JP2017162250A - Roadside device, on-vehicle device, traffic information presentation system, and traffic information presentation method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To appropriately provide a driver with information related to display schedules of light colors of traffic lights at a plurality of intersections.SOLUTION: A roadside device 6 comprises: a reference traffic light information acquisition part 11 for acquiring reference traffic light information based on signal control information of a traffic light; a subordinate traffic light information acquisition part 12 for acquiring subordinate traffic light information based on the signal control information of traffic lights at subordinate intersections different from a reference intersection by communication with the other roadside devices arranged correspondingly to the subordinate intersections; and an optical beacon communication part 13 for receiving course information of a vehicle 2 from an on-vehicle device 7, and for transmitting the reference traffic light information and the subordinate traffic light information to the on-vehicle device 7. At least a part of the subordinate intersections is determined on the basis of the route information from intersections positioned in the periphery of the reference intersection.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

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

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in order to support a driver's safe driving at an intersection or the like where a traffic signal is installed, a technology has been developed that provides a driver with information related to a traffic color display schedule. Whether the driver (or in-vehicle device) can pass through the intersection safely by acquiring information (for example, the number of seconds for blue display) regarding the traffic color display schedule at the intersection scheduled to pass It is possible to adjust the speed of the vehicle and use the brake.

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

Japanese Patent No. 5843059

  In the prior art described in Patent Document 1, the signal lamp color relating to a plurality of intersections composed of a reference intersection that is an intersection that first passes and a subordinate intersection that is one or more other intersections that subsequently pass. The display schedule is transmitted to the in-vehicle device. Here, for example, when it is assumed that the target vehicle goes straight, the configuration of such a plurality of intersections (subordinate intersections) is relatively simple. On the other hand, in the above-described prior art, when the vehicle course at the intersection and the planned travel route of the vehicle from the departure point to the destination are unknown, there are many subordinate intersection candidates that pass after the reference intersection. Therefore, it becomes difficult to appropriately provide the driver with information related to the display schedule of the light colors of traffic lights at a plurality of intersections.

  The present disclosure has been devised in view of the problems of the prior art, and can appropriately provide information about the display schedule of the light colors of traffic lights at multiple intersections to the driver. The main purpose is to provide a roadside device, a vehicle-mounted device, a traffic information providing system, and a traffic information providing method.

  A roadside device according to the present disclosure is a roadside device that is arranged corresponding to a reference intersection determined by a traveling position of a vehicle and communicates with an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle, and performs signal control of a traffic signal at the reference intersection Communication with a reference traffic signal information acquisition unit that acquires reference traffic signal information based on signal control information of the traffic signal and other roadside devices arranged corresponding to subordinate intersections different from the reference intersection Dependent traffic signal information acquisition unit that acquires the dependent traffic signal information based on the signal control information of the traffic signal at the dependent intersection, a route information reception unit that receives the route information of the vehicle from the in-vehicle device, the reference traffic signal information, and A traffic signal information transmitting unit that transmits the dependent traffic signal information to the in-vehicle device, wherein at least a part of the dependent intersection is the reference intersection Characterized in that it is determined based on the route information from the intersection located around the.

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

The block diagram which shows the outline | summary of the traffic information provision system 1 which concerns on embodiment Functional block diagram of the roadside device 6A and the vehicle-mounted device 7 shown in FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the 1st intersection group in the traffic information provision system 1 Explanatory drawing which shows the 1st example of the 2nd intersection group in the traffic information provision system 1 Explanatory drawing which shows the 1st example of the 2nd intersection group in the traffic information provision system 1 Explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the light color display information of the traffic signal apparatus 4 in the traffic information provision system 1 Explanatory drawing which shows the 3rd example of the 2nd intersection group in the traffic information provision system 1 Flow chart showing the flow of processing by the traffic information providing system 1

  A first invention made to solve the above problems is a roadside device that is arranged corresponding to a reference intersection determined by a travel position of a vehicle and performs communication with an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle, A reference signal information acquisition unit that acquires reference signal information based on the signal control information of the traffic signal by communication with the signal controller of the traffic signal at the reference intersection, and arranged corresponding to a subordinate intersection different from the reference intersection A subordinate signal information acquisition unit that acquires subordinate signal information based on the signal control information of the traffic signal at the subordinate intersection by communication with another roadside device, and a route information reception that receives the vehicle route information from the in-vehicle device And a traffic signal information transmission unit that transmits the reference traffic signal information and the dependent traffic signal information to the in-vehicle device, and the number of dependent intersections is small. Some and also is characterized in that it is determined based on the route information from the intersection located around the reference intersection.

  According to the roadside apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the roadside apparatus transmits to the vehicle the dependent traffic signal information relating to the dependent intersection determined based on the route information from among the intersections located around the reference intersection. It is possible to appropriately provide the driver with information related to the traffic light lamp display schedule regarding the multiple intersections (that is, the reference intersection where the vehicle first passes and the surrounding intersections).

  According to a second aspect, in the first aspect, the route information includes instruction information of a direction indicator mounted on the vehicle.

  According to the roadside apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention, the roadside apparatus transmits the dependent traffic signal information regarding the dependent intersection determined based on the instruction information of the direction indicator from the intersections located around the reference intersection to the vehicle. Since it transmits, the information regarding the display schedule of the light color of the traffic signal of multiple intersections can be provided more appropriately to the driver.

  According to a third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the route information includes at least part of guidance information from a route guidance device mounted on the vehicle.

  According to the roadside apparatus according to the third aspect of the invention, the roadside apparatus transmits the dependent traffic signal information regarding the dependent intersection determined based on the guidance information by the route guidance apparatus from the intersections located around the reference intersection to the vehicle. Since it transmits, the information regarding the display schedule of the light color of the traffic signal of multiple intersections can be provided more appropriately to the driver.

  According to a fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the traffic signal information transmitting unit is directly connected to the reference intersection before the route information receiving unit receives the route information. In addition, the dependent signal information related to the traffic signal at the dependent intersection is transmitted to the in-vehicle device.

  According to the roadside apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, by sending dependent signal information on a part of the dependent intersection directly connected to the reference intersection to the in-vehicle apparatus before receiving the route information, the light color of the traffic signal It is possible to more efficiently execute the processing by the in-vehicle device for providing the driver with information related to the display schedule.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, at least one of the reference traffic signal information and the dependent traffic signal information includes information related to a display time of a light color of the traffic signal. It is characterized by that.

  According to the roadside device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to more appropriately provide the driver with information related to the lamp color display schedule based on the information regarding the lamp color display time.

  The sixth invention is an in-vehicle device that communicates with a roadside device that is arranged corresponding to a reference intersection determined by a travel position of the vehicle, and that is used to transmit the route information of the vehicle to the roadside device. A slave unit that receives from the roadside device reference signal information based on traffic signal signal control information at the reference intersection and dependent signal information based on traffic signal signal control information at a dependent intersection directly connected to the reference intersection A traffic light information receiving unit, wherein the subordinate traffic signal information includes traffic light information based on signal control information of a traffic light at an intersection located on a planned travel route of the vehicle based on the route information.

  According to the vehicle-mounted device according to the sixth aspect of the invention, the vehicle-mounted device acquires the traffic signal information related to the dependent intersection located on the planned travel route based on the vehicle route information, and therefore displays the light color of the traffic signal lights at the multiple intersections. It is possible to appropriately provide information on the driver to the driver.

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

  According to the on-vehicle apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, information regarding the display schedule of the light colors of traffic signals at multiple intersections is more appropriate for the driver by image display based on at least one of the reference signal information and the dependent signal information. Can be provided.

  The eighth invention is characterized in that, in the sixth or seventh invention, further comprises an audio output unit for outputting audio based on at least one of the reference signal information and the dependent signal information.

  According to the on-vehicle apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, information related to the display schedule of the light colors of traffic signals at a plurality of intersections is more appropriate for the driver by sound output based on at least one of the reference signal information and the dependent signal information. Can be provided.

  A ninth invention is a road-side device according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, a vehicle-mounted device according to any one of the sixth to eighth inventions, and traffic corresponding to the road-side device. A traffic information providing system including the signal controller of a traffic light.

  According to the traffic information providing system according to the ninth aspect of the invention, the roadside device transmits to the vehicle the dependent traffic signal information related to the dependent intersection determined based on the route information from among the intersections located around the reference intersection. For this reason, it is possible to appropriately provide the driver with information regarding the display schedule of the light colors of traffic lights at a plurality of intersections.

  A tenth aspect of the present invention is a traffic information providing method by a roadside device that is arranged corresponding to a reference intersection determined by a travel position of a vehicle and communicates with an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle, wherein the reference intersection A reference signal information acquisition step for acquiring reference signal information based on the signal control information of the traffic signal by communicating with the signal controller of the traffic signal, and other information arranged corresponding to a subordinate intersection different from the reference intersection A subordinate signal information acquisition step for acquiring subordinate signal information based on the signal control information of the traffic signal at the subordinate intersection, and a route information reception step for receiving the vehicle route information from the in-vehicle device. A signal information transmission step for transmitting the reference signal information and the dependent signal information to the in-vehicle device. At least a portion of said dependent intersection is being determined on the basis of the route information from the intersection located around the reference intersection.

  According to the traffic information providing method according to the tenth aspect, the roadside device transmits to the vehicle dependent signal information relating to the dependent intersection determined based on the route information from among the intersections located around the reference intersection. For this reason, it is possible to appropriately provide the driver with information regarding the display schedule of the light colors of traffic lights at a plurality of intersections.

  An eleventh aspect of the invention is a traffic information providing method by an in-vehicle device that communicates with a roadside device arranged corresponding to a reference intersection determined by a traveling position of the vehicle, and the route information of the vehicle is obtained from the roadside device. Route information transmission step for transmitting to the roadside, reference signal information based on signal control information of traffic signals at the reference intersection and dependent signal information based on signal control information of traffic signals at a dependent intersection located around the reference intersection A subordinate signal information receiving step received from a device, wherein the subordinate signal information includes traffic signal information based on signal control information of a traffic signal at an intersection located on a planned travel route of the vehicle based on the route information. It is characterized by.

  According to the traffic information providing method according to the eleventh aspect of the invention, the in-vehicle device acquires the traffic signal information about the dependent intersection located on the planned travel route based on the vehicle route information. It is possible to appropriately provide the driver with information related to the display schedule.

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

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an outline of a traffic information providing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This traffic information providing system 1 is used to support the safe driving of the driver of the vehicle 2 traveling on the road, and the traffic lights (signal lamps) 4A and 4B installed at the intersections 3A and 3B, respectively (here, , Blue and red) information related to the display schedule (hereinafter referred to as “lamp color display information”) is provided to the vehicle 2 (driver or the like).

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

  The number and arrangement of the intersections 3A, 3B, traffic signals 4A, 4B, signal controllers 5A, 5B, and roadside devices 6A, 6B are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1, but according to the configuration of the road network. Various changes are possible. In the following description, the intersections 3A and 3B, the traffic signals 4A and 4B, the signal controllers 5A and 5B, and the roadside devices 6A and 6B, respectively, These are collectively referred to as traffic signal device 4, signal controller 5, and roadside device 6.

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

  In the present disclosure, an intersection that is determined by the traveling position and direction of the vehicle 2 and that travels first when the vehicle 2 first passes from the current position is referred to as a “reference intersection”. An intersection that is located around the reference intersection and that may pass after the vehicle 2 passes the reference intersection is referred to as a “subordinate intersection”. For example, in FIG. 1, the intersection 3A is a reference intersection and the intersection 3B is a subordinate intersection from the travel position and direction of the vehicle 2, but when the vehicle 2 enters the intersection 3B from the opposite direction, the intersection 3B is the reference. Intersection 3A can be a subordinate intersection.

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

  Moreover, the dependent signal information communication part (dependent signal information acquisition part) 12 is comprised from the communication module which has a communication function based on a well-known communication standard, and is arrange | positioned corresponding to the dependent intersection 3B (other road side apparatus) ) Bidirectional communication by wireless communication with 6B is possible. The subordinate signal information communication unit 12 appropriately acquires traffic signal information (hereinafter referred to as “subordinate signal information”) regarding the traffic signal 4B from the roadside device 6B at the subordinate intersection 3B. On the other hand, the subordinate signal information communication unit 12 provides traffic signal information (hereinafter referred to as “reference signal information”) related to the traffic signal 4A by the signal controller 5A to the roadside device 6B arranged corresponding to the subordinate intersection 3B. Send. The roadside devices 6A and 6B can perform communication at predetermined time intervals (for example, every second) in order to exchange the traffic signal information with each other.

  In FIG. 1, only the intersection 3B positioned in the straight direction of the vehicle 2 is shown as a dependent intersection adjacent to (directly connected to) the intersection 3A that is the reference intersection. The intersection adjacent to the intersection 3A in the direction and the right turn direction is also included in the subordinate intersection, and further, the intersection that is indirectly connected to the intersection 3A that is the reference intersection (ie, the reference intersection A via one or more other intersections). Connected intersections) may also be included in subordinate intersections. Equipment and devices similar to the signal controller 5B and the roadside device 6B are installed at each dependent intersection.

  The optical beacon communication unit (route information receiving unit, traffic signal information transmitting unit) 13 includes a communication module having a communication function based on a known communication standard, and uses the near-infrared ray to provide the in-vehicle device 7 (optical beacon communication). It is possible to perform bidirectional communication with the unit 21). The optical beacon communication unit 13 appropriately acquires vehicle information from the in-vehicle device 7. This vehicle information may include so-called probe information and information accompanying it (arbitrary information that can be collected in the vehicle 2). In this embodiment, the optical beacon communication part 13 can acquire the direction information and route information as vehicle information. The route information includes at least a part of the guidance information by the car navigation device (route guidance device) (that is, at least a part of the guidance information from the departure point to the destination, from the current position of the vehicle 2 to the destination or halfway point) Information on the planned travel route) is included, but in some cases, all of the guide information may be included. Moreover, the optical beacon communication unit 13 can appropriately transmit the reference signal information and the dependent signal information to the in-vehicle device 7.

  In addition, about the communication means (communication standard etc.) of the reference signal information communication part 11, the subordinate signal apparatus information communication part 12, and the optical beacon communication part 13, it is not restricted to the above-mentioned thing, It can substitute suitably by a well-known communication means. Is possible.

  The control unit 14 controls the operation of each unit in the roadside device 6 in an integrated manner, and is a volatile memory that functions as a processor that executes information processing based on a predetermined control program, a work area of the processor, and the like. A RAM (Random Access Memory), a control program executed by the processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that is a nonvolatile memory for storing data, and the like are included. Various functions of the roadside device 6 in the present embodiment can be realized by a processor executing a control program.

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

  Next, in the in-vehicle device 7, the optical beacon communication unit 21 (route information transmission unit, traffic signal information reception unit) is configured by a communication module having a communication function based on a known communication standard, and uses the near infrared to roadside Bidirectional communication can be performed with the device 6 (optical beacon communication unit 13). The optical beacon communication unit 21 appropriately acquires reference signal information and subordinate signal information from the roadside device 6. In this embodiment, the optical beacon communication unit 21 uses the remaining number of seconds of red display or blue display of the traffic signal 4 at the reference intersection and the dependent intersection as the traffic signal information and the dependent traffic signal information from the roadside device 6, and information on the cycle length. Can be obtained.

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

  The display output unit 23 and the audio output unit 24 each have an interface that can be connected to a portable terminal or a car navigation device. The display output unit 23 can output various image information in the traffic information providing system 1 including the light color display information of the traffic signal to the portable terminal and the car navigation device, and display them on the monitor. is there. The audio output unit 24 outputs audio information corresponding to the image information to the mobile terminal or the car navigation device, and instead of displaying the image on the monitor (or simultaneously with displaying the image on the monitor) It is possible to output from a speaker. Such a monitor or speaker may be provided in the in-vehicle device 7.

  The control unit 25 controls the operation of each unit in the in-vehicle device 7 in an integrated manner, and is a volatile memory that functions as a processor that executes information processing based on a predetermined control program, a work area of the processor, and the like. A RAM, a control program executed by the processor, a ROM that is a nonvolatile memory for storing data, and the like are included. Various functions of the in-vehicle device 7 in the present embodiment can be realized by a processor executing a control program.

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle 2 can take a plurality of routes (here, (1) straight ahead, (2) left turn, (3) right turn three routes) at the reference intersection A. Accordingly, dependent intersections (hereinafter referred to as “first dependent intersections”) B, C, and D that the vehicle 2 may pass next to the reference intersection A are determined.

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

  Further, when the vehicle 2 moves and enters any one of the first dependent intersections B, C, and D, a plurality of routes (here, (1) at the first dependent intersections B, C, and D) are further provided. (2) Left turn, (3) Right turn), there is a possibility that the vehicle 2 may pass next to the first subordinate intersection (hereinafter, the following) Is called “second dependent intersection”). Here, when the vehicle 2 goes to the first dependent intersection B, the second dependent intersection is the intersections E, F, and G, and when the vehicle 2 goes to the first dependent intersection C, the second dependent intersection is the intersection. When the vehicle 2 heads for the first dependent intersection D, the second dependent intersection becomes the intersections J, G, K.

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

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

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

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

  In FIG. 6A, the operation field 31 displays lamp color display information regarding the reference intersection A as information display regarding the default intersection. At this time, when the current lamp color of intersection A is blue, blue (upward arrow) X seconds indicates the remaining time of blue display when traveling straight on the reference intersection A, and blue (right arrow) Z seconds Indicates the remaining time of blue display when making a right turn at the reference intersection A, and A seconds of blue (left-pointing arrow) indicate the remaining time of blue display when making a left turn at the reference intersection A. These numerical values of X seconds, Z seconds, and A seconds decrease with the passage of actual time based on information of a timer provided in the in-vehicle device 7. Also, when the current lamp color at the reference intersection A is blue, the red Y seconds indicate the maximum time for red display, and the blue display ends (usually changes to red display via yellow display) The numerical value of Y seconds (including the case where the arrow display is terminated in the case of an arrow type traffic light) decreases with the passage of actual time. In addition, when the current lamp color of the intersection A is blue, the time display regarding blue can be highlighted.

  On the other hand, when the current lamp color of intersection A is red, red Y seconds indicate the remaining time of red display. In addition, when the current lamp color of the reference intersection A is red, the X seconds of blue (upward arrow), the Z seconds of blue (right arrow), and the A seconds of blue (left arrow) are respectively at the reference intersection A. Indicates the maximum time for blue display (including arrow display for arrow traffic lights) when going straight, turning right, and turning left. The numerical values of X seconds, Z seconds, and A seconds when red display ends are the actual values. Decrease with time. In addition, when the current lamp color of the intersection A is red, the time display regarding red can be highlighted.

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

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

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the traffic information providing system 1. The vehicle 2 approaches the reference intersection and enters a state (for example, a distance of 30 m or less) communicable with the roadside device 6 (hereinafter referred to as “target roadside device”) arranged corresponding to the reference intersection (ST101). : Yes), the information is distributed from the target road side device to the vehicle 2, and the in-vehicle device 7 receives the reference signal information and the dependent signal information regarding the reference intersection by the information distribution (ST102). Here, the reference traffic signal information and the dependent traffic signal information are traffic signal information regarding the first intersection group, and include information on the remaining seconds of red display or blue display, information on the cycle length, and the like.

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

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

  Subsequently, the vehicle 2 transmits vehicle information to the target roadside device at the reference intersection (ST104). Here, the vehicle information includes direction information of the direction indicator or route information. As a result, the target roadside device that has received the vehicle information can grasp the course (or planned travel route) of the vehicle 2, and therefore, the necessary information (for the other roadside device 6 located on the course (or planned travel route) ( Signal information etc.) can be requested. In addition, the other roadside devices 6 positioned on the route (or planned travel route) can further acquire traffic signal information from other roadside devices 6 positioned around them.

  Therefore, the target roadside apparatus that has acquired the vehicle information identifies the course of the vehicle 2 at the reference intersection based on the vehicle information, and further follows the second dependent intersection (if necessary) from the first dependent intersection located on the path. The vehicle 2 after passing through the second subordinate intersection may be further passed to the vehicle 2 as subordinate signal information, and the in-vehicle device 7 transmits the subordinate signal information to the vehicle 2. Receive (ST105). This dependent traffic signal information is traffic signal information related to the second intersection group, and includes information on the remaining seconds of red display or blue display, information on cycle length, and the like.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, in step ST105, the target road side apparatus recognizes the course of the vehicle 2 at the reference intersection A as “straight ahead” based on the vehicle information, and thereby the first dependent intersection located in the straight direction. Information regarding the second dependent intersections E, F, and G (second intersection group) subordinate to B is transmitted to the vehicle 2.

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

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

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

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

  Thereafter, when the in-vehicle device 7 determines that the vehicle has passed the target intersection based on the position information of the vehicle 2 and communication with the roadside device 6 (ST117: Yes), the monitor display (or audio) regarding the guidance of the route candidate in step ST109. Output) is terminated (ST117).

  As described above, according to the traffic information providing system 1 according to the present disclosure, the roadside device 6 displays the subordinate traffic signal information regarding the subordinate intersection determined based on the route information from the intersections located around the reference intersection. Appropriately provide the driver with information on the traffic light display schedule for multiple intersections (ie, the reference intersection where the vehicle first passes and its surrounding intersections) for transmission to the in-vehicle device 7) It becomes possible to do.

  As mentioned above, although this indication was explained based on specific embodiments, these embodiments are illustrations to the last, and this indication is not limited by these embodiments. For example, although the example which used the optical beacon as a roadside apparatus was shown in the said embodiment, you may employ | adopt another apparatus, as long as it is an apparatus which can communicate with a traveling vehicle at least. The in-vehicle device may be provided integrally with another device (for example, a car navigation device) mounted on the vehicle. Note that all the components of the roadside device, the in-vehicle device, the traffic information providing system, and the traffic information providing method according to the present disclosure shown in the above embodiment are not necessarily essential, and at least as long as they do not depart from the scope of the present invention. It is possible to select appropriately.

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Traffic information provision system 2 Vehicle 3A, 3B Intersection 4A, 4B Traffic signal machine 5A, 5B Signal controller 6A, 6B Roadside apparatus 7 In-vehicle apparatus 11 Reference signal information communication part 12 Dependent signal information communication part 13 Optical beacon communication part (Course information (Receiving unit, traffic light information transmitting unit)
14 Control unit 15 Storage unit 21 Optical beacon communication unit (route information transmission unit, traffic signal information reception unit)
23 display output unit 24 audio output unit 25 control unit 26 storage unit

Claims (11)

A roadside device that is arranged corresponding to a reference intersection determined by a traveling position of a vehicle and that communicates with an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle,
A reference signal information acquisition unit for acquiring reference signal information based on the signal control information of the traffic signal by communicating with the signal controller of the traffic signal at the reference intersection;
Dependent traffic signal information acquisition unit for acquiring dependent traffic signal information based on signal control information of traffic signals at the dependent intersection by communication with another roadside device arranged corresponding to a dependent intersection different from the reference intersection;
A route information receiving unit for receiving the vehicle route information from the in-vehicle device;
A signal information transmission unit for transmitting the reference signal information and the dependent signal information to the in-vehicle device;
At least a part of the subordinate intersection is determined based on the route information from intersections located around the reference intersection.   The roadside apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the route information includes instruction information of a direction indicator mounted on the vehicle.   The roadside device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the route information includes at least part of guidance information from a route guidance device mounted on the vehicle.   The traffic signal information transmitting unit sends the dependent signal information regarding the traffic signal at the dependent intersection directly connected to the reference intersection to the in-vehicle device before receiving the route information by the route information receiving unit. The roadside device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the roadside device is characterized.   The roadside device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the reference traffic signal information and the dependent traffic signal information includes information related to a display time of a light color of the traffic signal. An in-vehicle device that communicates with a roadside device arranged corresponding to a reference intersection determined by a traveling position of a vehicle,
A route information transmitter for transmitting the route information of the vehicle to the roadside device;
Dependent traffic signal information receiving unit for receiving, from the roadside device, reference traffic signal information based on signal control information of traffic signals at the reference intersection and dependent signal information based on signal control information of traffic signals at a dependent intersection directly connected to the reference intersection And
The in-vehicle apparatus characterized in that the subordinate signal information includes signal information based on signal control information of a traffic signal at an intersection located on a planned travel route of the vehicle based on the route information.   The in-vehicle device according to claim 6, further comprising a display output unit that outputs an image based on at least one of the reference signal information and the dependent signal information.   The in-vehicle device according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising a sound output unit that outputs sound based on at least one of the reference signal information and the dependent signal information.   A roadside device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, an in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, and a traffic light signal controller corresponding to the roadside device. A traffic information provision system characterized by A traffic information providing method by a roadside device that is arranged corresponding to a reference intersection determined by a traveling position of a vehicle and communicates with an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle,
A reference signal information acquisition step of acquiring reference signal information based on the signal control information of the traffic signal by communicating with the signal controller of the traffic signal at the reference intersection;
Dependent traffic signal information acquisition step of acquiring dependent traffic signal information based on signal control information of traffic signals at the dependent intersection by communication with another roadside device arranged corresponding to a dependent intersection different from the reference intersection;
A route information receiving step for receiving the vehicle route information from the in-vehicle device;
A signal information transmission step of transmitting the reference signal information and the dependent signal information to the in-vehicle device;
At least a part of the subordinate intersection is determined based on the route information from intersections located around the reference intersection. A traffic information providing method by an in-vehicle device that communicates with a roadside device arranged corresponding to a reference intersection determined by a traveling position of a vehicle,
A route information transmission step of transmitting the vehicle route information to the roadside device;
Dependent traffic signal information receiving step for receiving, from the roadside device, reference traffic signal information based on traffic signal signal control information at the reference intersection and dependent traffic signal information based on traffic signal signal control information at a traffic intersection located around the reference intersection. Including
2. The traffic information providing method according to claim 1, wherein the dependent traffic signal information includes traffic signal information based on signal control information of a traffic signal at an intersection located on a planned travel route of the vehicle based on the route information.

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