Information processing device, information processing method and system

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a system that enable a toll to be provided quickly for an exit tollgate instrument.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, an information processing device includes a first communication unit, a second communication unit, a storage unit, and a processor. The first communication unit transmits / receives data to / from an external device. The second communication unit transmits / receives data to / from an exit tollgate instrument that collects a toll from a vehicle exiting a toll road. The storage unit stores data. The processor receives toll information indicating the toll from the external device via the first communication unit, stores the received toll information in the storage unit, receives a request that requests the toll information corresponding to vehicle identification information indicating a predetermined vehicle from the exit tollgate instrument via the second communication unit, and when the request is received, transmits the toll information corresponding to the vehicle identification information stored in the storage unit to the exit tollgate instrument via the second communication unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a system. [Background technology]

[0002] Systems are being offered that collect tolls on toll roads such as expressways via wireless communication with on-board devices in vehicles. In such systems, exit toll booth devices installed at the exits sometimes receive vehicle tolls from a central device.

[0003] Conventionally, if the communication between the central unit and the exit toll booth equipment is poor, the system may not be able to provide the toll to the exit toll booth equipment promptly. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-151969 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In order to solve the above problem, an information processing device, an information processing method, and a system are provided that can quickly provide a toll to an exit toll booth device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to an embodiment, an information processing device includes a first communication unit, a second communication unit, a storage unit, and a processor. The first communication unit transmits and receives data to and from an external device. The second communication unit transmits and receives data to and from an exit toll booth device that collects tolls from vehicles exiting a toll road. The storage unit stores data. The processor receives toll information indicating a toll from the external device via the first communication unit, stores the received toll information in the storage unit, receives a request from the exit toll booth device via the second communication unit, requesting the toll information corresponding to vehicle identification information indicating a specific vehicle, and, upon receiving the request, transmits the toll information stored in the storage unit and corresponding to the vehicle identification information to the exit toll booth device via the second communication unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a toll gate system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the central device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the exit toll booth equipment according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the vehicle-mounted device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a relay device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the pre-detection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of operation when the tollgate system according to the first embodiment uses the first technique. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of operation when the tollgate system according to the first embodiment uses the second technique. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of operation when the tollgate system according to the modification of the first embodiment uses the second technique. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a toll gate system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of operation when the tollgate system according to the second embodiment uses the second technique. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of operation when the tollgate system according to the first modified example of the second embodiment uses the second technique. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of operation of the tollgate system according to the second modification of the second embodiment when the first technique is used. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing an example of operation when the tollgate system according to the second modification of the second embodiment uses the second technique. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing an example of operation when the tollgate system according to the third modified example of the second embodiment uses the second technique. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram showing an example of operation when the tollgate system according to the third embodiment uses the second technique. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram showing an example of operation when the tollgate system according to the first modified example of the third embodiment uses the second technique. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram showing an example of operation when the tollgate system according to the second modification of the third embodiment uses the second technique. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram showing an example of operation when the tollgate system according to the third modified example of the third embodiment uses the first technique. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. (First embodiment) First, the first embodiment will be described. A toll booth system according to an embodiment collects tolls from vehicles traveling on a toll road such as an expressway. The toll booth system wirelessly communicates with on-board units installed in vehicles at the entrances and intermediate points of the toll road. The toll booth system determines a toll based on the route traveled by the vehicle. The toll booth system collects the determined toll via wireless communication with the on-board unit of a vehicle exiting the toll road.

[0009] FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a toll gate system 1 according to an embodiment. 1, the toll booth system 1 includes a central device 10, an entrance toll booth device 20, an exit toll booth device 30, a route device 40, a relay device 60, and an advance detection device 70. The central device 10, the entrance toll booth device 20, the route device 40, and the relay device 60 are connected to one another. The relay device 60, the exit toll booth device 30, and the advance detection device 70 are connected to one another.

[0010] The toll gate system 1 may include other components as needed in addition to the components shown in FIG. 1, or certain components may be excluded from the toll gate system 1.

[0011] The toll gate system 1 collects tolls from a vehicle C traveling on a toll road R. The toll road R is a road on which a toll is charged for the vehicle C to travel. For example, the toll road R is an expressway.

[0012] Vehicle C travels on toll road R. Vehicle C enters toll road R from an entrance where entrance toll booth equipment 20 is installed. Vehicle C passes through a waypoint where route equipment 40 is installed and exits from an exit where exit toll booth equipment 30 is installed.

[0013] Vehicle C is equipped with an on-board unit 50. The on-board unit 50 communicates wirelessly with the entrance toll gate equipment 20, the route equipment 40, and the exit toll gate equipment 30. A payment card for paying tolls, such as an ETC card, is set in the on-board unit 50. The on-board unit 50 transmits, via wireless communication, on-board unit information, including an identifier identifying vehicle C or the on-board unit 50 and the ID of the payment card, to the entrance toll gate equipment 20, the exit toll gate equipment 30, the route equipment 40, the advance detection device 70, and the like. Note that the on-board unit 50 may be a device that performs information communication for payment on its own, without setting up a payment card, such as an ETC card.

[0014] The central device 10 (toll server, external device) determines the toll for the vehicle C based on the route of the vehicle C, etc. The central device 10 transmits the determined toll to the relay device 60. The central device 10 will be described in detail later.

[0015] For example, the central device 10 is installed in a management office that manages the toll booth system 1.

[0016] The entrance toll booth equipment 20 is installed at each entrance for entering the toll road R. The entrance toll booth equipment 20 is composed of a gantry or the like through which the vehicle C can pass.

[0017] The entrance toll booth equipment 20 acquires on-board unit information from the on-board unit 50 of the vehicle C attempting to enter the toll road R. For example, the entrance toll booth equipment 20 transmits a command requesting on-board unit information to the on-board unit 50 of the vehicle C attempting to enter from the entrance at predetermined intervals via the vehicle communication unit. When the vehicle C attempts to enter from the entrance, the entrance toll booth equipment 20 receives a response including the on-board unit information from the on-board unit 50 via the vehicle communication unit.

[0018] When the response including the on-board device information is received from the on-board device 50, the entrance toll booth equipment 20 determines whether or not the vehicle C is allowed to enter based on the on-board device information, etc. If it determines that the vehicle C is allowed to enter, the entrance toll booth equipment 20 generates entrance usage information based on the received on-board device information, etc.

[0019] The entrance usage information includes vehicle-mounted device information, vehicle type information, entrance identification information, and entry date and time. The entrance identification information is composed of an identifier that indicates the entrance toll booth equipment 20 or the entrance where the entrance toll booth equipment 20 is installed. For example, the entrance toll booth equipment 20 stores the entrance identification information in advance.

[0020] The entry date and time is the date and time when the vehicle C entered the toll road R. For example, the entry date and time is the date and time when the entrance toll booth equipment 20 acquired the vehicle-mounted device information. When the entrance usage information is generated, the entrance toll booth equipment 20 transmits the entrance usage information to the central device 10 via the communication unit.

[0021] The route device 40 is installed at various locations on the toll road R in order to detect the route traveled by the vehicle C. The route device 40 is configured with a gantry or the like through which the vehicle C can pass.

[0022] The route device 40 acquires in-vehicle device information from the in-vehicle device 50 of the vehicle C that is about to pass through a predetermined waypoint on the toll road R. For example, the route device 40 transmits a command requesting in-vehicle device information via the vehicle communication unit to the in-vehicle device 50 of the vehicle C that is about to pass through the predetermined waypoint on the toll road R at predetermined intervals. When the vehicle C is about to pass through the predetermined waypoint, the route device 40 receives a response including the in-vehicle device information from the in-vehicle device 50 via the vehicle communication unit.

[0023] When the response including the vehicle-mounted device information is received from the vehicle-mounted device 50, the route device 40 generates passage information based on the received vehicle-mounted device information and the like.

[0024] The passage information includes in-vehicle device information, route identification information, and passage date and time. The route identification information is made up of an identifier indicating the route device 40 or a waypoint corresponding to the route device 40. For example, the route device 40 stores the route identification information in advance. The passing date and time is the date and time when the vehicle C passed through the waypoint corresponding to the route device 40. For example, the passing date and time is the date and time when the route device 40 acquired the vehicle-mounted device information.

[0025] When the passage information is generated, the route device 40 transmits the passage information to the central device 10 via the communication unit.

[0026] The advance detection device 70 is installed on a route leading to an exit for exiting the toll road R. For example, the advance detection device 70 is installed on a branch route that branches off from the main road of the toll road R toward the exit. The advance detection device 70 detects the vehicle C upstream of the exit toll booth equipment 30. The advance detection device 70 will be described in detail later.

[0027] The exit toll booth equipment 30 is installed at the exit for exiting from the toll road R. The exit toll booth equipment 30 is installed downstream of the advance detection device 70. The exit toll booth equipment 30 is composed of a gantry through which the vehicle C can pass, etc. Here, the toll booth system 1 includes three exit toll booth devices 30a to 30c. The exit toll booth devices 30a to 30c are installed downstream of the same advance detection device 70. The exit toll booth equipment 30 will be described in more detail below.

[0028] The toll booth system 1 may include one, two, or four or more exit toll booth devices 30. The number of exit toll booth devices 30 included in the toll booth system 1 is not limited to a specific number.

[0029] The relay device 60 (information processing device) transmits the toll determined by the central device 10 to the exit tollgate device 30. The relay device 60 will be described in detail later. For example, the relay device 60 is installed at a toll booth that manages an exit or at a management office that collectively manages multiple toll booths.

[0030] <Central device description> Next, the central unit 10 will be described. Fig. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the central unit 10. As shown in Fig. 2, the central unit 10 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, and a communication unit 13. The processor 11 is connected to the memory 12 and the communication unit 13 via a data bus or a predetermined interface.

[0031] The central device 10 may include other components as needed in addition to the components shown in FIG. 2, or certain components may be excluded from the central device 10.

[0032] The processor 11 (first processor) is a central processor that controls the overall operation of the central device 10. For example, the processor 11 determines the toll for the vehicle C based on data from the entrance toll booth equipment 20, the exit toll booth equipment 30, and the route equipment 40.

[0033] For example, the processor 11 is configured from a CPU or the like. The processor 11 may also be configured from an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or the like. The processor 11 may also be configured from an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or the like.

[0034] The memory 12 is a central memory that stores various data, for example, the memory 12 functions as a ROM, a RAM, and an NVM. For example, the memory 12 stores a control program, control data, etc. The control program and control data are pre-installed according to the specifications of the central device 10. For example, the control program is a program that supports functions realized by the central device 10.

[0035] The memory 12 also temporarily stores data being processed by the processor 11. The memory 12 may also store data necessary for executing an application program, execution results of the application program, and the like.

[0036] The communication unit 13 (first communication unit) is a central communication unit that is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from the entrance toll booth equipment 20, the exit toll booth equipment 30, the route equipment 40, and the advance detection device 70. The communication unit 13 is connected to the entrance toll booth equipment 20, the exit toll booth equipment 30, the route equipment 40, and the advance detection device 70 via a communication network such as the Internet. For example, the communication unit 13 is an interface that supports LAN (Local Area Network) connection. For example, the central unit 10 is a desktop PC.

[0037] <Description of Exit Toll Gate Equipment> Next, the exit toll booth equipment 30 will be described. Fig. 3 shows an example of the configuration of the exit toll booth equipment 30. As shown in Fig. 3, the exit toll booth equipment 30 includes a processor 31, a memory 32, a communication unit 33, a vehicle communication unit 34, a departure controller 35, and a roadside display 36. The processor 31 is connected to the memory 32, the communication unit 33, the vehicle communication unit 34, the departure controller 35, and the roadside display 36 via a data bus or a predetermined interface.

[0038] The exit toll booth equipment 30 may include other components as needed in addition to the components shown in FIG. 3, or certain components may be excluded from the exit toll booth equipment 30.

[0039] The processor 31 controls the overall operation of the exit toll booth equipment 30. For example, the processor 31 transmits data acquired from the vehicle-mounted device 50 to the central device 10.

[0040] For example, the processor 31 is configured from a CPU or the like. The processor 31 may also be configured from an ASIC or the like. The processor 31 may also be configured from an FPGA or the like.

[0041] The memory 32 stores various data. For example, the memory 32 functions as a ROM, a RAM, and an NVM. For example, the memory 32 stores a control program, control data, etc. The control program and control data are pre-installed according to the specifications of the exit toll booth equipment 30. For example, the control program is a program that supports functions realized by the exit toll booth equipment 30.

[0042] The memory 32 also temporarily stores data being processed by the processor 31. The memory 32 may also store data necessary for executing an application program, execution results of the application program, and the like.

[0043] The communication unit 33 is an interface for connecting to the relay device 60 etc. The communication unit 33 connects to the relay device 60 etc. via a communication network such as a LAN. For example, the communication unit 33 is an interface that supports LAN connection.

[0044] The vehicle communication unit 34 is an interface that wirelessly communicates with the on-board unit 50 mounted on the vehicle C. The vehicle communication unit 34 wirelessly communicates with the on-board unit 50 mounted on the vehicle C (vehicle C attempting to exit) approaching the exit toll booth equipment 30 at the exit. The vehicle communication unit 34 acquires vehicle identification information and the like from the on-board unit 50 with which it wirelessly communicates. The vehicle communication unit 34 may also acquire vehicle model information indicating the vehicle model of the vehicle C. The vehicle communication unit 34 transmits the acquired data to the processor 31.

[0045] The departure controller 35 controls the exit of vehicle C from toll road R at the exit under the control of processor 31. The departure controller 35 controls the opening and closing of a departure control bar provided in the lane at the exit toll gate. For example, when the departure controller 35 is to temporarily stop vehicle C or when the departure controller 35 is to prohibit vehicle C from passing (exiting), it closes the departure control bar to prevent vehicle C from passing. In addition, when the departure controller 35 is to permit vehicle C to pass (exit), it opens the departure control bar to allow vehicle C to pass.

[0046] The roadside display 36 displays guidance and the like to users in the vehicle C traveling in the exit lane under the control of the processor 31. The roadside display 36 is installed facing the vehicle C traveling in the exit lane.

[0047] <In-vehicle device description> Next, the vehicle-mounted device 50 will be described. Fig. 4 shows a configuration example of the vehicle-mounted device 50. As shown in Fig. 4, the vehicle-mounted device 50 includes a processor 51, a memory 52, a communication unit 53, and a card processing unit 54. The processor 51 is connected to the memory 52, the communication unit 53, and the card processing unit 54 via a data bus or a predetermined interface.

[0048] The vehicle-mounted device 50 may include other components as needed in addition to the components shown in FIG. 4, or certain components may be excluded from the vehicle-mounted device 50.

[0049] The processor 51 controls the overall operation of the on-board device 50. For example, the processor 51 transmits predetermined data to the entrance toll booth equipment 20, the exit toll booth equipment 30, the route equipment 40, and the advance detection device 70 in accordance with commands from the entrance toll booth equipment 20, the exit toll booth equipment 30, the route equipment 40, and the advance detection device 70.

[0050] For example, the processor 51 is configured from a CPU or the like. The processor 51 may also be configured from an ASIC or the like. The processor 51 may also be configured from an FPGA or the like.

[0051] The memory 52 stores various data. For example, the memory 52 functions as a ROM, a RAM, and an NVM. For example, the memory 52 stores a control program, control data, etc. The control program and control data are pre-installed in accordance with the specifications of the vehicle-mounted device 50. For example, the control program is a program that supports functions realized by the vehicle-mounted device 50.

[0052] The memory 52 also temporarily stores data being processed by the processor 51. The memory 52 may also store data necessary for executing an application program, execution results of the application program, and the like.

[0053] The communication unit 53 is a communication interface that wirelessly communicates with the entrance toll booth equipment 20, the exit toll booth equipment 30, the route equipment 40, the advance detection device 70, etc. The communication unit 53 transmits, under the control of the processor 51, on-board device information including the identifier of the vehicle C or the on-board device 50 and the ID of the payment card, etc., to the entrance toll booth equipment 20, the exit toll booth equipment 30, the route equipment 40, and the advance detection device 70. The communication unit 53 may also receive various data from the entrance toll booth equipment 20, the exit toll booth equipment 30, the route equipment 40, and the advance detection device 70.

[0054] Card processing unit 54 processes payment cards such as ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System) cards. Card processing unit 54 has a structure that allows a payment card to be inserted. Card processing unit 54 acquires an ID and the like from the payment card under control of processor 51. Card processing unit 54 may also store various data on the payment card under control of processor 51.

[0055] <Repeater device description> Next, the relay device 60 will be described. Fig. 5 shows an example of the configuration of the relay device 60. As shown in Fig. 5, the relay device 60 includes a processor 61, a memory 62, a first communication unit 63, and a second communication unit 64. The processor 61 is connected to the memory 62, the first communication unit 63, and the second communication unit 64 via a data bus or a predetermined interface.

[0056] The relay device 60 may include other components as needed in addition to the components shown in FIG. 5, or certain components may be excluded from the relay device 60.

[0057] The processor 61 (second processor) is a relay processor that controls the overall operation of the relay device 60. For example, the processor 61 determines the toll for the vehicle C based on data from the entrance toll booth equipment 20, the exit toll booth equipment 30, and the route equipment 40.

[0058] For example, the processor 61 is configured from a CPU or the like. The processor 61 may also be configured from an ASIC or the like. The processor 61 may also be configured from an FPGA or the like.

[0059] The memory 62 (storage unit) is a relay memory that stores various data. For example, the memory 62 functions as a ROM, a RAM, and an NVM. For example, the memory 62 stores a control program, control data, etc. The control program and control data are pre-installed according to the specifications of the relay device 60. For example, the control program is a program that supports functions realized by the relay device 60.

[0060] The memory 62 also temporarily stores data being processed by the processor 61. The memory 62 may also store data necessary for executing an application program, execution results of the application program, and the like.

[0061] The first communication unit 63 (second communication unit) is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from the central device 10, etc. The first communication unit 63 connects to the central device 10 via a communication network such as the Internet. For example, the first communication unit 63 is an interface that supports LAN connection.

[0062] The second communication unit 64 (third communication unit) is an interface for connecting to the exit toll booth equipment 30, the advance detection device 70, etc. The communication unit 33 connects to the exit toll booth equipment 30, the advance detection device 70, etc. via a communication network such as a LAN. For example, the communication unit 33 is an interface that supports LAN connection.

[0063] The first communication unit 63 and the second communication unit 64 may be integrally formed. For example, the relay device 60 is a desktop PC.

[0064] <Explanation of advance detection device> Next, the pre-detection device 70 will be described. Fig. 6 shows an example configuration of the advance detection device 70. As shown in Fig. 6, the advance detection device 70 includes a processor 71, a memory 72, a communication unit 73, and a vehicle communication unit 74. The processor 71 is connected to the memory 72, the communication unit 73, and the vehicle communication unit 74 via a data bus or a predetermined interface.

[0065] The pre-detection device 70 may include other components as needed in addition to the components shown in FIG. 6, or certain components may be excluded from the pre-detection device 70.

[0066] The processor 71 controls the overall operation of the pre-detection device 70. For example, the processor 71 transmits data acquired from the vehicle-mounted device 50 to the relay device 60.

[0067] For example, the processor 71 is configured from a CPU or the like. The processor 71 may also be configured from an ASIC or the like. The processor 71 may also be configured from an FPGA or the like.

[0068] The memory 72 stores various data. For example, the memory 72 functions as a ROM, a RAM, and an NVM. For example, the memory 72 stores a control program, control data, etc. The control program and control data are pre-installed according to the specifications of the pre-detection device 70. For example, the control program is a program that supports functions realized by the pre-detection device 70.

[0069] The memory 72 also temporarily stores data being processed by the processor 71. The memory 72 may also store data necessary for executing an application program, execution results of the application program, and the like.

[0070] The communication unit 73 is an interface for connecting to the relay device 60 etc. The communication unit 73 connects to the relay device 60 etc. via a communication network such as a LAN. For example, the communication unit 73 is an interface that supports LAN connection.

[0071] The vehicle communication unit 74 is an interface that wirelessly communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 50 mounted on the vehicle C. The vehicle communication unit 74 wirelessly communicates with the vehicle-mounted device mounted on the vehicle C passing through the advance detection device 70 (vehicle C about to pass through the gantry). The vehicle communication unit 74 acquires vehicle-mounted device information, including the card ID of the payment card and the identifier of the vehicle-mounted device, from the vehicle-mounted device with which it wirelessly communicates. The vehicle communication unit 74 transmits the acquired data to the processor 71. For example, the pre-sensing device 70 may be a free-flow device.

[0072] <About the in-vehicle device> Next, a description will be given of functions realized by the vehicle-mounted device 50. The functions realized by the vehicle-mounted device 50 are realized by the processor 51 executing a program stored in the internal memory, the memory 52, or the like.

[0073] First, the processor 51 has a function of transmitting on-board device information related to the on-board device 50 to the entrance toll booth device 20 and the route device 40. Here, the memory 52 is assumed to store in advance the vehicle-mounted device information. The vehicle-mounted device information includes an identifier for identifying the vehicle-mounted device 50 (or the vehicle C in which the vehicle-mounted device 50 is installed). The vehicle-mounted device information may also include the ID of a payment card.

[0074] The processor 51 receives a command requesting the vehicle-mounted device information from the entrance toll booth equipment 20 or the route equipment 40 via the communication unit 53. Upon receiving the command, the processor 51 generates a response including the vehicle-mounted device information.

[0075] When the response is generated, the processor 51 transmits the generated response via the communication unit 53 to the entrance toll booth equipment 20 or the route equipment 40 that transmitted the command.

[0076] When the processor 51 transmits the on-board device information to the entrance toll booth equipment 20, the processor 51 receives the entrance usage information from the entrance toll booth equipment 20 via the communication unit 53. Upon receiving the entrance usage information, the processor 51 stores the received entrance usage information in the memory 52.

[0077] Furthermore, when the processor 51 transmits the in-vehicle device information to the route device 40, the processor 51 receives the passage information from the route device 40 via the communication unit 53. When the processor 51 receives the passage information, the processor 51 stores the received passage information in the memory 52.

[0078] The processor 51 also has a function of transmitting the vehicle-mounted device information, the entrance use information, and the passage information to the exit toll booth equipment 30 and the advance detection device 70. The processor 51 receives a command requesting on-board device information, entrance usage information, and passage information from the exit toll booth equipment 30 or the advance detection device 70 via the communication unit 53. Upon receiving the command, the processor 51 generates a response including the on-board device information, entrance usage information, and passage information.

[0079] When the response is generated, the processor 51 transmits the generated response to the exit toll booth equipment 30 or the advance detection device 70 that transmitted the command via the communication unit 53. Note that the response does not have to include entrance usage information or passage information.

[0080] <Pre-detection device> Next, a description will be given of the functions realized by the pre-detection device 70. The functions realized by the pre-detection device 70 are realized by the processor 71 executing a program stored in the internal memory, the memory 72, or the like.

[0081] First, the processor 71 has a function of acquiring vehicle-mounted device information, entrance use information, and passage information from the vehicle-mounted device 50 of the vehicle C that is about to pass through the advance detection device 70. That is, the processor 71 acquires the on-board unit information, the entrance use information, and the passage information from the on-board unit 50 of the vehicle C upstream of the exit tollgate equipment 30.

[0082] The processor 71 transmits commands via the vehicle communication unit 74 to the vehicle-mounted device 50 of the vehicle C that is about to pass through the advance detection device 70 at predetermined intervals, requesting vehicle-mounted device information, entrance usage information, and passage information.

[0083] When the vehicle C is about to pass through the advance detection device 70, the processor 71 receives a response from the vehicle-mounted device 50 via the vehicle communication unit 74, the response including the vehicle-mounted device information, entrance use information, and passage information.

[0084] The processor 71 may acquire on-board device information from the on-board device 50 of the vehicle C that is about to pass the pre-detection device 70. That is, the processor 71 may transmit a command requesting on-board device information via the vehicle communication unit 74 to the on-board device 50 of the vehicle C that is about to pass the pre-detection device 70 at predetermined intervals.

[0085] The processor 71 also has a function of transmitting to the relay device 60 exit use advance notice information, vehicle-mounted device information, entrance use information, and passing information.

[0086] When the processor 71 acquires the vehicle-mounted device information, entrance usage information, and passing information from the vehicle-mounted device 50, the processor 71 transmits the exit usage notice information, the acquired vehicle-mounted device information, entrance usage information, and passing information to the relay device 60 via the communication unit 73. The exit usage notice information includes exit identification information. The exit usage notice information may also include the expected exit date and time when the vehicle is predicted to exit.

[0087] When the processor 71 acquires the vehicle-mounted device information from the vehicle-mounted device 50, the processor 71 may transmit the exit usage notice information and the acquired vehicle-mounted device information to the relay device 60 via the communication unit 73.

[0088] <Description of Exit Toll Gate Equipment> Next, we will explain the functions realized by the exit toll booth equipment 30. The functions realized by the exit toll booth equipment 30 are realized by the processor 31 executing a program stored in the internal memory or the memory 32. The functions realized by the exit toll booth equipment 30a to 30c are similar, so they will be explained as the functions realized by the exit toll booth equipment 30.

[0089] First, the processor 31 has a function of acquiring vehicle-mounted device information, entrance use information, and passage information from the vehicle-mounted device 50 of the vehicle C that is about to exit from the toll road R. That is, the processor 31 acquires the vehicle-mounted device information, the entrance usage information, and the passage information from the vehicle-mounted device 50 of the vehicle C downstream of the advance detection device 70.

[0090] The processor 31 transmits commands via the vehicle communication unit 34 at predetermined intervals to the on-board device 50 of the vehicle C that is about to exit the toll road R, requesting on-board device information, entrance usage information, and passage information.

[0091] When the vehicle C attempts to exit through the exit, the processor 31 receives a response from the vehicle-mounted device 50 via the vehicle communication unit 34, the response including the vehicle-mounted device information, entrance use information, and passage information.

[0092] The processor 31 may acquire the on-board device information from the on-board device 50 of the vehicle C that is about to exit the toll road R. That is, the processor 31 may transmit a command requesting the on-board device information to the on-board device 50 of the vehicle C that is about to exit the toll road R via the vehicle communication unit 34 at predetermined intervals.

[0093] The processor 31 also has a function of acquiring the toll for the vehicle C that is about to exit.

[0094] When the processor 31 receives a response including the vehicle-mounted device information, the entrance usage information, and the passage information from the vehicle-mounted device 50, the processor 31 generates exit usage information based on the received vehicle-mounted device information and the like.

[0095] The exit usage information includes vehicle-mounted device information, vehicle type information, exit identification information, and exit date and time. The exit identification information is composed of an identifier that indicates the exit toll booth device 30 or the exit where the exit toll booth device 30 is installed. For example, the memory 32 stores the exit identification information in advance. The exit date and time is the date and time when the vehicle C exits the toll road R. For example, the exit date and time is the date and time when the processor 31 acquires the vehicle-mounted device information.

[0096] The exit usage information may further include entrance usage information and passage information.

[0097] After generating the exit usage information, the processor 31 generates a request for toll information via the communication unit 33. The request includes the exit usage information. After generating the request, the processor 31 transmits the generated request to the relay device 60 via the communication unit 33.

[0098] The processor 31 receives, via the communication unit 33, a response from the relay device 60 that includes toll information indicating the toll.

[0099] The toll information may include multiple tolls. For example, the toll information may include tolls for each vehicle type. If there is a discount based on the time of entry, the toll information may also include tolls for each time period. The toll information may also include a value for calculating the toll after route discount by adding or integrating it with the basic toll. The toll information may also include a toll table for determining the toll. For example, the toll information may include a toll table or a part of the toll table transmitted by the central device 10.

[0100] The processor 31 also has a function of collecting tolls. The processor 31 determines the toll for the vehicle C based on the toll indicated by the toll information. For example, the processor 31 determines the toll based on the type of vehicle C or the departure time.

[0101] When the toll is determined, the processor 31 collects the determined toll (determined amount) based on the ID of the payment card included in the vehicle-mounted device information.

[0102] In addition, the processor 31 transmits information indicating the final amount to the vehicle-mounted device 50 via the vehicle communication unit .

[0103] In addition, the processor 31 transmits, via the communication unit 33, to the relay device 60, confirmation information that is configured from information indicating the confirmed amount and exit usage information, etc.

[0104] <Configuration of central device 10> Next, a description will be given of the functions realized by the central unit 10. The functions realized by the central unit 10 are realized by the processor 11 executing a program stored in the internal memory, the memory 12, or the like.

[0105] First, the processor 11 has a function of generating toll information related to the travel of the vehicle C based on the entrance use information, the passage information, and the like. When vehicle C enters toll road R, processor 11 receives entrance usage information from entrance toll booth equipment 20 via communication unit 13. Upon receiving the entrance usage information, processor 11 generates toll information based on the entrance usage information. The toll information indicates the toll for vehicle C.

[0106] For example, processor 11 acquires entrance identification information from the entrance usage information. Upon acquiring the entrance identification information, processor 11 determines the toll to be charged when vehicle C enters through the entrance corresponding to the entrance identification information and exits without passing through any intermediate points.

[0107] For example, the memory 12 stores in advance a fee table for determining a toll, and the processor 11 determines the toll by referring to the fee table.

[0108] When the toll is determined, the processor 11 generates toll information including the toll. When the toll information is generated, the processor 11 stores the toll information in the memory 12 in association with exit identification information indicating the exits from which the vehicle C can exit, on-board device information, and the like.

[0109] Furthermore, when vehicle C passes through a waypoint, processor 11 receives passage information from route device 40 via communication unit 13. Upon receiving the passage information, processor 11 updates the toll information based on the passage information.

[0110] For example, processor 11 identifies a travel route for vehicle C based on the entrance corresponding to the entrance identification information and the waypoint corresponding to the passage information. After identifying the travel route, processor 11 determines the toll that will be charged if vehicle C passes through the travel route and exits without passing through any other waypoints. For example, processor 11 determines the toll by referring to a toll table.

[0111] When the toll is determined, the processor 11 generates toll information including the toll. When the toll information is generated, the processor 11 overwrites the toll information in the memory 12. The processor 11 updates the toll information as described above every time passage information is acquired.

[0112] The processor 11 may perform calculations related to route discounts. In this case, the processor 11 may generate toll information including a value for calculating the toll after route discount by adding or multiplying the basic fee.

[0113] The processor 11 may also generate toll information that includes an identifier that specifies a discount table for calculating the toll after route discount.

[0114] The processor 11 also has a function of transmitting toll information indicating the toll for the vehicle C to the exit toll booth equipment 30.

[0115] When vehicle C attempts to exit toll road R, processor 11 receives a request for toll information from exit toll booth equipment 30 via communication unit 13. Upon receiving the exit usage information, processor 11 acquires exit usage notice information and on-board device information from the exit usage information included in the request. Upon acquiring the exit usage notice information and on-board device information, processor 11 searches memory 12 for the exit identification information indicated by the exit usage notice information and the toll information corresponding to the received on-board device information. Upon retrieving the toll information, processor 11 transmits a response including the retrieved toll information to exit toll booth equipment 30 via communication unit 13.

[0116] The processor 11 also has a function of transmitting the fee table to the relay device 60. For example, the processor 11 receives a request for a fee table from the relay device 60 via the communication unit 13. Upon receiving the request, the processor 11 transmits a response including the fee table to the relay device 60 via the communication unit 13. The response may include multiple fee tables.

[0117] Furthermore, the processor 11 may transmit the fee table to the relay device 60 when the fee table is updated.

[0118] Next, a description will be given of functions realized by the relay device 60. The functions realized by the relay device 60 are realized by the processor 61 executing a program stored in the internal memory, the memory 62, or the like.

[0119] The processor 61 has the function of transmitting toll information to the exit toll booth equipment 30. The processor 61 transmits the toll information to the exit toll booth equipment 30 in either a first manner or a second manner.

[0120] For example, the processor 61 switches between the first method and the second method using a flag set in the memory 62. The processor 61 sets the flag in accordance with an operator's operation. Note that the processor 61 may set or update the flag based on the state of communication with the central device 10, etc.

[0121] <First method> First, the first method will be described. The first method is a method in which the relay device 60 calculates the toll and transmits the toll information to the exit toll booth device 30.

[0122] For example, the first method is used when communication between the central device 10 and the relay device 60 is not good. For example, the first method is used when the time required for communication between the central device 10 and the relay device 60 is greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0123] First, the processor 61 receives the fee table from the central device 10 through the first communication unit 63. For example, the processor 11 of the central device 10 transmits the fee table to the relay device 60 at the time of startup or when the fee table is updated. The processor 61 stores the received fee table in the memory 62 .

[0124] The processor 61 may transmit a request for the fee table to the central device 10 via the first communication unit 63. The processor 61 receives a response including the fee table from the central device 10 via the first communication unit 63. Upon receiving the response, the processor 61 stores the fee table in the memory 62.

[0125] The processor 61 stores a fee table in advance in the memory 62 before receiving the vehicle identification information and the like from the advance detection device 70.

[0126] Here, the processor 61 acquires the exit use advance notice information, vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passing information from the advance detection device 70 via the second communication unit 64. Upon acquiring the exit use advance notice information, vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passing information, the processor 61 generates toll information based on the fee table acquired in advance from the central device 10, and the acquired exit use advance notice information, entrance use information, and passing information. The method by which the processor 61 generates the toll information is similar to the method by which the processor 11 generates the toll information.

[0127] When the toll information is generated, the processor 61 stores the toll information in the memory 62 or the like in association with the generated vehicle identification information.

[0128] When the processor 61 receives multiple exit usage notice information, vehicle identification information, entrance usage information, and passage information consecutively from the advance detection device 70, it stores the toll information corresponding to each vehicle identification information in the memory 62 as described above.

[0129] Here, the processor 61 waits until it receives a request for toll information from the exit toll booth device 30 via the second communication unit 64.

[0130] Upon receiving the request, the processor 61 searches the memory 62 for toll information corresponding to the vehicle identification information included in the request. After searching for the toll information, the processor 61 transmits a response including the searched toll information to the exit toll booth equipment 30 via the second communication unit 64.

[0131] When the exit toll booth equipment 30 completes collection of the finalized amount, the processor 61 receives the finalized information from the exit toll booth equipment 30 through the second communication unit 64. Upon receiving the finalized information, the processor 61 deletes the toll information corresponding to the vehicle identification information included in the finalized information.

[0132] After deleting the toll information, the processor 61 transmits the finalization information to the central device 10 via the first communication unit 63.

[0133] <Second method> Next, the second method will be described. The second method is to acquire toll information from the central device 10 and transmit it to the exit toll booth device 30.

[0134] For example, the second method is used when communication between the central device 10 and the relay device 60 is good. For example, the second method is used when the time required for communication between the central device 10 and the relay device 60 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.

[0135] First, the processor 61 of the relay device 60 receives the exit use notice information, vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information from the advance detection device 70 via the second communication unit 64. Upon receiving the exit use notice information, vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information, the processor 61 generates a request for toll information. The request stores the received exit use notice information and vehicle identification information.

[0136] When the request is generated, the processor 61 transmits the generated request to the central device 10 via the first communication unit 63.

[0137] The processor 61 receives a response including the toll information from the central device 10 via the first communication unit 63. Upon receiving the response, the processor 61 stores the toll information in the memory 62 or the like in association with the received vehicle identification information.

[0138] When the processor 61 receives multiple exit usage notice information, vehicle identification information, entrance usage information, and passage information consecutively from the advance detection device 70, it stores the toll information corresponding to each vehicle identification information in the memory 62 as described above.

[0139] Here, the processor 61 waits until it receives a request for toll information from the exit toll booth device 30 via the second communication unit 64.

[0140] Upon receiving the request, the processor 61 searches the memory 62 for toll information corresponding to the vehicle identification information included in the request. After searching for the toll information, the processor 61 transmits a response including the searched toll information to the exit toll booth equipment 30 via the second communication unit 64.

[0141] When the exit toll booth equipment 30 completes collection of the finalized amount, the processor 61 receives the finalized information from the exit toll booth equipment 30 through the second communication unit 64. Upon receiving the finalized information, the processor 61 deletes the toll information corresponding to the vehicle identification information included in the finalized information.

[0142] After deleting the toll information, the processor 61 transmits the finalization information to the central device 10 via the first communication unit 63.

[0143] <Example of operation> Next, an example of the operation of the toll gate system 1 to collect a toll at the exit toll gate device 30 will be described. First, an example of the operation of the tollgate system 1 when using the first method will be described. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of operation when the tollgate system 1 according to the first embodiment uses the first technique.

[0144] Here, it is assumed that the vehicle C has entered the toll road R from the entrance and passed through a waypoint. The memory 52 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 stores entrance use information and passage information.

[0145] First, the processor 11 of the central device 10 transmits the fee table to the relay device 60 through the communication unit 13 (S11).

[0146] The processor 61 of the relay device 60 receives the fee table through the first communication unit 63. Upon receiving the fee table, the processor 61 stores the received fee table in the memory 62.

[0147] Here, it is assumed that the vehicle C passes through the advance detection device 70.

[0148] The processor 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 transmits the vehicle identification information, the entrance use information, and the passage information to the advance detection device 70 via the communication unit 53 (S12).

[0149] The processor 71 of the advance detection device 70 receives the vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information through the vehicle communication unit 74. Upon receiving the vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information, the processor 71 transmits the exit use advance notice information, vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information to the relay device 60 through the communication unit 73 (S13).

[0150] The processor 61 of the relay device 60 receives the exit use notice information, vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passing information through the second communication unit 64. Upon receiving the exit use notice information, vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passing information, the processor 61 generates toll information by referring to the fee table received in S11, etc. (S14).

[0151] Here, it is assumed that vehicle C is exiting from toll road R.

[0152] The processor 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 transmits the vehicle-mounted device information, the entrance use information, and the passage information to one of the exit toll gate devices 30 via the communication unit 53 (S15).

[0153] The processor 31 of the exit toll booth equipment 30 receives the on-board device information, entrance use information, and passage information from the on-board device 50 via the vehicle communication unit 34. Upon receiving the on-board device information, entrance use information, and passage information, the processor 31 transmits a request for toll information to the relay device 60 via the communication unit 33 (S16). The request includes the exit use information.

[0154] The processor 61 of the relay device 60 receives the request from the exit toll gate device 30 through the second communication unit 64. Upon receiving the request, the processor 61 searches for toll information corresponding to the on-board device information included in the request (S17).

[0155] After retrieving the toll information, the processor 61 transmits a response including the retrieved toll information to the exit toll booth device 30 via the second communication unit 64 (S18).

[0156] The processor 31 of the exit tollgate device 30 receives the response via the communication unit 33. Upon receiving the response, the processor 31 determines the final amount based on the toll information and the like (S19).

[0157] When the final amount is determined, the processor 31 transmits information indicating the final amount to the in-vehicle device 50 via the vehicle communication unit 34 (S20). Here, the processor 31 may receive the final amount using the ID of the payment card indicated by the in-vehicle device information.

[0158] The processor 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 receives information indicating the final amount from the exit toll booth device 30 via the communication unit.

[0159] When the information indicating the finalized amount is transmitted to the vehicle-mounted device 50, the processor 31 transmits the finalized information to the relay device 60 via the communication unit 33 (S21). Here, the processor 61 may delete the toll information corresponding to the vehicle-mounted device information indicated by the finalized information.

[0160] The processor 61 of the relay device 60 receives the confirmation information from the exit toll booth equipment 30 through the second communication unit 64. Upon receiving the confirmation information, the processor 61 transmits the confirmation information to the central device 10 through the first communication unit 63 (S22).

[0161] The processor 11 of the central device 10 receives the confirmation information from the relay device 60 via the communication unit 13. Here, the processor 11 may delete the toll information corresponding to the on-board device information indicated by the confirmation information. When the processor 11 receives the confirmation information, the toll booth system 1 ends its operation.

[0162] The processor 61 of the relay device 60 may transmit the confirmation information to the central device 10 in a lump at predetermined intervals. In addition, the processor 31 of the exit toll booth equipment 30 may transmit the determination information to the central device 10 via the communication unit 33 or the like.

[0163] Furthermore, the processor 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 may not transmit the entrance use information and the passage information to the advance detection device 70 in S15. In this case, the exit use information may not include the entrance use information and the passage information.

[0164] Furthermore, if the memory 52 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 does not store the passage information, the processor 51 does not need to transmit the passage information.

[0165] Next, an example of the operation of the tollgate system 1 when using the second method will be described. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of operation when the tollgate system 1 according to the first embodiment uses the second method.

[0166] Here, it is assumed that vehicle C entered toll road R from the entrance and passed through a waypoint. It is assumed that the memory 52 of the on-board device 50 stores entrance use information and passing information. It is also assumed that the processor 11 of the central device 10 generates toll information based on the entrance use information and passing information and stores it in the memory 12.

[0167] Here, it is assumed that the vehicle C passes through the advance detection device 70.

[0168] The processor 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 transmits the vehicle identification information, the entrance use information, and the passage information to the advance detection device 70 via the communication unit 53 (S31).

[0169] The processor 71 of the advance detection device 70 receives the vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information through the vehicle communication unit 74. Upon receiving the vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information, the processor 71 transmits the exit use advance notice information, vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information to the relay device 60 through the communication unit 73 (S32).

[0170] The processor 61 of the relay device 60 receives the exit use notice information, vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passing information through the second communication unit 64. Upon receiving the exit use notice information, vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passing information, the processor 61 transmits a request for toll information to the central device 10 through the first communication unit 63 (S33). The request includes the exit use notice information and vehicle identification information.

[0171] The processor 11 of the central device 10 receives the request through the communication unit 13. Upon receiving the request, the processor 11 searches for toll information corresponding to the exit identification information and vehicle identification information indicated by the exit use notice information included in the request (S34). After searching for the toll information, the processor 11 transmits a response including the searched toll information to the relay device 60 through the communication unit 13 (S35).

[0172] The processor 61 of the relay device 60 receives the response through the first communication unit 63.

[0173] Here, it is assumed that vehicle C is exiting from toll road R.

[0174] The processor 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 transmits the vehicle-mounted device information, the entrance use information, and the passage information to the exit toll gate device 30 via the communication unit 53 (S36).

[0175] The processor 31 of the exit toll booth equipment 30 receives the on-board device information, entrance use information, and passage information from the on-board device 50 via the vehicle communication unit 34. Upon receiving the on-board device information, entrance use information, and passage information, the processor 31 transmits a request for toll information to the relay device 60 via the communication unit 33 (S37). The request includes the exit use information.

[0176] The processor 61 of the relay device 60 receives the request from the exit toll gate equipment 30 through the second communication unit 64. Upon receiving the request, the processor 61 searches for toll information corresponding to the on-board device information included in the request (S38).

[0177] After retrieving the toll information, the processor 61 transmits a response including the retrieved toll information to the exit toll booth device 30 via the second communication unit 64 (S18). Explanation of S19 to S22 will be omitted.

[0178] The processor 31 of the exit toll booth device 30 may transmit the determination information to the central device 10 via the communication unit 33 or the like. Furthermore, the processor 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 does not have to transmit the entrance use information and the passage information to the advance detection device 70 in S31 or S36. In this case, the exit use information does not have to include the entrance use information and the passage information.

[0179] Furthermore, the processor 71 of the advance detection device 70 does not have to transmit the entrance use information and the passage information to the relay device 60 in S32.

[0180] Furthermore, if the memory 52 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 does not store the passage information, the processor 51 does not need to transmit the passage information.

[0181] <Modification of the first embodiment> Next, a modification of the first embodiment of the toll gate system 1 will be described. In the second modification, when the vehicle C exits, the processor 11 of the central device 10 generates toll information.

[0182] The processor 11 of the central device 10 receives a request for toll information from the relay device 60. The request includes exit use advance notice information, vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information.

[0183] When the request is received, the processor 11 generates toll information based on the exit use advance notice information, entrance use information, passing information, etc. The method by which the processor 11 generates toll information is as described above.

[0184] After generating the toll information, the processor 11 transmits a response including the generated toll information to the relay device 60 via the communication unit 13.

[0185] Furthermore, when the processor 61 of the relay device 60 receives the vehicle identification information, the entrance use information, and the passage information from the advance detection device 70, it generates a request for toll information. Here, the request includes the entrance use information and the passage information.

[0186] After generating the request, the processor 61 transmits the generated request to the central device 10 via the first communication unit 63.

[0187] Next, an example of the operation of the modified example of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of operation when the tollgate system according to the modification of the first embodiment uses the second technique.

[0188] Here, it is assumed that the vehicle C passes through the advance detection device 70.

[0189] The processor 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 transmits the vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information to the advance detection device 70 via the communication unit 53 (S41).

[0190] The processor 71 of the advance detection device 70 receives the vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information through the vehicle communication unit 74. Upon receiving the vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information, the processor 71 transmits the exit use advance notice information, vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information to the relay device 60 through the communication unit 73 (S42).

[0191] The processor 61 of the relay device 60 receives the exit use notice information, vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passing information through the second communication unit 64. Upon receiving the exit use notice information, vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passing information, the processor 61 transmits a request for toll information to the central device 10 through the first communication unit 63 (S43). The request includes the exit use notice information, vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passing information.

[0192] The processor 11 of the central device 10 receives the request through the communication unit 13. Upon receiving the request, the processor 11 generates toll information based on the exit use notice information, entrance use information, and passage information contained in the request (S44). After generating the toll information, the processor 11 transmits a response including the generated toll information to the relay device 60 through the communication unit 13 (S45).

[0193] The processor 61 of the relay device 60 receives the response through the first communication unit 63. Explanation of steps S36 to S38 and steps S18 to S22 will be omitted. The processor 31 of the exit toll booth device 30 may transmit the determination information to the central device 10 via the communication unit 33 or the like.

[0194] The toll booth system configured as described above acquires vehicle identification information and the like from a vehicle in an advance detection device before the vehicle reaches the exit toll booth equipment. The toll booth system acquires toll information in a relay device using the vehicle identification information and the like acquired by the advance detection device. When the vehicle reaches the exit toll booth equipment, the toll booth system transmits the toll information from the relay device to the exit toll booth equipment. As a result, the toll booth system can quickly provide toll information to the exit toll booth equipment. The toll booth system also stores toll information at the relay device, so that the exit toll booth equipment does not need to receive toll information for vehicles that do not pass through it.

[0195] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. The toll gate system according to the second embodiment differs from the toll gate system 1 according to the first embodiment in that the advance detection device 70 is connected to the central device 10. Therefore, the other points are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0196] 10 shows an example of the configuration of a tollgate system 1' according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG.

[0197] The communication unit 73 of the advance detection device 70 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from the central device 10, etc. The communication unit 73 connects to the central device 10 via a communication network such as the Internet. For example, the communication unit 73 is an interface that supports LAN connection.

[0198] When the toll booth system 1' uses the first technique, the operation of the toll booth system 1' is similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0199] The following describes the case where the tollgate system 1' uses the second method.

[0200] First, we will explain the functions realized by the pre-detection device 70. The functions realized by the pre-detection device 70 are realized by the processor 71 executing a program stored in the internal memory, the memory 72, or the like. The functions realized by the pre-detection device 70 include the following functions in addition to the functions realized by the pre-detection device 70 according to the first embodiment.

[0201] The processor 71 of the advance detection device 70 has a function of transmitting vehicle-mounted device information, entrance use information, and passage information from the vehicle-mounted device 50 to the central device 10.

[0202] When the processor 71 acquires the vehicle-mounted device information, entrance use information, and passing information from the vehicle-mounted device 50, it transmits the acquired vehicle-mounted device information, entrance use information, and passing information to the central device 10 via the communication unit 73.

[0203] When the processor 71 acquires the vehicle-mounted device information from the vehicle-mounted device 50, the processor 71 may transmit the acquired vehicle-mounted device information to the central device 10 via the communication unit 73.

[0204] Furthermore, the processor 11 of the central device 10 receives the exit use notice information, the vehicle-mounted device information, the entrance use information, and the passing information from the advance detection device 70 via the communication unit 13. Upon receiving the exit use notice information, the vehicle-mounted device information, the entrance use information, and the passing information, the processor 11 transmits to the relay device 60 via the communication unit 13 the exit identification information indicated in the exit use notice information and the toll information corresponding to the vehicle-mounted device information.

[0205] Next, an example of the operation of the toll gate system 1' to collect a toll at the exit toll gate device 30 will be described. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of operation when the tollgate system 1′ according to the second embodiment uses the second method.

[0206] Here, it is assumed that vehicle C entered toll road R from the entrance and passed through a waypoint. It is assumed that the memory 52 of the on-board device 50 stores entrance use information and passing information. It is also assumed that the processor 11 of the central device 10 generates toll information based on the entrance use information and passing information and stores it in the memory 12.

[0207] The processor 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 transmits the vehicle identification information, the entrance use information, and the passage information to the advance detection device 70 via the communication unit 53 (S31).

[0208] The processor 71 of the advance detection device 70 receives the vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information through the vehicle communication unit 74. Upon receiving the vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information, the processor 71 transmits the exit use advance notice information, vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information to the central device 10 through the communication unit 73 (S51).

[0209] The processor 11 of the central device 10 receives the exit use notice information, vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information from the advance detection device 70 via the communication unit 13. Upon receiving the exit use notice information, vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information from the advance detection device 70, the processor 11 searches for toll information corresponding to the exit identification information and vehicle identification information indicated in the received exit use notice information (S52). After searching for the toll information, the processor 11 transmits the searched toll information to the relay device 60 via the communication unit 13 (S53).

[0210] The processor 61 of the relay device 60 receives the toll information through the first communication unit 63.

[0211] Explanation of steps S36 to S38 and steps S18 to S22 will be omitted.

[0212] The processor 31 of the exit toll booth device 30 may transmit the determination information to the central device 10 via the communication unit 33 or the like. Furthermore, the processor 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 does not have to transmit the entrance use information and the passage information to the advance detection device 70 in S31 or S36. In this case, the exit use information does not have to include the entrance use information and the passage information.

[0213] Furthermore, the processor 71 of the advance detection device 70 does not have to transmit the entrance use information and the passage information to the central device 10 in S51.

[0214] Furthermore, if the memory 52 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 does not store the passage information, the processor 51 does not need to transmit the passage information.

[0215] <First Modification of the Second Embodiment> Next, a first modified example of the second embodiment will be described. In the first modification, in the second method, the processor 11 of the central device 10 generates toll information when the vehicle C exits.

[0216] When the processor 11 receives the exit use advance notice information, vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information from the advance detection device 70, it generates toll information based on the exit use advance notice information, entrance use information, and passage information, etc. The method by which the processor 11 generates the toll information is as described above.

[0217] After generating the toll information, the processor 11 transmits a response including the generated toll information to the relay device 60 via the communication unit 13.

[0218] Next, an example of the operation of the first modified example will be described. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of operation when the tollgate system 1′ according to the first modified example of the second embodiment uses the second technique.

[0219] Here, it is assumed that the vehicle C passes through the advance detection device 70.

[0220] The processor 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 transmits the vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information to the advance detection device 70 via the communication unit 53 (S41).

[0221] The processor 71 of the advance detection device 70 receives the vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information through the vehicle communication unit 74. Upon receiving the vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information, the processor 71 transmits the exit use advance notice information, vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information to the central device 10 through the communication unit 73 (S61).

[0222] The processor 11 of the central device 10 receives the exit use notice information, vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information from the advance detection device 70 via the communication unit 13. Upon receiving the exit use notice information, vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information from the advance detection device 70, the processor 11 generates toll information based on the exit use notice information, entrance use information, and passage information (S62). After generating the toll information, the processor 11 transmits the searched toll information to the relay device 60 via the communication unit 13 (S63).

[0223] The processor 61 of the relay device 60 receives the toll information through the first communication unit 63. Explanation of steps S36 to S38 and steps S18 to S22 will be omitted. The processor 31 of the exit toll booth device 30 may transmit the determination information to the central device 10 via the communication unit 33 or the like.

[0224] <Second Modification of the Second Embodiment> Next, a second modification of the second embodiment will be described. In the second modified example of the toll gate system 1', the advance detection device 70 realizes the function of the relay device 60. That is, the advance detection device 70 and the relay device 60 are integrally formed.

[0225] Here, the processor 71 of the advance detection device 70 is assumed to realize the functions of the processor 61 of the relay device 60.

[0226] Next, an example of the operation of the second modified example of the toll gate system 1 in which the exit toll gate device 30 collects the toll will be described. First, an example of operation when the second modified example of the tollgate system 1 uses the first technique will be described. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of operation when the tollgate system according to the second modification of the second embodiment uses the first technique.

[0227] Here, it is assumed that the vehicle C has entered the toll road R from the entrance and passed through a waypoint. The memory 52 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 stores entrance use information and passage information.

[0228] First, the processor 11 of the central device 10 transmits the fee table to the relay device 60 through the communication unit 13 (S71).

[0229] The processor 71 of the advance detection device 70 receives the fee table through the communication unit 73. Upon receiving the fee table, the processor 71 stores the received fee table in the memory 72.

[0230] Here, it is assumed that the vehicle C passes through the advance detection device 70.

[0231] The processor 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 transmits the vehicle identification information, the entrance use information, and the passage information to the advance detection device 70 via the communication unit 53 (S72).

[0232] The processor 71 of the advance detection device 70 receives the vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information through the vehicle communication unit 74. Upon receiving the vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information, the processor 71 generates toll information by referring to a toll table stored in the memory 72, etc. (S73).

[0233] Here, it is assumed that vehicle C is exiting from toll road R.

[0234] The processor 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 transmits the vehicle-mounted device information, the entrance use information, and the passage information to one of the exit toll gate devices 30 via the communication unit 53 (S74).

[0235] The processor 31 of the exit toll booth equipment 30 receives the on-board device information, entrance use information, and passage information from the on-board device 50 via the vehicle communication unit 34. Upon receiving the on-board device information, entrance use information, and passage information, the processor 31 transmits a request for toll information to the relay device 60 via the communication unit 33 (S75). The request includes the exit use information.

[0236] The processor 71 of the advance detection device 70 receives the request from the exit toll gate equipment 30 via the communication unit 73. Upon receiving the request, the processor 71 searches for toll information corresponding to the on-board device information included in the request (S76).

[0237] After retrieving the toll information, the processor 71 transmits a response including the retrieved toll information to the exit toll gate device 30 via the communication unit 73 (S77).

[0238] The processor 31 of the exit tollgate device 30 receives the response via the communication unit 33. Upon receiving the response, the processor 31 determines the final amount based on the toll information (S78).

[0239] When the final amount is determined, the processor 31 transmits information indicating the final amount to the in-vehicle device 50 via the vehicle communication unit 34 (S79). Here, the processor 31 may receive the final amount using the ID of the payment card indicated by the in-vehicle device information.

[0240] The processor 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 receives information indicating the final amount from the exit toll booth device 30 via the communication unit.

[0241] When the information indicating the finalized amount is transmitted to the in-vehicle device 50, the processor 31 transmits the finalized information to the advance detection device 70 via the communication unit 33 (S80). Here, the processor 31 may delete the toll information corresponding to the in-vehicle device information indicated by the finalized information.

[0242] The processor 71 of the advance detection device 70 receives the confirmation information from the exit toll booth equipment 30 through the communication unit 73. Upon receiving the confirmation information, the processor 71 transmits the confirmation information to the central device 10 through the communication unit 73 (S81).

[0243] The processor 11 of the central device 10 receives the confirmation information from the relay device 60 via the communication unit 13. Here, the processor 11 may delete the toll information corresponding to the on-board device information indicated by the confirmation information. When the processor 11 receives the confirmation information, the toll booth system 1 ends its operation.

[0244] The processor 71 of the advance detection device 70 may collectively transmit the confirmation information to the central device 10 at predetermined intervals. In addition, the processor 31 of the exit toll booth equipment 30 may transmit the determination information to the central device 10 via the communication unit 33 or the like.

[0245] Furthermore, the processor 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 may not transmit the entrance use information and the passage information to the advance detection device 70 in S74. In this case, the exit use information may not include the entrance use information and the passage information.

[0246] Furthermore, if the memory 52 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 does not store the passage information, the processor 51 does not need to transmit the passage information.

[0247] Next, an example of operation when the second modified example of the tollgate system 1 uses the second technique will be described. FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of operation when the tollgate system according to the second modification of the second embodiment uses the second technique.

[0248] Here, it is assumed that vehicle C entered toll road R from the entrance and passed through a waypoint. It is assumed that the memory 52 of the on-board device 50 stores entrance use information and passing information. It is also assumed that the processor 11 of the central device 10 generates toll information based on the entrance use information and passing information and stores it in the memory 12.

[0249] Here, it is assumed that the vehicle C passes through the advance detection device 70.

[0250] The processor 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 transmits the vehicle identification information, the entrance use information, and the passage information to the advance detection device 70 via the communication unit 53 (S91).

[0251] The processor 71 of the advance detection device 70 receives the vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information through the vehicle communication unit 74. Upon receiving the vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information, the processor 71 transmits a request for toll information to the central device 10 through the communication unit 73 (S92). The request includes the exit use advance notice information and the vehicle identification information.

[0252] The processor 11 of the central device 10 receives the request through the communication unit 13. Upon receiving the request, the processor 11 searches for toll information corresponding to the exit identification information and vehicle identification information indicated by the exit usage notice information included in the request (S93). After searching for the toll information, the processor 11 transmits a response including the searched toll information to the advance detection device 70 through the communication unit 13 (S94).

[0253] The processor 71 of the advance detection device 70 receives the response via the communication unit 73.

[0254] Here, it is assumed that vehicle C is exiting from toll road R.

[0255] The processor 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 transmits the vehicle-mounted device information, the entrance use information, and the passage information to one of the exit toll gate devices 30 via the communication unit 53 (S95).

[0256] The processor 31 of the exit toll booth equipment 30 receives the on-board device information, entrance usage information, and passage information from the on-board device 50 via the vehicle communication unit 34. Upon receiving the on-board device information, the processor 31 transmits a request for toll information to the advance detection device 70 via the communication unit 33 (S96). The request includes the exit usage information.

[0257] The processor 71 of the advance detection device 70 receives the request from the exit toll gate equipment 30 via the communication unit 73. Upon receiving the request, the processor 71 searches for toll information corresponding to the on-board device information included in the request (S97).

[0258] After retrieving the toll information, the processor 71 transmits a response including the retrieved toll information to the exit toll gate device 30 via the communication unit 73 (S98). Explanation of S78 to S81 will be omitted.

[0259] The processor 31 of the exit toll booth device 30 may transmit the determination information to the central device 10 via the communication unit 33 or the like. Furthermore, the processor 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 does not have to transmit the entrance use information and the passage information to the advance detection device 70 in S91 or S95. In this case, the exit use information does not have to include the entrance use information and the passage information.

[0260] Furthermore, if the memory 52 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 does not store the passage information, the processor 51 does not need to transmit the passage information.

[0261] <Third Modification of the Second Embodiment> Next, a third modified example of the second embodiment will be described. In the third modified example, similar to the second modified example, the advance detection device 70 realizes the function of the relay device 60. Also, in the third modified example, in the second method, the processor 11 of the central device 10 generates toll information when the vehicle C exits.

[0262] Next, an example of the operation of the second modified example will be described. FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of operation when the tollgate system according to the third modified example of the second embodiment uses the second technique.

[0263] Here, it is assumed that the vehicle C passes through the advance detection device 70.

[0264] The processor 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 transmits the vehicle identification information, the entrance use information, and the passage information to the advance detection device 70 via the communication unit 53 (S111).

[0265] The processor 71 of the advance detection device 70 receives the vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passing information through the vehicle communication unit 74. Upon receiving the vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passing information, the processor 71 transmits a request for toll information to the central device 10 through the communication unit 73 (S112). The request includes the exit use advance notice information, the vehicle identification information, the entrance use information, and the passing information.

[0266] The processor 11 of the central device 10 receives the request through the communication unit 13. Upon receiving the request, the processor 11 generates toll information based on the exit usage notice information, entrance usage information, and passage information included in the request (S113). After generating the toll information, the processor 11 transmits a response including the generated toll information to the advance detection device 70 via the communication unit 13 (S114).

[0267] The processor 71 of the advance detection device 70 receives the response via the communication unit 73. Explanation of steps S95 to S98 and steps S78 to S81 will be omitted.

[0268] The processor 31 of the exit toll booth device 30 may transmit the determination information to the central device 10 via the communication unit 33 or the like. In the toll gate system configured as described above, the advance detection device requests toll information from the central device, which eliminates the need for a relay device to request toll information, enabling the toll gate system to provide toll information more quickly.

[0269] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. The toll gate system 1 according to the third embodiment differs from the toll gate system 1 according to the first embodiment in that the central device 10 transmits toll information in advance to the relay device 60. Therefore, the other points are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0270] An example of the configuration of the tollgate system 1 according to the third embodiment is similar to that according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0271] When the tollgate system 1 according to the third embodiment uses the first technique, the operation of the tollgate system 1 is similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0272] The following describes the case where the tollgate system 1 uses the second method.

[0273] First, we will explain the functions realized by the central device 10. The functions realized by the central device 10 are realized by the processor 11 executing a program stored in the internal memory or the memory 12. The functions realized by the central device 10 include the following functions in addition to the functions realized by the central device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0274] The processor 11 has a function of transmitting toll information to the relay device 60 in advance. The processor 11 transmits each piece of toll information stored in the memory 12 to the relay device 60 in advance via the communication unit 13. For example, when the processor 11 generates or updates toll information, the processor 11 transmits the generated or updated toll information to the relay device 60 via the communication unit 13.

[0275] The processor 11 may also transmit each piece of toll information stored in the memory 12 to the relay device 60 at predetermined intervals.

[0276] Furthermore, when the processor 11 deletes the toll information, the processor 11 may cause the relay device 60 to delete the toll information via the communication unit 13.

[0277] Next, a description will be given of functions realized by the relay device 60. The functions realized by the relay device 60 are realized by the processor 61 executing a program stored in the internal memory or the memory 62. The functions realized by the relay device 60 include the following functions in addition to the functions realized by the relay device 60 according to the first embodiment.

[0278] First, the processor 61 receives toll information in advance from the central device 10 through the first communication unit 63. The processor 61 may receive the toll information from the central device 10 by push notification. The processor 61 may also transmit a request for toll information to the central device 10 at predetermined intervals. The processor 61 stores each received toll information in the memory 62 .

[0279] Here, the processor 61 waits until it receives the exit use advance notice information, the vehicle identification information, the entrance use information, and the passage information from the advance detection device 70 via the second communication unit 64.

[0280] When the processor 61 receives the exit use advance notice information, vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information from the advance detection device 70, the processor 61 searches the memory 62 for toll information corresponding to the exit identification information and vehicle identification information indicated by the received exit use advance notice information. After searching for the toll information, the processor 61 stores the searched toll information in a predetermined area (advance area) of the memory 62.

[0281] In addition, when the processor 61 receives multiple exit usage notice information, vehicle identification information, entrance usage information, and passage information consecutively from the advance detection device 70, it stores the toll information corresponding to each vehicle identification information in the advance area of ​​the memory 62, as described above.

[0282] Here, the processor 61 waits until it receives a request for toll information from the exit toll booth device 30 via the second communication unit 64.

[0283] Upon receiving the request, the processor 61 searches the advance area of ​​the memory 62 for toll information corresponding to the exit identification information and vehicle identification information indicated by the exit usage notice information included in the request. After searching for the toll information, the processor 61 transmits a response including the searched toll information to the exit toll booth equipment 30 via the second communication unit 64.

[0284] Next, an example of the operation of the tollgate system 1 when using the second method will be described. FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of operation when the tollgate system 1 according to the third embodiment uses the second method.

[0285] Here, it is assumed that vehicle C entered toll road R from the entrance and passed through a waypoint. It is assumed that the memory 52 of the on-board device 50 stores entrance use information and passing information. It is also assumed that the processor 11 of the central device 10 generates toll information based on the entrance use information and passing information and stores it in the memory 12.

[0286] First, the processor 11 of the central device 10 transmits each piece of toll information stored in the memory 12 to the relay device 60 via the communication unit 13 (S121).

[0287] The processor 61 of the relay device 60 receives each piece of toll information through the first communication unit 63. Upon receiving each piece of toll information, the processor 61 stores the received piece of toll information in the memory 62.

[0288] Here, it is assumed that the vehicle C passes through the advance detection device 70.

[0289] The processor 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 transmits the vehicle identification information, the entrance use information, and the passage information to the advance detection device 70 via the communication unit 53 (S31).

[0290] The processor 71 of the advance detection device 70 receives the vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information through the vehicle communication unit 74. Upon receiving the vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information, the processor 71 transmits the exit use advance notice information, vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information to the relay device 60 through the communication unit 73 (S32).

[0291] The processor 61 of the relay device 60 receives the exit use notice information, vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passing information through the second communication unit 64. Upon receiving the exit use notice information, vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passing information, the processor 61 searches the memory 62 for toll information corresponding to the exit identification information and vehicle identification information indicated by the received exit use notice information, and stores it in the advance area (S122).

[0292] Here, it is assumed that vehicle C is exiting from toll road R. The processor 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 transmits the vehicle-mounted device information, the entrance use information, and the passage information to the exit toll gate device 30 via the communication unit 53 (S36).

[0293] The processor 31 of the exit toll booth equipment 30 receives the on-board device information, entrance use information, and passage information from the on-board device 50 via the vehicle communication unit 34. Upon receiving the on-board device information, entrance use information, and passage information, the processor 31 transmits a request for toll information to the relay device 60 via the communication unit 33 (S37). The request includes the exit use information.

[0294] The processor 61 of the relay device 60 receives the request from the exit tollgate equipment 30 through the second communication unit 64. Upon receiving the request, the processor 61 searches the preliminary area of ​​the memory 62 for toll information corresponding to the on-board device information included in the request (S123).

[0295] After retrieving the toll information, the processor 61 transmits a response including the retrieved toll information to the exit toll gate device 30 via the second communication unit 64 (S124).

[0296] The processor 31 of the exit toll booth equipment 30 receives the response via the communication unit 33. Explanation of S19 to S22 will be omitted.

[0297] The processor 31 of the exit toll booth device 30 may transmit the determination information to the central device 10 via the communication unit 33 or the like. Furthermore, the processor 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 does not have to transmit the entrance use information and the passage information to the advance detection device 70 in S31 or S36. In this case, the exit use information does not have to include the entrance use information and the passage information.

[0298] Furthermore, the processor 71 of the advance detection device 70 does not have to transmit the entrance use information and the passage information to the relay device 60 in S32.

[0299] Furthermore, if the memory 52 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 does not store the passage information, the processor 51 does not need to transmit the passage information.

[0300] <First Modification of the Third Embodiment> Next, a first modified example of the third embodiment will be described. In the first modification, the advance detection device 70 does not transmit vehicle identification information and the like to the relay device 60. The tollgate system 1 does not need to include the advance detection device 70.

[0301] The processor 61 of the relay device 60 receives a request for toll information from the exit toll booth equipment 30. The request includes exit identification information and vehicle identification information. Upon receiving the request, the processor 61 searches the memory 62 for toll information corresponding to the exit identification information and vehicle identification information included in the request.

[0302] After retrieving the toll information, the processor 61 transmits a response including the retrieved toll information to the exit toll booth device 30 via the second communication unit 64.

[0303] Next, an example of the operation of the first modified example will be described. FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of operation when the tollgate system according to the first modified example of the third embodiment uses the second technique.

[0304] Here, it is assumed that vehicle C entered toll road R from the entrance and passed through a waypoint. It is assumed that the memory 52 of the on-board device 50 stores entrance use information and passing information. It is also assumed that the processor 11 of the central device 10 generates toll information based on the entrance use information and passing information and stores it in the memory 12.

[0305] First, the processor 11 of the central device 10 transmits each piece of toll information stored in the memory 12 to the relay device 60 via the communication unit 13 (S121).

[0306] The processor 61 of the relay device 60 receives each piece of toll information through the first communication unit 63. Upon receiving each piece of toll information, the processor 61 stores the received piece of toll information in the memory 62.

[0307] Here, it is assumed that vehicle C is exiting from toll road R. The processor 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 transmits the vehicle-mounted device information, the entrance use information, and the passage information to the exit toll gate device 30 via the communication unit 53 (S36).

[0308] The processor 31 of the exit toll booth equipment 30 receives the on-board device information, entrance use information, and passage information from the on-board device 50 via the vehicle communication unit 34. Upon receiving the on-board device information, entrance use information, and passage information, the processor 31 transmits a request for toll information to the relay device 60 via the communication unit 33 (S37). The request includes the exit use information.

[0309] The processor 61 of the relay device 60 receives the request from the exit toll gate device 30 through the second communication unit 64. Upon receiving the request, the processor 61 searches the memory 62 for toll information corresponding to the on-board device information included in the request (S131).

[0310] After retrieving the toll information, the processor 61 transmits a response including the retrieved toll information to the exit toll booth device 30 via the second communication unit 64 (S132). Explanation of S19 to S22 will be omitted.

[0311] The processor 31 of the exit toll booth device 30 may transmit the determination information to the central device 10 via the communication unit 33 or the like. Furthermore, the processor 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 may not transmit the entrance usage information and the passage information to the exit toll gate device 30 in S36. In this case, the exit usage information may not include the entrance usage information and the passage information.

[0312] <Second Modification of the Third Embodiment> Next, a second modification of the third embodiment will be described. In the second modified example of the toll gate system 1, the advance detection device 70 realizes the function of the relay device 60. That is, the advance detection device 70 and the relay device 60 are integrally formed.

[0313] Next, an example of the operation of the tollgate system 1 when using the second method will be described. FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of operation when the tollgate system 1 according to the second modification of the third embodiment uses the second technique.

[0314] Here, it is assumed that vehicle C entered toll road R from the entrance and passed through a waypoint. It is assumed that the memory 52 of the on-board device 50 stores entrance use information and passing information. It is also assumed that the processor 11 of the central device 10 generates toll information based on the entrance use information and passing information and stores it in the memory 12.

[0315] First, the processor 11 of the central device 10 transmits each piece of toll information stored in the memory 12 to the advance detection device 70 via the communication unit 13 (S141).

[0316] The processor 71 of the advance detection device 70 receives each piece of toll information through the communication unit 73. Upon receiving each piece of toll information, the processor 71 stores the received piece of toll information in the memory 72.

[0317] Here, it is assumed that the vehicle C passes through the advance detection device 70.

[0318] The processor 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 transmits the vehicle identification information, the entrance use information, and the passage information to the advance detection device 70 via the communication unit 53 (S142).

[0319] The processor 71 of the advance detection device 70 receives the vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information through the vehicle communication unit 74. Upon receiving the vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information, the processor 71 searches the memory 62 for toll information corresponding to the received vehicle identification information, and stores it in the advance area (S143).

[0320] Here, it is assumed that vehicle C is exiting from toll road R. The processor 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 transmits the vehicle-mounted device information, the entrance use information, and the passage information to the exit toll gate device 30 via the communication unit 53 (S144).

[0321] The processor 31 of the exit toll booth equipment 30 receives the on-board device information, entrance use information, and passage information from the on-board device 50 via the vehicle communication unit 34. Upon receiving the on-board device information, entrance use information, and passage information, the processor 31 transmits a request for toll information to the advance detection device 70 via the communication unit 33 (S145). The request includes the exit use information.

[0322] The processor 71 of the advance detection device 70 receives the request from the exit toll booth equipment 30 via the communication unit 73. Upon receiving the request, the processor 71 searches the advance area of ​​the memory 62 for toll information corresponding to the on-board device information included in the request (S146).

[0323] After retrieving the toll information, the processor 61 transmits a response including the retrieved toll information to the exit toll gate device 30 via the second communication unit 64 (S147). The processor 31 of the exit toll booth equipment 30 receives the response via the communication unit 33. Explanation of steps S78 to S81 will be omitted.

[0324] The processor 31 of the exit toll booth device 30 may transmit the determination information to the central device 10 via the communication unit 33 or the like. Furthermore, the processor 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 may not transmit the entrance use information and the passage information to the advance detection device 70 in S142 or S144. In this case, the exit use information may not include the entrance use information and the passage information.

[0325] <Third Modification of the Third Embodiment> Next, a third modified example of the toll gate system 1 will be described. In the third modified example of the toll gate system 1, in the first method, the processor 61 of the relay device 60 generates toll information when the vehicle C exits. In this case, the toll gate system 1 does not need to include the advance detection device 70.

[0326] The processor 61 receives a request for toll information from the exit toll booth equipment 30 via the second communication unit 64. The request includes exit usage information. Here, the exit usage information includes vehicle identification information, entrance usage information, and passage information.

[0327] Upon receiving the request, the processor 61 generates toll information based on the toll table previously obtained from the central device 10, the vehicle identification information, entrance use information, and passage information included in the request, and the like.

[0328] After generating the toll information, the processor 61 transmits a response including the retrieved toll information to the exit toll booth device 30 via the second communication unit 64.

[0329] FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of operation when the tollgate system according to the third modified example of the third embodiment uses the first technique.

[0330] Here, it is assumed that the vehicle C has entered the toll road R from the entrance and passed through a waypoint. The memory 52 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 stores entrance use information and passage information.

[0331] First, the processor 11 of the central device 10 transmits the fee table to the relay device 60 through the communication unit 13 (S11).

[0332] The processor 61 of the relay device 60 receives the fee table through the first communication unit 63. Upon receiving the fee table, the processor 61 stores the received fee table in the memory 62.

[0333] Here, it is assumed that vehicle C is exiting from toll road R.

[0334] The processor 51 of the vehicle-mounted device 50 transmits the vehicle-mounted device information, the entrance use information, and the passage information to one of the exit toll gate devices 30 via the communication unit 53 (S15).

[0335] The processor 31 of the exit toll booth equipment 30 receives the on-board device information, entrance use information, and passage information from the on-board device 50 via the vehicle communication unit 34. Upon receiving the on-board device information, entrance use information, and passage information, the processor 31 transmits a request for toll information to the relay device 60 via the communication unit 33 (S16). The request includes the exit use information.

[0336] The processor 61 of the relay device 60 receives the request from the exit tollgate equipment 30 through the second communication unit 64. Upon receiving the request, the processor 61 refers to the toll table and generates toll information based on the on-board device information, entrance usage information, passage information, etc. included in the request (S151).

[0337] After retrieving the toll information, the processor 61 transmits a response including the toll information to the exit toll booth device 30 via the second communication unit 64 (S18).

[0338] Explanation of S19 to S22 will be omitted. The processor 31 of the exit toll booth device 30 may transmit the determination information to the central device 10 via the communication unit 33 or the like.

[0339] In the toll gate system configured as described above, toll information is synchronized between the relay device and the central device. Therefore, the toll gate system can store toll information from the central device in advance in the relay device when a vehicle passes through the advance detection device. As a result, the toll gate system can provide toll information more quickly.

[0340] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0341] 1 and 1'... toll booth system, 10... central device, 11... processor, 12... memory, 13... communication unit, 20... entrance toll booth equipment, 30 (30a to 30c)... exit toll booth equipment, 31... processor, 32... memory, 33... communication unit, 34... vehicle communication unit, 35... departure controller, 36... roadside display, 40... route equipment, 50... onboard device, 51... processor, 52... memory, 53... communication unit, 54... card processing unit, 60... relay device, 61... processor, 62... memory, 63... first communication unit, 64... second communication unit, 70... advance detection device, 71... processor, 72... memory, 73... communication unit, 74... vehicle communication unit, C... vehicle, R... toll road.

Claims

1. A central device; A relay device; A toll booth system comprising: The central device a central communication unit for transmitting and receiving data to and from the relay device; a central processor that receives a first request from the relay device through the central communication unit and transmits a response; Equipped with The relay device a first communication unit for transmitting and receiving data to and from the central device; a second communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from an exit toll booth device that collects tolls from vehicles exiting the toll road; a relay memory for storing a flag that is set based on the state of communication with the central device and toll information that indicates the toll; receiving the response from the central device in response to the transmission of the first request in response to the flag through the first communication unit, and storing the toll information in the relay memory in response to the response; receiving, via the second communication unit, a second request for the toll corresponding to vehicle identification information indicating a predetermined vehicle from the exit toll booth equipment; transmitting the toll information corresponding to the vehicle identification information included in the second request to the exit toll booth device via the second communication unit; a relay processor; A toll booth system comprising:

2. the second communication unit transmits and receives data to and from a pre-detection device that detects the vehicle upstream of the exit toll booth equipment; If the flag indicates that a first technique is to be used, the relay processor: receiving the vehicle identification information, the exit usage advance notice information, the entrance usage information, and the passage information from the advance detection device via the second communication unit; generating the toll information by referring to the vehicle identification information, the exit use advance notice information, the entrance use information, the passing information, and a fee table included in the response; The toll booth system according to claim 1 .

3. the second communication unit transmits and receives data to and from a pre-detection device that detects the vehicle upstream of the exit toll booth equipment; If the flag indicates that a second technique is to be used, the relay processor: receiving the vehicle identification information from the advance detection device via the second communication unit; transmitting the vehicle identification information as the first request to the central device through the first communication unit; the central device further comprises a central memory for storing the toll information; The central processor retrieving the toll information corresponding to the vehicle identification information from the central memory; transmitting the searched toll information to the relay device as the response via the central communication unit; The toll booth system according to claim 1 .

4. the second communication unit transmits and receives data to and from a pre-detection device that detects the vehicle upstream of the exit toll booth equipment; If the flag indicates that a second technique is to be used, the relay processor: receiving the vehicle identification information, the exit usage advance notice information, the entrance usage information, and the passage information from the advance detection device via the second communication unit; transmitting the vehicle identification information, the exit use advance notice information, the entrance use information, and the passage information to the central device as the first request through the first communication unit; the central device further comprises a central memory for storing a fee table; The central processor generating the toll information corresponding to the vehicle identification information by referring to the exit use advance notice information, the entrance use information, the passage information, and the toll table; transmitting the generated toll information to the relay device as the response via the central communication unit; The toll booth system according to claim 1 .

5. the central device further comprises a central memory for storing the toll information; the central communication unit transmits and receives data to and from a pre-detection device that detects the vehicle upstream of the exit toll booth equipment; If the flag indicates that a second technique is to be used, the central processor: receiving the vehicle identification information from the advance detection device via the central communication unit; searching the central memory for the toll information corresponding to the vehicle identification information, and transmitting the searched toll information to the relay device via the central communication unit; The toll booth system according to claim 1 .

6. the central device further comprises a central memory for storing a fee table; the central communication unit transmits and receives data to and from a pre-detection device that detects the vehicle upstream of the exit toll booth equipment; If the flag indicates that the second technique is to be used, The central processor receiving the vehicle identification information, the exit use notice information, the entrance use information, and the passage information from the advance detection device via the central communication unit; generating the toll information corresponding to the vehicle identification information by referring to the exit use advance notice information, the entrance use information, the passage information, and the toll table; transmitting the generated toll information to the relay device through the central communication unit; The toll booth system according to claim 1 .

7. The relay device further includes a vehicle communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from an on-board device of the vehicle upstream of the exit toll booth equipment, If the flag indicates that a first technique is to be used, the relay processor: receiving the vehicle identification information, the entrance usage information, and the passage information from the vehicle-mounted device via the vehicle communication unit; generating toll information corresponding to the vehicle identification information by referring to the exit use notice information, the entrance use information, the passage information, and a toll table included in the response; The toll booth system according to claim 1 .

8. The relay device further includes a vehicle communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from an on-board device of the vehicle upstream of the exit toll booth equipment, If the flag indicates that a second technique is to be used, the relay processor: receiving the vehicle identification information from the vehicle-mounted device through the vehicle communication unit; transmitting the vehicle identification information as the first request to the central device through the first communication unit; the central device further comprises a central memory for storing the toll information; The central processor retrieving the toll information corresponding to the vehicle identification information from the central memory; transmitting the searched toll information to the relay device as the response via the central communication unit; The toll booth system according to claim 1 .

9. The relay device further includes a vehicle communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from an on-board device of the vehicle upstream of the exit toll booth equipment, If the flag indicates that a second technique is to be used, the relay processor: receiving the vehicle identification information, the entrance usage information, and the passage information from the vehicle-mounted device via the vehicle communication unit; transmitting the vehicle identification information, the exit use advance notice information, the entrance use information, and the passage information to the central device as the first request through the first communication unit; the central device further comprises a central memory for storing a fee table; The central processor generating the toll information corresponding to the vehicle identification information by referring to the entrance use information, the exit use advance notice information, the passage information, and the toll table; transmitting the generated toll information to the relay device as the response via the central communication unit; The toll booth system according to claim 1 .

10. the central device further comprises a central memory for storing the toll information; the first request is a request for the toll information; If the flag indicates that the second method is to be used, the central processor transmits the toll information to the relay device as the response via the central communication unit. The toll booth system according to claim 1 .

11. the second request further includes entrance usage information, passage information, and exit usage information; If the flag indicates that the first method is to be used, the relay processor generates toll information corresponding to the vehicle identification information by referring to the entrance usage information, the passage information, the exit usage information, and a toll table included in the response. The toll booth system according to claim 1 .

12. a first communication unit for transmitting and receiving data to and from a central device; a second communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from an exit toll booth device that collects tolls from vehicles exiting the toll road; a relay memory for storing a flag that is set based on the state of communication with the central device and toll information that indicates the toll; transmitting a first request corresponding to the flag to the central device through the first communication unit, and receiving a response corresponding to the first request from the central device; storing the toll information in the relay memory in response to the response; receiving, via the second communication unit, a second request for the toll corresponding to vehicle identification information indicating a predetermined vehicle from the exit toll booth equipment; transmitting toll information corresponding to the vehicle identification information included in the second request to the exit toll booth device via the second communication unit; a relay processor; A relay device comprising:

13. the second communication unit transmits and receives data to and from a pre-detection device that detects the vehicle upstream of the exit toll booth equipment; If the flag indicates that a first technique is to be used, the relay processor: receiving the vehicle identification information, the exit usage advance notice information, the entrance usage information, and the passage information from the advance detection device via the second communication unit; generating the toll information by referring to the vehicle identification information, the exit use advance notice information, the entrance use information, the passing information, and a fee table included in the response; The relay device according to claim 12.

14. the second communication unit transmits and receives data to and from a pre-detection device that detects the vehicle upstream of the exit toll booth equipment; If the flag indicates that a second technique is to be used, the relay processor: receiving the vehicle identification information from the advance detection device via the second communication unit; transmitting the vehicle identification information as the first request to the central device through the first communication unit; receiving, as the response, toll information corresponding to the vehicle identification information from the central device via the first communication unit; The relay device according to claim 12.

15. the second communication unit transmits and receives data to and from a pre-detection device that detects the vehicle upstream of the exit toll booth equipment; If the flag indicates that a second technique is to be used, the relay processor: receiving the vehicle identification information, the exit usage advance notice information, the entrance usage information, and the passage information from the advance detection device via the second communication unit; transmitting the vehicle identification information, the exit use advance notice information, the entrance use information, and the passage information to the central device as the first request through the first communication unit; receiving, as the response, toll information corresponding to the vehicle identification information generated based on the exit use notice information, the entrance use information, and the passage information from the central device via the first communication unit; The relay device according to claim 12.

16. The relay device further includes a vehicle communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from an on-board device of the vehicle upstream of the exit toll booth equipment, If the flag indicates that a first technique is to be used, the relay processor: receiving the vehicle identification information, the entrance usage information, and the passage information from the vehicle-mounted device via the vehicle communication unit; generating toll information corresponding to the vehicle identification information by referring to the exit use notice information, the entrance use information, the passage information, and a toll table included in the response; The relay device according to claim 12.

17. The relay device further includes a vehicle communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from an on-board device of the vehicle upstream of the exit toll booth equipment, If the flag indicates that the second technique is to be used, The relay processor receiving the vehicle identification information from the vehicle-mounted device through the vehicle communication unit; transmitting the vehicle identification information as the first request to the central device through the first communication unit; receiving, as the response, toll information corresponding to the vehicle identification information from the central device via the first communication unit; The relay device according to claim 12.

18. The relay device further includes a vehicle communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from an on-board device of the vehicle upstream of the exit toll booth equipment, If the flag indicates that a second technique is to be used, the relay processor: receiving the vehicle identification information, the entrance usage information, and the passage information from the vehicle-mounted device via the vehicle communication unit; transmitting the vehicle identification information, the exit use advance notice information, the entrance use information, and the passage information to the central device as the first request through the first communication unit; receiving, as the response, toll information corresponding to the vehicle identification information generated based on the exit use notice information, the entrance use information, and the passage information from the central device via the first communication unit; The relay device according to claim 12.

19. If the flag indicates that a second technique is to be used, the relay processor: transmitting a request for the toll information as the first request to the central device via the first communication unit; receiving the toll information from the central device as the response via the first communication unit; The relay device according to claim 12.

20. the second request further includes entrance usage information, passage information, and exit usage information; If the flag indicates that the first method is to be used, the relay processor generates toll information corresponding to the vehicle identification information by referring to the entrance usage information, the passage information, the exit usage information, and a toll table included in the response. The relay device according to claim 12.

21. a central communication unit for transmitting and receiving data to and from the relay device; receiving a request corresponding to the flag from the relay device through the central communication unit; If the flag indicates that the first method is to be used, transmitting a fee table to the relay device as a response via the central communication unit; If the flag indicates that the second method is to be used, transmitting toll information to the relay device as the response via the central communication unit. a central processor; A central device comprising:

22. a central memory for storing the toll information; the request includes vehicle identification information indicating a predetermined vehicle; If the flag indicates that the second technique is to be used, the central processor: retrieving the toll information corresponding to the vehicle identification information from the central memory; transmitting the retrieved toll information to the relay device through the central communication unit; 22. The central unit according to claim 21.

23. a central memory for storing said fee table; The request includes vehicle identification information indicating a predetermined vehicle, exit use advance notice information, entrance use information, and passage information, If the flag indicates that the second technique is to be used, the central processor: generating the toll information corresponding to the vehicle identification information by referring to the exit use advance notice information, the entrance use information, the passage information, and the toll table; transmitting the generated toll information to the relay device as the response via the central communication unit; 22. The central unit according to claim 21.

Images