Toll collection system and toll collection method

Abstract

To provide a toll collection system capable of performing procedures for post-collection of tolls from a remote location.SOLUTION: The toll collection system placed in a lane of a toll gate includes: an imaging unit that takes a picture of an official certificate owned by a user of toll roads; and a data creation unit that creates data for an ex-post collection of toll for the user based on a piece of user information capable of identifying the user which is the information inscribed on the official certificate taken by the imaging unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a toll collection system and a toll collection method. [Background technology]

[0002] On toll roads, an electronic toll collection system (ETC: Electronic Toll Collection System (registered trademark), also known as an "automatic toll collection system") is used to automatically collect tolls from vehicles equipped with an onboard unit (hereinafter also referred to as "ETC vehicles") (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] On the other hand, for vehicles that are not equipped with an onboard unit (hereinafter referred to as "non-ETC vehicles"), toll collectors stationed at manned booths set up on the roadside of the toll gate lane may collect tolls by directly interacting with users of non-ETC vehicles and handing over toll tickets, cash, credit cards, etc.

[0004] In recent years, a method of collection has been considered for non-ETC vehicle users in which toll collectors take down the information on the face of the user's official identification (driver's license, My Number card, etc.) and collect (invoice) the toll from the user at a later date (hereinafter referred to as ex post collection). Even in the ex post collection procedure, toll collectors need to hand over the official identification to the user, so they need to meet face to face with the user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-92850 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In recent years, there has been a demand for a system for non-ETC vehicles where toll collectors can process tolls remotely without having to meet with users face-to-face.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of such problems, and provides a toll collection system and a toll collection method that enable toll collectors to carry out procedures for subsequent collection of tolls from a remote location without having to deal with users face-to-face. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a toll collection system includes an imaging unit installed in a lane of a toll gate for photographing an official certificate held by a user of a toll road, and a data creation unit for creating data for subsequent collection of tolls from the user based on information written on the official certificate photographed by the imaging unit and user information that can identify the user.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a toll collection method includes the steps of photographing an official certificate held by a user of a toll road using an imaging unit installed in a lane of a toll gate, and creating data for subsequent collection of tolls from the user based on user information that can identify the user and that is written on the official certificate photographed by the imaging unit. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the toll collection system and toll collection method disclosed herein, a toll collector can carry out the procedure for post-collection of tolls from a remote location without having to meet with a user in person. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a fee collection system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a roadside device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a monitoring device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the fee collection system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of post-collection data according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of print data according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a notice according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a roadside device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of a fee collection system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining functions of a monitoring device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of a fee collection system according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] <First embodiment> Hereinafter, a fee collection system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0013] (Overall composition) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a fee collection system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The toll collection system 1 of this embodiment is installed at a toll gate (entrance toll gate or exit toll gate) of a toll road, and collects tolls from vehicles A traveling on lane L connecting the toll road and a general road. Vehicles A include ETC vehicles equipped with an on-board unit and non-ETC vehicles not equipped with an on-board unit. The lane L of this embodiment is an ETC-only lane equipped with an electronic toll collection system (ETC equipment 2). Note that in other embodiments, lane L may be a lane provided for non-ETC vehicles.

[0014] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the toll collection system 1 is installed at an exit toll gate. Hereinafter, the direction in which the lane L extends (±X direction) will be referred to as the "lane direction". The toll road side (-X side) of the lane direction will also be referred to as the "upstream side", and the general road side (+X side) will also be referred to as the "downstream side". Furthermore, the width direction of the lane L (±Y direction) will be referred to as the "lane width direction".

[0015] 1 shows an example in which only one lane L is provided at the toll gate, but the present invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, a plurality of lanes L may be provided at the toll gate.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the toll collection system 1 includes an ETC facility 2, a roadside device 3, and a monitoring device 4. For ETC vehicles, the toll collection system 1 according to this embodiment performs toll collection processing via ETC equipment 2 while the ETC vehicle is traveling on lane L. On the other hand, for non-ETC vehicles, the toll collection system 1 does not collect tolls on lane L, but performs ex post collection, where the user of the non-ETC vehicle pays the toll later. The toll collection system 1 uses a roadside device 3 installed on lane L and a monitoring device 4 installed at a remote location on lane L (for example, a toll gate office) to identify the user of the non-ETC vehicle and create data for ex post collection.

[0017] (ETC equipment configuration) The ETC equipment 2 is a group of devices for automatically collecting tolls from ETC vehicles equipped with on-board units via wireless communication. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 1, the ETC equipment 2 includes an approaching vehicle detector 21, a roadside antenna 22, a communicating vehicle detector 23, a lane server 24, a starting controller 25, and an exiting vehicle detector 26.

[0018] The approaching vehicle detector 21 is, for example, a transmission type vehicle detector as shown in FIG. 1, and outputs a detection signal capable of distinguishing the presence or absence of a vehicle A at the approach detection position X1.

[0019] When the approaching vehicle detector 21 detects that the vehicle A has entered the lane L, the roadside antenna 22 emits radio waves for wireless communication toward a predetermined communication area on the lane L. In addition, the roadside antenna 22 performs wireless communication with an on-board device (not shown) mounted on the vehicle A in a predetermined procedure, acquires on-board device information from the on-board device, and notifies the on-board device of the toll.

[0020] The communicating vehicle detector 23 detects the passage of the vehicle through the communication end position X2. The communicating vehicle detector 23 has a similar device configuration to the approaching vehicle detector 21. When the communicating vehicle detector 23 detects that the vehicle A has passed through the communication end position X2, the roadside antenna 22 stops emitting radio waves.

[0021] The lane server 24 executes a process for collecting tolls from ETC vehicles. The toll collection process by the lane server 24 is similar to the process by a normal electronic toll collection system, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0022] The departure control unit 25 opens (allows vehicle A to exit lane L) or blocks (restricts vehicle A from exiting lane L) lane L by raising and lowering the opening and closing bar in accordance with opening and closing commands from the lane server 24 or the roadside device 3.

[0023] The exiting vehicle detector 26 detects the passage of the vehicle A through the exit detection position X3 (exit from the lane L). The exiting vehicle detector 26 has the same device configuration as the entering vehicle detector 21.

[0024] (Functional configuration of roadside equipment) The roadside device 3 identifies the user of the non-ETC vehicle and creates data for ex post collection so that the toll can be collected after the non-ETC vehicle has exited the toll road.

[0025] 1, the roadside device 3 is installed on an island I downstream (+X side) of the communicating vehicle detector 23 and upstream (-X side) of the starting control device 25 in the lane direction. For example, the roadside device 3 is disposed so as to coincide with the position of the driver's seat of a vehicle stopped in front of the starting control device 25 (-X side) when the opening and closing bar of the starting control device 25 is closed.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the roadside device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 2, the roadside device 3 has a CPU 30, a lane side intercommunication unit 31, an imaging unit 33, a printing unit 35, a memory 36, a storage 37, and a communication I / F (Interface) 38. As shown in Fig. 1, the lane side intercommunication unit 31, the imaging unit 33, and the printing unit 35 are provided on a surface of the roadside device 3 facing the lane L side (the surface on the +Y side in Fig. 1) so that a user in a non-ETC vehicle can use them.

[0027] The CPU 30 is a processor that controls the overall operation of the roadside device 3. The functions of the CPU 30 will be described in detail later.

[0028] The lane side communication unit 31 is an interphone for communication between a user and a toll collector stationed at the toll gate office.

[0029] The imaging unit 33 captures an image of an official certificate held by a user. An official certificate is, for example, a certificate related to an individual issued by a government agency or other related organization, such as the user's driver's license, My Number card, or passport, and bears user information (information on the face of the certificate) that can identify the user. The user information includes, for example, an identification number of the official certificate (driver's license number, My Number, passport number, etc.), the user's name, address, etc. Images of the official certificate captured by the imaging unit 33 are sequentially transmitted to the monitoring device 4 via the communication I / F 38 described below.

[0030] The printing unit 35 is a printer that prints notices regarding subsequent collection.

[0031] The memory 36 is a so-called main storage device, and has a storage area necessary for the operation of the CPU 30.

[0032] The storage 37 is a so-called auxiliary storage device, and is a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD).

[0033] The communication I / F 38 transmits and receives data to and from the monitoring device 4 via the network.

[0034] Next, the functions of the CPU 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The CPU 30 performs the functions of a still image acquisition unit 301, a print processing unit 303, and a command output unit 304 by operating according to a predetermined program.

[0035] The still image acquisition unit 301 acquires a still image including an official certificate from the video captured by the imaging unit 33. The still image acquired by the still image acquisition unit 301 is transmitted to the monitoring device 4 via the communication I / F .

[0036] The printing processing unit 303 creates printing data for a notice regarding subsequent collection based on the information received from the monitoring device 4, and instructs the printing unit 35 to print.

[0037] After completing the creation of the post-collection data, the command output unit 304 outputs an open command to the starting control device 25. In this embodiment, the command output unit 304 outputs the open command when receiving the post-collection data created by the monitoring device 4 described later.

[0038] (Functional configuration of monitoring device) FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the monitoring device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The monitoring device 4 is a device used by a toll collector stationed at a toll booth office when monitoring the lane L. As shown in Fig. 3, the monitoring device 4 has a CPU 40, an office side call unit 41, an operation unit 42, a display unit 43, a memory 44, a storage 45, and a communication I / F (Interface) 46.

[0039] The CPU 40 is a processor that controls the overall operation of the monitoring device 4. The functions of the CPU 40 will be described in detail later.

[0040] The office side communication unit 41 is an interphone for communication between the toll collector and users of non-ETC vehicles.

[0041] The operation unit 42 is an input device (keyboard, mouse, etc.) for accepting operations from the collector.

[0042] The display unit 43 is a display device (such as a liquid crystal display) for displaying various information related to the post-collection of tolls for non-ETC vehicles. The operation unit 42 and the display unit 43 may be integrally configured as a touch panel.

[0043] The memory 44 is a so-called main storage device, and has a storage area necessary for the operation of the CPU 40.

[0044] The storage 45 is a so-called auxiliary storage device, and is a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD).

[0045] The communication I / F 46 transmits and receives data to and from the roadside device 3 via the network.

[0046] Next, the function of the CPU 40 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The CPU 40 performs the function of a data creation unit 401 by operating according to a predetermined program.

[0047] The data creation unit 401 creates data for subsequent collection of the toll from the user based on the user information written on the official certificate captured by the imaging unit 33 of the roadside device 3. In this embodiment, a toll collector visually checks the video, reads the user information written on the official certificate, and inputs it to the monitoring device 4 via the operation unit 42. The created data for subsequent collection is accumulated in the storage 45. In addition, the data for subsequent collection accumulated in the storage 45 is aggregated in a higher-level device (not shown) at predetermined intervals (for example, once a day) and is used to manage whether or not the user has made a payment.

[0048] (Processing flow of the toll collection system) FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the fee collection system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, an example of a process in which the toll collection system 1 according to this embodiment creates post-collection data for non-ETC vehicles will be described.

[0049] When a non-ETC vehicle enters lane L, the ETC equipment 2 does not perform toll collection processing, and the starting control device 25 keeps the gate closed. The non-ETC vehicle stops in front of the starting control device 25. At this time, the user in the non-ETC vehicle talks to a toll collector at the toll gate office via the lane side call unit 31 of the roadside device 3.

[0050] The collector then requests the user to hold the official certificate over the imaging unit 33 via the office side communication unit 41 of the monitoring device 4 (step S101).

[0051] The image capturing unit 33 of the roadside device 3 captures an image of the official certificate held up by the user (step S102). The images captured by the image capturing unit 33 of the roadside device 3 are sequentially transmitted to the monitoring device 4 (step S103).

[0052] The image transmitted from the roadside unit 3 is displayed on the display unit 43 of the monitoring device 4. The collector visually checks the image displayed on the display unit 43 and reads the user information written on the user's official certificate. If it is difficult to visually confirm the official certificate due to the movement of the user's hands, the collector performs an operation to acquire a still image via the operation unit 42 of the monitoring device 4. Then, the data creation unit 401 of the monitoring device 4 requests the roadside unit 3 to acquire a still image (step S104).

[0053] When the still image acquisition unit 301 of the roadside device 3 receives the request from the monitoring device 4, it acquires a still image including the official certificate from the video captured by the imaging unit 33 (step S105) and transmits it to the monitoring device 4 (step S106). Note that if the video is sufficiently clear and the official certificate can be read even without the still image, the collector may omit the processing of steps S104 to S106.

[0054] The still image transmitted from the roadside device 3 is displayed on the display unit 43 of the monitoring device 4. The toll collector visually checks the still image displayed on the display unit 43 and reads the user information written on the user's official certificate. The toll collector then inputs the read user information via the operation unit 42 (keyboard) of the monitoring device 4 (step S108).

[0055] If user information (e.g., address) is also written on the back of the official certificate, the processes of steps S101 to S108 may be performed again to acquire the user information written on the back. At this time, the display unit 43 of the monitoring device 4 displays a still image of the front of the previously acquired official certificate and a still image of the back of the newly acquired official certificate side by side. The display unit 43 may also be configured to switch between displaying the still image of the front side and the still image of the back side in response to an operation by the collector.

[0056] Next, the data creation unit 401 of the monitoring device 4 creates post-collection data based on the user information input by the collector (step S109). The created post-collection data is stored in the storage 45.

[0057] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of post-collection data according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, the post-collection data D1 includes a processing number, toll information, and user information received from the roadside device 3.

[0058] The processing number is a serial number for managing the post-collection data D1.

[0059] The toll information includes a toll gate ID, a lane ID, a date and time, a vehicle type, and a toll. The toll gate ID and lane ID are information that can identify the toll gate and lane where the roadside device 3 is installed, and are information received from the roadside device 3 together with a video or still image. The date and time are, for example, the date and time when the data creation unit 401 created the post-collection data D1. The vehicle type and toll may be input by the toll collector via the operation unit 42, or may be identified by a vehicle type discrimination device (not shown) installed at the toll gate.

[0060] The user information is information entered by the collector after visually inspecting the official certificate, and includes the user's name, address, and identification information of the official certificate (driver's license number, My Number, passport number, etc.).

[0061] Next, the data creation unit 401 of the monitoring device 4 transmits the created post-collection data D1 to the roadside device 3 (step S110).

[0062] When the command output unit 304 of the roadside device 3 receives the post-collection data D1 from the monitoring device 4, it outputs an open command to the departure control device 25 (step S111). Then, the departure control device 25 raises the gate barrier to permit non-ETC vehicles to exit the lane L.

[0063] Moreover, the printing processor 303 of the roadside device 3 creates printing data based on the received post-collection data D1 (step S112).

[0064] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of print data according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, the print data D2 includes a transaction number, a toll gate ID, a lane ID, a date and time, a toll, user identification information, a payment deadline, and a payment method.

[0065] The processing number, toll gate ID, lane ID, date and time, and toll are the same as those in the post-collection data D1.

[0066] The user specific information is the identity of the official certificate. In another embodiment, the user specific information may be the user's name.

[0067] The payment deadline is the deadline for the user to pay the toll, and is automatically input, for example, a date a predetermined period after the creation date of the post-collection data D1. The payment deadline may also be input by the toll collector via the operation unit 42.

[0068] The payment method is information indicating the method by which the user pays the toll, such as a bank account number to which the toll is to be transferred.

[0069] Next, the printing unit 35 of the roadside device 3 prints a notice including the print data created by the printing processing unit 303 (step S113).

[0070] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a notice according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 7, notice D3 includes, like print data D2, a processing number, a tollgate ID, a lane ID, a date and time, a toll, user identification information (identification information of an official certificate), a payment deadline, and a payment method. Note that, as in the example of Fig. 7, print unit 35 prints part of the identification information of the official certificate (e.g., other than the last four digits) with obscured characters. This makes it possible to prevent the identification information of the user's official certificate from becoming known to others, even if notice D3 is seen by someone other than the user.

[0071] The toll collector also instructs the user through the office side communication unit 41 of the monitoring device 4 to pay the toll in accordance with the notice D3 printed by the printing unit 35 (step S114).

[0072] After receiving the printed notice D3, the user starts the non-ETC vehicle and exits lane L. When the exiting vehicle detector 26 detects the exit of the non-ETC vehicle from lane L, the departure control device 25 lowers the gate to restrict the exit of the following vehicle from lane L.

[0073] Every time a non-ETC vehicle enters lane L, the toll collection system 1 executes the above-described series of processes.

[0074] 4 shows an example in which the command output unit 304 of the roadside device 3 outputs an open command to the departure control device 25 at the timing when the post-collection data D1 is received from the monitoring device 4, but the present invention is not limited to this. In another embodiment, the command output unit 304 may output an open command to the departure control device 25 when it detects that the user has received (removed) the notice D3 from the printing unit 35. This makes it possible to prevent the user from leaving without receiving the notice D3.

[0075] (Action and effect) As described above, the toll collection system 1 of this embodiment includes an imaging unit 33 that photographs an official certificate held by a user, and a data creation unit 401 that creates data D1 for subsequent collection of the user's toll based on the user information written on the official certificate photographed by the imaging unit 33.

[0076] In this way, the toll collection system 1 can obtain user information from the official certificate without the need to exchange the official certificate between the toll collector and the user. This allows the toll collector to perform the procedure for ex-post collection of the toll from a remote location without having to meet the user in person.

[0077] The toll collection system 1 further includes a printing unit 35 that prints a notice D3 regarding the subsequent collection of the toll.

[0078] In this manner, the toll collection system 1 can notify the user via the notice D3 that the toll will be collected after the fact.

[0079] The fee collection system 1 further includes a still image acquisition unit 301 that acquires a still image including an official certificate from the video captured by the imaging unit 33.

[0080] In this manner, the toll collection system 1 can present the toll collector with a still image of the official certificate that is easily visible, without being affected by the user's hand movements or the like.

[0081] The toll collection system 1 further includes a starting control device that opens and closes lanes, and a command output unit 304 that outputs an open command to the starting control device 25 after the creation of the post-collection data D1 is completed.

[0082] In this manner, the toll collection system 1 can promptly open the lane when the creation of the post-event collection data D1 is completed, allowing non-ETC vehicles to exit the lane L. In addition, the toll collection system 1 can prevent non-ETC vehicles from exiting the lane L before acquiring user information by closing the lane until the creation of the post-event collection data D1 is completed.

[0083] <Second embodiment> Next, a fee collection system 1 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. Components common to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0084] (Functional configuration of roadside equipment) FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a roadside device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8, in the roadside device 3 according to this embodiment, the CPU 30 further exerts a function as a reading unit 305.

[0085] The reading unit 305 reads the user information, which is character information written on the official certificate, from the still image acquired by the still image acquisition unit 301 .

[0086] (Processing flow of the toll collection system) FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the fee collection system according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, an example of a process in which the toll collection system 1 according to this embodiment creates post-collection data for non-ETC vehicles will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Note that steps S201 to S205 in Fig. 9 are the same as those in the first embodiment (steps S101 to S105 in Fig. 4), and therefore will not be described.

[0087] The reading unit 305 of the roadside device 3 according to this embodiment uses OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology to read the user information written on the official certificate from the still image acquired by the still image acquisition unit 301 (step S206). The user information read by the reading unit 305 is transmitted to the monitoring device 4 together with the still image (step S207).

[0088] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining functions of the monitoring device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. 10, a still image 431 received from the roadside device 3 and user information 432 read by OCR are displayed side by side at the same time on the display unit 43 of the monitoring device 4. At this time, the user information 432 is displayed after being adjusted so as to substantially match the layout, character size, etc. of the official certificate so as to facilitate comparison with the official certificate included in the still image 431. The display unit 43 may further display the processing number and toll information constituting the post-collection data D1.

[0089] The collector compares the still image 431 with the user information 432 to check whether the results of reading by the reader 305 of the roadside device 3 are correct, and corrects the information if necessary (step S208).

[0090] If the user information 432 matches the contents of the official certificate (the reading result is correct), the collector presses the confirmation button 421 of the operation unit 42. Then, the data creation unit 401 of the monitoring device 4 creates the post-collection data D1 based on the user information (step S209). The data creation unit 401 stores the created post-collection data D1 in the storage 45 of the monitoring device 4 and transmits it to the roadside unit 3 (step S210). The subsequent processes (steps S211 to S214) are similar to those of the first embodiment (steps S111 to S114 in FIG. 4), and therefore will not be described.

[0091] On the other hand, if the user information 432 does not match the contents of the official certificate (misrecognition, some information could not be read, etc.), the toll collector presses the correction button 422 of the operation unit 42. At this time, the toll collector inputs the correct user information via the operation unit 42 (keyboard) (step S208). The toll collector may also input and correct the toll information at the same time. Then, the data creation unit 401 of the monitoring device 4 creates the post-collection data D1 based on the user information input by the toll collector (step S209). The data creation unit 401 also stores the corrected post-collection data D1 in the storage 45 and transmits it to the roadside device 3 (step S210). The subsequent processes (steps S211 to S214) are the same as those in the first embodiment (steps S111 to S114 in FIG. 4), and therefore will not be described.

[0092] (Action and effect) As described above, in the toll collection system 1 according to this embodiment, the roadside device 3 further includes the reading unit 305 that reads the user information written on the official certificate from the still image.

[0093] In this way, the toll collection system 1 can save the toll collector the trouble of manually inputting user information character by character, and the toll collection system 1 can significantly shorten the service time for processing non-ETC vehicles.

[0094] Furthermore, in the toll collection system 1 according to this embodiment, the display unit 43 of the monitoring device 4 displays the still image and the user information received from the roadside device 3 side by side.

[0095] This allows the collector to simultaneously refer to the still image and the user information, making it easy to confirm whether the user information has been read correctly.

[0096] <Third embodiment> Next, a fee collection system 1 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. Components common to the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted. This embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the data creation unit 401 of the monitoring device 4 automatically creates the post-collection data D1 without the involvement of an input operation by the collector.

[0097] (Processing flow of the toll collection system) FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the fee collection system according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, an example of a process in which the toll collection system 1 according to this embodiment creates post-collection data for non-ETC vehicles will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Note that steps S301 to S307 in Fig. 11 are the same as those in the second embodiment (steps S201 to S207 in Fig. 9), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0098] The data creation unit 401 of the monitoring device 4 automatically creates the post-collection data D1 based on the user information received from the roadside device 3 (step S308). The data creation unit 401 associates the created post-collection data D1 with the still image received from the roadside device 3 and stores them in the storage 45. The data creation unit 401 also transmits the created post-collection data D1 to the roadside device 3 (step S309). The subsequent processes (steps S310 to S313) are similar to those in the second embodiment (steps S211 to S214 in FIG. 9), and therefore will not be described.

[0099] (Action and effect) As described above, in the toll collection system 1 according to this embodiment, the data creation unit 401 of the monitoring device 4 automatically creates the post-collection data D1 based on the user information read by the reading unit 305 of the roadside device 3.

[0100] In this way, the toll collection system 1 can eliminate the need for a toll collector to create the post-collection data D1, which allows the toll collection system 1 to further reduce the service time required for processing non-ETC vehicles.

[0101] In addition, in the fee collection system 1 according to this embodiment, the data creation unit 401 of the monitoring device 4 stores the created post-collection data D1 and the still image in the storage 45 in association with each other.

[0102] In this way, the collector can compare the automatically created post-collection data D1 with the still image during times when there are few users, and correct any misrecognition of user information.

[0103] As described above, several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but all of these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims, as well as the scope and gist of the invention.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the roadside device 3 has the still image acquisition unit 301 and the reading unit 305, but the present invention is not limited to this. In another embodiment, the monitoring device 4 may have the still image acquisition unit and the reading unit.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the printing processing unit 303 of the roadside device 3 creates the printing data D2, and the printing unit 35 prints the notice D3, but the present invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the printing processing unit 303 and the printing unit 35 may be omitted. In this case, for example, an instruction manual describing the payment method may be prepared in advance near the roadside device 3, and the user may take this instruction manual home as necessary.

[0106] <Additional Notes> The toll collection system and the toll collection method described in the above-mentioned embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0107] (1) According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a toll collection system (1) is provided in a lane of a toll gate and includes an imaging unit (33) that photographs an official certificate held by a user of the toll road, and a data creation unit (401) that creates data (D1) for subsequent collection of a user's toll based on information written on the official certificate photographed by the imaging unit (33) and user information that can identify the user.

[0108] In this way, the toll collection system can obtain user information from the official certificate without the need to exchange the official certificate between the toll collector and the user. This allows the toll collector to remotely collect the toll from the user without having to meet with the user in person.

[0109] (2) According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the toll collection system (1) according to the first aspect further includes a printing unit (35) that prints a notice (D3) regarding the subsequent collection of the toll.

[0110] In this manner, the toll collection system can notify the user via a notice that the toll will be collected after the fact.

[0111] (3) According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the fee collection system (1) according to the first or second aspect further includes a still image acquisition unit (301) that acquires a still image including an official certificate from the video captured by the imaging unit (33).

[0112] In this way, the toll collection system can present the toll collector with a still image of the official certificate that is easily visible, without being affected by the user's hand movements, etc.

[0113] (4) According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the fee collection system (1) relating to the third aspect further includes a reading unit (305) that reads user information, which is text information written on an official certificate, from a still image.

[0114] In this way, the toll collection system can save the toll collector the trouble of manually inputting user information character by character, and can greatly shorten the service time in the post-collection process.

[0115] (5) According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in the fee collection system (1) relating to the fourth aspect, the data creation unit (401) automatically creates post-collection data (D1) from the user information read by the reading unit (305).

[0116] In this way, the toll collection system can eliminate the need for a toll collector to create data for ex-post collection, thereby further shortening the service time for ex-post collection processing.

[0117] (6) According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the toll collection system (1) relating to any one of the first to fifth aspects further includes a starting control device (25) that opens and closes lanes, and a command output unit (304) that outputs an open command to the starting control device (25) after the creation of the post-collection data (D1) is completed.

[0118] In this way, the toll collection system can open the lane promptly when the creation of the post-event collection data is completed, and allow non-ETC vehicles to exit the lane. Also, the toll collection system can prevent non-ETC vehicles from exiting the lane before acquiring user information by closing the lane until the creation of the post-event collection data is completed.

[0119] (7) According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a toll collection method includes the steps of photographing an official certificate held by a user of the toll road by an imaging unit (33) installed in a lane of a toll gate, and creating data (D1) for subsequent collection of the user's toll based on user information that can identify the user and that is written on the official certificate photographed by the imaging unit (33). [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1 Toll collection system 2 ETC equipment 21 Entry vehicle detector 22 Roadside antenna 23 Communication vehicle detector 24 Lane Server 25 Launch control device 26 Exit vehicle detector 3 Roadside equipment 30 CPU 301 Still image acquisition section 303 Print Processing Unit 304 Command output section 305 Reading unit 31 Lane side intercom 33 Imaging unit 35 Printing Department 36 Memory 37 Storage 38 Communication I / F 4 Monitoring device 40 CPU 401 Data Creation Department 41 Office side telephone department 42 Operation section 43 Display section 44 Memory 45 Storage 46 Communication I / F

Claims

1. A roadside device is provided in a lane of a toll gate and includes an image capturing unit for capturing an image of an official certificate held by a user of the toll road; A monitoring device provided at a remote location of the lane; Equipped with The monitoring device includes: a display unit that receives an image of the official certificate captured by the imaging unit from the roadside device and displays the image; a data creation unit that creates data for subsequent collection of the toll from the user based on user information that can identify the user and that is input by a toll collector operating the monitoring device after visually checking the information displayed on the image of the official certificate displayed on the display unit when the imaging unit captures the official certificate and before the vehicle carrying the user leaves the lane, and transmits the data to the roadside device; Equipped with When the roadside device receives the post-collection data from the monitoring device, the roadside device permits the vehicle to exit the lane. Toll collection system.

2. A roadside device provided in a lane of a toll booth; A monitoring device provided at a remote location of the lane; Equipped with The roadside device includes: An imaging unit that captures an image of an official certificate held by a toll road user; a still image acquisition unit that acquires a still image including the official certificate from the video captured by the imaging unit; a reading unit that reads user information, which is character information written on the official certificate, from the still image; Equipped with The monitoring device includes: a display unit that receives from the roadside device and displays an image of the official certificate captured by the imaging unit and the user information read by the reading unit; a data creation unit that creates data for subsequent collection of a toll from the user before a vehicle carrying the user exits the lane when the reading unit reads the user information; Equipped with The data creation unit is When a collector operating the monitoring device visually checks and confirms the official certificate and the user information displayed on the display unit, the post-collection data is created based on the user information read by the reading unit, when the collector visually checks the official certificate and the user information displayed on the display unit and performs an operation to correct the user information, the post-collection data is created based on the user information corrected by the collector and transmitted to the roadside device; When the roadside device receives the post-collection data from the monitoring device, the roadside device permits the vehicle to exit the lane. Toll collection system.

3. The roadside device further includes a printing unit that prints a notice regarding the subsequent collection of the toll. A toll collection system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The image capturing unit further includes a still image capturing unit configured to capture a still image including the official certificate from the image captured by the image capturing unit. The toll collection system according to claim 1.

5. the display unit adjusts and displays the user information read by the reading unit so that the layout and character size of the official certificate included in the still image acquired by the still image acquisition unit are the same as those of the official certificate. The toll collection system according to claim 2.

6. A departure control device that opens and closes the lane is further provided, The roadside device includes a command output unit that outputs an open command to the starting control device when the roadside device receives the post-collection data from the monitoring device. The toll collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:

7. A roadside device provided in a lane of a toll gate captures an image of an official certificate held by a user of the toll road by an imaging unit; a monitoring device provided at a remote location of the lane receives an image of the official certificate captured by the imaging unit from the roadside device and displays the image; a step of generating data for subsequent collection of the toll from the user based on user information that can identify the user, the user information being input by a toll collector operating the monitoring device after visually confirming the information displayed on the official certificate displayed in a step of displaying the official certificate when the imaging unit captures the official certificate and before the vehicle carrying the user exits the lane; a step of the monitoring device transmitting the created post-collection data to the roadside device; permitting the vehicle to exit the lane when the roadside device receives the post-collection data from the monitoring device; A toll collection method having the following features.

Images