JP5672001B2 - Signal control apparatus, computer program, and signal control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a signal control device for controlling the color of a signal lamp at an intersection, a computer program for realizing the signal control device, and a signal control method.

  A traffic signal controller that stores a plurality of signal control parameters and performs traffic signal control by selecting a signal control parameter designated in advance according to time is known. In this traffic signal controller, the traffic demand is grasped in advance before the start of operation, the traffic demand is patterned according to time, and a plurality of signal control parameters to be applied to each traffic demand pattern are set.

  However, when the traffic demand itself changes after the operation starts, the traffic demand for each time changes, and the signal control parameter based on the traffic demand pattern may not be adapted to the traffic situation. Therefore, traffic signal control that calculates the travel time of the traffic management section based on the travel locus information acquired from the in-vehicle device of the vehicle and sets signal control parameters (cycle length, split, offset, etc.) according to the calculated travel time An apparatus is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-252066 A

  In the setting of the signal control parameter by the traffic signal control device of Patent Document 1, the travel time is calculated based on the travel locus information (for example, probe information) acquired from the in-vehicle device, and therefore a probe for calculating the travel time. It is effective when the information can be acquired with a frequency of about once every several traffic signal cycles. However, the penetration rate of vehicles equipped with in-vehicle devices that can transmit probe information is not necessarily high, and there is a high possibility that probe information cannot be acquired to the extent that travel time can be obtained in a timely manner. For this reason, it has been desired to realize appropriate signal control according to traffic conditions.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, a signal control device capable of realizing appropriate signal control according to traffic conditions, a computer program and a signal control method for realizing the signal control device. The purpose is to provide.

  A signal control device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a signal for controlling the lamp color of a signal lamp for an inflow path that flows into an intersection according to the amount of traffic of the vehicle having transmission means for transmitting information indicating the running state of the vehicle. In the control device, based on the traffic volume, a calculation means for calculating a traffic frequency of the vehicle having the transmission means in an arbitrary time zone, and a blue time of the signal lamp according to the traffic frequency calculated by the calculation means Selecting means for selecting one signal control method from a plurality of signal control methods determined in advance to control the signal.

  The signal control device according to a second invention is the signal control system according to the first invention, wherein the plurality of signal control methods include a signal control method using a traffic index based on information indicating a running state of the vehicle, and a signal control method not using the traffic index. And the selecting means is configured to select a signal control method using the traffic index or a signal control method not using the traffic index according to the magnitude of the traffic frequency calculated by the calculating means. It is characterized by.

Signal control device according to the fourth invention, in any one of the first invention to third invention, the plurality of signal control method, depending on the traffic indicator based on the information indicating the traveling state of the vehicle, The traffic indicator And a second signal control method for determining one signal control parameter from a plurality of signal control parameters determined for each.

The third invention signal control apparatus according to the Oite the first invention or the second shot bright, the plurality of signal control method, one according to the time from a plurality of signal control parameters defined for each time period A first signal control method for determining a signal control parameter is included.

  The signal control device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the signal control apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the plurality of signal control methods are configured for each time zone and the traffic according to a traffic index based on information indicating a time and a running state of the vehicle. It includes a third signal control method for determining one signal control parameter from among a plurality of signal control parameters determined for each index.

Signal control apparatus according to the sixth invention, the first invention or the second shot Oite bright, the selection means, if traffic frequency calculated by the calculating means is smaller than a first threshold value, a first signal controlling the following A method is selected, and when the value is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, one of the following second or third signal control methods is selected. 1st signal control system: The signal control system which determines one signal control parameter according to time from the several signal control parameters defined for every time slot | zone. Second signal control method: a signal control method in which one signal control parameter is determined from a plurality of signal control parameters determined for each traffic indicator according to a traffic indicator based on information indicating the running state of the vehicle. Third signal control method: One signal control parameter is determined from a plurality of signal control parameters determined for each time zone and for each traffic index according to a traffic index based on information indicating time and a running state of the vehicle. Signal control method to be used .

  The signal control device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the signal control apparatus according to the sixth aspect, wherein, when the traffic frequency calculated by the calculation means is greater than or equal to a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, It is characterized by selecting.

  The signal control device according to an eighth invention is the signal control device according to the seventh invention, wherein, in the seventh invention, the selection means is configured such that when the traffic frequency calculated by the calculation means is equal to or higher than the first threshold and smaller than the second threshold, It is configured to select a control method.

A computer program according to a ninth aspect of the present invention controls a lamp color of a signal lamp with respect to an inflow path flowing into an intersection according to the amount of traffic of the vehicle having transmission means for transmitting information indicating the running state of the vehicle to the computer. a computer program for executing the steps of the computer, based on the traffic amount, calculation means for calculating the passage frequency of a vehicle with the transmission unit in any time zone, according to the calculated traffic frequency, to function as a selecting means for selecting one of the signal control scheme from among a pre plurality of signal control system as defined in order to control the green time of the signal lamp device.

A signal control method according to a tenth aspect of the invention is a signal for controlling the lamp color of a signal lamp for an inflow path that flows into an intersection according to the amount of traffic of the vehicle having a transmission means for transmitting information indicating the running state of the vehicle. In the signal control method by the control device, the step of calculating the traffic frequency of the vehicle having the transmission means in an arbitrary time zone based on the traffic volume, and the signal lamp according to the calculated traffic frequency Selecting a signal control method from among a plurality of signal control methods determined in advance to control the blue time.

  In the first invention, the ninth invention, and the tenth invention, based on the amount of traffic of a vehicle (probe vehicle) having transmission means (for example, an in-vehicle device) that transmits information indicating the running state of the vehicle, any The traffic frequency of the vehicle having the transmission means in the time zone is calculated. The information indicating the traveling state is, for example, probe information that can be received from the in-vehicle device via the road device, and the position and time of the vehicle every predetermined cycle (for example, 1 second), the in-vehicle device (vehicle) Includes identification code. Further, whether or not the vehicle has a transmission means (on-vehicle device) can be recognized by receiving probe information transmitted by the vehicle. The traffic amount of the vehicle is, for example, the number of probe vehicles that have passed through the inflow path for each preset time zone. The traffic frequency is, for example, the amount of vehicle traffic (number of probe vehicles) in an arbitrary time zone of a day during a predetermined period (for example, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, etc.) Collected every time a given period elapses, the total collected traffic volume is divided by the number of days in the given period to obtain a numerical value per day, and the average number of probe vehicles per day for any given time zone Can be sought.

  According to the calculated traffic frequency, one signal control method is selected from a plurality of predetermined signal control methods in order to control the blue time of the signal lamp. The plurality of signal control methods depend on, for example, a signal control method that can be used even when the number of probe vehicles (frequency at which probe information is acquired) is small and the number of probe vehicles (frequency at which probe information is acquired). This is a signal control method with a tendency. When the calculated traffic frequency is low, select a signal control method that can be used even when the probe information is acquired less frequently. When the calculated traffic frequency is high, the signal control method depends on the probe information. Select. Thereby, appropriate signal control according to traffic conditions can be realized according to the number of probe vehicles (frequency of obtaining probe information).

  In the second invention, the plurality of signal control methods include a signal control method using a traffic index based on information indicating the running state of the vehicle and a signal control method not using the traffic index. The traffic index based on the information indicating the traveling state of the vehicle is, for example, the travel time of the road section obtained based on the probe information. When the calculated traffic frequency is large, a signal control method using a traffic index is selected. When the calculated traffic frequency is small, a signal control method not using a traffic index is selected. The signal control method using the traffic index is, for example, a signal control method depending on the probe information, and the signal control method not using the traffic index is a signal control method almost independent of the probe information. The signal control method that does not use traffic indicators includes not only a signal control method that does not take any traffic indicators into consideration, but also a signal control method in which signal control parameters (cycle length, split, offset, etc.) hardly change depending on traffic indicators. . The signal control parameter hardly changes when, for example, the change of the green light time due to the change of the information indicating the running state of the vehicle is within several seconds or several percent. Depending on the number of probe vehicles (acquisition frequency of probe information), the traffic condition depends on the signal control method that uses traffic indicators or the signal control method that does not use traffic indicators according to the calculated traffic frequency. Appropriate signal control according to the above can be realized.

In the fourth aspect of the invention, the plurality of signal control methods are configured such that one signal control parameter is selected from a plurality of signal control parameters determined for each traffic index in accordance with the traffic index based on information indicating the running state of the vehicle. A second signal control method to be determined is included. In the second signal control method, for example, a set of a plurality of signal control parameters (for example, cycle length, split, offset, etc.) is prepared, and each traffic index (for example, travel time of an arbitrary section of the road) is prepared. The signal control parameter to be used is defined, and the signal control parameter corresponding to the actually measured travel time is selected. Effective signal control can be performed when the acquisition frequency of probe information is relatively high and traffic indicators such as travel time can be obtained in a timely manner.

In the third invention, the plurality of signal control methods include a first signal control method for determining one signal control parameter according to time from a plurality of signal control parameters determined for each time zone. In the first signal control method, for example, a set of a plurality of signal control parameters (for example, cycle length, split, offset, etc.) is prepared, signal control parameters to be used for each time zone are determined, and time is set. This is a method of selecting a signal control parameter in a corresponding time zone. It is possible to perform effective signal control for regions and time zones in which there is little fluctuation with respect to traffic demand assumed in advance.

  In the fifth invention, the plurality of signal control methods are provided for each time zone and traffic according to a traffic index (for example, travel time of an arbitrary section of the road) based on information indicating the time and the running state of the vehicle. A third signal control method for determining one signal control parameter from among a plurality of signal control parameters determined for each index is included. In the third signal control method, for example, a set of a plurality of signal control parameters (for example, cycle length, split, offset, etc.) is prepared, signal control parameters to be used for each time zone are determined, and time Another signal control parameter to be used is determined according to the traffic index for each specific time zone in the zone. This is a method of selecting a signal control parameter corresponding to a time and a signal control parameter corresponding to a travel time actually measured in a specific time zone. Effective signal control can be performed when the acquisition frequency of probe information is not so high and fluctuations in traffic demand assumed in advance are likely to occur.

  In the sixth invention, when the calculated traffic frequency (for example, the number of probe vehicles for each arbitrary time zone, the probe information acquisition frequency, etc.) is smaller than the first threshold value TH1, the first signal control method is selected. If the calculated traffic frequency is equal to or higher than the first threshold value TH1, either the second or third signal control method is selected. The first threshold value TH1 is a threshold value for determining whether or not the probe information acquisition frequency is low. For example, the first threshold value TH1 is a value such as one per 30 minutes or one hour. When the probe information acquisition frequency is low, by selecting the first signal control method, it is possible to perform effective signal control for an area and a time zone in which there is little fluctuation with respect to the traffic demand assumed in advance. In addition, when the probe information acquisition frequency is not low, it is possible to obtain a traffic index such as travel time in a timely manner by selecting the second or third signal control method, or assumed in advance Effective signal control can be performed when fluctuations in traffic demand are likely to occur.

  In the seventh invention, when the calculated traffic frequency (for example, the number of probe vehicles for each arbitrary time zone, the probe information acquisition frequency, etc.) is equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2, which is greater than the first threshold value TH1, 2 signal control method is selected. The second threshold TH2 is a threshold for determining whether or not the probe information acquisition frequency is high. For example, the second threshold TH2 is a value such as 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 15 minutes. When the probe information acquisition frequency is high, the traffic signal such as travel time can be obtained in a timely manner and effective signal control can be performed by selecting the second signal control method.

  In the eighth invention, when the calculated traffic frequency (for example, the number of probe vehicles for each arbitrary time zone, the probe information acquisition frequency, etc.) is not less than the first threshold TH1 and smaller than the second threshold TH2, A third signal control method is selected. Thereby, effective signal control can be performed when the acquisition frequency of the probe information is not so high and the traffic demand is likely to fluctuate in advance.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, appropriate signal control according to traffic conditions is realizable according to the some number of probe vehicles (acquisition frequency of probe information).

It is a schematic diagram which shows the outline | summary of the signal control system containing the signal control apparatus of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a structure of the signal control apparatus of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the selection method of the signal control system by the signal control apparatus of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the signal control parameter table used for the 1st and 3rd signal control system. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a 1st signal control system. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a 3rd signal control system. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the signal control parameter table used for a 2nd signal control system. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a 2nd signal control system. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the signal control apparatus of this Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a signal control device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of a signal control system including a signal control apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the signal control system includes a signal control device 100, a traffic signal controller 1, a signal lamp 2, a road device 3, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the road R <b> 1 and the road R <b> 2 intersect at an intersection 20, and four intersections flow into the intersection 20. Road sections 11 and 12 are provided between an appropriate point (starting point) upstream of the intersection 20 of the road R1 and an outflow point (ending point) of the intersection 20. Similarly, road sections 21 and 22 are provided between an appropriate point (starting point) upstream of the intersection 20 of the road R2 and an outflow point (ending point) of the intersection 20. The starting ends of the road sections 11, 12, 21, and 22 can be appropriately set to such an extent that the travel time can be calculated. At the intersection 20, a signal lamp 2 for the roads R1 and R2 is installed. The traffic signal controller 1 controls the switching of the color of each signal lamp 2. The on-road device 3 is installed in the vicinity of each outflow point of the intersection 20.

  The vehicle 10 is equipped with an in-vehicle device 5 as a transmission unit that transmits information indicating the traveling state of the vehicle 10. The in-vehicle device 5 accumulates the time and the position of the vehicle 10 as travel locus information at a predetermined cycle (for example, every second). When the probe vehicle 10 on which the in-vehicle device 5 is mounted passes through the communication area of the road device 3, the in-vehicle device 5 uses the probe information (such as the accumulated travel locus information and the identification code for identifying the in-vehicle device 5 (probe vehicle 10)) (Information indicating the running state of the vehicle) to the road device 3. As a vehicle travel locus, instead of the time and the vehicle position for each predetermined cycle, the vehicle speed is stopped at a predetermined threshold value (for example, 5 km / h) or less, or the vehicle direction is a predetermined threshold value (for example, The time and position at which an event such as a direction change that has changed by 5 degrees or more may occur.

  The roadside device 3 is a local communication device such as an optical beacon, a radio wave beacon, or a DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication), and transmits / receives information to / from the in-vehicle device 5 of the probe vehicle 10. The road device 3 includes a communication unit 3a for communicating with the in-vehicle device 5, a communication control unit 3b for controlling the communication unit 3a, and the like. The roadside device 3 receives the probe information (uplink information) from the in-vehicle device 5 and transmits the received probe information to the signal control device 100. The roadside device 3 may be a mobile phone communication device, in which case it is not necessary to be installed near the outflow point of the intersection. Further, the road device 3 receives the time and the position of the vehicle for each predetermined period from the in-vehicle device as uplink information, and the received uplink information is converted into information on the time and position at which an event such as a stop or fluctuation occurs. You may transmit to the signal control apparatus 100, after processing.

  The signal control device 100 receives (acquires) the probe information transmitted from the road device 3. The signal control device 100 acquires the probe information, and thereby detects the probe vehicle 10 (an in-vehicle device 5 as a transmission unit that transmits the probe information) every arbitrary time zone (for example, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, etc.). In order to calculate the number of mounted vehicles 10) (that is, the probe information acquisition frequency) and control the blue time of the signal lamp 2 in advance according to the calculated number of probe vehicles 10 (probe information acquisition frequency). One signal control method is selected from a plurality of defined signal control methods. In addition, the traffic frequency of the vehicle having the transmission means is not necessarily transmitted from the vehicle having the transmission means (on-vehicle device), because the vehicle having the transmission means (on-vehicle device) does not always transmit probe information. When the road device 3 receives the probe information from the vehicle and the signal control device 100 acquires the probe information received by the road device 3, the signal control device 100 is provided with an in-vehicle device (transmission means) on the vehicle. And the number of probe vehicles 10 (frequency of obtaining probe information) can be obtained at that frequency. Hereinafter, the signal control apparatus 100 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the signal control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the signal control apparatus 100 includes a control unit 101, a communication unit 102, a traffic frequency calculation unit 103, a storage unit 104, a selection unit 105, a travel time calculation unit 106, and the like.

  The communication unit 102 performs transmission / reception (communication) of information between the road device 3 and the traffic signal controller 1. For example, the communication unit 102 receives probe information that is information indicating the traveling state of the probe vehicle 10 from the road device 3.

  The communication unit 102 can acquire the traffic amount of the probe vehicle 10 on the roads R1 and R2 by receiving the probe information. The traffic volume of the probe vehicle 10 is, for example, the number of probe vehicles 10 that have passed the roads R1 and R2 (inflow passages) every preset time period (for example, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, etc.).

  The traffic frequency calculation unit 103 has a function as calculation means for calculating the traffic frequency of the probe vehicle 10 in an arbitrary time zone based on the traffic volume of the probe vehicle 10.

  The traffic frequency calculation unit 103 calculates the traffic frequency of the probe vehicle 10 in an arbitrary time zone based on the traffic volume acquired by the communication unit 102. The traffic frequency is, for example, the amount of traffic of the probe vehicle 10 (the number of probe vehicles 10) in an arbitrary time period of a day for a predetermined period (for example, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, etc.) ), And every time a predetermined period elapses, the total amount of traffic collected is divided by the number of days in the predetermined period to obtain a numerical value per day. It can be obtained as an average per day.

  The selection unit 105 has a function as a selection unit that selects one signal control method from a plurality of signal control methods determined in advance to control the blue time of the signal lamp device 2.

  The selection unit 105 selects one signal control method from among a plurality of signal control methods determined in advance to control the blue time of the signal lamp 2 according to the traffic frequency calculated by the traffic frequency calculation unit 103. For example, the signal control method can be used even when the number of probe vehicles 10 (frequency at which probe information is acquired) is small, and the number of probe vehicles 10 (frequency at which probe information is acquired). For example, a signal control method that tends to depend.

  Further, the selection unit 105 determines whether the signal control method using the traffic index based on the information indicating the running state of the vehicle or the signal control method not using the traffic index according to the magnitude of the traffic frequency calculated by the traffic frequency calculation unit 103. select. The traffic index is, for example, a travel time calculated by a travel time calculation unit 106 to be described later based on the probe information. The selection unit 105 selects a signal control method using a traffic index when the traffic frequency calculated by the traffic frequency calculation unit 103 is high, and selects the traffic index when the traffic frequency calculated by the traffic frequency calculation unit 103 is small. Select a signal control method that does not use. The signal control method using the traffic index is, for example, a signal control method depending on the probe information, and the signal control method not using the traffic index is a signal control method almost independent of the probe information. The signal control method that does not use traffic indicators includes not only a signal control method that does not take any traffic indicators into consideration, but also a signal control method in which signal control parameters (cycle length, split, offset, etc.) hardly change depending on traffic indicators. . The signal control parameter hardly changes when, for example, the change of the green light time due to the change of the information indicating the running state of the vehicle is within several seconds or several percent. Depending on the number of probe vehicles (acquisition frequency of probe information), the traffic condition depends on the signal control method that uses traffic indicators or the signal control method that does not use traffic indicators according to the calculated traffic frequency. Appropriate signal control according to the above can be realized.

  The travel time calculation unit 106 calculates travel time as an example of a traffic index based on information (probe information) indicating the traveling state of the vehicle (probe vehicle 10). The travel time calculation unit 106 extracts travel locus information for each identification code of the probe vehicle 10 from the probe information acquired via the communication unit 102, and based on the road section data of the road map data stored in the storage unit 104. Map matching processing is performed to obtain the road section in which each probe vehicle 10 (on-vehicle device 5) travels. Then, the travel time calculating unit 106 extracts the position closest to the start and end of the road section and the time at the position, and is closest to the start from the time at the position closest to the end. The travel time of the road section is calculated by subtracting the time at the position. The travel time calculation unit 106 is not an essential configuration, and may be a configuration provided in a device external to the signal control device 100, for example, the in-vehicle device 5 or the road device 3. In that case, the signal control device 100 may acquire the travel time from the in-vehicle device 5 or the road device 3.

  The storage unit 104 stores predetermined information such as acquired probe information, signal control parameters, and road map data.

  Next, an example of a selection method for selecting a signal control method by the selection unit 105 will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a method for selecting a signal control method by the signal control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 3, the horizontal axis indicates the time of the day, and the vertical axis indicates the probe information acquisition frequency, which is the traffic frequency, that is, the number of probe vehicles 10 that pass.

  The probe information acquisition frequency shown in FIG. 3 is, for example, divided into one hour every hour, and the amount of traffic of the probe vehicle 10 (the number of probe vehicles 10) in each time zone is a predetermined period (for example, 3 Month) and the total traffic volume collected when the predetermined period has passed is divided by the number of days in the predetermined period (three months) to obtain the numerical value per day. It can be obtained as an average of 10 units per hour per hour. For example, the probe information acquisition frequency between 8:00 and 9:00 is the total amount of traffic acquired every day for three months, and the total value is divided by the number of days corresponding to three months. Calculated as an average value per day. The predetermined period is not limited to three months, and an appropriate period such as one month, two months, six months, or one year can be used. Also, the time zone is not limited to every hour, and an appropriate time zone such as every 5 minutes, every 10 minutes, every 15 minutes, every 30 minutes, every 2 hours, or the like can be used.

  The selection of the signal control method based on the probe information acquisition frequency (traffic frequency) is performed by comparing the first threshold value TH1 and the second threshold value TH2 larger than the first threshold value TH1 with the probe information acquisition frequency. The first threshold value TH1 is a threshold value for determining whether or not the probe information acquisition frequency is low. For example, the first threshold value TH1 is a value such as one per 30 minutes or one hour. The second threshold value TH2 is a threshold value for determining whether or not the probe information acquisition frequency is high. For example, the second threshold value TH2 is a value such as one for 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 15 minutes.

  For example, when the probe information acquisition frequency (traffic frequency) is smaller than the first threshold TH1 in a certain time zone, the first signal control method is selected in the time zone. In the first signal control method, for example, a set of a plurality of signal control parameters (for example, cycle length, split, offset, etc.) is prepared, signal control parameters to be used for each time zone are determined, and time is set. This is a method of selecting a signal control parameter in a corresponding time zone. The first signal control method corresponds to a signal control method that does not use a traffic index.

  If the probe information acquisition frequency (traffic frequency) is greater than or equal to the second threshold in a certain time zone, the second signal control method is selected in the time zone. In the second signal control method, for example, a set of a plurality of signal control parameters (for example, cycle length, split, offset, etc.) is prepared, and each traffic index (for example, travel time of an arbitrary section of the road) is prepared. In this method, signal control parameters to be used are determined, and signal control parameters corresponding to actually measured traffic indexes are selected.

  Further, when the probe information acquisition frequency (traffic frequency) is equal to or higher than the first threshold value and smaller than the second threshold value in a certain time zone, the third signal control method is selected in the time zone. In the third signal control method, for example, a set of a plurality of signal control parameters (for example, cycle length, split, offset, etc.) is prepared, signal control parameters to be used for each time zone are determined, and time Another signal control parameter to be used is determined in accordance with a traffic index (for example, travel time) for each specific time zone in the zone. In this method, a signal control parameter corresponding to a traffic index actually measured in a specific time zone is selected while selecting a signal control parameter in a time zone corresponding to time. The second and third signal control methods correspond to the signal control method using the traffic index.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the traffic frequency calculated by the traffic frequency calculation unit 103 is small, the selection unit 105 can use the first signal control method that can be used even when the frequency at which the probe information is acquired is low. When the calculated traffic frequency is large, the second or third signal control method depending on the probe information is selected. Thereby, appropriate signal control according to traffic conditions can be realized according to the number of probe vehicles 10 (frequency of obtaining probe information). Below, each signal control system is demonstrated.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a signal control parameter table used for the first and third signal control methods. In the example of FIG. 4, seven types of signal control parameters classified by pattern numbers 1 to 7 are used. For example, the signal control parameter of pattern number 1 has a cycle length of 60 seconds, a split between road R1 and road R2 of 0.5: 0.5, and an offset of 0 seconds. The signal control parameters for other pattern numbers are also shown in the figure. The signal control parameter is an example and is not limited to the example of FIG. 4, and the number of signal control parameters (pattern number) is not limited to the example of FIG.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the first signal control method. As described above, in the first signal control method, a set of a plurality of signal control parameters is prepared, a signal control parameter to be used for each time zone is determined, and a signal control parameter in a time zone corresponding to time is set. The method to select.

  As shown in FIG. 5, it is determined that the signal control parameter of pattern number 1 is used during the time from 0:00 to 6:00. Further, it is determined that the signal control parameter of pattern number 2 is used during the time from 6:00 to 7:00. Other times are as illustrated in FIG. The first signal control method can perform effective signal control for an area and a time zone in which the fluctuation with respect to the traffic demand assumed in advance is small.

  When the traffic frequency calculated by the traffic frequency calculation unit 103 (for example, the number of probe vehicles for each arbitrary time zone, the probe information acquisition frequency, etc.) is smaller than the first threshold value TH1, the selection unit 105 performs the first signal control. Select a method. When the probe information acquisition frequency is low, by selecting the first signal control method, it is possible to perform effective signal control for an area and a time zone in which there is little fluctuation with respect to the traffic demand assumed in advance.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the third signal control method. As described above, in the third signal control method, a set of a plurality of signal control parameters is prepared, and the signal control parameters to be used for each time zone as shown in FIG. 5 are determined, as shown in FIG. Another signal control parameter to be used is determined in accordance with a traffic index (for example, travel time) for each specific time zone in such a time zone. In this method, a signal control parameter corresponding to a traffic index actually measured in a specific time zone is selected while selecting a signal control parameter in a time zone corresponding to time.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the third signal control method, a calling condition, a calling pattern, and an execution time are determined for each specific time zone (for example, from 6:30 to 7:00). In the third signal control method, it is determined whether or not the calling condition is satisfied in a specific time zone. When the calling condition is satisfied, the signal control parameter of the calling pattern is set for the time specified by the execution time. use.

  As a specific time zone, between 6:30 and 7:00, the calling condition is that the travel time T1 of the road R1 is 300 seconds or more. The travel time of the road R1 can be the larger travel time of the travel time of the road sections 11 and 12.

  Further, during the period from 16:30 to 17:00 as a specific time zone, the calling condition is that the travel time T2 of the road R2 is 300 seconds or more. The travel time on the road R2 can be the larger travel time of the travel times of the road sections 21 and 22. The same applies to other specific time zones.

  Next, the third signal control method will be described more specifically. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the time reaches 6:00, the signal control parameter of pattern number 2 is used. As shown in FIG. 4, the signal control parameter of pattern number 2 has a cycle length of 90 seconds and a split between roads R1 and R2 of 0.6: 0.4.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the time is 6:30, the calling condition is determined as to whether or not the travel time T1 of the road R1 is 300 seconds or longer. This calling condition can determine whether or not the road R1 is congested compared to when the road R1 is not congested. When the calling condition is satisfied, that is, when the road R1 is congested, the signal control parameter of pattern number 3 is used. As shown in FIG. 4, the signal control parameter of pattern number 3 has a cycle length of 120 seconds and a split between roads R1 and R2 of 0.6: 0.4. By calling and using the signal control parameter of pattern number 3, the blue time of the signal lamp 2 for the road R1 is extended from 54 seconds to 72 seconds, and traffic signal control is performed in a direction to eliminate the traffic congestion on the road R1. .

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the first signal control method, the signal control parameter of pattern number 2 is used between 6:00 and 7:00, and the road between 7:00 and 9:00 The rule is switched to the signal control parameter of pattern number 3 from the rule of thumb that the traffic demand of R1 increases. However, when the time when the road R1 starts to become crowded is earlier than the time 7:00 when the road R1 is expected to start being crowded, the cycle length is normally set to about 120 seconds so that the road R1 cannot be fully produced. Although the cycle length remains at 90 seconds, the number of vehicles that can pass through the intersection 20 during one cycle is limited, the number of vehicles waiting for traffic lights increases, and traffic congestion occurs. Occur.

  By adopting the third signal control method, between time 6:30 and 7:00, 30 minutes earlier than time 7:00, after time 7:00 at an earlier stage than usual according to travel time Since the signal control parameter of the pattern number 3 scheduled to be used for the above can be used, it is possible to respond flexibly even when the traffic situation changes earlier than expected in advance.

  Similarly, as shown in FIG. 5, in the first signal control method, the signal control parameter of pattern number 3 is used between 7:00 and 9:00 and between 9:00 and 17:00. Then, it switches from the rule of thumb that the traffic demand of road R1 decreases to the signal control parameter of pattern number 4. However, if the congested situation does not change after the time 9:00 when it is predicted that the road R1 will be crowded, the signal control parameter of pattern number 3 must be used continuously. However, since the cycle length is shortened to 90 seconds by using the signal control parameter of pattern number 4, the congested traffic situation may become more serious.

  By adopting the third signal control method, when the travel time T1 is 300 seconds or more between 9:00 and 10:00, the signal control parameter of pattern number 3 is continuously extended. Therefore, even when the traffic situation changes later than expected in advance, demand can be flexibly dealt with.

  As described above, by selecting the third signal control method, it is possible to perform effective signal control when the acquisition frequency of the probe information is not so high and the traffic demand is likely to fluctuate in advance. it can.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a signal control parameter table used in the second signal control method. In the example of FIG. 7, 12 types of signal control parameters classified by pattern numbers 11 to 22 are used. For example, the signal control parameter of pattern number 11 has a cycle length of 60 seconds, a split between road R1 and road R2 of 0.5: 0.5, and an offset of 0 seconds. The signal control parameters for other pattern numbers are also shown in the figure. The signal control parameter is an example, and is not limited to the example in FIG. 7, and the number of signal control parameters (pattern number) is not limited to the example in FIG. 7. Further, the same signal control parameters in FIGS. 7 and 4 can be combined into the same pattern number.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the second signal control method. As described above, in the second signal control method, a set of a plurality of signal control parameters is prepared, and a signal control parameter to be used for each traffic index (for example, travel time of an arbitrary section of a road) is determined. In other words, this is a method of selecting a signal control parameter corresponding to the actually measured traffic index.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the travel time T1 of the road R1 is shorter than 120 seconds and the travel time T2 of the road R2 is shorter than 120 seconds, the signal control parameter of the pattern number 11 is used. As shown in FIG. 7, the signal control parameter of pattern number 11 has a cycle length of 60 seconds and a split of roads R1 and R2 of 0.5: 0.5.

  Then, when the travel time T1 of the road R1 increases and becomes 240 seconds or more and less than 360 while the travel time T2 of the road R2 is shorter than 120 seconds, the signal control parameter of the pattern number 15 is used. As shown in FIG. 7, the signal control parameter of pattern number 15 has a cycle length of 90 seconds and a split of roads R1 and R2 of 0.6: 0.4. By switching to the signal control parameter of pattern number 15, the blue time of the signal lamp 2 with respect to the road R1 is extended from 30 seconds to 54 seconds, and the traffic jam on the road R1 can be reduced.

  As described above, by selecting the second signal control method, effective signal control is performed when the acquisition frequency of probe information is relatively high and traffic indicators such as travel time can be obtained in a timely manner. be able to. In addition, when the probe information acquisition frequency is not low, it is possible to obtain a traffic index such as travel time in a timely manner by selecting the second or third signal control method, or assumed in advance Effective signal control can be performed when fluctuations in traffic demand are likely to occur.

  Next, the operation of the signal control apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the signal control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. The control unit 101 calculates the probe information acquisition frequency for each time period based on the probe information collected in advance (S11).

  The control unit 101 determines whether or not the calculated acquisition frequency is smaller than the first threshold value TH1 (S12). If the acquisition frequency is smaller than the first threshold value TH1 (YES in S12), the first signal control method is selected. (S13), the signal control parameter corresponding to the time is selected (S14), and the process is terminated.

  When the calculated acquisition frequency is not smaller than the first threshold TH1 (NO in S12), the control unit 101 determines whether or not the calculated acquisition frequency is equal to or higher than the second threshold TH2 (S15). When the calculated acquisition frequency is equal to or greater than the second threshold TH2 (YES in S15), the control unit 101 selects the second signal control method (S16), and calculates the travel times of the roads R1 and R2 (S17). Then, a signal control parameter corresponding to the travel time of each road is selected (S18), and the process is terminated.

  When the calculated acquisition frequency is not equal to or higher than the second threshold TH2, that is, when the calculated acquisition frequency is equal to or higher than the first threshold TH1 and smaller than the second threshold (NO in S15), the control unit 101 performs the third signal control method. (S19), the travel times of the roads R1 and R2 are calculated (S20), the signal control parameters corresponding to the time and the travel time of each road are selected (S21), and the process is terminated.

  Note that the process shown in FIG. 9 can be repeated at a predetermined cycle.

  The signal control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can be realized using a general-purpose computer including a CPU, a RAM, and the like. That is, the signal control device 100 can be realized on a computer by loading a program code defining each processing procedure as shown in FIG. 9 into a RAM provided in the computer and executing the program code by the CPU. it can.

  In the above-described embodiment, the signal control apparatus 100 outputs the selected signal control parameter to the traffic signal controller 1. The traffic signal controller 1 controls the signal lamp 2 using the selected signal control parameter. Note that the signal control device 100 may be incorporated in the traffic signal controller 1.

  In the above embodiment, the travel time is used as the traffic index obtained using the probe information. However, the traffic index is not limited to the travel time, and the stop position upstream of the intersection of the probe vehicle is determined. It can also be used. This is because there is a correlation between the distance from the intersection to the stop position and the travel time. When the stop position of the probe vehicle is used instead of the travel time, the signal control parameter may be selected according to the stop position on each of the roads R1 and R2.

  In the above-described embodiment, the signal control parameter table that defines the set of signal control parameters is stored. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the calculation is performed in real time by a calculation unit such as a CPU. Also good.

  The disclosed embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative 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.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Traffic signal controller 2 Signal lamp 3 Road equipment 5 Vehicle-mounted apparatus 101 Control part 102 Communication part 103 Traffic frequency calculation part (calculation means)
104 storage unit 105 selection unit (selection means)
106 Travel time calculator

Claims (10)

In the signal control device for controlling the color of the signal lamp for the inflow path flowing into the intersection according to the amount of traffic of the vehicle having transmission means for transmitting information indicating the running state of the vehicle,
A calculation means for calculating the traffic frequency of the vehicle having the transmission means in an arbitrary time zone based on the traffic volume;
Selecting means for selecting one signal control method from among a plurality of signal control methods determined in advance to control the blue time of the signal lamp according to the traffic frequency calculated by the calculating means. A signal control device. The plurality of signal control methods are:
Including a signal control method using a traffic index based on information indicating the running state of the vehicle and a signal control method not using the traffic index,
The selection means includes
The signal processing method using the traffic indicator or the signal control method not using the traffic indicator is selected according to the traffic frequency calculated by the calculating means. The signal control apparatus as described. The plurality of signal control methods are:
Signal according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a first signal control method that determines one of the signal control parameters according to the time from a plurality of signal control parameters defined for each time period Control device. The plurality of signal control methods are:
Including a second signal control method for determining one signal control parameter from among a plurality of signal control parameters determined for each traffic index according to a traffic index based on information indicating a running state of the vehicle, signal control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The plurality of signal control methods are:
A third signal control method for determining one signal control parameter from among a plurality of signal control parameters determined for each time zone and for each traffic index according to a traffic index based on information indicating the time and the running state of the vehicle The signal control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The selection means includes
When the traffic frequency calculated by the calculating means is smaller than the first threshold value , the following first signal control method is selected, and when it is equal to or more than the first threshold value, any of the following second or third signal control methods is selected. 3. The signal control device according to claim 1 , wherein the signal control device is configured to select either of them.
1st signal control system: The signal control system which determines one signal control parameter according to time from the several signal control parameters defined for every time slot | zone.
Second signal control method: a signal control method in which one signal control parameter is determined from a plurality of signal control parameters determined for each traffic indicator according to a traffic indicator based on information indicating the running state of the vehicle.
Third signal control method: One signal control parameter is determined from a plurality of signal control parameters determined for each time zone and for each traffic index according to a traffic index based on information indicating time and a running state of the vehicle. Signal control method to be used . The selection means includes
The configuration according to claim 6, wherein the second signal control method is selected when the traffic frequency calculated by the calculating means is equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value. Signal control device. The selection means includes
8. The third signal control method is selected when the traffic frequency calculated by the calculating means is equal to or higher than the first threshold and smaller than the second threshold. The signal control apparatus as described. A computer program for causing a computer to execute a step for controlling the light color of a signal lamp for an inflow path flowing into an intersection according to the amount of traffic of the vehicle, having transmission means for transmitting information indicating the running state of the vehicle In
The computer,
A calculation means for calculating the traffic frequency of the vehicle having the transmission means in an arbitrary time zone based on the traffic volume;
Selecting means for selecting one signal control method from a plurality of predetermined signal control methods for controlling the blue time of the signal lamp according to the calculated traffic frequency;
Computer program to make it function . In the signal control method by the signal control device for controlling the color of the signal lamp for the inflow path flowing into the intersection according to the amount of traffic of the vehicle having transmission means for transmitting information indicating the running state of the vehicle,
A step of calculating a traffic frequency of the vehicle having the transmission means in an arbitrary time zone based on the traffic volume;
Selecting a signal control method from among a plurality of signal control methods determined in advance to control the blue time of the signal lamp according to the calculated traffic frequency. Signal control method.

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