Violation vehicle identification device, violation vehicle identification method, and violation vehicle identification processing program

Abstract

To automatically determine a violation vehicle in special vehicles.SOLUTION: A violation vehicle identification device according to the embodiment includes: a vehicle weight automatic measurement device (WIM) communication unit that receives WIM information including an axle load and a vehicle registration number of a vehicle; a vehicle communication unit that sends a special vehicle information request including the vehicle registration number to a special vehicle database device and receives special vehicle information corresponding to the vehicle registration number if the axle load exceeds the maximum limit value that is an upper limit of the axle load of a reference vehicle; a violation vehicle determination unit that determines that the vehicle is a violation vehicle if the axle load exceeds the maximum weight included in the special vehicle information; and a company communication unit that transmits the violation vehicle information including information about the vehicle if the vehicle is determined to be a violation vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a violating vehicle identification device, a violating vehicle identification method, and a violating vehicle identification processing program.

Background Art

[0002] For vehicles with special structures or special cargo to be transported, that is, "special vehicles" that exceed any of the general limit values of width, length, height, and total weight, or exceed any of the limit values of total weight or height on bridges, elevated roads, tunnels, etc., special vehicle passage permits specifying the passage route, passage date and time, and weight are required to pass on the road. In recent years, the number of applications for special vehicle passage permits has been increasing.

[0003] On the other hand, for example, when a special vehicle with an axle weight of 20 tons passes, the impact on the paved road (i.e., the speed of road deterioration) is said to be 4 to the power of the axle weight ratio (i.e., (20 / 10)^4 = 16 times) compared to when a vehicle with an axle weight of 10 tons passes.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Patent Document 6

Non-Patent Documents

[0005]

Non-Patent Document 1

[0006] Because it is impossible to allocate personnel to deal with special vehicles that illegally exceed the permitted load capacity, route, etc., as stipulated in the special vehicle traffic permit application, there is a need for a system that can automatically detect such vehicles.

[0007] Another method for identifying offending vehicles is to use a vehicle weight measurement device (WIM: weight in motion), but the information obtained from WIM alone is insufficient to identify offending vehicles.

[0008] Furthermore, there is a need for technology that can reliably collect additional fees if a vehicle violates the toll road regulations.

[0009] This invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology for automatically detecting offending vehicles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The central vehicle identification device according to this embodiment includes: a WIM communication unit that receives vehicle weight automatic measurement device (WIM) information including the vehicle's axle load and vehicle number; a vehicle communication unit that, when the axle load exceeds the maximum limit value which is the upper limit of the axle load of a reference vehicle, sends a special vehicle information request including the vehicle number to a special vehicle database device and receives special vehicle information corresponding to the vehicle number; a vehicle determination unit that, when the axle load exceeds the maximum weight included in the special vehicle information, determines that the vehicle is a vehicle in violation; and a business operator communication unit that, when it is determined that the vehicle is a vehicle in violation, transmits vehicle in violation information including information about the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of a schematic configuration of a vehicle violation identification system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of each device and equipment in the offending vehicle identification system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of specific information in the special vehicle permit database, which is special vehicle information stored in the memory unit. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a WIM (Wall Inspection Machine) layout. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing procedure in the vehicle violation identification system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of vehicle violation information output to the output unit of the operator's equipment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure in the ETC central unit of the vehicle violation identification system shown in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The maximum limit values such as the size and axle load of vehicles passing through the road are defined in Article 47 of the Road Law. Normal vehicles, that is, standard vehicles, refer to vehicles within the range of these maximum limit values. Also, vehicles exceeding the maximum limit values, that is, special vehicles, can also pass through the road. When a special vehicle passes through the road, it is necessary to submit a special permit application based on the special vehicle passage permit system and receive the issuance of a special vehicle passage permit. In this passage permit application, it is necessary to specify the passage route.

[0013] In this embodiment, a system for determining whether a special vehicle passing through a toll road violates the law when the toll road is included in this passage route will be described.

[0014] Hereinafter, the vehicle violation identification device, the vehicle violation identification method, and the vehicle violation identification processing program will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the case where the vehicle violation identification central device is realized integrally with the ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) central device will be described. For parts with the same number, the same operations are performed, and duplicate explanations will be omitted.

[0015] (Configuration) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of a vehicle violation identification system according to an embodiment. The vehicle violation identification system includes an ETC central device 1, a special permit application database device 2, a toll gate device 3, a WIM 4, an operator device 5, and a vehicle 7 equipped with an in-vehicle unit 6.

[0016] The ETC central device 1, which is a vehicle violation identification device, is installed at a predetermined location such as the management room of an operator who manages the toll road. And the ETC central device 1 is connected to the special permit application database device 2 and the toll gate device 3, and can acquire various information.

[0017] The Special Permit Application Database Device 2 will be installed at a designated location such as a Regional Development Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The Special Permit Application Database Device is a database device that stores the Special Vehicle Traffic Permit Database, which contains information on special vehicles that have been permitted to pass through the area. The specific information in the Special Vehicle Traffic Permit Database will be described later. Furthermore, the Special Permit Application Database Device 2 can provide the said database upon request from the ETC Central Device 1.

[0018] The toll booth equipment 3 is installed at the entrance or exit toll booth of a toll road. The toll booth equipment 3, including the roadside unit, establishes communication with the vehicle's onboard unit 6 upon detecting a vehicle 7. The toll booth equipment 3 then transmits and receives various information with the onboard unit 6. Furthermore, the toll booth equipment 3 transmits the various information obtained through communication with the onboard unit 6 as a toll statement to the ETC central unit 1.

[0019] WIM4 is a vehicle weight measurement device installed on toll roads. Here, WIM4 is a device under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. WIM4 may be installed near toll booths, service areas, etc. WIM4 is capable of detecting and obtaining the vehicle number of vehicle 7 and measuring and obtaining the axle load. Furthermore, WIM4 may transmit the obtained information to the ETC central unit 1.

[0020] The operator's device 5 may be a so-called user device and may be installed in the same control room as the ETC central unit 1, or in a different location. The operator's device 5 may also be a portable terminal and may be carried by the operator's administrator. The operator's device 5 transmits and receives various information with the ETC central unit 1. Furthermore, the operator's device 5 can display information about violating vehicles received from the ETC central unit 1.

[0021] The on-board unit 6 is installed inside a vehicle 7 traveling on a toll road. The on-board unit 6 can communicate with the toll booth equipment 3 and transmit various information, such as the card ID of the ETC card inserted into the on-board unit 6. The on-board unit 6 can also receive information from the toll booth equipment 3 upon entry and write the received information to the ETC card.

[0022] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of each device and equipment in the offending vehicle identification system according to the embodiment. In other words, Figure 2 is a block diagram showing example configurations of the ETC central unit 1, special permit application database unit 2, toll booth equipment 3, WIM 4, operator equipment 5, and on-board unit 6.

[0023] The ETC central unit 1 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, an information management control unit 14, a violating vehicle determination unit 15, and a detailed management unit 16, etc.

[0024] The control unit 11 is a control unit that controls the communication unit 13, the information management control unit 14, the violating vehicle determination unit 15, and the details management unit 16. The control unit 11 has a CPU, memory, and interfaces. The CPU is a processor that realizes various processing functions by executing programs. The CPU is connected to each part that makes up the ETC central device 1 via interfaces, etc. The memory includes various types of memory, such as non-volatile memory that stores programs executed by the CPU, volatile memory that temporarily holds data, and rewritable non-volatile memory that stores setting data, etc. In other words, the control unit 11 controls each part and performs data processing by having the CPU execute programs stored in the memory.

[0025] The storage unit 12 includes a storage medium that allows for high-speed reading and writing, such as main memory. The storage unit 12 may be composed of a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The storage unit 12 stores various data received from the special permit application database device 2, the toll booth equipment 3, and the WIM 4. For example, the storage unit 12 can store various information received from the special permit application database device 2, the toll booth equipment 3, and the WIM 4, respectively.

[0026] The communication unit 13 is a communication interface that includes one or more wired or wireless communication modules. For example, the communication unit 13 includes communication modules that connect via wired or wireless connection to the special permit application database device 2, the toll booth equipment 3, and the WIM 4. The communication unit 13 can be any general communication interface that can communicate with each device and equipment under the control of the control unit 11 and send and receive various types of information.

[0027] The information management control unit 14 manages various types of information received from the special permit application database device 2, the toll booth equipment 3, and the WIM 4. Furthermore, under the control of the control unit 11, the information management control unit 14 stores various types of information in the storage unit 12, and can retrieve the data stored in the storage unit 12 as needed and output it to the vehicle violation determination unit 15, the details management unit 16, etc.

[0028] The vehicle violation determination unit 15, under the control of the control unit 11, can determine whether the axle load received from the WIM 4 is within the maximum limit value for the standard vehicle. Furthermore, based on the information received from the toll booth equipment 3 and the WIM 4, the vehicle violation determination unit 15 can determine whether the vehicle 7, which was applied for as a special vehicle, is contrary to the application and is therefore a vehicle violation.

[0029] The details management unit 16 can determine the toll based on the route taken by the vehicle 7, which is determined based on the toll booth identification information received from the toll booth equipment 3, and collect the determined toll from the vehicle 7. The details management unit 16 can also collect additional tolls from vehicles that violate the rules.

[0030] The special permit application database device 2 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23, etc.

[0031] The control unit 21 is a control unit responsible for control and data processing in the special permit application database device 2. The control unit 21 includes a CPU, memory, and interfaces. The CPU is a processor that executes programs to perform various processing functions, such as outputting information about the special vehicle permit database. The CPU is connected to each part of the special permit application database device 2 via interfaces. The memory includes various types of memory, such as non-volatile memory for storing programs executed by the CPU, volatile memory for temporarily holding data, and rewritable non-volatile memory for storing setting data, etc. In other words, the control unit 21 controls each part and performs data processing by having the CPU execute programs stored in the memory. The special vehicle permit database will be described later.

[0032] The storage unit 22 includes a storage medium that allows for high-speed reading and writing of data, such as main memory. The storage unit 22 may be composed of a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The storage unit 22 stores various information, including special vehicle information, which is used to declare that the vehicle 7 is a special vehicle.

[0033] Figure 3 shows an example of specific information in the special vehicle permit database, which is special vehicle information stored in the memory unit 22. As shown in Figure 3, the special vehicle permit database includes items such as applicant name, address, telephone number, start date of travel, end date, cargo, vehicle type, vehicle number, vehicle type name, model, license plate information, vehicle specifications, travel category, number of travel routes, route sections, renewal status, and renewal flag. Information on these items is recorded for each applicant.

[0034] The applicant's name can be an individual or a company name. The cargo information includes the name, width, height, and length of the cargo. The vehicle specifications include the gross weight, furthest wheelbase, minimum adjacent wheelbase, adjacent axle load, length, width, height, minimum turning radius, maximum axle load, and maximum wheel load. The update information includes the update date and time, and the update flag indicates whether it is the prescribed update period. The items shown in Figure 3 are merely examples, and of course, other items such as the number of trips, route schedule, and cargo diagram may also be included.

[0035] Returning to Figure 2, the communication unit 23 is a communication interface that includes one or more wired or wireless communication modules. For example, the communication unit 23 includes a communication module that connects to the ETC central unit 1 via wired or wireless connection. The communication unit 23 can be any general communication interface that can communicate with each device and equipment under the control of the control unit 21 and send and receive various types of information.

[0036] The toll booth equipment 3 comprises a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a higher-level communication unit 33, a starting control unit 34, a roadside indicator 35, and a vehicle communication unit 36.

[0037] The control unit 31 is a control unit that controls the entire toll booth equipment 3 and performs data processing, etc. The control unit 31 has a CPU, memory, and interfaces, etc. The CPU is a processor that realizes various processing functions by executing programs. The CPU is connected to each part that makes up the toll booth equipment 3 via interfaces, etc. The memory includes various types of memory, such as non-volatile memory that stores programs executed by the CPU, volatile memory that temporarily holds data, and rewritable non-volatile memory that stores setting data, etc.

[0038] The storage unit 32 includes a storage medium that allows for high-speed reading and writing, such as main memory. The storage unit 32 may be composed of a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The storage unit 32 stores various data related to the toll booth equipment 3. For example, the storage unit 32 stores toll booth identification information that identifies the toll booth where the toll booth equipment 3 is installed.

[0039] The higher-level communication unit 33 is a communication interface that includes one or more wired or wireless communication modules for communicating with the ETC central unit 1, which is a higher-level device. For example, the higher-level communication unit 33 includes a communication module that connects to the ETC central unit 1 via wired or wireless connection. The higher-level communication unit 33 can be any general communication interface that can communicate with each device and equipment under the control of the control unit 31 and send and receive various types of information.

[0040] The starting control unit 34 controls the passage of vehicles 7 entering or exiting the tollbooth. The starting control unit 34 controls the opening and closing of the starting control bar installed in the lane through which vehicles 7 are traveling to enter or exit the tollbooth. For example, if the starting control unit 34 wants to temporarily stop a vehicle 7 or prohibit the vehicle 7 from passing (entering or exiting), it closes the starting control bar to physically block the vehicle 7's passage. Conversely, if the starting control unit 34 wants to permit the vehicle 7 to pass (entering or exiting), it opens the starting control bar to allow the vehicle 7 to pass. Note that if the tollbooth is a free-flow (FF) tollbooth, the tollbooth equipment 3 does not necessarily need to have a starting control bar.

[0041] The roadside display 35 displays information to passengers in vehicles 7 passing through the tollbooth. The roadside display 35 is installed facing the vehicles 7 passing through the tollbooth.

[0042] The vehicle communication unit 36 ​​includes a wireless communication module for communicating with the on-board unit 6 installed in the vehicle 7. For example, the vehicle communication unit 36 ​​detects the vehicle 7 approaching the toll booth equipment 3 and establishes communication with the on-board unit 6 installed in the vehicle 7. The vehicle communication unit 36 ​​then obtains various information such as the on-board unit ID, vehicle type information indicating the type of vehicle 7, and ETC card information of the ETC card inserted in the on-board unit 6 by wirelessly communicating with the on-board unit 6. Here, the ETC card information includes various information necessary for settling toll road fees with the ETC card, such as the ETC card ID, card number, and expiration date. Furthermore, the vehicle communication unit 36 ​​transmits various information, including the ID of the toll booth equipment 3, to the on-board unit 6.

[0043] The WIM4 comprises a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a higher-level communication unit 43, an entering vehicle detection unit 44, an exiting vehicle detection unit 45, an axle load measurement unit 46, and a vehicle information acquisition unit 47.

[0044] The control unit 41 is a control unit that controls the entire WIM4 and performs data processing, etc. The control unit 41 has a CPU, memory, and interfaces, etc. The CPU is a processor that realizes various processing functions by executing programs. The CPU is connected to each part that makes up the WIM4 via interfaces, etc. The memory includes various types of memory, such as non-volatile memory that stores programs executed by the CPU, volatile memory that temporarily holds data, and rewritable non-volatile memory that stores setting data, etc.

[0045] The storage unit 42 includes a storage medium that can perform high-speed reading and writing, such as main memory. The storage unit 42 may be composed of a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The storage unit 42 stores various data related to the WIM4. For example, the storage unit 42 may store information acquired by the axle load measurement unit 46 and the vehicle information acquisition unit 47.

[0046] The higher-level communication unit 43 is a communication interface that includes one or more wired or wireless communication modules for communicating with the ETC central unit 1, which is a higher-level device. For example, the higher-level communication unit 43 includes a communication module that connects to the ETC central unit 1 via wired or wireless connection. The higher-level communication unit 43 can be any general communication interface that can communicate with each device and equipment under the control of the control unit 41 and send and receive various types of information.

[0047] The vehicle entry detection unit 44 detects a vehicle 7 entering the WIM 4. The vehicle entry detection unit 44 may be, for example, a loop-type or laser-type detection unit. For example, a loop-type vehicle entry detection unit 44 includes a loop coil embedded in the road or the like. The vehicle entry detection unit 44 detects the vehicle 7 based on the change in inductance as the vehicle 7 passes over the loop coil. Alternatively, for example, the vehicle entry detection unit 44 irradiates a laser beam and detects the reflected light of the laser beam reflected by the vehicle 7. When the vehicle entry detection unit 44 detects a vehicle 7, it outputs a signal to the control unit 41 indicating that it has been detected.

[0048] The exiting vehicle detection unit 45 detects a vehicle 7 exiting from the WIM 4. The exiting vehicle detection unit 45 may be a loop-type or laser-type detection unit, similar to the entering vehicle detection unit 44. When the exiting vehicle detection unit 45 detects a vehicle 7, it outputs a signal to the control unit 41 indicating that a vehicle has been detected.

[0049] The axle load measurement unit 46 includes, for example, an axle load detection unit and an axle load calculation unit. The axle load detection unit consists of, for example, multiple units, each embedded in the road, and outputs a detection signal to the axle load calculation unit according to the weight when it is run over by the tires of a vehicle 7 passing over the axle load detection unit. The axle load calculation unit finds the average value of the waveform of the detection signal and calculates the axle load from this average value. Note that this calculation method is just one example, and of course, any general method that can measure the axle load is acceptable for the axle load measurement by the axle load measurement unit 46. The axle load measurement unit 46 then outputs the calculated axle load to the control unit 41.

[0050] The vehicle information acquisition unit 47 is equipped with a camera and other devices to photograph the entire vehicle 7 and identify license plate information, including the vehicle number, from the license plates located on the front and rear of the vehicle 7. The entire vehicle 7 photographed by the camera may also include the driver of the vehicle 7. The vehicle information acquisition unit 47 outputs the identified license plate information to the control unit 41.

[0051] Figure 4 shows an example of the WIM4 configuration. As shown in Figure 4, an incoming vehicle detection unit 44 is installed on the road on the side from which vehicle 7 enters, and multiple axle load measurement units 46 are also installed on the road. In addition, a vehicle information acquisition unit 47 is installed on a gate-shaped support column that crosses the road, enabling the entire vehicle 7 to be photographed. Furthermore, an exiting vehicle detection unit 45 is installed on the road on the side from which vehicle 7 exits WIM4.

[0052] In Figure 4, the control unit 41 is installed next to the gate-shaped support column. However, the control unit 41 is not limited to the example in Figure 4. Also, although not shown in Figure 4, the storage unit 42 and the higher-level communication unit 43 may be housed within the control unit 41.

[0053] Returning to Figure 2, the operator's equipment 5 includes a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, a communication unit 53, an input unit 54, and an output unit 55, etc.

[0054] The control unit 51 is a control unit that controls the communication unit 53, the input unit 54, and the output unit 55. The control unit 51 includes a CPU, memory, and interfaces. The CPU is a processor that realizes various processing functions by executing programs. The CPU is connected to each part that makes up the operator equipment 5 via interfaces, etc. The memory includes various types of memory, such as non-volatile memory that stores programs executed by the CPU, volatile memory that temporarily holds data, and rewritable non-volatile memory that stores setting data, etc. In other words, the control unit 51 controls each part and performs data processing by having the CPU execute programs stored in the memory.

[0055] The storage unit 52 includes a storage medium that allows for high-speed reading and writing, such as main memory. The storage unit 52 may be composed of a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The storage unit 52 stores various data received from the ETC central unit 1. For example, the storage unit 52 stores information on violating vehicles received from the ETC central unit 1. Details of the violating vehicle information will be described later.

[0056] The communication unit 53 is a communication interface that includes one or more wired or wireless communication modules. For example, the communication unit 53 includes a communication module that connects to the ETC central unit 1 via a wired or wireless connection. The communication unit 53 can be any general communication interface that can communicate with each device and equipment under the control of the control unit 51 and send and receive various types of information.

[0057] The input unit 54 is, for example, an input detection sheet employing electrostatic or pressure-based methods, placed on the display screen of a display device, and outputs a signal corresponding to the user's touch position to the control unit 51 via an input / output interface. For example, the input unit 54 and the output unit 55 may be a touchscreen with integrated input and output. That is, the input unit 54 may receive input of necessary information when the user touches buttons, etc., displayed on the touchscreen, and output a signal corresponding to the received information to the control unit 51. The input unit 54 may also include, for example, a keyboard or pointing device for the administrator of the business equipment 5 to input instructions to the business equipment 5.

[0058] The output unit 55 is a display device that uses, for example, liquid crystal or organic EL (electroluminescence), and displays images and messages corresponding to signals input from the input / output interface. For example, the output unit 55 can display information about violating vehicles received from the ETC central unit 1.

[0059] The in-vehicle unit 6 includes a control unit 61, a storage unit 62, and a communication unit 63, etc.

[0060] The control unit 61 is a control unit that is responsible for control and data processing in the in-vehicle unit 6. The control unit 61 has a CPU, memory, and interfaces. The CPU is a processor that realizes various processing functions by executing programs. The CPU is connected to each part that makes up the in-vehicle unit 6 via interfaces, etc. The memory includes various types of memory, such as non-volatile memory that stores programs executed by the CPU, volatile memory that temporarily holds data, and rewritable non-volatile memory that stores setting data, etc. In other words, the control unit 61 controls each part and performs data processing by having the CPU execute programs stored in the memory.

[0061] The storage unit 62 includes a storage medium that allows for high-speed reading and writing of the main memory, etc. The storage unit 62 may be composed of a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The storage unit 62 stores various data related to the in-vehicle unit 6. For example, the storage unit 62 stores the in-vehicle unit ID, the vehicle type of the vehicle 7, the vehicle number, ETC card information for the ETC card inserted in the in-vehicle unit, and various information received from the toll booth equipment 3.

[0062] The communication unit 63 is a communication interface that includes one or more wireless communication modules. For example, the communication unit 63 includes a communication module that wirelessly connects to the toll booth equipment 3. The communication unit 63 can be any general communication interface that can wirelessly communicate with each device and send and receive various information under the control of the control unit 61.

[0063] (operation) Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing procedure in the information processing system shown in Figure 1. The operation of this flowchart is realized when the control unit 11 of the ETC central unit 1, the control unit 21 of the special permit application database device 2, the control unit 31 of the toll booth equipment 3, the control unit 41 of the WIM 4, the control unit 51 of the operator equipment 5, and the control unit 61 of the in-vehicle unit 6 each read and execute the programs stored in the memory units 12, 22, 32, 42, 52, and 62, respectively.

[0064] This flowchart begins with vehicle 7 entering the toll road.

[0065] In step ST11, the control unit 61 transmits vehicle information to the tollbooth equipment 3. When the vehicle 7 approaches the entrance tollbooth, the communication unit 63 of the onboard unit 6 and the vehicle communication unit 36 ​​of the tollbooth equipment 3 establish communication. The communication unit 63 then transmits vehicle information, including the vehicle number of the vehicle 7, onboard unit-specific information, and ETC card information, stored in the storage unit 62, to the tollbooth equipment 3 via the communication unit 63. The control unit 61 may also receive tollbooth identification information corresponding to the entrance tollbooth where the tollbooth equipment 3 is installed, and entrance date and time information indicating the date and time the vehicle passed through the entrance tollbooth, from the tollbooth equipment 3, and store them in the storage unit 62.

[0066] In step ST12, the control unit 31 transmits the entry details to the ETC central unit 1. Having received vehicle information via the vehicle communication unit 36, the control unit 31 obtains tollbooth identification information corresponding to the tollbooth where the tollbooth equipment 3 is installed, and entry date and time information, which are stored in the storage unit 32. The control unit 31 transmits the tollbooth identification information and entry date and time information to the on-board unit 6 via the vehicle communication unit 36. Furthermore, the control unit 31 generates entry details including vehicle information, tollbooth identification information, and entry date and time information, and transmits the entry details to the ETC central unit 1 via the higher-level communication unit 33. The control unit 11 of the ETC central unit 1 outputs the entry details to the information management control unit 14. The information management control unit 14 may store the entry details in the storage unit 12, linked to the vehicle number included in the entry details.

[0067] Subsequently, vehicle 7, which entered the toll road from the toll booth, enters WIM4. In step ST13, the control unit 41 transmits WIM information to the ETC central unit 1. When vehicle 7 passes over the vehicle entry detection unit 44, the vehicle entry detection unit 44 outputs a signal to the control unit 41 indicating that it has detected vehicle 7. Upon receiving the signal from the vehicle entry detection unit 44, the control unit 41 outputs a vehicle information acquisition request to the vehicle information acquisition unit 47. The vehicle information acquisition unit 47 photographs the entire vehicle 7 and identifies license plate information, including the vehicle number, from the license plates located on the front and rear of vehicle 7. The vehicle information acquisition unit 47 then outputs the identified license plate information to the control unit 41.

[0068] Furthermore, when the vehicle 7 passes the axle load measurement unit 46, the axle load detection unit of the axle load measurement unit 46 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the weight applied by the tires of the vehicle 7 to the axle load calculation unit of the axle load measurement unit 46. The axle load calculation unit finds the average value of the waveform of the detection signal and calculates the axle load from this average value. The axle load measurement unit 46 then outputs the calculated axle load to the control unit 41.

[0069] Finally, when vehicle 7 passes over the exit vehicle detection unit 45, the exit vehicle detection unit 45 outputs a signal to the control unit 41 indicating that it has detected vehicle 7. Upon receiving the signal from the exit vehicle detection unit 45, the control unit 41 generates WIM information including the axle load received from the axle load measurement unit 46 and the vehicle number acquired from the vehicle information acquisition unit 47. The control unit 41 then transmits the WIM information to the ETC central device 1 via the higher-level communication unit 43.

[0070] In step ST14, the vehicle violation determination unit 15 performs a weight determination. The control unit 11, having received the WIM information via the communication unit 13, outputs the WIM information to the information management control unit 14. The information management control unit 14 then stores the WIM information in the storage unit 12, linking it to the vehicle number included in the WIM information. Finally, the information management control unit 14 outputs the WIM information to the vehicle violation determination unit 15.

[0071] The vehicle violation detection unit 15 determines whether vehicle 7 is a special vehicle by determining whether the axle load exceeds a predetermined weight based on the axle load information included in the WIM information. Here, the predetermined weight may be the maximum limit value, which is the upper limit of the axle load of a standard vehicle. For example, if it is determined that the axle load exceeds the maximum limit value, the vehicle violation detection unit 15 outputs a special vehicle signal to the control unit 11. If the axle load does not exceed the predetermined weight, the vehicle violation detection unit 15 determines that vehicle 7 is a standard vehicle and outputs a standard vehicle signal to the control unit 11.

[0072] In the following explanation, we will describe the case where the vehicle 7 is determined to be a special vehicle by the vehicle violation determination unit 15.

[0073] In step ST15, the control unit 11 sends a special vehicle information request to the special permit application database device 2. Upon receiving the special vehicle signal, the control unit 11 generates a special vehicle information request that includes the vehicle number contained in the WIM information in order to confirm whether vehicle 7 has applied for a special vehicle. The control unit 11 then sends the special vehicle information request to the special permit application database device 2 via the communication unit 13.

[0074] In step ST16, the control unit 21 transmits special vehicle information to the ETC central unit 1. Upon receiving the special vehicle information request via the communication unit 23, the control unit 21 extracts the vehicle number included in the special vehicle information request and obtains the special vehicle permit database corresponding to the extracted vehicle number from the storage unit 22. The control unit 21 then generates special vehicle information including the special vehicle permit database and transmits the special vehicle information to the ETC central unit 1 via the communication unit 23.

[0075] If the storage unit 22 does not contain a special vehicle permit database corresponding to the vehicle number, the control unit 21 may generate special vehicle information including a flag indicating "not applicable" and transmit this special vehicle information to the ETC central unit 1. The control unit 11 stores the received special vehicle information in the storage unit 12, linking it to the vehicle number included in the special vehicle information.

[0076] After that, vehicle 7 finishes traveling on the toll road and enters the exit toll booth. In step ST17, the control unit 61 transmits vehicle information to the toll booth equipment 3. As the vehicle 7 approaches the exit toll booth, the communication unit 63 of the onboard unit 6 and the vehicle communication unit 36 ​​of the toll booth equipment 3 establish communication. The communication unit 63 then transmits vehicle information, including the vehicle 7's license plate information, onboard unit-specific information, ETC card information, and entrance details, stored in the storage unit 62, to the toll booth equipment 3 via the communication unit 63. The control unit 61 may also receive toll booth identification information from the toll booth equipment 3 corresponding to the exit toll booth where the toll booth equipment 3 is installed, and store it in the storage unit 62. Furthermore, the control unit 31 may determine the toll based on the entrance details received from the onboard unit 6 and collect the toll.

[0077] In step ST18, the control unit 31 transmits the exit details to the ETC central unit 1. Having received vehicle information via the vehicle communication unit 36, the control unit 31 obtains tollbooth identification information corresponding to the tollbooth where the tollbooth equipment 3 is installed, and exit date and time information indicating the date and time when the vehicle 7 passed through the exit tollbooth, which are stored in the storage unit 32. The control unit 31 transmits the tollbooth identification information to the on-board unit 6 via the vehicle communication unit 36. Furthermore, the control unit 41 generates an exit details including vehicle information, tollbooth identification information, and exit date and time information, and transmits the exit details to the ETC central unit 1 via the higher-level communication unit 33.

[0078] In step ST19, the vehicle violation determination unit 15 determines whether the vehicle is a violation vehicle. The control unit 11, having received the exit details, outputs the exit details to the information management control unit 14. The information management control unit 14 retrieves the entry details, WIM information, and special vehicle information corresponding to the vehicle number included in the exit details from the storage unit 12. The information management control unit 14 then outputs the entry details, exit details, WIM information, and special vehicle information to the vehicle violation determination unit 15. The vehicle violation determination unit 15 determines whether vehicle 7 is a violation vehicle based on the entry details, exit details, WIM information, and special vehicle information.

[0079] For example, the vehicle violation determination unit 15 determines whether the axle load included in the WIM information exceeds the maximum axle load included in the vehicle specifications of the special vehicle traffic permit database included in the special vehicle information. If the axle load included in the WIM information exceeds the maximum axle load, the vehicle violation determination unit 15 determines that vehicle 7 is a vehicle violation.

[0080] Furthermore, for example, the vehicle violation determination unit 15 determines the route taken by vehicle 7 from the tollbooth identification information included in the entry and exit details, and determines whether the route is included in the route section in the special vehicle information. If the route is not included in the route section, the vehicle violation determination unit 15 determines that vehicle 7 is a vehicle violation.

[0081] Furthermore, for example, the vehicle violation determination unit 15 determines whether the entrance date and time information included in the entrance details and the exit date and time information included in the exit details fall between the start date and end date included in the special vehicle traffic permit database. If either the entrance date and time information or the exit date and time information does not fall between the start date and end date, the vehicle violation determination unit 15 determines that vehicle 7 is a vehicle in violation.

[0082] Furthermore, for example, if the vehicle information includes flag information indicating that there is no information about the vehicle, the vehicle violation determination unit 15 determines that vehicle 7 is a vehicle violation.

[0083] The vehicle violation determination unit 15 may also determine whether other information is included in the special vehicle traffic permit database. For example, the control unit 11 counts the number of times vehicle 7 has passed through the area and stores the number of passes in the storage unit 12, and the information management control unit 14 outputs the count to the vehicle violation determination unit 15. The vehicle violation determination unit 15 then determines whether the number of passes is within a predetermined number included in the special vehicle information. If it exceeds the predetermined number, the vehicle violation determination unit 15 determines that vehicle 7 is a vehicle in violation.

[0084] In step ST20, the vehicle violation determination unit 15 generates vehicle violation information. If the vehicle violation determination unit 15 determines that vehicle 7 is a vehicle violation, it generates vehicle violation information including the applicant, vehicle number, date and time of passing through the exit toll gate (i.e., exit date and time information), vehicle specifications, and route, which are included in the special vehicle permit database. The vehicle violation determination unit 15 then outputs the vehicle violation information to the control unit 11.

[0085] In step ST21, the violating vehicle information is transmitted to the operator's equipment 5. The control unit 11 transmits the violating vehicle information to the operator's equipment 5 via the communication unit 13. The control unit 51 of the operator's equipment 5, upon receiving the violating vehicle information, stores the violating vehicle information in the storage unit 52 and may also output the violating vehicle information to the display device of the output unit 55 to display the violation information.

[0086] Figure 6 shows an example of the violation vehicle information output to the output unit 55 of the operator equipment 5. As shown in Figure 6, the control unit 51 may display the applicant, vehicle number, date and time of occurrence (exit date and time information), vehicle specifications, and route taken by the vehicle that violated the output unit 55.

[0087] In step ST22, the statement management unit 16 collects an additional fee from the driver of vehicle 7. The control unit 11, having received the violation vehicle information, outputs the violation vehicle information to the statement management unit 16. The statement management unit 16 obtains the ETC card information included in the vehicle information in the entry statement or exit statement, and collects an additional fee from the driver of vehicle 7, which is the violation vehicle, based on the ETC card information.

[0088] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure in the ETC central unit 1 of the information processing system shown in Figure 1. In other words, Figure 7 is a flowchart showing only the operation of the ETC central unit 1 in the sequence diagram shown in Figure 5. The operation shown in this flowchart is realized when the control unit 11 of the ETC central unit 1 reads and executes the program stored in the storage unit 12.

[0089] In step ST31, the control unit 11 receives the entry details (step ST31). The control unit 11 receives the entry details from the toll booth equipment 3 via the communication unit 13. The control unit 11 outputs the entry details to the information management control unit 14. The information management control unit 14 stores the entry details in the storage unit 12, linked to the vehicle number.

[0090] In step ST32, the control unit 11 receives WIM information. The control unit 11 receives WIM information from WIM4 via the communication unit 13. The control unit 11 outputs the WIM information to the information management control unit 14. The information management control unit 14 stores the WIM information in the storage unit 12, linked to the vehicle number.

[0091] In step ST33, the vehicle violation determination unit 15 determines whether vehicle 7 is a special vehicle. The control unit 11 outputs WIM information to the vehicle violation determination unit 15. Based on the axle load information included in the WIM information, the vehicle violation determination unit 15 determines whether the axle load of vehicle 7 exceeds a predetermined weight, i.e., the maximum limit value.

[0092] In step ST34, the control unit 11 receives the exit details. If the axle load does not exceed a predetermined weight, the violating vehicle determination unit 15 will determine that vehicle 7 is a standard vehicle. Therefore, it receives the exit details in the same way as a normal vehicle and terminates processing. The ETC central unit 1 may also receive information about the toll for vehicle 7 from the toll booth equipment 3.

[0093] Meanwhile, in step ST35, the control unit 11 sends a special vehicle information request to the special permit application database device 2. If it determines that the axle load exceeds a predetermined weight, the violating vehicle determination unit 15 outputs a special vehicle signal to the control unit 11. Upon receiving the special vehicle signal, the control unit 11 generates a special vehicle information request including the vehicle number contained in the WIM information in order to confirm whether vehicle 7 has applied for a special vehicle. Then, the control unit 11 sends the special vehicle information request to the special permit application database device 2 through the communication unit 13.

[0094] In step ST36, the control unit 11 receives special vehicle information. In response to the special vehicle information request, it receives special vehicle information from the special permit application database device 2. The control unit 11 outputs the special vehicle information to the information management control unit 14. The information management control unit 14 stores the received special vehicle information in the storage unit 12, linking it to the vehicle number.

[0095] After that, vehicle 7 finishes traveling on the toll road and enters the exit toll booth. In step ST37, the control unit 11 receives the exit details. The control unit 11 receives the exit details through the communication unit 13.

[0096] In step ST38, the vehicle violation determination unit 15 determines whether vehicle 7 is a vehicle in violation. The control unit 11, having received the exit details, outputs the exit details to the information management control unit 14. The information management control unit 14 retrieves the entrance details, WIM information, and special vehicle information corresponding to the vehicle number included in the exit details from the storage unit 12. The information management control unit 14 then outputs the entrance details, exit details, WIM information, and special vehicle information to the vehicle violation determination unit 15. The vehicle violation determination unit 15 determines whether vehicle 7 is a vehicle in violation based on the entrance details, exit details, WIM information, and special vehicle information.

[0097] In step ST39, the vehicle violation determination unit 15 generates vehicle violation information. If the vehicle violation determination unit 15 determines that vehicle 7 is a vehicle violation, it generates vehicle violation information including the applicant, vehicle number, date and time of passing through the exit toll gate (i.e., exit date and time information), vehicle specifications, and route, which are included in the special vehicle permit database. The vehicle violation determination unit 15 then outputs the vehicle violation information to the control unit 11.

[0098] In step ST40, the violating vehicle information is transmitted to the operator's equipment 5. The control unit 11 transmits the violating vehicle information to the operator's equipment 5 via the communication unit 13. The control unit 51 of the operator's equipment 5, upon receiving the violating vehicle information, stores the violating vehicle information in the storage unit 52 and may also output the violating vehicle information to the display device of the output unit 55 to display the violation information.

[0099] In step ST41, the statement management unit 16 collects an additional fee from the driver of vehicle 7. The control unit 11, having received the violation vehicle information, outputs the violation vehicle information to the statement management unit 16. The statement management unit 16 obtains the ETC card information included in the vehicle information in the entry statement or exit statement, and based on the ETC card information, collects an additional fee from the driver of vehicle 7, which is the violation vehicle.

[0100] (Effects of the embodiment) According to this embodiment, the ETC central unit 1 can determine whether vehicle 7 matches the special vehicle information stored in the special permit application database device 2 by using information acquired by the toll booth equipment 3 in addition to the information acquired by the WIM 4 for the purpose of identifying the offending vehicle. This makes it possible to automatically determine offending vehicles among special vehicles.

[0101] Furthermore, if a vehicle violates the toll road regulations, the ETC central unit 1 can automatically collect additional fees from the driver of the violating vehicle.

[0102] [Other embodiments] It should be noted that this invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, although the toll booth equipment 3 and WIM 4 were described as separate devices in the embodiments, the toll booth equipment 3 may also have the functions of WIM 4. That is, the toll booth equipment 3 may be equipped with an axle load measuring unit 46 and a vehicle information acquisition unit 47. The toll booth equipment 3 may acquire axle load and license plate information including vehicle number from vehicles 7 passing through the toll booth under its jurisdiction, and transmit the information acquired by the toll booth equipment 3 to the ETC central device 1 as WIM information.

[0103] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0104] 1...ETC central device 11…Control Unit 12...Storage section 13… Communications Department 14…Information Management Control Unit 15…Violation Vehicle Judgment Unit 16…Details management department 2…Special Permit Application Database Device 21... Control Unit 22...Storage section 23… Communications Department 3…Toll booth equipment 31…Control Unit 32...Storage section 33… Upper Communications Department 34… Launch Control Unit 35…Roadside indicator 36... Vehicle Communications Department 4…WIM 41... Control Unit 42...Storage section 43… Upper Communications Department 44... Vehicle Intrusion Detection Unit 45... Exiting vehicle detection unit 46...Axle load measurement unit 47... Vehicle Information Acquisition Unit 5…Business equipment 51... Control Unit 52...Storage section 53... Communications Department 54...Input section 55…Output section 6…Onboard equipment 61... Control Unit 62...Storage section 63... Communications Department 7... Vehicles

Claims

1. a WIM communication unit that receives WIM information including an axle weight and a vehicle number; a vehicle communication unit that, when the axle load exceeds a maximum limit value that is an upper limit of the axle load of a standard vehicle, transmits a special vehicle information request including the vehicle number to a special vehicle database device and receives special vehicle information corresponding to the vehicle number; a violating vehicle determination unit that determines the vehicle as a violating vehicle when the axle weight exceeds a maximum weight included in the special vehicle information; a business operator communication unit that transmits violating vehicle information including information about the vehicle when the vehicle is determined to be a violating vehicle; Equipped with a device to identify violating vehicles.

2. the violating vehicle determination unit determines a travel route of the vehicle based on the entrance toll gate identification information of the entrance toll gate and the exit toll gate identification information of the exit toll gate received from the toll gate equipment, and determines the vehicle as the violating vehicle if the travel route is not included in the route section in the special vehicle information; The violating vehicle identification device according to claim 1.

3. the violating vehicle determination unit determines the vehicle to be the violating vehicle when entrance date and time information indicating the date and time of passing through the entrance toll gate received from the toll gate equipment is not between the start date and time and the end date and time included in the special vehicle information; The violating vehicle identification device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the violating vehicle determination unit determines the vehicle to be the violating vehicle when exit date and time information indicating the date and time of passing through the exit toll gate received from the toll gate equipment is not between the start date and time and the end date and time included in the special vehicle information; The violating vehicle identification device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The violating vehicle identification device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the violating vehicle determination unit determines the vehicle to be a violating vehicle if the number of times the vehicle has used a toll road exceeds a predetermined number of times included in the special vehicle information.

6. The violating vehicle determination unit determines the vehicle as the violating vehicle when the special vehicle information has flag information indicating that there is no information about the vehicle. The violating vehicle identification device according to claim 1.

7. and a details management unit that, when it is determined that the vehicle is a violating vehicle, collects an additional toll from the driver of the vehicle based on ETC card information included in the vehicle information of the vehicle received from the toll booth equipment. The violating vehicle identification device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. receiving Weigh Indicator (WIM) information including axle weight and license plate number of a vehicle; If the axle load exceeds the upper limit value of the axle load of the standard vehicle, transmitting a special vehicle information request including the vehicle number to a special vehicle database device and receiving special vehicle information corresponding to the vehicle number; If the axle weight exceeds the maximum weight included in the special vehicle information, the vehicle is determined to be a non-compliant vehicle; If the vehicle is determined to be a violating vehicle, transmitting violating vehicle information including information about the vehicle; A method for identifying violating vehicles is provided.

9. receiving Weigh Indicator (WIM) information including axle weight and license plate number of the vehicle; If the axle load exceeds the upper limit value of the axle load of a standard vehicle, a process of transmitting a special vehicle information request including the vehicle number to a special vehicle database device and receiving special vehicle information corresponding to the vehicle number; If the axle weight exceeds the maximum weight included in the special vehicle information, a process of determining the vehicle as a non-compliant vehicle; When the vehicle is determined to be a violating vehicle, a process of transmitting violating vehicle information including information about the vehicle; A program for identifying and processing violating vehicles.

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