JP7580949B2 - Fee processing system, fee processing device, and program - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a fee processing system, a fee processing device, and a program.

In recent years, the use of Electronic Toll Collection Systems (ETC) that collect tolls through wireless communication with onboard devices installed in vehicles has become widespread on toll roads such as expressways. For example, in an ETC system, tolls are calculated based on the entry and exit of a vehicle. In general, if you compare the case where you enter and exit at your destination without exiting along the way, with the case where you enter, exit briefly, re-enter, and exit at your destination, the latter, in which the initial fare is charged twice, is more expensive than the former, in which the initial fare is charged once.

JP 2000-20768 A

A variety of services have been proposed for ETC systems with the aim of promoting usage and easing congestion. For example, a central device is being considered for toll calculation in ETC systems to efficiently charge variable fees according to time of day or road conditions. As part of further services for such ETC systems, there is a demand for processing that can handle cases where a person temporarily exits and re-enters the system.

The present invention aims to solve the above problem by providing a fee processing system, fee calculation device, and program that enable processing according to cases of temporary exit and re-entry.

According to an embodiment, the toll processing system includes an entrance toll booth device, an exit toll booth device, and a toll processing device. The entrance toll booth device transmits entry information including a user ID, an entrance toll booth ID, and an entry date and time from an on-board device of the vehicle. The exit toll booth device transmits exit information including the user ID, an exit toll booth ID, and an exit date and time from an on-board device of the vehicle. The toll processing device calculates a first toll not applying re-entry based on first entry information including the user ID, a first entrance toll booth ID, and a first entry date and time, and first exit information including the user ID, a first exit toll booth ID, and a first exit date and time that is later than the first entry date and time, determines re-entry based on the first exit information and the second entry information, and calculates a second toll applying re-entry based on the second entry information and the second exit information.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the outline of a fee processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system of each device in the fee processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of fee processing in the fee processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of information processing in the central device in the fee processing in the fee processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of entry processing at an entrance toll booth device, among the toll processing in the toll processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an exit process at an exit toll gate device, among the toll processes in the toll processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a re-entry determination process in the central device of the fee processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the fee processing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of entrance/exit processing by the fee processing system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the fee processing system according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of re-entry determination processing (including return detection) in the central device of the fee processing system according to the fourth embodiment.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
First Embodiment
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the outline of a fee processing system according to the first embodiment.
A vehicle 5 using the toll processing system includes an on-board device and an information output device. An ETC card for payment to pay tolls on toll roads is loaded into the on-board device. For example, the on-board device wirelessly communicates with each device in the toll processing system and transmits a user ID for identifying the user. The user ID includes the vehicle registration number, the on-board device management number, and the ETC card number (card ID), etc. The card ID is an ID unique to the ETC card loaded into the on-board device, and is the subject of toll charges, with the toll being charged against the card ID. The on-board device also wirelessly communicates with each device in the toll processing system and receives information relating to entry and exit processing, and the information output device displays the information relating to entry and exit processing and also outputs it as audio.

As shown in FIG. 1, the toll processing system includes a central device 1 that functions as a toll processing device, a plurality of entrance toll booth devices provided corresponding to each entrance toll booth of the toll road, a plurality of exit toll booth devices provided corresponding to each exit toll booth of the toll road, and a notification device 4. In this embodiment, it is assumed that an entrance toll booth device 2A is provided corresponding to entrance toll booth 2a, an entrance toll booth device 2B is provided corresponding to entrance toll booth 2b, an exit toll booth device 3A is provided corresponding to exit toll booth 3a, and an exit toll booth device 3B is provided corresponding to exit toll booth 3b.

The entrance toll booth equipment 2A receives a user ID from the on-board device of the vehicle 5 passing through the entrance toll booth 2a, and transmits entry information including the user ID, the entrance toll booth ID, and the entry date and time to the central device 1. The exit toll booth equipment 3A receives a user ID from the on-board device of the vehicle 5 passing through the exit toll booth A, and transmits exit information including the user ID, the exit toll booth ID, and the exit date and time to the central device 1. The exit toll booth equipment 3A also receives the tolls etc. of the user ID transmitted from the central device 1, transmits them to the on-board device, and notifies the driver of the vehicle 5 of the tolls etc. via the on-board device. Furthermore, the exit toll booth equipment 3A displays the tolls to the driver of the vehicle 5 via a display device etc. The entrance toll booth equipment 2B executes the same process as the entrance toll booth equipment 2A, and the exit toll booth equipment 3B executes the same process as the exit toll booth equipment 3A.

In this embodiment, for ease of understanding, a case will be described in which a vehicle 5 enters through the entrance of entrance toll booth equipment 2A, exits (temporarily exits) through exit toll booth equipment 3A, enters (re-enters) through the entrance of entrance toll booth equipment 2B, and exits through exit toll booth equipment 3B.

The notification device 4 transmits information from the central device 1 to a pre-registered email address, etc. For example, it transmits tolls calculated by the central device 1 to a pre-registered email address, etc. In addition, it transmits information regarding temporary exit and re-entry specified by the central device 1 to a pre-registered email address, etc.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system of each device in the fee processing system according to the first embodiment.
First, the central device 1 will be described. The central device 1 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13. The central device 1 is, for example, configured by a general-purpose server device. The central device 1 functions as a toll processing server that calculates the toll to be charged to the vehicle 5. The central device 1 is communicatively connected to the entrance toll gate equipment 2A, the entrance toll gate equipment 2B, the exit toll gate equipment 3A, and the exit toll gate equipment 3B. The central device 1 collects information on vehicles passing through the toll road from the entrance toll gate equipment 2A, the entrance toll gate equipment 2B, the exit toll gate equipment 3A, and the exit toll gate equipment 3B. In addition, when the toll processing system includes a route device on the route of the toll road, the central device 1 collects information on vehicles passing through the toll road from the route device. The information on the vehicle includes a user ID. The central device 1 calculates a toll for the vehicle 5 according to information collected from the entrance toll booth devices 2A, 2B and the exit toll booth devices 3A, 3B, and supplies information about the calculated toll to the exit toll booth device 3A or 3B. The information about the toll includes a user ID.

The control unit 11 is a control unit that controls and processes data in the central device 1. The control unit 11 includes a CPU (central processing unit), a memory, an interface, and the like. The CPU is a processor that executes a program to realize various processing functions. The CPU is connected to each part of the central device 1 via an interface, etc. The memory includes various types of memory such as a non-volatile memory that stores the program executed by the CPU, a volatile memory that temporarily holds data, and a rewritable non-volatile memory that stores setting data, etc. That is, the control unit 11 controls each part by the CPU executing the program stored in the memory. The control unit 11 also includes a re-entry determination unit 111, and executes data processing and re-entry determination, etc. by the CPU executing the program stored in the memory. For example, the re-entry determination unit 111 determines whether various data related to the fee processing system should be associated with each other. The function of the re-entry determination unit 111 will be described in detail later.

The memory unit 12 is a storage medium that can read and write data at high speed, such as a main memory. If the read and write times are sufficient for processing, the memory unit 12 may be configured as a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The memory unit 12 stores various data related to the toll processing system. For example, the memory unit 12 stores a passage history database, which stores information collected from each entrance toll gate device, route device, and each exit toll gate device. For example, the passage history database stores entry information and exit information in association with a user ID. The user ID includes the vehicle registration number, the vehicle-mounted device management number, and the ETC card number.

The memory unit 12 also stores a basic fee table and a discount fee table for each vehicle type. The basic fee table includes tolls according to the driving section determined by the entrance ID and exit ID. The discount fee table includes discount fees, surcharges, discount rates, or surcharge rates according to the driving section based on the travel date and time determined from at least one of the entry date and time and the exit date and time, the day of the week and holidays on the calendar, and the driving route, etc.

Furthermore, the memory unit 12 stores a first re-entry permission list including a combination of an exit toll gate ID at which re-entry is permitted and an entrance toll gate ID for re-entry. Alternatively, the memory unit 12 may store a second re-entry permission list including an exit toll gate ID at which re-entry is permitted. The memory unit 12 also stores a time limit for re-entry permission from when the vehicle exits the toll road until re-entering. The time limit for re-entry permission may be a time that varies depending on the combination of the exit toll gate and the entrance toll gate, or the distance between the exit toll gate and the entrance toll gate.

The communication unit 13 is a communication interface for communicating with external devices. The communication unit 13 is an interface for communicating with the entrance toll gate equipment 2A, 2B, the exit toll gate equipment 3A, 3B, and the route equipment. The communication unit 13 may include multiple communication interfaces provided for each model.

Next, the entrance toll booth equipment 2A will be described. The entrance toll booth equipment 2A includes a control unit 21A, a higher-level communication unit 22A, a vehicle communication unit 23A, a memory unit 24A, and a roadside display 25A. The entrance toll booth equipment 2A is configured, for example, by combining a general-purpose server device and a dedicated device.

The control unit 21A controls the entire entrance toll booth equipment 2 and processes data. The control unit 21A has a CPU, memory, an interface, etc. The CPU is a processor that realizes various processing functions by executing programs. The CPU is connected to each part that constitutes the entrance toll booth equipment 2A via an interface, etc. The memory includes various types of memory such as a non-volatile memory that stores the programs executed by the CPU, a volatile memory that temporarily holds data, and a rewritable non-volatile memory that saves setting data, etc.

The upper communication unit 22A is a communication interface for communicating with the central device 1 as a higher-level device. The upper communication unit 22A may communicate with the central device 1 via wireless communication, or may communicate with the central device 1 via a communication line.

The vehicle communication unit 23A is an interface that wirelessly communicates with the on-board unit 51 mounted on the vehicle 5. The vehicle communication unit 23A wirelessly communicates with the on-board unit 51 mounted on the vehicle 5 (vehicle attempting to enter) approaching the entrance toll gate equipment 2 at the entrance toll gate. The vehicle communication unit 23A receives a user ID from the on-board unit 51 with which it wirelessly communicates, and the higher-level communication unit 22A transmits the entry information to the central device 1. The entry information includes the user ID received from the on-board unit 51, the pre-stored entrance toll gate ID, and the entry date and time. The vehicle communication unit 23A also transmits an entry record including the entrance toll gate ID and the entry date and time to the on-board unit 51. The on-board unit 51 records the received entry record on an IC card or the like.

The memory unit 24A stores information such as the entrance toll gate ID. The memory unit 24A also temporarily stores information received from the vehicle-mounted device 51.

The roadside display 25A displays information related to tolls and information related to re-entry.
The entrance toll gate device 2B also includes a control unit 21B, a higher-level communication unit 22B, a vehicle communication unit 23B, a storage unit 24B, and a roadside display 25B. Each unit of the entrance toll gate device 2B is substantially the same as each unit of the entrance toll gate device 2A, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the exit toll booth equipment 3A will be described. The exit toll booth equipment 3A includes a control unit 31A, a higher-level communication unit 32A, a vehicle communication unit 33A, and a memory unit 34A. The exit toll booth equipment 3A is configured, for example, by combining a general-purpose server device and a dedicated device.

The control unit 31A controls the entire exit toll booth equipment 3A and processes data. The control unit 31A has a CPU, memory, an interface, etc. The CPU is a processor that realizes various processing functions by executing programs. The CPU is connected to each part that constitutes the exit toll booth equipment 3A via an interface, etc. The memory includes various types of memory such as a non-volatile memory that stores the programs executed by the CPU, a volatile memory that temporarily holds data, and a rewritable non-volatile memory that saves setting data, etc.

The upper communication unit 32A is a communication interface for communicating with the central device 1 as a higher-level device. The upper communication unit 32A may communicate with the central device 1 via wireless communication, or may communicate with the central device 1 via a communication line.

The vehicle communication unit 33A is an interface that wirelessly communicates with the on-board unit 51 of the vehicle 5. The vehicle communication unit 33A wirelessly communicates with the on-board unit 51 mounted on the vehicle 5 (vehicle attempting to exit) approaching the exit toll gate equipment 3A at the exit toll gate. The vehicle communication unit 33A receives a user ID from the on-board unit 51 with which it wirelessly communicates, and the higher-level communication unit 32A transmits exit information to the central device 1 and receives information related to the toll from the central device 1. The exit information includes the user ID received from the on-board unit 51, the exit toll gate ID stored in advance, and the date and time of exit. The vehicle communication unit 33A also transmits an exit record including the exit toll gate ID, the date and time of exit, and information related to the toll to the on-board unit 51. The on-board unit 51 records the received exit record on an IC card or the like.

The memory unit 34A stores information such as the exit toll gate ID. The memory unit 34A also temporarily stores information received from the vehicle-mounted device 51.

The roadside display 35A displays information related to tolls. The roadside display 35A also displays information related to temporary exits.
The exit toll booth device 3B also includes a control unit 31B, a higher-level communication unit 32B, a vehicle communication unit 33B, a storage unit 34B, and a roadside display 35B. Each unit of the exit toll booth device 3B is substantially the same as each unit of the exit toll booth device 3A, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Vehicle 5 is an automobile in which a pedestrian rides to travel a toll road. Vehicle 5 is equipped with an on-board unit 51 and an on-board notification unit 52. The on-board unit 51 communicates with entrance toll gate equipment 2A, 2B and exit toll gate equipment 3A, 3B, etc., to transmit and receive various information. The on-board unit 51 also stores the vehicle registration number and on-board unit management number, etc. The on-board notification unit 52 notifies the pedestrian of information by display on a screen or by voice, based on the information received by the on-board unit 51. For example, the on-board notification unit 52 notifies the pedestrian of toll road toll information, exit toll gate information, entrance toll gate information, road closure information, congestion information, etc.

FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of fee processing in the fee processing system according to the first embodiment.
<Entry process (including re-entry)>
When a vehicle 5 carrying a pedestrian passes through the entrance toll gate 2a (enters the toll road), the vehicle communication unit 23A of the entrance toll gate equipment 2A communicates with the on-board unit 51 and obtains the user ID 1 (ST01), and the upper communication unit 22A transmits to the central device 1 entry information D1 including the user ID 1 from the on-board unit 51, the entrance toll gate ID 1 indicating the entrance toll gate 2a, and the entry date and time T1 indicating the date and time of passing through the entrance toll gate 2a (ST02).

The communication unit 13 of the central device 1 acquires the entry information D1 transmitted from the entrance toll booth equipment 2A. The control unit 11 of the central device 1 searches the passage history database for the passage history based on the user ID included in the entry information D1, and the re-entry determination unit 111 determines whether the entry based on the entry information D1 corresponds to re-entry (ST03).

The control unit 11 selects the exit information D0 that includes the most recent exit date and time from among the exit information that includes the user ID. The re-entry determination unit 111 determines re-entry if the combination of the exit toll gate ID0 included in the exit information D0 and the entrance toll gate ID1 included in the entry information D1 satisfies the first condition included in the first re-entry permission list, and determines entry (normal entry) if the first condition is not satisfied.

Alternatively, the re-entry determination unit 111 determines re-entry when the exit toll gate ID0 included in the exit information D0 satisfies a second condition included in the second re-entry permission list, and determines entry (normal entry) when the second condition is not satisfied.

Alternatively, the re-entry determination unit 111 determines re-entry if the temporary exit time from the exit date and time T0 included in the exit information D0 to the entry date and time T1 included in the entry information D1 is within the time limit for re-entry permission, which satisfies a third condition, and determines entry (normal entry) if the third condition is not satisfied.

Alternatively, the re-entry determination unit 111 determines re-entry when the first and third conditions are met, and determines entry (normal entry) when the first and third conditions are not met. Alternatively, the re-entry determination unit 111 determines re-entry when the second and third conditions are met, and determines entry (normal entry) when the second and third conditions are not met.

The control unit 11 registers re-entry information including the exit information D0 and the entry information D1 based on the re-entry determination (association of the exit information D0 and the entry information D1). For example, the control unit 11 may set a re-entry flag indicating an association between the exit information D0 and the entry information D1, respectively.

<Exit Processing (including temporary exit)>
Next, when the vehicle 5 passes through the exit toll gate 3a (exits the toll road), the vehicle communication unit 33A of the exit toll gate equipment 3A communicates with the on-board unit 51 and obtains the user ID 1 (ST04), and the upper communication unit 32A transmits to the central device 1 exit information D2 including the user ID 1 from the on-board unit 51, the exit toll gate ID 2 indicating the exit toll gate 3a, and the exit date and time T2 indicating the date and time of passing through the exit toll gate 3a (ST05).

The communication unit 13 of the central device 1 acquires the exit information D2 transmitted from the exit toll booth device 3A. The control unit 11 of the central device 1 searches for the entry information D1 corresponding to the exit information D2 from the passage history database based on the user ID included in the exit information D2. The control unit 11 searches for the entry information D1 as information that includes the same user ID as the user ID included in the exit information D2 and includes the entry date and time that is closest to the exit date and time before the exit date and time included in the exit information D2 (the exit information D2 includes an exit date and time that is later than the entry date and time included in the entry information D1). The re-entry determination unit 111 determines whether the entry information D1 corresponds to re-entry based on the re-entry information or the re-entry flag. If it is determined that the entry information D1 does not correspond to re-entry, the control unit 11 calculates the toll F10 not applying to re-entry based on the basic fee table, the discount fee table, the entry information D1, and the exit information D2 (ST06). If it is determined that the entry information D1 corresponds to re-entry, the control unit 11 calculates the toll F21 applying to re-entry. The calculation of the re-entry toll F21 will be explained in detail later.

The communication unit 13 transmits information about the toll to the exit toll gate equipment 3A (ST07). The higher-level communication unit 32A of the exit toll gate equipment 3A acquires the information about the toll, and the roadside display 35A displays the information about the toll to pedestrians in the vehicle 5. The vehicle communication unit 33A also transmits the information about the toll to the on-board unit 51 of the vehicle 5. The on-board unit 51 receives the information about the toll, and the on-board notification unit 52 notifies the information about the toll by screen display or voice.

The communication unit 13 also transmits information about the toll to the notification device 4 (ST08). The notification device 4 transmits information about the toll to a pre-registered email address or the like (ST09). A passenger riding in the vehicle 5 can confirm the information about the toll sent to the pre-registered email address by displaying it on a screen or by voice using a communication terminal such as a smartphone.

Information regarding temporary exit may also be notified. For example, if the first or second re-entry permission list includes the exit toll gate ID2 included in the exit information D2, the control unit 11 instructs the output of information regarding temporary exit. The communication unit 13 transmits information regarding temporary exit to the exit toll gate equipment 3A. This causes the roadside display 35A to display the information regarding temporary exit. The vehicle communication unit 33A also transmits information regarding temporary exit to the on-board unit 51 of the vehicle 5. The on-board unit 51 receives the information regarding temporary exit, and the on-board notification unit 52 notifies the information regarding temporary exit by screen display or voice. For example, the information regarding temporary exit includes "Temporary exit is permitted from this exit toll gate, and a discount will be applied if re-entering from the next entrance toll gate." Furthermore, if the first re-entry permission list includes a combination of the exit toll gate ID2 included in the exit information D2 and the entrance toll gate ID3 included in the entry information D3, for example, the information regarding temporary exit includes "Temporary exit is permitted at this exit toll gate, and a discount will be applied if re-entering from each entrance toll gate (toll gate name)." Similarly, the communication unit 13 also transmits information regarding temporary exit to the notification device 4. The notification device 4 transmits information regarding temporary exit to a pre-registered email address or the like. A passerby in the vehicle 5 can confirm the information regarding temporary exit sent to the pre-registered email address by screen display or voice using a communication terminal such as a smartphone.

<Entry process (including re-entry)>
Furthermore, when the vehicle 5 passes through the entrance toll gate 2b (when it enters the toll road again), the vehicle communication unit 23A of the entrance toll gate equipment 2B communicates with the on-board unit 51 and obtains the user ID 1 (ST10), and the upper communication unit 22A transmits to the central device 1 entry information D3 including the user ID 1 from the on-board unit 51, the entrance toll gate ID 3 indicating the entrance toll gate 2b, and the entry date and time T3 indicating the date and time of passing through the entrance toll gate 2b (ST11).

The communication unit 13 of the central device 1 acquires the entry information D3 transmitted from the entrance toll booth equipment 2B. The control unit 11 of the central device 1 searches the passage history database for the passage history based on the user ID included in the entry information D3, and determines whether the entry based on the entry information D3 corresponds to re-entry (ST12).

The re-entry determination unit 111 selects the exit information D2 that includes the most recent exit date and time from among the exit information that includes the user ID. The re-entry determination unit 111 determines re-entry when the combination of the exit toll gate ID 2 included in the exit information D2 and the entrance toll gate ID 3 included in the entry information D3 satisfies the first condition included in the first re-entry permission list, and determines entry (normal entry) when the first condition is not satisfied.

Alternatively, the re-entry determination unit 111 determines re-entry when the exit toll gate ID2 included in the exit information D2 satisfies a second condition included in the second re-entry permission list, and determines entry (normal entry) when the second condition is not satisfied.

Alternatively, the re-entry determination unit 111 determines re-entry if the temporary exit time from the exit date and time T2 included in the exit information D2 to the entry date and time T3 included in the entry information D3 is within the time limit for re-entry permission, which satisfies a third condition, and determines entry (normal entry) if the third condition is not satisfied.

Alternatively, the re-entry determination unit 111 determines re-entry when the first and third conditions are met, and determines entry (normal entry) when the first and third conditions are not met. Alternatively, the re-entry determination unit 111 determines re-entry when the second and third conditions are met, and determines entry (normal entry) when the second and third conditions are not met.

The control unit 11 registers re-entry information including the exit information D2 and the entry information D3 based on the re-entry determination (association of the exit information D2 and the entry information D3). For example, the control unit 11 may set a re-entry flag indicating an association between the exit information D2 and the entry information D3, respectively.

The control unit 11 may also instruct the output of information regarding re-entry based on the re-entry judgment. The communication unit 13 transmits information regarding re-entry to the entrance toll booth device 2B. As a result, the roadside display 25B displays information regarding re-entry. The vehicle communication unit 23B also transmits information regarding re-entry to the vehicle-mounted device 51 of the vehicle 5. The vehicle-mounted device 51 receives the information regarding re-entry, and the vehicle-mounted notification unit 52 notifies the information regarding re-entry by displaying it on a screen or by voice. For example, the information regarding re-entry includes "This entry is a re-entry, and a discount will be applied." Similarly, the communication unit 13 also transmits information regarding re-entry to the notification device 4. The notification device 4 transmits information regarding re-entry to a pre-registered email address or the like. A passerby riding in the vehicle 5 can confirm the information regarding re-entry transmitted to the pre-registered email address by displaying it on a screen or by voice using a communication terminal such as a smartphone.

<Exit process (including re-entry)>
Next, when the vehicle 5 passes through the exit toll gate 3b (exits the toll road), the vehicle communication unit 33B of the exit toll gate equipment 3B communicates with the on-board unit 51 to obtain the user ID 1 (ST13), and the upper communication unit 32B transmits to the central device 1 exit information D4 including the user ID 1 from the on-board unit 51, the exit toll gate ID 4 indicating the exit toll gate 3b, and the exit date and time T4 indicating the date and time of passing through the exit toll gate 3b (ST14).

The communication unit 13 of the central device 1 acquires the exit information D4 transmitted from the exit toll booth device 3B. The control unit 11 of the central device 1 searches for the entry information D3 corresponding to the exit information D4 from the passage history database based on the user ID included in the exit information D4. The control unit 11 searches for the entry information D3 as information that includes the same user ID as the user ID included in the exit information D4 and includes an entry date and time that is closest to the exit date and time before the exit date and time included in the exit information D4 (the exit information D4 includes an exit date and time that is later than the entry date and time included in the entry information D3). The re-entry determination unit 111 determines whether the entry information D3 corresponds to re-entry based on the re-entry information or the re-entry flag. If it is determined that the entry information D3 does not correspond to re-entry, the control unit 11 calculates the toll F20 without re-entry application based on the basic fee table, the discount fee table, the entry information D3, and the exit information D4 (ST15).

If it is determined that the entry information D3 corresponds to re-entry, the control unit 11 calculates the toll F21 applicable to re-entry. The control unit 11 calculates the toll F21 applicable to re-entry (travel section: entrance toll gate 2b - exit toll gate 3b) based on the basic toll table, discount toll table, entry information D3, and exit information D4, etc. (ST15). For example, the control unit 11 calculates the toll F21 applicable to re-entry by subtracting a fixed amount from the toll F20 not applicable to re-entry from the entrance toll gate 2b to the exit toll gate 3b, multiplying it by a reduction coefficient, or combining the subtraction of a fixed amount and multiplication by a reduction coefficient.

The communication unit 13 transmits information about the toll to the exit toll booth device 3B (ST16). The information about the toll includes the calculated toll F21 and information indicating the application of re-entry. The information indicating the application of re-entry includes information indicating that re-entry has been approved, information indicating that a re-entry discount has been applied, or the amount reduced by the re-entry discount. The higher-level communication unit 32B of the exit toll booth device 3B acquires the information about the toll, and the roadside display 35B displays the information about the toll to the pedestrian in the vehicle 5. The vehicle communication unit 33A transmits the information about the toll to the on-board device 51 of the vehicle 5. The on-board device 51 receives the information about the toll, and the on-board notification unit 52 notifies the information about the toll by screen display or voice.

The communication unit 13 also transmits information about the toll to the notification device 4 (ST17). The notification device 4 transmits information about the toll to a pre-registered email address or the like (ST18). A passing vehicle riding in the vehicle 5 can receive the information about the toll transmitted to the pre-registered email address by displaying it on a screen or by voice using a communication terminal such as a smartphone.

FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of information processing in the central device in the fee processing in the fee processing system according to the first embodiment.
<Entry process (including re-entry)>
When the vehicle 5 passes through the entrance toll gate 2a (enters the toll road), the entrance toll gate device 2A transmits entry information D1 including the user ID1, the entrance toll gate ID1, and the entry date and time T1 to the central device 1. The communication unit 13 of the central device 1 acquires the entry information D1 and outputs it to the control unit 11 (ST21). The control unit 11 stores the entry information D1 in the storage unit 12 (ST22). The control unit 11 searches the passage history from the passage history database based on the user ID included in the entry information D1, reads out the exit information D0 including the most recent exit date and time from among the exit information including the user ID (ST23), and outputs the exit information D0 and the entry information D1 to the re-entry determination unit 111 (ST24).

When the first condition described above is met, the re-entry determination unit 111 determines that the vehicle has re-entered and associates the exit information D0 from the previous driving history with the entry information D1 from the current driving history, and when the first condition is not met, it determines that the vehicle has entered (normal entry) and rejects the association of the exit information D0 from the previous driving history with the entry information D1 from the current driving history.

Alternatively, if the second condition described above is met, the re-entry determination unit 111 determines that re-entry has occurred and associates the exit information D0 from the previous driving history with the entry information D1 from the current driving history, and if the second condition is not met, it determines that entry has occurred (normal entry) and rejects the association of the exit information D0 from the previous driving history with the entry information D1 from the current driving history.

Alternatively, if the third condition described above is met, the re-entry determination unit 111 determines that re-entry has occurred and associates the exit information D0 of the previous driving history with the entry information D1 of the current driving history, and if the third condition is not met, it determines that entry has occurred (normal entry) and rejects the association of the exit information D0 of the previous driving history with the entry information D1 of the current driving history.

Alternatively, if the above-mentioned first and third conditions are met, the re-entry determination unit 111 determines that re-entry has occurred and associates the exit information D0 of the previous driving history with the entry information D1 of the current driving history, and if the first and third conditions are not met, it determines that entry has occurred (normal entry) and rejects the association of the exit information D0 of the previous driving history with the entry information D1 of the current driving history.

Alternatively, if the second and third conditions described above are met, the re-entry determination unit 111 determines that re-entry has occurred and associates the exit information D0 of the previous driving history with the entry information D1 of the current driving history, and if the second and third conditions are not met, it determines that entry has occurred (normal entry) and rejects the association of the exit information D0 of the previous driving history with the entry information D1 of the current driving history.
Here, a case is assumed in which the association is rejected (ST26).

<Exit Processing (including temporary exit)>
Next, when the vehicle 5 passes through the exit toll gate 3a (when it exits from the toll road), the exit toll gate device 3A transmits to the central device 1 exit information D2 including the user ID 1, the exit toll gate ID 2, and the exit date and time T2. The communication unit 13 of the central device 1 acquires the exit information D2 and outputs it to the control unit 11 (ST27). The control unit 11 stores the exit information D2 in the storage unit 12 (ST28). The control unit 11 searches the passage history from the passage history database based on the user ID included in the exit information D2, and reads out the entry information D1 including the most recent entry date and time among the entry information including the user ID (ST29). Here, the entry information D1 that is read out is not associated with the exit information, and the entry information D1 does not correspond to re-entry. Therefore, the control unit 11 calculates the toll based on the basic fee table, the discount fee table, the entry information D1, and the entry information D2 (ST30). The control unit 11 outputs information regarding the toll to the communication unit 13 (ST31). The information regarding the toll fee includes a user ID.

<Entry process (including re-entry)>
Furthermore, when the vehicle 5 passes through the entrance toll gate 2b (re-enters the toll road), the entrance toll gate device 2B transmits entry information D3 including the user ID 1, the entrance toll gate ID 3, and the entry date and time T3 to the central device 1. The communication unit 13 of the central device 1 acquires the entry information D3 and outputs it to the control unit 11 (ST32). The control unit 11 stores the entry information D3 in the storage unit 12 (ST33). The control unit 11 searches the passage history from the passage history database based on the user ID included in the entry information D3, reads out the exit information D2 including the most recent exit date and time from among the exit information including the user ID (ST34), and outputs the exit information D2 and the entry information D3 to the re-entry determination unit 111 (ST35).

When the first condition described above is met, the re-entry determination unit 111 determines that the vehicle has re-entered and associates the exit information D2 from the previous driving history with the entry information D3 from the current driving history, and when the first condition is not met, it determines that the vehicle has entered (normal entry) and rejects the association of the exit information D2 from the previous driving history with the entry information D3 from the current driving history.

Alternatively, if the second condition described above is met, the re-entry determination unit 111 determines that re-entry has occurred and associates the exit information D2 of the previous driving history with the entry information D3 of the current driving history, and if the second condition is not met, it determines that entry has occurred (normal entry) and rejects the association of the exit information D2 of the previous driving history with the entry information D3 of the current driving history.

Alternatively, if the third condition described above is met, the re-entry determination unit 111 determines that re-entry has occurred and associates the exit information D2 of the previous driving history with the entry information D3 of the current driving history, and if the third condition is not met, it determines that entry has occurred (normal entry) and rejects the association of the exit information D2 of the previous driving history with the entry information D3 of the current driving history.

Alternatively, if the first and third conditions described above are met, the re-entry determination unit 111 determines that the vehicle has re-entered and associates the exit information D2 from the previous driving history with the entry information D3 from the current driving history, and if the first and third conditions are not met, it determines that the vehicle has entered (normal entry) and rejects the association of the exit information D2 from the previous driving history with the entry information D3 from the current driving history.

Alternatively, if the second and third conditions described above are met, the re-entry determination unit 111 determines that re-entry has occurred and associates the exit information D2 of the previous driving history with the entry information D3 of the current driving history, and if the second and third conditions are not met, it determines that entry has occurred (normal entry) and rejects the association of the exit information D2 of the previous driving history with the entry information D3 of the current driving history.
Here, a case where the association is permitted is assumed (ST37). The control unit 11 executes a process of associating the passage records of the exit information D2 and the entry information D3 (ST38), and registers association data (re-entry information) including the exit information D2 and the entry information D3 in the storage unit 12 (ST39). For example, the control unit 11 may set a re-entry flag indicating the association to each of the exit information D2 and the entry information D3.

<Exit process (including re-entry)>
Next, when the vehicle 5 passes through the exit toll gate 3a (when it exits from the toll road), the exit toll gate device 3B transmits to the central device 1 exit information D4 including the user ID 1, the exit toll gate ID 4, and the exit date and time T4. The communication unit 13 of the central device 1 acquires the exit information D4 and outputs it to the control unit 11 (ST40). The control unit 11 saves the exit information D4 in the memory unit 12 (ST41). The control unit 11 searches the passage history from the passage history database based on the user ID included in the exit information D4, and reads out the entry information D3 including the most recent entry date and time from among the entry information including the user ID (ST42). Here, the entry information D3 that is read out is associated with the exit information, and the entry information D3 corresponds to re-entry. Therefore, the control unit 11 calculates the toll F21 for re-entry based on the basic fee table, the discount fee table, the entry information D3, the entry information D4, and the like (ST43). A calculation example of the re-entry applicable toll F21 has already been described, and the description thereof will be omitted here. The control unit 11 outputs information on the toll to the communication unit 13 (ST44). The information on the toll includes the user ID.

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of entry processing at an entrance toll booth device, among the toll processing in the toll processing system according to the first embodiment.
When the vehicle 5 passes through the entrance toll gate 2a (enters the toll road), the vehicle communication unit 23A of the entrance toll gate equipment 2A communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 51, acquires the user ID1, and outputs it to the control unit 21A (ST51). The control unit 21A generates entry information D1 including the user ID1 from the vehicle-mounted device 51, the entrance toll gate ID1 indicating the entrance toll gate 2a, and the entry date and time T1 indicating the date and time of passing through the entrance toll gate 2a, and outputs it to the upper communication unit 22A (ST52).
When the vehicle 5 passes through the entrance toll gate 2b, the entrance toll gate equipment 2B performs the same operation as the entrance toll gate equipment 2A.

FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an exit process at an exit toll gate device, among the toll processes in the toll processing system according to the first embodiment.
When the vehicle 5 passes through the exit toll gate 3a (exits the toll road), the vehicle communication unit 33A of the exit toll gate device 3A communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 51, acquires the user ID 1, and outputs it to the control unit 31A (ST61). The control unit 31A generates exit information D2 including the user ID 1 from the vehicle-mounted device 51, the exit toll gate ID 2 indicating the exit toll gate 3a, and the exit date and time T2 indicating the date and time of passing through the exit toll gate 3a, and outputs it to the upper communication unit 32A (ST62).

The higher-level communication unit 32A transmits the entry information D2 to the central device 1, receives information on the toll corresponding to the entry information D2, and outputs it to the control unit 31A (ST63). The control unit 31A outputs the information on the toll to the roadside display 35A (ST64). As a result, the roadside display 35A displays the information on the toll.

When the vehicle 5 passes through the exit toll booth 3b, the exit toll booth equipment 3B performs the same operation as the exit toll booth equipment 3A.

Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of re-entry determination processing in the central device of the toll processing system according to the first embodiment. Figure 7 describes a case in which re-entry is determined to be allowed when the combination of the exit toll gate ID and the entrance toll gate ID meets the first condition of being included in the first re-entry permission list, and also meets the third condition that the temporary exit time is within the time limit for re-entry permission.

When the communication unit 13 of the central device 1 receives the entry information D1, the control unit 11 searches the entry history from the entry history database based on the user ID included in the entry information D1, and reads out the entry information D0 that includes the most recent entry date and time from among the exit information that includes the user ID. If the combination of the entry information D0 and the entry information D1 is not registered in the first re-entry permission list (ST71, NO), the re-entry determination unit 111 determines that the entry information D1 is entry (normal entry) and rejects the association of the entry information D0 and the entry information D1 (ST75).

When the communication unit 13 of the central device 1 receives the entry information D3, the control unit 11 searches the entry history database for the entry history based on the user ID included in the entry information D3, and reads out the entry information D2 that includes the most recent entry date and time from among the entry information that includes the user ID. If the combination of the entry information D2 and the entry information D3 is registered in the first re-entry permission list (ST71, YES), the re-entry determination unit 111 detects the difference in time between the entry date and time T2 included in the entry information D2 and the entry date and time T3 included in the entry information D3 (ST72). If the difference in time is not within the time limit for re-entry permission (ST73, NO), the re-entry determination unit 111 determines that the entry information D3 is an entry (normal entry) and rejects the association of the entry information D2 and the entry information D3 (ST75). If the difference time is within the time limit for re-entry permission (ST73, YES), the re-entry determination unit 111 determines that the entry information D3 is a re-entry and allows the association of the exit information D2 and the entry information D3 (ST74).

The toll processing system of this embodiment performs toll calculations using a central device, and also performs toll calculations according to cases of temporary exit and re-entry. This makes it possible to realize variable charging according to the time of day or road conditions, and charging according to re-entry in real time. In addition, the toll processing system outputs information regarding temporary exit and information regarding re-entry. This makes it possible to notify users that there will be fluctuations in toll fees (including discounts) due to temporary exit and re-entry, improving convenience.

<<Second embodiment>>
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the fee processing system according to the second embodiment.
As shown in Fig. 8, the toll processing system of the first embodiment includes, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, a roadside indicator 6 that is installed at an arbitrary position. For example, the roadside indicator 6 is installed along the driving lanes of a toll road. Furthermore, the roadside indicator 6 may be arranged along the driving lanes of a general road.

On a toll road, traffic on a lane may be stopped due to a traffic accident. Or, on a toll road, traffic on a lane may be stopped due to a natural disaster such as a typhoon, earthquake, or landslide. For example, assume that the section between the exit toll gate 3a and the entrance toll gate 2b is closed to allow vehicles to detour around the accident site or the section where the natural disaster occurred. The communication unit 13 of the central device 1 receives the road closure information. For example, the road closure information includes a combination of the exit toll gate ID 2 corresponding to the exit toll gate 3a and the entrance toll gate ID 3 corresponding to the entrance toll gate 2b as information indicating the closed section. The control unit 11 updates the first or second re-entry permission list based on the road closure information. That is, the first re-entry permission list includes a combination of the exit toll gate ID 2 and the entrance toll gate ID 3 corresponding to the closed section. Or, the second re-entry permission list includes the exit toll gate ID 2.

This allows the vehicle 5 starting the detour to be notified of information about temporary exit by the exit process at the exit toll gate 3a. Also, the vehicle 5 ending the detour to be notified of information about re-entry by the entrance process at the entrance toll gate 2b. Note that the information about temporary exit may include detour information. The detour information includes information about the detour route and the entrance toll gate for re-entry. Also, the communication unit 13 of the central device 1 may transmit the detour information to the roadside display 6. Furthermore, the control unit 11 of the central device 1 may calculate a toll including an incentive (a toll to which a discount has been applied or a toll to which points have been awarded) based on the road closure information when the vehicle temporarily exits from the exit toll gate 3a and re-enters from the entrance toll gate 2b. In this case, the information about the toll may include information about the toll including the incentive. For example, the information about the toll includes information about the fact that an incentive has been awarded and that the toll has been changed due to the awarding of the incentive.

In addition, congestion may occur on toll roads. For example, assume that traffic volume in the section between the exit toll gate 3a and the entrance toll gate 2b is to be reduced in order to alleviate congestion in that section. The communication unit 13 of the central device 1 receives congestion information. The congestion information includes a combination of the exit toll gate ID 2 corresponding to the exit toll gate 3a and the entrance toll gate ID 3 corresponding to the entrance toll gate 2b as information indicating the congestion-occurring section. The control unit 11 updates the first or second re-entry permission list based on the congestion information. In other words, the first re-entry permission list includes a combination of the exit toll gate ID 2 and the entrance toll gate ID 3. Alternatively, the second re-entry permission list includes the exit toll gate ID 2.

As a result, information regarding temporary exit can be notified to a vehicle 5 that starts avoiding the congested section by exit processing at the exit toll gate 3a. Also, information regarding re-entry can be notified to a vehicle 5 that ends avoiding the congested section by entrance processing at the entrance toll gate 2b. Note that the information regarding temporary exit may include congestion avoidance information. The congestion avoidance information includes information regarding a detour route and an entrance toll gate for re-entry. Also, the communication unit 13 of the central device 1 may transmit the congestion avoidance information to the roadside display 6. Furthermore, the control unit 11 of the central device 1 may calculate a toll fee including an incentive based on the congestion information when a vehicle temporarily exits from the exit toll gate 3a and re-enters from the entrance toll gate 2b.

The toll processing system of this embodiment performs toll calculations by a central device and can accommodate temporary exit and re-entry due to accidents, natural disasters, traffic congestion, etc.

<<Third embodiment>>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of entrance/exit processing by the fee processing system according to the third embodiment.
The toll processing system of the third embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first or second embodiment, and is provided with a condition that the user stops at a designated location before temporarily exiting and re-entering. The storage unit 12 stores a third re-entry permission list including a combination of an exit toll gate ID, a designated stop-off place ID, and an entrance toll gate ID for re-entry that allows re-entry. Alternatively, the storage unit 12 may store a fourth re-entry permission list including an exit toll gate ID and a designated stop-off place ID that allows re-entry. The storage unit 12 also stores a time limit for re-entry permission from exiting a toll road until re-entering, or a time limit for re-entering a toll road from exiting a designated stop-off place. The time limit for re-entry permission may be a time that varies depending on the combination of the exit toll gate and the entrance toll gate, the distance between the exit toll gate and the entrance toll gate, the combination of the designated stop-off place and the entrance toll gate, and the distance from the designated stop-off place to the entrance toll gate.

For example, an ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) spot is formed at the designated stopover location (parking lot) and its vicinity, and a vehicle 5 stopping at the designated stopover location passes through the ITS spot. An in-vehicle unit 51 of a vehicle 5 passing through the ITS spot communicates with a communication device provided corresponding to the ITS spot. The communication device transmits stopover information including the user ID, stopover destination ID, and stopover date and time received from the in-vehicle unit 51 via wireless communication to the central device 1. The communication unit 13 of the central device 1 receives the stopover information and registers the stopover information in the travel history database. The following describes the determination of temporary exit, stopover at the designated stopover location, and re-entry.

When the communication unit 13 of the central device 1 receives the entry information D1, the control unit 11 searches the entry history from the entry history database based on the user ID included in the entry information D1, reads out the entry information D0 including the most recent entry date and time from the entry information including the user ID, and reads out the drop-in information including the most recent drop-in date and time from the drop-in information including the user ID. If the combination of the entry information D0, drop-in information (drop-in ID), and entry information D1 is not registered in the first re-entry permission list (ST81, NO), the re-entry determination unit 111 determines that the entry information D1 is entry (normal entry) and rejects the association of the entry information D0 and the entry information D1 (ST85). Even if the combination of the entry information D0, drop-in ID, and entry information D1 is registered, if the time lapse is not in the order of the entry date and time, drop-in date and time, and entry date and time, the association of the entry information D0 and the entry information D1 is rejected.

When the communication unit 13 of the central device 1 receives the entry information D3, the control unit 11 searches the entry history database for the entry history based on the user ID included in the entry information D3, reads out the entry information D2 including the most recent entry date and time from the entry information including the user ID, and reads out the drop-in information including the most recent drop-in date and time from the drop-in information including the user ID. If a combination of the entry information D2, drop-in ID, and entry information D3 is registered in the first re-entry permission list (ST81, YES), and if the time lapse is in the order of the entry date and time, drop-in date and time, and entry date and time, the re-entry determination unit 111 detects the difference time between the entry date and time T2 included in the entry information D2 and the entry date and time T3 included in the entry information D3 (ST82). Alternatively, the difference time between the drop-in date and time and the entry date and time T3 included in the entry information D3 may be detected. If the difference time is not within the time limit for re-entry permission (ST83, NO), the re-entry determination unit 111 determines that the entry information D3 is entry (normal entry) and rejects the association of the exit information D2 and the entry information D3 (ST85). If the difference time is within the time limit for re-entry permission (ST83, YES), the re-entry determination unit 111 determines that the entry information D3 is re-entry and permits the association of the exit information D2 and the entry information D3 (ST84).

The toll processing system of this embodiment performs toll calculations by the central device, and also performs toll calculations according to the case of a temporary exit, stopping at a designated stop-off place, and re-entering. This makes it possible to realize variable charges according to the time period or road conditions, and charges according to re-entry via a designated stop-off place in real time. In addition to using the time lapse from the exit date and time to the entry date and time as the criterion for re-entry, it is possible to flexibly respond depending on whether or not a designated stop-off place has been stopped off. In addition, the central device 1 may calculate a toll including an incentive (a toll with a discount applied or a toll with points awarded). By providing an incentive, it is expected that stopping at a designated stop-off place will be encouraged.

<<Fourth embodiment>>
<Returning run detection by route equipment>
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the fee processing system according to the fourth embodiment.
As shown in Fig. 10, the toll processing system of the fourth embodiment includes a route device 7 installed at an arbitrary position in addition to the configuration of the first or second embodiment. For example, the route device 7 is installed along the travel lane of a toll road, and at least one route device 7 is installed in each section from the entrance toll gate to the exit toll gate. The route device 7 communicates with the on-board device 51 of the vehicle 5 using short range communication (DSRC) or the like to receive a user ID. In addition, the route device 7 transmits passage information including the user ID, route device ID, and passage date and time to the central device 1.

The control unit 11 of the central device 1 detects the return run of the vehicle 5 based on the entry information, exit information, and route information that contain the same user ID. For example, the control unit 11 detects the return run because time has passed in the order of the exit date and time T2 included in the exit information D2, the entry date and time T3 included in the entry information D3, and the passing date and time T5 included in the route information D5, all of which contain the same user ID. The control unit 11 releases the association between the exit information D2 and the entry information D3 based on the detection of the return run.

<Detection of returning travel by toll booth equipment>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of re-entry determination processing (including return detection) in the central device of the fee processing system according to the fourth embodiment.

When the communication unit 13 of the central device 1 receives the entry information D1, the control unit 11 searches the entry history database for the entry history based on the user ID included in the entry information D1, and reads out the entry information D0 that includes the most recent entry date and time from among the entry information that includes the user ID. If the combination of the entry information D0 and the entry information D1 is not registered in the first re-entry permission list (ST91, NO), the re-entry determination unit 111 determines that the entry information D1 is entry (normal entry) and rejects the association of the entry information D0 and the entry information D1 (ST98).

When the communication unit 13 of the central device 1 receives the entry information D3, the control unit 11 searches the entry history database for the entry history based on the user ID included in the entry information D3, and reads out the entry information D2 that includes the most recent entry date and time from among the entry information that includes the user ID. If the combination of the entry information D2 and the entry information D3 is registered in the first re-entry permission list (ST91, YES), the re-entry determination unit 111 detects the difference in time between the entry date and time T2 included in the entry information D2 and the entry date and time T3 included in the entry information D3 (ST92).

If the difference time is not within the time limit for re-entry permission (ST93, NO), the re-entry determination unit 111 determines that the entry information D3 is an entry (normal entry) and rejects the association of the exit information D2 and the entry information D3 (ST98). If the difference time is within the time limit for re-entry permission (ST93, YES) and the entrance toll gate ID3 included in the entry information D3 is included in the toll gate list for the specific travel direction (ST94, YES), the re-entry determination unit 111 permits the association of the exit information D2 and the entry information D3 (ST97). If the re-entry determination unit 111 detects that the entrance toll gate ID3 included in the entry information D3 is not included in the toll gate list for a specific travel direction (ST94, NO) and that the entrance toll gate ID3 is in the return direction toward the exit toll gate ID2 (ST95, NO), it rejects the association of the exit information D2 and the entry information D3 (ST98), and if it detects that it is not the return direction but the forward direction (ST95, YES), it permits the association of the exit information D2 and the entry information D3 (ST96).

The toll processing system of this embodiment performs toll calculations using a central device, and can handle temporary exits and re-entries. Furthermore, if a return trip is detected, it can be excluded from re-entry processing.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.
The invention as described in the claims of the original application is set forth below.
[C1]
an entrance toll gate device provided corresponding to each entrance toll gate of a toll road, for receiving a user ID from an on-board device of a vehicle passing through each entrance toll gate and transmitting entry information including the user ID, the entrance toll gate ID, and the entry date and time to a toll processing device;
an exit toll booth device provided corresponding to each exit toll booth of the toll road, receiving the user ID from an on-board device of the vehicle passing through each exit toll booth, and transmitting exit information including the user ID, the exit toll booth ID, and an exit date and time to the toll processing device;
the toll processing device which determines entry and exit based on first entry information including the user ID, a first entrance toll gate ID, and a first entry date and time, and first exit information including the user ID, a first exit toll gate ID, and a first exit date and time that is later than the first entry date and time, and calculates a first toll not applying to re-entry, determines re-entry based on the first exit information and second entry information including the user ID, a second entrance toll gate ID, and a second entry date and time that is within a time limit from the first exit date and time, and calculates a second toll applying to re-entry based on the second entry information and second exit information including the user ID, the second exit toll gate ID, and a second exit date and time that is later than the second entry date and time;
A fee processing system comprising:
[C2]
The toll processing system of [C1], wherein the toll processing device stores a re-entry permission list including the first exit toll gate ID that permits re-entry, and determines re-entry based on the re-entry permission list, the first exit information including the first exit toll gate ID, and the second entry information.
[C3]
The re-entry permission list includes a combination of the first exit toll booth ID and the second entrance toll booth ID for which re-entry is permitted,
The toll processing system of [C2], wherein the toll processing device determines re-entry based on the re-entry permission list, the first exit information including the first exit toll gate ID, and the second entry information including the second entrance toll gate ID.
[C4]
The toll processing device stores a re-entry permission list including a combination of the first exit toll gate ID, stop-by destination ID, and the second entrance toll gate ID for which re-entry is permitted, receives stop-by information including the user ID, stop-by destination ID, and stop-by date and time from a communication device, and determines re-entry based on the re-entry permission list, the first exit information including the first exit toll gate ID, the stop-by information including the stop-by destination ID, and the second entry information including the second entrance toll gate ID. Any one of the toll processing systems [C1] to [C3].
[C5]
The toll processing device is any one of the toll processing systems [C1] to [C4], which determines entry/exit based on the second entry information and the second exit information based on detection of the vehicle returning to the first exit toll gate after a re-entry determination, and calculates a third toll that does not apply to re-entry based on the entry/exit determination.
[C6]
The toll processing device transmits information regarding temporary exit to a first exit toll booth device that is a source of the first exit information,
The first exit toll booth equipment outputs information regarding the temporary exit from the toll processing device, any one of [C1] to [C5].
[C7]
The toll processing device transmits information regarding re-entry to a predetermined entrance toll booth device that is a source of the second entry information,
The predetermined entrance toll booth equipment outputs information regarding the re-entry from the toll processing device. Any one of the toll processing systems [C1] to [C6].
[C8]
The toll processing device transmits information including the second toll and re-entry application to a second exit toll booth device that is a source of the second exit information,
The second exit toll booth equipment outputs information including the second toll and re-entry application from the toll processing device, any one of [C1] to [C7].
[C9]
a communication unit which receives entry information including a user ID, an entrance toll gate ID, and an entry date and time from an entrance toll gate device which is provided corresponding to each entrance toll gate of a toll road and receives a user ID from an on-board device of a vehicle passing through each entrance toll gate, and which receives exit information including the user ID, an exit toll gate ID, and an exit date and time from an exit toll gate device which is provided corresponding to each exit toll gate of the toll road and receives the user ID from an on-board device of a vehicle passing through each exit toll gate;
a control unit which determines entry and exit based on first entry information including the user ID, a first entrance toll gate ID, and a first entry date and time, and first exit information including the user ID, a first exit toll gate ID, and a first exit date and time that is later than the first entry date and time, and calculates a first toll not applying to re-entry, determines re-entry based on the first exit information and second entry information including the user ID, a second entrance toll gate ID, and a second entry date and time that is within a time limit from the first exit date and time, and calculates a second toll which applies to re-entry based on the second entry information and second exit information including the user ID, the second exit toll gate ID, and a second exit date and time that is later than the second entry date and time;
A fee processing device comprising:
[C10]
A computer corresponding to the charge processing device
receiving, from an entrance toll booth device provided corresponding to each entrance toll booth of a toll road and receiving a user ID from an on-board device of a vehicle passing through each entrance toll booth, entry information including the user ID, the entrance toll booth ID, and entry date and time;
receiving, from an exit toll booth device provided corresponding to each exit toll booth of the toll road and receiving the user ID from an on-board device of the vehicle passing through each exit toll booth, exit information including the user ID, the exit toll booth ID, and an exit date and time;
a step of determining entry and exit based on first entry information including the user ID, a first entrance toll gate ID, and a first entry date and time, and first exit information including the user ID, a first exit toll gate ID, and a first exit date and time that is later than the first entry date and time, and calculating a first toll fee that does not apply to re-entry;
determining re-entry based on the first exit information and second entry information including the user ID, a second entrance toll gate ID, and a second entry date and time within a time limit from the first exit date and time, and calculating a second toll fee applicable to the re-entry based on the second entry information and the second exit information including the user ID, a second exit toll gate ID, and a second exit date and time after the second entry date and time;
A program that executes the following.

1...Central device 2a...Entrance toll booth 2A...Entrance toll booth equipment 2b...Entrance toll booth 2B...Entrance toll booth equipment 3a...Exit toll booth 3A...Exit toll booth equipment 3b...Exit toll booth 3B...Exit toll booth equipment 4...Notification device 5...Vehicle 6...Roadside display 7...Route device 11...Control unit 12...Memory unit 13...Communication unit 21A...Control unit 21B...Control unit 22A...Host communication unit 22B...Host communication unit 23A...Vehicle communication unit 23B...Vehicle communication unit 24A...Memory unit 24B...Memory unit 25B...Roadside display 31A...Control unit 31B...Control unit 32A...Host communication unit 32B...Host communication unit 33A...Vehicle communication unit 33B...Vehicle communication unit 34A...Memory unit 34B...Memory unit 35A...Roadside display 35B...Roadside display 51...In-vehicle device 52...In-vehicle notification unit 111...Re-entry determination unit

Claims (16)

an entrance toll gate device provided corresponding to each entrance toll gate of a toll road, for receiving a user ID from an on-board device of a vehicle passing through each entrance toll gate and transmitting entry information including the user ID, the entrance toll gate ID, and the entry date and time to a toll processing device;
an exit toll booth device provided corresponding to each exit toll booth of the toll road, receiving the user ID from an on-board device of the vehicle passing through each exit toll booth, and transmitting exit information including the user ID, the exit toll booth ID, and an exit date and time to the toll processing device;
the toll processing device which determines entry and exit based on first entry information including the user ID, a first entrance toll gate ID, and a first entry date and time, and first exit information including the user ID, a first exit toll gate ID, and a first exit date and time that is later than the first entry date and time, and calculates a first toll not applying to re-entry, determines re-entry based on the first exit information and second entry information including the user ID, a second entrance toll gate ID, and a second entry date and time that is within a time limit from the first exit date and time, and calculates a second toll applying to re-entry based on the second entry information and second exit information including the user ID, the second exit toll gate ID, and a second exit date and time that is later than the second entry date and time;
Equipped with
The toll processing device includes a storage unit that stores a re-entry permission list including a toll gate ID, and determines re-entry based on the re-entry permission list;
A toll processing system in which the toll processing device transmits information regarding temporary exit, including application of a discount, to a first exit toll booth device that transmitted the first exit information. The re-entry permission list includes a combination of the first exit toll booth ID and the second entrance toll booth ID for which re-entry is permitted,
the toll processing device determines re-entry based on the re-entry permission list, the first exit information including the first exit toll gate ID, and the second entry information including the second entrance toll gate ID;
The fee processing system according to claim 1. The re-entry permission list includes the first exit toll booth ID for which re-entry is permitted,
The toll processing device determines re-entry based on the re-entry permission list and the first exit information including the first exit toll gate ID.
The fee processing system according to claim 1. the toll processing device determines whether to make a temporary exit based on a time limit for re-entry permission from the time of exiting the toll road until re-entering the toll road;
The fee processing system according to claim 1. The time limit for re-entry permission varies depending on the combination of the exit toll gate and the entrance toll gate, or the distance between the exit toll gate and the entrance toll gate.
The fee processing system according to claim 4. The toll processing system of claim 1, wherein the first exit toll booth equipment displays information about the temporary exit on a roadside display. The fee processing device transmits information regarding the temporary exit to a notification device,
the notification device transmits information regarding the temporary exit to a registered email address;
The fee processing system according to claim 1. The toll processing device transmits information regarding re-entry to a predetermined entrance toll booth device that is a source of the second entry information,
The predetermined entrance toll booth equipment outputs information regarding the re-entry from the toll processing device.
The fee processing system according to claim 1. The toll processing device transmits information including the second toll and re-entry application to a second exit toll booth device that is a source of the second exit information,
the second exit toll booth equipment outputs information including the second toll and re-entry application from the toll processing device.
The fee processing system according to claim 1. A roadside indicator is provided along the travel lane of the toll road,
The roadside display displays detour information.
The fee processing system according to claim 1. the toll processing device calculates the second toll including an incentive based on the road closure information;
The fee processing system according to claim 10. the toll processing device stores a re-entry permission list including a combination of the first exit toll gate ID, the stop-off destination ID, and the second entrance toll gate ID for which re-entry is permitted, receives stop-off information including the user ID, the stop-off destination ID, and the stop-off date and time from a communication device, and determines re-entry based on the re-entry permission list, the first exit information including the first exit toll gate ID, the stop-off information including the stop-off destination ID, and the second entry information including the second entrance toll gate ID;
The fee processing system according to claim 1. The toll processing device determines re-entry based on a time that varies depending on a combination of an exit toll gate and an entrance toll gate, a distance between the exit toll gate and the entrance toll gate, a combination of a designated stop-off place and an entrance toll gate, or a distance from a designated stop-off place to the entrance toll gate, as a time limit for re-entry permission from the time of exiting the toll road until re-entering the toll road.
The fee processing system of claim 12. The toll processing device determines entry/exit based on the second entry information and the second exit information based on detection of return travel of the vehicle to the first exit toll gate after the re-entry determination, and calculates a third toll not applying to re-entry based on the entry/exit determination.
The fee processing system according to claim 1. A storage unit that stores a re-entry permission list including a toll gate ID;
a communication unit which receives entry information including a user ID, an entrance toll gate ID, and an entry date and time from an entrance toll gate device which is provided corresponding to each entrance toll gate of a toll road and receives a user ID from an on-board device of a vehicle passing through each entrance toll gate, and which receives exit information including the user ID, an exit toll gate ID, and an exit date and time from an exit toll gate device which is provided corresponding to each exit toll gate of the toll road and receives the user ID from an on-board device of a vehicle passing through each exit toll gate;
a control unit which determines entry and exit based on first entry information including the user ID, a first entrance toll gate ID, and a first entry date and time, and first exit information including the user ID, a first exit toll gate ID, and a first exit date and time that is later than the first entry date and time, and calculates a first toll not applying to re-entry, determines re-entry based on the first exit information and second entry information including the user ID, a second entrance toll gate ID, and a second entry date and time that is within a time limit from the first exit date and time, and calculates a second toll which applies to re-entry based on the second entry information and second exit information including the user ID, the second exit toll gate ID, and a second exit date and time that is later than the second entry date and time;
Equipped with
The control unit determines re-entry based on the re-entry permission list,
The control unit transmits information regarding temporary exit, including the application of a discount, to a first exit toll booth device that is the source of the first exit information. A computer corresponding to the charge processing device
receiving, from an entrance toll booth device provided corresponding to each entrance toll booth of a toll road and receiving a user ID from an on-board device of a vehicle passing through each entrance toll booth, entry information including the user ID, the entrance toll booth ID, and entry date and time;
receiving, from an exit toll booth device provided corresponding to each exit toll booth of the toll road and receiving the user ID from an on-board device of the vehicle passing through each exit toll booth, exit information including the user ID, the exit toll booth ID, and an exit date and time;
a step of determining entry and exit based on first entry information including the user ID, a first entrance toll gate ID, and a first entry date and time, and first exit information including the user ID, a first exit toll gate ID, and a first exit date and time that is later than the first entry date and time, and calculating a first toll fee that does not apply to re-entry;
a step of determining re-entry based on the first exit information and second entry information including the user ID, a second entrance toll gate ID, and a second entry date and time within a time limit from the first exit date and time, and calculating a second toll fee applicable to the re-entry based on the second entry information and the second exit information including the user ID, a second exit toll gate ID, and a second exit date and time after the second entry date and time;
A program for executing
Further, a procedure for determining re-entry based on a re-entry permission list including a toll gate ID;
a program for executing a procedure of transmitting information regarding temporary exit, including application of a discount, to a first exit toll booth device that is the source of the first exit information.