On-board unit, entrance toll collection equipment, exit toll collection equipment, service utilization system, service utilization method, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides an in-vehicle device that allows vehicles to utilize services that users desire and that are available on the road, in addition to services that enhance vehicle traffic. [Solution] The in-vehicle unit includes: a request flag setting unit that receives input from the user and sets a service request flag indicating whether or not the vehicle will receive additional services for driving on the road; a service request unit that communicates with an entrance roadside antenna located upstream of the service provision section of the road and transmits the service request flag; a service provision receiving unit that receives service provision information indicating the services that the road can provide from among the services corresponding to the transmitted service request flag and sets a service provision flag to ON for the service desired by the user and available to the road; and an activation processing unit that activates the function of the vehicle's service utilization device corresponding to the service provision flag that has been set to ON.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to in-vehicle devices, entrance toll collection facilities, exit toll collection facilities, service utilization systems, service utilization methods, and programs.

Background Art

[0002] As a technology for collecting tolls on toll roads, an ETC system (Electronic Toll Collection System (registered trademark), also referred to as an "electronic toll collection system" or an "automatic toll collection system") is used (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, services provided in addition to road travel, such as a merging support service for autonomous vehicles on toll roads and a charging service during travel to an EV (Electric Vehicle), have been considered. For example, in the charging service during travel, there may be cases where the user (the driver or passenger of the vehicle) does not wish to use the service, such as when the vehicle is already fully charged. However, currently, there is no mechanism to provide the service after the user has agreed to use the service. Also, the services that can be provided may vary depending on the road. Therefore, a mechanism that matches the service that the user wishes to use with the service that the road can provide and enables the vehicle to use the service is desired.

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an in-vehicle device, entrance toll collection equipment, exit toll collection equipment, service utilization system, service utilization method, and program that enable vehicles to utilize services that users desire and that are available on the road, in addition to services added to vehicle traffic. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the in-vehicle device includes: a request flag setting unit that receives input from a user and sets a service request flag indicating whether or not the vehicle will receive services added to the passage of the road; a service request unit that communicates with an entrance roadside antenna located upstream of the service provision section of the road and transmits the service request flag; a service provision receiving unit that receives service provision information indicating services that the road can provide from among the services corresponding to the transmitted service request flag and sets a service provision flag to ON for services desired by the user and available to the road; and an activation processing unit that activates the function of the vehicle's service utilization device corresponding to the service provision flag that has been set to ON.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the entrance toll collection equipment includes an entrance roadside antenna installed upstream of the service provision section on a road where additional services to road traffic are available, and which communicates with an on-board unit mounted on a vehicle; a request flag receiving unit that uses the entrance roadside antenna to receive a service request flag from the on-board unit that can identify the service that the vehicle wishes to use; and a service provision information transmitting unit that transmits service provision information indicating the services that are available on the road among the services desired by the user riding in the vehicle, based on the service request flag.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the exit toll collection equipment is installed at the exit of a road that can provide additional services to the passage of vehicles and includes an exit roadside antenna that communicates with an on-board unit mounted on a vehicle arriving at the exit, a service flag receiving unit that uses the exit roadside antenna to receive a service provision flag from the on-board unit that can identify the service used by the vehicle, and a usage fee collection processing unit that collects the usage fee for the service corresponding to the service provision flag.

[0009] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the service utilization system comprises the above-mentioned in-vehicle device and the above-mentioned entrance toll collection equipment.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a service utilization method includes the steps of: an in-vehicle device installed in a vehicle receiving input from a user and setting a service request flag indicating whether or not the vehicle will receive a service added to its travel on the road; an entrance toll collection device receiving a service request flag from the in-vehicle device using an entrance roadside antenna located upstream of the service provision section of the road, which allows the vehicle to identify the service it wishes to use; the entrance toll collection device transmitting service provision information based on the service request flag, indicating a service that is available on the road among the services desired by the user in the vehicle; the in-vehicle device receiving the service provision information and setting a service provision flag corresponding to a service desired by the user and available on the road to ON; and the in-vehicle device activating the function of the vehicle's service utilization device corresponding to the service provision flag that has been set to ON.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the program causes the in-vehicle device to perform the following steps: receiving input from a user and setting a service request flag indicating whether or not the vehicle will receive services added to its travel on the road; communicating with an entrance roadside antenna located upstream of the service provision section of the road and transmitting the service request flag; receiving service provision information indicating the services that the road can provide from among the services corresponding to the transmitted service request flag, and setting a service provision flag to ON for the service desired by the user and available to the road; and activating the function of the vehicle's service utilization device corresponding to the service provision flag that has been set to ON. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the above embodiment, with regard to services added to vehicle traffic, the vehicle can be made to use services that the user desires and that the road can provide. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the overall configuration of the service utilization system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the functional configuration of the entrance toll collection equipment according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the functional configuration of the exit toll collection equipment according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the functional configuration of the in-vehicle device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is the first figure showing an example of the process for setting the service request flag according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of setting a service request flag by a terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] The second figure shows an example of the process for setting the service request flag according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8]It is a diagram showing an example of setting a service request flag by an in-vehicle device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of service activation processing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of a service provision flag transmitted from a toll collection facility to an in-vehicle device. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example of processing during service use according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of a process for collecting service usage fees according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a computer according to the first embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] <The First Embodiment> Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0015] (Overall Configuration) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a service use system according to the first embodiment. The service use system 100 according to the present embodiment automatically enables the service selected by the vehicle V (user who is a passenger in the vehicle V) on a road that can provide a service added to the passage of the vehicle V, and automatically collects the usage fee for the service used by the vehicle V. As shown in FIG. 1, the service use system 100 includes a toll collection facility 1, an exit toll collection facility 2, an in-vehicle device 3 mounted on the vehicle V, and a service provision facility 6.

[0016] The entrance toll collection equipment 1 is installed upstream of the service section of the road. The entrance toll collection equipment 1 may be installed at an entrance toll booth or main line toll booth (barrier) upstream of the service section, or it may be a free-flow type equipment installed on the road upstream of the service section. In this embodiment, an example in which the entrance toll collection equipment 1 is installed at an entrance toll booth will be described. The entrance toll booth has one or more entrance lanes LI (LI1, LI2, ...). The entrance toll collection equipment 1 uses an automatic toll collection system to communicate wirelessly with the on-board unit 3 of the vehicle V, sending and receiving information required for collecting tolls on the toll road, as well as sending and receiving information about services desired by the vehicle V (Figure 1 (3)).

[0017] Exit toll collection equipment 2 is installed at the exit toll gate of a toll road. The exit toll gate has one or more exit lanes LO (LO1, LO2, ...). Exit toll collection equipment 2 uses an automated toll collection system to communicate wirelessly with the on-board unit 3 of vehicle V, and collects toll road fees from the on-board unit 3, as well as fees for services used by vehicle V (Figure 1 (6)).

[0018] The in-vehicle unit 3 activates the functions of the vehicle V's service utilization device 4 so that the services specified in advance by the user become available (Figure 1 (1), (2), (4)). The service utilization device 4 makes services provided by the service provision equipment 6 available when the vehicle is traveling on the road and its functions are activated (Figure 1 (5)).

[0019] Furthermore, services added to the driving experience include, for example, automated driving assistance services, in-driving power supply services, and information distribution services.

[0020] Automated driving assistance services provide information to enable autonomous vehicles to automatically control their position and speed while driving on the road. For example, an automated driving assistance service provides merging assistance information to an autonomous vehicle merging from a toll road merging lane onto the main road, allowing it to detect the position of vehicles already on the main road and suitable merging locations. Based on this merging assistance information, the autonomous vehicle controls its position and speed to merge onto the main road. Merging assistance information is an example of automated driving assistance information.

[0021] The on-road charging service involves burying panels containing power transmission coils (power supply panels) in the road and supplying electricity for battery charging to EVs driving on these panels.

[0022] The information distribution service is a service that distributes information about the road on which vehicle V is traveling. The information distribution service includes, for example, next-generation highway radio and predictive information distribution services. Next-generation highway radio distributes traffic information, including congestion, road closures, and events occurring ahead of vehicle V in the direction of travel (downstream side of the road) (e.g., fallen objects, vehicles driving in the wrong direction). The predictive information distribution service is a service that distributes information about events occurring ahead of vehicle V in the direction of travel (downstream side of the road) (e.g., fallen objects, accidents, vehicles driving in the wrong direction, icy roads) before vehicle V reaches the location where the event occurred. For example, an autonomous vehicle may control its position and speed to avoid events such as fallen objects based on the information distributed by the predictive information distribution service. The information distributed by the information distribution service may include not only text information but also map information, image information, audio information, etc.

[0023] These services are just examples, and may include other services that can be provided to a moving vehicle V.

[0024] The service provision equipment 6 includes a management server 60 and service equipment 61, etc. The service equipment 61 includes, for example, a roadside service antenna 62 capable of sending and receiving information wirelessly (e.g., DSRC communication) with the onboard unit 3 and service user device 4 of the vehicle V, and a power supply panel 63 capable of supplying power to the EV. The management server 60 performs processing such as distributing various information from the roadside service antenna 62 to the vehicle V, and starting and stopping power supply to the power supply panel 63. The management server 60 and the onboard unit 3 and service user device 4 of the vehicle V may send and receive information directly via wireless communication (e.g., cellular communication) or indirectly via the roadside service antenna 62.

[0025] (Functional configuration of entrance fee collection equipment) Figure 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the entrance toll collection equipment according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the entrance toll collection equipment 1 comprises entrance roadside equipment 10 provided at one or more entrance lanes LI, an entrance lane server 15, and an interface (I / F) unit 16.

[0026] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the entrance roadside equipment 10 includes a first vehicle detector 11, an entrance roadside antenna 13, and a second vehicle detector 14.

[0027] The first vehicle detector 11 is, for example, a through-type vehicle detector. The first vehicle detector 11 detects that vehicle V has entered the entrance lane LI.

[0028] The entrance roadside antenna 13 transmits and receives information wirelessly (e.g., via DSRC communication) with the vehicle's onboard unit 3. For example, when the first vehicle detector 11 detects the entry of vehicle V, the entrance roadside antenna 13 starts emitting radio waves for DSRC communication, and when the second vehicle detector 14 detects the passage of vehicle V, it stops emitting radio waves.

[0029] The second vehicle detector 14, like the first vehicle detector 11, is, for example, a through-beam vehicle detector. The second vehicle detector 14 detects when a vehicle V has passed through the communication area of ​​the entrance roadside antenna 13.

[0030] Furthermore, if the entrance toll collection equipment 1 is installed at the entrance toll booth, the entrance roadside equipment 10 may further include various devices installed at the toll booth, such as various sensors and surveillance cameras used for identifying the type of vehicle V. Also, if the entrance toll collection equipment 1 is installed on the road as a free-flow type facility, the entrance roadside equipment 10 may consist only of the entrance roadside antenna 13. In this case, the entrance roadside antenna 13 may constantly emit radio waves.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the entrance lane server 15 includes a provision flag setting unit 151, a request flag receiving unit 152, a service provision information transmission unit 153, and an entrance processing unit 154. Note that one entrance lane server 15 may be provided for each entrance lane LI.

[0032] The service provision flag setting unit 151 sets the service provision flag corresponding to the type of service that can be provided on the road to ON. When the entrance toll collection equipment 1 is started, the service provision flag setting unit 151 sets the service provision flag corresponding to each service to ON or OFF according to instructions entered by the road operator or according to a setting file provided in advance by the road operator.

[0033] The request flag receiving unit 152 uses the entrance roadside antenna 13 to receive service request flags from the in-vehicle unit 3 that allow the vehicle V (user) to identify the service it desires.

[0034] The service provision information transmission unit 153 transmits service provision information indicating the services that are available on the road among the services desired by the vehicle V, based on the service request flag. The service provision information includes the service provision flags that are set to "on" among the service provision flags corresponding to the service request flag.

[0035] The entrance processing unit 154 performs automatic toll collection processing related to the collection of tolls for the toll road at the entrance toll gate. This automatic toll collection processing is the same as the processing performed by the automatic toll collection system at conventional entrance toll gates.

[0036] The I / F unit 16 relays the transmission and reception of signals between each entrance roadside equipment 10 and the entrance lane server 15. These signals include control signals, detection signals, and data such as service flags.

[0037] (Functional configuration of exit toll collection equipment) Figure 3 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the exit toll collection equipment according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the exit toll collection equipment 2 comprises exit roadside equipment 20 provided at one or more exit lanes LO, an exit lane server 25, and an interface (I / F) unit 26.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the exit roadside equipment 20 includes a first vehicle detector 21, an exit roadside antenna 23, and a second vehicle detector 24.

[0039] The first vehicle detector 21 is, for example, a through-type vehicle detector. The first vehicle detector 21 detects that vehicle V has entered the exit lane LO.

[0040] The exit roadside antenna 23 transmits and receives information wirelessly (e.g., via DSRC communication) with the onboard unit 3 of the vehicle V. For example, when the first vehicle detector 21 detects the entry of vehicle V, the exit roadside antenna 23 starts emitting radio waves for DSRC communication, and when the second vehicle detector 24 detects the passage of vehicle V, it stops emitting radio waves.

[0041] The second vehicle detector 24, like the first vehicle detector 21, is, for example, a through-beam vehicle detector. The second vehicle detector 24 detects when a vehicle V has passed through the communication area of ​​the exit roadside antenna 23.

[0042] Furthermore, if the exit toll collection equipment 2 is installed at the exit toll booth, the exit roadside equipment 20 may further include various devices installed at the toll booth, such as various sensors and surveillance cameras used for identifying the type of vehicle V. Also, if the exit toll collection equipment 2 is installed on the road as a free-flow type facility, the exit roadside equipment 20 may consist only of the exit roadside antenna 23. In this case, the exit roadside antenna 23 may constantly emit radio waves.

[0043] As shown in Figure 3, the exit lane server 25 includes a service flag receiving unit 251, a toll collection processing unit 252, and a toll collection processing unit 253. Note that one exit lane server 25 may be provided for each exit lane LO.

[0044] The service flag receiving unit 251 uses the exit roadside antenna 23 to receive service provision flags from the in-vehicle unit 3 that allow it to identify the services used by the vehicle V.

[0045] The fee collection processing unit 252 collects the usage fee for the service corresponding to the service provision flag.

[0046] The toll collection processing unit 253 performs automatic toll collection processing for toll roads at exit toll gates. This automatic toll collection processing is the same as the processing performed by conventional automatic toll collection systems at exit toll gates.

[0047] The I / F unit 26 relays the transmission and reception of signals between each exit roadside equipment 20 and the exit lane server 25. These signals include control signals, detection signals, and data such as service flags.

[0048] (Functional configuration of in-vehicle devices) Figure 4 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the in-vehicle unit according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the in-vehicle unit 3 includes a request flag setting unit 31, a service request unit 32, a service provision receiving unit 33, an activation processing unit 34, a usage fee processing unit 35, and a toll fee processing unit 36.

[0049] The request flag setting unit 31 receives input from the user and sets a service request flag indicating whether or not the vehicle V will receive additional services for road travel.

[0050] The service request unit 32 communicates with the entrance roadside antenna 13 of the entrance toll collection equipment 1 located at the entrance to the road, and sends a service request flag to the entrance toll collection equipment 1.

[0051] The service receiving unit 33 receives service provision information indicating the services that the road can provide from among the services corresponding to the transmitted service request flag, and sets the service provision flag corresponding to the service desired by the user and available to the road to ON.

[0052] The activation processing unit 34 activates the function of the service utilization device 4 of the vehicle V corresponding to the service provision flag that has been set to ON. For example, the vehicle V has one or more of the following as service utilization devices 4: an automatic driving control device 41, a charging control device 42, and an output device 43 that outputs information for the information distribution service. These service utilization devices 4 are normally disabled, and when the service provision flag is turned ON, the activation processing unit 34 activates the function of the corresponding service utilization device 4.

[0053] The usage fee processing unit 35 processes the payment of usage fees for the services used by vehicle V at the road exit, based on the service provision flag.

[0054] The toll processing unit 36 ​​processes the payment of the toll for vehicle V at the road exit.

[0055] (Setting the service request flag) Figure 5 is a first diagram showing an example of the service request flag setting process according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of setting the service request flag by a terminal device according to the first embodiment. First, an example of a user making a setting using a user terminal device 7 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. The user terminal device 7 has, for example, a touch panel that displays a setting screen and accepts user touch operations, and a communication device that can communicate with the in-vehicle unit 3 wirelessly or via a wired connection. The user terminal device 7 may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone owned by the user, or it may be a terminal device such as a car navigation system installed in the vehicle V. The user makes the setting before reaching the installation location of the entrance toll collection equipment 1.

[0056] The display device of the user terminal device 7 displays the service request flag setting screen D1 as shown in Figure 6. The service request flag setting screen D1 lists the on or off settings for the service request flags of each service available to the vehicle V. The user sets the service request flag to "on" for the services they wish to use from the services displayed on the service request flag setting screen D1. The user terminal device 7 transmits the service request flags for each service set by the user to the in-vehicle unit 3 (step S101).

[0057] The request flag setting unit 31 of the in-vehicle unit 3 stores the on or off setting of each service request flag received from the user terminal device 7 (step S102).

[0058] Figure 7 is a second diagram showing an example of the service request flag setting process according to the first embodiment. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the service request flag being set by the in-vehicle device according to the first embodiment. As shown in the examples in Figures 7 and 8, the service request flag may be set using the in-vehicle device 3 without using the user terminal device 7.

[0059] For example, as shown in Figure 7, the in-vehicle unit 3 has setting buttons 37 (37A, 37B, 37C, ...) corresponding to each service, and pressing each setting button 37 switches the service request flag corresponding to each service on or off. The user sets the service request flag to on by turning on the setting button 37 corresponding to the service they want to use. When the setting button 37 is switched to the on state, the request flag setting unit 31 of the in-vehicle unit 3 sets the corresponding service request flag to on and saves it (step S102). Also, when the setting button 37 is switched to the off state, the request flag setting unit 31 of the in-vehicle unit 3 sets the corresponding service request flag to off and saves it.

[0060] Furthermore, the request flag setting unit 31 of the in-vehicle unit 3 notifies the user via the notification device 38 which service has been enabled or disabled each time a service request flag is switched on or off (step S103). For example, the notification device 38 is a speaker and outputs a voice announcement such as "EV in-vehicle power supply service has been selected" when the service request flag for the EV in-driving power supply service is switched on. In other embodiments, the notification device 38 may include a lamp such as an LED provided near each setting button 37, and the user may be notified of the on or off status of the service request flag by the lighting or extinguishing of the lamp. Alternatively, the on or off status of the service request flag may be indicated by the state in which the setting button 37 is pressed.

[0061] (Service activation process) Figure 9 shows an example of the service activation process according to the first embodiment. Figure 10 shows an example of a service provision flag transmitted from the entrance toll collection equipment to the in-vehicle unit. Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the process of activating the service desired by vehicle V arriving at the entrance toll gate (Figures 1(2) to (4)) will be explained in detail.

[0062] When the entrance lane server 15 detects that a vehicle V has entered the entrance lane LI, the entrance processing unit 154 of the entrance lane server 15 communicates wirelessly with the vehicle V's onboard unit 3 via the entrance roadside antenna 13 and performs an automatic toll collection process similar to that of a conventional automatic toll collection system at an entrance toll gate (step S201). For example, the entrance processing unit 154 transmits entrance information, including the identification information of the entrance toll gate and the time of passage through the entrance toll gate, from the entrance roadside antenna 13 to the vehicle V's onboard unit 3. The onboard unit 3 records the entrance information on an IC card (an IC card for the automatic toll collection system, such as an ETC card) inserted into the onboard unit 3.

[0063] Once the automatic toll collection process is complete, the request flag receiving unit 152 of the entrance lane server 15 queries the in-vehicle device 3 for the service request flag (step S202).

[0064] The service request unit 32 of the in-vehicle unit 3 sends the service request flags set to ON by the user in response to an inquiry from the entrance lane server 15 (step S203). For example, as shown in Figure 10, suppose the user has set service request flag 1 corresponding to EV (electric vehicle charging while driving) and service request flag 3 corresponding to the predictive information distribution service to ON. In this case, the service request unit 32 of the in-vehicle unit 3 sends the ON service request flags 1 and 3 to the entrance lane server 15.

[0065] Next, the service provision information transmission unit 153 of the entrance lane server 15 transmits a service provision flag indicating the services that are available on the road among the services desired by the vehicle V, based on the received service request flag (step S204). For example, as shown in Figure 10, suppose that the service provision flag 1 corresponding to EV (power supply while driving) and the service provision flag 2 corresponding to autonomous driving (merging assistance) are set to ON as services available on the road. Also, suppose that service request flags 1 and 3 are received from the in-vehicle unit 3. In this case, the road can provide EV (power supply while driving) corresponding to service request flag 1, but the look-ahead information distribution service corresponding to service request flag 3 is not available. Therefore, the service provision information transmission unit 153 of the entrance lane server 15 transmits only the service provision flag 1, which is available (both the service request flag and the service provision flag are set to ON), to the in-vehicle unit 3.

[0066] The service receiving unit 33 of the in-vehicle unit 3 receives and records service provision flags from the entrance lane server 15 (step S205). For example, as shown in Figure 10, it sets the service provision flag received from the entrance lane server 15 to ON and records the other service provision flags to OFF. The activation processing unit 34 of the in-vehicle unit 3 also instructs the service user device 4 of the target service corresponding to the service provision flag set to ON to activate the function (step S206). As a result, the service user device 4 activates the function so that the service can be used (step S207). At this time, the in-vehicle unit 3 may also notify the user of the activated service, for example, by voice output from the notification device 38, which is a speaker, or by the lighting pattern of the notification device 38, which is an LED. If the in-vehicle unit 3 is connected to a user terminal device 7, it may also notify the user of the activated service by voice output from the speaker of the user terminal device 7, or by a screen display on the user terminal device 7, which is a car navigation system.

[0067] For example, when a service provision flag 1 indicating EV (power supply while driving) is received, the activation processing unit 34 of the in-vehicle unit 3 instructs the charging control device 42 to activate the function related to power supply while driving. In response, the charging control device 42 switches the power receiving device and the vehicle V's battery to a connected state, and activates the function that allows the power receiving device to supply (charge) the battery with power received from the power supply panel 63. When the function is not activated, the power receiving device and the battery are disconnected, and even if the power receiving device receives power from the power supply panel 63, this power will not be supplied to the battery.

[0068] Furthermore, when a service provision flag 2 indicating autonomous driving (merging assistance) is received, the activation processing unit 34 of the in-vehicle unit 3 instructs the autonomous driving control device 41 to activate the autonomous driving function based on autonomous driving assistance information. In this case, the autonomous driving control device 41 activates a function to control the position and speed of the vehicle V based on autonomous driving assistance information transmitted from, for example, the service roadside antenna 62. The autonomous driving control device 41 also activates a function to decrypt the autonomous driving assistance information if it is encrypted. When the function is not activated, even if the autonomous driving control device 41 receives autonomous driving assistance information, it will discard it without using it or will not decrypt it.

[0069] If the service provision flag 3, which indicates the predictive information distribution service, is set to ON, the activation processing unit 34 of the in-vehicle unit 3 instructs the output device 43 to activate the predictive information distribution service function. Similarly, if the service provision flag 4, which indicates the next-generation highway radio service, is set to ON, the activation processing unit 34 of the in-vehicle unit 3 instructs the output device 43 to activate the next-generation highway radio service function. When the output device 43 receives an instruction to activate the predictive information distribution service function, for example, it activates the function to output predictive information distributed from the service roadside antenna 62 to the occupants of the vehicle V. In addition, if the distributed predictive information is encrypted, the output device 43 activates the function to decrypt this information. When the function is not activated, even if the output device 43 receives predictive information, it will discard it without outputting it or will not decrypt it.

[0070] If all service request flags are set to off in the in-vehicle unit 3, the service request unit 32 of the in-vehicle unit 3 sends information indicating no service request flags to the entrance lane server 15 in step S203. In this case, the entrance lane server 15 and the in-vehicle unit 3 may terminate processing at this point. If a user does not wish to use services other than those for road use only (automatic collection of tolls by the automatic toll collection system, or support for vehicles that cannot use the automatic toll collection system), they can use the road without using services by turning off all service request flags in this manner.

[0071] Furthermore, if the service corresponding to the service request flag that is set to ON is unavailable (service provision flag is OFF), the service provision information transmission unit 153 of the entrance lane server 15 transmits information to the in-vehicle unit 3 in step S202 indicating that there are no available services (no service provision flag). In this case, the service provision receiving unit 33 of the in-vehicle unit 3 does not record the service provision flag in step S205. Consequently, the activation processing unit 34 of the in-vehicle unit 3 terminates without executing the process to activate the function of the service utilization device 4 (step S206) because there is no recorded service provision flag.

[0072] Furthermore, if a vehicle equipped with an in-vehicle unit that only performs the conventional automatic toll collection process (conventional in-vehicle unit) arrives at the entrance toll gate, this conventional in-vehicle unit does not have the function to send a service request flag. Therefore, even if the conventional in-vehicle unit receives a service request flag inquiry in step S202 after the automatic toll collection process in step S201 has finished, it will discard this inquiry and terminate processing. Also, if the entrance lane server 15 times out after a certain period of time without a response to the request flag inquiry, it will determine that it is a conventional in-vehicle unit and will not execute step S204. For this reason, even if the vehicle is equipped with the service utilization device 4, the function activation process by the conventional in-vehicle unit (steps S203 to S206) will not be executed, and the vehicle will drive on the road without using the service.

[0073] (Example of processing when using the service) Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the processing when using the service according to the first embodiment. Referring to Figure 11, the flow of the processing for using the service in the service provision equipment 6 and the service utilization device 4 (Figure 1 (5)) will be explained. In Figure 11, an example of using the in-driving power supply service will be explained. As in the example in Figure 10, the in-driving power supply service for EVs is available among the services requested by the user, and the function of the vehicle V's charging control device 42 is activated by the series of processes in Figure 9.

[0074] For example, suppose a roadside service antenna 62 is installed at the entrance to a service area where a power supply panel 63 for the in-driving power supply service is installed. When the management server 60 of the service provision equipment 6 detects that a vehicle V has entered the service area, it checks via the roadside service antenna 62 whether the in-driving power supply service is enabled in the vehicle V's charging control device 42 (step S301). The method for detecting that a vehicle V has entered the service area may be any method, such as detection by establishing communication with the roadside service antenna 62 or detection by sensors not shown (vehicle detectors, cameras, etc.).

[0075] When the charging control device 42 of vehicle V receives an inquiry from the management server 60 of the service provision facility 6, it determines whether the in-driving power supply service function is enabled (step S302). If the function is enabled (step S302; YES), it responds to the management server 60 that the function is "enabled" (step S303). On the other hand, if the function is not enabled (step S302; NO), the charging control device 42 responds to the management server 60 that the function is "disabled" (step S304) and terminates processing.

[0076] When the management server 60 of the service provision equipment 6 receives a response from the vehicle V indicating that the function is "enabled" (step S305; YES), it instructs the power supply panel 63 to start supplying power (step S306). The power supply panel 63 then starts supplying power in accordance with the instruction (step S307). When the vehicle V drives over this power supply panel 63, the power receiving device of the vehicle V receives power from the power supply panel 63 and supplies it to the battery (charges it). At this time, the charging control device 42 records the amount of power received by the vehicle V (power receiving device) (step S308).

[0077] When the management server 60 of the service provision equipment 6 detects that the vehicle V has left the service provision section, it instructs the power supply panel 63 to stop the power supply (step S309). In response to this instruction, the power supply panel 63 stops the power supply (step S310).

[0078] Furthermore, if the management server 60 of the service provision equipment 6 receives a response from the vehicle V indicating that the function is "invalid" (step S305; NO), it terminates processing without supplying power to the power supply panel 63.

[0079] In some cases, vehicles using the in-motion power supply service and vehicles not using the service may enter the service area in a line. In this case, the charging control device 42 is not activated in vehicles not using the in-motion power supply service (the power receiving device and battery are disconnected), so the power received by the power receiving device from the power supply panel 63 is not supplied to (charged) the battery. Therefore, only vehicles with the in-motion power supply service function activated can use the supplied power to charge their batteries.

[0080] Figure 8 shows an example in which the service provision equipment 6 detects vehicle V at the entrance and exit of the service provision section, and the power supply panel 63 is only able to supply power when a service-enabled vehicle V is traveling through the service provision section. However, the system is not limited to this example. In other embodiments, the service provision equipment 6 may not detect vehicle V at the entrance and exit of the service provision section, and the power supply panel 63 may always be in a power-supplying state. Alternatively, the power supply panel 63 may output power for power supply only when a vehicle V is present on the panel. The power output by the power supply panel 63 can only be used to charge the battery of a vehicle V for which the in-driving power supply service function has been activated.

[0081] (Processing of service usage fee collection) Figure 12 shows an example of the service usage fee collection process according to the first embodiment. Referring to Figure 12, we will now explain in detail the flow of the toll collection process (Figure 1(6)) for vehicle V arriving at the exit toll booth.

[0082] When the first vehicle detector 21 detects that a vehicle V is entering the exit lane LO, the toll collection processing unit 253 of the exit lane server 25 communicates wirelessly with the on-board unit 3 of the vehicle V via the exit roadside antenna 23 and executes the automatic toll collection process used in conventional exit toll booths (step S401). For example, as part of the automatic toll collection process, the toll collection processing unit 253 of the exit lane server 25 requests the on-board unit 3 to transmit information necessary for toll collection. The toll processing unit 36 ​​of the on-board unit 3 transmits the requested information to the exit lane server 25. The information necessary for toll collection includes entry information, the type of vehicle V, and the method of payment for the toll (ETC card number, etc.). Furthermore, the toll collection processing unit 253 of the exit lane server 25 calculates the toll based on the distance from the entrance toll gate identified from the entrance information to the exit toll gate where the server (exit lane server 25) is installed, as well as the toll according to the type of vehicle V, and performs toll collection processing (credit card payment processing, etc.) based on the payment method.

[0083] Next, the service flag receiving unit 251 of the exit lane server 25 queries the on-board unit 3 of the vehicle V for the service provision flag via the exit roadside antenna 23 (step S402). The usage fee processing unit 35 of the on-board unit 3 sends information including the service provision flag that has been set to ON to the exit lane server 25 as a response to the query (step S403). If all service provision flags are set to OFF, it sends information indicating that there are no service provision flags to the exit lane server 25.

[0084] The toll collection processing unit 252 of the exit lane server 25 determines whether or not the vehicle V used the service based on the information received from the vehicle's onboard unit 3 (step S404). If the toll collection processing unit 252 receives information from the onboard unit 3 indicating no service provision flag, it determines that the vehicle V did not use the service (step S404; NO) and proceeds to step S413 without collecting the service usage fee. In this case, the exit lane server 25 creates only the details of the toll for vehicle V calculated in step S401 by the toll collection processing unit 253 (step S413) and terminates processing. Note that conventional onboard units that only perform automatic toll collection processing (conventional onboard units) do not have the function to respond to this service provision flag inquiry. Therefore, even if a conventional onboard unit receives this service provision flag inquiry after the automatic toll collection processing in step S401 has finished, it discards the inquiry and terminates processing. The toll collection processing unit 252 of the exit lane server 25 times out without receiving a response to the inquiry for the service provision flag, or if the second vehicle detector 24 detects the vehicle passing before receiving a response, it determines that the vehicle did not use the service (step S404; NO).

[0085] On the other hand, if the toll collection processing unit 252 of the exit lane server 25 receives information containing at least one service provision flag from the on-board unit 3 of vehicle V, it determines that vehicle V has used the service corresponding to the service provision flag (step S404; YES). In this case, the toll collection processing unit 252 further queries the on-board unit 3 for service usage information (step S405).

[0086] When the usage fee processing unit 35 of the in-vehicle unit 3 receives an inquiry about service usage information, it notifies the service usage device 4. The service usage device 4 generates service usage information and transmits it to the in-vehicle unit 3 (step S406). The usage fee processing unit 35 of the in-vehicle unit 3 transmits the service usage information generated by the service usage device 4 to the exit lane server 25. The service usage information includes a message indicating the services used by the service usage device 4. For example, the automatic driving control device 41 generates service usage information that includes the result of receiving automatic driving support information provided by the service provision equipment 6. The charging control device 42 generates service usage information that includes the amount of electricity received by the vehicle V (power receiving device). The output device 43 generates service usage information that includes the result of receiving information distributed from the service provision equipment 6.

[0087] The toll collection processing unit 252 of the exit lane server 25 executes a process to collect the service usage fees for the services used by the vehicle V based on the service usage information received from the in-vehicle unit 3 (step S407). For example, suppose the automated driving support service has a fixed fee regardless of the amount of information provided. In this case, the toll collection processing unit 252 collects the fixed fee for the automated driving support service set for this road from the in-vehicle unit 3 as the service usage fee. Also, if it is a metered service where the amount changes according to the amount of usage (amount of power received) of the vehicle V, such as an in-driving power supply service, the toll collection processing unit 252 collects the service usage fee from the in-vehicle unit 3 by multiplying the amount of usage of the vehicle V by the unit price of the service. Note that the payment method for the service usage fee may be different from the payment method for the toll fee. In this case, the toll collection processing unit 252 obtains the payment method for the service usage fee along with the service usage information from the in-vehicle unit 3 and performs the collection process (credit card payment processing, etc.).

[0088] Once the service fee collection process is complete, the service fee collection processing unit 252 of the exit lane server 25 requests the in-vehicle unit 3 to turn off the service provision flag (step S408). The service receiving unit 33 of the in-vehicle unit 3 then switches the service provision flag from on to off in accordance with the request from the exit lane server 25 (step S409). Also, when the service provision flag is turned off, the activation processing unit 34 of the in-vehicle unit 3 notifies the service user device 4 that the service has been completed (step S410). The service user device 4 sets the used service as paid and disables the function (step S411). For example, if the service provision flag 1 corresponding to the EV in-driving power supply service is turned off, the activation processing unit 34 of the in-vehicle unit 3 notifies the charging control device 42 that the in-driving power supply service has been completed. The charging control device 42 then sets the amount of power recorded in step S308 of Figure 11 as paid and disables the charging function (disconnecting the power receiving device and battery).

[0089] Furthermore, the service receiving unit 33 of the in-vehicle unit 3 notifies the exit lane server 25 that the service provision flag has been turned off (step S412). Then, the toll collection processing unit 253 and the usage fee collection processing unit 252 of the exit lane server 25 create details of the toll for vehicle V calculated in step S401 and details of the service usage fee for vehicle V calculated in step S407, respectively (step S413).

[0090] (Computer configuration) Figure 13 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a computer according to the first embodiment. The computer 900 comprises a processor 901, main memory 902, auxiliary memory 903, and interface 904. The above-mentioned entrance lane server 15, exit lane server 25, and in-vehicle device 3 are each implemented in different computers 900. The operation of each of the above-mentioned processing units is stored in the auxiliary memory 903 in the form of a program. The processor 901 reads the program from the auxiliary memory 903, expands it into the main memory 902, and executes the above processing according to the program. The processor 901 also allocates memory area in the main memory 902 to be used for the above processing according to the program.

[0091] The program may be for implementing a part of the functions to be performed by the computer 900. For example, the program may perform functions in combination with other programs already stored in the auxiliary storage device 903, or in combination with other programs implemented in other devices. In other embodiments, the computer may be equipped with a custom LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) in addition to, or in place of, the above configuration. Examples of PLDs include PAL (Programmable Array Logic), GAL (Generic Array Logic), CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc. In this case, some or all of the functions implemented by the processor may be implemented by the integrated circuit.

[0092] Examples of auxiliary storage devices 903 include HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), SSDs (Solid State Drives), magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD-ROMs (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), and semiconductor memory. The auxiliary storage device 903 may be an internal medium directly connected to the bus of the computer 900, or it may be an external medium (external storage device 910) connected to the computer 900 via an interface 904 or a communication line. Furthermore, if this program is distributed to the computer 900 via a communication line, the computer 900 that receives the distribution may expand the program into the main memory 902 and execute the above processing. In at least one embodiment, the auxiliary storage device 903 is a tangible storage medium that is not temporary.

[0093] (Effects and Benefits) As described above, the in-vehicle unit 3 according to this embodiment includes: a request flag setting unit 31 that receives input from the user and sets a service request flag indicating whether or not the vehicle V will receive additional services for road travel; a service request unit 32 that communicates with an entrance roadside antenna 13 located upstream of the road service provision section and transmits the service request flag; a service provision receiving unit 33 that receives service provision information indicating the services that the road can provide among the services corresponding to the transmitted service request flag and sets a service provision flag to ON for the service desired by the user and available to the road; and an activation processing unit 34 that activates the function of the vehicle V's service utilization device 4 corresponding to the service provision flag that has been set to ON.

[0094] In this way, the in-vehicle unit 3 can identify the services that the user has agreed to use via the service request flag and that are actually available on the road, and make them available to the vehicle V. This prevents the vehicle V from using services that the user does not want while traveling on a road where those services are available. Furthermore, by separating the service request flag and the service provision flag in this way, only the setting of the service provision flag in the in-vehicle unit 3 changes according to the route, while the service request flag entered by the user does not change. As a result, even when the vehicle V travels on routes that offer different services, the service request flag is not turned off, so the user can receive the services they want on each route. In other words, if the desired services are available on the preceding and succeeding routes, the services can be used on both routes. Also, even if the desired services are not available on the previous route, if they are available on the following route, the service can be automatically made available when the vehicle transfers to the subsequent route.

[0095] Furthermore, if the service receiving unit 33 does not receive service provision information indicating that the service corresponding to the transmitted service request flag is available, it sets the service provision flag corresponding to the service request flag to off.

[0096] In this way, the in-vehicle unit 3 can turn off the service provision flag for services that are not available on the road, even if the user desires that function, thereby disabling the function of the vehicle V's service utilization device 4. This prevents the vehicle V's power and other resources from being wasted by the activation of the service utilization device 4 on roads where no service is provided.

[0097] Furthermore, the in-vehicle unit 3 is equipped with a usage fee processing unit 35 that communicates with an exit roadside antenna 23 installed in the exit lane of the road and processes payment for the usage fee of the service corresponding to the service provision flag that has been set to ON.

[0098] In this way, the in-vehicle unit 3 can automatically pay the service fees for the services used at the road exit.

[0099] The activation processing unit 34 makes the information provided by the service provision equipment 6 available to the output device 43 of the vehicle V when the service provision flag corresponding to the information distribution service is turned on.

[0100] In this way, the in-vehicle unit 3 can activate the output device 43 only when the user agrees to use the information distribution service and the road is able to provide this service. This ensures that, for example, even when the roadside antenna 62 of the service provision equipment 6 broadcasts information to all nearby vehicles, only vehicles V that have agreed to use the service can access the distributed information, while vehicles V that have not agreed to use the service cannot access the distributed information. Furthermore, on roads where the information distribution service is not provided, the function of the output device 43 corresponding to that service can be disabled to reduce power consumption.

[0101] Furthermore, when the service provision flag corresponding to the automated driving support service is turned on, the activation processing unit 34 enables the automated driving control device 41 of the vehicle V to use the automated driving support function based on the automated driving support information provided by the service provision equipment 6.

[0102] In this way, the in-vehicle unit 3 can activate the functions of the automated driving control device 41 based on automated driving support information only when the user agrees to use the automated driving support service and the road is able to provide this service. As a result, even if, for example, the roadside service antenna 62 of the service provision equipment 6 broadcasts information to all nearby vehicles, only vehicles V that have agreed to use the service can use the distributed automated driving support information, and vehicles V that have not agreed to use the service cannot use the distributed automated driving support information. Furthermore, on roads where automated driving support services are not provided, the functions of the automated driving control device 41 corresponding to that service can be disabled to reduce power consumption.

[0103] Furthermore, when the service provision flag corresponding to the in-driving power supply service is turned on, the activation processing unit 34 makes the power supplied from the service provision equipment 6 available for charging the vehicle V's battery in the vehicle V's charging control device 42.

[0104] In this way, the in-vehicle unit 3 can activate the charging control device 42's functions related to charging while driving only when the user agrees to use the charging while driving service and the road is able to provide this service. This ensures that, for example, even when vehicles that have agreed to use the charging while driving service and vehicles that have not agreed are driving together in a section where the charging while driving service is provided, only the vehicles that have agreed (V) can charge their batteries with the supplied power, while the vehicles that have not agreed (V) cannot charge their batteries with the supplied power. Furthermore, on roads where the charging while driving service is not provided, the functions of the charging control device 42 corresponding to that service can be disabled to reduce power consumption.

[0105] Furthermore, the entrance toll collection equipment 1 according to this embodiment includes an entrance roadside antenna 13 that is installed upstream of the service provision section on a road where additional services to road traffic can be provided and communicates with an on-board unit 3 mounted on a vehicle V; a request flag receiving unit 152 that uses the entrance roadside antenna 13 to receive a service request flag from the on-board unit 3 that can identify the service desired by the user riding in the vehicle V; and a service provision information transmitting unit 153 that transmits service provision information indicating the services that can be provided on the road among the services desired by the user, based on the service request flag.

[0106] In this way, the entrance toll collection device 1 can communicate to the vehicle V's onboard unit 3 which services the road can provide from among the services the user desires. As a result, the vehicle V's onboard unit 3 can identify the services that the user has agreed to use via the service request flag and which are actually available on the road, and make them available to the vehicle V. This prevents the vehicle V from using services that the user does not want while traveling on a road where those services are available.

[0107] Additionally, the entrance roadside antenna 13 is installed at the toll booth at the entrance to the road.

[0108] In this way, the entrance toll collection equipment 1 can be constructed inexpensively by utilizing the configuration of the existing entrance roadside equipment 10 of the entrance toll booth.

[0109] Furthermore, the entrance roadside antenna 13 is positioned to communicate with the on-board unit 3 of a vehicle V traveling on the road upstream of the service area.

[0110] For example, if the service utilization device 4 of vehicle V is activated at the entrance toll gate, the power of the service utilization device 4 may be wasted if the distance from the entrance toll gate to the service provision section is long. In contrast, by installing the entrance roadside antenna 13 on the road before the service provision section as described above, vehicle V can activate the function of the service utilization device 4 only after approaching the service provision section, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0111] Furthermore, the exit toll collection equipment 2 according to this embodiment is installed at the exit of a road that can provide additional services to the passage of a vehicle V, and includes an exit roadside antenna 23 that communicates with an on-board unit 3 mounted on a vehicle V arriving at the exit, a service flag receiving unit 251 that uses the exit roadside antenna 23 to receive a service provision flag from the on-board unit 3 that can identify the service used by the vehicle V, and a usage fee collection processing unit 252 that collects the usage fee for the service corresponding to the service provision flag.

[0112] In this way, the exit toll collection equipment 2 can automatically collect the service charges used by vehicle V from the onboard unit 3 of vehicle V that is about to exit the road. In other words, the exit toll collection equipment 2 can perform both the conventional automatic toll collection process and the service usage fee collection process while vehicle V is traveling in the exit lane LO.

[0113] <Other Embodiments> Although one embodiment has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to that described above, and various design changes are possible. In other embodiments, the order of the above-described processes may be changed as appropriate. Also, some processes may be executed in parallel.

[0114] <Note> The above-described embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows:

[0115] (1) According to the first embodiment, the in-vehicle unit 3 includes a request flag setting unit 31 that receives input from the user and sets a service request flag indicating whether or not the vehicle V will receive additional services for driving on the road; a service request unit 32 that communicates with an entrance roadside antenna 13 located upstream of the road service provision section and transmits the service request flag; a service provision receiving unit 33 that receives service provision information indicating the services that the road can provide from among the services corresponding to the transmitted service request flag and sets a service provision flag to ON for the service desired by the user and available to the road; and an activation processing unit 34 that activates the function of the vehicle V's service utilization device 4 corresponding to the service provision flag that has been set to ON.

[0116] In this way, the in-vehicle unit 3 can identify the services that the user has agreed to use via the service request flag and that are actually available on the road, and make them available to the vehicle V. This prevents the vehicle V from using services that the user does not want while traveling on a road where those services are available. Furthermore, by separating the service request flag and the service provision flag in this way, only the setting of the service provision flag in the in-vehicle unit 3 changes according to the route, while the service request flag entered by the user does not change. As a result, even when the vehicle V travels on routes that offer different services, the service request flag is not turned off, so the user can receive the services they want on each route. In other words, if the desired services are available on the preceding and succeeding routes, the services can be used on both routes. Also, even if the desired services are not available on the previous route, if they are available on the following route, the service can be automatically made available when the vehicle transfers to the subsequent route.

[0117] (2) According to the second embodiment, in the in-vehicle device 3 according to the first embodiment, if the service provision receiving unit 33 does not receive service provision information indicating that the service corresponding to the transmitted service request flag is available, it sets the service provision flag corresponding to the service request flag to off.

[0118] In this way, the in-vehicle unit 3 can turn off the service provision flag for services that are not available on the road, even if the user desires that function, thereby disabling the function of the vehicle V's service utilization device 4. This prevents the vehicle V's power and other resources from being wasted by the activation of the service utilization device 4 on roads where no service is provided.

[0119] (3) According to the third embodiment, the in-vehicle unit 3 according to the first or second embodiment further comprises a usage fee processing unit 35 that communicates with an exit roadside antenna 23 installed in the exit lane LO of the road and processes payment of usage fees for services corresponding to the service provision flag set to ON.

[0120] In this way, the in-vehicle unit 3 can automatically pay the service fees for the services used at the road exit.

[0121] (4) According to the fourth embodiment, in the in-vehicle device 3 according to any one of the first to third embodiments, the activation processing unit 34 makes the information provided by the service provision equipment 6 available to the output device 43 of the vehicle V when the service provision flag corresponding to the information distribution service is turned on.

[0122] In this way, the in-vehicle unit 3 can activate the output device 43 only when the user agrees to use the information distribution service and the road is able to provide this service. This ensures that, for example, even when the roadside antenna 62 of the service provision equipment 6 broadcasts information to all nearby vehicles, only vehicles V that have agreed to use the service can access the distributed information, while vehicles V that have not agreed to use the service cannot access the distributed information. Furthermore, on roads where the information distribution service is not provided, the function of the output device 43 corresponding to that service can be disabled to reduce power consumption.

[0123] (5) According to the fifth embodiment, in the in-vehicle device 3 according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments, the activation processing unit 34 enables the use of the automatic driving function based on the automatic driving support information provided from the service provision equipment 6 in the automatic driving control device 41 of the vehicle V when the service provision flag corresponding to the automatic driving support service is turned on.

[0124] In this way, the in-vehicle unit 3 can activate the functions of the automated driving control device 41 based on automated driving support information only when the user agrees to use the automated driving support service and the road is able to provide this service. As a result, even if, for example, the roadside service antenna 62 of the service provision equipment 6 broadcasts information to all nearby vehicles, only vehicles V that have agreed to use the service can use the distributed automated driving support information, and vehicles V that have not agreed to use the service cannot use the distributed automated driving support information. Furthermore, on roads where automated driving support services are not provided, the functions of the automated driving control device 41 corresponding to that service can be disabled to reduce power consumption.

[0125] (6) According to the sixth embodiment, in the in-vehicle device 3 according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments, the activation processing unit 34 makes available the power supplied from the service provision equipment 6 to the battery of the vehicle V in the vehicle V charging control device 42 when the service provision flag corresponding to the in-driving power supply service is turned on.

[0126] In this way, the in-vehicle unit 3 can activate the charging control device 42's functions related to charging while driving only when the user agrees to use the charging while driving service and the road is able to provide this service. This ensures that, for example, even when vehicles that have agreed to use the charging while driving service and vehicles that have not agreed are driving together in a section where the charging while driving service is provided, only the vehicles that have agreed (V) can charge their batteries with the supplied power, while the vehicles that have not agreed (V) cannot charge their batteries with the supplied power. Furthermore, on roads where the charging while driving service is not provided, the functions of the charging control device 42 corresponding to that service can be disabled to reduce power consumption.

[0127] (7) According to the seventh aspect, the entrance toll collection equipment 1 is provided on a road where additional services to the use of the road can be provided, and includes an entrance roadside antenna 13 that is installed upstream of the service provision section and communicates with an on-board unit 3 mounted on a vehicle V, a request flag receiving unit 152 that uses the entrance roadside antenna 13 to receive a service request flag from the on-board unit 3 that can identify the service desired by the user riding in the vehicle V, and a service provision information transmitting unit 153 that transmits service provision information indicating the services that can be provided on the road from among the services desired by the user, based on the service request flag.

[0128] In this way, the entrance toll collection device 1 can communicate to the vehicle V's onboard unit 3 which services the road can provide from among the services the user desires. As a result, the vehicle V's onboard unit 3 can identify the services that the user has agreed to use via the service request flag and which are actually available on the road, and make them available to the vehicle V. This prevents the vehicle V from using services that the user does not want while traveling on a road where those services are available.

[0129] (8) According to the eighth aspect, in the entrance toll collection equipment 1 according to the seventh aspect, the entrance roadside antenna 13 is installed at the entrance toll booth upstream of the service provision section.

[0130] In this way, the entrance toll collection equipment 1 can be constructed inexpensively by utilizing the configuration of the existing entrance roadside equipment 10 of the entrance toll booth.

[0131] (9) According to the ninth aspect, in the entrance toll collection equipment 1 according to the seventh aspect, the entrance roadside antenna 13 is installed in a position that allows it to communicate with the on-board unit 3 of a vehicle V traveling on the road upstream of the service provision section.

[0132] For example, if the service utilization device 4 of vehicle V is activated at the entrance toll gate, the power of the service utilization device 4 may be wasted if the distance from the entrance toll gate to the service provision section is long. In contrast, by installing the entrance roadside antenna 13 on the road before the service provision section as described above, vehicle V can activate the function of the service utilization device 4 only after approaching the service provision section, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0133] (10) According to the tenth embodiment, the exit toll collection equipment 2 is installed at the exit of a road where additional services for the passage of a vehicle V are available and includes an exit roadside antenna 23 that communicates with an on-board unit 3 mounted on a vehicle V arriving at the exit, a service flag receiving unit 251 that uses the exit roadside antenna 23 to receive a service provision flag from the on-board unit 3 that can identify the service used by the vehicle V, and a usage fee collection processing unit 252 that collects the usage fee for the service corresponding to the service provision flag.

[0134] In this way, the exit toll collection equipment 2 can automatically collect the service charges used by vehicle V from the onboard unit 3 of vehicle V that is about to exit the road. In other words, the exit toll collection equipment 2 can perform both the conventional automatic toll collection process and the service usage fee collection process while vehicle V is traveling in the exit lane LO.

[0135] (11) According to the 11th aspect, the service utilization system 100 comprises an in-vehicle device 3 according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, and an entrance toll collection device 1 according to any one of the seventh to ninth aspects.

[0136] (12) According to the 12th aspect, the service utilization method includes the steps of: an onboard unit 3 installed in a vehicle V receiving input from a user and setting a service request flag indicating whether or not the vehicle V will receive additional services for use on the road; an entrance toll collection device 1 receiving a service request flag from the onboard unit 3 that can identify the service desired by the user using an entrance roadside antenna 13 located upstream of the service provision section of the road; an entrance toll collection device 1 transmitting service provision information indicating the services that the road can provide among the services desired by the user, based on the service request flag; an onboard unit 3 receiving the service provision information and setting a service provision flag corresponding to the service desired by the user and that the road can provide to the ON position; and an onboard unit 3 activating the function of the service utilization device 4 of the vehicle V corresponding to the service provision flag that has been set to ON.

[0137] (13) According to the 13th aspect, the program causes the in-vehicle unit 3 to perform the following steps: receiving input from the user and setting a service request flag indicating whether or not the vehicle V will receive additional services for driving on the road; communicating with the entrance roadside antenna 13 located upstream of the service provision section of the road and transmitting the service request flag; receiving service provision information indicating the services that the road can provide from among the services corresponding to the transmitted service request flag, and setting the service provision flag corresponding to the service desired by the user and available to the road to ON; and activating the function of the vehicle V's service utilization device 4 corresponding to the service provision flag that has been set to ON. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0138] 100 Service Utilization Systems 1. Entrance toll collection equipment 10 Entrance roadside equipment 11. First vehicle detector 13 Entrance roadside antenna 14. Second vehicle detector 15 Entrance Lane Server 151 Provision Flag Setting Section 152 Request Flag Receiving Unit 153 Service Provision Information Transmission Section 154 Entrance Processing Unit 16 Interface (I / F) section 2. Exit toll collection equipment 20 Exit roadside equipment 21. First vehicle detector 23 Exit roadside antenna 24. Second vehicle detector 25 Exit Lane Server 251 Service Flag Receiving Unit 252 Usage Fee Collection Processing Unit 253 Toll Collection Processing Unit 26 Interface (I / F) section 3 Onboard equipment 31 Request Flag Setting Unit 32 Service Request Section 33 Service Receiving Unit 34 Activation Processing Unit 35. Processing of Usage Fees 36 Toll Processing Unit 37 Settings button 38 Notification device 4. Service Utilization Devices 41. Automated driving control system 42 Charging control device 43 Output device 6. Service Provision Facilities 60 Management Servers 61 Service Equipment 62 Service roadside antennas 63 Power supply panel 7. User terminal device V Vehicle

Claims

1. A request flag setting unit that receives input from the user and sets a service request flag indicating whether or not the vehicle will receive additional services for road travel, A service request unit communicates with an entrance roadside antenna located upstream of the service provision section of the aforementioned road and transmits the service request flag. A service receiving unit receives service provision information indicating the services that the road can provide among the services corresponding to the transmitted service request flag, and sets the service provision flag to ON for the services that the user desires and that the road can provide. An activation processing unit that activates the function of the vehicle's service utilization device corresponding to the service provision flag that has been set to ON, An in-vehicle device equipped with this feature.

2. The service receiving unit, if it does not receive service provision information indicating that the service corresponding to the transmitted service request flag is available, sets the service provision flag corresponding to the service request flag to off. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1.

3. The system further includes a usage fee processing unit that communicates with an exit roadside antenna installed at the exit of the aforementioned road and processes payment for the service usage fee corresponding to the service provision flag that has been set to ON. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1.

4. The activation processing unit, when the service provision flag corresponding to the information distribution service is turned on, makes the information provided from the service provision equipment available to the vehicle's output device. The in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The activation processing unit enables the use of the automated driving function based on the automated driving support information provided by the service provision equipment in the vehicle's automated driving control device when the service provision flag corresponding to the automated driving support service is turned on. The in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The activation processing unit, when the service provision flag corresponding to the in-driving power supply service is turned on, makes available the power supplied from the service provision equipment for charging the vehicle's battery in the vehicle's charging control device. The in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. In a road where additional services can be provided to road traffic, an entrance roadside antenna is provided upstream of the service provision section and communicates with an on-board device mounted on a vehicle, A request flag receiving unit that uses the aforementioned entrance roadside antenna to receive a service request flag from the in-vehicle unit that can identify the service desired by the user riding in the vehicle, A service provision information transmission unit transmits service provision information indicating the services that can be provided on the road among the services desired by the user, based on the service request flag. An entrance toll collection facility equipped with [a specific feature].

8. The aforementioned entrance roadside antenna is installed at the entrance toll booth upstream of the service provision section. The entrance fee collection equipment according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned entrance roadside antenna is positioned to communicate with the on-board unit of the vehicle traveling on the road upstream of the service provision section. The entrance fee collection equipment according to claim 7.

10. An exit roadside antenna is provided at the exit of a road capable of providing additional services to vehicle traffic, and communicates with an on-board device installed in a vehicle arriving at the exit. A service flag receiving unit that uses the aforementioned exit roadside antenna to receive a service provision flag from the in-vehicle unit that can identify the service used by the vehicle, A fee collection processing unit that collects the usage fee for the service corresponding to the service provision flag, An exit toll collection facility equipped with [the following features].

11. An in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, An entrance fee collection device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, A service utilization system equipped with the following features.

12. The steps include: an in-vehicle device installed in the vehicle receiving input from the user and setting a service request flag indicating whether or not the vehicle will receive additional services for road travel; The entrance toll collection equipment receives a service request flag from the in-vehicle unit that can identify the service desired by the user, using an entrance roadside antenna installed upstream of the service provision section of the road. The entrance toll collection equipment transmits service provision information indicating the services available on the road among the services desired by the user, based on the service request flag. The in-vehicle unit receives the service provision information and sets a service provision flag to ON that corresponds to a service desired by the user and available on the road. The in-vehicle device enables the function of the vehicle's service utilization device corresponding to the service provision flag that has been set to ON, How to use the service.

13. The steps include receiving input from the user and setting a service request flag to indicate whether or not the vehicle will receive additional services for road travel, The steps include communicating with an entrance roadside antenna located upstream of the service provision section of the road and transmitting the service request flag, The steps include receiving service provision information indicating the services that the road can provide among the services corresponding to the transmitted service request flag, and setting the service provision flag corresponding to the service desired by the user and available to the road to ON, The steps include enabling the function of the vehicle's service utilization device corresponding to the service provision flag that has been set to ON, A program that causes the in-vehicle device to execute.

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