Pass-through authentication information processing system and service providing method by pass-through authentication information processing system

Abstract

To provide a pass-through authentication information processing system that can realize an accurate real-time parking management for each type of automobile, easy and quick parking reservation, automatic cashless payment, and the provision of information and a desired service tailored to each automobile.SOLUTION: A pass-through authentication information processing system is configured to connect: a server 200 that manages a quantity of parking space available for an automobile 14 in a parking lot 12, categorized by an automobile type; a pass-through authentication-purpose on-vehicle device 400 provided in the automobile 14 and mounted with a storage medium 300 that stores personal identification information; an automobile pass-through authentication detection unit 500 that detects the passage of the pass-through authentication-purpose on-vehicle device 400 and transmits received information; and a parking management unit 600 that has a function of managing a parking status of the automobile 14 in the parking lot 12. The system provides a parking reservation function and a cashless automatic settlement function for parking fees and other charges at the parking lot 12, as well as individualized information and services tailored to each automobile 14.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a passage authentication information processing system and a service providing method by the passage authentication information processing system, and in particular to a passage authentication information processing system and a service providing method by the passage authentication information processing system that focus on information related to ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System) technology. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, when using toll roads, especially expressways, cashless automatic toll collection systems that utilize ETC technology, which allows non-stop toll payment, have become widespread. Also, various methods have been proposed for utilizing information related to ETC technology.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an ETC parking ticket issuing system that assists in providing detailed services to customers who use a parking lot in a vehicle equipped with an ETC onboard unit and visit the parking lot's affiliated stores.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a parking lot management system that uses ETC, which can manage the entry and exit of general vehicles and ETC vehicles and allows the use of existing parking lot management systems. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5473106 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-140740 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Although there is a demand for a wide range of uses for ETC technology and related information for practicality and convenience, the reality is that most of the uses are specialized for parking fee payments and the provision of related services. This is also true for the technologies disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0007] Recently, a service has been provided that notifies the parking situation at parking lots of rest facilities such as roadside stations. This service is a system in which a person visually checks the parking situation and provides the information. However, there is a time lag and it is human-initiated, so it is difficult to be accurate.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a passage authentication information processing system and a service provision method using the passage authentication information processing system that enable accurate parking management by vehicle type in real time. Another object of the present invention is to provide a passage authentication information processing system and a service providing method using the passage authentication information processing system that enable easy and quick parking reservation and automatic cashless payment. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a passage authentication information processing system and a service providing method using the passage authentication information processing system that can provide information suitable for each vehicle and desired services. Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a passage authentication information processing system and a service provision method using the passage authentication information processing system that enable parking management, automatic payment, and the provision of various information and services with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following configuration.

[0010] (1) A passage authentication information processing system comprising: a storage medium for storing personal identification information; an on-board device for passage authentication that is installed in a vehicle so that the storage medium can be detachably attached and the personal identification information can be read, that stores the vehicle identification information unique to the vehicle assigned to the vehicle, and has the function of transmitting the vehicle identification information and the personal identification information to the outside; a vehicle passage authentication detection unit that has the function of detecting and receiving the vehicle identification information and the personal identification information transmitted from the on-board device for passage authentication and transmitting the vehicle identification information and the personal identification information to the outside via a communication network; a parking management unit that has the function of managing the entry and exit status of vehicles at a parking lot in which the vehicle passage authentication detection unit is installed and transmitting the entry and exit status as parking information to the outside via the communication network; and a server that is connected to the communication network and has the function of receiving the parking information transmitted from the parking management unit and the personal identification information and the vehicle identification information transmitted from the vehicle passage authentication detection unit, The server is characterized by having the function of managing the number of vehicles that can be parked in the parking lot by vehicle type by referring to the received parking information, personal identification information, and vehicle identification information.

[0011] (2) In the configuration of (1) above, the vehicle is equipped with a parking reservation information management function unit that has a function of sending the reservation information of the parking lot to the outside as parking reservation information, The server is characterized in that when it receives parking reservation information sent from the parking reservation information management function unit, it has the function of generating parking reservation availability information for the parking lot by referring to the parking reservation information, and is functionally configured to send the parking reservation availability information to the vehicle in which the parking reservation information management function unit is installed.

[0012] (3) In the configuration of (2) above, when parking reservation information is sent from the parking reservation information management function unit, the server is configured to send guidance information for priority entry into the parking lot to the parking reservation information management function unit.

[0013] (4) In the configuration described in any one of (1) to (3) above, the vehicle is equipped with a payment instruction information management function unit that has a function of sending payment instruction information related to the parking lot to the outside via the communication network, The server is characterized in that, when it receives the payment instruction information sent from the payment instruction information management function unit, it is functionally configured to refer to the payment instruction information and perform the specified payment processing.

[0014] (5) In the configuration described in any one of (1) to (4) above, the server or the parking management unit has a navigation function that generates and sends navigation information related to the parking lot, and is configured to send the navigation information generated by this navigation function to the vehicle side via the communication network.

[0015] (6) In the configuration described in any one of (1) to (5) above, the server or the parking management unit has a check-in function for generating and sending check-in information related to the parking lot, and is configured to send the check-in information generated by this check-in function to the outside via the communication network.

[0016] (7) In the configuration described in any one of (1) to (6) above, the server or the parking management unit has a function for determining whether entry and exit are possible for the entry and exit gates installed in the parking lot, and is configured to refer to the vehicle identification information and determine whether the vehicle corresponding to the vehicle identification information can pass through the entry and exit gate.

[0017] (8) In the configuration described in any one of (1) to (7) above, the server is configured to connect to a fuel supply unit that supplies a specified fuel that matches the vehicle via the communication network, and to refer to the vehicle identification information and send instruction information via the communication network to the fuel supply unit so that only the specified fuel that matches the vehicle corresponding to the vehicle identification information can be supplied.

[0018] (9) A service provision method using a passage authentication information processing system comprising: an on-board device for passage authentication that is provided in a vehicle and has a function of detachably mounting a storage medium that stores personal identification information and making the personal identification information readable, storing vehicle identification information unique to the vehicle assigned to the vehicle, and transmitting the vehicle identification information and the personal identification information to the outside; a vehicle passage authentication detection unit that has a function of detecting and receiving the personal identification information and the vehicle identification information transmitted from the on-board device for passage authentication and transmitting the personal identification information and the vehicle identification information to the outside via a communication network; a parking management unit that has a function of managing the entry and exit status of vehicles at a parking lot in which the vehicle passage authentication detection unit is provided and transmitting the entry and exit status as parking information to the outside via the communication network; and a server that is connected to the communication network and has a function of receiving the parking information transmitted from the parking management unit and the personal identification information and the vehicle identification information transmitted from the vehicle passage authentication detection unit, The server refers to the received parking information, the personal identification information, and the vehicle identification information, The server manages the number of cars that can be parked in the parking lot as management information for each type of car, The server is characterized in that it sends out the management information.

[0019] (10) In the configuration of (9) above, the vehicle is equipped with a parking reservation information management function unit having a function of transmitting the parking lot reservation information to the outside via the communication network, The server receives the reservation information for the parking lot sent from the automobile side, and the server generates parking availability information for the parking lot by referring to the reservation information for the parking lot, and the server sends the parking availability information to the automobile side.

[0020] (11) In the configuration of (10) above, when parking reservation information is sent from the parking reservation information management function unit, the server is configured to send guidance information for priority entry into the parking lot to the parking reservation information management function unit.

[0021] (12) In the configuration described in any one of (9) to (11) above, the vehicle is equipped with a payment instruction information management function unit having a function of sending payment instruction information related to the parking lot to the outside via the communication network, The server receives payment instruction information sent from the payment instruction information management function unit of the vehicle, and the server performs a predetermined payment process by referring to the payment instruction information.

[0022] (13) In the configuration described in any one of (9) to (12) above, the server or the parking management unit has a navigation function related to the parking lot, The server or the parking management unit generates navigation information using the navigation function, and the server or the parking management unit transmits the generated navigation information to the vehicle via the communication network.

[0023] (14) In the configuration described in any one of (9) to (13) above, the server or the parking management unit has a check-in function related to the parking lot, The server or the parking management unit generates check-in information using this check-in function, and the server or the parking management unit sends the generated check-in information to the outside via the communication network.

[0024] (15) In the configuration described in any one of (9) to (14) above, the server or the parking management unit has a function of determining whether or not entry and exit are possible for an entry and exit gate installed in the parking lot, The server or the parking management unit refers to the vehicle identification information, and the server or the parking management unit determines whether the vehicle corresponding to the vehicle identification information can pass through the entry / exit gate using the entry / exit eligibility determination function.

[0025] (16) In the configuration described in any one of (9) to (15) above, the server is connected to a fuel supply unit that supplies a specified fuel that matches the vehicle via the communication network, the server refers to the vehicle identification information, and the server sends instruction information via the communication network to the fuel supply unit that allows the vehicle corresponding to the vehicle identification information to be supplied with only the specified fuel that matches.

[0026] (17) A parking lot management system is characterized by comprising: a pass authentication means that is installed in a vehicle and has the function of storing vehicle identification information and personal identification information unique to the vehicle and assigned to the vehicle, and transmitting the vehicle identification information and the personal identification information to the outside; a vehicle pass authentication detection means that has the function of detecting and receiving the vehicle identification information and the personal identification information transmitted from the pass authentication means and transmitting the vehicle identification information and the personal identification information to the outside; a parking management means that has the function of managing the entry and exit status of vehicles in a parking lot in which the vehicle authentication detection means is installed and transmitting the entry and exit status to the outside as parking information; and a management means that receives the parking information transmitted from the parking management means and the personal identification information and the vehicle identification information transmitted from the vehicle pass authentication detection means, and refers to the received parking information, the personal identification information, and the vehicle identification information to enable management of the number of vehicles that can be parked in the parking lot by vehicle type.

[0027] (18) In the configuration of (17) above, the automobile is equipped with a parking reservation information management means having the function of sending reservation information for the parking lot as parking reservation information to the outside via the communication network, and the management means, upon receiving the parking reservation information sent from the parking reservation information management means, has the function of generating parking reservation availability information for the parking lot by referring to the parking reservation information, and is configured to send the parking reservation availability information to the automobile in which the parking reservation information management means is installed.

[0028] (19) In the configuration of (18) above, a guidance means is provided for transmitting guidance information for preferential entry into the parking lot when parking reservation information is transmitted from the parking reservation information management means.

[0029] (20) In the configuration of (17) or (18) above, the vehicle is equipped with a payment instruction information management means having the function of sending payment instruction information related to the parking lot to the outside, and the management means has the function of, when it receives payment instruction information sent from the payment instruction information management means, referring to the payment instruction information and performing the specified payment processing.

[0030] (21) In the configuration described in any one of (17) to (20) above, the management means or the parking management means has a navigation function for generating and transmitting navigation information related to the parking lot, and is characterized in that it has a function for transmitting the navigation information generated by this navigation function to the vehicle side.

[0031] (22) In the configuration described in any one of (17) to (21) above, the management means or the parking management means has a check-in function for generating and sending check-in information related to the parking lot, and is characterized in that it has a function for sending the check-in information generated by this check-in function to the outside.

[0032] (23) In the configuration described in any one of (17) to (22) above, the management means or the parking management means has a function of determining whether entry and exit are possible at the entry and exit gates installed in the parking lot, and has a function of referring to the vehicle identification information to determine whether the vehicle corresponding to the vehicle identification information is allowed to pass through the entry and exit gate.

[0033] (24) In the configuration described in any one of (17) to (23) above, the management means is characterized by having a function of connecting to a fuel supplying means that supplies a specified fuel that matches the vehicle, and by referring to the vehicle identification information, sending to the fuel supplying means instruction information that allows only the specified fuel that matches the vehicle corresponding to the vehicle identification information to be supplied.

[0034] According to the above configuration, accurate parking management for each vehicle type can be realized safely, securely, and in real time without human intervention.

[0035] Furthermore, the above configuration allows anyone to easily, quickly, and appropriately reserve parking spaces and make automatic cashless payments, making it practically convenient.

[0036] Furthermore, with the above configuration, it is possible to provide useful information and desired services that are suited to each vehicle, thereby improving convenience.

[0037] Furthermore, the above configuration makes it possible to realize parking management, automatic payment, and the provision of various information and services with a simple system configuration, making it practically useful and advantageous in terms of economy and productivity. [Effects of the Invention]

[0038] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize accurate parking management for each vehicle type in real time, and also to realize easy, quick and appropriate parking reservation and automatic cashless payment, thereby achieving practical and useful effects. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide individual information and desired services suited to each vehicle, thereby improving convenience. Furthermore, according to the present invention, parking management, automatic payment, and provision of various information and services can be realized with a simple configuration, and it is practically useful and advantageous in terms of economy and productivity. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0039] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a schematic configuration of an entire passage authentication information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a server constituting the passage authentication information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an in-vehicle device for passage authentication that constitutes the passage authentication information processing system according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle passage authentication detection unit that constitutes the passage authentication information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the flow of parking management processing in the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of management processing for a cashless automatic settlement and payment service for parking fees in the same embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of management processing for providing individual information and providing desired services in the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of check-in management processing in the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of the pass-through permission management process at the loading / unloading gate in the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of a fuel supply management process in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0041] The passage authentication information processing system 10 according to this embodiment is configured by connecting, via a communication network 100, a server 200 having the function of managing the number of automobiles 14 that can be parked in a parking lot 12 by type of automobile 14, an on-board device for passage authentication 400 that is provided in the automobile 14 and has a detachable storage medium 300 that stores personal identification information of users of the automobiles 14, an automobile passage authentication detection unit 500 having the function of detecting the passage of the on-board device for passage authentication 400, receiving predetermined information, and sending the detection / reception information, and a parking management unit 600 having the function of managing the parking status of the automobiles 14 in the parking lot 12. The passage authentication information processing system 10 also has a parking reservation function for the parking lot 12, a cashless automatic payment function for fees and the like related to the use of the parking lot 12, and a function of providing individual information suitable for each automobile 14 and desired services.

[0042] In this embodiment, the parking lot 12 refers to a space that can accommodate automobiles 14, regardless of the size or type of the number of automobiles that can be accommodated. For example, it may be a parking lot at a rest facility such as a roadside station, a parking lot at another facility, a monthly or hourly parking lot, a vehicle storage area, or a privately owned vacant lot. The automobile 14 may be, for example, a light vehicle, a standard-sized car, a bus, a truck, or other vehicle, and is not limited to a specific type, but may be, for example, a vehicle with a vehicle inspection certificate (vehicle inspection certificate). Furthermore, the automobile 14 is equipped with a parking reservation information management function unit (not shown) that has the function of externally transmitting and managing parking reservation information regarding reservations for the parking lot 12.

[0043] Furthermore, the communication network 100 is not limited to one type or one communication network, but may be a combination or aggregation of multiple networks.

[0044] Now, the server 200 comprises a central control processing unit 210, an input unit 220, an output unit 230, a readable / writable memory 240, a parking management processing support unit 250, a payment management processing support unit 260, and a service provision management processing support unit 270, each of which is connected via a signal line 280 (see Figure 2).

[0045] The central control processing unit 210 has a function of managing the overall control processing of the passage authentication information processing system 10 and the control processing of the server 200 by referring to predetermined program information stored in the memory 240. The central control processing unit 210 is also functionally configured to cooperate with the parking management processing support unit 250, the payment management processing support unit 260, or the service provision management processing support unit 270 to perform management processing for the number of cars 14 that can be parked in the parking lots 12 by car type, management processing related to parking reservations for the cars 14 in the parking lots 12, management processing related to cashless automatic payments related to parking lot use, etc., and management processing related to the provision of individual information suitable for each car 14 and the provision of desired services.

[0046] The input unit 220, under the control of the central control processing unit 210, has the function of receiving various information sent from the outside via the communication network 100 and storing it in a predetermined storage area of ​​the memory 240. For example, it receives information sent from the automobile passage authentication detection unit 500 and parking information sent from the parking management unit 600 and stores it in a predetermined storage area of ​​the memory 240.

[0047] The output unit 230 has an output / transmission function for outputting various information and sending it to the outside under the control of the central control processing unit 210. For example, the output unit 230 outputs / transmits information on the number of cars 14 that can be parked in the parking lot 12 and other various information.

[0048] The memory 240 has a work area 240a for performing various tasks and a program information storage area 240b which is a storage area for storing program information that the central control processing unit 210 references to perform basic control processing and management.

[0049] Furthermore, the memory 240 has the following storage areas: A personal identification information storage area 240c for storing personal identification information stored in the storage medium 300 detachably attached to the passage authentication vehicle-mounted device 400 or information relating to the storage location where the personal identification information is stored. A vehicle identification information storage area 240d for storing information specific to the vehicle in which the on-board device for passage authentication 400 is installed, i.e., vehicle identification information (so-called setup information, including probe information) sent from the on-board device for passage authentication 400, for example, information written on the vehicle inspection certificate. A parking reservation management information storage area 240e for storing parking reservation information sent from the automobile 14, parking information sent from the parking management unit 600, and program information for parking availability judgment including parking reservations by vehicle type in the parking lot 12 and related guidance. A payment information storage area 240f for storing cashless payment instruction information for the parking lot 12 sent from the automobile 14 and program information for generating payment information corresponding to this payment instruction information. A navigation information storage area 240g for storing program information for generating navigation information corresponding to various navigation request information related to the parking lot 12 sent from the automobile 14 side. A check-in information storage area 240h for storing various check-in request information related to the parking lot 12 sent from the automobile 14 and program information for generating check-in information corresponding to this check-in request information. An entry / exit possibility determination information storage area 240i for storing program information for determining whether or not it is possible to pass through the entry / exit gate installed in the parking lot 12, etc. A refueling determination information storage area 240j for storing program information for determining information on fuel that can be supplied to the vehicle 14 corresponding to the vehicle identification information.

[0050] The parking management processing support unit 250 has a support function of managing and processing the number of automobiles 14 that can be parked in the parking lot 12 by type of automobile 14, under the control of the central control processing unit 210, by referring to the parking reservation management information storage area 240e of the memory 240. The parking management processing support unit 250 also has a function of generating information regarding whether or not a parking reservation can be made in the specified parking lot 12 by referring to the parking reservation information sent from the automobile 14 and the parking reservation management information storage area 240e of the memory 240.

[0051] For example, the parking management processing support unit 250 recognizes the vehicle type by referring to vehicle type information (e.g., large vehicle, standard vehicle, light vehicle) or dimensional information related to the overall length, width, and height of the vehicle 14 from the information written on the vehicle inspection certificate that constitutes the vehicle identification information. The parking management processing support unit 250 then refers to information related to the entry and exit status of each vehicle type of vehicle 14 into the parking lot 12 sent from the parking management unit 600, and determines whether or not the vehicle 14 of each vehicle type can be parked in the parking lot 12. The information on the determination result is functionally configured to be sent to the outside via the output unit 230 as parking availability information.

[0052] Similarly to the above, the parking management processing support unit 250 recognizes the vehicle type by referring to the vehicle type information or dimensional information relating to the overall length, width, and height of the vehicle 14 from the information recorded on the vehicle inspection certificate that constitutes the vehicle identification information. The parking management processing support unit 250 then determines whether or not the vehicle of each type can be parked in the parking lot 12, and transmits this information to the outside via the output unit 230 as parking reservation availability information. The parking management processing support unit 250 is then functionally configured to transmit guidance information for entering the parking lot via a priority gate, for example, in response to parking reservation information from the vehicle 14 side, based on the transmitted parking reservation availability information.

[0053] The payment management processing support unit 260, under the management of the central control processing unit 210, has the function of referring to the payment instruction information sent from the automobile 14 and the payment information storage area 240f of the memory 240 to support the management processing of the cashless automatic settlement and payment service for, for example, the usage fee for the use of the parking lot 12. In addition, the payment management processing support unit 260 also makes it possible to similarly manage the cashless automatic settlement and payment service for the expenses incurred in relation to the used parking lot 12, if desired.

[0054] The service provision management processing support unit 270 has the function of generating and providing individual information suitable for each vehicle 14 under the control of the central control processing unit 210, and also providing desired services.

[0055] For example, the service provision management processing support unit 270 has a function of referencing the navigation information storage area 240g of the memory 240 to generate suitable navigation information corresponding to various navigation request information related to the parking lot 12 sent from the vehicle 14, and providing the generated information. It also has a function of referencing the check-in information storage area 240h of the memory 240 to generate various check-in request information related to the parking lot 12 sent from the vehicle 14 and check-in information corresponding to this check-in request information, and providing the check-in information. It also has a function of referencing the entry / exit possibility determination information storage area 240i of the memory 240 to determine whether or not the vehicle 14 can pass through an entry / exit gate installed in the parking lot 12, etc., and providing information on the determination result. It also has a function of referencing the vehicle identification information and the refueling determination information storage area 240j of the memory 240 to determine information on fuel that can be refueled that matches the vehicle 14, and providing information on the determination result to, for example, a refueling facility or a refueling management device.

[0056] The storage medium 300 is a readable / writable memory that stores personal identification information, and is a payment card equipped with an IC chip and having a credit function. The storage medium 300 is, for example, an ETC card.

[0057] The on-board device 400 for passage authentication is provided in the automobile 14, and has the function of detachably mounting the storage medium 300 to read personal identification information of the user of the automobile 14 and to write predetermined information. The on-board device 400 for passage authentication also has the function of storing automobile identification information (including probe information) unique to the automobile 14 that is assigned to the automobile 14, and transmitting this automobile identification information and the above-mentioned personal identification information to the outside by high-frequency radio waves. In addition, the vehicle-mounted device 400 for passage authentication has a parking reservation information management function, a payment instruction function for fees, etc. (including parking facility and related facility usage fees, shopping fees, etc.), a navigation request function, and a check-in function (including check-in for parking facilities and related accommodation facilities, etc.).

[0058] That is, the on-board device 400 for passage authentication is provided in the vehicle 14, and is connected via a signal line 450 to a control processing unit 410, an input unit 420, an output unit 430, and a memory 440 having a work area 440a for performing various operations and a program information storage area 440b for storing program information referenced by the control processing unit 410 for basic control processing and management (see FIG. 3). The on-board device 400 for passage authentication has the function of detachably mounting the storage medium 300 and reading personal identification information of the user of the vehicle 14 and writing predetermined information. The on-board device 400 for passage authentication also has the function of storing vehicle-specific vehicle identification information assigned to the vehicle 14 in a vehicle identification information storage area 440c of the memory 440, and transmitting this vehicle identification information and the personal identification information stored in a personal identification information temporary storage area 440d of the memory 440 to the outside via high-frequency radio waves. The on-board device 400 for passage authentication is, for example, an ETC on-board device.

[0059] In addition, the vehicle-mounted device 400 for passage authentication is configured so that the control processing unit 410 executes a parking reservation information management function in which the control processing unit 410 refers to the parking reservation information storage area 440e in the memory 440, which stores full / empty information and parking reservation management program information for parking facilities, and sends reservation information to reserve parking in a desired or recommended parking lot, for example, the parking lot 12.

[0060] Furthermore, the vehicle-mounted device 400 for passage authentication is configured so that the control processing unit 410 executes a fee payment instruction function in which the control processing unit 410 refers to the fee payment instruction information storage area 440f in the memory 440, which stores the fee payment method and payment management program information, and sends information regarding the desired or pre-set payment method (e.g., automatic payment based on credit card information or cash payment).

[0061] Furthermore, the vehicle-mounted device 400 for passage authentication is configured so that the control processing unit 410 executes a navigation request function in which the control processing unit 410 refers to the navigation information storage area 440g in the memory 440 that stores desired or recommended navigation request information and navigation program information, and sends out the desired or recommended navigation request information.

[0062] Furthermore, the vehicle-mounted device 400 for passage authentication is configured so that the control processing unit 410 executes a check-in function in which the control processing unit 410 refers to the check-in information storage area 440h in the memory 440 that stores desired or recommended check-in request information and check-in program information, and sends out the desired or recommended check-in information.

[0063] In this embodiment, the parking reservation information management function, fee payment instruction function, navigation request function, and check-in function are provided in the on-board device for passage authentication 400, but it goes without saying that these functions may be individually installed in the automobile 14 without being provided in the on-board device for passage authentication 400. Alternatively, it goes without saying that these functions may be implemented as application software for a smartphone, for example, and made to function.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vehicle identification information includes probe information, but is not limited to this and does not necessarily have to include probe information.

[0065] The vehicle passage authentication detection unit 500 has a detection receiving unit 510, an input unit 520, an output unit 530, and a memory 540 connected via a signal line 550, and has the function of detecting radio waves from the vehicle-mounted device for passage authentication 400, receiving predetermined information, and transmitting the detected and received information to the outside via the communication network 100 (see FIG. 4). That is, the vehicle passage authentication detection unit 500 is provided with an antenna (not shown) connected to the detection receiving unit 510, and detects and receives the personal identification information and vehicle identification information transmitted from the vehicle-mounted device for passage authentication 400, and transmits this received information to the outside. The vehicle passage authentication detection unit 500 is, for example, a roadside unit that is an ETC antenna device in an ETC system. The automobile passage authentication detection unit 500 is installed on roads where the automobile 14 passes, parking lots, facilities where the automobile 14 can be parked (for example, gas stations), entrance and exit gates, and the like.

[0066] Furthermore, the vehicle passage authentication detection unit 500 is approved as a base station under the Radio Wave Control Act and is installed and fixed in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, and relocation requires obtaining permission and approval from a supervisory authority, etc. When the vehicle passage authentication detection unit 500 detects and receives the vehicle identification information and personal identification information from the passage authentication on-board device 400, for example, by ETC communication, the unique number of the vehicle passage authentication detection unit 500 that detected and received the information can be used to determine the exact location, for example, the vehicle passage authentication detection unit 500 installed at the entrance of a parking lot, or the location where the vehicle passage authentication detection unit 500 was installed on a road.

[0067] The parking management unit 600 has the function of managing and grasping the entry and exit status of automobiles 14 in the parking lot 12 and transmitting the entry and exit status, i.e., the parking status by vehicle type, as parking information to the outside via the communication network 100. The management of the parking status by vehicle type is based on the above-mentioned information transmitted from the automobile passage authentication detection unit 500 installed at the entrance and exit gate of the parking lot 12.

[0068] In this embodiment, the functions of managing and processing the number of cars 14 that can be parked in the parking lot 12 by type, managing and processing parking reservations for cars 14 in the parking lot 12, managing and processing automatic cashless payments related to the use of the parking lot 12, and managing and processing the provision of individual information suitable for each car 14 and the provision of desired services are all managed centrally by the server 200, but the present invention is not limited to this. Of course, it is also possible to use a distributed management system, for example, by providing a server for each function.

[0069] The parking management unit 600 may also take on the functions of the parking management processing support unit 250. Furthermore, the functions of the parking management unit 600 may be assigned to the server 200.

[0070] Furthermore, the communication network 100 may be configured as a single communication network or as a plurality of communication networks. For example, the information sent from the automobile passage authentication detection unit 500 may be transmitted via a dedicated communication network, and other communications may be transmitted via a separate communication network.

[0071] The operation of the above configuration will now be described.

[0072] First, parking management of the automobiles 14 in the parking lot 12 will be described.

[0073] The number of parked vehicles by vehicle type in the parking lot 12 (for example, information on whether the vehicle is full or empty) can be accurately grasped in real time from the vehicle identification information from the vehicle passage authentication in-vehicle device 400 detected and received by the vehicle passage authentication detection unit 500 installed at the entrance / exit gate (not shown) of the parking lot 12. This makes it possible to output information on the number of parked vehicles by vehicle type in the parking lot 12 (including when parking is unavailable due to fullness) to the outside. This can also be output in real time and used as parking reservation availability information.

[0074] For example, when a vehicle 14 approaches the entrance / exit gate to enter the parking lot 12, the vehicle passage authentication detection unit 500 installed at the entrance / exit gate first detects the vehicle 14 (see step S502 in FIG. 5). The vehicle passage authentication detection unit 500 then receives vehicle identification information and personal identification information from the on-board passage authentication device 400 installed in the vehicle 14 and sends the received information to the parking management unit 600 or the server 200 (step S504). The parking management unit 600 or the server 200 then references the received information and the current available parking spaces and number of vehicles by vehicle type in the parking lot 12 to determine whether the vehicle 14 can use the parking lot 12 (step S506). If it is determined that parking is possible (parking possible in step S506), the entrance / exit gate opens, and a message indicating that parking is possible is sent to the vehicle 14 (step S508). Then, the vehicle 14 enters the parking lot 12, and the parking fee is charged, for example, on an hourly basis, and the charging information is managed and stored in the parking management unit 600 or the server 200 (step S510). On the other hand, if it is determined that parking is not possible (parking not possible in step S506), the entrance / exit gate does not open, and a message indicating that parking is not possible is sent to the vehicle 14 (step S512). Here, if parking is not possible, it is of course possible to transmit information to the vehicle 14 requesting that nearby parking lots where parking is possible be introduced.

[0075] Information regarding whether parking is possible or not for each vehicle type in the parking lot 12 is managed in real time by the parking management unit 600 or the server 200. When a message indicating that parking is possible is sent to the vehicle 14 and parking reservation information is sent from the vehicle 14, guidance information is sent to the vehicle 14 so that the vehicle can enter the parking lot through the priority entrance / exit gate.

[0076] Next, the management process of the cashless automatic settlement and payment service for the fees related to the use of the parking lot 12 will be described.

[0077] When the automobile 14 leaves the parking lot 12 and passes through the automobile passage authentication detection unit 500 installed at the entrance / exit gate of the parking lot 12, the automobile passage authentication detection unit 500 detects and receives the automobile identification information and personal identification information from the automobile 14. Then, based on the received information, the credit card payment process for the parking lot 12 usage fee is automatically performed. If desired, for example, by any pre-setting, the credit card payment process can also be automatically performed for any related charges incurred for the used parking lot 12.

[0078] For example, when a vehicle 14 approaches the entrance / exit gate to exit the parking lot 12, the vehicle passage authentication detection unit 500 installed at the entrance / exit gate first detects the vehicle 14 (see step S602 in FIG. 6). The vehicle passage authentication detection unit 500 then receives vehicle identification information and personal identification information from the on-board device for passage authentication 400 installed in the vehicle 14 and transmits the received information to the parking management unit 600 or the server 200 (step S604). The parking management unit 600 or the server 200 then references the received information and selects the appropriate billing information (step S606). If the vehicle 14 has selected automatic payment based on credit card information for the parking lot 12 fee in advance or at the time of exit (Y in step S608), the cashless automatic payment of the parking fee is made (step S610), the gate opens, and the vehicle can exit the parking lot. On the other hand, if automatic payment is not selected (N in step S608), the gate will open and the vehicle will be able to leave the garage after paying the charge, for example, in cash (step S612).

[0079] Next, provision of individual information suitable for each vehicle 14 and provision of desired services will be described.

[0080] This allows the server 200 or the parking management unit 600 to provide suitable navigation information in real time in response to individual navigation request information from the vehicle 14. It is also possible to send special navigation information to a specific vehicle 14, taking into account vehicle identification information and / or personal identification information.

[0081] For example, when the server 200 or the parking management unit 600 receives navigation inquiry information from the automobile 14 asking which parking space in the parking lot 12 the automobile 14 should park in (see step S702 in FIG. 7), the server 200 or the parking management unit 600 references the current available parking spaces for each vehicle type and the number of vehicles in the parking lot 12, and creates location information for spaces where the automobile 14 can park and route information from the entrance / exit gate to the space location (step S704). The created information is then sent to the automobile 14 as navigation information (step S706). At this time, route guidance information within the parking lot may be provided as desired or by default. In addition, the navigation information may also refer to other information, such as vehicle identification information and personal identification information, to provide specific information that identifies the vehicle 14 in which a specific customer (e.g., VIP, wheelchair user, etc.) is riding, not only to the vehicle 14 itself but also to related parties and facilities.

[0082] In addition, by referring to various check-in request information related to the parking lot 12 sent from the automobile 14, the system can generate corresponding check-in information and provide the check-in information to the automobile 14 and the relevant parties and facilities.

[0083] For example, when checking in to an accommodation facility or airport facility that has a parking lot 12 where the automobile 14 is to be parked, as the automobile 14 passes through the entrance / exit gate to enter the parking lot 12, the automobile passage authentication detection unit 500 installed at the entrance / exit gate detects the automobile 14 (see step S802 in FIG. 8). The automobile passage authentication detection unit 500 then receives automobile identification information and personal identification information from the on-board passage authentication device 400 installed in the automobile 14, and sends the received information to the parking management unit 600 or the server 200 (step S804). If the received information includes automatic check-in information for the accommodation facility or airport facility according to pre-settings, the parking management unit 600 or the server 200 sends the check-in information to, for example, a server (not shown) on the accommodation facility or airport facility side that has a check-in function, and the check-in for the automobile 14 is automatically completed (step S806).

[0084] Furthermore, by referring to the vehicle identification information of the vehicle 14 attempting to enter the parking lot 12 and taking into consideration the height and width of the vehicle 14, it is possible to determine whether or not the vehicle 14 can pass through the entrance / exit gate installed in the parking lot 12, and to prevent the entry of vehicles 14 that cannot pass through.

[0085] For example, when a vehicle 14 approaches the entrance / exit gate to enter the parking lot 12, the vehicle passage authentication detection unit 500 installed at the entrance / exit gate first detects the vehicle 14 (see step S902 in FIG. 9 ). The vehicle passage authentication detection unit 500 then receives vehicle identification information from the on-board passage authentication device 400 installed in the vehicle 14 and sends the received information to the parking management unit 600 or server 200 (step S904). The parking management unit 600 or server 200 then references the received information (particularly information regarding the vehicle's height and width) and information regarding the height and width of the parking gate previously stored in the memory of the parking management unit 600 or server 200 to determine whether the vehicle 14 can pass through the entrance / exit gate (step S906). If it is determined that the vehicle 14 can pass through ("passing allowed" in step S906), the entrance / exit gate opens, allowing the vehicle 14 to pass through the parking gate (step S908). At this time, information regarding passability may be sent to the vehicle 14. On the other hand, if it is determined that passability is not possible (passability in step S906), the entrance / exit gate is not opened, and a message indicating that passability is not possible is sent to the vehicle 14 (step S910).

[0086] Furthermore, when refueling the automobile 14, by referring to the automobile identification information and the refueling determination information storage area 240j of the memory 240, it is possible to determine the fuel information that can be refueled that matches the automobile 14, thereby preventing the fuel supply unit from refueling the wrong type of fuel, such as refueling the wrong type of gasoline or diesel. Also, when refueling, it is possible to automatically process a credit card payment if desired.

[0087] For example, when a vehicle 14 approaches an entrance / exit gate (not shown) to enter a parking lot 12 in which a fueling facility (not shown) is installed, the vehicle 14 is first detected by a vehicle passage authentication detection unit 500 installed at the entrance / exit gate. Alternatively, the vehicle passage authentication detection unit 500 installed at the entrance to the fueling facility detects the vehicle 14 (see step S1002 in FIG. 10). The vehicle passage authentication detection unit 500 then receives vehicle identification information (including fuel information matching the vehicle 14) from the passage authentication on-board device 400 installed in the vehicle 14, and sends the received information to the parking management unit 600 or the server 200 (step S1004). The parking management unit 600 or the server 200 then refers to the received information and determines whether the fuel matching the vehicle 14 is available for refueling (step S1006). If it is determined that the fuel that matches the vehicle 14 is available for refueling, i.e., that refueling is appropriate (fueling possible in step S1006), refueling will be performed for the vehicle 14 (step S1008). On the other hand, if it is determined that the fuel that does not match the vehicle 14 is available for refueling, i.e., that refueling is inappropriate or refueling is not possible (fueling not possible in step S1006), refueling will not be performed for the vehicle 14, and a warning sound will be issued along with display output of information on the refueling fuel mismatch and the recommended refueling fuel (step S1010).

[0088] According to the above embodiment, accurate and suitable parking management for each vehicle type can be realized safely and securely in real time without human intervention.

[0089] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, anyone can easily, quickly and reliably make parking reservations and make automatic cashless payments without the need for human intervention as in the past, which is practically convenient and useful.

[0090] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, useful and suitable information and desired and suitable services suited to each vehicle 14 can be quickly provided, which is practical and convenient.

[0091] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, parking management, automatic payment, and provision of suitable information and services can be realized with a simple system configuration, which is practically beneficial and advantageous and useful in terms of economy and productivity.

[0092] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 10... Pass-through authentication information processing system 12...Parking lot 14...Automobiles 100...Communication Network 200 ... Server (management means) 240c...Personal identification information storage area 240d...Car identification information storage area 240e ... Parking reservation management information storage area 240f ... Payment information storage area 240g...Navigation information storage area 240h: Check-in information storage area 240i ... Storage area for determining whether or not entry and exit is possible 240j ... Refueling judgment information storage area 250...Parking management support processing unit 260 ...Payment Management Processing Support Department 270 ...Service Provision Management Processing Support Department 300...storage medium 400 ... Passage authentication vehicle-mounted device (passage authentication means) 500... Vehicle passage authentication detection unit (vehicle passage authentication detection means) 600 ... Parking management unit (parking management means)

Claims

1. A storage medium for storing personal identification information, An on-board authentication device for passing through an automobile is provided in an automobile so as to be able to read the personal identification information by being able to install and remove the storage medium, and which stores automobile identification information, which is unique information assigned to the automobile and is setup information including vehicle type information, and has the function of transmitting the automobile identification information and the personal identification information to the outside. A vehicle passage authentication detection unit has the function of detecting and receiving the above-mentioned vehicle identification information and personal identification information transmitted from this vehicle passage authentication in-vehicle device, and transmitting the said vehicle identification information and personal identification information to the outside via a communication network. A parking management unit has the function of managing the entry and exit status of vehicles to and from a parking lot where this vehicle passage authentication detection unit is installed, and transmitting said entry and exit status as parking information to an external party via the above communication network, A passage authentication information processing system comprising a server connected to the above communication network and having the function of receiving parking information sent from the parking management unit and the personal identification information and vehicle identification information sent from the above vehicle passage authentication detection unit, The above-mentioned server is characterized by having a function that allows it to manage the number of vehicles that can be parked in the above-mentioned parking lot for each type of vehicle by referring to the received parking information, the above-mentioned personal identification information, and the above-mentioned vehicle identification information including the above-mentioned vehicle type.

2. The above-mentioned vehicle is equipped with a parking reservation information management unit that has the function of sending the above-mentioned parking reservation information to the outside as parking reservation information via the above-mentioned communication network. The above-mentioned server has a function to generate parking reservation availability information for the above-mentioned parking lot when it receives parking reservation information sent from the parking reservation information management function unit, and is configured to send the parking reservation availability information to the vehicle equipped with the parking reservation information management function unit, as described in claim 1.

3. The passage authentication information processing system according to claim 2, characterized in that when parking reservation information is sent from the parking reservation information management function unit, the server is functionally configured to send guidance information that allows priority entry to the parking lot to the parking reservation information management function unit.

4. The above-mentioned vehicle is equipped with a payment instruction information management unit that has the function of sending payment instruction information related to the above-mentioned parking lot to an external party. The above-mentioned server is functionally configured to perform predetermined settlement processing by referring to the settlement instruction information when it receives settlement instruction information sent from the settlement instruction information management function unit, as described in claim 1 or 2 of the transaction authentication information processing system.

5. The above server or parking management unit has a navigation function that generates and transmits navigation information related to the above parking lot. The passage authentication information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is configured to send navigation information generated by this navigation function to the vehicle via the above-mentioned communication network.

6. The above server or parking management unit has a check-in function that generates and sends check-in information related to the above parking lot. The pass-through authentication information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is configured to send the check-in information generated by this check-in function to an external party via the above-mentioned communication network.

7. The above server or parking management unit has a function to determine whether entry and exit are permitted or not for the entry and exit gates installed in the above parking lot. The passage authentication information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is functionally configured to determine whether or not a vehicle corresponding to the above-mentioned vehicle identification information can pass through the above-mentioned entrance / exit gate by referring to the above-mentioned vehicle identification information.

8. The above server is connected to a fuel supply unit that supplies a predetermined fuel suitable for the above vehicle via the above communication network, The passage authentication information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is functionally configured to send instruction information via the communication network to the fuel supply unit, by referring to the above-mentioned vehicle identification information, to supply only the predetermined fuel that matches the vehicle corresponding to the vehicle identification information.

9. A passage authentication information processing system comprising: an in-vehicle device for passage authentication that is installed in a vehicle and has a function to read a storage medium for storing personal identification information, and has a function to store vehicle identification information which is unique information assigned to the vehicle and includes vehicle type information, and has a function to send the vehicle identification information and the personal identification information to the outside; a vehicle passage authentication detection unit that has a function to detect and receive the personal identification information and the vehicle identification information sent from the in-vehicle device for passage authentication and has a function to send the personal identification information and the vehicle identification information to the outside via a communication network; a parking management unit that has a function to manage the entry and exit status of vehicles to and from a parking lot where the vehicle passage authentication detection unit is installed and send the entry and exit status to the outside as parking information via the communication network; and a server that is connected to the communication network and has a function to receive parking information sent from the parking management unit and the personal identification information and the vehicle identification information sent from the vehicle passage authentication detection unit, The above server refers to the received parking information, the above personal identification information, and the above vehicle identification information including the above vehicle type information, The above server manages the number of vehicles that can be parked in the above parking lot as management information for each type of vehicle. The above-mentioned server is characterized by sending the management information, and is a method of providing services by a transit authentication information processing system.

10. The parking reservation information management unit installed in the above-mentioned vehicle sends the above-mentioned parking reservation information to an external party via the above-mentioned communication network. The above server receives the parking reservation information sent from the above vehicle, The service provision method by the passage authentication information processing system according to claim 9, characterized in that the server generates parking availability information for the parking lot by referring to the reservation information of the parking lot and sends the generated parking availability information to the vehicle.

11. The method of providing services using the passage authentication information processing system according to claim 10, characterized in that when parking reservation information is sent from the parking reservation information management function unit, the server is configured to send guidance information that allows priority entry into the parking lot to the parking reservation information management function unit.

12. The payment instruction information management unit installed in the above-mentioned vehicle sends the payment instruction information related to the above-mentioned parking lot to the outside via the above-mentioned communication network. The service provision method by the transit authentication information processing system according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the server receives payment instruction information sent from the payment instruction information management function unit of the above-mentioned automobile, and performs predetermined payment processing by referring to this payment instruction information.

13. The above server or the above parking management unit generates navigation information related to the above parking lot, The service provision method by the passage authentication information processing system according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the server or parking management unit sends the generated navigation information to the vehicle via the communication network.

14. The service provision method by the passage authentication information processing system according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the above-mentioned server or parking management unit generates check-in information relating to the above-mentioned parking lot and sends the generated check-in information to the outside via the above-mentioned communication network.

15. The above server or the above parking management unit makes a determination regarding whether entry and exit are permitted at the entry and exit gates installed in the above parking lot. The service provision method by the passage authentication information processing system according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the server or parking management unit refers to the vehicle identification information and determines whether or not the vehicle corresponding to the vehicle identification information is allowed to pass through the entrance / exit gate installed in the parking lot.

16. The above server is connected to a fuel supply unit that supplies a predetermined fuel suitable for the above vehicle via the above communication network, The service provision method by the transit authentication information processing system according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the server refers to the vehicle identification information and sends instruction information to the fuel supply unit that allows only the supply of a predetermined fuel that matches the vehicle corresponding to the vehicle identification information.

17. A pass-through authentication means provided in a vehicle that stores vehicle identification information and personal identification information, which are unique information assigned to the vehicle and include vehicle type information, and has the function of transmitting the vehicle identification information and the personal identification information to an external source. A vehicle passage authentication detection means having the function of detecting and receiving the above-mentioned vehicle identification information and personal identification information transmitted from this passage authentication means and transmitting the said vehicle identification information and personal identification information to an external party, A parking management means has the function of managing the entry and exit status of vehicles into a parking lot equipped with this vehicle passage authentication detection means and transmitting said entry and exit status to an external party as parking information, A passage authentication information processing system characterized by comprising: a management means that receives parking information transmitted from the parking management means and the personal identification information and vehicle identification information transmitted from the vehicle passage authentication detection means, and that manages the number of vehicles that can be parked in the parking lot by vehicle type by referring to the received parking information and the vehicle identification information including the personal identification information and vehicle type information.

18. The above-mentioned vehicle is equipped with a parking reservation information management means that has the function of sending the above-mentioned parking reservation information to an external party via a communication network as parking reservation information. The above-mentioned management means has the function of receiving parking reservation information sent from the parking reservation information management means, referring to the parking reservation information to generate parking reservation availability information for the parking lot, and is configured to send the parking reservation availability information to the vehicle equipped with the parking reservation information management means, as described in claim 17.

19. The passage authentication information processing system according to claim 18, further characterized in that when parking reservation information is sent from the above-mentioned parking reservation information management means, a guidance means is provided to send guidance information that allows priority entry into the above-mentioned parking lot.

20. The above-mentioned vehicle is equipped with a payment instruction information management means that has the function of sending payment instruction information related to the above-mentioned parking lot to an external party. The above-mentioned management means has the function of receiving payment instruction information sent from the payment instruction information management means and performing predetermined payment processing by referring to the payment instruction information, as described in claim 17 or 18.

21. The above management means or the above parking management means has a navigation function that generates and transmits navigation information related to the above parking lot. The passage authentication information processing system according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that it has a function to send navigation information generated by this navigation function to the vehicle.

22. The above management means or the above parking management means has a check-in function that generates and sends check-in information related to the above parking lot. The pass-through authentication information processing system according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that it has a function to send the check-in information generated by this check-in function to an external source.

23. The above-mentioned management means or parking management means has a function for determining whether entry or exit is permitted for the entry / exit gate installed in the parking lot, The passage authentication information processing system according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that it has a function to determine whether or not a vehicle corresponding to the above-mentioned vehicle identification information is permitted to pass through the above-mentioned entrance / exit gate by referring to the above-mentioned vehicle identification information.

24. The above management means is connected to a fuel supply means that supplies a predetermined fuel that matches the above vehicle, The passage authentication information processing system according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that it has a function of sending instruction information to the fuel supply means by referring to the above-mentioned vehicle identification information, which allows only the supply of a predetermined fuel that matches the vehicle corresponding to the vehicle identification information.

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