Lane control device, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a lane controller that selectively makes a lane free flow for a tollgate determined to be safe by a toll road operator, enabling an occurrence of congestion at the tollgate to be prevented.SOLUTION: A lane controller that controls tollgate machines possessed by a toll collection system that performs processing on a vehicle traveling on a lane of a tollgate, includes: a switching unit that switches between a normal operation mode and a single lane free flow operation mode; and a control unit that in a case where switching is made to the single lane free flow operation mode, instructs a start control machine to bring the lane into an always open state, the start control machine being one of the tollgate machines and having a bar that opens / closes the lane.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lane control device, a control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In some toll plazas on toll roads, an electronic toll collection system (Electronic Toll Collection System; ETC (registered trademark) system, also referred to as an "automatic toll collection system") that automatically collects tolls from vehicles may be provided. The ETC system automatically performs toll collection processing (toll collection processing) by performing wireless communication between an antenna provided in a lane and an in-vehicle unit mounted on a vehicle (see, for example, Patent Document 1). A lane equipped with an ETC system is also referred to as an ETC lane, and a vehicle equipped with an in-vehicle unit is also referred to as an ETC vehicle.

[0003] The toll plaza may have a lane structure in which a general lane where non-ETC vehicles without an in-vehicle unit temporarily stop to pay the toll is provided, and the number of lanes decreases (there is a merging section) after passing through the ETC lane and the general lane. If the speed of an ETC vehicle passing through the ETC lane is high, the speed difference between the non-ETC vehicle that temporarily stops in the general lane and then flows into the merging section becomes large, and the risk of a collision accident between the ETC vehicle and the non-ETC vehicle at the merging section increases. Also, when an attendant (collector) gets off the lane for user support or the like, if the speed of the ETC vehicle is high, the risk of a collision accident with the attendant increases. Due to safety reasons for suppressing such collision accidents, a speed limit is provided in the ETC lane.

[0004] As part of this speed limit, a start control device is installed in the ETC lane. The start control device closes the bar to block the ETC lane (restrict the exit of the vehicle) until the toll collection processing for the vehicle is completed, and opens the bar to release the ETC lane (permit the exit of the vehicle) after the completion of the toll collection processing. The ETC vehicle decelerates and travels in the ETC lane so as not to contact the bar of the start control device. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-161674 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] During periods of increased traffic, such as long holidays or rush hour, congestion may occur in ETC lanes. One of the factors contributing to this congestion is the speed limit in ETC lanes mentioned above.

[0007] On the other hand, in recent years, there has been a movement to promote the use of ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) to reduce the number of non-ETC vehicles and to make toll booths unmanned (ETC-only). In this case, for toll booths where there are almost no non-ETC vehicles and where toll collectors do not need to exit the lane, it is thought that safety can be maintained even if the ETC lane is made free-flowing and speed limits are relaxed.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a lane control device, control method, and program that can suppress congestion at toll booths by selectively free-flowing lanes at toll booths that toll road operators and others deem safe. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the lane control device is a lane control device that controls a toll booth machine in a toll collection system that processes vehicles traveling in the lanes of a toll booth, and comprises a switching unit that switches between a normal operation mode and a single lane free flow operation mode, and a control unit that, when switched to the single lane free flow operation mode, instructs a departure control unit, which is one of the toll booth machines and has a bar that opens or closes the lane, to keep the lane open at all times.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a control method is a control method for controlling a toll booth machine in a toll collection system that processes vehicles traveling in the lanes of a toll booth, comprising the steps of switching between a normal operation mode and a single-lane free-flow operation mode, and, when switched to the single-lane free-flow operation mode, instructing a departure control unit, which is one of the toll booth machines and has a bar for opening or closing the lane, to keep the lane open at all times.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the program causes a lane control device that controls a toll booth machine in a toll collection system that processes vehicles traveling in the toll booth lane to perform the steps of switching between a normal operation mode and a single-lane free-flow operation mode, and when the program switches to the single-lane free-flow operation mode, instructs a departure control device, which is one of the toll booth machines and has a bar that opens or closes the lane, to keep the lane open at all times. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the above configuration, traffic congestion at toll booths can be suppressed by selectively converting lanes to single-lane free-flow lanes at toll booths that toll road operators and others deem safe. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a toll collection system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a lane control device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the mode switching process of a toll collection system according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a first sequence diagram showing an example of processing in a single-lane free-flow operation mode according to one embodiment. [Figure 5]This is a second sequence diagram showing an example of processing in a single-lane free-flow operation mode according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] (Overall structure) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a toll collection system according to one embodiment. The toll collection system 1 is installed at the toll booth (entrance toll booth or exit toll booth) of a toll road. The toll collection system 1 is a system for processing vehicles A traveling in lane L, which connects the toll road and the general road. This processing includes the process of acquiring information about vehicle A (such as license plate information and information about its size, such as height) and the toll collection process for collecting tolls for the toll road. Lane L is separated by island I. Island I is a structure that restricts lane L so that only one vehicle A can travel in each lane. In this embodiment, lane L is an ETC lane, and vehicle A is an ETC vehicle equipped with an on-board unit α.

[0015] In this embodiment, we will describe an example in which the toll collection system 1 is installed at the exit toll gate. Hereinafter, the direction in which lane L extends (±X direction) will be referred to as the "lane direction". The toll road side (-X side) of the lane direction will also be referred to as the "upstream side", and the general road side (+X side) will also be referred to as the "downstream side". Furthermore, the width direction of lane L (±Y direction) will be referred to as the "lane width direction".

[0016] For simplicity, only one lane L is shown in Figure 1, but multiple lanes L may be arranged parallel to each other.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, the toll collection system 1 comprises a toll booth machine 10 and a lane control device 20. The toll collection system 1 may also include a monitoring device 30 installed at a location away from the toll booth lane L (such as a toll booth office).

[0018] The lane control device 20 switches the operation mode of the toll collection system 1 and controls the operation of the tollgate machine 10 according to the operation mode.

[0019] There are two types of operation modes for the toll collection system 1: the "normal operation mode" and the "single-lane free-flow operation mode". The normal operation mode is a mode in which the toll collection system 1 performs toll collection processing on vehicle A similar to the conventional ETC system. In the normal operation mode, vehicle A needs to decelerate to a significantly lower speed limit (for example, 20 km / h) than the main line lane of the toll road and travel in lane L. The single-lane free-flow operation mode, which is abbreviated as the SLFF operation mode in the drawings, is a mode in which toll collection processing is performed by changing some functions of the normal operation mode. In other embodiments, there may be operation modes other than the two types described above.

[0020] The tollgate machine 10 is a machine, device, or system installed in a tollgate or facilities related to toll collection processing (such as a tollgate office), and includes, for example, vehicle detectors S1, S2, S4, an antenna 12, a lane indicator 13, an automatic toll collector 14, a departure control machine 15, and a roadside indicator 16.

[0021] The vehicle detectors S1, S2, S4 detect the presence or absence of vehicle A. The vehicle detectors S1, S2, S4 are, for example, transmissive vehicle detectors as shown in FIG. 1. The vehicle detectors S1, S2, S4 have a light projecting tower and a light receiving tower facing each other across lane L. The light projecting tower has a plurality of light projecting parts arranged vertically, and the light receiving tower has a plurality of light receiving parts arranged vertically corresponding to each light projecting part. When no vehicle is present, each light receiving part receives the inspection light projected from the corresponding light projecting part. On the other hand, when a vehicle is present, the inspection light is blocked by the vehicle, so the light receiving part stops receiving the inspection light. Thereby, the vehicle detectors S1, S2, S4 can detect the presence of the vehicle body, towing bar, etc. of the vehicle in the range where the inspection light is not received. In other embodiments, the vehicle detectors S1, S2, S4 may be so-called reflective vehicle detectors.

[0022] Vehicle detector S1 is installed on the upstream side in the direction of the lane and detects when vehicle A enters lane L (communication range R1 of antenna 12, described later). Hereafter, vehicle detector S1 will also be referred to as the entering vehicle detector.

[0023] The vehicle detector S2 is installed downstream of the antenna 12 (described later) in the lane direction, and detects when vehicle A passes through the communication range R1 of antenna 12. Hereafter, vehicle detector S2 will also be referred to as the communication vehicle detector.

[0024] The vehicle detector S4 is installed downstream of the starting control unit 15 (described later) in the lane direction, and detects when vehicle A has passed the starting control unit 15. Hereafter, the vehicle detector S4 will also be referred to as the exiting vehicle detector.

[0025] Antenna 12 is installed downstream of the approaching vehicle detector S1 in the lane direction. As shown in Figure 1, it may be mounted on a gantry or the like and installed above the lane L. Antenna 12 has a communication range R1 on the lane L between the approaching vehicle detector S1 and the communication vehicle detector S2. Antenna 12 communicates wirelessly with the on-board unit α of vehicle A traveling within the communication range R1 and transmits and receives information, signals, etc., required for toll collection processing.

[0026] Furthermore, the antenna 12 changes its operation according to the operating mode in accordance with the control of the lane control device 20. In normal operating mode, the antenna 12 starts emitting radio waves when the entry vehicle detector S1 detects the entry of vehicle A, and stops emitting radio waves when the communication vehicle detector S2 detects the passage of vehicle A. In single lane free flow operating mode, the antenna 12 always emits radio waves.

[0027] The lane indicator 13 notifies users (such as the driver of vehicle A) of whether lane L is passable and the toll collection method (ETC only, general, etc.) via signal lights, electronic display boards, etc.

[0028] In normal operation mode and single-lane free-flow operation mode, the lane indicator 13 displays the signal light as passable and the electronic display board displays according to the toll collection method.

[0029] The toll collection machine 14 is installed downstream of the antenna 12 in the lane direction and upstream of the start control unit 15 in the lane direction. The toll collection machine 14 accepts user input and collects the toll for a non-ETC vehicle, for example, if a non-ETC vehicle mistakenly enters lane L, which is an ETC lane. The toll collection machine 14 may also collect the toll for an ETC vehicle if wireless toll collection processing for an ETC vehicle fails for any reason.

[0030] The automatic toll collection machine 14 has a display device 141 (digital signage) on the side facing lane L that displays information such as toll charges. The display device 141 also displays a message prompting the user to stop if the wireless toll collection process fails. The display device 141 is one form of the "notification device" in this embodiment. In other embodiments, the display device 141 may be a warning light.

[0031] In yet another embodiment, the toll collection machine 14 may not be provided in lane L. In this case, the display device 141 may be installed independently (as an independent configuration) in the section from the antenna 12 to the departure control unit 15, or it may be attached to another device. The other device may be, for example, an intercom for communication between a user and an attendant.

[0032] The departure control unit 15 is located upstream of the exiting vehicle detector S4 in the lane direction. In normal operation mode, the departure control unit 15 closes the bar 151 to block lane L (restricting vehicle exit) until the toll collection process for vehicle A is completed, and opens the bar 151 to open lane L (permitting vehicle exit) after the toll collection process is completed. In addition, if the exiting vehicle detector S4 detects the passage of vehicle A, the departure control unit 15 closes the bar 151 again to prevent following vehicles from exiting lane L before the toll collection process is completed. Furthermore, in single-lane free-flow operation mode, the departure control unit 15 keeps the bar 151 open at all times.

[0033] The roadside indicator 16 is installed near the starting control unit 15. The roadside indicator 16 displays tolls and notifications prompting drivers to pass or stop. The roadside indicator 16 is one form of the "notification device" in this embodiment.

[0034] Furthermore, the roadside display 16 changes its operation according to the operating mode in accordance with the control of the lane control device 20. In the normal operating mode, the roadside display 16 displays processing result information such as the toll for vehicle A and whether or not a discount was applied when the toll collection process is completed. In the single lane free flow operating mode, the roadside display 16 does not display processing result information such as the toll.

[0035] The monitoring device 30 is a device used, for example, by an employee stationed at a toll booth office to monitor the lanes L and remotely operate the various devices of the toll collection system 1.

[0036] (Functional configuration of lane control system) Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a lane control device according to one embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the lane control device 20 includes a processor 21, memory 22, storage 23, and a communication interface 24.

[0037] The processor 21 performs its functions as a switching unit 210 and a control unit 211 by operating according to a predetermined program.

[0038] The switching unit 210 switches between normal operation mode and single-lane free-flow operation mode.

[0039] When the system switches to normal operation mode, the control unit 211 controls the toll booth machine 10 to perform the same toll collection process (ETC toll collection process) as a conventional ETC system. Furthermore, when the system switches to single-lane free-flow operation mode, the control unit 211 controls the toll booth machine 10 to perform the toll collection process with some functions modified from those of the normal operation mode. Specifically, in single-lane free-flow operation mode, the control unit 211 instructs the antenna 12 to continuously emit radio waves. In single-lane free-flow operation mode, the complex control of switching the antenna 12's radio wave emission ON and OFF based on the detection results of the entry vehicle detector S1 and the communication vehicle detector S2 becomes unnecessary. The control unit 211 also instructs the start control unit 15 to keep the bar 151 open at all times (keep lane L open at all times). This allows vehicle A, an ETC vehicle, to travel in lane L without slowing down to avoid contact with the start control unit 15. In other words, in single-lane free-flow operation mode, vehicle A can travel at a faster speed than in normal operation mode.

[0040] Memory 22 has a memory area necessary for the operation of the processor 21.

[0041] Storage 23 is a so-called auxiliary storage device, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). Storage 23 stores data that is acquired, generated, or referenced by various parts of the processor 21 during processing.

[0042] The communication interface 24 is an interface for sending and receiving various data and control signals between the toll booth machine 10 and the monitoring device 30.

[0043] The predetermined program executed by the processor 21 is stored on a computer-readable recording medium. A computer-readable recording medium refers to a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, semiconductor memory, etc. The storage 23 described above is one form of this recording medium. Alternatively, this computer program may be distributed to a computer via a communication line, and the computer that receives the distribution may execute the program. Furthermore, this program may be intended to implement only a part of the functions described above. Moreover, it may be a program that can implement the above functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, a so-called differential file (differential program).

[0044] (Mode switching process) Figure 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the mode switching process of a toll collection system according to one embodiment. The attendant monitors lane L at the tollbooth via the monitoring device 30. When the attendant determines that it is safe to allow lane L to flow freely, they issue an instruction to switch lane L to single-lane free-flow operation mode as needed. The attendant also issues an instruction to switch lane L from single-lane free-flow operation mode back to normal operation mode. The monitoring device 30 transmits the attendant's instructions to the lane control device 20.

[0045] For example, an attendant might determine that it is safe to allow free flow in lane L if there are no situations where an attendant needs to get out of lane L, or if almost all vehicles approaching the tollbooth are ETC vehicles. Furthermore, if the attendant determines that it is safe to allow free flow, they will issue an instruction to switch to single-lane free flow operation mode, for example, when there is a high volume of traffic at the tollbooth and congestion is likely to occur. On the other hand, if there is little traffic at the tollbooth and congestion is unlikely to occur, the attendant will issue an instruction to switch back to normal operation mode.

[0046] Furthermore, the staff may prepare a configuration file that pre-specifies whether lane L should be in normal operation mode or single-lane free-flow operation mode for each condition such as date, day of the week, and time of day, and provide it to the lane control device 20. The configuration file may be set individually for each of the multiple lanes. For example, the staff may prepare a configuration file that includes instructions to switch to single-lane free-flow operation mode on dates, days of the week, and time of day when traffic volume is high, based on traffic volume statistics.

[0047] If the switching unit 210 of the lane control device 20 receives an instruction from the monitoring device 30 or from an attendant pre-configured in the setting file to "switch to normal operation mode" (step S101; NO), it switches the operation mode of the toll collection system 1 in lane L to normal operation mode (step S102). On the other hand, if the instruction from the attendant is to "switch to single lane free flow operation mode" (step S101; YES), the switching unit 210 switches the operation mode of the toll collection system 1 in lane L to single lane free flow operation mode (step S103).

[0048] Furthermore, if the switching unit 210 receives another instruction to switch the operating mode from the monitoring device 30 after switching the operating mode based on a setting file or an instruction received from the monitoring device 30, it may prioritize the last instruction received from the monitoring device 30 and perform the operating mode switch again. This allows, for example, if the status of a toll booth changes, the operating mode to be appropriately switched according to the instructions of an attendant.

[0049] Furthermore, the processing after the lane control device 20 switches to single-lane free-flow operation mode will be explained with reference to Figure 3. Note that the processing in normal operation mode is the same as that of the conventional toll collection system, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0050] After switching to single-lane free-flow operation mode, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 sends an instruction to the start controller 15 to keep the barrier 151 open at all times (step S104). As a result, the start controller 15 keeps the barrier 151 open at all times, regardless of whether the toll collection process has been completed or not (step S105).

[0051] Furthermore, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 instructs the antenna 12 to continuously emit radio waves (step S106). As a result, the antenna 12 constantly emits radio waves regardless of the detection status of the approaching vehicle detector S1 and the communication vehicle detector S2 (step S107).

[0052] Furthermore, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 instructs the roadside display 16 to display something different from the normal operation mode. In normal operation mode, once the ETC toll collection process is completed, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 instructs the roadside display 16 to display toll collection processing result information, such as the toll for vehicle A and whether or not a discount was applied. On the other hand, in single-lane free-flow operation mode, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 instructs the display to turn off (step S108). As a result, the roadside display 16 will remain off unless it receives a special display instruction from the lane control device 20 (step S109). In other words, in single-lane free-flow operation mode, the roadside display 16 does not display processing result information such as tolls.

[0053] When antenna 12 is constantly emitting radio waves, and two vehicles are traveling side-by-side, there is a possibility that, due to the effects of radio wave reflection, communication may occur with the following vehicle first, and then with the preceding vehicle. In other words, the processing order of ETC toll collection may be reversed compared to the order of travel. In this case, if the roadside display 16 displays the toll as in the normal operation mode, it will incorrectly display the toll for the following vehicle instead of the toll actually collected from the preceding vehicle. To avoid such display discrepancies, in single-lane free-flow operation mode, the roadside display 16 stops displaying processing result information such as tolls. Note that the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 may only restrict the display of processing result information in single-lane free-flow operation mode. Therefore, in other embodiments, the control unit 211 may display something other than processing result information (for example, "Toll display unavailable," "Notify separately," etc.) instead of turning off the roadside display 16.

[0054] (Processing during single-lane free-flow operation mode; upon successful ETC toll collection) Figure 4 is a first sequence diagram showing an example of processing in a single-lane free-flow operation mode according to one embodiment. This section describes the processing flow of the toll collection system 1 when the ETC toll collection process for a vehicle is successful in single-lane free-flow operation mode. In single-lane free-flow operation mode, as explained with reference to Figure 3, the departure control unit 15 keeps the bar 151 in the "open" position at all times, the antenna 12 is constantly emitting radio waves, and the roadside indicator 16 is turned off.

[0055] When the entering vehicle detector S1 detects that vehicle A has entered lane L, it transmits a detection signal to the lane control device 20 (step S200). Antenna 12 is in a state of constantly emitting radio waves in single-lane free-flow operation mode. Therefore, unlike in normal operation mode, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 does not issue an instruction to the antenna 12 to switch from stopping to starting radio wave emission. The lane control device 20 and antenna 12 communicate wirelessly with the on-board unit α of vehicle A and execute the ETC toll collection process for vehicle A (step S201). The content of the ETC toll collection process is the same as that performed in conventional toll collection systems, so a detailed explanation is omitted. Here, we assume that the ETC toll collection process was executed correctly (successfully).

[0056] If the ETC toll collection process is successful, in normal operation mode, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 sends an open command for the barrier 151 to the start controller 15. However, in single-lane free-flow operation mode, the barrier 151 of the start controller 15 is always in the "open" state. For this reason, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 is in a state where it stops sending open and close commands in single-lane free-flow operation mode. In other words, the control unit 211 does not send an open command even after the toll collection process is completed (step S202).

[0057] Furthermore, when the communication vehicle detector S2 detects that vehicle A has passed through the communication range R1, it transmits a passage detection signal to the lane control device 20 (step S203). The antenna 12 is constantly emitting radio waves in single-lane free-flow operation mode. Therefore, unlike in normal operation mode, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 does not instruct the antenna 12 to stop emitting radio waves.

[0058] Next, when the exiting vehicle detector S4 detects that vehicle A has passed the start control unit 15, it transmits an exit detection signal to the lane control device 20 (step S204).

[0059] When vehicle A exits the lane, in normal operation mode, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 sends a command to close the bar 151 to the start controller 15. However, in single-lane free-flow operation mode, the bar 151 of the start controller 15 is always in the "open" state. Therefore, even when vehicle A exits the lane, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 does not send a closing command, similar to step S202 (step S205).

[0060] (Processing during single-lane free-flow operation mode; when ETC toll collection fails) Figure 5 is a second sequence diagram showing an example of processing in a single-lane free-flow operation mode according to one embodiment. This section describes the processing flow of the toll collection system 1 when the ETC toll collection process for a vehicle fails in single-lane free-flow operation mode. The ETC toll collection process fails, for example, when vehicle A is a non-ETC vehicle that does not have an on-board unit α installed, and wireless communication with antenna 12 fails.

[0061] When the entering vehicle detector S1 detects that vehicle A has entered lane L, it transmits a detection signal to the lane control device 20 (step S300). Since vehicle A, which has entered lane L, is not an ETC vehicle, wireless communication with antenna 12 does not occur while it is traveling within the communication range R1.

[0062] Furthermore, when the communication vehicle detector S2 detects that vehicle A has passed through the communication range R1, it transmits a passage detection signal to the lane control device 20 (step S301).

[0063] The control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 determines that vehicle A is not an ETC vehicle if wireless communication with the on-board unit α of vehicle A is not established between the time the vehicle enters and exits (passes through) the communication range R1 (steps S300 to S301) (step S302).

[0064] In this case, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 instructs the roadside indicator 16 to display a message prompting vehicle A to stop (for example, the word "Stop") so that vehicle A does not leave lane L (step S303). Then the roadside indicator 16 displays a message prompting vehicle to stop (step S304). The control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 may also give the same display instruction to the display device 141 in step S303. Then the display device 141 displays a message prompting vehicle to stop in step S304.

[0065] Furthermore, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 transmits a closing command to the start controller 15 (step S305). The start controller 15 then closes the bar 151, restricting vehicle A from exiting lane L (step S306). In other embodiments, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 may only display "Stop" on the roadside indicator 16 (steps S303-S304) and may not close the bar 151 of the start controller 15. In other words, steps S305-S306 in Figure 5 may not be performed.

[0066] The control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 performs a toll collection process to collect the toll for vehicle A by a method other than ETC while vehicle A is stopped in front of the start control unit 15 in accordance with the "Stop" display on the roadside indicator 16 (step S307). Various known technologies can be used for this toll collection process other than ETC. For example, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 may instruct the automatic toll collection machine 14 to collect the toll for vehicle A. Also, if a manned booth is provided in lane L and an attendant is stationed there, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 may send an instruction to a terminal (not shown) in the manned booth to request the attendant to perform the toll collection process. The attendant may also provide the user with information on post-toll collection, where the toll is paid after exiting the toll road. At this time, the attendant may give the user an information sheet describing the payment method, etc. The information sheet may be provided as a printed copy placed in advance near the launch control unit 15 for users to pick up themselves.

[0067] Once the toll collection process other than ETC (S307) is completed, a notification of completion of the toll collection process is sent from the equipment used for the toll collection process (such as the automatic toll collection machine 14 or a terminal in a manned booth) to the lane control device 20. At this point, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 instructs the roadside display 16 to turn off the stop prompt display (step S308). The roadside display 16 then turns off the stop prompt display (step S309). If the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 had instructed the display device 141 to turn off the stop prompt display, in step S308, it also instructs the display device 141 to turn off the display. The display device 141 then turns off the stop prompt display in step S309. In other embodiments, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 may, in step S308, instruct the roadside indicator 16 to display a message encouraging vehicle A to start moving (for example, the words "Passable") until the exiting vehicle detector S4 detects that vehicle A has exited. In this case, in step S309, the roadside indicator 16 lights up a message encouraging movement instead of a message encouraging stopping. The same applies to the display device 141.

[0068] Furthermore, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 transmits an instruction to the start controller 15 to keep the bar 151 permanently open (step S310). As a result, the start controller 15 returns to the state where the bar 151 is always open (step S311). In other embodiments, if the lane control device 20 and the start controller 15 do not perform steps S305 to S306, they also do not perform steps S310 to S311.

[0069] When the bar 151 of the starting control unit 15 opens, vehicle A exits lane L. When the exiting vehicle detector S4 detects that vehicle A has passed the starting control unit 15, it transmits an exit detection signal to the lane control device 20 (step S312). If the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 instructed the roadside indicator 16 to display a prompt to start in step S308, it instructs the roadside indicator 16 to turn off this display. The roadside indicator 16 turns off the prompt to start display in accordance with the instructions of the lane control device 20.

[0070] Furthermore, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 is in a state where it stops transmitting open and close commands in single-lane free-flow operation mode. Therefore, similar to step S205 in Figure 4, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 does not transmit a close command when vehicle A exits (step S313).

[0071] During single-lane free-flow operation mode, the toll collection system 1 performs the series of processes shown in Figure 4 or Figure 5 each time vehicle A arrives at the toll booth. In single-lane free-flow operation mode, as described above, vehicle A, which is an ETC vehicle, can pass through lane L without slowing down. As a result, in single-lane free-flow operation mode, vehicle A can pass through at a faster speed than in normal operation mode, thus suppressing congestion at toll booths.

[0072] (Effect, Action) As described above, the lane control device 20 according to this embodiment includes a switching unit 210 that switches between a normal operation mode and a single lane free flow operation mode, and a control unit 211 that, when switched to the single lane free flow operation mode, instructs the start control unit 15 to keep the bar 151 open at all times.

[0073] In this way, the lane control device 20 can selectively enable free flow in lane L. As a result, the lane control device 20 can allow vehicle A to pass at a faster speed than in normal operation mode, thereby suppressing congestion at toll booths.

[0074] Furthermore, when the control unit 211 switches to single-lane free-flow operation mode, it instructs the antenna 12 to continuously emit radio waves.

[0075] In this way, the complex control of switching the ON and OFF of the radio wave emission of the antenna 12 based on the detection results of the approaching vehicle detector S1 and the communication vehicle detector S2 can be omitted.

[0076] Furthermore, when the control unit 211 switches to single-lane free-flow operation mode, it instructs the roadside indicator 16 to turn off its display.

[0077] In this way, the lane control device 20 can avoid a discrepancy between the toll actually collected and the toll displayed on the roadside display 16, which can occur if the processing order of toll collection becomes reversed compared to the driving order due to the antenna 12 constantly emitting radio waves.

[0078] Furthermore, when the control unit 211 switches to single-lane free-flow operation mode, if no wireless communication occurs between the antenna 12 and the on-board unit α of vehicle A during the period from when the entry vehicle detector S1 and the communication vehicle detector S2 detect vehicle A entering the communication range R1 of the antenna 12 until vehicle A passes through, the control unit 211 determines that vehicle A is not an ETC vehicle.

[0079] In this way, the lane control device 20 can determine whether a vehicle entering lane L is an ETC vehicle or a non-ETC vehicle. As a result, for non-ETC vehicles, it is possible to perform toll collection processing other than ETC, separate from the ETC toll collection processing via wireless communication.

[0080] Furthermore, if the control unit 211 determines that vehicle A is not an ETC vehicle, it instructs the notification device (roadside display 16, display device 141) to output a notification prompting vehicle A to stop.

[0081] In this way, the lane control device 20 can prevent vehicle A from exiting lane L before it is given instructions on paying the toll or collecting the toll afterward.

[0082] Furthermore, if the control unit 211 determines that the vehicle is not an ETC vehicle, it instructs the departure control unit 15 to close the barrier 151.

[0083] In this way, the lane control device 20 can more reliably prevent vehicle A from exiting lane L before it is given instructions on paying the toll or collecting the toll afterward.

[0084] As described above, embodiments relating to this disclosure have been explained, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents.

[0085] <Note> The lane control device, control method, and program described in the above-described embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0086] (1) According to the first embodiment, the lane control device 20 is a lane control device 20 that controls a toll booth machine 10 of a toll collection system 1 that processes vehicles A traveling in the lane L of a toll booth, and comprises a switching unit 210 that switches between a normal operation mode and a single lane free flow operation mode, and a control unit 211 that, when switched to the single lane free flow operation mode, instructs a starting control unit 15, which is one of the toll booth machines 10 and has a bar 151 that opens or closes lane L, to keep lane L open at all times.

[0087] In this way, the lane control device 20 can selectively enable free flow in lane L. As a result, the lane control device 20 can allow vehicle A to pass at a faster speed than in normal operation mode, thereby suppressing congestion at toll booths.

[0088] (2) According to the second embodiment, in the lane control device 20 according to the first embodiment, when the control unit 211 switches to single lane free flow operation mode, it instructs the antenna 12, which is one of the toll booth machines 10 and communicates wirelessly with the on-board unit α mounted on vehicle A, to continuously emit radio waves.

[0089] In this way, the complex control of switching the ON and OFF of the radio wave emission of the antenna 12 based on the detection results of the approaching vehicle detector S1 and the communication vehicle detector S2 can be omitted.

[0090] (3) According to the third embodiment, in the lane control device 20 according to the second embodiment, when the control unit 211 switches to single lane free flow operation mode, it instructs the roadside display unit 16, which is one of the toll booth machines 10 and displays information toward vehicle A, to display something different from the normal operation mode.

[0091] For example, the roadside display 16 displays the toll for vehicle A in normal operation mode, but does not display these in single-lane free-flow operation mode. In this way, the lane control device 20 can avoid a discrepancy between the toll actually collected and the toll displayed on the roadside display 16 if the processing order of toll collection becomes reversed compared to the driving order due to the antenna 12 constantly emitting radio waves.

[0092] (4) According to the fourth embodiment, in the lane control device 20 according to any one of the first to third embodiments, the control unit 211 performs toll collection processing to collect the toll for vehicle A via an antenna 12 which is one of the toll booth machines 10 and communicates wirelessly with an on-board unit α mounted on vehicle A, and when it switches to single lane free flow operation mode, if no wireless communication occurs between the antenna 12 and the on-board unit α of vehicle A during the period from when the entry vehicle detector S1 and the communication vehicle detector S2 detect vehicle A entering the communication range R1 of the antenna 12 to when they detect that vehicle A has passed through, it is determined that vehicle A is a non-ETC vehicle that does not have an on-board unit α installed.

[0093] In this way, the lane control device 20 can determine whether a vehicle entering lane L is an ETC vehicle or a non-ETC vehicle. As a result, for non-ETC vehicles, it is possible to perform toll collection processing other than ETC, separate from the ETC toll collection processing via wireless communication.

[0094] (5) According to the fifth embodiment, in the lane control device 20 according to the fourth embodiment, if the control unit 211 determines that vehicle A is a non-ETC vehicle, it instructs one of the toll booth machines 10, which is a notification device (roadside display 16, display device 141) that notifies vehicle A, to output a notification prompting vehicle A to stop.

[0095] In this way, the lane control device 20 can prevent vehicle A from exiting lane L before it is given instructions on paying the toll or collecting the toll afterward.

[0096] (6) According to the sixth aspect, in the lane control device 20 according to the fourth aspect, the control unit 211 instructs the departure control unit 15 to close the bar 151 when it determines that vehicle A is a non-ETC vehicle.

[0097] In this way, the lane control device 20 can more reliably prevent vehicle A from exiting lane L before it is given instructions on paying the toll or collecting the toll afterward.

[0098] (7) According to the seventh aspect, in the lane control device 20 according to the fifth aspect, the control unit 211 instructs the start control unit 15 to close the bar 151 when it determines that vehicle A is a non-ETC vehicle.

[0099] In this way, the lane control device 20 can more reliably prevent vehicle A from exiting lane L before it is given instructions on paying the toll or collecting the toll afterward.

[0100] (8) According to the eighth aspect, the control method is a control method for controlling a toll booth machine 10 that has a toll collection system 1 that processes vehicles A traveling in the lane L of the toll booth, and comprises the steps of switching between a normal operation mode and a single lane free flow operation mode, and when the system switches to the single lane free flow operation mode, instructing a departure control unit 15, which is one of the toll booth machines 10 and has a bar 151 that opens or closes the lane L, to keep the bar 151 open at all times.

[0101] (9) According to the ninth aspect, the program causes a lane control device 20, which controls a toll booth machine 10 of a toll collection system 1 that processes tolls for a vehicle A traveling in the toll booth lane L, to perform a control method for controlling a toll booth machine 10 of a toll collection system 1 that processes tolls for a vehicle A traveling in the toll booth lane L, to perform the steps of switching between a normal operation mode and a single lane free flow operation mode, and when the program switches to the single lane free flow operation mode, instructing a departure control device 15, which is one of the toll booth machines 10 and has a bar 151 that opens or closes lane L, to keep the bar 151 open at all times. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1. Toll collection system 10 Toll booth machines 12 antennas 13 Lane indicators 14. Automatic fare collection machine 141 Display device 15. Launch control unit 151 Bar 16 Roadside indicator 20 Lane control system 21 processors 210 Switching section 211 Control Unit 22 memory 23 Storage 24 Communication Interfaces 30 Monitoring equipment Vehicle A S1 Approaching Vehicle Detector (Vehicle Detector) S2 Communication Vehicle Detector (Vehicle Detector) S4 Exit-side vehicle detector (vehicle detector) α Onboard equipment

Claims

1. A lane control device that controls the toll booth machine in a toll collection system that processes tolls for vehicles traveling in the toll booth lane, A switching unit that switches between normal operation mode and single-lane free-flow operation mode, When switching to the single-lane free-flow operation mode, the control unit instructs a departure control unit, which is one of the toll booth machines and has a bar for opening or closing the lane, to keep the lane open at all times, and when switching to the normal operation mode, instructs the departure control unit to keep the lane closed until the toll collection process for the vehicle is completed, and to open the lane after the toll collection process is completed. Equipped with, The control unit, One of the aforementioned toll booth machines performs toll collection processing for the vehicle by receiving the toll from the vehicle via an antenna that communicates wirelessly with an on-board device mounted on the vehicle. When switching to the single-lane free-flow operation mode, if no wireless communication occurs between the antenna and the vehicle's onboard unit during the period from when the entry vehicle detector and the communication vehicle detector detect the vehicle entering the communication range of the antenna until the vehicle passes through, it is determined that the vehicle is a non-ETC vehicle that does not have the onboard unit installed. If it is determined that the vehicle is not an ETC vehicle, the system does not switch from the single-lane free-flow operation mode to the normal operation mode, instructs the departure control unit to close the barrier, and after the toll collection process for the non-ETC vehicle is completed, instructs the departure control unit to keep the lane open at all times. Lane control device.

2. The control unit, when switched to the single-lane free-flow operation mode, instructs the antenna to continuously emit radio waves, and when switched to the normal operation mode, instructs the antenna to start emitting radio waves when the approaching vehicle detector detects the vehicle's entry, and to stop emitting radio waves when the communication vehicle detector detects the vehicle's passage. The lane control device according to claim 1.

3. When the control unit switches to the single-lane free-flow operation mode, it instructs one of the toll booth machines, a roadside display that shows information to the vehicle, to display something different from the normal operation mode. The lane control device according to claim 2.

4. When the control unit determines that the vehicle is not an ETC vehicle, it instructs one of the toll booth machines, which is a notification device that notifies the vehicle, to output a notification prompting the vehicle to stop. The lane control device according to claim 1.

5. A control method for controlling a toll booth machine in a toll collection system that processes tolls for vehicles traveling in the toll booth lane, The lane control system switches between normal operation mode and single lane free flow operation mode. When the lane control device switches to the single-lane free-flow operation mode, it instructs a departure control device, which is one of the toll booth machines and has a bar for opening or closing the lane, to keep the lane open at all times. The lane control device, when switched to the normal operation mode, instructs the starting control unit to keep the lane closed until the toll collection process for the vehicle is completed, and to open the lane after the toll collection process is completed. The lane control device performs a toll collection process, which involves receiving the toll from the vehicle via an antenna that communicates wirelessly with an on-board device mounted on the vehicle, which is one of the toll booth machines. When the lane control device switches to the single lane free flow operation mode, if no wireless communication occurs between the antenna and the vehicle's onboard unit during the period from when the entering vehicle detector and the communication vehicle detector detect the vehicle entering the communication range of the antenna until the vehicle passes through, the device determines that the vehicle is a non-ETC vehicle that does not have the onboard unit installed. The lane control device, when it determines that the vehicle is a non-ETC vehicle, does not switch from the single-lane free-flow operation mode to the normal operation mode, instructs the departure control unit to close the barrier, and after the toll collection process for the non-ETC vehicle is completed, instructs the departure control unit to keep the lane open at all times. A control method having

6. A lane control device that controls the toll booth machine in a toll collection system that processes vehicles traveling in the toll booth lane, The steps include: switching between a normal operation mode and a single-lane free-flow operation mode; and, when switching to the single-lane free-flow operation mode, instructing a departure control device, which is one of the toll booth machines and has a bar for opening or closing the lane, to keep the lane open at all times; When switching to the normal operation mode, the step of instructing the departure control unit to keep the lane closed until the toll collection process for the vehicle is completed, and to open the lane after the toll collection process is completed, The steps include: performing a toll collection process, which involves receiving the toll for a vehicle via an antenna that communicates wirelessly with an on-board device mounted on the vehicle, which is one of the aforementioned toll booth machines; When switching to the single-lane free-flow operation mode, if no wireless communication occurs between the antenna and the vehicle's onboard unit during the period from when the entry vehicle detector and the communication vehicle detector detect the vehicle entering the communication range of the antenna until the vehicle passes through, the vehicle is determined to be a non-ETC vehicle that does not have the onboard unit installed. A program that, when it is determined that the vehicle is a non-ETC vehicle, does not switch from the single-lane free-flow operation mode to the normal operation mode, instructs the departure control unit to close the barrier, and after the toll collection process for the non-ETC vehicle is completed, instructs the departure control unit to keep the lane open at all times.

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