Simulated test environment system and simulated test method

Abstract

To provide a simulated test environment system that shortens the time required for a simulated test.SOLUTION: A simulated test environment system according to the embodiment includes a test control device and an IF conversion device. The test control device includes a data generation unit that transmits to the IF conversion device setting data, vehicle data transmitted from an on-board unit of a passing vehicle, and vehicle behavior data corresponding to output signals of one or more vehicle detectors. The IF conversion device includes: a test planning unit that generates a skip test plan to skip the time period of no vehicle traffic detected based on the vehicle behavior data and transmits the setting data to a lane server; an antenna simulator that transmits UP data corresponding to the vehicle data to the lane server based on the skip test plan; and a vehicle behavior simulator that transmits contact signals corresponding to the vehicle behavior data. The test control device is equipped with a toll gate server simulator that receives detailed data generated by the lane server based on the UP data and contact signals.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD An embodiment of the present invention relates to a simulated test environment system and a simulated test method. [Background technology]

[0002] Electronic toll collection systems (ETC systems) using wireless communication are becoming popular as a method of collecting tolls on toll roads. The lane server used in the ETC system processes tolls based on vehicle data transmitted from the vehicle's onboard device and a specified toll table when the vehicle passes through the toll lane at the toll gate.

[0003] Recently, in order to ease congestion on roads, there is an increasing need to level out and disperse traffic volumes, and as a fee measure, a fee system is being considered that provides complex discounts on tolls depending on time of day, route, traffic conditions, etc. For this reason, the toll calculation operations of the lane server that calculates the tolls are becoming more complex, and it is important to check the operation before starting operation. For this reason, when an ETC system is introduced, in order to prevent any problems with toll processing, it is being considered to set up a mock test environment system at the toll booth, run mock tests using the mock test environment system, and verify toll processing by the lane server. As one of the test items, a long-run test in which the specified toll processing is carried out continuously for a long period of time (several days) is being considered. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-171046 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2003-30700 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2001-60911 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the long-run test described above, the simulation test environment system inputs long-term time-series vehicle traffic data (vehicle data and vehicle behavior data) generated for the test into the lane server and performs the test. Therefore, the test time is a long period from the time when the first vehicle behavior data is generated to the time when the last vehicle behavior data is generated. Such long-run tests are a burden for the introduction of ETC systems.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a simulation test environment system and a simulation test method that shorten the duration of a simulation test. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The simulation test environment system according to the embodiment includes a test control device and an IF conversion device, and performs a simulation test of an ETC lane server. The test control device includes a data generation unit that transmits, as test data to the IF conversion device, setting data related to a toll gate, vehicle data transmitted from an on-board device of a vehicle traveling in a traffic lane, and vehicle behavior data corresponding to an output signal output from one or more vehicle detectors installed along the traffic lane. The IF conversion device also includes a test plan unit that detects a time period when no vehicle is passing based on the vehicle behavior data, generates a skip test plan for skipping the time period when no vehicle is passing, and transmits the setting data to the lane server, an antenna simulator that transmits UP data corresponding to the vehicle data to the lane server based on the skip test plan, and a vehicle behavior simulator that transmits a contact signal corresponding to the vehicle behavior data to the lane server based on the skip test plan. The test control device also includes a toll gate server simulator that receives the detailed data generated by the lane server based on the UP data and the contact signal. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a simulation testing environment system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the flow of data, signals, notifications, and instructions in a simulated test in the simulated test environment system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a test data generation process. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the vehicle data. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the vehicle event data. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a test planning process. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of travel time period information. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the test start process and the time synchronization process. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a test time notification. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of time processing by the time information management function. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the test time management information. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a contact signal transmission process. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the UP data transmission process and the DOWN data reception process. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of detailed data receiving processing by the detailed data receiving function. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an example of a simulation test environment system for performing a simulation test on a lane server of an ETC according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a simulation testing environment system according to an embodiment. The lane server is tested by connecting the simulated test environment system 1 to the lane server 4 to be tested, inputting test data generated by the simulated test environment system 1 into the lane server 4, generating detailed data showing the calculation results of the vehicle toll based on the vehicle detection data, etc. contained in the test data, and evaluating the generated detailed data.

[0011] First, the simulated testing environment system 1 is a system that is connected to a lane server 4 to be tested and tests the operation of the lane server 4. Furthermore, a management device 5 constituted by a personal computer (hereinafter, PC) or the like is connected to the simulated testing environment system 1. Here, the simulated testing environment system 1 may be installed near the lane server 4, but it can also be connected to a lane server 4 installed in a remote location via a network (not shown) to perform testing. Furthermore, while only one simulated testing environment system 1 and lane server 4 are shown in FIG. 1, it may also be connected to multiple lane servers 4 to perform testing in parallel.

[0012] First, the configuration of the lane server 4 to be tested will be described. The lane server 4 is a server connected to a roadside device (not shown) provided for each lane of the toll gate and a higher-level toll gate server (not shown). The lane server 4 uses a toll table distributed from a higher-level device (not shown) of the toll system via the toll gate server to perform toll calculations and the like based on the results of communication with vehicles passing through the lanes of the toll gate, and transmits the results to the toll gate server. Here, the toll table used for toll calculations may be stored in the higher-level device, etc., and the higher-level device may be queried each time a toll calculation is performed. Note that, here, only the configuration of the lane server 4 related to the operation of the simulation test environment system 1 will be described, and the other configurations will not be described or illustrated.

[0013] 1, the lane server 4 includes a communication unit 41, a data generation unit 42, and a system clock 43. For example, the lane server 4 can be configured with one or more computers, and each unit of the lane server 4 is configured with hardware such as one or more processors, memories, and communication interfaces. Only the configuration related to the simulated test environment system 1 is shown here, and illustrations and descriptions of other configurations are omitted.

[0014] The communication unit 41 is a communication unit that transmits and receives data required for performing a test to and from the IF conversion device 3 of the simulated testing environment system 1. Specifically, the communication unit 41 is a communication unit that receives setting data for performing a test transmitted from the IF conversion device 3 of the simulated testing environment system 1. The communication unit 41 also receives UP data transmitted from the antenna simulator (hereinafter, antenna SIM) 32 of the IF conversion device 3, and transmits DOWN data to the antenna SIM 32. The communication unit 41 also receives a contact signal transmitted from the vehicle behavior simulator (hereinafter, vehicle behavior SIM) 33 of the IF conversion device 3. The communication unit 41 also transmits detailed data indicating the calculation results of the toll to the test control device 2.

[0015] The data generating unit 42 is a generating unit that calculates the toll based on the stored toll table, the toll gate identification information included in the setting data, and the vehicle data included in the UP data, and generates detailed data that indicates the toll calculation results, etc. For this reason, the data generating unit 42 has an internal storage unit that stores a toll table that specifies the tolls corresponding to the vehicle type and the toll gate identification information.

[0016] The system clock 43 is a system clock that manages the time that is the reference for the operation of the lane server 4. The system clock 43 changes the current time based on a time change instruction transmitted from the test control device 2, thereby skipping the operation of the lane server 4 to an arbitrary time, and the lane server 4 operates based on the skipped time.

[0017] Next, the configuration of the simulation testing environment system 1 will be described. The simulation test environment system 1 includes a test control device 2 and an IF (interface) conversion device 3.

[0018] The test control device 2 includes a data generation unit 21, a test information management unit 22, a tollgate server simulator (hereinafter, tollgate server SIM) 23, and a communication unit 24. For example, the test control device 2 can be configured with one or more computers, and each unit and the simulator of the test control device 2 is configured with hardware such as one or more processors, memories, and communication interfaces.

[0019] The communication unit 24 is a communication unit that receives input information from the management device 5.

[0020] The data generating unit 21 is a generating unit that generates setting data, vehicle data, and vehicle behavior data as test data based on input information and the like, and transmits the data to the IF conversion device 3. Here, the setting data is data related to the toll gate through which the vehicle has passed, and includes toll gate identification information for identifying the toll gate. The vehicle data is data equivalent to a signal transmitted from an onboard device of a vehicle passing through the traffic lane of the toll gate. The vehicle behavior data is equivalent to a signal output from a plurality of vehicle detectors installed along the traffic lane of the toll gate. Details of the test data will be explained in detail in the operation explanation.

[0021] The test information management unit 22 receives a test time notification transmitted from the test planning unit 31 of the IF conversion device 3, and transmits a time change instruction to synchronize the times of the system clock 34 of the IF conversion device 3 and the system clock 43 of the lane server 4 based on the test time notification. Details of the time synchronization and the role of the time synchronization will be described in detail later.

[0022] The tollgate server SIM23 receives and stores the detailed data transmitted from the lane server 4 under test. The detailed data is the result of a simulation test generated by the lane server 4, and the calculation of an appropriate toll fee according to the vehicle type, driving section, etc. is verified based on the detailed data.

[0023] Next, the interface conversion device (hereinafter, IF conversion device) 3 includes a test planning unit 31, an antenna SIM 32, a vehicle behavior SIM 33, a system clock 34, and a communication unit 35. For example, the IF conversion device 3 can be configured with one or more computers, and each unit and each simulator of the IF conversion device 3 is configured with hardware such as one or more processors, memories, and communication interfaces.

[0024] The test planning unit 31 is a planning unit that generates a simulation test plan based on the setting data, vehicle data, and vehicle behavior data as the test data. The test planning unit 31 also transmits the setting data to the lane server 4. Furthermore, the test planning unit 31 transmits a test time notification to the test control device 2, and receives a time change instruction from the test control device 2. After the time of the system clock 34 is changed based on the time change instruction, the test planning unit 31 transmits the vehicle data to the antenna SIM 32 based on the simulation test plan, and also transmits the vehicle behavior data to the vehicle behavior SIM 33. The generation of the simulation test plan will be described in detail later.

[0025] The antenna SIM 32 is a simulator that simulates the antenna of the on-board device of a vehicle passing through the lane of the toll gate. In the simulation test environment system 1, the antenna SIM 32 communicates with the lane server 4 based on a communication protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol). The antenna SIM 32 generates UP data based on vehicle data, transmits the UP data to the lane server 4, and receives DOWN data (vehicle attribute data) from the lane server 4. The UP data corresponds to a signal transmitted from the antenna of the on-board device of a vehicle passing through the lane of the toll gate, and the DOWN data corresponds to a signal received by the antenna of the on-board device. Note that the signal transmitted from the antenna of the on-board device and the signal received by the antenna of the on-board device are encrypted, but the UP data and the DOWN data are plaintext in this simulation test.

[0026] The vehicle behavior SIM 33 is a simulator that simulates the operation of one or more vehicle detectors installed along the lanes of a toll gate. In the simulated test environment system 1, the vehicle behavior SIM 33 communicates with the lane server 4 based on a communication protocol such as TCP / IP. The vehicle behavior SIM 33 generates a contact signal based on the vehicle behavior data and transmits the contact signal to the lane server 4. The contact signal corresponds to a vehicle detection signal output from one or more vehicle detectors. In this embodiment, the contact signal is assumed to be a vehicle detection signal output from a plurality of vehicle detectors.

[0027] The system clock 34 is a system clock of the IF conversion device 3. The system clock 34 changes the time based on a time change instruction transmitted from the test control device 2. That is, the system clock 34 skips the current time to an arbitrary time based on the time change instruction transmitted from the test control device 2, and the IF conversion device 3 operates based on the skipped time.

[0028] Next, the flow of data, signals, notifications, and instructions in a simulation test in the simulation test environment system according to the embodiment will be described. 2 is a diagram showing the flow of data, signals, notifications, and instructions in a simulation test in the simulation test environment system according to the embodiment. Each process will be described below. First, a process of transmitting test data is performed from the test control device 2 to the IF conversion device 3. Specifically, the data generation unit 21 of the test control device 2 transmits setting data, vehicle data, and vehicle behavior data as test data to the test planning unit 31 based on input information and the like transmitted from the management device 5.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a test data generation process. As shown in FIG. 3, in ST11, the data generating unit 21 loads setting data including toll gate identification information for identifying a toll gate, etc. Next, in ST12, the data generation unit 21 registers the vehicle data.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of vehicle data. The vehicle data is one of the test data, and corresponds to a signal transmitted from an on-board device of a vehicle passing through a traffic lane of a toll gate. The vehicle data includes vehicle identification information and vehicle information. The vehicle information includes the vehicle type, ETC card number, etc.

[0031] Returning to FIG. 3, in ST13, the data generator 21 registers the vehicle event data in chronological order.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of vehicle behavior data. The vehicle behavior data is one type of test data, and corresponds to signals output from a plurality of vehicle detectors installed along the traffic lanes of a toll gate. The vehicle behavior data includes a plurality of records corresponding to vehicle detection signals output from the plurality of vehicle detectors at a predetermined cycle. Each record includes behavior identification information, occurrence time (including year, month, and date), vehicle identification information, and vehicle detection information. Vehicle data and vehicle behavior data can be associated with each other based on the vehicle identification information included in the vehicle data and the vehicle identification information included in the vehicle behavior data. For example, the occurrence time can be handled down to ms (microseconds).

[0033] Here, the vehicle behavior data will be described in detail while supplementing an example of the installation of the vehicle detectors. For example, three reflective or transmissive vehicle detectors S1, S2, and S4 are installed in order from upstream to downstream in a traffic lane, and vehicles pass through the traffic lane from upstream to downstream. The three vehicle detectors S1, S2, and S4 output vehicle detection signals at a predetermined cycle, outputting an on signal (ON) when a vehicle is detected, and outputting an off signal (OFF) when no vehicle is detected.

[0034] Focusing on the behavior identification information 1 to 6 shown in Figure 5, it can be seen that in time series, in accordance with the movement of the vehicle from upstream to downstream, the output of vehicle detector S1 changes to on, the output of vehicle detector S2 changes to on, the output of vehicle detector S1 changes to off, the output of vehicle detector S2 changes to off, the output of vehicle detector S4 changes to on, and the output of vehicle detector S4 changes to off.

[0035] Returning to FIG. 3, in ST14, the data generation unit 21 transmits the setting data, the vehicle data, and the vehicle behavior data to the test planning unit 31 as test data.

[0036] Returning to FIG. 2 for further explanation. The test planning unit 31 of the IF conversion device 3 is a processing unit that performs test planning processing in order to format the stored setting data and transmit it to the lane server 4. Here, the test planning processing is processing in which the test planning unit 31 transmits the setting data among the received data to the lane server 4. As will be described later, the test planning unit 31 analyzes the vehicle behavior data and sorts the multiple records included in the vehicle behavior data in chronological order based on the occurrence times of these multiple records. As will be described later, the test planning unit 31 groups these multiple records.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a test planning process. As shown in FIG. 6, in ST41, the test planning section 31 receives and stores the setting data, vehicle data, and vehicle behavior data from the test control device 2.

[0038] In ST42, the test planning unit 31 formats the saved setting data and transmits it to the lane server 4.

[0039] In ST43, the test planning unit 31 analyzes the vehicle event data and sorts the records in chronological order based on the occurrence times of the records included in the vehicle event data. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, the test planning unit 31 sorts the records included in the vehicle event data in chronological order.

[0040] In ST44, the test planning unit 31 detects the occurrence intervals of the multiple records included in the vehicle behavior data based on the occurrence times of these records, and detects the occurrence intervals among the detected occurrence intervals that exceed a no-vehicle-passage threshold as time periods with no vehicles passing by.

[0041] For example, the management device 5 inputs a no-vehicle-passing threshold value, which is set in response to an operation input by an examiner, to the IF conversion device 3. The test planning unit 31 of the IF conversion device 3 stores the input no-vehicle-passing threshold value. Assuming that the no-vehicle-passing threshold value is 10 minutes, for the vehicle behavior data shown in FIG. 5, the test planning unit 31 detects the period between the record of behavior identification information 6 and the record of behavior identification information 7 as a time period with no vehicles passing, since this period exceeds the no-vehicle-passing threshold value of 10 minutes. Note that the no-vehicle-passing threshold value is an arbitrary value, and the degree of reduction in the test time can be adjusted by setting a desired value.

[0042] In ST45, the test planning section 31 groups these multiple records with the detected time periods when no vehicles are passing as boundaries.

[0043] For the vehicle behavior data shown in FIG. 5, the test planning unit 31 groups multiple records of behavior identification information 1 to 6 into one group, and groups multiple records of behavior identification information 7 to 12 into one group. Multiple records belonging to one group indicate the behavior of one or more vehicles. In the case of FIG. 5, all of the behavior identification information 1 to 6 are the same vehicle identification information, so they indicate the behavior of one vehicle. Also, all of the behavior identification information 7 to 12 are the same vehicle identification information, so they indicate the behavior of one vehicle.

[0044] 7 is a diagram showing an example of travel time period information. The travel time period information is information generated in the grouping process of the test planning unit 31, and includes travel time period identification information, the occurrence time (including the year, month, and day) of the first behavior data, the occurrence time (including the year, month, and day) of the last behavior data, and the test start time (including the year, month, and day). The travel time period identification information 1 is generated by grouping a plurality of records of the above-mentioned behavior identification information 1 to 6 into one, and the travel time period identification information 2 is generated by grouping a plurality of records of the behavior identification information 7 to 12 into one.

[0045] 6, in ST46, the test plan unit 31 generates a test plan to be executed on a group basis based on the grouping result and the designated test mode. For example, the management device 5 inputs the skip test mode or the non-skip test mode designated according to the operation input of the examiner to the IF conversion device 3. The skip test mode is a mode in which the detected time period with no vehicular traffic is skipped, and the non-skip test mode is a mode in which the detected time period with no vehicular traffic is not skipped.

[0046] The test planning unit 31 generates a skip test plan that skips the time period when no vehicle is passing based on the designation of the skip test mode. For the vehicle behavior data shown in FIG. 5, the test planning unit 31 executes tests based on behavior identification information 1 to 6 in the order of occurrence, skips between behavior identification information 6 and behavior identification information 7 (between 2023 / 01 / 24 10:18:12 and 2023 / 01 / 24 10:30:05), and generates a skip test plan that executes tests based on behavior identification information 7 to 12 in the order of occurrence. According to this skip test mode, the area between behavior identification information 6 and behavior identification information 7 is skipped, and the test time can be shortened.

[0047] Furthermore, based on the specification of the non-skip test mode, the test planning unit 31 generates a non-skip test plan that does not skip the time periods when no vehicles are passing. For the vehicle behavior data shown in Fig. 5, the test planning unit 31 generates a non-skip test plan that executes tests based on the behavior identification information 1 to 12 in the order of occurrence. This non-skip test mode allows tests to be executed in real time.

[0048] In ST47, the test planning section 31 judges whether or not there are any untested travel time periods. If the result in ST47 is Yes, the process proceeds to ST48, where the test planning unit 31 performs testing for the untested predetermined traffic time period. In the case of the vehicle behavior data shown in Fig. 5, testing is performed for the traffic time periods of the untested behavior identification information 1 to 6, and then testing is performed for the traffic time periods of the untested behavior identification information 7 to 12.

[0049] If the result in ST47 is No, the test planning unit 31 ends the test. In the case of the vehicle behavior data shown in Fig. 5, the test ends when the travel time periods of the behavior identification information 1 to 6 and the behavior identification information 7 to 12 have been tested.

[0050] Returning to FIG. 2 for further explanation. The test planning unit 31 performs a test start process (details will be described next with reference to FIG. 8). In the test start process, the test planning unit 31 detects the earliest time included in multiple records belonging to a specific group, and transmits a test time notification including the test start time corresponding to this earliest time to the test information management unit 22.

[0051] 8 is a flow chart showing an example of the test start process and the time synchronization process.ST51 shows an example of the test start process. As shown in FIG. 8, in ST51, the test planning unit 31 detects the earliest time contained in multiple records belonging to a specified group, and sends a test time notification including the test start time corresponding to this earliest time to the test information management unit 22 of the test control device 2.

[0052] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a test time notification. The test time notification is a notification based on a test plan generated by the test planning section 31, and is notified from the IF conversion device 3 to the test control device 2. The test time notification includes the name of the IF conversion device, the notification time (including the date), and the test start time (including the date). 5, the earliest time (2023 / 01 / 24 10:13:05) included in the behavior identification information 1 to 6 belonging to the first group is detected, or the earliest time (2023 / 01 / 24 10:30:05) included in the behavior identification information 7 to 12 belonging to the second group is detected.

[0053] Based on the test start time included in the test time notification, the test information management unit 22 generates a time change instruction to change the time to a specified time just before the test start time, and transmits the time change instruction to the test planning unit 31 and the lane server 4.

[0054] Returning to the explanation of FIG. The test information management unit 22 of the test control device 2 performs time processing using a time information management function to synchronize the time between the test control device 2 and the IF conversion device 3. In the time processing, the test information management unit 22 generates a time change instruction to change the time to a predetermined time immediately before the test start time based on the test start time included in the test time notification, and transmits the generated time change instruction to the lane server 4. In addition, as will be described in ST37, the test information management unit 22 transmits the generated time change instruction to the test planning unit 31.

[0055] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of time processing by the time information management function. As shown in FIG. 10, in ST31, the test information management unit 22 transitions to a state of waiting for reception of a communication message. In ST32, the test information management section 22 determines whether or not a communication message has been received.

[0056] If the answer is No in ST32, the test information management unit 22 continues to wait for reception unless a communication message is received. If the answer is Yes in ST32, the process proceeds to ST33, where the test information management unit 22 judges whether the content of the received communication message is a test time notification or end notification. The test time notification includes information on the name of the IF conversion device that sent the message, the notification time, and the test start time.

[0057] If the result in ST33 is No, the process shifts to a state of waiting for a communication message to be received, and waits for the communication message to be received. If the answer is Yes in ST33, the process proceeds to ST34, where the test information management unit 22 determines whether the message content is a test time notification or not.

[0058] If the answer is No in ST33, and the message content is an end notice, the process ends. If the answer is Yes in ST34, the process proceeds to ST35, where the test information management unit 22 records the test time notification.

[0059] In ST36, the test information management unit 22 generates a time change instruction to change the time to a specified time just before the test start time based on the test start time included in the test time notification, and transmits the generated time change instruction to the lane server 4. In ST37, the test information management section 22 transmits the generated time change instruction to the test planning section 31. Incidentally, the transmission of the time change instruction to the lane server 4 in ST36 and the transmission of the time change instruction to the test planning unit 31 in ST37 are executed substantially simultaneously.

[0060] The test information management section 22 generates test management information in response to the transmission of the time change instruction. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the test time management information. The test time management information is information generated by the test planning unit 31, and includes the IF conversion device name, the notification reception time (including the date), the test start time (including the date), the transmission time (including the date) of the time change notification to the lane server 4, and the transmission time (including the date) of the time change notification to the test control device 2.

[0061] Returning to FIG. 2 for further explanation. The test planning unit 31 performs a time synchronization process. In the time synchronization process, the test planning unit 31 synchronizes with the lane server 4 in time based on a time change instruction, transmits the first untested vehicle behavior data to the vehicle behavior SIM 33, and transmits the vehicle data related to the first untested vehicle behavior data to the antenna SIM 32. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the test start process and the time synchronization process, and ST52 to ST59 show an example of the time synchronization process.

[0062] In ST52, the test planning section 31 receives the time change instruction transmitted from the test information management section 22.

[0063] In ST53, the test planning unit 31 outputs an instruction to change the time of the system clock 34 to a predetermined time based on the time change instruction sent from the test information management unit 22, and the system clock 34 changes the time to the predetermined time based on the change instruction from the test planning unit 31. At the same time, the system clock 43 of the vehicle server 4 also changes the time to the predetermined time based on the time change instruction sent from the test information management unit 22. Based on this time change instruction, the times of the system clock 34 of the IF conversion device 3 and the system clock 43 of the vehicle server 4 are synchronized.

[0064] In ST54, the test planning unit 31 reads the vehicle data and vehicle behavior data for the untested predetermined travel time period. In the case of the vehicle behavior data shown in Fig. 5, the behavior identification information 1 to 6 or the behavior identification information 7 to 12 for the untested predetermined travel time period are read.

[0065] In ST55, the test planning section 31 determines whether or not there is untested vehicle behavior data.

[0066] If the answer is Yes in ST55, the process proceeds to ST56, where the test planning unit 31 extracts the first vehicle event data in the predetermined travel time period that has not been tested. For example, if behavior identification information 1 to 6 shown in Fig. 5 have not been tested, the first vehicle event data is behavior identification information 1. If behavior identification information 7 to 12 have not been tested, the first vehicle event data is behavior identification information 7.

[0067] In ST57, the test planning section 31 judges whether or not the time of the system clock 34 has reached the generation time of the first untested vehicle event data. If the answer is No in ST57, the test planning section 31 repeats the judgment as to whether or not the generation time of the vehicle event data has reached.

[0068] If the answer is Yes in ST57, the process proceeds to ST58, in which the test planning section 31 transmits the first untested vehicle event data to the vehicle event SIM 33. In ST59, the test planning section 31 transmits to the antenna SIM 32 the vehicle data related to the first untested vehicle event data.

[0069] 2 again. In order to allow the lane server 4 to detect a vehicle, a contact signal transmission process is performed in the vehicle event SIM 33 of the IF conversion device 3. In the contact signal transmission process, the vehicle event SIM 33 transmits the converted contact signal to the lane server 4.

[0070] The contact signal transmission process is executed by the vehicle behavior SIM 33 of the IF conversion device 3. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a contact signal transmission process. As shown in FIG. 12, in ST61, the vehicle event SIM 33 receives the vehicle event data transmitted from the test planning unit 31. In ST62, the vehicle event SIM 33 converts the received vehicle event data into a contact signal.

[0071] In ST63, the vehicle behavior SIM 33 transmits the converted contact point signal to the lane server 4. The lane server 4 receives the contact signal transmitted from the vehicle behavior SIM 33 .

[0072] Returning to FIG. 2 for further explanation. In order for the lane server 4 to calculate the fee based on the vehicle data, the antenna SIM 32 performs UP data transmission processing and DOWN data reception processing. In the UP data transmission process and the DOWN data reception process, the antenna SIM 32 transmits the converted UP data to the lane server 4, and receives the DOWN data transmitted from the lane server 4, as will be described in ST74.

[0073] 13 is a flow chart showing an example of the UP data transmission process and the DOWN data reception process. ST71 to ST73 show the UP data transmission process, and ST74 shows the DOWN data reception process.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 13, in ST71, the antenna SIM 32 receives the vehicle data transmitted from the test planning section 31. In ST72, the antenna SIM 32 converts the received vehicle data into UP data.

[0075] In ST73, the antenna SIM 32 transmits the converted UP data to the lane server 4. When the lane server 4 receives the UP data from the antenna SIM 32, it detects the behavior of the vehicle based on the contact signal and calculates the toll for the vehicle based on the UP data, etc. The lane server 4 transmits DOWN data corresponding to the received UP data. The lane server 4 also creates a toll statement corresponding to the calculated toll.

[0076] In ST74, the antenna SIM32 receives the DOWN data transmitted from the lane server 4.

[0077] Returning to FIG. 2 for further explanation. In order to verify the toll based on the detail data, a detail data reception process is performed by the detail data reception function in the tollgate server SIM 23. The detail data reception function activation process and the detail data reception process are executed by the tollgate server SIM 23 of the test control device 2.

[0078] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of detailed data receiving processing by the detailed data receiving function. As shown in FIG. 14, in ST91, the toll gate server SIM23 transitions to a state of waiting for reception of a communication message.

[0079] In ST92, the tollgate server SIM 23 determines whether or not a communication message has been received. If the result is No in ST92, the tollgate server SIM 23 continues to wait for reception. If the answer is Yes in ST92, the process proceeds to ST93, where the tollgate server SIM23 determines whether the content of the communication message is detailed data or an end notice.

[0080] If the result in ST93 is No, the process shifts to a state of waiting for a communication message to be received, and the process waits for the communication message to be received. If the answer is Yes in ST93, the process proceeds to ST94, where the tollgate server SIM23 determines whether the message content is detailed data or not.

[0081] If the answer is No in ST94, the process ends. If the answer is Yes in ST94, in ST95, the tollgate server SIM23 stores the detailed data.

[0082] By carrying out each process in this manner, the test can be carried out by the lane server. An external device or an examiner verifies that the toll is calculated appropriately according to the vehicle type, driving section, etc., based on the detailed data generated through the test.

[0083] The simulated testing environment system of the present embodiment described above detects a time period when no vehicles are passing based on the vehicle behavior data, generates a skip test plan for skipping the time period when no vehicles are passing, and executes a test based on the skip test plan, thereby shortening the test time.

[0084] In addition, in the simulated test environment system, the threshold for detecting time periods when no vehicles are passing through can be made variable, so that it is possible to skip relatively short time periods when no vehicles are passing through, or to skip relatively long time periods when no vehicles are passing through.

[0085] In addition, the simulated test environment system generates a skip test plan that skips the time period when no vehicles are passing or a non-skip test plan that does not skip based on the specified test mode, and executes a test according to each plan. This makes it possible to select a test that is shortened by skipping or a test that is performed in real time. Note that, although the case where the management device 5 specifies the skip test mode or the non-skip test mode has been described, this is not limiting, and for example, the test control device 2 may specify the skip test mode or the non-skip test mode.

[0086] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1. Simulation test environment system 2...Test control device 3...Interface conversion device (IF conversion device) 4…Lane Server 5…Management device 21...Data generation section 22…Examination Information Management Department 23...Tollgate server simulator (tollgate server SIM) 24…Communications Department 24… and Communications Department 31…Test Planning Department 31. Test Planning Division in... 32...Antenna simulator (antenna SIM) 33...Vehicle behavior simulator (Vehicle behavior SIM) 34...System clock 35…Communications Department 41…Communications Department 42...Data generation section 43...System clock

Claims

1. A simulation test environment system for performing a simulation test of an ETC lane server, comprising: The simulated test environment system includes: A test control device and an IF conversion device, The test control device includes: a data generating unit that transmits, as test data to the IF conversion device, setting data related to a toll gate, vehicle data transmitted from an on-board device of a vehicle traveling along a traffic lane, and vehicle behavior data corresponding to an output signal output from one or more vehicle detectors installed along the traffic lane; The IF conversion device comprises: a test planning unit that detects a time period when no vehicles are passing based on the vehicle behavior data, generates a skip test plan for skipping the time period when no vehicles are passing, and transmits the setting data to the lane server; an antenna simulator that transmits UP data corresponding to the vehicle data to the lane server based on the skip test plan; a vehicle behavior simulator that transmits a contact signal corresponding to the vehicle behavior data to the lane server based on the skip test plan; Equipped with The test control device includes: a tollgate server simulator that receives detail data generated by the lane server based on the UP data and the contact signal; Mock test environment system.

2. The vehicle behavior data includes a plurality of records corresponding to vehicle detection signals output from one or more vehicle detectors and including a generation time, vehicle detector identification information, and a vehicle detection result; the test planning unit of the IF conversion device detects occurrence intervals of the plurality of records based on the occurrence times included in the plurality of records, and detects an occurrence interval exceeding a no-vehicle-traffic threshold as the no-vehicle-traffic time period; The simulated testing environment system of claim 1.

3. The test plan unit of the IF conversion device groups the plurality of records with the time period when no vehicles are passing as a boundary, and generates the skip test plan to be executed on a group basis. The simulated testing environment system of claim 2.

4. the test planning unit of the IF conversion device transmits a test time notification to the test control device, the test time notification including a test start time corresponding to an earliest time included in a plurality of records belonging to a predetermined group; the test control device includes a test information management unit that synchronizes the system clock times of the IF conversion device and the lane server based on the test time notification; the antenna simulator of the IF conversion device transmits, after time synchronization by the test control device, predetermined UP data corresponding to predetermined vehicle data belonging to the predetermined group to the lane server; The vehicle behavior simulator of the IF conversion device transmits a predetermined contact point signal corresponding to the predetermined vehicle behavior data belonging to the predetermined group to the lane server. The simulated testing environment system according to claim 3.

5. the test information management unit of the test control device transmits a time change instruction to the IF conversion device and the lane server to change the time to a predetermined time corresponding to the test start time; the IF conversion device includes an IF conversion device system clock that changes the time to the predetermined time based on the time change instruction transmitted from the test control device, the lane server includes a lane server system clock that changes the time to the predetermined time based on the time change instruction transmitted from the test control device; The simulated testing environment system according to claim 4.

6. The test plan unit of the IF conversion device generates the skip test plan that skips the time period when no vehicles are passing through or the non-skip test plan that does not skip the time period based on the designation of a test mode. The simulated testing environment system of claim 1.

7. A simulation test method executed by a test control device and an IF conversion device of a simulation test environment system for performing a simulation test on an ETC lane server, comprising: a data generating unit transmitting, as test data to the IF conversion device, setting data related to a toll gate, vehicle data transmitted from an on-board device of a vehicle traveling along a traffic lane, and vehicle behavior data corresponding to an output signal output from one or more vehicle detectors installed along the traffic lane; A test planning unit detects a time period when no vehicles are passing based on the vehicle behavior data, and generates a skip test plan for skipping the time period when no vehicles are passing; the test planning unit transmitting the setting data to the lane server; an antenna simulator transmitting UP data corresponding to the vehicle data to the lane server based on the skip test plan; A vehicle behavior simulator transmits a contact signal corresponding to the vehicle behavior data to the lane server based on the skip test plan; A toll booth server simulator receives the detailed data generated by the lane server based on the UP data and the contact signal; A mock test method comprising:

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