Billing system and billing method
The billing system addresses immediate billing challenges by using roadside and off-road processing devices with a central device to perform real-time toll calculations for vehicles using off-road facilities, ensuring accurate and efficient billing.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MITSUBISHI HEAVY IND MACHINERY SYST LTD
- Filing Date
- 2023-03-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing electronic toll collection systems fail to perform accurate billing immediately when vehicles temporarily use off-road facilities, requiring post-processing to recalculate charges.
A billing system and method that includes roadside and off-road processing devices, an instant billing central device, and a toll collection central device, enabling immediate billing by detecting vehicle entries and exits at various points and communicating to process toll settlements instantly.
Enables immediate and accurate billing for vehicles that temporarily use off-road facilities, improving efficiency and reducing processing load by allowing real-time toll calculations.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charging processing system and a charging processing method.
Background Art
[0002] An electronic toll collection system (ETC (registered trademark)) used on toll roads (such as expressways and general toll roads) enables automatic toll collection processing (settlement processing) for vehicles in motion by wireless communication between a wireless communication device installed in each lane (lane) of a toll booth and an in-vehicle unit mounted on the vehicle.
[0003] As a technology related to the above technology, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for obtaining information related to charging of a vehicle from a DB center and performing charging processing each time the vehicle enters a toll booth.
[0004] In recent years, there has been a movement to enable temporary use of off-road facilities such as off-road PA (Parking Area) and parking lot services installed outside toll roads (when using such facilities after getting off a toll road and then re-entering the toll road, charging is performed as if the vehicle had not gotten off the toll road). Under such circumstances, a service has been devised in which when a vehicle that has gotten off a toll road re-enters the toll road after using an off-road facility, the vehicle is not regarded as having gotten off the toll road, and toll collection is performed using ETC.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0005]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0006] However, with the above service, a central system had to perform post-processing after the toll road usage ended to recalculate the exact amount charged, meaning that accurate billing could not be performed immediately.
[0007] This disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a billing system and billing method that can perform accurate billing processing immediately. [Means for solving the problem]
[0008] To solve the above problems, the billing processing system according to this disclosure is a billing processing system that corresponds to the case when a vehicle traveling on a toll road temporarily uses an off-road facility outside the toll road, and comprises a roadside processing device capable of detecting the vehicle, installed at each of the following: a first entrance used when the vehicle enters the toll road, an off-road exit used when the vehicle temporarily exits the toll road to the off-road facility, an off-road entrance used when the vehicle re-enters the toll road from the off-road facility, and a final exit used when the vehicle exits the toll road; an off-road processing device installed at the off-road facility capable of detecting the vehicle; an immediate billing central device capable of communicating with the roadside processing device and the off-road processing device; and a system capable of communicating with the roadside processing device and acquiring information from each of the roadside processing devices to process the settlement of tolls for the vehicle that traveled on the toll road. The system includes a central toll collection device, the instant billing central device acquires instant information from the off-road processing device that the vehicle has used the off-road facilities, the instant billing central device distributes re-entry information to each of the roadside processing devices indicating that the vehicle may re-enter based on the instant information that the vehicle has used the off-road facilities, and when the vehicle enters the toll road using the off-road entrance, if the re-entry information is registered in the roadside processing device of the off-road entrance, the roadside processing device of the off-road entrance determines that the vehicle has re-entered the toll road, and when the off-road entrance determines that the vehicle has re-entered the toll road, the instant billing central device distributes instant billing information including the information that the vehicle has re-entered the toll road to each of the roadside processing devices, and the roadside processing devices perform billing based on the information that the vehicle has re-entered the toll road.
[0009] The billing method relating to this disclosure is a billing method using a billing system that corresponds to the case in which a vehicle traveling on a toll road temporarily uses an off-road facility outside the toll road, the billing system comprising: a first entrance used when the vehicle enters the toll road; an off-road exit used when the vehicle temporarily exits the toll road to the off-road facility; an off-road entrance used when the vehicle re-enters the toll road from the off-road facility; and a final exit used when the vehicle exits the toll road, each of which is installed and capable of detecting the vehicle; an off-road processing device installed in the off-road facility and capable of detecting the vehicle; an immediate billing central device that can communicate with the roadside processing device and the off-road processing device; and a toll collection central device that can communicate with the roadside processing device, acquires information from each of the roadside processing devices and performs toll settlement processing for the vehicle that has traveled on the toll road. The system includes the steps of: the instant billing central device obtaining instant information from the off-road processing device that the vehicle has used the off-road facilities; the instant billing central device distributing re-entry information to each of the roadside processing devices indicating that the vehicle may re-enter based on the instant information that the vehicle has used the off-road facilities; when the vehicle enters the toll road using the off-road entrance, if the re-entry information is registered in the roadside processing device of the off-road entrance, the roadside processing device of the off-road entrance determines that the vehicle has re-entered the toll road; when the off-road entrance determines that the vehicle has re-entered the toll road, the instant billing central device distributing instant billing information including information that the vehicle has re-entered the toll road to each of the roadside processing devices; and the roadside processing device performing billing based on the information that the vehicle has re-entered the toll road. [Effects of the Invention]
[0010] According to the billing system and billing method of this disclosure, accurate billing can be performed immediately. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0011] [Figure 1]This figure shows an example configuration of a billing system according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows the functional configuration of the roadside processing device according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 3] This figure shows the functional configuration of an off-road treatment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This figure shows the functional configuration of the instant billing central device according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 5] This figure shows the functional configuration of a central toll collection device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a toll settlement table distributed from a central toll collection device to a roadside processing device at an off-road exit according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a toll settlement table distributed from a central toll collection device to a roadside processing device at an off-road entrance according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a toll settlement table distributed from a central toll collection device to a roadside processing device at the final exit according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 9] This figure shows the functional configuration of an off-road central device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] This figure shows the overall processing flow of the billing system according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 11] This figure shows the first processing flow of the billing processing system at the first entry point according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of instant billing information distributed by an instant billing central device according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 13] This figure shows the second processing flow of the billing system at an off-road exit according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 14] This figure shows the third processing flow of the billing system in an off-road facility according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 15] This figure shows additional information to the instant billing information distributed by the instant billing central device according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 16]It is a diagram showing a fourth processing flow of a charging processing system at a roadside entrance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing a fifth processing flow of a charging processing system at a final exit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention
[0012] Hereinafter, a charging processing system 100 and a charging processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.
[0013] The charging processing system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is, for example, an electronic toll collection system (ETC) and is introduced on a toll road L. The charging processing system 100 performs charging processing on a vehicle 90 traveling on the toll road L. An in-vehicle unit 91 is installed in each vehicle 90 that uses the charging processing system 100. Further, an IC card that can use an electronic toll collection system (ETC) is inserted into each in-vehicle unit 91.
[0014] The charging processing system 100 is configured to handle the case where a vehicle 90 traveling on the toll road L temporarily uses a roadside facility F outside the toll road L. Here, the roadside facility F is, for example, a facility such as a roadside PA or a roadside parking lot. The roadside facility F is provided near the toll road L. Also, temporary use means a usage method in which the vehicle 90 gets off (exits) the toll road L and uses the facility or the like, and then enters (re-enters) the toll road again. In the case of temporary use, processing such as charging is performed as if the vehicle 90 had not gotten off the toll road L.
[0015] The toll road L is equipped with multiple entrances and exits G used by vehicles 90 to enter and exit the toll road L. Each of the entrances and exits G is equipped with a toll booth (entrance toll booth, consolidated toll booth, exit toll booth) and a free-flow toll gate (FF) (entrance free-flow toll gate (entrance FF), consolidated free-flow toll gate (consolidated FF), exit free-flow toll gate (exit FF)). Roadside processing devices 1 are installed at these toll booths and FFs. The roadside processing devices 1 communicate with an on-board unit 91 installed in the vehicle 90 and notify it of billing information, etc. The detailed functions of the roadside processing devices 1 will be described later. The multiple entrances and exits G include a first entrance GA, an off-road exit GB, an off-road entrance GC, and a final exit GD.
[0016] Entrance 1 GA is used when vehicle 90 enters toll road L. Exit GB connects the toll road L to the off-road facility F. Exit GB is used when a vehicle 90 temporarily exits from the toll road L to the off-road facility F. The off-road entrance GC connects toll road L and off-road facility F. The off-road entrance GC is used when vehicle 90 re-enters to toll road L from off-road facility F. The final exit GD is used when vehicle 90 exits toll road L.
[0017] In the following description, for the sake of simplicity, we will explain the embodiment using the example of a case where there is one first entrance GA, one off-road exit GB, one off-road entrance GC, and one final exit GD. The arrangement and number of the first entrance GA, the off-road exit GB, the off-road entrance GC, and the final exit GD can be changed as appropriate. One entrance / exit G may also serve as both the off-road exit GB and the off-road entrance GC. Furthermore, which entrance / exit G becomes the first entrance GA, the off-road exit GB, the off-road entrance GC, and the final exit GD is determined by the vehicles 90 traveling on the toll road L. For example, an entrance / exit G that is the first entrance GA for one vehicle 90 may be the final exit GD for another vehicle 90 traveling in the opposite direction.
[0018] (Overall configuration of the billing system) Next, we will explain the configuration of the billing processing system 100. As shown in Figure 1, the billing system 100 comprises a roadside processing unit 1, an off-road processing unit 2, an immediate billing central unit 3, a toll collection central unit 4 (ETC central unit), and an off-road central unit 5.
[0019] Multiple roadside processing units 1 are provided, and one is installed at each of the multiple entrances and exits G. More specifically, the roadside processing unit 1 is installed at the first entrance GA, the off-road exit GB, the off-road entrance GC, and the final exit GD. The roadside processing unit 1 is capable of detecting vehicles 90 passing near the entrances and exits G.
[0020] The off-road vehicle processing unit 2 is installed in the off-road facility F. The off-road vehicle processing unit 2 is capable of detecting vehicles 90 within the off-road facility F.
[0021] The instant billing central device 3 is capable of communicating with these multiple roadside processing devices 1 and off-road processing devices 2. The instant billing central device 3 distributes instant billing information to each roadside processing device 1 based on information notified by the roadside processing device 1 each time a vehicle 90 passes through each entrance / exit G.
[0022] The toll collection central device 4 is located separately from the immediate billing central device 3. The toll collection central device 4 is capable of communicating with multiple roadside processing devices 1, off-road processing devices 2, and the immediate billing central device 3. The toll collection central device 4 acquires information from each roadside processing device 1 and processes toll payments for vehicles 90 that have traveled on the toll road L.
[0023] The off-road central device 5 is capable of communicating with the off-road processing device 2. The off-road central device 5 transmits information from the off-road processing device 2 to the immediate billing central device 3. In other words, in this embodiment, the immediate billing central device 3 is capable of communicating with the off-road processing device 2 via the off-road central device 5. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the off-road central device 5 is capable of communicating with the toll collection central device 4. The off-road central device 5 can transmit information from the off-road processing device 2 to the toll collection central device 4. In other words, in this embodiment, the toll collection central device 4 is capable of communicating with the off-road processing device 2 via the off-road central device 5.
[0024] (Roadside processing device) As shown in Figure 2, the roadside processing unit 1 comprises a CPU 10, memory 11, a communication interface 12, and a recording medium 13.
[0025] CPU10 is a processor that performs various functions by operating according to pre-prepared programs. Memory 11 is a so-called main memory and has a storage area necessary for the operation of the CPU 10. The communication interface 12 is a connection interface for communicating with the instant billing central device 3 and the toll collection central device 4 via a wide-area communication network. The recording medium 13 is a so-called auxiliary storage device, such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive).
[0026] Next, we will explain the functions of the CPU 10 of the roadside processing unit 1. The roadside processing unit 1 performs its various functions by operating according to a pre-prepared program on the CPU 10.
[0027] For example, the roadside processing unit 1 detects a vehicle 90 that has passed through entrance / exit G. The roadside processing unit 1 acquires vehicle information from the detected vehicle 90. The vehicle information includes vehicle identification information such as the onboard unit ID and confirmed vehicle type information. The roadside processing unit 1 can also write information necessary for billing, such as confirmed vehicle type, to the IC card inserted in the onboard unit 91. Conversely, the roadside processing unit 1 can also read information from the IC card and rewrite the information on the IC card. Furthermore, the roadside processing unit 1 distributes the acquired vehicle information, along with the number of the entrance / exit G where it is located, to the immediate billing central device 3. The roadside processing unit 1 at the entrance / exit G through which the vehicle 90 passed performs billing for the vehicle 90 that passed through that entrance / exit G.
[0028] (Off-road treatment equipment) As shown in Figure 3, the off-road processing unit 2 comprises a CPU 20, memory 21, communication interface 22, and recording medium 23.
[0029] CPU20 is a processor that performs various functions by operating according to pre-prepared programs. Memory 21 is a so-called main memory and has the storage area necessary for the operation of the CPU 20. The communication interface 22 is a connection interface for enabling communication with the instant billing central unit 3 and the toll collection central unit 4 via the wide-area communication network and the off-road central unit 5. The recording medium 23 is a so-called auxiliary storage device, such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), which is a large-capacity storage device.
[0030] Next, we will explain the functions of the CPU 20 of the off-road processing unit 2. The CPU 20 operates according to a pre-prepared program, allowing the off-road processing unit 2 to perform its various functions.
[0031] For example, the off-road processing device 2 detects a vehicle 90 using an off-road facility F. The off-road processing device 2 then obtains vehicle information from the detected vehicle 90.
[0032] (Central billing system) As shown in Figure 4, the instant billing central device 3 comprises a CPU 30, memory 31, communication interface 32, and recording medium 33.
[0033] The CPU30 is a processor that performs various functions by operating according to a pre-prepared program. Memory 31 is a so-called main memory and has a storage area necessary for the operation of the CPU 30. The communication interface 32 is a connection interface for enabling communication with each roadside processing unit 1, off-road processing unit 2, and toll collection central unit 4 via a wide-area communication network. In this embodiment, the communication interface 32 is connected to the off-road processing unit 2 via the off-road central unit 5. The recording medium 33 is a so-called auxiliary storage device, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive).
[0034] Next, we will explain the functions of the CPU 30 of the instant billing central device 3. The CPU 30 operates according to a pre-prepared program, allowing the instant billing central device 3 to perform its various functions.
[0035] The instant billing central device 3 acquires instant information from each of the multiple roadside processing devices 1 that a vehicle 90 has passed through an entrance / exit G. This instant information acquired from the roadside processing devices 1 includes, for example, the vehicle ID, the ID of the entrance / exit G, the time when the vehicle 90 passed through the entrance / exit G, the latest route information of the vehicle 90, and confirmed vehicle type information. Based on the instant information that the vehicle 90 has passed through the entrance / exit G, the instant billing central device 3 generates instant billing information related to toll billing and distributes the generated instant billing information to each of the multiple roadside processing devices 1.
[0036] Furthermore, the instant billing central device 3 obtains instant information from the off-road processing device 2 via the off-road central device 5 regarding the use of the off-road facility F by vehicle 90. This instant information obtained from the off-road processing device 2 includes, for example, the vehicle ID, the ID of the off-road facility F, the time when vehicle 90 used the off-road facility F, the latest route information of vehicle 90 (for example, information indicating whether vehicle 90 traveled on the toll road L from the first entrance GA to the off-road exit GB), and confirmed vehicle type information. Based on the instant information regarding vehicle 90's use of the off-road facility F, the instant billing central device 3 distributes re-entry availability information to the roadside processing device 1 at the off-road entrance GC, indicating that vehicle 90 may re-enter.
[0037] (Central toll collection system) As shown in Figure 5, the toll collection central device 4 includes a CPU 40, memory 41, communication interface 42, and recording medium 43.
[0038] The CPU40 is a processor that performs various functions by operating according to pre-prepared programs. Memory 41 is a so-called main memory and has a storage area necessary for the operation of the CPU 40. The communication interface 42 is a connection interface for enabling communication with each roadside processing unit 1, off-road processing unit 2, and instant billing central unit 3 via a wide-area communication network. In this embodiment, the communication interface 42 is connected to the off-road processing unit 2 via the off-road central unit 5. Recording media are so-called auxiliary storage devices, such as HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) and SSDs (Solid State Drives), which are large-capacity storage devices.
[0039] Next, we will explain the functions of the CPU 40 of the toll collection central device 4. The CPU 40 operates according to a pre-prepared program, allowing the toll collection central device 4 to perform its various functions.
[0040] The central toll collection device 4 distributes information related to the charging process for vehicles 90 to each roadside processing device 1. For example, the roadside processing device 1 at the off-road exit GB is distributed the table shown in Figure 6, the roadside processing device 1 at the off-road entrance GC is distributed the table shown in Figure 7, and the roadside processing device 1 at the final exit GD is distributed the table shown in Figure 8. In this embodiment, we will explain using the example of a case where the toll road L employs a distance-based system in which the amount charged varies depending on the distance traveled.
[0041] The table distributed to the roadside processing unit 1 of the off-road exit GB in Figure 6 shows, for example, the amount to be charged when a vehicle 90 that entered the toll road L using the first entrance GA in the first stage exits from the off-road exit GB. Furthermore, this amount is shown for each vehicle type.
[0042] Furthermore, the table distributed to the roadside processing unit 1 of the off-road entrance GC in Figure 7 shows, for example, the amount charged to a vehicle 90 that entered the toll road L for the first time using the off-road entrance GC in the first row. The second row shows the amount charged to a vehicle 90 that entered from the first entrance GA, temporarily exited from the off-road exit GB, and then re-entered from the off-road entrance GC. These amounts are shown for each vehicle type. In this embodiment, since a distance-based system is employed, the amount charged is not determined when entering the toll road L. Therefore, in the table for the off-road entrance GC shown in Figure 7, all charges are displayed as 0 yen. For example, if a simple collection system is adopted where the charge is constant regardless of the route, a fixed charge amount will be displayed as the initial fare in the first row.
[0043] Furthermore, the table distributed to the roadside processing unit 1 at the final exit GD in Figure 8 shows, for example, the amount charged when vehicle 90 enters the toll road L using the first entrance GA and exits the toll road L from the final exit GD without temporarily exiting the toll road L. The second row shows the amount charged when vehicle 90 enters the toll road L for the first time using the off-road entrance GC and then exits the final exit GD. The third row shows the amount charged when vehicle 90 enters from the first entrance GA, temporarily exits from the off-road exit GB, re-enters from the off-road entrance GC, and then exits the final exit GD. These charges are shown for each vehicle type.
[0044] The toll collection central device 4 acquires information from each of the multiple roadside processing devices 1 regarding the vehicle 90's use of entrances and exits G. In particular, when the vehicle 90 uses an off-road entrance GC among the multiple entrances and exits G, the toll collection central device 4 acquires information from the roadside processing device 1 of the off-road entrance GC regarding the vehicle 90's use of the off-road entrance GC and information regarding re-entry. Based on the information regarding the vehicle 90's use of the off-road entrance GC and the information regarding re-entry, the toll collection central device 4 performs settlement processing.
[0045] (Central device for off-road use) As shown in Figure 9, the off-road central unit 5 includes a CPU 50, memory 51, communication interface 52, and recording medium 53.
[0046] The CPU50 is a processor that performs various functions by operating according to pre-prepared programs. Memory 51 is a so-called main memory and has a storage area necessary for the operation of the CPU 50. The communication interface 52 is a connection interface for communicating with the off-road processing unit 2, the instant billing central unit 3, and the toll collection central unit 4 via a wide-area communication network. The recording medium 53 is a so-called auxiliary storage device, such as a large-capacity storage device like an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive).
[0047] Next, we will explain the functions of the CPU 50 of the off-road central unit 5. The CPU 50 operates according to a pre-prepared program, allowing the off-road central unit 5 to perform its various functions.
[0048] The off-road central device 5 acquires information from the off-road processing device 2 regarding the vehicle 90's use of the off-road facility F. The off-road central device 5 then distributes the information acquired from the off-road processing device 2 to the immediate billing central device 3 and the toll collection central device 4.
[0049] (Billing process) Next, we will explain the billing method using the billing system 100 described above. As shown in Figure 10, the billing process includes a first processing flow S1, a second processing flow S2, a third processing flow S3, a fourth processing flow S4, and a fifth processing flow S5.
[0050] (First processing flow) First, the first processing flow S1 is executed. The first processing flow S1 is the flow that is executed when vehicle 90 uses the first entrance GA. Vehicle 90 enters the toll road L using the first entrance GA and begins using the toll road L. Then, as shown in Figure 11, in the first processing flow S1, the roadside processing unit 1 of the first entrance GA detects vehicle 90, and the roadside processing unit 1 acquires vehicle information of vehicle 90 (step S11). The vehicle information includes the vehicle ID of the vehicle 90 (onboard unit identification ID, onboard unit ID, ICCID, NP, etc. User identification information) and the confirmed vehicle type (confirmed vehicle type that forms the basis for immediate billing). In this embodiment, the roadside processing unit 1 of the first entrance GA writes the accurate vehicle information to the IC card in the onboard unit 91. Then, the roadside processing unit 1 acquires the vehicle information by reading it from the IC card.
[0051] After step S11, the toll collection central device 4 obtains immediate information from the roadside processing device 1 of the first entrance GA that vehicle 90 has used the first entrance GA (step S12).
[0052] Furthermore, after step S11, step S13 is executed in parallel with step S12. In step S13, the instant billing central device 3 obtains instant information from the roadside processing device 1 of the first entrance GA that the vehicle 90 has used the first entrance GA. After step S13, the instant billing central device 3 distributes instant billing information to each roadside processing device 1 based on the instant information obtained when vehicle 90 uses the first entrance GA (step S14). As shown in Figure 12, the instant billing information includes confirmed vehicle type and discount information linked to each vehicle ID. Examples of discount information include unlimited ride information and monthly mileage information. After the above steps, the first processing flow S1 is completed. Following the first processing flow S1, the second processing flow S2 is executed.
[0053] (Second processing flow) The second processing flow S2 is the flow that is executed when vehicle 90 uses the off-road exit GB. When vehicle 90 temporarily exits the toll road L using the off-road exit GB, as shown in Figure 13, in the second processing flow S2, the roadside processing device 1 of the off-road exit GB detects vehicle 90, and the roadside processing device 1 reads vehicle information from the IC card to obtain vehicle information of vehicle 90 (step S21).
[0054] After step S21, the toll collection central device 4 obtains immediate information from the roadside processing device 1 of the off-road exit GB that vehicle 90 has used the off-road exit GB (step S22).
[0055] Furthermore, after step S21, step S23 is executed in parallel with step S22. In step S23, the immediate billing central device 3 obtains immediate information from the roadside processing device 1 of the off-road exit GB that vehicle 90 has used the off-road exit GB.
[0056] After step S23, the immediate charge central device 3 distributes immediate charge information to each roadside processing device 1 based on the immediate information that vehicle 90 has used the off-road exit GB (step S24). The immediate charge information distributed in step S24 includes the immediate information that vehicle 90 has used the off-road exit GB.
[0057] After steps S22 and S24, the roadside processing unit 1 processes the charge to the vehicle 90 based on the toll settlement table shown in Figure 6 (step S25). In step S25, the immediate charge information pre-entered in the roadside processing unit 1 of the off-road exit GB is referenced. At this time, the vehicle 90 is notified of the charge amount for the distance traveled from the first entrance to the off-road exit. Subsequently, vehicle 90, which used the off-road exit GB, is removed from the immediate billing information (table), and the second processing flow S2 is completed. Following the second processing flow S2, the third processing flow S3 is executed.
[0058] (Third processing flow) The third processing flow S3 is the flow that is executed when vehicle 90 uses the off-road facility F. When vehicle 90 uses the off-road facility F, as shown in Figure 14, in the third processing flow S3, the off-road processing device 2 detects vehicle 90 and acquires vehicle information of vehicle 90 (step S31).
[0059] After step S31, the toll collection central device 4 obtains immediate information from the off-road processing device 2 via the off-road central device 5 regarding the vehicle 90's use of the off-road facility F (step S32).
[0060] Furthermore, after step S31, step S33 is executed in parallel with step S32. In step S33, the immediate billing central device 3 obtains immediate information from the off-road processing device 2 via the off-road central device 5 regarding the vehicle 90's use of the off-road facilities F.
[0061] After step S33, the instant billing central device 3 distributes re-entry information to each roadside processing device 1, including the off-road entrance GC, indicating that vehicle 90 may re-enter based on instant information that vehicle 90 has used the off-road facility F (step S34). For example, the re-entry information is added as follows. In step S33, instant billing central device 3 receives instant information that has used the off-road facility F from the off-road processing device 2 via the off-road central device 5 for each of the multiple vehicles 90 within the off-road facility F. Each piece of instant information includes the vehicle ID of vehicle 90 and route information of vehicle 90 recorded on the IC card (for example, information indicating whether vehicle 90 traveled on the toll road L from the first entrance GA to the off-road exit GB). Therefore, in step S34, the instant billing central device 3 determines whether all the instant information distributed from the off-road processing device 2 is instant information for vehicle 90 that temporarily used the off-road facility F. If the immediate information distributed from the off-road processing device 2 is determined to be the immediate information of a vehicle 90 that temporarily used the off-road facility F, the immediate billing central device 3 distributes the immediate billing information for that vehicle 90 along with the re-entry permit information to the roadside processing device 1. As a result, as shown in Figure 15, the re-entry permit information is added to the immediate billing information table, linked to the vehicle ID of the vehicle 90. Furthermore, in step S34, "deletion time" information, which deletes this re-entry permit information after a predetermined time has elapsed, is also added to the immediate billing information table. The deletion time is calculated, for example, based on the time when the vehicle 90 used the off-road entrance GC. The start date of the deletion time can be changed as appropriate. The method of adding reentrant information described above is just one example. After the above steps, the third processing flow S3 is completed. Following the third processing flow S3, the fourth processing flow S4 is executed.
[0062] (Fourth processing flow) The fourth processing flow S4 is the flow that is executed when vehicle 90 uses the off-road entrance GC. When vehicle 90 enters from the toll road L using the off-road entrance GC, as shown in Figure 16, in the fourth processing flow S4, the roadside processing unit 1 of the off-road entrance GC detects vehicle 90, and the roadside processing unit 1 acquires vehicle information of vehicle 90 (step S41). In this embodiment, the roadside processing unit 1 of the off-road entrance GC writes accurate vehicle information to the IC card in the on-board unit 91. Then, the roadside processing unit 1 acquires vehicle information by reading it from the IC card. At this time, the roadside processing unit 1 also reads and acquires route information of vehicle 90 from the IC card (for example, information indicating whether or not vehicle 90 traveled along the toll road L from the first entrance GA to the off-road exit GB).
[0063] After step S41, the roadside processing unit 1 determines whether the vehicle ID of the vehicle 90 is registered in the immediate billing information (step S42). If the vehicle ID is registered in the immediate billing information (step S42; YES), the roadside processing unit 1 determines whether the re-entry permit information for the vehicle 90 that re-entered the toll road from the off-road entrance is registered in the immediate billing information (see Figure 15) and within the pre-set deletion time (step S43). If the re-entry permit information is registered in the immediate billing information and within the deletion time (step S43; YES), the roadside processing unit 1 searches the toll settlement table (see Figure 7) using the route information of the vehicle 90 read from the IC card and determines whether the corresponding billing information is found (exists) in the toll settlement table (step S44). If the corresponding billing information is found in the toll settlement table (step S44; YES), the roadside processing unit 1 determines that the vehicle 90 re-entered the toll road L from the off-road entrance GC (step S45).
[0064] On the other hand, if the vehicle ID is not registered in the immediate billing information (step S42; NO), or if the re-entry information is not registered in the immediate billing information and is not within the deletion time (step S43; NO), or if the corresponding billing information is not found (does not exist) in the toll settlement table (step S44; NO), the roadside processing unit 1 determines that the vehicle 90 has entered the toll road L for the first time from the off-road entrance GC (step S46). Furthermore, if the re-entry information is not registered in the immediate billing information and is not within the deletion time (step S43; NO), the roadside processing unit 1 deletes the re-entry information.
[0065] After step S45 or step S46, the toll collection central device 4 obtains immediate information from the roadside processing device 1 of the off-road entrance GC that vehicle 90 has used the off-road entrance GC (step S47). In step S47, if re-entry information exists, the toll collection central device 4 also obtains the re-entry information from the roadside processing device 1.
[0066] Furthermore, after step S45 or step S46, step S48 is executed in parallel with step S47. In step S48, the instant billing central device 3 obtains instant information from the roadside processing device 1 of the off-road entrance GC that vehicle 90 has used the off-road entrance GC. If it is determined at the off-road entrance GC that vehicle 90 has re-entered the toll road L (step S45), the instant billing information distributed from the instant billing central device 3 to each roadside processing device 1 in step 48 includes information that vehicle 90 has actually re-entered the toll road L.
[0067] After step S48, the immediate charge central device 3 distributes immediate charge information to each roadside processing device 1 based on the immediate information that vehicle 90 has used the off-road exit GB (step S49). The immediate charge information distributed in step S49 includes the immediate information that vehicle 90 has used the off-road entrance GC.
[0068] After steps S48 and S49, the re-entry permit information for vehicle 90 that re-entered the toll road L using the off-road entrance GC is deleted from the immediate billing information (table). Also, as mentioned in step S43, if the deletion time has elapsed, the re-entry permit information for the corresponding vehicle 90 is deleted from the immediate billing information (table). After these steps, the fourth processing flow S4 is completed. After the fourth processing flow S4, the fifth processing flow S5 is executed.
[0069] (Processing flow 5) The fifth processing flow, S5, is the flow that is executed when vehicle 90 uses the final exit GD. When vehicle 90 exits the toll road L using the final exit GD, as shown in Figure 17, in the second processing flow S2, the roadside processing device 1 at the final exit GD detects vehicle 90 and obtains vehicle type information of vehicle 90 by reading vehicle information from the IC card (step S51).
[0070] After step S51, the toll collection central device 4 obtains immediate information from the roadside processing device 1 of the final exit GD that vehicle 90 has used the final exit GD (step S52).
[0071] Furthermore, after step S51, step S53 is executed in parallel with step S52. In step S53, the immediate billing central device 3 obtains immediate information from the roadside processing device 1 of the final exit GD that the vehicle 90 has used the final exit GD.
[0072] After step S53, the immediate charge central device 3 distributes immediate charge information to each roadside processing device 1 based on the immediate information that vehicle 90 has used the off-road exit GB (step S54). The immediate charge information distributed in step S54 includes the immediate information that vehicle 90 has used the final exit GD.
[0073] After steps S52 and S54, the roadside processing unit 1 charges the vehicle 90 based on the fare settlement table shown in Figure 9, and notifies the vehicle 90 of the charge amount (step S55). In the fourth processing flow S4, if it is determined that the vehicle 90 has re-entered the toll road L (step S45), the roadside processing unit 1 charges the vehicle 90 based on the information that the vehicle 90 has re-entered the toll road L. On the other hand, if it is determined that the vehicle 90 has entered the toll road L for the first time from the off-road entrance GC (step S46), the roadside processing unit 1 charges the vehicle 90 for the initial fare.
[0074] As mentioned above, in this embodiment, the toll road L employs a distance-based pricing system where the amount charged varies depending on the distance traveled. Therefore, when it is determined that the vehicle 90 has re-entered the toll road L at the off-road entrance GC (step S45), the roadside processing device 1 at the final exit GD processes the charge for the vehicle 90 that is exiting using the final exit GD, based on the distance traveled from the off-road entrance GC to the final exit GD and the distance traveled by the vehicle 90 until it uses the off-road facility F.
[0075] The immediate billing process is completed after following the steps from the first processing flow S1 to the fifth processing flow S5 described above.
[0076] (Effects and Benefits) The above-described billing system 100 and billing method can achieve the following effects.
[0077] In this embodiment, the instant billing central device 3 acquires instant information from the off-road processing device 2 regarding the use of the off-road facility F by the vehicle 90. Based on the instant information regarding the use of the off-road facility F by the vehicle 90, the instant billing central device 3 distributes re-entry information to each roadside processing device 1 indicating that the vehicle 90 may re-enter the road. When the vehicle 90 enters the toll road L using the off-road entrance GC, if re-entry information is already registered in the roadside processing device 1 of the off-road entrance GC, the roadside processing device 1 of the off-road entrance GC determines that the vehicle 90 has re-entered the toll road L. When the off-road entrance GC determines that the vehicle 90 has re-entered the toll road L, the instant billing central device 3 distributes instant billing information, including the information that the vehicle 90 has re-entered the toll road L, to each roadside processing device 1. The roadside processing device 1 performs billing based on the information that the vehicle 90 has re-entered the toll road L.
[0078] According to this embodiment, the instant billing central device 3 acquires instant information from the off-road processing device 2 regarding the vehicle 90's use of the off-road facility F. Subsequently, based on the information regarding the vehicle 90's use of the off-road facility F, the instant billing central device 3 distributes re-entry information to the roadside processing device 1 of the off-road entrance GC, indicating that the vehicle 90 may re-enter the toll road. In this state, when the vehicle 90 re-enters the toll road L from the off-road facility F, the off-road processing device 2 can perform billing processing for the vehicle 90 that has re-entered the toll road L, based on the information that the vehicle 90 has re-entered the toll road L. As a result, the billing processing system 100 can perform accurate billing processing immediately for the vehicle 90 that has re-entered the toll road L from the off-road facility F.
[0079] In this embodiment, the billing processing system 100 is capable of communicating with the off-road processing device 2 and further comprises an off-road central device 5 that transmits information from the off-road processing device 2 to the immediate billing central device 3.
[0080] According to this embodiment, since the off-road central device 5 is responsible for information transmission between the off-road processing device 2 and the immediate billing central device 3, the billing processing system 100 can be easily applied to existing systems. Therefore, versatility can be improved.
[0081] In this embodiment, the billing processing system 100, and the roadside processing device 1 of the off-road entrance GC, deletes the re-entry permit information for a vehicle 90 that has re-entered the toll road L from the off-road entrance GC if the re-entry permit information is not registered and within the pre-set deletion time.
[0082] According to this embodiment, the accumulation of unnecessary reentrant information can be suppressed, and the processing load can be reduced.
[0083] In this embodiment, the toll road L employs a distance-based pricing system where the amount charged varies depending on the distance traveled. In this case, when it is determined that a vehicle 90 has re-entered the toll road L at the off-road entrance GC, the roadside processing device 1 at the final exit GD processes a charge for the vehicle 90 that is exiting using the final exit GD, based on the distance traveled from the off-road entrance GC to the final exit GD and the distance traveled by the vehicle 90 until it uses the off-road facility F.
[0084] According to this embodiment, when a vehicle 90 re-enters the off-road entrance GC from the off-road facility F, the off-road exit GB can process the accurate charge.
[0085] (Other embodiments) As described above, several embodiments relating to this disclosure have been explained, but all of these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be carried out 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 variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents.
[0086] Furthermore, the instant billing central device 3 may be configured to receive instant information from the off-road processing device 2 regarding the use of off-road facilities F by a vehicle 90, and to add information about additional services to the instant billing information distributed to the roadside processing device 1. Examples of this additional service information include information that the toll for the toll road L will be discounted if off-road facilities F are used.
[0087] Furthermore, if the roadside processing unit 1 of the off-road entrance GC determines, based on the received re-entry information, that vehicle 90 has used off-road facility F, it may record the off-road tollbooth number on the IC card of the on-board unit 91. This recording allows the usage information of off-road facility F to be recorded on the IC card. Therefore, the usage fee for off-road facility F can be calculated using the normal ETC payment function. For example, since off-road facility F is included in the route of vehicle 90, the usage fee for off-road facility F (e.g., parking fee for off-road PA) can be added to the toll for toll road L and combined using the ETC payment system.
[0088] In this embodiment, the toll road L is assumed to employ a distance-based pricing system where the amount charged varies depending on the distance traveled, but it is not limited to this. The toll road L may employ a simple pricing system where the amount charged is constant regardless of the route taken. In this case, when it is determined at the off-road entrance GC that vehicle 90 has re-entered the toll road L, the roadside processing device 1 at the off-road entrance GC performs a billing process for vehicle 90 that has been determined to have re-entered the toll road L, excluding the initial fare. By doing so, a vehicle 90 that re-enters the off-road entrance GC from off-road facility F will not be charged the initial fare twice at the off-road entrance GC.
[0089] <Note> The billing processing system 100 described in each embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows:
[0090] (1) The first charge processing system 100 is a charge processing system 100 that corresponds to a case in which a vehicle 90 traveling on a toll road L temporarily uses an off-road facility F outside the toll road L, and comprises a first entrance GA used when the vehicle 90 enters the toll road L, an off-road exit GB used when the vehicle 90 temporarily exits the toll road L to the off-road facility F, and an off-road entrance GC used when the vehicle 90 re-enters the toll road L from the off-road facility F. The system includes: a roadside processing device 1 installed at each of the final exit GD used when the vehicle 90 exits the toll road L and capable of detecting the vehicle 90; an off-road processing device 2 installed at the off-road facility F and capable of detecting the vehicle 90; an immediate billing central device 3 capable of communicating with the roadside processing device 1 and the off-road processing device 2; and a toll collection central device 4 capable of communicating with the roadside processing device 1 and acquiring information from each of the roadside processing devices 1 to perform toll settlement processing for the vehicle 90 that has traveled on the toll road L. The immediate billing central device 3 acquires immediate information from the off-road processing device 2 that the vehicle 90 has used the off-road facility F, and based on the immediate information that the vehicle 90 has used the off-road facility F, the immediate billing central device 3 distributes re-entry information to each of the roadside processing devices 1 indicating that the vehicle 90 may re-enter, and when the vehicle 90 enters the toll road L using the off-road entrance GC, the roadside processing of the off-road entrance GC If the re-entry information is registered in device 1, the roadside processing device 1 of the off-road entrance GC determines that the vehicle 90 has re-entered the toll road L. When the off-road entrance GC determines that the vehicle 90 has re-entered the toll road L, the immediate billing central device 3 distributes immediate billing information, including the information that the vehicle 90 has re-entered the toll road L, to each of the roadside processing devices 1. The roadside processing devices 1 then perform billing based on the information that the vehicle 90 has re-entered the toll road L.
[0091] According to this embodiment, the instant billing central device 3 acquires instant information from the off-road processing device 2 regarding the vehicle 90's use of the off-road facility F. Subsequently, based on the information regarding the vehicle 90's use of the off-road facility F, the instant billing central device 3 distributes re-entry information to the roadside processing device 1 of the off-road entrance GC, indicating that the vehicle 90 may re-enter the toll road. In this state, when the vehicle 90 re-enters the toll road L from the off-road facility F, the off-road processing device 2 can perform billing processing for the vehicle 90 that has re-entered the toll road L, based on the information that the vehicle 90 has re-entered the toll road L. As a result, the billing processing system 100 can perform accurate billing processing immediately for the vehicle 90 that has re-entered the toll road L from the off-road facility F.
[0092] (2) The second embodiment of the billing processing system 100 is the billing processing system 100 of the first embodiment, further comprising an off-road central device 5 that can communicate with the off-road processing device 2 and transmits information from the off-road processing device 2 to the immediate billing central device 3.
[0093] According to this embodiment, the off-road central device 5 is responsible for information transmission between the off-road processing device 2 and the immediate billing central device 3, making it easier to apply the billing processing system 100 to existing systems. Therefore, versatility can be improved.
[0094] (3) The third embodiment of the billing processing system 100 is the billing processing system 100 of the first or second embodiment, and the roadside processing device 1 of the off-road entrance GC may delete the re-entry permitted information for the vehicle 90 that has re-entered the toll road L from the off-road entrance GC if the re-entry permitted information is not registered and within a predetermined deletion time.
[0095] According to this embodiment, the accumulation of unnecessary reentrant information can be suppressed, and the processing load can be reduced.
[0096] (4) The fourth embodiment of the billing processing system 100 is any one of the first to third embodiments of the billing processing system 100, and if the toll road L employs a simple collection system in which the amount of charge is constant regardless of the route, when it is determined at the off-road entrance GC that the vehicle 90 has re-entered the toll road L, the roadside processing device 1 of the off-road entrance GC may perform billing processing for the vehicle 90 that has been determined to have re-entered the toll road L, without including the initial fare.
[0097] According to this embodiment, a vehicle 90 that re-enters the off-road entrance GC from an off-road facility F will not be charged the initial fare twice at the off-road entrance GC.
[0098] (5) The fifth embodiment of the billing processing system 100 is any one of the first to third embodiments of the billing processing system 100, and if the toll road L employs a distance-based system in which the amount charged varies depending on the distance traveled, when it is determined at the off-road entrance GC that the vehicle 90 has re-entered the toll road L, the roadside processing device 1 at the final exit GD may perform billing processing for the vehicle 90 that is exiting using the final exit GD, based on the distance traveled from the off-road entrance GC to the final exit GD and the distance traveled by the vehicle 90 until it uses the off-road facility F.
[0099] According to this embodiment, when a vehicle 90 re-enters the off-road entrance GC from the off-road facility F, the off-road exit GB can process the accurate charge.
[0100] (6) The sixth aspect of the billing method is a billing method using a billing system 100 that corresponds to the case when a vehicle 90 traveling on a toll road L temporarily uses an off-road facility F outside the toll road L, wherein the billing system 100 includes a first entrance GA used when the vehicle 90 enters the toll road L, an off-road exit GB used when the vehicle 90 temporarily exits the toll road L to the off-road facility F, and an off-road exit GB used when the vehicle 90 re-enters the toll road L from the off-road facility F A roadside processing device 1 capable of detecting the vehicle 90 is installed at both the entrance GC and the final exit GD used when the vehicle 90 exits the toll road L; an off-road processing device 2 capable of detecting the vehicle 90 is installed at the off-road facility F; an immediate billing central device 3 capable of communicating with the roadside processing device 1 and the off-road processing device 2; and a toll collection central device capable of communicating with the roadside processing device 1, which acquires information from each of the roadside processing devices 1 and processes toll payments for the vehicle 90 that has traveled on the toll road L. The system comprises a device 4 and a central immediate billing device 3, which takes the steps of: acquiring immediate information from the off-road processing device 2 that the vehicle 90 has used the off-road facility F; the central immediate billing device 3, based on the immediate information that the vehicle 90 has used the off-road facility F, distributes re-entry information to each of the roadside processing devices 1 indicating that the vehicle 90 may re-enter; and when the vehicle 90 enters the toll road L using the off-road entrance GC, the re-entry information is sent to the roadside processing device 1 of the off-road entrance GC. If the information is already registered, the roadside processing device 1 of the off-road entrance GC determines that the vehicle 90 has re-entered the toll road L; when the off-road entrance GC determines that the vehicle 90 has re-entered the toll road L, the immediate billing central device 3 distributes immediate billing information including the information that the vehicle 90 has re-entered the toll road L to each of the roadside processing devices 1; and the roadside processing device 1 performs billing based on the information that the vehicle 90 has re-entered the toll road L. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0101] 1. Roadside processing unit 2. Off-road treatment device 3. Instant Billing Central System 4. Central Toll Collection System 5 Central device for off-road use 90 vehicles 91 Onboard equipment 100 Billing Processing System F Off-road facilities L Toll road G entrance GA Entrance 1 GB Off-street exit GC off-street entrance GD final exit
Claims
1. A billing system that addresses the case where a vehicle traveling on a toll road temporarily uses off-road facilities outside the toll road, A roadside processing device capable of detecting the vehicle is installed at each of the following locations: a first entrance used when the vehicle enters the toll road; an off-road exit used when the vehicle temporarily exits the toll road to the off-road facility; an off-road entrance used when the vehicle re-enters the toll road from the off-road facility; and a final exit used when the vehicle exits the toll road. An off-road processing device installed in the off-road facility and capable of detecting the vehicle, A central real-time billing device capable of communicating with the roadside processing device and the off-road processing device, A toll collection central device that is capable of communicating with the aforementioned roadside processing device, acquires information from each of the aforementioned roadside processing devices, and performs toll payment processing for the vehicles that have traveled on the toll road, Equipped with, The aforementioned instant billing central device acquires instant information from the off-road processing device regarding the vehicle's use of the off-road facilities. The aforementioned instantaneous tolling central device distributes re-entry information to each of the roadside processing devices, based on instantaneous information that the vehicle has used the off-road facilities, indicating that the vehicle may re-enter the area. When the vehicle enters the toll road using the off-road entrance, if the re-entry permitted information is registered in the roadside processing device of the off-road entrance, the roadside processing device of the off-road entrance determines that the vehicle has re-entered the toll road. When it is determined that the vehicle has re-entered the toll road at the off-road entrance, the immediate billing central device distributes immediate billing information, including the information that the vehicle has re-entered the toll road, to each of the roadside processing devices. The roadside processing device is a billing system that performs billing based on information that the vehicle has re-entered the toll road.
2. The system further comprises an off-road central device that can communicate with the off-road processing device and transmits information from the off-road processing device to the immediate billing central device. The billing system according to claim 1.
3. The billing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the roadside processing device of the off-road entrance deletes the re-entry permit information for a vehicle that has re-entered the toll road from the off-road entrance if the re-entry permit information is not registered and within a predetermined deletion time.
4. If the aforementioned toll road employs a simple collection system where the toll amount is fixed regardless of the route taken, When the off-road entrance determines that the vehicle has re-entered the toll road, the roadside processing device at the off-road entrance processes a charge for the vehicle that has been determined to have re-entered the toll road, excluding the initial fare. The billing system according to claim 1 or 2.
5. If the aforementioned toll road employs a distance-based pricing system where the amount charged varies depending on the distance traveled, When it is determined that the vehicle has re-entered the toll road at the off-road entrance, the roadside processing device at the final exit processes a charge for the vehicle exiting using the final exit, based on the distance traveled from the off-road entrance to the final exit and the distance traveled by the vehicle until it uses the off-road facilities. The billing system according to claim 1 or 2.
6. A billing method using a billing system that accommodates cases where a vehicle traveling on a toll road temporarily uses off-road facilities outside the toll road, The aforementioned billing processing system is: A roadside processing device capable of detecting the vehicle is installed at each of the following locations: a first entrance used when the vehicle enters the toll road; an off-road exit used when the vehicle temporarily exits the toll road to the off-road facility; an off-road entrance used when the vehicle re-enters the toll road from the off-road facility; and a final exit used when the vehicle exits the toll road. An off-road processing device installed in the off-road facility and capable of detecting the vehicle, A central real-time billing device capable of communicating with the roadside processing device and the off-road processing device, A toll collection central device that is capable of communicating with the aforementioned roadside processing device, acquires information from each of the aforementioned roadside processing devices, and performs toll payment processing for the vehicles that have traveled on the toll road, Equipped with, The instant billing central device takes the step of obtaining instant information from the off-road processing device that the vehicle has used the off-road facilities, The steps include: the instantaneous central billing device distributing re-entry information to each of the roadside processing devices indicating that the vehicle may re-enter based on instantaneous information that the vehicle has used the off-road facilities; When the vehicle enters the toll road using the off-road entrance, if the re-entry permitted information is registered in the roadside processing device of the off-road entrance, the roadside processing device of the off-road entrance determines that the vehicle has re-entered the toll road. When it is determined that the vehicle has re-entered the toll road at the off-road entrance, the instant billing central device distributes instant billing information, including the information that the vehicle has re-entered the toll road, to each of the roadside processing devices. The roadside processing device performs a billing process based on information that the vehicle has re-entered the toll road. A billing method that includes this.