Access control system

Abstract

To provide an entry and exit management system with which it is possible to generate a passage history with high accuracy.SOLUTION: An entry and exit management system comprises an entry-exit gate, an imaging device, a first acquisition device, a second acquisition device, and a management device. The entry-exit gate is provided in a shared path that is used in common by entering or exiting vehicles. The imaging device is provided at one of the entry side and the exit side of the entry-exit gate, and captures the image of a vehicle on either side. The first acquisition device is provided on the one side where the imaging device is provided, and acquires first identification information of onboard equipment from the onboard equipment that is mounted to the vehicle located on one side. The second acquisition device is provided on the other side of the entry-exit gate, and acquires second identification information of onboard equipment from the onboard equipment of the vehicle located on the other side. The management device generates a passage history regarding the entry and exit of vehicles on the basis of the vehicle numbers of vehicles detected on the basis of the images of the imaging device and the first and second identification information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an entry / exit management system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, when a vehicle enters or exits an area such as a parking lot, a technology has been proposed in which cameras are installed at an entrance gate and an exit gate respectively, and vehicle information such as a vehicle license plate is detected from camera images to manage entry and exit (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, for example, when generating a travel history of entry and exit, if incorrect vehicle information is detected from an image, there is a risk that the travel history cannot be generated correctly.

[0005] Accordingly, the present disclosure proposes an entry / exit management system capable of generating a travel history with high accuracy.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] To solve the above problems, the access control system according to this disclosure comprises an access gate, an imaging device, a first acquisition device, a second acquisition device, and a management device. The access gate is provided on a shared path used by vehicles entering or exiting. The imaging device is provided on either the entrance side or the exit side of the access gate and images the vehicle located on that side. The first acquisition device is provided on the side where the imaging device is provided and acquires first identification information of an on-board device installed in the vehicle located on that side. The second acquisition device is provided on the other side of the access gate and acquires second identification information of an on-board device in the vehicle located on that other side. The management device generates a traffic history of the vehicle's entry and exit based on the vehicle number detected based on the image from the imaging device, the first identification information, and the second identification information.

[0007] This allows the access control system to generate access history with high accuracy.

[0008] Furthermore, the access control system relating to this disclosure further includes a storage device. The said storage device is The system stores a vehicle information database in which registered vehicle numbers, which are pre-registered vehicle numbers, are linked to pre-registered identification information. The management device refers to the vehicle information database to identify the registered vehicle number corresponding to the second identification information, and generates the traffic history based on the registered vehicle number, the vehicle number detected based on the image, the first identification information, and the second identification information.

[0009] This allows the access control system to generate access history with high accuracy.

[0010] Furthermore, the management device relating to this disclosure determines whether the vehicle located on one side and the vehicle located on the other side are the same vehicle, based on first vehicle information which associates the vehicle number detected based on the image with the first identification information, and second vehicle information which associates the registered vehicle number with the second identification information.

[0011] This allows the access control system to generate access history with high accuracy.

[0012] Furthermore, the management device relating to this disclosure generates the traffic history indicating that the vehicle entered or exited the premises if it determines that the vehicles are the same, and generates the traffic history indicating that the vehicles entered and exited the premises if it determines that the vehicles are not the same.

[0013] This allows the access control system to generate access history with high accuracy.

[0014] Furthermore, the management device relating to this disclosure determines whether the vehicle has entered or exited based on the difference between one-side time calculated based on the acquisition time of the first identification information and the other-side time calculated based on the acquisition time of the second identification information.

[0015] This allows the access control system to accurately determine the entry and exit of vehicles.

[0016] Furthermore, the imaging device according to this disclosure comprises a first imaging device provided on one side and a second imaging device provided on the other side. The management device generates the traffic history based on a first vehicle number detected based on a first image from the first imaging device, a second vehicle number detected based on a second image from the second imaging device, the first identification information, and the second identification information.

[0017] This allows the access control system to generate access history with high accuracy.

[0018] Furthermore, the management device relating to this disclosure determines whether the vehicle has entered or exited based on one-side time calculated based on the time the first image was captured and the other-side time calculated based on the time the second image was captured.

[0019] Accordingly, the entry / exit management system can determine the entry and exit of a vehicle with high accuracy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the entry / exit management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a management apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle information DB. [Figure 4] It is a diagram illustrating an example of a traffic history DB. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of traffic history generation processing executed by the management apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram illustrating an entry / exit management system according to a modified example. [Figure 7] It is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example of an entry / exit gate according to a modified example. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same portions, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

[0022] First, an operation example of the entry / exit management system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the entry / exit management system according to the embodiment. The entry / exit management system S illustrated in FIG. 1 is arranged in an area R where a vehicle C can enter and exit. The vehicle C is, for example, various vehicles such as an automobile, a bus, a truck, and a two-wheeled vehicle. The area R is an area in which the vehicle C can move within the area, and is, for example, a parking lot, a company site, or the like. Further, an entry / exit gate 100 that opens and closes when the vehicle C enters and exits is provided at an entrance / exit of the area R.

[0023] In the example shown in Figure 1, the entrance / exit gate 100 is located on a road (hereinafter referred to as a shared road) 110 that is shared by vehicles C entering area R (hereinafter referred to as "entering vehicles") and vehicles C leaving area R (hereinafter referred to as "exiting vehicles"). In other words, in Figure 1, vehicles C enter and exit through a single entrance / exit gate 100. Note that Figure 1 shows the situation where an entering vehicle enters area R from the entrance side of the entrance / exit gate 100. It should be noted that the entrance / exit gate 100 may also consist of separate gates for vehicles C entering and vehicles C exiting on the same shared road 110, but this will be discussed later in Figure 7.

[0024] In the access control system S according to this embodiment, a traffic history of vehicle C entering and leaving the facility is generated based on information acquired from vehicle C when it passes through the access gate 100.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the access control system S includes a management device 1, a gate control device 10, an acquisition device 11 (first acquisition device 11a, second acquisition device 11b), an imaging device 12 (first imaging device 12a, second imaging device 12b), and a server device 200.

[0026] Management device 1 is, for example, a terminal device used by an administrator who manages the access control system S. For example, management device 1 can be any type of terminal device, such as a smartphone, desktop PC, notebook PC, or tablet PC.

[0027] The management device 1 manages, for example, notifications of opening and closing of the entrance / exit gate 100 to the gate control device 10, and the vehicle information DB 210 and traffic history DB 220 stored in the server device 200.

[0028] The gate control device 10 is, for example, a roadside unit installed on the side of the shared road 110. The gate control device 10 is connected to the entrance / exit gate 100 and opens and closes the entrance / exit gate 100 in accordance with the opening / closing notification from the management device 1.

[0029] The acquisition device 11 has a communication antenna and communicates with an on-board unit installed in a vehicle C located within the communication range of the communication antenna, and acquires the identification information of the on-board unit. The on-board unit is, for example, an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System) device and transmits a WCN (Wireless Call Number) as identification information to the acquisition device 11. The acquisition device 11 is installed, for example, above the gate control device 10, more specifically above the entrance / exit gate 100.

[0030] In the example shown in Figure 1, the acquisition device 11 includes a first acquisition device 11a located on the entrance side of the entrance / exit gate 100 and a second acquisition device 11b located on the exit side of the entrance / exit gate 100.

[0031] The first acquisition device 11a has a communication range that extends to the entrance side of the entrance / exit gate 100 and acquires identification information from the vehicle C located on the entrance side. For example, in the case of an entering vehicle, the first acquisition device 11a acquires the identification information before the vehicle passes through the entrance / exit gate 100, and in the case of an exiting vehicle, it acquires the identification information after the vehicle passes through the entrance / exit gate 100.

[0032] The second acquisition device 11b has a communication range that extends to the exit side of the entrance / exit gate 100 and acquires identification information from the vehicle C located on the exit side. For example, in the case of an entering vehicle, the second acquisition device 11b acquires the identification information after passing through the entrance / exit gate 100, and in the case of an exiting vehicle, it acquires the identification information before passing through the entrance / exit gate 100.

[0033] The first acquisition device 11a and the second acquisition device 11b output the acquired identification information to the gate control device 10.

[0034] The imaging device 12 is a camera whose imaging range is the area around the entrance / exit gate 100. For example, the imaging device 12 is installed in the gate control device 10 at a position corresponding to the height of the license plate of vehicle C. In other words, the imaging device 12 images the area including the license plate of vehicle C.

[0035] In the example shown in Figure 1, the imaging device 12 includes a first imaging device 12a located on the entrance side of the entrance / exit gate 100 and a second imaging device 12b located on the exit side of the entrance / exit gate 100.

[0036] The first imaging device 12a sets the imaging range to the entrance side of the entrance / exit gate 100 and images the vehicle C located on the entrance side. For example, in the case of an entering vehicle, the first imaging device 12a images the front part of the vehicle C before it passes through the entrance / exit gate 100, and in the case of an exiting vehicle, it images the rear part of the vehicle C after it passes through the entrance / exit gate 100.

[0037] The second imaging device 12b has an imaging range that includes the exit side of the entrance / exit gate 100, and images the vehicle C located on the exit side. For example, in the case of an entering vehicle, the second imaging device 12b images the rear of the vehicle C after it has passed through the entrance / exit gate 100, and in the case of an exiting vehicle, it images the front of the vehicle C before it has passed through the entrance / exit gate 100.

[0038] The first imaging device 12a and the second imaging device 12b output the acquired images to the gate control device 10.

[0039] The server device 200 is a storage device implemented, for example, by a cloud system. The server device 200 stores a vehicle information DB 210 and a traffic history DB 220. The vehicle information DB 210 is a database in which vehicle information is stored for each vehicle regarding vehicles C that are permitted to enter area R. Specifically, the vehicle information DB 210 stores information that links the pre-registered vehicle number (registered vehicle number) with the identification information acquired by the acquisition device 11. The traffic history DB 220 is a database in which the entry and exit history information of vehicles C is stored. The vehicle number is, for example, the number information shown on the license plate.

[0040] In conventional technology, cameras were placed at both the entrance and exit gates, and vehicle information such as license plates was detected from the camera images to manage entry and exit. However, in conventional technology, if incorrect vehicle information was detected from the images when generating entry and exit traffic history, there was a risk that the traffic history could not be generated correctly. In other words, there was room for improvement in conventional technology in terms of generating traffic history with high accuracy.

[0041] Therefore, in the access control system S according to this embodiment, an acquisition device 11 and an imaging device 12 are placed on at least one side of the entrance and exit sides of the access gate 100, and a passage history is generated based on the information obtained from the acquisition device 11 and the imaging device 12.

[0042] The following section describes the process of generating the passage history when vehicle C enters the area.

[0043] First, the management device 1 notifies the gate control device 10 of the opening and closing of the entrance / exit gate 100 based on the image and identification information obtained from the gate control device 10 before the vehicle passes through the entrance / exit gate 100 (step S1). Specifically, first, when vehicle C is located on the entrance side of the entrance / exit gate 100 (before passing through the entrance / exit gate 100), the management device 1 obtains the identification information obtained by the first acquisition device 11a and the image taken by the first imaging device 12a. Next, the management device 1 detects the vehicle number (detected vehicle number) of vehicle C based on the acquired image. Then, the management device 1 determines whether the detected vehicle number and acquired identification information match the information linked to the registered vehicle number and identification information registered in the vehicle information DB 210, and if they match, it notifies the gate control device 10 to open the entrance / exit gate 100 (permission to enter). As a result, the gate control device 10 opens the entrance / exit gate 100, and vehicle C is able to enter.

[0044] Next, the management device 1 acquires images and identification information when the vehicle passes through the entrance / exit gate 100 (step S2). Specifically, when vehicle C passes through the entrance / exit gate 100, the management device 1 acquires first identification information acquired by the first acquisition device 11a and second identification information acquired by the second acquisition device 11b. In addition, when vehicle C passes through the entrance / exit gate 100, the management device 1 acquires a first image of vehicle C captured by the first imaging device 12a and a second image of vehicle C captured by the second imaging device 12b. Note that the first identification information and first image may be the same as the images and identification information acquired in step S1.

[0045] Next, the management device 1 determines (identity determination) whether vehicle C located on the entrance side of the entrance / exit gate 100 and vehicle C located on the exit side are the same vehicle, based on the first image, the second image, the first identification information, and the second identification information (step S3). Specifically, the management device 1 determines whether the first detected vehicle number detected based on the first image matches the second detected vehicle number detected based on the second image, or whether the first identification information matches the second identification information. If the first image is not acquired due to a malfunction of the first imaging device 12a, etc., the management device 1 identifies the vehicle number from the first identification information by referring to the vehicle information DB 210 (if the second image is not acquired, the vehicle number is identified from the second identification information). Also, if the first identification information is not acquired due to a malfunction of the first acquisition device 11a, etc., the management device 1 identifies the identification information from the first image by referring to the vehicle information DB 210 (if the second identification information is not acquired, the identification information is identified from the second image).

[0046] Then, if the first detected vehicle number and the second detected vehicle number match, or if the first identification information and the second identification information match, the management device 1 determines that the vehicle C located on the entrance side of the entrance / exit gate 100 and the vehicle C located on the exit side are the same vehicle.

[0047] On the other hand, if the first detected vehicle number and the second detected vehicle number do not match, or if the first identification information and the second identification information do not match, the management device 1 determines that the vehicle C located on the entrance side of the entrance / exit gate 100 and the vehicle C located on the exit side are not the same vehicle.

[0048] Next, the management device 1 generates a traffic history of vehicle C entering and leaving the facility based on the determination result (step S4), and registers the generated traffic history in the traffic history DB 220 of the server device 200 (step S5).

[0049] For example, if the management device 1 determines that vehicle C located on the entrance side of the entrance / exit gate 100 and vehicle C located on the exit side are the same vehicle, it determines entry and exit based on the entry time when vehicle C was located on the entrance side and the exit time when vehicle C was located on the exit side.

[0050] The entry time is calculated based, for example, on the time of acquisition of the first identification information by the first acquisition device 11a and the time of acquisition of the first image by the first imaging device 12a. The exit time is calculated based, for example, on the time of acquisition of the second identification information by the second acquisition device 11b and the time of acquisition of the second image by the second imaging device 12b.

[0051] For example, if the entry time is earlier than the exit time, the management device 1 determines that vehicle C has passed through the entrance / exit gate 100 from the entrance side to the exit side, that is, has entered area R, and generates a passage history indicating that entry has occurred.

[0052] Furthermore, if the entry time is later than the exit time, the management device 1 determines that vehicle C has passed through the entry / exit gate 100 from the exit side to the entry side, that is, has left area R, and generates a passage history indicating that the vehicle has left.

[0053] In other words, in the access control system S according to the embodiment, by arranging both the acquisition device 11 and the imaging device 12 on at least one side (both sides in Figure 1) of the access gate 100, even if information from one side (identification information or image) cannot be obtained, access can be determined with high accuracy using the information from the other side. Furthermore, by referring to the vehicle information DB 210, which is linked to vehicle numbers and identification information, even if information from one side (identification information or image) cannot be obtained, access can be determined with high accuracy by identifying the vehicle using the information from the other side. That is, the access control system S according to the embodiment can generate access history with high accuracy.

[0054] If it is determined that vehicle C located on the entrance side of the entrance / exit gate 100 and vehicle C located on the exit side are not the same vehicle, a passage history indicating that vehicle C entered and a passage history indicating that vehicle C exited will be generated. Details of this will be described later.

[0055] Furthermore, while Figure 1 shows an example where both the acquisition device 11 and the imaging device 12 are placed on both sides of the entrance / exit gate 100, an example of operation when both the acquisition device 11 and the imaging device 12 are placed on only one side of the entrance / exit gate 100 will be described later in Figure 7.

[0056] Next, an example of the configuration of the management device 1 according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management device 1 according to the embodiment. Note that in the block diagram of Figure 2, only the components necessary to explain the features of this embodiment are represented as functional blocks, and descriptions of general components are omitted.

[0057] In other words, each component shown in the block diagram of Figure 2 is a functional concept and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown. For example, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each functional block are not limited to those shown, and it is possible to configure all or part of them by functionally or physically distributing and integrating them in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions.

[0058] As shown in Figure 2, the management device 1 comprises a control unit 2 and a storage unit 3. The control unit 2 includes an acquisition unit 21, a detection unit 22, a determination unit 23, a generation unit 24, and a gate control unit 25.

[0059] Here, the management device 1 includes, for example, a computer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk drive, input / output ports, and various circuits.

[0060] The computer's CPU functions as the acquisition unit 21, detection unit 22, determination unit 23, generation unit 24, and gate control unit 25 of the control unit 2, for example, by reading and executing a receiving program stored in ROM.

[0061] Furthermore, at least one or all of the acquisition unit 21, detection unit 22, determination unit 23, generation unit 24, and gate control unit 25 of the control unit 2 can be configured using hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0062] Furthermore, the memory unit 3 is a memory unit composed of storage devices such as semiconductor memory elements or hard disk drives. Various programs (such as management programs) and various information necessary for processing by the control unit 2 are stored in this memory unit 3.

[0063] Next, the vehicle information DB210 and the traffic history DB220 will be described using Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the vehicle information DB210. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the traffic history DB220. In this disclosure, the vehicle information DB210 and the traffic history DB220 are shown as being stored in the server device 200, but they may also be stored in the management device 1 or the gate control device 10. Furthermore, only one of the vehicle information DB210 or the traffic history DB220 may be stored in the management device 1 or the gate control device 10.

[0064] As shown in Figure 3, the vehicle information DB210 includes "Vehicle ID," "Registered Vehicle Number," and "Identification Information." "Vehicle ID" is the identification information that identifies vehicle C. "Registered Vehicle Number" is the vehicle number of vehicle C that was registered in advance. "Identification Information" is the identification information of the on-board device.

[0065] For example, vehicle C, identified by vehicle ID "C1," indicates that the registered vehicle number "Fukuoka, 500, ha, 12-34" is linked to the identification information "AAA."

[0066] Next, as shown in Figure 4, the traffic history DB 220 includes "passing vehicle ID", "time", "entry / exit", "vehicle information", and "identity determination flag". "Passing vehicle ID" is identification information that identifies vehicle C that passed through the entry / exit gate 100. "Time" is the time when the vehicle passed through the entry / exit gate 100. "Entry / exit" is information indicating whether vehicle C entered or exited area R. "Vehicle information" is vehicle information of vehicle C that passed through the entry / exit gate 100. "Identity determination flag" is information indicating whether the determination unit 23, described later, determined that vehicle C located on the entrance side of the entry / exit gate 100 and vehicle C located on the exit side are the same vehicle. Note that the "identity determination flag" may be omitted.

[0067] For example, vehicle C, identified by passing vehicle ID "P1", is determined to be the same vehicle at both the entrance and exit sides of the entrance / exit gate 100 (identity determination flag "1"), entered area R at 12:35, and its vehicle information is "vehicle information #1". In such cases, the vehicle information "vehicle information #1" may be the "vehicle ID" from the vehicle information DB 210, or it may be the identification information and detected vehicle number obtained at the time of entry.

[0068] Furthermore, vehicle C, identified by passing vehicle ID "P2," is determined to be the same vehicle at both the entrance and exit sides of the entrance / exit gate 100 (identity determination flag "1"), and exited area R at 12:45, indicating that the vehicle information is "vehicle information #2." In such cases, the vehicle information "vehicle information #2" may be the "vehicle ID" from the vehicle information DB210, or it may be the identification information and detected vehicle number obtained at the time of entry.

[0069] Furthermore, since vehicle C, identified by passing vehicle IDs "P3" and "P4," is determined not to be the same vehicle at the entrance and exit sides of the entrance / exit gate 100 (identity determination flag "0"), a history of entering area R at 13:15 ("P3") and a history of exiting area R at 13:15 ("P4") are generated. In such cases, the same information is entered into vehicle information "Vehicle Information #3" and "Vehicle Information #4," specifically the identification information and detected vehicle number acquired when the vehicle is located at the entrance and exit sides, respectively.

[0070] Next, returning to Figure 2, we will explain in detail each function of the control unit 2 (acquisition unit 21, detection unit 22, determination unit 23, generation unit 24, and gate control unit 25).

[0071] The acquisition unit 21 acquires various types of information. For example, the acquisition unit 21 acquires identification information acquired by the acquisition device 11 (first acquisition device 11a and second acquisition device 11b) via the gate control device 10. For example, the acquisition unit 21 acquires information about the acquisition source (first acquisition device 11a or second acquisition device 11b) and identification information linked to the acquisition time.

[0072] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 21 acquires images acquired by the imaging device 12 (first imaging device 12a and second imaging device 12b) via the gate control device 10. For example, the acquisition unit 21 acquires images associated with information about the imaging source (first imaging device 12a or second imaging device 12b) and the imaging time.

[0073] Furthermore, the identification information and images acquired by the acquisition unit 21 can be acquired at any time. For example, the acquisition unit 21 acquires the identification information and images each time the acquisition device 11 or imaging device 12 acquires (images). Alternatively, the acquisition unit 21 may acquire multiple pieces of identification information and multiple images acquired (images) in succession in a time series at any time (for example, at a time after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the first acquisition (image)).

[0074] Furthermore, in the following, among the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 21, the identification information acquired by the first acquisition device 11a will be referred to as the first identification information, and the identification information acquired by the second acquisition device 11b will be referred to as the second identification information. Also, among the images acquired by the acquisition unit 21, the image captured by the first imaging device 12a will be referred to as the first image, and the image captured by the second imaging device 12b will be referred to as the second image.

[0075] The detection unit 22 detects the vehicle number of the vehicle based on the image acquired by the acquisition unit 21. Specifically, the detection unit 22 detects the number information shown on the license plate as the vehicle number through image analysis. The number information includes items such as the place name, classification number, hiragana characters, and serial number. The detection unit 22 may also detect only some of the items of the number information (for example, the serial number) as the vehicle number.

[0076] In the following, among the vehicle numbers detected by the detection unit 22, the vehicle number detected based on the first image will be referred to as the first detected vehicle number, and the vehicle number detected based on the second image will be referred to as the second detected vehicle number.

[0077] The determination unit 23 determines whether vehicle C located on the entrance side of the entrance / exit gate 100 and vehicle C located on the exit side are the same vehicle, based on the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 21 and the detected vehicle number detected by the detection unit 22. The determination unit 23 also performs the determination process when it receives notification from the gate control unit 25, which will be described later, that the entrance / exit gate 100 has been opened.

[0078] Specifically, first, the determination unit 23 generates vehicle information by associating identification information with detected vehicle numbers. More specifically, the determination unit 23 generates first vehicle information by associating first identification information with first detected vehicle numbers, and second vehicle information by associating second identification information with second detected vehicle numbers.

[0079] For example, the determination unit 23 associates identification information and detected vehicle numbers where the time difference between the acquisition time of the first identification information (or second identification information) and the imaging time of the source image for the first detected vehicle number (or second detected vehicle number) is less than a threshold. In other words, the determination unit 23 associates identification information and detected vehicle numbers originating from the same vehicle C for both the entrance and exit sides of the entrance / exit gate 100.

[0080] Furthermore, if the determination unit 23 cannot perform the matching due to missing identification information or detected vehicle number, it will refer to the vehicle information DB 210 to supplement the missing information.

[0081] For example, if there is no detected vehicle number associated with the identification information (i.e., the detected vehicle number is missing), the determination unit 23 refers to the vehicle information DB 210 to identify the registered vehicle number associated with the identification information. Then, the determination unit 23 associates the identified registered vehicle number with the identification information to generate vehicle information. Alternatively, if there is no identification information associated with the detected vehicle number (i.e., the identification information is missing), the determination unit 23 refers to the vehicle information DB 210 to identify the identification information associated with the registered vehicle number that matches the detected vehicle number. Then, the determination unit 23 associates the identified identification information with the detected vehicle number to generate vehicle information.

[0082] The determination unit 23 then determines that if the first vehicle number and the second vehicle number match, the vehicle C located on the entrance side of the entrance / exit gate 100 and the vehicle C located on the exit side are the same vehicle. Specifically, the determination unit 23 determines whether the first identification information included in the first vehicle information matches the second identification information included in the second vehicle information, or whether the first detected vehicle number (or registered vehicle number) included in the first vehicle information matches the second detected vehicle number (or registered vehicle number) included in the second vehicle information.

[0083] The generation unit 24 generates a traffic history of vehicle C's entry and exit based on the determination result of the determination unit 23. For example, if the determination unit 23 determines that vehicle C located on the entrance side of the entry / exit gate 100 and vehicle C located on the exit side are the same vehicle, the generation unit 24 determines whether vehicle C entered or exited and generates a traffic history according to the determination result.

[0084] Entry and exit are determined, for example, based on the entry time when vehicle C is located on the entrance side and the exit time when vehicle C is located on the exit side. The entry time is calculated, for example, based on the acquisition time of the first identification information by the first acquisition device 11a and the acquisition time of the first image by the first imaging device 12a. The exit time is calculated, for example, based on the acquisition time of the second identification information by the second acquisition device 11b and the acquisition time of the second image by the second imaging device 12b.

[0085] For example, if the entry time is earlier than the exit time, the generation unit 24 determines that vehicle C has passed through the entry / exit gate 100 from the entry side to the exit side, that is, has entered area R, and generates a passage history indicating that entry has occurred.

[0086] Furthermore, if the entry time is later than the exit time, the generation unit 24 determines that vehicle C has passed through the entry / exit gate 100 from the exit side to the entry side, that is, has left area R, and generates a passage history indicating that the vehicle has left.

[0087] Meanwhile, the generation unit 24 generates a passage history indicating that vehicle C entered the entrance gate 100 and vehicle C located on the exit side of the entrance / exit gate 100, based on the determination unit 23's determination that these two vehicles are not the same vehicle, and a passage history indicating that vehicle C exited the entrance gate 100.

[0088] The gate control unit 25 notifies the gate control device 10 of the opening and closing of the entrance / exit gate 100 based on the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 21 and the detected vehicle number detected by the detection unit 22. Specifically, the gate control unit 25 notifies the gate control device 10 to open the entrance / exit gate 100 if the identification information acquired and the detected vehicle number before opening the entrance / exit gate 100 match the identification information and registered vehicle number registered in the vehicle information DB 210.

[0089] Furthermore, if the acquired identification information and detected vehicle number do not match (mismatch) the identification information and registered vehicle number registered in the vehicle information DB210, the gate control unit 25 notifies the gate control device 10 to close (not open) the entrance / exit gate 100.

[0090] Furthermore, if either the identification information or the detected vehicle number is missing, the gate control unit 25 determines whether the available information matches the vehicle information (identification information or registered vehicle number) in the vehicle information DB 210.

[0091] The gate control unit 25 notifies the gate control device 10 of opening and closing, and also notifies the determination unit 23 that it has notified the gate control device 10 to open the entrance / exit gate 100.

[0092] Next, the procedure for generating traffic history performed by the management device 1 according to the embodiment will be explained using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure for generating traffic history performed by the management device 1 according to the embodiment. For the sake of explanation, Figure 5 separately shows the start of processing based on information (identification information and image) acquired when vehicle C is located on the entrance side and the start of processing based on information (identification information and image) acquired when vehicle C is located on the exit side.

[0093] As shown in Figure 5, first, in the processing based on the information (identification information and image) acquired when vehicle C is located on the entrance side, the control unit 2 determines whether the first detected vehicle number has not been detected and whether the first identification information has been acquired (step S101in).

[0094] If the first detected vehicle number is not detected and the first identification information has been acquired (step S101 in: Yes), the control unit 2 refers to the vehicle information DB 210 and identifies the vehicle number from the first identification information (step S102 in). This generates the first vehicle information for vehicle C located on the entrance side (step S103 in).

[0095] On the other hand, if the control unit 2 is not in a state where "the first detected vehicle number has not been detected and the first identification information has not been acquired" (step S101in: No), it determines whether the first detected vehicle number has been detected and the first identification information has not been acquired (step S104in).

[0096] If the control unit 2 has detected the first detected vehicle number but has not yet acquired the first identification information (step S104 in: Yes), it refers to the vehicle information DB 210 to identify the identification information from the first detected vehicle number (step S105 in). This generates the first vehicle information for vehicle C located on the entrance side (step S103 in).

[0097] On the other hand, if the control unit 2 is not in a state where "the first detected vehicle number has been detected and the first identification information has not been acquired" (step S104in: No), that is, if the first detected vehicle number has been detected and the first identification information has been acquired, it generates the first vehicle information for vehicle C located on the entrance side (step S103in).

[0098] Next, in the processing based on the information (identification information and image) acquired when vehicle C is located on the exit side, the control unit 2 determines whether the second detected vehicle number has not been detected and whether the second identification information has been acquired (step S101out).

[0099] If the second detected vehicle number is not detected and the second identification information has been acquired (step S101 out: Yes), the control unit 2 refers to the vehicle information DB 210 and identifies the vehicle number from the second identification information (step S102 out). This generates the second vehicle information for vehicle C located on the exit side (step S103 out).

[0100] On the other hand, if the control unit 2 is not in a state where "the second detected vehicle number has not been detected and the second identification information has not been acquired" (step S101out: No), it determines whether the second detected vehicle number has been detected and the second identification information has not been acquired (step S104out).

[0101] If the control unit 2 has detected the second detected vehicle number but has not yet acquired the second identification information (step S104 out: Yes), it refers to the vehicle information DB 210 to identify the identification information from the second detected vehicle number (step S105 out). This generates the second vehicle information for vehicle C located on the exit side (step S103 out).

[0102] On the other hand, if the control unit 2 is not in a state where "the second detected vehicle number has been detected and the first identification information has not been acquired" (step S104out: No), that is, if the second detected vehicle number has been detected and the second identification information has been acquired, it generates the second vehicle information for vehicle C located on the exit side (step S103out).

[0103] Next, the control unit 2 determines whether the first vehicle information and the second vehicle information match (step S106).

[0104] If the first vehicle information and the second vehicle information match (step S106: Yes), the control unit 2 determines whether the entry time is earlier than the exit time (step S107).

[0105] If the entry time is earlier than the exit time (step S107: Yes), the control unit 2 generates a passage history (entry history) indicating that entry has occurred and registers it in the passage history DB 220 (step S108), and then terminates the process.

[0106] On the other hand, if the entry time is later than the exit time (step S107: No), the control unit 2 generates a passage history (exit history) indicating that the person has left the area and registers it in the passage history DB 220 (step S109), and then terminates the process.

[0107] Furthermore, if the first vehicle information and the second vehicle information do not match (step S106: No), the control unit 2 generates both the entry history and the exit history and registers them in the traffic history DB 220 (step S110), and then terminates the process.

[0108] Although the management device 1 is shown as being configured separately from the gate control device 10 and the server device 200, the management device 1 may also be integrated into the gate control device 10 or the server device 200. In other words, the gate control device 10 or the server device 200 may perform the processing of the management device 1.

[0109] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment shows an example in which the imaging device 12 is placed on both the entrance and exit sides of the entrance / exit gate 100, the imaging device 12 may be placed on only one side of the entrance or exit side of the entrance / exit gate 100. This point will be explained with reference to Figure 6.

[0110] Figure 6 shows an access control system S according to a modified example. In the access control system S shown in Figure 6, the imaging device 12 is provided only on the entrance side of the access gate 100 and not on the exit side.

[0111] The process for generating traffic history in such cases will now be explained. In the access control system S shown in Figure 6, when vehicle C passes through the access gate 100, the management device 1 acquires an image captured by the imaging device 12 when vehicle C is located on the entrance side. The management device 1 also acquires first identification information acquired by the first acquisition device 11a when vehicle C is located on the entrance side, and second identification information acquired by the second acquisition device 11b when vehicle C is located on the exit side.

[0112] The management device 1 then generates a traffic history of vehicle C's entry and exit based on the acquired image, the first identification information, and the second identification information. Specifically, the management device 1 first detects the vehicle number (detected vehicle number) of vehicle C based on the image. Next, the management device 1 generates first vehicle information by associating the detected vehicle number with the first identification information. The management device 1 also refers to the vehicle information DB 210 to identify the registered vehicle number from the second identification information, and generates second vehicle information by associating the identified registered vehicle number with the second identification information.

[0113] Next, if the first vehicle information and the second vehicle information match, the management device 1 determines that vehicle C located on the entrance side of the entrance / exit gate 100 and vehicle C located on the exit side are the same vehicle. Subsequently, the management device 1 determines entry and exit based on the entry time and exit time, and generates a traffic history according to the determination result.

[0114] Thus, in the modified access control system S, even if the imaging device 12 is placed on only one side of the access gate 100, the passage history can be generated with high accuracy. Therefore, the modified access control system S can reduce the number of imaging devices 12 compared to the embodiment described above, thus enabling the generation of passage history with high accuracy while keeping system costs down.

[0115] In the modified access control system S, if the second identification information is missing, the management device 1 cannot generate the second vehicle information and therefore does not perform a determination of identity for vehicle C, instead generating the passage history based on the first vehicle information.

[0116] In such cases, the management device 1 determines entry and exit based on the image of vehicle C captured by the imaging device 12. For example, if the image is of the front of vehicle C, the management device 1 determines it is an entry, and if the image is of the rear of vehicle C, it determines it is an exit.

[0117] Furthermore, if the image from the imaging device 12 is also missing, the management device 1 determines entry and exit based on the opening and closing time of the entry / exit gate 100 and the time of acquisition of the first identification information. Specifically, if the opening and closing time of the entry / exit gate 100 is earlier than the time of acquisition of the first identification information, the management device 1 determines that vehicle C has exited because the first identification information was acquired after passing through the entry / exit gate 100. On the other hand, if the opening and closing time of the entry / exit gate 100 is later than the time of acquisition of the first identification information, the management device 1 determines that vehicle C has entered because the first identification information was acquired before passing through the entry / exit gate 100.

[0118] In the embodiment described above, an example was shown in which a single entrance / exit gate 100 common to both entry and exit is provided on the shared path 110. However, separate entrance and exit gates may be provided on the shared path 110. This point will be explained with reference to Figure 7.

[0119] Figure 7 shows an example of the arrangement of the entrance / exit gates 100 according to a modified example. In the modified example shown in Figure 7, the entrance / exit gates 100 consist of an entrance gate 100a and an exit gate 100b, both located on the shared passage 110.

[0120] Entrance gate 100a is the gate through which vehicle C passes when entering area R, and is positioned to one side of the shared road 110. Exit gate 100b is the gate through which vehicle C passes when leaving area R, and is positioned to the other side of the shared road 110.

[0121] The acquisition device 11 and imaging device 12 are provided one each at the entrance gate 100a and the exit gate 100b. Specifically, the first acquisition device 11a is provided at the entrance gate 100a and positioned so that its communication range 11aR can acquire first identification information from the vehicle C before it passes through the entrance gate 100a. The second acquisition device 11b is provided at the exit gate 100b and positioned so that its communication range 11bR can acquire second identification information from the vehicle C before it passes through the exit gate 100b.

[0122] Furthermore, the first imaging device 12a is installed at the entrance gate 100a, and is positioned so that its imaging range 12aR can capture images of the vehicle C before it passes through the entrance gate 100a. The second imaging device 12b is installed at the exit gate 100b, and is positioned so that its imaging range 12bR can capture images of the vehicle C before it passes through the exit gate 100b.

[0123] Furthermore, the first acquisition device 11a is positioned so that the communication range 11aR can acquire first identification information from vehicles C entering and exiting. Specifically, the first acquisition device 11a is positioned so as to cover a portion of the road that the exiting vehicle C travels on immediately after passing through the exit gate 100b.

[0124] Furthermore, the second acquisition device 11b is positioned so that the communication range 11bR can acquire second identification information from vehicles C entering and exiting. Specifically, the second acquisition device 11b is positioned so as to cover a portion of the road that vehicles C travel on immediately after passing through the entrance gate 100a.

[0125] The access control system S can acquire the first and second identification information when vehicle C enters, and can also acquire the first and second identification information when vehicle C exits.

[0126] Therefore, according to the modified access control system S shown in Figure 7, even when the entrance gate 100a and exit gate 100b are independently arranged on the shared path 110, the system can accurately determine entry and exit using the first identification information and the second identification information, as well as the first and second images, and thus generate a highly accurate traffic history.

[0127] In the embodiments and modifications described above, examples were shown in which one acquisition device 11 and one imaging device 12 were arranged on both the entrance and exit sides of the entrance / exit gate 100. However, multiple acquisition devices 11 and imaging devices 12 may be arranged on both the entrance and exit sides.

[0128] For example, if multiple acquisition devices 11 and imaging devices 12 are arranged on the entrance side of the entrance / exit gate 100, the multiple acquisition devices 11 and multiple imaging devices 12 are arranged in the direction away from the entrance / exit gate 100. This allows for highly accurate determination of whether vehicle C is approaching or moving away from the entrance / exit gate 100, that is, whether it has entered or exited, based on the difference in the acquisition times of identification information acquired by each of the multiple acquisition devices 11 and the difference in the acquisition times of images captured by each of the multiple imaging devices 12.

[0129] Furthermore, by arranging multiple acquisition devices 11 and multiple imaging devices 12, even if identification information and images cannot be acquired by one of the acquisition devices 11 and imaging devices 12, the remaining acquisition devices 11 and imaging devices 12 can still acquire the identification information and images.

[0130] Furthermore, multiple acquisition devices 11 and multiple imaging devices 12 may be arranged only on either the entrance side or the exit side of the entrance / exit gate 100. Alternatively, multiple units of only one of the acquisition devices 11 and imaging devices 12 may be arranged.

[0131] In the embodiments and modifications described above, the management device 1 made entry and exit determinations in the traffic history based on images and identification information. However, for example, it may also acquire location information such as GPS (Global Positioning System) of vehicle C through communication with vehicle C and make entry and exit determinations based on the location information.

[0132] As described above, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the access control system S comprises an access gate 100, an imaging device 12, a first acquisition device 11a, a second acquisition device 11b, and a management device 1. The access gate 100 is provided on a shared road 110 used by vehicles C entering or exiting. The imaging device 12 is provided on either the entrance side or the exit side of the access gate 100 and images vehicles C located on that side. The first acquisition device 11a is provided on the side where the imaging device 12 is provided and acquires first identification information of an on-board device installed in a vehicle C located on that side. The second acquisition device 11b is provided on the other side of the access gate 100 and acquires second identification information of an on-board device in a vehicle C located on the other side. The management device 1 generates a traffic history of vehicles C entering and exiting based on the vehicle number of the vehicle detected based on the image from the imaging device 12, the first identification information, and the second identification information. This allows the access control system S to generate access history with high accuracy.

[0133] Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above document and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the information shown.

[0134] Furthermore, the components of each illustrated device are functionally conceptual and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions.

[0135] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. For example, forms obtained by appropriately combining the above embodiments in a region that does not contradict the processing content are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. In addition, the order of each step shown in the flowchart and sequence diagram of the above embodiments can be changed as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0136] 1 Management device 2 Control Unit 3 Storage section 10 Gate control device 11 Acquisition device 11a 1st acquisition device 11aR, 11bR communication range 11b Second acquisition device 12 Imaging device 12a First imaging device 12aR, 12bR imaging range 12b Second imaging device 21 Acquisition Department 22 Detection unit 23 Judgment section 24 Generation part 25 Gate control unit 100 Entrance / Exit Gates 100a Entrance Gate 100b Exit Gate 110 Shared path 200 Server Devices C Vehicle S Access Control System

Claims

1. Entrance and exit gates are provided on shared roads used by vehicles entering or exiting the premises, An imaging device provided on either the entrance side or the exit side of the aforementioned entrance / exit gate, for imaging the vehicle located on that side, A first acquisition device is provided on one side of the vehicle where the imaging device is located, and acquires first identification information of an in-vehicle device from an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle located on that one side. A second acquisition device is provided on the other side of the aforementioned entrance / exit gate and acquires second identification information of the in-vehicle unit from the in-vehicle unit of the vehicle located on the other side. A storage device that stores a vehicle information database in which the registered vehicle number, which is a pre-registered vehicle number, and the pre-registered identification information are linked, A management device that identifies the registered vehicle number corresponding to the second identification information by referring to the vehicle information database, and generates a traffic history of the vehicle's entry and exit based on the identified registered vehicle number, the detected vehicle number which is the vehicle number of the vehicle detected based on the image of the imaging device, the first identification information, and the second identification information. Equipped with, The aforementioned control device is When first vehicle information, which associates the detected vehicle number with the first identification information, and second vehicle information, which associates the registered vehicle number with the second identification information, are acquired before and after the opening and closing of the entrance / exit gate, it is determined, based on the first vehicle information and the second vehicle information, whether the vehicle located on one side and the vehicle located on the other side are the same vehicle. If it is determined that the vehicles are the same, it is determined whether the vehicle entered or exited based on the acquisition times of the first and second identification information. Access control system.

2. The aforementioned control device is If it is determined that the vehicles are not the same, the system generates a traffic history indicating that the vehicle entered from the entrance side and a traffic history indicating that the vehicle exited from the exit side. The access control system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned control device is Based on the difference between one-side time calculated based on the acquisition time of the first identification information and the other-side time calculated based on the acquisition time of the second identification information, it is determined whether the vehicle entered or exited. The access control system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The imaging device is A first imaging device provided on one side for imaging that side, It includes a second imaging device provided on the other side for imaging the other side, The aforementioned control device is The traffic history is generated based on the first vehicle number detected based on the first image from the first imaging device, the second vehicle number detected based on the second image from the second imaging device, the first identification information, and the second identification information. The access control system according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned control device is Based on the time on one side calculated from the time the first image was captured and the time on the other side calculated from the time the second image was captured, it is determined whether the vehicle entered or exited. The access control system according to claim 4.

Images