutoff position vehicle detector 206.

Here, the functions of the sensor devices (entrance side vehicle detector 201, vehicle feature information detection sensor 20A, and cutoff position vehicle detector 206) constituting the vehicle type discrimination device 20 and the vehicle type discrimination processing unit 200 are as described above. Is.
The vehicle type determination processing unit 200 sequentially selects candidates for one vehicle type classification specified as described above or a vehicle type classification (consisting of a plurality of vehicle type classifications) in the manned booth 10 (FIG. 1). Output toward the machine 11.
The toll collection machine 11 receives a candidate for one vehicle type classification or vehicle type classification from the vehicle type determination device 20, and supports the toll collection processing of the collector based on the candidate for the one vehicle type classification or vehicle type classification. ..

Next, the functional configuration of the toll collector 11 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the toll collection machine 11 includes a CPU 110, a display unit 120, and an operation reception unit 121.

The CPU 110 is a processor that controls the operation of the entire toll collection machine 11. Various functions exhibited by the CPU 110 in this embodiment will be described later.
The display unit 120 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like, and is an image display device that displays and provides information for supporting the operation of a recipient stationed at the manned booth 10.
Further, the operation reception unit 121 is a touch sensor provided integrally with the display screen of the display unit 120. The operation reception unit 121 according to the present embodiment receives, in particular, an operation (touch operation) for designating a vehicle type classification for the vehicle A for which the toll is to be collected, which is an operation by a collector.

By reading the dedicated program, the CPU 110 exerts its functions as the vehicle type classification candidate acquisition unit 111 and the operation support unit 112 shown in FIG.

The vehicle type classification candidate acquisition unit 111 receives and acquires one vehicle type classification or a vehicle type classification candidate specified by the vehicle type determination device 20 (vehicle type determination processing unit 200) from the vehicle type determination device 20.

The operation support unit 112 is an operation of designating a vehicle type classification for a collector based on one vehicle type classification received from the vehicle type determination device 20 or a candidate for the vehicle type classification (particularly, in order to determine the billing amount. Hereinafter, it will also be described as "vehicle type classification designation operation").
The details will be described in the processing flow described later, but the operation support unit 112 accepts the vehicle type classification designation operation, which is one of the toll collection processes performed by the collector when the vehicle type classification candidate is received from the vehicle type determination device 20. To start.

(Processing flow of vehicle type discrimination device)
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a processing flow of the vehicle type discriminating device according to the first embodiment.
Next, the processing flow executed by the vehicle type discriminating device 20 (vehicle type discriminating processing unit 200) will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the vehicle type discrimination processing unit 200 of the vehicle type discrimination device 20 waits for the vehicle A (FIG. 1) to enter the lane L. Specifically, the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 determines whether or not the approach detection (vehicle detection signal) by the approaching vehicle detector 201 has been received (step S01). If the intrusion detection is not accepted (step S01: NO), the system waits until the intrusion detection is accepted. When the approach detection is accepted (step S01: YES), the vehicle feature information detection process is performed through the vehicle feature information detection sensor 20A (step S02).

In step S02, for example, license plate information is acquired by the license plate recognition device 203, vehicle height detector 204, vehicle height detection signal by vehicle length detector 205, vehicle length detection signal is acquired, and the number of axles is measured by the tread plate 202. Will be done.

While the vehicle feature information acquisition process in step S02 is being performed, the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 determines whether or not the vehicle A has left the tail (step S03).
When no stern omission is detected (step S03: NO), the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 subsequently determines whether or not the vehicle A has been detected by the cutoff position vehicle detector 206. It is determined whether or not the tip of the vehicle body has reached the cutoff detection position D3 (step S04).
If no trailing out is detected and the tip of the vehicle body of the vehicle A has not reached the cutoff detection position D3 (step S04: NO), the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 continues to perform vehicle feature information in step S02. The detection process of is continued.

When the approaching vehicle detector 201 detects the tail omission (step S03: YES) before the tip of the vehicle body of the vehicle A reaches the cutoff detection position D3, the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 determines the tail omission. At the timing when is detected (at the time of detection of missing vehicle tail), one vehicle type classification or a candidate for the vehicle type classification is specified and output to the toll collector 11 (step S05). In this case, the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 identifies one vehicle type classification or a candidate for the vehicle type classification based on the vehicle feature information acquired in step S02 before the time when the vehicle tail omission is detected.
For example, when the vehicle A is a relatively small vehicle (“light vehicle”, “ordinary vehicle”, “medium-sized vehicle”), the approaching vehicle detector before the tip of the vehicle body of the vehicle A reaches the cutoff detection position D3. At 201, missing the tail can be detected. In this case, the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 can acquire the license plate information, the vehicle height detection signal, the vehicle length detection signal, and the number of axles in step S02. In most cases, the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 can uniquely identify the vehicle type classification from these vehicle feature information.

When the tip of the vehicle body of the vehicle A reaches the cutoff detection position D3 (step S04: YES) before the trailing trail is detected by the approaching vehicle detector 201, the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 detects the cutoff. At the timing when the arrival at the position D3 is detected (at the time of detection of discontinuation), one vehicle type classification or a candidate for the vehicle type classification is specified and output to the toll collector 11 (step S05). In this case, the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 identifies one vehicle type classification or a candidate for the vehicle type classification based on the vehicle feature information acquired in step S02 before the time when the discontinuation is detected.
For example, when the vehicle A is a relatively large vehicle (“large vehicle”, “extra large vehicle”), the tip of the vehicle body of the vehicle A is cut off without detecting the tail omission by the approaching vehicle detector 201. It is assumed that the detection position D3 is reached. In this case, the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 can acquire the license plate information, the vehicle height detection signal, and the vehicle length detection signal in step S02, but since the vehicle tail is not missing, the number of axles of the vehicle A is determined. I can't. Therefore, although the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 can identify that the vehicle A belongs to either a "large vehicle" or an "extra-large vehicle" from the vehicle characteristic information other than the number of axles (because the number of axles is unknown). It is not possible to distinguish whether vehicle A is a "large vehicle" or an "extra large vehicle". Therefore, the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 identifies the candidate for the vehicle type classification as belonging to either the "large vehicle" or the "extra large vehicle" at the time of the discontinuation detection, and the candidate for the vehicle type classification ("large vehicle"). , "Extra large vehicle") is output to the toll collector 11.

(Processing flow of toll collector)
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a processing flow of the toll collector according to the first embodiment.
In addition, FIGS. 5 to 7 are the first to third views for explaining the function of the toll collector according to the first embodiment, respectively.
5 and 7 show an example of the appearance of the display unit 120 and the operation reception unit 121 of the toll collection machine 11.
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the display unit 120 displays the vehicle type classification button E1 for receiving the designation of the vehicle type classification from the recipient. The collector specifies the vehicle type classification to which the vehicle A belongs by touch-operating the vehicle type classification button E1 through the operation reception unit 121. Further, the display unit 120 displays an image E2 or the like by a surveillance camera (not shown in FIG. 1) capable of photographing the state of the lane L. The recipient designates the vehicle type classification to which the vehicle A belongs by directly visually observing the vehicle body of the vehicle A or checking the image E2.

Hereinafter, the support processing performed by the toll collector 11 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 to 7.

As shown in FIG. 4, the operation support unit 112 of the toll collection machine 11 is restricted from accepting the touch operation of the vehicle type classification button E1 as an initial state (step S10). For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the operation support unit 112 does not display the vehicle type classification button E1 in the operation reception unit 121, or grays out so that the touch operation by the receiver is not accepted. That is, in the initial stage (step S10) before accepting one vehicle type classification specified by the vehicle type determination device 20 or a candidate for the vehicle type classification, the recipient cannot input the vehicle type classification designation operation.

Next, the vehicle type classification candidate acquisition unit 111 of the toll collection machine 11 determines whether or not one vehicle type classification or a vehicle type classification candidate has been accepted from the vehicle type determination device 20 (step S11).
When one vehicle type classification or a candidate for a vehicle type classification is not accepted from the vehicle type determination device 20 (step S11: NO), the standby for the one vehicle type classification or the candidate for the vehicle type classification is continued.
When one vehicle type classification or a vehicle type classification candidate is received from the vehicle type determination device 20 through step S05 of FIG. 3 (step S11: YES), the operation support unit 112 accepts the touch operation of the vehicle type classification button E1. To start.
As described above, if the vehicle A is a relatively small vehicle (“light vehicle”, “ordinary vehicle”, “medium-sized vehicle”), before the vehicle body tip of the vehicle A reaches the cutoff detection position D3. Go through the stern. Therefore, in most cases, the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 can uniquely identify the vehicle type classification. Here, for example, it is assumed that the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 specifies the vehicle type classification of the vehicle A as "ordinary vehicle" and outputs the specified one vehicle type classification ("ordinary vehicle") to the toll collector 11. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, the operation reception unit 121 clearly displays only the vehicle type classification button E1 for designating the "ordinary vehicle" and the vehicle type classification button for designating the "ordinary vehicle". Only the touch operation to E1 is accepted.
Further, as described above, when the vehicle A is a relatively large vehicle (“large vehicle”, “extra large vehicle”), the vehicle A is not detected by the approaching vehicle detector 201. The tip of the vehicle body may reach the cutoff detection position D3. In this case, for example, the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 determines that the vehicle A belongs to either a "large vehicle" or an "extra-large vehicle" at the time of the discontinuation detection, and is a candidate for the specified vehicle type classification ("large vehicle"). It is assumed that the "car" and "extra-large car") are output to the toll collector 11. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the operation reception unit 121 clearly displays only the vehicle type classification button E1 for designating the "large vehicle" and the "extra large vehicle", and the "large vehicle" and the "extra large vehicle". Only the touch operation to the vehicle type classification button E1 for designating the "vehicle" is accepted.

Next, the operation support unit 112 determines whether or not the touch operation of the vehicle type classification button E1 by the receiver is accepted through the operation reception unit 121 (step S13). Here, the operation support unit 112 does not accept touch operations on the vehicle type classification button E1 (vehicle type classification button E1 that remains hidden or grayed out) other than the vehicle type classification button E1 that can be accepted in step S12. To.

When the touch operation of the vehicle type classification button E1 by the receiver is not accepted through the operation reception unit 121 (step S13: NO), the standby for the touch operation is continued.
When the touch operation of the vehicle type classification button E1 by the receipt is received through the operation reception unit 121 (step S13: YES), the operation reception unit 121 corresponds to the vehicle type classification (designated by the receipt) for the touch operation. The billing amount is determined and displayed on the display unit 120 (step S14). As a result, the collector can collect the correct billing amount according to the vehicle type classification of the vehicle A based on the displayed billing amount.

In the above-mentioned processing flow, the operation support unit 112 has been described as always accepting the touch operation of the vehicle type classification button E1 by the receiver (step S12), but the other embodiments are not limited to this mode. .. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the vehicle type classification is uniquely specified by the vehicle type determination device 20 (for example, only "ordinary vehicle"), until the receiver accepts the touch operation of the vehicle type classification button E1. However, there may be a mode in which the charge amount associated with the vehicle type category of "ordinary vehicle" is displayed.
If there is an error in the determination result of the vehicle type classification by the vehicle type determination device 20, it is assumed that the recipient cannot specify (touch operation) the true vehicle type classification visually determined. In preparation for such a case, the operation support unit 112 may have a separate button (restriction release button) for touch-operating all vehicle type classification buttons E1.

(Action effect)
As described above, the vehicle type determination device 20 according to the first embodiment obtains vehicle characteristic information (license plate information, vehicle height, vehicle length, number of axles) for determining the vehicle type from the vehicle A traveling in the lane L. Based on the vehicle feature information detection sensor 20A to be detected and the vehicle feature information detected by the vehicle feature information detection sensor 20A, the vehicle type discrimination processing unit 200 that identifies one vehicle type classification to which the vehicle A belongs or a candidate for the vehicle type classification. And have. Further, the vehicle type determination device 20 includes a cutoff position vehicle detector 206 that detects the entry of the vehicle into the cutoff detection position D3 defined on the downstream side of the vehicle feature information detection sensor 20A. Then, the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 sets one vehicle type or classifies the vehicle based on the vehicle characteristic information acquired before the time when the vehicle A is detected by the vehicle detector 206 at the time when the vehicle A is detected. , The candidate for the vehicle type classification is specified and output (see the flow of step S04: YES to step S05 in FIG. 3).
By doing so, no matter what the processing stage (degree of detection of vehicle feature information) in the vehicle feature information detection sensor 20A is, when the vehicle A reaches the cutoff detection position D3, it is always Based on the vehicle feature information acquired up to that stage, one vehicle type classification or a candidate for the vehicle type classification is specified and output. Therefore, when the vehicle A reaches the toll collection position D2 on the lane L (a position downstream of the cutoff detection position D3), the vehicle A belongs to one vehicle type classification or a candidate for the vehicle type classification. Information can be provided.

Further, the vehicle type determination device 20 according to the first embodiment detects the entry and exit of the vehicle A into the same position in the lane direction as the vehicle feature information detection sensor 20A or the approach detection position D1 defined on the upstream side. An approaching vehicle detector 201 is further provided. Then, when the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 detects the tail omission by the approaching vehicle detector 201 before the cutoff detection time, the approaching vehicle detector 201 detects the tail omission. At the time of detection of the missing stern, the candidate for the vehicle type classification is specified and output based on the vehicle characteristic information acquired before the time of the detection of the missing stern (see the flow of steps S03: YES to S05 in FIG. 3). ).
When the stern omission is detected, new vehicle feature information is not acquired at a stage after the time when the stern omission is detected. Therefore, by doing the above, if the approaching vehicle detector 201 detects the tail omission before the vehicle A reaches the cutoff detection position D3, the vehicle A is moved to the cutoff detection position D3. Without waiting for the vehicle to arrive, one vehicle type classification or a candidate for the vehicle type classification is specified and output based on the vehicle feature information acquired so far. Therefore, since the collector can receive the vehicle type classification (candidate for vehicle type classification) earlier, the toll collection process can be performed quickly, and the service time per vehicle (charge collection for one vehicle) can be performed. The time required for processing) can be shortened.
However, the vehicle type determination device 20 according to the other embodiment is not limited to the above aspect. That is, the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 waits for the vehicle detection by the cutoff position vehicle detector 206 even when the tail omission is detected before the cutoff detection time, and at the cutoff detection time, one vehicle type. Candidates for classification or vehicle type classification may be specified and output.

Further, the toll collection system 1 according to the first embodiment receives the vehicle type classification candidates from the vehicle type discrimination device 20 and the vehicle type discrimination device 20 described above, and collects the toll collection processing of the collector based on the vehicle type classification candidates. It is equipped with a toll collection machine 11 that supports the above.
By doing so, even if the vehicle type determination device 20 cannot uniquely identify the vehicle type classification, it is possible to support the recipient based on the vehicle type classification candidates received from the vehicle type determination device 20. it can. As a result, it is possible to reduce the burden of toll collection processing that the collector should perform. Specifically, the collector may specify one of a plurality of types (five types) of vehicle type classifications from a smaller number of candidates for the vehicle type classification designation operation in the toll collection process.

In addition, the toll collection machine 11 according to the first embodiment is a vehicle type that is one of the toll collection processes performed by the collector when one vehicle type classification or a candidate for the vehicle type classification is received from the vehicle type determination device 20. Start accepting classification operation (see the processing flow in Fig. 4)
By doing so, the collector can input the vehicle type classification designation operation to the toll collection machine 11 by the toll collection machine 11 from the vehicle type determination device 20 to one vehicle type classification to which the vehicle A belongs, or It will be restricted after accepting candidates for vehicle type classification. Here, assuming that the recipient can freely input the vehicle type classification designation operation before accepting one vehicle type classification (or a candidate for the vehicle type classification) from the vehicle type determination device 20, it is originally accepted from the vehicle type determination device 20. It is assumed that the recipient mistakenly specifies the vehicle type classification that could have been excluded by only one vehicle type classification (or a candidate for the vehicle type classification). Therefore, by adopting the above-described aspect, it is possible to prevent the recipient from designating the wrong vehicle type classification.
However, the toll collection system 1 according to the other embodiment is not limited to the above mode. That is, the toll collection machine 11 of the toll collection system 1 according to the other embodiment allows the collector to freely input the vehicle type classification operation before receiving the vehicle type classification (or the vehicle type classification candidate) from the vehicle type determination device 20. You may be able to.

Further, as shown in the first embodiment, the cutoff detection position D3 is located on the downstream side of the plurality of vehicle feature information detection sensors 20A and as close as possible to the toll collection position D2. Preferred (see FIG. 1).
By doing so, the distance between the approaching vehicle detector 201 and the cutoff position vehicle detector 206 can be increased as much as possible. Then, as much vehicle feature information as possible can be acquired before the tip of the vehicle body of the vehicle A reaches the cutoff detection position D3 and the acquisition of the vehicle feature information is stopped.

<Second embodiment>
Next, the toll collection system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.
The overall configuration and functional configuration of the toll collection system 1 according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2).

(Processing flow of vehicle type discrimination device)
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a processing flow of the vehicle type discriminating device according to the second embodiment.
Of the processing flows shown in FIG. 8, steps S01 to S05 are the same as those in the first embodiment (FIG. 3), and thus description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 8, when the tip of the vehicle body of the vehicle A reaches the cutoff detection position D3 before detecting the tail omission (step S04: YES), the vehicle A does not come off the tail and the manned booth 10 (see FIG. 1). ) Stop in front of you and process the toll collection with the collector (step SS).
After that, when the toll collection process is completed, the vehicle A starts again.

Here, the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 continues to determine whether or not the approaching vehicle detector 201 has detected the missing tail even after the toll collection process (step SS) is completed (step S06).
When the approaching vehicle detector 201 does not detect the trail missing (step S06: NO), the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 waits for the approaching vehicle detector 201 to detect the trail missing. When the approaching vehicle detector 201 detects a missing stern (step S06: YES), the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 classifies one vehicle type based on the vehicle characteristic information acquired before the time when the missing stern is detected. Or, the candidate for the vehicle type classification is specified again and output (step S07).
For example, the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 determines whether the traveling vehicle A is a "large vehicle" or an "extra-large vehicle" because the tail is not missing (the number of axles is not determined) at the stage of step S05. Suppose you couldn't. Therefore, it is assumed that the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 outputs the "large vehicle" and the "extra large vehicle" as candidates for the vehicle type classification in step S05.
In this case, after the toll collection process (step SS), when the vehicle A restarts, the missing tail of the vehicle A is detected (step S06: YES). At the time of detecting the trail missing, the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 can determine the number of axles of the vehicle A by the stepping detection signal from the tread plate 202. Here, for example, it is assumed that the number of axles of the vehicle A is "5" at the time of detecting the missing tail. Then, the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 can specify the vehicle type classification of the vehicle A as an "extra large vehicle" based on the measurement result of the number of axles "5".

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the function of the toll collector according to the second embodiment.
Hereinafter, after the toll collection process (step SS in FIG. 8) is completed, the toll collection machine 11 when one vehicle type classification or a candidate for the vehicle type classification is received again from the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 by step S07 in FIG. The processing of is described.

As an example, at the time of discontinuation detection (step S05 in FIG. 8), the vehicle type classification candidate received from the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 by the toll collection machine 11 indicates either "large vehicle" or "extra large vehicle". Suppose. In this case, the collector visually confirms the entire vehicle body of the vehicle A in the process of collecting the toll for the vehicle A (step SS), and displays the "large vehicle" from the display screen (vehicle type classification button E1) shown in FIG. , Touch the vehicle type classification button E1 indicating any of the "extra large vehicles".
Here, it is assumed that the collector touches the vehicle type classification button E1 indicating "large vehicle" as the vehicle type classification of the vehicle A. Then, the operation support unit 112 of the toll collection machine 11 determines and displays the charge amount associated with the designated "large vehicle". If the operation support unit 112 according to the present embodiment has not detected the missing tail of the vehicle A at this stage, the operation support unit 112 records the vehicle type classification (“large vehicle”) designated by the recipient for the vehicle A in a temporary memory or the like. I will do it.
Next, it is assumed that the toll collection process (step SS) for the vehicle A is completed, and when the vehicle A starts, the tail omission is detected (step S06: YES in FIG. 8). Since the number of axles of vehicle A is determined when the tail omission is detected, the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 again identifies one vehicle type classification or a candidate for the vehicle type classification in consideration of the determined number of axles. (Step S07 in FIG. 8). Here, for example, it is assumed that since the number of axles is determined to be "5", it is found that the vehicle type classification of the vehicle A is "extra large vehicle".
The operation support unit 112 is the second time from the vehicle type classification (that is, the vehicle type classification specified by the collector in the process of toll collection processing) (“large vehicle”) recorded in the temporary memory and the vehicle type discrimination processing unit 200. Compare with the accepted vehicle type classification ("extra large vehicle"). If the two are different, as shown in FIG. 9, the operation support unit 112 determines that the vehicle type classification (“large vehicle”) specified in the previous toll collection process (step SS) is that of the vehicle A. A caution image E3 is displayed to notify that the vehicle type classification is different from the true vehicle type classification (that is, the vehicle type classification found after the number of axles is determined) (“extra large vehicle”).

(Action effect)
As described above, the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 according to the second embodiment classifies the vehicle type at the time of the discontinuation detection when the approaching vehicle detector 201 detects the trailing omission after the discontinuation detection time. In addition to the output of the candidate, one vehicle type classification or vehicle type classification based on the vehicle characteristic information acquired before the time when the tail omission is detected at the time when the tail omission is detected after the time when the discontinuation is detected. The candidate is specified again and output (see step S06: YES to step S07 in FIG. 8).
By doing so, when the tail omission is detected after the toll collection process is completed, the vehicle type classification (or the vehicle type classification) is also performed at the time of the tail omission detection (in addition to the identification at the time of the termination detection). By re-identifying (candidate), more vehicle feature information (such as the number of axles) will be acquired from the vehicle type determination device 20 (compared to the number of vehicle feature information specified at the time of censoring detection). Based on this, one vehicle type classification or a candidate for the vehicle type classification is output.
Then, after the toll collection process is completed, the collector can be notified whether or not the vehicle type classification specified in the toll collection process is correct. As a result, the recipient can learn the vehicle type classification that should have been originally specified for the arriving vehicle A each time, so that the ability related to the designation of the vehicle type classification can be improved. In addition, since it is notified that the vehicle type classification is incorrect, the recipient can exert a deterrent against fraudulent activities.

Further, in another embodiment, the operation support unit 112 may record and accumulate the correctness of the designated vehicle type classification (whether or not the recipient can correctly specify the vehicle type classification). By doing so, the manager can grasp the ability to specify the vehicle type classification for each recipient.

<Third embodiment>
Next, the toll collection system according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

(Overall configuration of toll collection system)
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the toll collection system according to the third embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 10, the toll collection system 1 according to the third embodiment includes a manned booth 10, a toll collection machine 11, and a vehicle type determination device 20 as in the first embodiment. ..

The vehicle type discriminating device 20 according to the third embodiment has various sensor devices provided on the island I, such as an approaching vehicle detector 201, a tread plate 202, a license plate recognition device 203, a vehicle height detector 204, and a vehicle length. It includes a detector 205 and a laser scanner 207. Of these, the sensor devices other than the laser scanner 207 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.
The laser scanner 207 according to the present embodiment also functions as the cutoff position vehicle detector 206 and the vehicle feature information detection sensor 20A described in the first and second embodiments.

First, the function of the laser scanner 207 as the cutoff position vehicle detector 206 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 10, the laser scanner 207 is installed on the upper side (+ Z direction side) of the lane L between the approach detection position D1 in the lane direction (± X direction) and the cutoff detection position D3. The laser scanner 207 projects the laser beam Q from above the lane L toward the bottom (road surface of the lane L). Then, the laser scanner 207 projects the laser beam Q a plurality of times while changing the projection angle θ in the lane direction by a minute angle, from the upstream side to the downstream side along the lane direction (± X direction) ( Or scan the laser beam Q (from the downstream side to the upstream side). The laser scanner 207 repeatedly scans the laser beam Q a plurality of times, at least while the vehicle body of the vehicle A is detected by the approaching vehicle detector 201.
The scanning range of the laser beam Q by the laser scanner 207 is at least a region on the upstream side (+ X direction side) of the approach detection position D1 and a region on the downstream side (−X direction side) of the cutoff detection position D3. It is considered to be the range to be covered. Normally, the laser beam Q is emitted from the portion of the lane L on the lane L where the vehicle A does not exist (for example, the irradiation position P shown in FIG. 10) and the vehicle A from the front end of the vehicle body to the rear end of the vehicle body by one scanning. Be lit.

The laser scanner 207 has, for example, a distance measuring function based on a TOF (Time of Flight) method. It is assumed that the irradiation position of the laser beam Q projected by the laser scanner 207 at a certain timing is the irradiation position P shown in FIG. In this case, the laser scanner 207 determines the projection time of the pulsed laser beam Q and the reception time of the reflected light reflected by the projected laser beam Q on the surface of the irradiation target (in this case, the road surface) and returned. The distance r between the laser scanner 207 and the surface of the object to be irradiated is measured based on the time difference between the two.
Further, the laser scanner 207 always recognizes the projection angle θ of the laser beam Q. Therefore, the laser scanner 207 can specify the position of the irradiation position P in the r−θ polar coordinate system based on the distance r and the projection angle θ. Then, the laser scanner 207 converts the irradiation position P (r, θ) into the XZ Cartesian coordinate system, and specifies the position of the irradiation position P in the XZ plane.
The vehicle type discrimination processing unit 200 according to the present embodiment receives inputs of all irradiation positions P (X, Z) acquired in one scan from the upstream side to the downstream side from the laser scanner 207.

(Function of vehicle type discrimination device)
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the function of the vehicle type discriminating device according to the third embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 11, when the vehicle A travels in the lane L, the laser scanner 207 emits the laser beam Q from above the vehicle body of the vehicle A (+ Z direction side) to the upper surface surface (−Z direction side) of the vehicle body of the vehicle A. Flood. Then, the laser scanner 207 scans the laser beam Q in the vehicle length direction (± X direction). At this time, as shown in FIG. 11, the laser beam Q extends from the front end of the vehicle body to the rear end of the vehicle body of the vehicle A along the vehicle length direction (± X direction) at a plurality of irradiation positions P0, P1, P2, ... -, Pn-1, Pn are irradiated.

The vehicle type determination processing unit 200 identifies the detection position of the tip of the vehicle body of the vehicle A based on the plurality of irradiation positions P (X, Z) received from the laser scanner 207.
Specifically, the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 first, among all the irradiation positions P (X, Z) received from the laser scanner 207, based on a predetermined reference height DT, the vehicle body upper surface of the vehicle A. Extract what was irradiated to. This reference height DT is, for example, a value corresponding to the height near the tip (driver's seat) of a general vehicle body. The vehicle type discrimination processing unit 200 extracts out of all the irradiation positions P (X, Z) received from the laser scanner 207, those whose height direction (± Z direction) is equal to or higher than the reference height DT. As a result, the vehicle type discrimination processing unit 200 has the irradiation positions P0 (X0, Z0), P1 on the upper surface of the vehicle body of the vehicle A belonging to the "large vehicle" and the "extra large vehicle" among the plurality of irradiation positions P (X, Z). (X1, Z1), P2 (X2, Z2), ..., Pn-1 (Xn-1, Zn-1), Pn (Xn, Zn) are specified (here, Z0, Z1, Z2, ... ..., Zn-1, Zn are all above the standard height DT). The positions of the irradiation positions P0, P1, ..., Pn in the lane direction (± X direction) satisfy the conditions of X0 <X1 <X2 << ... <Xn-1 <Xn.

Next, the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 identifies the detection position of the tip of the vehicle body of the vehicle A based on the extracted irradiation positions P0, P1, ..., Pn. Specifically, the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 sets the irradiation positions P0, P1, ..., Pn on the upper surface of the vehicle body located on the most downstream side (that is, the irradiation positions P0 (X0, Z0)). It is specified as the detection position of the tip of the vehicle body of the vehicle A.
Subsequently, in the vehicle type determination processing unit 200, the position X0 in the lane direction (± X direction) of the specified detection position at the tip of the vehicle body (irradiation position P0 (X0, Z0)) is on the downstream side (discontinuation) of the discontinuation detection position D3. It is determined whether or not it is smaller than the detection position D3).
When the position X0 in the lane direction (± X direction) of the irradiation position P0 is on the upstream side (X0> D3) of the cutoff detection position D3, the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 has the vehicle body tip of the vehicle A at the cutoff detection position D3. Is determined (step S04: NO in FIG. 3).
When the position X0 in the lane direction (± X direction) of the irradiation position P0 is the same position as the cutoff detection position D3 or the downstream side (X0 ≦ D3), the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 has the vehicle body tip of the vehicle A It is determined that the cutoff detection position D3 has been reached (step S04: YES in FIG. 3).
In this way, the laser scanner 207 functions as the cutoff position vehicle detector 206 that detects the entry of the vehicle A into the cutoff detection position D3.

The laser scanner 207 according to the present embodiment not only functions as the above-mentioned cutoff position vehicle detector 206, but also has a vehicle feature information detection sensor 20A (vehicle) for measuring "vehicle length" which is one of the vehicle feature information. It also functions as a long measuring instrument).
Specifically, when the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 determines that the tip of the vehicle body of the vehicle A has reached the cutoff detection position D3 (step S04: YES in FIG. 3), the vehicle body acquired at the time of the determination is further determined. Of the irradiation positions P0, P1, ..., Pn on the upper surface, the one located most downstream (that is, the irradiation position P0 (X0, Z0)) and the one located most upstream (that is, the irradiation position Pn (Xn)). , Zn)) and the difference (Xn−X0) in the lane direction (± X direction). Here, as shown in FIG. 11, the difference (Xn-X0) is the vehicle length DL.
When the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 detects the entry of the vehicle A into the cutoff detection position D3, the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 is based on the vehicle characteristic information (including the vehicle length DL measured through the laser scanner 207) acquired so far. Identify the vehicle type classification or the candidate for the vehicle type classification.
Further, the laser scanner 207 may further function as a vehicle feature information detection sensor 20A (vehicle height measuring instrument) for measuring "vehicle height" which is one of the vehicle feature information. In this case, the vehicle type determination processing unit 200 may measure the vehicle height of the vehicle A with reference to the position (Z) in the height direction of the irradiation position P (X, Z).

(Action effect)
As described above, the vehicle type discriminating device 20 according to the third embodiment, as the cutoff position vehicle detector 206, emits the laser beam Q from above the lane toward the road surface of the lane and also emits the laser beam Q along the lane direction. The laser scanner 207 for scanning the light is provided.
By doing so, it is possible to determine whether or not the tip of the vehicle body of the traveling vehicle A has reached the cutoff detection position D3 by using the laser scanner 207.

Further, in the vehicle type discrimination processing unit 200 according to the third embodiment, when the detection position (irradiation position P0 in FIG. 11) of the vehicle body tip by the laser scanner 207 is downstream from the cutoff detection position D3, Based on the vehicle feature information acquired before the time when the discontinuation is detected, one vehicle type classification to which the vehicle A belongs or a candidate for the vehicle type classification is specified and output.
By doing so, when the position of the vehicle body tip of the vehicle A detected by the laser scanner 207 becomes downstream from the cutoff detection position D3, one vehicle type classification to which the vehicle A belongs, or a candidate for the vehicle type classification Identification is done. Therefore, even if the tip of the vehicle body of the vehicle does not come off the tail before reaching the toll collection position D2, the vehicle feature information can be provided to the toll collection machine 11.

Further, the laser scanner 207 outputs information (irradiation positions P0, P1, ..., Pn) capable of measuring the vehicle length of the vehicle A as the vehicle feature information detection sensor 20A.
As a result, the laser scanner 207 can have both a function as a cutoff position vehicle detector 206 and a function as a vehicle feature information detection sensor 20A. Therefore, the cost of the toll collection system 1 can be reduced.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the various processing processes of the vehicle type discriminating device 20 described above are stored in a computer-readable recording medium in the form of a program, and the computer reads and executes this program. The above various processes are performed. The computer-readable recording medium refers to a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a semiconductor memory, or the like. Further, this computer program may be distributed to a computer via a communication line, and the computer receiving the distribution may execute the program.

The above program may be for realizing a part of the above-mentioned functions. Further, a so-called difference file (difference program) may be used, which can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. Further, the vehicle type determination device 20 may be composed of one computer or a plurality of computers connected so as to be able to communicate with each other.

As described above, some embodiments according to the present invention have been described, but all of these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and variations thereof are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof, as are included in the scope and gist of the invention.

1 Toll collection system 10 Manned booth 11 Toll collection machine 110 CPU
111 Vehicle type classification candidate acquisition unit 112 Operation support unit 120 Display unit 121 Operation reception unit 20 Vehicle type discrimination device 200 Vehicle type discrimination processing unit 201 Approach side vehicle detector 202 Tread plate 203 License plate recognition device 204 Vehicle height detector 205 Vehicle length detector 206 Cut-off position vehicle detector 207 Laser scanner (vehicle feature information detection sensor, cut-off position vehicle detector)
20A Vehicle feature information detection sensor DT Reference height DL Vehicle length D1 Approach detection position D2 Toll collection position D3 Stop detection position E1 Vehicle type classification button E2 Video A Vehicle L Lane I Island Q Laser light P, P0, P1, ... Pn irradiation position

Claims (8)

A vehicle feature information detection sensor that detects vehicle feature information for determining the vehicle type from a vehicle traveling in a lane, and a vehicle type to which the vehicle belongs based on the vehicle feature information detected by the vehicle feature information detection sensor. A vehicle type discrimination processing unit that identifies a classification or a candidate for a vehicle type classification, and a cutoff position vehicle detector that detects the entry of the vehicle into a cutoff detection position defined downstream of the vehicle feature information detection sensor. The vehicle type determination processing unit is based on the vehicle feature information acquired before the discontinuation detection time at the time of discontinuation detection when the vehicle's approach is detected by the discontinuation position vehicle detector. A vehicle type discrimination device that identifies and outputs a classification or a candidate for the vehicle type classification,
A toll collection machine that accepts a candidate for the one vehicle type classification or the vehicle type classification from the vehicle type determination device and supports the toll collection processing of the collector based on the one vehicle type classification or the candidate for the vehicle type classification. When,
With
When receiving a vehicle type classification designation operation from a collector, the toll collector accepts the designation operation only when one vehicle type classification received from the vehicle type determination device or a candidate for the vehicle type classification is specified.
Toll collection system. Further equipped with an approaching vehicle detector that detects the entry and exit of the vehicle to the same position in the lane direction as the vehicle feature information detection sensor or the approach detection position specified on the upstream side.
When the approaching vehicle detector detects the trailing loss before the cutoff detection, the vehicle type discrimination processing unit detects the trailing missing vehicle by the approaching vehicle detector. The charge according to claim 1, which identifies and outputs the one vehicle type classification or the candidate for the vehicle type classification based on the vehicle feature information acquired before the tail missing detection time. Collection system. When the approaching vehicle detector detects a trail omission after the cutoff detection time, the vehicle type determination processing unit adds to the output of the vehicle type classification candidate at the time of the cutoff detection, and further At the time of detecting the tail omission after the time of the discontinuation detection, one vehicle type classification or a candidate for the vehicle type classification is specified and output based on the vehicle characteristic information acquired before the time of the detection of the tail omission. The toll collection system according to claim 2. The cutoff position vehicle detector is
The toll collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is a laser scanner that projects a laser beam from above the lane toward the road surface of the lane and scans the laser beam along the lane direction. .. The vehicle type determination processing unit is based on the vehicle feature information acquired before the cutoff detection time when the detection position of the vehicle body tip of the vehicle by the laser scanner is downstream from the cutoff detection position. The toll collection system according to claim 4, wherein the vehicle type classification or the candidate for the vehicle type classification is specified and output. The toll collector
Claim 1 to start accepting a vehicle type classification designation operation, which is one of the toll collection processes performed by the collector, when the vehicle type determination device receives the one vehicle type classification or the candidate for the vehicle type classification. The toll collection system according to any one of claims 5. It is a toll collection method for a toll collection system that has a vehicle type determination device and a toll collection machine.
A vehicle feature information detection step for detecting vehicle feature information for discriminating a vehicle type from a vehicle traveling in a lane using the vehicle feature information detection sensor of the vehicle type discrimination device .
The vehicle type discrimination processing unit of the vehicle type discrimination device identifies one vehicle type classification to which the vehicle belongs or a candidate for the vehicle type classification based on the vehicle feature information detected in the vehicle feature information detection step. Steps and
The cut-off position vehicle detection step for detecting the entry of the vehicle into the cut-off detection position defined on the downstream side of the vehicle feature information detection sensor by using the cut-off position vehicle detector of the vehicle type determination device .
Have,
In the vehicle type determination processing step, the vehicle type determination processing unit is based on the vehicle feature information acquired before the cutoff detection time at the time of stoppage detection when the vehicle's approach is detected by the cutoff position vehicle detector. Identify and output the one vehicle type category or the candidate for the vehicle type category.
Further, the toll collection machine, wherein the vehicle type identification device one vehicle type classification, or accepts the candidate of the vehicle type classification, the one of the vehicle type classification, or the collection personnel based on the candidate of the vehicle type classification rates Has a support step to support the collection process,
In the support step, when the toll collector receives a vehicle type classification designation operation from a collector, the designation is made only when one vehicle type classification received from the vehicle type determination device or a vehicle type classification candidate is designated. Accept operations,
How to collect tolls. A vehicle feature information detection sensor that detects vehicle feature information for determining the vehicle type from a vehicle traveling in a lane, and a vehicle type to which the vehicle belongs based on the vehicle feature information detected by the vehicle feature information detection sensor. A vehicle type discrimination processing unit that identifies a classification or a candidate for a vehicle type classification, and a cutoff position vehicle detector that detects the entry of the vehicle into a cutoff detection position defined downstream of the vehicle feature information detection sensor. The vehicle type determination processing unit is based on the vehicle feature information acquired before the discontinuation detection time at the time of discontinuation detection when the vehicle's approach is detected by the discontinuation position vehicle detector. A vehicle type discrimination device that identifies and outputs a classification or a candidate for the vehicle type classification,
A toll collection machine that accepts a candidate for the one vehicle type classification or the vehicle type classification from the vehicle type determination device and supports the toll collection processing of the collector based on the one vehicle type classification or the candidate for the vehicle type classification. When,
To the computer of the toll collection machine in the toll collection system provided with
When accepting a vehicle type classification designation operation from a recipient, the step of accepting the designation operation is executed only when one vehicle type classification received from the vehicle type determination device or a vehicle type classification candidate is specified.
program.

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