Lane control device, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a lane control device capable of continuing toll collection processing without implementing lane closure in the event of a bar release.SOLUTION: A lane control device includes: a switching unit that, when a departure controller being one of toll machines and having a bar that opens or closes a lane detects a bar release in which the bar is bent due to contact with a vehicle, switches to either a lane closure mode or a continuous operation mode; and a controller that, upon switching to the continuous operation mode, controls the toll machine to allow the vehicle to enter the lane and continue a toll collection process.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lane control device, a control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In a tollgate of a toll road, an Electronic Toll Collection System (ETC (registered trademark) system, also referred to as an "automatic toll collection system") that automatically collects tolls from vehicles may be provided. The ETC system automatically performs toll collection processing (toll collection processing) by performing wireless communication between an antenna provided in a lane and an in-vehicle unit mounted on a vehicle.

[0003] In addition, a departure control device may be provided at the tollgate. The departure control device closes the bar to block the lane (restrict the exit of the vehicle) until the toll collection processing for the vehicle is completed, and opens the bar to release the lane (permit the exit of the vehicle) after the completion of the toll collection processing.

[0004] When a vehicle contacts the closed bar, the bar is fixed in a state where it is bent toward the downstream side (bar release). The ETC system switches to a mode (lane closure mode) that treats the lane where the bar release has occurred as "lane closed". In the lane closure mode, a display of "closed" is made on the lane indicator to suppress the entry of vehicles into the lane (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The ETC system continues the lane closure mode until an attendant performs a recovery operation to return the bar to its normal position. The attendant performs the recovery operation directly in the lane manually or by remote operation using a recovery button on the monitoring control device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0006] ETC systems may stop transmitting radio waves from their antennas in lane closure mode. This means that vehicles that were already in the lane when the barrier release occurred, or vehicles that mistakenly entered the lane after the lane closure, cannot communicate wirelessly with the on-board unit and the antenna. Therefore, even if the on-board unit is functioning correctly, these vehicles will be treated as vehicles unable to process tolls (malfunctioning ETC vehicles).

[0007] In this situation, toll road operators are required to identify the users (drivers, owners, etc.) of malfunctioning ETC vehicles at a later date and bill them for the toll. In other words, if the number of malfunctioning ETC vehicles increases due to lane closures, the workload increases accordingly. In addition, there are cases where users cannot be identified, making toll collection difficult. On the other hand, users have to pay the toll when billed, which reduces convenience. Therefore, in order to reduce the workload for operators and the cases where toll collection is difficult, and to improve convenience for users, there is a need for a system that allows toll collection processing to continue without closing lanes even when the barrier is released.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a lane control device, control method, and program that enable the continuation of toll collection processing without closing the lane when a barrier release occurs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the lane control device is a lane control device that controls a toll booth machine in a toll collection system that performs toll collection processing for vehicles traveling in the lanes of a toll booth, and includes a switching unit that switches from a normal operation mode to either a lane closure mode or a continuous operation mode when a starting control unit, which is one of the toll booth machines and has a bar that opens or closes the lane, detects a bar release in which the bar bends due to contact with the vehicle, and when the system switches to the continuous operation mode, controls the toll booth machine to continue the toll collection processing by limiting the functions of the normal operation mode without restricting the entry of the vehicle into the lane.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the control method is a control method for controlling a toll booth machine in a toll collection system that performs toll collection processing for vehicles traveling in the lanes of a toll booth, comprising the steps of switching to either a lane closure mode or a continuous operation mode when a departure controller, which is one of the toll booth machines and has a bar that opens or closes the lane, detects a bar release in which the bar bends due to contact with the vehicle, and when the system has switched to the continuous operation mode, controls the toll booth machine so as not to restrict the vehicle from entering the lane and to continue the toll collection processing by limiting the functions of the normal operation mode.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the program causes a control device that controls a toll booth machine in a toll collection system that performs toll collection processing for vehicles traveling in the toll booth lane to perform the following steps: when a departure control device, which is one of the toll booth machines and has a bar that opens or closes the lane, detects a bar release in which the bar bends due to contact with a vehicle, it switches to either a lane closure mode or a continuous operation mode; and when it switches to the continuous operation mode, it controls the toll booth machine so as not to restrict the vehicle from entering the lane and to continue the toll collection processing by limiting the functions of the normal operation mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the above configuration, when a barrier release occurs, it is possible to continue toll collection processing without closing the lane. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a toll collection system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a lane control device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the mode switching process of a toll collection system according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is the first figure showing the state when the bar is released according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a second figure showing the state during bar release according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a first sequence diagram showing an example of processing in a continuous operation mode according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a second sequence diagram showing an example of processing in a continuous operation mode according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] (Overall structure) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a toll collection system according to one embodiment. The toll collection system 1 is installed at the toll booth (entrance toll booth or exit toll booth) of the toll road. The toll collection system 1 processes tolls for the toll road from vehicles traveling in lane L, which connects the toll road and the general road. Lane L is separated by island I. Island I is a structure that restricts traffic so that only one vehicle A can travel in lane L at a time. Vehicle A is either an ETC vehicle equipped with an on-board unit α, or a non-ETC vehicle not equipped with an on-board unit α.

[0015] In this embodiment, an example where the toll collection system 1 is installed at the exit tollgate will be described. Hereinafter, the direction in which the lane L extends (±X direction) will be referred to as the "lane direction". Also, the toll road side (-X side) in the lane direction will be referred to as the "upstream side", and the general road side (+X side) will be referred to as the "downstream side". Furthermore, the width direction of the lane L (±Y direction) will be referred to as the "lane width direction".

[0016] For simplicity, only one lane L is shown in FIG. 1, but a plurality of lanes L may be installed side by side in parallel.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the toll collection system 1 includes a tollgate machine 10 and a lane control device 20. Also, the toll collection system 1 may include a monitoring device 30 installed at a location away from the lane L of the tollgate (such as a tollgate office).

[0018] The lane control device 20 switches the operation mode of the toll collection system 1 and controls the operation of the tollgate machine 10 according to the operation mode.

[0019] There are three types of operation modes of the toll collection system 1: "normal operation mode", "lane closure mode", and "continuous operation mode". The normal operation mode is a mode in which the toll collection system 1 operates normally and performs toll collection processing without functional limitations. The lane closure mode is a mode that suppresses the entry of vehicle A into lane L and stops the toll collection processing. The continuous operation mode is a mode that does not restrict the entry of vehicle A into lane L and continues the toll collection processing in a state where some functions of the normal operation mode are restricted.

[0020] The tollgate machine 10 is a machine, device, or system installed in the tollgate or facilities related to toll collection processing (such as a tollgate office), and includes, for example, vehicle detectors S1, S2, S4, an antenna 12, a lane indicator 13, an automatic toll collector 14, a departure control machine 15, and a roadside indicator 16.

[0021] Vehicle detectors S1, S2, and S4 detect the presence or absence of vehicle A. Vehicle detectors S1, S2, and S4 are through-beam vehicle detectors, as shown in Figure 1, for example. Vehicle detectors S1, S2, and S4 have a light-emitting tower and a light-receiving tower facing each other across a lane L. The light-emitting tower has multiple light-emitting units arranged vertically, and the light-receiving tower has multiple light-receiving units arranged vertically to correspond to each light-emitting unit. When no vehicle is present, each light-receiving unit receives inspection light emitted from the corresponding light-emitting unit. On the other hand, when a vehicle is present, the inspection light is blocked by the vehicle, so the light-receiving unit no longer receives the inspection light. As a result, vehicle detectors S1, S2, and S4 can detect the presence of the vehicle body, tow bar, etc., in the area where the inspection light is not received. In other embodiments, vehicle detectors S1, S2, and S4 may be so-called reflective vehicle detectors.

[0022] Vehicle detector S1 is installed on the upstream side in the direction of the lane and detects when vehicle A enters lane L (communication range R1 of antenna 12, described later). Hereafter, vehicle detector S1 will also be referred to as the entering vehicle detector.

[0023] The vehicle detector S2 is installed downstream of the antenna 12 (described later) in the lane direction, and detects when vehicle A passes through the communication range R1 of antenna 12. Hereafter, vehicle detector S2 will also be referred to as the communication vehicle detector.

[0024] The vehicle detector S4 is installed downstream of the starting control unit 15 (described later) in the lane direction, and detects when vehicle A has passed the starting control unit 15. Hereafter, the vehicle detector S4 will also be referred to as the exiting vehicle detector.

[0025] Antenna 12 is installed downstream of the approaching vehicle detector S1 in the lane direction. As shown in Figure 1, it may be mounted on a gantry or the like and installed above the lane L. Antenna 12 has a communication range R1 on the lane L between the approaching vehicle detector S1 and the communication vehicle detector S2. Antenna 12 communicates wirelessly with the onboard unit α of vehicle A traveling within the communication range R1 and transmits and receives information, signals, etc. required for toll collection processing by the ETC system (ETC toll collection processing).

[0026] Furthermore, the antenna 12 changes its operation according to the operating mode in accordance with the control of the lane control device 20. In normal operation mode, the antenna 12 starts emitting radio waves when the approaching vehicle detector S1 detects the entry of vehicle A, and stops emitting radio waves when the communication vehicle detector S2 detects the passage of vehicle A. In lane closure mode, the antenna 12 always stops emitting radio waves. In continuous operation mode, the antenna 12 always emits radio waves.

[0027] The lane indicator 13 notifies users (such as the driver of vehicle A) of whether lane L is passable and the toll collection method (ETC only, general, etc.) via signal lights, electronic display boards, etc.

[0028] In normal operation mode and continuous operation mode, the lane indicator 13 displays the signal light as passable and the electronic display board as corresponding to the toll collection method. In lane closure mode, the lane indicator 13 displays the signal light as impassable and the electronic display board as closed.

[0029] The toll collection machine 14 is installed downstream of the antenna 12 in the lane direction and upstream of the start control unit 15 in the lane direction. The toll collection machine 14 accepts user input and collects tolls from non-ETC vehicles. The toll collection machine 14 may also collect tolls from ETC vehicles if the ETC toll collection process via wireless communication to ETC vehicles fails for any reason.

[0030] The automatic toll collection machine 14 has a display device 141 (digital signage) on the side facing lane L that displays information such as toll charges. The display device 141 also displays a message prompting the user to stop if the ETC toll collection process via wireless communication fails. The display device 141 is one form of the "notification device" in this embodiment. In other embodiments, the display device 141 may be a warning light.

[0031] In yet another embodiment, the toll collection machine 14 may not be provided in lane L. In this case, the display device 141 may be installed independently (as an independent configuration) in the section from the antenna 12 to the departure control unit 15, or it may be attached to another device. The other device may be, for example, an intercom for communication between a user and an attendant.

[0032] The departure control unit 15 is located upstream of the exiting vehicle detector S4 in the lane direction. In normal operation mode, the departure control unit 15 closes the barrier 151 to block lane L (restricting vehicle exit) until the toll collection process for vehicle A is completed, and opens the barrier 151 to open lane L (permitting vehicle exit) after the toll collection process is completed. In addition, if the exiting vehicle detector S4 detects the passage of vehicle A, the departure control unit 15 closes the barrier 151 again to prevent following vehicles from exiting lane L before the toll collection process is completed.

[0033] When the starting control unit 15 detects a bar release, in which the bar 151 bends downstream in the lane direction (towards +X in Figure 1) due to contact between the vehicle A and the bar 151, it notifies the lane control device 20 by sending a bar release detection notification. The bar release detection notification may also be further notified from the lane control device 20 to the monitoring device 30.

[0034] The roadside indicator 16 is installed near the starting control unit 15. The roadside indicator 16 displays tolls and notifications prompting drivers to pass or stop. The roadside indicator 16 is one form of the "notification device" in this embodiment.

[0035] Furthermore, the roadside display 16 changes its operation according to the operating mode in accordance with the control of the lane control device 20. In the normal operating mode, the roadside display 16 displays processing result information such as the toll for vehicle A and whether or not a discount was applied when the toll collection process is completed. In the continuous operating mode, the roadside display 16 does not display processing result information such as the toll.

[0036] The monitoring device 30 is a device used, for example, by an employee stationed at a toll booth office to monitor the lanes L and remotely operate the various devices of the toll collection system 1.

[0037] (Functional configuration of lane control system) Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a lane control device according to one embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the lane control device 20 includes a processor 21, memory 22, storage 23, and a communication interface 24.

[0038] The processor 21 performs its functions as a switching unit 210 and a control unit 211 by operating according to a predetermined program.

[0039] When the starting control unit 15 detects a bar release, the switching unit 210 switches the operating mode of the toll collection system 1 to either "lane closure mode" or "continuous operation mode".

[0040] When the control unit 211 switches to lane closure mode, it controls the toll booth machine 10 to prevent vehicle A from entering lane L and to stop the toll collection process. When the control unit 211 switches to continuous operation mode, it controls the toll booth machine 10 to allow vehicle A to enter lane L and to continue the toll collection process.

[0041] Memory 22 has a memory area necessary for the operation of the processor 21.

[0042] Storage 23 is a so-called auxiliary storage device, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). Storage 23 stores data that is acquired, generated, or referenced by various parts of the processor 21 during processing.

[0043] The communication interface 24 is an interface for sending and receiving various data and control signals between the toll booth machine and the monitoring device 30.

[0044] The predetermined program executed by the processor 21 is stored on a computer-readable recording medium. A computer-readable recording medium refers to a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, semiconductor memory, etc. The storage 23 described above is one form of this recording medium. Alternatively, this computer program may be distributed to a computer via a communication line, and the computer that receives the distribution may execute the program. Furthermore, this program may be intended to implement only a part of the functions described above. Moreover, it may be a program that can implement the above functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, a so-called differential file (differential program).

[0045] (Mode switching process) Figure 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the mode switching process of a toll collection system according to one embodiment. Suppose that while the toll collection system 1 is operating in normal mode, a vehicle makes contact with it and the barrier 151 bends. In this case, the departure control unit 15 detects the barrier release (step S100) and sends a barrier release detection notification to the lane control device 20 (step S101).

[0046] When a bar release notification is received, the switching unit 210 of the lane control device 20 determines whether or not to switch to continuous operation mode (step S102).

[0047] For example, a barrier release detection notification is transmitted from the lane control device 20 to the monitoring device 30. When the monitoring device 30 receives a barrier release notification, it informs the attendant by displaying it on a monitor or by other means. The attendant then decides whether to switch lane L to lane closure mode or continuous operation mode depending on the toll booth conditions (traffic volume, etc.) and instructs the monitoring device 30 to switch to which mode. For example, the attendant may instruct the device to switch to continuous operation mode when traffic volume is high, and to switch to lane closure mode when traffic volume is low, in order to perform the barrier release recovery work. The monitoring device 30 transmits the attendant's instructions to the lane control device 20.

[0048] Furthermore, the attendant may provide the lane control device 20 with a pre-configured setting file that instructs it whether to switch lane L to lane closure mode or to continue operation mode when it receives a notification of a barrier release. The setting file may be set individually for each of the multiple lanes. The setting file may also contain combinations of conditions and instructions that allow it to switch to different modes depending on conditions such as the date and time when the barrier release is detected and the traffic volume at the toll booth.

[0049] If the lane control device 20 receives instructions from the monitoring device 30 or from an attendant pre-configured in the setting file for "lane closure mode" (step S102; NO), the switching unit 210 switches the operation mode of the toll collection system 1 to lane closure mode (step S103). On the other hand, if the attendant's instructions are for "continuous operation mode" (step S102; YES), the switching unit 210 switches the operation mode of the toll collection system 1 to continuous operation mode (step S104).

[0050] Furthermore, if the switching unit 210 receives an instruction to switch the operating mode from the monitoring device 30 after switching the operating mode based on a setting file or an instruction received from the monitoring device 30, it may prioritize the instruction received last from the monitoring device 30 and perform the operating mode switch again. This allows, for example, if the status of a toll booth changes, the operating mode to be switched appropriately according to the instructions of an attendant.

[0051] Furthermore, the processing after the lane control device 20 switches to continuous operation mode will be explained with reference to Figure 3. Note that the processing when switching to lane closure mode is the same as before, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0052] After switching to continuous operation mode, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 instructs the antenna 12 to continuously emit radio waves (step S105). As a result, the antenna 12 continuously emits radio waves regardless of the detection status of the approaching vehicle detector S1 and the communication vehicle detector S2 (step S106).

[0053] Furthermore, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 instructs the roadside indicator 16 to turn off its display (step S107). As a result, the roadside indicator 16 will remain off unless it receives a special display instruction from the lane control device 20 (step S108). In other words, in continuous operation mode, the roadside indicator 16 does not display processing result information such as toll charges.

[0054] If antenna 12 is constantly emitting radio waves, and two vehicles are traveling side-by-side, there is a possibility that, due to the effects of radio wave reflection, communication may occur with the following vehicle first, and then with the preceding vehicle. In other words, the processing order of ETC toll collection may be reversed compared to the order of travel. In this case, if the roadside display 16 displays the toll as in the normal operation mode, it will incorrectly display the toll for the following vehicle instead of the toll actually collected from the preceding vehicle. To avoid such display discrepancies, in continuous operation mode, the roadside display 16 stops displaying processing result information such as tolls.

[0055] Furthermore, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 may, if necessary, perform control to limit the detection range of the exiting vehicle detector S4.

[0056] Figure 4 is a first diagram showing the state during bar release according to one embodiment. Figure 5 is a second diagram showing the state during bar release according to one embodiment. Figure 4 shows the starting control unit 15 and the exiting vehicle detector S4 viewed from above (+Z side) of lane L, and Figure 5 shows the view from one side (+Y side) in the width direction of lane L. In Figure 4, the position of bar 151 when the bar is released is shown by a solid line, and the closed position of bar 151 under normal conditions is shown by a dashed line.

[0057] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, when the bar is released, the bar 151 of the starting control unit 15 bends downstream (+X side) in the lane direction. At this time, if the length V1 of the bar 151 of the starting control unit 15 is greater than the distance V2 from the installation position of the bar 151 to the detection position of the exiting vehicle detector S4, the bar 151 will block a portion of the optical axis of the exiting vehicle detector S4. In the example in Figure 5, when the bar is released, the exiting vehicle detector S4 will always have range R22 of its detection range R2 blocked. With such a blocked range R22, the exiting vehicle detector S4 will always mistakenly detect that vehicle A is present. This will lead to the misconception that vehicle A has not exited lane L, making it impossible to manage the number of vehicles in lane L.

[0058] On the other hand, when the starting control unit 15 and the exiting vehicle detector S4 are installed, it is possible to know whether or not the light-blocking range R22 exists and the location of the light-blocking range R22. Therefore, in this embodiment, based on the information at the time of installation, the lane control device 20 is pre-provided with a setting file that includes information indicating whether or not the light-blocking range R22 exists and information indicating the location of the light-blocking range R22. Note that the exiting vehicle detector S4 may also be pre-provided with information indicating the location of the light-blocking range R22.

[0059] The control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 refers to a configuration file and, if a light-blocking area R22 exists (step S109; YES), instructs the exiting vehicle detector S4 to exclude the light-blocking area R22 from detection (step S110). The exiting vehicle detector S4 then detects whether vehicle A has passed, excluding the pre-configured light-blocking area R22. Specifically, the exiting vehicle detector S4 ignores the presence or absence of light in the light-blocking area R22 within the detection range R2 shown in Figure 5, and detects the presence or absence of vehicle A based solely on the presence or absence of light in the non-light-blocking area R21. Since the height of vehicle A is sufficiently greater than the height of the bar 151, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of vehicle A using only the non-light-blocking area R21. This allows for continued management of the number of vehicles in lane L in continuous operation mode, even when a bar release occurs. Furthermore, if, for example, vehicle A is towing a towed vehicle with a tow bar, and this tow bar is located within the light-blocking range R22, the exiting vehicle detector S4 may mistakenly detect that vehicle A and the untowed vehicle are two separate vehicles rather than a single vehicle. In this case, the number of vehicles entering lane L as counted by the entering vehicle detector S1 will not match the number of vehicles exiting lane L as counted by the exiting vehicle detector S4. In toll booths with a limited number of lanes, closing lane L could cause congestion or even lead to the closure of the toll booth itself. Compared to these disadvantages of closing lane L, the potential limitation of the exiting vehicle detector S4 and vehicle count management functions in continuous operation mode is very small. Therefore, even if some functions are limited, using continuous operation mode improves convenience for toll road operators and users more than closing lane L. Furthermore, if an inconsistency occurs in the number of vehicles in lane L, the attendant may, after confirming via the monitoring device 30 or the like that there are no vehicles in lane L, perform an operation to clear (set to 0) the number of vehicles in lane L. This will restore the vehicle count management function to a normal state.

[0060] On the other hand, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 refers to the configuration file and, if there is no light-shielding range R22 (step S109; NO), does not issue an instruction to the exiting vehicle detector S4. Therefore, in this case, the exiting vehicle detector S4 detects the presence or absence of a vehicle using the entire detection range R2, just as in normal operation mode.

[0061] (Processing in continuous operation mode; upon successful ETC toll collection) Figure 6 is a first sequence diagram showing an example of processing in a continuous operation mode according to one embodiment. This section describes the processing flow of the toll collection system 1 when the ETC toll collection process for a vehicle is successful in continuous operation mode. In continuous operation mode, as explained with reference to Figure 3, the departure controller 15 is in the bar release state, the antenna 12 is in the state of constantly emitting radio waves, and the roadside indicator 16 is in the state of being off. In addition, the exit vehicle detector S4 is in the state of detecting excluding the light-shielding range R22.

[0062] When the entering vehicle detector S1 detects that vehicle A has entered lane L, it transmits a detection signal to the lane control device 20 and antenna 12 (step S200). Antenna 12 is in a state of constantly emitting radio waves in continuous operation mode, so unlike normal operation mode, it does not perform the process of switching radio wave emission from stop to start. The lane control device 20 and antenna 12 communicate wirelessly with the on-board unit α of vehicle A and execute the ETC toll collection process for vehicle A (step S201). The content of the ETC toll collection process is the same as that performed in conventional toll collection systems, so a detailed explanation is omitted. Here, we assume that the ETC toll collection process was executed correctly (successfully).

[0063] If the ETC toll collection process is successful, in normal operation mode, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 sends a command to open the barrier 151 to the start controller 15. However, in continuous operation mode, the start controller 15 is in the barrier release state and cannot open or close the barrier 151. For this reason, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 stops sending open and close commands in continuous operation mode. In other words, the control unit 211 does not send an open command even after the ETC toll collection process is completed (step S202).

[0064] Furthermore, when the communication vehicle detector S2 detects that vehicle A has passed through the communication range R1, it transmits a passage detection signal to the lane control device 20 and the antenna 12 (step S203). Since the antenna 12 is in a state of constantly emitting radio waves in continuous operation mode, unlike in normal operation mode, no process is performed to stop radio wave emission.

[0065] Next, when the exiting vehicle detector S4 detects that vehicle A has passed the start control unit 15, it transmits an exit detection signal to the lane control device 20 (step S204). At this time, the exiting vehicle detector S4 ignores whether or not light is received in the light-shielding area R22 and detects whether or not vehicle A has exited based only on whether or not light is received in the non-light-shielding area R21.

[0066] When vehicle A exits the lane, in normal operation mode, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 sends a command to close the bar 151 to the start controller 15. However, in continuous operation mode, the start controller 15 is in the bar release state and cannot open or close the bar 151. Therefore, even when vehicle A exits the lane, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 does not send a closing command, similar to step S202 (step S205).

[0067] In the example shown in Figure 6, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 stops transmitting the opening and closing commands for the bar 151 in steps S202 and S205, but the system is not limited to this. The starting controller 15 cannot open or close the bar 151 when the bar is released, so even if it receives an opening and closing command from the lane control device 20, it will not operate (it will ignore it). For this reason, in other embodiments, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 may transmit the opening command (step S202) and closing command (step S205) without changing the processing between the normal operation mode and the continuous operation mode.

[0068] (Processing during continuous operation mode; when ETC toll collection fails) Figure 7 is a second sequence diagram showing an example of processing in a continuous operation mode according to one embodiment. This section describes the processing flow of the toll collection system 1 when the ETC toll collection process for a vehicle fails in continuous operation mode. The ETC toll collection process fails, for example, when vehicle A is a non-ETC vehicle that does not have an on-board unit α installed, and wireless communication with antenna 12 fails.

[0069] When the entering vehicle detector S1 detects that vehicle A has entered lane L, it transmits a detection signal to the lane control device 20 and antenna 12 (step S300). Since vehicle A, which has entered lane L, is not an ETC vehicle, wireless communication with antenna 12 does not occur while it is traveling within the communication range R1.

[0070] Furthermore, when the communication vehicle detector S2 detects that vehicle A has passed through the communication range R1, it transmits a passage detection signal to the lane control device 20 and the antenna 12 (step S301).

[0071] The control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 determines that vehicle A is not an ETC vehicle if wireless communication with the on-board unit α of vehicle A is not established between the time the vehicle enters and exits (passes through) the communication range R1 (steps S300 to S301) (step S302).

[0072] In this case, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 instructs the roadside indicator 16 to display a message prompting vehicle A to stop (for example, the word "Stop") so that vehicle A does not leave lane L (step S303). Then the roadside indicator 16 displays a message prompting vehicle to stop (step S304). The control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 may also give the same display instruction to the display device 141 in step S303. Then the display device 141 displays a message prompting vehicle to stop in step S304.

[0073] Furthermore, while vehicle A is stopped before the departure controller 15, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 performs a toll collection process to collect the toll for vehicle A by a method other than ETC (step S305). Various known technologies can be used for this toll collection process other than ETC. For example, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 may instruct the automatic toll collection machine 14 to collect the toll for vehicle A. Also, if a manned booth is provided in lane L and an attendant is stationed there, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 may send an instruction to a terminal (not shown) in the manned booth to request the attendant to perform the toll collection process. The attendant may also provide the user with information on post-payment toll collection, where the toll is paid after exiting the toll road. At this time, the attendant may give the user a guide sheet that describes the payment method, etc. The guide sheet may be a printed copy that has been placed in advance near the departure controller 15 for the user to pick up themselves.

[0074] In continuous operation mode, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 is in a state where it stops transmitting open and close commands. Therefore, similar to the ETC toll collection process after it is completed in Figure 6 (step S202), the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 does not transmit an open command even after the toll collection process other than ETC (S305) is completed (step S306).

[0075] Furthermore, once the toll collection process other than ETC (S305) is completed, a notification of completion of the toll collection process is sent from the equipment used for the toll collection process (such as the automatic toll collection machine 14 or a terminal in a manned booth) to the lane control device 20. At this point, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 instructs the roadside display 16 to turn off the display prompting the driver to stop (step S307). As a result, the roadside display 16 turns off the display prompting the driver to stop (step S308). If the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 had instructed the display device 141 to turn off the display prompting the driver to stop, in step S307, it also instructs the display device 141 to turn off the display prompting the driver to stop. As a result, the display device 141 turns off the display prompting the driver to stop in step S308. In other embodiments, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 may, in step S307, instruct the roadside indicator 16 to display a message encouraging vehicle A to start moving (for example, the words "Passable") until the exiting vehicle detector S4 detects that vehicle A has exited. In this case, in step S308, the roadside indicator 16 lights up a message encouraging movement instead of a message encouraging stopping. The same applies to the display device 141.

[0076] Next, when the exiting vehicle detector S4 detects that vehicle A has passed the start control unit 15, it transmits an exit detection signal to the lane control device 20 (step S309). If the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 instructed the roadside indicator 16 to display a prompt to start in step S307, it instructs the roadside indicator 16 to turn off this display. The roadside indicator 16 turns off the prompt to start display in accordance with the instructions of the lane control device 20.

[0077] In continuous operation mode, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 is in a state where it stops transmitting open and close commands. Therefore, similar to step S205 in Figure 6, the control unit 211 of the lane control device 20 does not transmit an open command even when vehicle A is detected to be exiting (step S310).

[0078] During continuous operation mode, the toll collection system 1 performs the series of processes shown in Figure 6 or Figure 7 each time vehicle A arrives at the toll booth. As a result, even if a bar release occurs, toll collection processing for vehicle A can continue, although some functions (for example, control of the ON / OFF status of radio wave emission from antenna 12 and vehicle count management) are limited.

[0079] (Effect, Action) As described above, the lane control device 20 according to this embodiment includes a switching unit 210 that switches to either lane closure mode or continuous operation mode when the starting control unit 15 detects a bar release, and a control unit 211 that controls the toll booth machine 10 to allow vehicle A to enter lane L and to continue the toll collection process by the toll collection system 1 when switched to continuous operation mode.

[0080] In this way, the lane control device 20 can continue to process tolls without closing the lane when a barrier release occurs. This reduces the workload on operators and the number of cases where toll collection becomes difficult, while also improving convenience for users.

[0081] Furthermore, in continuous operation mode, the control unit 211 instructs the antenna 12 to continuously emit radio waves.

[0082] In this way, the lane control device 20 can continue to process tolls for ETC vehicles when a barrier release occurs.

[0083] Furthermore, in continuous operation mode, the control unit 211 instructs the roadside indicator 16 to turn off its display.

[0084] In this way, the lane control device 20 can avoid a discrepancy between the toll actually collected and the toll displayed on the roadside display 16, which can occur if the processing order of toll collection becomes reversed compared to the driving order due to the antenna 12 constantly emitting radio waves.

[0085] Furthermore, when the control unit 211 switches to continuous operation mode, it instructs the exit vehicle detector S4 to detect the exit of vehicle A when the bar is released, excluding the light-shielding area R22 caused by the bar 151.

[0086] If the barrier release blocks part of the optical axis of the exiting vehicle detector, the exiting vehicle detector will mistakenly detect that a vehicle is always present. This would lead to the misconception that a vehicle has not left lane L, making it impossible to manage the number of vehicles in the lane. However, in this embodiment, the exiting vehicle detector S4 detects vehicle A while excluding the light-blocking area R22 caused by the barrier 151. As a result, the exiting vehicle detector S4 can detect the presence or absence of vehicle A based solely on the presence or absence of light reception in the non-blocking area R21. This allows the lane control device 20 to continue managing the number of vehicles in lane L even when the barrier is released.

[0087] Furthermore, when the control unit 211 switches to continuous operation mode, if no wireless communication occurs between the antenna 12 and the on-board unit α of vehicle A during the period from when the entry vehicle detector S1 and the communication vehicle detector S2 detect vehicle A entering the communication range R1 of the antenna 12 until vehicle A passes through, the control unit 211 determines that vehicle A is not an ETC vehicle.

[0088] In this way, the lane control device 20 can determine whether a vehicle entering lane L is an ETC vehicle or a non-ETC vehicle. As a result, for non-ETC vehicles, it is possible to perform toll collection processing other than ETC, separate from the ETC toll collection processing via wireless communication.

[0089] Furthermore, if the control unit 211 determines that vehicle A is not an ETC vehicle, it instructs the notification device (roadside display 16, display device 141) to output a notification prompting vehicle A to stop.

[0090] This prevents vehicle A from exiting lane L before it has been given instructions on paying the toll or collecting the toll afterward.

[0091] As described above, embodiments relating to this disclosure have been explained, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the 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.

[0092] <Note> The lane control device, control method, and program described in the above-described embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0093] (1) According to the first embodiment, the lane control device 20 is a lane control device 20 that controls a toll booth machine 10 of a toll collection system 1 that performs toll collection processing on a vehicle A traveling in the lane L of a toll booth, and includes a switching unit 210 that switches from normal operation mode to either lane closure mode or continuous operation mode when a starting control unit 15, which is one of the toll booth machines 10 and has a bar 151 that opens or closes lane L, detects a bar release in which the bar 151 bends due to contact with a vehicle A, and a control unit 211 that controls the toll booth machine 10 in the case of switching to continuous operation mode so as not to restrict vehicle A from entering lane L and to continue toll collection processing by limiting the functions of normal operation mode.

[0094] In this way, the lane control device 20 can continue to process tolls without closing the lane when a barrier release occurs. This reduces the workload on operators and the number of cases where toll collection becomes difficult, while also improving convenience for users.

[0095] (2) According to the second embodiment, in the lane control device 20 according to the first embodiment, when the control unit 211 switches to continuous operation mode, it instructs the antenna 12, which is one of the toll booth machines 10 and communicates wirelessly with the on-board unit α mounted on the vehicle A, to continuously emit radio waves.

[0096] In this way, the lane control device 20 can continue to process tolls for ETC vehicles when a barrier release occurs.

[0097] (3) According to the third embodiment, in the lane control device 20 according to the second embodiment, when the control unit 211 switches to continuous operation mode, it instructs the roadside display unit 16, which is one of the toll booth machines 10 and displays information toward vehicle A, to turn off the display.

[0098] In this way, the lane control device 20 can avoid a discrepancy between the toll actually collected and the toll displayed on the roadside display 16, which can occur if the processing order of toll collection becomes reversed compared to the driving order due to the antenna 12 constantly emitting radio waves.

[0099] (4) According to the fourth embodiment, in the lane control device 20 according to any one of the first to third embodiments, when the control unit 211 switches to continuous operation mode, it instructs the exit-side vehicle detector S4, which is one of the toll booth machines 10 and detects the exit of vehicle A at a position adjacent to the start control unit 15, to detect the exit of vehicle A excluding the range R22 that is obscured by the bar 151 when the bar is released.

[0100] If the barrier release blocks part of the optical axis of the exiting vehicle detector, the exiting vehicle detector will mistakenly detect that a vehicle is always present. This would lead to the misconception that a vehicle has not left lane L, making it impossible to manage the number of vehicles in the lane. However, in this embodiment, the exiting vehicle detector S4 detects vehicle A while excluding the light-blocking area R22 caused by the barrier 151. As a result, the exiting vehicle detector S4 can detect the presence or absence of vehicle A based solely on the presence or absence of light reception in the non-blocking area R21. This allows the lane control device 20 to continue managing the number of vehicles in lane L even when the barrier is released.

[0101] (5) According to the fifth embodiment, in the lane control device 20 according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments, the control unit 211 performs toll collection processing to collect the toll for vehicle A via an antenna 12 which is one of the toll booth machines 10 and communicates wirelessly with an on-board unit α mounted on vehicle A, and when it switches to continuous operation mode, if no wireless communication occurs between the antenna 12 and the on-board unit α of vehicle A during the period from when the entry vehicle detector S1 and the communication vehicle detector S2 detect vehicle A entering the communication range R1 of the antenna 12 to when they detect that vehicle A has passed through, the control unit 211 determines that vehicle A is a non-ETC vehicle that does not have an on-board unit α installed.

[0102] In this way, the lane control device 20 can determine whether a vehicle entering lane L is an ETC vehicle or a non-ETC vehicle. As a result, for non-ETC vehicles, it is possible to perform toll collection processing other than ETC, separate from the ETC toll collection processing via wireless communication.

[0103] (6) According to the sixth aspect, in the lane control device 20 according to the fifth aspect, if the control unit 211 determines that vehicle A is a non-ETC vehicle, it instructs one of the toll booth machines 10, which is a notification device (roadside display 16, display device 141) that notifies vehicle A, to output a notification prompting vehicle A to stop.

[0104] This prevents vehicle A from exiting lane L before it has been given instructions on paying the toll or collecting the toll afterward.

[0105] (7) According to the seventh aspect, the control method is a control method for controlling a toll booth machine 10 that has a toll collection system 1 which performs toll collection processing on a vehicle A traveling in the lane L of the toll booth, and includes the steps of switching from normal operation mode to either lane closure mode or continuous operation mode when a starting control unit 15, which is one of the toll booth machines 10 and has a bar 151 that opens or closes the lane L, detects a bar release in which the bar 151 bends due to contact with a vehicle A, and when the system switches to continuous operation mode, controls the toll booth machine 10 so as not to restrict the entry of vehicle A into lane L and to continue toll collection processing by limiting the functions of normal operation mode.

[0106] (8) According to the eighth aspect, the program causes the lane control device 20, which controls the toll booth machine 10 of the toll collection system 1 that performs toll collection processing on a vehicle A traveling in the toll booth lane L, to perform the following steps: when a starting control device 15, which is one of the toll booth machines 10 and has a bar 151 that opens or closes lane L, detects a bar release in which the bar 151 bends due to contact with vehicle A, the program switches from the normal operation mode to either the lane closure mode or the continuous operation mode; and when the program switches to the continuous operation mode, it controls the toll booth machine 10 so as not to restrict vehicle A from entering lane L and to continue toll collection processing by limiting the functions of the normal operation mode. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 1. Toll collection system 10 Toll booth machines 12 antennas 13 Lane indicators 14. Automatic fare collection machine 141 Display device 15. Launch control unit 151 Bar 16 Roadside display 20 Lane control system 21 processors 210 Switching section 211 Control Unit 22 memory 23 Storage 24 Communication Interfaces 30 Monitoring equipment S1 Approaching Vehicle Detector (Vehicle Detector) S2 Communication Vehicle Detector (Vehicle Detector) S4 Exit-side vehicle detector (vehicle detector) Vehicle A α Onboard equipment

Claims

1. A lane control device that controls a toll booth machine in a toll collection system that processes tolls for vehicles traveling in the toll booth lane, A switching unit that switches from normal operation mode to lane closure mode or continuous operation mode when a starting control unit, which is one of the toll booth machines and has a bar that opens or closes the lane, detects a bar release in which the bar bends due to contact with the vehicle, A control unit controls the toll booth machine to continue the toll collection process by limiting the functions of the normal operation mode without restricting the entry of the vehicle into the lane when the system is switched to the continuous operation mode, Equipped with, When the control unit switches to the continuous operation mode, it instructs the exit-side vehicle detector, which is one of the toll booth machines and is located adjacent to the departure control unit, to detect the vehicle's exit while excluding the area that is obscured by the bar when the bar is released. Lane control device.

2. When the control unit switches to the continuous operation mode, it instructs one of the toll booth machines, which is an antenna that communicates wirelessly with an on-board unit mounted on the vehicle, to continuously emit radio waves. The lane control device according to claim 1.

3. When the control unit switches to the continuous operation mode, it instructs one of the toll booth machines, a roadside display that shows information to the vehicle, to turn off its display. The lane control device according to claim 2.

4. The control unit, One of the aforementioned toll booth machines performs toll collection processing for the vehicle by receiving the toll from the vehicle via an antenna that communicates wirelessly with an on-board device mounted on the vehicle. When the system switches to the continuous operation mode, if no wireless communication occurs between the antenna and the vehicle's onboard unit during the period from when the approaching vehicle detector and the communication vehicle detector detect the vehicle entering the communication range of the antenna until the vehicle passes through, the system determines that the vehicle is a non-ETC vehicle that does not have the onboard unit installed. The lane control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. After the control unit turns off the display on one of the toll booth machines, which is a roadside display that displays information to the vehicle, if it determines that the vehicle is not an ETC vehicle, it instructs the notification device, which is one of the toll booth machines that notifies the vehicle, to output a notification prompting the vehicle to stop. The lane control device according to claim 4.

6. A control method for controlling a toll booth machine in a toll collection system that processes tolls for vehicles traveling in the toll booth lane, When a departure control unit, which is one of the toll booth machines and has a bar that opens or closes the lane, detects a bar release in which the bar bends due to contact with the vehicle, the unit switches from the normal operation mode to either the lane closure mode or the continuous operation mode. When switching to the continuous operation mode, the toll booth machine is controlled to continue the toll collection process by limiting the functions of the normal operation mode without restricting the entry of the vehicle into the lane. It has, The step of controlling the toll booth machine, when switched to the continuous operation mode, instructs an exit-side vehicle detector, which is one of the toll booth machines and is located adjacent to the departure control unit, to detect the vehicle's exit while excluding the area that is obscured by the bar when the bar is released. Control method.

7. A control device that controls the toll booth machine in a toll collection system that processes tolls for vehicles traveling in the toll booth lane, When a departure control unit, which is one of the toll booth machines and has a bar that opens or closes the lane, detects a bar release in which the bar bends due to contact with the vehicle, the unit switches from the normal operation mode to either the lane closure mode or the continuous operation mode. When switching to the continuous operation mode, the toll booth machine is controlled to continue the toll collection process by limiting the functions of the normal operation mode without restricting the entry of the vehicle into the lane. Execute, The step of controlling the toll booth machine, when switched to the continuous operation mode, instructs an exit-side vehicle detector, which is one of the toll booth machines and is located adjacent to the departure control unit, to detect the vehicle's exit while excluding the area that is obscured by the bar when the bar is released. program.

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