Central device and central charge processing method

Abstract

To provide an exit processor for performing toll calculation by means of a central device.SOLUTION: An exit processor includes a memory unit, a determination unit, an exit vehicle communication unit, and a central communication unit. The memory unit stores an entrance list. The determination unit determines the entrance through which a vehicle has passed based on the entrance list. The exit vehicle communication unit receives first vehicle identification information and first entrance identification information from a first in-vehicle device of a first vehicle passing through an exit lane via a first entrance lane of a first entrance processor corresponding to a toll calculation communication for calculating a toll by means of a central device, and transmits a centrally calculated toll calculated by means of the central device to the first in-vehicle device when the entrance list includes the first entrance identification information. The central communication unit transmits the first vehicle identification information and first exit identification information to the central device, and receives from the central device the centrally calculated toll calculated based on the first traffic section determined from the first entrance identification information and the first exit identification information and a central toll table.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2B

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates to a fee processing system, an exit processing device, a central device, and an exit fee processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] In the ETC (Electronic Toll Collection, registered trademark) system that is widely used on toll roads, the entrance processing device at the entrance toll gate communicates wirelessly with the on-board device of the vehicle traveling in the entrance lane, and the exit processing device at the exit toll gate communicates wirelessly with the on-board device of the vehicle traveling in the exit lane after passing through the entrance lane. In this way, wireless communication at each toll gate allows non-stop toll collection without having to stop the vehicle at the entrance or exit.

[0003] For example, the entrance processing device receives vehicle identification information including the card identification information of the ETC card and the on-board device identification information of the on-board device from the vehicle's on-board device, and also transmits the entrance identification information stored in the entrance processing device to the on-board device. The on-board device receives the entrance identification information and writes it to the ETC card. The exit processing device receives the vehicle identification information and entrance identification information from the vehicle's on-board device, determines the traffic section from the entrance identification information and the exit identification information stored in the exit processing device, calculates the toll based on the toll table and the traffic section stored in the exit processing device, transmits the calculated toll to the on-board device, and displays it on a roadside display. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-151934 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2009-265969 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2017-134476 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When calculating tolls at each exit processing device, a toll table needs to be distributed from the central device to each exit processing device in advance, and the toll table needs to be updated periodically. In addition, when applying tolls according to time periods, a toll table for each time period is required, and when providing tolls according to toll routes, a toll table for each toll route is required, and so on, there is a concern that the amount of information distributed from the central device to each exit processing device will increase. In order to reduce the load related to the distribution of such toll tables, a mechanism for calculating tolls by a central device is desired.

[0006] The present invention is devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a toll processing system, an exit processing device, a central device, and an exit toll processing method for implementing toll calculation by a central device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The central device of the embodiment includes a receiving unit that receives the first vehicle identification information and first entrance identification information transmitted from a first entrance processing device, which receives first vehicle identification information transmitted from a first on-board device of a first vehicle traveling through a first entrance lane, and also receives the first vehicle identification information and exit identification information transmitted from an exit processing device, which receives the first vehicle identification information transmitted from the first on-board device of the first vehicle traveling through the first entrance lane and then an exit lane; a central fare calculation unit that calculates a centrally calculated toll based on a first traffic section determined from the first entrance identification information and the exit identification information and a central fare table; and a transmitting unit that transmits the centrally calculated toll to the exit processing device for transmission from the exit processing device to the first on-board device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an ETC system supporting centralized computation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a central device, an entrance toll booth device, and a route device of an ETC system supporting central calculation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a central device, an exit toll booth device, and a route device of the ETC system supporting central calculation according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an on-board device used in the ETC system supporting central calculation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating the calculation of tolls when a vehicle that enters through a central calculation-compatible entrance toll gate device in a central calculation-compatible ETC system of the first embodiment exits through a central calculation-compatible exit toll gate. [Diagram 5] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating the calculation of tolls when a vehicle that enters through an entrance toll gate equipment that does not support central calculation in a central calculation-compatible ETC system of the first embodiment exits through an exit toll gate that supports central calculation. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating the calculation of tolls when a vehicle that enters through a central calculation-compatible entrance toll gate in a central calculation-compatible ETC system of the first embodiment exits through an exit toll gate that does not support central calculation. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a first exit process by the exit toll booth device compatible with central calculation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a second exit process by the exit toll booth device compatible with central calculation according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a third exit process by the exit toll booth device compatible with central calculation according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a toll calculation by a central calculation-compatible ETC system according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an ETC system supporting centralized computation according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, an ETC system that supports central calculation is an example of a toll processing system, and includes a central device 1 that calculates tolls. In addition, an ETC system compatible with central calculation is equipped with at least one of entrance toll gate equipment 2A (corresponding to a first entrance processing device) that supports toll calculation by the central device 1, and entrance toll gate equipment 2B (corresponding to a second entrance processing device) that does not support toll calculation by the central device 1, and the total number of entrance toll gate equipment 2A and entrance toll gate equipment 2B corresponds to the number of entrance lanes. Moreover, the central calculation-compatible ETC system includes at least one of exit toll booth equipment 3A (corresponding to an exit processing device) that supports toll calculation by the central device 1 and exit toll booth equipment 3B that does not support toll calculation by the central device 1, and the total number of exit toll booth equipment 3A and exit toll booth equipment 3B corresponds to the number of exit lanes. Furthermore, the central calculation-compatible ETC system includes a plurality of route devices 4.

[0010] The entrance toll gate equipment 2A supports not only toll calculation by the central device 1 but also toll calculation by the exit toll gate equipment 3B. The entrance toll gate equipment 2B does not support toll calculation by the central device 1, but supports toll calculation by the exit toll gate equipment 3B. The exit toll booth equipment 3A can calculate the toll not only by the central device 1 but also by itself. The exit toll booth equipment 3B does not support toll calculation by the central device 1, but can calculate the toll.

[0011] When transitioning from an ETC system that supports exit calculation, in which an exit toll gate device calculates the toll, to an ETC system that supports central calculation described in this embodiment, there will be a period in which devices that support exit calculation and devices that support central calculation coexist. The ETC system that supports central calculation in this embodiment allows for the coexistence of such devices, and can properly calculate tolls even during such a period. For example, the entrance toll gate device 2B that supports exit calculation is sequentially replaced with the entrance toll gate device 2A that supports central calculation, and the exit toll gate device 3B that supports exit calculation is sequentially replaced with the exit toll gate device 3A that supports central calculation.

[0012] The entrance toll booth equipment 2A is provided corresponding to the entrance lane of each entrance toll booth, and communicates with the on-board device 5 of the vehicle traveling through the entrance lane. The entrance toll booth equipment 2B is provided corresponding to the entrance lane of each entrance toll booth, and communicates with the on-board device 5 of the vehicle traveling through the entrance lane. In addition, the exit toll booth equipment 3A is provided corresponding to the exit lane of each exit toll booth, and communicates with the on-board device 5 of the vehicle passing through the exit lane. In addition, the exit toll booth equipment 3B is provided corresponding to the exit lane of each exit toll booth, and communicates with the on-board device 5 of the vehicle passing through the exit lane. The entrance toll booth equipment 2A and the entrance toll booth equipment 2B are referred to as the entrance toll booth equipment, the exit toll booth equipment 3A and the exit toll booth equipment 3B are referred to as the exit toll booth equipment, and the entrance toll booth equipment and the exit toll booth equipment are referred to as the toll booth equipment. In addition, the toll calculated by the central device 1 is referred to as the centrally calculated toll, and the toll calculated by the exit toll booth equipment 3A or the exit toll booth equipment 3B is referred to as the exit calculated toll.

[0013] FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a central device, an entrance toll booth device, and a route device of an ETC system supporting central calculation according to the first embodiment. First, a description will be given of the central device 1. The central device 1, which serves as a higher-level device, includes a device communication unit 11, a control unit 12, and a storage unit 13.

[0014] The device communication unit 11 (corresponding to the entrance / exit communication unit, receiver, and transmitter) is a communication interface corresponding to real-time communication for acquiring the centrally calculated toll within a limited time (hereinafter referred to as toll calculation communication), and communicates with the entrance toll gate equipment 2A, the exit toll gate equipment 3A, and the route equipment 4 to transmit and receive various information. The toll calculation communication is a high-speed communication, and receives the entry record, etc. from the entrance toll gate equipment 2A in real time, and also receives the exit record, etc. from the exit toll gate equipment 3A in real time, and transmits the centrally calculated toll to the exit toll gate equipment 3A in real time. The equipment communication unit 11 also communicates with the entrance toll booth equipment 2B and the exit toll booth equipment 3B, and periodically receives, for example, batch processing data transmitted from the entrance toll booth equipment 2B and the exit toll booth equipment 3B. The batch processing data includes entry history information or exit history information, and the entry history information includes vehicle identification information, entrance identification information, and entry date and time, etc. The exit history information includes vehicle identification information, exit identification information, and exit date and time, etc. Furthermore, before the start of toll collection processing by the ETC system, the device communication unit 11 transmits to the exit toll gate device 3A the entrance list stored in the storage unit 13. The entrance list will be described in detail later.

[0015] The control unit 12 (corresponding to a central toll calculation unit) is a control unit that controls data processing such as calculation of the centrally calculated toll. The control unit 12 has a processor such as a CPU (central processing unit), a memory, an interface, and the like. The CPU is a processor that realizes various processing functions by executing a program. The CPU is connected to each part constituting the central device 1 via an interface, etc. The memory includes a non-volatile memory that stores the program executed by the CPU, and a volatile memory that temporarily stores data, and the like. In other words, the control unit 12 performs data processing by the CPU executing the program stored in the memory.

[0016] The storage unit 13 includes a storage medium that allows high-speed reading and writing, such as a main memory, and also includes a large-capacity storage device, such as an HDD or SSD. The storage medium of the storage unit 13 stores programs executed by the CPU of the control unit 12. The storage device of the storage unit 13 also stores an entrance list to be transmitted to the exit toll booth equipment 3B. Furthermore, the storage device of the storage unit 13 stores a basic fare table, which is an example of a central fare table, and a variable fare table.

[0017] The base fee table stores information indicating tolls (base fees) according to entrances and exits. For example, the base fee table stores information indicating base fees that are the same for the same departure and arrival for each combination of entrances and exits in the entire road network. The variable fee table stores information indicating the charge amount (variable amount, discount amount) that varies depending on conditions such as the route and the transit time. For example, the variable fee table stores a variable amount that is applied to each route depending on the congestion status or congestion forecast for each route. Note that the congestion status or congestion forecast for each route may be determined from information collected from each route device 4, may be obtained from an external server, or may be manually input from a connected terminal device.

[0018] Furthermore, the storage device of the memory unit 13 stores the entry record transmitted from the entrance toll booth equipment 2A, the passage record transmitted from the route equipment 4, and the exit record transmitted from the exit toll booth equipment 3A. The entry record includes vehicle identification information and entrance information, and the entrance information may include at least the entrance identification information and may additionally include the entry date and time. The passage record includes vehicle identification information and passage information, and the passage information may include at least the route identification information and may additionally include the passage date and time. The exit record includes vehicle identification information and exit information, and the exit information may include at least the exit identification information and may additionally include the exit date and time. Furthermore, the exit record may include some or all of the entry record.

[0019] Next, the entrance toll booth device 2A will be described. The entrance toll booth device 2A includes a host communication unit 21A, a control unit 22A, a departure controller 23A, a roadside display 24A, a vehicle communication unit 25A, and a storage unit 26A. For example, the entrance toll booth device 2A performs entrance processing by wireless communication with the vehicle-mounted device 5 of a vehicle traveling through the first entrance lane.

[0020] The upper communication unit 21A (corresponding to a first central communication unit) is a communication interface corresponding to fee calculation communication, and for example, immediately transmits an entry record acquired corresponding to the passage of a vehicle to the central device 1. The upper communication unit 21A may communicate with the central device 1 by wireless communication, or may communicate with the central device 1 via a communication line.

[0021] The control unit 22A is a control unit that controls the entire entrance toll booth equipment 2A and processes data, etc. The control unit 22A has a CPU, memory, an interface, etc. The CPU is a processor that realizes various processing functions by executing programs. The CPU is connected to each part that constitutes the entrance toll booth equipment 2A via an interface, etc. The memory includes various types of memory such as a non-volatile memory that stores the programs executed by the CPU, a volatile memory that temporarily holds data, and a rewritable non-volatile memory that saves setting data, etc.

[0022] The departure controller 23A controls the entry of vehicles into the toll road. The departure controller 23A controls the opening and closing of a departure control bar provided in the lane at the entrance toll gate. For example, when the departure controller 23A temporarily stops the vehicle or prohibits the passage (entry) of the vehicle, it closes the departure control bar to prevent the vehicle from passing. In addition, when permitting the passage (entry) of the vehicle, the departure controller 23A opens the departure control bar to permit the vehicle to pass. Note that, by prioritizing the alleviation of congestion at the toll gate, the departure controller 23A may not provide a departure bar.

[0023] The roadside display 24A displays information such as guidance to users of vehicles passing through the entrance toll gate. The roadside display 24A is installed facing vehicles passing through the lane of the entrance toll gate.

[0024] The vehicle communication unit 25A (corresponding to the first entrance vehicle communication unit) is a communication interface that supports wireless communication with the vehicle-mounted device 5 of the vehicle. The vehicle communication unit 25A wirelessly communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 5 of a vehicle (a vehicle attempting to enter) approaching the entrance toll gate equipment 2A at the entrance toll gate. The vehicle communication unit 25A receives vehicle identification information from the vehicle-mounted device 5, and outputs the vehicle identification information and the entry date and time of the vehicle. The entry date and time corresponds to the date and time of communication between the vehicle communication unit 25A and the vehicle-mounted device 5 of the vehicle.

[0025] The storage unit 26A stores entrance identification information indicating the entrance toll booth device 2A or the first entrance corresponding to the entrance toll booth device 2A. This entrance identification information indicates the starting point of the traffic section when calculating the central calculated toll or the exit calculated toll. The storage unit 26A also stores the vehicle identification information and the entry date and time acquired by wireless communication with the vehicle-mounted device 5.

[0026] Next, the entrance toll booth equipment 2B will be described. In the description of the entrance toll booth equipment 2B, the differences from the entrance toll booth equipment 2A will be mainly described, and descriptions of substantially the same parts will be omitted as appropriate. The entrance toll booth device 2B includes a control unit 22B, a departure controller 23B, a roadside display 24B, a vehicle communication unit 25B, and a storage unit 26B. For example, the entrance toll booth device 2B executes entrance processing by wireless communication with the vehicle-mounted device 5 of a vehicle traveling through the second entrance lane.

[0027] The higher-level communication unit 21B is a communication interface that communicates with the central device 1, and for example, periodically transmits batch processing data including admission history information and the like to the central device 1. Furthermore, the higher-level communication unit 21B does not support fee calculation communication. Note that the higher-level communication unit 21B may communicate with the central device 1 by wireless communication, or may communicate with the central device 1 via a communication line.

[0028] The control unit 22B is a control unit that controls the entire entrance toll booth device 2B, processes data, etc. The control unit 22B has a CPU, a memory, an interface, and the like. The departure controller 23B controls the entry of the vehicle onto the toll road. The roadside display 24B displays information such as directions to passengers in vehicles passing through the entrance toll gate. The vehicle communication unit 25B is an interface that wirelessly communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 5 of the vehicle. The vehicle communication unit 25B wirelessly communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 5 of a vehicle (a vehicle attempting to enter) approaching the entrance toll gate equipment 2B at the entrance toll gate. The vehicle communication unit 25B receives vehicle identification information from the vehicle-mounted device 5, and outputs the vehicle identification information and the entry date and time of the vehicle. The storage unit 26B stores entrance identification information indicating the entrance toll gate device 2B or a second entrance corresponding to the entrance toll gate device 2B. The storage unit 26B also stores vehicle identification information and entry date and time acquired through wireless communication with the vehicle-mounted device 5.

[0029] Next, a description will be given of the route device 4. The route device 4 includes an upper communication unit 41, a control unit 42, a vehicle communication unit 45, and a storage unit 46. The upper communication unit 41 (corresponding to a third central communication unit) is a communication interface compatible with toll calculation communication, and for example, immediately transmits a passage record acquired in response to the passage of a vehicle to the central device 1. The upper communication unit 41 may communicate with the central device 1 by wireless communication, or may communicate with the central device 1 via a communication line.

[0030] The control unit 42 is a control unit that controls the entire route device 4 and processes data. The control unit 42 has a CPU, a memory, an interface, and the like. The CPU is a processor that realizes various processing functions by executing programs. The CPU is connected to each component that constitutes the route device 4 via an interface, etc. The memory includes various types of memory such as a nonvolatile memory that stores programs executed by the CPU, a volatile memory that temporarily holds data, and a rewritable nonvolatile memory that saves setting data, etc.

[0031] The vehicle communication unit 45 (corresponding to the route vehicle communication unit) is a communication interface that supports wireless communication with the vehicle-mounted device 5 of the vehicle. The vehicle communication unit 45 wirelessly communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 5 of the vehicle that passes through the location where the route device 4 is installed. The vehicle communication unit 45 receives vehicle identification information from the vehicle-mounted device 5, and outputs the vehicle identification information and the passing date and time of the vehicle. The passing date and time corresponds to the communication date and time between the vehicle communication unit 45 and the vehicle-mounted device 5 of the vehicle.

[0032] The storage unit 46 stores route identification information indicating the travel route for obtaining the centrally calculated toll, and also stores vehicle identification information and the passage date and time obtained through wireless communication with the vehicle-mounted device 5.

[0033] 2B is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a central device, an exit toll booth device, and a route device of the ETC system supporting central calculation according to the first embodiment. Description of the central device 1 and the route device 4 will be omitted. First, the exit toll booth equipment 3A will be described. In the description of the exit toll booth equipment 3A, the differences from the entrance toll booth equipment 2A will be mainly described, and descriptions of substantially the same parts will be omitted as appropriate. The exit toll booth equipment 3A includes a higher-level communication unit 31A, a control unit 32A, a departure controller 33A, a roadside display 34A, a vehicle communication unit 35A, and a storage unit 36A. For example, the exit toll booth equipment 3A executes exit processing by wireless communication with the vehicle-mounted device 5 of a vehicle traveling in the first exit lane.

[0034] The upper communication unit 31A (corresponding to a second central communication unit) is a communication interface corresponding to fee calculation communication, and for example transmits to the central device 1 an exit record acquired in response to the passage of a vehicle. The timing of transmitting the exit record to the central device 1 will be explained in detail later. The upper communication unit 31A also receives the entrance list L transmitted from the central device 1. The upper communication unit 31A may communicate with the central device 1 by wireless communication, or may communicate with the central device 1 via a communication line.

[0035] The control unit 32A (corresponding to the determination unit) is a control unit that controls the entire exit toll gate equipment 3A and processes data, etc. The control unit 32A has a CPU, memory, an interface, etc. The CPU is a processor that realizes various processing functions by executing programs. The CPU is connected to each unit that constitutes the exit toll gate equipment 3A via an interface, etc. The memory includes various types of memory such as a non-volatile memory that stores the programs executed by the CPU, a volatile memory that temporarily holds data, and a rewritable non-volatile memory that saves setting data, etc.

[0036] The departure controller 33A controls the entry of the vehicle onto the toll road. The roadside display 34A displays information such as directions to passengers in vehicles passing through the exit toll gate. The vehicle communication unit 35A is a communication interface that supports wireless communication with the vehicle-mounted device 5 of the vehicle. The vehicle communication unit 35A wirelessly communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 5 of a vehicle (a vehicle attempting to exit) approaching the exit toll gate equipment 3A at the exit toll gate. The vehicle communication unit 35A (corresponding to the exit vehicle communication unit) receives vehicle identification information and entry information from the vehicle-mounted device 5, and outputs the vehicle identification information, the entry information, and the exit date and time. The exit date and time corresponds to the communication date and time between the vehicle communication unit 35A and the vehicle-mounted device 5 of the vehicle.

[0037] The storage unit 36A stores the exit identification information indicating the exit toll booth device 3A or the first exit corresponding to the exit toll booth device 3A. This exit identification information indicates the end point of the traffic section when calculating the centrally calculated toll or the exit calculated toll. The storage unit 36A also stores the vehicle identification information, the entry information, and the exit date and time acquired by wireless communication with the vehicle-mounted device 5. Furthermore, the storage unit 36A stores the entrance list L including the entrance identification information corresponding to all the entrance toll booth devices 2A. Alternatively, the storage unit 36A may store the entrance list including the entrance identification information corresponding to all the entrance toll booth devices 2B. In this embodiment, the case where the entrance list L corresponding to the central calculation is used will be mainly described. Furthermore, the storage unit 36A stores a basic fee table. The basic fee table stores information indicating the exit calculated toll (basic fee) corresponding to the entrance and the exit. The exit is specified by the exit identification information stored in the storage unit 36A.

[0038] Next, the exit toll booth equipment 3B will be described. In the description of the exit toll booth equipment 3B, the differences from the exit toll booth equipment 3A will be mainly described, and descriptions of substantially the same parts will be omitted as appropriate. The exit toll booth equipment 3B includes a control unit 32B, a departure controller 33B, a roadside display 34B, a vehicle communication unit 35B, and a storage unit 36B. For example, the exit toll booth equipment 3B executes exit processing by wireless communication with the vehicle-mounted device 5 of a vehicle traveling in the second exit lane.

[0039] The higher-level communication unit 31B is a communication interface that communicates with the central device 1, and for example, periodically transmits batch processing data including entry history information and the like to the central device 1. Furthermore, the higher-level communication unit 31B does not support fee calculation communication. Note that the higher-level communication unit 31B may communicate with the central device 1 by wireless communication, or may communicate with the central device 1 via a communication line.

[0040] The control unit 32B is a control unit that controls the entire exit toll gate equipment 3B and processes data. The control unit 32B has a CPU, a memory, an interface, etc. The CPU is a processor that realizes various processing functions by executing programs. The CPU is connected to each part that constitutes the exit toll gate equipment 3B via an interface, etc. The memory includes various types of memory such as a non-volatile memory that stores the programs executed by the CPU, a volatile memory that temporarily holds data, and a rewritable non-volatile memory that saves setting data, etc.

[0041] The departure controller 33B controls the entry of the vehicle onto the toll road. The roadside display 34B displays guidance and the like to users in vehicles passing through the exit toll gate. The vehicle communication unit 35B is a communication interface that supports wireless communication with the vehicle-mounted device 5 of the vehicle. The vehicle communication unit 35B wirelessly communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 5 of a vehicle (a vehicle attempting to exit) approaching the exit toll gate equipment 3B at the exit toll gate. The vehicle communication unit 35B receives vehicle identification information and entry information from the vehicle-mounted device 5, and outputs the vehicle identification information, the entry information, and the exit date and time. The memory unit 36B stores exit identification information indicating the exit toll booth device 3B or a second exit corresponding to the exit toll booth device 3B. The memory unit 36B also stores vehicle identification information, entry information, and exit date and time acquired through wireless communication with the vehicle-mounted device 5. The memory unit 36B also stores a basic fee table, which is an example of an exit fee table. The basic fee table stores information indicating exit-calculated tolls (basic fees) corresponding to entrances and exits. The exits are identified by the exit identification information stored in the memory unit 36B.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an on-board device used in the ETC system supporting central calculation according to the first embodiment. The vehicle-mounted device 5 includes a device communication unit 51, a control unit 52, a storage unit 53, and a card processing unit .

[0043] The device communication unit 51 is a communication interface that wirelessly communicates with each toll gate device, transmits vehicle identification information including on-board device identification information and card identification information to the entrance toll gate device, and receives entrance information from the entrance toll gate device. The device communication unit 51 also transmits vehicle identification information and entrance information to the exit toll gate device, and receives exit information and the centrally calculated toll or the exit calculated toll from the exit toll gate device.

[0044] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the vehicle identification information includes the vehicle-mounted device identification information and the card identification information, but this is not limited to this as long as the target of the centrally calculated toll or the exit calculated toll can be specified. For example, if the vehicle identification information includes at least the card identification information, the centrally calculated toll or the exit calculated toll can be charged. In addition, since the vehicle-mounted device identification information can include the license plate information of the vehicle, the vehicle model can be determined based on the vehicle-mounted device identification information, and therefore, when charging according to the vehicle model is adopted, the vehicle-mounted device identification information is required.

[0045] The control unit 52 is a control unit that controls communication with toll booth equipment and also processes an ETC card, which is a type of IC (integrated circuit) card for settling a centrally calculated toll or an exit calculated toll. The control unit 52 has a processor such as a CPU, a memory, an interface, and the like. The CPU is a processor that realizes various processing functions by executing a program. The CPU is connected to each unit that constitutes the vehicle-mounted device 5 via an interface, and the like. The memory includes a non-volatile memory that stores the program executed by the CPU, and a volatile memory that temporarily stores data, and the like. In other words, the control unit 52 performs data processing by the CPU executing the program stored in the memory.

[0046] The storage unit 53 stores the vehicle-mounted device identification information and the program executed by the CPU of the control unit 52. The card processing unit 54 accepts an ETC card, reads card identification information from the ETC card to be sent to the entrance toll gate equipment, and writes entrance information sent from the entrance toll gate equipment to the ETC card. The card processing unit 54 also reads card identification information and entrance information from the ETC card to be sent to the exit toll gate equipment, and writes exit information sent from the exit toll gate equipment to the ETC card.

[0047] Figure 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating the calculation of tolls when a vehicle that enters through a central calculation-compatible entrance toll gate device in a central calculation-compatible ETC system of the first embodiment exits through a central calculation-compatible exit toll gate. When a vehicle passes through the first entrance lane corresponding to the entrance toll booth equipment 2A, the entrance toll booth equipment 2A communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 5 of the vehicle and executes entrance processing. That is, the device communication unit 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 5 transmits the vehicle identification information including the card identification information and the vehicle-mounted device identification information (ST511). Vehicle communication unit 25A of entrance toll booth equipment 2A receives the vehicle identification information transmitted from equipment communication unit 51 (ST211A), and transmits entrance information including the entrance identification information and the entry date and time (ST212A). When the device communication unit 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 5 receives the entrance information (ST512), the card processing unit 54 writes the entrance information into the ETC card. Furthermore, the upper communication unit 21A of the entrance toll booth equipment 2A transmits an entrance record including the vehicle identification information and the entrance information to the central equipment 1 (ST213A). When the device communication unit 11 of the central device 1 receives the entrance record (ST111), the storage unit 13 stores the entrance record. Note that ST212A transmission and ST213 transmission are independent transmission processes, and the order of ST212A transmission and ST213 transmission is not particularly limited; either ST212A transmission or ST213 transmission may be performed first, or they may be performed simultaneously.

[0048] When the vehicle that has passed through the first entrance lane travels along the predetermined route corresponding to the route device 4, the route device 4 communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 5 of the vehicle and executes route processing. That is, the device communication unit 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 5 transmits vehicle identification information (ST513). When the vehicle communication unit 45 of the route device 4 receives the vehicle identification information transmitted from the device communication unit 51 (ST411), the upper communication unit 41 of the route device 4 transmits a passage record including the vehicle identification information, route identification information, and passage date and time to the central device 1 (ST412). When the device communication unit 11 of the central device 1 receives the passage record (ST112), the storage unit 13 stores the passage record. Here, when a vehicle travels along a plurality of routes corresponding to a plurality of route devices 4, a plurality of passage records are transmitted to the central device 1. Furthermore, the control unit 12 of the central device 1 may manage the entry record and the passage record that include the same vehicle identification information in association with each other.

[0049] When a vehicle that has passed through the first entrance lane and a predetermined route passes through the first exit lane corresponding to the exit toll booth device 3A, the exit toll booth device 3A communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 5 of the vehicle and executes exit processing. That is, the device communication unit 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 5 transmits the vehicle identification information and the entrance information (ST514). The vehicle communication unit 35A of the exit toll booth equipment 3A receives the vehicle identification information and entrance information transmitted from the equipment communication unit 51 (ST311A). The control unit 32A of the exit toll booth equipment 3A determines the entrance toll booth through which the vehicle has passed, based on the entrance identification information included in the received entrance information (ST312A). That is, the control unit 32A determines whether or not the entrance identification information included in the received entrance information is included in the entrance list L. If the entrance identification information is included in the entrance list L, the upper communication unit 31A of the exit toll booth equipment 3A transmits an exit record including the vehicle identification information, the exit identification information, and the exit date and time to the central device 1 (ST313A).

[0050] When the device communication unit 11 of the central device 1 receives the entry record (ST113), the memory unit 13 stores the entry record. The control unit 12 selects the entry record and the passage record corresponding to the entry record based on the vehicle identification information included in the entry record. In other words, the control unit 12 selects the entry record, the passage record, and the entry record that include the same vehicle identification information. The control unit 12 determines the travel section, travel route, and travel date and time based on the selected entry record, passage record, and exit record, and calculates the centrally calculated toll based on the travel section, travel route, and travel date and time, the basic toll table, and the variable toll table (ST114). The device communication unit 11 of the central device 1 transmits the centrally calculated toll to the exit toll gate device 3A (ST115).

[0051] When the upper communication unit 31A of the exit toll gate device 3A receives the centrally calculated toll from the central equipment 1 (ST314A), the vehicle communication unit 35A of the exit toll gate device 3A transmits the centrally calculated toll to the vehicle-mounted device 5 (ST315A). Further, the roadside display 34A displays the centrally calculated toll. The device communication unit 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 5 receives the centrally calculated toll (ST515), and the storage unit 53 stores the centrally calculated toll.

[0052] As a result, when an on-board unit 5 that has undergone entrance processing by the entrance toll gate equipment 2A undergoes exit processing by the exit toll gate equipment 3A, the entrance identification information transmitted from the on-board unit 5 is included in the entrance list L (because it is confirmed that entrance processing has been completed by the entrance toll gate equipment 2A that supports central calculation), the on-board unit 5 can receive the centrally calculated toll.

[0053] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating the calculation of tolls when a vehicle that enters through an entrance toll gate equipment that does not support central calculation in a central calculation-compatible ETC system of the first embodiment exits through an exit toll gate that supports central calculation. When the vehicle passes through the second entrance lane corresponding to the entrance toll booth equipment 2B, the entrance toll booth equipment 2B communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 5 of the vehicle and executes entrance processing. That is, the device communication unit 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 5 transmits the vehicle identification information including the card identification information and the vehicle-mounted device identification information (ST521). The vehicle communication unit 25A of the entrance toll booth equipment 2A receives the vehicle identification information transmitted from the equipment communication unit 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 5 (ST221B), and transmits entrance information including the entrance identification information and entry date and time to the vehicle-mounted device 5 (ST222B). When the device communication unit 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 5 receives the entrance information (ST522), the card processing unit 54 writes the entrance information into the ETC card.

[0054] When the vehicle that has passed through the second entrance lane travels along a predetermined route corresponding to the route device 4, the route device 4 communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 5 of the vehicle and executes route processing. That is, the device communication unit 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 5 transmits the vehicle identification information (ST523). When the vehicle communication unit 45 of the route device 4 receives the vehicle identification information transmitted from the device communication unit 51 (ST421), the upper communication unit 41 transmits a passage record including the vehicle identification information, route identification information, and passage date and time to the central device 1 (ST422). The device communication unit 11 of the central device 1 receives the passage record (ST121), and the storage unit 13 stores the passage record.

[0055] When the vehicle, which has passed through the second entrance lane and the predetermined route, passes through the first exit lane corresponding to the exit toll booth device 3A, the exit toll booth device 3A communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 5 of the vehicle and executes exit processing. That is, the device communication unit 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 5 transmits the vehicle identification information and the entrance information (ST524). Vehicle communication unit 35A of exit toll booth equipment 3A receives the vehicle identification information and entrance information transmitted from equipment communication unit 51 (ST321A). Then, control unit 32A of exit toll gate device 3A determines the entrance toll gate through which the vehicle has passed, based on the entrance identification information included in the received entrance information (ST322A). In other words, control unit 32A determines whether or not the entrance identification information included in the received entrance information is included in entrance list L. If the entrance identification information is not included in the entrance list L, control unit 32A determines the travel section and calculates the toll based on the basic toll table stored in memory unit 36A. That is, control unit 32A determines the travel section based on the entrance identification information included in the entrance information and the exit identification information stored in memory unit 36A, and outputs the exit-calculated toll based on the travel section and the basic toll table (ST323A). The vehicle communication unit 35A of the exit toll gate device 3A transmits the exit-calculated toll to the vehicle-mounted device 5 (ST324A). Moreover, the roadside display 34A displays the exit-calculated toll.

[0056] When the device communication unit 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 5 receives the exit-calculated toll (ST525), the storage unit 53 stores the exit-calculated toll. Furthermore, the upper communication unit 31A of the exit toll gate device 3A transmits toll processing information including the vehicle identification information, entry information, exit information, and the exit calculated toll, etc. to the central equipment 1 (ST325A). The device communication unit 11 of the central device 1 receives the toll processing information (ST122), and the storage unit 13 stores the toll processing information.

[0057] As a result of the above, when an on-board unit 5 that has undergone entrance processing by the entrance toll gate equipment 2B undergoes exit processing by the exit toll gate equipment 3A, the entrance identification information transmitted from the on-board unit 5 is not included in the entrance list L (because it is not confirmed that entrance processing has been completed by the entrance toll gate equipment 2A that supports central calculation), the on-board unit 5 can receive the exit calculated toll rather than the centrally calculated toll.

[0058] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating the calculation of tolls when a vehicle that enters through a central calculation-compatible entrance toll gate in a central calculation-compatible ETC system of the first embodiment exits through an exit toll gate that does not support central calculation. When a vehicle passes through the first entrance lane corresponding to the entrance toll booth equipment 2A, the entrance toll booth equipment 2A communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 5 of the vehicle and executes entrance processing. That is, the device communication unit 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 5 transmits the vehicle identification information including the card identification information and the vehicle-mounted device identification information (ST531). The vehicle communication unit 25A of the entrance toll booth equipment 2A receives the vehicle identification information transmitted from the equipment communication unit 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 5 (ST231A), and transmits entrance information including the entrance identification information and the entry date and time to the vehicle-mounted device 5 (ST232A). When the device communication unit 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 5 receives the entrance information (ST532), the card processing unit 54 writes the entrance information into the ETC card. Furthermore, the upper communication section 21A of the entrance toll booth equipment 2A transmits an entrance record including the vehicle identification information and the entrance information to the central equipment 1 (ST233A). When the device communication unit 11 of the central device 1 receives the entrance record (ST131), the storage unit 13 stores the entrance record.

[0059] When a vehicle that has passed through the first entrance lane travels along a predetermined route corresponding to the route device 4, the route device 4 communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 5 of the vehicle and executes route processing. That is, the device communication unit 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 5 transmits the vehicle identification information (ST533). When the vehicle communication unit 45 of the route device 4 receives the vehicle identification information transmitted from the device communication unit 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 5 (ST431), the upper communication unit 41 of the route device 4 transmits a passage record including the vehicle identification information, the route identification information, and the passage date and time to the central device 1 (ST432). When the device communication unit 11 of the central device 1 receives the passage record (ST132), the storage unit 13 stores the passage record.

[0060] When a vehicle that has passed through the first entrance lane and a predetermined route passes through the second exit lane corresponding to the exit toll booth device 3B, the exit toll booth device 3B communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 5 of the vehicle and executes exit processing. That is, the device communication section 51 transmits the vehicle identification information and the entrance information (ST534). The vehicle communication unit 35B of the exit toll booth equipment 3B receives the vehicle identification information and the entrance information transmitted from the equipment communication unit 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 5 (ST331B). The control unit 32B of the exit toll booth equipment 3B determines the traffic section based on the entrance identification information included in the entrance information and the exit identification information stored in memory unit 36B, and calculates the toll based on the traffic section and the basic toll table stored in memory unit 36B (ST332B). Then, the vehicle communication unit 35B of the exit toll gate device 3B transmits the exit-calculated toll to the vehicle-mounted device 5 (ST323B). Also, the roadside display 34B displays the exit-calculated toll.

[0061] When the device communication unit 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 5 receives the exit-calculated toll (ST535), the storage unit 53 stores the exit-calculated toll. Furthermore, the upper communication unit 31B of the exit toll gate device 3B transmits toll processing information including the vehicle identification information, entry information, exit information, and the exit calculated toll, etc. to the central equipment 1 (ST324B). When the device communication unit 11 of the central device 1 receives the toll processing information (ST133), the storage unit 13 stores the toll processing information.

[0062] As described above, when the on-board unit 5 that has undergone entrance processing by the entrance toll gate device 2A undergoes exit processing by the exit toll gate device 3B, it can receive the exit-calculated toll instead of the centrally calculated toll.

[0063] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the first exit processing by the exit toll booth device compatible with central calculation according to the first embodiment. An example of the exit processing by the exit toll booth device 3A compatible with central calculation has been described with reference to Figs. 4 to 6, but this flowchart will provide a more detailed explanation of the selection and output of the centrally calculated toll or the exit calculated toll in the exit processing by the exit toll booth device 3A.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 7, the vehicle communication unit 35A of the exit toll booth equipment 3A receives the vehicle identification information and the entrance information transmitted from the equipment communication unit 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 5 (ST341A). Control unit 32A of exit toll gate equipment 3A determines whether or not the entrance identification information included in the received entrance information is included in entrance list L (ST342A). If the entrance identification information is included in the entrance list L (ST342A, YES), the upper communication unit 31A of the exit toll booth equipment 3A transmits an exit record including the vehicle identification information, exit identification information, and exit date and time to the central device 1 (ST343A). Next, the upper communication unit 31A of the exit tollgate device 3A receives the centrally calculated toll calculated by the central device 1 from the central device 1 (ST345A). Vehicle communication unit 35A transmits the centrally calculated toll to vehicle-mounted device 5 (ST346A).

[0065] Also, if the entrance identification information is not included in the entrance list L (ST342A, NO), the control unit 32A of the exit toll booth equipment 3A determines the traffic section based on the entrance identification information and the exit identification information stored in the memory unit 36A, and calculates the toll based on the traffic section and the basic toll table (ST347A). Then, vehicle communication unit 35A of exit tollgate device 3A transmits the exit calculated toll calculated in ST347A (ST348A).

[0066] As a result, it is possible to selectively output the centrally calculated toll or the exit calculated toll based on whether the entrance identification information is included in the entrance list L. When the on-board device 5 that has undergone entrance processing by the entrance toll gate equipment 2A undergoes exit processing by the exit toll gate equipment 3A, it can receive the centrally calculated toll. When the on-board device 5 that has undergone entrance processing by the entrance toll gate equipment 2A undergoes exit processing by the exit toll gate equipment 3B, it can receive the exit calculated toll.

[0067] Second embodiment Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the second exit process by the central calculation compatible exit toll booth device according to the second embodiment. In the explanation of the second exit process, the differences from the first exit process explained in Fig. 7 will be mainly explained, and the explanation of the substantially same parts will be omitted as appropriate.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 8, the vehicle communication unit 35A of the exit toll booth equipment 3A receives the vehicle identification information and the entrance information transmitted from the equipment communication unit 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 5 (ST351A). Here, if the entrance identification information is included in the entrance list L (ST352A, YES), the upper communication unit 31A of the exit tollgate equipment 3A transmits the exit record to the central equipment 1 (ST353A). Then, control unit 32A determines the travel section based on the entrance identification information and the exit identification information stored in storage unit 36A, and calculates the toll based on the travel section and the basic toll table (ST354A). Note that the transmission in ST353A and the calculation in ST354A are independent processes, and the order of the transmission in ST353A and the calculation in ST354A is not particularly limited; one may be performed first, or they may be performed simultaneously.

[0069] If the upper communication unit 31A of the exit toll gate equipment 3A receives the centrally calculated toll from the central device 1 within a certain time (ST355A, YES), the vehicle communication unit 35A transmits the centrally calculated toll to the vehicle-mounted device 5 (ST356A). If the upper communication unit 31A of the exit toll gate equipment 3A does not receive the centrally calculated toll from the central device 1 within a certain period of time (ST355A, NO), the vehicle communication unit 35A of the exit toll gate equipment 3A transmits the exit calculated toll calculated in ST354A to the vehicle-mounted device 5 (ST359A).

[0070] Also, if the entrance identification information is not included in the entrance list L (ST352A, NO), control unit 32A calculates the toll based on the travel section and the basic toll table (ST357A). Then, vehicle communication unit 35A transmits the exit-calculated toll calculated in ST357A to the vehicle-mounted device 5 (ST358A).

[0071] As a result, the exit calculated toll can be transmitted instead of the centrally calculated toll before the time required to transmit the centrally calculated toll to the on-board device 5 exceeds the allowable time for the exit process. This makes it possible to realize smooth toll collection without causing vehicles to stagnate in the exit lane.

[0072] (Third embodiment) Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the third exit process by the central calculation compatible exit toll booth device according to the third embodiment. In the explanation of the third exit process, the differences from the first and second exit processes explained in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 will be mainly explained, and explanations of substantially the same parts will be omitted as appropriate.

[0073] In the third exit process, a case will be described in which the device communication unit 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 5 transmits the vehicle identification information and the entrance information at different times, and a case will be described in which the device communication unit 51 transmits the card identification information, the vehicle-mounted device identification information, and the entrance information at different times. For example, a case will be described in which the entrance information is transmitted after the vehicle identification information is transmitted, or a case will be described in which the vehicle-mounted device identification information and the entrance information are transmitted after the card identification information is transmitted.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 9, when the vehicle communication unit 35A of the exit toll booth equipment 3A receives vehicle identification information or card identification information from the equipment communication unit 51 of the vehicle-mounted unit 5 (ST360A), the upper communication unit 31A transmits the vehicle identification information and exit identification information, or the card identification information and exit identification information to the central device 1 (ST361A). Next, the vehicle communication unit 35A of the exit tollgate equipment 3A receives the entrance information, or the vehicle-mounted unit identification information and the entrance information, from the vehicle-mounted unit 5 (ST362A).

[0075] When the device communication unit 11 of the central device 1 receives the vehicle identification information and the exit identification information, or the card identification information and the exit identification information, the control unit 12 calculates the centrally calculated toll based on the received card identification information and the exit identification information, etc. Then, the device communication unit 11 transmits the centrally calculated toll to the exit toll booth device 3A. Here, to elaborate on the centrally calculated toll, the control unit 12 selects an entry record and a passage record that include the same card identification information as the received card identification information, determines a passage section and a passage route based on the entry identification information included in the entry record, the route identification information included in the passage record, and the received exit identification information, and calculates the centrally calculated toll based on the passage section and the passage route, the basic fee table, and the variable fee table.

[0076] Returning to the explanation of the third exit process by the exit toll booth equipment 3A. If the entrance identification information included in the received entrance information is included in the entrance list L (ST363A, YES), the control unit 32A of the exit toll booth equipment 3A determines the traffic section based on the entrance identification information and the exit identification information stored in the memory unit 36A, and calculates the toll based on the traffic section and the basic toll table (ST364A).

[0077] If the upper communication unit 31A of the exit toll gate equipment 3A receives the centrally calculated toll from the central device 1 within a certain time (ST365A, YES), the vehicle communication unit 35A transmits the centrally calculated toll to the vehicle-mounted device 5 (ST366A). On the other hand, if the upper communication unit 31A of the exit toll gate equipment 3A does not receive the centrally calculated toll from the central device 1 within a certain period of time (ST365A, NO), the vehicle communication unit 35A transmits the exit calculated toll calculated in ST364A to the vehicle-mounted device 5 (ST369A).

[0078] Also, if the entrance identification information is not included in the entrance list L (ST363A, NO), the control unit 32A calculates the toll based on the travel section and the basic toll table (ST367A), and the vehicle communication unit 35A transmits the exit calculated toll calculated in ST367A to the vehicle-mounted device 5 (ST368A).

[0079] Note that it is also possible to omit the determination as to whether or not the entrance identification information is included in the entrance list L (ST363A) and execute ST364A.

[0080] As a result, the exit calculated toll can be transmitted instead of the centrally calculated toll before the time required to transmit the centrally calculated toll to the on-board device 5 exceeds the allowable time for the exit process. This makes it possible to realize smooth toll collection without causing vehicles to stagnate in the exit lane. In addition, in response to receiving the card identification information or vehicle identification information from the on-board device 5, the exit toll booth device 3A transmits the card identification information and the exit identification information, or the vehicle identification information and the exit identification information, to the central device 1 without waiting for the entrance information transmitted from the on-board device 5. This enables the central device to start calculating the toll at an earlier timing, which is expected to reduce the delay in calculating the toll.

[0081] (Fourth embodiment) FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating toll calculation by a central calculation-compatible ETC system according to the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, even a vehicle that has undergone entrance processing by the entrance toll booth device 2B can receive the centrally calculated toll in the exit processing by the exit toll booth device 3A. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, just as the entrance toll booth device 2A is central calculation-compatible, the entrance toll booth device 2B is also central calculation-compatible. In the explanation of the fourth embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly explained, and explanations of substantially the same parts will be omitted as appropriate.

[0082] When the vehicle passes through the second entrance lane corresponding to the entrance toll booth equipment 2B, the entrance toll booth equipment 2B communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 5 of the vehicle and executes entrance processing. That is, the device communication unit 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 5 transmits the vehicle identification information including the card identification information and the vehicle-mounted device identification information (ST571). The vehicle communication unit 25A of the entrance toll booth equipment 2A receives the vehicle identification information transmitted from the equipment communication unit 51 (ST271B), and transmits entrance information including the entrance identification information and the entry date and time to the vehicle-mounted device 5 (ST272B). The device communication unit 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 5 receives the entrance information (ST572), and the card processing unit 54 writes the entrance information into the ETC card.

[0083] When the vehicle that has passed through the second entrance lane travels along a predetermined route corresponding to the route device 4, the route device 4 communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 5 of the vehicle and executes route processing. That is, the device communication section 51 transmits the vehicle identification information (ST573). When the vehicle communication unit 45 of the route device 4 receives the vehicle identification information transmitted from the device communication unit 51 (ST471), the upper communication unit 41 transmits a passage record including the vehicle identification information, route identification information, and passage date and time to the central device 1 (ST472). The device communication unit 11 of the central device 1 receives the passing record (ST171), and the storage unit 13 stores the passing record.

[0084] When the vehicle, which has passed through the second entrance lane and the predetermined route, passes through the first exit lane corresponding to the exit toll booth device 3A, the exit toll booth device 3A communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 5 of the vehicle and executes exit processing. That is, the device communication unit 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 5 transmits the vehicle identification information and the entrance information (ST574). The vehicle communication unit 35A of the exit toll booth equipment 3A receives the vehicle identification information and the entrance information from the equipment communication unit 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 5 (ST371A). Upper communication section 31A of the exit tollgate equipment 3A transmits the vehicle identification information, entrance information, and exit information to the central equipment 1 (ST372A). The device communication unit 11 of the central device 1 receives the vehicle identification information, the entrance information, and the exit information (ST172).

[0085] The storage unit 13 of the central device 1 stores the entrance list L, and the control unit 12 determines whether or not the entrance identification information included in the received entrance information is included in the entrance list L (ST173A). If the entrance process is performed by the entrance toll booth device 2A, that is, if the entrance identification information is included in the entrance list L, the control unit 12 of the central device 1 selects the passage record corresponding to the received vehicle identification information based on this vehicle identification information, and determines the travel section, travel route, and travel date and time based on the entrance information, exit information, and passage record. Then, it calculates the centrally calculated toll based on the travel section, travel route, and travel date and time, the basic toll table, and the variable toll table (ST174). On the other hand, as shown in ST272B, if entrance processing is being performed by the entrance toll booth equipment 2B, that is, if the entrance identification information is not included in the entrance list L, the control unit 12 of the central device 1 calculates the centrally calculated toll based on the travel section and the basic toll table (ST174). The device communication unit 11 of the central device 1 transmits the calculated centrally calculated toll to the exit toll gate device 3A (ST175).

[0086] The upper communication unit 31A of the exit toll gate device 3A receives the centrally calculated toll from the central equipment 1 (ST373A). The vehicle communication unit 35A of the exit toll gate device 3A transmits the centrally calculated toll to the vehicle-mounted device 5 (ST374A). When the device communication unit 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 5 receives the centrally calculated toll (ST575), the storage unit 53 stores the centrally calculated toll.

[0087] Even when entrance processing is performed by the entrance toll booth device 2B, the centrally calculated toll may be calculated based on the travel section, travel route, and travel date and time, the basic toll table, and the variable toll table.

[0088] As described above, when entrance processing is performed by the entrance toll booth equipment 2A, the on-board device 5 of the vehicle can receive the centrally calculated toll calculated based on the basic toll table and the variable toll table through exit processing by the exit toll booth equipment 3A. Also, when entrance processing is performed by the entrance toll booth equipment 2B, the on-board device 5 of the vehicle can receive the centrally calculated toll calculated based on the basic toll table, or the centrally calculated toll calculated based on the basic toll table and the variable toll table through exit processing by the exit toll booth equipment 3A.

[0089] According to the first to fourth embodiments described above, it is possible to provide an ETC system compatible with central calculation for realizing toll calculation by the central device 1. The ETC system compatible with central calculation according to the first to fourth embodiments can appropriately collect tolls regardless of the combination of entrance toll gate equipment 2A compatible with central calculation, entrance toll gate equipment 2B compatible with exit calculation, exit toll gate equipment 3A compatible with central calculation, and exit toll gate equipment 3B compatible with exit calculation. Therefore, even during the transition period in which the exit calculation-compatible entrance toll gate equipment 2B is gradually replaced with the central calculation-compatible entrance toll gate equipment 2A, and the exit calculation-compatible exit toll gate equipment 3B is gradually replaced with the central calculation-compatible exit toll gate equipment 3A, the central calculation-compatible ETC system will enable tolls to be collected appropriately.

[0090] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. The invention as described in the claims of the present application as originally filed is set forth below. [1] A toll processing system comprising a central device for calculating a toll, a first entrance processing device corresponding to toll calculation communication for calculating a toll by the central device, and an exit processing device corresponding to the toll calculation communication, The first inlet treatment device comprises: a first entrance vehicle communication unit that receives first vehicle identification information from a first vehicle-mounted device of a first vehicle traveling through a first entrance lane and transmits the first entrance identification information to the first vehicle-mounted device; and a first central communication unit that transmits a first entry record including the first vehicle identification information and the first entrance identification information to the central device, The outlet treatment device comprises: A storage unit that stores an entrance list; a determination unit for determining an entrance through which a vehicle has passed based on the entrance list; an exit vehicle communication unit that receives the first vehicle identification information and the first entrance identification information from the first vehicle-mounted device of the first vehicle traveling in an exit lane, and transmits a centrally calculated toll calculated by the central device to the first vehicle-mounted device when the entrance list includes the first entrance identification information; a second central communication unit that transmits the first vehicle identification information and the exit identification information to the central device and receives the centrally calculated toll from the central device, The central device an entrance / exit communication unit that receives the first vehicle identification information and the first entrance identification information from the first entrance processing device, and also receives the first vehicle identification information and the exit identification information from the exit processing device, and transmits the centrally calculated toll to the exit processing device; a central fare calculation unit that calculates the centrally calculated toll based on a first traffic section determined from the first entrance identification information and the exit identification information and a central fare table. [2] The entry / exit communication unit transmits the entrance list to the exit processing device, and the second central communication unit receives the entrance list. [3] The fee processing system of [1] further includes a second entrance processing device that is not compatible with the fee calculation communication for calculating a toll by the central device, the second entrance processing device includes a second entrance vehicle communication unit that receives second vehicle identification information from a second vehicle-mounted device of a second vehicle traveling through a second entrance lane and transmits the second entrance identification information to the second vehicle-mounted device; The exit processing device includes an exit fee calculation unit that calculates an exit-calculated toll based on the second entrance identification information, a second traffic section determined from the exit identification information, and an exit fee table; The toll processing system of [1] or [2], wherein the exit vehicle communication unit receives the second vehicle identification information and the second entrance identification information from the second onboard device of the second vehicle traveling through the exit lane, and transmits the exit calculated toll to the second onboard device if the entrance list does not include the second entrance identification information. [4] A toll processing system according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the second central communication unit transmits the first vehicle identification information and the exit identification information to the central device when the entrance list includes the first entrance identification information, and receives the centrally calculated toll from the central device. [5] The exit processing device includes an exit fee calculation unit that calculates an exit-calculated toll based on an exit fee table, the first entrance identification information, and the first traffic section determined by the exit identification information; The toll processing system according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the exit vehicle communication unit transmits the centrally calculated toll to the first vehicle-mounted device when it receives the centrally calculated toll from the central device within a certain time, and transmits the exit calculated toll to the first vehicle-mounted device when it does not receive the centrally calculated toll from the central device within the certain time. [6] The second central communication unit transmits the first vehicle identification information and the exit identification information to the central device and receives the centrally calculated toll from the central device when the entrance list includes the first entrance identification information, The toll processing system of [5], wherein the exit toll calculation unit calculates the exit-calculated toll if the entrance list includes the first entrance identification information. [7] A toll processing system comprising any one of [1] to [3], wherein the second central communication unit transmits the first vehicle identification information and the exit identification information to the central device in response to receiving the first vehicle identification information from the first vehicle-mounted device, and receives the centrally calculated toll from the central device. [8] The fare processing system of [1] further comprises a routing device; The pathway device is a route vehicle communication unit that receives the first vehicle identification information from the first vehicle-mounted device of the first vehicle that travels along a predetermined route via the first entrance lane; a third central communication unit that transmits a passage record including the first vehicle identification information and the route identification information to the central device; The central toll calculation unit calculates the centrally calculated toll based on the first traffic section and traffic route determined from the first entrance identification information, the exit identification information, and the route identification information, and a central toll table. [9] A storage unit that stores an entrance list; a determination unit for determining an entrance through which a vehicle has passed based on the entrance list; an exit vehicle communication unit that receives first vehicle identification information and first entrance identification information from a first vehicle-mounted device of a first vehicle that passes through an exit lane via a first entrance lane of a first entrance processing device corresponding to toll calculation communication for calculating a toll by a central device, and transmits a centrally calculated toll calculated by the central device to the first vehicle-mounted device when the entrance list includes the first entrance identification information; an exit processing device comprising: a central communication unit that transmits the first vehicle identification information and exit identification information to the central device, and receives from the central device a centrally calculated toll calculated based on a first traffic section determined from the first entrance identification information and the exit identification information and a central toll table.

[10] Further, an exit toll calculation unit is provided for calculating an exit toll, the exit vehicle communication unit receives second vehicle identification information and second entrance identification information from a second vehicle-mounted device of a second vehicle that passes through the exit lane via a second entrance lane of a second entrance processing device that is not compatible with the toll calculation communication, and transmits an exit calculated toll calculated by the exit toll calculation unit to the second vehicle-mounted device when the entrance list does not include the second entrance identification information; The exit toll calculation unit calculates the exit-calculated toll based on the second entrance identification information and a second traffic section determined from the exit identification information and an exit toll table.

[11] A receiving unit that receives first vehicle identification information and first entrance identification information transmitted from an entrance processing device that receives first vehicle identification information transmitted from a first on-board device of a first vehicle traveling in an entrance lane, and also receives the first vehicle identification information and exit identification information transmitted from an exit processing device that receives the first vehicle identification information transmitted from the first on-board device of the first vehicle traveling in an exit lane via the entrance lane; a central fee calculation unit that calculates a central calculated toll based on a first traffic section determined from the first entrance identification information and the exit identification information and a central fee table; a transmission unit that transmits the centrally calculated toll to the exit processing device to be transmitted from the exit processing device to the first vehicle-mounted device; A central device comprising:

[12] The receiving unit receives the first vehicle identification information transmitted from the first on-board device of the first vehicle traveling through the entrance lane and a passage record including the first vehicle identification information and route identification information transmitted from a route device; The central device of

[11] , wherein the central toll calculation unit calculates the centrally calculated toll based on the first traffic section, a traffic route based on the route identification information, and a central toll table.

[13] receiving first vehicle identification information and first entrance identification information from a first on-board device of a first vehicle that passes through a first entrance lane and an exit lane of a first entrance processing device corresponding to toll calculation communication for calculating a toll by a central device; Transmitting the first vehicle identification information and the exit identification information to the central device, and receiving from the central device a centrally calculated toll calculated based on a first traffic section determined from the first entrance identification information and the exit identification information and a central toll table; determining whether an entrance list includes the first entrance identification information; an exit toll processing method, comprising: transmitting the centrally calculated toll to the first vehicle-mounted device when the entrance list includes the first entrance identification information; [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1...Central device 2A: Entrance toll booth equipment 2B: Entrance toll booth equipment 3A…Exit toll booth equipment 3B…Exit toll gate equipment 4. Route equipment 5…Onboard equipment 11...Device communication section 12...Control section 13...Storage section 21A…Host communication section 21B…Host communication section 22A…Control unit 22B…Control section 23A…Launch controller 23B…Launch controller 24A…Roadside indicator 24B…Roadside indicator 25A…Vehicle communication section 25B…Vehicle communication section 26A…Storage section 26B…Storage section 31A…Host communication section 31B…Host communication section 32A…Control unit 32B…Control section 33A…Launch controller 33B…Launch controller 34A…Roadside indicator 34B…Roadside indicator 35A…Vehicle communication section 35B…Vehicle communication unit 36A…Storage section 36B…Storage section 41...Host communication unit 42...Control unit 45…Vehicle communication section 46...Storage section 51...Device communication section 52...Control unit 53...Storage section 54...Card processing unit

Claims

1. a receiving unit that receives the first vehicle identification information and the first entrance identification information included in an entry record transmitted from a first entrance processing device that receives first vehicle identification information transmitted from a first on-board device of a first vehicle traveling through a first entrance lane, and also receives the first vehicle identification information and the first exit identification information included in an exit record transmitted from an exit processing device that receives the first vehicle identification information transmitted from the first on-board device of the first vehicle traveling through an exit lane via the first entrance lane; a central fee calculation unit that calculates a first central calculated toll based on a first traffic section determined from the first entrance identification information and the exit identification information and a central fee table; a transmission unit that transmits the first centrally calculated toll to the exit processing device to be transmitted from the exit processing device to the first vehicle-mounted device; Equipped with The receiving unit is receiving second vehicle identification information and second entrance identification information of the second entrance processing device transmitted from a second on-board device of a second vehicle traveling through the exit lane via a second entrance lane of a second entrance processing device that communicates with an on-board device of a vehicle; receiving the second vehicle identification information, the second entrance identification information, and the exit identification information transmitted from the exit processing device; The central fee calculation unit calculating a second centrally calculated toll based on a second traffic section determined from the second entrance identification information and the exit identification information and the central toll table; The transmission unit is transmitting the second centrally calculated toll to the exit processing device for transmission from the exit processing device to the second vehicle-mounted device; Central device.

2. The receiving unit is receiving a passage record including the first vehicle identification information and route identification information transmitted from a route device that receives the first vehicle identification information transmitted from the first vehicle mounted device of the first vehicle traveling along a predetermined route via the first entrance lane; the central toll calculation unit calculates the first centrally calculated toll based on the first traffic section, a traffic route based on the route identification information, and the central toll table; The central unit of claim 1.

3. A storage unit for storing an entrance list including entrance identification information corresponding to an entrance processing device that communicates with an on-board device of a vehicle and transmits an entrance record to a central device, The central fee calculation unit When the first entrance identification information is included in the entrance list, the first centrally calculated toll is calculated based on the first traffic section and the base toll table and the variable toll table included in the central toll table; When the second entrance identification information is not included in the entrance list, the second centrally calculated toll is calculated based on the second traffic section and the basic toll table included in the central toll table; The basic fee table indicates toll fees according to entrances and exits, The variable fare table indicates an amount that varies depending on a route. The central unit of claim 2.

4. the receiving unit receives a passage record including the second vehicle identification information and route identification information transmitted from a route device that receives the second vehicle identification information from the second vehicle-mounted device of the second vehicle traveling along a predetermined route via the second entrance lane; the central toll calculation unit calculates the second centrally calculated toll based on the first traffic section and traffic route determined from the second entrance identification information, the exit identification information, and the route identification information, and based on the central toll table; The central unit of claim 1.

5. 1. A central fee processing method executed by a central device, comprising: In calculating a toll for a first vehicle traveling through a first entrance lane and an exit lane, receiving first vehicle identification information transmitted from a first vehicle-mounted device of the first vehicle traveling through the first entrance lane; receiving the first vehicle identification information and the first entrance identification information included in an entry record transmitted from a first entrance processing device; receiving the first vehicle identification information transmitted from the first vehicle-mounted device of the first vehicle traveling through the first entrance lane and the exit lane; receiving the first vehicle identification information and the exit identification information included in an exit record transmitted from an exit processing device; Calculating a first centrally calculated toll based on a first traffic section determined from the first entrance identification information and the exit identification information and a central toll table; Transmitting the first centrally calculated toll to the exit processing device to be transmitted from the exit processing device to the first vehicle-mounted device; In calculating a toll for a second vehicle traveling through a second entrance lane and then through the exit lane, receiving second vehicle identification information and second entrance identification information of the second entrance processing device transmitted from the second on-board device of the second vehicle that passes through the second entrance lane and the exit lane of the second entrance processing device that communicates with the second on-board device of the second vehicle; receiving the second vehicle identification information, the second entrance identification information, and the exit identification information transmitted from the exit processing device; calculating a second centrally calculated toll based on a second traffic section determined from the second entrance identification information and the exit identification information and the central toll table; transmitting the second centrally calculated toll to the exit processing device for transmission from the exit processing device to the second vehicle-mounted device; Central fee processing method.

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