Device updating method for toll collection system, transmission processing device, and lane control device

Abstract

To provide an equipment updating method for a toll collection system, a transmission processor and a lane controller capable of smoothly performing equipment updating work.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, in a toll collection system having a transmission processing device installed in a toll gate and a lane control device provided in each lane of the toll gate, a device update method of the toll collection system disconnects a connection with the transmission processing device existing in the toll gate in a state in which the lane control device existing in a specific lane in the toll gate closes the specific lane. A transmission processor newly installed at a tollgate is connected to an existing lane controller in a specific lane by an interface corresponding to the existing lane controller, and after the existing lane controller in the specific lane is connected to the newly installed transmission processor, the specific lane is released.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a device updating method, a transmission processing device, and a lane control device for a toll collection system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are toll collection systems (ETC systems) that set up lanes at toll gates for vehicles to pass through and collect tolls from vehicles traveling in those lanes. Conventional toll collection systems are configured with multiple types of equipment connected by specially designed, proprietary interfaces and placed in each lane of the toll gate. When updating existing equipment in a toll collection system with new equipment, the existing equipment, which was specially designed for each lane, is updated with new equipment. For example, at toll gates with multiple lanes, each lane is closed in turn, and work to update the equipment in the closed lanes is carried out while vehicles are allowed to pass through the other lanes, allowing toll collection to continue, thereby allowing equipment to be updated without completely closing the toll gate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-60358 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-6321 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-30700 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional toll collection systems require updating equipment for each lane, which poses the problem of long periods of continuous lane closure. When a lane is closed for a long period of time, it becomes difficult to perform the update work only during periods of low traffic volume. If a lane is closed during a period of high traffic volume, fewer lanes are available for toll collection, which can lead to congestion and other problems.

[0005] For this reason, there is a demand for toll collection systems currently in operation to shorten the time that one lane is continuously closed and to allow for flexible operation of lane closure times while performing equipment upgrade work at toll booths. The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a device updating method, a transmission processing device, and a lane control device for a toll collection system that enable smooth device updating work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to an embodiment, an equipment update method for a toll collection system includes, in a toll collection system having a transmission processing device installed at a toll gate and a lane control device installed in each lane of the toll gate, disconnecting the existing transmission processing device at the toll gate when the existing lane control device for a specific lane at the toll gate closes the specific lane, connecting a new transmission processing device at the toll gate to the existing lane control device for the specific lane via an interface corresponding to the existing lane control device, and opening the specific lane after the existing lane control device for the specific lane is connected to the new transmission processing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a fee collection system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a transmission processing device in the fee collection system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lane control device in the toll collection system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the update process of the transmission processing device, which is part of the equipment update method for the toll collection system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the connection relationship of devices in a state where a new transmission processing device is installed in the update processing of the transmission processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the connection relationship of devices in information in which a new transmission processing device and an existing transmission processing device are installed side by side to release a plurality of lanes in the update processing of the transmission processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the connection relationship of devices in a state where the connection of an existing transmission processing device is disconnected in the update processing of the transmission processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the connection relationship of devices in a state in which lane control devices for each lane are connected to a new transmission processing device and each lane is opened in the update processing of the transmission processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the updating process of the lane control device, which is part of the device updating method of the toll collection system according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the connection relationship of devices in a state where the lane control device for the first lane is removed in the update process of the lane control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the connection relationship of devices in a state where a new lane control device is connected to the first lane and each lane is open in the update process of the lane control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the roadside device update process, which is part of the device update method for the toll collection system according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the connection relationship of devices in a state where one roadside device in the first lane is removed in the update process of the roadside device according to the embodiment. [Figure 14]FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the connection relationship of devices in a state where one new roadside device is connected to the first lane in the update process of the roadside device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a toll collection (ETC) system including a lane control device will be described as an example of a device to which a maintenance terminal is connected. The toll collection system is a system that collects tolls while controlling the passage of vehicles. During actual operation, the toll collection system may need to undergo update work to replace existing equipment with new equipment. Equipment updates in the toll collection system are carried out by closing some lanes at the toll gate and updating (replacing or replacing) the equipment in the closed lanes, without closing the entire toll gate.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a group of devices that make up a toll collection system according to an embodiment. A toll collection system is a system for collecting tolls from vehicles passing through a toll booth, such as a toll booth on a toll road. A toll booth has lanes (traffic lanes) for vehicles to pass through. For example, a toll booth may have multiple exit lanes and multiple entrance lanes. The configuration example shown in Figure 1 has two lanes for vehicles to pass through the toll booth. For simplicity of explanation, the following description will be based on the assumption that a single toll booth has a first lane and a second lane as exit or entrance lanes, as shown in Figure 1.

[0010] Fig. 1 shows the connection relationships between the devices installed in two lanes at one toll gate. In the configuration example shown in Fig. 1, the toll collection system includes a central unit 10, a transmission processing device 11, a lane control device 12, and multiple types of roadside devices 21 to 26. In the configuration shown in Fig. 1, the transmission processing device 11, the lane control device 12, and each of the roadside devices 21 to 26 are devices that are subject to update.

[0011] The central unit 10 is connected to the transmission processing devices 11 at each toll gate. The central unit 10 functions as a higher-level station in the toll collection system. The central unit 10 manages information for the entire toll collection system by collecting information from the transmission processing devices 11 at each toll gate and aggregating the collected information. For example, the central unit 10 manages information about passing vehicles, such as the results of toll collection processing obtained from the transmission processing devices 11 at each toll gate, using consecutive numbers. The central unit 10 also has the function of distributing information such as setting information and update information to the equipment installed at each toll gate.

[0012] The transmission processing device 11 is installed at each toll gate and is communicatively connected to the central device 10. The transmission processing device 11 is also connected to the lane control devices 12 installed at each lane at the toll gate. The transmission processing device 11 transfers information such as toll collection results obtained from the lane control devices 12 of each lane to the central device 10. For example, the transmission processing device 11 transmits to the central device 10 information about passing vehicles such as toll collection results including consecutive identification numbers assigned to vehicles that have passed through the toll gate and information indicating the toll gate (toll gate number). The transmission processing device 11 also has a function of executing processing in response to commands from the central device 10. For example, the transmission processing device 11 performs processing such as checking information about passing vehicles that should be consecutively numbered in response to a request from the central device 10.

[0013] A lane control device 12 is provided for each lane. The lane control devices 12 provided for each lane are each connected for communication to the transmission processing device 11. Furthermore, the lane control devices 12 provided for each lane are each connected to various roadside devices provided for the corresponding lane. The lane control devices 12 control each roadside device to perform processes such as toll collection processing, traffic control processing, and guidance display processing for vehicles traveling in the corresponding lane.

[0014] For example, the lane control device 13 wirelessly communicates with an on-board device mounted on a vehicle in the lane via the wireless control device 23, and performs toll collection processing based on on-board device information acquired from the on-board device and information related to the toll gate. The lane control device 13 also controls the opening and closing of the start control bar by the start control device 25 in accordance with the results of vehicle detection in the lane by each vehicle detector (S1, S2, S4) 22, 24, 26 and the results of the toll collection processing. The lane control device 13 also controls guidance displays by the lane sign board 21 in accordance with the results of vehicle detection in the lane and the results of the toll collection processing.

[0015] An IC card (information recording medium) called an ETC card for toll collection processing is set in the on-board unit. The ETC card stores, for example, on-board unit information (vehicle number as vehicle management information, vehicle model information, on-board unit number as on-board unit specific information, etc.), entrance information, exit information, billing information, etc. When the on-board unit starts wireless communication with the wireless control device 23 installed in each lane, it transmits information read from the ETC card to the wireless control device 23.

[0016] In the configuration example shown in Figure 1, each lane has roadside devices connected to the lane control device 12, such as a lane sign board 21, a vehicle detector (S1) 22, a wireless control device 23, a vehicle detector (S2) 24, a start controller 25, and a vehicle detector (S4) 26.

[0017] The lane sign 21 is a display device that displays information such as guidance to passengers in vehicles within the lane. The lane sign 21 displays information such as the result of toll collection or whether or not vehicles are allowed to pass to the lane.

[0018] Vehicle detectors (S1, S2, S4) 22, 24, 26 detect the presence or absence of vehicles at predetermined detection positions within each lane. For example, vehicle detector (S1) 22 detects a vehicle entering a lane. Vehicle detector (S2) 24 detects the timing to determine whether a vehicle that has entered the lane can be treated as an ETC vehicle, which allows toll collection via wireless communication. Note that a ticket issuing device may issue a ticket to a vehicle that has not been recognized as an ETC vehicle before being detected by vehicle detector (S2) 24. Vehicle detector (S4) 26 detects a vehicle exiting a lane.

[0019] The wireless control device 23 includes a communication control unit and a communication antenna, and performs wireless communication with on-board devices mounted on vehicles. The wireless control device 23 is installed so as to perform wireless communication with on-board devices mounted on vehicles in the lane in which it is installed. The wireless control device 23 is configured to use wireless communication using Dedicated Short Range Radio Communication (DSRC), which has a communication range only within the corresponding lane, and not to communicate with on-board devices of vehicles traveling in other lanes. For example, the wireless control device 23 in the first lane is configured to perform wireless communication with on-board devices of vehicles that have entered the first lane, but not to communicate with on-board devices of vehicles in the second lane.

[0020] The start control device 25 opens and closes the start control bar arranged in each lane. The start control device 25 opens and closes the start control bar in response to instructions from the lane control device 12. For example, the start control bar, which can be opened and closed by the start control device 25, is arranged near the exit of each lane. The start control bar physically prevents a vehicle from passing (exiting the lane) when closed, and allows a vehicle to pass when open. In other words, the lane control device 12 causes the start control device 25 of a lane that allows a vehicle to pass to open the start control bar of that lane, and causes the start control device 25 of a lane that does not allow (block) a vehicle to pass to close the start control bar of that lane.

[0021] Note that devices other than the roadside devices shown in Fig. 1 may be connected to the lane control devices 12 of each lane as roadside devices. For example, the lane control devices 12 may be installed in each lane, and an imaging device that captures images of vehicles when they enter or exit each lane may be connected as one of the roadside devices. The lane control devices 12 may also be configured to be connected to a maintenance terminal. The maintenance terminal may be, for example, a computer that updates software installed in the lane control devices 12 or updates setting values.

[0022] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of a transmission processing device (new transmission processing device) 11' that is newly installed in place of the existing transmission processing device 11 at the toll gate in the toll collection system according to the embodiment. In the description of this embodiment, the reference numerals for the existing transmission processing device 11 may be written as "11" and the reference numerals for the newly installed transmission processing device (new transmission processing device) may be written as "11'". Furthermore, the reference numerals for the existing lane control device 12 may be written as "12" and the reference numerals for the newly installed lane control device (new lane control device) may be written as "12'". Furthermore, the reference numerals for the existing roadside devices 21 to 26 may be written as "21 to 26" and the reference numerals for the newly installed roadside devices (new roadside devices) may be written as "21' to 26'".

[0023] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the new transmission processing device 11' in the toll collection system according to the embodiment. 2, the transmission processing device 11' includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, and an interface (I / F) group 33. Note that while Fig. 2 shows an example of the configuration of a transmission processing device (new transmission processing device) 11' that is newly installed in equipment upgrade work, the configuration of the existing transmission processing device 11 may be such that the interfaces included in the interface group 33 are different from those of the new transmission processing device 11'.

[0024] The control unit 31 realizes various processing functions by executing the programs stored in the storage unit 32. For example, the control unit 31 is configured with a processor that executes the programs, various memories, various internal interfaces, etc. As a specific example, the control unit 31 executes the programs stored in the storage unit 32 to perform data communication with the central device 10 and data communication with each lane control device 12 (12') within the toll gate.

[0025] The storage unit 32 has a program memory that stores programs executed by the processor of the control unit 31, a working memory that stores working data, and a data memory that stores data files, etc. For example, the storage unit 32 has a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as an HDD (hard disk drive) or an SSD (solid state drive) as the data memory.

[0026] The interface group (interface group of the new transmission processing device 11') 33 includes various interfaces corresponding to the central device 10, the existing transmission processing device 11, and the new and existing lane control devices 12, 12'. In the configuration example shown in Fig. 2, the interface group 33 includes a central device interface 33a, an existing transmission processing device interface 33b, an existing lane control device interface 33c, and a new lane control device interface 33d.

[0027] The central unit interface 33a is an interface corresponding to the interface provided in the central unit 10, and functions as a communication unit for communicating data with the central unit 10.

[0028] The existing transmission processing device interface 33b is an interface corresponding to the interface of the existing transmission processing device 11, and functions as a communication unit for communicating with the existing transmission processing device 11.

[0029] The existing lane control device interface 33c is an interface corresponding to an interface provided in the existing lane control device 12, and functions as a communication unit for communicating data with the existing lane control device 12.

[0030] The new lane control device interface 33d is an interface corresponding to the interface provided in the new lane control device (new lane control device) 12', and functions as a communication unit for data communication with the new lane control device 12'.

[0031] In addition to the above-described configuration, the transmission processing device 11' may also include an operation unit that accepts operation instructions from an operator (worker). The control unit 31 of the transmission processing device 11' has a function of operating in accordance with operation instructions input through the operation unit. The transmission processing device 11' may also be configured to include a display unit that displays information to be presented to the operator.

[0032] Next, the configuration of a lane control device (new lane control device) 12' that is newly installed in the toll collection system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a new lane control device 12' in the toll collection system according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the new lane control device 12' includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, and an interface (I / F) group 43. Note that Fig. 3 shows an example of the configuration of a lane control device (new lane control device) 12' that is newly installed in equipment update work, but the configuration of the existing lane control device 12 may differ from that of the new lane control device 12' in the interfaces provided in the interface group 43.

[0033] The control unit 41 realizes various processing functions by executing the programs stored in the storage unit 42. For example, the control unit 41 is configured with a processor that executes the programs, various memories, various internal interfaces, etc. As a specific example, the control unit 41 performs processes such as data communication with the transmission processing device 11 or 11', data communication with each roadside device 21-26 of the corresponding lane, control processing of each roadside device 21-26, toll collection processing, vehicle detection processing, and guidance display processing.

[0034] The storage unit 42 has a program memory that stores programs executed by the processor of the control unit 41, a working memory that stores working data, and a data memory that stores data files, etc. For example, the storage unit 42 has a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as an HDD (hard disk drive) or an SSD (solid state drive) as the data memory.

[0035] The interface group 43 includes various interfaces corresponding to the new and existing transmission processing devices and the new and existing roadside devices. In the configuration example shown in Fig. 3, the interface group (interface group of the new lane control device 12') 43 includes an existing transmission processing device interface 43a, a new transmission processing device interface 43b, an existing roadside device interface 43c, and a new roadside device interface 43d.

[0036] The existing transmission processing device interface 43 a is an interface corresponding to the interface of the existing transmission processing device 11 , and functions as a communication unit for communicating with the existing transmission processing device 11 .

[0037] The new transmission processing device interface 43b is an interface corresponding to the interface of the new transmission processing device 11', and functions as a communication unit for communicating with the new transmission processing device 11'.

[0038] The existing roadside device interface 43c is a group of interfaces corresponding to the interfaces provided in the existing roadside devices 21-26, and functions as a communication unit for communicating data with the existing roadside devices 21-26.

[0039] The new roadside device interface 43d is a group of interfaces corresponding to the interfaces provided in the new roadside devices (new roadside devices) 21' to 26', and functions as a communication unit for communicating data with the new roadside devices 21' to 26'.

[0040] In addition to the above-described configuration, the lane control device 12' is also provided with an operation unit that receives operation instructions from an operator (worker). The control unit 41 of the lane control device 12' has a function of operating in accordance with operation instructions input by the operation unit. The lane control device 12' may also be configured to include a display unit that displays information to be presented to the operator.

[0041] Next, a method for updating the equipment in the toll collection system configured as described above will be described. The equipment updating method for the toll collection system according to the embodiment makes it possible to close and open the lane in which the equipment to be updated is located each time an individual piece of equipment is updated (replaced). For example, the equipment updating method for the toll collection system according to the embodiment updates the transmission processing device, lane control device, and roadside device at a toll booth in that order with new equipment.

[0042] That is, in the equipment update method for the toll collection system according to the embodiment, update processing for the transmission processing device, update processing for the lane control device, and update processing for the roadside device are performed at the toll gate in this order. The update processing for the transmission processing device is a process of updating (replacing) the existing transmission processing device at the toll gate with a new transmission processing device. The update processing for the lane control device is a process of updating the existing lane control devices of each lane connected to the new transmission processing device with a new lane control device. The update processing for the roadside device is a process of updating the roadside device connected to the new lane control device with a new roadside device.

[0043] Next, a process for updating the existing transmission processing device 11 with a new transmission processing device 11' in the toll collection system according to the embodiment (transmission processing device update process) will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the update process of the transmission processing device in the fee collection system according to the embodiment. At a toll booth where the transmission processing device is to be updated, first, one lane is closed (step ST10). For example, the lane control device 12 of the lane to be closed (closed lane) executes a process to close the lane in response to an operational instruction from an operator. Specifically, the lane control device 12 of the closed lane displays an indication that the lane is impassable on the lane sign board 21 of the lane, and causes the start control device 25 to close the start control bar.

[0044] Also, a new transmission processing device (new transmission processing device) 11' is newly installed at the toll booth (step ST11). The new transmission processing device 11' is placed, for example, at a location at the toll booth where it can be connected to the central device 10 and the lane control devices 12 of each lane.

[0045] When one lane at a toll booth is closed, the lane control device 12 of the closed lane is disconnected from the existing transmission and reception device 11 (step ST11). Here, it is assumed that the lane control device 12 of the closed lane is disconnected from the existing transmission and reception device 11 after the existing transmission and reception device 11 acquires information about the lane control device 12 of the closed lane. In other words, the lane control device 12 of the closed lane is disconnected from the existing transmission and reception device 11 after sending information about passing vehicles in the lane, such as the result of toll collection, which is stored in the memory unit 42 or the like, to the existing transmission and reception device 11.

[0046] When the line between the lane control device 12 of the closed lane and the existing transmission processing device 11 is disconnected, the new transmission processing device 11' is connected to the existing transmission processing device 11 via the existing transmission processing device interface 33b. When the control unit 31 of the new transmission processing device 11' is connected to the existing transmission processing device 11 via the interface 33b, it acquires information from the existing transmission processing device 11 (step ST13).

[0047] Here, the control unit 31 of the new transmission processing device 11′ acquires information necessary to replace the existing transmission processing device 11 with the new transmission processing device 11′ and stores it in the memory unit 32. The control unit 31 of the new transmission processing device 11′ acquires information (information on passing vehicles such as toll collection) that the existing transmission processing device 11 acquires from the lane control device 12 of the closed lane and stores it in the memory unit 32. This makes it possible to prevent problems from occurring in data transmission between the new transmission processing device 11′ and the existing lane control device 12.

[0048] The central unit 10 also performs sequential number management, in which information about passing vehicles collected from toll booths is managed using sequential numbers. In this case, information about passing vehicles from the lane control device 12 or 12' is assigned a sequential number and transmitted from the transmission processing device 11 or 11' to the central unit 10. The central unit 10 checks the sequential numbers to see if there are any missing information in the collected information, and if an abnormality is detected in the sequential number check, notifies the transmission processing device 11 of the missing information. The transmission processing device 11 extracts information that is identified as missing from information held by the lane control device 12, etc., and supplies the information to the central unit 10. Even when performing such sequential number management, abnormalities in the sequential number management can be prevented by having the newly installed transmission processing device 11' obtain data from the existing transmission processing device 11.

[0049] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the existing transmission processing device 11 is connected to a new transmission processing device 11' placed at a toll booth. 5 shows a state in which the first lane is closed and a newly installed new transmission processing device 11' is connected to the existing transmission processing device 11. When the first lane is closed, the lane control device 12 of the first lane disconnects the line with the existing transmission processing device 11. After the line between the lane control device 12 of the closed first lane and the existing transmission processing device 11 is disconnected, the new transmission processing device 11' is connected to the existing transmission processing device 11.

[0050] In this case, the existing transmission processing device 11 may be storing information acquired from the lane control device 12 of the closed first lane in the storage unit 32. When the new transmission processing device 11' is connected to the existing transmission processing device 11, it acquires the information from the lane control device 12 of the first lane that is stored in the existing transmission processing device 11 and stores it in the storage unit 32. This allows the new transmission processing device 11' to acquire the information that is stored in the existing transmission processing device 11, preventing problems from occurring in data management by the central device 10 that manages information from each toll gate.

[0051] When the new transmission processing device 11' acquires information from the existing transmission processing device 11, it connects to the existing lane control device 12 of the closed lane via the existing lane control device interface 33c (step ST14). As shown in Fig. 2, the new transmission processing device 11' is provided with an existing lane control device interface 33c corresponding to the existing lane control device. As a result, the new transmission processing device 11' connects to the existing lane control device 12 of the closed lane via the interface 33c.

[0052] When the new transmission processing device 11' is connected to the existing lane control device 12 of the closed lane, the existing lane control device 12 of the closed lane opens the lane (step ST15). For example, when the connection to the new transmission processing device 11' is complete, the lane control device 12 of the lane executes a process to open the lane in response to an instruction from an operator. Specifically, the lane control device 12 of the lane displays on the lane signboard 21 that the lane is open to traffic, and makes each roadside device installed in the lane available to process passing vehicles. This allows vehicles to pass through the lane at the toll gate.

[0053] FIG. 6 shows a state in which the first lane connected to the new transmission processing device 11' and the second lane connected to the existing transmission processing device 11 are released. When the first and second lanes are opened in the connection state shown in Fig. 6, two lanes become available for traffic at the toll gate. Information about passing vehicles, such as the toll collection results for vehicles passing through the first lane, is transmitted from the lane control device 12 of the first lane to the new transmission processing device 11', and then transmitted from the new transmission processing device 11' to the central device 10. Information about passing vehicles, such as the toll collection results for vehicles passing through the second lane, is transmitted from the lane control device 12 of the second lane to the existing transmission processing device 11, and then transmitted from the existing transmission processing device 11 to the central device 10.

[0054] 6, the toll collection system according to the embodiment can be operated at one toll booth with the first lane connected to the new transmission processing device 11' and the second lane connected to the existing transmission processing device 11 open. However, to completely replace the existing transmission processing device 11 at the toll booth with the new transmission processing device 11', it is necessary to close the lanes to which the existing transmission processing device 11 is connected in order and connect the lane control devices 12 of each lane to the new transmission processing device 11'.

[0055] When a lane with a lane control device 12 connected to the new transmission processing device 11' is opened, if there is a lane control device 12 that is not connected to the new transmission processing device 11' (step ST16, YES), the system waits until the lane with the unconnected lane control device 12 becomes available for closure (step ST17).

[0056] When a lane not connected to the new transmission processing device 11' becomes closable (step ST17, YES), the unconnected lane that has become closable is closed (step ST18). For example, the unconnected lane control device 12 that has become closable displays an indication that the lane is impassable on the lane sign 21 of the lane, and closes the start control bar using the start control device 25, thereby preventing vehicles from entering the lane.

[0057] When one lane at a toll booth that is not connected to the new transmission processing device 11' is closed, the same process as in step ST11-15 is executed for the new transmission processing device 11' and the lane control device 12 of the closed lane. As a result, the lane control device 12 of each lane can be connected to the new transmission processing device 11'.

[0058] If the lane control devices 12 of all lanes at the toll gate are connected to the new transmission processing device 11' (step ST16, NO), the existing transmission processing device 11 is not connected to any lane control devices 12 of any lanes, so the existing transmission processing device 11 becomes available for removal (step ST19).

[0059] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the first lane of the lane control device 12 connected to the new transmission processing device 11' is opened and the second lane is closed. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which the first and second lanes connected to the lane control device 12 connected to the new transmission processing device 11' are closed.

[0060] As shown in Figure 7, when the first lane is opened and the second lane is closed, the toll booth can disconnect the line between the existing transmission processing device 11 and the lane control device 12 of the second lane while allowing vehicles to pass through the first lane.

[0061] When the line between the existing transmission processing device 11 and the lane control device 12 for the second lane is disconnected, the lane control device 12 for the second lane can be connected to the new transmission processing device 11'. The new transmission processing device 11' has an interface for the existing lane control device, so it can be easily connected to the existing lane control device 12 for the second lane, as shown in Figure 8.

[0062] When the new transmission processing device 11' is connected to the lane control device 12 of the second lane, toll collection processing becomes possible in the second lane as well, thereby freeing up the second lane. As shown in the example of Figure 8, when the new transmission processing device 11' is connected to the lane control devices 12 of all lanes, the existing transmission processing device 11 is completely disconnected from the equipment of each lane of the toll gate, and can therefore be removed. As a result, the existing transmission processing device 11 at the toll gate is updated (replaced) with the new transmission processing device 11'.

[0063] According to the above-described update process for the transmission processing device, the new transmission processing device has an interface compatible with the existing lane control device and an interface compatible with the new lane control device, so it is only necessary to close each lane for the time it takes to perform the update work to switch the transmission processing device connected to the lane control device for each lane from the existing transmission processing device to the new transmission processing device. As a result, even when updating the transmission processing device at a toll booth, the time period for consecutively closing specific lanes can be shortened, and the time periods for closing each lane can be planned flexibly.

[0064] Next, a process for updating the existing lane control device 12 connected to the new transmission processing device 11' in the toll collection system according to the embodiment to the new lane control device 12' (lane control device update process) will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the update process of the transmission processing device in the fee collection system according to the embodiment. When updating the lane control device at a tollgate, first, one lane to be updated is selected (step ST31).

[0065] If the lane selected to be updated is in a closable state (step ST32, YES), the closable lane is closed (step ST33). For example, the lane control device 12 of the closable lane displays an impassable indication on the lane sign 21 of the lane, and closes the lane by causing the start control device 25 to close the start control bar, thereby preventing vehicles from entering the lane.

[0066] When one lane at a tollgate is closed, the lane control device 12 for the closed lane cuts off the line with the new transmission processing device 11' and the lines with each of the roadside devices 21 to 26 installed in that lane (step ST34). Here, the lane control device 12 for the closed lane sends the data held in the memory unit 42 to the new transmission processing device 11' and then cuts off the line with the new transmission processing device 11'.

[0067] When the lines between the existing lane control device 12 and each device in the closed lane are cut off, the existing lane control device 12 can be removed (step ST35). After the existing lane control device 12 is removed, a new lane control device 12' is placed in the lane (closed lane) from which the existing lane control device 12 was removed (step ST36).

[0068] When the new lane control device 12' is placed in the lane, the new transmission processing device 11' connects to the new lane control device 12' (step ST37). The new transmission processing device 11' has a new lane control device interface 33d that corresponds to the interface provided in the new lane control device 12'. The new transmission processing device 11' connects to the new lane control device 12' placed in the closed lane via the interface 33d.

[0069] When connected to the new transmission processing device 11', the new lane control device 12' connects to each of the existing roadside devices 21 to 26 in that lane (step ST37). The new lane control device 12' has an existing roadside device interface 43c that corresponds to the interface provided in each of the existing roadside devices 21 to 26. The new lane control device 12' connects to each of the roadside devices 21 to 26 in that lane via the existing roadside device interface 43c.

[0070] When the new transmission processing device 11' and the roadside devices 21-26 are connected to the new lane control device 12', the new lane control device 12 for the closed lane opens the lane (step ST39). For example, the lane control device 12 for the lane confirms that the communication state with the new transmission processing device 11' and the communication state with each of the roadside devices 21-26 for the lane are normal, and then displays on the lane sign (new lane sign) 21 that the lane is open to traffic, and makes each of the roadside devices 21-26 for the lane ready to process passing vehicles. This opens the lane, making it ready to process vehicles passing through the lane.

[0071] When the lane control device 12' is connected to the new transmission processing device 11' and the roadside devices 21 to 26 and the lane is released, if there is another lane whose lane control device needs to be updated (step ST40, YES), the process returns to step ST31 and executes the update process for the lane control device for the lane whose lane control device needs to be updated. If there is no other lane whose lane control device needs to be updated (step ST40, YES), the update process for the lane control device ends.

[0072] According to the above-described lane control device update process, the new lane control device has an interface corresponding to the existing roadside device and an interface corresponding to the new roadside device, so that it is only necessary to close each lane for the time it takes to perform the update work of replacing the existing lane control device with the new lane control device. This makes it possible to shorten the time for consecutively closing each lane, even when updating the lane control device for each lane, and allows for flexible planning of the time periods for closing each lane at a toll gate.

[0073] Next, a process for updating the existing roadside devices 21 to 26 connected to the new lane control device 12' to the new roadside devices 21' to 26' in the toll collection system according to the embodiment (roadside device updating process) will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the update process of the roadside device installed in each lane in the toll collection system according to the embodiment. When updating roadside equipment at a tollgate, first, one lane to be updated is selected (step ST51). For example, the lane on which the roadside equipment to be updated is installed is selected as the lane to be updated. If the lane for which the roadside equipment is to be updated is not in a state where it can be closed (step ST52, NO), the lane is kept open until it can be closed.

[0074] If the lane to be updated is in a state where it can be closed (step ST52, YES), the lane is closed (step ST53). For example, the new lane control device 12' of the lane that has become closable displays that the lane is impassable on the lane sign 21 of the lane, and closes the lane by causing the start control device 25 to close the start control bar, thereby preventing vehicles from entering the lane.

[0075] When the lane to be updated is closed, the lane control device 12' of the closed lane disconnects the line with the existing roadside device 21 (or 22 to 26) (hereinafter referred to as the roadside device 21) to be updated (step ST54).

[0076] When the line with the lane control device 12' of the closed lane is disconnected, the existing roadside device 21 becomes removable (step ST55). The existing roadside device 21 that has become removable is physically removed from the closed lane. After the existing roadside device 21 is removed, a new roadside device (new roadside device) 21' is placed in the closed lane (step ST56).

[0077] When the new roadside device 21' is placed in the closed lane, the new lane control device 12' for that lane connects to the newly placed new roadside device 21' (step ST57). The new lane control device 12' has a new roadside device interface 43d that corresponds to the interface provided in the new roadside device 21'. The new lane control device 12' connects to the new roadside device 21' for that lane via the new roadside device interface 43d.

[0078] When the new roadside device 21' is connected to the new lane control device 12', the new lane control device 12' for the closed lane opens the lane (step ST58). For example, after confirming that communication with the new roadside device (new lane sign board) 21' is normal, the lane control device 12' for the lane displays on the new lane sign board 21' that the lane is open to traffic, and makes each roadside device 21-26 for the lane available to process passing vehicles. This opens the lane and makes it available to process vehicles passing through the lane.

[0079] When the lane control device 12' is connected to the new roadside device 21' and the lane is opened, if there is another roadside device to be updated in the lane (step ST59, YES), the process returns to step ST52 and executes the update process for the other roadside device to be updated in the lane. If there is a roadside device to be updated in another lane (step ST60, YES), the process returns to step ST51 and selects the lane in which the roadside device to be updated is located and executes the update process for the roadside device described above. If there is no other roadside device to be updated (step ST60, NO), the update process for the roadside device ends.

[0080] According to the above-described roadside device update process, since the new lane control device has an interface corresponding to the existing roadside device and an interface corresponding to the new roadside device, the update work of replacing the existing roadside device with the new roadside device in each lane can be carried out for each roadside device, and the lane only needs to be closed for the time required to replace each roadside device. This means that even when updating the roadside devices in each lane, the time required to continuously close each lane can be shortened, and the time periods for closing each lane at a toll gate can be planned flexibly.

[0081] As described above, the transmission processing device and lane control device in the toll collection system according to this embodiment are provided with interfaces compatible with not only new devices but also existing devices. As a result, even when updating a large number of devices connected to the transmission processing device and lane control device, the toll collection system according to this embodiment can perform the update work on each device individually, thereby shortening the time for continuously closing lanes where devices undergoing the update work are located.

[0082] Furthermore, the toll collection system according to the present embodiment can shorten the time for consecutively closing specific lanes by using the above-described update method, and can plan the schedule for closing each lane for equipment updates in detail. As a result, even if the equipment installed at the toll gate needs to be updated during operation, the toll collection system according to the present embodiment can easily allocate the equipment update work to a time period with low traffic volume, thereby maintaining and managing smooth vehicle passage throughout the toll gate.

[0083] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 10... central device, 11... transmission processing device, 12... lane control device, 21... lane display board, 22 vehicle detector (S1) (roadside device), 23... wireless control device (roadside device), 24... vehicle detector ( S2) (roadside device), 25...start control device (roadside device), 26...vehicle detector (S4) (roadside device), 31...control unit, 32...memory unit, 33...interface group, 33a...central device interface, 33b...existing transmission processing device interface (third interface), 33c...existing lane control device interface (first interface), 33d...new lane control device interface (second interface), 41...control unit, 42...memory unit, 43...interface group, 43a...existing transmission processing device interface, 43b...new transmission processing device interface, 43c...existing roadside device interface (first interface), 43d...new roadside device interface (second interface).

Claims

1. 1. A method for updating equipment in a toll collection system having a transmission processing device installed at a toll booth and a lane control device installed in each lane of the toll booth, disconnecting a connection with a transmission processing device already installed at the toll booth when a lane control device already installed at the toll booth closes the specific lane; a transmission processing device newly installed at the toll booth is connected to an existing lane control device for the specific lane via an interface corresponding to the existing lane control device; releasing the specific lane after the lane control device already installed in the specific lane is connected to the newly installed transmission processing device; Method for updating equipment in toll collection systems.

2. Furthermore, the new transmission processing device connects to the existing transmission processing device via an interface corresponding to the existing transmission processing device and acquires information from the existing transmission processing device. The method for updating equipment in a toll collection system according to claim 1.

3. the information acquired by the new transmission processing device from the existing transmission processing device includes information on passing vehicles acquired by the existing transmission processing device from an existing lane control device in the specific lane; The method for updating equipment in a toll collection system according to claim 2.

4. disconnecting the newly installed transmission processing device and the roadside device already installed in the specific lane while the lane control device already installed in the specific lane closes the specific lane; a lane control device newly installed for the specific lane is connected to an existing roadside device for the specific lane via an interface corresponding to the existing roadside device, and is also connected to the new transmission processing device via an interface corresponding to the new transmission processing device; a lane control device newly installed for the specific lane is connected to the roadside device already installed for the specific lane and the newly installed transmission processing device, and then the specific lane is released; A method for updating equipment in a toll collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. a lane control device newly installed for the specific lane disconnects a connection with an existing roadside device for the specific lane while the specific lane is closed; a lane control device newly installed on the specific lane is connected to a roadside device newly installed on the specific lane via an interface corresponding to the roadside device newly installed on the specific lane; releasing the specific lane after the lane control device newly installed for the specific lane is connected to the roadside device newly installed for the specific lane; The method for updating equipment in a toll collection system according to claim 4.

6. A transmission processing device to be newly installed at a toll booth, a first interface corresponding to an existing lane control device installed in each lane of the toll booth; a second interface corresponding to a lane control device to be newly installed in each lane of the toll gate; a control unit that, when connected to an existing lane control device for the specific lane in a state where the specific lane at the toll gate is closed, instructs the existing lane control device for the specific lane to open the specific lane; A transmission processing device having:

7. further comprising a third interface corresponding to the existing transmission processing device; a storage unit that stores information acquired from the existing transmission processing device connected via the third interface; A transmission processing device according to claim 6.

8. A lane control device newly installed in a specific lane at a toll booth, a first interface corresponding to a roadside device already installed in the specific lane; a second interface corresponding to a roadside device newly installed in the specific lane; a control unit that opens the specific lane when the specific lane is closed and the control unit is connected to a transmission processing device at the toll booth together with an existing or new roadside device installed in the specific lane; A lane control device having:

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