Automatic toll collection system and automatic toll collection method

Abstract

This automatic toll collection system comprises: a card information acquisition unit that acquires card information of a service fee payment card from an on-vehicle device of a vehicle via a first communication antenna having a communication range upstream of a service provision section; an authentication processing unit that authenticates the service fee payment card on the basis of the card information of the service fee payment card; and an authentication result transmission unit that transmits the result of the authentication of the service fee payment card to the on-vehicle device via a second communication antenna having a communication range downstream of the first communication antenna and upstream of the service provision section.

Description

Automatic Toll Collection System and Automatic Toll Collection Method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an automatic toll collection system and an automatic toll collection method.

[0002] As a technology for collecting tolls on toll roads, an automatic toll collection system (also referred to as an Electronic Toll Collection System, and also referred to as an ETC (registered trademark) system in Japan) is widely used. The automatic toll collection system performs wireless communication with an on-board unit of a vehicle at a toll gate of a toll road, and automatically collects a toll corresponding to the travel distance (travel section) from the entrance toll station to the exit toll station traveled by the vehicle. This enables smooth toll collection without stopping the vehicle at the toll gate.

[0003] The automatic toll collection system collects tolls via credit settlement based on card information of, for example, a toll-exclusive IC card inserted into an on-board unit (also referred to as an ETC card in Japan). In addition, Patent Document 1 describes a technology for deducting tolls from a prepaid toll-exclusive IC card (ETC card).

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-15490

[0005] In recent years, services provided in addition to road traveling, such as information distribution services for autonomous driving vehicles and in-motion power feeding services for EVs (Electric Vehicles), have been conceived on toll roads. Conventional toll-exclusive IC cards cannot be used for any purposes other than toll payment. For this reason, it is desirable to enable the use of payment methods other than the toll-exclusive IC card at toll gates on toll roads, so that service fee collection can also be performed without stopping the vehicle at the toll gate.

[0006] When using a credit card as a payment method for service fees, an authentication process is required to verify whether the credit card is valid by checking with the card issuer's server. For example, suppose a vehicle can use the service if the credit card is authenticated at the entrance toll gate and determined to be valid. In this case, if the server's authentication process determines that the card is not valid, the in-vehicle device needs to notify the service user (vehicle occupant) that the credit card is invalid and the service cannot be used. However, since the authentication process, including communication with the server, takes time, it is difficult to notify the vehicle's in-vehicle device of the authentication result before the vehicle passes through the toll gate. This makes it difficult to allow vehicles using the service to pass through the toll gate without stopping.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an automated toll collection system and an automated toll collection method that can notify an in-vehicle device of the authentication result of a service fee payment card before the service is used, without stopping the vehicle at a toll booth.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an automated toll collection system is an automated toll collection system that collects service charges for services provided to a vehicle in addition to driving on a toll road in a service provision section which is at least a portion of the toll road, and comprises: a card information acquisition unit that acquires card information of a service charge payment card from an in-vehicle unit of the vehicle via a first communication antenna having a communication range upstream of the service provision section; an authentication processing unit that authenticates the service charge payment card based on the card information of the service charge payment card; and an authentication result transmission unit that transmits the authentication result of the service charge payment card to the in-vehicle unit via a second communication antenna having a communication range downstream of the first communication antenna and upstream of the service provision section.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an automatic toll collection method is an automatic toll collection method for collecting service charges for services provided to a vehicle in addition to driving on a toll road in a service provision section which is at least a portion of the toll road, and comprises the steps of: obtaining card information of a service charge payment card from an in-vehicle unit of the vehicle via a first communication antenna having a communication range upstream of the service provision section; authenticating the service charge payment card based on the card information of the service charge payment card; and transmitting the authentication result of the service charge payment card to the in-vehicle unit via a second communication antenna having a communication range downstream of the first communication antenna and upstream of the service provision section.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the authentication result of the service fee payment card can be notified to the in-vehicle unit before the service is started, without having to stop the vehicle at the toll booth.

[0011] This is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the automatic toll collection system according to the first embodiment. This is a diagram showing the functional configuration of each part of the automatic toll collection system according to the first embodiment. This is a first sequence diagram showing a processing example of the automatic toll collection system according to the first embodiment. This is a second sequence diagram showing a processing example of the automatic toll collection system according to the first embodiment. This is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the automatic toll collection system according to the second embodiment. This is a diagram showing the functional configuration of each part of the automatic toll collection system according to the second embodiment. This is a sequence diagram showing a processing example of the automatic toll collection system according to the second embodiment. This is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the automatic toll collection system according to the third embodiment. This is a diagram showing the functional configuration of each part of the automatic toll collection system according to the third embodiment. This is a sequence diagram showing a processing example of the automatic toll collection system according to the third embodiment. This is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the computer.

[0012] <First Embodiment> The embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0013] (Overall Configuration of the Automatic Toll Collection System) Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the automatic toll collection system according to the first embodiment. The automatic toll collection system 1 is, for example, Japan's ETC system, and collects tolls from vehicles V traveling on toll roads. The automatic toll collection system 1 of this embodiment also collects usage fees (hereinafter also referred to as service fees) for services provided in addition to driving on toll roads (toll road driving services) on toll roads. Services provided in addition to driving on toll roads are services provided to vehicles V using toll roads, including facilities such as service areas, not just while driving on toll roads, and include information distribution services for autonomous vehicles and in-driving power supply services for EVs. For example, services can be provided to vehicles V in service provision sections A, which are at least a portion of the toll road. As shown in Figure 1, the automatic toll collection system 1 comprises an on-board unit 10, an entrance server 20, an exit server 30, a notification server 40, a toll server 50, and a service server 60.

[0014] The on-board unit 10 is mounted on the vehicle V. The on-board unit 10 communicates wirelessly with the entrance server 20 and the exit server 30 at the entrance toll gate and the exit toll gate, and processes the collection of tolls for the toll road. This toll collection process is the same as the process performed by the on-board unit of a conventional automatic toll collection system. In addition, the on-board unit 10 of this embodiment processes the collection of service charges following the toll collection process.

[0015] Furthermore, the in-vehicle unit 10 of this embodiment can accommodate two IC cards: a first card C1 and a second card C2. The first card C1 is a conventional "toll-only IC card (ETC card)". The second card C2 is a "service fee payment card". The second card C2 is a card medium such as a magnetic card, a contact-type IC card, or a contactless IC card using NFC (Near Field Communication), and includes various payment methods such as credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid IC cards (IC cards for electronic money such as transportation IC cards in Japan).

[0016] The entrance server 20 communicates wirelessly with the onboard unit 10 of the vehicle V arriving at the entrance toll gate via the entrance antenna 21 installed at the entrance toll gate, and performs processing related to the collection of tolls from the vehicle V (entrance processing). This entrance processing is the same as the processing performed by the entrance server of a conventional automatic toll collection system. When the entrance processing is completed, the entrance server 20 opens the bar of the departure control unit 25 installed downstream of the entrance antenna 21, allowing the vehicle V to exit the entrance toll gate. Note that the entrance antenna 21 is one form of the "first communication antenna" in this embodiment.

[0017] Furthermore, the entrance server 20 in this embodiment obtains information on the second card C2 for service fee payment from the in-vehicle device 10 of the vehicle V via the entrance antenna 21 and transmits it to the service server 60. The service server 60 performs authentication processing on the second card C2 based on the information received from the entrance server 20.

[0018] The exit server 30 communicates wirelessly with the on-board unit 10 of the vehicle V arriving at the exit toll gate via the exit antenna 31 installed at the exit toll gate, and performs processing related to the collection of tolls from the vehicle V (exit processing). This exit processing is the same as the processing performed by the exit server 30 of a conventional automatic toll collection system. When the exit processing is completed, the exit server 30 opens the bar of the departure control unit 35 installed downstream of the exit antenna 31, allowing the vehicle V to exit the exit toll gate. Note that the exit antenna 31 is one form of the "third communication antenna" in this embodiment.

[0019] Furthermore, the exit server 30 in this embodiment acquires information about the second card C2 for service fee payment and information about the services used by the vehicle V from the in-vehicle device 10 of the vehicle V via the exit antenna 31, and transmits it to the service server 60.

[0020] The notification server 40 communicates wirelessly with the on-board unit 10 of the vehicle V via a roadside antenna 41 that has a communication range to the ITS spot P1. The ITS spot P1 is located on the road downstream of the entrance antenna 21 (on the road after exiting the entrance) and upstream of the service provision section A. When the vehicle V arrives at the ITS spot P1, the notification server 40 notifies the on-board unit 10 of the vehicle V of the authentication result of the second card C2 by the service server 60. As shown in the example in Figure 1, the ITS spot P1 may be a conventional ITS spot that the vehicle V passes through after exiting the entrance toll gate. In this case, the notification server 40 may further have the conventional ITS spot function of distributing traffic information, etc., to the on-board unit 10 when the vehicle V arrives at the ITS spot P1. Note that the roadside antenna 41 is one form of the "second communication antenna" in this embodiment.

[0021] The toll server 50 processes the payment of the toll for vehicle V based on the detailed information received from the exit server 30. This toll payment process is the same as that used in conventional automated toll collection systems.

[0022] The service server 60 transmits information about the second card C2 received from the entry server 20 to the authentication server (not shown) to perform authentication processing to inquire whether the second card C2 is a valid card. The authentication server is a server owned by the issuing company of the second card C2, etc. The service server 60 transmits the authentication result of the second card C2 to the notification server 40.

[0023] Furthermore, when the service server 60 receives information from the exit server 30 regarding the second card C2 for service fee payment and information regarding the services used by vehicle V, it calculates the service fee for vehicle V based on this information and processes the settlement of the calculated service fee.

[0024] (Functional Configuration of On-board Unit) Figure 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of each part of the automatic toll collection system according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the on-board unit 10 includes a toll processing unit 101, a service processing unit 102, a notification unit 103, and a communication unit 104.

[0025] The toll processing unit 101 performs the same processing as the toll collection processing in the on-board unit of a conventional automatic toll collection system. For example, at the entrance toll gate, the toll processing unit 101 receives instructions from the entrance server 20 and transmits the vehicle information recorded in the on-board unit 10 and the first card information of the first card C1 inserted in the on-board unit 10 to the entrance server 20. It also records the entrance information received from the entrance server 20 on the first card C1 of the on-board unit 10. At the exit toll gate, the toll processing unit 101 receives instructions from the exit server 30 and transmits the vehicle information recorded in the on-board unit 10, the first card information of the first card C1 inserted in the on-board unit 10, and the entrance information recorded on the first card C1 to the exit server 30.

[0026] The service processing unit 102 performs processing related to the collection of service fees. For example, at the entrance toll gate, the service processing unit 102 receives instructions from the entrance server 20 and transmits the second card information of the second card C2 inserted in the on-board unit 10 to the entrance server 20. The second card information includes the card number and expiration date of the second card C2 inserted in the on-board unit 10.

[0027] Furthermore, when the service processing unit 102 receives an authentication result from the notification server 40 indicating that the second card C2 is valid, it activates the function of the vehicle V's service utilization device (not shown) and records information about the services used by vehicle V (service utilization information). The service utilization device includes a receiving device that corresponds to an information distribution service and a power receiving device that corresponds to an in-driving power supply service. The service utilization information includes the type of service used by vehicle V and the date and time of use. In addition, if vehicle V uses a metered service such as an in-driving power supply service, the service utilization information may also include the amount of service used (amount of power received).

[0028] Furthermore, at the exit toll gate, the service processing unit 102 receives instructions from the exit server 30 and transmits the second card information of the second card C2 inserted in the in-vehicle device 10 and the service usage information of the vehicle V to the exit server 30.

[0029] The notification unit 103 notifies the user of the authentication result of the second card C2 when it receives notification of the authentication result of the second card C2 from the notification server 40. The notification unit 103 is a speaker that notifies the user of the authentication result by outputting it as sound, for example. The notification unit 103 may also be an LED that notifies the user of the authentication result by color or lighting pattern, or it may be a configuration that includes both a speaker and an LED.

[0030] The communication unit 104 communicates wirelessly (e.g., via DSRC communication) with the inlet server 20, the outlet server 30, and the notification server 40, respectively, via the inlet antenna 21, the outlet antenna 31, and the roadside antenna 41.

[0031] (Functional configuration of the entry server) As shown in Figure 2, the entry server 20 comprises an entry processing unit 201 and a card information acquisition unit 202.

[0032] The entrance processing unit 201 performs entrance processing for a vehicle V that has arrived at the entrance toll gate. This entrance processing is the same as the entrance processing performed by the entrance server of a conventional automated toll collection system. For example, the entrance processing unit 201 causes the vehicle V's onboard unit 10 to record entrance information, including the identification information (toll gate ID) of the entrance toll gate that vehicle V has passed through and the time of passage. The onboard unit 10 records the entrance information on the first card C1.

[0033] After the vehicle V entry process is completed, the card information acquisition unit 202 acquires the second card information of the second card C2 for service fee payment from the vehicle V's onboard unit 10. The second card information includes the card number and expiration date of the second card C2. The card information acquisition unit 202 associates the vehicle V's identification information (e.g., onboard unit ID) and the second card information and transmits them to the service server 60.

[0034] (Functional configuration of the exit server) As shown in Figure 2, the exit server 30 comprises an exit processing unit 301 and a service information acquisition unit 302.

[0035] The exit processing unit 301 performs exit processing for vehicles V that have arrived at the exit toll gate. This exit processing is the same as the exit processing performed by the exit server of a conventional automated toll collection system. For example, the exit processing unit 301 obtains entry information recorded on the first card C1 from the onboard device 10 of vehicle V. The exit processing unit 301 also calculates the toll for vehicle V based on the entry information. The calculated toll is transmitted to the toll server 50, where settlement processing is performed.

[0036] After the vehicle V's exit processing is completed, the service information acquisition unit 302 acquires the second card information of the second card C2 for service fee payment and service usage information related to the services used by vehicle V from the vehicle V's onboard unit 10. The service information acquisition unit 302 also associates the vehicle V's identification information (e.g., onboard unit ID), the second card information, and the service usage information and transmits them to the service server 60. The vehicle V's identification information may be the identification information included in the vehicle information previously acquired by the exit processing unit 301, or it may be acquired again by the service information acquisition unit 302 from the onboard unit 10 along with the second card information, etc.

[0037] (Notification Server Functional Configuration) As shown in Figure 2, the notification server 40 includes an authentication result recording unit 401 and an authentication result transmission unit 402.

[0038] The authentication result recording unit 401 records the authentication result of the second card C2 received from the service server 60. The authentication result of the second card C2 includes vehicle identification information (e.g., onboard device ID) and information indicating whether or not the second card C2 is valid.

[0039] The authentication result transmission unit 402 transmits the authentication result of the second card C2 to the on-board unit 10 of the vehicle V that has arrived at the ITS spot P1. At this time, the authentication result transmission unit 402 obtains identification information (e.g., on-board unit ID) from the on-board unit 10, compares it with the authentication result recorded in the authentication result recording unit 401, reads the authentication result corresponding to the identification information, and transmits it to the on-board unit 10. This allows the on-board unit 10 to notify the user whether the second card C2 is valid, that is, whether the vehicle V is eligible to use the service, before the vehicle V reaches the service provision section A.

[0040] (Service Server Functional Configuration) As shown in Figure 2, the service server 60 includes an authentication processing unit 601 and a payment processing unit 602.

[0041] The authentication processing unit 601 receives identification information and second card information of the vehicle V that has arrived at the entrance toll booth from the entrance server 20. The authentication processing unit 601 sends the second card information to the authentication server and performs authentication processing to inquire whether the second card C2 is a valid card. When the authentication processing unit 601 receives information from the authentication server indicating whether the second card C2 is valid, it sends the authentication result, including this information and the identification information of the vehicle V, to the notification server 40.

[0042] The settlement processing unit 602 receives identification information of the vehicle V arriving at the exit toll gate, second card information, and service usage information from the exit server 30. The settlement processing unit 602 transmits the second card information and service fee to the settlement server (not shown) and performs settlement processing to request payment of the service fee. The settlement server is a server owned by the issuing company (or payment processing company) of the second card C2.

[0043] (Processing Example 1 of the Automatic Toll Collection System) Figure 3 is a first sequence diagram showing a processing example of the automatic toll collection system according to the first embodiment. Referring to Figure 3, the processing flow of the automatic toll collection system 1 when a vehicle V arrives at the entrance toll gate and ITS spot will be explained.

[0044] First, when a vehicle V arrives at an entrance tollgate, conventional entrance processing is performed in the on-vehicle device 10, the entrance server 20, and the toll server 50 (step S101). For example, the entrance processing unit 201 of the entrance server 20 acquires the vehicle information of the vehicle V and the first card information from the on-vehicle device 10 of the vehicle V that has arrived at the entrance tollgate, and causes the on-vehicle device 10 to record entrance information. The vehicle information includes identification information of the vehicle V (on-vehicle device ID, license plate number of the vehicle V, etc.) and vehicle type information of the vehicle V. The first card information includes the card number, expiration date, and the like of the first card C1. The entrance information includes identification information (tollgate ID) of the entrance tollgate that the vehicle V has passed through, the passing time of the vehicle V through the entrance tollgate, and the like. Further, the entrance processing unit 201 associates the vehicle information of the vehicle V, the first card information, and the entrance information with each other, and transmits the associated information to the toll server 50.

[0045] When the entrance processing is normally completed, the entrance processing unit 201 of the entrance server 20 opens the bar of the start controller 25 (step S102), and permits the vehicle V to exit from the entrance tollgate. If the entrance processing does not end normally, such as when the on-vehicle device 10 is not mounted, the first card C1 is not inserted into the on-vehicle device 10, or the first card C1 has expired, the entrance processing unit 201 keeps the bar of the start controller 25 closed, and prevents the vehicle V from exiting from the entrance tollgate.

[0046] Further, when the entrance processing is completed, the card information acquisition unit 202 of the entrance server 20 transmits a signal requesting the second card information of the second card C2 for service fee payment to the on-vehicle device 10 (step S103).

[0047] When the service processing unit 102 of the on-vehicle device 10 receives the signal requesting the second card information from the entrance server 20, the service processing unit 102 transmits the second card information of the second card C2 inserted in the on-vehicle device 10 to the entrance server 20 (step S104). Note that the service processing unit 102 may be configured to transmit the second card information to the entrance server 20 only when the user desires to use the service (for example, when the service use setting is set to ON). Therefore, when the user does not desire to use the service (for example, when the service use setting is set to OFF), the processing may be terminated without responding to the request for the second card information.

[0048] The card information acquisition unit 202 of the entrance server 20 determines whether the second card information is received within a predetermined time after requesting the second card information from the on-board device 10 (step S105). Cases where a timeout occurs without receiving the second card information include, for example, a case where the user does not wish to use the service as described above (does not execute step S104), and a case where the vehicle V is equipped with an on-board device that only performs conventional toll collection processing. An on-board device that only performs conventional toll collection processing does not have functions for using the service (functions such as service-related communication with each server and activation of a service use device), and therefore does not respond to an instruction to transmit the second card information. Accordingly, when a timeout occurs without receiving the second card information (step S105: NO), the card information acquisition unit 202 determines that the vehicle V does not use the service, and ends the processing (step S106).

[0049] On the other hand, when the card information acquisition unit 202 receives the second card information from the on-board device 10 (step S105: YES), the card information acquisition unit 202 associates the identification information of the vehicle V (for example, an on-board device ID) with the second card information, and transmits the associated information to the service server 60 (step S107). Note that, as the identification information of the vehicle V, the identification information included in the vehicle information previously acquired by the entrance processing unit 201 in the entrance processing (S101) may be used, or the identification information may be transmitted together with the second card information by the on-board device 10 in step S104.

[0050] Next, when the authentication processing unit 601 of the service server 60 receives the identification information of the vehicle V and the second card information from the entrance server 20, the authentication processing unit 601 transmits the second card information to an authentication server, and performs authentication processing for inquiring whether the second card C2 is a valid card (step S108).

[0051] Furthermore, when the authentication processing unit 601 of the service server 60 receives information indicating whether the second card C2 is valid from the authentication server, the authentication processing unit 601 transmits an authentication result including this information and the identification information of the vehicle V to the notification server 40 (step S109).

[0052] The authentication result recording unit 401 of the notification server 40 records the authentication result received from the service server 60 (step S110).

[0053] Furthermore, the notification server 40 periodically transmits a signal to the in-vehicle unit 10 of the vehicle V requesting a response via the roadside antenna 41 (step S111). When the vehicle V arrives at the ITS spot P1, communication is established between the in-vehicle unit 10 and the notification server 40 via the roadside antenna 41. At that point, the authentication result transmission unit 402 of the notification server 40 transmits a signal to the in-vehicle unit 10 via the roadside antenna 41 requesting identification information of the vehicle V (e.g., in-vehicle unit ID) (step S112).

[0054] When the service processing unit 102 of the in-vehicle unit 10 receives a signal from the notification server 40 requesting identification information of the vehicle V, it transmits the identification information of the vehicle V to the notification server 40 (step S113).

[0055] Next, the authentication result transmission unit 402 of the notification server 40 determines whether there is an authentication result corresponding to the identification information received from the in-vehicle unit 10 (step S114). If an authentication result corresponding to the identification information received from the in-vehicle unit 10 is recorded (step S114; YES), this authentication result is transmitted to the in-vehicle unit 10 (step S116). If no authentication result corresponding to the identification information received from the in-vehicle unit 10 is recorded (step S114; NO), the authentication result transmission unit 402 may terminate processing without notifying the in-vehicle unit 10 (step S115).

[0056] Furthermore, the notification unit 103 of the in-vehicle unit 10 notifies the user of the received authentication result (step S117). For example, if the notification unit 103 receives an authentication result indicating that the second card C2 is valid, it notifies the user that the second card C2 is valid and the service is available. On the other hand, if the notification unit 103 receives an authentication result indicating that the second card C2 is not valid, it notifies the user that the second card C2 is not valid and the service is unavailable. As a result, the in-vehicle unit 10 of a vehicle V that wishes to use the service can notify the user whether the second card C2 is valid and whether the service is available before the vehicle V reaches the service provision section A.

[0057] (Processing Example 2 of the Automatic Toll Collection System) Figure 4 is a second sequence diagram showing a processing example of the automatic toll collection system according to the first embodiment. Referring to Figure 4, the processing flow of the automatic toll collection system 1 when vehicle V arrives at the exit toll gate will be explained.

[0058] First, when vehicle V arrives at the exit toll gate, conventional exit processing is performed in the on-board unit 10, exit server 30, and toll server 50 (step S121). For example, the exit processing unit 301 of the exit server 30 obtains vehicle information of vehicle V (vehicle identification information, vehicle type information, etc.), entrance information recorded on the first card C1, and first card information from the on-board unit 10 of vehicle V that has arrived at the exit toll gate, and calculates the toll based on the distance traveled from the entrance toll gate to the exit toll gate and the vehicle type information. The exit processing unit 301 also transmits detailed information, including the calculated toll and the information obtained from the on-board unit 10, to the toll server 50. The toll server 50 transmits the first card information and the toll included in the detailed information to the settlement server and performs settlement processing to request settlement of the toll. The settlement server is a server owned by the issuing company (or settlement agent) of the first card C1. As a result, the toll for vehicle V is automatically calculated and collected at the exit toll gate. The result of the exit processing by the exit processing unit 301 is notified to the on-board unit 10 via the exit antenna 31.

[0059] When the exit process is completed successfully, the exit processing unit 301 of the exit server 30 opens the bar of the departure control unit 35 (step S122), allowing the vehicle V to exit the exit toll gate. However, if the on-board unit 10 is not installed, or if the first card C1 is not inserted into the on-board unit 10, or if the first card C1 has expired, or if the exit process is not completed successfully, the exit processing unit 301 keeps the bar of the departure control unit 35 closed, preventing the vehicle V from exiting the exit toll gate.

[0060] Next, the service information acquisition unit 302 of the exit server 30 transmits a signal to the in-vehicle device 10 requesting the second card information and service usage information of the second card C2 (step S123).

[0061] When the service processing unit 102 of the in-vehicle unit 10 receives a signal from the exit server 30 requesting the second card information and service usage information of the second card C2, it transmits the second card information of the second card C2 inserted in the in-vehicle unit 10 and the service usage information recorded in the in-vehicle unit 10 to the exit server 30 (step S124). The service processing unit 102 may also transmit the second card information and service usage information to the exit server 30 only when the vehicle V has used the service (i.e., when service usage information is recorded). Therefore, if the vehicle V does not use the service, such as when the user does not wish to use the service (for example, when the service usage setting is turned OFF) or when the second card C2 is not valid, the service processing unit 102 may terminate processing without responding to the request from the exit server 30.

[0062] The service information acquisition unit 302 of the exit server 30 determines whether it has received the second card information and service usage information within a predetermined time after sending a signal to the in-vehicle unit 10 requesting the second card information, etc. (step S125). Cases in which this information is not received and a timeout occurs include, for example, when the user does not wish to use the service (does not perform step S104), when the second card C2 is not valid, or when the vehicle V is equipped with an in-vehicle unit that only performs conventional toll collection processing. An in-vehicle unit that only performs conventional toll collection processing does not have the functions necessary to use the service (functions such as communication with each server regarding the service and activation of the service usage device), and therefore does not respond to the instruction to send service usage information. Accordingly, if the service information acquisition unit 302 times out without receiving the second card information and service usage information (step S125; NO), it determines that the vehicle V is not using the service and terminates processing (step S126).

[0063] Meanwhile, when the service information acquisition unit 302 receives the second card information and service usage information from the in-vehicle unit 10 (step S125; YES), it associates the vehicle V identification information (e.g., the in-vehicle unit ID), the calculated service fee, and the second card information and transmits them to the service server 60 (step S127). Note that the vehicle V identification information may be the identification information included in the vehicle information acquired earlier by the exit processing unit 301 in the exit processing (S121), or it may be transmitted by the in-vehicle unit 10 together with the second card information, etc., in step S124.

[0064] Next, the settlement processing unit 602 of the service server 60 receives the vehicle V identification information, second card information, and service usage information from the exit server 30, and calculates the service fee for vehicle V based on the service usage information. The settlement processing unit 602 also sends the second card information and the service fee to the settlement server and performs settlement processing to request payment of the service fee (step S128).

[0065] Furthermore, when the settlement processing unit 602 of the service server 60 finishes the settlement process, it creates detailed information including the vehicle V identification information and the service fee, and records it in a format that can be viewed by the user via internet communication (for example, on the service provider's (road operator's) website) (step S129). This allows the user to later access the service provider's website (for example, the screen after logging in with the user's ID) and check the service fee, etc.

[0066] (Effects) As described above, the automatic toll collection system 1 according to this embodiment includes: a card information acquisition unit 202 that acquires second card information of the second card C2 (service fee payment card) from the in-vehicle unit 10 via an entrance antenna 21 (first communication antenna) having a communication range on the upstream side of the service provision section A; an authentication processing unit 601 that authenticates the second card C2 based on the second card information of the second card C2; and an authentication result transmission unit 402 that transmits the authentication result of the second card C2 to the in-vehicle unit via a roadside antenna 41 (second communication antenna) having a communication range on the downstream side of the entrance antenna 21 (entrance toll gate) and on the upstream side of the service provision section A.

[0067] As described above, the authentication process for credit cards and the like requires time for communication with the authentication server and processing on the authentication server. Therefore, it is difficult to notify the on-board unit 10 of the authentication result of the second card C2 via the entrance antenna 21 while the vehicle V is passing through the entrance toll gate. For this reason, the automatic toll collection system 1 of this embodiment notifies the on-board unit 10 of the authentication result of the second card C2 via the roadside antenna 41 downstream of the entrance antenna 21 (entrance toll gate). This allows the automatic toll collection system 1 to inform the on-board unit 10 whether the second card C2 is valid (whether the service can be used) after the vehicle V has passed through the entrance toll gate but before it reaches the service provision section A. Furthermore, since the automatic toll collection system 1 only needs to complete the authentication process for the second card C2 between the time the vehicle V moves from the entrance antenna 21 to the roadside antenna 41, the vehicle V can pass through the entrance toll gate smoothly without stopping near the entrance antenna 21 (within the communication range).

[0068] Furthermore, the automatic fare collection system 1 is further equipped with a notification unit 103 that notifies the user boarding the vehicle V of the authentication result of the second card C2.

[0069] In this way, the automatic fare collection system 1 can inform the user whether the second card C2 is valid, that is, whether or not the service can be used, before the vehicle V reaches the service area A.

[0070] Furthermore, after completing the input processing by communicating with the in-vehicle unit 10 via the input antenna 21, the card information acquisition unit 202 acquires the second card information of the second card C2 from the in-vehicle unit 10.

[0071] For example, if the process of acquiring the second card information of the second card C2 is performed before the entrance processing, the in-vehicle unit, which only handles the conventional toll collection process, does not have the function to transmit the second card information. Therefore, the card information acquisition unit 202 will continue to wait for the second card information from the in-vehicle unit until a timeout occurs. In this case, the entrance processing may not be completed before the vehicle V passes through the entrance toll gate, and it may not be possible to properly collect the toll for the vehicle V. For this reason, the card information acquisition unit 202 in this embodiment performs the process of completing the entrance processing first and acquiring the second card information. This prevents the situation in which the entrance processing is not completed before the vehicle V reaches the start control unit 25, even when communicating with a conventional in-vehicle unit, and prevents the vehicle from passing through the entrance toll gate without stopping.

[0072] Furthermore, the roadside antenna 41 (second communication antenna) has a communication range that includes ITS spot P1 on the road downstream of the entrance toll gate and upstream of service provision section A.

[0073] In this way, the automatic toll collection system 1 can notify the user of the authentication result of the second card C2 after the vehicle V has passed through the entrance toll gate but before it reaches the service area A. Furthermore, the roadside antenna 41 may be an existing roadside antenna with a communication range that covers an existing ITS spot. This makes it possible to notify the in-vehicle unit 10 of the authentication result of the second card C2 by only changing the processing of the notification server 40, without adding a new roadside antenna.

[0074] In addition, a second entrance antenna of the entrance antenna 21 may be provided near the downstream end of the entrance toll booth (for example, downstream of the starting control unit 25). For example, if a vehicle type identification device is provided at the entrance toll booth to identify the type of vehicle V, and the identification of the vehicle type of vehicle V is not completed before the vehicle V passes through the communication range of the entrance antenna 21, the entrance server 20 transmits the vehicle type of vehicle V identified by the vehicle type identification device (confirmed vehicle type) to the in-vehicle unit 10 via the second entrance antenna. The second entrance antenna is provided at a distance of 18m or more from the entrance antenna 21, assuming, for example, that a truck up to 12m long is towing a towed vehicle up to 6m long. Therefore, if the authentication process of the second card C2 can be completed before the vehicle V moves from the entrance antenna 21 to the second entrance antenna, the roadside antenna 41 (second communication antenna) described above may be the second entrance antenna of this entrance toll booth. Whether or not the authentication process can be completed may be determined based on, for example, the time required for the authentication process, the distance between the entrance antenna 21 and the second entrance antenna, and the reference speed of the vehicle V. The reference speed of the vehicle V may be set based on, for example, the speed limit at the entrance toll booth or the average speed of the vehicle V measured at the entrance toll booth. In this case, the entrance server 20 has an authentication result recording unit 401 and an authentication result transmission unit 402 of the notification server 40, and also functions as a notification server 40.

[0075] In this way, the automated toll collection system 1 can notify the user of the authentication result of the second card C2 before the vehicle V passes through the entrance toll gate. Furthermore, since the roadside antenna 41 is the second entrance antenna of the existing entrance toll gate, it is possible to notify the in-vehicle unit 10 of the authentication result of the second card C2 by only changing the processing of the entrance server 20, without adding a new roadside antenna.

[0076] Furthermore, the automatic toll collection system 1 includes a service information acquisition unit 302 that acquires the second card information of the second card C2 and service usage information from the in-vehicle unit 10 via an exit antenna 31 (third communication antenna) having a communication range downstream of the service provision section A, and a settlement processing unit 602 that performs settlement processing for the service charges of the vehicle V based on the second card information of the second card C2 and the service usage information.

[0077] In this way, the automatic toll collection system 1 can automatically calculate and collect the service charge for vehicle V when vehicle V exits the toll gate.

[0078] Furthermore, once the payment processing unit 602 has finished processing the payment, it creates detailed information including the service fee and records it in a format that can be viewed by the user via internet communication (for example, on a website).

[0079] In this way, the automated toll collection system 1 can allow the vehicle V to exit the toll gate smoothly without stopping it to wait for the service fee settlement process to complete, and can also inform the user of the service fee settlement process via a website.

[0080] Furthermore, the service information acquisition unit 302 acquires the second card information and service usage information of the second card C2 from the on-board unit 10 after completing the exit processing related to the collection of toll road fees with the on-board unit 10 via the exit antenna 31.

[0081] Similar to the entry process described above, if the process of acquiring the second card information etc. is performed first in the exit process, the in-vehicle unit that only handles the conventional toll collection process does not have the function to transmit the second card information etc., so the service information acquisition unit 302 will continue to wait for the second card information from the in-vehicle unit until a timeout occurs. In that case, the exit process may not be completed before the vehicle V passes through the exit toll gate, and there is a possibility that the toll for vehicle V will not be collected properly. For this reason, the service information acquisition unit 302 of this embodiment performs the process of acquiring the second card information etc. after completing the exit process first, so that even when communicating with a conventional in-vehicle unit, it is possible to prevent the inability to collect the toll for vehicle V properly.

[0082] <Second Embodiment> The second embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 5 to 7. Components common to the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0083] (Overall Configuration of the Automatic Toll Collection System) Figure 5 shows the overall configuration of the automatic toll collection system according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the automatic toll collection system 1 according to this embodiment has a first upstream channel antenna 43 and a second upstream channel antenna 44, each provided at a plurality of ITS spots P3 and P4 on the upstream side (before) of the service provision section A. The automatic toll collection system 1 may also have a guidance roadside antenna 42 provided at ITS spot P2, which is upstream of ITS spots P3 to P4. The notification server 40 communicates with the on-board unit 10 of the vehicle V passing through each of the ITS spots P2 to P4 via these plurality of roadside antennas 42 to 44.

[0084] Furthermore, if there are multiple service provision sections A on a toll road, roadside antennas 42 to 44 are installed before each service provision section A.

[0085] (Notification Server Functional Configuration) Figure 6 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of each part of the automatic fare collection system according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the notification server 40 according to this embodiment further comprises a guidance information transmission unit 403 and a card information acquisition unit 404.

[0086] The guidance information transmission unit 403 communicates with the on-board unit 10 of the vehicle V that has arrived at the ITS spot P2 via the guidance roadside antenna 42 and transmits guidance information to the on-board unit 10 indicating that the vehicle is approaching service area A. Upon receiving the guidance information, the on-board unit 10 notifies the user that if the second card C2 is not inserted into the on-board unit 10, the service in service area A cannot be used.

[0087] The card information acquisition unit 404 communicates with the on-board unit 10 of the vehicle V that has arrived at the ITS spot P3 via the first upper channel antenna 43, and acquires the second card information of the second card C2 for service fee payment from the on-board unit 10 of the vehicle V. The function of the card information acquisition unit 404 is the same as that of the card information acquisition unit 202 of the entrance server 20 in the first embodiment. The first upper channel antenna 43 is one form of the "first communication antenna" in this embodiment.

[0088] Furthermore, the authentication result transmission unit 402 of this embodiment communicates with the in-vehicle unit 10 of the vehicle V that has arrived at the ITS spot P4 via the second upper channel antenna 44 and transmits the authentication result of the second card C2 by the service server 60 to the in-vehicle unit 10. The second upper channel antenna 44 is one form of the "second communication antenna" in this embodiment.

[0089] In this embodiment, after the authentication process for the second card C2 and notification of the authentication result are performed at the entrance toll gate and ITS spot P1, the authentication process for the second card C2 and notification of the authentication result may be performed again at ITS spots P3 to P4. In other embodiments, the card information acquisition unit 202 of the entrance server 20 may be omitted, and the authentication process for the second card information and notification of the authentication result may be performed only at ITS spots P3 to P4.

[0090] (Example of processing by the automatic toll collection system) Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing by the automatic toll collection system according to the second embodiment. Referring to Figure 7, the processing flow of the automatic toll collection system 1 when a vehicle V arrives at each of the ITS spots P2 to P4 will be explained.

[0091] The guidance information transmission unit 403 of the notification server 40 periodically transmits a signal containing guidance information via the guidance roadside antenna 42 (step S201).

[0092] When vehicle V arrives at ITS spot P2, the notification unit 103 of the on-board unit 10 receives guidance information from the notification server 40 via the guidance roadside antenna 42. The notification unit 103 then notifies the user that if the second card C2 is not inserted into the on-board unit 10, the service in service area A cannot be used (step S202). Alternatively, the notification unit 103 may detect whether the second card C2 is inserted into the on-board unit 10 and only notify the user that the service cannot be used if the second card C2 is not inserted (execute step S202). In this way, for example, if a user removes the second card C2 from the on-board unit 10 to use in a service area, etc., and then forgets to reinsert the second card C2, the user can be notified in advance that the service cannot be used. Passengers other than the driver of vehicle V may insert the second card C2 into the on-board unit 10 after receiving this notification.

[0093] Furthermore, the notification server 40 periodically transmits a signal to the in-vehicle unit 10 of the vehicle V requesting a response via the first upper-flow antenna 43 (step S203). When the vehicle V arrives at the ITS spot P3, communication is established between the in-vehicle unit 10 and the notification server 40 via the first upper-flow antenna 43. At that point, the card information acquisition unit 404 of the notification server 40 transmits a signal to the in-vehicle unit 10 via the first upper-flow antenna 43 requesting second card information (step S204).

[0094] When the service processing unit 102 of the in-vehicle unit 10 receives a signal from the notification server 40 requesting second card information, it adds vehicle V identification information to the second card information of the second card C2 inserted in the in-vehicle unit 10 and transmits it to the notification server 40 (step S205). The service processing unit 102 may also transmit the second card information only when the user wishes to use the service, similar to the first embodiment (step S104 in Figure 3).

[0095] The card information acquisition unit 404 of the notification server 40 determines whether it has received the second card information within a predetermined time after requesting the second card information from the in-vehicle unit 10 (step S206). If the second card information is not received and a timeout occurs (step S206; NO), the card information acquisition unit 404 determines that the vehicle V will not use the service and terminates processing (step S207). On the other hand, if the card information acquisition unit 404 receives the second card information from the in-vehicle unit 10 (step S206; YES), it associates the identification information of the vehicle V with the second card information and transmits it to the service server 60 (step S208). The processing in steps S206 to S208 is the same as the processing in steps S105 to S107 of the first embodiment (Figure 3).

[0096] Next, when the authentication processing unit 601 of the service server 60 receives the vehicle V identification information and the second card information from the notification server 40, it sends the second card information to the authentication server and performs authentication processing to inquire whether the second card C2 is a valid card (step S209). Also, when the authentication processing unit 601 of the service server 60 receives information from the authentication server indicating whether the second card C2 is valid, it sends the authentication result, including this information and the vehicle V identification information, to the notification server 40 (step S210). The authentication result recording unit 401 of the notification server 40 records the authentication result received from the service server 60 (step S211). The processing in steps S209 to S211 is the same as the processing in steps S108 to S110 of the first embodiment (Figure 3).

[0097] Furthermore, the notification server 40 periodically transmits a signal to the in-vehicle unit 10 of the vehicle V requesting a response via the second upper channel antenna 44 (step S212). When the vehicle V arrives at the ITS spot P4, communication is established between the in-vehicle unit 10 and the notification server 40 via the second upper channel antenna 44. At that point, the authentication result transmission unit 402 of the notification server 40 transmits a signal to the in-vehicle unit 10 via the second upper channel antenna 44 requesting identification information of the vehicle V (step S213).

[0098] When the service processing unit 102 of the in-vehicle unit 10 receives a signal from the notification server 40 requesting identification information of the vehicle V, it transmits the identification information of the vehicle V to the notification server 40 (step S214).

[0099] Next, the authentication result transmission unit 402 of the notification server 40 determines whether there is an authentication result corresponding to the identification information received from the in-vehicle unit 10 (step S215). If an authentication result corresponding to the identification information received from the in-vehicle unit 10 is recorded (step S215; YES), this authentication result is transmitted to the in-vehicle unit 10 (step S217). The notification unit 103 of the in-vehicle unit 10 also notifies the user of the received authentication result (step S218). If an authentication result corresponding to the identification information received from the in-vehicle unit 10 is not recorded (step S215; NO), the authentication result transmission unit 402 may terminate the process without notifying the in-vehicle unit 10 (step S216). The processing in steps S212 to S218 is the same as the processing in steps S111 to S117 of the first embodiment (Figure 3).

[0100] Furthermore, if vehicle V uses the service in multiple service provision sections A, the processes in steps S201 to S216 are executed each time vehicle V arrives at an ITS spot P2 to P4 before a service provision section A.

[0101] The processing at the exit toll gate is the same as in the first embodiment, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0102] (Effects) As described above, in the automatic toll collection system 1 according to this embodiment, the first communication antenna that receives the second card information from the in-vehicle unit 10 is the first upstream channel antenna 43, which has a communication range to the ITS spot P2 upstream of the service provision section A. The second communication antenna that transmits the authentication result of the second card C2 to the in-vehicle unit 10 is the second upstream channel antenna 44, which has a communication range to the ITS spot P3 upstream of the service provision section A and downstream of the first upstream channel antenna 43 (ITS spot P2).

[0103] For example, even if a user inserts the second card C2 into the on-board unit 10 when passing through the entrance toll gate, they may remove the second card C2 to use it in a service area, etc., and then forget to reinsert it into the on-board unit 10 before heading towards service area A. In this case, in the first embodiment, it becomes difficult to notify the user that the service is unavailable in service area A. In contrast, the automatic toll collection system 1 of this embodiment can authenticate the second card C2 if the vehicle V reinserts the second card C2 before approaching service area A.

[0104] Furthermore, the automatic toll collection system 1 includes a guidance information transmission unit 403 that transmits guidance information for service provision section A to the in-vehicle unit 10 via a guidance roadside antenna 42 (third communication antenna) having a communication range to the ITS spot P2 upstream of the first upstream channel antenna 43, and a notification unit 103 that, upon receiving guidance information, notifies the user of information regarding the uninserted second card C2 to the in-vehicle unit 10.

[0105] In this way, the automatic fare collection system 1 can notify the user of information regarding the case where the second card C2 is not inserted (for example, that the service cannot be used if the second card C2 is not inserted) before performing the authentication process for the second card C2. For example, if a passenger other than the driver of vehicle V who receives this notification correctly inserts the service payment card C2 into the on-board unit 10, the automatic fare collection system 1 will be able to authenticate the service payment card C2 when vehicle V approaches the service provision section A.

[0106] <Third Embodiment> The third embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to Figure 8. Components common to the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0107] (Overall Configuration of the Automatic Toll Collection System) Figure 8 shows the overall configuration of the automatic toll collection system according to the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the automatic toll collection system 1 according to this embodiment has a downstream channel side antenna 45 installed at the ITS spot P5 at the downstream end of the service provision section A (near the exit of the service provision section A). The notification server 40 communicates with the on-board unit 10 of the vehicle V passing through the ITS spot P5 via the downstream channel side antenna 45.

[0108] Furthermore, if there are multiple service provision sections A on a toll road, a downstream channel antenna 45 is installed at the downstream end of each service provision section A.

[0109] (Notification Server Functional Configuration) Figure 9 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of each part of the automatic toll collection system according to the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, the notification server 40 further comprises a service information acquisition unit 405.

[0110] The service information acquisition unit 405 communicates with the on-board unit 10 of the vehicle V that has arrived at the ITS spot P5 via the lower channel side antenna 45, and acquires the identification information of the vehicle V, the service usage information regarding the services used by the vehicle V in the service provision section A, and the second card information of the second card C2 inserted in the on-board unit 10. The service information acquisition unit 405 also associates the identification information of the vehicle V, the service usage information, and the second card information and transmits them to the service server 60. The service server 60 transmits the second card information and service charges received from the notification server 40 to the server and performs settlement processing to request settlement of the service charges. The service information acquisition unit 405 has the same function as the service information acquisition unit 302 of the exit server 30 in the first embodiment. Therefore, in this embodiment, the service information acquisition unit 302 of the exit server 30 may be omitted.

[0111] (Functional configuration of the exit server) As shown in Figure 9, the exit server 30 further comprises a service fee information recording unit 303 and a service fee information transmission unit 304.

[0112] The service fee information recording unit 303 receives and records service fee information, including the service fee for vehicle V, from the service server 60.

[0113] The service fee information transmission unit 304 transmits service fee information via the exit antenna 31 to the on-board unit 10 of the vehicle V that has arrived at the exit toll gate. The notification unit 103 of the on-board unit 10 notifies the user of the service information and other information included in the service fee information.

[0114] (Example of processing by the automatic toll collection system) Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing by the automatic toll collection system according to the third embodiment. Referring to Figure 10, the processing flow of the automatic toll collection system 1 when a vehicle V arrives at the ITS spot P5 and the exit toll gate will be explained.

[0115] The notification server 40 periodically transmits a signal to the in-vehicle unit 10 of the vehicle V requesting a response via the lower channel side antenna 45 (step S301). When the vehicle V arrives at the ITS spot P5, communication is established between the in-vehicle unit 10 and the notification server 40 via the lower channel side antenna 45. At that point, the service information acquisition unit 405 of the notification server 40 transmits a signal to the in-vehicle unit 10 via the lower channel side antenna 45 requesting second card information and service usage information (step S302).

[0116] When the service processing unit 102 of the in-vehicle unit 10 receives a signal from the notification server 40 requesting second card information and service usage information, it adds vehicle V identification information to the second card information of the second card C2 inserted in the in-vehicle unit 10 and the service usage information recorded in the in-vehicle unit 10 and transmits it to the notification server 40 (step S303). In addition, the service processing unit 102 may transmit the second card information and service usage information only when the vehicle V uses the service, similar to the first embodiment (step S124 in Figure 4).

[0117] The service information acquisition unit 405 of the notification server 40 determines whether it has received the second card information and service usage information within a predetermined time after sending a signal to the in-vehicle unit 10 requesting the second card information, etc. (step S304). If the service information acquisition unit 405 times out without receiving the second card information and service usage information (step S304; NO), it determines that the vehicle V is not using the service and terminates processing (step S305). On the other hand, if the service information acquisition unit 405 receives the second card information and usage information from the in-vehicle unit 10 (step S304; YES), it associates the identification information of the vehicle V with this information and transmits it to the service server 60 (step S306). The processing in steps S304 to S306 is the same as the processing in steps S125 to S127 of the first embodiment (Figure 4).

[0118] Next, the settlement processing unit 602 of the service server 60 receives the vehicle V identification information, second card information, and service usage information from the notification server 40, and calculates the service fee for vehicle V based on the service usage information. The settlement processing unit 602 also sends the second card information and service fee to the settlement server and performs settlement processing to request payment of the service fee (step S307). After the settlement processing is completed, the settlement processing unit 602 creates detailed information including the vehicle V identification information and service fee, and records it in a format that can be viewed by the user on the website (step S308). The processing in steps S307 to S308 is the same as the processing in steps S128 to S129 of the first embodiment (Figure 4).

[0119] Furthermore, the settlement processing unit 602 of the service server 60 adds the vehicle V identification information to the service fee information, which includes the service fee for vehicle V, and transmits it to the exit server 30 (step S309).

[0120] The service fee information recording unit 303 of the exit server 30 records the service fee information received from the service server 60 (step S310).

[0121] Furthermore, if vehicle V uses the service in multiple service provision sections A, the processes in steps S301 to S310 are executed each time vehicle V exits a service provision section A.

[0122] Furthermore, when vehicle V arrives at the exit toll gate, the conventional exit processing is performed in the on-board unit 10, the exit server 30, and the toll server 50 (step S311). When the exit processing is successfully completed, the exit processing unit 301 of the exit server 30 opens the bar of the departure control unit 35 (step S312), allowing vehicle V to exit the exit toll gate. The processing in steps S311 to S312 is the same as the processing in steps S121 to S122 of the first embodiment (Figure 4).

[0123] Next, the service fee information transmission unit 304 of the exit server 30 determines whether service fee information corresponding to the vehicle V identification information has been recorded (step S313).

[0124] If vehicle V is not using the service, or if the service fee settlement process (step S307) is not completed by the time vehicle V arrives at the exit toll gate, the service fee information for vehicle V is not recorded in the exit server 30. If the service fee information transmission unit 304 does not record service fee information corresponding to the identification information of vehicle V in this manner (step S313; NO), it terminates processing. If the service fee settlement process is not completed, the user can access the website to check the service fee, as in the first embodiment.

[0125] On the other hand, if the service fee information transmission unit 304 has service fee information corresponding to the identification information of the vehicle V recorded (step S313; YES), it transmits this service fee information to the in-vehicle unit 10 (step S315).

[0126] When the notification unit 103 of the in-vehicle unit 10 receives service fee information, it notifies the user of the service fees and other charges included in the service fee information (step S316). This allows the user to know the service fee for vehicle V when exiting the toll gate.

[0127] The processing at the entrance toll gate and ITS spot P1 is the same as in the first embodiment, so the explanation is omitted.

[0128] Figures 8 and 9 show an example in which the configuration of the first embodiment is increased by adding the lower channel antenna 45, service information acquisition unit 405, service fee information recording unit 303, and service fee information transmission unit 304, but the system is not limited to this. In other embodiments, these configurations may be added to the configuration of the second embodiment.

[0129] (Effects) As described above, in the automatic toll collection system 1 according to this embodiment, the third communication antenna is a downstream channel side antenna 45 having a communication range at the downstream end of the service provision section A.

[0130] In this way, the automated fare collection system 1 can calculate and process the service fee after the vehicle V has used the service in the service area A.

[0131] Furthermore, the automatic toll collection system 1 includes a service fee information transmission unit 304 that transmits service fee information, including the service fee for vehicle V, to the onboard unit 10 of vehicle V arriving at the toll gate via the exit antenna 31.

[0132] In this way, the automated toll collection system 1 can notify the user of the service charge for vehicle V when vehicle V exits the toll gate.

[0133] <Computer Configuration> Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the computer. The computer 900 comprises a processor 901, main memory 902, auxiliary memory 903, and interface 904. The above-mentioned in-vehicle device 10, entrance server 20, exit server 30, notification server 40, toll server 50, and service server 60 are each implemented in the computer 900. The operation of each of the above-mentioned processing units is stored in the auxiliary memory 903 in the form of a program. The processor 901 reads the program from the auxiliary memory 903, expands it into the main memory 902, and executes the above processing according to the program. The processor 901 also allocates memory area in the main memory 902 to be used for the above processing according to the program.

[0134] The program may be for implementing a part of the functions to be performed by the computer 900. For example, the program may perform functions in combination with other programs already stored in the auxiliary storage device 903, or in combination with other programs implemented in other devices. In other embodiments, the computer may be equipped with a custom LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) in addition to or instead of the above configuration. Examples of PLDs include PAL (Programmable Array Logic), GAL (Generic Array Logic), CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc. In this case, some or all of the functions implemented by the processor may be implemented by the integrated circuit.

[0135] Examples of auxiliary storage devices 903 include HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), SSDs (Solid State Drives), magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD-ROMs (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), and semiconductor memory. The auxiliary storage device 903 may be an internal medium directly connected to the bus of the computer 900, or it may be an external medium (external storage device 910) connected to the computer 900 via an interface 904 or a communication line. Furthermore, if this program is distributed to the computer 900 via a communication line, the computer 900 that receives the distribution may expand the program into the main memory 902 and execute the above processing. In at least one embodiment, the auxiliary storage device 903 is a tangible storage medium that is not temporary.

[0136] <Other Embodiments> Although one embodiment has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to that described above, and various design changes can be made. That is, in other embodiments, the order of the above-described processes may be changed as appropriate. Also, some processes may be executed in parallel. Furthermore, the configurations of each embodiment may be combined, such as combining the configuration of the notification server 40 and the roadside antennas 42-44 on the upstream side of service provision section A in the second embodiment with the configuration of the notification server 40 and the roadside antenna 45 on the downstream side of service provision section A in the third embodiment.

[0137] <Note> The above-described embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0138] (1) According to the first embodiment, the automatic toll collection system 1 is an automatic toll collection system 1 that collects service charges for services provided to a vehicle V in addition to driving on a toll road in a service provision section A which is at least a part of a toll road, and comprises: a card information acquisition unit 202, 404 that acquires card information of a service charge payment card C2 from an in-vehicle unit 10 of a vehicle V via first communication antennas 21, 43 which have a communication range upstream of the service provision section A; an authentication processing unit 601 that authenticates the service charge payment card C2 based on the card information of the service charge payment card C2; and an authentication result transmission unit 402 that transmits the authentication result of the service charge payment card C2 to the in-vehicle unit 10 via second communication antennas 41, 44 which have a communication range downstream of the first communication antennas 21, 43 and upstream of the service provision section A.

[0139] In this way, the automatic toll collection system 1 can inform the on-board unit 10 whether the service fee payment card C2 is valid (whether the service can be used) after the vehicle V has passed through the entrance toll gate but before it reaches the service area A. Furthermore, since the automatic toll collection system 1 only needs to complete the authentication process for the service fee payment card C2 while the vehicle V moves from the first communication antenna to the second communication antenna, the vehicle V can pass through the entrance toll gate smoothly without being stopped.

[0140] (2) According to the second embodiment, the automatic fare collection system 1 according to the first embodiment further comprises a notification unit 103 that notifies the user riding in the vehicle V of the authentication result of the service fee payment card C2.

[0141] In this way, the automated toll collection system 1 can inform the user whether the service fee payment card C2 is valid, that is, whether or not the service can be used, before the vehicle V reaches the service area A.

[0142] (3) According to the third embodiment, in the automatic toll collection system 1 according to the first or second embodiment, the first communication antenna is an entrance antenna 21 installed at the entrance toll gate of the toll road, and the second communication antenna is a roadside antenna 41 having a communication range on the road downstream of the entrance toll gate and upstream of the service provision section A, and the card information acquisition unit 202 acquires card information of the service fee payment card C2 from the on-board unit 10 after completing the entrance processing related to the collection of toll road fees by communication with the on-board unit 10 via the entrance antenna 21.

[0143] In this way, the automatic toll collection system 1 can notify the user of the authentication result of the service fee payment card C2 after the vehicle V has passed through the entrance toll gate but before it reaches the service provision section A. Furthermore, the first communication antenna may be an existing roadside antenna 41 that has a communication range at an ITS spot. This makes it possible to notify the in-vehicle unit 10 of the authentication result of the service fee payment card C2 by only changing the processing of the notification server 40, without adding a new roadside antenna. Moreover, by acquiring card information after completing the entrance process, the automatic toll collection system 1 can prevent the system from waiting until the card information acquisition process times out, even when communicating with a conventional in-vehicle unit that only handles toll collection (i.e., does not have the function to transmit the card information of the service fee payment card C2), which would prevent it from completing the entrance process before passing through the entrance toll gate (and thus being unable to properly collect the toll for the vehicle V).

[0144] (4) According to the fourth embodiment, in the automatic toll collection system 1 according to the first embodiment, the first communication antenna is an entrance antenna 21 installed at the entrance toll booth of the toll road, and the second communication antenna is a second entrance antenna installed at the downstream end within the entrance toll booth.

[0145] In this way, the automated toll collection system 1 can notify the user of the authentication result of the service fee payment card C2 before the vehicle V passes through the entrance toll gate. Furthermore, since the first communication antenna is the second entrance antenna of the existing entrance toll gate, it is possible to notify the in-vehicle unit 10 of the authentication result of the service fee payment card C2 by only changing the processing of the entrance server 20, without adding a new roadside antenna.

[0146] (5) According to the fifth embodiment, in the automatic toll collection system 1 according to the first embodiment, the first communication antenna is a first upstream antenna 43 having a communication range on the upstream side of the service provision section A, and the second communication antenna is a second upstream antenna 44 having a communication range on the upstream side of the service provision section A and downstream of the first upstream antenna 43.

[0147] In this way, even if the user removes the service fee payment card C2 to use it in a service area, for example, the automatic toll collection system 1 can authenticate the service fee payment card C2 by reinserting it before the vehicle V approaches the service provision section A, and notify the on-board unit 10 whether or not the service fee payment card C2 is valid.

[0148] (6) According to the sixth embodiment, the automatic toll collection system 1 according to the fifth embodiment further comprises: a guidance information transmission unit 403 that transmits guidance information for the service provision section A to the in-vehicle unit 10 via a guidance roadside antenna 42 having a communication range upstream of the first upstream channel antenna 43; and a notification unit 103 that, upon receiving the guidance information, notifies the user in the vehicle V of information regarding the non-insertion of the service toll payment card C2 into the in-vehicle unit 10.

[0149] In this way, the automatic fare collection system 1 can notify the user of information regarding the case where the service fare payment card C2 is not inserted (for example, that the service cannot be used if the service fare payment card C2 is not inserted) before performing the authentication process for the service fare payment card C2. For example, if a passenger other than the driver of vehicle V receives this notification and correctly inserts the service payment card C2 into the on-board unit 10, the automatic fare collection system 1 will be able to authenticate the service payment card C2 when vehicle V approaches the service provision section A.

[0150] (7) According to the seventh embodiment, the automatic toll collection system 1 according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments further comprises: a service information acquisition unit 302, 405 that acquires card information of a service fee payment card C2 and service usage information from an in-vehicle unit 10 via a third communication antenna 31, 45 provided downstream of the service provision section A; and a settlement processing unit 602 that performs settlement processing for the service fee of the vehicle V based on the card information of the service fee payment card C2 and service usage information.

[0151] In this way, the automatic toll collection system 1 can automatically calculate and collect the service fee for vehicle V by communicating with the third communication antennas 31 and 45 after vehicle V has passed through the service provision section A.

[0152] (8) According to the eighth aspect, in the automatic toll collection system 1 according to the seventh aspect, when the settlement processing unit 602 has finished the settlement process, it creates detailed information including the service fee and records it in a format that can be viewed by the user via internet communication.

[0153] In this way, the automated toll collection system 1 can allow the vehicle V to exit the toll gate smoothly without stopping it to wait for the service fee settlement process to complete, and can also inform the user of the service fee settlement process via a website.

[0154] (9) According to the ninth aspect, in the automatic toll collection system 1 according to the seventh or eighth aspect, the third communication antenna is an exit antenna 31 installed at the exit toll gate of the toll road, and the service information acquisition unit 302 acquires card information of the service fee payment card C2 and service usage information from the on-board unit 10 after completing the exit processing related to the collection of toll fees for the toll road through communication with the on-board unit 10 via the exit antenna 31.

[0155] In this way, the automatic toll collection system 1 can automatically calculate and collect the service charge for vehicle V when vehicle V exits the exit toll gate. Furthermore, by acquiring card information, etc., after completing the exit process, the automatic toll collection system 1 can prevent situations where, even if it communicates with a conventional in-vehicle unit that only handles toll collection (i.e., does not have the function to transmit card information for service charge payment card C2), it would wait until the card information acquisition process times out, preventing it from completing the exit process before passing through the exit toll gate (and thus preventing it from properly collecting the toll for vehicle V).

[0156] (10) According to the tenth embodiment, in the automatic toll collection system 1 according to the seventh or eighth embodiment, the third communication antenna is a downstream channel side antenna 45 provided at the downstream end of the service provision section A.

[0157] In this way, the automated fare collection system 1 can calculate and process the service fee after the vehicle V has used the service in the service area A.

[0158] (11) According to the 11th embodiment, the automatic toll collection system 1 according to the 10th embodiment further includes a service fee information transmission unit 304 that transmits service fee information, including the service fee for the vehicle V, to the onboard unit 10 of the vehicle V that has arrived at the exit toll gate via an exit antenna 31 installed at the exit toll gate of the toll road.

[0159] In this way, the automated toll collection system 1 can notify the user of the service charge for vehicle V when vehicle V exits the toll gate.

[0160] (12) According to the 12th embodiment, the automatic toll collection method is an automatic toll collection method for collecting service charges for services provided to a vehicle V in addition to driving on a toll road in a service provision section A which is at least a part of a toll road, and includes the steps of: acquiring card information of a service charge payment card C2 from an in-vehicle unit 10 of a vehicle V via first communication antennas 21, 43 provided on the upstream side of the service provision section A; authenticating the service charge payment card C2 based on the card information of the service charge payment card C2; transmitting the authentication result of the service charge payment card C2 to the in-vehicle unit 10 via second communication antennas 41, 44 provided on the downstream side of the first communication antennas 21, 43 and on the upstream side of the service provision section A; and notifying a user riding in a vehicle V of the authentication result of the service charge payment card C2.

[0161] According to the above configuration, the authentication result of the service fee payment card can be notified to the in-vehicle unit before the service is started, without having to stop the vehicle at the toll booth.

[0162] 1 Automatic Toll Collection System 10 On-board unit 101 Toll processing unit 102 Service processing unit 103 Notification unit 20 Entrance server 201 Entrance processing unit 202 Card information acquisition unit 21 Entrance antenna (first communication antenna) 25 Start control unit 30 Exit server 301 Exit processing unit 302 Service information acquisition unit 303 Service fee information recording unit 304 Service fee information transmission unit 31 Exit antenna (third communication antenna) 31 Third communication antenna 35 Start control unit 40 Notification server 401 Authentication result recording unit 402 Authentication result transmission unit 403 Guidance information transmission unit 404 Card information acquisition unit 405 Service information acquisition unit 41 Roadside antenna (second communication antenna) 42 Guidance roadside antenna 43 First upstream channel antenna (first communication antenna) 44 Second upstream channel antenna (second communication antenna) 45 Downstream side antenna (third communication antenna) 45 Third communication antenna 50 Toll server 60 Service server 601 Authentication processing unit 602 Payment processing unit C1 First card (IC card for tolls only) C2 Second card (card for service fee payment) V Vehicle

Claims

1. An automatic toll collection system for collecting service charges for services provided to a vehicle in addition to driving on a toll road in a service provision section which is at least a portion of the toll road, comprising: a card information acquisition unit that acquires card information of a service charge payment card from an in-vehicle unit of the vehicle via a first communication antenna having a communication range upstream of the service provision section; an authentication processing unit that authenticates the service charge payment card based on the card information of the service charge payment card; and an authentication result transmission unit that transmits the authentication result of the service charge payment card to the in-vehicle unit via a second communication antenna having a communication range downstream of the first communication antenna and upstream of the service provision section.

2. The automatic fare collection system according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit for notifying a user riding in the vehicle of the authentication result of the service fee payment card.

3. The automatic toll collection system according to claim 1, wherein the first communication antenna is an entrance antenna installed at the entrance toll gate of the toll road, the second communication antenna is a roadside antenna having a communication range on the road downstream of the entrance toll gate and upstream of the service provision section, and the card information acquisition unit acquires card information of the service fee payment card from the on-board unit after completing the entrance processing related to the collection of tolls for the toll road by communication with the on-board unit via the entrance antenna.

4. The automatic toll collection system according to claim 1, wherein the first communication antenna is an entrance antenna installed at the entrance toll booth of the toll road, and the second communication antenna is a second entrance antenna installed at the downstream end within the entrance toll booth.

5. The automatic toll collection system according to claim 1, wherein the first communication antenna is a first upstream antenna having a communication range on the upstream side of the service provision section, and the second communication antenna is a second upstream antenna having a communication range on the upstream side of the service provision section and downstream of the first upstream antenna.

6. The automatic toll collection system according to claim 5, further comprising: a guidance information transmission unit that transmits guidance information for the service provision section to the in-vehicle unit via a guidance roadside antenna having a communication range upstream of the first upstream channel antenna; and a notification unit that, upon receiving the guidance information, notifies a user riding in the vehicle of information regarding the failure to insert the service fee payment card into the in-vehicle unit.

7. An automatic toll collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: a service information acquisition unit that acquires card information of the service fee payment card and service usage information from the in-vehicle unit via a third communication antenna having a communication range downstream of the service provision section; and a settlement processing unit that performs settlement processing for the service fee of the vehicle based on the card information of the service fee payment card and the service usage information.

8. The automatic fare collection system according to claim 7, wherein, upon completion of the payment processing unit, it creates detailed information including the service fee and records it in a format that can be viewed by a user riding in the vehicle via internet communication.

9. The automatic toll collection system according to claim 7, wherein the third communication antenna is an exit antenna installed at the exit toll booth of the toll road, and the service information acquisition unit acquires card information of the service fee payment card and service usage information from the on-board unit after completing the exit processing related to the collection of tolls for the toll road by communication with the on-board unit via the exit antenna.

10. The automatic toll collection system according to claim 7, wherein the third communication antenna is a downstream channel antenna having a communication range at the downstream end of the service provision section.

11. The automatic toll collection system according to claim 10, further comprising a service fee information transmission unit that transmits service fee information, including the service fee for the vehicle, to the onboard unit of the vehicle that has arrived at the exit toll gate of the toll road, via an exit antenna installed at the exit toll gate of the toll road.

12. An automatic toll collection method for collecting service charges for services provided to a vehicle in addition to driving on a toll road in a service provision section which is at least a portion of the toll road, comprising: a step of obtaining card information of a service charge payment card from an in-vehicle unit of the vehicle via a first communication antenna having a communication range upstream of the service provision section; a step of authenticating the service charge payment card based on the card information of the service charge payment card; and a step of transmitting the authentication result of the service charge payment card to the in-vehicle unit via a second communication antenna having a communication range downstream of the first communication antenna and upstream of the service provision section.

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