JP7836071B2 - Traffic control systems, traffic control methods, programs - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a traffic control system, a traffic control method, and a program.

To ensure smooth vehicle traffic flow, traffic control is implemented using traffic signals installed at intersections and along roadsides, for example. Furthermore, on roads without traffic signals, if traffic in one lane is restricted (prohibited) due to vehicle breakdowns, accidents, road construction, etc. (resulting in alternating one-way traffic), traffic control is implemented for vehicles entering the alternating traffic section (traffic restriction point) by, for example, temporarily installing traffic signals at both ends of the section or deploying traffic controllers.

For example, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, when alternating one-way traffic is implemented due to road construction, two-position traffic signals temporarily installed at both ends of the road construction section (traffic restriction point) are used to control vehicles entering the road construction section.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-231497

Conventional technologies require temporary traffic signals at both ends of traffic restriction points, potentially increasing equipment costs. Furthermore, if traffic controllers are deployed, not only are their costs incurred, but errors by the controllers can make smooth traffic control difficult. Additionally, in the event of vehicle breakdowns or accidents, it can be difficult for drivers of the broken-down or damaged vehicles to manage traffic control while simultaneously dealing with the breakdown or accident. Moreover, even when traffic signals are installed at intersections or along roadsides, if their function is lost due to a power outage, for example, traffic control using the signals becomes difficult.

This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a traffic control system, traffic control method, and program that can easily perform traffic control even when it is difficult to perform traffic control using traffic signals.

To solve the above problems, firstly, the present invention provides a traffic control system for performing traffic control on at least one vehicle stopped in a lane within a predetermined range from a predetermined traffic restriction point, comprising: a first acquisition means for acquiring vehicle information wirelessly transmitted from a communication device present in each of the at least one vehicles, including information relating to at least one of the corresponding vehicle's position, direction of travel, and stopping period; an estimation means for estimating the stopping status of the at least one vehicle in at least one lane among the same lane, opposing lane, and intersecting lane as the lane restricted at the traffic restriction point, based on the acquired vehicle information; a signal generation means for generating signal information for performing traffic control on the at least one vehicle in at least one lane among the same lane, opposing lane, and intersecting lane, based on the estimated stopping status; and a first transmission means for wirelessly transmitting the generated signal information to the communication device of each of the at least one vehicle (Invention 1).

According to this invention (Invention 1), based on the stopping status of vehicles stopped in at least one lane among the same lane, the opposing lane, and the intersecting lane as the lane subject to traffic restrictions at a traffic restriction point, signal information is generated for traffic control of vehicles in at least one lane among the same lane, the opposing lane, and the intersecting lane (for example, permitting passage at a traffic restriction point). The generated signal is wirelessly transmitted to the communication device of the stopped vehicle, so that the driver of the stopped vehicle can drive the vehicle to pass through the traffic restriction point (for example, an alternating traffic section or a road construction section) according to the signal information received by the communication device. This makes it possible to easily control the traffic of vehicles stopped in each lane, even when it is difficult to control traffic using traffic signals, such as when the function of traffic signals is lost due to a power outage, or when a vehicle breakdown or accident occurs on a road without traffic signals. Furthermore, according to this invention (Invention 1), it becomes unnecessary to install large traffic signals equipped with light emitters that emit light that reaches far distances, or to deploy traffic controllers. Therefore, the costs associated with traffic signals and the deployment of traffic controllers can be reduced.

In the above invention (Invention 1), a second transmission means may be provided for wirelessly transmitting notification information to inform that the aforementioned traffic restriction point has been established, upon input of predetermined information (Invention 2).

According to this invention (Invention 2), it becomes possible for a vehicle's communication device, located on a lane within a predetermined range of a traffic restriction point, to recognize that a traffic restriction is in place. This allows the vehicle's driver to be alerted, for example, to slow down or stop the vehicle as it approaches the traffic restriction point. Furthermore, if the vehicle is configured for autonomous driving, it becomes possible to control the vehicle to slow down or stop as it approaches the traffic restriction point.

In the above invention (Invention 2), the notification information may include information regarding the traffic restriction point (Invention 3).

According to this invention (Invention 3), a communication device in a vehicle located on a lane within a predetermined range of a traffic restriction point can easily recognize the traffic restriction point.

In the above invention (Invention 3), the information relating to the traffic restriction point may include at least one of the latitude, longitude, and altitude of the traffic restriction point (Invention 4).

According to this invention (Invention 4), a communication device in a vehicle located on a lane within a predetermined range of a traffic restriction point can easily recognize at least one of the latitude, longitude, and altitude of the traffic restriction point.

In the above inventions (Inventions 1 to 4), the estimation means estimates the number and/or duration of vehicles stopped in at least one lane among the same lane, the opposing lane, and the intersecting lane as the vehicle stopping status, and the signal generation means may generate signal information to permit the vehicle to proceed in any of the lanes when the vehicle stopping status in any of the same lane, the opposing lane, and the intersecting lane satisfies predetermined conditions (Invention 5).

Here, the vehicle's stopping period may be determined, for example, by calculating the difference between the current time and the date and time (acquisition time) of vehicle information acquisition, or by measuring the time elapsed since the vehicle information acquisition date and time.

According to this invention (Invention 5), for example, if the number and/or duration of vehicles stopped in any of the lanes—the same lane, the opposing lane, and the intersecting lane—meet predetermined conditions, traffic control can be implemented to ensure that vehicles in that lane have priority over vehicles in other lanes when passing through a traffic restriction point.

In the above invention (Invention 5), the predetermined condition may include the fact that the number of vehicles stopped in one lane is greater than or less than the number of vehicles stopped in the other lane (Invention 6).

According to this invention (Invention 6), for example, if the number of vehicles stopped in any of the lanes (same lane, opposing lane, or intersecting lane) is greater or less than the number of vehicles stopped in other lanes, traffic control can be implemented to ensure that vehicles in that lane have priority over vehicles in other lanes when passing through a traffic restriction point.

In the above inventions (Inventions 5-6), the predetermined conditions may include the condition that the vehicle with the longest stopping period among the at least one vehicle is stopped in any of the lanes (Invention 7).

According to this invention (Invention 7), for example, if the stopping period of a vehicle in any of the lanes—the same lane, the opposing lane, or the intersecting lane—is the longest, traffic control can be implemented to ensure that the vehicle in that lane has priority over vehicles in the other lanes when passing through the restricted area.

In the above inventions (inventions 5 to 7), the predetermined conditions may include the condition that the average stopping time of vehicles stopped in one of the lanes is longer than the average stopping time of vehicles stopped in the other lanes (invention 8).

According to this invention (Invention 8), for example, if the average stopping time of vehicles stopped in any of the lanes (same lane, opposing lane, or intersecting lane) is longer than the average stopping time of vehicles stopped in any other lane, traffic control can be implemented to ensure that vehicles in that lane have priority over vehicles in the other lanes when passing through a traffic restriction point.

In the above inventions (Inventions 5-8), when a vehicle that was stopped in at least one lane among the same lane, the opposing lane, and the intersecting lane passes the traffic restriction point, a second acquisition means is provided to acquire passage information wirelessly transmitted from a communication device corresponding to the passing vehicle. The estimation means may reduce the number of vehicles in the lane where the passing vehicle was stopped, in accordance with the acquisition of the passage information (Invention 9).

According to this invention (Invention 9), it becomes possible to generate signal information for traffic control of at least one lane based on the number of stopped vehicles (vehicle stopping status) which is reduced according to the number of vehicles that have passed through the traffic restriction point.

In the above inventions (inventions 1 to 9), the signal generation means may generate signal information to switch the lane in which the vehicle is permitted to proceed at predetermined intervals (invention 10).

According to this invention (Invention 10), for example, it becomes possible to switch between the same lane, the opposing lane, and the intersecting lane, at predetermined intervals, which lane is permitted to allow vehicle traffic at a traffic restriction point.

In the above invention (Invention 10), the predetermined timing may be the timing when all vehicles stopped in the lane where passage is permitted have passed the traffic restriction point (Invention 11).

According to this invention (Invention 11), it becomes possible to switch the lane in which vehicles are permitted to proceed at a traffic restriction point each time all vehicles stopped in a lane where vehicle movement is permitted pass through the traffic restriction point.

In the above invention (Invention 10), the predetermined timing may be the timing when a predetermined number of vehicles stopped in the lane where passage is permitted have passed the traffic restriction point (Invention 12).

According to this invention (Invention 12), each time a predetermined number of vehicles stopped in a lane where vehicle movement is permitted pass through a traffic restriction point, it becomes possible to switch the lane in which vehicle movement is permitted at the traffic restriction point.

In the above inventions (inventions 10 to 12), the predetermined timing may be the time elapsed since a predetermined period of time has elapsed since a vehicle in any of the lanes—the same lane, the opposing lane, or the intersecting lane—was permitted to proceed (invention 13).

According to this invention (Invention 13), it becomes possible to switch the lane in which vehicles are permitted to proceed at a traffic restriction point each time a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since a vehicle was permitted to proceed in any of the lanes.

In the above inventions (Inventions 1 to 13), at least one of the first acquisition means and the first transmission means may perform cognitive wireless communication that allows switching of wireless communication standards to communicate with communication devices present in each of the at least one vehicles (Invention 14).

According to this invention (Invention 14), it becomes possible to improve the utilization efficiency of the wireless communication bandwidth between each vehicle and the communication device, and to expand the communication range with said communication device.

In the above inventions (Inventions 1 to 14), the traffic control system may be installed on a vehicle stopped at the traffic restriction point (Invention 15).

According to this invention (Invention 15), it is possible to control the traffic of vehicles stopped in each lane when a vehicle is stopped at a traffic restriction point.

In the above inventions (Inventions 1 to 14), the traffic control system may be installed in the vicinity of the traffic restriction point (Invention 16).

According to this invention (Invention 16), traffic control can be performed on vehicles stopped in each lane at a location near the traffic restriction point (for example, the shoulder of the road around a vehicle stopped at the traffic restriction point).

Secondly, the present invention provides a traffic control method in which a computer performs traffic control for at least one vehicle stopped in a lane within a predetermined range from a predetermined traffic restriction point, wherein the computer performs the following steps: acquiring vehicle information wirelessly transmitted from a communication device present in each of the at least one vehicles, including information relating to at least one of the vehicle's position, direction of travel, and stopping period; estimating the stopping status of the at least one vehicle in at least one lane among the same lane, opposing lane, and intersecting lane as the lane restricted at the traffic restriction point, based on the acquired vehicle information; generating signal information for performing traffic control for the at least one vehicle in at least one lane among the same lane, opposing lane, and intersecting lane, based on the estimated stopping status; and wirelessly transmitting the generated signal information to the communication device of each of the at least one vehicle (Invention 17).

Thirdly, the present invention provides a program for causing a computer to perform traffic control for at least one vehicle stopped in a lane within a predetermined range from a predetermined traffic restriction point, wherein the program includes the following functions for the computer: a function to acquire vehicle information wirelessly transmitted from a communication device present in each of the at least one vehicles, including information relating to at least one of the vehicle's position, direction of travel, and stopping period; a function to estimate the stopping status of the at least one vehicle in at least one lane among the same lane, opposing lane, and intersecting lane as the lane restricted at the traffic restriction point, based on the acquired vehicle information; a function to generate signal information for performing traffic control for the at least one vehicle in at least one lane among the same lane, opposing lane, and intersecting lane, based on the estimated stopping status; and a function to wirelessly transmit the generated signal information to the communication device of each of the at least one vehicle (Invention 18).

According to the traffic control system, traffic control method, and program of the present invention, traffic control can be easily performed even when it is difficult to perform traffic control using traffic signals.

This diagram schematically shows the basic configuration of a traffic control system according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a cylinder representing the configuration of a traffic control system. This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication device. This is a functional block diagram illustrating the functions that play a major role in a traffic control system. This figure shows an example of the configuration of data for the same lane, the opposing lane, and the intersecting lane. This figure shows an example of the structure of notification information. This flowchart shows an example of the processing performed by a traffic control device. This flowchart shows an example of processing by a communication device. This diagram shows an example of the division of responsibilities between the traffic control device and the traffic control server for each function of the traffic control system.

One embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this embodiment is illustrative and the present invention is not limited thereto.

(1) Basic Configuration of Traffic Control System Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the basic configuration of a traffic control system according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, an example will be described in which, on a road where no traffic signals are installed, the first vehicle A is stopped in lane L1 due to a malfunction or accident, and as a result, traffic in lane L1 is restricted (prohibited), and alternating one-way traffic is being carried out.

In the traffic control system according to this embodiment, a traffic control device 10 installed in the first vehicle A performs traffic control for at least one second vehicle B that is stopped on lanes L1, L2, and L3 within a predetermined range from a predetermined traffic restriction point (in this embodiment, the stopping position of the first vehicle A). Specifically, the traffic control device 10 is configured to acquire vehicle information that is wirelessly transmitted from a communication device 20 present in each of the at least one second vehicle B, and includes information on at least one of the following: the position, direction of travel, and stopping period of the corresponding second vehicle B. Furthermore, the traffic control device 10 is configured to estimate the stopping status of at least one second vehicle B in at least one of the lanes L1, the opposing lane L2, and the intersecting lane L3, which are the same lane L1 as the lane restricted by alternating one-way traffic (in this case, lane L1). Furthermore, the traffic control device 10 is configured to generate signal information for traffic control of at least one second vehicle B in at least one lane among the same lane L1, the opposing lane L2, and the intersecting lane L3, based on the estimated stopping status. Moreover, the traffic control device 10 is configured to wirelessly transmit the generated signal information to each of the communication devices 20 of at least one second vehicle B.

The first vehicle A and/or at least one second vehicle B may, for example, be a vehicle operated by a driver or an autonomous vehicle.

The traffic control device 10 may be a device that can be mounted on the first vehicle A (for example, a car navigation system). Furthermore, if the first vehicle A is an autonomous vehicle, the traffic control device 10 may be a control device for controlling the autonomous driving of the first vehicle A. Additionally, the traffic control device 10 may be a device possessed and operated by a user (including the driver) riding in the first vehicle A, such as a mobile terminal, smartphone, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), personal computer, or television receiver with two-way communication capabilities (including so-called multi-functional smart TVs).

The communication device 20 may be a device that can be installed in the second vehicle B (for example, a car navigation system). Furthermore, if the second vehicle B is an autonomous vehicle, the communication device 20 may be a control device for controlling the autonomous driving of the second vehicle B. Additionally, the communication device 20, like the traffic control device 10, may be a device possessed and operated by a user (including the driver) riding in the second vehicle B.

Furthermore, the traffic control device 10 and the communication device 20 may be the same device or different devices. Also, the communication devices 20 of at least one second vehicle B may be the same device. Moreover, the communication devices 20 of some of the second vehicles B may be different from the communication devices 20 of the other second vehicles B.

(2) Configuration of the traffic control device The configuration of the traffic control device 10 will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the traffic control device 10. As shown in Figure 2, the traffic control device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a storage device 14, a display processing unit 15, a display unit 16, an input unit 17, a position measuring device 18, and a communication interface unit 19, and a bus 10a is provided for transmitting control signals or data signals between each unit. In this embodiment, the case in which the traffic control device 10 includes a storage device 14, a display processing unit 15, a display unit 16, and an input unit 17 is described as an example, but at least one of the storage device 14, display processing unit 15, display unit 16, and input unit 17 does not have to be provided in the traffic control device 10.

When power is supplied to the traffic control device 10, the CPU 11 loads various programs stored in the ROM 12 or storage device 14 into the RAM 13 and executes them. In this embodiment, the CPU 11 reads and executes the programs stored in the ROM 12 or storage device 14, thereby realizing the functions of the first acquisition means 31, estimation means 32, signal generation means 33, first transmission means 34, second transmission means 35, and second acquisition means 36 (shown in Figure 4), which will be described later.

The storage device 14 may be a non-volatile storage device such as flash memory, SSD (Solid State Drive), magnetic storage device (e.g., HDD (Hard Disk Drive), floppy disk (registered trademark), magnetic tape, etc.), or optical disk, or it may be a volatile storage device such as RAM, and it stores programs executed by the CPU 11 and data referenced by the CPU 11. The storage device 14 also stores data for the same lane, oncoming lane, and intersecting lane (shown in Figure 5), as well as notification information (shown in Figure 6).

The display processing unit 15 displays the display data provided by the CPU 11 on the display unit 16. The display unit 16 is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitor containing thin-film transistors arranged in a matrix at the pixel level. It displays the data on the display screen by driving the thin-film transistors based on the display data.

If the traffic control device 10 is a button-input type device, the input unit 17 includes a group of buttons including multiple instruction input buttons such as direction indicator buttons and confirmation buttons for receiving user operation input, and a group of buttons including multiple instruction input buttons such as a numeric keypad, and includes an interface circuit for recognizing the press (operation) input of each button and outputting it to the CPU 11.

If the traffic control device 10 is a touch panel input device, the input unit 17 primarily accepts input via a touch panel, such as by touching the display screen with a fingertip or pen. The touch panel input method may be a known method such as a capacitive touch panel.

Furthermore, if the traffic control device 10 is a device capable of voice input, the input unit 17 may be configured to include a microphone for voice input, or it may include an interface circuit for outputting voice data input via an external microphone to the CPU 11. Moreover, if the traffic control device 10 is a device capable of inputting moving images and/or still images, the input unit 17 may be configured to include a digital camera or digital video camera for image input, or it may include an interface circuit for receiving image data captured by an external digital camera or digital video camera and outputting it to the CPU 11.

The position measuring device 18 is a device that measures the position of the traffic control device 10 (for example, at least one of latitude, longitude, and altitude) using position measuring technology such as GPS (Global Positioning System). The position measuring device 18 may measure the position of the traffic control device 10 at predetermined intervals (for example, every second).

The communication interface unit 19 includes an interface circuit for wireless communication with other devices (for example, each communication device 20 of at least one second vehicle B).

(3) Configuration of the communication device The configuration of the communication device 20 will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the communication device 20. As shown in Figure 3, the communication device 20 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a storage device 24, a display processing unit 25, a display unit 26, an input unit 27, a position measuring device 28, and a communication interface unit 29, and a bus 20a is provided for transmitting control signals or data signals between each unit. In this embodiment, the case in which the communication device 20 includes a storage device 24, a display processing unit 25, a display unit 26, and an input unit 27 is described as an example, but at least one of the storage device 24, display processing unit 25, display unit 26, and input unit 27 does not have to be provided in the communication device 20.

When power is supplied to the communication device 20, the CPU 21 loads various programs stored in the ROM 22 or storage device 24 into the RAM 23 and executes them.

The storage device 24 may be a non-volatile storage device such as flash memory, SSD, magnetic storage device (e.g., HDD, floppy disk (registered trademark), magnetic tape, etc.), or optical disc, or it may be a volatile storage device such as RAM, and it stores programs executed by the CPU 21 and data referenced by the CPU 21.

The position measuring device 28 is a device that measures the position of the communication device 20 (for example, at least one of latitude, longitude, and altitude) using position measuring technology such as GPS. The position measuring device 28 may measure the position of the communication device 20 at predetermined intervals (for example, every second).

The communication interface unit 29 includes an interface circuit for wireless communication with other devices (for example, the traffic control device 10 of the first vehicle A).

The details of the other parts within the communication device 20 (in this case, the display processing unit 25, the display unit 26, and the input unit 27) may be the same as those of the traffic control device 10.

(4) Overview of each function in the traffic control system The functions realized in the traffic control system of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a functional block diagram for explaining the functions that play a major role in the traffic control system of this embodiment. In the functional block diagram of Figure 4, the first acquisition means 31, estimation means 32, signal generation means 33, and first transmission means 34 correspond to the main components of the traffic control system of the present invention. The other means (second transmission means 35 and second acquisition means 36) are not necessarily essential components, but are components that make the present invention even more preferable.

The first acquisition means 31 has the function of acquiring vehicle information, which includes information relating to at least one of the following: the position, direction of travel, and stopping period of the corresponding second vehicle B, transmitted wirelessly from a communication device 20 present in each of at least one second vehicle B.

The function of the first acquisition means 31 is realized, for example, as follows. First, the CPU 21 of each communication device 20 of at least one second vehicle B stores information regarding the position of the communication device 20 in the storage device 24 each time the position of the communication device 20 is measured by the position measuring device 28 while the second vehicle B is running or stopped. Furthermore, in this embodiment, after the CPU 21 of the communication device 20 receives notification information (described later) from the traffic control device 10 of the first vehicle A via the communication interface unit 29, if it determines that the second vehicle B has arrived at and stopped at the traffic restriction point (the stopping position of the first vehicle A) (for example, if the position of the second vehicle B measured by the position measuring device 28 has not changed within a predetermined range (for example, a range of several meters to several tens of meters) from the traffic restriction point for a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes, etc.) or longer), it transmits the identification information of the communication device 20 (communication device ID) and the corresponding vehicle information of the second vehicle B (in this embodiment, including the position, direction of travel, and stopping period of the corresponding second vehicle B) to the traffic control device 10 of the first vehicle A via the communication interface unit 29.

Here, the position of the second vehicle B may be, for example, the latest position of the second vehicle B measured by the position measuring device 28 (i.e., the stopping position of the second vehicle B), or it may be information representing the change in the position of the second vehicle B within a predetermined period until the second vehicle B stops (i.e., the movement path of the second vehicle B within a predetermined period until the second vehicle B stops). Furthermore, the direction of travel of the second vehicle B may be information representing the direction of movement of the second vehicle B (the direction in which the position of the second vehicle changes) during a predetermined period (e.g., 10 seconds) immediately before the second vehicle B arrives at the traffic restriction point. Note that the direction of travel of the second vehicle B may be represented using, for example, one of the four cardinal directions, eight cardinal directions, sixteen cardinal directions, or thirty-two cardinal directions. Furthermore, the stopping period of the second vehicle B may be the elapsed period from when the second vehicle B starts to stop within a predetermined range (e.g., a range of several meters to several tens of meters) from the traffic restriction point. Furthermore, the vehicle information for vehicle 2B may include, along with the period of stopping vehicle 2B, or, instead of the stopping period, the arrival time when vehicle 2B arrives within a predetermined range (for example, a range of several meters to several tens of meters) from the traffic restriction point.

In this embodiment, the case where the stopping period of the second vehicle B is included in the vehicle information is described as an example, but the stopping period of the second vehicle B does not necessarily have to be included in the vehicle information. In this case, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 may determine the stopping period of the second vehicle B based on the date and time when the vehicle information was acquired from the second vehicle B (the "vehicle information acquisition date and time" described later). Specifically, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 may, for example, determine the corresponding stopping period of the second vehicle B by calculating the difference between the current time and the vehicle information acquisition date and time (acquisition time), or it may determine the corresponding stopping period of the second vehicle B by measuring the time elapsed since the vehicle information acquisition date and time.

On the other hand, when the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 of the first vehicle A receives (acquires) vehicle information from each of at least one second vehicle B via the communication interface unit 19, it determines the lane in which each of the at least one second vehicle B is stopped based on the received vehicle information. Specifically, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 may, for example, determine that among the at least one second vehicle B, the second vehicle B whose direction of travel included in the vehicle information is the same as the direction of travel of the first vehicle A is the second vehicle B that is stopped in the same lane L1 as the first vehicle A. Here, the direction of travel of the first vehicle A may be information representing the direction of movement of the first vehicle A during a predetermined period (for example, 10 seconds, etc.) immediately before the first vehicle A arrives at the traffic restriction point (the direction in which the position of the first vehicle measured by the position measuring device 28 changes), similar to the second vehicle B. Furthermore, the direction of travel of the first vehicle A may be represented using the same direction as the direction of travel of the second vehicle B, for example, from among 4, 8, 16, or 32 cardinal directions. Also, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 may determine that, among at least one second vehicle B, the direction of travel included in its vehicle information is opposite to the direction of travel of the first vehicle A, and identify this second vehicle B as being stopped in the opposing lane L2 of the first vehicle A. Moreover, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 may determine that, among at least one second vehicle B, the direction of travel included in its vehicle information is neither the same as nor opposite to the direction of travel of the first vehicle A, and identify this second vehicle B as being stopped in the intersecting lane L3 of the first vehicle A.

In the above example, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 determines the lane in which the second vehicle B is located by comparing the direction of travel of the second vehicle B with the direction of travel of the first vehicle A. However, if it is difficult to determine the lane in which the second vehicle B is located by comparing it with the direction of travel of the first vehicle A, for example, when the first vehicle A is not present at the traffic restriction point, or when the first vehicle A is stopped at the traffic restriction point facing a direction different from its original direction of travel due to spinning, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 may determine the lane in which the second vehicle B is located by, for example, associating the direction of travel of at least one second vehicle B with one of the same lane L1, the opposing lane L2, and the intersecting lane L3. Furthermore, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 may, for example, use a second vehicle B arbitrarily selected from at least one second vehicle B in place of the first vehicle A, and determine the lane in which each second vehicle B is located by comparing the direction of travel of the selected second vehicle B with the direction of travel of the other second vehicles B.

Furthermore, if the travel path of the second vehicle B within a predetermined period until it stops is included in the vehicle information, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 may determine the lane in which each of the at least one second vehicle B is stopped based on the travel path of the second vehicle B until it stops. Specifically, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 may, for example, determine that among the at least one second vehicle B, the second vehicle B whose travel path included in the vehicle information is in the same direction as the travel path of the first vehicle A (the time progression of the position of the first vehicle A measured by the position measuring device 18) is the second vehicle B that is stopped in the same lane L1 as the first vehicle A. Alternatively, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 may determine that among the at least one second vehicle B, the travel path included in the vehicle information is in the opposite direction to the travel path of the first vehicle A is the second vehicle B that is stopped in the opposite lane L2 of the first vehicle A. Furthermore, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 may determine that at least one of the second vehicles B, whose travel path included in the vehicle information is neither in the same direction as nor in the opposite direction as the travel path of the first vehicle A, is the second vehicle B stopped in the intersecting lane L3 of the first vehicle A.

Furthermore, when the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 determines which lane each of the at least one second vehicle B is stopped in, it stores the vehicle information for each of the at least one second vehicle B in the lane data corresponding to the lane in which the second vehicle B is determined to be stopped, among the same lane data, opposing lane data, and crossing lane data shown in Figure 5. Here, each of the same lane data, opposing lane data, and crossing lane data is data in which vehicle information (vehicle position, direction of travel, and stopping period (or arrival time)) and the date and time the vehicle information was acquired are associated for each identification information of the communication device 20 (communication device ID in the example shown in the figure). Here, the date and time the vehicle information was acquired may be information representing the date and time when the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 acquired the vehicle information from the communication device 20. In other words, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 stores the vehicle information of at least one second vehicle B that is determined to be stopped in the same lane L1 in the same lane data, the vehicle information of at least one second vehicle B that is determined to be stopped in the oncoming lane L2 in the oncoming lane data, and the vehicle information of at least one second vehicle B that is determined to be stopped in the intersecting lane L3 in the intersecting lane data.

In this way, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 receives (acquires) vehicle information wirelessly transmitted from the communication device 20 present in each of at least one second vehicle B.

The estimation means 32 has the function of estimating the stopping status of at least one second vehicle B in at least one lane among the lane being restricted at the traffic restriction point, the same lane L1, the opposing lane L2, and the intersecting lane L3, based on the acquired vehicle information. Here, the estimation means 32 may estimate the number of second vehicles B stopped in at least one lane among the same lane L1, the opposing lane L2, and the intersecting lane L3 as the stopping status of the second vehicles B. The stopping period of the second vehicles B may be determined, for example, by calculating the difference between the current time and the date and time (acquisition time) of vehicle information acquisition, or by measuring the time elapsed since the date and time of vehicle information acquisition.

The function of the estimation means 32 is implemented, for example, as follows: Based on the function of the first acquisition means 31, when the vehicle information of at least one second vehicle B is stored in either the same lane data, the opposing lane data, or the intersecting lane data, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 may access each of the same lane data, opposing lane data, and intersecting lane data to measure the number of stored vehicle information entries (i.e., the number of second vehicles B stopped in the corresponding lane). This allows the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 to estimate the stopping status of second vehicles B in each of the same lane L1, the opposing lane L2, and the intersecting lane L3 (the number of second vehicles B stopped).

Furthermore, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 may access the same lane data, the opposing lane data, and the intersecting lane data, and determine the corresponding stopping period of the second vehicle B for each stored vehicle information. In this case, the CPU 11 may, for example, determine the stopping period of the corresponding second vehicle B by calculating the difference between the current time and the date and time (acquisition time) of vehicle information acquisition, or by measuring the elapsed time from the date and time of vehicle information acquisition. This allows the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 to estimate the stopping status of the second vehicle B (the stopping period of each stopped second vehicle B) in each of the same lane L1, the opposing lane L2, and the intersecting lane L3.

In the example described above, the estimation means 32 estimates the number and/or duration of stopping of second vehicles B that are stopped in at least one of the same lane L1, the opposing lane L2, and the intersecting lane L3 as the stopping status of second vehicles B. However, the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, the estimation means 32 may estimate the order from the front of the line of stopped second vehicles B that are stopped in at least one of the same lane L1, the opposing lane L2, and the intersecting lane L3, and the stopping period of said second vehicles B, as the stopping status of second vehicles B. In this case, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 may access the same lane data, the opposing lane data, and the intersecting lane data, respectively, and determine the order from the front of the line of stopped second vehicles B corresponding to each stored vehicle information. Here, the CPU 11 may, for example, assign numbers (orders) starting from 1 to the corresponding second vehicles B in order of proximity of the vehicle position included in the vehicle information to the position of the traffic control device 10 (which may be measured by the position measuring device 18). Furthermore, the CPU 11 may, for example, assign a number (sequence) starting from 1 to the corresponding second vehicle B, in order of arrival time (i.e., the order in which they arrived at the traffic restriction point) as included in the vehicle information.

The signal generation means 33 has a function to generate signal information for traffic control of at least one second vehicle B in at least one lane among the same lane L1, the opposing lane L2, and the intersecting lane L3, based on the estimated stopping status.

Furthermore, the signal generation means 33 may generate signal information to permit the second vehicle B to proceed in any of the following lanes: the same lane L1, the opposing lane L2, and the intersecting lane L3, if the stopping status of the second vehicle B in any of these lanes meets predetermined conditions. This allows for traffic control, for example, to ensure that, if the number of second vehicle B stopped in any of the following lanes (same lane L1, opposing lane L2, and intersecting lane L3) meets predetermined conditions, the second vehicle B in that lane has priority over second vehicle B in other lanes when passing through the restricted area.

Here, the predetermined conditions may include the number of second vehicles B stopped in any lane being greater than or less than the number of second vehicles B stopped in other lanes. This allows for traffic control to be implemented so that, for example, if the number of second vehicles B stopped in any of the lanes (same lane L1, opposing lane L2, and intersecting lane L3) is greater than or less than the number of second vehicles B stopped in other lanes, the second vehicles B in that lane have priority over the second vehicles B in other lanes when passing through the restricted area.

Furthermore, the specified conditions may include the fact that at least one of the second vehicles B, the one with the longest stopping period, is stopped in any lane. This allows for traffic control to be implemented so that, for example, if the second vehicle B stopped in any of the following lanes—the same lane L1, the opposing lane L2, and the intersecting lane L3—has the longest stopping period, the second vehicle B in that lane has priority over the second vehicle B in the other lanes when passing through the restricted area.

Furthermore, the specified conditions may include the condition that the average stopping time of a second vehicle B stopped in any lane is longer than the average stopping time of a second vehicle B stopped in any other lane. This allows for traffic control to be implemented so that, for example, if the average stopping time of a second vehicle B stopped in any of the following lanes (same lane L1, opposing lane L2, and intersecting lane L3) is longer than the average stopping time of a second vehicle B stopped in any other lane, the second vehicle B in that lane has priority over the second vehicle B in any other lane when passing through the restricted area.

Furthermore, the signal generation means 33 may generate signal information to switch the lane in which the second vehicle B is permitted to proceed at predetermined intervals. This makes it possible, for example, to switch the lane in which the second vehicle B is permitted to proceed at the traffic restriction point at predetermined intervals, among the same lane L1, the opposing lane L2, and the intersecting lane L3.

Here, the predetermined timing may be the time when all second vehicles B stopped in the permitted lane have passed the traffic restriction point. This makes it possible to switch the lane permitted for second vehicles B at the traffic restriction point each time all second vehicles B stopped in the permitted lane have passed the traffic restriction point.

Furthermore, the predetermined timing may be the time when a predetermined number of the second vehicle B stopped in the lane where passage is permitted has passed the traffic restriction point. This makes it possible to switch the lane permitted for passage at the traffic restriction point each time a predetermined number of second vehicle B stopped in the lane where passage is permitted has passed the traffic restriction point.

Furthermore, the predetermined timing may be the time elapsed since the second vehicle B was permitted to proceed in any of the lanes: the same lane L1, the opposing lane L2, or the intersecting lane L3. This makes it possible to switch the lane in which the second vehicle B is permitted to proceed at the traffic restriction point each time the predetermined time has elapsed since the second vehicle B was permitted to proceed in any of the lanes.

The function of the signal generation means 33 is realized, for example, as follows. Here, as an example, we will explain a case where the signal generation means 33 generates signal information to permit the second vehicle B to proceed in any of the following lanes: the same lane L1, the opposing lane L2, and the intersecting lane L3, when the stopping status of the second vehicle B in any of those lanes satisfies predetermined conditions.

For example, if a predetermined condition includes the number of second vehicles B stopped in one lane being greater than or less than the number of second vehicles B stopped in other lanes, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 extracts the lane data (e.g., oncoming lane data) with the largest or smallest amount of stored vehicle information from among the same lane data, oncoming lane data, and intersecting lane data. Then, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 generates signal information (e.g., information indicating a green light) to permit the second vehicle B corresponding to the vehicle information stored in the extracted lane data (in this case, oncoming lane data) to proceed. For example, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 associates the generated signal information (e.g., information indicating a green light) to permit the second vehicle B to proceed with each of the identification information (communication device IDs) of the communication devices 20 in the extracted lane data (in this case, oncoming lane data). Furthermore, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 generates signal information (for example, information indicating a red light) to stop the progress of the second vehicle B corresponding to the vehicle information stored in the unextracted lane data (here, same-lane data and intersecting lane data). For example, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 associates the generated signal information (for example, information indicating a red light) to stop the progress of the second vehicle B with each identification information (communication device ID) of the communication device 20 within the unextracted lane data (here, same-lane data and intersecting lane data). Note that the signal information may consist of audio data or image data.

This means that if the number of second vehicles B stopped in one of the lanes (L1, L2, or L3) is greater than the number of second vehicles B stopped in any other lane (i.e., the longest queue of stopped vehicles in that lane), it becomes possible to prioritize the passage of the second vehicles B in that lane in order to alleviate congestion in that lane. Conversely, if the number of second vehicles B stopped in one of the lanes (L1, L2, or L3) is less than the number of second vehicles B stopped in any other lane (i.e., the shortest queue of stopped vehicles in any lane), it becomes possible to prioritize the passage of the second vehicles B in that lane in order to resolve congestion in that lane more quickly.

Furthermore, for example, if a predetermined condition includes the fact that at least one of the second vehicles B, the one with the longest stopping period, is stopped in any lane, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 extracts lane data (e.g., oncoming lane data) containing the vehicle information with the longest stopping period (or the longest elapsed time since arrival) from the same lane data, oncoming lane data, and intersecting lane data. The CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 may then generate signal information (e.g., information indicating a green light) to permit the second vehicle B corresponding to the vehicle information stored in the extracted lane data (in this case, oncoming lane data) to proceed. Alternatively, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 may generate signal information (e.g., information indicating a red light) to stop the second vehicle B corresponding to the vehicle information stored in the unextracted lane data (in this case, same lane data and intersecting lane data).

Furthermore, if, for example, a predetermined condition includes the fact that the average stopping period of a second vehicle B stopped in any lane is longer than the average stopping period of a second vehicle B stopped in any other lane, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 calculates the average stopping period for all stored vehicle information for each same-lane data, opposing lane data, and crossing lane data. Then, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 extracts the lane data (for example, opposing lane data) from among the same-lane data, opposing lane data, and crossing lane data that has the longest average stopping period for all stored vehicle information (or the longest average elapsed time from arrival). The CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 may then generate signal information (for example, information indicating a green light) to permit the second vehicle B corresponding to the vehicle information stored in the extracted lane data (in this case, opposing lane data) to proceed. Furthermore, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 may generate signal information (for example, information indicating a red light) to stop the progress of the second vehicle B corresponding to the vehicle information stored in the unextracted lane data (in this case, same-lane data and intersecting lane data).

Next, we will explain the case where signal information is generated to switch the lane permitted for the second vehicle B to proceed at predetermined intervals.

For example, if the predetermined timing is the timing when all second vehicles B stopped on the lane where travel is permitted have passed the traffic restriction point, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 may generate signal information to permit the second vehicles B to travel in any of the lanes among the same lane L1, the opposing lane L2, and the intersecting lane L3 each time the number of passing information received (acquired) from the second vehicles B based on the function of the second acquisition means 36 described later (i.e., the number of second vehicles B that have passed the traffic restriction point) reaches the number of vehicle information stored in the lane data corresponding to the lane where travel is permitted (i.e., the number of second vehicles B stopped on the lane where travel is permitted (i.e., the opposing lane L2)). Furthermore, if the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 is configured to reduce the number of second vehicles B in the lane where a second vehicle B that has passed a traffic restriction point was stopped, based on the function of the estimation means 32 described later, then signal information may be generated to permit the second vehicle B to proceed in any of the lanes among the same lane L1, the opposing lane L2, and the intersecting lane L3 each time all vehicle information stored in the lane data corresponding to the lane where progress is permitted (e.g., opposing lane data) is erased from the said lane data.

Furthermore, for example, if the predetermined timing is when a predetermined number (e.g., 10 vehicles) of the second vehicle B stopped in a lane where passage is permitted has passed the traffic restriction point, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 may generate signal information to permit the passage of the second vehicle B in any of the lanes among the same lane L1, the opposing lane L2, and the intersecting lane L3 each time the number of passage information received (acquired) from the second vehicle B (i.e., the number of second vehicle B that have passed the traffic restriction point) reaches a predetermined number, based on the function of the second acquisition means 36 described later.

Furthermore, for example, if the predetermined timing is the time (e.g., 30 seconds) after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the second vehicle B was permitted to proceed in any of the lanes L1 (same lane), L2 (opposing lane), and L3 (intersecting lane), the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 measures the elapsed time since the signal information was generated each time it generates signal information to permit the second vehicle B to proceed in any of the lanes. Then, when the elapsed time reaches the predetermined period, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 may generate signal information to permit the second vehicle B to proceed in any of the lanes L1 (same lane), L2 (opposing lane), and L3 (intersecting lane).

Furthermore, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 may, as a function of the signal generation means 33, generate signal information for traffic control of at least one second vehicle B in at least one of the following lanes: the same lane L1, the opposing lane L2, and the intersecting lane L3, based on the order from the front of the line of stopped second vehicle B and the duration of the second vehicle B's stop. Here, generally speaking, the closer the second vehicle B is to the end of the line of stopped vehicles, the longer the time it takes for the second vehicle B to pass the traffic restriction point is expected to be. Therefore, even if the second vehicle B's stop period is somewhat longer, it is thought that the dissatisfaction of the passengers in the second vehicle B can be minimized. On the other hand, the closer the second vehicle B is to the front of the line of stopped vehicles, the shorter the time it takes for the second vehicle B to pass the traffic restriction point is expected to be. Therefore, if the second vehicle B's stop period is somewhat longer, it is thought that the dissatisfaction of the passengers in the second vehicle B will increase. Therefore, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 may generate signal information to permit the second vehicle B to proceed in any of the following lanes: the same lane L1, the opposing lane L2, and the intersecting lane L3, based on the order of the second vehicle B from the front of the line of stopped vehicles and the duration of the second vehicle B's stop. For example, the CPU 11 accesses the same lane data, the opposing lane data, and the intersecting lane data to extract vehicle information corresponding to the second vehicle B that is closer to the front of the line of stopped vehicles and has a longer stop duration among the at least one second vehicle B. Then, the CPU 11 may identify the lane data (e.g., opposing lane data) containing the extracted vehicle information and generate signal information (e.g., information indicating a green light) to permit the second vehicle B corresponding to the vehicle information stored in the identified lane data (in this case, opposing lane data) to proceed.

The first transmission means 34 has the function of wirelessly transmitting the generated signal information to each communication device 20 of at least one second vehicle B.

The function of the first transmission means 34 is implemented, for example, as follows: The CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 transmits signal information via the communication interface unit 19 to each of the communication devices 20, each of which stores identification information (communication device ID) in either the same lane data, opposing lane data, or intersecting lane data. The signal information is associated with the identification information (communication device ID).

On the other hand, when the CPU 21 of each communication device 20 of at least one second vehicle B receives signal information associated with its own identification information (communication device ID) via the communication interface unit 29, it may display the received signal information on, for example, the display unit 26. This makes it easy for the driver of the second vehicle B to determine whether or not it is permissible to proceed through a traffic restriction point. Furthermore, if the second vehicle B is an autonomous vehicle, the system may control whether or not to proceed with the second vehicle B based on the content of the signal information received by the communication device 20.

The second transmission means 35 has a function to wirelessly transmit notification information to notify that a traffic restriction point has been established when predetermined information is input. This makes it possible for the communication device 20 of the second vehicle B, which is located on a lane within a predetermined range from the traffic restriction point, to recognize that a traffic restriction is in place. This allows the driver of the second vehicle B to be alerted, for example, to slow down or stop the second vehicle B as it approaches the traffic restriction point. Furthermore, if the second vehicle B is configured for autonomous driving, it becomes possible to control the second vehicle B to slow down or stop as it approaches the traffic restriction point.

Here, the notification information may include information regarding traffic restriction points. This makes it possible for the communication device 20 of the second vehicle B, located on a lane within a predetermined range from the traffic restriction point in alternating one-way traffic, to easily recognize the traffic restriction point.

Furthermore, information regarding traffic restriction points may include at least one of the latitude, longitude, and altitude of the traffic restriction point. This makes it possible for the communication device 20 of the second vehicle B, located on a lane within a predetermined range from the traffic restriction point, to easily recognize at least one of the latitude, longitude, and altitude of the traffic restriction point.

The function of the second transmission means 35 is realized, for example, as follows. For example, when the first vehicle A is stopped at a traffic restriction point, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 generates notification information, for example, as shown in Figure 6, when predetermined information is input using the input unit 17. The CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 then broadcasts (transmits) the generated notification information via the communication interface unit 19. Here, the notification information is information that associates the identification information of the traffic control device 10 (traffic control device ID) with the traffic restriction point (latitude, longitude, and altitude). When predetermined information is input using the input unit 17, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 may instruct the position measuring device 18 to measure the position, and the position information of the traffic control device 10 (latitude, longitude, and altitude) measured by the position measuring device 18 may be stored in the traffic restriction point of the notification information. In addition, the notification information may include other information (for example, the reason for the traffic restriction, the date and time of notification, etc.). For example, if the reason for the traffic restriction is included in the notification information, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 may store the reason for the traffic restriction (e.g., vehicle breakdown, accident, disaster, road construction, rockfall, obstacle, etc.) entered using the input unit 17 as the reason for the traffic restriction in the notification information, or it may store a reason for the traffic restriction selected using the input unit 17 from among multiple reasons for traffic restriction displayed on, for example, the display unit 16, as the reason for the traffic restriction in the notification information. The notification information may consist of audio data or image data.

The second acquisition means 36 has the function of acquiring passage information wirelessly transmitted from the communication device 20 corresponding to the passing second vehicle B when the second vehicle B, which was stopped in at least one of the lanes among the same lane L1, the opposing lane L2, and the intersecting lane L3, passes the traffic restriction point.

The function of the second acquisition means 36 is implemented, for example, as follows. First, when the CPU 21 of each communication device 20 of at least one second vehicle B determines that the second vehicle B has passed a traffic restriction point, it generates passage information including the identification information of the communication device 20 (communication device ID) and transmits the passage information to the traffic control device 10 via the communication interface unit 29. Here, the CPU 21 of the communication device 20 may determine that the second vehicle B has passed a traffic restriction point if, for example, the distance between the position of the communication device 20 measured by the position measuring device 28 and the traffic restriction point included in the notification information received from the traffic control device 10 is less than or equal to a predetermined value (for example, 5 m).

On the other hand, when the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 receives (acquires) passage information from the communication device 20 via the communication interface unit 19, it may store the received passage information in, for example, the RAM 13. In this way, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 becomes capable of acquiring passage information wirelessly transmitted from the communication device 20 corresponding to the second vehicle B that has passed the traffic restriction point.

Here, the estimation means 32 may reduce the number of second vehicles B in the lane where the second vehicle B that passed the traffic restriction point was stopped, depending on the acquisition of passage information. This makes it possible to generate signal information for traffic control in at least one lane based on the number of stopped vehicles (the stopping status of second vehicles B) reduced according to the number of second vehicles B that passed the traffic restriction point.

In this case, the function of the estimation means 32 is implemented, for example, as follows: When the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 acquires passage information based on the function of the second acquisition means 36, it extracts lane data from the same lane data, opposing lane data, and intersecting lane data that stores the identification information (communication device ID) of the communication device 20 included in the passage information. Then, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 updates the extracted lane data by deleting the identification information (communication device ID) of the communication device 20 included in the passage information, along with the vehicle information and acquisition date and time corresponding to that identification information (communication device ID). This makes it possible to reduce the number of second vehicles B in the lane where the second vehicle B that passed the traffic restriction point was stopped by one.

In this embodiment, at least one of the first acquisition means 31, first transmission means 34, second transmission means 35, and second acquisition means 36 may perform cognitive wireless communication, which allows switching of wireless communication standards to communicate with the communication device 20 present in each of the at least one second vehicle B. This makes it possible to improve the utilization efficiency of the wireless communication bandwidth between the traffic control device 10 and the communication device 20 present in each second vehicle B, and to expand the communication range with the communication device 20.

Cognitive wireless communication is a technology that switches the wireless communication method used by selecting the optimal communication method from among multiple methods depending on the situation. Examples of communication methods used in cognitive wireless communication include unlicensed methods such as LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) (920 MHz), IEEE 802.11n (2.4 GHz), IEEE 802.11ac (5.6 GHz), and IEEE 802.11ad (60 GHz).

In this case, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 and the CPU 21 of each communication device 20 of at least one second vehicle B may determine the communication method according to the amount of information transmitted and received between them. For example, a lower frequency communication method may be used when the amount of information transmitted and received is small, and a higher frequency communication method may be used when the amount of information transmitted and received is large.

(5) Main processing flow of the traffic control system of this embodiment Next, an example of the main processing flow performed by the traffic control system of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 7 and 8.

First, an example of the processing of the traffic control device 10 will be explained with reference to Figure 7. For example, when the first vehicle A is stopped at a traffic restriction point, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 located in the first vehicle A generates notification information when predetermined information is input using the input unit 17. Then, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 broadcasts (transmits) the generated notification information via the communication interface unit 19 (step S100).

On the other hand, the CPU 21 of each communication device 20 of at least one second vehicle B, after receiving notification information from the traffic control device 10 of the first vehicle A via the communication interface unit 29, determines that the second vehicle B has arrived at and stopped at the traffic restriction point (the stopping position of the first vehicle A) (for example, if the position of the second vehicle B measured by the position measuring device 28 has not changed within a predetermined range (for example, a range of several meters to several tens of meters) from the traffic restriction point for a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes, etc.) or longer), transmits the identification information of the communication device 20 (communication device ID) and the corresponding vehicle information of the second vehicle B (in this embodiment, including the position, direction of travel, and stopping period of the corresponding second vehicle B) to the traffic control device 10 of the first vehicle A via the communication interface unit 29.

Next, when the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 receives (acquires) vehicle information from each of at least one second vehicle B via the communication interface unit 19 (step S102: YES), it estimates the stopping status of at least one second vehicle B in at least one lane among the lane L1 (same lane as the lane restricted by alternating one-way traffic), the opposing lane L2, and the intersecting lane L3, based on the acquired vehicle information (step S104). Note that if the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 has not received (acquired) vehicle information (step S102: NO), it may proceed to the processing described in step S106.

When a second vehicle B that was stopped in at least one of the same lane L1, the opposing lane L2, and the intersecting lane L3 passes a traffic restriction point, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 receives passage information wirelessly transmitted from the communication device 20 corresponding to the passing second vehicle B (step S106: YES). In response to the acquisition of passage information, the CPU 11 updates the lane data to reduce the number of second vehicles B in the lane where the second vehicle B that passed the traffic restriction point was stopped (step S108). Specifically, when the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 acquires passage information, it extracts lane data from the same lane data, opposing lane data, and intersecting lane data that stores the identification information (communication device ID) of the communication device 20 included in the passage information. The CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 then updates the extracted lane data by deleting the identification information (communication device ID) of the communication device 20 included in the passage information, as well as the vehicle information and acquisition date and time corresponding to the identification information (communication device ID), from the extracted lane data. Furthermore, if the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 has not acquired passage information (step S106: NO), it may proceed to the processing of step S110, which will be described later.

After step S108, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 determines whether it is time to generate signal information (for example, when a predetermined number or all of the second vehicles B on any lane have passed the traffic restriction point, and/or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the second vehicles B on any lane have been permitted to proceed) (step S110). If the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 determines that it is time to generate signal information (step S110: YES), it generates signal information for traffic control of at least one second vehicle B in at least one lane among the same lane L1, the opposing lane L2, and the intersecting lane L3, based on the stopping status of the second vehicles B in each lane L1, L2, and L3 (step S112). Next, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 wirelessly transmits the generated signal information to each communication device 20 of at least one second vehicle B (step S114). Furthermore, if the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 determines that it is not the right time to generate signal information (step S110: NO), it may proceed to the processing in step S114.

Then, after step S114, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 may proceed to the processing of step S100.

Next, an example of the processing of the communication device 20 will be described with reference to Figure 8. The CPU 21 of each communication device 20 of at least one second vehicle B receives notification information from the traffic control device 10 of the first vehicle A via the communication interface unit 29 (step S200: YES), and when it is determined that the second vehicle B has arrived at and stopped at the traffic restriction point (the stopping position of the first vehicle A) (for example, when the position of the second vehicle B measured by the position measuring device 28 has not changed for a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes, etc.) or longer within a predetermined range (for example, a range of several meters to several tens of meters) from the traffic restriction point) (step S202: YES), it transmits the identification information of the communication device 20 (communication device ID) and the vehicle information of the corresponding second vehicle B (in this embodiment, including the position, direction of travel, and stopping period of the corresponding second vehicle B) to the traffic control device 10 of the first vehicle A via the communication interface unit 29 (step S204). Furthermore, if the CPU 21 of the communication device 20 has not received notification information (step S200: NO), it may continue processing in step S200. Also, if the CPU 21 of the communication device 20 determines that the second vehicle B has not arrived at or stopped at the traffic restriction point (step S202: NO), it may continue processing in step S202.

After step S204, the CPU 21 of the communication device 20 determines whether or not it has acquired signal information from the traffic control device 10 via the communication interface unit 29 (step S206). If the CPU 21 of the communication device 20 has acquired signal information (step S206: YES), it may, for example, display the acquired signal information on the display unit 26, or it may perform automatic driving control of the second vehicle B based on the acquired signal information. If the CPU 21 of the communication device 20 has not acquired signal information (step S206: NO), it may continue the process in step S206.

After acquiring signal information, the CPU 21 of the communication device 20 determines that the corresponding second vehicle B has passed the traffic restriction point (step S208: YES), generates passage information, and transmits it to the traffic control device 10 (step S210). The CPU 21 of the communication device 20 may then proceed to the processing in step S200. Alternatively, if the CPU 21 of the communication device 20 determines that the corresponding second vehicle B has not passed the traffic restriction point (step S208: NO), it may proceed to the processing in step S206.

As described above, according to the traffic control system, traffic control method, and program of this embodiment, based on the stopping status of a second vehicle B stopped in at least one lane among the same lane L1, the opposing lane L2, and the intersecting lane L3 as the lane restricted by alternating one-way traffic, signal information is generated for traffic control of the second vehicle B in at least one lane among the same lane L1, the opposing lane L2, and the intersecting lane L3 (for example, permitting passage at a traffic restriction point). The generated signal is wirelessly transmitted to the communication device 20 of the stopped second vehicle B, so that the driver of the stopped second vehicle B can drive the second vehicle B to pass through the traffic restriction point (for example, an alternating traffic section or a road construction section) according to the signal information received by the communication device 20. This makes it easy to control the traffic of second vehicles B stopped in each lane, even when it is difficult to perform traffic control by traffic signals, such as when the function of traffic signals is lost due to a power outage, or when a vehicle breakdown or accident occurs on a road without traffic signals. Furthermore, the traffic control system, traffic control method, and program of this embodiment eliminate the need to temporarily install traffic signals or deploy traffic controllers, thereby reducing costs related to traffic signals and the deployment of traffic controllers.

The program of the present invention may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium. This storage medium may be the ROM 12, RAM 13, or storage device 14 of the traffic control device 10 shown in Figure 2, or the ROM 22, RAM 23, or storage device 24 of the communication device 20 shown in Figure 3. Furthermore, the storage medium may be a CD-ROM or the like, readable by being inserted into a program reading device such as a CD-ROM drive. Additionally, the storage medium may be magnetic tape, cassette tape, flexible disk, MO/MD/DVD, or semiconductor memory.

The embodiments described above are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Therefore, each element disclosed in the above embodiments is intended to include all design modifications and equivalents that fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

For example, in the embodiment described above, the case where traffic on lane L1 is restricted (prohibited) because the first vehicle A is stopped on lane L1 due to a breakdown or accident was explained as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, the first vehicle A may be a construction vehicle placed in a road construction section, a vehicle placed to create an alternating traffic section, or a vehicle whose progress is obstructed by falling rocks or obstacles.

Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment explains the case where the traffic control device 10 is installed on the first vehicle A as an example, the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, the traffic control device 10 may be installed in the vicinity of a traffic restriction point (for example, within 10 meters of the traffic restriction point). This allows for traffic control of the second vehicle B, which is stopped on each lane L1, L2, and L3, in the vicinity of the traffic restriction point (for example, on the shoulder of the road around the first vehicle A stopped at the traffic restriction point).

Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment explained as an example where the CPU 21 of the communication device 20 transmits vehicle information after receiving notification information from the traffic control device 10, the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, even if the CPU 21 of the communication device 20 has not received notification information, it may transmit vehicle information to the traffic control device 10 if it determines that the communication device 20 (i.e., the corresponding second vehicle B) has arrived at and stopped at a traffic restriction point, for example, by acquiring information regarding the current location measured by the position measuring device 28 or by inputting predetermined information using the input unit 27.

Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment explained the case where a traffic restriction point is located near a T-junction as shown in Figure 1, the present invention can also be applied when a traffic restriction point is located near, for example, a Y-junction, a cross-shaped intersection, or a multi-way intersection.

Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment explains, as an example, the case in which traffic control using the traffic control device 10 is performed on a road without traffic signals, it is also possible to perform traffic control using the traffic control device 10 in places where traffic signals are installed (for example, intersections). This makes it possible to easily perform traffic control even if the function of traffic signals is lost due to a power outage, for example. In this case, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 may, as a function of the estimation means 32, estimate, based on acquired vehicle information, the stopping status of the second vehicle B in a lane within a first lane group, which is a lane group that includes a lane that extends in a predetermined direction and an opposing lane (a lane whose direction of travel is approximately 180° different from the direction of travel of the said lane), and the stopping status of the second vehicle B in a lane within a second lane group, which is a lane group that includes a lane that is subject to traffic restrictions at a predetermined traffic restriction point (for example, before an intersection), when there is a lane group that includes a lane that is subject to traffic restrictions. Furthermore, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 may, as a function of the signal generation means 33, generate signal information for traffic control of the second vehicle B in a lane within either the first lane group or the second lane group (for example, permitting the second vehicle B stopped in a lane within the first lane group to proceed, and stopping the second vehicle B in a lane within the second lane group) based on the estimated stopping status. Here, the difference (angle) in the direction of travel between a lane included in a lane group and the opposing lane of that lane may be, for example, ±180°, or a value within a predetermined error range from ±180°. Also, the number of each of the first lane group and the second lane group may be one or multiple. In this case, if there are multiple groups of first lanes, the CPU 11 of the traffic control device 10 may, as a function of the signal generation means 33, generate signal information to permit only the second vehicle B stopped in a lane within any one of the multiple first lane groups, and to stop the progress of the second vehicle B in lanes within other first lane groups and in lanes within other second lane groups.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the traffic control device 10 is configured to implement the functions of the first acquisition means 31, estimation means 32, signal generation means 33, first transmission means 34, second transmission means 35, and second acquisition means 36. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a computer (e.g., a general-purpose personal computer or server) connected to the traffic control device 10 via a communication network such as the Internet or a LAN may implement the function of at least one of the above means 31 to 36. Also, as shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), each function in the functional block diagram shown in Figure 4 may be arbitrarily shared between the traffic control device 10 and a traffic control server, which is an example of a computer connected to the traffic control device 10 in a communicative manner.

The traffic control system, traffic control method, and program of the present invention, as described above, can be suitably used for traffic control services for vehicles, and therefore has extremely high industrial applicability.

10...Traffic control device 20...Communication device 31...First acquisition means 32...Estimation means 33...Signal generation means 34...First transmission means 35...Second transmission means 36...Second acquisition means A...First vehicle B...Second vehicle L1...Same lane L2...Opponent lane L3...Crossing lane

Claims (18)

A traffic control system that controls traffic for at least one vehicle stopped in a lane within a predetermined range from a predetermined traffic restriction point,
A first acquisition means for acquiring vehicle information, which includes information relating to at least one of the following: the position, direction of travel, and stopping period of the corresponding vehicle, transmitted wirelessly from a communication device present in each of the at least one of the vehicles;
An estimation means for estimating the stopping status of at least one vehicle in at least one lane among the same lane as the lane subject to traffic restrictions at the traffic restriction point, the opposing lane, and the intersecting lane, based on acquired vehicle information,
A signal generation means that generates signal information for controlling traffic for at least one vehicle in at least one lane among the same lane, the opposing lane, and the intersecting lane, based on the estimated stopping status,
A first transmission means for wirelessly transmitting the generated signal information to each communication device of at least one of the vehicles,
Equipped with ,
The signal generation means generates signal information to switch the lane in which the vehicle is permitted to proceed at predetermined intervals.
The traffic control system where the predetermined timing is the time when all vehicles stopped in the lane where passage is permitted have passed the traffic restriction point . A traffic control system that controls traffic for at least one vehicle stopped in a lane within a predetermined range from a predetermined traffic restriction point,
A first acquisition means for acquiring vehicle information, which includes information relating to at least one of the following: the position, direction of travel, and stopping period of the corresponding vehicle, transmitted wirelessly from a communication device present in each of the at least one of the vehicles;
An estimation means for estimating the stopping status of at least one vehicle in at least one lane among the same lane as the lane subject to traffic restrictions at the traffic restriction point, the opposing lane, and the intersecting lane, based on acquired vehicle information,
A signal generation means that generates signal information for controlling traffic for at least one vehicle in at least one lane among the same lane, the opposing lane, and the intersecting lane, based on the estimated stopping status,
A first transmission means for wirelessly transmitting the generated signal information to each communication device of at least one of the vehicles,
Equipped with,
The signal generation means generates signal information to switch the lane in which the vehicle is permitted to proceed at predetermined intervals.
The traffic control system where the predetermined timing is the time when a predetermined number of vehicles that are stopped in a lane where passage is permitted have passed the traffic restriction point. The traffic control system according to claim 1, further comprising a second transmission means for wirelessly transmitting notification information to inform that the aforementioned traffic restriction point has been established, upon input of predetermined information. The traffic control system according to claim 3 , wherein the notification information includes information regarding the traffic restriction point. The traffic control system according to claim 4 , wherein the information relating to the traffic restriction point includes at least one of the latitude, longitude, and altitude of the traffic restriction point. The estimation means estimates the number of vehicles stopped in at least one lane among the same lane, the opposing lane, and the intersecting lane, and/or the duration of the stopping, as the vehicle stopping status.
The traffic control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the signal generating means generates signal information to permit the vehicle to proceed in any of the lanes among the same lane, the opposing lane, and the intersecting lane when the stopping status of the vehicle in any of the lanes satisfies predetermined conditions. The traffic control system according to claim 6 , wherein the predetermined condition includes the number of vehicles stopped in any of the lanes being greater than or less than the number of vehicles stopped in any of the other lanes. The traffic control system according to claim 6 or 7 , wherein the predetermined condition includes that the vehicle with the longest stopping period among the at least one vehicle is stopped in any of the lanes. The traffic control system according to any one of claims 6 to 8 , wherein the predetermined condition includes that the average stopping time of vehicles stopped in any of the lanes is longer than the average stopping time of vehicles stopped in other lanes. The vehicle is equipped with a second acquisition means for acquiring passage information transmitted wirelessly from a communication device corresponding to a vehicle that has passed a traffic restriction point when a vehicle that was stopped in at least one lane among the same lane, the opposing lane, and the intersecting lane has passed the traffic restriction point.
The traffic control system according to any one of claims 6 to 9 , wherein the estimation means reduces the number of vehicles in the lane where the passing vehicle was stopped, in response to the acquisition of the passage information. The traffic control system according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the predetermined timing is the time after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since a vehicle in any of the lanes of the same lane, the opposing lane, and the intersecting lane was permitted to proceed. The traffic control system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least one of the first acquisition means and the first transmission means performs cognitive wireless communication that can switch wireless communication standards to communicate with a communication device present in each of the at least one vehicle. The traffic control system according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , wherein the traffic control system is installed on a vehicle stopped at the traffic restriction point. The traffic control system according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , wherein the traffic control system is located near the traffic restriction point. A traffic control method in which a computer performs traffic control on at least one vehicle that is stopped in a lane within a predetermined range from a predetermined traffic restriction point,
The aforementioned computer,
The steps include obtaining vehicle information which includes information relating to at least one of the following: the position, direction of travel, and stopping period of the corresponding vehicle, transmitted wirelessly from a communication device present in each of the at least one of the vehicles;
Based on the acquired vehicle information, the steps include: estimating the stopping status of at least one vehicle in at least one lane among the same lane as the lane subject to traffic restrictions at the traffic restriction point, the opposing lane, and the intersecting lane;
The steps include generating signal information for controlling traffic for at least one vehicle in at least one lane among the same lane, the opposing lane, and the intersecting lane, based on the estimated stopping status,
The steps include: wirelessly transmitting the generated signal information to each communication device of at least one of the vehicles;
Perform each step ,
In the step of generating the signal information, the signal information is generated so as to switch the lane in which the vehicle is permitted to proceed at predetermined intervals.
A traffic control method in which the predetermined timing is the time when all vehicles stopped in the lane where passage is permitted have passed the traffic restriction point . A traffic control method in which a computer performs traffic control on at least one vehicle that is stopped in a lane within a predetermined range from a predetermined traffic restriction point,
The aforementioned computer,
The steps include acquiring vehicle information which is transmitted wirelessly from a communication device present in each of the at least one of the vehicles, and which includes information relating to at least one of the vehicle's position, direction of travel, and stopping period;
Based on the acquired vehicle information, the steps include: estimating the stopping status of at least one vehicle in at least one lane among the same lane as the lane subject to traffic restrictions at the traffic restriction point, the opposing lane, and the intersecting lane;
The steps include generating signal information for controlling traffic for at least one vehicle in at least one lane among the same lane, the opposing lane, and the intersecting lane, based on the estimated stopping status,
The steps include: wirelessly transmitting the generated signal information to each communication device of at least one of the vehicles;
Perform each step,
In the step of generating the signal information, the signal information is generated so as to switch the lane in which the vehicle is permitted to proceed at predetermined intervals.
A traffic control method in which the predetermined timing is the timing when a predetermined number of vehicles that are stopped in a lane where passage is permitted have passed the traffic restriction point. A program for causing a computer to perform traffic control for at least one vehicle stopped in a lane within a predetermined range from a predetermined traffic restriction point,
To the aforementioned computer,
A function to acquire vehicle information which includes information relating to at least one of the following: the position, direction of travel, and stopping period of the corresponding vehicle, transmitted wirelessly from a communication device present in each of the at least one of the vehicles;
Based on the acquired vehicle information, the system has a function to estimate the stopping status of at least one vehicle in at least one lane among the same lane as the lane subject to traffic restrictions at the traffic restriction point, the opposing lane, and the intersecting lane.
A function to generate signal information for traffic control of at least one vehicle in at least one lane among the same lane, the opposing lane, and the intersecting lane, based on the estimated stopping status,
A function to wirelessly transmit the generated signal information to each communication device of at least one of the vehicles,
To make it happen ,
The function that generates the aforementioned signal information generates signal information to switch the lane in which the vehicle is permitted to proceed at predetermined intervals,
The program specifies that the predetermined timing is the time when all vehicles stopped in the lane where travel is permitted have passed the traffic restriction point . A program for causing a computer to perform traffic control for at least one vehicle stopped in a lane within a predetermined range from a predetermined traffic restriction point,
To the aforementioned computer,
A function to acquire vehicle information which includes information relating to at least one of the following: the position, direction of travel, and stopping period of the corresponding vehicle, transmitted wirelessly from a communication device present in each of the at least one of the vehicles;
Based on the acquired vehicle information, the system includes a function to estimate the stopping status of at least one vehicle in at least one lane among the same lane as the lane subject to traffic restrictions at the traffic restriction point, the opposing lane, and the intersecting lane,
A function to generate signal information for traffic control of at least one vehicle in at least one lane among the same lane, the opposing lane, and the intersecting lane, based on the estimated stopping status,
A function to wirelessly transmit the generated signal information to each communication device of at least one of the vehicles,
To make it happen,
The function that generates the signal information generates signal information to switch the lane in which the vehicle is permitted to proceed at predetermined intervals,
The program specifies that the predetermined timing is the moment when a predetermined number of vehicles that are stopped in a lane where passage is permitted have passed the traffic restriction point.