Entrance toll collection equipment, on-board units, exit toll collection equipment, service utilization system, service utilization method, and program

Abstract

On roads where additional services can be provided for vehicle traffic, an entrance toll collection facility is provided that allows the use of services based on the agreement of the vehicles. [Solution] The entrance toll collection equipment is provided at the entrance of a road where additional services for vehicle traffic are available, and is installed in each of a plurality of entrance lanes separated by type of service, and comprises an entrance roadside antenna that communicates with an on-board unit mounted on a vehicle traveling in the entrance lane, and a service flag transmission unit that transmits service information, including the type of service to be used by the vehicle on the road, which is assigned to the entrance lane into which the vehicle has entered, from the entrance roadside antenna to the on-board unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an entrance toll collection facility, an in-vehicle device, an exit toll collection facility, a service utilization system, a service utilization method, and a program.

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 "electronic toll collection system" or "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 driving on roads, such as a merging support service for autonomous vehicles on toll roads and a charging service while driving for an EV (Electric Vehicle), have been considered. For example, in the charging service while driving, there may be cases where the user (the driver 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.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an entrance toll collection facility, an in-vehicle device, an exit toll collection facility, a service utilization system, a service utilization method, and a program that can enable the use of a service based on the agreement of a user on a road capable of providing a service added to vehicle passage.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the entrance toll collection equipment is provided at the entrance of a road where services added to vehicle traffic are available, and is installed in each of a plurality of entrance lanes separated by type of service, and includes an entrance roadside antenna that communicates with an on-board unit mounted on a vehicle traveling in the entrance lane, and a service flag transmission unit that transmits service information, including the type of service to be used by the vehicle on the road, which is assigned to the entrance lane into which the vehicle has entered, from the entrance roadside antenna to the on-board unit.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the in-vehicle unit includes a service setting unit that, when it receives service information including the type of service assigned to the entrance lane from an entrance roadside antenna installed in the entrance lane of a road where additional services for vehicle traffic are available, sets a service flag corresponding to the type of service to ON, and an activation processing unit that, when the service flag is ON, activates the function of the vehicle's service utilization device corresponding to the service flag.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the exit toll collection equipment is provided in the exit lane at the exit of a road where additional services for vehicle traffic are available, and includes an exit roadside antenna that communicates with an on-board unit mounted on a vehicle traveling in the exit lane, a service flag receiving unit that uses the exit roadside antenna to receive a service flag from the on-board unit that can identify the service used by the vehicle, and a toll collection processing unit that collects the usage fee for the service corresponding to the service flag.

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

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a service utilization method includes the steps of: an entrance toll collection device transmitting service information, including the type of service to be used by the vehicle on the road, to an in-vehicle device installed in the vehicle, using entrance roadside antennas provided at each of a plurality of entrance lanes separated by type of service, at the entrance of a road where a service to be provided in addition to the passage of vehicles; a step of setting a service flag corresponding to the type of service when the in-vehicle device receives the service information; and a step of enabling the function of a service utilization device corresponding to the service flag when the service flag is on.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the program causes an in-vehicle device to perform the following steps when it receives service information, including the type of service assigned to the entrance lane, from an entrance roadside antenna installed in the entrance lane of a road that can provide services to vehicles, and sets a service flag corresponding to the type of service; and when the service flag is on, activates the function of the service utilization device corresponding to the service flag. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the above embodiment, on roads where additional services for vehicle traffic are available, services can be made available based on the user's agreement. [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]It is a diagram showing an example of service allocation processing for an entrance lane according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of allocation of service flags for an entrance lane according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of service activation processing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of processing during service use according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of processing for receiving service usage fees according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a computer according to the first embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] <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 enables a user (driver of the vehicle V) to automatically use a service selected by the user on a road capable of providing a service added to the passage of the vehicle V, and automatically receives the usage fee for the service used by the user. As shown in FIG. 1, the service use system 100 includes an entrance 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 facility 1 is installed at the entrance toll gate of a toll road. The entrance toll gate has a plurality of entrance lanes LI (LI1, LI2, …). In this embodiment, the entrance lanes LI are divided according to the types of services added to the passage of the vehicle V. The road operator sets, for example, the type of service assigned to each entrance lane LI by operating the terminal device 5 ((1) in FIG. 1). The terminal device 5 may be, for example, a monitoring panel for monitoring and remotely operating each toll gate from a remote location such as a toll gate office. The service assigned to each entrance lane LI is displayed on a lane display board 12 (described later) ((2) in FIG. 1). The user agrees to use the service (and that a service usage fee will be incurred) by driving on the entrance lane LI to which the desired service is assigned after looking at the lane display board 12 ((3) in FIG. 1). The entrance toll collection facility 1 performs wireless communication with the in-vehicle device 3 of the vehicle V using an automatic toll collection system, transmits and receives information required for collecting the toll for passing through the toll road, and transmits and receives information regarding the service desired by the user ((4) in FIG. 1).

[0017] The exit toll collection facility 2 is installed at the exit toll gate of a toll road. The exit toll gate has one or a plurality of exit lanes LO (LO1, LO2, …). The exit toll collection facility 2 performs wireless communication with the in-vehicle device 3 of the vehicle V using an automatic toll collection system, collects the toll for passing through the toll road from the in-vehicle device 3, and collects the service usage fee for the service used by the vehicle V ((7) in FIG. 1).

[0018] The in-vehicle device 3 activates the function of the service utilization device 4 of the vehicle V so that the service selected by passing through the entrance lane LI ((3) in FIG. 1) can be used ((5) in FIG. 1). The service utilization device 4 enables the use of the service provided by the service provision facility 6 when the vehicle is traveling and the function is activated ((6) in FIG. 1).

[0019] In addition, the services added to driving include, for example, an automatic driving support service, an in-motion power supply service, and an information distribution service.

[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 each of the multiple 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, a lane marking board 12, 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 lane indicator board 12 is an electronic display board that shows the type of service assigned to the entrance lane LI. The driver of vehicle V checks the display on the lane indicator board 12 and enters the entrance lane LI that displays the type of service they wish to use.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] The entrance roadside equipment 10 may further include various sensors and surveillance cameras used for identifying the type of vehicle V, as well as other equipment installed at the toll booth.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the entrance lane server 15 includes a service flag setting unit 151, a service flag transmission unit 152, a display control unit 153, and an entrance processing unit 154. Note that one entrance lane server 15 may be provided for each entrance lane LI.

[0033] The service flag setting unit 151 sets the service flag corresponding to the type of service assigned to each entrance lane LI to ON, in accordance with the instructions of the road operator.

[0034] The service flag transmission unit 152 transmits service information, including the type of service assigned to the entrance lane LI, from the entrance roadside antenna 13 to the on-board unit 3 in the vehicle V. This allows the on-board unit 3 to identify the service that vehicle V will use based on the service information received in the entrance lane LI on which vehicle V is traveling.

[0035] The display control unit 153 displays the type of service assigned to each entrance lane LI on the lane sign 12 of each entrance lane LI.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The I / F unit 16 relays the transmission and reception of signals between each entrance roadside equipment 10, the entrance lane server 15, and the terminal device 5. These signals include control signals, detection signals, and data such as service information.

[0038] (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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] Furthermore, the exit roadside equipment 20 may also include various sensors and surveillance cameras used for identifying the type of vehicle V, as well as other equipment installed at the toll booth.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The service flag receiving unit 251 uses the exit roadside antenna 23 to receive service flags from the in-vehicle unit 3 that allow it to identify the services used by the vehicle V.

[0046] The fee collection processing unit 252 collects the usage fees for the service corresponding to the service flag.

[0047] 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.

[0048] The I / F unit 26 relays the transmission and reception of signals between each exit roadside equipment 20, the exit lane server 25, and the terminal device 5. These signals include control signals, detection signals, and data such as service flags.

[0049] (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 service setting unit 31, an activation processing unit 32, a usage fee processing unit 33, and a toll fee processing unit 34.

[0050] When the service setting unit 31 receives service information, including the type of service assigned to the entrance lane LI, from the entrance roadside antenna 13 of the entrance toll collection equipment 1, it sets the service flag corresponding to the type of service to ON.

[0051] The activation processing unit 32 activates the function of the service utilization device 4 corresponding to the service flag when the service flag is turned on. For example, 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 flag is turned on, the activation processing unit 32 activates the function of the corresponding service utilization device 4.

[0052] The usage fee processing unit 33 processes the payment of usage fees for the services used by vehicle V at the road exit, based on the service flag.

[0053] The toll processing unit 34 processes the payment of the toll for vehicle V at the road exit.

[0054] (Service allocation process for entrance lanes) Figure 5 shows an example of the service allocation process for the entrance lane according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 shows an example of the service flag allocation for the entrance lane according to the first embodiment. Referring to Figures 5 to 6, the process of assigning services to each entrance lane LI of the entrance toll gate (processes (1) to (2) in Figure 1) will be explained in detail.

[0055] First, as shown in Figure 5, the road operator operates the terminal device 5 to instruct each entrance lane LI to be assigned a service. Then, the service flag setting unit 151 of the entrance lane server 15 sets a service flag corresponding to the type of service assigned to each entrance lane LI, in accordance with the instructions received from the road operator via the terminal device 5 (step S101).

[0056] For example, as shown in Figure 6, suppose there are four entrance lanes LI1 to LI4 at the entrance tollbooth. Also, multiple service types, 1 to X, can be set. In the example in Figure 6, service flag 1 corresponds to the automated driving assistance service, service flag 2 corresponds to the in-driving power supply service for EVs, and service flag 3 corresponds to the information distribution service, while service flags 4 to X are reserved for services to be added in the future. The road operator specifies whether to turn service flags 1 to X on or off for each of the entrance lanes LI1 to LI4. The service flag setting unit 151 of the entrance lane server 15 sets service flags 1 to X for each entrance lane LI on or off according to the instructions of the road operator.

[0057] In a single entrance lane LI, only one service flag may be set to ON, or multiple service flags may be set to ON. In the example in Figure 6, only service flag 1 for the automated driving assistance service is ON in entrance lane LI1. Therefore, vehicle V traveling in entrance lane LI1 can only use the automated driving assistance service. On the other hand, in entrance lane LI4, both service flags 1 and 2 for the automated driving assistance service and the on-road charging service are ON. Therefore, vehicle V traveling in entrance lane LI4 can use both the automated driving assistance service and the on-road charging service.

[0058] Furthermore, as shown in the entrance lane LI3 of Figure 6, an entrance lane LI with all service flags turned off may be provided for users who do not require services other than road traffic. By driving through entrance lane LI3, where all service flags are set to off, users can avoid using services other than road traffic (and thus avoid incurring charges).

[0059] If there are services that are not provided on the road, the service flag should be turned off for all entrance lanes LI1 to LI4. In the example in Figure 6, the road operator turns off service flag 3, which corresponds to the information distribution service, for all entrance lanes LI1 to LI4 on roads that do not provide information distribution services.

[0060] Next, the display control unit 153 of the entrance lane server 15 notifies the lane sign 12 of the display content based on the service flag set in each entrance lane LI1 to LI4 and displays it (step S102). The lane sign 12 of each entrance lane LI displays the notified content (step S103).

[0061] In the example shown in Figure 6, the lane markers 12 for entrance lanes LI1, LI2, and LI4 display the type of service corresponding to the service flag that has been set to ON. Specifically, the lane marker 12 for entrance lane LI1 displays "Automated Driving" indicating automated driving assistance services, the lane marker 12 for entrance lane LI2 displays "EV" indicating in-driving power supply services, and the lane marker 12 for entrance lane LI4 displays "Automated Driving / EV" indicating automated driving assistance services and in-driving power supply services. In addition, the lane marker 12 for entrance lane LI3, where all service flags have been set to OFF, displays "ETC (Automated Toll Collection System) / Support" indicating that only road traffic services (automatic toll collection by an automated toll collection system, or support for vehicles that cannot use an automated toll collection system) are provided.

[0062] The road operator performs the series of processes shown in Figure 5 for each of the multiple toll gates at the entrance to the road.

[0063] (Service activation process) Figure 7 shows an example of the service activation process according to the first embodiment. Referring to Figure 7, the process of activating the service desired by vehicle V (user) arriving at the entrance toll gate (Figure 1 (3) to (5)) will be explained in detail.

[0064] 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.

[0065] Once the automatic toll collection process is complete, the service flag transmission unit 152 of the entrance lane server 15 transmits service information, including the type of service assigned to the entrance lane LI into which the vehicle V entered, to the on-board unit 3 via the entrance roadside antenna 13 (step S202).

[0066] When the service setting unit 31 of the in-vehicle unit 3 receives service information, it sets the service flag corresponding to the type of service included in the service information to ON (step S203). For example, suppose vehicle V is driving in entrance lane LI2 to which the in-driving power supply service has been assigned (the lane indicator board 12 displays "EV"). In this case, the service flag transmission unit 152 of the entrance lane server 15 transmits service information including a service flag 2 indicating the in-driving power supply service to the in-vehicle unit 3 in step S202. Then, in step S203, the service setting unit 31 of the in-vehicle unit 3 sets the service flag 2 included in the service information to ON.

[0067] Next, the activation processing unit 32 of the in-vehicle unit 3 instructs the service utilization device 4 of the target service, whose service flag has been set to ON, to activate the function (step S204). As a result, the service utilization device 4 activates the function so that the service can be used (step S205).

[0068] For example, if service flag 1, which indicates an automated driving support service, is set to ON, the activation processing unit 32 of the in-vehicle unit 3 instructs the automated driving control device 41 to activate the automated driving function based on the automated driving support information. The automated driving control device 41 then activates a function to control the position and speed of the vehicle V based on the automated driving support information transmitted, for example, from the service roadside antenna 62. Furthermore, if the automated driving support information is encrypted, the automated driving control device 41 activates a function to decrypt this information. Note that if the function is not activated, even if the automated driving support information is received, the automated driving control device 41 will discard it without using it or will not decrypt it.

[0069] When service flag 2, which indicates the in-driving power supply service, is set to ON, the activation processing unit 32 of the in-vehicle unit 3 instructs the charging control device 42 to activate the function related to in-driving power supply. 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 is not supplied to the battery.

[0070] If the service flag 3, which indicates the information distribution service, is set to ON, the activation processing unit 32 of the in-vehicle unit 3 instructs the output device 43 to activate the function. The output device 43 then activates the function to output information distributed from, for example, the service roadside antenna 62 to the occupants of the vehicle V. Furthermore, if the distributed 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 information, it will discard it without outputting it or will not decrypt it.

[0071] Furthermore, if vehicle V travels through entrance lane LI (entrance lane LI3 in Figure 6) where all service flags are set to off, the service flag transmission unit 152 of the entrance lane server 15 transmits service information including information indicating no service to the in-vehicle unit 3 in step S202. Then, the service setting unit 31 of the in-vehicle unit 3 sets all service flags to off in step S203. If all service flags are off, the activation processing unit 32 of the in-vehicle unit 3 does not execute step S204. As a result, if a user does not want to use any service, they can disable all services by traveling through entrance lane LI3, which corresponds to no service.

[0072] Furthermore, if a vehicle equipped with an on-board unit that only performs conventional automatic toll collection processing (conventional on-board unit) travels in the entrance lane LI to which the service is assigned, this conventional on-board unit does not have the function to process service information. Therefore, even if the conventional on-board unit receives service information in step S203 after the automatic toll collection processing in step S201 is completed, it discards this service information and terminates processing. For this reason, even if the vehicle is equipped with the service utilization device 4, the function activation process by the conventional on-board unit (steps S203-S204) is not performed, and the vehicle will travel on the road without using the service.

[0073] Furthermore, if vehicle V arrives at an entrance toll gate equipped with conventional entrance toll gate facilities that do not support the provision of this service, these conventional entrance toll gate facilities do not have the function to perform the process in step S202, so the process ends once the automatic toll collection process in step S201 is completed. At this time, the in-vehicle unit 3, which supports the service usage process, times out if it does not receive service information from the entrance toll gate facilities even after a certain period of time has elapsed since the completion of the automatic toll collection process. In this case, the service setting unit 31 of the in-vehicle unit 3 sets all service flags to off in step S203. In this way, all services for vehicle V can be disabled on toll roads that do not support the provision of this service.

[0074] (Example of processing when using the service) Figure 8 shows an example of the processing when using the service according to the first embodiment. Referring to Figure 8, the flow of the processing for using the service in the service provision equipment 6 and the service utilization device 4 (Figure 1 (6)) will be explained. In Figure 8, an example of using the in-driving power supply service will be explained. That is, vehicle V is traveling in entrance lane LI2 to which the in-driving power supply service has been assigned at the entrance toll gate, and the function of the charging control device 42 has been activated by the series of processes in Figure 7.

[0075] 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.).

[0076] 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.

[0077] When the management server 60 of the service provision equipment 6 receives a response from the vehicle V (charging control device 42) 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).

[0078] 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).

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] (Processing of service usage fee collection) Figure 9 shows an example of the service usage fee collection process according to the first embodiment. Referring to Figure 9, we will now explain in detail the flow of the toll collection process (Figure 1(7)) for vehicle V arriving at the exit toll booth.

[0083] 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 34 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.

[0084] Next, the service flag receiving unit 251 of the exit lane server 25 queries the in-vehicle unit 3 of the vehicle V for the service flags set on it via the exit roadside antenna 23 (step S402). The toll processing unit 33 of the in-vehicle unit 3 sends information including the service flags that are set to ON as a response to the query (step S403). If all service flags are set to OFF, the toll processing unit 33 sends information indicating that there are no service flags.

[0085] When the toll collection processing unit 252 of the exit lane server 25 receives a service flag from the on-board unit 3 of vehicle V, it determines whether or not vehicle V used the service (step S404). If the toll collection processing unit 252 receives information from the on-board unit 3 indicating no service flag, it determines that 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 on-board units that only perform automatic toll collection processing (conventional on-board units) do not have the function to respond to this service flag inquiry. Therefore, even if a conventional on-board unit receives this service 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 service flag inquiry, 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).

[0086] On the other hand, if the toll collection processing unit 252 of the exit lane server 25 receives information containing at least one service flag from the on-board unit 3 of the vehicle V, it determines that the vehicle V has used the service corresponding to the service 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).

[0087] When the usage fee processing unit 33 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 33 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.

[0088] 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.).

[0089] 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 flag (step S408). The service setting unit 31 of the in-vehicle unit 3 then switches the service flag from on to off in accordance with the request from the exit lane server 25 (step S409). Also, when the service flag is turned off, the activation processing unit 32 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 flag 2 corresponding to the in-driving power supply service is turned off, the activation processing unit 32 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 8 as paid and disables the charging function (disconnecting the power receiving device and battery).

[0090] Furthermore, the service setting unit 31 of the in-vehicle unit 3 notifies the exit lane server 25 that the service 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).

[0091] In Figure 9, an example is shown in which the service utilization device 4 generates service utilization information when vehicle V arrives at the exit toll gate, but this is not the only example. In other embodiments, the service utilization device 4 may generate service utilization information each time a service is received in the service provision section of the toll road and transmit it to the on-board unit 3. In this case, the service utilization processing unit 33 of the on-board unit 3 transmits the service utilization information previously received from the service utilization device 4 to the exit lane 25 server in step S406. By doing so, the service utilization information generation process in the service utilization device 4 and the communication process between the on-board unit 3 and the service utilization device 4 become unnecessary, thus shortening the processing time at the exit toll gate. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the collection of service utilization fees from being completed before vehicle V exits the toll gate due to the time required for generating and transmitting / receiving service utilization information.

[0092] (Computer configuration) Figure 10 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] (Effects and Benefits) As described above, the entrance toll collection equipment 1 according to this embodiment is installed at each of a plurality of entrance lanes LI, which are divided by type of service, at the entrance of a road where services added to the passage of a vehicle V are available. It comprises an entrance roadside antenna 13 that transmits and receives information with an on-board unit 3 mounted on a vehicle V traveling in the entrance lane LI, and a service flag transmission unit 152 that transmits service information, including the type of service that the vehicle V will use on the road, which is assigned to the entrance lane LI into which the vehicle V has entered, from the entrance roadside antenna 13 to the on-board unit 3.

[0096] In this way, the entrance toll collection equipment 1 can interpret the vehicle V passing through the entrance lane LI to which the service is assigned as an indication of intent to use the service, and can inform the on-board unit 3 that the vehicle V can use the service while driving on the road. In other words, the user can automatically agree to use the service and make it available in the vehicle V while driving on the road simply by passing through the entrance lane LI to which the desired service is assigned.

[0097] Furthermore, the entrance toll collection equipment 1 further comprises lane indicator boards 12 provided at each of the multiple entrance lanes LI, and a display control unit 153 that displays the type of service assigned to the entrance lane LI on the lane indicator boards 12.

[0098] In this way, the entrance toll collection equipment 1 can easily allow the vehicle V to recognize the types of services available on the road and which entrance lane LI to use to access the desired service.

[0099] Furthermore, the entrance toll collection equipment 1 can assign multiple services to at least one entrance lane LI, and the service flag transmission unit 152 transmits service information, including the type of each of the multiple services assigned to the entrance lane LI, from the entrance roadside antenna 13 to the on-board unit 3.

[0100] In this way, the entrance toll collection equipment 1 enables a vehicle V to use multiple services simultaneously on a road that offers multiple different services. Furthermore, the user can arbitrarily select and use one or more of the multiple services.

[0101] Furthermore, the in-vehicle unit 3 according to this embodiment includes a service setting unit 31 that sets a service flag corresponding to the type of service when it receives service information, including the type of service assigned to the entrance lane LI, from the entrance roadside antenna 13 provided in the entrance lane LI, and an activation processing unit 32 that activates the function of the vehicle V's service utilization device 4 corresponding to the service flag when the service flag is turned on.

[0102] In this way, the in-vehicle unit 3 can automatically agree to use the service and make it available simply by driving in the entrance lane LI to which the service desired by the user is assigned.

[0103] Furthermore, the in-vehicle unit 3 is equipped with a usage fee processing unit 33 that communicates wirelessly with an exit roadside antenna 23 installed in the exit lane LO of the road and processes payment for the usage fees of services for which the service flag is turned on.

[0104] In this way, the in-vehicle unit 3 can automatically pay the service fees for the services used at the road exit.

[0105] Furthermore, the activation processing unit 32 of the in-vehicle unit 3 makes the information provided by the service provision equipment 6 available to the output device 43 of the vehicle V when the service flag corresponding to the information distribution service is turned on.

[0106] In this way, the in-vehicle unit 3 can activate the output device 43 only when the vehicle V (user) agrees to use the information distribution service. As a result, even if, for example, the service roadside antenna 62 of the service provision equipment 6 broadcasts information to all nearby vehicles, only the vehicle V that has agreed to use the service will be able to use the distributed information, and the vehicle V that has not agreed to use the service will not be able to use the distributed information.

[0107] Furthermore, the activation processing unit 32 of the in-vehicle unit 3 enables the use of the automated driving function based on the automated driving support information provided by the service provision equipment 6 in the automated driving control device 41 of the vehicle V when the service flag corresponding to the automated driving support service is turned on.

[0108] 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 vehicle V (user) agrees to use the automated driving support service. As a result, even if, for example, the service roadside antenna 62 of the service provision equipment 6 broadcasts information to all nearby vehicles, only the vehicle V that has agreed to use the service will be able to use the distributed automated driving support information, and the vehicle V that has not agreed to use the service will not be able to use the distributed automated driving support information.

[0109] Furthermore, when the service flag corresponding to the in-vehicle power supply service is turned on, the activation processing unit 32 of the in-vehicle unit 3 makes the power supplied from the service provision equipment 6 available for charging the vehicle's battery in the vehicle's charging control device 42 of the vehicle V.

[0110] In this way, the in-vehicle unit 3 can activate the charging control device 42's in-driving power supply function only when the vehicle V (user) agrees to use the in-driving power supply service. As a result, even if vehicles that have agreed to use the in-driving power supply service and vehicles that have not agreed are driving together in the service area, only the vehicle V that has agreed will be able to charge its battery with the supplied power, while the vehicle V that has not agreed will not be able to charge its battery with the supplied power.

[0111] Furthermore, the exit toll collection equipment 2 according to this embodiment includes an exit roadside antenna 23 installed in the exit lane LO and communicating with an on-board unit 3 mounted on a vehicle V traveling in the exit lane LO, a service flag receiving unit 251 that uses the exit roadside antenna 23 to receive a service 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 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 entrance toll collection equipment 1 is provided at the entrance of a road where additional services for the passage of a vehicle V are available, and is installed in each of a plurality of entrance lanes LI separated by type of service, and includes an entrance roadside antenna 13 that communicates with an on-board unit 3 mounted on a vehicle V traveling in the entrance lane LI, and a service flag transmission unit 152 that transmits service information, including the type of service that the vehicle V will use on the road, which is assigned to the entrance lane LI into which the vehicle V has entered, from the entrance roadside antenna 13 to the on-board unit 3.

[0116] In this way, the entrance toll collection equipment 1 can interpret the vehicle V passing through the entrance lane LI to which the service is assigned as an indication of intent to use the service, and can inform the on-board unit 3 that the vehicle V can use the service while driving on the road. In other words, the user can automatically agree to use the service and make it available in the vehicle V while driving on the road simply by passing through the entrance lane LI to which the desired service is assigned.

[0117] (2) According to the second embodiment, the entrance toll collection equipment 1 according to the first embodiment further comprises lane indicator boards 12 provided at each of the multiple entrance lanes LI, and a display control unit 153 that causes the type of service assigned to the entrance lane LI to be displayed on the lane indicator boards 12.

[0118] In this way, the entrance toll collection equipment 1 can easily allow the vehicle V to recognize the types of services available on the road and which entrance lane LI to use to access the desired service.

[0119] (3) According to the third embodiment, in the entrance toll collection equipment 1 according to the first or second embodiment, multiple services can be assigned to at least one entrance lane LI, and the service flag transmission unit 152 transmits service information, including the type of each of the multiple services assigned to the entrance lane LI, from the entrance roadside antenna 13 to the on-board unit 3.

[0120] In this way, the entrance toll collection equipment 1 enables a vehicle V to use multiple services simultaneously on a road that offers multiple different services. Furthermore, the user can arbitrarily select and use one or more of the multiple services.

[0121] (4) According to the fourth aspect, the in-vehicle unit 3 includes a service setting unit 31 that sets a service flag corresponding to the type of service to ON when it receives service information, including the type of service assigned to the entrance lane LI, from an entrance roadside antenna 13 installed in the entrance lane LI of a road where additional services for the passage of the vehicle V can be provided, and an activation processing unit 32 that activates the function of the vehicle V's service utilization device 4 corresponding to the service flag when the service flag is ON.

[0122] In this way, the in-vehicle unit 3 can automatically agree to use the service and make it available simply by driving in the entrance lane LI to which the service desired by the user is assigned.

[0123] (5) According to the fifth embodiment, the in-vehicle unit 3 according to the fourth embodiment further comprises a usage fee processing unit 33 that communicates with an exit roadside antenna 23 installed on the exit lane LO at the exit of the road and processes payment of usage fees for services for which the service flag is turned on.

[0124] In this way, the in-vehicle unit 3 can automatically pay the service fees for the services used at the road exit.

[0125] (6) According to the sixth aspect, in the in-vehicle device 3 according to the fourth or fifth aspect, the activation processing unit 32 makes information provided from the service provision equipment 6 available to the output device 43 of the vehicle V when the service flag corresponding to the information distribution service is turned on.

[0126] In this way, the in-vehicle unit 3 can activate the output device 43 only when the vehicle V (user) agrees to use the information distribution service. As a result, even if, for example, the service roadside antenna 62 of the service provision equipment 6 broadcasts information to all nearby vehicles, only the vehicle V that has agreed to use the service will be able to use the distributed information, and the vehicle V that has not agreed to use the service will not be able to use the distributed information.

[0127] (7) According to the seventh aspect, in the in-vehicle device 3 according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, the activation processing unit 32 enables the use of the automatic driving function based on the automatic driving support information provided by the service provision equipment 6 in the automatic driving control device 41 of the vehicle V when the service flag corresponding to the automatic driving support service is turned on.

[0128] 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 vehicle V (user) agrees to use the automated driving support service. As a result, even if, for example, the service roadside antenna 62 of the service provision equipment 6 broadcasts information to all nearby vehicles, only the vehicle V that has agreed to use the service will be able to use the distributed automated driving support information, and the vehicle V that has not agreed to use the service will not be able to use the distributed automated driving support information.

[0129] (8) According to the eighth aspect, in the in-vehicle device 3 according to any one of the fourth to seventh aspects, the activation processing unit 32 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 flag corresponding to the in-driving power supply service is turned on.

[0130] In this way, the in-vehicle unit 3 can activate the charging control device 42's in-driving power supply function only when the vehicle V (user) agrees to use the in-driving power supply service. As a result, even if vehicles that have agreed to use the in-driving power supply service and vehicles that have not agreed are driving together in the service area, only the vehicle V that has agreed will be able to charge its battery with the supplied power, while the vehicle V that has not agreed will not be able to charge its battery with the supplied power.

[0131] (9) According to the ninth aspect, the exit toll collection equipment 2 is provided in the exit lane LO 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 traveling in the exit lane LO, a service flag receiving unit 251 that uses the exit roadside antenna 23 to receive a service 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 flag.

[0132] 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.

[0133] (10) According to the tenth aspect, the service utilization system 100 comprises an entrance toll collection device 1 according to any one of the first to third aspects, and an in-vehicle device 3 according to any one of the fourth to eighth aspects.

[0134] (11) According to the eleventh aspect, the service utilization method includes the steps of: the entrance toll collection equipment 1, at the entrance of a road where services to be added to the passage of a vehicle V are available, transmitting service information, including the type of service to be used by the vehicle V on the road, to an on-board unit 3 installed in the vehicle V, using entrance roadside antennas 13 provided at each of a plurality of entrance lanes LI separated by service type; the on-board unit 3 setting a service flag corresponding to the type of service when it receives the service information; and the on-board unit 3 activating the function of the service utilization device 4 corresponding to the service flag when the service flag is on.

[0135] (12) According to the 12th aspect, the program causes the in-vehicle unit 3 to perform the following steps when it receives service information, including the type of service assigned to the entrance lane LI, from the entrance roadside antenna 13 installed in the entrance lane LI of a road where additional services for the passage of vehicle V can be provided: set a service flag corresponding to the type of service; and, if the service flag is on, activate the function of the service utilization device 4 corresponding to the service flag. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0136] 100 Service Utilization Systems 1. Entrance toll collection equipment 10 Entrance roadside equipment 11. First vehicle detector 12 Lane Markings 13 Entrance roadside antenna 14. Second vehicle detector 15 Entrance Lane Server 151 Service Flag Setting Section 152 Service Flag Transmission Unit 153 Display Control Unit 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 Service Settings Section 32 Activation Processing Unit 33. Usage Fee Processing Section 34 Toll Processing Unit 4. Service Utilization Devices 41. Automated driving control system 42 Charging control device 43 Output device 5 Terminal devices 6. Service Provision Facilities 60 Management Servers 61 Service Equipment 62 Service roadside antennas 63 Power supply panel LI entrance lane LO Exit Lane V Vehicle

Claims

1. At the entrance to a road where additional services for vehicle traffic are available, an entrance roadside antenna is provided in each of the multiple entrance lanes, which are separated according to the type of service, and communicates with an on-board device installed in a vehicle traveling in the entrance lane. A service flag transmission unit transmits service information, including the type of service used by the vehicle on the road, which is assigned to the entrance lane into which the vehicle entered, from the entrance roadside antenna to the in-vehicle unit. An entrance toll collection facility equipped with [a specific feature].

2. Lane marking boards are provided at each of the multiple entrance lanes, A display control unit that displays the type of service assigned to the entrance lane on the lane sign, The entrance fee collection equipment according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. Multiple services can be assigned to at least one of the aforementioned entrance lanes, The service flag transmission unit transmits the service information, including the type of each of the multiple services assigned to the entrance lane, from the entrance roadside antenna to the in-vehicle unit. The entrance fee collection equipment according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A service setting unit that, upon receiving service information including the type of service assigned to an entrance lane from an entrance roadside antenna installed in the entrance lane of a road capable of providing services to vehicles, sets a service flag corresponding to the type of service to ON. When the service flag is turned on, an activation processing unit activates the function of the vehicle's service utilization device corresponding to the service flag, An in-vehicle device equipped with this feature.

5. The system further includes a usage fee processing unit that communicates with an exit roadside antenna installed in the exit lane at the exit of the aforementioned road and processes payment for the usage fees of services for which the service flag is turned on. The in-vehicle device according to claim 4.

6. The activation processing unit, when the service flag corresponding to the information distribution service is turned on, makes the information provided by the service provision equipment available to the vehicle's output device. The in-vehicle device according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The activation processing unit enables the use of the automated driving function based on the automated driving support information provided by the service provider equipment in the vehicle's automated driving control device when the service flag corresponding to the automated driving support service is turned on. The in-vehicle device according to claim 4 or 5.

8. The activation processing unit, when the service 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 claim 4 or 5.

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

10. The entrance fee collection equipment according to claim 1 or 2, The in-vehicle device according to claim 4 or 5, A service utilization system equipped with the following features.

11. The entrance toll collection equipment, at the entrance of a road where services added to vehicle traffic are available, transmits service information, including the type of service used by the vehicle on the road, to an on-board device installed in the vehicle, using entrance roadside antennas installed in each of the multiple entrance lanes, which are separated by type of service; The steps include: when the in-vehicle unit receives the service information, it sets a service flag corresponding to the type of service; The in-vehicle device, when the service flag is turned on, enables the function of the service utilization device corresponding to the service flag, How to use the service.

12. The steps include: when service information including the type of service assigned to an entrance lane is received from an entrance roadside antenna installed in the entrance lane of a road capable of providing services to vehicles, setting a service flag corresponding to the type of service; If the aforementioned service flag is turned on, the step of enabling the function of the service utilization device corresponding to the service flag, A program that causes the in-vehicle device to execute.

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