JP7451788B2 - ETC roadside equipment and toll collection method - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an ETC roadside device and a toll collection method.

ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System) is widely used on toll roads and the like. It consists of an ETC host server and an ETC roadside device installed in the tollgate lane. A vehicle that uses ETC is equipped with an on-vehicle wireless communication device (hereinafter referred to as an on-vehicle device), and an ETC card is inserted into the on-vehicle device.

First, at the entrance tollgate, when a vehicle equipped with an onboard device enters the tollgate lane, the vehicle's onboard device and antenna communicate wirelessly, and the ETC roadside device receives the onboard device specific information from the onboard device, etc. Based on this, entry records are written to the ETC card via the on-vehicle device.

Furthermore, this entry record is transferred from the ETC roadside device to the lane server, and the lane server transmits the result of toll collection processing as ETC processing data to the ETC host server.

On the other hand, the ETC host server distributes a toll table for calculating tolls, various tables regarding discounts, etc. as a master table to the lane server.

The exit lane server stores the received master table and performs table revision processing according to conditions. In addition, the lane server performs ETC normality/abnormality determination processing based on "contract information," "onboard device specific information," "traffic history information," etc. acquired through communication with the onboard device of the vehicle that entered the tollgate lane. I do.

Then, based on the information acquired from the on-board device and the master table, the toll is calculated, the on-board device is notified that "toll fee/passage is allowed", and the roadside display displays "toll charge/passage allowed". Display to that effect.

ETC tolls include not only regular tolls but also discounted tolls depending on the day of the week, etc. The lane server calculates the discounted fare using various discount-compatible master tables distributed from the higher-level server.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-208643 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-136199 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-202480 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-192389

As more types of master tables are added, the fee structure and fee calculation become more complex year by year, and there are concerns that processing time will increase. Further, in order to revise (change) the regular toll or discounted toll, the relevant master table must be distributed to the lane servers of all target toll plazas. Furthermore, changing the discount system may require changing the lane server software, making it difficult to change the toll system in a timely manner. In addition, a system is being considered to flexibly respond to a toll system that uses variable tolls depending on congestion and other factors. Due to these circumstances, the time it takes to calculate tolls tends to take longer, and there is a possibility that tolls will not be presented to traveling vehicles in time. Taxi drivers must check the fare at the local toll booth. For example, a mechanism could be considered in which all vehicles are temporarily stopped and tolls are presented, but this would reduce the convenience of toll collection processing using ETC.

An object of the present invention is to provide an ETC roadside device and a toll collection method that can achieve a well-balanced application of increasingly sophisticated discount services and smooth toll collection processing.

The ETC roadside device according to the embodiment is an ETC roadside device of a toll collection system in which an upper server calculates a first toll based on a first toll table in response to a toll inquiry from the ETC roadside device, An antenna that receives onboard device specific information and card reading information read from an ETC card loaded in the onboard device by communicating with the onboard device, and an antenna that receives the onboard device specific information or the card reading information including the card specific information. a normality/abnormality determination unit that determines whether the ETC is normal or abnormal based on the normality/abnormality determination unit, and when the determination result of the normal/abnormality determination unit is a determination that the ETC is normal, a toll calculation request including the onboard device specific information and the card reading information; a control unit that inquires about the toll by sending the above to the upper server, and instructs to display guidance information indicating that the toll is unknown without waiting for a response to the inquiry from the upper server; The first traffic control is executed to display a message indicating that the toll is unknown and allow the vehicles for which it has been determined that the toll is unknown, and to restrict the passage of the vehicles for which it has been determined that the ETC abnormality has occurred. and a traffic control unit that executes control.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an ETC toll collection system according to a first embodiment and an example of a mechanism for knowing ETC tolls. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a lane server of the ETC toll collection system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a top view and a side view showing an example of installing lane equipment in a lane of the ETC toll collection system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of lane equipment of the ETC toll collection system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of guidance output and traffic control regarding tolls by the ETC roadside device (lane server and lane equipment) according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an ETC fee collection processing sequence by the ETC fee collection system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a lane server of the ETC toll collection system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of guidance output and traffic control regarding tolls by the ETC roadside device (lane server and lane equipment) according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an ETC fee collection processing sequence by the ETC fee collection system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a lane server of an ETC toll collection system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of guidance output and traffic control regarding tolls by the ETC roadside device (lane server and lane equipment) according to the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an ETC fee collection processing sequence by the ETC fee collection system according to the third embodiment.

Hereinafter, an example of the ETC fee collection system according to each of the first to third embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment will be described.
In the first embodiment, if the toll calculation is not completed in time at the exit toll gate, a notification is given that the toll is unknown. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the higher-level system (high-level toll calculation server) calculates tolls based on various tables, usage records, and the like. In addition to or in place of the information about unknown fees, the guidance information includes information that the fees will be notified after the fact, that the fees are being calculated at the center, and that notification of the results of the fee calculation will not be in time. It may include at least one of the following.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an ETC toll collection system according to a first embodiment and an example of a mechanism for knowing ETC tolls.

As shown in FIG. 1, the ETC toll collection system includes a host system 1, and each tollgate is equipped with a tollgate server 2, an ETC roadside device 3, and the like.
As shown in FIG. 1, the host system 1 includes an ETC host server 11, a toll calculation host server 12, an ETC usage inquiry system 13, a route information understanding system 14, a road control system 15, and the like.
Further, the ETC roadside device 3 includes a lane server 4 and lane equipment 5. Lane equipment 5 is installed along the lane of each tollgate.

The ETC host server 11 is connected to the toll gate server 2 installed at each toll gate, and further connected to the toll calculation host server 12.
Further, the toll calculation host server 12 is connected to the ETC usage inquiry system 13, the route information grasping system 14, and the road control system 15, and further connected to the toll gate server 2. The toll calculation host server 12 may be connected to the lane server 4.
The toll plaza server 2 of a predetermined toll plaza is connected to the lane server 4 of the same predetermined toll plaza.

The ETC host server 11 is a server located above the toll plaza server 2 and lane server 4, and exchanges various information with the toll plaza server 2 of each toll plaza. 4 and exchange various information with each other.
The lane server 4 controls the lane equipment 5 based on sensor data transmitted from the lane equipment 5.

Here, an example of calculating a toll fee will be explained.
A vehicle 6 that uses the ETC toll collection system is equipped with an on-vehicle device 61, into which an ETC card 62 is inserted.
The onboard device 61 stores onboard device specific information. The ETC card 62 stores card information including card-specific information. The onboard device 61 receives the entry record through communication with the lane equipment 5 when passing through the entrance toll gate, and writes the entry record to the ETC card 62. The entry record, which is one type of traffic history information, includes identification information of toll gates passed through and entry date and time information (communication date and time information at the time of entry).

The lane device 5 wirelessly communicates with an on-vehicle device 61 of a vehicle entering the exit tollgate lane. At this time, the lane device 5 receives the vehicle-mounted device specific information, card information, entry record, etc. transmitted from the vehicle-mounted device 61, transmits the participation record, and transmits the received information to the lane server 4. The onboard device 61 receives the participation record through communication with the lane device 5 when passing through the exit toll gate, and writes the participation record to the ETC card 62.
The lane server 4 transmits onboard device specific information, card information, entry records, exit records, etc. to the toll gate server 2. The participation record, which is one type of traffic history information, includes tollgate identification information indicating the predetermined tollgate where the lane server 4 is installed, and appearance date and time information (communication date and time information at the time of appearance).

Hereinafter, the information read from the ETC card 62 by the onboard device 61 will be referred to as card reading information. The card reading information includes card information, traffic history information, and the like. In addition, on-vehicle device specific information, card reading information, etc. are referred to as usage records.

The toll gate server 2 receives the usage record and transmits the usage record to the toll calculation host server 12. Alternatively, the toll gate server 2 transmits the usage record to the toll calculation host server 12 via the ETC host server 11.

The toll calculation host server 12 is a server located above the toll gate server 2 and lane server 4, and stores a contract information master table. The contract information master table includes user registration information and onboard device registration information.
Here, the user registration information associates card specific information with user information. User information includes information such as name, address, and contact information. The onboard device registration information is associated with the onboard device specific information and the vehicle type.
Further, the charge calculation host server 12 stores a first charge table.
The first toll table includes a regular toll master table (regular toll table) that shows standard tolls by vehicle type and section, and a discount toll master table by various conditions such as vehicle type, day of the week, time of day, and traffic route. Contains tables (discount rate tables).
Here, the discount toll table is a table for calculating discount tolls based on dynamically changing factors such as day of the week, time of day, and travel route. Discounts based on traffic routes may be applied to vehicles that have traveled on a specific traffic route, or may be applied to vehicles that have traveled on highly congested traffic routes.
The ETC host server 11 or the toll calculation host server 12 cooperates with the route information grasping system 14 or the road control system 15, etc., and selects a traffic route where the traffic volume is determined to be higher than the standard value (that is, a traffic route with a high degree of congestion). To detect. For example, the discount rate table may include a discount rate, and the discount rates of a plurality of discount rate tables may be applied in combination.
Hereinafter, the user registration master table, regular charge table, and discount charge table will be collectively referred to as various tables.

The toll calculation host server 12 receives usage records transmitted from the toll plaza servers 2 installed at each toll plaza. The fee calculation host server 12 determines the vehicle type, day of the week, time of day, travel route, travel section, etc. to be charged based on the usage record, and calculates the fees for each user (for each ETC card 62) based on various tables and determination results. Calculate tolls (by card specific information).

In addition, in the above explanation, we explained the case where the toll fee is calculated by determining the travel section based on the entry record and exit record included in the usage record. This assumes a distance system (additional) and the application of discounts to this distance system.
Each of the embodiments described in this specification is not limited to such a distance system, and it is also possible to apply a flat rate system in which the toll is a fixed amount regardless of the traffic section, etc., and a discount to this flat rate system. . In such a case, the usage record does not necessarily include the admission record and the attendance record, but may include at least one of the admission record and the attendance record, and the toll fee may be calculated from at least one of them.

Further, the toll calculation host server 12 transmits the calculated toll to the toll gate server 2, and the toll gate server 2 transmits the toll to the lane server 4.
Alternatively, the toll calculation host server 12 may transmit the calculated toll to the lane server 4 without going through the toll gate server 2.
Furthermore, the toll calculation host server 12 sends the usage details including the calculated toll to the ETC usage inquiry system 13, the server of the credit card company, and the server connected to the usage certificate issuing printer installed at each toll plaza office. and a server connected to an ETC usage history issuing printer installed in the service area/parking area. Here, the usage details include card-specific information, admission records, participation records, toll fees, and the like.

Next, the lane server will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a lane server of the ETC toll collection system according to the first embodiment.

The lane server 4 receives the information acquired by the lane equipment 5, and controls the operation of the lane equipment 5 based on the received information.
As shown in FIG. 2, the lane server 4 includes a control section 41, a storage section 42, a server interface 43, and a lane equipment interface 44. Further, the control unit 41 includes a normality/abnormality determination unit 411.

The storage unit 42 stores programs for realizing various functions by the control unit 41 including the normality/abnormality determination unit 411.
The control unit 41 (normality/abnormality determination unit 411) has a determination function, an instruction function, etc. based on a program stored in the storage unit 42. The normality/abnormality determination unit 411 determines whether the ETC is normal or abnormal based on at least one of the onboard device specific information and the card reading information received from the onboard device 61.
Further, in response to the determination that the ETC is normal, the control unit 41 generates a toll calculation request including the onboard device specific information and card reading information, and transmits the toll calculation request to the toll calculation host server 12. Further, the control unit 41 instructs the lane equipment 5 to perform various operations in response to the determination of ETC normality or ETC abnormality.

The server interface 43 communicates with the tollgate server 2 and sends and receives information. The lane equipment interface 44 communicates with the lane equipment 5 to send and receive information.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, lane equipment that communicates with onboard equipment of vehicles passing through toll gates will be described in detail.

FIG. 3 is a top view and a side view showing an example of installing lane equipment in a lane of the ETC toll collection system according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, islands 50 extending along the lane are arranged facing each other on both sides of the lane in which the vehicle travels. A vehicle travels on a lane between these two islands 50 from upstream to downstream.
Additionally, in the island 50, in order from upstream to downstream of the lane, a first vehicle detector S1, a second vehicle detector S2, a booth 524, a roadside display (information output unit) 523, and a start controller ( A traffic control section) 525, a start control bar (traffic control section) 5251, a vehicle detector S4, a lane monitoring camera 526, and the like are provided.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of lane equipment of the ETC toll collection system according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, the lane equipment 5 includes an interface aggregation unit 501, a first antenna (information output unit) 511, a second antenna 512, a recovery antenna 513, a first vehicle detector S1, and a second vehicle detector. S2, a vehicle detector S4, a roadside display 523, an in-booth display 5241 in the booth 524, a cash processing terminal 5242 in the booth 524, a starting controller 525, and a lane monitoring camera 526.

Each part of the lane equipment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
The two islands 50 are provided with a pair of first vehicle detector S1, second vehicle detector S2, and vehicle detector S4 in order from upstream to downstream. The first vehicle detector S1 detects a vehicle reaching a first point in the lane. The second vehicle detector S2 detects a vehicle arriving at a second point downstream from the first point. The third vehicle detector S4 detects a vehicle arriving at a third point downstream from the second point.
Each of the first vehicle detector S1, second vehicle detector S2, and vehicle detector S4 includes a light projector and a light receiver. During the period when the infrared light from the light projecting section is being received by the light receiving section, the vehicle detection signal OFF is output to the interface aggregation section 501, and during the period when the infrared light from the light projecting section is not being received by the light receiving section ( During a period in which infrared light is blocked by a vehicle, a vehicle detection signal ON is output to the interface aggregation unit 501.

The interface aggregation unit 501 aggregates information from each unit and outputs it to the lane server 4. Further, the interface aggregation unit 501 outputs information from the lane server 4 to each unit.
For example, the interface aggregation unit 501 outputs a vehicle detection signal ON or OFF to the lane server 4. The control unit 41 of the lane server 4 determines the position (trend) of the vehicle on the lane based on ON or OFF of vehicle detection signals from the first vehicle detector S1, the second vehicle detector S2, and the vehicle detector S4. is detected, and the operation of the lane equipment 5 is controlled.

Moreover, three antenna installation gates are provided in the two islands 50 in order from upstream to downstream across the lanes.
A first antenna 511 is provided at the first antenna installation gate. A recovery antenna 513 is provided at the second antenna installation gate. A second antenna 512 is provided at the second antenna installation gate.
These first antenna 511, second antenna 512, and recovery antenna 513 communicate with the on-vehicle device 61 of the vehicle 6, receive various information transmitted from the on-vehicle device 61, and send various information to the on-vehicle device 61. Send.

In the lane equipment 5 of the entrance tollgate, the first antenna 511, the second antenna 512, and the recovery antenna 513 transmit entry records to the onboard device 61, and transmit the onboard device specific information and card transmitted from the onboard device 61. It receives information and transmits the received information to the interface aggregation unit 501.
The onboard device 61 receives the entry record and writes the entry record to the loaded ETC card 62. In addition, in the lane device 5 of the exit tollgate, the first antenna 511, the second antenna 512, and the recovery antenna 513 receive the onboard device specific information, card information, entry record, etc. transmitted from the onboard device 61. Then, the received information is transmitted to the interface aggregation unit 501.

The interface aggregation unit 501 transmits vehicle-mounted device specific information, card information, entry records, etc. to the lane server 4. The lane equipment interface 44 of the lane server 4 receives onboard device specific information, card information, entry records, etc., and the server interface 43 transmits the onboard device specific information, card information, entry records, etc. to the tollgate server 2. do.

The interface aggregation unit 501 transmits tolls notified from the lane equipment interface 44 of the lane server 4 to the first antenna 511, the second antenna 512, and the recovery antenna 513. The first antenna 511, the second antenna 512, and the recovery antenna 513 transmit the toll to the on-vehicle device 61.
The on-vehicle device 61 includes a display and a speaker, receives and stores the toll, displays the toll on the display, and provides voice guidance about the toll from the speaker.

Further, the interface aggregation unit 501 outputs the toll toll notified from the lane equipment interface 44 of the lane server 4 to the roadside display 523.
The roadside display 523 displays the toll toll output from the interface aggregation unit 501 to the driver of the vehicle.
An in-booth display 5241 is provided in the booth 524 where the toll collector waits. The in-booth display 5241 lights up a lamp indicating an ETC vehicle, a non-ETC vehicle, or an abnormal ETC vehicle based on the communication result with the vehicle and the vehicle detection result, and also displays the number of vehicles present (the number of vehicles staying in the lane). ) is displayed.
Furthermore, the booth 524 is provided with a cash processing terminal 5242. The toll collector can receive cash from a user who desires a cash settlement and execute the settlement process at the cash processing terminal 5242. When the cash processing terminal 5242 performs payment using cash, the cash processing terminal 5242 uses payment completion information indicating that the payment has been completed using cash to calculate the fee via the interface aggregation unit 501, the lane server 4, the toll plaza server 2, and the ETC host server 11. Notify the upper server 12. Upon receiving the payment completion information, the toll calculation host server 12 excludes the target toll from the payment processing by the ETC card 62.

The start control device 525 controls opening and closing of the start control bar 5251 based on start control information (passage permission or temporary stop) from the interface aggregation unit 501. The start control bar 5251 physically prevents vehicles from passing (leaving the lane) when it is closed, and allows vehicles to pass when it is open.
The start control device 525 executes traffic control (first traffic control) that raises the start control bar 5251 to permit passage from the state where the start control bar 5251 is blocking traffic based on the traffic permission from the interface aggregation unit 501. , based on the temporary stop from the interface aggregation unit 501, executes traffic control (second traffic control) in which the start control bar 5251 maintains the traffic blocking state and blocks the traffic.
The lane monitoring camera 526 photographs a vehicle when it enters or exits a lane.

The operation of the first embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of guidance output and traffic control regarding tolls by the ETC roadside device (lane server and lane equipment) according to the first embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 5 shows an example of the operation of the lane server 4 and the lane equipment 5 at the exit toll plaza in the case of distance-based tolling, and the operation of the lane server 4 at the exit toll plaza or the entrance toll plaza in the case of flat-rate tolling. An example of the operation of the lane equipment 5 is shown.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the control unit 41 of the lane server 4 detects the entry of the vehicle 6 based on the vehicle detection signal from the vehicle detector S1 of the lane device 5 (step ST101, YES), the controller 41 directs the vehicle 6 toward the lane device 5. and instructs communication with the on-vehicle device 61 (step ST102).
The first antenna 511 of the lane equipment 5 communicates with the onboard equipment 61 and receives the onboard equipment specific information, card information including card specific information, and read information such as entry records, and the lane equipment interface 44 of the lane server 4 receives Reading information is acquired (step ST103).

The normality/abnormality determining unit 411 of the control unit 41 of the lane server 4 executes a determination process to determine whether the ETC is normal or abnormal based on the read information (step ST104). The normality/abnormality determining unit 411 determines that the ETC is abnormal when the ETC card 62 is not loaded in the on-vehicle device 61 or when the information read from the ETC card does not include card-specific information.
Conversely, if the read information is correct (step ST105, YES), it is determined that the ETC is normal, and the process proceeds to step ST106.

Next, the control unit 41 inquires about the toll to the toll calculation host server 12 by transmitting a toll calculation request to the toll calculation host server 12 via the toll gate server 2 etc. (step ST106). . Here, the toll calculation request includes usage records such as vehicle-mounted device specific information, card information, entrance record, and participation record for calculating the toll.
Then, the control unit 41 immediately instructs the toll calculation host server 12 to write information, display the information, and open the start control bar 5251 without waiting for a response to the toll inquiry.
Therefore, the control unit 41 instructs the on-vehicle device 61 to write guidance information regarding the toll indicating that the toll is unknown (step ST107).
In response to an instruction to write information from the control unit 41, the first antenna 511 of the lane device 5 transmits (outputs) the writing of guidance information regarding tolls indicating that the toll is unknown, etc., and traffic judgment information permitting passage. do.
Based on this writing, the on-vehicle device 61 writes this information into the storage section of the on-vehicle device 61 or the ETC card 62.

The roadside display 523 then instructs to display guidance information regarding tolls indicating that the toll is unknown or the like (step ST108).
In addition, in response to an instruction to display information from the control unit 41, the roadside display 523 of the lane device 5 displays (outputs) guidance information regarding tolls indicating that the toll is unknown, etc., and traffic judgment information permitting passage. )do.
Further, the control unit 41 instructs traffic control (first traffic control in which the start control bar 5251 is opened) to allow the vehicle to pass (step ST109).
Further, in response to an instruction to open the start control bar 5251 from the control unit 41, the start control device 525 of the lane device 5 raises the start control bar 5251 to open the lane and perform the first operation to allow the vehicle to pass. Perform traffic control.
In this way, the control unit 41 instructs to inquire about the toll, write information, display information, and open the start control bar 5251 almost simultaneously without any time difference.

When the control unit 41 detects the exit of the vehicle 6 based on the vehicle detection signal from the vehicle detector S4 of the lane equipment 5 (step ST110, YES), it instructs the roadside display device 523 etc. to turn off (erase) the information display. (Step ST111).
Then, the start controller 525 is instructed to close the start control bar 5251 (step ST112).

In response to an instruction from the control unit 41 to turn off (erase) the information display, the roadside display 523 turns off (erases) the display of guidance information regarding tolls indicating that the toll is unknown, etc., and traffic judgment information that permits passage. )do.
Further, in response to an instruction to close the start control bar 5251 from the control unit 41, the start control device 525 of the lane device 5 lowers the start control bar 5251 to close the lane and perform a second operation that restricts vehicle traffic. Perform traffic control.

The toll calculation host server 12 calculates the toll based on the toll inquiry in step ST106, and notifies the toll gate server 2 of the toll. The toll calculation by the toll calculation host server 12 has already been explained, and detailed explanation will be omitted here.
The tollgate server 2 receives the toll and notifies the lane server 4 of the toll.
When the server interface 43 of the lane server 4 receives the toll (step ST113, YES), it proceeds to step ST114.
Then, ETC processing data is generated and transmitted to the ETC host server 11 via the toll gate server 2 or the like (step ST114). The ETC processing data includes usage records and tolls calculated by the toll calculation host server 12.

Furthermore, if it is determined that the ETC is abnormal based on the ETC abnormality determination in step ST105 (step ST105, NO), the process proceeds to step ST115.
Next, the control unit 41 instructs the on-vehicle device 61 to write guidance information indicating an ETC abnormality, etc. (step ST115).
Then, it instructs the roadside display 523 or the like to display guidance information indicating the ETC abnormality (step ST116).

At this time, in response to an instruction to write information from the control unit 41, the first antenna 511 of the lane equipment 5 transmits the writing of guidance information indicating the ETC abnormality and traffic judgment information that prohibits passage ( Output. Based on this instruction, the on-vehicle device 61 writes this information into the storage section of the on-vehicle device 61 or the ETC card 62.
Then, by closing the start control bar 5251, the start controller 525 instructs the start control device 525 to close the lane (step ST117).
Further, in response to the instruction to close the launch control bar 5251 from the control unit 41, the launch controller 525 of the lane device 5 maintains the lane closure by keeping the launch control bar 5251 in a lowered state, and Second traffic control is executed to restrict traffic.
Here, the control unit 41 instructs writing of information, display of information, and closing of the start control bar 5251 almost simultaneously without any time difference.

Furthermore, the server interface 43 of the lane server 4 transmits the ETC processing data to the ETC host server 11 via the tollgate server 2 (step ST118). This ETC processing data includes the read information acquired in step ST103.

Furthermore, the collection staff in the booth 524 responds to the ETC abnormal vehicle (step ST119). For example, if the vehicle is not compatible with ETC, the collector performs toll collection processing using cash processing terminal 5242 in cash.
The roadside display 523 displays the result of toll collection by the cash processing terminal 5242. Then, when the toll collection is correctly executed by the cash processing terminal 5242, the start control device 525 raises the start control bar 5251 to open the lane and executes the first traffic control to allow the vehicle to pass.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an ETC fee collection processing sequence by the ETC fee collection system according to the first embodiment. The sequence in FIG. 6 includes the operations of the ETC roadside devices (lane server and lane equipment) shown in the flowchart in FIG. 5, and the explanation of parts that overlap with the flowchart in FIG. 5 will be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the vehicle 6 enters the lane (step ST201), the control unit 41 detects the entry of the vehicle 6 based on the vehicle detection signal from the vehicle detector S1 of the lane device 5 (step ST202). .
Then, the first antenna 511 of the lane equipment 5 transmits communication permission to the onboard device 61 (step ST203).
On the other hand, when communication is established, the onboard device 61 transmits a response to communication permission (communication response) to the first antenna 511 (step ST204).
Further, the first antenna 511 transmits a reading request to the on-vehicle device 61 (step ST205).
Then, the onboard device 61 transmits a response to the read request (read response) to the first antenna 511 (step ST206). The response in step ST206 includes read information, and the read information includes onboard device specific information, card information including card specific information, traffic history information, and the like.

The control unit 41 executes a determination process to determine whether the ETC is normal or abnormal based on the read information (step ST207).
Based on the determination that the ETC is normal, the control unit 41 transmits a toll calculation request to the toll calculation host server 12 via the toll gate server 2 and the like, and inquires about the toll (step ST208).
Also, under the communication control of the control unit 41, the first antenna 511 sends to the onboard device 61 traffic history information (for example, participation record), usage details information (including guidance information regarding tolls indicating unknown tolls, etc.), and A request to write on-vehicle device instruction information (including traffic permission), etc. is transmitted (step ST209).
In response to the write request, the onboard device 61 writes the requested information to the storage section of the onboard device 61 or the ETC card 62, and when the writing is completed, sends a response to the write request to the first antenna 511 ( write response) (step ST210).
In response to the write response, the first antenna 511 transmits a communication release to the onboard device 61 (step ST211).

Further, under the display control of the control unit 41, the roadside display 523 displays (outputs) guidance information regarding tolls indicating that the toll is unknown, etc., and traffic determination information for permitting passage (step ST212).
Further, in response to the traffic control from the control unit 41 to allow the vehicle to pass (first traffic control instructing to open the lane), the launch controller 525 raises the launch control bar 5251 to open the lane. Then, first traffic control is executed to allow the vehicle to pass (step ST212).

When the start control bar 5251 is raised, the vehicle 6 exits the lane (step ST213).
Then, the control unit 41 detects the exit of the vehicle 6 based on the vehicle detection signal from the vehicle detector S4 of the lane equipment 5 (step ST214).
Next, under the display control of the control unit 41, the roadside display 523 turns off (erases) the display of the guidance information regarding the toll indicating that the toll is unknown, etc., and the traffic determination information that permits passage (step ST215).
In addition, in accordance with traffic control from the control unit 41 to prevent vehicle passage (second traffic control instructing lane closure), and in response to vehicle exit detection from the control unit 41, the start control unit 525 The controller lowers the start control bar 5251 to close the lane and executes second traffic control to restrict vehicle traffic (step ST215).

On the other hand, the toll calculation host server 12 receives the usage record acquired by the lane server 4 via the toll plaza server 2 etc., and based on the usage record, it is divided by user (by card specific information of each ETC card 62). A toll fee is calculated (step ST216).
The toll calculation host server 12 notifies the lane server 4 of the toll via the toll gate server 2 and the like (step ST217).
The server interface 43 of the lane server 4 receives the toll, generates ETC processing data, and transmits the ETC processing data to the ETC host server 11 via the toll plaza server 2 and the like (step ST218).

As described above, even if tolls are determined by the toll calculation host server 12, it is possible to provide a smooth toll collection service that does not require vehicles (users) to wait at toll gates.
In addition, by having the toll calculation host server 12 in charge of calculating tolls, it is possible to reduce the burden of processing such as distributing various tables to each toll gate and updating the various distributed tables. It is possible to respond flexibly and immediately to fluctuating charges. In other words, simply by updating the various tables held in the toll calculation host server 12 to the latest version, it is possible to calculate tolls according to the latest situation.
Additionally, it becomes easier to respond to the introduction of various discount rates. Note that, as already explained, users can know the toll fee from their card bill, etc., so it is not particularly inconvenient even if they do not know the toll fee when passing.
In addition, at toll gates, the lane equipment 5 outputs (displays and wirelessly communicates) guidance information regarding tolls indicating that the toll is unknown, etc., so that complaints such as that the toll charged at a later date is higher than the displayed toll, etc. I don't even receive it.
Further, by outputting the guidance information, it is possible to prevent the roadside display device 523 from being misunderstood as being out of order. In addition, by including at least one of the following in the guidance information: that the fee will be notified after the fact, that the fee is calculated at the center, and that the fee calculation result will not be notified in time, the user can explain why the fee is not displayed. You can also notify.
Therefore, according to the ETC toll collection system according to this embodiment, it is possible to achieve a well-balanced application of increasingly sophisticated discount services and smooth toll collection processing.

(Second embodiment)
A second embodiment will be described.
In the first embodiment, if the toll calculation cannot be completed in time at the exit toll gate, "toll unknown" is displayed across the board. In contrast, the second embodiment is an embodiment in which display/non-display of tolls is switched depending on the type of vehicle 6 traveling.
Here, the vehicle type for which the toll fee is presented is a vehicle type, such as a taxi, for which it is necessary to confirm the amount to be charged to the passenger. Specifically, if the passing vehicle is not the target of the toll fee presentation, similarly to the first embodiment, an instruction is given to output (display and wireless communication) guidance information regarding the toll indicating that the toll is unknown or the like.
On the other hand, if the communication partner is the target of the toll fee presentation (taxi operator, taxi driver, etc.), the toll fee will be calculated by the toll calculation host server 12 because the toll fee will need to be billed to the passenger. The vehicle is made to stop and wait until the vehicle 6 is reached, and the calculated toll fee is output (displayed and wirelessly communicated), and then the vehicle 6 is allowed to pass.

Here, similarly to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment as well, the toll calculation host server 12 calculates tolls based on various tables, usage records, and the like.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a lane server of the ETC toll collection system according to the second embodiment. In addition to the configuration of the lane server 4 of the ETC toll collection system according to the first embodiment of FIG. 2, the control unit 41 of the lane server 4 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. The storage unit 42 includes a presentation determination unit 412 , and the storage unit 42 includes a toll presentation determination table storage unit 421 .

The toll presentation determination table storage section 421 of the storage section 42 of the lane server 4 stores a toll presentation determination table in advance in order to determine whether toll fees should be presented or not. Here, a case will be described as an example in which the toll fee presentation determination table registers card-specific information applied in advance by a user who wishes to present a toll fee at a toll gate.

The toll presentation determination table storage unit 421 stores a toll presentation determination table for determining whether a toll is to be presented or not.
The toll presentation/non-presentation determination unit 412 determines toll presentation or toll non-presentation based on the toll presentation determination table and at least one of the onboard device specific information and card reading information received from the onboard device 61, In response to the determination that the ETC is normal and the toll fee is displayed, or the ETC is normal and the toll fee is not displayed, various operations are instructed to the lane equipment 5. Instructions for various operations will be explained in detail later.
Note that the control unit 41 (toll fee presentation/non-presentation determination unit 412) executes various processes, determinations, and instructions based on the program stored in the storage unit 42.

Here, registration of toll fee presentation will be explained.
The ETC host server 11 stores a toll fee presentation determination table, and the toll fee presentation determination table registers in-vehicle device specific information or card specific information applied in advance by a user who wishes to present a toll fee at a toll gate. . For example, the toll fee presentation determination table is used to determine whether or not to display a toll fee for taxis by registering onboard device specific information or card specific information that is applied for in advance by a taxi driver or taxi operator. functions as a table.
Alternatively, an ETC card for presenting toll charges is issued to users (including taxi drivers, taxi operators, etc.) who wish to present toll charges at toll gates. A user who desires to present a toll at a toll gate loads this ETC card for toll toll presentation into the on-vehicle device 61 of the vehicle 6. The toll fee presentation determination table registers card specific information stored in the toll fee presentation ETC card.
Alternatively, the toll fee presentation determination table registers specific identification information (for example, a flag indicating a taxi) stored in the toll fee presentation ETC card.
The ETC host server 11 distributes the toll fee presentation determination table to the lane server 4 via the toll plaza server 2 etc. in advance, and the toll fee presentation determination table storage unit 421 of the storage unit 42 of the lane server 4 stores the toll fee presentation determination table. Store the presentation determination table.

Note that contract information can be stored in the on-vehicle device 61 or ETC card 62, and the contract information can include specific identification information (for example, a flag indicating that the vehicle requires presentation of a toll at a toll gate). . For example, vehicles that require presentation of toll fees include not only taxis but also vehicles provided by driving agencies.

Here, I would like to add some information about substitute driving.
Substitute driving is a business that dispatches substitute drivers to replace users who are unable to drive due to alcohol or other reasons. For example, when a substitute driver is dispatched, the dispatch driver who drives the driving agency vehicle and the substitute driver ride in the driving agency vehicle, and when heading to a destination such as the user's home, the substitute driver rides the user's vehicle. The dispatched driver will continue to drive the agency vehicle.

The second embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of guidance output and traffic control regarding tolls by the ETC roadside device (lane server and lane equipment) according to the second embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 8 shows an example of the operation of the lane server 4 and the lane equipment 5 at the exit toll plaza in the case of distance-based tolling, and the operation of the lane server 4 at the exit toll plaza or the entrance toll plaza in the case of flat-rate tolling. An example of the operation of the lane equipment 5 is shown. Note that the description of parts common to the first embodiment will be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

In FIG. 8, steps ST301 to ST305 are substantially the same as steps ST101 to ST105 shown in FIG. 5, and a description thereof will be omitted.
In step 305, if the ETC is abnormal (step 305, No), the process advances to step ST325. Here, steps ST325 to ST329 are substantially the same as steps ST115 to ST119 shown in FIG. 5, and their explanation will be omitted.
Furthermore, steps ST305 and ST306 are substantially the same as steps ST105 and ST106 shown in FIG. 5, and therefore their explanation will be omitted.
In step ST307, if the vehicle is not a taxi or the like (step ST307, No), the process proceeds to step ST307.

The toll presentation/non-presentation determination section 412 of the control section 41 of the lane server 4 generates a toll presentation determination table in which card-specific information for which the toll fee is to be presented is registered, and a card included in the read information acquired in step ST302. Based on the unique information, it is determined whether the passing vehicle 6 is the object of toll fee presentation at the toll gate (for example, a taxi) (step ST307). Here, if it is determined that the toll fee is not presented (for example, other than a taxi) (step ST307, NO), the process moves to step ST308.
Here, steps ST308 to ST315 are substantially the same as steps ST107 to ST114 shown in FIG. 5, and their explanation will be omitted.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the toll fee is to be presented (step ST307, YES), the process moves to step ST316.
The control unit 41 instructs the onboard device 61 to write guidance information regarding tolls indicating toll calculation etc. and traffic judgment information indicating temporary stop etc. (step ST316), and indicates to the roadside display 523 etc. toll calculation etc. It instructs to display guidance information regarding tolls and traffic judgment information indicating a temporary stop, etc. (step ST317).
Then, it instructs the start controller 525 to perform traffic control to stop the vehicle (second traffic control to close the start control bar 5251) (step ST318).

In response to an instruction to write information from the control unit 41, the first antenna 511 of the lane device 5 transmits an instruction to write guidance information regarding tolls indicating toll calculation etc. and traffic judgment information indicating temporary stop etc. (Output. Based on this instruction, the on-vehicle device 61 writes this information into the storage section of the on-vehicle device 61 or the ETC card 62.
In addition, in response to an instruction to display information from the control unit 41, the roadside display 523 of the lane equipment 5 displays guidance information regarding tolls indicating toll calculation etc., and traffic judgment information indicating temporary stop etc. ( Output.
Further, in response to the instruction to close the launch control bar 5251 from the control unit 41, the launch controller 525 of the lane device 5 maintains the launch control bar 5251 in a lowered state to continue closing the lane and A second traffic control is executed to restrict traffic. This second traffic control is traffic control for stopping vehicles such as taxis until the toll calculation host server 12 finishes calculating the toll.

The toll calculation host server 12 receives an inquiry about the toll via the toll gate server 2, etc., and calculates the toll. Further, the toll calculation host server 12 notifies the lane server 4 of the toll via the toll plaza server 2 and the like.
When the server interface 43 of the lane server 4 receives the toll notification from the toll calculation host server 12 (step ST319, YES), the server interface 43 of the lane server 4 sends guidance information regarding the toll indicating the section and toll to the on-vehicle device 61, and a traffic judgment to permit the passage. Instructs to write information (step ST320).
Then, it instructs the roadside display 523 or the like to display guidance information regarding the toll indicating the section and toll, and traffic judgment information permitting passage (step ST321).
Then, it instructs traffic control to allow the vehicle to pass (first traffic control to open the launch control bar 5251 to the launch controller 525) (step ST322).

In response to an instruction to write information from the control unit 41, the first antenna 511 of the lane device 5 transmits an instruction to write guidance information regarding the toll indicating the section and toll, and traffic judgment information permitting passage. (Output. Based on this instruction, the on-vehicle device 61 writes this information into the storage section of the on-vehicle device 61 or the ETC card 62.
In addition, in response to an instruction to display information from the control unit 41, the roadside display device 523 of the lane device 5 displays guidance information regarding the toll indicating the section and toll, and traffic judgment information for permitting passage ( Output.
Further, in response to an instruction to open the start control bar 5251 from the control unit 41, the start control device 525 of the lane device 5 raises the start control bar 5251 to open the lane and perform the first operation to allow the vehicle to pass. Perform traffic control.

When the control unit 41 detects the exit of the vehicle 6 based on the vehicle detection signal from the vehicle detector S4 of the lane device 5 (step ST323, YES), the control unit 41 instructs the roadside display device 523 etc. to turn off (erase) the information display. , instructs the launch controller 525 to close the launch control bar 5251.

Further, the control unit 41 generates ETC processing data and transmits it to the ETC host server 11 via the toll gate server 2 and the like (step ST324). The ETC processing data includes usage records and tolls calculated by the toll calculation host server 12.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an ETC fee collection processing sequence by the ETC fee collection system according to the second embodiment. The sequence in FIG. 9 includes the operations of the ETC roadside devices (lane server and lane equipment) shown in the flowchart in FIG. 8, and the explanation of parts that overlap with the flowchart in FIG. 8 will be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

Furthermore, steps ST401 to ST408 and step ST412 shown in FIG. 9 are substantially the same as steps ST201 to step ST208 and step ST216 shown in FIG. 6, and the explanation will be omitted.

The toll presentation/non-presentation determination section 412 of the control section 41 determines whether the passing vehicle 6 has a toll at the toll gate based on the toll presentation determination table and the card specific information included in the read information acquired in step ST406. It is determined whether or not it is a presentation target (for example, a taxi). When it is determined that the toll fee is to be presented, the first antenna 511 transmits to the on-vehicle device 61 traffic history information (for example, participation record), usage details information (toll fee information indicating toll calculation, etc.) under the communication control of the control unit 41. (including guidance information related to) and onboard equipment instruction information (including temporary stop) (step ST409).
In response to the write request, the onboard device 61 writes the requested information to the storage section of the onboard device 61 or the ETC card 62, and when the writing is completed, sends a response to the write request to the first antenna 511 ( write response) (step ST410).
Further, under the display control of the control unit 41, the roadside display 523 displays (outputs) guidance information regarding tolls indicating toll calculation, etc., and traffic determination information indicating a temporary stop (step ST411). In addition, in response to the lane closing instruction from the control unit 41, the launch controller 525 maintains the launch control bar 5251 in a lowered state to continue closing the lane, and sets a second traffic lane to restrict vehicle traffic. Control is executed (step ST411).

On the other hand, the toll calculation host server 12 receives the toll calculation request via the toll gate server 2 etc., and based on the usage record included in the toll calculation request, ) is calculated (step ST412).
The toll calculation host server 12 notifies the lane server 4 of the toll via the toll gate server 2 and the like (step ST413).
Also, under the communication control of the control unit 41, the first antenna 511 transmits to the onboard device 61 traffic history information (for example, participation record), usage details information (including guidance information regarding tolls indicating sections and tolls), and A request to write on-vehicle device instruction information (including traffic permission), etc. is transmitted (step ST414).
In response to the write request, the onboard device 61 writes the requested information to the storage section of the onboard device 61 or the ETC card 62, and when the writing is completed, sends a response to the write request to the first antenna 511 ( write response) is transmitted (step ST415).
In response to the write response, the first antenna 511 transmits a communication release to the onboard device 61 (step ST416).

Further, under the display control of the control unit 41, the roadside display 523 displays (outputs) guidance information regarding the toll indicating the section and the toll, and traffic determination information for permitting passage (step ST417). Further, in response to the lane opening instruction from the control unit 41, the launch controller 525 raises the launch control bar 5251 to open the lane, and executes first traffic control to allow the vehicle to pass (step ST417). ).

When the vehicle 6 exits the lane (step ST418), the control unit 41 detects the exit of the vehicle 6 based on the vehicle detection signal from the vehicle detector S4 of the lane equipment 5 (step ST419).
Then, under the display control of the control unit 41, the roadside display 523 turns off (erases) the display of the guidance information regarding the toll that indicates the section and the toll, and the traffic judgment information that permits passage (step ST420), and the control unit In response to the lane closing instruction from the control unit 41 and in response to the vehicle exit from the control unit 41, the launch controller 525 lowers the launch control bar 5251 to close the lane and set the second traffic mode to restrict vehicle traffic. Control is executed (step ST420).
Further, the control unit 41 generates ETC processing data and transmits the ETC processing data to the ETC host server 11 via the toll gate server 2 and the like (step ST421).

In the second embodiment, a taxi has been described as an example of a target for toll fee presentation, but a vehicle of a driving agency may also be a target. Similar to taxi drivers, driving agents also keep track of the tolls displayed at toll booths and charge the tolls to their customers.

As described above, when the lane server 4 determines that the passing vehicle 6 is subject to toll fee non-presentation based on the information read from the onboard device 61, it immediately outputs the guidance information regarding the toll indicating that the toll is unknown, etc. (display and wireless communication), permit the vehicle to pass, and allow the vehicle to pass. In addition, when the lane server 4 determines that the toll is to be presented based on the information read from the onboard device 61, it instructs the output (display and wireless communication) of guidance information regarding the toll indicating toll calculation etc. The vehicle is stopped once, and then instructions are given to output (display and send) the toll.
By outputting such guidance information, it is possible to temporarily stop the vehicle and present the toll to a user who requests presentation of the toll at the toll gate. For example, in the case of taxis and the like, since toll fees are charged to passengers, it is convenient to be able to know the toll fees in a timely manner at the toll gate.
Furthermore, the vehicle does not temporarily stop and present the toll fee for all users, and vehicles (users) who do not request toll fee presentation at the toll gate can receive a smooth toll collection service.
Furthermore, by having the toll calculation host server 12 take charge of toll calculation, it is possible to respond flexibly and immediately to dynamically changing tolls. Therefore, according to the ETC toll collection system according to this embodiment, it is possible to achieve a well-balanced application of increasingly sophisticated discount services and smooth toll collection processing.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment will be described.
In the second embodiment, when a passing vehicle is the subject of a toll fee presentation (such as a taxi), the vehicle waits until the toll calculation is completed, but in the third embodiment, the passing vehicle In this embodiment, when the object of presentation (such as a taxi) is presented, the lane server 4 allows the vehicle to pass at a toll based on a toll table acquired in advance.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a lane server of an ETC toll collection system according to the third embodiment. The lane server 4 of the ETC toll collection system according to the second embodiment has been described with reference to FIG. 7, but as shown in FIG. , a toll calculation section 413, and the storage section 42 further includes a toll table storage section 422.

The toll table storage unit 422 stores a second toll table (normal toll table).
The toll calculation unit 413 calculates the toll based on the second toll table in response to the determination that the ETC is normal and that the toll is presented, and instructs the lane equipment 5 to perform various operations. Instructions for various operations will be explained in detail later. The control unit 41 (toll calculation unit 413) executes various processes, determinations, and instructions based on programs stored in the storage unit 42.

The third embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of guidance output and traffic control regarding tolls by the ETC roadside device (lane server and lane equipment) according to the third embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 11 shows an example of the operation of the lane server 4 and the lane equipment 5 at the exit toll plaza in the case of distance-based tolling, and the operation of the lane server 4 at the exit toll plaza or the entrance toll plaza in the case of fixed-rate tolling. An example of the operation of the lane equipment 5 is shown. Note that the description of parts common to the first or second embodiment will be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

Similar to the second embodiment, the toll presentation determination table storage section 421 of the storage section 42 of the lane server 4 stores a toll presentation determination table in advance, and here, the toll presentation determination table is An example will be explained in which card-specific information requested in advance by a user who wishes to be presented with a toll fee is registered.

As shown in FIG. 11, in step ST501, when the server interface 43 of the lane server 4 receives the first fare table (including, for example, a taxi fare table) from the ETC host server 11 (step ST501, YES), , the toll table storage unit 422 of the storage unit 42 stores the received first toll table (step ST502). For example, a normal fare table is stored in advance as a taxi fare table.

Steps ST503 to ST507 shown in FIG. 11 are substantially the same as steps ST301 to ST305 shown in FIG. 8, and their explanation will be omitted.
In the determination in step ST507, if it is determined to be abnormal (in the case of No), the process proceeds to step ST526.
Here, steps ST526 to ST530 are substantially the same as steps ST325 to ST329 shown in FIG. 8, and their explanation will be omitted.

If it is determined to be normal in step ST507, the toll presentation/non-presentation determination section 412 of the control section 41 uses the card specific information included in the toll presentation determination table and the read information acquired in step ST505. , it is determined whether or not the passing vehicle 6 is the object of toll fee presentation at the toll gate (for example, a taxi) (step ST508).
If it is determined that the toll fee is not presented (for example, other than a taxi) (step ST508, NO), the process moves to step ST509.
Next, steps ST510 to ST517 are substantially the same as steps ST308 to ST315 shown in FIG. 8, and their explanation will be omitted.

In step ST508, when it is determined that the toll fee is to be presented (step ST508, YES), the toll calculation unit 413 of the control unit 41 uses the normal toll table accumulated in advance and the reading data acquired in step ST505. The toll fee is calculated based on the information (step ST518).
The control unit 41 instructs the on-vehicle device 61 to write guidance information regarding tolls indicating the section and toll, and traffic determination information permitting passage (step ST519). In response to an instruction to write information from the control unit 41, the first antenna 511 of the lane device 5 transmits an instruction to write guidance information regarding tolls indicating the section and toll, and traffic judgment information permitting passage. . Based on this instruction, the on-vehicle device 61 writes this information into the storage section of the on-vehicle device 61 or the ETC card 62.

The control unit 41 instructs the on-vehicle device 61 to display (output) guidance information regarding tolls indicating sections and tolls, and traffic determination information for permitting passage (step ST520). In response to an instruction to display information from the control unit 41, the roadside display 523 of the lane device 5 displays guidance information regarding tolls indicating the section and toll, and traffic determination information for permitting passage.
Then, it instructs the launch controller 525 to perform traffic control (first traffic control that opens the launch control bar 5251) to allow the vehicle 6 to pass (step ST521). In response to an instruction from the control unit 41 to open the launch control bar 5251, the launch controller 525 of the lane device 5 raises the launch control bar 5251 to open the lane and perform first traffic control to allow the vehicle to pass. Execute.

In step ST522, when the control unit 41 detects the exit of the vehicle 6 based on the vehicle detection signal from the vehicle detector S4 of the lane equipment 5 (step ST522, YES), the control unit 41 proceeds to step ST523, and sends information to the roadside display 523, etc. Instructs to turn off (erase) the display.
Then, in step ST524, the start controller 525 is instructed to close the start control bar 5251.

Furthermore, the control unit 41 generates ETC processing data and transmits it to the ETC host server 11 via the toll gate server 2 and the like (step ST525). Here, the ETC processing data includes usage records and tolls calculated by the control unit 41.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an ETC fee collection processing sequence by the ETC fee collection system according to the third embodiment. The sequence in FIG. 12 includes the operations of the ETC roadside devices (lane server and lane equipment) shown in the flowchart in FIG. 11, and the description of parts that overlap with the flowchart in FIG. 11 will be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 12, the host system 1 (ETC host server 11) delivers a regular fare table as a taxi fare table to the lane server 4 via the toll plaza server 2 and the like (step ST601).
The server interface 43 of the lane server 4 receives the normal toll table, and the storage unit 42 of the lane server 4 stores the normal toll table (step ST602).
The subsequent steps ST603 to ST609 are substantially the same as steps ST401 to ST407 shown in FIG. 9, and their explanation will be omitted.

The toll calculation unit 413 of the control unit 41 obtains the toll from a pre-stored normal toll table and the on-vehicle device 61 when the passing vehicle 6 is the object of toll toll presentation at the toll gate (for example, a taxi). The toll fee is calculated based on the read information (step ST610).
The subsequent steps ST611 to ST618 shown in FIG. 12 are substantially the same as steps ST414 to ST421 shown in FIG. 9, and the explanation will be omitted.

In the third embodiment, a taxi has been described as an example of a target for toll fee presentation, but a vehicle of a driving agency may also be a target. Similar to taxi drivers, driving agents also keep track of the tolls displayed at toll booths and charge the tolls to their customers.

As described above, when the lane server 4 determines that the passing vehicle 6 is subject to toll fee non-presentation based on the information read from the onboard device 61, it immediately outputs the guidance information regarding the toll indicating that the toll is unknown, etc. (display and wireless communication), permit the vehicle to pass, and allow the vehicle to pass. In addition, when the lane server 4 determines that the toll is to be presented based on the information read from the on-vehicle device 61, the lane server 4 can calculate the toll based on a pre-stored toll table without inquiring about the toll to the toll calculation host server 12 or the like. and instructs the output (display and wireless communication) of guidance information such as tolls. Since no inquiry is made to the toll calculation host server 12, the toll can be immediately presented to the user who requests the toll at the toll gate without having to stop the vehicle.
Incidentally, if a predetermined discount rate is set in a rate table stored in advance by the lane server 4, a discount can be applied. Furthermore, if the toll table stored in advance by the lane server 4 is limited to specific vehicles (users), the data amount of the toll table can be suppressed, and the distribution load, revision load, etc. can also be reduced.
In addition, tolls based on the toll table stored in advance on the lane server are not applied to all users, and users who are not eligible for tolls are given dynamic discounted tolls by the toll calculation host server 12. can be applied. Therefore, according to the ETC toll collection system according to this embodiment, it is possible to achieve a well-balanced application of increasingly sophisticated discount services and smooth toll collection processing.

In addition, in the first to third embodiments, the case of notifying the toll of unknown tolls, etc. was explained, but the user can know the toll in multiple ways such as the following, so the convenience is greatly improved. It will not be damaged.
(1) Usage statement notification (card bill) sent from your credit card company.
(2) Usage details that can be downloaded from the ETC usage inquiry service using the Internet.
(3) A usage certificate that can be issued based on the card-specific information of the ETC card upon presentation of the ETC card at the tollgate office.
(4) A usage statement that can be printed based on the card-specific information of the ETC card by presenting the ETC card at the ETC usage history issuing printer installed in the service area (SA)/parking area (PA).

Although several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are 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, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.
Hereinafter, the invention described in the original claims of this application will be additionally described.
[C1]
A toll collection system comprising an ETC roadside device that wirelessly communicates with an onboard device of a passing vehicle, and a host server located above the ETC roadside device,
The ETC roadside device is
a lane equipment interface that receives onboard device specific information of the onboard device and card reading information read from an ETC card loaded in the onboard device;
a server interface that transmits a toll calculation request including the onboard device specific information and the card reading information to the upper server;
a determination unit that determines whether a toll fee is not presented based on the on-vehicle device specific information or the card reading information;
an information output unit that outputs guidance information indicating that the toll is unknown based on the determination that the toll is not displayed;
a traffic control unit that executes first traffic control for permitting passage of the vehicle based on the determination that the toll fee is not presented;
The upper server calculates a first toll to be charged for the card-specific information included in the card reading information of the toll calculation request, based on the toll calculation request and the first toll table. , toll collection system.
[C2]
The determination unit determines whether to present a toll if the card specific information included in the card reading information is registered in a toll presentation determination table for displaying a toll for a taxi. system.
[C3]
The toll collection system of [C1], wherein the determination unit determines whether to present a toll when the identification information included in the card reading information indicates a taxi.
[C4]
The traffic control unit executes a second traffic control to stop the vehicle corresponding to a taxi until the calculation of the first toll fee is completed based on the determination of the toll fee presentation;
The upper server notifies the ETC roadside device of the first toll calculated based on the toll calculation request and the first toll table,
the server interface receives the first toll;
The information output unit outputs the first toll,
The toll collection system according to [C2] or [C3], wherein the traffic control unit executes the first traffic control.
[C5]
The toll collection system of [C4], wherein the information output unit outputs the first toll through at least one of display and wireless communication.
[C6]
The first rate table includes a regular rate table and a discount rate table,
The normal toll table is a table for calculating normal tolls,
The toll collection system according to any one of [C1] to [C5], wherein the discounted toll table is a table for calculating a discounted toll based on dynamically changing factors.
[C7]
The ETC roadside device calculates a second toll to be charged for the card-specific information included in the card reading information based on the second toll table based on the toll fee presentation determination. Equipped with a department,
the information output unit outputs the second toll based on the determination of the toll presentation; the traffic control unit executes the first traffic control;
The toll collection system of [C2] or [C3], wherein the server interface notifies the higher-level server of the second toll.
[C8]
The toll collection system according to [C7], wherein the information output unit outputs the second toll through at least one of display and wireless communication.
[C9]
The first rate table includes a regular rate table and a discount rate table,
The second rate table includes the regular rate table,
The normal toll table is a table for calculating normal tolls,
The toll collection system of [C7], wherein the discounted toll table is a table for calculating a discounted toll based on dynamically changing factors.
[C10]
An ETC roadside device that wirelessly communicates with an onboard device of a passing vehicle, and also communicates with a host server that calculates a first toll based on a toll calculation request and a first toll table,
a lane equipment interface that receives onboard device specific information of the onboard device and card reading information read from an ETC card loaded in the onboard device;
a server interface that transmits the toll calculation request including the onboard device specific information and the card reading information to the upper server;
a determination unit that determines whether a toll fee is not presented based on the on-vehicle device specific information or the card reading information;
an information output unit that outputs guidance information indicating that the toll is unknown based on the determination that the toll is not displayed;
a traffic control unit that executes first traffic control to permit passage of the vehicle based on the determination that the toll fee is not presented;
An ETC roadside device equipped with
[C11]
The determination unit determines whether to present a toll when the card-specific information included in the card reading information is registered in a toll present determination table for displaying a toll for a taxi [C10] ETC roadside Device.
[C12]
The ETC roadside device of [C10], wherein the determination unit determines to present a toll fee when the identification information included in the card reading information indicates a taxi.
[C13]
The traffic control unit executes a second traffic control to stop the vehicle corresponding to a taxi until the calculation of the first toll fee is completed based on the determination of the toll fee presentation;
The upper server notifies the ETC roadside device of the first toll calculated based on the toll calculation request and the first toll table,
the server interface receives the first toll;
The information output unit outputs the first toll,
The traffic control unit is an ETC roadside device [C11] or [C12] that executes the first traffic control.
[C14]
The ETC roadside device calculates a second toll to be charged for the card-specific information included in the card reading information based on the second toll table based on the toll fee presentation determination. Equipped with a department,
the server interface notifies the second toll to the upper server;
The information output unit outputs the second toll based on the determination of the toll presentation, and the traffic control unit executes the first traffic control at the ETC roadside of [C11] or [C12]. Device.
[C15]
ETC roadside equipment is
Communicating wirelessly with an onboard device of a passing vehicle, receiving onboard device specific information of the onboard device and card reading information read from an ETC card loaded in the onboard device;
Sending a toll calculation request including the onboard device specific information and the card reading information to an upper server;
Determining non-presentation of toll based on the onboard device specific information or the card reading information,
outputting guidance information indicating that the toll is unknown based on the determination that the toll is not presented;
Executing first traffic control to permit passage of the vehicle based on the determination that the toll fee is not presented;
The upper server is
A toll collection method that calculates a first toll to be charged for card specific information included in the card reading information of the toll calculation request based on the toll calculation request and a first toll table.

1... Upper system 2... Toll plaza server 3... ETC roadside device 4... Lane server 5... Lane equipment 6... Vehicle 11... ETC upper server 12... Toll calculation upper server 13... ETC usage inquiry system 14... Route information grasping system 15... Road control system 41...Control unit 42...Storage unit 421...Toll fee presentation/judgment table storage unit 422...Toll table storage unit 43...Server interface 44...Lane equipment interface 50...Island 61...Onboard device 62...ETC card 411...Normal /Abnormality determination unit 412...Toll charge presentation/non-presentation determination unit 413...Toll charge calculation unit 501...Interface aggregation unit 511...First antenna 512...Second antenna 513...Recovery antenna 523...Roadside display device 524...Booth 525...Start Controller 526...Lane monitoring camera 5241...In-booth display 5242...Cash processing terminal 5251...Start control bar

Claims (10)

An ETC roadside device of a toll collection system in which an upper server calculates a first toll based on a first toll table in response to a toll inquiry from the ETC roadside device,
an antenna that receives vehicle-mounted device specific information and card reading information read from an ETC card loaded in the vehicle-mounted device by communicating with the vehicle-mounted device;
a normality/abnormality determination unit that determines ETC normality or ETC abnormality based on the card reading information including the on-vehicle device specific information or the card specific information ; Inquire about the toll by sending a toll calculation request including the vehicle-mounted device specific information and the card reading information to the higher-level server, and if the toll is unknown without waiting for a response to the inquiry from the higher-level server. a control unit that instructs to display guidance information indicating that the
A first traffic control is executed for the vehicle for which the ETC is determined to be normal, to display that the toll is unknown and to allow the vehicle to pass, and for the vehicle for which the ETC is determined to be abnormal, to be allowed to pass. a traffic control unit that executes control to restrict traffic;
ETC roadside equipment equipped with The first rate table includes a regular rate table and a discount rate table,
The normal toll table is a table for calculating normal tolls,
The discounted toll table is a table for calculating a discounted toll based on dynamically changing factors.
The ETC roadside device according to claim 1. The control unit further includes determining means for determining whether the vehicle is subject to non-display of toll charges or to display of toll charges based on the toll display determination table and the on-vehicle device specific information or the card reading information. ,
The control unit further includes means for instructing the host server to display a first toll calculated based on the toll calculation request and the first toll table when it is determined that the toll is to be presented. ,
The traffic control unit executes a first traffic control for displaying that the toll is unknown to the vehicle determined to not display the toll and allowing the vehicle to pass, and displays the toll to the vehicle. For the vehicle determined to be presented, a second traffic control is executed to stop the vehicle until the calculation of the first toll in the upper server is completed;
The ETC roadside device according to claim 1. The toll fee presentation determination table registers in-vehicle device specific information or card specific information applied in advance for toll fee presentation;
The ETC roadside device according to claim 3. The toll fee presentation determination table registers on-vehicle device specific information of a taxi or a driving agency vehicle;
The ETC roadside device according to claim 4. The control unit is configured to perform toll calculation for calculating a second toll based on a second toll table for charging card-specific information included in the card reading information to a specific vehicle that requires toll notification. further comprising:
The control unit further includes determining means for determining whether a passing vehicle does not present a toll fee or presents a toll fee based on a toll fee presentation determination table and the on-vehicle device specific information or the card reading information,
The control unit is configured to control the vehicle-mounted device-specific information in order to cause the host server to calculate a first toll when the determination result of the normality/abnormality determination unit is that the ETC is normal and the toll is not presented. A toll calculation request including the information and the card reading information is transmitted to the upper server, and if the determination result of the normal/abnormality determination unit is that the ETC is normal and the toll fee is presented, the toll calculation unit sends a second Instructing to display the second toll calculated using a table, and transmitting the second toll to the upper server;
The traffic control unit executes a first traffic control for displaying that the toll is unknown to the vehicle determined not to display the toll and allowing the vehicle to pass, and displays the toll. executing third traffic control for displaying the second toll calculated using the second table and permitting the vehicle to pass;
The ETC roadside device according to claim 1. The toll fee presentation determination table registers in-vehicle device specific information or card specific information applied in advance for toll fee presentation;
The ETC roadside device according to claim 6. The toll fee presentation determination table registers on-vehicle device specific information of a taxi or a driving agency vehicle;
The ETC roadside device according to claim 7. The first toll table includes a normal toll table for calculating a normal toll and a discounted toll table based on dynamically changing factors,
7. The ETC roadside device according to claim 6, wherein the second toll table includes the normal toll table for calculating a normal toll, but does not include the discount toll table based on dynamically changing factors. In a toll collection method in an ETC roadside device of a toll collection system in which an upper server calculates a toll based on a first toll table in response to a toll inquiry from an ETC roadside device,
The ETC roadside device includes an antenna, a control unit having a normal/abnormality determination unit, and a traffic control unit,
Receiving onboard device specific information and card reading information read from an ETC card loaded in the onboard device by communicating with the onboard device of a passing vehicle using the antenna;
determining whether the ETC is normal or abnormal based on the card reading information including the onboard device specific information or the card specific information in the normality/abnormality determination unit;
If the determination result of the normality/abnormality determination unit is that the ETC is normal, the control unit inquires about the toll by transmitting a toll calculation request including the onboard device specific information and the card reading information to the upper server. and a step of instructing to display guidance information indicating that the toll fee is unknown without waiting for a response to the inquiry from the higher-level server ;
The traffic control unit executes a first traffic control for allowing the vehicle whose ETC is determined to be normal to pass while displaying that the toll is unknown, and when the ETC is determined to be abnormal. executing control for restricting the passage of the vehicle to the vehicle that has entered the vehicle;
A fee collection method with