JP5652218B2 - Traffic control system, point control device used therefor, traffic control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a traffic control system suitable as a component added to, for example, an intelligent transport system (ITS), a point control device used therefor, and a traffic control method.

In recent years, for the purpose of promoting traffic safety and preventing traffic accidents, an intelligent road traffic system that improves the safety of vehicles by receiving information from infrastructure equipment installed on the road and using this information has been studied. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
Such an intelligent road traffic system mainly includes a plurality of roadside communication devices that are wireless communication devices on the infrastructure side, and an in-vehicle communication device that is a wireless communication device mounted on each vehicle. And communication between each communication subject includes road-to-vehicle (or vehicle-road) communication between roadside communication devices and in-vehicle communication devices, road-to-road communication between roadside communication devices, and in-vehicle communication devices. Vehicle-to-vehicle communication to be performed.

Japanese Patent No. 2806801

  In the above system, for example, a roadside communicator is installed and the vehicle is in an environment where communication between road vehicles (or roads) can be performed, and the vehicle moves toward an intersection of a road where a traffic signal lamp is installed. When the roadside communicator receives its own position information transmitted by the in-vehicle communication device mounted on the vehicle when traveling, the infrastructure side control device obtains the position information of the vehicle approaching the intersection. Can be acquired.

  Accordingly, the control device can control the traffic signal lamp so as to give the right of traffic to the vehicle at the timing when the vehicle reaches the intersection. This control allows the vehicle to pass through the intersection smoothly.

Here, if a plurality of vehicles are approaching to enter the same intersection, it is necessary to determine which vehicle has priority among the plurality of approaching vehicles.
There are various types of vehicles, such as vehicles that you want to drive in a hurry and vehicles that are traveling without being limited in time. Priority traffic should be allowed.

However, in principle, each vehicle traveling on the road should be handled equally except for emergency vehicles and public vehicles, and it is not preferable to preferentially handle only specific vehicles at the intersection.
For this reason, it is desired to realize a policy for performing traffic control of intersections and the like so that the requirements on the vehicle side are taken into account and the vehicles are treated equally as a total.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a traffic control system capable of performing traffic control of intersections and the like so as to handle each vehicle equally in consideration of the requirements on the vehicle side, and this It is an object of the present invention to provide a point control device and a traffic control method used in the above.

(1) The present invention is a vehicle traffic control system including an in-vehicle communication device and a control device that is communicable with the in-vehicle communication device and that is installed on the roadside to control the traffic of the vehicle. The control device, in response to a request from the in-vehicle communication device approaching a predetermined section, a traffic control unit that gives a privilege in passing in the predetermined section to a vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle communication device, A notification unit that transmits a first notification transmitted in response to the grant of the privilege to the in-vehicle communication device, and the in-vehicle communication device is equipped with its own device when receiving the first notification. The vehicle is provided with a point calculation unit that subtracts a predetermined number of privilege points required for the vehicle to receive the privilege.

According to the present invention, when the vehicle receives a privilege in passing in a predetermined section and receives the first notification from the control device, the point calculation unit of the in-vehicle communication device subtracts the privilege point necessary for receiving the privilege. Therefore, the opportunity for a vehicle to receive a privilege can be limited within the range of privilege points that can be used by the vehicle.
For this reason, the vehicle can receive a privilege as needed within the range of the privilege point by the request | requirement of the said vehicle side. On the other hand, since the opportunity to receive a privilege is limited within the range of privilege points, the opportunity to receive a privilege can be adjusted and evenly distributed with other vehicles using the privilege points.
As described above, according to the present invention, an intersection that is a predetermined section so as to treat each vehicle equally as a total in consideration of the requirements on the vehicle side, by equally giving the opportunity to receive a privilege in traffic in the predetermined section It is possible to perform traffic control such as

(2) Moreover, in the said traffic control system, when the said vehicle-mounted communication apparatus transmits the request level which showed the degree of the said request | requirement in multiple steps with the said request | requirement of the said privilege, The traffic control unit of the control device includes a request of the in-vehicle communication device and a request level thereof, a request of another in-vehicle communication device approaching the predetermined section so that a course of the vehicle competes with the in-vehicle communication device, and the request When the request level is received, both the request levels are compared, and the privilege can be given only to a vehicle equipped with an in-vehicle communication device having a higher request level.

In this case, since the vehicle to which the privilege is given can be determined according to the request level, it is possible to easily determine the vehicle to which the privilege is given.
Moreover, in this case, the notification unit can subtract privilege points only for the vehicle to which the privilege is granted by transmitting the first notification only to the in-vehicle communication device of the vehicle to which the privilege is granted. .

(3) Furthermore, when the point calculation unit of the in-vehicle communication device receives the first notification, it is preferable that the higher the request level requested by the device, the more the privilege points are subtracted. .
In this case, on the vehicle side, when it is desired to receive a privilege with a higher degree of urgency and a higher probability, it is possible to request a privilege grant at a higher request level on condition that more privilege points are subtracted.

(4) The said notification part transmits the 2nd notification transmitted according to the said privilege being not provided with respect to the vehicle-mounted communication apparatus of the vehicle to which the said privilege was not provided, The said vehicle-mounted communication apparatus The point calculation unit may add a predetermined number of the privilege points when receiving the second notification.
In this case, since the privilege points are added to the in-vehicle communication device of the vehicle that has given up the privilege while subtracting the privilege points from the vehicle-mounted communication device of the vehicle that has received the privilege, The effect similar to having exchanged the privilege grant opportunity through the points can be obtained. Thereby, the balance of the opportunity of privilege provision can be adjusted between both.

(5) The traffic control system may further include sensing means for sensing a vehicle approaching the predetermined section. In this case, the traffic control unit may be configured to set a predetermined predetermined request level when the request and the request level of the privilege corresponding to the vehicle sensed by the sensing means are not received. it can.
Thus, the request level can be set even for a vehicle that does not have an in-vehicle communication device, a vehicle that has an in-vehicle communication device, and for which a privilege grant request cannot be transmitted for some reason.
The sensing means includes a sensing device that is installed on the road and senses the approach of the vehicle, as well as a device that senses that the vehicle approaches a predetermined section by receiving a transmission signal transmitted by the in-vehicle communication device.

(6) In (2) above, as a result of the comparison of the required levels, a privilege is given to any vehicle. For this reason, the traffic control unit of the control device detects the vehicle approaching the predetermined section by the sensing means, and then performs the predetermined control so that the course competes with the in-vehicle communication device during the predetermined period. It is preferable that both required levels are compared when other vehicles approaching the section are detected.
Here, the predetermined period is set to a period in which the operation of the vehicle to which the privilege is not granted is not obstructed by giving the privilege to any vehicle.
Thereby, even if a privilege is given to any vehicle, the operation of the vehicle to which the privilege is not given is not hindered.

(7) Further, when the sensing means does not sense the other vehicle during the predetermined period, the traffic control unit of the control device stops the comparison of the requested levels and gives priority to the operation of the vehicle. .

(8) (9) In the above traffic control system, the privilege is controlled by the traffic control means installed in the predetermined section so that the vehicle to which the privilege is given can pass in priority within the predetermined section. It is preferable that the process is controlled by the unit.
More specifically, the predetermined section is an intersection, and the traffic regulation means is a traffic signal.
In addition, the processing includes extending a blue lighting time of the traffic signal for the vehicle to which the privilege is granted so that the vehicle to which the privilege is given can pass through the predetermined section with priority, or This is a process of controlling to shorten the red lamp color time.

(10) Moreover, the traffic system including the above traffic control system is aimed at improving the traffic society and protecting the environment. In contrast, for example, eco-driving, which involves driving measures to improve fuel efficiency, such as refraining from rapid acceleration / deceleration or idling stop, or driving without rapid acceleration / deceleration or sudden steering. A safe driving is also one of the means for achieving the purpose of the transportation system. For this reason, the point calculation unit of the in-vehicle communication device adds the privilege points when the state of the eco-drive or the safe driving state performed by the vehicle on which the device is mounted continues for a predetermined distance or a predetermined period. You may do.
In this case, since privilege points are added as consideration that contributed to eco-driving or safe driving, it is possible to prompt the vehicle to perform eco-driving or safe driving. Thereby, it can contribute to environmental conservation, performing traffic control of an intersection etc.

(11) In addition, the point control device of the present invention provides traffic that gives a privilege in passing in the predetermined section to a vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle communication apparatus in response to a request of the in-vehicle communication apparatus approaching the predetermined section. A control unit, and a notification unit that transmits to the in-vehicle communication device a first notification for subtracting a predetermined number of privilege points required to receive the privilege from the in-vehicle communication device. It is characterized by being.

(12) Further, the vehicle operation control method according to the present invention provides a privilege in passing in the predetermined section for a vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle communication device in response to a request from the in-vehicle communication device approaching the predetermined section. , A step of transmitting a first notification transmitted in response to the grant of the privilege to the in-vehicle communication device, and a vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle communication device upon receiving the first notification Comprises a step of subtracting a predetermined number of privilege points necessary for receiving the privilege.

  According to the point control device and the operation control method having the above-described configuration, as described above, by equally giving the opportunity to receive a privilege in passing in a predetermined section, each vehicle is considered as a total in consideration of the requirements on the vehicle side. It is possible to control traffic such as an intersection that is a predetermined section so as to be handled.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to perform traffic control of intersections and the like so that the requirements on the vehicle side are taken into account and the vehicles are treated equally as a total.

It is the schematic which shows the whole structure of the intelligent road traffic system in which the roadside apparatus of this invention is installed. It is a road top view which shows a part of jurisdiction area of an intelligent road traffic system. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of a roadside communication apparatus and a vehicle-mounted communication apparatus. (A) is a table | surface which showed the content of the request level based on urgency, and a required priority point, (b) is a table | surface which shows the reason for addition of a priority point. It is the top view which expanded and showed the intersection in FIG.1 and FIG.2. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process at the time of the control part of the roadside communication apparatus of FIG. 5 performing traffic control. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process for acquiring a priority traffic request and a request level performed by the priority traffic adjustment unit in step S <b> 2 in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing when a vehicle approaches and crosses an intersection in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing when a vehicle and another vehicle approach and cross an intersection in FIG. 5. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing when another vehicle does not have an in-vehicle communication device in the case of FIG. 9. It is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing when priority points are added, (a) is an example of processing in which priority points are added to the vehicle by eco-driving, (b) is by purchasing points An example of processing for adding priority points is shown. It is the sequence diagram which showed the other example of the process in case a priority point is added.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[Overall system configuration]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an overall configuration of an intelligent road traffic system (ITS) including a roadside communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, as an example of the road structure, a grid structure in which a plurality of roads in the north-south direction and the east-west direction intersect with each other is assumed.
As shown in FIG. 1, the intelligent transportation system of this embodiment is equipped with a traffic signal 1, a roadside communication device 2, an in-vehicle communication device 3 (see FIGS. 2 and 3), a central device 4, and an in-vehicle communication device 3. A vehicle 5 and a roadside sensor 6 including a vehicle detector and a monitoring camera are included.

The traffic signal 1 and the roadside communication device 2 are installed at each of a plurality of intersections Ji (i = 1 to 13 in the figure), and are connected to the router 8 via a communication line 7 such as a telephone line. . This router 8 is connected to the central device 4 in the traffic control center.
The central device 4 constitutes a local area network (LAN) with the traffic signal device 1 and the roadside communication device 2 at each intersection Ji included in the area under its control. Therefore, the central device 4 can perform bidirectional communication with each traffic signal 1 and each roadside communication device 2. The central device 4 may be installed on the road instead of the traffic control center.

The roadside sensor 6 is installed in various places on the road in the jurisdiction area for the purpose of counting the number of vehicles flowing into each intersection Ji. The roadside sensor 6 is composed of a vehicle sensor for ultrasonically sensing the vehicle 5 passing underneath, or a monitoring camera for photographing road traffic conditions in time series, and the sensing information and image data are transmitted via the communication line 7. To the central device 4.
In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, only one signal lamp is depicted at each intersection Ji for the sake of simplicity of illustration, but each actual intersection Ji is used for ascending and descending roads that intersect each other. At least four signal lamps are installed.

[Central equipment]
The central device 4 has a control unit composed of a workstation (WS), a personal computer (PC), etc., and this control unit collects and processes various traffic information from the roadside communication device 2 and the roadside sensor 6. (Calculation)-Performs recording, signal control and information provision in an integrated manner.
Specifically, the control unit of the central device 4 performs system control for adjusting the traffic signal group 1 on the same road for the traffic signal 1 at the intersection Ji belonging to its own network, and this system control is applied to the road network. Extended wide area control (surface control) can be performed.

  In addition, the central device 4 has a communication unit that is a communication interface connected to the LAN side via the communication line 7, and this communication unit includes a signal control command relating to the lamp color switching timing of the signal lamp, a traffic jam Traffic information including information and the like is transmitted to the traffic signal 1 and the roadside communication device 2 every predetermined time.

  In addition, the communication unit of the central device 4 detects vehicle information including the current position of the vehicle 5 received by the communication device 2 from the in-vehicle communication device 3 from the roadside communication device 2 corresponding to each intersection Ji, and detection by the vehicle detector. Information and image data composed of digital information of the road taken by the monitoring camera are received, and the control unit of the central device 4 executes the system control and the wide area control based on the various information.

[Wireless communication systems, etc.]
FIG. 2 is a road plan view showing a part of the jurisdiction area of the above intelligent road traffic system.
In FIG. 2, each of two roads intersecting each other is illustrated as one lane on one side in the up and down directions, but the road structure is not limited to this.
As shown also in FIG. 2, the intelligent transportation system of the present embodiment includes a plurality of roadside communication devices 2 capable of wireless communication with the in-vehicle communication device 3 and other communication using a carrier sense method (CSMA method). And an in-vehicle communication device 3 that is a kind of mobile wireless transceiver that performs wireless communication with the devices 2 and 3.

  A plurality of roadside communication devices 2 are installed at each roadside intersection Ji. On the other hand, the in-vehicle communication device 3 is mounted on each vehicle 5 traveling on the road. Some vehicles 5 are not equipped with the in-vehicle communication device 3.

Each roadside communication device 2 has a reference area A (a range in which the transmission signal of the roadside communication device 2 can sufficiently reach) spreading around the roadside communication device 2, and the vehicle-mounted communication device 3 of the vehicle 5 traveling in its own reference area A Wireless signals can be transmitted.
Each roadside communication device 2 can also perform wireless communication with other roadside communication devices 2 in which the reference area A overlaps (partially or all overlap).

In the intelligent transport system of this embodiment, wireless communication is used between the roadside communication devices 2 (roadside communication), and between the roadside communication device 2 and the vehicle-mounted communication device 3 (from “road” to “car” Wireless communication is also used for both vehicle-to-vehicle communication and vehicle-mounted communication devices 3 (vehicle-to-vehicle communication).
As described above, the central device 4 provided in the traffic control center is capable of two-way communication with each roadside communication device 2 by wire, but wireless communication may be performed between these devices.

Each roadside communication device 2 assigns a time slot for wireless transmission by its own device by the TDMA method, and does not perform wireless transmission in a time zone other than this time slot. Therefore, the time zone other than the time slot for the roadside communication device 2 is opened as a transmission time by the CSMA method for the in-vehicle communication device 3.
The roadside communication device 2 has a time synchronization function with other roadside communication devices 2 in order to control its own transmission timing. The time synchronization of the roadside communication device 2 is performed by, for example, GPS synchronization that adjusts its own clock to the GPS time, air synchronization that adjusts its own clock to a transmission signal from another roadside communication device 2, or the like.

[Roadside communication device]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the roadside communication device 2 and the in-vehicle communication device 3.
The roadside communication device 2 includes a wireless communication unit 21 to which an antenna 20 for wireless communication with other communication devices 2 and 3 is connected, a wired communication unit 22 that performs bidirectional communication with the central device 4, and performs communication control thereof. A control unit 23 composed of a CPU or the like is provided, and a storage unit 24 composed of a storage device such as a ROM or RAM connected to the control unit 23. The storage unit 24 stores a communication control program executed by the control unit 23, communication device IDs of the communication devices 2 and 3, and the like.

  The control unit 23 has a function of temporarily storing traffic information and the like from the central device 4 received by the wired communication unit 22 in the storage unit 24 and broadcast-transmitting it to its own reference area A via the wireless communication unit 21. Have. Further, the control unit 23 temporarily stores the vehicle information (position, speed, direction, etc. of the vehicle 5) received by the wireless communication unit 21 in the storage unit 24, and the central device 4 via the wired communication unit 22. It has the function to transfer to.

Moreover, the control part 23 has the priority traffic adjustment part 23a and the notification part 23b as a function part implement | achieved by the program memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 24. FIG.
The priority traffic adjustment unit 23a has a function of performing a priority traffic process that is a process for allowing the vehicle 5 to pass preferentially in the intersection J as a privilege for traffic in a predetermined section. .
In addition, the notification unit 23b has a function of transmitting execution or non-execution of the priority passage process to the in-vehicle communication device 3.
Specific functions of the priority passage adjustment unit 23a and the notification unit 23b and the contents of the priority passage process will be described later.
The control unit 23 uses a roadside sensor 6 such as a vehicle detector as a sensing means for sensing a vehicle approaching the intersection J as a predetermined section. Further, the control unit 23 functions as the sensing unit to sense that the vehicle (the vehicle-mounted communication device 3) approaches the intersection J by receiving vehicle information transmitted from the vehicle-mounted communication device 3 or a priority passage request described later. May have.

[In-vehicle communication device]
The in-vehicle communication device 3 includes a communication unit 31 connected to an antenna 30 for wireless communication with the other communication devices 2 and 3, a control unit 32 including a CPU that performs communication control on the communication unit 31, and the control. And a storage unit 33 including a storage device such as a ROM or a RAM connected to the unit 32. The storage unit 33 stores a communication control program executed by the control unit 32, communication device IDs of the communication devices 2 and 3, and the like.

The control unit 32 of the in-vehicle communication device 3 has a function of causing the communication unit 31 to perform wireless communication by the carrier sense method for inter-vehicle communication, and in the time division multiplexing method with the roadside communication device 2 It does not have a communication control function.
Accordingly, the communication unit 31 of the in-vehicle communication device 3 always senses the reception level of a predetermined carrier frequency, and when the value is equal to or greater than a certain threshold, wireless transmission is not performed, and when the value is less than the threshold Only intended to perform wireless transmission.

Note that the control unit 32 of the in-vehicle communication device 3 acquires vehicle information including the current position, direction, speed, vehicle type, and the like of the vehicle 5 (in-vehicle communication device 3) on which the self-device is mounted. Via wireless transmission to the outside.
Further, the control unit 32 of the in-vehicle communication device 3 is based on the position, speed, and direction included in the vehicle information received directly from the other vehicle 5 and the vehicle information of the other vehicle 5 received from the roadside communication device 2. Thus, safe driving support control for avoiding a right-handed collision or a head-on collision can be performed.

The control unit 32 includes a priority passage request unit 32a and a point calculation unit 32b as functional units realized by a program stored in the storage unit 33.
The priority traffic request unit 32a has a function for transmitting a priority traffic request for requesting the roadside communication device 2 to preferentially pass an intersection or the like ahead of the vehicle.
In addition, the point calculation unit 32b receives priority points (the vehicle 5 equipped with its own device receives a privilege) in order to receive the priority passage process at an intersection or the like in response to the notification from the roadside communication device 2. Has a function for calculating the necessary privilege points).
Specific functions and priority points of the priority passage request unit 32a and the point calculation unit 32b will be described later.

[About priority traffic requests, priority traffic processing, and priority points]
Next, the priority traffic request transmitted by the in-vehicle communication device 3, the priority traffic processing executed by the roadside communication device 2, and the priority points necessary for the in-vehicle communication device 3 to receive the priority traffic processing will be described.

As described above, the priority passage request unit 32a of the in-vehicle communication device 3 according to the present embodiment transmits a priority passage request for requesting preferential passage at an intersection in front of the vehicle. This priority traffic request includes information indicating a request level, which will be described later, in addition to indicating that priority traffic is requested. Whether the priority passage request is transmitted or the value of the request level in the case of transmission is preset by the driver of the vehicle 5 or the like.
The priority traffic adjustment unit 23a of the roadside communication device 2 that has received this priority traffic request is a process for preferentially passing the target intersection or the like to the vehicle 5 equipped with the in-vehicle communication device 3 that has transmitted the request. It is determined whether or not to execute the priority traffic process.

  The priority traffic processing performed by the priority traffic adjustment unit 23a of the roadside communication device 2 is that the requesting vehicle 5 (the vehicle-mounted communication device 3) can preferentially pass through a target section such as an intersection in response to the priority traffic request. Thus, it is the process which controls traffic regulation means, such as the traffic light 1 in the object area.

More specifically, for example, as the priority traffic process performed for the vehicle 5-1 about to enter the intersection J13 in FIG. -1 until it passes through the intersection J13, it is extended so as to be the longest in the range in which the blue lighting time of the traffic signal 1 for the vehicle 5-1 at the intersection J13 can be set, and the red lighting time is set. Processing is performed such that control is performed so as to shorten it to the shortest possible range.
On the other hand, the light color of the traffic signal 1 on the road that intersects the road on which the vehicle 5-1 travels is shortened to be the shortest within the range in which the blue light color time can be set. The time is extended so that it becomes the longest in the range that can be set.

  By performing such processing, even if the light color of the traffic light 1 is red when the vehicle 5-1 reaches the intersection J13, the red light color time is shortened, so it quickly changes to blue. , You can quickly pass through the intersection J13. Moreover, even if it is the timing when the light color of the traffic light 1 changes to red if the vehicle 5-1 reaches the intersection J13 in the state before the processing, if the blue time is extended by the above processing, the vehicle 5-1 Can pass without stopping at the intersection J13.

  In addition, in this embodiment, the priority traffic adjustment part 23a can control the light color of the traffic signal apparatus 1 installed in the intersection as a predetermined area where the own apparatus is installed. Moreover, the priority traffic adjustment part 23a can request | require control of the light color of the traffic signal apparatus 1 with respect to the central apparatus 4. FIG. Therefore, the priority traffic adjustment unit 23a realizes the light color control of the traffic signal device 1 for realizing the priority traffic process by the control of the own device or the central device 4.

  The priority traffic request transmitted by the in-vehicle communication device 3 for requesting the priority traffic processing includes information indicating a request level indicating the degree of the request based on the urgency level in a plurality of stages.

FIG. 4A is a table showing the contents of the request level based on the degree of urgency and the necessary priority points. As shown in the figure, the priority traffic request is defined in five stages of request levels according to the degree of urgency.
In the present embodiment, the standard state is the urgency level “normal”, and “hurry” and “emergency” are defined in descending order of urgency with respect to this “normal”. Moreover, the state that is not rushing more than “normal” is defined as “slow”. When the urgency level is “slow”, the request level Lv1 is set at the lowest level. Thereafter, Lv2 to Lv5 are set so that the degree of request becomes higher in the order of “normal”, “hurry”, and “emergency”. When the urgency level is “emergency”, two types of request levels Lv4 and Lv5 are set.

  The request level is a parameter for determining which vehicle 5 is to be given priority when the priority traffic request is duplicated among a plurality of vehicles 5. On the other hand, priority passage processing is performed.

When the in-vehicle communication device 3 makes a priority traffic request at the request level Lv3 or higher and receives execution of the priority traffic process, a priority point is required.
The priority points are, for example, added / subtracted by a process in which a predetermined number of points is given to each in-vehicle communication device 3 in advance and a priority passage process is performed.
The given number of priority points is stored in the storage unit 33 of the in-vehicle communication device 3a and managed by the point calculation unit 32b.

  As described above, since priority points are necessary to receive the execution of the priority traffic process, any in-vehicle communication device 3 has an opportunity to receive the priority traffic process within the range of the given priority points. Limited. Thereby, each in-vehicle communication device 3 can receive the priority passage process equally.

As shown in FIG. 4A, in the case of the urgency “urgent” request level Lv5, the most priority points are required, 3 points are required, the request level Lv4 is 2 points, and the request level Lv3 is Requires 1 point. As described above, the number of points necessary for receiving the priority passage process is set such that if the degree of urgency (request level) is higher, more priority points are required accordingly.
For this reason, on the vehicle side, when the degree of urgency is high and it is desired to receive priority passage processing with a high probability, priority passage processing is requested at a higher request level on condition that more priority points are subtracted. be able to.

  In the case of the request levels Lv1 and Lv2 where the urgency is “normal” and “slow”, no priority point is required. This priority point is subtracted in exchange for the benefit of being prioritized in traffic such as an intersection by rushing, and it is not necessary to subtract the priority point from vehicles that do not particularly require rushing. .

In addition, priority points may be added.
FIG. 4B is a table showing reasons for adding priority points. As shown in the figure, the priority point is added when the traffic is given to another vehicle 5 that has been subjected to the priority traffic process at an intersection or the like. That is, when the traffic is given to another vehicle 5, the priority point is added to the vehicle 5 as a price for giving the traffic.
In this way, since priority points are added to the in-vehicle communication device 3 of the vehicle 5 that has given up traffic while subtracting the priority points from the in-vehicle communication device 3 of the vehicle 5 that has undergone the priority traffic processing, Thus, an effect similar to that obtained by exchanging the opportunity to receive the priority traffic process via the priority point can be obtained. Thereby, the balance of the opportunity which receives priority traffic processing between both can be adjusted.

Moreover, priority points can also be added by purchasing. Furthermore, it can also be added by executing eco-driving for a predetermined period or a predetermined traveling distance.
The above transportation system is aimed at improving transportation society and environmental conservation. On the other hand, for example, we refrained from eco-driving that is driving while implementing measures to improve fuel efficiency, such as refraining from sudden acceleration / deceleration or idling stop, and refraining from sudden acceleration / deceleration and sudden steering. Safe driving, which is a state in which driving is performed, is also one of means for achieving the purpose of the traffic system. For this reason, when the eco-drive or safe driving continues for a predetermined distance or for a predetermined period, priority points are added. In this case, since privilege points are added as consideration that contributed to eco-driving or safe driving, it is possible to prompt the vehicle to perform eco-driving or safe driving. Thereby, it can contribute to environmental conservation, performing traffic control of an intersection etc.

  The addition / subtraction of the priority points is performed by the point calculation unit 32b of the in-vehicle communication device 3a.

[Processing of the control unit]
Next, processing when the control unit 23 performs traffic control will be described.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view showing the intersection J13 in FIGS. In FIG. 5, the route in the direction leading to the intersection J4 is a trunk road, while the route intersecting at the intersection J13 is a branch line intersecting with the trunk road.
The roadside communication device 2 installed at the intersection J13 performs traffic control of a vehicle that enters and passes through the intersection J13.

  In each direction, a vehicle detector 6a for detecting the vehicle 5 approaching to enter the intersection J13 is installed. As the vehicle sensor 6a, a sensor using a geomagnetic sensor is used because it can be easily installed. The vehicle detector 6a is installed at a position away from the intersection J13 by a distance L (L is, for example, 150 meters). For example, the vehicle sensor 6a transmits the geomagnetic sensor and the detection result of the geomagnetic sensor to the roadside communication device 2. Communication section. This communication unit may be installed to transmit the sensing result to the roadside communication device 2 by wired communication, or may be installed to transmit by wireless communication. When transmitting by wireless communication, the installation of the vehicle detector 6a becomes easier.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing when the control unit 23 of the roadside communication device 2 in FIG. 5 performs traffic control.
In the figure, first, the priority traffic adjustment unit 23a of the control unit 23 approaches the intersection J13 based on the detection result of the vehicle sensor 6a or the reception of vehicle information or priority traffic request transmitted by the in-vehicle communication device 3. Whether or not there is an approaching vehicle is determined (step S1). If there is no approaching vehicle, step S1 is repeated to determine whether there is an approaching vehicle at any time.

  If it is determined in step S1 that there is an approaching vehicle, the priority passage adjustment unit 23a attempts to obtain a priority passage request transmitted from the in-vehicle communication device 3 of the approaching vehicle and a request level included therein (step S2).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the process of acquiring the priority traffic request and the request level performed by the priority traffic adjustment unit 23a in step S2 in FIG.
The priority traffic adjustment unit 23a determines whether or not a priority traffic request from the vehicle 5 detected by the vehicle sensor 6a has been received (step S20).
If it is determined that the priority traffic request corresponding to the sensed vehicle 5 has been received, the priority traffic adjustment unit 23a acquires the request level included in the received priority traffic request (step S21).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the priority traffic request corresponding to the sensed vehicle 5 has not been received, the priority traffic adjustment unit 23a sets the sensed request level of the vehicle 5 to the request level “2” (step S22). ). In other words, the priority traffic adjustment unit 23a has a normality level of “normal” for the vehicle 5 of the in-vehicle communication device 3 that has not been able to transmit / receive the priority traffic request for some reason or the vehicle 5 that does not have the in-vehicle communication device 3 installed. A certain request level Lv2 is set.
As described above, the priority traffic adjustment unit 23a obtains the detected request level of the approaching vehicle.

  Returning to FIG. 6, when the required level of the detected approaching vehicle is acquired, the priority passage adjusting unit 23a determines that the detected approaching vehicle travels for a predetermined period after the approaching vehicle is detected in step S1. It is determined whether or not there is another approaching vehicle approaching from the side of the road that intersects the road (other approaching vehicle approaching the front intersection so that the course of the vehicle competes with the approaching vehicle) (step S3).

If it is determined in step S3 that there is no other approaching vehicle, the priority passage adjustment unit 23a performs signal control so that the approaching vehicle can preferentially pass, and performs priority passage processing on the approaching vehicle (step S4).
Next, the priority passage adjustment unit 23a sends a notification (execution notification; first notification) to the notification unit 23b to the in-vehicle communication device 3 of the approaching vehicle that the priority passage processing has been performed on the approaching vehicle. Notification is made (step S5), and the process ends. By receiving this notification, the approaching vehicle (the in-vehicle communication device 3) recognizes that the priority passage process based on the priority passage request transmitted by the own device has been performed.
In addition, in step S3, when another approaching vehicle appears after the lapse of a predetermined period, the priority passage adjustment unit 23a does not set the other approaching vehicle as a determination target regarding the priority passage process with the approaching vehicle. Therefore, another approaching vehicle will pass the intersection J13 according to the priority passing process with respect to the approaching vehicle implemented later.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that there is another approaching vehicle, the priority passage adjustment unit 23a acquires the priority passage request transmitted from the in-vehicle communication device 3 of the other approaching vehicle and the request level included therein. Try (step S6). The processing content of step S6 is the same as the processing content shown in FIG.

When the request level of another approaching vehicle is acquired in step S6, the priority passage adjustment unit 23a determines whether the request level is different between the approaching vehicle and another approaching vehicle (step S7). If the request levels are different from each other, the priority passage adjustment unit 23a performs signal control so that an approaching vehicle having a higher request level can pass preferentially, and performs priority passage processing (step S8).
Next, the priority passage adjustment unit 23a causes the notification unit 23b to notify the approaching vehicle of the onboard communication device 3 of the approaching vehicle whose request level is higher, and the request level is lower. The notification unit 23b is notified to the in-vehicle communication device 3 of the approaching vehicle that the priority passage process for the vehicle has not been performed (non-execution notification; second notification) (step S9). Finish the process.
As described above, the execution notification is transmitted to the in-vehicle communication device 3 to be executed according to the execution of the priority passage process, and the non-execution notification is processed according to the fact that the priority passage process is not executed. Is transmitted to the in-vehicle communication device 3 that has not been implemented.

  The in-vehicle communication device 3 of the approaching vehicle, whose request level is lower, has received the priority passage request but has not accepted the request due to the above-described non-execution notification, and has given priority passage at the intersection J13 to another vehicle. I can recognize that.

In step S7, when it is determined that the approaching vehicle and the other approaching vehicles have the same required level, the priority passage adjustment unit 23a performs signal control so that the approaching vehicle traveling on the main line side can preferentially pass, A priority passage process is performed (step S10). Therefore, in the case of FIG. 5, the priority passage adjustment unit 23 a performs the priority passage process on an approaching vehicle that travels on a path extending in the left-right direction on the paper surface.
Thereafter, the priority passage adjustment unit 23a proceeds to step S9, notifies each approaching vehicle, and ends the process.

  Next, the relationship between the priority traffic process performed by the roadside communication device 2 and the process performed by the in-vehicle communication device 3 will be described.

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing when the vehicle 5a approaches and crosses the intersection J13 in FIG.
FIG. 8 shows a process when no approaching vehicle other than the vehicle 5a exists in FIG. 5 and only the vehicle 5a approaches and crosses the intersection J13.

  First, the in-vehicle communication device 3a of the vehicle 5a wirelessly transmits vehicle information such as the position and speed of the host vehicle and a priority passage request (step S31). The priority traffic request unit 32a of the in-vehicle communication device 3a can transmit the priority traffic request together with the vehicle information by broadcast at all times, or can transmit it as necessary when approaching the intersection.

When the vehicle 5a travels and the vehicle 5a is detected by the vehicle detector 6a or the like in the vicinity of the intersection J13, the roadside communication device 2 recognizes the presence of an approaching vehicle (step S32).
When the vehicle 5a further advances and enters the communication area of the roadside communication device 2, the roadside communication device 2 receives a priority passage request in addition to the vehicle information transmitted from the vehicle 5a (step S33). In this example, the in-vehicle communication device 3a shows a case where a priority passage request is transmitted at the request level Lv3. Therefore, the roadside communication device 2 recognizes that the in-vehicle communication device 3a is transmitting the priority passage request at the request level Lv3.

Further, the roadside communication device 2 that has detected the approaching vehicle in step S32 determines whether or not another approaching vehicle is detected for a predetermined period (for example, 4 seconds) after the detection (processing in step S3 in FIG. 6). Equivalent). Here, since there is no vehicle other than the vehicle 5a, the roadside communication device 2 decides to perform the priority passage process for the vehicle 5a after a predetermined period of time has passed since the approaching vehicle is sensed, and the priority passage. Processing is performed (step S34).
In the case of FIG. 5, the priority traffic adjustment unit 23a of the roadside communication device 2 may immediately control the light color of the traffic signal 1a in front of the vehicle 5a to blue as the priority traffic processing, or the vehicle 5a may cross the intersection J13. Control may be performed such that the blue time is extended and the red time is shortened so that the color becomes blue at the time of passing.

  Furthermore, the notification unit 23b of the roadside communication device 2 transmits a notification that the priority passage process has been performed to the in-vehicle communication device 3a (step S35).

  When the point calculation unit 32b of the in-vehicle communication device 3a receives the notification that the preferential passage processing has been performed from the roadside communication device 2 (step S36), the point calculation unit 32b subtracts one point from the priority point of its own device (step S37). As described above, when receiving the notification that the priority passage process has been performed, the point calculation unit 32b subtracts the number of points necessary to receive the priority passage process. As described above, the number of points necessary for receiving the processing is determined according to the request level of the priority passage request, and thus the point calculation unit 32b obtains it based on the request level of the priority passage request transmitted by the own device. .

  As described above, the roadside communication device 2 and the in-vehicle communication device 3a finish the process at the intersection J13.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing when the vehicle 5a and another vehicle 5b approach and cross the intersection J13 in FIG.
FIG. 9 shows the processing when the vehicle 5a traveling on the main line side and the other vehicle 5b traveling on the branch line side approach the intersection J13 in FIG. 5, and the vehicle 5a is another vehicle. It is assumed that the vehicle approaches the intersection J13 ahead of 5b. Here, the vehicles other than the vehicles 5a and 5b are not considered.

As shown in FIG. 9, the in-vehicle communication device 3a of the vehicle 5a and the in-vehicle communication device 3b of the other vehicle 5b wirelessly transmit a priority passage request together with the vehicle information (steps S41 and S42).
When the vehicle 5a approaching in advance advances and is detected by the vehicle detector 6a, the roadside communication device 2 recognizes the presence of the vehicle 5a that is an approaching vehicle (step S43).
When the vehicle 5a further proceeds and enters the communication area of the roadside communication device 2, the roadside communication device 2 receives the priority passage request in addition to the vehicle information transmitted from the in-vehicle communication device 3a of the vehicle 5a (step S44). . In this example, the vehicle-mounted communication device 3a shows a case where a priority passage request is transmitted at the request level Lv4.

  The roadside communication device 2 that has detected the approaching vehicle in step S43 determines whether or not another approaching vehicle is detected for a predetermined period (for example, 4 seconds) after the detection (corresponding to the processing of step S3 in FIG. 6). ). In the present embodiment, it is assumed that another vehicle 5b is sensed within the predetermined period (step S45).

Here, the predetermined period is set to a period in which the operation of the vehicle that has not been performed is not obstructed by the priority passage process being performed on either of the vehicles 5a and 5b. Has been.
That is, if the priority passage process is performed on another vehicle 5b that enters the intersection J13 later, the vehicle 5a is already closer to the intersection J13 than the other vehicle 5b. Therefore, if the priority passing process is performed on the other vehicle 5b immediately before the vehicle 5a reaches the intersection J13, there is a risk that the operation of the vehicle 5a may be forcibly prevented. Therefore, in order to prevent this from happening, the above period is set, and no matter which vehicle is subjected to the priority passage process, the operation of the vehicle that has not been subjected to the priority passage process is not hindered. ing.

  In this embodiment, the vehicle detector 6a is installed at a point 150 meters from the intersection J13. If the vehicle 5 travels at a speed of 54 kilometers per hour at the point of the vehicle detector 6a, the vehicle detector 6a takes about 10 seconds to reach the intersection J13. To reach. Therefore, the predetermined period is set to 4 seconds as a value that can secure a certain distance for the vehicle 5 to travel from the point of the vehicle detector 6a and reach the intersection J13.

  When no other vehicle is detected within the predetermined period, the priority passage adjustment unit 23a stops the comparison of the requested levels, gives priority to the operation of the vehicle 5a, and performs the priority passage process on the vehicle 5a. That is, after the predetermined period, even if another vehicle is detected when the vehicle 5a has not yet reached the intersection J13, the priority passage adjustment unit 23a does not finish the priority passage process for the vehicle 5a. The priority traffic process is not performed for other vehicles.

  As described above, in this example, the priority passage adjustment unit 23a determines a route between the vehicle detector 6a and the in-vehicle communication device 3a of the vehicle 5a for a predetermined period after the vehicle detector 6a detects the vehicle 5a approaching the intersection J13. When the other vehicle 5b approaching the intersection J13 is detected so as to compete, the two requested levels are compared. Therefore, the priority traffic process is executed regardless of which vehicle is subjected to the priority traffic process. It does not interfere with the operation of the vehicle that was not done.

  After sensing the other vehicle 5b in step S45, when the in-vehicle communication device 3b of the other vehicle 5b enters the communication area of the roadside communication device 2, the roadside communication device 2 receives priority traffic transmitted from the other vehicle 5b. A request is received (step S46). In this example, the in-vehicle communication device 3b shows a case where a priority passage request is transmitted at the request level Lv3.

  Next, the roadside communication device 2 compares the request levels of the priority traffic request from both the vehicle-mounted communication devices 3 (step S47, processing of step S7 in FIG. 6). As a result, since the request level of the in-vehicle communication device 3a is higher (request level Lv4), the priority traffic adjustment unit 23a of the roadside communication device 2 determines to perform the priority traffic processing on the vehicle 5a, and Preferential passage processing is performed (step S48). The contents of the priority passage process are as described above.

  Next, the notification unit 23b of the roadside communication device 2 transmits a notification (implementation notification; first notification) to the effect that the priority passage process has been performed to the in-vehicle communication device 3a, and to the in-vehicle communication device 3b. A notification (non-execution notification; second notification) indicating that the priority passage process has not been executed is transmitted (step S49).

  When the point calculation unit 32b of the in-vehicle communication device 3a receives the execution notification from the roadside communication device 2 (step S50), the point calculation unit 32b subtracts two points from the priority point of the own device (step S51). In the present embodiment, since the in-vehicle communication device 3a transmits the priority passage request at the request level Lv4 and has been subjected to the priority passage processing, the point calculation unit 32b has two points (which are necessary points corresponding to the request level ( 4) is subtracted.

  On the other hand, when the point calculation unit 32b of the in-vehicle communication device 3b receives the non-work notification from the roadside communication device 2 (step S52), the point calculation unit 32b adds one point to the priority point of the own device (step S53). In this case, as a result of transmitting the priority passage request, the priority passage is given to the vehicle 5a equipped with the in-vehicle communication device 3a. Therefore, the point calculation part 32b adds 1 point (refer FIG. 4) provided by giving priority traffic to another vehicle.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since the in-vehicle communication device 3 transmits the priority traffic request including the request level indicating the degree of request in a plurality of stages to the road side communication device 2, the priority communication of the road side communication device 2 is performed. The adjustment unit 23a receives a priority traffic request including a request level from the in-vehicle communication device 3a, and a request level from another in-vehicle communication device 3b approaching the intersection J13 so that the course of the vehicle competes with the in-vehicle communication device 3a. When the priority passage request including the two is received, both request levels are compared, and the priority passage processing can be performed only for the vehicle 5 equipped with the in-vehicle communication device 3 having a higher request level.

In this case, since the vehicle 5 that performs the priority passage process can be determined according to the request level, the vehicle 5 that performs the priority passage process can be easily determined.
Further, in this case, the notification unit 23b transmits the execution notification (first notification) only to the in-vehicle communication device 3 of the vehicle 5 that has been subjected to the priority passage processing, thereby performing the priority passage processing. Only the received vehicle 5 can subtract the priority points.

Further, the notification unit 23b of the present embodiment uses the in-vehicle communication of the vehicle 5 that has not been subjected to the priority passage process as a non-execution notification (second notification) transmitted in response to the fact that the privilege has not been granted. When the point calculation unit 32b of the in-vehicle communication device 3 receives the non-execution notification, the point calculation unit 32b of the in-vehicle communication device 3 adds a predetermined number of priority points.
Accordingly, since the priority points are subtracted from the in-vehicle communication device 3 of the vehicle 5 that has been subjected to the priority passage processing, the priority points are added to the in-vehicle communication device 3 of the vehicle 5 that has given up the priority passage processing. It is possible to obtain an effect similar to that obtained by exchanging the opportunity of receiving priority passage processing through priority points. Thereby, the balance of the opportunity which receives priority traffic processing between both can be adjusted.

FIG. 9 shows the case where each vehicle 5a, 5b is equipped with the in-vehicle communication device 3 (3a, 3b). However, when one vehicle 5 is not equipped with the in-vehicle communication device 3, Even if the communication device 3 is installed, there may be a case where the processing related to the road-vehicle communication is not stopped (cannot be performed) intentionally or for some reason such as failure.
FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing when the processing related to road-to-vehicle communication is not performed even if the other vehicle 5b does not have the in-vehicle communication device 3 or is mounted in the case of FIG.

  In FIG. 10, step S61 (transmission of priority passage request), step S62 (detection of vehicle 5a), step S63 (reception of priority passage request from in-vehicle communication device 3a), and step S64 (detection of other vehicle 5b). ) Is the same as step S41 and steps S43 to S45 in FIG.

  In this example, since the other vehicle 5b does not carry the in-vehicle communication device 3 or does not carry out processing related to road-to-vehicle communication even if it is equipped, the roadside communication device 2 does not receive a priority traffic request corresponding to the other vehicle 5b. Never receive. For this reason, when the priority passage adjustment unit 23a recognizes that the priority passage request corresponding to the other vehicle 5b has not been received after the predetermined period has elapsed, the urgency level “normal” is given to the other vehicle 5b. Is set (step S65, corresponding to step S22 in FIG. 7).

  Thereby, the priority traffic adjustment part 23a of the roadside communication apparatus 2 compares the request | requirement level of both the vehicles 5 (step S66). As a result, since the request level of the in-vehicle communication device 3a is higher (request level Lv4), the priority traffic adjustment unit 23a of the roadside communication device 2 determines to perform the priority traffic processing on the vehicle 5a, and A priority passage process is performed (step S67).

  Next, the notification unit 23b of the roadside communication device 2 transmits an execution notification to the in-vehicle communication device 3a (step S68). When the point calculation unit 32b of the in-vehicle communication device 3a receives the notification of execution from the roadside communication device 2 (step S69), the point calculation unit 32b subtracts 2 points from the priority point of its own device (step S70).

  Since the other vehicle 5b is not equipped with the in-vehicle communication device 3, even if the roadside communication device 2 transmits a non-execution notification, no processing is performed.

As described above, since this system includes the vehicle detector 6a that detects the vehicle 5 approaching the intersection J13, when the priority passage request corresponding to the vehicle 5 detected by the vehicle detector 6a is not received. Moreover, the priority traffic adjustment unit 23a can be configured to set a predetermined request level as Lv2.
Accordingly, the request level can be set even for a vehicle that does not have the in-vehicle communication device 3 or a vehicle 5 that has the in-vehicle communication device 3 and for which the priority passage request cannot be transmitted for some reason. .

  In the above example, the case where the other vehicle 5b that subsequently enters the intersection J13 does not include the in-vehicle communication device 3 is illustrated, but the vehicle 5a that previously enters the intersection J13 does not include the in-vehicle communication device 3. As with the other vehicle 5b described above, the required level Lv2 is set (FIG. 7).

FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing when priority points are added. FIG. 11A illustrates an example of processing in which priority points are added to the vehicle 5 by eco-driving.
The point calculation unit 32b of the in-vehicle communication device 3a determines whether or not the vehicle 5 is in an eco-drive state in which the vehicle 5 is in a driving state without sudden acceleration / deceleration from information such as the vehicle speed of the vehicle 5 acquired by the control unit 32. Can be judged. Since the priority points are added by continuing eco-driving for a predetermined period or a predetermined mileage (see FIG. 4B), the point calculation unit 32b determines that the vehicle 5 is in an eco-driving state. (Step S80), integration of the period or travel distance is started (Step S81).

  Thereafter, as a result of integration, when the target period or target mileage set as the priority point addition target is reached, the point calculation unit 32b detects the achievement of the numerical target of the eco-drive (step S82), and the priority point of the own device Is added (step S83). In the illustrated example, 10 points are added.

FIG.11 (b) has shown an example of the process in which a priority point is added by purchasing a point.
When the user of the vehicle 5 (vehicle communication device 3) purchases a priority point, the fact is input to the central device 4 or the like. Based on the input, the roadside communication device 2 recognizes that a priority point addition event has occurred (step S90), and transmits a point addition command to the in-vehicle communication device 3 in which the point addition event has occurred (step S91). .

  The point calculation unit 32b of the in-vehicle communication device 3 that has received the point addition command adds the priority points of its own device based on the point addition command (step S92).

FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing another example of processing when priority points are added.
When a user of the vehicle 5 (onboard communication device 3) purchases a priority point or eco-drives, a reason for adding the priority point occurs, and the roadside communication device 2 or the central device 4 recognizes the occurrence of the reason for adding the priority point. Then (step S100), the roadside communication device 2 or the central device 4 can be connected to the in-vehicle communication device 3 owned by the user and connected to the card reader or the like of the terminal device connected to the device itself. Then, a point addition command is written in a priority point processing card that can store processing information related to priority points (step S101).

When the user inserts the card into the card reader or the like of his / her own in-vehicle communication device 3 and connects to the in-vehicle communication device 3, the in-vehicle communication device 3 acquires the point addition command written in the card (step S101). ).
Next, the point calculation unit 32b of the in-vehicle communication device 3 adds the priority points of its own device based on the point addition command (step S103).

  In addition to the above-mentioned purchase, eco-driving, and safe driving, the reason for adding priority points can also be set when no accident and no violation continue for a predetermined period.

  The system of the present embodiment configured as described above is capable of communicating between the in-vehicle communication device 3 and the in-vehicle communication device 3 and is installed on the road side to control the traffic of the vehicle 5 and The roadside communication device 2 is equipped with the in-vehicle communication device 3 in response to a request (priority traffic request) from the in-vehicle communication device 3 approaching the intersection J as a predetermined section. The vehicle 5 has a priority traffic adjustment unit 23a that performs priority traffic processing (privileges at traffic at the intersection J) and an implementation notification (first notification) that is transmitted in accordance with the execution of the priority traffic processing. The in-vehicle communication device 3 is provided with a notification unit 23b that transmits to the communication device 3, and when the vehicle-mounted communication device 3 receives the execution notification, the priority points (privileges) required for the vehicle 5 equipped with the own device to receive the priority passage process. Subtract a predetermined number of points) It is characterized in that it comprises a point calculation unit 32b.

According to the present embodiment, when the vehicle 5 receives the priority passage process at the intersection J and receives an execution notification from the roadside communication device 2, the point calculation unit 32b of the in-vehicle communication device 3 receives the execution of the process. Since the necessary priority points are subtracted, the opportunity for the vehicle 5 to receive the priority passage process can be limited within the range of priority points that the vehicle 5 can use.
For this reason, the vehicle 5 can receive execution of a priority passage process as needed within the range of the priority point according to a request from the vehicle 5 side. On the other hand, since the opportunity to receive the priority passage process is limited within the range of the priority points, the opportunity for the priority passage process to be executed can be adjusted and equalized with other vehicles by the priority points.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, by giving the opportunity to receive the priority passage processing at the intersection J evenly, it is possible to treat each of the vehicles 5 equally in consideration of the requirements on the vehicle 5 side. The traffic control of the intersection J can be performed.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to an intersection has been exemplified. However, in addition to an intersection, for example, a section existing in the middle of a road that can be face-to-face, only one-sided alternate passage, where the courses of vehicles compete with each other Can also be applied.
Further, in the above embodiment, in FIG. 6, in step S10, the case where the priority passing process is performed on the approaching vehicle traveling on the main line side is shown. However, the intersecting directions are almost the same regardless of the main branch line. In the case of a relationship, priority passing processing can be performed with priority on the first-arrival vehicle.

Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the priority point showed the case where the point calculating part 32b of each vehicle-mounted communication apparatus 3 carried out calculation management individually, the priority point of each vehicle-mounted communication apparatus 3a was set to the roadside communication apparatus 2 or central device. 4 may be managed.
Furthermore, in the roadside communication device 2 in the above-described embodiment, the central device 4 may have functions realized by the priority traffic adjustment unit 23a and the notification unit 23b.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the priority points necessary for making a priority traffic request have been set to the number of points according to the level of the request level, but for example, an intersection with a large number of one-side lanes The number of necessary priority points may be set according to the size of the intersection so that the necessary points increase.

  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, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 Traffic signal (traffic regulation means)
2 Roadside communication devices (control devices, point control devices)
3 In-vehicle communication device 6a Vehicle detector (sensor device)
23a Priority traffic adjustment unit (traffic control unit)
23b Notification unit 32a Priority passage request unit 32b Point calculation unit

Claims (12)

A vehicle traffic control system comprising: an in-vehicle communication device; and a control device that is communicable between the in-vehicle communication device and installed on the roadside to control the traffic of the vehicle,
The control device, in response to a request from the in-vehicle communication device approaching a predetermined section, a traffic control unit that grants a privilege in traffic in the predetermined section to a vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle communication device, and the privilege A notification unit that transmits a first notification transmitted in response to the grant to the in-vehicle communication device,
The in-vehicle communication device transmits a request level indicating the degree of the request in a plurality of stages together with the request for granting the privilege to the control device,
When the first notification is received, the vehicle is equipped with a point calculation unit that subtracts the number of privilege points required for the vehicle equipped with the device to receive the privilege from the number corresponding to the request level. Traffic control system to do. Passage control unit of the previous SL controller, said a request and the request level of the in-vehicle communication device, a request from the on-vehicle communication device of another vehicle approaching to the predetermined interval so as path conflicts between the vehicle And when the request level is received, both the request levels are compared, and the privilege is given only to a vehicle equipped with an in-vehicle communication device having a higher request level,
The traffic control system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit transmits the first notification only to an in-vehicle communication device of the vehicle to which the privilege is given.   3. The traffic control system according to claim 2, wherein the point calculation unit of the in-vehicle communication device receives the first notification and subtracts more of the privilege points as the request level requested by the own device is higher. The notification unit transmits a second notification transmitted in response to the fact that the privilege has not been granted, to an in-vehicle communication device of a vehicle to which the privilege has not been granted,
The traffic control system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the point calculation unit of the in-vehicle communication device adds a predetermined number of the privilege points when receiving the second notification. Sensing means for sensing a vehicle approaching the predetermined section;
The traffic control system according to claim 2, wherein the traffic control unit sets a predetermined request level in advance when the request and the request level of the privilege corresponding to the vehicle sensed by the sensing means are not received.   The traffic control unit of the control device approaches the predetermined section so that a course of the vehicle competes with the in-vehicle communication device during the predetermined period after the vehicle that approaches the predetermined section is detected by the sensing unit. The traffic control system according to claim 5, wherein both demand levels are compared when another vehicle is detected.   The traffic control system according to claim 6, wherein the traffic control unit of the control device stops the comparison of the required levels when the sensing means does not sense the other vehicle during the predetermined period.   The said privilege is a process in which the said traffic control part controls the traffic control means installed in the said predetermined section so that the vehicle to which the said privilege is provided can pass through the said predetermined section preferentially. The traffic control system according to any one of the above. The traffic regulation means is a traffic signal,
The traffic control according to claim 8, wherein the process is a process of controlling to extend a blue light color time of the traffic signal or shorten a red light color time for the vehicle to which the privilege is given. system.   The point calculation unit of the in-vehicle communication device has a predetermined driving state with the implementation of a measure for improving fuel efficiency performed by a vehicle equipped with the device itself, or a driving state without sudden acceleration / deceleration or a sudden handle. The traffic control system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the privilege point is added when the distance or a predetermined period continues. In response to a request from an in-vehicle communication device that approaches a predetermined section, a traffic control unit that gives a privilege in traffic in the predetermined section to a vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle communication device,
A notification unit for transmitting to the in-vehicle communication device a first notification for subtracting a predetermined number of privilege points necessary for receiving the provision of the privilege to the in-vehicle communication device ;
The predetermined number is a number determined according to a request level transmitted from the in-vehicle communication device together with the request for granting the privilege,
The request level indicates a degree of the request in a plurality of stages . Point control device. The computer of the in-vehicle communication device and the computer of the control device that is communicable with the in-vehicle communication device and that is installed on the roadside and controls the traffic of the vehicle are a method for executing the operation control processing of the vehicle. And
In response to a request from an in-vehicle communication device that approaches the predetermined section, the computer of the control device gives a privilege in passing in the predetermined section to a vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle communication device;
The computer of the control device performs a process of transmitting a first notification transmitted in response to the grant of the privilege to the in-vehicle communication device;
When the computer of the in-vehicle communication device receives the first notification, the vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle communication device includes a step of subtracting a predetermined number of privilege points necessary for receiving the provision of the privilege , and
The predetermined number is a number determined according to a request level transmitted from the in-vehicle communication device together with the request for granting the privilege,
The request level indicates a degree of the request in a plurality of stages .

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