JP2000207599A - In-vehicle device for automatic toll collection system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide an in-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system in which a driver can input a password into the password input means without having to look at the password input means for a long time. . SOLUTION: The password input means is not a ten-key input for which a line of sight must be fixed for a long time, but is performed by a password input means with a small number of buttons which allows a password input operation with a hand fixed to a button. When the two buttons are configured as a password input means, the number of times or the time of pressing one button is counted and recognized as a number,
By using the other button as a number confirmation button, a password can be input.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an in-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system for toll roads, and more particularly to a password input means when a money card such as a credit card used for toll collection is inserted into the in-vehicle device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-14043, a vehicle-mounted device of a conventional automatic toll collection system does not take into account the input of a personal identification number. For the input of the personal identification number, a four-digit decimal number was input using a numeric keypad (a button indicating a number from 0 to 9).

[0003]

In the above prior art, 1
Since a four-digit number is input while visually confirming the zero button, if the driver of the vehicle operates this in-vehicle device while the vehicle is moving, the driver's line of sight will face the in-vehicle device for a long time. Was inappropriate for safety.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an in-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system capable of inputting a password safely while minimizing the movement of a driver's line of sight even while a vehicle is moving.

[0005]

In order to achieve the object of the present invention, an on-vehicle apparatus of an automatic toll collection system according to the present invention does not use a numeric keypad as a password input means, but uses a small number of buttons for a password. It is provided as an input means, and is achieved by inputting a password by the number of times the button is pressed, or the length of the button pressed, and a combination thereof.

When the number of the password input means of the small number of buttons is, for example, two, the buttons can be operated with the two fingers of the hand attached to the two buttons. When two buttons are arranged horizontally, the number of times the right button is pressed is assigned to a number, and the left button is assigned to a button for confirmation. When the button is pressed for a long time, the number is weighted so that two or more numbers can be input by one button press. By combining this, the number of times the button is pressed can be reduced. Pressing the left button after pressing the right button twice is the same as pressing the number 2 on the numeric keypad. By repeating such an operation four times, a four-digit number is input. In the case where the driver performs the above operation, it is only necessary to turn his / her gaze to the input means for a moment when the driver follows the password input means.

[0007] In order to achieve the object of the present invention, an on-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system according to the present invention provides a charge system via a communication means when a password of a card matches a password input from a password input button. When an N-digit number is input in an in-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system for making payment, a password input means having a number input button of less than N digits is provided. The number input button is 2
It is preferable to make the following. Further, it is more preferable to provide a confirmation button for confirming the entered number. Further, it is preferable that one of the number input buttons is a button for outputting a predetermined weighted number. It is also convenient to notify by voice that the password matches the password of the card.

[0008] In order to achieve the object of the present invention, an on-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system according to the present invention is provided at least in an on-vehicle device of the toll collection system comprising at least communication means, control means and card reading means. , A password input means comprising fewer buttons than ten buttons with numbers from 0 to 9.

In order to achieve the object of the present invention, an on-vehicle device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention is provided at least in an on-vehicle device of the toll collection system comprising at least communication means, control means and card reading means. , N numbers or characters, enter the password
It consists of less than or equal to the number of buttons. Further, a counting means is provided, and the number of times the button is pressed from the password input means is counted to input a number.

[0010] In these in-vehicle devices of the automatic toll collection system, it is preferable that the button, which is the password input means, be arranged on the same surface as the display means of the in-vehicle device. Further, the button as the password input means may be arranged on an upper surface of the vehicle-mounted device. Further, the button, which is the password input means, may be arranged at a position close to a steering wheel of a vehicle in the front of the vehicle-mounted device.

[0011] In the vehicle-mounted device of the automatic toll collection system, the button as the password input means is set to two.
It consists of two buttons. It is preferable that one of the two buttons is configured as a button for inputting a number corresponding to the number of times the button is pressed. It is preferable that the other of the two buttons is configured as a button for confirming the input of one number. Further, it is preferable that, of the two buttons, the button for inputting a number corresponding to the number of times the button is pressed is arranged closer to a handlebar of the vehicle.

In the on-vehicle device of the automatic toll collection system, at least one of a display unit and a sounding unit for notifying that an input of a personal identification number is required when the card is inserted into the on-vehicle unit is provided. It is suitable.
It is preferable to provide at least one of a display unit and a sounding unit that notify the operator of the end of the input of one character when the input of one character is completed by the button. Further, it is preferable to provide at least one of a display unit and a sounding unit for notifying the operator of the end of the password input when the input of the predetermined password by the password input unit is completed.

[0013] In these in-vehicle devices of the automatic toll collection system, the password input means may be provided outside the housing of the in-vehicle device. Further, the button of the password input means is disposed on the dashboard of the vehicle, at a handle portion, near a gear shift lever, at a position where a speedometer is disposed, or near a power window operating device.

In the vehicle-mounted device of the automatic toll collection system, the password input means is constituted by operation buttons for performing a plurality of switch operations by tilting in a plurality of directions. It is preferable that one of the operation buttons of the password input means is a button for weighting a number. In the in-vehicle device of these automatic toll collection systems, when the input of the personal identification number is completed by the personal identification number input means, when the correct personal identification number is inputted and when the wrong personal identification number is inputted, the display means and the sounding means which perform different notifications are provided. It is preferred to have at least one. In these in-vehicle devices of the automatic toll collection system, a password storage means for storing a password input by the password input means is provided in the in-vehicle device, and when the inserted card is a previously inserted card, It is preferable that an automatic toll collection operation can be performed by inputting a password from the password storage means.

In order to achieve the object of the present invention, an on-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system according to the present invention is provided at least in an on-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system comprising communication means, control means and card reading means. A voice input means and a voice recognition means are provided in the in-vehicle apparatus so that a password can be input by a voice of an operator.

In the vehicle-mounted device of the automatic toll collection system, it is preferable that the button of the password input means is shared with a setting button for setting an operation mode or a display mode of the vehicle-mounted device. Further, it is preferable to provide a guide near the button of the password input means so that the position of the button can be confirmed by touch.

In order to achieve the object of the present invention, an automatic toll collection system according to the present invention is provided in an on-vehicle apparatus of an automatic toll collection system comprising at least communication means, control means and card reading means. The device is provided with a password receiving means, an external device different from the on-vehicle device is provided with a password storing device having a communication means, and a password is input to the on-vehicle device by communication from the external device. The external device is configured by a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone and a mobile information terminal.

In the vehicle-mounted device of the automatic toll collection system, when a sound generating means is provided and a number or a character is input by the number of times the button of the password input means is pressed, each time the button is pressed, the number or the character is separated. It is preferable that the numbers or characters are output as speech by the sounding means. Further, the password input means is constituted by a rotary switch and an enter button, and the rotary switch is provided with a number input function, and when the rotary switch is turned, a number or a character is output by voice by the sounding means. Further, it is convenient that the password input means has a structure in which an enter button is built in the rotary switch, and that the rotary switch with the enter button is used to input and confirm numbers or characters.

[0019] In these on-vehicle devices of the automatic toll collection system, a counting means is provided between the password input means and the control means, and any one of the number of times and the time when the button constituting the password input means is pressed is provided. Enter a number according to Further, it is preferable that a counting means is provided between the password input means and the control means, and the number is inputted by a combination of the number of times the button of the password input means is pressed and the time of pressing the button. Further, a counting means is provided between the password input means and the control means, and a numeral is input by a combination of the number of times the button of the password input means is pressed and the depth at which the button is pressed.

In the on-vehicle device of the automatic toll collection system, the password input means is constituted by two operation buttons. One of the two buttons is a button having a function in which the length of the pressed time corresponds to the numeral. Alternatively, one of the two buttons is configured as a button that allows a weighted number to be input when the pressed time exceeds a predetermined time. Alternatively, when one of the two buttons is pressed deeply, the button is configured as a button that allows a weighted number to be input. Also,
It is preferable that a sound generator is provided, and while the button for outputting a number corresponding to the length of time pressed is kept depressed, the sound generator emits a sound for notifying a count-up at regular intervals. Alternatively, it is convenient to provide a sounding means and emit a number which is counted up at regular intervals in order to identify the input number while the operation button is kept pressed. In the in-vehicle device of these automatic toll collection systems, the other of the two buttons is configured as a button for confirming one number.

Further, in order to achieve the object of the present invention, an on-board device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention comprises at least an on-board device of the automatic toll collection system comprising at least communication means, control means and card reading means. In the device,
A password input means is provided on the handle so that the password can be input without releasing the hand from the handle.
The personal identification number input means provided on the handle is constituted by a plurality of pressure detection means for detecting the pressure of a finger holding the handle, and the numbers input by the pressure detection means are different.

In order to achieve the object of the present invention, an on-vehicle apparatus for an automatic toll collection system according to the present invention is provided in an on-vehicle apparatus for an automatic toll collection system comprising at least communication means, control means and card reading means. The vehicle key is provided with a password storage means, the vehicle is provided with information reading means for the key, and the read password is input to the vehicle-mounted device.

[0023]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an automatic toll collection system according to the present invention;

First, the entire vehicle-mounted device of the automatic toll collection system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of an in-vehicle device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 is an in-vehicle device of the automatic toll collection system (hereinafter, referred to as an in-vehicle device), 3 is an antenna, 4 is display means, 5 is sound generation means, 6 is communication means, 7 is control means, and 8 is a counting means. Means 9 is operation means, and 10 is card reading / writing means. Reference numeral 2 denotes a card which is inserted into the card reading / writing means 10 to read / write data.

Hereinafter, the operation of FIG. 1 will be described. When the operator inserts the card 2 into the card reading / writing means 10,
The card reading / writing means 10 reads the information of the card 2,
Information indicating that the card 2 has been inserted is sent to the control means 7. The control unit 7 and the card read / write unit 10 exchange information as to whether the inserted card is the card 2 for automatic toll collection. If the inserted card 2 is a valid card, the control means 7 sends a password input request signal to the display means 4 and the sound generation means 5. The display means 4 receives the password input request signal and performs a password input request display such as "Unshow Bangoretai-Daisai". The sounding means 5 makes a sound requesting the input of a personal identification number by a beep sound or voice. In response to the above-mentioned password input request, the operator inputs a password into the operation means 9.

In this embodiment, an operation means for inputting a password is constituted by two buttons, as will be described in detail later. Therefore, a number is input by the number of times one button (button A) of the operating means 9 is pressed, and the number is determined by the other button (button B).

The signal of the button A is sent to the counting means 8.
The counting means 8 counts the number of times the button A is pressed. When the operator presses the button B, the signal of the button B is sent to the counting means 8, and the counting means 8 counts the number of times the button A is pressed when the signal from the button B is input. Send to The control means 7 receives the count data from the counting means 8 and recognizes this as a one-digit number input.

When the control means 7 receives a one-digit number, numeric data is output to the display means 4, so that the display means 4 outputs the number indicated by the numeric data. (The output to the display means 4 may be a number, a symbol such as an asterisk indicating that one digit has been input, or the above operation may be switchable. In some cases, it is not necessary to output anything.) At the same time, when the control means 7 receives a one-digit number, the sound generation means 5
To send a pronunciation command signal. The sounding means 5 informs the operator that a one-digit number has been input by means of a beep sound or the like. The output from the sounding means 5 may be a beep sound or a sound.

The operation of inputting the one-digit number is performed four times, and the four-digit number is input. When the control means 7 inputs the four-digit number, the card 2 sent from the card reading / writing means 10
Compare the password information of the
If they match, a match information output request signal is output to the display means 4 and the sounding means 5. The display means 4 displays that the passwords match.

The sound generating means 5 generates a sound different from the sound generated at the time of one-digit input, indicating that the passwords match.
(For example, if a short beep is uttered in the case of one-digit input, a long beep is output when the password matches.
In the case of notifying by voice, a sound such as "Unshow Bangou Gaichi Shima Shita" may be made. If the passwords do not match, the control means 7 causes the display means 4 and the sound generating means 5 to notify the effect. The display on the display means 4 when the password matches or the password does not match may be performed, but it is not necessary to perform the display because only the sounding means 5 can be sufficiently understood by the operator. Further, it may be possible to switch between displaying and not displaying.

When the passwords match, the password match data is held in the control means 7. This holding of the password matching data is maintained until the card 2 is removed. Communication means 6
Communicates with a roadside device of the automatic toll collection system, for example, a toll collection device (not shown) via the antenna 3. If the password matching data is not held during communication between the vehicle-mounted device 1 and the roadside device, the communication for toll collection is not established. In this embodiment, the counting means 8 is described separately from the control means 7 in order to make the configuration easy to understand. However, when a microcomputer is used as the control means 7, the counting means 8 may be included in the control means 7.

According to the above-described configuration, the operator can input the personal identification number with almost no departure from the line of sight of the travel route, so that the operator can input the personal identification number safely.

Next, the appearance of the vehicle-mounted device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the vehicle-mounted device of the automatic toll collection system in FIG. In FIG. 2, components having the same functions as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
In FIG. 2, reference numerals 11 and 12 denote operation buttons for inputting a password. The operation buttons 11 and 12 are arranged on the front of the vehicle-mounted device 1. When the in-vehicle device 1 is installed on the left side of the driver, it is preferable to arrange the operation buttons 11 and 12 on the right side of the in-vehicle device 1 as shown in FIG.

As shown in the description of the operation in FIG. 1, the operation button (button A described in FIG. 1) which is pressed several times to indicate a number is arranged on the right side so as to be easily operated with the index finger of the left hand. It is suitable. That is, in this case, the operation button 11 corresponds to the button B described with reference to FIG.

When the in-vehicle device 1 is installed on the right side of the driver, the operation buttons 11 and 12 are arranged on the left side of the in-vehicle device 1 and are pressed several times, that is, operation buttons for inputting numerals (described with reference to FIG. 1). The button A) is preferably arranged on the left side so that it can be easily operated with the right index finger. Although FIG. 2 shows the case where the operation buttons 11 and 12 are arranged on the front of the in-vehicle device, they may be arranged in front of the upper surface of the in-vehicle device.

The timing of the operation described with reference to FIG. 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing a first embodiment of the input timing of the vehicle-mounted device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention.
FIGS. 3A and 3B are timing charts showing the timing of pressing the operation button, and FIG.
3 is a timing chart showing the sounding timing of the sound.
This timing chart shows the timing after the display means 4 or the sounding means 5 has issued a password input request to the operator. In this embodiment, the operation button 12 will be described as a numeric input button (button A), and the operation button 11 will be described as a single digit confirmation button (button B).

In FIG. 3A, the waveform 15 is a button A
3B shows the timing at which the button B is pressed. In FIG. 3B, the waveform 16 shows the timing at which the button B is pressed.
In (c), a waveform 17 indicates the sounding timing of the sounding means 5. Reference numerals 18, 19, 20, and 21 denote timings for confirming the input of one number, and reference numeral 21 denotes a sounding timing when the input of the four-digit password has been completed and the password is correct.

In the following, referring to FIG.
The operation timing in the case of 46 will be described. Enter the password in the following procedure. (1) Press button A four times. (2) Press button B once. (3) Press button A three times. (4) Press button B once. (5) Press button A four times. (6) Press button B once. (7) Press button A six times. (8) Press button B once. The four-digit number 4346 is input by the above operation. In addition,
When each number is input and confirmed, a short sounding operation is performed in the periods 18, 19, 20, and 21 shown in FIG.

When the input of the four-digit number is completed and the password is correct, a long sounding operation is performed during the period 22. By inputting the password and performing the sounding operation at the above timing, the password can be input safely and easily. In this embodiment, the button B may be continuously pressed twice to input the number "0".

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, an example in which two operation buttons are used has been described. May be entered. In this case, as an input timing, a button is pressed several times in order to input one number, and if there is no input for a fixed time after that, the input up to that point is determined to be an input of one number. At this time, the sounding means 5 is caused to perform a sounding operation. The operator detects that one character has been input by pronunciation, and inputs the number of the second character. By repeating this four times, four numbers can be input with one button.

The button A may be constituted by a rotary switch, and may have a number input function according to the rotation angle of the rotary switch. Further, the rotary switch may be provided with a determination function, and the number or character input by the rotary switch may be determined by pressing the rotary switch or rotating the rotary switch to a predetermined position. When the determination is made at a predetermined position of the rotary switch, it may be notified by a click sound or the like.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4. FIG. FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing a second embodiment of the input timing of the in-vehicle device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention, and FIG. 4 (a) is a timing chart showing the timing when the operation button A is pressed. FIG. 4B is a timing chart showing the timing of the count sound when the operation button A is pressed, and FIG. 4C is a timing chart showing the timing of the operation button B being pressed. d) is a timing chart showing the sounding timing of the sounding means.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 uses the vehicle-mounted device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and changes the input method of the embodiment shown in FIG. The method of determining is the same. In this embodiment,
A number is input according to the length of pressing one button (button A) of the operating means 9, and the number is determined by the other button (button B).

When the button A is pressed, a signal corresponding to the length of the pressed time is sent to the counting means 8. The counting means 8 counts the number from the time when the button A is pressed. To measure the length of time the button A has been pressed, for example, a beep sound may be emitted and the number of beep sounds may be counted. When the operator presses the button B, the signal of the button B is sent to the counting means 8. When the signal from the button B is input, the counting means 8 sends data counted from the time when the button A is pressed to the control means 7. The control means 7 receives the count data from the counting means 8 and recognizes this as a one-digit number input.

When the control means 7 receives the one-digit number, it outputs numerical data to the display means 4. The display means 4 outputs a numeral indicated by the numeral data. The number output to the display means 4 may be a number or a symbol such as an asterisk indicating that one digit has been input. Also,
The above operation may be switchable. Further, when notifying by voice, the numerical data need not be output to the display means 4. At the same time, when the control means 7 receives the one-digit number, it sends a sounding command signal to the sounding means 5. The sounding means 5 informs the operator that a one-digit number has been input by means of a beep sound or the like.
The output from the sounding means 5 may be the above-mentioned beep sound or sound.

The operation of inputting the one-digit number is performed four times, and the four-digit number is input. When the control means 7 inputs the four-digit number, the card 2 sent from the card reading / writing means 10
Compare the password information of the
If they match, a match information output request signal is output to the display means 4 and the sounding means 5. The display means 4 displays that the passwords match. The sounding means 5 generates a sound different from the sound generated at the time of one-digit input, indicating that the passwords match. For example, when inputting a one-digit number, if a short beep is uttered, a long beep is output when the password matches. In the case of notifying by voice, a sound such as "Unshow Bangou Gaichi Shima Shita" may be made.

If the passwords do not match, the control means 7 causes the display means 4 and the sounding means 5 to give a notice to that effect. The display on the display means 4 when the password matches or the password does not match may be performed, may not be performed, or may be switched. If the PIN matches,
The password matching data is stored in the control means 7. The password matching data is held until the card 2 is removed. The communication means 6 communicates with the roadside device (not shown) of the automatic toll collection system via the antenna 3. If the password matching data is not held during communication between the vehicle-mounted device 1 and the roadside device, the communication for toll collection is not established.

In the present embodiment, the counting means 8 is described separately from the control means 7 in order to make the configuration easy to understand.
When a microcomputer is used as the control means 7, the control means 7 may include the counting means 8. The configuration described above,
When the operator inputs the personal identification number by the operation, the user can input the personal identification number with almost no departure from his / her line of sight.

FIG. 4 shows the timing of the operation of this embodiment.
This will be described with reference to FIG. The waveform 100 in FIG.
Is shown, and the waveform 101 in FIG.
Indicates the timing of the count sound for notifying the count of the numbers, the waveform 102 in FIG. 4C indicates the timing at which the operation button B is pressed, and the waveform 103 in FIG. It is shown in the form.
These timings indicate the timings after the card 2 has been inserted and the display means 4 or the sounding means 5 has issued a password input request to the operator.

In FIG. 4D, 104, 105, 1
Reference numerals 06 and 107 denote sounding timings when the input of one number is confirmed, and 108 denotes a sounding timing when the input of the four-digit password is completed and the password is correct.

FIG. 4 shows a case where the personal identification number is 4346. Hereinafter, the operation timing of FIG. 4 will be described. In this case, a password is input in the following procedure. (1) Press button A. (2) The count sound starts. (3) Release button A when the count sound has been counted four times. (4) Press button B once. (5) Press button A. (6) The count sound starts. (7) Release button A when the count sound is counted three times. (8) Press button B once. (9) Press button A. (10) The count sound starts. (11) Button A when count sound is counted 4 times
Release. (12) Press button B once. (13) Press button A. (14) The count sound starts. (15) Button A when the count sound is counted 6 times
Release. (16) Press button B once. The four-digit number 4346 is input by the above operation. In addition,
To enter the number zero, button B may be pressed twice.

When each number is entered and confirmed, FIG.
In the periods 104, 105, 106, and 107 of (d), a short sounding operation is performed. When the input of the four-digit number is completed and the password is correct, a long sounding operation is performed during a period 108 shown in FIG. By performing the input and sounding operation at the above timings, the security code can be input safely and easily.

In the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, two buttons A and B are used. However, only one operation button is used, and the password is determined only by the number of times the button is pressed. May be entered. In this case, as an input timing, a button is pressed to input one number, and if there is no input for a certain period of time thereafter, the input up to that point is determined to be an input of one number. At this time, the sounding means 5 is caused to perform a sounding operation. The operator detects that one character has been input by pronunciation, and inputs the number of the second character. By repeating this four times, four numbers can be input with one button.

Next, another method of inputting numbers into the vehicle-mounted device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing a third embodiment of the input timing of the in-vehicle device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention, and FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b) are timing charts showing the timing of pressing the operation button. FIG. 4C is a timing chart showing the sound generation timing of the sound generation means. The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is a modification of the input method of the embodiment shown in FIG. The in-vehicle device in FIG. 5 can use a system having the same configuration as the in-vehicle device 1 shown in FIGS. The method of inputting a number with the button A and confirming with the button B is the same.

In this embodiment, weighting is performed based on the length of time during which the button A is pressed. That is, it is determined that 5 has been input if the time for pressing the button A is a predetermined time or more, and 1 if the time is less than that. That is, if the number is 4 or less, the button is pressed a short number of times. If the number is 6 or more, the number to be input is determined by a combination of one long input and several short inputs. As a result, even when a number of 5 or more is input, the number of times of input is reduced, and the time for separating the number is shortened.

FIG. 5 shows the input timing.
The waveform 109 in FIG. 5A is the input timing of the button A,
The waveform 110 in FIG. 5B is the input timing of the button B,
A waveform 111 in FIG. 5C indicates a sound generation timing. FIG.
Indicates a case where the personal identification number is 7642, and the personal identification number is input in the following procedure. (1) Press and hold button A. (2) Press button A twice shortly. (3) Press button B. (4) Press and hold button A. (5) Press button A once shortly. (6) Press button B. (7) Press button A four times shortly. (8) Press button B. (9) Press button A twice shortly. (10) Press button B. With the above operation, the four-digit number 7642 is input. When each number is input and confirmed, the period 11 in FIG.
Short sounding operations are performed at 2, 113, 114 and 115.

When the input of the four-digit number is completed and the password is correct, a long sounding operation is performed as shown in a period 116. In the present embodiment, instead of inputting the numeral 5 by the time when the button A is pressed, the depth of pressing the button A is set to two levels of depth. When the button is pressed lightly, a unit of 1 is input in proportion to the time of pressing the button, and when the button is pressed deeply, 5 is input. When the switch is pressed deeply, the switch may be configured so as to make a click sound on the way, and after hearing the click sound, the switch may be further pressed to input the numeral 5. By performing the input and sounding operation at the above timings, the security code can be input safely and easily.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, 2
Although the configuration is such that one button is used, a single operation button may be used, and a password may be input only by a combination of pressing the operation button. In this case, as an input timing, a button is pressed to input one number, and if there is no input for a certain period of time, the input up to that point is determined to be a one-digit number.
In this case, the sounding means 5 may be caused to perform a sounding operation to notify that the input of the next digit is ready. The operator detects that one character has been input by pronunciation, and can input a second character number. By repeating this four times, four numbers can be input with one button. The number zero may be input as 10 or more.

Further, the sounding means 5 may emit a sound indicating that a certain time period in which the long press for inputting the weight 5 has become effective has passed. As a result, the long press may be performed until the notification by the sounding means 5 comes.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The embodiment described with reference to FIG. 6 is a modification of the input method of the embodiment of FIG. The embodiment of FIG. 6 can use a system having the same configuration as that of FIGS. The method of inputting a number with the button A and confirming with the button B is the same.

In this embodiment, weighting is performed based on the depth at which the button A is pressed. That is, when the depth of pressing the button A is equal to or more than a certain value, it is determined that 5 has been input, and when it is less than that, 1 has been input. That is, if the number is 4 or less, the button is pressed shallowly by the number of times. In the case of 6 or more, the number to be input is determined by a combination of one deep input and several shallow inputs. As a result, even when a number of 5 or more is input, the number of times of input is reduced, and the time for separating the number is shortened.

In order to clearly recognize whether the button A has been pressed shallowly or deeply, if the button A is stopped at a position where the click sound is heard, it means that the button A has been pressed shallowly. The switch may be configured so that when the switch is further pressed from the click sound, the switch is pressed deeply.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing a fourth embodiment of the input timing of the in-vehicle device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention. FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b) show the timing of pressing the operation button. FIG. 6C is a timing chart showing the sounding timing of the sounding means. A waveform 117 in FIG. 6A shows the input timing of the button A and the depth thereof.
A waveform 118 in (b) shows the input timing of the button B, and a waveform 119 in FIG. 6 (c) shows the sound generation timing.
In the waveform 117, the height of the pulse indicates the depth at which the button is pressed. Higher pulses indicate a deeper push.

The embodiment of FIG. 6 shows a case where the personal identification number is 6253. In this case, the personal identification number is input in the following procedure. (1) Press button A deeply. (2) Press the button A shallowly once. (3) Press button B. (4) Press button A two times shallowly and shortly. (5) Press button B. (6) Press button A deeply. (7) Press button B. (8) Press button A three times shallowly and shortly. (9) Press button B. With the above operation, a four-digit number 6253 can be input.

When each number is entered and confirmed, FIG.
In the periods (c) 120, 121, 122, and 123, short sounding operations are performed. If the input of the four-digit number is completed and the password is correct, a long sounding operation is performed in a period 124 in FIG. 6C. By performing the input and the sounding operation at the above timing, the security code can be input safely and easily.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, two buttons are used. However, only one operation button is used, and both the length and depth of pressing the button are combined. May be used to input a password. For example,
When the button is pressed deeply, 5 may be input, and when the button is pressed shallowly, a number constituted by counting the number 1 may be input according to the pressing time.

In this case, as an input timing, a button is pressed to input one number, and if there is no input for a certain period of time after that, the input up to that point is determined to be an input of one number. At this time, the sounding means 5 is caused to perform a sounding operation. In this way, the operator can detect that one character has been input by pronunciation, and can input the number of the second character. By repeating this four times, four numbers can be input with one button.

The sounding means 5 may emit a sound indicating that the deep button pressing for inputting the weight 5 has been pressed to a certain depth at which the pressing is effective. As a result, a deep button press for weighting may be performed to a depth at which the sound from the sounding means 5 comes.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the vehicle-mounted device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention. The embodiment shown in the figure is characterized in that the operation means for inputting the personal identification number is arranged outside the housing of the in-vehicle device of the automatic toll collection system, so that the operator is more easily operated. 2 in the figure
4 is an in-vehicle device, and 25 is an operation means for inputting a personal identification number. In FIG. 7, components having the same functions as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1, and description thereof will be omitted.

The operation means 25 is connected to the vehicle-mounted device 24 by wire or wirelessly. (In the case of wireless connection, communication means is required, but the description is omitted here).
Button input to the operation means 25 is the same as the operation described in FIG. The signal from the operation unit 25 is sent to the counting unit 8 in the vehicle-mounted device 24 by wire or wirelessly.

Next, the appearance of the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the appearance when the password input operation means is put out of the housing of the vehicle-mounted device. In the figure, reference numeral 24 denotes an in-vehicle device, 26, 27
Is an operation button, and 28 is a connection line. Others are
It has the same functions as those shown in FIG. 2 and performs the same operations. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the operating means 25 is provided outside the vehicle-mounted device 24,
8.

By using this embodiment, the operating means 2
5 can be installed in a place where the operator can easily operate, so that there is an effect that the password can be input more safely.

Next, in the embodiment shown in FIGS.
An embodiment of a place where the operation means 25 is installed in the vehicle will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is an external view showing an embodiment of an installation place of a personal identification number operating means of an in-vehicle device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention. 9, components having the same functions as those in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Reference numerals 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, and 35 in FIG. The installation location 30 is near the steering wheel near the center of the dashboard of the vehicle, and the connection line 28 between the vehicle-mounted device 24 and the operation means 25 can be further shortened. The installation location 31 is located near the steering wheel on the side mirror of the dashboard of the vehicle. When the vehicle is a right-hand drive vehicle and the operator is right-handed, the operation can be performed more easily than installation at the installation location 30.

The installation place 32 is an installation on a handle. When installed on the steering wheel, the communication between the vehicle-mounted device 24 and the operating means 25 is more similar to the communication of the cruise control device that can be operated on the steering wheel than by the connection line 28.
This is performed using optical communication means. The installation at the installation location 33 is an installation at the gear shift lever. Since the operator can easily reach the shift lever, the user can easily input the personal identification number. The installation place 34 is installed on a meter panel, and can be easily operated similarly to lighting of a fog light or the like. The installation place 35 is installed inside the entrance door and can be easily operated similarly to the operation of the power window.

By installing in the place as described above,
The input operation of the personal identification number can be performed more easily and safely.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the vehicle-mounted device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, a four-way switch as used in a video game operation device is used as an operation means for inputting a personal identification number. 10, components having the same functions as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

In the figure, reference numeral 40 denotes a vehicle-mounted device, and 41 denotes a four-way switch. Also in the present embodiment, the operator can operate the switch without touching the switch and visually confirming the switch, and thus can input the password safely.

Next, the meaning and operation of the switches in each direction of the four-way switch of FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is an external view of the four-way switch of FIG. 10, and the role of each switch of the switch 41 will be described with reference to FIG. The switch 41 of this embodiment can operate four buttons without visually confirming it.
By weighting each switch in 1 with a number,
The number of button operations can be reduced.

In FIG. 11, reference numeral 41 denotes a four-way switch.
Button 43 for indicating, button 4 for confirming one digit number
It consists of a button 45 for confirming a four- or four-digit number.

The operator presses the button 43 four times and presses the button 44 once, for example, to input a numeral of four. When the operator wants to input the number 7, he presses the button 42 once, presses the button 43 twice, and presses the button 44 once.
After inputting the numbers set as described above, the user presses the button 45 to confirm that the four-digit password has been input.

As described above, by giving the button 42 the weight of the number, the button 42 must be pressed seven times to input the number of seven.
Is required only once and the button 43 must be pressed twice, that is, three times in total, so that the password can be input more quickly and easily.
In the above description of the operation, the button 45 is described as a four-digit number confirmation button. However, the button 45 may be set as an input reset button in the case of an incorrect input during the input.

Next, the operation timing of the four-way switch 4 described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing a fifth embodiment of the input timing of the in-vehicle device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention. FIG. 10A is a timing chart showing the timing of pressing the button 42, and FIG. b)
Is a timing chart showing the timing of pressing the button 43, FIG. 10 (c) is a timing chart showing the timing of pressing the button 44, and FIG. 10 (d) is a timing chart showing the timing of pressing the button 45. 10 (e) is a timing chart showing the sounding timing of the sounding means when a correct password is inputted, and FIG. 10 (f) is a timing chart showing the sounding timing of the sounding means when a wrong password is inputted. It is a chart.

The waveform 46 in FIG. 12A is the timing at which the button 42 in FIG. 11 is pressed, and the waveform 47 in FIG.
12 is the timing at which the button 43 is pressed, and the waveform 48 of FIG. 12C is the timing at which the button 44 of FIG.
The waveform 49 in (d) is the timing of pressing the button 45 in FIG. 11, the waveform 50 in FIG. 12 (e) is the sounding timing when a correct password is inputted, and the waveform 51 in FIG. 12 (f) is the wrong password. Is the timing of sound generation when is input.

FIG. 12 shows one operation timing when 7264 is input as a personal identification number.
Alternatively, it shows the timing after the sounding means 5 makes a request for input of a personal identification number to the operator.

A password is input in the following procedure. (1) Press the button a once. (2) Press the button b twice. (3) Press the button c once. (4) Press the button b twice. (5) Press the button c once. (6) Press the button a once. (7) Press the button b once. (8) Press the button c once. (9) Press the button b four times. (10) Press the button c once. (12) Press the button d once. With the above operation, a four-digit number 7264 can be input.

When each number is input and determined, a short sounding operation is performed. When the input of the four digits is completed and the password is correct, a long sounding operation is performed. If the password is incorrect, a short sounding operation is performed several times quickly to notify the operator that the password is different. By performing the input and the sounding operation at the above timing, the password can be more easily input.

Next, another embodiment of the vehicle-mounted device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
3 shows another embodiment of the vehicle-mounted device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention. In the figure, components having the same functions as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. In the figure, 60 is an in-vehicle device, 61 is a control means, and 63 is a password storage means. In this embodiment, the password storage means 63
Is provided in the in-vehicle device 60, once the card 2 is entered and the correct password is entered, the password is stored in the password storage means 63, and the next time the same card 2 is inserted, the password is stored. Can be omitted.

When the card 2 is inserted into the in-vehicle device 60 for the first time, the reading, inputting, and comparing operations of the personal identification number are performed in the same operation as the operation described with reference to FIG. When a correct password is input, the control means 61 writes the password into the password storage means 63. Then card 2
Is once pulled out and inserted again, the control means 61 compares the password from the card 2 with the password in the password storage means 63. Without notifying, a notification is made that the passwords match.

When a card 2 having a password different from the password stored in the password storage unit 63 is inserted, the control unit 61 outputs a password input request from the display unit 4 and the sound generation unit 5. Let it. Subsequent operations are the same as those in FIG. According to the present embodiment, when the card 2 inserted last time is inserted again, there is an effect that there is no need to input a personal identification number.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 shows another embodiment of the vehicle-mounted device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention. In the figure, components having the same functions as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. In FIG. 14, reference numeral 65 denotes an in-vehicle device, 66 denotes control means, 67 denotes voice recognition means, and 68 denotes voice input means.
This embodiment is characterized in that a voice input unit is used as a password input unit. After the card 2 is inserted, when a password input request is made to the operator from the display means 4 and the sounding means 5, the operator inputs a four-digit number to the voice input means 68 by voice. The voice input means 68 converts a password input signal of the input voice into an electric signal and sends it to the voice recognition means 67. The voice recognition means 67 converts the input voice electric signal into personal identification number data and sends it to the control means 66.
Thus, the input of the personal identification number is performed. Subsequent operations are the same as those in FIG.

According to the present embodiment, the operator does not need to input the personal identification number by hand or the like, so that the user can input the personal identification number more safely even while driving. In the above description, the personal identification number is input only by voice. However, a method of increasing the recognition rate of voice recognition by a method such as operating the operating means at a break of one number may be adopted.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the appearance of another embodiment of the vehicle-mounted device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention. In the figure, components having the same functions as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

This embodiment is characterized in that an operation button as a password input means is shared with a button for operating another function. In FIG.
The menu button 71, the up button 72, and the down buttons 73 and 74 are enter buttons. Menu button 7
Reference numeral 1 denotes a button for selecting and displaying a past history by providing a balance table in various menus, for example. The up button 72 and the down button 73 perform switching of a menu, for example, and the button 74 determines a menu. By using the four operation buttons 71 to 74, the operation mode of the vehicle-mounted device 70 can be changed to a mode for displaying a charge, a mode for displaying an integrated charge, and the like.

When the card 2 is inserted, the control means (not shown) changes the functions of the four buttons 71 to 74 to password input buttons. As the button function, the two buttons may have the same function as the button 11 and the button 12 shown in FIG. 2, or the button 4 shown in FIG.
Functions similar to 2, 43, 44 and 45 may be set.
According to this embodiment, there is no need to provide a special button for inputting a personal identification number, so that a smaller configuration can be achieved with a simpler configuration.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the appearance of another embodiment of the vehicle-mounted device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention. In the figure, components having the same functions as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. The embodiment of FIG. 16 is characterized in that a guide that can be judged by tactile sense is provided so that the operator can operate the operation buttons 11 and 12 as a password input unit without visually confirming. , 80 are in-vehicle devices, and 81 and 82 are guides for specifying the location of the operation button by tactile sensation.
In this embodiment, the guides 81 and 82 have the buttons 11 and 12 arranged at positions one step lower than the housing. That is, the housings are recessed into the guides 81 and 82, and the operation buttons 11 and 12 are disposed at the bottoms thereof, so that the operation buttons 11 and 12 can be pressed reliably.

In this embodiment, the guide 8 is formed
1, 82, but the operation buttons 11 and 12 may be provided on the surface of the housing, and only the guide may be one step higher.
Conversely, a structure in which a protrusion is provided and an operation button is provided on the surface of the protrusion may be employed. In this embodiment, the in-vehicle device 8
The case where the operation buttons 11 and 12 are provided on the housing of the vehicle-mounted device 80 is shown in the case where the operation buttons 11 and 12 are provided on the housing of the vehicle-mounted device 80 as shown in the embodiment of FIG. The arrangement of the buttons may be configured as described in this embodiment and its application. According to this embodiment, a password can be input without looking at the operation buttons.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention. In the figure, FIG.
Components having the same functions as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. The embodiment shown in FIG. 17 is characterized in that a personal identification number is inputted by one touch with a portable terminal such as a mobile phone, instead of inputting a personal identification number with an in-vehicle device.

In FIG. 16, reference numeral 90 denotes an in-vehicle device; 91, a password receiving means; 92, a mobile phone; 93, a password storage means; Control means 98 is control means in the mobile phone, and 99 is operation means in the mobile phone.

First, the personal identification number is stored in the personal identification number storage means 93 of the portable telephone 92. When the operator is notified of the request for inputting the personal identification number from the in-vehicle device 90, the operator presses the button of the operation unit 99 of the mobile phone 92. One button of the operation means 99 is provided with a password transmission function for the vehicle-mounted device.

Upon receiving the password transmission signal from the operation unit 99, the control unit 98 reads the password from the password storage unit 93, and transmits the password to the vehicle unit 90 via the password transmission unit 95 and the antenna 94. I do. In-vehicle device 9
0 control means 97 includes an antenna 96 and a password receiving means 9.
Receive a PIN via 1 The subsequent operation is shown in FIG.
The operation is the same as that described above. According to this embodiment, the password can be input to the in-vehicle device by a simple operation.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the vehicle-mounted device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention. In the figure, components having the same functions as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. In FIG. 18, reference numeral 126 denotes a pressure detecting means. Pressure detecting means 126 in this embodiment
Is a substitute for the operation means in FIG. The pressure detecting means 126 recognizes that the finger pressure has become larger than the normal state and sends it to the control means 7. A corresponding number is assigned to each finger, and the number input by the pressed finger is determined. It is assumed that the control means 7 has input the number assigned to the finger whose pressure has been increased based on which finger is the finger.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the personal identification number input means of the embodiment of FIG. Driver's left hand 138
And the right hand 144, the handle 127 and the pressure detection sensors 128 to 137 attached to the handle. Although all the pressure sensors are shown in the same direction for the sake of simplicity, the pressure sensors are actually mounted at positions where each finger comes when the driver naturally grips the steering wheel. Until the card 2 is inserted, these pressure sensors 128 to 137 do not operate.

The operation of FIGS. 18 and 19 will be described below. The operation from the insertion of the card 2 to the request for inputting the personal identification number is the same as that of the embodiment of FIG. When a password input request is made, the user squeezes a finger assigned to a number to be input among fingers in contact with the pressure detecting means. The pressure detecting unit 126 that has detected the pressure of the finger that is strongly gripped sends the information to the control unit 7.

Each of the pressure detection sensors 128 to 137 is
38 and the finger of the right hand 144 correspond one-to-one. The pressure detection sensor 128 is a sensor for the thumb 139 of the left hand 138, the pressure detection sensor 129 is a sensor for the index finger 140 of the left hand 138, and the pressure detection sensor 130 is the left hand 13
The sensor for the middle finger 141 and the pressure detection sensor 131 are the sensor for the ring finger 142 of the left hand 138 and the pressure detection sensor 13.
2 is a sensor for the little finger 143 of the left hand 138, a pressure detection sensor 133 is a sensor for the thumb 149 of the right hand 144, a pressure detection sensor 134 is a sensor for the index finger 148 of the right hand 144, and a pressure detection sensor 135 is a middle finger 147 of the right hand 144. Sensor, the pressure detection sensor 136 is the ring finger 1 of the right hand 144
The sensor 46 and the pressure detection sensor 137 are sensors for the little finger 145 of the right hand 144. Numbers 0 to 9 are assigned to each finger. For example, when the thumb 139 of the left hand presses the pressure detection sensor 128, the number 0 is input, and when the index finger 140 of the left hand presses the pressure detection sensor 129, the number 1 is input. Is input with a number detected by the pressure detection sensor corresponding to each finger.

For example, when inputting 5290, input is performed in the following procedure. (1) Hold the little finger 145 of the right hand strongly. (2) Hold the middle finger 141 of the left hand strongly. (3) Hold the right thumb 149 firmly. (4) Hold the left thumb 139 firmly. The password can be input by the above procedure. The sounding means 5 may perform a sounding operation when the input of a single digit by a finger pressure is confirmed.

According to the present embodiment, the sensors 128 to 1 are not released from the handle, and when the handle is first grasped.
By placing a finger on 37, it is possible to input a personal identification number without having to look away at the time of input.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention. In FIG.
Components having the same functions as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numbers as those in FIG. 1, and description thereof is omitted. The embodiment shown in FIG. 20 is characterized in that a personal identification number is inputted with a key of a car by one-touch instead of inputting a personal identification number by the in-vehicle device 152.

In FIG. 20, reference numeral 150 denotes a car key;
1 is a password storage unit in the key 150, 152 is a vehicle-mounted device, 153 is a control unit in the vehicle-mounted device, and 154 is a password reading unit.

First, the personal identification number is stored in the personal identification number storage means 151 of the key 150 of the car. For example, car key 1
Numeral 50 is capable of recording magnetic information, and records a password as magnetic information. This magnetic information is read by a password reading means 154 provided in the key insertion hole of the car, and is transferred to the vehicle-mounted device 152.

When a request for inputting a personal identification number is notified from the vehicle-mounted device 152, the control means 153 makes the personal identification number reading means 154 available.
A readout command is issued to the password
The personal identification number is read out from the personal identification number storage means 151 of 0.
The subsequent operation is the same as the operation in FIG.

According to this embodiment, the password can be input to the vehicle-mounted device by a simple operation.

[0112]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is not necessary to divert the line of sight to the input means for inputting the personal identification number for a long time, so that the personal identification number can be input safely even during traveling. There is an effect that can be.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of an in-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an in-vehicle device of the automatic toll collection system in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing a first embodiment of an input timing of an in-vehicle device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing a second embodiment of the input timing of the vehicle-mounted device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing a third embodiment of the input timing of the vehicle-mounted device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing a fourth embodiment of the input timing of the vehicle-mounted device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the vehicle-mounted device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of the appearance when the password input operation means is put out of the housing of the vehicle-mounted device.

FIG. 9 is an external view showing an embodiment of an installation place of a personal identification number operating means of an in-vehicle device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the vehicle-mounted device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention.

11 is an external view of the four-way switch of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing a fifth embodiment of the input timing of the vehicle-mounted device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is another embodiment of the vehicle-mounted device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is another embodiment of the vehicle-mounted device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the appearance of another embodiment of the vehicle-mounted device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the appearance of another embodiment of the vehicle-mounted device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of an automatic toll collection system according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the vehicle-mounted device of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a configuration diagram showing one embodiment of a password input unit of the embodiment shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the automatic toll collection system according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... In-vehicle apparatus, 2 ... Card, 4 ... Display means, 5 ... Sounding means, 7 ... Control means, 8 ... Counting means, 9 ... Operating means, 10
... Card reading / writing means, 11 ... Password input button,
12: PIN input button, 41: PIN input button, 63: PIN storage means, 67: voice recognition means,
81: Guide, 82: Guide, 91: PIN receiving means, 92: Cellular phone, 93: PIN storing means, 95:
Password transmitting means, 99 operating means, 125 on-board device, 126 pressure detecting means, 151 password storing means, 154 password reading means.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Toshiyuki Sakamoto 292 Yoshida-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture F-term in Hitachi Multimedia Systems Development Division (Reference) 5B058 KA33 KA40 YA00

Claims (45)

[Claims] 1. An N-digit number is input to an in-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system for paying a fee through a communication means when a password of a card matches a password input from a password input button. In this case, an in-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system is provided with a password input means having a number input button of less than N digits. 2. The on-board device for an automatic toll collection system according to claim 1, wherein the number input button is two or less. 3. The in-vehicle device of the automatic toll collection system according to claim 1, further comprising a confirmation button for confirming the entered number. 4. The automatic toll collection system according to claim 1, wherein one of said number input buttons is a button for outputting a predetermined weighted number. In-vehicle device for toll collection system. 5. An on-board device for an automatic toll collection system according to claim 1, wherein said in-vehicle device informs by voice that the password matches the password on the card. . 6. An in-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system comprising at least communication means, control means and card reading means, comprising a secret code having a number of buttons less than ten buttons of numbers from 0 to 9. An in-vehicle device for an automatic toll collection system, comprising a number input unit. 7. An in-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system comprising at least communication means, control means and card reading means, wherein when N numbers or characters are input, the number of password input means is N or less. An in-vehicle device for an automatic toll collection system, comprising: a number of buttons. 8. An on-vehicle apparatus for an automatic toll collection system according to claim 1, further comprising a counting means for counting the number of times a button is pressed from said password input means and inputting a number. An in-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system characterized by the following. 9. The on-vehicle device of the automatic toll collection system according to claim 1, wherein the button as the password input means is arranged on the same plane as the display means of the on-vehicle device. In-vehicle device for automatic toll collection system. 10. The automatic toll collection system according to claim 1, 6 or 7, wherein said button as said password input means is arranged on an upper surface of said on-vehicle device. In-vehicle equipment. 11. The on-vehicle device of the automatic toll collection system according to claim 1, 6 or 7, wherein the button, which is the password input means, is arranged at a position close to a steering wheel of the vehicle in the front of the on-vehicle device. An in-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system, characterized in that: 12. The automatic toll collection system according to claim 1, 6 or 7, wherein said button as said password input means is constituted by two buttons. apparatus. 13. An on-vehicle device for an automatic toll collection system according to claim 12, wherein one of said two buttons is:
An in-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system, wherein the in-vehicle device is configured as a button for inputting a number corresponding to the number of times the button is pressed. 14. The automatic toll collection system according to claim 13, wherein the other of the two buttons is configured as a button for confirming the input of one number. In-vehicle devices. 15. The on-vehicle device of the automatic toll collection system according to claim 13, wherein, among the two buttons, the button for inputting a number corresponding to the number of times the button is pressed is arranged closer to a steering wheel of the vehicle. An in-vehicle device for an automatic toll collection system, comprising: 16. An in-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system according to claim 1, 6 or 7, wherein when the card is inserted into the in-vehicle device, a display means for notifying that an input of a personal identification number is required. And an at least one sound generator. 17. An on-vehicle apparatus for an automatic toll collection system according to claim 1, 6 or 7, wherein when the input of one character is completed by the button, the display means and the sounding means for notifying the operator of the end of the input of one character. An in-vehicle device for an automatic toll collection system, comprising at least one of the following. 18. The in-vehicle apparatus of the automatic toll collection system according to claim 1, 6 or 7, wherein when the input of the predetermined password by the password input means is completed, the operator is prompted to terminate the input of the password. A vehicle-mounted device for an automatic toll collection system, comprising: at least one of a display unit and a sounding unit for notifying a user. 19. An on-vehicle apparatus for an automatic toll collection system according to claim 1, wherein said password input means is provided outside a housing of said on-vehicle apparatus. apparatus. 20. The on-board device of the automatic toll collection system according to claim 19, wherein the button of the password input means is provided on a dashboard of a vehicle, a handle portion, a vicinity of a gear shift lever, a portion where a speedometer is disposed, and a power window. An in-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system, wherein the in-vehicle device is arranged at any place near an operation device. 21. An in-vehicle device for an automatic toll collection system according to claim 1, 6 or 7, wherein said password input means comprises operation buttons for performing a plurality of switch operations by tilting in a plurality of directions. In-vehicle device of the automatic toll collection system. 22. The automatic toll collection system according to claim 21, wherein one of said operation buttons of said password input means is a button for weighting a number. In-vehicle devices. 23. The in-vehicle device of the automatic toll collection system according to claim 18, wherein when the input of the password is completed by the password input means, different notifications are given when a correct password is inputted and when a wrong password is inputted. An on-board device for an automatic toll collection system, comprising: at least one of a display unit and a sounding unit for performing an operation. 24. The vehicle-mounted device of the automatic toll collection system according to claim 1, 6 or 7, further comprising a security code storage means for storing a security code input by said security code input means, said security code storage means being inserted into said security device. If the inserted card is a previously inserted card, an automatic toll collection operation can be performed by inputting a password from the password storage means. 25. An in-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system comprising at least communication means, control means, and card reading means, wherein said in-vehicle device is provided with a voice input means and a voice recognition means, and is provided with a voice of an operator. An in-vehicle device for an automatic toll collection system, wherein a password can be input. 26. A vehicle-mounted device of an automatic toll collection system according to claim 1, 6 or 7, wherein said button of said password input means is set for setting an operation mode or a display mode of said vehicle-mounted device. An in-vehicle device for an automatic toll collection system that is shared with a button. 27. An in-vehicle device for an automatic toll collection system according to claim 1, 6 or 7, wherein a guide is provided near the button of the password input means so that the position of the button can be confirmed by touch. In-vehicle device for toll collection system. 28. An in-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system comprising at least communication means, control means and card reading means, wherein said in-vehicle device is provided with a password receiving means, and an external device separate from said in-vehicle device is provided. An automatic toll collection system, wherein a password storage means having a communication means is provided in the device, and a password is input to the in-vehicle device by communication from the external device. 29. The automatic toll collection system according to claim 28, wherein said external device is constituted by a portable terminal such as a portable telephone or a portable information terminal. 30. An in-vehicle apparatus for an automatic toll collection system according to claim 13, 14 or 15, further comprising a sounding means, wherein when a number or a character is input by the number of times of pressing the button of said password input means, said button is pressed. An in-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system, wherein each time a number or character is separated by pressing, the number or character is output as voice by the sounding means. 31. An on-vehicle apparatus for an automatic toll collection system according to claim 30, wherein said password input means comprises a rotary switch and an enter button, said rotary switch has a number input function, and said rotary switch is rotated. In addition, the on-vehicle device of the automatic toll collection system, wherein numbers or characters are output by voice by the sounding means. 32. An in-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system according to claim 30, wherein said password input means is configured such that an enter button is built in said rotary switch, and a number or a character is set by said rotary switch with an enter button. An in-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system, which performs input and confirmation. 33. An in-vehicle apparatus for an automatic toll collection system according to claim 6, wherein a counting means is provided between said password input means and said control means, and a button constituting said password input means is pressed. An in-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system, wherein a number is inputted according to one of the number of times and the time. 34. An in-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system according to claim 6, wherein a counting means is provided between said password input means and said control means, and a button of said password input means is pressed. An in-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system, wherein a number is input by a combination of a number of times and a time of pressing a button. 35. An in-vehicle apparatus for an automatic toll collection system according to claim 6, wherein counting means is provided between said password input means and said control means, and a button of said password input means is pressed. An in-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system, wherein a number is input by a combination of a number of times and a depth at which a button is pressed. 36. An in-vehicle device for an automatic toll collection system according to claim 33, wherein said personal identification number input means comprises two operation buttons. 37. An in-vehicle device for an automatic toll collection system according to claim 36, wherein one of said two buttons is a button having a function corresponding to a number whose pressed time length corresponds to a numeral. An in-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system characterized by the following. 38. An in-vehicle device for an automatic toll collection system according to claim 36, wherein when one of said two buttons is pressed for a predetermined time, a weighted number is inputted. The vehicle-mounted device of the automatic toll collection system, wherein the on-board device is configured as a button capable of performing the operation. 39. The vehicle-mounted device of the automatic toll collection system according to claim 36, wherein when one of said two buttons is deeply pressed, a weighted number can be inputted. An in-vehicle device for an automatic toll collection system, which is configured as a button. 40. An on-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system according to claim 37, further comprising: a sound generating means, wherein said sound generating means is operated while said button for outputting a number corresponding to the length of time pressed is kept pressed. An on-board device for an automatic toll collection system, wherein a sound for notifying a count-up is generated at regular intervals. 41. An on-vehicle apparatus of an automatic toll collection system according to claim 37, further comprising: a sound generating means, and counting up at regular intervals in order to identify an input number while holding down the operation button. An in-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system, which emits a number to be spoken by voice. 42. An in-vehicle device for an automatic toll collection system according to claim 37,38,39,40,41, wherein the other of said two buttons is configured as a button for confirming one number. An in-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system. 43. An in-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system comprising at least communication means, control means, and card reading means, wherein a password input means is provided on a handle, and a password is input without releasing the handle from the handle. An in-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system, wherein the in-vehicle device is configured to be capable of inputting. 44. An on-board device for an automatic toll collection system according to claim 43, wherein said password input means provided on said handle comprises a plurality of pressure detecting means for detecting pressure of a finger holding said handle. The in-vehicle device of the automatic toll collection system, wherein numbers input by the pressure detecting means are different. 45. An in-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system comprising at least communication means, control means and card reading means, wherein a key of a car is provided with a password storage means, and said key information reading means is provided in the vehicle. An automatic toll collection system characterized in that the personal identification number is input to the in-vehicle device.