Vehicle terminal and antenna connection diagnosis method thereof

Abstract

An antenna connection diagnosis method for a vehicle terminal of an automatic toll collection system is provided. The method includes a step of confirming an antenna connection state when the vehicle terminal becomes a power-on state; a step of generating log information of an antenna based on the antenna connection state; and a step of diagnosing the connection state of the antenna based on the log information, wherein the log information of the antenna includes a state log of the antenna and an event log recording a change history of the state log.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle-mounted terminal and its antenna connection diagnostic method. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, toll roads, including highways, have installed Electronic Toll Collection Systems (ETCS) to ensure smooth traffic flow. Typically, ETCS are automated electronic toll collection systems that process highway tolls wirelessly while vehicles are in motion. They consist of an electronic card, an onboard unit (OBU), and roadside equipment (RSE). When the RSE identifies a vehicle and sends a payment request to the OBU, the OBU reads the payment information from the electronic card and sends it to the RSE, which then uses this information to execute the payment.

[0003] This type of roadside base station is equipped with one or two antennas for transmitting and receiving data with the vehicle-mounted terminal, and the communication radius of the roadside base station is determined by these antennas.

[0004] On the other hand, if the antenna becomes detached during driving due to the operator not connecting it properly or not plugging it in securely, the antennas of the roadside base station and the vehicle-mounted terminal cannot communicate with each other, resulting in the inability to collect fees. In this situation, under existing technology, it is difficult to resolve the obstacle because it is impossible to determine whether the fault is due to a temporary communication failure or a faulty connector. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an in-vehicle terminal and an antenna connection diagnosis method that records the antenna connection status of the vehicle terminal as log information and can diagnose the antenna connection status based on the log information.

[0007] However, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is not limited to the technical problem described above, but there may be other technical problems.

[0008] Technical solution

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention for solving the aforementioned technical problems, a method for diagnosing the antenna connection status of an on-board terminal in an automatic toll collection system includes: a step of confirming the antenna connection status when the on-board terminal is powered on; a step of generating antenna log information based on the antenna connection status; and a step of diagnosing the antenna connection status based on the log information. Here, the antenna log information includes an antenna status log and an event log recording the change history of the status log.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, the step of generating antenna log information based on the connection status of the antenna may include: confirming the previous status log of the antenna; if the previous status log of the antenna is different from the current status, recording the event log as an antenna connection event log or an antenna disconnection event log based on the connection status confirmation result of the antenna; and recording the status log as an antenna connection status log or an antenna disconnection status log based on the connection status confirmation result of the antenna.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, when the result of confirming the antenna connection status is that it is connected, the step of generating antenna log information based on the antenna connection status includes the step of recording an antenna connection event log in the event log when the previous status log of the antenna is set to an initial value; and the step of recording an antenna connection status log in the status log such that it corresponds to the antenna connection event log. In the step of diagnosing the antenna connection status based on the status log and the event log, it is possible to diagnose whether the antenna cable is in a normal state or the DTC circuit of the vehicle terminal is in a faulty state.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present invention, when the result of confirming the antenna connection status is not connected, the step of generating antenna log information based on the antenna connection status includes omitting the step of recording the status log and event log when the previous status log of the antenna is set to an initial value. In the step of diagnosing the antenna connection status based on the status log and event log, it can be diagnosed that the antenna is not connected when the vehicle leaves the warehouse or that the DTC circuit of the vehicle terminal is malfunctioning.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, when the result of confirming the antenna connection status is not connected, the step of generating antenna log information based on the antenna connection status includes the step of recording an antenna not connected event log in the event log when the previous state log of the antenna is recorded as an antenna connection status log; and the step of recording an antenna not connected status log in the state log to correspond to the antenna not connected event log. In the step of diagnosing the antenna connection status based on the state log and the event log, it is possible to diagnose at least one of the following: poor antenna connection during assembly before the vehicle leaves the warehouse, poor antenna connection caused by operation after the vehicle leaves the warehouse, and poor antenna connection caused by unstable connection status.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention, when the result of confirming the antenna connection status is that it is connected, the step of generating antenna log information based on the antenna connection status includes the step of recording an antenna connection event log in the event log when the previous status log of the antenna is set as an antenna disconnection event log; and the step of recording an antenna connection status log in the status log to correspond to the antenna connection event log. In the step of diagnosing the antenna connection status based on the status log and the event log, it is possible to diagnose at least one of the following: poor antenna connection during assembly before the vehicle leaves the warehouse, poor antenna connection caused by operation after the vehicle leaves the warehouse, and poor antenna connection caused by unstable connection status.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, the method may further include a step of confirming the communication status between the vehicle-mounted terminal and the roadside base station; and a step of generating antenna log information based on the communication status confirmation result.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present invention, when the result of confirming the communication status is a state in which communication is possible, the step of generating the antenna log information based on the communication status confirmation result may include the step of confirming the previous status log of the antenna; the step of determining whether to record an event log based on whether the previous status log of the antenna is the same as the current status; and the step of recording the initial communication time log based on whether the initial communication time log included in the status log of the antenna is recorded.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present invention, in the step of diagnosing the connection status of the antenna based on the log information, if the event log is recorded and the initial communication time log has been recorded or re-recorded, it is possible to diagnose at least one of antenna connection failure caused by operation after the vehicle leaves the warehouse and antenna connection failure caused by unstable connection status.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present invention, when the result of the communication status confirmation is a state of non-communication, the step of generating antenna log information based on the communication status confirmation result may include a step of determining whether to record an event log based on whether the previous state log of the antenna is the same as the current state; and a step of recording the initial communication time log based on whether the initial communication time log contained in the state log of the antenna is recorded.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present invention, in the step of recording the initial communication time log based on whether or not the initial communication time log included in the antenna's status log is recorded, if the initial communication time log has already been recorded, the status change parameter included in the initial communication time log can be recorded as a parameter corresponding to the antenna not being connected.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present invention, in the step of diagnosing the connection status of the antenna based on the log information, if the initial communication time log has been recorded or re-recorded, it is possible to diagnose at least one of antenna connection failure caused by operation after the vehicle leaves the warehouse and antenna connection failure caused by unstable connection status.

[0021] In some embodiments of the present invention, in the step of diagnosing the connection status of the antenna based on the log information, if the initial communication time log record is an initial value, it is possible to diagnose at least one of the following: poor antenna connection during assembly before the vehicle leaves the warehouse, poor antenna connection caused by operation after the vehicle leaves the warehouse, and poor antenna connection caused by unstable connection status.

[0022] Furthermore, according to a second aspect of the present invention, an on-board terminal for an automated toll collection system capable of diagnosing antenna connectivity includes: a communication unit for transmitting and receiving data between a predetermined antenna and a roadside base station; a determination unit for determining the antenna connectivity status when the on-board terminal is powered on; and a control unit for generating antenna log information based on the antenna connectivity status and diagnosing the antenna connectivity status based on the log information. Here, the antenna log information may include an antenna status log and an event log recording the change history of the status log.

[0023] A computer program of another aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned technical problems is stored in a computer-readable storage medium, which, in conjunction with a computer as hardware, executes the antenna connection diagnosis method on the vehicle terminal.

[0024] Other specific aspects of this invention are contained in the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0025] Technical effect

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, after confirming the antenna status information of the vehicle terminal, an alarm prompt can be provided to the user based on the status information.

[0027] Furthermore, it has the advantage of being able to accurately determine the type of error and provide corresponding diagnostic results by analyzing the log information of the antenna's connection status.

[0028] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other effects not mentioned based on the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of an antenna connection diagnostic method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of generating log information according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figures 3a to 3c These are schematic diagrams illustrating various embodiments for generating log information;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the contents of the initial communication time log based on the communication state after connecting the antenna in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figures 5a to 5d This is a schematic diagram illustrating various embodiments for generating log information based on communication status after connecting the antenna;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of an in-vehicle terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0036] 100: Vehicle-mounted terminal; 110: Ministry of Communications

[0037] 120: Judgment Unit; 130: Control Unit Detailed Implementation

[0038] The advantages, features, and implementation methods of the present invention will become clear from the accompanying drawings and the embodiments described below. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in many different forms. These embodiments are merely intended to make the disclosure of the present invention more complete and to enable those skilled in the art to easily understand the scope of the invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the technical solution.

[0039] The terminology used in this specification is for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the invention. In this specification, singular forms include plural forms unless otherwise specified. The terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" as used in this specification mean that, in addition to the mentioned constituent elements, one or more other constituent elements may be present or added. Throughout this specification, the same reference numerals denote the same constituent elements, and "and / or" includes each and all combinations of one or more of the mentioned constituent elements. Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe multiple constituent elements, it is clear that these constituent elements are not limited to these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one constituent element from others. Therefore, the first constituent element mentioned below may also be a second constituent element within the technical concept of this invention.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) shall be used in the manner commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries shall not be interpreted ideally or excessively without explicit specific definitions.

[0041] See below Figures 1 to 5d An antenna connection diagnostic method for an on-board terminal 100 for an automatic toll collection system according to an embodiment of the present invention is described (hereinafter, antenna connection diagnostic method).

[0042] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of an antenna connection diagnostic method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Furthermore, it can be understood as Figure 1 The steps shown are executed by the vehicle terminal 100, but are not limited to this.

[0044] The vehicle-mounted terminal 100 is configured to be installed inside a vehicle (e.g., a car) moving on a road equipped with a roadside base station or mounted on the roof of a vehicle, thereby enabling it to send and receive data with the roadside base station while moving using the vehicle.

[0045] Communication between the vehicle-mounted terminal 100 and the roadside base station can be processed through Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) in a dedicated short-range communication frequency band, but it is not limited to this. Of course, it can also include other next-generation frequency bands such as WAVE (Wireless Access In Vehicular Environment) frequency.

[0046] Furthermore, communication processing with roadside base stations can represent, for example, a series of steps involving sending and receiving request and response signals with roadside base stations.

[0047] The roadside base station is positioned next to a road (e.g., a highway) where vehicles move, and communicates with the vehicle-mounted terminal 100 of vehicles entering its coverage area.

[0048] See Figure 1 First, after the vehicle starts and becomes powered on, the vehicle terminal 100 confirms the antenna connection status when its power is turned on (S110). In this invention, the vehicle terminal 100 initializes basic functions after its power is turned on, and then confirms the antenna connection status information.

[0049] Then, the antenna log information is generated based on the antenna connection status (S120).

[0050] As an example, the antenna's log information may include the antenna's status log, event log, and initial communication time log.

[0051] The status log is a log information recorded to know the current connection and disconnection status of the antenna cable of the vehicle terminal 100.

[0052] The event log records the change history of the status log, thus allowing confirmation of the antenna cable's connection history. The event log can be stored up to 255 bytes and may include a communication failure log storage area (1 block).

[0053] The initial communication time log records the initial communication time with the roadside base station. Here, after the initial communication time log is set to initial storage, if the status log changes from a connected state to a disconnected state, the status change parameter value contained in the predetermined position of the initial communication time log is recorded as the parameter value corresponding to the antenna not being connected.

[0054] One embodiment of the present invention can confirm whether the antenna is connected or not, and the antenna detachment history after normal communication, based on this log information. The log information applicable to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in Table 1 below.

[0055] [Table 1]

[0056]

[0057] Then, the connection status of the antenna is diagnosed based on the log information (S130). In one embodiment of the present invention, as the antenna connection status diagnosis result, it is possible to generate and confirm various diagnostic results, such as whether the connection failure was caused by the vehicle leaving the warehouse, whether the connection failure was caused by the vehicle being assembled before leaving the warehouse, and whether the connection failure was caused by operations after leaving the warehouse. The specific details will be explained below.

[0058] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of generating log information according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 3a to 3c This is a schematic diagram illustrating various embodiments for generating log information.

[0059] Before further explanation, the antenna status information corresponding to each status log, event log, and initial communication time log in one embodiment of the present invention is shown in Table 2 below. (See below for further details.) Figures 2 to 5d The specific implementation examples based on each state information are described in Table 2.

[0060] [Table 2]

[0061]

[0062]

[0063] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the power supply of the vehicle terminal 100 is turned on, the connection status of the antenna is first confirmed, and the antenna log information is generated based on the connection status of the antenna.

[0064] Here, the previous state log of the antenna is checked. If the previous state log of the antenna is different from the current state, the event log can be recorded as an antenna connection event log or a disconnection event log based on the antenna connection status confirmation result.

[0065] Furthermore, based on the antenna connection status confirmation result, the status log can be recorded as either an antenna connection status log or an antenna disconnection status log.

[0066] first, Figure 3a This is the initial state with no connection history to the antenna. The previous state log recorded the initial value as '00', which is the state with no communication history with the roadside base station (date: ~0000).

[0067] In this state, when the vehicle is started and the on-board terminal 100 is powered on, the antenna connection status is checked (S210). If the confirmation result is that the antenna is connected (S210-Y), the previous status log is checked. If the confirmation result is that the status log records the initial value '00' (S215-Y), the antenna connection event log (AC) is recorded in the event log (S220). Then, the antenna connection status log (AC) is recorded in the status log, corresponding to the antenna connection event log (AC) (S225).

[0068] In this embodiment, the antenna connection status can be diagnosed as normal, but since the communication connection is not yet confirmed, the DTC circuit of the vehicle terminal 100 can be diagnosed as malfunctioning. In this case, the diagnostic result regarding whether it is an accurate communication status can be determined based on the communication connection status with the roadside base station later.

[0069] In another embodiment, when the vehicle is started and the vehicle terminal 100 is powered on, the connection status of the antenna is checked (S210). If the confirmation result is that the antenna is not connected (S210-N), the previous status log is checked. If the confirmation result is that the previous status log is recorded with the initial value '00' (S230-Y), no status log and event log are recorded, and the process terminates. That is, in this embodiment, the initially set log information is not changed, but the original state is maintained.

[0070] In this embodiment, the problem could be diagnosed as an antenna disconnection, or, since the communication connection is not yet confirmed, a malfunction in the DTC circuitry of the vehicle terminal 100. In this case, the diagnostic result regarding the accuracy of the communication status can be determined based on the subsequent communication connection status with the roadside base station.

[0071] Then, Figure 3bThis indicates a state where there is an antenna connection history, previously recorded in the status log as the Antenna Connection Status Log (AC). This indicates a state where there is no communication history with the roadside base station (date: ~0000).

[0072] In this state, when the vehicle is started and the vehicle terminal 100 is powered on, the antenna connection status is checked (S210). If the confirmation result is that the antenna is connected (S210-Y), the previous status log is checked. Since the confirmation result is that the previous status log is recorded as the antenna connection status log (AC) (S215-N), and the status log has not changed, the event log recording is omitted, and the current status log is recorded as the antenna connection status log (AC) (S225).

[0073] In this embodiment, the antenna connection status can be diagnosed as normal. Since the communication connection status has not yet been confirmed, the diagnostic result regarding whether it is an accurate communication status can be determined based on the communication connection status with the roadside base station later.

[0074] In another embodiment, when the vehicle is started and the vehicle terminal 100 is powered on, the connection status of the antenna is checked (S210). If the confirmation result is that the antenna is not connected (S210-N), the previous status log is checked. Since the confirmation result is that the previous status log was recorded as the antenna connection status log (AC) (S230-N, S235-Y), an antenna not connected event log (DC) is recorded in the event log in this case (S240). Furthermore, since the event log has changed, an antenna not connected status log (DC) is recorded in the status log, corresponding to the antenna not connected event log (DC) (S245).

[0075] In this embodiment, the problem can be diagnosed as a faulty antenna connection caused by poor antenna connection during assembly before the vehicle leaves the depot or by operation after the vehicle leaves the depot. Since the communication connection is not yet confirmed, it can also be diagnosed as a faulty antenna connection caused by an unstable connection. In this case, whether the diagnostic result is accurate can be determined based on the subsequent communication connection status with the roadside base station.

[0076] Then, Figure 3c This indicates a connection history for the antenna, previously recorded in the status log as the Antenna Connection Status Log (DC), meaning the antenna became disconnected again after being connected. Furthermore, it indicates a state with no communication history with the roadside base station (date: ~0000).

[0077] In this state, when the vehicle is started and the vehicle terminal 100 is powered on, the antenna connection status is checked (S210). If the confirmation result is that the antenna is connected (S210-Y), the previous status log is checked. Since the confirmation result is that the previous status log recorded an antenna disconnected status log (DC) (S215-N), an antenna connection event log (AC) is recorded in the event log (S220). Furthermore, since the event log has changed, an antenna disconnected status log (AC) is recorded in the status log, corresponding to the antenna connection event log (AC) (S225).

[0078] In this embodiment, the faulty antenna connection can be diagnosed as either a problem during vehicle assembly before leaving the depot or a problem caused by operation after the vehicle leaves the depot. Since the communication connection is not yet confirmed, it can also be diagnosed as an antenna connection problem caused by an unstable connection. In this case, the diagnostic result regarding the accuracy of the communication status can be determined based on the subsequent communication connection status with the roadside base station.

[0079] In another embodiment, when the vehicle is started and the vehicle terminal 100 is powered on, the connection status of the antenna is checked (S210). If the confirmation result is that the antenna is not connected (S210-N), the previous status log is checked. Since the confirmation result is that the previous status log is recorded as the antenna not connected status log (DC) (S230-N, S235-N), and since the event log has not changed, the event log record is omitted, and the current status log is recorded as the antenna not connected status log (DC) (S245).

[0080] In this embodiment, the problem can be diagnosed as a faulty antenna connection caused by poor antenna connection during assembly before the vehicle leaves the depot or by operation after the vehicle leaves the depot. Since the communication connection is not yet confirmed, it can also be diagnosed as a faulty antenna connection caused by an unstable connection. In this case, the diagnostic result regarding whether it is an accurate communication status can be determined based on the subsequent communication connection status with the roadside base station.

[0081] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the contents of the initial communication time log based on the communication status after connecting the antenna in one embodiment of the present invention. Figures 5a to 5d This is a schematic diagram illustrating various embodiments for generating log information based on communication status after connecting the antenna.

[0082] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the power supply of the vehicle terminal 100 is turned on, the communication status with the roadside base station can be confirmed, and the antenna log information can be generated based on the communication status confirmation result.

[0083] In one embodiment of the present invention, if the communication status confirmation result indicates a state where communication is possible, the previous status log of the antenna is checked, and it is determined whether to record an event log based on whether the previous status log of the antenna is the same as the current status. Then, the initial communication time log can be recorded based on whether the initial communication time log contained in the antenna's status log has been recorded.

[0084] Similarly, if the communication status confirmation result is that communication is not possible, it can be determined whether to record the event log based on whether the previous status log of the antenna is the same as the current status, and the initial communication time log can be recorded based on whether the initial communication time log contained in the antenna status log is recorded.

[0085] Figure 5a This indicates a state where there is an antenna connection history, previously recorded in the status log as the Antenna Connection Status Log (AC). This indicates a state where there is no communication history with the roadside base station (date: ~0000).

[0086] In this case, after the vehicle is started and the vehicle terminal is powered on, and communication with the roadside base station is completed (S310-Y), the previous log state is checked. Since the previous state log is the same as the current state, the event log is omitted. When communication is completed, the state with communication completion time information exists (S320-Y). Therefore, the communication completion time is recorded as the initial communication time log (date: ~1234) (S330).

[0087] In this embodiment, communication is completed normally, so the antenna connection status can be diagnosed as normal.

[0088] In another embodiment, when the vehicle is started and the vehicle terminal is powered on, if communication with the roadside base station fails after an attempt to do so (S310-N), the previous log state is checked. Since the current state is different from the previous state log, it is a state where communication is not possible. Therefore, an antenna disconnection event log (DC) is recorded in the event log. Furthermore, since the event log has changed, an antenna disconnection state log (DC) is recorded in the state log, corresponding to the antenna disconnection event log (DC). And, since it is a state where communication with the roadside base station is not possible (S320-N), the initial communication time log is omitted.

[0089] In this embodiment, the antenna connection may be faulty due to poor antenna connection during assembly before the vehicle leaves the warehouse or due to operation after the vehicle leaves the warehouse, or it may be faulty due to unstable connection status.

[0090] Then, Figure 5bThis indicates a connection history for the antenna, previously recorded in the status log as the Antenna Connection Status Log (DC), meaning the antenna became disconnected again after being connected. Furthermore, it indicates a state with no communication history with the roadside base station (date: ~0000).

[0091] In this case, after the vehicle is started and the on-board terminal is powered on and completes communication with the roadside base station (S310-Y), the previous log state is checked. Since this is a state where communication with the current base station is completed, an antenna connection event log (AC) is recorded in the event log. Furthermore, because the event log has changed, an antenna connection status log (AC) is recorded in the status log, corresponding to the antenna connection event log (AC). Also, since communication completion time information exists when communication with the roadside base station is completed (S320-Y), the communication completion time is recorded as the initial communication time log (date: ~1234) (S330).

[0092] In this embodiment, there is a situation where the antenna is not connected once. Therefore, it can be diagnosed as poor antenna connection caused by operation after the vehicle leaves the warehouse, or it can also be diagnosed as poor antenna connection caused by unstable connection status.

[0093] As another embodiment, when the vehicle is started and the vehicle terminal is powered on, if it attempts to communicate with the roadside base station but fails (S310-N), the previous log state is checked. Since the previous state log is the same as the current state, the event log is omitted. And since it is a state where communication with the roadside base station is not possible (S320-N), the initial communication time log is omitted.

[0094] In this embodiment, the cause of the antenna connection failure can be diagnosed as poor antenna connection during assembly before the vehicle leaves the warehouse or poor antenna connection caused by operation after the vehicle leaves the warehouse, or it can also be diagnosed as poor antenna connection caused by unstable connection status.

[0095] Then, Figure 5c This indicates that there is a connection history for the antenna. Previously, the status log recorded this as the Antenna Connection Status Log (AC). This indicates that there is a communication history with the roadside base station (date: ~1234).

[0096] In this case, the vehicle starts up and becomes active. After the vehicle terminal is powered on, it completes communication with the roadside base station (S310-Y). The previous log status is confirmed. Since the previous log status is the same as the current status, the event log record is omitted. Regarding the communication completion time, since the initial communication completion time information exists (S320-N), the append record of the initial communication time log is omitted.

[0097] In this embodiment, since communication is completed normally, the antenna connection status can be diagnosed as normal.

[0098] As another embodiment, when the vehicle is started and the vehicle terminal is powered on, if it attempts to communicate with the roadside base station but fails (S310-N), the previous log state is checked. Since the current state is different from the previous state log, it is a state where communication is not possible. Therefore, an antenna disconnection event log (DC) is recorded in the event log. Furthermore, since the event log has changed, an antenna disconnection state log (DC) is recorded in the state log, corresponding to the antenna disconnection event log (DC). Also, as in the case where the initial communication time log has already been recorded (…),… Figure 2 Step (S250-Y) records the state change parameter value (ss) contained in the initial communication time log as the parameter value (DC) corresponding to the antenna not being connected. Figure 2 Step (S255)).

[0099] In this embodiment, it is possible to diagnose poor antenna connection caused by operation after the vehicle leaves the warehouse, or it can also be diagnosed as poor antenna connection caused by unstable connection status.

[0100] at last, Figure 5d This indicates a connection history for the antenna, previously recorded in the status log as the Antenna Connection Status Log (DC), meaning the antenna became disconnected again after being connected. Furthermore, it indicates a communication history with the roadside base station exists but communication is not possible (date: ~12DC).

[0101] In this scenario, after the vehicle is started and the onboard terminal is powered on, and communication with the roadside base station is completed (S310-Y), the previous log state is checked. Since this is different from the previous state log, it indicates that communication with the current base station has been completed. Therefore, an antenna connection event log (AC) is recorded in the event log. Furthermore, since the event log has changed, an antenna connection state log (AC) is recorded in the state log, corresponding to the antenna connection event log (AC). Regarding the communication completion time, since the initial communication completion time information already exists (S320-N), the appending record of the initial communication time log is omitted.

[0102] In this embodiment, the antenna connection problem can be diagnosed as a result of operation after the vehicle leaves the warehouse, or it can be diagnosed as a result of an unstable connection status.

[0103] As another embodiment, when the vehicle is started and the vehicle terminal is powered on, if it attempts to communicate with the roadside base station but fails (S310-N), the previous log state is checked. Since the previous state log is the same as the current state, the event log is omitted. Furthermore, since it is a state where communication with the roadside base station is not possible and the initial communication time log has already been recorded, the additional record is omitted.

[0104] In this embodiment, the problem can also be diagnosed as poor antenna connection caused by operation after the vehicle leaves the warehouse, or as poor antenna connection caused by unstable connection status.

[0105] Table 3 below summarizes the diagnostic results corresponding to the log information in the aforementioned embodiments.

[0106] [Table 3]

[0107]

[0108]

[0109] Furthermore, in the above description, steps (S110 to S330) can be further divided into additional steps or combined into fewer steps according to the implementation examples of the present invention. Also, some steps can be omitted as needed, and the order of the steps can be changed. Furthermore, even for other omitted content, Figures 1 to 5d The content can also be applied to Figure 6 The content of the vehicle-mounted terminal 100.

[0110] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of an in-vehicle terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle terminal 100 includes a communication unit 110, a judgment unit 120 and a control unit 130.

[0112] The Communications Department 110 transmits and receives data based on predetermined antennas and roadside base stations.

[0113] The judgment unit 120 determines the connection status of the antenna when the vehicle terminal 100 is powered on.

[0114] The control unit 130 generates antenna log information based on the antenna's connection status and diagnoses the antenna's connection status based on the log information. Here, the antenna log information includes the antenna's status log and an event log recording the change history of the status log.

[0115] In one embodiment of the present invention described above, the antenna connection diagnostic method for the vehicle terminal 100 of the automatic toll collection system can be implemented as a program (or application program) and stored in a medium for operation in conjunction with a computer as hardware.

[0116] The aforementioned program may include code encoded in computer languages ​​such as C, C++, JAVA, Ruby, and machine language, which the computer's processor (CPU) can read through the computer's device interface, so that the computer can read the program and execute the method implemented as the program. This code may include functional code, such as functions defining the functions required to perform the method, and execution control code, such as the control code related to the execution steps required by the computer's processor to perform the functions according to predetermined steps. Furthermore, this code may also include memory access-related code regarding the location (address number) of additional information or media required by the computer's processor to perform the function in the computer's internal or external memory. Additionally, if the computer's processor needs to communicate with any other remote computer or server when performing the function, the code may also include communication-related code regarding how to use the computer's communication module to communicate with any other remote computer or server, and what information or media should be sent and received during communication.

[0117] The storage medium refers to a medium that stores data semi-permanently and can be read by a device, rather than a medium that stores data for short periods, such as registers, buffers, or memory. Specifically, the storage medium includes, but is not limited to, ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disks, and optical data storage devices. That is, the program can be stored on various storage media on various servers accessible to the computer or on various storage media on the user's computer. Furthermore, the medium can be distributed across computer systems connected via a network, storing computer-readable code in a distributed manner.

[0118] The above description of the present invention is illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that other specific forms can be easily obtained without changing the technical concept or essential technical features of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are for comprehensive illustration and not for limitation. For example, the constituent elements described in a single manner may be implemented separately, and similarly, the constituent elements described separately may be implemented in a combined manner.

[0119] The scope of this invention is indicated by the content of the technical solution rather than the above specific description. It should be interpreted as the meaning and scope of the technical solution, as well as all changes or modifications derived from its equivalent concepts, being included within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A method for diagnosing antenna connections of an on-board terminal in an automatic toll collection system, comprising: The steps to confirm the antenna connection status when the vehicle terminal is powered on. The step of generating antenna log information based on the connection status of the antenna; as well as The step of diagnosing the connection status of the antenna based on the log information. The antenna's log information includes the antenna's status log and an event log that records the change history of the status log. The step of generating antenna log information based on the antenna's connection status includes: The steps to confirm the previous status log of the antenna; When the previous state log of the antenna is different from the current state, the step of recording the event log as an antenna connection event log or an antenna disconnection event log based on the antenna connection status confirmation result; and Based on the antenna connection status confirmation result, the step of recording the status log as an antenna connection status log or an antenna disconnection status log.

2. The antenna connection diagnostic method for an on-board terminal in an automatic toll collection system according to claim 1, wherein: If the antenna connection status is confirmed to be connected, the steps for generating antenna log information based on the antenna connection status include: When the antenna's previous state log is set to its initial value, the steps for recording the antenna connection event log in the event log; and Recording the antenna connection status log in the status log corresponds to the steps in the antenna connection event log. In the step of diagnosing the antenna connection status based on the status log and event log, The diagnosis is that the antenna cable is in normal condition or the DTC circuit of the vehicle terminal is faulty.

3. The antenna connection diagnostic method for an on-board terminal in an automatic toll collection system according to claim 1, wherein: If the antenna connection status is confirmed to be disconnected, the steps for generating antenna log information based on the antenna connection status include: If the antenna's previous state log is set to its initial value, the steps of recording the state log and event log are omitted. In the step of diagnosing the antenna connection status based on the status log and event log, The diagnosis was that the antenna was not connected when the vehicle left the warehouse, or that the DTC circuit of the vehicle terminal was malfunctioning.

4. The antenna connection diagnostic method for an on-board terminal in an automatic toll collection system according to claim 1, wherein: If the antenna connection status is confirmed to be disconnected, the steps for generating antenna log information based on the antenna connection status include: If the previous state log of the antenna is recorded as an antenna connection state log, then the step of recording an antenna disconnection event log in the event log; and The step of recording the antenna not connected status log in the status log corresponds to the antenna not connected event log. In the step of diagnosing the antenna connection status based on the status log and event log, The diagnosis is at least one of the following: poor antenna connection during vehicle assembly before leaving the warehouse, poor antenna connection caused by operation after leaving the warehouse, and poor antenna connection caused by unstable connection status.

5. The antenna connection diagnostic method for an on-board terminal in an automatic toll collection system according to claim 1, wherein: If the antenna connection status is confirmed to be connected, the steps for generating antenna log information based on the antenna connection status include: If the antenna's previous state log is set to an antenna not connected event log, the steps for recording the antenna connected event log in the event log are as follows: Recording the antenna connection status log in the status log corresponds to the steps in the antenna connection event log. In the step of diagnosing the antenna connection status based on the status log and event log, The diagnosis is at least one of the following: poor antenna connection during vehicle assembly before leaving the warehouse, poor antenna connection caused by operation after leaving the warehouse, and poor antenna connection caused by unstable connection status.

6. The antenna connection diagnosis method for the on-vehicle terminal of the automatic toll collection system according to claim 1, wherein Also includes: The step of confirming the communication status between the vehicle-mounted terminal and the roadside base station; as well as The step of generating antenna log information based on the communication status confirmation result.

7. The antenna connection diagnostic method for an on-board terminal in an automatic toll collection system according to claim 6, wherein: If the communication status is confirmed to be in a state where communication is possible, the step of generating antenna log information based on the communication status confirmation result includes: The steps to confirm the previous status log of the antenna; The step of determining whether to record an event log based on whether the previous state log of the antenna is the same as the current state; and The step of recording the initial communication time log is based on whether or not the initial communication time log included in the antenna's status log is recorded.

8. The antenna connection diagnostic method for an on-board terminal in an automatic toll collection system according to claim 7, wherein: In the step of diagnosing the connection status of the antenna based on the log information If the event log is recorded and the initial communication time log has been recorded or re-recorded, the diagnosis is at least one of antenna connection failure caused by operation after the vehicle leaves the warehouse and antenna connection failure caused by unstable connection status.

9. The antenna connection diagnostic method for an on-board terminal in an automatic toll collection system according to claim 6, wherein: If the communication status is confirmed to be in a state of non-communication, the step of generating antenna log information based on the communication status confirmation result includes: The step of determining whether to record an event log based on whether the previous state log of the antenna is the same as the current state; and The step of recording the initial communication time log is based on whether or not the initial communication time log included in the antenna's status log is recorded.

10. The antenna connection diagnostic method for an on-board terminal in an automatic toll collection system according to claim 9, wherein: In the step of recording the initial communication time log based on whether or not the initial communication time log included in the antenna's status log was recorded... If the initial communication time log has been recorded, the status change parameters contained in the initial communication time log will be recorded as parameters corresponding to when the antenna is not connected.

11. The antenna connection diagnostic method for an on-board terminal of an automatic toll collection system according to claim 10, wherein: In the step of diagnosing the connection status of the antenna based on the log information If the initial communication time log has been recorded or re-recorded, the diagnosis is at least one of antenna connection problems caused by operation after the vehicle leaves the warehouse and antenna connection problems caused by unstable connection status.

12. The antenna connection diagnostic method for an on-board terminal of an automatic toll collection system according to claim 10, wherein: In the step of diagnosing the connection status of the antenna based on the log information If the initial communication time log is recorded as an initial value, the diagnosis is at least one of the following: poor antenna connection during vehicle assembly before leaving the warehouse, poor antenna connection caused by operation after leaving the warehouse, and poor antenna connection caused by unstable connection status.

13. An on-board terminal for an automated toll collection system capable of diagnosing antenna connections, comprising: The communication unit that transmits and receives data between the predetermined antenna and the roadside base station; The determination unit for judging the connection status of the antenna when the vehicle terminal is in the power-on state; as well as The control unit generates antenna log information based on the antenna's connection status and diagnoses the antenna's connection status based on the log information. The antenna's log information includes the antenna's status log and an event log that records the change history of the status log. Wherein, when the control unit generates antenna log information based on the antenna's connection status, the control unit is configured as follows: Confirm the previous status log of the antenna; If the antenna's previous state log differs from its current state, the event log will be recorded as either an antenna connection event log or an antenna disconnection event log based on the antenna's connection status confirmation result; and Based on the antenna connection status confirmation result, the status log is recorded as either an antenna connection status log or an antenna disconnection status log.

Images