JP7273662B2 - Toll collection system, exit processing device, and toll collection method - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a toll collection system, an exit processing device, and a toll collection method.

In the ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) (registered trademark) system, which is widely used on toll roads, wireless communication is performed between the on-vehicle device of a vehicle traveling in the lane of the toll gate and the roadside wireless device installed at the toll gate. It realizes non-stop toll collection without stopping the vehicle at the tollgate.

The on-board unit of a vehicle passing through the lane of the entrance toll gate communicates with the roadside wireless device of the entrance processing device installed at the entrance toll gate, receives the entry record corresponding to the entrance toll gate, and loads it into the on-board unit. Register the entry record on the ETC card. In addition, the on-vehicle device of the vehicle passing through the lane of the exit toll gate communicates with the roadside wireless device of the exit processing device installed at the exit toll gate, transmits the entry record registered in the ETC card, and transmits the entry record and the exit Receive a response containing the entry record corresponding to the toll station and the calculated toll.

JP 2008-299752 A JP 2019-40257 A JP 2009-104654 A

In order to realize non-stop toll collection, the exit processing device calculates the toll within a short time after receiving the entry record transmitted from the vehicle-mounted device and returns a response including the toll. Therefore, the central processing unit transmits a toll table to each exit tollgate in advance, and the exit processing unit of each exit tollgate stores the toll table transmitted from the central processing unit in advance, and stores the stored tolls. Calculate the toll based on the table.

However, in the method of transmitting the toll table to each exit tollgate, the load of updating the toll table is large, and improvement is desired. For example, if the toll is calculated by the central processing unit, the load of updating the toll table can be reduced. There is a risk that the response to the device may not be in time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a toll collection system, an exit processing device, and a toll collection method that realize non-stop toll collection through toll calculation by a central processing unit remote from the exit processing device.

An exit processing device according to an embodiment communicates with an on-vehicle unit of a vehicle heading from upstream to downstream in a lane of an exit toll gate via an entrance toll gate, and includes a first exit communication unit, a toll communication unit, and a second exit. A communication unit is provided. The first exit communication unit receives ETC card identification information from the vehicle-mounted device of the vehicle passing through the first wireless communication area. The toll communication unit transmits the entry record including the information indicating the ETC card identification information and the exit tollgate to the central processing unit that outputs the toll according to the travel section, and the central processing unit The toll corresponding to the ETC card identification information is received. The second exit communication unit transmits the toll corresponding to the ETC card identification information to the vehicle-mounted device of the vehicle passing through the second wireless communication area downstream from the first wireless communication area. do.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an ETC system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a central processing unit that constitutes the ETC system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of an exit lane server that constitutes the ETC system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of entrance lane equipment of the ETC toll collection system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a top view showing an example of installation of entrance lane devices in the ETC system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of exit lane equipment of the ETC toll collection system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a top view showing an example of installation on a lane of the exit lane device of the ETC system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of toll collection processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of toll collection processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a top view showing an installation example of the antenna configuration of the connection lane and the exit lane of the ETC system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of toll collection processing according to the third embodiment.

An example of the ETC system according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an ETC system according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the ETC system has a central processing unit 1 . The ETC system also includes an entrance toll gate server 12 and an entrance lane server 13 at each entrance toll gate, and an entrance lane device 14 at each lane of the entrance toll gate. The entrance lane device 14 is installed along the lane of each entrance tollgate (hereinafter referred to as entrance lane). The ETC system also includes an exit tollgate server 22 and an exit lane server 23 at each exit tollgate, and an exit lane device 24 for each lane of the exit tollgate. The exit lane device 24 is installed along the lane of each exit tollgate (hereinafter referred to as exit lane). The entrance tollgate server 12, the entrance lane server 13, and the entrance lane device 14 are collectively referred to as an entrance processing device, and the exit tollgate server 22, the exit lane server 23, and the exit lane device 24 are collectively referred to as an exit processing device. do.

The central processing unit 1 is connected via a network to an entrance toll gate server 12 installed at each entrance toll gate and to an exit toll gate server 22 installed at each exit toll gate. The entrance toll gate server 12 is connected to the entrance lane server 13 . Similarly, exit toll server 22 is connected to exit lane server 23 . The central processing unit 1 exchanges various information with the entrance toll gate server 12 and the exit toll gate server 22 via the network.

The entrance toll gate server 12 exchanges various information with the entrance lane server 13 . The entrance lane server 13 controls the entrance lane device 14 based on sensor data and the like transmitted from the entrance lane device 14 . The sensor data includes detection of passing vehicles (vehicle presence/absence).
The entrance lane server 13 also generates an entrance record, which is one of the traffic history information, and the entrance record includes tollgate identification information indicating the entrance tollgate and entrance date/time information (communication date/time information at the time of entry).

The exit tollgate server 22 exchanges various information with the exit lane server 23 . The exit lane server 23 controls the exit lane device 24 based on sensor data and the like transmitted from the exit lane device 24 . The exit lane server 23 generates an exit record, which is one of the traffic history information. communication date and time information).

The entrance lane server 13 has a communication interface that functions as an entrance record communication unit, and this communication interface transmits card information and entrance records received by the entrance lane device 14 to the entrance toll gate server 12 . Similarly, the entrance toll gate server 12 has a communication interface that functions as an entrance record communication unit, and this communication interface transmits card information, entrance records, etc. from the entrance lane server 13 to the central processing unit 1 . Transmission and reception of card information and entry records will be described later in detail.

A vehicle 5 using the ETC toll collection system is provided with an onboard device 51 into which an ETC card 52 is inserted. The vehicle-mounted device 51 stores vehicle-mounted device specific information. The ETC card 52 stores card information including ETC card identification information. The vehicle-mounted device 51 transmits various information to the entrance lane device 14 and receives various information from the entrance lane device 14 by wireless communication with the entrance lane device 14 when passing through the entrance toll gate. In addition, the vehicle-mounted device 51 transmits various information to the exit lane device 24 and receives various information from the exit lane device 24 through wireless communication with the exit lane device 24 when passing through the exit tollgate.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a central processing unit that constitutes the ETC system according to the first embodiment.
The central processing unit 1 can be configured by a general-purpose computer or the like, and includes a processor 101, a storage unit 102, an interface 103, a display unit 104, an operation unit 105, and the like. The processor 101 implements various processing functions by executing programs stored in the storage unit 102 . For example, processor 101 functions as a fee processing unit by executing a program stored in storage unit 102 . The storage unit 102 has a program memory that stores programs executed by the processor, a working memory that stores working data, and a data memory that stores data files. For example, storage unit 102 stores a charge table. The toll table includes tolls by vehicle type for each travel section determined by tollgate identification information (entrance) indicating an entrance tollgate and tollgate identification information (exit) indicating an exit tollgate.

The interface 103 is a communication interface for connecting to the entrance toll gate server 12 of each entrance toll gate and the exit toll gate server 22 of each exit toll gate. For example, interface 103 functions as a central communication unit that transmits tolls. The display unit 104 displays display contents according to the display control from the processor 101, and displays information regarding toll collection processing. An operation unit 105 is configured by a keyboard or the like. The operation unit 105 receives information input by the operator and supplies the information to the processor.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of an exit lane server that constitutes the ETC system according to the first embodiment.
The exit lane server 23 can be configured by a general-purpose computer or the like, and includes a processor 231, a storage unit 232, an interface 233, a display unit 234, an operation unit 235, and the like. The processor 231 implements various processing functions by executing programs stored in the storage unit 232 . For example, the processor 231 functions as a control section for exit lane equipment by executing a program stored in the storage section 232 . The storage unit 232 has a program memory that stores programs to be executed by the processor, a working memory that stores working data, and a data memory that stores data files.

The interface 233 is a communication interface for connecting to the exit toll gate server 22 and the exit lane equipment 24, and transmits a toll request to the central processing unit 1 and receives a toll from the central processing unit 1. It functions as a communication part. The display unit 234 displays display contents according to display control from the processor 231 . The operation unit 235 is configured with a keyboard or the like. The operation unit 235 accepts information input by the operator and supplies the information to the processor.
Note that the configuration of the entrance lane server 13 is substantially the same as the configuration of the exit lane server 23, and a description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of entrance lane equipment of the ETC toll collection system according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4, the entrance lane device 14 includes an interface aggregation unit 141, a roadside display device 142, a start controller 144, a lane monitoring camera 145, a vehicle detector 14S1, a vehicle detector 14S2, a vehicle detector 14S4, and an antenna 14AT2. , and an antenna 14AT3.

FIG. 5 is a top view showing an example of installation of entrance lane devices in the ETC system according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 5, islands 140 extending along the entrance lane 149 are arranged facing each other on both sides of the entrance lane 149 on which the vehicle 5 travels. The vehicle 5 travels on the entrance lane 149 between these two islands 140 from upstream to downstream. In addition, the island 140 includes, in order from upstream to downstream of the entrance lane 149, a vehicle detector 14S1, a vehicle detector 14S2, an interface aggregation section 141, a roadside display 142, a start controller 144, a vehicle detector 14S4, and a vehicle detector 14S4. A lane monitoring camera 145 and the like are provided. Further, on the entrance lane 149, an antenna 14AT2 and an antenna 14AT3 are provided in order from upstream to downstream of the entrance lane 149. As shown in FIG. The antenna 14AT2 communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 51 of the vehicle 5 passing through the wireless communication area 14E2, and the antenna 14AT3 communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 51 of the vehicle 5 passing through the wireless communication area 14E3 downstream from the wireless communication area 14E2. For example, the antenna 14AT2 functions as an entrance communication section.

Each part of the entrance lane device 14 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG.
One island 140 of the two opposing islands 140 is provided with a vehicle detector 14S1, a vehicle detector 14S2, and a vehicle detector 14S4 in this order from upstream to downstream. The vehicle detector 14S1 detects vehicles passing upstream from the wireless communication area 14E2, the vehicle detector 14S2 detects vehicles passing downstream from the vehicle detection point of the vehicle detector 14S1, and the vehicle detector 14S4 A vehicle passing downstream from the vehicle detection point of the vehicle detector 14S4 is detected. For example, the vehicle detector 14S1 irradiates a laser beam, detects the reflected light of the laser beam reflected by an object such as a vehicle, and measures the distance to the object based on the time from the irradiation of the laser beam to the detection of the reflected light. A value is measured, and the presence or absence of a vehicle is determined based on the measurement result of the distance value. The first vehicle detector S<b>1 and the like output to the interface aggregation unit 141 a vehicle detection signal ON corresponding to determination of presence of a vehicle, or an OFF vehicle detection signal corresponding to determination of absence of a vehicle.

The interface aggregation unit 141 aggregates information from each unit and outputs the information to the entrance lane server 13 . Further, the interface aggregation unit 141 outputs information from the entrance lane server 13 to each unit. For example, the interface aggregation unit 141 outputs the vehicle detection signal ON or OFF to the entrance lane server 13 . The entrance lane server 13 detects the position (movement) of the vehicle on the entrance lane 149 and controls the operation of the entrance lane device 14 based on the vehicle detection signal ON or OFF from the vehicle detector 14S1 or the like. The interface aggregation unit 141 also functions as an entrance record communication unit that transmits card information and entrance records received by the entrance lane device 14 to the entrance lane server 13 .

In addition, two antenna installation gates are provided in order from upstream to downstream across the entrance lane 149 on the two islands 140 . An antenna 14AT2 is provided at the first antenna installation gate. An antenna 14AT3 is provided at the second antenna installation gate. These antennas 14AT2 and 14AT3 communicate with the vehicle-mounted device 51 of the vehicle 5, receive various information transmitted from the vehicle-mounted device 51, and transmit various information to the vehicle-mounted device 51. For example, antenna 14AT3 functions as a recovery antenna for antenna 14AT2.

The vehicle-mounted device 51 of the vehicle 5 passing through the lane of the entrance toll gate transmits card information and vehicle-mounted device specific information to the antenna 14AT2 through wireless communication with the antenna 14AT2, receives the entry record from the antenna 14AT2, and performs ETC. An entry record is written in the card 52, and a completion notice is transmitted to the antenna 14AT2.

On the other hand, the antenna 14AT2 receives card information and vehicle-mounted device-specific information from the vehicle-mounted device 51 , transmits an entry record to the vehicle-mounted device 51 , and receives a completion notice from the vehicle-mounted device 51 . Further, the antenna 14AT2 transmits card information and vehicle-mounted device specific information to the interface aggregation section 141 and receives entry records from the interface aggregation section 141 . The interface aggregating unit 141 transmits the card information and the vehicle-mounted device specific information to the entrance lane server 13 and receives the entrance record from the entrance lane server 13 . The entrance lane server 13 determines whether or not passage is permitted based on the card information and the vehicle-mounted device specific information, generates an entry record when passage is permitted, and transmits the entry record to the interface aggregation unit 141 .

The roadside display 142 displays the information output from the interface aggregation section 141 to the driver of the vehicle. The start controller 144 controls the opening and closing of the start control bar based on the start control information (passage permission or temporary stop) from the interface aggregation unit 141 . When the start control bar is closed, it physically prevents the vehicle from passing (getting out of the tollgate), and when it is open, it permits the vehicle to pass. The start controller 144 raises the start control bar to permit passage from the state where passage is blocked by the start control bar based on the passage permission from the interface aggregating unit 141, and based on the temporary stop from the interface aggregating unit 141, the start control. Block traffic by maintaining the state of blocking traffic with a bar. The lane monitoring camera 145 photographs the vehicle when the vehicle enters or exits the entrance lane 149 .

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the exit lane equipment of the ETC toll collection system according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 6, the exit lane device 24 includes an interface aggregation unit 241, a roadside display device 242, a start controller 244, a lane monitoring camera 245, a vehicle detector 24S1, a vehicle detector 24S2, a vehicle detector 24S4, and a selection unit. 24AT0, antenna 24AT2, and antenna 24AT3.

FIG. 7 is a top view showing an example of installation on a lane of the exit lane device of the ETC system according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 7, islands 240 extending along the exit lane 249 are arranged facing each other on both sides of the exit lane 249 on which the vehicle 5 travels. The vehicle 5 travels on the exit lane 249 between these two islands 240 from upstream to downstream. Further, on the island 240, from upstream to downstream of the exit lane 249, a vehicle detector 24S0, a vehicle detector 24S1, a vehicle detector 24S2, an interface aggregation unit 241, a roadside display 242, a start controller 244, a vehicle A detector 24S4, a lane monitoring camera 245, and the like are provided. Furthermore, on the exit lane 249, an antenna 24AT1, an antenna 24AT2, and an antenna 24AT3 are provided in order from upstream to downstream of the exit lane 249. FIG. The antenna 24AT1 communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 51 of the vehicle 5 passing through the wireless communication area 24E1, and the antenna 24AT2 communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 51 of the vehicle 5 passing through the wireless communication area 24E2 downstream from the wireless communication area 24E1. 24AT3 communicates with on-vehicle device 51 of vehicle 5 passing through wireless communication area 24E3 downstream from wireless communication area 24E2. For example, the antenna 24AT1 functions as a first exit communication section and the antenna 24AT2 functions as a second exit communication section.

Each part of the exit lane device 24 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. A part of the configuration of the exit lane device 24 is substantially the same as a part of the configuration of the entrance lane device 14, and the description of the part of the configuration is omitted.

One island 240 of the two opposing islands 240 is provided with a vehicle detector 24S0, a vehicle detector 24S1, a vehicle detector 24S2, and a vehicle detector 24S4 in this order from upstream to downstream. The vehicle detector 24S0 detects a vehicle passing upstream of the wireless communication area 24E1, the vehicle detector 24S1 detects a vehicle passing upstream of the wireless communication area 24E2, and the vehicle detector 24S2 detects the vehicle detector 24S1. The vehicle detector 24S4 detects a vehicle passing downstream from the vehicle detection point of the vehicle detector 24S4. The mechanism of vehicle detection by the vehicle detector 24S1 and the like is the same as the mechanism of vehicle detection by the vehicle detector 14S1 and the like, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The interface aggregation unit 241 aggregates information from each unit and outputs the information to the exit lane server 23 . Further, the interface aggregation unit 241 outputs information from the exit lane server 23 to each unit. For example, the interface aggregation unit 241 outputs the vehicle detection signal ON or OFF from the vehicle detector 24 S1 or the like to the exit lane server 23 . The exit lane server 23 detects the position (movement) of the vehicle on the exit lane 249 and controls the operation of the exit lane device 24 based on the vehicle detection signal ON or OFF from the vehicle detector 24S1 or the like.

Also, the two islands 240 are provided with three antenna installation gates in order from upstream to downstream across the exit lane 249 . An antenna 24AT1 is provided at the first antenna installation gate. An antenna 24AT2 is provided at the second antenna installation gate. An antenna 24AT3 is provided at the third antenna installation gate. These antennas 24AT1, 24AT2, and 24AT3 communicate with the vehicle-mounted device 51 of the vehicle 5, receive various information transmitted from the vehicle-mounted device 51, and transmit various information to the vehicle-mounted device 51. For example, antenna 24AT3 functions as a recovery antenna for antenna 24AT1 and antenna 24AT2.

The vehicle-mounted device 51 of the vehicle 5 passing through the lane of the exit toll gate transmits card information to the antenna 24AT1 through wireless communication with the antenna 24AT1, and further transmits the vehicle-mounted device specific information and the ETC card 52 to the antenna 24AT2. Send the entry record written in. Further, when the vehicle 5 moves downstream, the vehicle-mounted device 51 of the vehicle 5 receives the entry record and the toll from the antenna 24AT2 through wireless communication with the antenna 24AT2, writes the entry record and the toll to the ETC card 52, A completion notification is transmitted to the antenna 24AT2.

On the other hand, the antenna 24AT1 receives the card information from the vehicle-mounted device 51, and further receives the vehicle-mounted device specific information and the entry record. Also, the antenna 24AT1 transmits the card information, the vehicle-mounted device specific information, and the entry record to the interface aggregation unit 241 . Also, the antenna 24AT2 receives the entry record and the toll from the interface aggregation unit 241 and transmits the entry record and the toll to the vehicle-mounted device 51 . The interface aggregator 241 transmits card information, vehicle-mounted device specific information, and entry records to the exit lane server 23 and receives exit records and tolls from the exit lane server 23 . The exit lane server 23 transmits the card information, the vehicle-mounted device specific information, and the entry record to the exit toll gate server 22, generates an exit record, transmits the exit record to the exit toll gate server 22, and sends the exit record to the exit toll gate server 22. Receive tolls from 22 . The exit toll gate server 22 transmits card information, vehicle-mounted device specific information, entry records, and exit records to the central processing unit 1 and receives tolls from the central processing unit 1 . The central processing unit 1 receives card information, vehicle-mounted device specific information, entry records, and exit records. In addition, the central processing unit 1 determines the passage section from the toll gate identification information (entrance) indicating the entrance toll gate included in the entry record and the toll gate identification information (exit) indicating the exit toll gate included in the exit record, The vehicle type is determined from the vehicle-mounted device-specific information, the toll is calculated based on the toll table, travel section, and vehicle type, and the toll corresponding to the card information is transmitted. This toll transmission is a toll permit.

Here, selection (switching) of the antenna 24AT1 and the antenna 24AT2 will be described. For example, the processor 231 of the exit lane server 23 outputs a selection signal S1 for selecting the antenna 24AT1 at a first timing based on the vehicle detection signal ON from the vehicle detector 24S0, and the vehicle detection signal from the vehicle detector 24S1 is turned ON. Alternatively, the selection signal S2 for selecting the antenna 24AT2 instead of the antenna 24AT1 is output based on the second timing after the first timing. In other words, the processor 231 selects one of the antennas 24AT1 and 24AT2 and functions as a communication control section that inputs or outputs information via the selected antenna.

Selection unit 24AT0 selects antenna 24AT1 based on selection signal S1 input via interface aggregation unit 241, enables connection between antenna 24AT1 and exit lane server 23, and transmits information received by antenna 24AT1 to the exit lane. Input (transmit) to the server 23 . Further, the selection unit 24AT0 selects the antenna 24AT2 instead of the antenna 24AT1 based on the selection signal S2 input via the interface aggregation unit 241, enables the connection between the antenna 24AT2 and the exit lane server 23, and selects the antenna 24AT2. and outputs (transmits) information to the vehicle-mounted device 51 via the .

The roadside display 242 displays the information output from the interface aggregation unit 241 to the driver of the vehicle. For example, the roadside display 242 displays the toll calculated by the central processing unit 1 . The start controller 244 controls the opening and closing of the start control bar based on the start control information (passage permission or temporary stop) from the interface aggregation unit 241 . The lane monitoring camera 245 photographs the vehicle when the vehicle enters or leaves the exit lane 249 .

<Toll collection processing according to the first embodiment>
Next, toll collection processing according to the first embodiment will be described. In the toll collection process according to the first embodiment, the antenna 24AT1 of the independent exit lane 249 communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 51 of the vehicle 5 passing through the wireless communication area 24E1, and receives card information, admission records, etc. from the vehicle-mounted device 51. Also, the antenna 24AT2 of the same exit lane 249 communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 51 of the vehicle 5 passing through the wireless communication area 24E2 downstream from the wireless communication area 24E1, and transmits the toll.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of toll collection processing according to the first embodiment.
A vehicle 5 travels from an entrance toll gate to an exit toll gate. When the vehicle 5 enters the entrance lane 149 of the entrance tollgate, the vehicle detector 14S1 detects the vehicle 5, and the entrance lane server 13 executes entrance wireless communication processing based on the vehicle detection by the vehicle detector 14S1. The antenna 14AT2 of the entrance lane device 14 starts communication according to the entrance wireless communication process, receives the card information and the unique information from the vehicle-mounted device 51 of the passing vehicle 5, and transmits the entry record to the vehicle-mounted device 51. , a completion notification is received from the vehicle-mounted device 51 (ST101). When receiving the entry record, the vehicle-mounted device 51 writes the entry record into the ETC card 52 and transmits a completion notice.

Subsequently, when the vehicle 5 enters the exit lane 249 of the exit toll gate, the vehicle detector 24S0 detects the vehicle, and the processor 231 of the exit lane server 23 performs the first detection based on the vehicle detection of the vehicle detector 24S0. An exit wireless communication process is executed, and a selection signal S1 for selecting the antenna 24AT1 is output. The selection unit 24AT0 selects the antenna 24AT1 based on the selection signal S1, and the antenna 24AT1 starts communication according to the first exit wireless communication process, receives card information from the on-vehicle device 51 of the passing vehicle 5, and Device-specific information and admission records are received (ST102).

In response to the reception of the information by antenna 24AT1, processor 231 of exit lane server 23 requests the toll from central processing unit 1 (ST103). That is, the interface 233 of the exit lane server 23 transmits a toll request to the exit tollgate server 22 . This toll request includes card information, vehicle-mounted device specific information, entry record, and exit record. The exit toll gate server 22 also transmits a toll request to the central processing unit 1 .

The interface 103 of the central processing unit 1 receives the toll request, and the processor 101 calculates the toll based on the card information, vehicle-mounted device specific information, entry record, and exit record included in the toll request. That is, the processor 101 functions as a toll processing unit that outputs tolls. That is, the processor 101 identifies the passage section from the toll gate identification information indicating the entrance toll gate included in the entrance record and the toll gate identification information indicating the exit toll gate included in the exit record. The storage unit 102 of the central processing unit 1 stores vehicle type information associated with the vehicle-mounted device specific information, and the processor 101 identifies the vehicle type based on the vehicle-mounted device specific information. Further, processor 101 calculates the toll for the specified vehicle type in the specified travel section based on the toll table (ST104). The calculated toll is transmitted from the central processing unit 1 to the exit tollgate server 22 and from the exit tollgate server 22 to the exit lane server 23 .

The interface 233 of the exit lane server 23 receives the toll (ST105). The processor 231 executes a second exit wireless communication process based on vehicle detection by the vehicle detector 24S1, and outputs a selection signal S2 for selecting the antenna 24AT2. The selection unit 24AT0 selects the antenna 24AT2 instead of the antenna 24AT1 based on the selection signal S2, the antenna 24AT2 of the exit lane device 24 starts communication according to the second exit wireless communication processing, and the onboard device of the passing vehicle 5 51, and receives a completion notice from the vehicle-mounted device 51 (ST106).

The processor 231 also instructs display of the toll, and the display unit 234 displays the toll (ST107). Further, the processor 231 instructs passage permission based on the reception of the completion notification transmitted from the vehicle-mounted device 51, and the start controller 244 opens the start control bar based on the passage permission to permit the passage of the vehicle (ST107). ).

According to the first embodiment described above, non-stop toll collection can be realized while tolls are calculated by the central processing unit 1 remote from the exit processing unit. A series of information transmitted/received between the vehicle-mounted device 51 and the exit lane device 24 is divided into multiple times and transmitted/received by the antennas 24AT1 and 24AT2 spaced apart along the exit lane 249 . The antenna 24AT1 whose communication area is the upstream side of the exit lane 249 receives part of the information (card information, vehicle-mounted device-specific information, and entrance record information) out of a series of information, and receives the information downstream of the exit lane 249. The antenna 24AT2, whose communication area is , transmits part of the information (tolls, etc.) out of a series of information. A time from reception of information by an antenna 24AT1 to transmission of information by an antenna 24AT2 is secured, and the secured time is used to calculate tolls in a central processing unit 1 to realize non-stop toll collection. Further, since the central processing unit 1 holds the charge table, it is possible to reduce the burden of updating the charge table.

<Toll collection processing according to the second embodiment>
Next, toll collection processing according to the second embodiment will be described. In the toll collection process according to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the antennas 24AT1 and 24AT2 of the same exit lane 249 are used. By transmitting the card information received from the vehicle-mounted device 51 and the entry record transmitted to the vehicle-mounted device 51 to the central processing unit 1, reception of the entry record by the antenna 24AT1 of the exit lane 249 is not essential. The toll collection process according to the second embodiment can be realized by the hardware configuration of the ETC system according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. FIG. In addition, in the explanation of the toll collection process according to the second embodiment, the points different from the first embodiment will be mainly explained, and substantially the same explanation will be omitted as appropriate.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of toll collection processing according to the second embodiment.
A vehicle 5 travels from an entrance toll gate to an exit toll gate. When the vehicle 5 enters the entrance lane 149 of the entrance tollgate, the entrance lane server 13 executes entrance wireless communication processing based on vehicle detection by the vehicle detector 14S1. The antenna 14AT2 of the entrance lane device 14 starts communication according to the entrance wireless communication process, receives the card information and the unique information from the vehicle-mounted device 51 of the passing vehicle 5, and transmits the entry record to the vehicle-mounted device 51. , the completion notification is received from the vehicle-mounted device 51 (ST201). Upon receiving the entry record, the vehicle-mounted device 51 writes the entry record into the ETC card 52 and transmits a completion notice. The transmission of the entry record to the vehicle-mounted device 51 and the writing of the entry record to the ETC card 52 may be omitted.

Entrance lane server 13 transmits entrance passage history information including card information, vehicle-mounted device specific information, and entrance record to central processing unit 1 via entrance tollgate server 12 (ST202). The interface 103 of the central processing unit 1 receives entrance passage history information, and the storage unit 102 stores the entrance passage history information.

Subsequently, when the vehicle 5 enters the exit lane 249 of the exit toll gate, the processor 231 of the exit lane server 23 executes first exit wireless communication processing based on vehicle detection by the vehicle detector 24S0, and the antenna 24AT1 , starts communication according to the first exit wireless communication process, receives card information from the vehicle-mounted device 51 of the passing vehicle 5, and further receives vehicle-mounted device specific information (ST203).

In response to the information received by antenna 24AT1, processor 231 of exit lane server 23 requests the toll from central processing unit 1 (ST204). That is, the interface 233 of the exit lane server 23 transmits a toll request to the exit tollgate server 22 . This toll request includes card information, vehicle-mounted device-specific information, and entry record. The exit toll gate server 22 also transmits a toll request to the central processing unit 1 .

The interface 103 of the central processing unit 1 receives the toll request, and the processor 101, based on the card information and the vehicle-mounted device-specific information included in the toll request, stores the entrance passage history including the same card information and vehicle-mounted device-specific information. Search for information (ST205). The processor 101 calculates the toll based on the card information, vehicle-mounted device specific information, and entry record included in the toll request, and the entry record included in the retrieved entrance passage history information. That is, the processor 101 identifies the passage section from the toll gate identification information indicating the entrance toll gate included in the entry record and the toll gate identification information indicating the exit toll gate included in the exit record, and determines the vehicle type based on the vehicle-mounted device specific information. identify. Further, processor 101 calculates the toll for the specified vehicle type in the specified travel section based on the toll table (ST206). The calculated toll is transmitted from the central processing unit 1 to the exit tollgate server 22 and from the exit tollgate server 22 to the exit lane server 23 .

Interface 233 of exit lane server 23 receives the toll (ST207). The processor 231 executes the second exit wireless communication processing, the antenna 24AT2 of the exit lane device 24 starts communication according to the second exit wireless communication processing, and the vehicle-mounted device 51 of the passing vehicle 5 exits. The record and the toll are transmitted, and the notification of completion is received from the vehicle-mounted device 51 (ST208).

Furthermore, the display unit 234 displays the toll (ST209), and the start controller 244 opens the start control bar to permit the vehicle to pass (ST209).

According to the second embodiment described above, non-stop toll collection can be realized while tolls are calculated by the central processing unit 1 remote from the exit processing unit. According to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the entrance lane server 13 and the entrance tollgate server 12 transmit card information and entrance records to the central processing unit 1 in advance, and the central processing unit 1 transmits the card information and entry records in advance. Keep entry records. As a result, the entry record can be excluded from the information received by the antenna 24AT1 of the exit lane, the amount of information received can be reduced, and the information transferred to the central processing unit 1 can also be reduced. Therefore, information transfer to the central processing unit 1 can be completed in a shorter time from the start of communication by the antenna 24AT1. Therefore, it is possible to secure a longer time from the start of communication by the antenna 24AT1 to the start of communication by the antenna 24AT2.

<Toll collection processing according to the third embodiment>
Next, toll collection processing according to the third embodiment will be described. In the toll collection process according to the third embodiment, the antenna of the connecting lane connecting the main lane and the exit lane (such as the antenna 24AT1a shown in FIG. 10) and the antenna 24AT2 of the exit lane downstream of the connecting lane are used. 24AT1a communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 51 of the vehicle 5 passing through the wireless communication area (wireless communication area 24E1a shown in FIG. 10), receives the card information from the vehicle-mounted device 51, or receives the card information and the entry record; , the antenna 24AT2 communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 51 of the vehicle 5 passing through the wireless communication area 24E2, and transmits the toll. The toll collection process according to the third embodiment can be realized by changing a part of the hardware configuration (antenna arrangement, etc.) of the ETC system according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. . In addition, in the description of the toll collection process according to the third embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and substantially the same description will be omitted as appropriate.

FIG. 10 is a top view showing an installation example of the antenna configuration of the connection lane and the exit lane of the ETC system according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the changes in the third embodiment are that the antenna 24AT1 is arranged in the connecting lane on the upstream side of the exit lane, and that the antenna 24AT1 and the exit toll gate server 22 are connected. be. The connecting lane is a lane that connects the main lane and the exit lane, and is located downstream from the main lane and upstream from the exit lane, and vehicles entering the connecting lane pass through the exit lane downstream of the connecting lane. .

As shown in FIG. 10, each of the multiple consecutive connecting lanes leads to a separate exit lane. Independent exit lanes are independent from other exit lanes at two islands 140 . By lane change (driving operation), the vehicle 5 can travel in an arbitrary connecting lane among a plurality of connecting lanes, and can travel from an arbitrary connecting lane to an arbitrary exit lane.

Antennas are arranged corresponding to each of the plurality of continuous connection lanes. For example, the antenna 24AT1a is arranged corresponding to the first connection lane, the antenna 24AT1b is arranged corresponding to two connection lanes, the antenna 24AT1c is arranged corresponding to three connection lanes, and the fourth connection lane is arranged. An antenna 24AT1d is arranged corresponding to the connecting lane. The antenna 24AT1a communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 51 of the vehicle 5 passing through the wireless communication area 24E1a, the antenna 24AT1b communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 51 of the vehicle 5 passing through the wireless communication area 24E1b, and the antenna 24AT1c communicates with the wireless communication area 24E1c. , and the antenna 24AT1d communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 51 of the vehicle 5 passing through the wireless communication area 24E1d.

These antennas 24AT1a, 24AT1b, 24AT1c, and 24AT1d are connected to the exit tollgate server 22, and the information received by these antennas is transmitted to the exit tollgate server 22. FIG. The arrangement of the antennas 24AT2a and 24AT2b corresponding to the independent exit lanes is the same as in the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of toll collection processing according to the third embodiment.
The vehicle 5 passes through an entrance toll gate, passes through any one of the plurality of connecting lanes, and passes through an exit toll gate. When the vehicle 5 enters the entrance lane 149 of the entrance tollgate, the entrance lane server 13 executes entrance wireless communication processing based on vehicle detection by the vehicle detector 14S1. The antenna 14AT2 of the entrance lane device 14 starts communication according to the entrance wireless communication process, receives the card information and the unique information from the vehicle-mounted device 51 of the passing vehicle 5, and transmits the entry record to the vehicle-mounted device 51. , the completion notification is received from the vehicle-mounted device 51 (ST301). Upon receiving the entry record, the vehicle-mounted device 51 writes the entry record into the ETC card 52 and transmits a completion notice.

Subsequently, the vehicle 5 passes through any connecting lane of the plurality of connecting lanes. For example, when the vehicle 5 passes through the first connection lane of a plurality of connection lanes, the vehicle-mounted device 51 of the vehicle 5 and the antenna 24AT1a perform the first exit wireless communication process, and the antenna 24AT1a performs the first exit wireless communication process. According to the exit wireless communication process, the card information is received from the vehicle-mounted device 51 of the passing vehicle 5, and further the vehicle-mounted device specific information and the entry record are received (ST302). The antenna 24AT1a transmits the card information, the vehicle-mounted device specific information, and the entry record to the exit tollgate server 22. FIG.

The exit tollgate server 22 requests the toll from the central processing unit 1 (ST303). This toll request includes the card information received by the antenna 24AT1a, the vehicle-mounted device-specific information, the entry record, and the exit record.

Interface 103 of central processing unit 1 receives the toll request, and processor 101 calculates the toll based on the toll request (ST304). The interface 103 of the central processing unit 1 transmits toll gate server 22 the card information, vehicle-mounted device specific information, and toll calculation results including the toll. The exit toll gate server 22 receives the toll calculation result including the toll (ST305) and temporarily stores it (ST306).

Also, the vehicle 5 that has passed through the first connecting lane passes through the exit lane 249 . At this time, the vehicle-mounted device 51 of the vehicle 5 and the antenna 14AT2a execute the third exit wireless communication process. The antenna 24AT2a receives the card information from the vehicle-mounted device 51 of the vehicle 5 according to the third exit wireless communication process (ST307). In response to the information received by antenna 24AT1, processor 231 inquires of exit tollgate server 22 about the toll (ST308). As a result, the interface 233 transmits a toll inquiry including the received card information to the exit toll booth server 22 . The exit toll gate server 22 receives the toll inquiry, searches the toll calculation result including the same card information based on the card information included in the toll inquiry, and returns the searched toll calculation result. The interface 233 receives the returned toll calculation result (ST309). The antenna 24AT2 transmits the exit record and the toll to the vehicle-mounted device 51 of the vehicle 5 according to the third exit wireless communication process, and receives a completion notice from the vehicle-mounted device 51 (ST310).

Furthermore, the display unit 234 displays the toll (ST311), and the start controller 244 opens the start control bar to allow the vehicle to pass (ST312).

Although the case of realizing the third embodiment in combination with the first embodiment has been described, the third embodiment may be realized in combination with the second embodiment. In other words, the entrance lane server 13 may transfer the card information and the entry record to the central processing unit 1, and the reception of the entry record by the antenna 24AT1a or the like may be omitted.

According to the third embodiment described above, non-stop toll collection can be realized while tolls are calculated by the central processing unit 1 remote from the exit processing unit. According to the third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects of the first and second embodiments. In the third embodiment, the antenna 24AT1a and the like arranged in the connecting lane on the upstream side of the exit lane receive card information and entry records from the vehicle-mounted device 51, and the exit toll booth server 22 receives the card information and entry records. , and based on the entry record, and accumulates the toll calculated and transmitted by the central processing unit 1 . As a result, the entry record can be excluded from the information received by the antenna 24AT2a arranged in the exit lane on the downstream side of the connecting lane. Moreover, when the antenna 24AT2a communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 51, the toll is accumulated in the exit toll gate server 22, so the exit lane server 23 responds to the toll inquiry based on the information received by the antenna 24AT2a. You can receive tolls instantly.

In addition, since the toll is inquired based on the card information, the vehicle-mounted device 51 of the vehicle 5 is correct even if the vehicle 5 enters any independent exit lane from any of the plurality of continuous connection lanes. The toll can be received, and even if the traveling order of each vehicle 5 is changed on the way, the vehicle-mounted device 51 of each vehicle 5 can receive the correct toll. In this way, in an environment where arbitrary exit lanes can be used independently of multiple continuous connecting lanes, shielding walls or the like for separating lanes become unnecessary, making it possible to apply to large-scale toll gates with multiple exit lanes. .

While several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

1 Central processing unit 5 Vehicle 12 Entrance tollgate server 13 Entrance lane server 14 Entrance lane device 14AT2 Antenna 14AT2a Antenna 14AT3 Antenna 14E2 Wireless communication area 14E3 Wireless communication area 14S1 Vehicle detector 14S2 Vehicle detector 14S4 Vehicle detector 22 Exit tollgate server 23 Exit lane server 24 Exit lane device 24AT0 Selection unit 24AT1 Antenna 24AT1a Antenna 24AT1b Antenna 24AT1c Antenna 24AT1d Antenna 24AT2 Antenna 24AT2a Antenna 24AT2b Antenna 24AT3 Antenna 24E1 Wireless communication area 24E1a Wireless communication area 24E1b Wireless communication area 24E1c Wireless communication area 24E1d Wireless communication area 24E2 Wireless communication area 24E2a Wireless communication area 24E2b Wireless communication area 24E3 Wireless communication area 24S0 Vehicle detector 24S1 Vehicle detector 24S2 Vehicle detector 24S4 Vehicle detector 51 Vehicle-mounted device 52 ETC card 101 Processor 102 Storage unit 103 Interface 104 Display unit 105 Operation unit 140 Island 141 Interface aggregation unit 142 Roadside display device 144 Starting controller 145 Lane monitoring camera 149 Entrance lane 231 Processor 232 Storage unit 233 Interface 234 Display unit 235 Operation unit 240 Island 241 Interface integration unit 242 ... roadside indicator 244 ... starting controller 245 ... lane monitoring camera 249 ... exit lane

Claims (12)

An entrance processing device that communicates with an onboard device of a vehicle that travels from upstream to downstream along a lane of an entrance tollgate, an exit processing device that communicates with the onboard device of a vehicle that travels from upstream to downstream along a lane of an exit tollgate, and the entrance toll. A system comprising a central processing unit that outputs a toll according to the passage section of the vehicle from the exit to the exit toll gate,
The entrance processing device includes an entrance communication unit that receives ETC card identification information from the onboard device and transmits an entrance record containing information indicating the entrance tollgate to the onboard device,
The exit processing device is
a first exit communication unit that receives the ETC card identification information from the vehicle-mounted device of the vehicle passing through the first wireless communication area;
Toll fee communication for transmitting to said central processing unit an exit record including information indicating said ETC card identification information and said exit toll gate, and receiving said toll corresponding to said ETC card identification information from said central processing unit. Department and
a second exit communication unit that transmits the toll corresponding to the ETC card identification information to the vehicle-mounted device of the vehicle passing through the second wireless communication area downstream from the first wireless communication area;
with
The central processing unit is
a central communication unit that receives the ETC card identification information, the entry record, and the entry record, and transmits the toll to the exit processing device;
a toll processing unit that outputs the toll corresponding to the ETC card identification information based on the toll table for each passage section and the passage section determined by the entry record and the exit record;
Toll collection system. The first exit communication unit receives the ETC card identification information and the entry record from the vehicle-mounted device,
The toll communication unit transmits the ETC card identification information, the entry record, and the exit record to the central processing unit,
2. The toll collection system according to claim 1, wherein said central communication unit receives said ETC card identification information, said entry record, and said exit record transmitted from said toll communication unit. The first exit communication unit includes an upstream antenna for receiving the ETC card identification information from the vehicle-mounted device of the vehicle passing through the first wireless communication area of an independent single exit lane,
The second exit communication unit includes a downstream antenna for transmitting the toll corresponding to the ETC card identification information to the vehicle-mounted device of the vehicle passing through the second wireless communication area of the exit lane. 3. The toll collection system of claim 2, comprising: The exit processing device is
a vehicle detector that detects the vehicle entering the first wireless communication area;
a selection unit that selects the upstream antenna based on a first control signal and selects the downstream antenna based on a second control signal;
outputting the first control signal at a first timing based on the vehicle detection by the vehicle detector, inputting the ETC card identification information received by the upstream antenna, and inputting the ETC card identification information received by the upstream antenna; a communication control unit that outputs the second control signal at the timing of and outputs the toll corresponding to the ETC card identification information to the downstream antenna;
4. The toll collection system of claim 3, comprising: The entrance processing device includes an entrance record communication unit that transmits the ETC card identification information and the entrance record to the central processing unit,
The central communication unit receives the ETC card identification information and the entrance record transmitted from the entrance record communication unit of the entrance processing device, and the ETC card transmitted from the toll communication unit of the exit processing device. 2. The toll collection system of claim 1, wherein identification information and said entry record are received. The first exit communication unit includes an upstream antenna for receiving the ETC card identification information from the vehicle-mounted device of the vehicle passing through the first wireless communication area of the connection lane connecting the main lane and the exit lane. ,
The second exit communication unit receives the ETC card identification information from the vehicle-mounted device of the vehicle passing through the second wireless communication area of the single independent exit lane, and corresponds to the ETC card identification information. 3. The toll collection system of claim 2, comprising a downstream antenna for transmitting said toll toll. An exit processing device that communicates with an on-vehicle unit of a vehicle heading from upstream to downstream in a lane of an exit toll gate via an entrance toll gate,
a first exit communication unit that receives ETC card identification information from the vehicle-mounted device of the vehicle passing through the first wireless communication area;
Sending the entry record including the ETC card identification information and the information indicating the exit toll gate to a central processing unit that outputs a toll according to the passage section of the vehicle from the entrance toll gate to the exit toll gate. a toll communication unit for receiving the toll corresponding to the ETC card identification information from the central processing unit;
a second exit communication unit that transmits the toll corresponding to the ETC card identification information to the vehicle-mounted device of the vehicle passing through the second wireless communication area downstream from the first wireless communication area;
an exit processor. The first exit communication unit receives the ETC card identification information and entry record from the vehicle-mounted device,
8. The exit processing device according to claim 7, wherein said toll communication unit transmits said ETC card identification information, said entry record, and said exit record to said central processing unit. The first exit communication unit includes an upstream antenna for receiving the ETC card identification information from the vehicle-mounted device of the vehicle passing through the first wireless communication area of an independent single exit lane,
The second exit communication unit includes a downstream antenna for transmitting the toll corresponding to the ETC card identification information to the vehicle-mounted device of the vehicle passing through the second wireless communication area of the exit lane. 9. The outlet treatment device of claim 8, comprising: a vehicle detector that detects the vehicle entering the first wireless communication area;
a selection unit that selects the upstream antenna based on a first control signal and selects the downstream antenna based on a second control signal;
outputting the first control signal at a first timing based on the vehicle detection by the vehicle detector, inputting the ETC card identification information received by the upstream antenna, and inputting the ETC card identification information received by the upstream antenna; a communication control unit that outputs the second control signal at the timing of and outputs the toll corresponding to the ETC card identification information to the downstream antenna;
10. The outlet treatment device of claim 9, comprising: The first exit communication unit includes an upstream antenna for receiving the ETC card identification information from the vehicle-mounted device of the vehicle passing through the first wireless communication area of the connection lane connecting the main lane and the exit lane. ,
The second exit communication unit receives the ETC card identification information from the vehicle-mounted device of the vehicle passing through the second wireless communication area of the single independent exit lane, and corresponds to the ETC card identification information. 9. The exit processing device of claim 8, comprising a downstream antenna for transmitting said toll toll. An entrance processing device that communicates with an onboard device of a vehicle that travels from upstream to downstream along a lane of an entrance tollgate, an exit processing device that communicates with the onboard device of a vehicle that travels from upstream to downstream along a lane of an exit tollgate, and the entrance toll. A toll collection method by a central processing unit for outputting a toll according to the passage section of the vehicle from the toll gate to the exit toll gate,
The entrance processing device receives ETC card identification information from the vehicle-mounted device, transmits an entrance record including information indicating the entrance tollgate to the vehicle-mounted device,
The exit processing device is
receiving the ETC card identification information from the vehicle-mounted device of the vehicle passing through the first wireless communication area;
transmitting to the central processing unit an exit record containing information indicating the ETC card identification information and the exit tollgate, receiving the toll corresponding to the ETC card identification information from the central processing unit;
transmitting the toll corresponding to the ETC card identification information to the vehicle-mounted device of the vehicle passing through the second wireless communication area downstream from the first wireless communication area;
The central processing unit is
receiving the ETC card identification information, the entry record, and the entry record;
Outputting the toll corresponding to the ETC card identification information based on the toll table for each passage section and the passage section determined by the entry record and the exit record,
A toll collection method, wherein the toll is transmitted to the exit processing device.

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