Roadside equipment, lane server, and fault prediction method

Abstract

To identify a sign of failure of a vehicle detector or an axle counter.SOLUTION: A roadside device provided in a lane of a toll gage according to an embodiment includes: a plurality of detection means that detect passing vehicles; and a lane server that manages the number of parked vehicles staying in the lane based on detection results of the detection means. The lane server includes: a detection control unit that determines whether or not detection information about a vehicle is acquired from each of the plurality of detection means when the vehicle passes through the lane of the toll gate, and updates a plurality of cumulative detection counts indicating the number of times detection information has been acquired from each of the plurality of detection means; a failure determination unit that calculates a difference for each of the plurality of cumulative detection counts and determines whether the calculated difference exceeds a predetermined threshold value; and a transmission unit that transmits failure sign information when it is determined that the predetermined threshold value is exceeded.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a roadside device, a lane server, and a failure prediction determination method.

Background Art

[0002] A roadside device installed at a toll booth on a road performs processing related to toll collection, and also manages vehicles that enter the lane using a vehicle detector. For example, the lane server of the roadside device manages the number of vehicles present in the lane by detecting vehicles using a vehicle detector. In addition, since the lane server needs to identify the vehicle type in order to determine the toll, it measures the number of axles of the vehicle using an axle counter, and determines the vehicle type according to the number of axles.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] <​​​This invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology that minimizes lane downtime by having a roadside lane server identify signs of failure in a vehicle detector or axle counter, and prepare replacement equipment according to the signs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The roadside device installed in the lane of a toll booth on a road according to the embodiment includes a plurality of detection means for detecting passing vehicles, and a lane server that manages the number of vehicles staying in the lane based on the detection results of the detection means, wherein the lane server includes a detection control unit that determines whether detection information about the vehicle has been acquired from each of the plurality of detection means when a vehicle passes through the lane of the toll booth, and updates a plurality of cumulative detection counts indicating the number of times the detection information has been acquired by each of the plurality of detection means, a fault determination unit that calculates the difference between each of the plurality of cumulative detection counts and determines whether the calculated difference exceeds a predetermined threshold, and a transmission unit that transmits fault prediction information if it is determined that the predetermined threshold has been exceeded. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of a schematic configuration of an ETC toll collection system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the lane server in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an image illustrating how a vehicle detector detects a vehicle. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the vehicle detector failure prediction procedure in the lane server shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of fault prediction information displayed on the monitor of a lane monitoring control device. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the vehicle detector failure prediction procedure in the lane server shown in Figure 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the lane server in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an image illustrating how the axle counter's footplate detects the vehicle's axles. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the vehicle detector failure prediction procedure in the lane server shown in Figure 1. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for determining axle counter failure in the lane server shown in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The roadside equipment, lane server, and fault prediction method will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts with the same number are assumed to perform the same operation, and redundant explanations will be omitted. For example, when there are multiple identical or similar elements, a common code may be used to describe each element without distinction, or a sub-number may be used in addition to the common code to describe each element separately.

[0009] [First Embodiment] First, the first embodiment will be described. The first embodiment is an embodiment in which the lane server 10 of the roadside device 1 identifies signs of failure in the vehicle detector. (composition) Figure 1 shows an example of a schematic configuration of an ETC toll collection system according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the ETC toll system consists of a central toll server 4 located in the center of the system and toll booth equipment. The toll booth equipment comprises a toll booth server 3, a lane monitoring and control device 2, and roadside equipment 1 provided for each lane. The roadside equipment 1 is connected to the lane monitoring and control device 2, the toll booth server 3, and the central toll server 4 via a network. The toll booth server 3 is also connected to the lane monitoring and control device 2 and the central toll server 4 via a network.

[0010] The toll center server 4 manages the roadside devices 1 installed at each tollgate in the ETC toll collection system and the tollgate servers 3, and exchanges various types of data.

[0011] The tollgate server 3 manages the processing data related to toll collection processed in each lane within the tollgate, and exchanges various types of data with the toll center server 4.

[0012] The lane monitoring and control device 2 is connected to the lane server 10 and is a device for an attendant (collector) to monitor the ETC toll collection system.

[0013] The roadside device 1 is a device arranged for each lane installed at the tollgate. It includes a lane server 10, an interface aggregation unit 20, a maintenance terminal 30, the interface aggregation unit 20, and a plurality of devices connected to the interface aggregation unit 20. In this embodiment, the lane server 10, the interface aggregation unit 20, the maintenance terminal 30, and the devices connected to the interface aggregation unit 20 arranged for each lane installed at the tollgate are collectively referred to as the roadside device 1.

[0014] The lane server 10 and the maintenance terminal 30 are installed for each lane in the tollgate office or the like. Also, the interface aggregation unit 20 and the devices connected to the interface aggregation unit 20 are respectively arranged in the lanes of the tollgate. Therefore, when there is only one lane at the tollgate, the roadside device 1 includes only one of the lane server 10, the interface aggregation unit 20, the maintenance terminal 30, and the devices connected to the interface aggregation unit 20.

[0015] The lane server 10 performs processing related to toll collection for each lane. Specifically, based on the communication result with the on-vehicle unit installed in the passing vehicle, it creates the entrance toll details or the exit toll details necessary for toll processing, and transmits them to the toll center server 4 via the tollgate server 3. Furthermore, the lane server 10 performs vehicle management of the vehicles entering the lane using a vehicle detector.

[0016] Furthermore, the maintenance terminal 30 is connected to the lane server 10.

[0017] The maintenance terminal 30 is a terminal used by staff to manage and maintain the operational status of each device connected to the lane server 10 via the lane server 10 and the interface aggregation unit 20.

[0018] Each lane is equipped with an interface aggregation unit 20 to which vehicle detectors S1, S2, S4, simple vehicle detectors S1, S2, S4, a start control unit 201, an ETC lane display board 202, a booth display 203, a roadside display 204, a license plate reader / vehicle type identification device / vehicle weight measuring device 205, a first antenna 206, a second antenna 207, a recovery antenna 208, a simple control panel 209, and a toll collection machine 211 are connected.

[0019] The departure control unit 201 opens and closes a bar installed on the exit side of the lane (for example, near the detection position of the vehicle detector S4). The departure control unit 201 controls the passage of vehicles through the lane (exit from the lane) by opening and closing the bar in response to control signals from the roadside device 1 or the lane server 10. For example, when the bar is closed, it physically prevents vehicles from passing, and when it is open, it allows vehicles to pass.

[0020] Vehicle detector S1 is connected to axle counter 213, and vehicle detector S4 is connected to length counter 214.

[0021] Vehicle detectors S1, S2, S4 and simplified vehicle detectors S1, S2, S4 are installed in the lanes within the toll booth. Vehicle detectors S1, S2, S4 and simplified vehicle detectors S1, S2, S4 then detect vehicles.

[0022] Vehicle detector S1 detects vehicles entering the lane. Vehicle detector S2 determines whether the vehicle entering the lane can be treated as an ETC vehicle capable of wireless toll collection processing. Vehicle detector S4 detects vehicles exiting the lane.

[0023] Vehicle detectors S1 and S4 have two sensors, and can also detect whether a vehicle is moving forward or backward depending on the order in which the two sensors are pressed by the vehicle. Note that when there is no need to distinguish between vehicle detectors S1, S2, and S4, they are simply referred to as vehicle detector S.

[0024] The simplified vehicle detectors S1, S2, and S4 are designed to activate when the main vehicle detectors S1, S2, and S4 fail. The simplified vehicle detectors S1, S2, and S4 may or may not be included as an option.

[0025] The first antenna 206, the second antenna 207, and the recovery antenna 208 perform wireless communication with in-vehicle equipment installed in the vehicle.

[0026] The first antenna 206 is configured to communicate only with on-board units of vehicles traveling in other lanes by using narrow-range wireless communication (DSRC), which limits the communication range to only the lane in which these antennas are located. For example, the first antenna 206 is configured so that the communication range extends from the detection position of vehicle detector S1 to the detection position of vehicle detector S2 in the lane.

[0027] The recovery antenna 208 is used to obtain on-board unit information, including the ETC card number, from the on-board unit again if the first antenna 206 is unable to obtain the on-board unit information from the on-board unit. For example, if an ETC card is not inserted into the on-board unit, the barrier will close, closing the lane and stopping the passage of vehicles. Then, when a person in the vehicle inserts an ETC card into the on-board unit, the recovery antenna 208 communicates wirelessly with the on-board unit to obtain the on-board unit information.

[0028] The second antenna 207 is configured to communicate only with on-board units in vehicles traveling in other lanes by using wireless communication that utilizes narrow-range radio communication (DSRC), which limits the communication range to only the lane in which these antennas are located. The second antenna 207 is configured to communicate wirelessly with on-board units installed in vehicles just before they exit a lane.

[0029] The axle counter 213 is positioned on the road of the lane. The axle counter 213 consists of, for example, four treads H1, H2, H3, and H4, and detects the vehicle's axle when each tread is stepped on by the vehicle. If it is not necessary to distinguish between the treads H1, H2, H3, and H4, they are simply referred to as tread H.

[0030] The length gauge 214 is optionally installed to detect the exit of vehicles taller than the height detectable by the vehicle detector S4 (for example, vehicles carrying cranes, etc.).

[0031] The license plate reader / vehicle type identification device / vehicle weight measuring device 205 uses a vehicle height meter 215, axle load meter 216, axle count meter 217, camera, etc. to read license plates, identify the vehicle type, and measure the vehicle's weight from the vehicle's axle load.

[0032] The roadside display 204 displays information such as guidance for people in vehicles within the lane. The roadside display 204 displays information to vehicles within the lane, such as the result of toll collection or whether or not they are allowed to pass. The roadside display 204 may also provide guidance (display) to drivers of vehicles traveling in the lane, such as slowing down, stopping, or starting.

[0033] The booth display unit 203 is a display unit installed inside a booth at a toll booth, allowing staff to view various information displayed on the booth display unit 203. Here, the booth is installed along the lane and has space for staff to be stationed. In addition to the booth display unit 203, various devices for staff to monitor lanes, monitor ETC processing, and collect tolls manually may be installed inside the booth.

[0034] ETC lane sign 202 is installed at the entrance of the lane and can indicate whether the lane is a general lane, general / ETC lane, ETC-only lane, or out of service lane.

[0035] The toll collection machine 211 is a device for paying tolls in cash or other means without using ETC, and includes automatic toll ticket issuing machines (ATIM), etc.

[0036] The IC card reader / writer 212 is connected to the toll collection machine 211 and is a device that allows drivers to read credit cards when paying tolls by credit card.

[0037] The remote barrier 210 is a device that lowers a bar to prevent vehicles from mistakenly entering a lane when the lane is closed.

[0038] The simplified control panel 209 is connected to the remote barrier 210, and the toll collection machine 211 is connected to the IC card reader / writer 212. In addition, the license plate reader, vehicle type identification device, and vehicle weight measuring device 205 are connected to the vehicle height meter 215, axle load meter 216, and axle counter 217.

[0039] The simplified control panel 209 is an on-lane control device. For example, using the simplified control panel 209, an attendant can manually switch the information displayed on the ETC lane display board 202 on the island at the toll booth.

[0040] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a lane server 10 according to this embodiment. The control unit 111 controls the lane server 10. The control unit 111 includes a hardware processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). For example, the control unit 111 may be an integrated circuit capable of executing various programs.

[0041] The program storage unit 112 can use a combination of non-volatile memory that allows writing and reading at any time, such as EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and SSD (Solid State Drive), as a storage medium, and non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory). The program storage unit 112 stores programs necessary for executing various processes. In other words, the control unit 111 can perform various controls and operations by reading and executing programs stored in the program storage unit 112.

[0042] The data storage unit 113 is a storage device that uses a combination of non-volatile memory, such as an HDD or memory card, which allows for writing and reading at any time, and volatile memory, such as RAM (Random Access Memory), as storage media. The data storage unit 113 is used to store data acquired and generated during the process in which the control unit 111 executes a program and performs various processing.

[0043] The lane monitoring control device interface 114 may be included in the communication interface located on the lane server 10. The communication interface includes one or more wired or wireless communication modules. For example, the lane monitoring control device interface 114 includes a communication module that connects to the lane monitoring control device 2 via a wired connection using TCP / IP. The communication interface including the lane monitoring control device interface 114 can be any general communication interface that can communicate with external devices and send and receive various information under the control of the control unit 111.

[0044] The vehicle detection interface 115 is included in the interface aggregation unit 20. The vehicle detection interface 115 receives various information from the vehicle detectors S1, S2, and S4, respectively. The vehicle detection interface 115 also receives various information from the axle counter 213 or the length counter 214, respectively, via the vehicle detector S1 or vehicle detector S4.

[0045] The following describes the configurations of the lane server 10 in the first embodiment, focusing primarily on the software configuration. The control unit 111 comprises a vehicle detection control unit 1111, a vehicle detector fault determination unit 1112, and a transmission control unit 1113. The data storage unit 113 comprises a vehicle detection count storage unit 1131 and a vehicle count storage unit 1132.

[0046] The vehicle detection control unit 1111 determines whether the vehicle detectors S1, S2, and S4 have detected a vehicle. For example, the vehicle detection control unit 1111 determines whether it has obtained detection information from each vehicle detector S indicating that a vehicle has been detected. If a vehicle detector S is able to detect a vehicle, the vehicle detection control unit 1111 increments the cumulative number of vehicle detections stored in the vehicle detection count storage unit 1131, which will be described later. In other words, the vehicle detection control unit 1111 updates the cumulative number of vehicle detections.

[0047] The vehicle detection control unit 1111 may determine whether a vehicle has exited the lane. When a vehicle exits, the vehicle detector S4 or the length meter 214 transmits an exit signal to the vehicle detection control unit 1111. Upon receiving this exit signal, the vehicle detection control unit 1111 determines that a vehicle has exited. The vehicle detection control unit 1111 may then increment the vehicle count stored in the vehicle count storage unit 1132, which will be described later, when a vehicle exits the lane.

[0048] The vehicle detector failure determination unit 1112 may determine whether the number of vehicles that have passed through the lane exceeds a predetermined number. For example, the vehicle detector failure determination unit 1112 may determine whether the number of vehicles stored in the vehicle count storage unit 1132 exceeds a predetermined number. Furthermore, the vehicle detector failure determination unit 1112 may determine whether the difference between the cumulative number of vehicle detections associated with each vehicle detector exceeds a predetermined threshold. For example, if it is determined that the difference in the cumulative number of vehicle detections exceeds a predetermined threshold, the vehicle detector failure determination unit 1112 may determine that there is a sign of failure in the vehicle detector.

[0049] The transmission control unit 1113 may transmit fault prediction information to the lane monitoring control device 2. For example, if the vehicle detector fault determination unit 1112 determines that there is a fault in the vehicle detector S, the transmission control unit 1113 may transmit fault prediction information. The fault prediction information will be described later.

[0050] The vehicle detection count storage unit 1131 is used to store the number of times each of the vehicle detectors S1, S2, and S4 has detected a vehicle, i.e., the cumulative number of vehicle detections. The vehicle detection count storage unit 1131 may also store the date and time when the cumulative number of vehicle detections was updated.

[0051] The vehicle count storage unit 1132 is used to store the number of vehicles that have passed through the lane where the lane server 10 is installed. The vehicle count storage unit 1132 may also store the date and time when the vehicle count was updated.

[0052] (operation) Figure 3 shows an image illustrating how vehicle detectors S1, S2, and S4 detect a vehicle. As shown in Figure 3, when a vehicle enters the toll booth lane, the vehicle is detected in the following order: vehicle detector S1, vehicle detector S2, and vehicle detector S4. As mentioned above, vehicle detectors S1 and S4 each have two detectors, and in the example in Figure 3, the two sensors are shown as a and b, respectively.

[0053] In the vehicle detector S1, detection is determined when both sensor a and sensor b detect a vehicle. For example, if a vehicle is detected first by sensor a and then by sensor b, it will be determined that the vehicle is moving forward. On the other hand, if only sensor a or sensor b detects a vehicle, it is impossible to determine which direction the vehicle is moving. In this case, the vehicle detector S1 will determine that no vehicle has been detected.

[0054] In the example shown in Figure 3, vehicle detectors S1 and S2 detected a vehicle, but sensor a of vehicle detector S4 failed to detect a vehicle; in other words, vehicle detector S4 failed to detect a vehicle.

[0055] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the vehicle detector failure prediction procedure in the lane server 10 shown in Figure 1. The operation of this flowchart is realized when the control unit 111 of the lane server 10 reads and executes the program stored in the program storage unit 112. This flowchart starts when a vehicle enters any lane at the toll booth.

[0056] In step ST101, the vehicle detection control unit 1111 determines whether the vehicle detector S1 has detected a vehicle. When the vehicle detector S1 detects a vehicle, the vehicle detection control unit 1111 receives detection information from both sensor a and sensor b of the vehicle detector S1 indicating that a vehicle has been detected. If the vehicle detection control unit 1111 receives the detection information from both a and b of the vehicle detector S1, it determines that the vehicle detector S1 has detected a vehicle. In other words, the vehicle detection control unit 1111 determines whether it has acquired detection information from the vehicle detector S1. Then, the process proceeds to step ST102. On the other hand, if the vehicle detection control unit 1111 receives detection information from only one of sensor a or sensor b of the vehicle detector S1, it determines that the vehicle detector S1 has not detected a vehicle. In this case, the vehicle detection control unit 1111 may store in the data storage unit 113 whether it received detection information from sensor a or sensor b. Then, the process proceeds to step ST103.

[0057] In step ST102, the vehicle detection control unit 1111 increments the cumulative number of vehicle detections. The vehicle detection control unit 1111 retrieves the cumulative number of vehicle detections for the vehicle detector S1 stored in the vehicle detection count storage unit 1131 and increments this count by 1. In other words, the vehicle detection control unit 1111 updates the cumulative number of vehicle detections. The vehicle detection control unit 1111 then stores the incremented (updated) cumulative number of vehicle detections back into the vehicle detection count storage unit 1131. The vehicle detection control unit 1111 may also store the update date and time along with the cumulative number of vehicle detections in the vehicle detection count storage unit 1131. Then the process proceeds to step ST103.

[0058] In step ST103, the vehicle detection control unit 1111 determines whether the vehicle has exited the toll booth. The vehicle detection control unit 1111 determines whether it has received an exit signal from the vehicle detector S4 or the length gauge 214 indicating that the vehicle has exited. After step ST102, since no exit signal has been received from the vehicle detector S4, the process returns to the beginning.

[0059] Next, the vehicle moves forward and is detected by the vehicle detector S2. In step ST104, the vehicle detection control unit 1111 determines whether the vehicle detector S2 has detected a vehicle. If the vehicle detector S2 detects a vehicle, the vehicle detection control unit 1111 receives detection information from the vehicle detector S2 indicating that a vehicle has been detected. In this case, the vehicle detection control unit 1111 determines that the vehicle detector S2 has detected a vehicle. Then, the process proceeds to step ST105. On the other hand, if the vehicle detection control unit 1111 does not receive detection information from the vehicle detector S2, it determines that the vehicle detector S2 has not detected a vehicle. For example, if the vehicle detection control unit 1111 does not receive detection information from the vehicle detector S2 even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the vehicle detector S1 detected a vehicle, the vehicle detection control unit 1111 may determine that the vehicle detector S2 has not detected a vehicle. Then, the process proceeds to step ST103.

[0060] In step ST105, the vehicle detection control unit 1111 increments the cumulative number of vehicle detections. The vehicle detection control unit 1111 retrieves the cumulative number of vehicle detections for the vehicle detector S2 stored in the vehicle detection count storage unit 1131 and increments the count by 1. Then, it stores the incremented cumulative number of vehicle detections back in the vehicle detection count storage unit 1131. The vehicle detection control unit 1111 may also store the update date and time along with the cumulative number of vehicle detections in the vehicle detection count storage unit 1131. Then, the process proceeds to step ST103.

[0061] In step ST103, the vehicle detection control unit 1111 determines whether the vehicle has exited the tollbooth. After step ST105, since no exit signal has been received from the vehicle detector S4 or the length gauge 214, the process returns to the beginning.

[0062] Next, the vehicle moves forward and is detected by the vehicle detector S4. In step ST106, the vehicle detection control unit 1111 determines whether the vehicle detector S4 has detected a vehicle. Similar to step ST101, the vehicle detection control unit 1111 determines whether the vehicle detector S4 was able to detect a vehicle.

[0063] In step ST107, the vehicle detection control unit 1111 increments the cumulative number of vehicle detections. The vehicle detection control unit 1111 retrieves the cumulative number of vehicle detections for the vehicle detector S4 stored in the vehicle detection count storage unit 1131 and increments the count by 1. Then, it stores the incremented cumulative number of vehicle detections in the vehicle detection count storage unit 1131. The vehicle detection control unit 1111 may also store the update date and time along with the cumulative number of vehicle detections in the vehicle detection count storage unit 1131. Then, the process proceeds to step ST103.

[0064] In step ST103, the vehicle detection control unit 1111 determines whether the vehicle has exited the tollbooth. After step ST107, the vehicle will have exited the lane, so the vehicle detector S4 or the length gauge 214 transmits an exit signal to the vehicle detection control unit 1111 indicating that the vehicle has exited. Upon receiving this exit signal, the vehicle detection control unit 1111 determines that the vehicle has exited. The vehicle detection control unit 1111 then increments the number of vehicles stored in the vehicle count storage unit 1132 of the data storage unit 113 by 1 and stores the incremented (updated) number of vehicles in the vehicle count storage unit 1132. The vehicle detection control unit 1111 may also store the update date and time along with the number of vehicles in the vehicle count storage unit 1132. The process then proceeds to step ST108.

[0065] In step ST108, the vehicle detector fault determination unit 1112 determines whether the number of vehicles exceeds a predetermined number. The vehicle detector fault determination unit 1112 retrieves the number of vehicles stored in the vehicle count storage unit 1132 and determines whether more than the predetermined number of vehicles have passed through the lane. If it is determined that the number of vehicles has not exceeded the predetermined number, the process returns to the beginning. That is, steps ST101 to ST107 are executed until the next vehicle has finished passing through the lane. If it is determined that the number of vehicles has exceeded the predetermined number, the process proceeds to step ST109.

[0066] In step ST109, the vehicle detector failure determination unit 1112 obtains the cumulative number of vehicle detections corresponding to each of the vehicle detectors S1, S2, and S4 stored in the vehicle detection count storage unit 1131. The vehicle detector failure determination unit 1112 may also reset the number of vehicles stored in the vehicle count storage unit 1132 to 0.

[0067] In step ST110, the vehicle detector failure determination unit 1112 determines whether the difference in the cumulative number of vehicle detections is greater than a threshold. The vehicle detector failure determination unit 1112 calculates the difference for each of the cumulative number of vehicle detections. For example, the vehicle detector failure determination unit 1112 calculates the difference between the cumulative number of vehicle detections of vehicle detector S1 and the cumulative number of vehicle detections of vehicle detector S2, the difference between the cumulative number of vehicle detections of vehicle detector S1 and the cumulative number of vehicle detections of vehicle detector S4, and the difference between the cumulative number of vehicle detections of vehicle detector S2 and the cumulative number of vehicle detections of vehicle detector S4.

[0068] The vehicle detector failure determination unit 1112 then determines whether each of the calculated differences is greater than a predetermined threshold. For example, if the difference between the cumulative number of vehicle detections of vehicle detector S1 and the cumulative number of vehicle detections of vehicle detector S2 is 12, and the predetermined threshold is 10, the vehicle detector failure determination unit 1112 determines that the difference in cumulative vehicle detections is greater than the predetermined threshold. In this case, the process proceeds to step ST111. On the other hand, if all of the calculated differences in cumulative vehicle detections are less than the predetermined threshold, the process returns to the beginning.

[0069] In step ST111, the vehicle detector failure determination unit 1112 determines that there is a sign of failure. For example, as described above, if the difference between the cumulative number of vehicle detections of vehicle detector S1 and the cumulative number of vehicle detections of vehicle detector S2 is greater than a predetermined threshold, the vehicle detector failure determination unit 1112 determines that there is a sign of failure in either vehicle detector S1 or vehicle detector S2. For example, the vehicle detector failure determination unit 1112 may determine that there is a sign of failure in the vehicle detector S with the smaller value among the cumulative number of vehicle detections used to calculate the difference.

[0070] If the vehicle detector S1 or vehicle detector S4 is determined to have signs of failure, the vehicle detector failure determination unit 1112 may further analyze whether sensor a or sensor b has signs of failure. For example, the vehicle detector failure determination unit 1112 may extract whether detection information was received from either sensor a or sensor b stored in the data storage unit 113 when no detection was detected, and determine which sensor has signs of failure. For example, the vehicle detector failure determination unit 1112 may determine that the sensor with fewer detection information stored in the data storage unit 113 between the previous failure indication determination and the current determination has signs of failure.

[0071] In step ST112, the transmission control unit 1113 transmits fault prediction information to the lane monitoring control device 2. The vehicle detector fault determination unit 1112 generates fault prediction information including information about the vehicle detector that has been determined to have signs of fault, the date and time of determination (i.e., the date and time of occurrence), information about the lane of the toll booth where the lane server 10 is installed, and the cumulative number of vehicle detections, and outputs it to the transmission control unit 1113. The fault prediction information may also include the results of the analysis described above (for example, information indicating that sensor a or sensor b of vehicle detector S1 has signs of fault). The transmission control unit 1113 transmits the fault prediction information to the lane monitoring control device 2 through the lane monitoring control device interface 114. The control unit of the lane monitoring control device 2 may output the received fault prediction information to a monitor or the like.

[0072] The flow may terminate when it receives an instruction to proceed to termination. For example, an employee who has seen fault prediction information may input an instruction to proceed to termination into the lane server 10.

[0073] Figure 5 shows an example of fault prediction information displayed on the monitor of the lane monitoring control device 2. As shown in Figure 5, the information displayed on the monitor includes the date and time of occurrence, date and time of recovery, location, alarm generating device, status, analysis results, and log display. Here, the date and time of recovery may be set to display the date and time when an attendant or other person took action on the vehicle detector showing signs of failure after the lane monitoring control device 2 received the fault prediction information.

[0074] Furthermore, the status may indicate that an abnormality has occurred in the sensor of the vehicle detector S. In addition, the analysis results may display the analysis results indicating whether there is a sign of failure in either sensor a or sensor b of the vehicle detector S1 or vehicle detector S4 as described above.

[0075] (Effects of the first embodiment) According to the first embodiment, the lane server 10 or the roadside device 1 can identify signs of a vehicle detector failure and prepare replacement equipment according to those signs. Furthermore, by replacing the equipment at a time when the impact on traffic is minimal, the downtime of the lane can be minimized.

[0076] [Modified version of the first embodiment] Next, a modified example of the first embodiment will be described.

[0077] A modification of the first embodiment is an embodiment in which the lane server 10 of the roadside device 1 determines whether there are signs of failure in the vehicle detector according to a predetermined period of time.

[0078] (composition) The configuration of the toll collection system, etc., in the modified version of the first embodiment may be the same as the configuration of the toll collection system, etc., described in the first embodiment, so redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0079] (operation) Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the vehicle detector failure prediction procedure in the lane server 10 shown in Figure 1. The operation of this flowchart is realized when the control unit 111 of the lane server 10 reads and executes the program stored in the program storage unit 112. This flowchart starts when a vehicle enters any lane at the toll booth.

[0080] Steps ST201 to ST202 and ST204 to ST207 are the same as steps ST101 to ST102 and ST104 to ST107, which were explained with reference to Figure 4, so redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0081] In step ST203, after step ST207, the vehicle will exit the lane, so the vehicle detector S4 or length meter 214 transmits an exit signal to the vehicle detection control unit 1111 indicating that the vehicle has exited. Upon receiving this signal, the vehicle detection control unit 1111 determines that the vehicle has exited. Then the process proceeds to step ST208. In other words, in the modified version of the first embodiment, the number of vehicles is not counted.

[0082] In step ST208, the vehicle detector fault determination unit 1112 determines whether a predetermined period has elapsed. The vehicle detector fault determination unit 1112 determines whether a predetermined period has elapsed starting from an arbitrary time. For example, the vehicle detector fault determination unit 1112 may determine whether a predetermined period has elapsed after performing the determination in step ST210, which will be described later. The predetermined period may vary. For example, it may be a longer period on weekdays than on holidays. Also, it may be set to a shorter period than usual when there is a lot of traffic, such as during the Obon or New Year holidays.

[0083] In other words, in a modified version of the first embodiment, the vehicle detector failure determination unit 1112 determines whether the equipment shows signs of failure according to a predetermined period of time.

[0084] Steps ST209 to ST212 are the same as steps ST109 to ST112, which were explained with reference to Figure 4, so redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0085] (Effects and Effects of Modified Examples of the First Embodiment) According to a modified version of the first embodiment, the lane server 10 of the roadside device 1 can identify signs of failure in the vehicle detector and prepare replacement equipment according to the signs. By determining whether there are signs of failure within a predetermined period, it becomes possible to determine whether there are signs of failure at predetermined intervals regardless of traffic volume. Furthermore, by replacing the equipment at a time when the impact on traffic is minimal, it becomes possible to minimize the downtime of the lane.

[0086] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is one in which the lane server 10 of the roadside device 1 identifies signs of failure in the axle counter 213.

[0087] (composition) Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the lane server 10 in the first embodiment. The control unit 111 comprises an axle count detection control unit 1114, an axle counter failure determination unit 1115, and a transmission control unit 1113. The data storage unit 113 comprises an axle count detection count storage unit 1133 and a vehicle count storage unit 1132.

[0088] The axle count detection control unit 1114 determines whether the foot plate H of the axle counter 213 has detected an axle of a vehicle. If the foot plate H has detected an axle, the axle count detection control unit 1114 increments the cumulative number of axle count detections stored in the axle count detection count storage unit 1133, which will be described later. The axle count detection control unit 1114 may also determine whether the vehicle has exited the lane. When the vehicle detector S4 or the length counter 214 exits the lane, it transmits an exit signal to the vehicle detection control unit 1111. Upon receiving this exit signal, the axle count detection control unit 1114 determines that the vehicle has exited. When the vehicle exits the lane, the axle count detection control unit 1114 may increment the number of vehicles stored in the vehicle count storage unit 1132, which will be described later.

[0089] The axle counter failure determination unit 1115 may determine whether the number of vehicles that have passed through the lane exceeds a predetermined number. For example, the axle counter failure determination unit 1115 may determine whether the number of vehicles stored in the vehicle count storage unit 1132 exceeds a predetermined number. Furthermore, the axle counter failure determination unit 1115 may determine whether the difference in the cumulative number of axle detection counts associated with each tread plate H of the axle counter 213 is greater than a predetermined threshold. For example, if it is determined that the cumulative number of axle detection counts is greater than a predetermined threshold, the axle counter failure determination unit 1115 may determine that there is a sign of failure in the tread plate H of the axle counter 213.

[0090] The transmission control unit 1113 may transmit fault prediction information to the lane monitoring control device 2. For example, if the axle counter fault determination unit 1115 determines that there is a fault indication in the tread plate H of the axle counter 213, the transmission control unit 1113 may transmit fault prediction information. The fault prediction information will be described later.

[0091] The axle count detection memory unit 1133 is used to store the number of times each of the axle counter plates H1, H2, H3, and H4 of the axle counter 213 has detected a vehicle axle, i.e., the cumulative number of axle count detections. The vehicle detection count memory unit 1131 may also store the date and time when the axle count was updated.

[0092] The vehicle count storage unit 1132 is used to store the number of vehicles that have passed through the lane where the lane server 10 is installed. The vehicle count storage unit 1132 may also store the date and time when the vehicle count was updated.

[0093] (operation) Figure 8 shows an image illustrating how the foot plates H1, H2, H3, and H4 of the axle counter 213 detect the vehicle's axles. As shown in Figure 8, when a vehicle enters the tollbooth lane (the vehicle moves from left to right in Figure 8), the vehicle's axles are detected in the following order by the tread plates H1, H2, H3, and H4.

[0094] In the example shown in Figure 8, footboards H1, H2, and H4 detected the vehicle's axles, but footboard H3 failed to detect an axle. Furthermore, a typical passenger car has two axles, while larger vehicles such as trucks have more than two. Therefore, when a vehicle passes through a lane, footboard H will detect two or more axles.

[0095] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the axle counter failure prediction procedure in the lane server 10 shown in Figure 1. The operation of this flowchart is realized when the control unit 111 of the lane server 10 reads and executes the program stored in the program storage unit 112. This flowchart starts when a vehicle enters any lane at the toll booth. For simplicity, the following example describes the operation for one axle, but it can of course be operated similarly for two or more axles.

[0096] In step ST301, the axle count detection control unit 1114 determines whether the footplate H1 has detected an axle. If the footplate H1 detects an axle, the axle count detection control unit 1114 receives axle count detection information from the axle counter 213 indicating that the footplate H1 has detected an axle. If the axle count detection information for H1 is received from the axle counter 213, the axle count detection control unit 1114 determines that the footplate H1 has detected an axle. In other words, the axle count detection control unit 1114 determines whether it has acquired detection information from the footplate H1. Then, the process proceeds to step ST302. On the other hand, for example, if the vehicle detector S1 detects a vehicle but does not receive axle count detection information from the footplate H1, the axle count detection control unit 1114 determines that the footplate H1 has not detected an axle. In this case, the process proceeds to step ST303.

[0097] In step ST302, the axis detection control unit 1114 increments the cumulative axis detection count. The axis detection control unit 1114 retrieves the cumulative axis detection count for the tread plate H1 stored in the axis detection count storage unit 1133 and increments this count by 1. In other words, the axis detection control unit 1114 updates the cumulative axis detection count. The axis detection control unit 1114 then stores the incremented cumulative axis detection count in the axis detection count storage unit 1133. The process then proceeds to step ST303.

[0098] In step ST303, the axle count detection control unit 1114 determines whether the vehicle has exited the toll booth. The axle count detection control unit 1114 determines whether it has received an exit signal from the vehicle detector S4 indicating that the vehicle has exited. After step ST302, since no exit signal has been received from the vehicle detector S4 or the length gauge 214, the process returns to the beginning.

[0099] Next, the vehicle moves forward and is detected by the footplate H2. In step ST304, the axle detection control unit 1114 determines whether the foot plate H2 has detected an axle. Similar to step ST301, the axle detection control unit 1114 determines whether the foot plate H2 has detected an axle.

[0100] In step ST305, the axis detection control unit 1114 increments the cumulative axis detection count. The axis detection control unit 1114 retrieves the cumulative axis detection count for the tread plate H2 stored in the axis detection count storage unit 1133 and increments this count by 1. Then, the axis detection control unit 1114 stores the incremented cumulative axis detection count in the axis detection count storage unit 1133. The process then proceeds to step ST303.

[0101] In step ST303, the axle detection control unit 1114 determines whether the vehicle has exited the tollbooth. After step ST305, since no exit signal has been received from the vehicle detector S4 or the length meter 214, the process returns to the beginning.

[0102] In step ST306, the axle detection control unit 1114 determines whether the foot plate H3 has detected an axle. Similar to step ST301, the axle detection control unit 1114 determines whether the foot plate H3 has detected an axle.

[0103] In step ST307, the axis number detection control unit 1114 increments the cumulative axis number detection count. The axis number detection control unit 1114 retrieves the cumulative axis number detection count for the tread plate H3 stored in the axis number detection count storage unit 1133 and increments this count by 1. Then, the axis number detection control unit 1114 stores the incremented cumulative axis number detection count in the axis number detection count storage unit 1133. The process then proceeds to step ST303.

[0104] In step ST303, the axle count detection control unit 1114 determines whether the vehicle has exited the tollbooth. After step ST307, since no exit signal has been received from the vehicle detector S4 or the length meter 214, the process returns to the beginning.

[0105] In step ST308, the axle detection control unit 1114 determines whether the foot plate H4 has detected an axle. Similar to step ST301, the axle detection control unit 1114 determines whether the foot plate H4 has detected an axle.

[0106] In step ST309, the axis detection control unit 1114 increments the cumulative axis detection count. The axis detection control unit 1114 retrieves the cumulative axis detection count for the tread plate H4 stored in the axis detection count storage unit 1133 and increments this count by 1. Then, the axis detection control unit 1114 stores the incremented cumulative axis detection count in the axis detection count storage unit 1133. The process then proceeds to step ST303.

[0107] In step ST303, the axle number detection control unit 1114 determines whether the vehicle has exited the toll booth.

[0108] After step ST309, the vehicle will exit the lane, so the vehicle detector S4 or the length meter 214 transmits an exit signal to the axle count detection control unit 1114 indicating that the vehicle has exited. Upon receiving the exit signal, the axle count detection control unit 1114 determines that the vehicle has exited. The axle count detection control unit 1114 then increments the number of vehicles stored in the vehicle count storage unit 1132 of the data storage unit 113 by 1 and stores the incremented number of vehicles in the vehicle count storage unit 1132. The process then proceeds to step ST310.

[0109] In step ST310, the axle counter failure determination unit 1115 determines whether the number of vehicles exceeds a predetermined number. The axle counter failure determination unit 1115 retrieves the number of vehicles stored in the vehicle count storage unit 1132 and determines whether the number of vehicles passing through the lane exceeds the predetermined number. If it determines that the number of vehicles does not exceed the predetermined number, the process returns to the beginning.

[0110] In other words, steps ST301 to ST309 are executed until the next vehicle has finished passing through the lane. If it is determined that the number of vehicles exceeds a predetermined number, the process proceeds to step ST311.

[0111] In step ST311, the axle counter failure determination unit 1115 obtains the number of axle detections corresponding to each of the treads H1, H2, H3, and H4, which are stored in the axle detection count storage unit 1133, i.e., the cumulative number of axle detections. The axle counter failure determination unit 1115 may also reset the number of vehicles stored in the vehicle count storage unit 1132 to 0.

[0112] In step ST312, the axis counter failure determination unit 1115 determines whether the difference in the cumulative number of axis detections is greater than a threshold. The axis counter failure determination unit 1115 calculates the difference for each of the cumulative number of axis detections. For example, it calculates the difference between the cumulative number of axis detections for treads H1, H2, H3, and H4.

[0113] The axis counter failure determination unit 1115 then determines whether each of the calculated differences is greater than a predetermined threshold. For example, if the difference between the cumulative number of axis detections for tread H1 and the cumulative number of axis detections for tread H3 is 15 and the predetermined threshold is 10, the axis counter failure determination unit 1115 determines that the difference in cumulative axis detections is greater than the predetermined threshold. In this case, the process proceeds to step ST313.

[0114] On the other hand, if all the differences in the calculated cumulative number of vehicle detections are smaller than a predetermined threshold, the process returns to the beginning.

[0115] In step ST313, the axis counter failure determination unit 1115 determines that there is a sign of failure. For example, as described above, if the difference in the cumulative number of axis detections of tread H1 and tread H3 is greater than a predetermined threshold, the axis counter failure determination unit 1115 determines that there is a sign of failure in either tread H1 or tread H3. For example, the axis counter failure determination unit 1115 may determine that there is a sign of failure in the tread H with the smaller value among the cumulative number of axis detections used to calculate the difference.

[0116] In step ST314, the transmission control unit 1113 transmits fault prediction information to the lane monitoring control device 2. The axle counter fault determination unit 1115 generates fault prediction information including information about the tread plate H that has been determined to have a fault indication, the date and time of determination (i.e., the date and time of occurrence), information about the lane of the toll booth where the lane server 10 is installed, and the cumulative number of axle count detections, and outputs it to the transmission control unit 1113. The transmission control unit 1113 transmits the fault prediction information to the lane monitoring control device 2 through the lane monitoring control device interface 114. The control unit of the lane monitoring control device 2 may output the received fault prediction information to a monitor or the like.

[0117] The flow may terminate when it receives an instruction to proceed to termination. For example, an employee who has seen fault prediction information may input an instruction to proceed to termination into the lane server 10.

[0118] (Effects of the second embodiment) According to the second embodiment, the lane server 10 or the roadside device 1 can identify signs of failure in the axle counter 213 and prepare replacement equipment according to the signs. Furthermore, by replacing the equipment at a time when the impact on traffic is minimal, it becomes possible to minimize the downtime of the lane.

[0119] [Modified version of the second embodiment] Next, a modified version of the second embodiment will be described. In this modified version of the second embodiment, the axis counter failure determination unit 1115 determines whether there are signs of failure in the equipment according to a predetermined period of time.

[0120] (composition) The configuration of the toll collection system, etc., in the modified version of the second embodiment may be the same as the configuration of the toll collection system, etc., described in the second embodiment, so redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0121] (operation) Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the axle counter failure prediction procedure in the lane server 10 shown in Figure 1. The operation of this flowchart is realized when the control unit 111 of the lane server 10 reads and executes the program stored in the program storage unit 112. This flowchart starts when a vehicle enters any lane at the toll booth.

[0122] Steps ST401 to ST402 and ST404 to ST409 are the same as steps ST301 to ST302 and ST304 to ST309, which were explained with reference to Figure 9, so redundant explanations are omitted.

[0123] In step ST403, after step ST409, the vehicle will exit the lane, so the vehicle detector S4 or the length meter 214 transmits an exit signal to the axle count detection control unit 1114 indicating that the vehicle has exited. Upon receiving this signal, the axle count detection control unit 1114 determines that the vehicle has exited. The process then proceeds to step ST410. That is, similar to the modification of the first embodiment, the modification of the second embodiment does not count the number of vehicles.

[0124] In step ST410, the axle counter failure determination unit 1115 determines whether a predetermined period has elapsed. The axle counter failure determination unit 1115 determines whether a predetermined period has elapsed starting from an arbitrary time. For example, the axle counter failure determination unit 1115 may determine whether a predetermined period has elapsed after performing the determination in step ST412, which will be described later. The predetermined period may vary. For example, it may be a longer period on weekdays than on holidays. Also, it may be set to a shorter period than usual when there is a lot of traffic, such as during the Obon or New Year holidays.

[0125] In other words, in a modified version of the second embodiment, the axis counter failure determination unit 1115 determines whether there are signs of failure in the equipment according to a predetermined period of time.

[0126] Steps ST411 to ST414 are the same as steps ST311 to ST314 explained with reference to Figure 9, so redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0127] (Effects and Effects of Modified Examples of the Second Embodiment) According to a modification of the second embodiment, the lane server 10 or the roadside device 1 can identify signs of failure in the axle counter 213 and prepare replacement equipment according to the signs. By determining whether there are signs of failure within a predetermined period, it becomes possible to determine whether there are signs of failure at predetermined intervals regardless of traffic volume. Furthermore, by replacing the equipment at a time when the impact on traffic is minimal, it becomes possible to minimize the downtime of the lane.

[0128] [Other embodiments] However, this invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0129] For example, in the embodiment described above, it was explained that the lane server 10 or the roadside device 1 can perform each operation, but the tollbooth server 3 or the central tollbooth server 4 may also perform each operation. That is, the lane server 10 may transmit detection information from the vehicle detector S or the axle counter 213 to the tollbooth server 3 or the central tollbooth server 4, and the tollbooth server 3 or the central tollbooth server 4 may perform each operation based on this detection information.

[0130] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0131] 1...Roadside equipment 2…Lane monitoring control device 3…Tollbooth server 4…Central billing server 10... Lane Server 111... Control Unit 1111... Vehicle detection control unit 1112... Vehicle detector fault detection unit 1113...Transmission Control Unit 1114... Axis detection control unit 1115…Axis meter failure determination section 112...Program memory unit 113...Data storage unit 1131... Vehicle detection count storage unit 1132... Vehicle count memory unit 1133... Axis detection count storage unit 114... Lane monitoring control system interface 115... Vehicle detection interface 20… Interface aggregation unit 201... Launch control unit 202...ETC lane sign 203... Booth display 204…Roadside indicator 205… License plate reader, vehicle type identification device, vehicle weight measuring device 206...First antenna 207...Second antenna 208... Recovery Antenna 209…Simple operation panel 210... Remote-controlled circuit breaker 211... Toll collection machine 212...IC card R / W 213…Axis counter 214…Long meter 215... Vehicle height gauge 216…Axle load meter 217…Axis counter 30… Maintenance terminal H...Treadboard S... Vehicle detector, simple vehicle detector

Claims

1. In roadside equipment installed in the lanes of toll booths on roads, Multiple detection means for detecting passing vehicles, A lane server that manages the number of vehicles staying in the lane based on the detection results of the detection means, The lane server is equipped with, A detection control unit determines whether detection information about the vehicle has been acquired from each of the plurality of detection means when the vehicle passes through the lane of the toll booth, and updates a plurality of cumulative detection counts indicating the number of times the detection information has been acquired by each of the plurality of detection means, A fault determination unit calculates the difference between the cumulative number of detections of one of the plurality of detection means and the cumulative number of detections of the other detection means, and determines whether each of the calculated differences exceeds a predetermined threshold. If it is determined that the predetermined threshold has been exceeded, the transmitting unit transmits fault prediction information. A roadside device equipped with the following features.

2. A detection control unit determines whether detection information about the vehicle has been acquired from each of the multiple devices installed at the toll booth when the vehicle passes through the toll booth lane, and updates a plurality of cumulative detection counts indicating the number of times the detection information has been acquired from each of the multiple devices. A fault determination unit calculates the difference between the cumulative detection count of one of the multiple devices and the cumulative detection count of the other devices, and determines whether each of the calculated differences exceeds a predetermined threshold. If it is determined that the predetermined threshold has been exceeded, the transmitting unit transmits fault prediction information. A lane server equipped with this feature.

3. The lane server according to claim 2, wherein the fault determination unit determines that the predetermined threshold has been exceeded, and determines that there is a sign of failure in the device with the smaller value among the cumulative number of detections used to calculate the difference.

4. The fault determination unit determines whether the calculated difference exceeds the predetermined threshold after the vehicle has passed through the lane a predetermined number of times. The lane server according to claim 2.

5. The fault determination unit determines, after a predetermined period has elapsed, whether the calculated difference exceeds the predetermined threshold. The lane server according to claim 2.

6. The aforementioned multiple devices are multiple vehicle detectors, The aforementioned detection information is information indicating that a vehicle has been detected. The lane server according to claim 2.

7. At least one of the plurality of vehicle detectors is equipped with two sensors, and when it is determined that the device equipped with the two sensors is showing signs of failure, the failure determination unit analyzes which of the two sensors is showing signs of failure. The lane server according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned multiple devices are multiple footplates of an axis counter, The aforementioned detection information is information indicating that the axle of the vehicle has been detected. The lane server according to claim 2.

9. A method for determining a fault precursor executed by the processor of a lane server, The detection control unit determines whether it has acquired detection information about the vehicle from each of the multiple devices installed at the toll booth when the vehicle passes through the toll booth lane. The detection control unit updates a plurality of cumulative detection counts, each of which indicates the number of times the detection information has been acquired by each of the plurality of devices. The fault detection unit calculates the difference between the cumulative number of detections for one of the multiple devices and the cumulative number of detections for the other devices among the multiple devices, The fault determination unit determines whether each of the calculated differences exceeds a predetermined threshold, If the transmitting unit determines that the predetermined threshold has been exceeded, it transmits fault prediction information. A fault prediction method comprising:

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