Program for etc, communication system, and communication method

Abstract

To reduce a burden on highway users.SOLUTION: A program for ETC used in a communication system that communicates with a roadside system at an entrance / exit of an expressway when a vehicle of an embodiment passes through the entrance / exit includes a portable terminal carried by an occupant of the vehicle and a communication module capable of communicating with the roadside system. The program causes a computer, which is the portable terminal equipped with a storage unit that stores vehicle verification information, which is information on a vehicle inspection certificate, and payment information, which is information used for payment, to function as a processing unit that, when the vehicle passes through the entrance / exit, transmits the vehicle verification information and the payment information to the roadside system via the communication module and receives ID data of the entrance / exit from the roadside system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an ETC program, a communication system, and a communication method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in general, in order for a vehicle to pass through the entrance and exit of a highway, an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System) on-vehicle unit is often installed in the vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

[0004] However, when using an ETC on-vehicle unit in a vehicle, setup work is required not only at the first introduction but also, for example, when the license plate is changed due to a move or when a towing device is attached to the vehicle, which is a burden on the user. Also, it can be said that using an ETC on-vehicle unit only for ETC itself is a burden on the user.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Therefore, an object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide an ETC program, a communication system, and a communication method that can reduce the burden on users of highways.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An ETC program used in a communication system that communicates with a roadside system at an expressway entrance or exit when a vehicle in an embodiment passes through the entrance or exit. The communication system includes a mobile terminal held by a passenger of the vehicle and a communication module capable of communicating with the roadside system. The mobile terminal, which is a computer, includes a storage unit that stores vehicle inspection information, which is vehicle inspection verification information, and settlement information, which is information used for settlement. When the vehicle passes through the entrance or exit, the mobile terminal transmits the vehicle inspection information and the settlement information to the roadside system via the communication module and functions as a processing unit that receives ID data of the entrance or exit from the roadside system.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments (First Embodiment, Second Embodiment) of the ETC program, communication system, and communication method of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0009] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overview of the overall configuration of the vehicle system S according to the first embodiment. The vehicle system S includes a smartphone 1, an electronic vehicle inspection device 2, a vehicle 3, a credit card 4, and a communication module 5. Further, the roadside system 6 is installed at the entrance and exit of a highway and is a system for automatically paying highway tolls.

[0010] The smartphone 1 and the communication module 5 are components of a communication system that communicate with the roadside system 6 at the entrance and exit when the vehicle 3 (vehicle) passes through the entrance and exit of the highway. That is, by the cooperation of the smartphone 1 and the communication module 5, a function equivalent to that of a conventional ETC in-vehicle unit is realized (details will be described later).

[0011] The smartphone 1 is an example of a portable terminal (computer) possessed by a passenger of the vehicle 3. The smartphone 1 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, an input unit 13, an output unit 14, and a processing unit 15.

[0012] The communication unit 11 is a communication interface for wireless communication with an external device. The communication unit 11 is, for example, a communication means such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc.

[0013] The communication frequency between the ETC in-vehicle unit and the roadside system 6 is set to a predetermined frequency. For example, the communication frequency between the ETC in-vehicle unit and the roadside system 6 is 5.8 GHz (active method) conforming to a unique international standard (ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 14906).

[0014] Therefore, since the available frequencies between the smartphone 1 and the roadside system 6 are different, communication cannot be established. Therefore, in addition to the smartphone 1, this problem can be solved by using a communication module 5 for switching the frequency to the communication frequency used by the roadside system 6.

[0015] The communication module 5 is a communication device capable of communicating with the roadside system 6 and has a communication unit 51. The communication unit 51 has a function of converting the communication frequency supported by the smartphone 1 into the communication frequency used by the roadside system 6 and a reverse conversion function. The communication module 5 is installed, for example, near the front glass of the vehicle 3.

[0016] In addition, the communication unit 11 of the smartphone 1 can communicate with the vehicle 3 and receives, for example, vehicle inspection verification information 31 from the vehicle 3. The vehicle 3 stores the vehicle inspection verification information 31 in, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The vehicle inspection verification information 31 includes, for example, information such as the name and address of the driver, the vehicle type of the vehicle 3, and the vehicle number. The vehicle 3 also has communication means such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0017] In addition, the communication unit 11 may include a reader / writer capable of reading and writing information. The communication unit 11 acquires vehicle inspection verification information 21 from the electronic vehicle inspection 2. The electronic vehicle inspection 2 is configured by embedding an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip in a paper-based vehicle inspection. The IC chip stores vehicle inspection verification information 21 and the like. The communication unit 11 also acquires settlement information 41 stored in the IC chip from the credit card 4.

[0018] The storage unit 12 is a means for storing information, and is composed of, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. The storage unit 12 stores an ETC application 121 (an ETC program. An ETC application program) and settlement information 129. The ETC application 121 stores collation result information 122, passage history information 123, vehicle inspection certificate information 124, existing ETC ID 125, and IC (InterChange) information 126.

[0019] The collation result information 122 shows the result of collating the vehicle inspection certificate information 21 of the electronic vehicle inspection 2 and the vehicle inspection certificate information 31 of the vehicle 3. That is, the ETC application 121 has a function of executing the collation of both and storing the collation result.

[0020] The passage history information 123 is information describing the past passage history of the vehicle 3. This information is managed by an ETC card in a system using an existing ETC in-vehicle unit, but in this embodiment, it is directly transmitted from the ETC application 121 to the roadside system 6.

[0021] The vehicle inspection certificate information 124 is the vehicle inspection certificate information after collation by pre-registration (details will be described later). This vehicle inspection certificate information 124 is transmitted to the roadside system 6 in the same manner as the current ETC system.

[0022] The existing ETC ID 125 is ID information such as an application ID used in the current ETC system.

[0023] The IC information 126 is entrance information and exit information received from the roadside system 6 when the vehicle 3 passes through the entrance and exit of the expressway.

[0024] The settlement information 129 is information necessary for settlement such as a credit card number and a security code. The ETC application 121 has a function of transmitting the settlement information 129 to the roadside system 6.

[0025] The input unit 13 is a means for inputting information, such as a keyboard, a mouse, etc.

[0026] The output unit 14 is a means for outputting information, such as a display unit, an audio output unit, etc. Note that, for example, the input unit 13 and the output unit 14 may be realized by a touch panel.

[0027] The processing unit 15 is a means for performing various arithmetic processes, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). When the vehicle 3 passes through the entrance or exit of a highway, for example, the processing unit 15 transmits vehicle verification information 124, settlement information 129, etc. to the roadside system 6 via the communication module 5, or receives entrance / exit ID data (entrance information 61, exit information 62) from the roadside system 6.

[0028] Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the processing of the vehicle system S at the time of pre-registration will be described. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing the processing of the vehicle system S at the time of pre-registration in the first embodiment.

[0029] In pre-registration, in the smartphone 1, by collating the vehicle verification information 21 of the electronic vehicle inspection 2 with the vehicle verification information 31 of the vehicle 3, vehicle verification information 124 such as the vehicle number and vehicle type is registered, and settlement information 129 is registered based on the settlement information 41 of the credit card 4.

[0030] In step S11, the processing unit 15 of the smartphone 1 acquires the vehicle verification information 21 from the electronic vehicle inspection 2.

[0031] Next, in step S12, the processing unit 15 acquires the vehicle verification information 31 from the vehicle 3.

[0032] Next, in step S13, the processing unit 15 collates the vehicle verification information 21 of the electronic vehicle inspection 2 with the vehicle verification information 31 of the vehicle 3, and if the collation result is good, it registers as the vehicle verification information 124.

[0033] Next, in step S14, the processing unit 15 inquires about the payment information for the credit card 4.

[0034] Next, in step S15, the processing unit 15 acquires the payment information 41 from the credit card 4 and registers it as the payment information 129.

[0035] Such processing in FIG. 2 is automatically executed immediately before every time a driver uses the vehicle 3, for example.

[0036] Next, referring to FIG. 3, the processing of the vehicle system S when entering a highway will be described. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing the processing of the vehicle system S when entering a highway in the first embodiment.

[0037] In step S201, the processing unit 15 of the smartphone 1 transmits the existing ETC ID 125 to the communication module 5.

[0038] Next, in step S202, the communication module 5 transmits the existing ETC ID 125 to the roadside system 6 through the communication unit 51.

[0039] Next, in step S203, the processing unit 15 transmits the verification result information 122 to the communication module 5.

[0040] Next, in step S204, the communication module 5 transmits the verification result information 122 to the roadside system 6 through the communication unit 51.

[0041] Next, in step S205, the processing unit 15 transmits the vehicle inspection certificate information 124 to the communication module 5.

[0042] Next, in step S206, the communication module 5 transmits the vehicle inspection certificate information 124 to the roadside system 6 through the communication unit 51.

[0043] Next, in step S207, the processing unit 15 acquires the payment information 41 from the credit card 4. However, if the payment information 129 has already been registered in the storage unit 12, step S207 is unnecessary.

[0044] Next, in step S208, the processing unit 15 transmits the passage history information 123 and the payment information 129 to the communication module 5.

[0045] Next, in step S209, the communication module 5 transmits the passage history information 123 and the payment information 129 to the roadside system 6 through the communication unit 51.

[0046] Next, the roadside system 6 performs collation based on the information received so far. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the collation result is good.

[0047] Then, in step S210, the roadside system 6 transmits the entrance information 61 and the passage history information to the communication module 5.

[0048] Next, in step S211, the communication module 5 transmits the entrance information 61 and the passage history information to the smartphone 1 through the communication unit 51. In response to this, the processing unit 15 of the smartphone 1 registers the entrance information 61 in the IC information 126 and registers the passage history information in the passage history information 123.

[0049] Note that the timing at which the roadside system 6 permits the entry of the vehicle 3 and opens the gate is, for example, after step S211.

[0050] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the processing of the vehicle system S when exiting the highway will be described. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing the processing of the vehicle system S when exiting the highway in the first embodiment.

[0051] In step S301, the processing unit 15 of the smartphone 1 transmits the existing ETC ID 125 to the communication module 5.

[0052] Next, in step S302, the communication module 5 transmits the existing ETC ID 125 to the roadside system 6 through the communication unit 51.

[0053] Next, in step S303, the processing unit 15 transmits the verification result information 122 to the communication module 5.

[0054] Next, in step S304, the communication module 5 transmits the verification result information 122 to the roadside system 6 through the communication unit 51.

[0055] Next, in step S305, the processing unit 15 transmits the vehicle inspection certificate information 124 to the communication module 5.

[0056] Next, in step S306, the communication module 5 transmits the vehicle inspection certificate information 124 to the roadside system 6 through the communication unit 51.

[0057] Next, in step S307, the processing unit 15 obtains the settlement information 41 from the credit card 4. However, if the settlement information 129 has already been registered in the storage unit 12, step S307 is unnecessary.

[0058] Next, in step S308, the processing unit 15 transmits the passage history information 123, the settlement information 129, and the entrance information (IC information 126) to the communication module 5.

[0059] Next, in step S309, the communication module 5 transmits the passage history information 123, the settlement information 129, and the entrance information to the roadside system 6 through the communication unit 51.

[0060] Next, the roadside system 6 performs verification based on the information received so far. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the verification result is good.

[0061] Then, in step S310, the roadside system 6 transmits the exit information 62 and the passage history information to the communication module 5.

[0062] Next, in step S311, the communication module 5 transmits the exit information 62 and the passage history information to the smartphone 1 through the communication unit 51. In response to this, the processing unit 15 of the smartphone 1 registers the exit information 62 in the IC information 126 and registers the passage history information in the passage history information 123.

[0063] Note that the timing at which the roadside system 6 permits the vehicle 3 to leave and opens the gate is, for example, after step S311.

[0064] As described above, according to the vehicle system S of the first embodiment, by linking the smartphone 1 and the communication module 5, it is possible to perform operations equivalent to those of a conventional ETC in-vehicle unit. Therefore, since a conventional ETC in-vehicle unit is no longer required, the burden (financial burden, work burden, etc.) on users who use the highway can be reduced.

[0065] In addition, although the smartphone 1 and the roadside system 6 cannot communicate directly because they have different available frequencies, they can communicate via the communication module 5.

[0066] In addition, regarding the smartphone 1, this embodiment can be easily realized by developing an ETC application 121.

[0067] In addition, by registering the payment information 41 of the credit card 4 in the smartphone 1 as the payment information 129, the payment related to the use of the highway can be easily executed.

[0068] (Second Embodiment) Next, the second embodiment will be described. Description of matters similar to those of the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an overview of the overall configuration of the vehicle system S of the second embodiment. It is different from FIG. 1 in that there is no credit card 4. In the second embodiment, payment information other than the payment information 41 of the credit card 4 is registered in the smartphone 1 as the payment information 129.

[0069] First, referring to FIG. 6, the processing of the vehicle system S at the time of pre-registration in the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the processing of the vehicle system S at the time of pre-registration in the second embodiment.

[0070] In step S41, the processing unit 15 of the smartphone 1 acquires the vehicle inspection information 21 from the electronic vehicle inspection 2.

[0071] Next, in step S42, the processing unit 15 acquires the vehicle inspection information 31 from the vehicle 3.

[0072] Next, in step S43, the processing unit 15 collates the vehicle inspection information 21 of the electronic vehicle inspection 2 with the vehicle inspection information 31 of the vehicle 3, and if the collation result is good, registers it as the vehicle inspection information 124.

[0073] Next, in step S44, the processing unit 15 inquires about the settlement information 129. Here, it is assumed that the inquiry result is good.

[0074] Next, referring to FIG. 7, the processing of the vehicle system S when entering the highway in the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing the processing of the vehicle system S when entering the highway in the second embodiment.

[0075] In step S501, the processing unit 15 of the smartphone 1 transmits the existing ETC ID 125 to the communication module 5.

[0076] Next, in step S502, the communication module 5 transmits the existing ETC ID 125 to the roadside system 6 through the communication unit 51.

[0077] Next, in step S503, the processing unit 15 transmits the collation result information 122 to the communication module 5.

[0078] Next, in step S504, the communication module 5 transmits the collation result information 122 to the roadside system 6 through the communication unit 51.

[0079] Next, in step S505, the processing unit 15 transmits the vehicle inspection certificate information 124 to the communication module 5.

[0080] Next, in step S506, the communication module 5 transmits the vehicle inspection certificate information 124 to the roadside system 6 through the communication unit 51.

[0081] Next, in step S507, the processing unit 15 transmits the passage history information 123 and the settlement information 129 to the communication module 5.

[0082] Next, in step S508, the communication module 5 transmits the passage history information 123 and the settlement information 129 to the roadside system 6 through the communication unit 51.

[0083] Next, the roadside system 6 performs collation based on the information received so far. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the collation result is good.

[0084] Then, in step S509, the roadside system 6 transmits the entrance information 61 and the passage history information to the communication module 5.

[0085] Next, in step S510, the communication module 5 transmits the entrance information 61 and the passage history information to the smartphone 1 through the communication unit 51. In response to this, the processing unit 15 of the smartphone 1 registers the entrance information 61 in the IC information 126 and registers the passage history information in the passage history information 123.

[0086] Next, referring to FIG. 8, the processing of the vehicle system S when exiting the highway in the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing the processing of the vehicle system S when exiting the highway in the second embodiment.

[0087] In step S601, the processing unit 15 of the smartphone 1 transmits the existing ETC ID 125 to the communication module 5.

[0088] Next, in step S602, the communication module 5 transmits the existing ETC ID 125 to the roadside system 6 through the communication unit 51.

[0089] Next, in step S603, the processing unit 15 transmits the collation result information 122 to the communication module 5.

[0090] Next, in step S604, the communication module 5 transmits the collation result information 122 to the roadside system 6 through the communication unit 51.

[0091] Next, in step S605, the processing unit 15 transmits the vehicle inspection certificate information 124 to the communication module 5.

[0092] Next, in step S606, the communication module 5 transmits the vehicle inspection certificate information 124 to the roadside system 6 through the communication unit 51.

[0093] Next, in step S607, the processing unit 15 transmits the passage history information 123, the settlement information 129, and the entrance information (IC information 126) to the communication module 5.

[0094] Next, in step S608, the communication module 5 transmits the passage history information 123, the settlement information 129, and the entrance information to the roadside system 6 through the communication unit 51.

[0095] Next, the roadside system 6 performs collation based on the information received so far. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the collation result is good.

[0096] Then, in step S609, the roadside system 6 transmits the exit information 62 and the passage history information to the communication module 5.

[0097] Next, in step S610, the communication module 5 transmits the exit information 62 and the passage history information to the smartphone 1 through the communication unit 51. In response to this, the processing unit 15 of the smartphone 1 registers the exit information 62 in the IC information 126 and registers the passage history information in the passage history information 123.

[0098] As described above, according to the vehicle system S of the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, an effect is realized that settlement regarding the use of the highway can be performed without using the settlement information 41 of the credit card 4.

[0099] Further, the program executed in the vehicle system S of the present embodiment can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium readable by a computer device such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM (Read Only Memory), a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R (Recordable), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), etc. in an installable format or an executable format file. Further, the program may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0100] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

[0101] For example, the vehicle 3 may be a rental car. In that case, the person who settles the highway toll may be different from the name on the vehicle inspection certificate.

[0102] Further, when implementing this embodiment, the ETC management system side may be modified as necessary.

[0103] Further, if the smartphone 1 has a function capable of communicating at the communication frequency of the roadside system 6, that function can be interpreted as a "communication module".

[0104] Alternatively, the smartphone 1 may communicate with the roadside system 6 via the Internet connection.

Description of Signs

[0105] 1…Smartphone, 2…Electronic vehicle inspection, 3…Vehicle, 4…Credit card, 5…Communication module, 6…Roadside system, 11…Communication unit, 12…Memory unit, 13…Input unit, 14…Output unit, 15…Processing unit, 21…Vehicle inspection information, 31…Vehicle inspection information, 41…Settlement information, 51…Communication unit, 61…Entrance information, 62…Exit information, S…Vehicle system

Claims

1. An ETC program used in a communication system that communicates with a roadside system at an entrance / exit of an expressway when a vehicle passes through the entrance / exit, wherein the communication system includes a mobile terminal held by a passenger of the vehicle and a communication module capable of communicating with the roadside system, a computer which is the mobile terminal and includes a storage unit for storing vehicle inspection information which is vehicle inspection verification information and settlement information which is information used for settlement, an ETC program for functioning as a processing unit that, when the vehicle passes through the entrance / exit, transmits the vehicle inspection information and the settlement information to the roadside system via the communication module and receives ID data of the entrance / exit from the roadside system.

2. The ETC program according to claim 1, wherein the communication module includes a communication unit that converts a communication frequency supported by the mobile terminal to a communication frequency used by the roadside system.

3. The mobile terminal is a smartphone, and the ETC program is an ETC application program, according to claim 1.

4. The ETC application program according to claim 3 has a function of executing collation between vehicle inspection information stored in an electronic vehicle inspection verification and vehicle inspection information stored in the vehicle and storing a collation result, and a function of storing passage history information, vehicle inspection information, and an existing ETC ID (Identifier).

5. The ETC application program according to claim 3 has a function of transmitting the settlement information including a credit card number registered in the smartphone to the roadside system.

6. A communication system that communicates with a roadside system at an entrance / exit of an expressway when a vehicle passes through the entrance / exit, wherein the communication system includes a mobile terminal held by a passenger of the vehicle and a communication module capable of communicating with the roadside system, the mobile terminal includes a storage unit for storing vehicle inspection information which is vehicle inspection verification information and settlement information which is information used for settlement, and when the vehicle passes through the entrance / exit, includes a processing unit that transmits the vehicle inspection information and the settlement information to the roadside system via the communication module and receives ID data of the entrance / exit from the roadside system.

7. A communication method by a communication system that communicates with a roadside system at an entrance / exit of an expressway when a vehicle passes through the entrance / exit, wherein the communication system includes a mobile terminal held by an occupant of the vehicle and a communication module capable of communicating with the roadside system, the mobile terminal includes a storage unit that stores vehicle inspection information which is vehicle inspection verification information and payment information which is information used for payment, and a processing unit, and when the vehicle passes through the entrance / exit, the processing unit transmits the vehicle inspection information and the payment information to the roadside system via the communication module and receives ID data of the entrance / exit from the roadside system. A communication method.

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