JP7647052B2 - Signal information generating device, signal information generating method, and signal information generating program - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a technology that uses an external device to estimate the remaining green time of a traffic light installed at an intersection.

Conventionally, at typical intersections, traffic lights are installed at each entrance where vehicles can enter. A traffic light control device switches the light color of each traffic light (green, yellow, red, etc.) based on set signal control parameters. As is well known, traffic light control parameters stipulate the cycle (the duration of one period) of the traffic light's light color, split (the proportion of green lights), offset (the time to shift the start timing of the green light relative to adjacent intersections), etc.

Because traffic volume at intersections varies depending on the time of day, the signal control device is set with signal control parameters for each time period according to the traffic volume for that time period. The signal control device switches the signal control parameters used to control the light color of the traffic light depending on the time of day.

Furthermore, when a vehicle driver is traveling on an approach road to an intersection and the traffic light at the intersection changes from green to yellow, the driver may suddenly brake to stop before the intersection or suddenly accelerate to pass through the intersection. Because such sudden braking or acceleration increases the possibility of an accident, there is a traffic light information transmission device that transmits (outputs) to a vehicle approaching an intersection the time until the traffic light changes to yellow (remaining green time) when the traffic light is green (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2012-233854 A

However, when a signal control device that performs offset control switches signal control parameters that are set for each time period, it sets a tracking control period between the end point of control based on the signal control parameters before the switch and the start point of control based on the signal control parameters after the switch. This tracking control period is a period during which the offset stipulated in the signal control parameters that are currently being switched is made appropriate. In other words, the tracking control period is a period during which the state of the traffic light's light color signal at the end point of control based on the signal control parameters before the switch is transitioned to an appropriate state in which control based on the signal control parameters after the switch can be performed appropriately. The tracking control period is a period of n cycles during which the traffic light's light color signal is controlled. n is an integer equal to or greater than 1. The signal control device determines the control pattern of the traffic light's light color signal for each control cycle of the tracking control period.

Conventional devices that provide traffic light information from an external device were unable to estimate or provide the remaining green time because they did not know the control pattern that the traffic light control device uses to control the light color of the traffic light during the tracking control period.

The objective of this invention is to provide a technology that can provide a remaining green time even during the tracking control period when switching between signal control parameters that are set for each time period.

To achieve the above objective, the signal information generating device of the present invention is configured as shown below.

The first memory unit stores, by time period, the control patterns by which the signal control device controls the light signals of the traffic lights. The detection unit detects the state of the light signals of the traffic lights. The state of the light signals of the traffic lights here includes not only information indicating the type of light signal that is on at that time (green, yellow, red, etc.), but also the duration of the light signal, which is the control pattern of the light signals of the traffic lights.

When the signal control device switches the control pattern for the light signal of the traffic light, the calculation unit calculates the amount of tracking related to the deviation in the cycle start time between the state of the light signal of the traffic light detected by the detection unit and the appropriate state of the light signal of the traffic light based on the control pattern to be switched this time. The time when the signal control device switches the control pattern for the light signal of the traffic light is the time when the control of the light signal of the traffic light based on the signal control parameters before the switch ends.

The second storage unit stores the tracking control pattern by which the signal control device controls the light color signal of the traffic light during the tracking control period required from when the signal control device switches the control pattern to when the light color signal of the traffic light is transitioned to the appropriate state, in association with the tracking amount.

The traffic light information estimation unit estimates a remaining green time until the green light ends when the traffic light is green. The traffic light information estimation unit also includes:
(1) When the vehicle is not in a follow-up control period, the remaining green time is estimated using a control pattern for the corresponding time period stored in the first storage unit;
(2) When it is the follow-up control period, the remaining green time is estimated using the follow-up control pattern associated with the corresponding follow-up amount stored in the second memory unit.

With this configuration, remaining green time can be provided even during the tracking control period when switching signal control parameters set for each time period.

The signal control device further includes a time difference estimation unit for estimating a time difference between an internal time measured by the built-in timer and an external time measured by the signal control device,
The calculation unit may be configured to determine the timing at which the signal control device switches the control pattern of the light color signal of the traffic light, based on the internal time and the estimated time difference.

This configuration allows the signal control device to accurately determine the timing to switch the signal control parameters set for each time period.

In this case, the time difference estimation unit may estimate the time difference between the internal time and the external time, for example, by using the start timing of a light signal of a predetermined color of a traffic light detected by the detection unit when the traffic light is not in a tracking control period.

The calculation unit may be configured to calculate the amount of tracking using, for example, the time when the signal control device switches the control pattern of the light color of the traffic light, the start time of the time period set for the control pattern to be switched this time, and the offset of the control pattern to be switched this time.

This configuration allows the tracking amount to be calculated with high accuracy, which improves the accuracy of determining the tracking control pattern during the tracking control period.

a follow-up control pattern generation unit that detects, when the follow-up control pattern associated with the follow-up amount calculated by the calculation unit is not stored in the second storage unit, a follow-up control pattern in which the signal control device controlled the light color signal of the traffic light during the current follow-up control period by the detection unit, and generates a follow-up control pattern corresponding to the currently calculated follow-up amount based on the detection result;
The vehicle may further include a registration unit that stores the following control pattern generated by the following control pattern generation unit in the second storage unit.

This configuration can reduce the frequency of occurrences where a tracking control pattern cannot be obtained and the remaining green time cannot be estimated.

The tracking control pattern generation unit may also be configured to determine the end timing of the tracking control period by determining whether the traffic light color signal has been controlled with the control pattern to be switched this time, for example, based on the detection result of the detection unit.

The second storage unit stores the follow-up control pattern in association with the control pattern to be switched to this time and the follow-up amount,
The signal information estimation unit may be configured to estimate, when it is a tracking control period, the remaining green time using the corresponding control pattern to be switched currently stored in the second memory unit and the tracking control pattern associated with the tracking amount.

According to this invention, remaining green time can be provided even during the tracking control period when switching signal control parameters set for each time period.

1 is a schematic diagram of an intersection to which a traffic light information generating device according to this example is applied. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between a signal information generating device, a signal control device, and traffic lights at an intersection. This is a diagram of the signal levels of traffic lights installed at an intersection. 4A, 4B, and 4C are diagrams for explaining switching of signal control parameters. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a signal information generating device. FIG. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing a table by day type and time period, and FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a control pattern table. FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a follow-up control table, and FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a follow-up control pattern table. 13 is a flowchart showing a remaining green time estimation process. 13 is a flowchart showing a follow-up control period process. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a signal information generating device according to a first modified example. 13 is a flowchart showing a time difference estimation process. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a signal information generating device according to a second modified example. 13 is a flowchart showing a tracking control period process in the traffic signal information generating device of the second modified example. 13 is a flowchart showing a tracking control pattern generation process in the traffic signal information generating device of the second modified example.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, time and timing refer to a single point in time, and duration refers to the length of time between two different points in time.

＜1. Application examples＞
Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an intersection to which a traffic light information generating device according to this embodiment is applied. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the traffic light information generating device, the traffic light control device, and traffic lights at the intersection shown in Fig. 1.

The intersection shown in FIG. 1 is a crossroad where a main road and a secondary road intersect. In FIG. 1, the road on which the vehicles 100 (100a, 100b) travel in a left-right direction is the main road, and the road on which the vehicles 100 (100c, 100d) travel in a up-down direction is the secondary road. Traffic lights 6 (6a-6d) are installed at each entrance road of the intersection. In the example shown in FIG. 1, traffic light 6a is for vehicle 100a traveling on the entrance road (main road) entering the intersection from the right, and traffic light 6b is for vehicle 100b traveling on the entrance road (main road) entering the intersection from the left. Traffic light 6c is for vehicle 100c traveling on the entrance road (secondary road) entering the intersection from above, and traffic light 6d is for vehicle 100d traveling on the entrance road (secondary road) entering the intersection from below.

In this example, the traffic light 6 has three light colors: green, yellow, and red. A green light is when the blue light source is on, a yellow light is when the yellow light source is on, and a red light is when the red light source is on.

In this example, traffic lights 6a and 6b are switched to the same light color signal at the same time by the signal control device 4. Also, traffic lights 6c and 6d are switched to the same light color signal at the same time by the signal control device 4.

Specifically, traffic lights 6a and 6b are connected to a power supply line 5Ba for the blue light source, a power supply line 5Ya for the yellow light source, and a power supply line 5Ra for the red light source. Traffic lights 6a and 6b are connected in parallel to the power supply lines 5Ba, 5Ya, and 5Ra. Traffic lights 6c and 6d are connected to a power supply line 5Bc for the blue light source, a power supply line 5Yc for the yellow light source, and a power supply line 5Rc for the red light source. Traffic lights 6c and 6d are connected in parallel to the power supply lines 5Bc, 5Yc, and 5Rc. The light source of traffic light 6 is turned on when power is supplied from the signal control device 4 via the power supply lines 5B, 5Y, and 5R, and is turned off when power is not supplied via the power supply lines 5B, 5Y, and 5R. The signal control device 4 switches the light source color that supplies power to the traffic light 6 via the power supply lines 5B, 5Y, and 5R.

Signal control parameters are set in the signal control device 4 for each day type and time period. As is well known, the signal control parameters stipulate the cycle (the duration of one cycle), split (the proportion of green lights), offset (the amount of time to shift the start timing of the green light relative to adjacent intersections), etc. The signal control device 4 switches the light color of each traffic light 6 based on the signal control parameters for the corresponding day type and time period.

Here, we will briefly explain how the signal control device 4 switches the light color of the traffic light 6 installed at the intersection. Figure 3 is a diagram of the current status of the traffic lights installed at the intersection in this example. Level number 1 shown in Figure 3 is a level where traffic lights 6a and 6b are green and traffic lights 6c and 6d are red. Level number 2 is a level where traffic lights 6a and 6b are yellow and traffic lights 6c and 6d are red. Level number 3 is a level where all traffic lights 6a to 6d are red. Level number 4 is a level where traffic lights 6a and 6b are red and traffic lights 6c and 6d are green. Level number 5 is a level where traffic lights 6a and 6b are red and traffic lights 6c and 6d are yellow. Level number 6 is a level where all traffic lights 6a to 6d are red.

When it is not a following control period described later, the signal control device 4 determines the time for each of the floor numbers 1 to 6 based on the signal control parameters. The signal control device 4 switches the light color signals of each of the traffic lights 6a to 6d, with floor numbers 1 to 6 being one cycle. For each cycle, the signal control device 4 determines the control pattern for the light color signals of each of the traffic lights 6a to 6d (the time for each of the floor numbers 1 to 6) before starting control of the light color signals of the traffic lights 6 in that cycle. Furthermore, when it is a following control period described later, the signal control device 4 determines the time for each of the floor numbers 1 to 6 using a predetermined logic. In this example, the start timing of the control pattern is the start timing of the green lights at the traffic lights 6a and 6b on the main road side.

As shown in FIG. 2, a current probe 3 is connected to the signal information generating device 1. The current probe 3Ba shown in FIG. 2 is arranged so as to sandwich the power supply line 5Ba for the blue light source of the traffic lights 6a and 6b. The current probe 3Ya is arranged so as to sandwich the power supply line 5Ya for the yellow light source of the traffic lights 6a and 6b. The current probe 3Ra is arranged so as to sandwich the power supply line 5Ra for the red light source of the traffic lights 6a and 6b. The current probe 3Bc is arranged so as to sandwich the power supply line 5Bc for the blue light source of the traffic lights 6c and 6d. The current probe 3Yc is arranged so as to sandwich the power supply line 5Yc for the yellow light source of the traffic lights 6c and 6d. The current probe 3Rc is arranged so as to sandwich the power supply line 5Rc for the red light source of the traffic lights 6c and 6d. Each current probe 3 detects the magnitude (current value) of the current flowing through the power supply line 5 that is arranged so as to sandwich it, and outputs it to the signal information generating device 1. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the position where each current probe 3 is arranged so as to sandwich the power supply line 5 is closer to the signal control device 4 than the branch point where the line branches into two traffic lights 6 that are connected in parallel.

In addition, each current probe 3 may be arranged so as to sandwich one of the power supply lines 5 branching off at the branch point.

The traffic light information generating device 1 can detect the start time of the green light, the start time of the yellow light, and the start time of the red light at traffic lights 6a and 6b using the output of the connected current probes 3Ba, 3Ya, and 3Ra. The traffic light information generating device 1 can also detect the end time of the green light, the end time of the yellow light, and the end time of the red light at traffic lights 6a and 6b using the output of the connected current probes 3Ba, 3Ya, and 3Ra. Similarly, the traffic light information generating device 1 can detect the start time of the green light, the start time of the yellow light, and the start time of the red light at traffic lights 6c and 6d using the output of the connected current probes 3Bc, 3Yc, and 3Rc. The traffic light information generating device 1 can also detect the end time of the green light, the end time of the yellow light, and the end time of the red light at traffic lights 6c and 6d using the output of the connected current probes 3Bc, 3Yc, and 3Rc. Therefore, the traffic light information generating device 1 can detect the state of each traffic light 6. The traffic signal information generating device 1 can also detect the time for each of the stage numbers 1 to 6 shown in Figure 3.

The traffic light information generating device 1 can detect the states of traffic lights 6a and 6b even if any one of the current probes 3Ba, 3Ya, and 3Ra is not connected. Similarly, the traffic light information generating device 1 can detect the states of traffic lights 6c and 6d even if any one of the current probes 3Bc, 3Yc, and 3Rc is not connected.

In this example, the state of the light signal of traffic light 6 is detected using a current probe 3, but the state of the light signal of traffic light 6 may be detected by processing images of traffic lights 6a and 6c captured by a camera, or the state of the light signal of traffic light 6 may be detected by other configurations.

The traffic light information generating device 1 also stores information on the traffic light control parameters that the traffic light control device 4 switches according to the day type and time period, as will be described in detail later.

Now, referring to FIG. 4, we will explain the operation of the signal control device 4 when switching between signal control parameters set for different days and different time periods. Here, we will explain an example in which the signal control device 4 switches from signal control parameter A, which has an end time of 7:00:00 AM, to signal control parameter B, which has a start time of 7:00:00 AM (see FIG. 4(A)).

Control pattern A is a one-cycle pattern that switches the light color signal of traffic light 6 based on signal control parameter A, and control pattern B is a one-cycle pattern that switches the light color signal of traffic light 6 based on signal control parameter B.

In this example, as shown in FIG. 4(B), when the signal control device 4 is switching the light signal of the traffic light 6 with control pattern A based on signal control parameter A, when the end time of this signal control parameter A arrives, it waits for the end of the control period of control pattern A that is being executed at that time, and then ends control of the light signal of the traffic light 6 based on signal control parameter A. In other words, the time when the signal control device 4 ends control of the light signal of the traffic light 6 based on signal control parameter A may or may not coincide with the end time of the time period that has been set for signal control parameter A.

In addition, t1 shown in FIG. 4 is the offset of signal control parameter B, which starts at 7:00:00 a.m. Furthermore, t2 is the time difference between the time when the signal control device 4 ends control of the light color signal of traffic light 6 based on signal control parameter A and the end time of the time period set for signal control parameter A.

As shown in FIG. 4(B), if the signal control device 4 ends control of the light color signal of the traffic light 6 based on the signal control parameter A and immediately starts control of the light color signal of the traffic light 6 based on the signal control parameter B, the traffic light 6 will be controlled in an inappropriate state with an offset of (t1-t2) from the appropriate state based on the signal control parameter B. The offset deviation reduces traffic flow between multiple neighboring intersections that are under coordinated control.

(t1-t2) corresponds to the amount of tracking referred to in this invention. Also, in this example, in order to always make the amount of tracking a positive value, if t1<t2, the amount of tracking is calculated by adding the period T defined by the signal control parameter B that is currently being switched.

Also, as is clear from FIG. 4(B), the amount of tracking becomes 0 when the time at which the signal control device 4 ends control of the light color signal of the traffic light 6 based on the signal control parameter A is the offset of this signal control parameter B from the time at which control of the light color signal of the traffic light 6 based on the signal control parameter B is started.

The signal control device 4 sets the tracking control period shown in FIG. 4(C) in order to eliminate this offset discrepancy and control the light color signal of the traffic light 6 in an appropriate state. This tracking control period is a period of n cycles during which the light color signal of the traffic light 6 is controlled. n is an integer equal to or greater than 1. Using the amount of tracking and the cycle of the signal control parameter B to be switched this time, the signal control device 4 determines the number of cycles (n) of the tracking control period and the (tracking control patterns q1 to qn) of the light color signal of the traffic light 6 in each cycle, according to preset logic.

That is, the signal control device 4 may determine the following control period to be one cycle, or two cycles or five cycles, depending on the amount of following and the cycle of the signal control parameter B to be switched this time. The signal control device 4 also determines the following control patterns q1 to qn for each cycle depending on the amount of following and the cycle of the signal control parameter B to be switched this time. The following control patterns q1 to qn are one cycle of control patterns for the traffic light 6, with the times set for each of the stage numbers 1 to 6 shown in Figure 3.

In the example shown in FIG. 4(C), after the following control pattern qn ends, control using control pattern B based on signal control parameter B is started, and traffic light 6 is controlled in an appropriate state based on signal control parameter B.

The traffic light information generating device 1 in this example estimates and outputs the remaining green time until the green light ends when traffic lights 6a and 6b are green, regardless of whether it is the follow-up control period shown in Figure 4 or not. The traffic light information generating device also estimates and outputs the remaining green time until the green light ends when traffic lights 6c and 6d are green, regardless of whether it is the follow-up control period shown in Figure 4 or not.

The traffic light information generating device 1 may be configured not to estimate the remaining green time for either traffic lights 6a and 6b or traffic lights 6c and 6d. The traffic light information generating device 1 may also be configured to estimate the remaining yellow time and remaining red time for traffic lights 6a and 6b. Furthermore, the traffic light information generating device 1 may be configured to estimate the remaining yellow time and remaining red time for traffic lights 6c and 6d.

In addition, in the system shown in FIG. 2, the existing signal control device 4 and traffic light 6 can be used as is. In other words, when using the traffic light information generating device 1 of this example, there is no need to replace the existing signal control device 4 and traffic light 6.

2. Configuration example
5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of the traffic signal information generating device according to this example. The traffic signal information generating device 1 includes a control unit 11, an input unit 12, a timer unit 13, a first storage unit 14, a second storage unit 15, and an output unit 16.

The control unit 11 controls the operation of each part of the main body of the traffic signal information generating device 1. The control unit 11 also has a detection unit 21, a calculation unit 22, and a traffic signal information estimation unit 23. Details of the detection unit 21, the calculation unit 22, and the traffic signal information estimation unit 23 will be described later.

Six current probes 3Ba, 3Ya, 3Ra, 3Bc, 3Yc, and 3Rc are connected to the input unit 12 (in FIG. 5, to simplify the illustration, the six current probes 3Ba, 3Ya, 3Ra, 3Bc, 3Yc, and 3Rc are shown as one current probe 3). Each current probe 3 detects and outputs the magnitude (current value) of the current flowing through the power supply lines 5Ba, 5Ya, 5Ra, 5Bc, 5Yc, and 5Rc of the traffic lights 6a and 6c that are arranged so as to be sandwiched between them. That is, a detection signal indicating the magnitude of the current flowing through each of the power supply lines 5Ba, 5Ya, 5Ra, 5Bc, 5Yc, and 5Rc is input to the input unit 12 for each of the power supply lines 5Ba, 5Ya, 5Ra, 5Bc, 5Yc, and 5Rc.

The clock unit 13 keeps track of the current time. The clock unit 13 also has a calendar function and can obtain the day type (day of the week and public holidays). When it is necessary for the clock unit 13 to keep an accurate time, the traffic signal information generating device 1 performs time synchronization with a device that keeps an accurate time (e.g., a clock server). For example, when the traffic signal information generating device 1 is configured to output the estimated remaining green time along with the time at which this remaining green time is estimated, it is necessary for the clock unit 13 to keep track of the accurate time.

The first memory unit 14 stores the day type and time period table shown in FIG. 6(A) and the control pattern table shown in FIG. 6(B). In this example, the signal control device 4 has signal control parameters set by time period, with the day types divided into a group for weekdays and Saturdays and a group for Sundays and holidays.

The day type and time period table, as shown in FIG. 6 (A), is a table in which the control pattern numbers of the light color signals of the traffic light 6 are registered in correspondence with each day type and each time period of that day type. The classification of day types is the same as the classification of day types for which signal control parameters are set in the signal control device 4. In addition, the classification of time periods for each day type is the same as the classification of time periods for which signal control parameters are set in the signal control device 4.

As shown in FIG. 6(B), the control pattern table is a table that registers, for each control pattern number, the time for one period (cycle) for switching the light color signal of traffic light 6, the offset, and the time for each level number 1 to 6. The control pattern numbers in the day type and time period table correspond to the control pattern numbers in the control pattern table. The control pattern table corresponding to the control pattern number registered in the day type and time period table is a control pattern based on the signal control parameters corresponding to the relevant day type and time period.

In other words, the traffic light information generating device 1 in this example stores in the first storage unit 14 the table by day type and time period shown in FIG. 6(A) and the control pattern table shown in FIG. 6(B) as information for the traffic light control device 4 to obtain a control pattern for switching the light color of the traffic light 6 based on the signal control parameters by day type and time period.

The traffic light information generating device 1 may be configured to store other types of tables in the first storage unit 14, not limited to the table by day type and time period shown in FIG. 6(A) and the control pattern table shown in FIG. 6(B), as long as the information provides a control pattern for the traffic light control device 4 to switch the light color of the traffic light 6 based on the signal control parameters by day type and time period.

The second memory unit 15 stores the tracking control table shown in FIG. 7(A) and the tracking control pattern table shown in FIG. 7(B).

The tracking control table is a table in which post-switching control patterns, tracking amounts (offset deviation amounts), and tracking control pattern permutations are registered in association with each other, as shown in FIG. 7(A). The post-switching control pattern is a number indicating the control pattern corresponding to the signal control parameters to be switched when the signal control device 4 switches the signal control parameters set for each time period. The post-switching control pattern numbers correspond to the control pattern numbers in the day type and time period table shown in FIG. 6(A) and the control pattern table shown in FIG. 6(B).

The following control pattern sequence is a chronological arrangement of record numbers indicating the following control patterns for one cycle of switching the light color signal of the traffic light 6 executed by the traffic light control device 4 during the following control period. The following control period is the period from the time when the traffic light control device 4 ends control of the light color signal of the traffic light 6 based on the signal control parameters before switching to the time when the traffic light control device 4 starts control of the light color signal of the traffic light 6 based on the signal control parameters to be switched this time. For example, when the number of the post-switching control pattern shown in FIG. 7(A) is 1 and the following amount at the end of control of the light color signal of the traffic light 6 based on the signal control parameters before switching is 59 seconds, this indicates that the traffic light control device 4 controls the light color signal of the traffic light 6 with the following control patterns according to records 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 in this order, and then starts control of the light color signal of the traffic light 6 based on the signal control parameters to be switched this time. In addition, if the post-switching control pattern number is 2 and the tracking amount at the end of the control of the light color signal of traffic light 6 based on the signal control parameters before the switch is 1 second, this indicates that the signal control device 4 will execute the tracking control pattern related to record 1, and then start controlling the light color signal of traffic light 6 based on the signal control parameters to be switched this time.

The tracking control pattern table is a table in which record numbers are registered in association with the times for each of the stage numbers 1 to 6, as shown in Figure 7 (B).

In this example, the traffic light information generating device 1 stores in the second storage unit 15 the following control table shown in FIG. 7(A) and the following control pattern table shown in FIG. 7(B) as information for the signal control device 4 to obtain a control pattern (following control pattern) for switching the light color signal of the traffic light 6 during the following control period.

The traffic light information generating device 1 may be configured to store tables of other formats in the second storage unit 15, not limited to the tracking control table shown in FIG. 7(A) and the tracking control pattern table shown in FIG. 7(B), as long as the information provides a control pattern (tracking control pattern) for the signal control device 4 to switch the light color signal of the traffic light 6 during the tracking control period.

In addition, the first storage unit 14 and the second storage unit 15 may be configured as a single storage medium (memory, etc.) or may be configured as different storage media.

The output unit 16 is connected to a transmitting device (not shown) such as a wireless transmitter. When the traffic lights 6a and 6b are green, the output unit 16 outputs the time until the traffic lights 6a and 6b change to a yellow light (remaining green time) to the transmitting device connected to the output unit 16. This transmitting device notifies the vehicles 100a and 100b traveling on the main road and a center (not shown) of the remaining green time of the traffic lights 6a and 6b. When the traffic lights 6c and 6d are green, the output unit 16 outputs the time until the traffic lights 6c and 6d change to a yellow light (remaining green time) to the transmitting device connected to the output unit 16. This transmitting device notifies the vehicles 100c and 100d traveling on the main road and a center (not shown) of the remaining green time of the traffic lights 6c and 6d.

The output unit 16 may be configured to output not only the remaining green time, but also the remaining yellow time and remaining red time of each traffic light 6.

Next, we will explain the detection unit 21, calculation unit 22, and signal information estimation unit 23 of the control unit 11.

The detection unit 21 detects the start time of the green light, the start time of the yellow light, and the start time of the red light at traffic lights 6a and 6b from the outputs of the current probes 3Ba, 3Ya, and 3Ra input to the input unit 12. The detection unit 21 also detects the start time of the green light, the start time of the yellow light, and the start time of the red light at traffic lights 6c and 6d from the outputs of the current probes 3Bc, 3Yc, and 3Rc input to the input unit 12.

The detection unit 21 also detects the end times of the green light, yellow light, and red light at traffic lights 6a and 6b using the outputs of current probes 3Ba, 3Ya, and 3Ra input to the input unit 12. The detection unit 21 also detects the end times of the green light, yellow light, and red light at traffic lights 6c and 6d using the outputs of current probes 3Bc, 3Yc, and 3Rc input to the input unit 12.

The detection unit 21 obtains the state of each traffic light 6 by detecting the start times of the green, yellow, and red signals for each traffic light 6. The state of the traffic light 6 here includes the color of the light signal that is on at that time, the elapsed time since the light signal that is on at that time started to be on, the elapsed time since the start of this cycle, etc.

When the signal control device 4 switches the signal control parameters, the calculation unit 22 calculates the amount of tracking at the point in time when the signal control device 4 ends control of the light color signal of the traffic light 6 based on the signal control parameters before the switch.

If the calculated tracking amount is a negative value, the calculation unit 22 calculates the tracking amount as a positive value by adding the period of the signal control parameter that is currently being switched.

When traffic lights 6a and 6b are green, the traffic light information estimation unit 23 estimates the remaining green time until the green light ends. Also, when traffic lights 6c and 6d are green, the traffic light information estimation unit 23 estimates the remaining green time until the green light ends.

In this example, the traffic light information estimation unit 23 is configured not to estimate the remaining yellow time until the yellow light ends when traffic lights 6a, 6b are yellow, and the remaining red time until the red light ends when traffic lights 6a, 6b are red, but may be configured to estimate these remaining yellow time and remaining red time. Similarly, the traffic light information estimation unit 23 is configured not to estimate the remaining yellow time until the yellow light ends when traffic lights 6c, 6d are yellow, and the remaining red time until the red light ends when traffic lights 6c, 6d are red, but may be configured to estimate these remaining yellow time and remaining red time.

The control unit 11 of the signal information generating device 1 is composed of a hardware CPU, memory, and other electronic circuits. When the hardware CPU executes the signal information generating program of the present invention, it operates as a detection unit 21, a calculation unit 22, and a signal information estimation unit 23. The memory also has an area for expanding the signal information generating program of the present invention, and an area for temporarily storing data generated during execution of the signal information generating program. The control unit 11 may be an LSI that integrates the hardware CPU, memory, etc. Also, the hardware CPU is a computer that executes the signal information generating method of the present invention.

<3. Operation example>
A description will be given of the remaining green time estimation process in the traffic signal information generating device 1. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the remaining green time estimation process.

Traffic lights 6a and 6b are not currently showing green lights (traffic lights 6c and 6d are not necessarily showing green lights). The traffic light information generating device 1 waits for traffic light 6a to start showing green lights (s1). At s1, the detection unit 21 detects the point at which the magnitude of the current flowing through the power supply line 5Ba input to the input unit 12 exceeds a set level as the start of the green light for traffic light 6a. At s1, the start of stage number 1 shown in Figure 3, i.e., the start timing of the control cycle of traffic light 6 in this example, is detected.

When the detection unit 21 detects the start of the green light at the traffic light 6a, it acquires the green start time (s2). The detection unit 21 acquires as the green start time the time measured by the timing unit 13 at the point when the magnitude of the current flowing through the power supply line 5Ba input to the input unit 12 exceeds a set level.

The calculation unit 22 judges whether or not it is a follow-up control period based on the time acquired in s2 (s3). In s3, the calculation unit 22 refers to the day type and time period table shown in FIG. 6(A), and if the end time (or start time) associated with any control pattern is between the previously detected green start time and the currently detected green start time, it judges it to be a follow-up control period, and in other cases, it judges it to be a normal control period (not a follow-up control period). When the calculation unit 22 judges it to be a follow-up control period in s3, the traffic light information generating device 1 performs a follow-up control period process (s9) described below.

When the calculation unit 22 determines in s3 that it is a normal control period, the traffic light information estimation unit 23 refers to the control pattern table shown in FIG. 6(B) and reads out the control pattern for the corresponding time period (s4). The corresponding control pattern table is the control pattern associated with the day type and time period corresponding to that time point, and is obtained by referring to the day type and time period table shown in FIG. 6(A) and the control pattern table shown in FIG. 6(B).

The traffic light information estimation unit 23 waits for the estimated timing to estimate the remaining green time to arrive or for the green light to end at traffic light 6c (s5, s6). For example, the traffic light information estimation unit 23 determines that it is the first estimated timing when a certain time (e.g., 1 second) has passed since the green start time acquired in s2, and thereafter determines that it is the estimated timing when a certain time (e.g., 1 second) has passed since the previous estimated timing. In addition, in s6, it determines whether the green light at traffic light 6c has ended after it has turned green. In other words, it detects the end of stage number 4 shown in Figure 3.

When the traffic light information estimation unit 23 determines in s5 that it is the estimation timing, it estimates the remaining green time (s7). In s7, it estimates the remaining green time based on the elapsed time from the green start time obtained in s2 and the control pattern read in s4. When traffic light 6a has a green signal, the traffic light information estimation unit 23 estimates the remaining green time for traffic lights 6a and 6b, and when traffic light 6c has a green signal, it estimates the remaining green time for traffic lights 6c and 6d. That is, in this example, the traffic light information estimation unit 23 estimates the remaining green time for traffic lights 6a and 6b during the period of level number 1 shown in FIG. 3, and estimates the remaining green time for traffic lights 6c and 6d during the period of level number 4.

The traffic light information estimation unit 23 may estimate the remaining yellow time of traffic lights 6a and 6b during the period of floor number 2 shown in FIG. 3. The traffic light information estimation unit 23 may also estimate the remaining red time of traffic lights 6a and 6b during the period of floor numbers 3 to 6. The traffic light information estimation unit 23 may also estimate the remaining yellow time of traffic lights 6c and 6d during the period of floor number 5 shown in FIG. 3. Furthermore, the traffic light information estimation unit 23 may estimate the remaining red time of traffic lights 6c and 6d during the period of floor numbers 6 to 3 (floor number 3 of the next cycle).

The traffic light information generating device 1 outputs the remaining green time estimated in s7 from the output unit 16 (s8) and returns to s5. If it takes a certain amount of time from the time when the remaining green time was estimated in s7 until the remaining green time output in s8 is received by the onboard device mounted on the vehicle 100, the traffic light information generating device 1 may output in s8 the time when this remaining green time was estimated (the time measured by the timing unit 13) together with the remaining green time estimated in s7.

In the above example, the traffic light information generating device 1 estimates and outputs the remaining green time of traffic light 6 at regular intervals. However, the remaining green time of traffic lights 6a and 6b may be estimated at the start time of floor number 1, and the estimated remaining green time of traffic lights 6a and 6b may be output in s8 together with the estimated remaining green time of traffic lights 6a and 6b (the start time of floor number 1). In this case, the on-board device may update the remaining green time of traffic lights 6a and 6b over time. Similarly, the traffic light information generating device 1 may estimate the remaining green time of traffic lights 6c and 6d at the start time of floor number 4, and the estimated remaining green time of traffic lights 6c and 6d may be output in s8 together with the estimated remaining green time of traffic lights 6c and 6d (the start time of floor number 1). In this case, the on-board device may update the remaining green time of traffic lights 6c and 6d over time.

In addition, when the traffic light information generating device 1 outputs the estimated time of remaining green time of the traffic light 6, it is preferable to configure the device 1 to synchronize time with a device that keeps accurate time (e.g., a clock server) so that the timing unit 13 keeps accurate time.

Furthermore, when the traffic light information generating device 1 detects the end of the green light of traffic light 6c at s6, it returns to s1.

By performing the above-mentioned processing, the traffic light information generating device 1 can estimate and output the remaining green time of the traffic light 6 during normal periods.

Next, the tracking control period processing in s9 will be described. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the tracking control period processing.

The calculation unit 22 calculates the amount of tracking (s21). The calculation unit 22 calculates the amount of tracking using the green light start time detected in s2, the start time of the signal control parameter to be switched this time, the period of the signal control parameter to be switched this time, and the offset of the signal control parameter to be switched this time. Specifically,
Following amount=(elapsed time from the start time of the signal control parameter to be switched this time to the green light start time detected at s2)−(offset of the signal control parameter to be switched this time)
It is calculated as follows.
However, when the amount of tracking calculated by the above formula is a negative value, a value obtained by adding the period of the signal control parameter to be switched this time is calculated as the amount of tracking.

The traffic light information estimation unit 23 refers to the tracking control table shown in FIG. 7(A) using the tracking amount calculated in s21 and the control pattern based on the signal control parameters to be switched this time as two keys, and reads out the corresponding tracking control pattern permutation (s22). By reading out the tracking control pattern permutation in s22, the traffic light information estimation unit 23 obtains the number of control cycles of the traffic light 6 executed in the current tracking control period and the record number of each cycle. The traffic light information estimation unit 23 sets the count value n, which counts the number of cycles in the tracking control period, to an initial value of 1 (s23). The traffic light information estimation unit 23 refers to the tracking control pattern table shown in FIG. 7(B) and reads out the times for each of the floor numbers 1 to 6 of the traffic light 6 that correspond to the record of the nth cycle obtained in s22 (s24).

The traffic light information estimation unit 23 waits until it is the estimation timing to estimate the remaining green time or until the green light ends at traffic light 6c (s25, s26). The processes in s25 and s26 are the same as those in s5 and s6 described above. When the traffic light information estimation unit 23 determines that it is the estimation timing in s25, it estimates the remaining green time (s27). In s27, it estimates the remaining green time based on the elapsed time from the green start time obtained in s2 and the times for each of the floor numbers 1 to 6 read out in s24. When traffic light 6a has a green light, the traffic light information estimation unit 23 estimates the remaining green time for traffic lights 6a and 6b, and when traffic light 6c has a green light, it estimates the remaining green time for traffic lights 6c and 6d.

The signal information estimation unit 23 does not estimate the remaining green time in s27 for the periods of floor numbers 2 and 3 shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively, the signal information estimation unit 23 may estimate the remaining yellow time for traffic signals 6a and 6b for the period of floor number 2, and estimate the remaining red time for traffic signals 6a and 6b for the periods of floor numbers 2 to 6.

The traffic light information generating device 1 outputs the remaining green time estimated in s27 from the output unit 16 (s28) and returns to s25.

When the detection unit 21 detects the end of the green light of traffic light 6c, the traffic light information estimation unit 23 determines whether the current follow-up control period has ended (s29). The traffic light information estimation unit 23 determines whether the current follow-up control period has ended based on the follow-up control pattern read in s22. Specifically, the traffic light information estimation unit 23 determines that the current follow-up control period has ended when the count value n reaches the number of records belonging to the follow-up control pattern sequence read in s22.

If the signal information estimation unit 23 determines that the current tracking control period has not ended, it increments the count value n (s30) and returns to s24.

In addition, when the signal information generating device 1 determines in s29 that the current tracking control period has ended, it ends this process (returns to s1 in Figure 7).

In addition, for the period of floor number 5, the remaining yellow time of traffic lights 6c and 6d may be estimated, and for the period of floor numbers 6 to 3 (floor number 3 in the next cycle), the remaining red time of traffic lights 6c and 6d may be estimated.

Therefore, the traffic light information generating device 1 in this example can estimate and provide the remaining green time even during the tracking control period when the traffic light control parameters set for each time period are switched.

4. Modifications
Modification 1
10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a traffic light information generating device according to Modification 1. A traffic light information generating device 1A according to Modification 1 differs from the traffic light information generating device 1 of the above example in that a control unit 11 includes a time difference estimating unit 24.

The time difference estimation unit 24 estimates the time difference between the time kept by the timing unit 13 and the time kept by the signal control device 4 itself.

The traffic light information generating device 1A of this modified example 1 executes the remaining green time estimation process shown in FIG. 8, similar to the traffic light information generating device 1 of the above example. Therefore, the traffic light information generating device 1A of this modified example 1 can also estimate and provide the remaining green time even during the tracking control period when the signal control parameters set for each time period are switched.

As is well known, the signal control device 4 controls the light color signal of the traffic light 6 by switching the signal control parameters set for each day type and time period based on the time kept within the device. Therefore, if the time kept by the timing unit 13 is out of sync with the time kept within the signal control device 4, the accuracy of the signal control device 4 in determining whether it is time to switch the signal control parameters (the accuracy of the determination in s3 above) is reduced.

In order to improve the accuracy of determining whether it is time for the signal control device 4 to switch signal control parameters, the traffic light information generating device 1A of this variant 1 performs a time difference estimation process to estimate the time difference between the time kept by the timing unit 13 and the time kept internally by the signal control device 4.

Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the time difference estimation process. The traffic light information generating device 1A executes the time difference estimation process shown in Figure 11 at a predetermined timing. The traffic light information generating device 1A may be set to execute this time difference estimation process, for example, every hour, once a day, or when an appropriate period of time (10 days, one month, etc.) has passed since the previous execution. Furthermore, the traffic light information generating device 1A may be configured to determine the timing of executing the next time difference estimation process according to the time difference estimated in the time difference estimation process (the time difference between the time kept by the timer 13 and the time kept by the signal control device 4 itself).

When the traffic signal information generating device 1A starts the time difference estimation process, it determines whether the current time is a tracking control period or a normal control period (s41). When the traffic signal information generating device 1A is executing the process described in s9, it determines that it is a tracking control period. When the traffic signal information generating device 1A determines that the current time is a tracking control period, it waits for the tracking control period to end and for the transition to the normal control period.

When the traffic light information generating device 1A determines in s41 that the current time is a normal control period (not a follow-up control period), the detection unit 21 detects the time when the green light of the traffic light 6a starts to turn on (s42). The green light start time of the traffic light 6a detected in s42 is the time measured by the timing unit 13, not the time measured internally by the signal control device 4.

The traffic light information generating device 1A uses the time difference estimation unit 24 to estimate the time that the signal control device 4 is measuring internally using the time when the green light of the traffic light 6a was turned on, detected in s42 (s43).

The time estimated in s43 is the timing detected in s42 as the time being measured by the timer unit 13.
The time kept by the signal control device 4 itself=(the start time of the signal control parameter set for the time period to which the time belongs)
+ (the period of the signal control parameters set for the time period to which the time belongs) × α
+ (offset of the signal control parameters set for the time period to which that point belongs)
Here, α is an integer of 1 or more.

The time difference estimation unit 24 calculates α that minimizes the time difference between the time that the signal control device 4 is measuring internally and the time that the green light of the traffic light 6a starts to turn on, as detected in s42. The time difference estimation unit 24 estimates the time obtained by substituting the calculated α into the above formula as the time that the signal control device 4 is measuring internally.

The time difference estimation unit 24 also calculates the time difference between the time that the signal control device 4 estimates in s43 and the time that the timing unit 13 keeps (s44), and ends this process.

The traffic signal information generating device 1A may be configured to synchronize the time kept by the timing unit 13 with the time kept by the signal control device 4 itself based on the time difference estimated in s44, or may be configured to store the time difference estimated in s44 in memory and use the time difference stored in the memory in the processes of s3, s21, etc.

If the traffic signal information generating device 1A is configured to synchronize the time kept by the timing unit 13 with the time kept by the signal control device 4 within the device itself, it does not need to perform the process in s44.

Furthermore, when the traffic signal information generating device 1A is configured to perform time synchronization with a device that keeps accurate time in order to keep accurate time in the clocking unit 13, the time difference estimated in s44 is stored in memory without adjusting the time kept by the clocking unit 13 to the time kept by the signal control device 4 within its own device. When the traffic signal information generating device 1A stores the time difference estimated in s44 in memory, the calculation to calculate this time difference may include a calculation to estimate the time kept by the signal control device 4 within its own device. In other words, the traffic signal information generating device 1A may be configured not to obtain the time kept by the signal control device 4 within its own device as a calculation result.

It is also preferable to perform this time difference estimation process close to the end of the tracking control period.

In this way, the traffic light information generating device 1A according to this modified example 1 can estimate the time difference between the time kept by the timer 13 and the time kept by the signal control device 4 itself, improving the accuracy of determining whether or not it is in the tracking control period for s3. It also improves the accuracy of calculating the tracking amount in the tracking control period process shown in FIG. 9. Therefore, the traffic light information generating device 1A can improve the accuracy of estimating the remaining green time.

Modification 2
12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of a traffic light information generator according to Modification 2. A traffic light information generator 1B according to Modification 2 differs from the traffic light information generator 1 of the above example in that a control unit 11 includes a following control pattern generator 25 and a registration unit 26.

The tracking control pattern generation unit 25 generates records that associate the post-switching control pattern, the tracking amount, and the tracking control pattern permutation as necessary. The tracking control pattern generation unit 25 also generates records for tracking control patterns that are not registered in the tracking control pattern table.

The registration unit 26 registers records in the tracking control table shown in FIG. 7(A) that associate the post-switching control pattern, tracking amount, and tracking control pattern permutation generated by the tracking control pattern generation unit 25, and also registers records of the tracking control pattern in the tracking control pattern table shown in FIG. 7(B) as necessary.

The traffic light information generating device 1B according to this modified example 2 executes the remaining green time estimation process shown in FIG. 8 in the same way as the traffic light information generating device 1 described above, but differs in the tracking control period process in s9.

Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the tracking control period processing in the signal information generating device of this modified example 2. In this Figure 13, the same steps as those shown in Figure 8 are given the same step numbers.

After calculating the amount of following in s21, the traffic signal information generating device 1B determines whether a corresponding following control pattern permutation is registered in the following control table shown in FIG. 7(A) (s51). In s51, it determines whether the control pattern based on the signal control parameters to be switched this time by the signal control device 4 (post-switching control pattern) and the following control pattern permutation associated with the amount of following calculated in s21 are registered in the following control table.

When the signal information generating device 1B determines that the corresponding tracking control pattern permutation is registered in the tracking control table, it executes the processes described above in steps s22 to s30.

In addition, if the signal information generating device 1B determines that a corresponding tracking control pattern permutation is not registered in the tracking control table, it executes a tracking control pattern generation process (s52) and ends this process.

Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the follow-up control pattern generation process in s52. The follow-up control pattern generation unit 25 sets a count value n, which counts the number of cycles in the follow-up control period, to an initial value of 1 (s61). The follow-up control pattern generation unit 25 also detects the time for each of the stage numbers 1 to 6 in this cycle (s62). The follow-up control pattern generation unit 25 stores the time for each of the stage numbers 1 to 6 detected in s62 in memory (not shown) as a record indicating the control pattern for the nth cycle in the follow-up control period (s63).

The following control pattern generation unit 25 judges whether the following control period ended in the (n-1) cycle (s64). In s64, this is judged based on whether the sum of the times of each of the level numbers 1 to 6 detected in the nth cycle matches the cycle defined by the signal control parameters to be switched this time. In other words, it is judged whether the control of the traffic light 6 in the nth cycle was the control pattern defined by the signal control parameters to be switched this time.

If the tracking control pattern generation unit 25 determines in s64 that the tracking control period has not ended in (n-1) cycles, it increments the count value n (s65) and returns to s62.

When the following control pattern generation unit 25 determines in s64 that the following control period has ended in the (n-1) cycle, it generates a following control pattern sequence (s66). For each cycle in which the traffic light 6 was controlled during the current following control period, the following control pattern generation unit 25 determines whether the following control pattern for that cycle is registered in the following control pattern table shown in FIG. 7(B). If the following control pattern is registered in the following control pattern table shown in FIG. 7(B), the following control pattern generation unit 25 stores the registered record number and the number of cycles in memory in association with each other. If the following control pattern is not registered in the following control pattern table shown in FIG. 7(B), the following control pattern generation unit 25 causes the registration unit 26 to additionally register the following control pattern in the following control pattern table, and stores the record number and the number of cycles associated with each other at the time of additional registration in memory in association with each other.

The registration unit 26 registers a record associating the post-switching control pattern, the tracking amount calculated in s21, and the tracking control pattern permutation generated in s66 in the tracking control table shown in FIG. 7(A) (s67), and ends this process.

When the signal control device 4 is in a follow-up control period where it is unable to obtain a control pattern (follow-up control pattern) for controlling the light color signal of the traffic light 6, the traffic light information generating device 1B of this modified example 2 detects a follow-up control pattern for the follow-up control period where the signal control device 4 controls the light color signal of the traffic light 6 and registers this in the follow-up control table and the follow-up control pattern table. This allows the traffic light information generating device 1B of modified example 2 to reduce the frequency of occurrence of situations where it is unable to estimate the remaining green time.

Note that this invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and in the implementation stage, the components can be modified to a degree that does not deviate from the gist of the invention. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above-described embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all of the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

Furthermore, the correspondence between the configuration according to the present invention and the configuration according to the above-described embodiment can be described as follows.
<Additional Notes>
a first storage unit (14) that stores control patterns for controlling the light color signals of a traffic light (6) by a signal control device (4) for each time period;
A detection unit (21) for detecting a state of a light color signal of the traffic light (6);
a calculation unit (22) that calculates, when the signal control device (4) switches the control pattern of the light color signal of the traffic light (6), a tracking amount for a deviation between the state of the light color signal of the traffic light (6) detected by the detection unit (21) and an appropriate state of the light color signal of the traffic light (6) based on the control pattern to be switched this time;
a second storage unit (15) that stores a tracking control pattern by which the signal control device (4) controls the light color signal of the traffic light (6) in association with the tracking amount during a tracking control period required from when the signal control device (4) switches the control pattern to when the light color signal of the traffic light (6) is transitioned to an appropriate state;
a signal information estimation unit (23) for estimating a remaining green time until the green signal ends when the light color signal of the traffic light (4) is a green signal,
The signal information estimation unit (23)
When the period is not the follow-up control period, the remaining green time is estimated using a control pattern for the corresponding time period stored in the first storage unit (14);
During the follow-up control period, the remaining green time is estimated using a follow-up control pattern associated with the corresponding follow-up amount stored in the second storage unit (15).
Signal information generation device (1).

1, 1A, 1B...signal information generating device 3 (3Ba, 3Bc, 3Ra, 3Rc, 3Ya, 3Yc)...current probe 4...signal control device 5 (5B, 5Y, 5R)...power supply line 6 (6a to 6d)...traffic signal 11...control unit 12...input section 13...time measuring section 14...first memory section 15...second memory section 16...output section 21...detection section 22...calculation section 23...signal information estimation section 24...time difference estimation section 25...following control pattern generating section 26...registration section

Claims (9)

A first storage unit that stores control patterns for controlling the light color signals of a traffic light by a traffic light control device for each time period;
A detection unit that detects a state of a light color signal of the traffic light;
a calculation unit that calculates, when the signal control device switches a control pattern for a light color signal of the traffic light, a tracking amount for a deviation between a state of the light color signal of the traffic light detected by the detection unit and an appropriate state of the light color signal of the traffic light based on a control pattern to be switched this time;
a second storage unit that stores a tracking control pattern for controlling the light color signal of the traffic light by the signal control device in association with the tracking amount during a tracking control period required from when the signal control device switches the control pattern to when the light color signal of the traffic light is transitioned to an appropriate state;
a signal information estimation unit that, when a light color signal of the traffic signal is a green signal, estimates a remaining green time until the green signal ends,
The signal information estimation unit
When the period is not the follow-up control period, the remaining green time is estimated using a control pattern for the corresponding time period stored in the first storage unit;
During the follow-up control period, the remaining green time is estimated using a follow-up control pattern associated with the corresponding follow-up amount stored in the second storage unit.
Signal information generator. A timing unit that measures time;
a time difference estimation unit that estimates a time difference between a time kept by the timing unit and a time kept by the signal control device itself;
2. The signal information generating device according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit determines a timing for the signal control device to switch a control pattern of a light color signal of the traffic light based on the time measured by the timing unit and the time difference estimated by the time difference estimation unit. The traffic light information generating device according to claim 2, wherein the time difference estimating unit, when not in the tracking control period, estimates the time the signal control device has internally timed at a start timing of a predetermined light color signal for the traffic light detected by the detection unit, by using the time the timing unit has timed at the start timing, thereby estimating the time difference between the time the timing unit has timed and the time the signal control device has timed at the start timing. 4. The traffic light information generating device according to claim 2, wherein the calculation unit calculates the amount of tracking using the time measured by the timing unit at a predetermined start timing of a light color signal for the traffic light detected by the detection unit, the start time at which the control pattern of the light color signal of the traffic light is switched by the signal control device, the period of the control pattern to be switched this time, and the offset of the control pattern to be switched this time. a follow-up control pattern generation unit that, when a follow-up control pattern associated with the follow-up amount calculated by the calculation unit is not stored in the second storage unit, detects a follow-up control pattern in which the signal control device controlled the light color signal of the traffic light during the current follow-up control period using the detection unit, and generates a follow-up control pattern corresponding to the currently calculated follow-up amount based on the detection result;
5. The traffic signal information generating device according to claim 1, further comprising: a registration unit that stores the tracking control pattern generated by the tracking control pattern generating unit in the second storage unit. The traffic light information generating device according to claim 5, wherein the tracking control pattern generating unit determines the end timing of the tracking control period by determining whether the traffic light color signal of the traffic light is in the cycle of the control pattern to be switched this time based on the detection result of the detection unit. the second storage unit stores the follow-up control pattern in association with a control pattern to be switched this time and the follow-up amount;
A traffic light information generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, when the traffic light information estimation unit is in the tracking control period, the remaining green time is estimated using the corresponding control pattern to be switched currently stored in the second memory unit and the tracking control pattern associated with the tracking amount. a first storage unit that stores control patterns for controlling the light color signals of a traffic light by a traffic light control device for each time period;
a second storage unit that stores a tracking control pattern for controlling the light color signal of the traffic light by the traffic light control device in association with a tracking amount during a tracking control period required from when the traffic light control device switches the control pattern to when the light color signal of the traffic light is shifted to an appropriate state;
a detection step of detecting a state of a light color signal of the traffic light;
a calculation step of calculating, when the signal control device switches the control pattern of the light color signal of the traffic light, the amount of deviation between the state of the light color signal of the traffic light detected in the detection step and an appropriate state of the light color signal of the traffic light based on the control pattern to be switched this time;
a remaining green time estimation step of estimating a remaining green time until the green light ends when the light color signal of the traffic signal is green;
The remaining green time estimation step includes:
When the period is not the follow-up control period, the remaining green time is estimated using a control pattern for the corresponding time period stored in the first storage unit;
During the follow-up control period, the remaining green time is estimated using a follow-up control pattern associated with the corresponding follow-up amount stored in the second storage unit.
A signal information generating method comprising the steps of: a first storage unit that stores control patterns for controlling the light color signals of a traffic light by a traffic light control device for each time period;
a second storage unit that stores a tracking control pattern for controlling the light color signal of the traffic light by the traffic light control device in association with a tracking amount during a tracking control period required from when the traffic light control device switches the control pattern to when the light color signal of the traffic light is shifted to an appropriate state;
a detection step of detecting a state of a light color signal of the traffic light;
a calculation step of calculating, when the signal control device switches the control pattern of the light color signal of the traffic light, the amount of deviation between the state of the light color signal of the traffic light detected in the detection step and an appropriate state of the light color signal of the traffic light based on the control pattern to be switched this time;
a remaining green time estimation step of estimating a remaining green time until the green light ends when the light color signal of the traffic signal is green,
The remaining green time estimation step includes:
When the period is not the follow-up control period, the remaining green time is estimated using a control pattern for the corresponding time period stored in the first storage unit;
During the follow-up control period, the remaining green time is estimated using a follow-up control pattern associated with the corresponding follow-up amount stored in the second storage unit.
A signal information generating program, which is a step.

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