JP4802997B2 - Communication system and in-vehicle device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication system that transmits traffic information in the vicinity of a road that a vehicle traveling on a road is scheduled to reach to an in-vehicle device, and an in-vehicle device that constitutes the communication system.

  In order to suppress traffic accidents or smooth traffic, a system that provides traffic information to vehicles traveling on the road is required. Especially, collisions between vehicles at or near intersections, vehicles and pedestrian crossings. A system that prevents a contact accident with a walking pedestrian has been proposed.

In such a system, a vehicle-mounted device receives a signal transmitted by a roadside device installed on the road, and the vehicle-mounted device performs predetermined processing on the received signal to improve the safety of traveling of the vehicle. is there. For example, a roadside beacon transmits a signal including information on the position of a traffic signal installed in the traveling direction of the vehicle and information on the parameter of signal light color change of the traffic signal to the in-vehicle device, and the in-vehicle device receives the signal transmitted by the roadside beacon. And the roadside communication receiver which processes the received signal, can calculate the speed range which can pass in the blue lighting time zone of a traffic light, and can display it to a driver is proposed (refer to patent documents 1). .
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-128399

  However, in the apparatus of Patent Document 1, it is necessary to install the roadside beacon at a considerable distance from the traffic light in order to transmit information on the traffic light to the in-vehicle device as soon as possible. However, if the distance between the traffic light and the roadside beacon is too long, the time it takes for the vehicle to reach the traffic light after the in-vehicle device has received and processed the above information becomes longer, depending on the traffic situation. When the information on the vehicle is changed, there is a possibility that wrong information is provided to the driver. Also, in order to cope with the situation where traffic signal information changes from moment to moment, when a roadside beacon is installed near a traffic signal, the vehicle reaches the vicinity of the traffic signal when the information is received by the in-vehicle device. There is a risk that the received information cannot be used effectively, for example, the speed range in which the traffic light can pass in the blue lighting time zone cannot be calculated. Accordingly, there has been a demand for a communication system that can receive and process traffic information such as information on traffic signals that change from time to time in a timely manner.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and includes a communication system capable of acquiring traffic information at any time and in a timely manner even when the traffic information changes from moment to moment. An object of the present invention is to provide an in-vehicle device.

A communication system according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a first transmitter installed on a road, a second transmitter for transmitting traffic information to a vehicle traveling on the road, and traffic information transmitted by the second transmitter. A communication system including an in-vehicle device that receives and outputs received traffic information, wherein the first transmission device includes a first identifier for identifying traffic information and a distance required to travel in an area on the road Alternatively, the information processing apparatus includes transmission means for transmitting specific information for specifying time to the in-vehicle device, and the second transmission device transmits a second identifier for identifying traffic information and the traffic information identified by the second identifier to the in-vehicle device. The vehicle-mounted device includes a first receiving unit that receives the first identifier, the second identifier, the traffic information identified by the second identifier, and the specific information, and the first received by the receiving unit. Match identifier An identifier determining means for determining whether a second identifier that, measurement means for measuring a travel amount indicating the running distance or running time of the vehicle, based on the traveling amount measured by said measuring means, the vehicle is in the specific information When it is determined that there is a second identifier that matches the first identifier by the region determination unit that determines whether or not the region is specified, the region determination unit determines that the vehicle is the region. When it is determined that the vehicle is outside the area, the output means for outputting the traffic information and the traffic information identified by the second identifier are invalidated when the area determination means determines that the vehicle is outside the area. And invalidating means.

A communication system according to a second aspect of the invention includes a first transmitter installed on a road, a second transmitter for transmitting traffic information to a vehicle traveling on the road, and traffic information transmitted by the second transmitter. A communication system comprising: an in-vehicle device for receiving and outputting the received traffic information, wherein the first transmission device comprises a transmission means for transmitting a first identifier for identifying the traffic information to the in-vehicle device; The second transmission device includes a second identifier for identifying traffic information and transmission means for transmitting the traffic information identified by the second identifier to the in-vehicle device, and the in-vehicle device includes the first identifier and the second identifier. A receiving means for receiving the identifier and the traffic information identified by the second identifier; an identifier determining means for determining the presence or absence of a second identifier that matches the first identifier received by the receiving means; and Match 1 identifier If the second identifier is determined that there that, and output means for outputting the traffic information further comprises a third transmission device installed on the road, the third transmission device, for identifying traffic information Transmitting means for transmitting the third identifier to the in-vehicle device, wherein the in-vehicle device is identified by the second identifier when the third identifier is received by the receiving means for receiving the third identifier. And invalidation means for invalidating the traffic information.

In the communication system according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect , the identifier determination unit determines whether or not the third identifier received by the reception unit matches the second identifier, and the invalidity The means is configured to invalidate the traffic information identified by the second identifier when the third identifier does not match the second identifier.

Communication system according to a fourth invention, in any one of the first invention to third invention, the traffic information, information about the signal lamp device installed near the intersection of scheduled arrival of the vehicle in which the vehicle device is mounted And at least one piece of information related to other vehicles existing near the intersection to be reached.

Communication system according to a fifth invention, in any one of the first invention to fourth invention, the first identifier, the second identifier or third identifier, and wherein identifying a road.

A vehicle-mounted device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is a vehicle-mounted device that receives traffic information and outputs the received traffic information. The first identifier for identifying traffic information, the second identifier, and the traffic identified by the second identifier Receiving means for receiving information and specific information for specifying a distance or time required to travel on an area on the road, and identifier determining means for determining the presence or absence of a second identifier that matches the first identifier received by the receiving means And a measurement unit that measures a travel amount indicating a travel distance or a travel time of the vehicle, and based on the travel amount measured by the measurement unit, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is in an area specified by the specific information. When it is determined by the area determination means and the identifier determination means that there is a second identifier that matches the first identifier, when the area determination means determines that the vehicle is in the area, the traffic information And output means for outputting, when the vehicle is determined to be outside the region in the area determination means, characterized in that it comprises a disabling means for disabling the traffic information identified by the second identifier.
An in-vehicle device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the in-vehicle device that receives traffic information and outputs the received traffic information, and includes a first identifier, a second identifier, a third identifier, and the second identifier for identifying the traffic information. Receiving means for receiving the traffic information to be identified; determining means for determining the presence or absence of a second identifier that matches the first identifier received by the receiving means; and a second identifier that matches the first identifier by the determining means Output means for outputting the traffic information when it is determined that there is a traffic information, and invalidation means for invalidating the traffic information identified by the second identifier when the third identifier is received by the receiving means. It is characterized by.

In the first invention and the sixth invention, the first transmission device (for example, the roadside device) installed on the road uses the first identifier for identifying the traffic information to the in-vehicle device of the vehicle traveling on the road. Send. The in-vehicle device receives the first identifier transmitted by the first transmission device. For example, when traffic information near the road where the vehicle is traveling (for example, near an intersection) is required in advance, the first transmission device is installed upstream from the road by an appropriate distance (for example, 100 m to 200 m). Keep it. The second transmission device transmits to the in-vehicle device a second identifier for identifying traffic information (for example, traffic information that changes every moment near the road) and the traffic information identified by the second identifier. For example, the second transmission device repeatedly transmits the traffic information that changes every time transmission is performed (at a predetermined time interval or a time interval that varies depending on the time zone) to the in-vehicle device. The in-vehicle device receives the second identifier and the traffic information identified by the second identifier each time, determines whether there is a second identifier that matches the first identifier received in advance, and matches the first identifier. If there is a second identifier to be received, the received traffic information is output.

As a result, when the second transmission device transmits traffic information around the road to a plurality of vehicles traveling on the vicinity of the road on several roads, the in-vehicle device needs the vehicle in advance. The first identifier for identifying the traffic information is received, and the traffic information required by the host vehicle is based on the second identifier that matches the first identifier from the traffic information transmitted from the second transmitter. When the second transmitter transmits traffic information that changes from moment to moment, the in-vehicle device sometimes Traffic information that changes every moment can be acquired in a timely and timely manner.

In addition , the first transmission device transmits specific information for specifying an area on the road to the in-vehicle device. As the area on the road, for example, it can be an area from the communication area of the first transmission device to the intersection, and as specific information, for example, the distance required to travel the area on the road, It can be the time required to travel on the area on the road. The in-vehicle device receives the specific information and measures a travel amount of the vehicle (for example, a travel distance and a travel time from the time when the specific information is received). The in-vehicle device determines whether or not the vehicle is outside the area specified by the specific information based on the measured travel amount. For example, when the travel distance of the vehicle is longer than the distance required to travel in the area (the area from the communication area of the first transmission device to the intersection), it is determined that the vehicle is outside the area. When it is determined that the vehicle is out of the area (that is, passing through the intersection), the in-vehicle device invalidates the traffic information identified by the second identifier. After the vehicle has passed the intersection, the traffic information that was necessary before passing the vicinity of the intersection is no longer necessary, so when the traffic information is received, the received traffic information should be invalidated and not used. can do. As a result, it is possible to prevent the traffic information in the vicinity of the intersection that has already passed from being erroneously processed by the in-vehicle device.

In the second and seventh inventions , the third transmitting device (for example, roadside device) installed on the road uses the third identifier for identifying traffic information to the in-vehicle device of the vehicle traveling on the road. Send. For example, the third transmission device can be installed in the vicinity of a point where a vehicle traveling on a road where the first transmission device is installed passes through an intersection. When receiving the third identifier, the in-vehicle device invalidates the traffic information identified by the second identifier. The in-vehicle device can determine that the vehicle has passed the intersection by receiving the third identifier. After the vehicle has passed the intersection, the traffic information that was required before passing near the intersection is no longer necessary, so when receiving traffic information, invalidate the received traffic information so that it will not be used. can do. As a result, it is possible to prevent the traffic information in the vicinity of the intersection that has already passed from being erroneously processed by the in-vehicle device.

In the third invention, the in-vehicle device receives the third identifier, determines whether or not the received third identifier matches the second identifier, and if the third identifier does not match the second identifier, The traffic information identified by the second identifier is invalidated. The in-vehicle device can determine that the vehicle has passed the intersection by receiving the third identifier that does not match the second identifier. After the vehicle has passed the intersection, the traffic information that was required before passing near the intersection is no longer necessary, so when receiving traffic information, invalidate the received traffic information so that it will not be used. can do. As a result, it is possible to prevent the traffic information in the vicinity of the intersection that has already passed from being erroneously processed by the in-vehicle device.

In the fourth invention, the traffic information is information related to the signal lamp installed near the intersection where the vehicle equipped with the vehicle-mounted device is scheduled to reach (for example, the remaining lighting time of the blue light, the remaining lighting time of the red light, etc. ), Or at least one of information related to other vehicles existing near the intersection to be reached (for example, distance, speed, number of vehicles, position to the intersection of vehicles approaching the intersection, etc.). Thereby, for example, a vehicle traveling toward an intersection where a signal lamp is installed can acquire the remaining time of the signal lamp color ahead in the traveling direction every moment, and the driver can quickly cross the intersection based on the acquired information. Or can be decelerated in advance with sufficient margin, and the safety of traffic near the intersection can be improved. In addition, a vehicle traveling toward an intersection where no signal lamp is installed can acquire information on other vehicles traveling on the road on the intersection every moment, and the driver can approach based on the acquired information. When a vehicle exists, the vehicle can be decelerated in advance, and traffic safety can be improved.

In the fifth invention, the first identifier, the second identifier, and the third identifier are identifiers for identifying roads. For example, a different identifier can be provided for each approach road to an intersection, and a different identifier can be provided for each road facing each of the approach roads. Thereby, it can be clarified which road section is the traffic information necessary for the vehicle traveling.

  In the present invention, even when the traffic information changes from moment to moment, the traffic information can be acquired at any time and in a timely manner.

Embodiment 1
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of a communication system according to the present invention. The communication system according to the present invention includes a traffic management device 1, a transmitter 2 such as an optical beacon or DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication), a transmitter 3 having a wireless LAN function such as a UHF band or a VHF band, An in-vehicle device 4 is provided. The traffic management apparatus 1 is connected with signal lamps S1, S3, S5, and S7 installed at the four corners of the intersection, and transmitters 2 and 3 are connected through a communication line. Moreover, the traffic management apparatus 1 is provided with the function of the traffic signal controller for controlling the signal lamps S1,. The in-vehicle device 4 is configured to be able to communicate with the transmitters 2 and 3.

  The road section ID is determined in advance for the road that intersects the intersection, and the road sections of the approach road to the intersection are L1, L3, L5, and L7, respectively, and face the road sections L1, L3, L5, and L7. The road sections are L4, L2, L8, and L6, respectively. Signal lamps S1, S3, S5, and S7 are installed corresponding to the vehicles traveling on the road sections L1, L3, L5, and L7, respectively. For example, a vehicle traveling on the road section L1 toward the intersection passes through the intersection according to the signal lamp color of the signal lamp S1. Needless to say, the structure of the intersection is not limited to a crossroad, and may be a structure like a three-way.

  As an example, the transmitter 2 is installed in the vicinity of a road separated by a road section length X from an intersection, and as shown in FIG. 1, between the vehicle-mounted device 4 of a vehicle traveling in a communicable area A1 of the road section L1. It is possible to communicate with. The transmitter 3 can communicate with an in-vehicle device 4 of a vehicle traveling in a relatively wide communicable region B1 including road sections L1,..., L8 of the road that intersects the intersection.

  With the above configuration, the transmitter 2 can communicate only with the in-vehicle device 4 of the vehicle traveling on the road section L1, whereas the transmitter 3 is a vehicle traveling on all roads that intersect the intersection. It is possible to communicate with the in-vehicle device 4.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the traffic management device 1. The traffic management device 1 includes a control unit 11 including a CPU that performs various arithmetic processes. A lamp drive unit 12, an interface unit 13, and a storage unit 14 are connected to the control unit 11 via an internal bus, and the control unit 11 controls operations of these hardware units.

  The lamp drive unit 12 includes a semiconductor relay (not shown) and corresponds to each of the blue lamp, the yellow lamp, and the red lamp of the signal lamps S1,... Based on the signal lamp output command input from the control unit 11. The AC voltage (AC100V) or DC voltage supplied to each color signal lamp is turned on / off.

  The interface unit 13 has a communication function for communicating with the transmitters 2 and 3. The interface unit 13 outputs the traffic information 141 stored in the storage unit 14 to the transmitter 3 at a predetermined cycle (for example, 0.1 second, 0.5 second, 1 second, etc.). Thereby, the traffic information 141 which changes every moment can be output to the transmitter 3.

  The storage unit 14 stores traffic information 141 that changes every moment according to traffic conditions, and is updated whenever there is a change. The traffic information 141 may be generated by the control unit 11 or may be obtained from the outside. The traffic information 141 includes, for example, a road section ID, an information type ID, a data portion, and the like.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the traffic information 141. As shown in FIG. 3, the traffic information 141 is configured by associating a road section ID, an information type ID, and a data part. The road section ID specifies which road section is traffic information required by a vehicle traveling on the road section. The information type ID is for identifying the contents of the traffic information. For example, the traffic information 141 whose information type ID is D1 is a case where a signal lamp is installed at the intersection, and the data section Stores the remaining time of the lighting color of the signal lamp. The traffic information 141 with the information type ID D2 is necessary particularly when no signal lamp is installed at the intersection, and stores the position of the vehicle approaching the intersection. Note that the information types are not limited to two.

  For example, when the signal lamps S1,... Are installed at the intersection, the vehicle traveling on the road section L1 needs the information of the signal lamp S1 ahead of the traveling direction. The remaining time of the blue light color of S1 is associated. Also, if no signal lamp is installed at the intersection, the vehicle traveling on the road section L1 needs information on other vehicles traveling on the roads (road sections L5, L7) intersecting the intersection ahead of the traveling direction. Therefore, as a data part of the information type D2, information on a vehicle traveling on the road sections L5 and L7 toward the intersection is associated. The same applies to the other road sections L2, ..., L8.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the transmitter 2. The transmitter 2 includes a control unit 21 including a CPU that performs various arithmetic processes. A transmission / reception unit 22 and a storage unit 23 are connected to the control unit 21 via an internal bus.

  The transmission / reception unit 22 transmits the road section information 231 stored in the storage unit 23 to the in-vehicle device 4 when the vehicle passes through the communicable area A1 of the road section L1.

  The storage unit 23 stores road section information 231. The road section information 231 includes, for example, a road section ID, a road section length X, and the like. The road section ID identifies a road section in which the transmitter 2 is installed so as to be communicable with the in-vehicle device 4. In the case of FIG. 1, the road section ID is the road section L1. A unique road section ID is stored in advance according to the road section where the transmitter 2 is installed. The road section length X is the distance between the intersection and a predetermined point in the communicable area A1 between the vehicle-mounted device 4.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the transmitter 3. The transmitter 3 includes a control unit 31 including a CPU that performs various arithmetic processes. An interface unit 32 and a communication unit 33 are connected to the control unit 31 via an internal bus.

  The interface unit 32 acquires the traffic information 141 output through the interface unit 13 of the traffic management device 1 and outputs the acquired traffic information 141 to the communication unit 33.

  The communication unit 33 has a wireless LAN function such as a UHF band or a VHF band, and transmits the traffic information 141 input from the interface unit 32 to the in-vehicle device 4 traveling on each road that intersects the intersection. The communication unit 33 can transmit the traffic information 141 at a predetermined cycle (for example, 0.1 second, 0.5 second, 1 second, etc.). In addition, the period at the time of transmission can also be changed into a different value according to traffic conditions.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the in-vehicle device 4. The in-vehicle device 4 includes a control unit 41 including a CPU that performs various arithmetic processes. A transmission / reception unit 42, a communication unit 43, a storage unit 44, an input / output unit 45, a display unit 46, an operation unit 47, and the like are connected to the control unit 41 via an internal bus.

  When the vehicle passes through the communicable area A <b> 1 of the transmitter 2, the transmission / reception unit 42 communicates with the transmitter 2 and receives the road section information 231 transmitted from the transmitter 2. The received road section information 231 is stored in the storage unit 44.

  The communication unit 43 receives the traffic information 141 transmitted from the transmitter 3 after the vehicle passes through the communicable area A1. The received traffic information 141 is stored in the storage unit 44.

  The input / output unit 45 is provided in the vehicle, and exchanges signals with a vehicle control unit (not shown) that controls traveling of the vehicle. For example, the input / output unit 45 acquires a signal indicating the travel distance of the vehicle from the vehicle control unit. The input / output unit 45 outputs a deceleration signal for decelerating the vehicle to the vehicle control unit based on the deceleration process performed by the control unit 41.

  The display unit 46 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display panel and a speaker. When notifying the driver of a warning under the control of the control unit 41, the display unit 46 displays the content of the warning in characters and outputs a voice. For example, “The blue traffic light at the front intersection will switch in 10 seconds.” “The red traffic light at the front intersection will switch in 10 seconds.” “The vehicle is approaching the front intersection from the left. "The distance to the intersection is 40m" can be displayed on the display or output in voice.

  The operation unit 47 includes various operation panels and functions as a user interface between the driver and the in-vehicle device 4. For example, the operation of the in-vehicle device 4 can be started or stopped by the operation of the driver.

  The control unit 41 acquires the road section information 231 received through the transmission / reception unit 42, acquires the traffic information 141 through the communication unit 43, and acquires the travel distance of the vehicle through the input / output unit 45. The control unit 41 selects and receives only the traffic information 141 necessary for the driver or the passenger based on the acquired information, and alerts the driver or the passenger based on the received traffic information 141. The vehicle travel control is performed. The control unit 41 determines, for example, whether or not the vehicle can safely pass the intersection according to the situation near the intersection ahead of the traveling direction of the vehicle, and decelerates the speed of the vehicle according to the determination result. Or control such as running without decelerating.

  Next, the operation of the in-vehicle device 4 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the in-vehicle device 4. The control unit 41 determines whether or not the road section information 231 has been received from the transmitter 2 (S11). If the road section information 231 has not been received (NO in S11), the process of step S11 is continued, Wait until the section information 231 is received.

When the road section information 231 is received (YES in S11), the control unit 41 stores the received road section information (road section ID, road section length X) 231 (S12) and starts travel distance measurement (S13). ). In this case, for example, the control unit 41 resets the travel distance counter to 0 when the road section information 231 is received, and measures the travel distance from the time when the road section information 231 is received.

  The control unit 41 determines whether or not the traffic information 141 has been received from the transmitter 3 (S14). If the traffic information 141 has not been received (NO in S14), the process of step S14 is continued, and the traffic information 141 is received. Wait until you receive

  When the traffic information 141 is received (YES in S14), the control unit 41 extracts the road section ID from the received traffic information 141, and determines whether or not the extracted road section ID matches the stored road section ID. (S15). If the road section IDs match (YES in S15), the control unit 41 acquires the measured travel distance (S16) and determines whether the acquired travel distance is longer (larger) than the stored road section length X. (S17). In this case, it is also possible to consider a slight margin in consideration of the measurement error of the travel distance.

  When the travel distance is shorter than the road section length X (NO in S17), the control unit 41 acquires information on the data portion of the traffic information 141 of the information type ID corresponding to the matched road section ID, and responds to the information type ID. The processing after step S14 is continued. The process according to the information type ID is, for example, a vehicle deceleration control process, a warning process for a driver or a passenger, and the like.

  When the extracted road section ID does not match the stored road section ID (NO in S15), the control unit 41 invalidates the traffic information 141 received from the transmitter 3 (S19), and continues the processing after step S14. Thereby, the in-vehicle device 4 can prevent unnecessary traffic information 141 from being acquired and processed.

  When the travel distance is longer than the road section length X (YES in S17), the control unit 41 determines that the vehicle has already passed the intersection, invalidates the traffic information 141 received from the transmitter 3 (S20), The necessary traffic information 141 is prevented from being acquired and processed.

  The control unit 41 determines whether or not there is a process end request from the operation unit 47 (S21). If there is no process end request (NO in S21), the process after step S11 is continued and there is a process end request. (YES in S21), the process is terminated.

Embodiment 2
In the first embodiment, the travel distance of the vehicle is measured to determine whether or not the vehicle has passed the intersection, and when the vehicle has passed the intersection, the traffic information 141 received up to that point is no longer necessary. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of transmitters 2 can be installed near an intersection, and the necessity / unnecessity of the traffic information 141 can be determined based on the road section ID transmitted by the transmitter 2.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the communication system according to the second embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment is that transmitters 2a, 2b, and 2c are installed in the vicinity of the intersection, and it is not necessary to measure the travel distance by the in-vehicle device 4. Each of the transmitters 2a, 2b, and 2c has the same configuration as the transmitter 2, and performs communication with vehicles passing through the communicable areas A2, A6, and A8 of the road sections L2, L6, and L8. Can do. In addition, each of the transmitters 2a, 2b, and 2c stores road sections L2, L6, and L8. Moreover, although the traffic management apparatus 1 and the transmitter 3 are not illustrated, it is assumed that they are provided in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Moreover, the signal lamp device of an intersection may be installed and does not need to be installed as shown in FIG. Next, the processing of the in-vehicle device 4 when a vehicle traveling on the road section L1 toward the intersection in FIG. 8 passes through the intersection and travels on the road section L2 will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the in-vehicle device 4 according to the second embodiment. The control unit 41 determines whether or not the road section information 231 has been received from the transmitter 2 (S31). If the road section information 231 has not been received (NO in S31), the process of step S31 is continued. Wait until the section information 231 is received.

  When the road section information 231 is received (YES in S31), the control unit 41 stores the received road section information (road section ID) 231 (S32), and whether or not the traffic information 141 is received from the transmitter 3 Is determined (S33).

  When the traffic information 141 is not received (NO in S33), the control unit 41 continues the process of step S33 and waits until the traffic information 141 is received. When the traffic information 141 is received (YES in S33), the control unit 41 extracts the road section ID from the received traffic information 141, and determines whether or not the extracted road section ID matches the stored road section ID. (S34).

  When the road section IDs match (YES in S34), the control unit 41 determines whether or not new road section information 231 is received from the transmitter 2a (S35), and receives the new road section information 231. If not (NO in S35), it is determined that the vehicle has not passed the intersection, the information of the traffic information data section of the information type ID corresponding to the matched road section ID is acquired, and the information type ID The processing after step S33 is continued. The process according to the information type ID is, for example, a vehicle deceleration control process, a warning process for a driver or a passenger, and the like.

  When the extracted road section ID does not match the stored road section ID (NO in S34), the control unit 41 invalidates the traffic information 141 received from the transmitter 3 (S37), and continues the processing after step S33. Thereby, the in-vehicle device 4 can prevent unnecessary traffic information 141 from being acquired and processed.

  When the new road section information 231 is received (YES in S35), the control unit 41 determines that the vehicle has passed the intersection, invalidates the traffic information 141 received from the transmitter 3 (S38), and is unnecessary. It is prevented that the traffic information 141 is acquired and processed.

  The control unit 41 determines whether or not there is a processing end request from the operation unit 47 (S39). If there is no processing end request (NO in S39), the control unit 41 continues the processing after step S32 to correspond to a new road section. The traffic information 141 is acquired and the same processing is continued. When there is a request to end the process (YES in S39), the control unit 41 ends the process.

  When a vehicle traveling on the road section L1 turns left at the intersection and travels on the road section L6, a new road section ID is received from the transmitter 2b, or a vehicle traveling on the road section L1 passes through the intersection. When turning right and traveling on the road section L8, the same processing can be performed by receiving a new road section ID from the transmitter 2c.

In the above-described second embodiment, when new road section information is received, the traffic information received so far is invalidated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and new road section information is provided. When (road section ID) is received, it is determined whether or not the received road section ID matches the road section ID included in the traffic information received so far. If both road section IDs match, When the received traffic information is processed and the road section IDs do not match, the received traffic information can be invalidated. Similarly, when new road section information (road section ID) is received, it may be determined whether or not the received road section ID matches the road section information (road section ID) received so far. it can.

  In addition, the process of the above-mentioned vehicle equipment 4 can also be implement | achieved by the procedure shown by the computer program. For example, a computer program indicating the above-described processing procedure is stored in advance in the storage unit 44. When the CPU of the control unit 41 loads the computer program stored in the storage unit 44 into a RAM (not shown), the control unit 41 can perform processing according to the processing procedure indicated by the computer program.

  As described above, in the present invention, the road section ID for identifying the road section is transmitted in advance to the in-vehicle device 4 from the transmitter 2 such as an optical beacon installed at an appropriate distance from the intersection. In addition, the transmitter 3 uses the information (data part) near the intersection required by the vehicle traveling on the road identified by the road section ID toward the intersection as traffic information in association with the road section ID. 4 to send. The in-vehicle device 4 acquires only the traffic information required by the vehicle traveling on the road by receiving and processing the traffic information data section associated with the road section ID that matches the road section ID received in advance. It is possible to obtain traffic information that changes from moment to moment as needed and in a timely manner.

  In addition, the signal color information of the signal from the traffic light and the signal information including the identification number unique to the traffic light are transmitted to the in-vehicle device. Based on the current position and the identification number assigned to each traffic light on the map information, the traffic signal of the destination where the vehicle travels is recognized by the identification number, and the signal information having the recognized identification number is received, It is also conceivable to notify this information to the passenger. However, when the roads intersect or when two or more roads are running side by side, the current position of the vehicle detected by the vehicle navigation function may be erroneously acquired, and the in-vehicle device may There is a risk of receiving traffic information. In the present invention, necessary information can be selected based on a predetermined road section ID, and the in-vehicle device can be reliably prevented from receiving erroneous traffic information.

  In the present invention, the in-vehicle device 4 measures the travel distance from the time when the road section information 231 is received, and determines, for example, whether or not the vehicle has passed an intersection based on the measured travel distance. When it is determined that the vehicle has passed the intersection, the traffic information 141 that was necessary before passing through the intersection is no longer necessary. Therefore, when the traffic information 141 is received, the received traffic information 141 is invalidated and used. You can avoid it. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the in-vehicle device 4 from erroneously processing the traffic information 141 near the intersection that has already passed.

  Further, in the present invention, by installing a plurality of transmitters 2 in the vicinity of the intersection, it is determined whether or not the vehicle has passed the intersection without performing processing for measuring the travel distance by the in-vehicle device 4. If it is determined that the vehicle has passed the intersection, the traffic information 141 required before passing the intersection is no longer necessary. Therefore, when the traffic information 141 is received, the received traffic information is received. 141 can be disabled and not used. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the in-vehicle device 4 from erroneously processing the traffic information 141 near the intersection that has already passed.

Further, in the present invention, the vehicle traveling toward the intersection where the signal lamp is installed can acquire the remaining time of the signal lamp color ahead in the traveling direction every moment, and the driver is based on the acquired information. Thus, the vehicle can pass through the intersection quickly, or can decelerate with sufficient margin in advance, and the safety of traffic near the intersection can be improved. In addition, a vehicle traveling toward an intersection where no signal lamp is installed can acquire information on other vehicles traveling on the road on the intersection every moment, and the driver can approach based on the acquired information. When a vehicle exists, the vehicle can be decelerated in advance, and traffic safety can be improved.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the road section ID is used as the identification information for selecting and acquiring the traffic information 141. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a signal lamp is provided at the intersection. If it is installed, it may be a signal lamp number for identifying the signal lamp.

  In the above-described first and second embodiments, the transmitter 3 includes the in-vehicle device 4 for a vehicle that travels within a relatively wide communicable region B1 including the road sections L1,. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The transmitter 3 is installed in an area surrounding a plurality of intersections, and one transmitter 3 intersects the plurality of intersections. It is also possible to cover the road section of the road. Further, the transmitter 3 can be integrated with the traffic management apparatus 1. Further, the communication function of the transmitter 3 is not limited to the wireless LAN, and may use a mobile phone, PHS, multiplex FM broadcasting, or the like.

  In the above-described first and second embodiments, the traffic information is information on signal lights installed at intersections or information on vehicles approaching the intersection, but is not limited to this, and traffic congestion information, It may be information such as accident information. In addition, if the traffic information provided to the vehicle-mounted device according to the present invention changes from moment to moment, the effect of the present invention becomes even more remarkable.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the outline | summary of the communication system which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a traffic management apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of traffic information. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a transmitter. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a transmitter. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a vehicle-mounted apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a vehicle-mounted apparatus. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an outline of a communication system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the in-vehicle device according to the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Traffic management apparatus 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3 Transmitter 4 Vehicle-mounted apparatus 11, 21, 31, 41 Control part 12 Lamp drive part 13, 32 Interface part 14, 23, 44 Storage part 22, 42 Transmission / reception part 33 43 Communication unit 45 Input / output unit 46 Display unit 47 Operation unit

Claims (7)

A first transmission device installed on the road, a second transmission device for transmitting traffic information to a vehicle traveling on the road, and receiving the traffic information transmitted by the second transmission device and outputting the received traffic information A communication system comprising an in-vehicle device that performs
The first transmitter is
A first identifier for identifying traffic information and a transmission means for transmitting specific information for specifying a distance or time required to travel in the area on the road to the in-vehicle device,
The second transmitter is
A second identifier for identifying the traffic information, and a transmission means for transmitting the traffic information identified by the second identifier to the in-vehicle device,
The in-vehicle device is
Receiving means for receiving the first identifier, the second identifier, the traffic information identified by the second identifier, and the specific information;
Identifier determining means for determining the presence or absence of a second identifier that matches the first identifier received by the receiving means;
Measuring means for measuring a travel distance indicating a travel distance or travel time of the vehicle;
An area determination means for determining whether or not the vehicle is in an area specified by the specific information based on the travel amount measured by the measurement means;
An output that outputs the traffic information when the identifier determining means determines that there is a second identifier that matches the first identifier and the area determining means determines that the vehicle is in the area. Means,
A communication system comprising: invalidating means for invalidating traffic information identified by the second identifier when the area determining means determines that the vehicle is outside the area. A first transmission device installed on the road, a second transmission device for transmitting traffic information to a vehicle traveling on the road, and receiving the traffic information transmitted by the second transmission device and outputting the received traffic information A communication system comprising an in-vehicle device that performs
The first transmitter is
Transmission means for transmitting a first identifier for identifying traffic information to the in-vehicle device,
The second transmitter is
A second identifier for identifying the traffic information, and a transmission means for transmitting the traffic information identified by the second identifier to the in-vehicle device,
The in-vehicle device is
Receiving means for receiving the first identifier and the second identifier and traffic information identified by the second identifier;
Identifier determining means for determining the presence or absence of a second identifier that matches the first identifier received by the receiving means;
An output unit that outputs the traffic information when the determination unit determines that there is a second identifier that matches the first identifier;
With
A third transmitter installed on the road,
The third transmitter is
Transmission means for transmitting a third identifier for identifying traffic information to the in-vehicle device,
The in-vehicle device is
Receiving means for receiving the third identifier;
When receiving a third identifier by the receiving means, communication systems that anda disable means for disabling the traffic information identified by the second identifier. The identifier determination means includes
Third identifier received by said receiving means Yes in the so determines whether matches said second identifier,
The invalid means is
The communication system according to claim 2 , wherein when the third identifier does not match the second identifier, the traffic information identified by the second identifier is invalidated. The traffic information is
Information on signal lamps installed in the vicinity of an intersection scheduled for arrival of a vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle device,
Communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises at least one of information regarding other vehicles present near the intersection of scheduled arrival. The first identifier, the second identifier or third identifier, a communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that to identify the road. In an in-vehicle device that receives traffic information and outputs the received traffic information,
Receiving means for receiving a first identifier for identifying traffic information, a second identifier, traffic information identified by the second identifier, and specific information for specifying a distance or time required to travel on an area on a road; ,
Identifier determining means for determining the presence or absence of a second identifier that matches the first identifier received by the receiving means;
Measuring means for measuring a travel distance indicating a travel distance or travel time of the vehicle;
An area determination means for determining whether or not the vehicle is in an area specified by the specific information based on the travel amount measured by the measurement means;
When the identifier determining unit determines that there is a second identifier that matches the first identifier, and the region determining unit determines that the vehicle is in the region, an output that outputs the traffic information Means,
An in-vehicle device comprising: invalidation means for invalidating traffic information identified by the second identifier when the area determination means determines that the vehicle is outside the area. In an in-vehicle device that receives traffic information and outputs the received traffic information,
Receiving means for receiving traffic information identified by a first identifier, a second identifier, a third identifier, and the second identifier for identifying traffic information;
Determining means for determining the presence or absence of a second identifier that matches the first identifier received by the receiving means;
An output means for outputting the traffic information when the determination means determines that there is a second identifier that matches the first identifier;
Invalid means for invalidating traffic information identified by the second identifier when the receiving means receives the third identifier;
A vehicle-mounted device comprising:

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