Separate ETC electronic tag

Abstract

The application provides a separable ETC electronic tag, comprising: a vehicle-mounted electronic tag main body and a separable key card connected with the vehicle-mounted electronic tag main body; the separable key card receives the separation detection information detected by a data processing unit in the vehicle-mounted electronic tag main body in real time; the separable key card is provided with a separation detection unit and an anti-disassembly unit connected in communication; the separation detection unit is used for controlling the anti-disassembly unit to be set to make the separable key card currently in an unusable state or controlling the anti-disassembly unit to be reset to make the separable key card return to an activated state. The application can realize the separation setting between the ETC electronic tag main body and the key card on the basis of ensuring the use safety and reliability of the ETC electronic tag main body and the key card, and can further improve the convenience and reliability of the user in updating the electronic tag when replacing the ETC operating party and replacing the vehicle in the highway cross-province passing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) technology, and more particularly to separate ETC electronic tags. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of society and the economy, the expressway network has basically covered all regions, becoming one of the important modes of transportation for people. At the same time, the widespread adoption of ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) technology has enabled automatic toll collection on expressways without stopping, greatly improving traffic efficiency.

[0003] Currently, ETC transactions are completed automatically via a Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC) protocol between the On-Board Unit (OBU) and the Roadside Unit (RSU) on the toll lane or ETC gantry. Existing dual-chip ETC electronic tags consist of an on-board tag and an inserted IC card (CPU user card). The on-board tag primarily functions as a vehicle identification card and communication repeater, while the CPU user card serves as the payment medium for electronic transactions. The adoption of dual-chip ETC electronic tag combined toll collection technology aims to address the compatibility and complementarity issues between ETC toll collection and IC card semi-automatic toll collection.

[0004] However, in the existing ETC system, when a vehicle owner changes vehicles, the toll amount will change due to the change in vehicle model; and when the license plate or vehicle color changes, it will not match the vehicle information stored in the original ETC electronic tag. This will cause misjudgment when the toll system identifies the vehicle and conducts toll inspection, affecting the normal ETC transaction processing and causing inconvenience for vehicles traveling across provinces and for replacing ETC electronic tags. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a separate ETC electronic tag to eliminate or improve one or more defects existing in the prior art.

[0006] One aspect of this application provides a detachable ETC electronic tag, including: an on-board electronic tag body and a detachable key card that can be detachably connected to the on-board electronic tag body;

[0007] If the detachable key card is currently in an activated state, then the detachable key card is connected to the data processing unit in the vehicle electronic tag body that is currently uniquely corresponding to it, so as to receive the separation detection information detected by the data processing unit in real time. The separation detection information is used to show whether the detachable key card is currently separated from the vehicle electronic tag body and whether the vehicle electronic tag body is currently being removed from the target vehicle.

[0008] The detachable key card is equipped with a separation detection unit and an anti-disassembly unit with communication connection;

[0009] If the detachable key card is currently in an activated state, the detachment detection unit is used to control the anti-disassembly unit to set the detachable key card to an unusable state when it is determined, based on the current detachment detection information, that the detachable key card is currently detached from the vehicle electronic tag body and / or the vehicle electronic tag body is currently being removed from the vehicle.

[0010] If the detachable key card is currently in the unavailable state, the detachment detection unit is further configured to control the anti-disassembly unit to reset so that the detachable key card is restored to the activated state after receiving the anti-disassembly reset command sent by the ETC issuing service unit terminal.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the anti-disassembly unit includes preset anti-disassembly information, wherein the anti-disassembly information includes key information uniquely corresponding to the detachable key card;

[0012] Correspondingly, if the detachable key card is currently in an activated state, the detachment detection unit is used to control the anti-disassembly information to be set so that the detachable key card is currently in an unusable state when it is determined, based on the current detachment detection information, that the detachable key card is currently detached from the vehicle electronic tag body and / or the vehicle electronic tag body is currently being removed from the vehicle.

[0013] If the detachable key card is currently in the unavailable state, the detachment detection unit is further configured to control the anti-disassembly information to reset so that the detachable key card is restored to the activated state after receiving the anti-disassembly reset command sent by the ETC issuing service unit terminal.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the separate key card is further provided with an information storage unit that is communicatively connected to the data processing unit in the vehicle-mounted electronic tag body;

[0015] If the detachable key card is currently in an activated state, the information storage unit is used to store the one-to-one correspondence between the key information uniquely corresponding to the detachable key card, the vehicle electronic tag information, the vehicle information of the target vehicle, and the user information, and is also used to store the detachment detection information received in real time from the data processing unit.

[0016] If the separate key card is currently in a preset state, the information storage unit stores the key information and a blank issuance information storage space.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the detachable key card is further provided with a communication module, and the data processing unit and the information storage unit are connected via the communication module. The ETC issuing service unit terminal is also connected via the communication module to the information storage unit and the detachable detection unit respectively.

[0018] In some embodiments of this application, if the separate key card is currently in a preset state, the information storage unit is used to store in the blank issuance information storage space the vehicle electronic tag information of the vehicle electronic tag subject uniquely corresponding to the separate key card, the vehicle information of the target vehicle, and the user information entered by the personnel of the ETC issuance service unit. In addition, the separate key card is also used to confirm that it is currently switching from the preset state to the activated state after receiving the first activation instruction by the communication module.

[0019] The first activation instruction is generated and sent to the separate key card by personnel of the ETC issuing service unit after they have sequentially registered the key information uniquely corresponding to the separate key card in the ETC issuing system, activated the vehicle electronic tag body based on the ETC issuing system, inserted the separate key card into the vehicle electronic tag body, and installed the vehicle electronic tag body on the target vehicle.

[0020] In some embodiments of this application, if the detachable key card is currently in a preset state, the user terminal corresponding to the target vehicle is used to send registered user information to the ETC issuing service unit terminal. The registered user information includes: vehicle-mounted electronic tag information, vehicle information of the target vehicle, user information, and IC card information. This allows the ETC issuing service unit terminal to verify the registered user information and then send a prompt message to the user terminal prompting the user to install the vehicle-mounted electronic tag body on the target vehicle and insert the detachable key card into the vehicle-mounted electronic tag body. The user then installs the vehicle-mounted electronic tag body on the target vehicle and inserts the detachable key card into the vehicle-mounted electronic tag body according to the prompt message from the user terminal.

[0021] The information storage unit receives, via the communication module, the vehicle electronic tag information of the vehicle electronic tag subject uniquely corresponding to the separate key card, the vehicle information of the target vehicle, and the user information of the ETC issuing service unit terminal, and writes them into the blank issuance information storage space.

[0022] The separate key card is also used to confirm that it is currently switching from the preset state to the activated state after receiving the second activation instruction through the communication module;

[0023] The second activation instruction is generated and sent to the separate key card by personnel of the ETC issuing service unit after they have sequentially registered the key information uniquely corresponding to the separate key card in the ETC issuing system, activated the vehicle electronic tag body based on the ETC issuing system, confirmed that the user inserts the separate key card into the vehicle electronic tag body, and installed the vehicle electronic tag body on the target vehicle.

[0024] In some embodiments of this application, the separate key card is also used to receive a vehicle update instruction sent by the ETC issuing service unit terminal via the communication module when it is in an unavailable state, and to replace the vehicle information of the target vehicle in the information storage unit with the vehicle information of the new vehicle contained in the vehicle update instruction.

[0025] The separate key card is also used to confirm that it is currently switching from the unavailable state to the active state after receiving a third activation instruction from the communication module;

[0026] The third activation instruction is generated by the personnel of the ETC issuing service unit based on the ETC issuing system, after activating the newly issued vehicle electronic tag body and inserting the detachable key card into the vehicle electronic tag body currently installed on the new vehicle. The instruction is then generated by the personnel of the ETC issuing service unit through the ETC issuing service unit terminal and sent to the detachable key card.

[0027] In some embodiments of this application, if the separate key card is currently unavailable, the user terminal corresponding to the target vehicle sends a request to cancel the electronic tag to the ETC issuing service unit terminal. The request to cancel the electronic tag includes: vehicle electronic tag information, vehicle information of the target vehicle, user information, and IC card information. This allows the ETC issuing service unit terminal to cancel the vehicle electronic tag information and issue an electronic tag cancellation message after determining, based on the vehicle information, user information, and IC card information, that the target vehicle currently has no outstanding fees and the corresponding account has no balance.

[0028] Correspondingly, the user terminal corresponding to the target vehicle is also used to send the registered user information to the new ETC issuing service unit terminal after receiving the message that the electronic tag has been cancelled, so that the ETC issuing service unit terminal issues a new detachable key card after verifying the registered user information, and sends a prompt message to the user terminal to prompt the user to insert the new detachable key card, which is currently in a preset state, into the main body of the vehicle electronic tag, so that the user inserts the new detachable key card into the main body of the vehicle electronic tag according to the prompt message of the user terminal;

[0029] The information storage unit in the new split key card, which is currently in a preset state, is used to store the vehicle electronic tag information of the vehicle electronic tag subject that is uniquely corresponding to the new split key card, the vehicle information of the target vehicle, and the user information, which are entered by the personnel of the ETC issuance service unit in the blank issuance information storage space. In addition, the new split key card is also used to confirm that it is currently switching from the preset state to the activated state after receiving the fourth activation instruction through the communication module.

[0030] Specifically, the fourth activation instruction is generated by the personnel of the ETC issuing service unit after the user inserts the new detachable key card into the vehicle electronic tag body, and then generated by the personnel of the ETC issuing service unit operating the ETC issuing service unit terminal and sent to the new detachable key card.

[0031] In some embodiments of this application, the vehicle-mounted electronic tag is also used for intermittent communication with the ETC issuing service unit terminal or the user terminal corresponding to the target vehicle.

[0032] In some embodiments of this application, the ETC issuing service unit terminal is further configured to receive a target vehicle image when the target vehicle passes through an ETC toll station or ETC gantry, so as to verify the issuance information of the target vehicle's on-board electronic tag and the separate key card based on the target vehicle image. The issuance information includes: key information uniquely corresponding to the separate key card, on-board electronic tag information, vehicle information of the target vehicle, and user information.

[0033] The detachable ETC electronic tag provided in this application includes: an on-board electronic tag body and a detachable key card detachably connected to the on-board electronic tag body; if the detachable key card is currently in an activated state, the detachable key card communicates with the data processing unit in the currently uniquely corresponding on-board electronic tag body to receive in real time the separation detection information detected by the data processing unit, wherein the separation detection information is used to indicate whether the detachable key card is currently detached from the on-board electronic tag body and whether the on-board electronic tag body is currently removed from the target vehicle; the detachable key card is provided with a separation detection unit and an anti-removal unit connected in communication; if the detachable key card is currently in an activated state, the separation detection unit is used to determine, based on the current separation detection information, whether the detachable key card is currently detached from the on-board electronic tag body and / or the on-board electronic tag body is currently removed from the vehicle. During disassembly, the anti-disassembly unit is set to make the detachable key card currently unavailable. If the detachable key card is currently in the unavailable state, the separation detection unit is also used to control the anti-disassembly unit to reset after receiving the anti-disassembly reset command sent by the ETC issuing service unit terminal, so that the detachable key card is restored to the activated state. This can achieve the separation setting between the ETC electronic tag body and the key card while ensuring the security and reliability of the use of the ETC electronic tag body and the key card. It supports users to change the ETC operator by changing the key card. In this way, it can effectively improve the convenience and reliability of users when changing the ETC operator and updating the electronic tag when changing vehicles for cross-provincial highway travel, while avoiding misjudgment when the toll system identifies vehicles and toll inspections and ensuring that ETC transactions can be processed normally. It is convenient for users to use it for cross-regional and cross-provincial travel and can effectively improve the user experience of ETC electronic tag users.

[0034] Additional advantages, objectives, and features of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will in part become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following description, or may be learned by practice of the application. The objectives and other advantages of this application can be realized and obtained by means of the structures specifically pointed out in the specification and drawings.

[0035] Those skilled in the art will understand that the purposes and advantages that can be achieved with this application are not limited to those specifically described above, and that the above and other purposes that this application can achieve will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0036] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, do not constitute a limitation thereof. The components in the drawings are not drawn to scale but are merely for illustrating the principles of this application. For ease of illustration and description of certain parts of this application, corresponding portions in the drawings may be enlarged, i.e., may appear larger relative to other components in an exemplary device actually manufactured according to this application. In the drawings:

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first structure of a split ETC electronic tag in one embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a second structure of a split ETC electronic tag in one embodiment of this application.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a third structure of a split ETC electronic tag in one embodiment of this application.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth structure of the split ETC electronic tag in one embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the offline issuance process of a separate ETC electronic tag, as exemplified in this application.

[0042] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the online issuance process of a separate ETC electronic tag, as exemplified in this application.

[0043] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of replacing the main body of the on-board electronic tag when a user changes vehicles, as exemplified in this application.

[0044] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of replacing the separate key card of the ETC operator for a user who does not change the vehicle, but changes the ETC operator. Detailed Implementation

[0045] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings. Here, the illustrative embodiments and their descriptions are used to explain this application, but are not intended to limit it.

[0046] It should also be noted that, in order to avoid obscuring this application with unnecessary details, only the structures and / or processing steps closely related to the solution according to this application are shown in the accompanying drawings, while other details that are not closely related to this application are omitted.

[0047] It should be emphasized that the term "including / comprises" as used herein refers to the presence of a feature, element, step, or component, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, or components.

[0048] It should also be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the term "connection" in this article can refer not only to a direct connection, but also to an indirect connection involving an intermediary.

[0049] In the following description, embodiments of the present application will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same or similar parts, or the same or similar steps.

[0050] In order to achieve the separation of the ETC electronic tag body and the key card while ensuring the security and reliability of the use of the ETC electronic tag body and the key card, this application provides a separate ETC electronic tag, which supports users to change the ETC operator by changing the key card, so as to facilitate users to travel across regions and provinces.

[0051] The following examples will provide a detailed description.

[0052] Based on this, the embodiments of this application provide a separate ETC electronic tag, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 The separate ETC electronic tag specifically includes the following:

[0053] The vehicle-mounted electronic tag body 1 and the detachable key card 2 that can be detachably connected to the vehicle-mounted electronic tag body 1;

[0054] If the detachable key card 2 is currently in an activated state, then the detachable key card 2 is connected to the data processing unit 103 in the vehicle electronic tag body 1 that is currently uniquely corresponding to it, so as to receive the separation detection information detected by the data processing unit 103 in real time. The separation detection information is used to show whether the detachable key card 2 is currently separated from the vehicle electronic tag body 1 and whether the vehicle electronic tag body 1 is currently removed from the target vehicle.

[0055] The detachable key card 2 is equipped with a separation detection unit 21 and an anti-disassembly unit 22 with communication connection;

[0056] If the detachable key card 2 is currently in an activated state, the detachment detection unit 21 is used to control the anti-removal unit 22 to set the detachable key card 2 to be in an unusable state when it is determined, based on the current detachment detection information, that the detachable key card 2 is currently detached from the vehicle electronic tag body 1 and / or the vehicle electronic tag body 1 is currently being removed from the vehicle.

[0057] If the detachable key card 2 is currently in the unavailable state, the detachment detection unit 21 is further configured to control the anti-disassembly unit 22 to reset so that the detachable key card 2 is restored to the activated state after receiving the anti-disassembly reset command sent by the ETC issuing service unit terminal 3.

[0058] Specifically, see Figure 2 The vehicle-mounted electronic tag body 1 includes a DSRC communication module (also known as a DSRC radio frequency module) 101, a DSRC baseband processing module 102, a data processing unit (MCU) 103, an IC card reader / writer module 105, a power supply module 106, and a separable key card (ESAM) 2 that is detachably connected to the vehicle-mounted electronic tag body 1. The DSRC communication module 101, DSRC baseband processing module 102, data processing unit (MCU) 103, and IC card reader / writer module 105 are directly and sequentially connected in communication. The power supply module 106 provides power to the DSRC communication module 101, DSRC baseband processing module 102, data processing unit (MCU) 103, IC card reader / writer module 105, and separable key card (ESAM) 2. The separable key card (ESAM) 2 is connected in communication with the data processing unit (MCU) 103.

[0059] The DSRC communication module 101 is responsible for dedicated short-range communication, while the IC card reader / writer module 105 reads and writes user card information. The independent detachable key card 2 can store key information of the electronic tag and user information, such as key information of the electronic tag, vehicle information, user information, and OBU anti-tamper information, for transaction authentication and anti-tampering purposes. Before its official release, the detachable key card 2 can be inserted into any electronic tag; after its release, after relevant authentication procedures, it can be inserted into a new electronic tag for continued use.

[0060] The DSRC baseband processing module 102 and the data processing unit (MCU) 103 are used to process DSRC transaction information and issuance information; the IC card reader / writer module 105 is responsible for reading and writing IC card information; the power module 106 provides power to other components in the separate ETC electronic tag, either through a battery or by using a battery plus a charging device.

[0061] As can be seen from the above description, the detachable ETC electronic tag provided in this application embodiment can achieve the separation of the ETC electronic tag body and the key card while ensuring the security and reliability of the use of the ETC electronic tag body and the key card. In this way, it can effectively improve the convenience and reliability of users updating electronic tags when changing ETC operators or changing vehicles for cross-provincial highway travel, while avoiding misjudgments when the toll system identifies vehicles and toll inspections and ensuring that ETC transactions can be processed normally. It can also effectively improve the user experience of ETC electronic tag users.

[0062] To further improve the anti-tampering reliability of the detachable key card, in a detachable ETC electronic tag provided in this application embodiment, the anti-tampering unit 22 includes preset anti-tampering information, wherein the anti-tampering information includes key information uniquely corresponding to the detachable key card 2;

[0063] Correspondingly, if the detachable key card 2 is currently in an activated state, the detachment detection unit 21 is used to control the anti-disassembly information to set so that the detachable key card 2 is currently in an unusable state when it is determined, based on the current detachment detection information, that the detachable key card 2 is currently detached from the vehicle electronic tag body 1 and / or the vehicle electronic tag body 1 is currently being removed from the vehicle.

[0064] If the detachable key card 2 is currently in the unavailable state, the detachment detection unit 21 is further configured to control the detachment information to reset so that the detachable key card 2 is restored to the activated state after receiving the detachment reset command sent by the ETC issuing service unit terminal 3.

[0065] It is understood that the unavailable state is the locked state, and the setting of the anti-tampering information can specifically refer to clearing the anti-tampering information. The anti-tampering information may contain key information for ETC transactions, such as at least one of the following: the key information uniquely corresponding to the separate key card 2, the vehicle electronic tag information, the vehicle information of the target vehicle, and the user information.

[0066] In other words, the tamper-proof information of the vehicle electronic tag body 1 in the separate ETC electronic tag is also stored in the separate key card 2. When the vehicle electronic tag body 1 is disassembled by human, the tamper-proof information is set, and the vehicle electronic tag body 1 must be reactivated after key authentication before it can be used normally. In order to ensure the binding relationship between the vehicle electronic tag body 1 and the vehicle and to avoid arbitrarily replacing the key card, the tamper-proof information will also be set when the separate key card 2 is pulled out.

[0067] To further improve the anti-tampering reliability of the detachable key card, in a detachable ETC electronic tag provided in this application embodiment, the anti-tampering unit 22 includes an anti-tampering button disposed on the detachable key card 2; the anti-tampering unit is implemented in hardware. The anti-tampering button can be located on the side of the detachable key card 2 that is in contact with the vehicle electronic tag body 1 after the detachable key card 2 is inserted into the vehicle electronic tag body 1, so that when one end of the anti-tampering button pops out of the detachable key card 2, the detachable key card 2 pops out of the vehicle electronic tag body 1. The specific structure and implementation of the anti-tampering button 2 can adopt the same structure and implementation as existing ETC anti-tampering buttons, only changing the object of its setting from the existing ETC electronic tag to the detachable key card 2, which will not be described in detail here.

[0068] Correspondingly, if the detachable key card 2 is currently in an activated state, the separation detection unit 21 is used to control one end of the anti-removal button to pop up from the detachable key card 2 and lock the anti-removal button when it is determined from the current separation detection information that the detachable key card 2 is currently separated from the vehicle electronic tag body 1 and / or the vehicle electronic tag body 1 is currently removed from the vehicle, so that one end of the anti-removal button is fixed to the outside of the detachable key card 2, making the detachable key card 2 currently in an unusable state;

[0069] If the detachable key card 2 is currently in the unavailable state, the detachment detection unit 21 is further configured to, upon receiving the anti-disassembly button reset command sent by the ETC issuing service unit terminal 3, control the anti-disassembly button to unlock so that the anti-disassembly button retracts into the detachable key card 2, thereby restoring the detachable key card 2 to the activated state.

[0070] To further improve the reliability of the separate key card in a separate ETC electronic tag, in an embodiment of this application, see [link to embodiment]. Figure 3 The separate key card 2 in the separate ETC electronic tag is also provided with an information storage unit 23 that is communicatively connected to the data processing unit 103 in the vehicle electronic tag body 1;

[0071] If the detachable key card 2 is currently in an activated state, the information storage unit 23 is used to store the one-to-one correspondence between the key information uniquely corresponding to the detachable key card 2, the vehicle electronic tag information, the vehicle information of the target vehicle, and the user information, and is also used to store the detachment detection information received in real time from the data processing unit 103.

[0072] If the separate key card 2 is currently in a preset state, the information storage unit 23 stores the key information and a blank issuance information storage space.

[0073] To further improve the reliability of the separate key card in a separate ETC electronic tag, in an embodiment of this application, see [link to embodiment]. Figure 4 The separate key card 2 in the separate ETC electronic tag is also provided with a communication module 24. The data processing unit 103 and the information storage unit 23 are connected via the communication module 24. The ETC issuing service unit terminal 3 is also connected via the communication module 24 to the information storage unit 23 and the separation detection unit 21 respectively.

[0074] The communication module may be a Bluetooth communication module and / or a WIFI communication module.

[0075] Electronic tag issuance refers to the process of writing key files, user and vehicle information into an electronic tag that is in a pre-set state (i.e., initial state or factory state), and then installing it on the corresponding vehicle for activation. Correspondingly, before issuance, the pre-set information in the separate key card 2 mainly includes pre-set key information and blank user data (i.e., blank issuance information storage space). This pre-set information can be modified after key data authentication is passed. After issuance, when a user changes vehicles, the pre-set information can be reset and the issuance information rewritten after key data authentication is passed, thus updating the vehicle information.

[0076] The electronic tag developed in this application can be sold in large areas, such as nationwide, with separate OBU (On-Board Unit) and key card components. When the electronic tag is issued, the key card undergoes key initialization and user information initialization to complete the issuance, installation, and activation, after which the electronic tag can be used normally. When a user changes their vehicle or tag, the key card can be removed, and the user can re-register with a new ETC operator. After authentication, new key, user, and vehicle information are written, and the tag can be inserted into a new OBU for continued use.

[0077] The electronic tag of this application can be issued offline, with professional service personnel verifying vehicle and owner information before issuance; or it can be issued online, with users registering vehicle information themselves on the ETC issuing service provider's website, mobile app, or mini-program, and connecting to the OBU via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The ETC issuing service provider then performs key replacement, user information writing, and OBU activation online.

[0078] Before issuance, both the separate key card 2 and the electronic tag contain pre-set information, including only the initial key and blank user information, and cannot be used in the ETC system. Electronic tag issuance refers to the process of writing a key file, user, and vehicle information into the pre-set electronic tag, and then installing it on the corresponding vehicle for activation. Only issued electronic tags can be used normally in the ETC system.

[0079] Based on this, in an embodiment of offline issuance of a separate ETC electronic tag provided in this application, if the separate key card 2 is currently in a preset state, the information storage unit 23 is used to store in the blank issuance information storage space the vehicle electronic tag information of the vehicle electronic tag body 1 uniquely corresponding to the separate key card 2, the vehicle information of the target vehicle, and the user information entered by the personnel of the ETC issuance service unit. In addition, the separate key card 2 is also used to confirm that it is currently switching from the preset state to the activated state after receiving the first activation instruction by the communication module 24.

[0080] The first activation instruction is generated and sent to the separate key card 2 by personnel of the ETC issuing service unit after they have sequentially registered the key information uniquely corresponding to the separate key card 2 in the ETC issuing system, activated the vehicle electronic tag body 1 based on the ETC issuing system, inserted the separate key card 2 into the vehicle electronic tag body 1, and installed the vehicle electronic tag body 1 on the target vehicle.

[0081] In one example, see [example]. Figure 5 The offline issuance process for separate ETC electronic tags is as follows:

[0082] Step 11: ETC customer service personnel enter user information, including vehicle information, personal account information, IC card information, etc., and register in the ETC issuance system.

[0083] Step 12: ETC customer service personnel will write the information confirmed by the system into the electronic tag, user IC card and key card. The information in the key card includes the version of the electronic tag, contract serial number and validity period, key file, vehicle information, etc.

[0084] Step 13: ETC customer service personnel insert the key card into the electronic tag and install the electronic tag on the vehicle. Then, they activate the electronic tag, resetting the tamper protection information in the key card, and the electronic tag can be used normally.

[0085] In an embodiment of online issuance of a detachable ETC electronic tag provided in this application, if the detachable key card 2 is currently in a preset state, the user terminal 4 corresponding to the target vehicle is used to send registered user information to the ETC issuance service unit terminal 3. The registered user information includes: vehicle-mounted electronic tag information, vehicle information of the target vehicle, user information, and IC card information. This allows the ETC issuance service unit terminal 3 to verify the registered user information and then send a prompt message to the user terminal 4, prompting the user to install the vehicle-mounted electronic tag body 1 on the target vehicle and insert the detachable key card 2 into the vehicle-mounted electronic tag body 1. The user then installs the vehicle-mounted electronic tag body 1 on the target vehicle and inserts the detachable key card 2 into the vehicle-mounted electronic tag body 1 according to the prompt message from the user terminal 4.

[0086] The information storage unit 23 receives the vehicle electronic tag information of the vehicle electronic tag body 1 that is uniquely corresponding to the separate key card 2, the vehicle information of the target vehicle, and the user information sent by the ETC issuance service unit terminal 3 via the communication module 24, and writes them into the blank issuance information storage space.

[0087] The separate key card 2 is also used to confirm that it is currently switching from the preset state to the activated state after receiving the second activation instruction from the communication module 24;

[0088] The second activation instruction is generated and sent to the separate key card 2 by personnel of the ETC issuing service unit after they have sequentially registered the key information uniquely corresponding to the separate key card 2 in the ETC issuing system, activated the vehicle electronic tag body 1 based on the ETC issuing system, confirmed that the user inserts the separate key card 2 into the vehicle electronic tag body 1, and installed the vehicle electronic tag body 1 on the target vehicle.

[0089] Specifically, in one example, see Figure 6Electronic tags that support online issuance also include Bluetooth or Wi-Fi communication modules. The online issuance process is as follows:

[0090] Step 21: After receiving the electronic tag and key card, the user registers their information on the ETC issuer's website or mobile application, including vehicle information, personal account information, IC card information, etc.

[0091] Step 22: After the ETC issuer system confirms that the user's registration information is correct, it prompts the user to install the electronic tag on the vehicle and insert the key card. The electronic tag connects to the user's mobile phone via Bluetooth or WIFI, and the user remains logged in.

[0092] Step 23: The ETC issuer's system connects to the user's mobile phone via the network, and the user's mobile phone writes the user's registration information online, including the version of the electronic tag, the contract serial number and validity period, the key file, vehicle information, etc., and activates the electronic tag.

[0093] In one embodiment of a user vehicle replacement provided in this application, the separate key card 2 is also used to receive a vehicle update instruction sent by the ETC issuing service unit terminal 3 via the communication module 24 when it is in an unavailable state, and to replace the vehicle information of the target vehicle in the information storage unit 23 with the vehicle information of the new vehicle contained in the vehicle update instruction.

[0094] The separate key card 2 is also used to confirm that it is currently switching from the unavailable state to the active state after receiving the third activation instruction from the communication module 24;

[0095] The third activation instruction is generated by the personnel of the ETC issuing service unit based on the ETC issuing system, after activating the newly issued vehicle electronic tag body 1 and inserting the separate key card 2 into the vehicle electronic tag body 1 currently installed on the new vehicle. The personnel of the ETC issuing service unit then operate the ETC issuing service unit terminal 3 to generate and send the instruction to the separate key card 2.

[0096] In one or more embodiments of this application, the detachable key card 2 refers to a key card (ESAM) for detachable or removable active connection with the vehicle electronic tag body 1.

[0097] Specifically, in one example, see Figure 7 When a user changes vehicles, the original electronic tag can be removed and installed on the new vehicle. After updating the vehicle information and activating it, it can be used again. The process for replacing the main body of the vehicle electronic tag is as follows:

[0098] Step 31: The user removes the key card and registers the relevant information with the ETC issuer.

[0099] Step 32: The personnel of the ETC issuing service unit confirm the new vehicle information and key card information.

[0100] Step 33: The personnel of the ETC issuing service unit write the new vehicle information into the key card and insert the key card into the original electronic tag.

[0101] Step 34: The personnel from the ETC issuing service unit install the electronic tag on the new vehicle, then activate the electronic tag. The tamper protection information in the key card is reset, and the electronic tag can be used normally.

[0102] In one embodiment of a user changing their ETC operator provided in this application, if the separate key card 2 is currently unavailable, the user terminal 4 corresponding to the target vehicle is used to send a message to the ETC issuing service unit terminal 3.

[0103] The electronic tag cancellation request includes: vehicle electronic tag information, target vehicle information, user information, and IC card information; so that after the ETC issuing service unit terminal determines that the target vehicle currently has no outstanding fees and the corresponding account has no balance based on the target vehicle information, user information, and IC card information, it cancels the vehicle electronic tag information and sends an electronic tag cancellation message.

[0104] Correspondingly, the user terminal corresponding to the target vehicle is also used to send the registered user information to the new ETC issuing service unit terminal after receiving the message that the electronic tag has been cancelled. The registered user information includes: vehicle electronic tag information, vehicle information of the target vehicle, user information, and IC card information. After verifying the registered user information, the new ETC issuing service unit terminal sends a prompt message to the user terminal 4 to prompt the user to insert the new detachable key card 2, which is currently in a preset state, into the vehicle electronic tag body 1. The user inserts the new detachable key card 2 into the vehicle electronic tag body 1 according to the prompt message from the user terminal 4.

[0105] The information storage unit 23 in the new split key card 2, which is currently in a preset state, is used to store the vehicle electronic tag information of the vehicle electronic tag body 1, the vehicle information of the target vehicle, and the user information entered by the personnel of the ETC issuance service unit, which are uniquely corresponding to the new split key card 2, in the blank issuance information storage space. In addition, the new split key card 2 is also used to confirm that it is currently switching from the preset state to the activated state after receiving the fourth activation instruction through the communication module 24.

[0106] The fourth activation instruction is generated and sent to the new separate key card 2 by the personnel of the new ETC issuing service unit after the user inserts the new separate key card 2 into the vehicle electronic tag body 1.

[0107] When a user changes vehicles, if the original electronic tag has the online activation function, the user can also make online information changes and confirmations. The ETC system operator's customer service personnel will review the submitted materials and then carry out online information updates. The steps are the same as steps 21-23.

[0108] In one example, see Figure 8 If a user changes their ETC operator without replacing their vehicle, they can continue using the system without removing the original electronic tag. They can simply remove the original key card, insert the new key card, and activate it before continuing to use the system. The key card replacement process is as follows:

[0109] Step 41: The user cancels the electronic tag with the original issuer. The original issuer confirms that there are no fees payable and the account has no balance, and the service relationship between the two parties is terminated. Cancellation can be done in person or online.

[0110] Step 42: The user registers relevant information with the new ETC issuer.

[0111] Step 43: The personnel of the ETC issuing service unit confirm the vehicle information and key card information.

[0112] Step 44: The personnel of the ETC issuing service unit issue a new key card, write in the relevant information, and then insert the original electronic tag.

[0113] In this embodiment, if the user changes the issuer, the serial number of the electronic tag is re-encoded according to the new issuer's encoding rules, and the original serial number of the electronic tag becomes invalid.

[0114] In one or more embodiments of this application, the information stored in the separate key card 2 includes: system information file (including tamper protection information), vehicle information file, key file and retention file, etc., and the file format and usage are the same as the electronic tag ESAM of the existing ETC system.

[0115] Understandably, the split key card 2 is essentially an integrated circuit chip card, similar in function to a mobile phone SIM card, and supports insertion and removal.

[0116] To further improve the reliability and security of the separate ETC electronic tag, in the separate ETC electronic tag provided in this application embodiment, the vehicle-mounted electronic tag body 1 is also used for intermittent communication with the ETC issuing service unit terminal 3 or the user terminal 4 corresponding to the target vehicle.

[0117] Specifically, when using the electronic tag of this application, due to the separate design of the device and the SIM card, it is necessary to ensure that the electronic tag's power supply is always in an effective power supply state during online issuance operations. Furthermore, the interval between issuance information sent by the issuance system to the electronic tag should meet the requirements of the electronic tag's sleep time to avoid the electronic tag going into sleep mode due to prolonged lack of communication. The specific operation method is as follows: During offline issuance, after the OBU issuance terminal wakes up the electronic tag and establishes a connection, if there is no DSRC data within 100ms after the downlink data frame is sent, it will resend the BST signal to keep the electronic tag in a woken-up state. During online issuance, the issuance system has an automatic communication data frame detection function set up on the mobile application. When the electronic tag is woken up and a connection is established, if there is no DSRC interaction data within 100ms, the mobile application automatically generates a BST signal and sends it to the electronic tag to keep the electronic tag in a woken-up state.

[0118] To further improve the reliability and security of the application of the separate ETC electronic tag, in the separate ETC electronic tag provided in this application embodiment, the ETC issuing service unit terminal 3 is also used to receive the target vehicle image when the target vehicle passes through the ETC toll station or ETC gantry, so as to verify the issuance information of the on-board electronic tag body 1 and the separate key card 2 of the target vehicle based on the target vehicle image. The issuance information includes: the key information uniquely corresponding to the separate key card 2, the on-board electronic tag information, the vehicle information of the target vehicle, and the user information.

[0119] In other words, when a vehicle with an electronic tag passes through an ETC toll station or ETC gantry, the ETC operator can use the vehicle's on-site video or photo recognition results to conduct post-issuance audits of the issuance information, ensuring the consistency between the vehicle information and the issuance information.

[0120] Specifically, when the issued electronic tag passes through the ETC toll lane or ETC gantry, the ETC operator can collect vehicle videos or photos to identify information such as vehicle color, model, and license plate. This information is then compared with the registration information in the issuance system to conduct post-issuance audits, ensuring consistency between vehicle information and issuance information and preventing abnormal issues such as cloned vehicles or vehicles with different tags than their intended purpose.

[0121] To facilitate the application of the electronic tags in this application, the ETC issuer configures corresponding serial numbers and version numbers, as well as corresponding issuance software, for this type of electronic tag to identify the version of the electronic tag and key card, enabling users to use it nationwide. In other words, the separate ETC electronic tag of this application can be configured with corresponding serial numbers and version numbers during production and sales, facilitating identification and configuration by the issuance system.

[0122] In other words, to address the issue that existing OBUs require remote or on-site verification of vehicle information by ETC issuing service personnel during initial installation or replacement before normal operation, causing inconvenience for vehicles traveling across provinces and for OBU replacement, the detachable ETC electronic tag provided in this application embodiment allows users to change the issuer by replacing the key card, facilitating cross-regional and cross-provincial travel. Replacing the key card saves users replacement costs, and the online issuance model reduces the manual customer service costs for ETC issuers.

[0123] It is understood that the detachable ETC electronic tag described in this application is an ETC electronic tag where the key card and the OBU are separate, which can solve the problem of independent OBU replacement when vehicles are replaced in different locations. Specifically, a highway non-stop toll collection electronic tag separate from the key card and a corresponding issuance system and usage method are designed, including: an independent detachable key card, an independent on-board electronic tag, and an electronic tag issuance system. The key card is used to store vehicle information and user information, and is used for user authentication and data protection; the on-board electronic tag contains vehicle information, and the electronic tag issuance system can identify the on-board electronic tag and provide issuance services. This application supports users changing the issuer by replacing the key card or the electronic tag, facilitating cross-regional and cross-provincial travel.

[0124] Those skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary components, systems, and methods described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. Whether implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application. When implemented in hardware, it can be, for example, electronic circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), appropriate firmware, plug-ins, function cards, etc. When implemented in software, the elements of this application are programs or code segments used to perform the required tasks. The programs or code segments can be stored in a machine-readable medium or transmitted over a transmission medium or communication link via data signals carried on a carrier wave.

[0125] It should be clarified that this application is not limited to the specific configurations and processes described above and shown in the figures. For the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of known methods are omitted here. In the above embodiments, several specific steps are described and shown as examples. However, the method process of this application is not limited to the specific steps described and shown. Those skilled in the art can make various changes, modifications, and additions, or change the order of steps, after understanding the spirit of this application.

[0126] In this application, features described and / or illustrated for one embodiment may be used in the same or similar manner in one or more other embodiments, and / or combined with or in place of features of other embodiments.

[0127] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments of this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A detachable ETC electronic tag, characterized in that, include: The vehicle-mounted electronic tag body and the detachable key card that can be detachably connected to the vehicle-mounted electronic tag body; If the detachable key card is currently in an activated state, then the detachable key card is connected to the data processing unit in the vehicle electronic tag body that is currently uniquely corresponding to it, so as to receive the separation detection information detected by the data processing unit in real time. The separation detection information is used to show whether the detachable key card is currently separated from the vehicle electronic tag body and whether the vehicle electronic tag body is currently being removed from the target vehicle. The detachable key card is equipped with a separation detection unit and an anti-disassembly unit with communication connection; If the detachable key card is currently in an activated state, the detachment detection unit is used to control the anti-disassembly unit to set the detachable key card to an unusable state when it is determined, based on the current detachment detection information, that the detachable key card is currently detached from the vehicle electronic tag body and / or the vehicle electronic tag body is currently being removed from the vehicle. If the detachable key card is currently in the unavailable state, the detachment detection unit is further configured to control the anti-disassembly unit to reset so that the detachable key card is restored to the activated state after receiving the anti-disassembly reset command sent by the ETC issuing service unit terminal; The separate key card also includes an information storage unit that communicates with the data processing unit in the vehicle-mounted electronic tag body. If the detachable key card is currently in an activated state, the information storage unit is used to store the one-to-one correspondence between the key information uniquely corresponding to the detachable key card, the vehicle electronic tag information, the vehicle information of the target vehicle, and the user information, and is also used to store the detachment detection information received in real time from the data processing unit. If the separate key card is currently in a preset state, the information storage unit stores the key information and a blank issuance information storage space; The separate key card is also equipped with a communication module. The data processing unit and the information storage unit are connected via the communication module. The ETC issuing service unit terminal is also connected via the communication module to the information storage unit and the separate detection unit respectively. If the separate key card is currently in a preset state, the information storage unit is used to store in the blank issuance information storage space the vehicle electronic tag information of the vehicle electronic tag subject that is uniquely corresponding to the separate key card, the vehicle information of the target vehicle, and the user information entered by the personnel of the ETC issuance service unit. In addition, the separate key card is also used to confirm that it is currently switching from the preset state to the activated state after receiving the first activation instruction by the communication module. The first activation instruction is generated and sent to the separate key card by personnel of the ETC issuing service unit after they have sequentially registered the key information uniquely corresponding to the separate key card in the ETC issuing system, activated the vehicle electronic tag body based on the ETC issuing system, inserted the separate key card into the vehicle electronic tag body, and installed the vehicle electronic tag body on the target vehicle.

2. The detachable ETC electronic tag according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anti-disassembly unit includes preset anti-disassembly information, wherein the anti-disassembly information contains key information uniquely corresponding to the detachable key card; Correspondingly, if the detachable key card is currently in an activated state, the detachment detection unit is used to control the anti-disassembly information to be set so that the detachable key card is currently in an unusable state when it is determined, based on the current detachment detection information, that the detachable key card is currently detached from the vehicle electronic tag body and / or the vehicle electronic tag body is currently being removed from the vehicle. If the detachable key card is currently in the unavailable state, the detachment detection unit is further configured to control the anti-disassembly information to reset so that the detachable key card is restored to the activated state after receiving the anti-disassembly reset command sent by the ETC issuing service unit terminal.

3. The detachable ETC electronic tag according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the detachable key card is currently in a preset state, the user terminal corresponding to the target vehicle sends registered user information to the ETC issuing service unit terminal. The registered user information includes: vehicle-mounted electronic tag information, target vehicle information, user information, and IC card information. This allows the ETC issuing service unit terminal to verify the registered user information and then send a prompt message to the user terminal reminding the user to install the vehicle-mounted electronic tag on the target vehicle and insert the detachable key card into the vehicle-mounted electronic tag. The user then installs the vehicle-mounted electronic tag on the target vehicle and inserts the detachable key card into the vehicle-mounted electronic tag according to the prompt message from the user terminal. The information storage unit receives, via the communication module, the vehicle electronic tag information of the vehicle electronic tag subject uniquely corresponding to the separate key card, the vehicle information of the target vehicle, and the user information of the ETC issuing service unit terminal, and writes them into the blank issuance information storage space. The separate key card is also used to confirm that it is currently switching from the preset state to the activated state after receiving the second activation instruction through the communication module; The second activation instruction is generated and sent to the separate key card by personnel of the ETC issuing service unit after they have sequentially registered the key information uniquely corresponding to the separate key card in the ETC issuing system, activated the vehicle electronic tag body based on the ETC issuing system, confirmed that the user inserts the separate key card into the vehicle electronic tag body, and installed the vehicle electronic tag body on the target vehicle.

4. The detachable ETC electronic tag according to claim 1, characterized in that, The separate key card is also used to receive a vehicle update instruction sent by the ETC issuing service unit terminal via the communication module when it is in an unavailable state, and to replace the vehicle information of the target vehicle in the information storage unit with the vehicle information of the new vehicle contained in the vehicle update instruction. The separate key card is also used to confirm that it is currently switching from the unavailable state to the active state after receiving a third activation instruction from the communication module; The third activation instruction is generated by the personnel of the ETC issuing service unit based on the ETC issuing system, after activating the newly issued vehicle electronic tag body and inserting the separate key card into the vehicle electronic tag body currently installed in the new vehicle. The instruction is then generated by the personnel of the ETC issuing service unit through the ETC issuing service unit terminal and sent to the separate key card.

5. The detachable ETC electronic tag according to claim 4, characterized in that, If the separate key card is currently unavailable, the user terminal corresponding to the target vehicle sends a request to the ETC issuing service unit terminal to cancel the electronic tag. The request to cancel the electronic tag includes: on-board electronic tag information, vehicle information of the target vehicle, user information, and IC card information. This allows the ETC issuing service unit terminal to cancel the on-board electronic tag information and issue an electronic tag cancellation message after determining, based on the vehicle information, user information, and IC card information, that the target vehicle currently has no outstanding fees and the corresponding account has no balance. Correspondingly, the user terminal corresponding to the target vehicle is also used to send registered user information to the new ETC issuing service unit terminal after receiving the message that the electronic tag has been cancelled; so that the new ETC issuing service unit terminal issues a new detachable key card after verifying the registered user information, and sends a prompt message to the user terminal to prompt the user to insert the new detachable key card, which is currently in a preset state, into the main body of the vehicle electronic tag, so that the user inserts the new detachable key card into the main body of the vehicle electronic tag according to the prompt message of the user terminal; The information storage unit in the new split key card, which is currently in a preset state, is used to store the vehicle electronic tag information of the vehicle electronic tag subject that is uniquely corresponding to the new split key card, the vehicle information of the target vehicle, and the user information, which are entered by the personnel of the ETC issuance service unit in the blank issuance information storage space. In addition, the new split key card is also used to confirm that it is currently switching from the preset state to the activated state after receiving the fourth activation instruction through the communication module. The fourth activation instruction is generated by the personnel of the new ETC issuing service unit after the user inserts the new detachable key card into the vehicle electronic tag body. The personnel of the ETC issuing service unit operate the ETC issuing service unit terminal to generate and send the instruction to the new detachable key card.

6. The detachable ETC electronic tag according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle-mounted electronic tag is also used for intermittent communication with the ETC issuing service unit terminal or the user terminal corresponding to the target vehicle.

7. The detachable ETC electronic tag according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ETC issuance service unit terminal is also used to receive the target vehicle image when the target vehicle passes through the ETC toll station or ETC gantry, so as to verify the issuance information of the target vehicle's on-board electronic tag and the separate key card based on the target vehicle image. The issuance information includes: the key information uniquely corresponding to the separate key card, the on-board electronic tag information, the vehicle information of the target vehicle, and the user information.

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