JP3661971B2 - In-vehicle device of automatic toll collection system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an in-vehicle device of an automatic toll collection system that uses a car such as a toll road to pay a fee.
[0002]
[Prior art]
On a toll road such as an expressway, a car must be stopped at a toll booth in order to pay a fee, and this temporary stop of the car is a major cause of traffic congestion. In order to alleviate such traffic congestion and to make unmanned and cashless at toll gates, an automatic toll collection system (Electric Toll Collection, hereinafter referred to as “ETC”) that can pay for vehicles without stopping at toll gates in recent years. "System") is under construction.
The ETC system is considered to account for the majority of settlement methods using IC cards (prepaid credits) that can process and store a large amount of information and have an excellent security function. Therefore, an IC card reader for reading and writing the IC card is required in the in-vehicle device.
[0003]
As shown in FIG. 7, the ETC system 100 includes a road device 110 and an in-vehicle device 120. The road device 110 includes a road antenna 111 and a road communication processing device 112. In addition to the communication device, the road communication processing device 112 includes a fee processing device and a vehicle type identification device. As the road antenna 111, there are a notice antenna 111A and an entrance antenna 111B at the entrance of the toll road, a charging antenna 111C, and a toll gate antenna 111D at the exit. Moreover, it has the camera apparatus 113 which discriminate | determines the vehicle model to drive | work.
[0004]
On the other hand, in the in-vehicle device 120, an IC card 121 for authenticating a user is inserted, an IC card reader 122 for reading / writing information of the IC card 121 is provided, a monitor 123 for notifying various information, and a speaker 124. Is provided. Furthermore, an in-vehicle antenna 125 for transmitting information obtained from the IC card 121 and the like to the road antenna 111 side and receiving various information transmitted from the road antenna 111 is provided.
The in-vehicle device 120 is provided with a main control unit and the like for overall control of the in-vehicle device 120.
[0005]
Then, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 7, when the automobile M equipped with the on-vehicle device 120 uses a toll road, a road device having a notice antenna 111A, an entrance antenna 111B, a camera device 113, etc. installed at the entrance of the toll road. 110 detects various information such as the validity of the IC card, entrance information such as the location and time of entering the toll road, and vehicle type information. Accordingly, whether or not the automobile M can pass without stopping is determined. Thereafter, when the automobile M leaves the toll road, the automobile M indicated by the phantom line in FIG. 7 is charged (automatic toll collection) by the charging antenna 111C detecting the charging information obtained from the vehicle type information and the entrance information. The Then, the billing process information is detected by the toll gate antenna 111D, and as a result, it is determined whether or not it can pass without stopping. Then, the vehicle type determination and the fee processing are performed by the fee processing device and the vehicle type determination device in the road device 110, and the fee information is transmitted to the central processing center 130.
In addition, when the toll collection is performed at the entrance of the toll road, the charging antenna 111C is provided at the entrance, and charging (automatic toll collection) is performed at the entrance.
[0006]
On the other hand, in the central processing center 130, when the IC card 121 is a postpaid (credit) type card, the user associated with the IC card 121 of the affiliated financial institution 140 based on the received fee processing information. Afterwards, the charges are withdrawn from the bank account and paid to the charge collector. In addition, when the IC card 121 is a prepaid type, the toll road fee is paid to the toll collector on the spot by electronically rewriting the balance of the amount electronically stored in the IC card 121. It has become.
[0007]
When the IC card 121 is a prepaid type, when the balance of the stored amount is reduced due to use, the balance can be increased by an IC card dispenser installed by a partner financial institution of the IC card. ing.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional ETC system configuration has the following problems.
(1) When the IC card used in the ETC system is a prepaid type, the balance of the amount stored in the IC card can be displayed, but the IC card has been added to the IC card. The amount cannot be displayed. Therefore, when a user uses an IC card, if the procedure for adding up the amount stored in the IC card is performed, the added amount cannot be confirmed, giving the user anxiety. .
[0009]
(2) Currently, it is not possible to use the ETC system at all tollgates on toll roads, and there are tollgates that can use the automatic toll collection method with IC cards and other payment methods such as cash and magnetic cards, There are some tollgates that can only handle other payment methods such as magnetic cards. For this reason, it has been desired to display the balance of the IC card and magnetic card to be used on the in-vehicle device side in order to smoothly handle payment.
[0010]
(3) As mentioned above, the ETC system does not support all toll roads, and depending on the toll gate, it is necessary to pay cash or a magnetic card such as a highway card. For payment, a configuration that can be prepared before reaching the toll gate has been desired.
[0011]
(4) The in-vehicle device used in the ETC system cannot check the balance of the partner financial institution's account to be withdrawn on the spot, especially when the IC card is a postpaid (credit) type. The user did not know the card usage limit. In addition, it is difficult to check the balance while traveling on a toll road because it is necessary to check the balance of the account of the partner financial institution of the user by going to the location of the cash dispenser installed by the financial institution. Met.
[0012]
The present invention was devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is possible to confirm the increase in the number of IC cards. Further, the fare payment is made appropriately regardless of the presence or absence of the ETC system on the toll road. It is an object of the present invention to provide an in-vehicle device for an automatic fee collection system that can check the balance display of a financial institution in a vehicle.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In an automatic fee collection system in which fee collection processing in a commercial transaction is performed electronically with an IC card by bidirectional wireless communication between a road device installed on the road and a vehicle-mounted device installed in a car, the vehicle-mounted device includes a telephone line Wireless communication means connectable to the IC card, an IC card reader for reading and writing the contents of the IC card, a display means for displaying the contents of the IC card, and an operation unit for operating the display means and the wireless call means. Then, a passenger in the car operates the operation unit to communicate with the IC card partner financial institution by the wireless calling means, and inquires about the balance of the account associated with the IC card, and the partner financial institution An automatic fee collection system in which the wireless call means receives the balance of the account transmitted from and displays it online by the display means It was constructed as an in-car devices. Therefore, when the IC card is a postpaid type, the amount of use can be confirmed by the in-vehicle device. In addition, the balance display of the partner financial institution can be confirmed while traveling on the road.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main part of the entire in-vehicle device, and FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D are views of a display monitor in an operating state in an IC card mode showing the main part of the in-vehicle device. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the procedure when operating in the IC card mode of the vehicle body system, and FIG. 4 is a front view of the display monitor in the state operated in the magnetic card mode showing the main part of the in-vehicle device. 5 is a principle diagram showing a main part in a state in which a wireless communication means is provided in an in-vehicle device, and FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, and 6E are alliance financial institutions using the wireless communication means. It is a front view of the display monitor which shows the flow of exchanges.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 1, the ETC system ES includes a road device RS and an in-vehicle device 1. The in-vehicle device 1 includes an IC card reader 2 that reads / writes the contents of the IC card C, a display monitor 3 and a display speaker 3a as display means for displaying the contents read by the IC card reader 2, and a display on the display monitor 3 An operation unit 10 for switching the contents, a communication antenna 16 for communicating with the roadside device RS, an ECU 15 as a main control unit for controlling the vehicle-mounted device 1 in total, an amount stored in the IC card C, and the like Storage means 17, a magnetic card reader 20 for a magnetic card D, which will be described later , a wireless communication means 40 (see FIG. 5), and the like. The wireless communication means 40 will be described later.
[0019]
The ECU 15 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an external storage memory, a communication device, and the like (not shown). The IC card C has a CPU and an IC memory (not shown). Furthermore, the storage means 17 is specifically configured to use the RAM of the ECU 15 or an external storage memory.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 2, the operation unit 10 includes a number input key 4 for inputting numerical information to the in-vehicle device 1, a mode key 5 for performing mode switching such as switching a corresponding slot of the display monitor 3, and the like. Connected to each mode switched by the mode key 5, a set key 6 for executing input data such as a numerical value input by the numeric input key 4, a power key 7 for turning on / off the in-vehicle apparatus 1, and a wireless communication means to be described later And a push key 9 for disclosing an insertion slot of a magnetic card reader 20 (see FIG. 4) to be described later.
[0021]
Next, a case where the IC card C is used in the in-vehicle device 1 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 3, first, the power key 7 is operated to turn on the power, the mode key 5 is operated to set the display correspondence of the display monitor 3 to ETC, and the set key 6 To execute. It should be noted that when the display monitor 3 is started up, it is convenient to configure so that a display screen that is frequently used and in which “ETC” is selected appears in advance.
[0022]
When the IC card C is inserted into the IC card reader 2 after “ETC” is set in the display monitor 3, the IC card reader 2 reads the amount stored in the IC card C, for example, the balance of the IC card C remains. If not, as shown in FIG. 2 (a), the balance is 0 yen, and a screen display of “please add charges” is displayed, and a voice is displayed by a display speaker (not shown). The configuration (step shown by a in FIG. 3) is used.
[0023]
If there is a balance of the amount stored in the IC card C, the amount currently stored in the IC card C and the IC card C at the previous use stored in the storage means 17 (see FIG. 1). Compare the amount of money. If there is no new amount of money added to the amount stored in the storage means 17, the balance of the amount stored in the IC card C is displayed on the screen and voice as shown in FIG. (Step shown by b in FIG. 3).
[0024]
Next, as shown in FIGS. 2C, 2D and 3, the balance of the amount stored in the IC card C is stored in the storage means 17 (see FIG. 1) at the time of the previous use. If the amount is larger than the amount of the IC card C, the amount accumulated is read via the IC card reader 2 and the ECU 15, and the amount accumulated from the previous balance is displayed by the display monitor 3 and the audio speaker (see FIG. 1). Display (step shown by c in FIG. 3). Then, after a certain time (for example, 5 seconds), the accumulated display is erased from the display monitor 3, and the balance of the amount stored in the IC card C is displayed by image and sound by switching the screen. .
[0025]
In this way, when the amount of money is added to the IC card C from the previous balance, the user can display the IC card dispenser by displaying an image and sound indicating that the amount of money has been added. It is possible to confirm that the loading operation performed by use is properly performed.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 3, when the IC card C is removed from the IC card reader 2, the amount rewritten by using the IC card C by the IC card reader 2 is stored in the storage means 17 (FIG. 1). Reference) is stored.
[0027]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, the in-vehicle device 1 is configured to include a magnetic card reader 20 of a magnetic card D such as a highway card in a part thereof. Here, in the magnetic card reader 20, the installation plate 4a of the numeric input key 4 is rotated to the near side with one end of the installation plate 4a as a fulcrum by the operation of the push button 9, and provided on the back side of the installation plate 4a. It has been. A storage unit 30 for storing cash G (coins and bills) is formed below the magnetic card reader 20.
[0028]
When displaying the balance of the amount stored in the magnetic card D, the following procedure is used.
First, the display screen of the display monitor 3 is switched to the hiker side by the mode key 5 of the in-vehicle device 1 and is executed by the set key 6. Next, when the push key 9 is pressed, the installation plate 4a of the number input key 4 rotates around one end, and the magnetic card reader 20 appears. Therefore, when the magnetic card D is inserted into the magnetic card reader 20, the balance of the amount stored in the magnetic card D is notified by the screen display of the display monitor 3 and the voice display of the display speaker 3a (see FIG. 1). Yes.
[0029]
Accordingly, when the toll gate that cannot be handled by the ETC system (see FIG. 1) or the balance of the IC card C is insufficient and it is necessary to use a fee gate that pays in cash or the like, the balance of the magnetic card D is displayed. Is convenient because it can be judged immediately. In addition, the driving driver can know the balance of the magnetic card D by voice with a minimum operation that does not hinder driving while traveling. This is particularly convenient when knowing the balance of the magnetic card D during night driving.
[0030]
A storage unit 30 for cash G is formed below the magnetic card reader 20. Therefore, it is possible to store in advance the cash G that is considered to be necessary on the toll road in the storage unit 30 and prepare to pay the cash G from the storage unit 30 as soon as it arrives at the toll gate. Therefore, the storage unit 30 is formed in a part of the in-vehicle device 1 so that it is possible to prepare and charge smoothly regardless of whether the payment is made by the magnetic card D such as cash G or highway card and the IC card C. It becomes possible to pay at the gate.
[0031]
Next , as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, a configuration using the wireless communication unit 40 of the in-vehicle device 1 will be described. Incidentally, the respective parts and the same configuration described in the in-vehicle apparatus 1 will be omitted with denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 5, the in-vehicle device 1 includes an ECU (CPU, RAM, ROM, external storage memory, communication device, etc.) 15, an IC card reader 2 connected to the ECU 15, a display monitor 3, an operation unit 10, The communication antenna 16, the magnetic card reader 30, and the wireless communication means 40 are included.
[0033]
Here, the wireless communication means 40 uses a mobile phone 41 and is connected to the ECU via a modem 42. The mobile phone 41 has an antenna 43 for telephone communication.
[0034]
Therefore, particularly in the case of a postpaid type (credit type) IC card C, when it is desired to know the balance of an account deposited in the affiliated financial institution TB, the following procedure can be used.
[0035]
That is, as shown in FIG. 6 (a), when the "BANK" button is first selected and pressed out of the communication switching keys 8 and executed with the set key 6, the display monitor 3 as shown in FIG. 6 (b). The screen display changes, and the screen display and voice display “Connect now, please wait” are made.
Here, the telephone number of the affiliated financial institution TB (see FIG. 5) is stored in advance on the storage device (not shown) side of the mobile phone 41 with a speed dial or the like, the “BANK” button is pressed, and the set key is pressed. However, a configuration in which the user calls the partner financial institution TB by operating the numeric input key 4 is also possible.
[0036]
Further, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 (c), when communication is started by connecting to the affiliated financial institution TB, the recitation number of the account associated with the IC card of the affiliated financial institution TB is entered with the numeric input keys 4 And the data transmission is executed by the set key 6. At this time, on the screen display of the display monitor 3, “Please input the recitation number” is displayed, but when the number input key 4 is operated, the input number is displayed on the display monitor 3. By configuring it, it is possible to check the number input mistake or input number.
[0037]
Next, as shown in FIG. 6 (d), when it is confirmed that the recitation number is appropriate, the text “Balance inquiry” is displayed on the display monitor 3, and then owned by the affiliated financial institution TB. The balance of the existing account is displayed on the display monitor 3 as shown in FIG. At this time, the balance may be displayed simultaneously on the display speaker 3a (see FIG. 5).
Therefore, the automobile M traveling on the toll road can check the balance of the account without going to the place where the cash institution of the cash institution is located.
[0038]
Even if the IC card C is a prepaid type, by providing the wireless calling means 40, by checking the balance of the account owned by the affiliated financial institution TB, for example, the car M is used. When you travel, you can check the usage limit.
[0039]
In addition, since the configuration described in the in-vehicle device can be used for a drive-through type store having a system for automatically collecting tolls as well as an ETC system, a gas station, etc., the buying and selling of goods or the toll road described above can be used. It is possible to collect charges using the ETC system for the generated commercial transactions such as When collecting fees, if there is an increase in the amount stored in the IC card as described above, use the fee collection, such as displaying the balance of the partner account of the IC card. It can be used with peace of mind.
Furthermore, the additional display performed by the in-vehicle device may be configured to display the date and time, location, model, etc. of the additional.
[0040]
The following can be said as an effect of the embodiment.
(1) When the vehicle user inserts the IC card into the IC card reader, the in-vehicle device displays the additional amount and stores it in the IC card when the usage amount is increased on the prepaid type IC card. The balance of the amount of money being displayed is displayed. Therefore, the user can confirm that the operation for increasing the amount of the IC card is being performed reliably. Since the balance of the amount described on the IC card is also displayed, the usage limit can be confirmed and used.
[0041]
(2) The in- vehicle device allows the user of the car to check the balance of the IC card and magnetic card using the display means, so use the charge gate of the toll collection system or use the charge gate that pays with cash or magnetic card You can check if you want to.
[0042]
(3) Since the in- vehicle device has a storage part for cash or cards in a part of it, the balance of the IC card or magnetic card can be confirmed, and even cash can be prepared in advance. Even if it is a place, you can take a smooth payment procedure.
[0043]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the present invention exhibits the following excellent effects.
The in-vehicle device allows the user of the car to check the balance of the account of the affiliated financial institution associated with his / her IC card in the car. Therefore, when the IC card is a postpaid (credit) type, it is possible to check the usage limit. In addition, it is possible to determine the limit of account usage without visiting a financial institution.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main part of an entire in-vehicle apparatus according to the present invention.
FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D are front views of a display monitor in a state where the main part of the in-vehicle apparatus according to the present invention is operated in an IC card mode.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a procedure when the vehicle body system of the present invention is operated in an IC card mode.
FIG. 4 is a front view of the display monitor in a state in which it is operated in a magnetic card mode, showing the main part of the in-vehicle device of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a principle diagram showing a main part in a state in which a wireless communication means is provided in the in-vehicle device of the present invention.
6 (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e) are front views of a display monitor showing a flow of exchanges with a partner financial institution using the wireless communication means of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a principle diagram showing an entire conventional ETC system.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 In-vehicle apparatus 2 IC card reader 3 Display monitor 3a Display speaker 4 Number input key 5 Mode key 6 Set key 7 Power key 8 Communication switch key 9 Push key 10 Operation part 15 ECU
16 Communication antenna (for ETC system)
17 Storage means 20 Magnetic card reader 30 Storage section 40 Wireless call means 41 Mobile phone 42 Modem 43 Antenna (for telephone)
C IC card D Magnetic card ES ETC system M Automobile CM Central processing center RS Roadside equipment RT Roadside communication processing equipment TB Partner financial institutions

Claims (1)

  In an automatic fee collection system in which fee collection processing in a commercial transaction is performed electronically with an IC card by bidirectional wireless communication between a road device installed on the road and a vehicle-mounted device installed in a car, the vehicle-mounted device includes a telephone line A wireless call means connectable to the IC card, an IC card reader for reading and writing the contents of the IC card, a display means for displaying the contents of the IC card, and an operation unit for operating the display means and the wireless call means. Then, a passenger in the car operates the operation unit to communicate with the IC card partner financial institution through the wireless communication means, and inquires about the balance of the account associated with the IC card. The wireless communication unit receives the balance of the account transmitted from the server and displays it online by the display unit. Vehicle apparatus of the gold collection system.

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