Whole vehicle independent type ETC module offline detection device

Abstract

This utility model discloses a vehicle-mounted independent ETC module offline testing device. The method includes: a line-side device for transmitting DSRC shortwave communication signals and receiving response signals from the vehicle-mounted ETC module; a data processing module for extracting the MAC address of the ETC module from the response signals; a data comparison module for comparing the MAC address with a pre-stored vehicle VIN code; and a display module for displaying the testing status of the ETC module based on the comparison results. This utility model enables the offline testing of vehicle-mounted ETC modules to be independent of ETC module suppliers, thereby reducing or rationalizing cost investment and not increasing the development cycle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle off-line inspection technology, and in particular to a vehicle independent ETC module off-line inspection device. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic toll collection (ETC) systems are an important component of modern intelligent transportation systems, widely used in scenarios such as highway toll collection. Currently, there are two main technical solutions for vehicle ETC module offline testing: one is to integrate the ETC module circuit board into the T-box module, establishing a connection with the T-box via CAN or other communication methods, and sending ETC module information to the line-side equipment through the T-box's CAN channel during vehicle offline testing; the other is to use a stand-alone ETC module, relying entirely on the matching testing equipment provided by the module supplier, or not performing offline testing at all.

[0003] Both solutions have their limitations. The first solution requires secondary development of the ETC module, increasing technical complexity, development cycle, and R&D costs. While the second solution is simpler and less labor-intensive, it relies excessively on suppliers, hindering quality control and failing to meet long-term development needs. Furthermore, current ETC modules are mostly supplied modularly, lacking communication interfaces such as CAN, making direct integration with the vehicle system difficult. Therefore, a new technical solution is urgently needed that avoids secondary development of the ETC module, enables reliable off-line testing, and balances cost and flexibility. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical issues, this utility model provides a vehicle-independent ETC module offline testing device, which enables the offline testing of vehicle-mounted ETC modules to be independent of ETC module suppliers, thereby reducing or rationalizing cost investment and not increasing the development cycle.

[0005] The first aspect of this utility model provides a vehicle-mounted independent ETC module offline detection device, comprising:

[0006] Line-side equipment is used to send DSRC shortwave communication signals and receive response signals from the vehicle-mounted ETC module;

[0007] A data processing module is used to extract the MAC address of the ETC module from the response signal;

[0008] A data comparison module is used to compare the MAC address with a pre-stored vehicle VIN code; and

[0009] The display module is used to display the detection status of the ETC module based on the comparison results.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the line-side device includes:

[0011] The sending unit is used to send a BST broadcast command containing the BeaconID;

[0012] The receiving unit is used to receive the VST response signal containing the MAC address.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the BeaconID is the MAC address of the line-side device.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the data processing module includes:

[0015] Extraction unit, used to extract the MAC address from the VST response signal;

[0016] The storage unit is used to associate and store the extracted MAC address with the vehicle VIN code.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the data comparison module includes:

[0018] The query unit is used to query the pre-stored MAC address based on the vehicle's VIN code;

[0019] The comparison unit is used to compare the queried MAC address with the extracted MAC address.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the display module includes:

[0021] The display screen shows the detection status of the ETC module;

[0022] An alarm unit is used to issue an alarm when a detection fails.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0024] The scanning module is used to scan the vehicle's VIN code and the MAC address on the ETC module label.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the scanning module includes:

[0026] A barcode scanner used to scan MAC addresses in barcode format;

[0027] A QR code scanner is used to scan MAC addresses in the form of QR codes.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0029] The power-on detection module is used to detect the power-on self-test status of the ETC module.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the power-on detection module includes:

[0031] The indicator light detection unit is used to detect the flashing status of the blue indicator light after the ETC module is powered on;

[0032] The sound detection unit is used to detect the prompt sound after the ETC module is powered on.

[0033] In summary, compared with the prior art, this utility model has at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1) It avoids secondary development of the ETC module, reducing the development cycle and cost; 2) It adopts the communication protocol defined by the national standard to develop the line-side detection equipment, reducing the technical difficulty and expanding the range of suppliers; 3) It significantly improves economic efficiency, saving more than 60% of the cost compared with the existing technical solutions; 4) It enables multiple suppliers of ETC modules, increasing the company's ETC supply; 5) It confirms the normal function of the ETC module through DSRC shortwave communication and realizes the binding of VIN code and MAC address, which facilitates subsequent quality and after-sales tracking and inquiry. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a specific embodiment of the vehicle-independent ETC module offline detection device of this utility model.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implementation process of the vehicle-independent ETC module offline testing device of this utility model.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the DRSC shortwave communication process in the vehicle-independent ETC module offline testing device of this utility model.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the ETC module label in the vehicle-independent ETC module offline detection device of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0039] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., in the claims, specification, and drawings of this disclosure are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. The terms "comprising" and "including" as used in the specification and claims of this disclosure indicate the presence of a described feature, integral, step, operation, element, and / or component, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or collections thereof. It should also be understood that the terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0040] The vehicle-mounted independent ETC module offline testing device includes line-side equipment, a data processing module, a data comparison module, and a display module.

[0041] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The line-side device is used to transmit DSRC shortwave communication signals and receive response signals from the on-board ETC module. The line-side device can transmit DSRC shortwave communication signals via an antenna and receive response signals from the ETC module via a receiver. In some implementations, the line-side device uses the DSRC communication protocol conforming to GB / T 20851.1 - GB / T 20851.3.

[0042] The data processing module connects to the line-side device and is used to extract the MAC address from the response signal of the ETC module. In some implementations, the data processing module is implemented using a microprocessor that runs a specific signal processing algorithm to extract the MAC address.

[0043] The data processing module is used to extract the MAC address of the ETC module from the response signal. The data processing module can be implemented using a signal parser and a data extractor. The signal parser parses the received response signal, and the data extractor extracts the MAC address information from the parsed signal. In some implementations, the data processing module uses existing signal processing algorithms to process the response signal.

[0044] The data comparison module compares the extracted MAC address with the pre-stored vehicle VIN code. This module can be implemented using a database and a comparator. The database stores the correspondence between the vehicle VIN code and the ETC module's MAC address, and the comparator compares the extracted MAC address with the information stored in the database. In some implementations, the data comparison module uses existing database query and comparison algorithms.

[0045] The display module is used to show the detection status of the ETC module based on the comparison results. The display module can be implemented using a screen and indicator lights. The screen displays specific detection result information, and the indicator lights use different colors to indicate whether the detection passed. In some embodiments, the display module also includes an audio prompt device to provide an audible prompt about the detection result.

[0046] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The workflow of the vehicle-mounted independent ETC module offline testing device is as follows: First, the vehicle enters the testing station, and the line-side equipment sends a DSRC shortwave communication signal. Upon receiving the signal, the ETC module sends a response signal. The data processing module extracts the MAC address from the response signal. The data comparison module compares the extracted MAC address with the pre-stored vehicle VIN code. Finally, the display module displays the ETC module's testing status based on the comparison results, completing the offline testing.

[0047] The line-side device includes a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit is used to send a BST broadcast command containing the BeaconID. The receiving unit is used to receive a VST response signal containing the MAC address.

[0048] Reference Figure 3 The line-side device sends a BST broadcast command through its transmitting unit. This command includes parameters such as BeaconID, time, and configuration file. The BeaconID is the MAC address of the line-side device, used to identify the transmitting device. Upon receiving the BST command, the ETC module receives the VST response signal sent by the ETC module through its receiving unit. The VST response signal includes parameters such as configuration file, application program, and OBE configuration. The OBE configuration includes information such as MAC address, device type, device version, and OBU status.

[0049] In some implementations, the transmitting unit transmits the BST broadcast command via an antenna. The transmitting unit may consist of a signal generator, a power amplifier, and an antenna. The signal generator generates the BST command signal, the power amplifier amplifies the signal, and then it is transmitted via the antenna.

[0050] In some implementations, the receiving unit receives the VST response signal via an antenna. The receiving unit may consist of an antenna, a low-noise amplifier, and a signal demodulator. The antenna receives the VST signal, the low-noise amplifier amplifies the signal, and the signal demodulator demodulates the signal to extract valid information.

[0051] In some implementations, the line-side device uses an existing DSRC communication protocol chip to transmit BST commands and receive VST signals. This chip integrates both transmission and reception functions, requiring no additional development.

[0052] Through the cooperation of the transmitting and receiving units, the line-side device can establish a communication link with the ETC module, enabling the identification and information exchange of the ETC module. This communication method complies with national standards, ensuring the reliability and versatility of the detection.

[0053] BeaconID is an important parameter included in the BST broadcast command sent by the line-side device. BeaconID represents the MAC address of the line-side device and is used to uniquely identify the line-side device that sent the BST command.

[0054] Lineside devices use their own MAC address as their BeaconID. This design has the following purposes and advantages:

[0055] First, the MAC address is a unique identifier for a network device. Using the MAC address as the BeaconID ensures that each lineside device has a unique identifier, avoiding confusion between different lineside devices.

[0056] Secondly, MAC addresses are fixed hardware addresses that are not easily tampered with, and using them as BeaconIDs enhances the security and reliability of communication.

[0057] Furthermore, using MAC addresses as BeaconIDs simplifies system design, eliminating the need for additional allocation and management of BeaconIDs and reducing system complexity.

[0058] In addition, after receiving the BST command containing the BeaconID, the ETC module can identify the line-side device that sent the command based on the BeaconID, thus providing a foundation for subsequent communication.

[0059] In some implementations, the line-side device automatically reads its own MAC address during initialization and sets it as the BeaconID. This automated process reduces the possibility of human configuration errors.

[0060] In other implementations, the MAC addresses of the line-side devices are pre-stored in a system database. When the ETC module receives a BST command, it can query the database based on the BeaconID to verify the identity of the line-side device.

[0061] In summary, using the MAC address of the line-side device as the BeaconID is a simple and effective design solution that ensures both the uniqueness and security of communication while simplifying system implementation.

[0062] The data processing module includes an extraction unit and a storage unit.

[0063] The extraction unit is used to extract the MAC address from the VST response signal. The extraction unit is implemented through a signal parser and a data extractor. The signal parser analyzes the received VST response signal, converting it into a processable data format. The data extractor locates and extracts the MAC address information from the parsed data. It should be noted that the extraction unit uses existing signal processing algorithms to process the VST response signal; these algorithms are not improvements to this invention.

[0064] The storage unit is used to associate and store the extracted MAC addresses with the vehicle VIN codes. The storage unit is implemented through a database management system and a storage medium. The database management system is responsible for establishing the association between MAC addresses and VIN codes and writing this association data to the storage medium. The storage medium can be a hard disk, a solid-state drive, or other types of non-volatile memory. In some implementations, the storage unit uses a relational database to store the mapping between MAC addresses and VIN codes to facilitate subsequent query and comparison operations.

[0065] In some implementations, the extraction unit and the storage unit are integrated on the same chip via a microprocessor and a memory. The microprocessor performs signal processing and data extraction functions, while the memory is used to temporarily store data during processing and the final correlation results.

[0066] In other implementations, the extraction unit and the storage unit are implemented by separate processors. The processor in the extraction unit is dedicated to signal processing and data extraction, while the processor in the storage unit is responsible for database operations and storage management. This separate design can improve the system's processing efficiency and concurrency capabilities.

[0067] The data processing module, through the collaborative work of the extraction and storage units, extracts the MAC address from the VST response signal and associates it with the vehicle's VIN code for storage. This provides the necessary data foundation for subsequent data comparison and ETC module detection.

[0068] The data comparison module includes a query unit and a comparison unit.

[0069] The query unit is used to look up a pre-stored MAC address based on the vehicle's VIN code. The query unit is implemented through a database management system and a query engine. The database management system maintains the mapping between vehicle VIN codes and ETC module MAC addresses. The query engine receives the vehicle VIN code as input, performs a query operation in the database, and returns the MAC address associated with that VIN code.

[0070] The comparison unit compares the queried MAC address with the extracted MAC address. The comparison unit is implemented using a comparator and decision logic. The comparator receives the MAC address returned by the query unit and the MAC address extracted by the data processing module as input, and compares the two MAC addresses bit by bit. The decision logic determines whether the two MAC addresses match based on the comparison result.

[0071] In some implementations, the data comparison module operates as follows: First, the query unit receives the vehicle's VIN code and queries the database for the corresponding MAC address. Then, the comparison unit compares the queried MAC address with the MAC address extracted by the data processing module. Finally, the comparison unit outputs the comparison result, indicating whether the two MAC addresses match.

[0072] In other implementations, the query unit and the comparison unit are integrated on the same processor. The processor performs the query and comparison operations, and shared memory is used to store intermediate results. This integrated design can reduce data transmission overhead and improve comparison efficiency.

[0073] The data comparison module verifies the MAC address of the ETC module through the collaborative work of the query and comparison units. This verification mechanism ensures that the ETC module installed in the vehicle matches the pre-recorded information, providing a reliable basis for the offline detection of the ETC module.

[0074] The display module includes a display screen and an alarm unit.

[0075] The display screen shows the detection status of the ETC module. The display screen can be a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, or other types of display devices. In some embodiments, the display screen uses touchscreen technology, which can both display the detection results and receive operator input. The display screen shows the ETC module's detection status through a graphical user interface, including whether the detection passed, whether the MAC address matches, and other information. In some embodiments, the display screen can also display relevant information such as the vehicle's VIN code and the ETC module model, facilitating verification by the operator.

[0076] An alarm unit is used to issue an alarm when a detection fails. The alarm unit may include an audible alarm and a visual alarm. The audible alarm may employ a buzzer, speaker, or other sound-emitting device to emit an alarm sound upon detection failure. The visual alarm may employ LED indicators, flashing lights, or other similar devices to indicate detection failure through different colors or flashing patterns. In some embodiments, the alarm unit is integrated with a display screen, providing both visual and auditory alarms simultaneously through pop-up windows on the display screen and audible prompts.

[0077] The display module, through the coordinated operation of the display screen and alarm unit, enables intuitive display of ETC module detection results and timely alerts. This design allows operators to quickly understand the detection status, improving the efficiency and accuracy of offline detection.

[0078] The scanning module is used to scan the vehicle's VIN code and the MAC address on the ETC module tag. The module includes a VIN code scanner and a MAC address scanner. The VIN code scanner uses optical character recognition technology to quickly and accurately read the VIN code information on the vehicle. The MAC address scanner uses barcode or QR code scanning technology to identify the MAC address information on the ETC module tag.

[0079] In some implementations, the scanning module integrates a VIN code scanner and a MAC address scanner, forming a multi-functional scanning device. This device can automatically identify the type of object being scanned and select the appropriate scanning mode.

[0080] The scanning module plays a crucial role in the entire inspection process. First, by scanning the vehicle's VIN code, the system can uniquely identify each vehicle to be inspected. Second, scanning the MAC address on the ETC module tag provides the basic information for subsequent data comparison. These two steps ensure the accuracy and consistency of vehicle and ETC module information during the inspection process.

[0081] During the testing process, operators use a scanning module to scan the vehicle. The scanning module transmits the acquired VIN code and MAC address information to the data processing module. The data processing module associates this information with pre-stored data, preparing for subsequent ETC module function testing.

[0082] The use of the scanning module simplifies the data entry process and reduces the possibility of human error. Automated scanning and data collection improve the efficiency and accuracy of the entire inspection process. Furthermore, the introduction of the scanning module enables the inspection system to quickly establish the correspondence between the vehicle's VIN code and the ETC module's MAC address, providing reliable data support for quality tracking and after-sales service.

[0083] The scanning module's software system employs existing image recognition algorithms and data processing technologies, which are not considered improvements to this invention. The core function of the scanning module is to convert physical world identification information into digital data, providing accurate input information for the entire ETC module offline detection system.

[0084] The scanning module includes a barcode scanner and a QR code scanner, used to scan different forms of MAC addresses on the ETC module label.

[0085] Reference Figure 4 The ETC module label contains MAC addresses in both barcode and QR code formats. The barcode scanner uses one-dimensional laser scanning technology to quickly and accurately read the MAC address of the barcode on the label. The QR code scanner uses image recognition technology to scan and parse the MAC address of the QR code on the label.

[0086] In some implementations, barcode scanners and QR code scanners are integrated into the same device, forming a multi-functional scanner. This multi-functional scanner can automatically identify the code type on the label and select the appropriate scanning mode.

[0087] The scanning module can not only scan MAC addresses, but also read other information from the ETC module's tag. (See reference...) Figure 4 The ETC module label contains additional information such as part number, version number, and production date. The scanning module uses optical character recognition technology to identify and record this information, supporting subsequent data management and quality tracking.

[0088] During the scanning process, the scanning module first attempts to read the MAC address using a QR code scanner. If the QR code scan fails, the scanning module automatically switches to barcode scanning mode. This dual scanning mechanism improves the success rate and reliability of MAC address reading.

[0089] The image recognition algorithm and data processing technology used in the scanning module are existing technologies and are not improvements to this utility model. The core function of the scanning module is to convert the information on the ETC module tag into digital data, providing accurate input information for the entire offline detection system.

[0090] The power-on test module is used to detect the power-on self-test status of the ETC module. Power-on testing is a crucial step in the offline testing of stand-alone ETC modules for vehicles, ensuring the basic functions of the ETC module are normal.

[0091] The power-on detection module includes an indicator light detection unit and a sound detection unit.

[0092] The indicator light detection unit is used to detect the flashing status of the blue indicator light after the ETC module is powered on. The unit uses a photoelectric sensor to detect the light signal from the blue indicator light. The photoelectric sensor converts the detected light signal into an electrical signal, which is then analyzed by a signal processing circuit to determine the changing pattern of the electrical signal. The signal processing circuit determines whether the number of flashes is a predetermined three times and whether the flashing interval conforms to a preset time. The signal processing algorithm used by the indicator light detection unit is existing technology and is not considered an improvement of this invention.

[0093] The sound detection unit is used to detect the prompt sound after the ETC module is powered on. The sound detection unit uses a microphone to pick up the sound signal. The microphone converts the sound signal into an electrical signal, which is then processed by an audio analysis circuit. The audio analysis circuit performs spectrum analysis on the electrical signal to identify "beep" sounds of specific frequencies and durations. The audio analysis technology used in the sound detection unit is existing technology and is not an improvement on this invention.

[0094] In some implementations, the power-on detection module also includes a timing unit for measuring the time interval between the indicator flashing and the beep, to ensure that the entire power-on self-test process meets predetermined timing requirements.

[0095] The power-on detection module transmits the detection results to the data processing module. If an abnormality is detected, such as the indicator light not flashing or the beep sound being missing, the data processing module will generate an error signal to notify the operator to conduct further checks.

[0096] It should be noted that the signal processing algorithm and audio analysis technology used in the power-on detection module are existing technologies and are not improvements made to this invention. The core function of the power-on detection module is to accurately capture and analyze the power-on self-test section of the ETC module. This accurate capture and analysis of the specific indications during the ETC module's power-on self-test provides reliable initial status information for the entire offline detection system.

[0097] In some implementations, the vehicle-mounted independent ETC module offline testing device also includes a repair area. When the power-on testing module determines that the ETC module has failed its power-on self-test, the display module will show a failure warning. Staff will then guide the vehicle displaying the failure warning to the repair area for further inspection and processing. The repair area is equipped with professional testing equipment and repair tools for diagnosing and resolving ETC module malfunctions.

[0098] In some embodiments of this invention, the electronic device may include a controller or a processor. The controller is a microcontroller chip that integrates a processor, memory, communication module, etc. The processor may refer to the processor included in the controller. The processor may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc.

[0099] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A whole vehicle independent ETC module offline detection device, characterized in that, include: Line-side equipment is used to send DSRC shortwave communication signals and receive response signals from the vehicle-mounted ETC module; A data processing module is used to extract the MAC address of the ETC module from the response signal; The data comparison module is used to compare the MAC address with the pre-stored vehicle VIN code; as well as The display module is used to display the detection status of the ETC module based on the comparison results.

2. The ETC module offline detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The line-side device includes: The sending unit is used to send a BST broadcast command containing the BeaconID; The receiving unit is used to receive the VST response signal containing the MAC address.

3. The ETC module offline detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The BeaconID is the MAC address of the line-side device.

4. The ETC module offline detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The data processing module includes: Extraction unit, used to extract the MAC address from the VST response signal; The storage unit is used to associate and store the extracted MAC address with the vehicle VIN code.

5. The ETC module offline detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The data comparison module includes: The query unit is used to query the pre-stored MAC address based on the vehicle's VIN code; The comparison unit is used to compare the queried MAC address with the extracted MAC address.

6. The ETC module offline detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display module includes: The display screen shows the detection status of the ETC module; An alarm unit is used to issue an alarm when a detection fails.

7. The ETC module offline detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The scanning module is used to scan the vehicle's VIN code and the MAC address on the ETC module label.

8. The ETC module offline detection device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The scanning module includes: A barcode scanner used to scan MAC addresses in barcode format; A QR code scanner is used to scan MAC addresses in the form of QR codes.

9. The ETC module offline detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The power-on detection module is used to detect the power-on self-test status of the ETC module.

10. The ETC module offline detection device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The power-on detection module includes: The indicator light detection unit is used to detect the flashing status of the blue indicator light after the ETC module is powered on; The sound detection unit is used to detect the prompt sound after the ETC module is powered on.

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