JP6817554B2 - Roadside equipment, in-vehicle equipment, traffic information provision system and traffic information provision method - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a roadside device, an in-vehicle device, a traffic information providing system, and a traffic information providing method for providing a driver with information on a display schedule of a traffic signal light color (blue, yellow, red, etc.).

Conventionally, in order to support safe driving of a driver at an intersection or the like where a traffic signal is installed, a technique for providing the driver with information on a display schedule of the light color of the traffic signal has been developed. Whether the driver (or in-vehicle device) can safely pass through the intersection by acquiring information on the display schedule of the light color of the traffic signal (for example, the number of seconds of continuous blue display). It is possible to adjust the speed of the vehicle and use the brakes.

As a technique of this kind, for example, for all traffic signal controllers whose central unit is determined to be in sync in the next cycle, the provision including the target offset, cycle length, and blue time of each traffic signal controller in the next cycle. While transmitting the target intersection signal information to the information relay device, the traffic signal controller transmits the reference intersection signal information regarding the display time of each signal light color of the current cycle and the next cycle to the information relay device at predetermined time intervals, and relays the information. The device creates green wave signal information (multiple intersection signal light color display information) regarding the display schedule of the signal light color of each traffic signal controller based on the provided intersection signal information and the reference intersection signal information, and the green wave. There is known a traffic system in which signal information is transmitted to an in-vehicle device via a roadside communication device (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 5843059

In the prior art described in Patent Document 1, a signal light color relating to a plurality of intersections including a reference intersection which is the first intersection to be passed and a dependent intersection which is another one or a plurality of other intersections which are subsequently passed. The display schedule is transmitted to the in-vehicle device. Here, for example, assuming that the target vehicle travels straight, the configuration of such a plurality of intersections (dependent intersections) is relatively simple. On the other hand, in the above-mentioned prior art, when the course of the vehicle at the intersection and the planned travel route of the vehicle from the departure point to the destination are unknown, there are many candidates for the subordinate intersection that passes after the reference intersection. Therefore, it becomes difficult to appropriately provide the driver with information on the display schedule of the light color of the traffic signal at a plurality of intersections.

The present disclosure has been devised in view of such problems of the prior art, and makes it possible to appropriately provide the driver with information on the display schedule of the light color of the traffic signal at a plurality of intersections. The main purpose is to provide roadside devices, in-vehicle devices, traffic information providing systems, and traffic information providing methods.

The roadside device of the present disclosure is a roadside device that is arranged corresponding to a reference intersection determined by the traveling position of the vehicle and communicates with an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle, and is a signal control of a traffic signal at the reference intersection. Communication between a reference signal information acquisition unit that acquires reference signal information based on the signal control information of the traffic signal and another roadside device arranged corresponding to a dependent intersection different from the reference intersection by communication with the machine. The subordinate signal information acquisition unit that acquires the subordinate signal information based on the signal control information of the traffic signal at the subordinate intersection, the course information receiving unit that receives the course information of the vehicle from the in-vehicle device, the reference signal information, and the reference signal information. A signal information transmitting unit that transmits the dependent signal information to the in-vehicle device is provided, and at least a part of the dependent intersection is determined based on the course information from the intersections located around the reference intersection. It is a feature.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to appropriately provide the driver with information regarding the display schedule of the light color of the traffic signal at a plurality of intersections.

Configuration diagram showing the outline of the traffic information providing system 1 according to the embodiment Functional block diagram of the roadside device 6A and the in-vehicle device 7 shown in FIG. Explanatory diagram showing an example of the first intersection group in the traffic information providing system 1. Explanatory drawing which shows the first example of the 2nd intersection group in the traffic information provision system 1. Explanatory drawing which shows the first example of the 2nd intersection group in the traffic information provision system 1. Explanatory drawing which shows display example of light color display information of traffic signal 4 in traffic information provision system 1 Explanatory drawing which shows the 3rd example of the 2nd intersection group in the traffic information provision system 1. Flow chart showing the flow of processing by the traffic information providing system 1

The first invention made to solve the above problem is a roadside device that is arranged corresponding to a reference intersection determined by a traveling position of a vehicle and communicates with an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle. A reference signal information acquisition unit that acquires reference signal information based on the signal control information of the traffic signal by communicating with the signal controller of the traffic signal at the reference intersection, and a reference signal information acquisition unit that is arranged corresponding to a dependent intersection different from the reference intersection. Includes a subordinate signal information acquisition unit that acquires subordinate signal information based on signal control information of a traffic signal at the subordinate intersection by communication with other roadside devices, and instruction information of a direction indicator mounted on the vehicle. The vehicle includes a route information receiving unit that receives the route information from the vehicle-mounted device, and a traffic light information transmitting unit that transmits the reference signal information and the dependent signal information to the vehicle-mounted device, and at least a part of the dependent intersection is described above. It is characterized in that it is determined based on the course information from among the intersections located around the reference intersection.

According to the roadside device according to the first invention, the roadside device transmits the dependent signal information regarding the dependent intersection determined based on the course information from the intersections located around the reference intersection to the vehicle. multiple intersections (i.e., the vehicle is first reference intersection and intersections near the pass) the information about the definitive traffic signal can be provided properly. In addition, according to the roadside device according to the first invention, the roadside device provides the vehicle with dependent signal information regarding the dependent intersection determined based on the instruction information of the direction indicator from the intersections located around the reference intersection. Therefore, it is possible to more appropriately provide information on traffic signals at multiple intersections .

Further, in the second invention, it is a roadside device that is arranged corresponding to a reference intersection determined by the traveling position of the vehicle and communicates with an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle, and is a signal of a traffic signal at the reference intersection. A reference signal information acquisition unit that acquires reference signal information based on the signal control information of the traffic signal by communication with the controller, and another roadside device arranged corresponding to a dependent intersection different from the reference intersection. A subordinate signal information acquisition unit that acquires subordinate signal information based on signal control information of a traffic signal at the subordinate intersection, a course information receiving unit that receives the course information of the vehicle from the in-vehicle device, and the reference signal information. And a signal information transmitting unit that transmits the dependent signal information to the vehicle-mounted device, and the signal information transmitting unit is directly connected to the reference intersection before the route information receiving unit receives the route information. It is determined that the dependent signal information regarding the traffic signal at the dependent intersection is transmitted to the in-vehicle device, and at least a part of the dependent intersection is determined based on the course information from the intersections located around the reference intersection. It is a feature.

According to the roadside device according to the second invention, information on a traffic signal is transmitted to an in-vehicle device by transmitting subordinate signal information on a part of a subordinate intersection directly connected to a reference intersection before receiving the course information. It becomes possible to more efficiently execute the processing by the in-vehicle device for providing .

Further, in the third invention, it is a roadside device that is arranged corresponding to a reference intersection determined by a traveling position of a vehicle and communicates with an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle, and is a signal of a traffic signal at the reference intersection. A reference signal information acquisition unit that acquires reference signal information based on the signal control information of the traffic signal by communication with the controller, and another roadside device arranged corresponding to a dependent intersection different from the reference intersection. A subordinate signal information acquisition unit that acquires subordinate signal information based on signal control information of a traffic signal at the subordinate intersection, a course information receiving unit that receives the course information at the reference intersection of the vehicle, and the reference signal information. And, when the dependent signal information of the dependent intersection directly connected to the reference intersection is transmitted to the in-vehicle device and the course information is received, it is determined from the dependent intersection directly connected to the reference intersection based on the course information. It is characterized by including a signal information transmission unit for transmitting the subordinate signal information of the subordinate intersection that is directly connected to the one subordinate intersection .

According to the roadside device according to the third invention, the roadside device transmits the dependent signal information regarding the dependent intersection determined based on the course information from the intersections located around the reference intersection to the vehicle. It is possible to appropriately provide information on traffic signals at a plurality of intersections (that is, the reference intersection through which the vehicle first passes and the intersections around it) .

Further, in the fourth invention, in any one of the first to third inventions , at least one of the reference signal information and the dependent signal information includes information on the display time of the light color of the traffic signal. It is characterized by that.

According to the roadside device according to the fourth invention, it is possible to more appropriately provide the driver with information regarding the display schedule of the light color by the information regarding the display time of the light color .

Further, the fifth invention is an in- vehicle device that communicates with a roadside device arranged corresponding to a reference intersection determined by a traveling position of a vehicle, and is a reference signal based on signal control information of a traffic signal at the reference intersection. A signal information receiving unit that receives information and dependent signal information based on signal control information of a traffic signal at a dependent intersection different from the reference intersection is provided from the roadside device, and the dependent signal information is directly connected to the reference intersection. The subordination of the subordinate intersection directly connected to the subordinate intersection determined based on the subordinate signal information of the subordinate intersection and the course information of the vehicle at the reference intersection of the vehicle from the subordinate intersection directly connected to the reference intersection. It is characterized by including signal information .

According to the in- vehicle device according to the fifth invention, since the in- vehicle device acquires traffic signal information about a dependent intersection based on the course information of a vehicle, it is possible to appropriately provide information about a traffic signal at a plurality of intersections. ..

The sixth invention is characterized in that, in the fifth invention, a display output unit for outputting an image based on at least one of the reference signal information and the dependent signal information is further provided .

According to the in-vehicle device according to the sixth invention, it is possible to more appropriately provide the driver with information on the traffic signal at a plurality of intersections by displaying an image based on at least one of the reference signal information and the dependent signal information. It becomes.

Further, a seventh aspect based on the fifth or sixth invention, and further comprising a sound output unit for outputting sound based on at least one of the reference signal information and the subordinate traffic information.

An in-vehicle apparatus according to the seventh invention, the sound output based on at least one of the reference signal information and dependent signal information, to provide better information about the plurality intersection traffic signal to the driver Is possible.

Further, the eighth invention is the roadside device according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, the in-vehicle device according to any one of the fifth to seventh inventions, and the traffic corresponding to the roadside device. It is a traffic information providing system including the signal controller of a traffic light .

According to the traffic information providing system according to the eighth invention, the roadside device transmits the dependent signal information regarding the dependent intersection determined based on the course information from the intersections located around the reference intersection to the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately provide information on traffic signals at a plurality of intersections .

Further, the ninth invention is a method of providing traffic information by a roadside device which is arranged corresponding to a reference intersection determined by a traveling position of a vehicle and communicates with an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle, and is the reference intersection. The reference signal information acquisition step of acquiring the reference signal information based on the signal control information of the traffic signal by the communication with the signal controller of the traffic signal in the above, and the other arrangement corresponding to the dependent intersection different from the reference intersection. The subordinate signal information acquisition step of acquiring the subordinate signal information based on the signal control information of the traffic signal at the subordinate intersection and the course information regarding the course at the reference intersection of the vehicle are received from the in-vehicle device by communicating with the roadside device of the vehicle. A step of receiving the course information, a step of transmitting the reference signal information and the dependent signal information of the dependent intersection directly connected to the reference intersection to the in-vehicle device, and a step of transmitting the course information directly to the reference intersection. It is characterized by having a step of transmitting the dependent signal information of the dependent intersection directly connected to one of the dependent intersections determined based on the course information from the connecting dependent intersection .

According to the traffic information providing method according to the ninth invention, the roadside device transmits to the vehicle the dependent signal information regarding the dependent intersection determined based on the course information from the intersections located around the reference intersection. Therefore, it is possible to provide earnestly apply the information about the plurality intersection traffic signal.

The tenth invention is a method of providing traffic information by an in-vehicle device that communicates with a roadside device arranged corresponding to a reference intersection determined by a traveling position of a vehicle, and is a signal control of a traffic signal at the reference intersection. It has a subordinate signal information receiving step of receiving the reference signal information based on the information and the subordinate signal information based on the signal control information of the traffic signal at the subordinate intersection different from the reference intersection from the roadside device, and the subordinate signal information is the said. and said dependent signal information of the subordinate intersection that connects directly to the reference intersection, the subordinate traffic of the dependent intersections directly connected to one of said dependent intersection that is determined based on said put that proceeds path information to the reference intersection of the vehicle It is characterized by including information.

According to the traffic information providing method according to the tenth invention, the in- vehicle device appropriately obtains information on traffic signals at a plurality of intersections in order to acquire traffic signal information on a dependent intersection located on a planned travel route based on the course information of the vehicle. It will be possible to provide to .

The eleventh invention is a program for causing a processor to execute the ninth or tenth traffic information providing method .

According to the program according to the eleventh aspect of the invention, for acquiring signal information regarding vehicles of course based rather subordinate intersection information, it can be provided earnestly apply the information about the plurality intersection traffic signal It becomes.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of the traffic information providing system 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. This traffic information providing system 1 has the light colors of the traffic signals (traffic lights) 4A and 4B installed at the intersections 3A and 3B, respectively, in order to support the safe driving of the driver of the vehicle 2 traveling on the road. , Blue and red) information regarding the display schedule (hereinafter referred to as "light color display information") is provided to the vehicle 2 (driver, etc.).

The traffic information providing system 1 detects signal controllers 5A and 5B provided corresponding to the traffic signals 4A and 4B in order to control the operation of the traffic signals 4A and 4B, and a roadside that detects a vehicle 2 traveling on the road. It is composed of devices 6A and 6B and an in-vehicle device 7 and the like provided so as to be capable of bidirectional communication with roadside devices 6A and 6B, respectively. The traffic signals 4A and 4B, the signal controllers 5A and 5B, and the roadside devices 6A and 6B can communicate with each other at least at the same intersection with the signal controllers 5A and 5B and the roadside devices 6A and 6B via a communication network. is there.

The number and arrangement of intersections 3A and 3B, traffic signals 4A and 4B, signal controllers 5A and 5B, and roadside devices 6A and 6B are not limited to the examples shown in FIG. 1, depending on the configuration of the road network. Various changes are possible. Further, in the following description, the plurality of intersections 3A and 3B, the traffic signals 4A and 4B, the signal controllers 5A and 5B, and the roadside devices 6A and 6B will be referred to as intersections 3 and 3B, respectively, unless it is necessary to distinguish them. Collectively referred to as a traffic signal 4, a signal controller 5, and a roadside device 6.

The roadside device 6 is composed of a predetermined intersection 3 and an optical beacon (optical vehicle detector) installed corresponding to a traffic signal 4 provided at the intersection 3. In FIG. 1, the roadside device 6 is arranged in front of the intersection 3 with reference to the traveling direction of the vehicle 2 indicated by the arrow, but in some cases, the back side of the intersection 3 (the position where the vehicle 2 has passed the intersection 3). May be placed in.

In the present disclosure, an intersection determined by the traveling position and direction of the vehicle 2 and closest in the traveling direction in which the vehicle 2 first passes from the current position is referred to as a "reference intersection". Further, an intersection located around the reference intersection and which the vehicle 2 may pass after passing through the reference intersection is called a "dependent intersection". For example, in FIG. 1, the intersection 3A is the reference intersection and the intersection 3B is the subordinate intersection from the traveling position and direction of the vehicle 2, but when the vehicle 2 enters the intersection 3B from the opposite direction, the intersection 3B is the reference. It becomes an intersection, and intersection 3A can be a dependent intersection.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the roadside device 6 and the in-vehicle device 7 shown in FIG. Here, the roadside device 6 will be described as a roadside device 6A provided at the intersection 3A. In the roadside device 6A, the reference signal information communication unit (reference signal information acquisition unit) 11 is composed of a communication module having a communication function based on a known communication standard, and signal control is performed by wired communication with the corresponding signal controller 5A. It is possible to acquire signal information (that is, at least a part of the signal control information) based on the signal control information of the corresponding traffic signal 4A from the machine 5A. The signal control information includes control commands for each traffic signal 4 (signal control parameters such as split, cycle length, offset, etc.), the current operating status of the traffic signal 4, (for example, the number of seconds remaining in red display or blue display), and the like. Information is included.

Further, the subordinate signal information communication unit (subordinate signal information acquisition unit) 12 is composed of a communication module having a communication function based on a known communication standard, and is a roadside device (another roadside device) arranged corresponding to the subordinate intersection 3B. ) Bidirectional communication by wireless communication with 6B is possible. The subordinate signal information communication unit 12 appropriately acquires signal information (hereinafter, referred to as “subordinate signal information”) relating to the traffic signal 4B from the roadside device 6B at the subordinate intersection 3B. On the other hand, the subordinate signal information communication unit 12 provides the signal information (hereinafter, referred to as "reference signal information") regarding the traffic signal 4A by the signal controller 5A to the roadside device 6B arranged corresponding to the subordinate intersection 3B. Send. The roadside devices 6A and 6B can execute communication at predetermined time intervals (for example, every second) in order to exchange the signal information with each other.

In FIG. 1, only the intersection 3B located in the straight direction of the vehicle 2 is shown as a dependent intersection adjacent (directly connected) to the intersection 3A which is the reference intersection, but as will be described later, the vehicle 2 turns left. Intersections adjacent to intersection 3A in the direction and in the right turn direction are also included in the subordinate intersections, and further, an intersection indirectly connected to the reference intersection 3A (that is, to the reference intersection A via one or more other intersections). Connected intersections) can also be included in dependent intersections. At each subordinate intersection, the same equipment and devices as the signal controller 5B and the roadside device 6B are installed.

Further, the optical beacon communication unit (path information receiving unit, traffic light information transmitting unit) 13 is composed of a communication module or the like having a communication function based on a known communication standard, and uses near infrared rays to in-vehicle device 7 (optical beacon communication). It is possible to perform two-way communication with the unit 21). The optical beacon communication unit 13 appropriately acquires vehicle information from the in-vehicle device 7. This vehicle information may include so-called probe information and information accompanying it (arbitrary information that can be collected in the vehicle 2). In the present embodiment, the optical beacon communication unit 13 can acquire instruction information of the direction indicator and route information as vehicle information. The route information includes at least a part of the guidance information provided by the car navigation device (route guidance device) (that is, of the guidance information from the departure point to the destination, at least from the current position of the vehicle 2 to the destination or an intermediate point thereof. Information on the planned travel route) is included, but in some cases, the configuration may include all of the guidance information. Further, the optical beacon communication unit 13 can appropriately transmit the reference signal information and the subordinate signal information to the in-vehicle device 7.

The communication means (communication standards, etc.) of the reference signal information communication unit 11, the subordinate signal information communication unit 12, and the optical beacon communication unit 13 are not limited to those described above, and may be appropriately replaced by known communication means. It is possible.

Further, the control unit 14 is a volatile memory that comprehensively controls the operation of each unit in the roadside device 6 and functions as a processor that executes information processing based on a predetermined control program, a work area of the processor, and the like. It is composed of RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), which is a non-volatile memory that stores control programs and data executed by the processor. Various functions of the roadside device 6 in this embodiment can be realized by the processor executing the control program.

Further, the roadside device 6 is provided with a storage unit 15 composed of a storage for storing information and data necessary for the processing. For example, the reference signal information 16 and the subordinate signal information 17 are stored in the storage unit 15, and are updated as appropriate. In addition, the storage unit 15 can also store vehicle information and the like acquired from the vehicle 2.

Next, in the in-vehicle device 7, the optical beacon communication unit 21 (course information transmission unit, traffic light information reception unit) is composed of a communication module or the like having a communication function based on a known communication standard, and is roadside using near infrared rays. It is possible to perform two-way communication with the device 6 (optical beacon communication unit 13). The optical beacon communication unit 21 appropriately acquires reference signal information and subordinate signal information from the roadside device 6. In the present embodiment, the optical beacon communication unit 21 provides information on the number of seconds remaining in the red or blue display of the traffic signal 4 at the reference intersection and the dependent intersection, and the cycle length information as the signal information and the dependent signal information from the roadside device 6. Can be obtained.

Further, the information input unit 22 includes a CAN (Controller Area Network) and a car navigation device mounted on the vehicle 2, a mobile terminal (mobile phone (smartphone), tablet PC, PDA, etc.) possessed by the driver or passenger. Has an interface that can be connected to. The information input unit 22 can acquire various information (for example, instruction information of a direction indicator, vehicle speed, engine speed, steering angle, etc.) from an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) via CAN. In addition, the information input unit 22 can acquire position information based on GPS and guidance information from a departure point to a destination via a mobile terminal or a car navigation device.

Further, the display output unit 23 and the audio output unit 24 each have an interface that can be connected to a mobile terminal or a car navigation device. The display output unit 23 can output various image information in the traffic information providing system 1 including the light color display information of the traffic signal to the mobile terminal or the car navigation device and display it on their monitors. is there. Further, the voice output unit 24 outputs the voice information corresponding to the image information to the mobile terminal or the car navigation device, and instead of displaying the image on the monitor (or at the same time as displaying the image on the monitor). It is possible to output from a speaker. In addition, such a monitor and a speaker may be provided in the in-vehicle device 7.

Further, the control unit 25 is a volatile memory that comprehensively controls the operation of each unit in the in-vehicle device 7 and functions as a processor that executes information processing based on a predetermined control program, a work area of the processor, and the like. It consists of RAM, a ROM that is a non-volatile memory that stores control programs executed by the processor and data. Various functions of the vehicle-mounted device 7 in the present embodiment can be realized by the processor executing the control program.

Further, the in-vehicle device 7 is provided with a storage unit 26 composed of a storage for storing information and data necessary for the processing. The storage unit 26 stores, for example, road information 27 (including information on the geometric structure of the road network, the arrangement of the traffic signal 4, the signal controller 5, and the roadside device 6), vehicle information 28, and the like. , Will be updated accordingly. Further, the storage unit 26 can also store the reference signal information and the subordinate signal information acquired from the roadside device 6.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a first intersection group to be processed by the traffic information providing system 1, and FIGS. 4 and 5 are the first intersection groups of the second intersection group determined based on the course information of the vehicle 2, respectively. It is explanatory drawing which shows 1st and 2nd example. In FIG. 3-FIG. 5 (the same applies to FIG. 6 described later), for convenience of explanation, each intersection is schematically shown by a circle, and the road connecting the intersections is schematically shown by a straight line. Here, all intersections are four-way intersections where two roads intersect, but it is also possible to include three-way intersections and intersections with five or more forks, and the relative position and distance between each intersection ( The direction and length of the road) can also be changed as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 3, since the vehicle 2 can take a plurality of paths (here, (1) straight ahead, (2) left turn, and (3) right turn) at the reference intersection A, the vehicle 2 can take these paths. Depending on this, the dependent intersections (hereinafter referred to as "first dependent intersections") B, C, and D that the vehicle 2 may pass after the reference intersection A are determined.

In the traffic information providing system 1, the roadside device 6 arranged corresponding to the reference intersection recognizes the reference intersection and the first dependent intersection adjacent to the reference intersection as the same group (first intersection group), and is assigned to the first intersection group. The correspondingly arranged roadside devices 6 exchange signal information by mutual communication, and the signal information (reference signal information and dependent signal information) is shared by each roadside device 6 in the same first intersection group.

Further, when the vehicle 2 moves and enters any of the first dependent intersections B, C, and D, a plurality of paths (here, (1)) are further set at the first dependent intersections B, C, and D. Since there is a possibility of taking three routes (straight ahead, (2) left turn, and (3) right turn), the intersection where vehicle 2 may pass next to the first dependent intersection (hereinafter, depending on those routes). "The second subordinate intersection") is determined. Here, when the vehicle 2 heads for the first subordinate intersection B, the second subordinate intersections are intersections E, F, and G, and when the vehicle 2 heads for the first subordinate intersection C, the second subordinate intersection is an intersection. H, I, F, and when the vehicle 2 heads for the first dependent intersection D, the second dependent intersection becomes intersections J, G, K.

In the traffic information providing system 1, the roadside device 6 arranged corresponding to the reference intersection A is based on the instruction information of the direction indicator (winker) mounted on the vehicle 2 entering the reference intersection A and the route information. From the three first dependent intersections B, C, and D (all intersections that vehicle 2 may pass after the reference intersection) shown in FIG. 3 to one first dependent intersection (to the planned travel route of vehicle 2). It is possible to determine (one intersection) to be located. FIG. 4 shows a case where the vehicle 2 goes straight on the reference intersection A (here, there is no direction indicated by the turn signal (straight ahead)), and thus it depends on the determined first dependent intersection B 3 Two second dependent intersections E, F and G are determined.

In the traffic information providing system 1, the roadside device 6 arranged corresponding to the reference intersection A recognizes the three determined second dependent intersections E, F, and G as the same group (second intersection group). It is possible to provide the vehicle 2 (vehicle-mounted device 7) with the light color display information of the traffic signal 4 when taking a course at each of the second dependent intersections E, F, and G at the first dependent intersection B.

Further, FIG. 5 shows a case where the vehicle 2 turns right at the reference intersection A (for example, the direction indicated by the direction indicator is right (turn right)), and thereby depends on the determined first dependent intersection C. The three second dependent intersections H, I, and F are determined. Similar to the case of FIG. 4 described above, the roadside device 6 arranged corresponding to the reference intersection A recognizes the second dependent intersections H, I, and F as the second intersection group, and at the first dependent intersection C, the first 2 Provide the vehicle 2 with the light color display information of the traffic signal 4 when taking a course at each of the subordinate intersections H, I, and F. The same applies when the vehicle 2 turns left at the intersection A.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of the light color display information of the traffic signal 4 in the traffic information providing system 1. The in-vehicle device 7 transmits image information from the display output unit 23 to a mobile terminal, a car navigation device, or the like based on the light color display information of the traffic signal 4 as described above. On the monitor (here, the touch panel) of the mobile terminal or the car navigation device, for example, as shown in FIG. 6A, an initial screen (course selection screen) for using the traffic information providing system 1 is displayed. An operation of the user (driver or passenger) by performing an input operation (for example, touching an icon indicating the course direction) in the operation field 31 or performing a voice operation (operation instruction by vocalization). Therefore, the light color display information of the traffic signal 4 in the information display field 32 can be changed as shown in FIGS. 6 (B)-(D).

In FIG. 6A, light color display information regarding the reference intersection A is displayed in the operation field 31 as information display regarding the default intersection. At this time, when the current light color of the intersection A is blue, the X seconds of blue (upward arrow) indicate the remaining time of the blue display when going straight on the reference intersection A, and the Z seconds of blue (rightward arrow). Indicates the remaining time in blue when turning right at the reference intersection A, and A seconds in blue (left-pointing arrow) indicate the remaining time in blue when turning left at the reference intersection A. These values of X seconds, Z seconds, and A seconds decrease with the actual passage of time based on the information of the timer provided in the in-vehicle device 7. In addition, when the current light color of the reference intersection A is blue, the red Y second indicates the maximum time of the red display, and when the blue display ends (usually, it changes to the red display via the yellow display). The value of Y seconds (including the case where the arrow display ends in the arrow type signal) decreases with the actual passage of time. When the current light color of the intersection A is blue, the time display related to blue can be highlighted.

On the other hand, when the current light color of the intersection A is red, the red Y seconds indicate the remaining time of the red display. When the current light color of the reference intersection A is red, the blue (upward arrow) X seconds, the blue (rightward arrow) Z seconds, and the blue (leftward arrow) A seconds are at the reference intersection A, respectively. The maximum time of the blue display (including the arrow display for arrow-type traffic lights) when going straight, turning right, and turning left is shown, and the values of X seconds, Z seconds, and A seconds when the red display ends are the actual values. Each decreases with the passage of time. When the current light color of the intersection A is red, the time display related to red can be highlighted.

Similarly, FIGS. 6B, 6C, and 6D show a case where the reference intersection A goes straight to the first dependent intersection B and a case where the reference intersection A is turned right and proceeds to the first dependent intersection C. The information display field 32 when turning left at the reference intersection A and proceeding to the first dependent intersection D is shown. The display of the number of seconds in blue and red is the same as in the case of FIG. 6A described above. The information displayed on the monitor is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 6, and for example, information on the distance from the reference intersection A to the next dependent intersection or the recommended speed of the vehicle 2 may be displayed.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a third example of the second intersection group determined based on the route information of the vehicle 2. Here, it is assumed that the roadside device 6 arranged corresponding to the reference intersection A has acquired the route information from the current position of the vehicle 2 (before the approach of the intersection A) to the destination 30 (intersection F). .. In this case, the roadside device 6 arranged corresponding to the reference intersection A recognizes the intersection C-intersection F as the second intersection group based on the planned travel route of the vehicle 2, and at least a part thereof (the current position of the vehicle 2). For at least one subordinate intersection that is closer), the light color display information of the traffic signal is provided to the vehicle 2. In this case, with respect to the screen displayed on the monitor of the mobile terminal, the car navigation device, etc., it is possible to omit the user operation (course selection screen) as in the case of FIG. The light color display information of the corresponding traffic signal 4 can be automatically and sequentially displayed on the monitor. When the route guidance by the car navigation device is changed (reroute is executed), the second intersection group based on the route information is also changed.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a processing flow by the traffic information providing system 1. The vehicle 2 approaches the reference intersection and becomes in a state where it can communicate with the roadside device 6 (hereinafter, referred to as "target roadside device") arranged corresponding to the reference intersection (for example, a distance within 30 m) (ST101). : Yes), information is distributed from the target roadside device to the vehicle 2, and the in-vehicle device 7 receives the reference signal information and the dependent signal information regarding the reference intersection by the information distribution (ST102). Here, the reference signal information and the dependent signal information are signal information relating to the first intersection group, and include information on the remaining seconds and cycle length displayed in red or blue.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, in step ST102, the reference signal information regarding the reference intersection A and the dependent signal information regarding the first dependent intersections B, C, and D are acquired.

Next, the in-vehicle device 7 generates light color display information regarding these intersections based on the reference signal information regarding the reference intersection A and the dependent signal information regarding the first dependent intersections B, C, and D acquired in step ST102 (). ST103).

Subsequently, the vehicle 2 transmits vehicle information to the target roadside device at the reference intersection (ST104). Here, the vehicle information includes instruction information of a direction indicator, route information, and the like. As a result, the target roadside device that has received the vehicle information can grasp the course (or planned travel route) of the vehicle 2, and therefore, the information necessary for the other roadside device 6 located in the route (or planned travel route) ( It is possible to request traffic light information, etc.). Further, the other roadside device 6 located in the course (or the planned travel route) can further acquire the signal information from another roadside device 6 located in the vicinity thereof.

Therefore, the target roadside device that has acquired the vehicle information identifies the course of the vehicle 2 at the reference intersection based on the vehicle information, and further ahead of the first dependent intersection located in the course, the second dependent intersection (if necessary). (Including intersections where the vehicle 2 may further pass after passing through those second dependent intersections) is transmitted to the vehicle 2 as dependent signal information, and the vehicle-mounted device 7 transmits this dependent signal information. Receive (ST105). This dependent traffic light information is traffic light information regarding the second intersection group, and includes information on the number of seconds remaining and the cycle length displayed in red or blue.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, in step ST105, the target roadside device recognizes the course of the vehicle 2 at the reference intersection A as "straight ahead" based on the vehicle information, and thereby, the first dependent intersection located in the straight direction. Information about the second dependent intersections E, F, and G (second intersection group) subordinate to B will be transmitted to the vehicle 2.

Next, when the route information does not exist (that is, the route guidance by the car navigation device is not set) (ST106: No), the vehicle-mounted device 7 is based on the dependent signal information regarding the second intersection group received in step ST104. , Generates the light color display information of the traffic signal 4 at an intersection subordinate to each intersection for which the light color display information is generated in step ST105 (that is, an intersection located on a travel path on which the vehicle 2 may travel) (ST107). ).

On the other hand, in step ST106, when the route information exists (Yes), the vehicle-mounted device 7 generates the light color display information regarding the intersection located on the planned travel route based on the route information (ST108). For example, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the planned travel route is from intersection A to intersection F (destination 30), and here, light color display information regarding at least reference intersection A, first dependent intersection B, and second dependent intersection C. Is generated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and all the light color display information from the intersection A to the intersection F may be sequentially generated.

Next, the in-vehicle device 7 outputs a course candidate guide (course selection screen) as shown in FIG. 6A described above, and displays it on a monitor of a mobile terminal or a car navigation device so that the user can see it. (ST109). In this step ST109, the course candidate may be guided by voice output instead of the image display or together with the image display. Therefore, when the user (driver or passenger) selects "straight ahead" by the input operation for the guidance (ST110: Yes), the monitor screen shows the intersection B in the straight direction as shown in the example of FIG. 6 (B). The light color display information is output (ST111). When the user selects "turn right" (ST112: Yes), the light color display information regarding the intersection C in the right turn direction is output as in the example of FIG. 6C (ST113). Further, when the user selects "turn left" (ST114: Yes), the light color display information regarding the intersection D in the left turn direction is output as in the example of FIG. 6D (ST115).

In the in-vehicle device 7, it is possible to set the default light color display information regarding the default intersection, including the case where the user does not select a course (including the case where the user executes the end operation of the guidance of the course candidate). ) (ST114: No), the output of the default light color display information is continued. As this default intersection, for example, either a reference intersection as shown in FIG. 6 (A) or a first dependent intersection that can pass next to the reference intersection based on the instruction information or the route information of the turn signal is used. Can be set. Further, here, the traffic light information regarding the first dependent intersection (or the default intersection) is output according to the guidance of the course candidate, but in addition to these, the light regarding the second intersection group generated in step ST104 is used. Color display information may be displayed.

After that, the in-vehicle device 7 determines that the vehicle has passed the target intersection based on the position information of the vehicle 2 and the communication with the roadside device 6 (ST117: Yes), and the monitor display (or voice) regarding the guidance of the course candidate in step ST109. Output) ends (ST117).

As described above, according to the traffic information providing system 1 according to the present disclosure, the roadside device 6 transmits the dependent signal information regarding the dependent intersection determined based on the course information from the intersections located around the reference intersection to the vehicle 2 ( Properly provide the driver with information on the traffic signal light color display schedule for multiple intersections (ie, the reference intersection that the vehicle first passes through and the intersections around it) for transmission to the in-vehicle device 7). It becomes possible to do.

Although the present disclosure has been described above based on specific embodiments, these embodiments are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. For example, in the above embodiment, an example in which an optical beacon is used as a roadside device is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other devices may be adopted at least as long as the device can communicate with a traveling vehicle. Further, the in-vehicle device may be provided integrally with another device (for example, a car navigation device) mounted on the vehicle. It should be noted that all the components of the roadside device, the in-vehicle device, the traffic information providing system, and the traffic information providing method according to the present embodiment shown in the above embodiment are not necessarily all essential, and at least as long as they do not deviate from the scope of the present invention. It is possible to select as appropriate.

The roadside device, the in-vehicle device, the traffic information providing system, and the traffic information providing method according to the present disclosure make it possible to appropriately provide the driver with information on the display schedule of the light color of the traffic signal at a plurality of intersections, and the traffic It is useful as a roadside device, an in-vehicle device, a traffic information providing system, a traffic information providing method, and the like for providing a driver with information on a display schedule of a traffic light color (blue, yellow, red, etc.).

1 Traffic information providing system 2 Vehicle 3A, 3B Intersection 4A, 4B Traffic signal 5A, 5B Signal controller 6A, 6B Roadside device 7 In-vehicle device 11 Reference signal information communication unit 12 Subordinate signal information communication unit 13 Optical beacon communication unit (course information) Receiver, traffic light information transmitter)
14 Control unit 15 Storage unit 21 Optical beacon communication unit (course information transmission unit, traffic light information reception unit)
23 Display output unit 24 Audio output unit 25 Control unit 26 Storage unit

Claims (11)

It is a roadside device that is arranged corresponding to a reference intersection determined by the traveling position of the vehicle and communicates with the in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle.
A reference signal information acquisition unit that acquires reference signal information based on the signal control information of the traffic signal by communicating with the signal controller of the traffic signal at the reference intersection.
A subordinate signal information acquisition unit that acquires subordinate signal information based on signal control information of a traffic signal at the subordinate intersection by communicating with another roadside device arranged corresponding to a subordinate intersection different from the reference intersection.
A route information receiving unit that receives route information including instruction information of a direction indicator mounted on the vehicle from the in-vehicle device, and
A traffic light information transmission unit that transmits the reference signal information and the dependent signal information to the vehicle-mounted device is provided.
A roadside device characterized in that at least a part of the dependent intersection is determined based on the course information from the intersections located around the reference intersection. It is a roadside device that is arranged corresponding to a reference intersection determined by the traveling position of the vehicle and communicates with the in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle.
A reference signal information acquisition unit that acquires reference signal information based on the signal control information of the traffic signal by communicating with the signal controller of the traffic signal at the reference intersection.
A subordinate signal information acquisition unit that acquires subordinate signal information based on signal control information of a traffic signal at the subordinate intersection by communicating with another roadside device arranged corresponding to a subordinate intersection different from the reference intersection.
A course information receiving unit that receives the course information of the vehicle from the in-vehicle device,
A traffic light information transmission unit that transmits the reference signal information and the dependent signal information to the vehicle-mounted device is provided.
Prior to receiving the course information by the course information receiving unit, the signal information transmitting unit sends the dependent signal information regarding the traffic signal at the dependent intersection directly connected to the reference intersection to the in-vehicle device.
A roadside device characterized in that at least a part of the dependent intersection is determined based on the course information from the intersections located around the reference intersection. It is a roadside device that is arranged corresponding to a reference intersection determined by the traveling position of the vehicle and communicates with the in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle.
A reference signal information acquisition unit that acquires reference signal information based on the signal control information of the traffic signal by communicating with the signal controller of the traffic signal at the reference intersection.
A subordinate signal information acquisition unit that acquires subordinate signal information based on signal control information of a traffic signal at the subordinate intersection by communicating with another roadside device arranged corresponding to a subordinate intersection different from the reference intersection.
A course information receiving unit that receives course information at the reference intersection of the vehicle, and
The reference signal information and the dependent signal information of the dependent intersection directly connected to the reference intersection are transmitted to the in-vehicle device.
When the course information is received, the signal information for transmitting the dependent signal information of the dependent intersection directly connected to the one dependent intersection determined based on the course information from the dependent intersection directly connected to the reference intersection. A roadside device including a transmitter. The roadside device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the reference signal information and the dependent signal information includes information regarding the display time of the light color of the traffic signal. An in-vehicle device that communicates with a roadside device arranged corresponding to a reference intersection determined by the traveling position of the vehicle.
It is provided with a signal information receiving unit that receives reference signal information based on the signal control information of the traffic signal at the reference intersection and dependent signal information based on the signal control information of the traffic signal at the dependent intersection different from the reference intersection from the roadside device.
The dependent signal information is determined based on the dependent signal information of the dependent intersection directly connected to the reference intersection and the course information of the vehicle from the dependent intersection directly connected to the reference intersection at the reference intersection. An in-vehicle device including the dependent signal information of the dependent intersection that is directly connected to the two dependent intersections. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 5, further comprising a display output unit that outputs an image based on at least one of the reference signal information and the dependent signal information. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising an audio output unit that outputs audio based on at least one of the reference signal information and the dependent signal information. The roadside device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, and a traffic signal signal controller corresponding to the roadside device are provided. A traffic information provision system characterized by this. It is a method of providing traffic information by a roadside device that is arranged corresponding to a reference intersection determined by the traveling position of the vehicle and communicates with an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle.
A reference signal information acquisition step of acquiring reference signal information based on the signal control information of the traffic signal by communicating with the signal controller of the traffic signal at the reference intersection.
A subordinate signal information acquisition step of acquiring subordinate signal information based on signal control information of a traffic signal at the subordinate intersection by communicating with another roadside device arranged corresponding to a subordinate intersection different from the reference intersection.
A course information receiving step for receiving the course information regarding the course at the reference intersection of the vehicle from the in-vehicle device, and
A step of transmitting the reference signal information and the dependent signal information of the dependent intersection directly connected to the reference intersection to the vehicle-mounted device.
When the course information is received, the step of transmitting the dependent signal information of the dependent intersection directly connected to the one dependent intersection determined based on the course information from the dependent intersection directly connected to the reference intersection. A method of providing traffic information, which is characterized by having. It is a method of providing traffic information by an in-vehicle device that communicates with a roadside device arranged corresponding to a reference intersection determined by the traveling position of the vehicle.
It has a subordinate signal information receiving step of receiving the reference signal information based on the signal control information of the traffic signal at the reference intersection and the subordinate signal information based on the signal control information of the traffic signal at the subordinate intersection different from the reference intersection from the roadside device. And
It said dependent signal information includes the dependent traffic information of the subordinate intersection that connects directly to the reference intersection are directly connected to one of said dependent intersection is determined based on the reference intersection put that proceeds path information of the vehicle A method for providing traffic information, which includes the dependent signal information of the dependent intersection. A program for causing a processor to execute the traffic information providing method according to claim 9 or 10.

Images