JP2002024989A - System and device for controlling signal, and system, device and method for providing traffic information - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To positively detect the passage of individual buses to control the lighting display of signals with priority to the buses in conformity to the tracks of the individual buses. SOLUTION: This system for controlling a signal is provided with a shuttle bus 2 equipped with a transmitter 7 for transmitting a bus signal indicating a vehicle operated on a regular route; a signal receiver 3 installed at a predetermined set spot in front of an intersection where signals A, B are installed, to receive the bus signal; and a signal control device 1 for detecting the passage of the bus through the set spot in the case the signal receiver 3 receives the bus signals, and controlling the signals A, B at the intersection with priority to the bus 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a traffic light control system for detecting a passing vehicle as a route bus and controlling a traffic light, a traffic signal control device, and traffic information based on the actual travel time of the route bus. , A traffic information providing device, and a traffic information providing method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in the case of a route bus that runs on a regular route, a timetable of scheduled arrival is displayed at each bus stop, and passengers often use the bus with this as a guide. However, at the time in such a timetable,
At present, delays often occur depending on the congestion of roads on which route buses pass. Therefore, for example, when arriving at each bus stop, a bus operation state display that detects the arrival of the bus and can display the arrival of the bus on an indicator provided at the next bus stop or further ahead bus stop etc. The system is being developed.

However, in such a system,
It just informs the waiting customer when the arrival time will be. In other words, the bus is not operated smoothly on the road so that the bus arrives as accurately as possible at the scheduled arrival time at each stop.

[0004] At present, a vehicle detector is provided above a road just before an intersection, whereby a vehicle flow,
For example, measurements such as the number of vehicles passing per unit time (passing density), the number of vehicles passing, and the distinction between large vehicles and small vehicles are performed. Utilizing such existing vehicle detectors,
For example, a system that controls a signal to smoothly operate a bus has been studied. This system detects the passage of a large vehicle on a bus road or a bus priority road with a vehicle detector, so that a signal in the direction of travel of the bus can be given priority (for example, up to 180 seconds) in a time-limited manner. Signal control such as making a green light is performed.

[0005]

However, in the above-described signal control system, the bus passing through the lane is judged by the size of the vehicle, that is, whether the bus is large or small. Since the recognition is performed, even if a large truck or the like enters this lane, it may be detected as a bus, and the signal may be preferentially controlled to light blue.

[0006] In addition, when a bus driver is caught in traffic congestion, for example, how long the bus driver is delayed and when the bus driver gets into the bus stop where the passenger should get off. I don't know if I will arrive. For this reason, there is a possibility that the driver may not be calm psychologically, and for example, the bus driver may have extra worries and the driving may be distracted, or the passengers may be unnecessarily frustrated.

[0007] In addition, it is extremely convenient for a driver of a general vehicle, if the traffic congestion state is known in advance, the driver can detour on the congested road and reach the destination quickly. Furthermore, if a bus company can obtain information on the actual travel time of a bus as soon as possible, it is possible to regularly update a bus timetable or the like in a short period of time. Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the various problems as described above.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a traffic signal control system according to a first aspect of the present invention is a route bus equipped with a transmitter for transmitting a bus signal indicating that the vehicle is operating on a regular route. And a signal receiver that is installed at a predetermined set point before an intersection with a traffic light and receives the bus signal; and, when the signal receiver receives the bus signal, the bus is connected to the set point. And a traffic light control device for controlling the traffic light at the intersection with respect to the bus by detecting the passage of the traffic light.

In this traffic light control system, a transmitter for transmitting a bus signal indicating that the route bus is a vehicle that runs on a regular route is mounted, and the bus signal is detected by a signal receiver, whereby the bus is controlled. Since it judges that you have passed the set point before the intersection and controls the traffic light,
It is possible to accurately control the traffic light on the route bus without erroneously distinguishing the large vehicle from the route bus. The route bus need only be a vehicle that regularly runs on a predetermined route, and is not necessarily limited to a large bus. The bus signal may be a signal indicating that it is a route bus, and may be a simple pulse signal or a vehicle-specific ID.
It can also be used as a signal or a signal indicating the traveling direction.

The control of the traffic signal performed by the traffic signal control device according to the present invention may be any control that corresponds to a route bus. In addition to controlling the traffic signal preferentially for the vehicle, the traffic signal can be controlled by a general vehicle excluding the route bus. Alternatively, the control may be performed with priority. Further, as another aspect of the invention according to claim 1, the traffic light control system according to claim 1, further comprising a host computer of a traffic control center for giving an instruction to control a traffic light at an intersection, wherein the transmitter is: The host computer transmits an ID signal indicating route system information specific to the bus, and the host computer transmits the received ID signal and a route of a route system corresponding to the ID signal, at an intersection where the ID signal is received. The direction of travel of the bus is determined, and the result of the determination is
The D signal is transmitted to the signal controller that has transmitted the signal, and the signal controller controls the signal so that the display lamp in the traveling direction specified by the determination result is preferentially turned on. It is characterized by the following.

The present invention utilizes the fact that the route system of the route bus is recorded in the host computer,
The system of the running route bus is identified from the signal, and the traveling direction of the bus at the intersection is determined to perform preferential signal control of the traffic signal control device. According to the present invention, since the traveling direction of the bus is determined based on the route system, there is an advantage that the signal control becomes more reliable as compared with the case where the bus signal or the traveling information signal is used.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the signal control system, the transmitter mounted on the bus transmits a traveling information signal indicating a traveling direction of the bus at an intersection. The traffic signal control device controls the traffic light in accordance with the traveling direction of the bus based on the traveling information signal.

In this traffic light control system, the transmitter mounted on the route bus transmits a traveling information signal indicating the traveling direction of the bus at the intersection, and the signal receiver receives the traveling direction signal. Based on the progress information signal received by the signal receiver, the traffic signal control device controls the traffic signal in accordance with the traveling direction of the bus, for example, when the progress information signal is a right turn signal, sets the right turn indicator lamp of the traffic signal to If the bus is turned on until the right turn is completed or the lighting time is extended, or if the progress information signal is a left turn signal, the left turn indicator lamp or blue indicator lamp of the traffic light is turned on until the bus has completed the left turn. , Or extend the lighting time. As a result, it is possible to preferentially and smoothly proceed at the intersection of the route bus, and it is possible to prevent traveling delay.

In the present invention, the transmission of the progress information signal by the transmitter includes not only manual transmission by the driver, but also automatic transmission according to the traveling condition of the vehicle. For example, a transmitter may transmit the progress information signal in conjunction with the operation of the turn signal of the bus (claim 3). In the traffic light control system according to the third aspect, since the transmitter transmits the progress information signal in conjunction with the operation of the turn signal of the route bus, the driver does not need to explicitly operate the transmitter. That is, the traveling information signal is automatically transmitted from the transmitter only by the normal driving operation of activating the turn signal at the time of turning right or left, and control of the traffic signal with priority is received.

As another aspect of the invention according to claim 3, in the above-mentioned traffic light control system, the bus further comprises a detecting means for detecting a course change, and the transmitter is controlled by the detecting means by another detecting means. When a change to a lane is detected, a progress information signal indicating a right turn or a left turn may be transmitted according to the lane change. According to this configuration, when the detection means detects a change to another lane, a progress information signal indicating a right turn or a left turn is transmitted according to the lane change, so that a left turn signal or a right turn signal is automatically transmitted from the transmitter. Can be sent from Especially when changing lanes, even if the driver forgets to turn signals,
There is an advantage that the progress information signal can be transmitted automatically.
As such a detecting means, for example, there is a device that automatically transmits a progress information signal according to the rotation direction when the steering wheel is rotated by a predetermined rotation angle or more.

Next, the traffic light control system according to claim 4 is provided at a predetermined set point before the intersection where the traffic light is located, and outputs a bus signal indicating that the vehicle is operating on a regular route from a route bus. Signal receiving means for receiving, and control means for detecting, from the bus signal, that the bus has passed the set point, and preferentially controlling a traffic light at an intersection with respect to the bus. .

This traffic light control device relates to the traffic light control device of the traffic light control system according to the first aspect of the present invention, and similarly to the invention of the first aspect, does not mistakenly distinguish between a large vehicle and a route bus. In addition, it is possible to accurately control the traffic light for the route bus.

Next, a traffic light control device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the traffic light control device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the control means is in the approach direction when the signal reception means receives the bus signal. This is to extend the lighting time of the blue lamp of the traffic light.

In this traffic light control device, when the signal receiving means receives the bus signal, it detects that the route bus passes the intersection, and extends the lighting time of the blue lamp of the traffic light in the approach direction. The bus can be preferentially passed through the intersection, and traveling delay can be prevented. In the present invention, a second signal receiving means is further provided at the intersection, and the second signal receiving means detects the completion of the passage at the intersection of the bus, and the control means detects the completion of the passage of the bus. If the lamp is controlled to be turned on, it is possible to completely prevent the bus from stopping at the intersection, so that there is an advantage that more preferential signal control can be performed.

In the traffic light control device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the traffic light control device, the signal receiving means receives a travel information signal indicating a travel direction of the bus at an intersection. However, based on the traveling information signal, the traffic signal is controlled in accordance with the traveling direction of the bus. In this traffic light control device, as described above, the traffic light control can be preferentially performed in accordance with the traveling direction at the intersection of the route bus, and it is possible to prevent the travel delay of the bus.

As the control of the traffic light according to the traveling direction,
The control means extends the lighting time of the right turn display lamp of the traffic light in the approach direction when the progress information signal is a right turn signal, and displays the left turn signal of the traffic light when the progress information signal is a left turn signal. There is a lamp in which the lighting time of the lamp or the blue lamp is extended (claim 7). In this traffic light control device, since the control means responds to the right turn or left turn signal of the route bus, the bus extends the lighting time of the right turn lamp or the lighting time of the left turn lamp or the blue lamp of the traffic light, A smooth running of the bus can be realized without stopping the bus at an intersection.

Also, in the present invention, a second signal receiving means is further provided at the intersection, and the completion of the right turn or the left turn at the intersection of the bus is detected by the second signal receiving means, and the control means controls the bus. By controlling the right turn lamp, left turn lamp or blue lamp to be turned on until the right turn or left turn is detected, the bus can be completely prevented from stopping at the intersection, so that higher priority signal control can be performed. There are advantages.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided the traffic light control device, wherein the signal receiving means is installed at a predetermined stop before an intersection, and detects a stop of the bus at the stop. When the control means determines that the bus is stopped at the stop by the signal receiving means, the blue light of the traffic light in the approach direction is stopped as soon as possible.

In this traffic light control device, when the signal receiving means determines that the route bus is stopped at the stop, the control means cuts off the blue light of the traffic light in the direction of entry of the bus as soon as possible. While the bus is stopped at the stop, other general vehicles will also stop at the intersection. For this reason, the stop of the bus at the stop does not hinder the traveling of other general vehicles, and can prevent traffic jams. Stopping the blue lamp earlier is almost synonymous with turning on the red lamp.

In the present invention, if the control means is configured to turn on the blue lamp on the traffic light in the approach direction when it is detected that the bus has started from the stop,
The advantage is obtained that the traveling delay can be prevented without the bus stopping at the intersection.

Next, a traffic light control device according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is a traffic light control device, comprising: an image pickup device installed at a predetermined set point before an intersection where a traffic light is located; and an intersection based on an image taken by the image pickup device. Means for determining whether or not the vehicle passing through is a route bus and the traveling direction at the intersection of the bus, and according to the traveling direction determined from the image when the passing vehicle is the route bus. Control means for controlling the traffic light.

The traffic light control means determines that the vehicle is a route bus and the traveling direction at the intersection based on an image taken by the image pickup means. Therefore, the route bus does not need to be provided with equipment such as a transmitter, and can receive preferential control of the traffic light with a simple structure.

As such a control means, for example, when the passing vehicle is a route bus and the right turn signal is on by image analysis, it is determined that the bus turns right, and the right turn is completed until the right turn is completed. Turn on the blue display lamp or the right turn display lamp of the approach direction signal, and if the passing vehicle is a route bus and the left turn signal is blinking by image analysis, it is determined that the bus turns left,
One example is control of turning on a blue display lamp or a left turn display lamp of a signal indicating the approach direction until the left turn traveling is completed. If the passing vehicle is a route bus and neither the left or right turn signal is lit by the image analysis, it is determined that the bus travels straight, and the approach direction is determined until the bus has completed the straight passage at the intersection. Control of turning on the blue display lamp of the signal.

Further, when the route bus is not photographed in the passing vehicle by the image analysis, the traffic light is controlled as usual. In the present invention, the image captured by the imaging unit may be a still image or a moving image.

Next, a traffic information providing system according to a tenth aspect of the present invention includes a route bus equipped with a transmitter for transmitting a vehicle-specific ID signal, and a signal receiver installed at each intersection and receiving the ID signal. , A traffic information providing device that provides traffic information (host computer of the control center)
The traffic information providing device, from a plurality of signal receivers, collecting means for collecting the position information of the intersection, the received ID signal and the reception time, the collected ID signal, the position information of the intersection, From the reception time, measuring means for measuring the actual travel time of the bus between any of a plurality of intersections, and traffic information based on the actual travel time, the traveling route bus, a general vehicle, A transmission means for transmitting to an electronic bulletin board on a traveling route, a host computer of a control center or a host computer of a bus company.

In this traffic information providing system, since the ID signal is unique to the vehicle, the ID signal is received by the signal receiver and collected by the traffic information providing device.
The fact that the vehicle passing through the intersection is a route bus and the route system of the vehicle can be accurately specified without being mistaken for a large vehicle or the like. If the collecting means collects the position information and the reception time of the intersection from any of a plurality of signal receivers in addition to the ID signal, the distance between the intersections can be determined. The actual running time between the two can be measured.

The transmission means transmits the information based on the actual travel time to the route bus, the ordinary vehicle,
Send it to the electronic bulletin board on the route, the host computer of the control center or the host computer of the bus company. The information based on the travel time includes, for example, the actual travel time itself, the travel delay time calculated in comparison with the scheduled operation time between the predetermined intersections recorded in the operation database, and the actual travel time between a plurality of major intersections. Congestion information obtained by comparing the travel time or travel delay time with the comprehensive route map and detour route information based on this information,
All traffic information related to travel time applies.

Therefore, for example, by transmitting the actual travel time itself or the travel delay time to the traveling bus and displaying the same on an in-house information display device or the like, the driver or passenger can be informed of the current progress status of the vehicle. Can be accurately grasped, and the psychological burden can be reduced. In addition, by transmitting and displaying traffic jam information and detour route information on a general vehicle or an electronic bulletin board, it is possible to grasp a traffic jam situation and to detour a congested road. Further, if the actual travel time is transmitted to the host computer of the bus company, the data of the estimated travel time can be updated to accurate data on the host computer side of the bus company. As described above, according to the present invention, a specific route bus can be accurately identified, and accurate traffic information can be provided to a person who runs on a road or a person who manages traffic.

In the present invention, as the plurality of intersections (signal receivers) for measuring the actual traveling time, all the intersections can be selected, or an arbitrary selection can be made. In this case, there is no need to always select adjacent intersections,
A main intersection may be appropriately selected.

The traffic information providing device according to the eleventh aspect transmits, from a signal receiver installed at each intersection, a vehicle-specific ID signal transmitted by a route bus, intersection position information, and a reception time. Collecting means for collecting, the collected ID signal, the position information of the intersection, and the reception time, from the reception time, measuring means for measuring the actual travel time of the bus between any intersection, and the actual travel time Transmission means for providing traffic information based on the traffic information.

The traffic information providing device collects the vehicle-specific ID signal, the position information of the intersection, and the reception time transmitted by the route bus from the signal receiver by the collecting means, and collects the ID signal collected by the measuring means. Since the actual travel time of the bus between a plurality of intersections is measured from the position information of the intersection and the reception time, and the transmission means provides traffic information based on the actual travel time, the same as the above invention. In addition, a specific route bus can be accurately identified, and accurate traffic information can be provided to a person who runs on a road or a person who manages traffic. The traffic information based on the actual travel time and the destination of the traffic information in the present invention are not particularly limited, and specific examples include the following.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the traffic information providing device, the transmitting means transmits the actual travel time to the bus. According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, since the actual traveling time is transmitted to the traveling route bus by the transmission means, the actual traveling time is displayed on an information display device or the like in the bus, so that the driver or the passenger In this way, the current progress of the vehicle can be accurately grasped, and the psychological burden can be reduced.

The traffic information providing device according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the traffic information providing device, further comprising an operation database for recording scheduled operation times between intersections of the route bus for each route system, The means further compares the actual travel time with the scheduled travel time,
The traveling delay time of the bus is calculated, and the transmission means transmits the traveling delay time to the bus.

In this traffic information providing apparatus, the actual traveling time by the measuring means is compared with the scheduled traveling time between intersections recorded in the operation database for each route system,
The travel delay time of the bus is calculated, and the travel delay time is transmitted to the traveling route bus by the transmission means. Therefore, by displaying the travel delay time on an information display device or the like in the bus, a driver or a passenger can be displayed. In addition, the current delay state of the vehicle can be accurately grasped, and appropriate measures can be taken, which is convenient for the driver and the passenger.

The traffic information providing device according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the traffic information providing device according to the above-mentioned traffic information providing device, comprising: an operation database in which scheduled operation times between intersections of route buses are recorded for each route system; Further comprising: traffic congestion determining means for obtaining traffic information based on the actual running time of the bus in and the scheduled operation time of the route system corresponding to the received ID signal. This is transmitted to the receiver of the electric bulletin board installed in the traveling route.

In this traffic information providing apparatus, the scheduled operation time between the intersections of the route buses is recorded in the operation database for each route system, so that the traffic congestion between any of the intersections can be determined by comparing the actual travel time. It can be guessed that this has occurred. In the present invention, the congestion determination means obtains congestion information based on the actual travel time of the bus and the scheduled operation time recorded in the operation database,
This congestion information is transmitted to the receiver of the electronic bulletin board installed in the traveling route, so that the general vehicles other than the route bus can be notified of the congestion status, and the general vehicles can bypass the congestion and avoid the congestion. . In particular, the travel route of the route bus covers a wide range by various types of routes, so by collecting the actual travel time between the intersections, the traffic congested range in the wide range is collected. It becomes possible to specify.

A traffic information providing device according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the traffic information providing device according to the above-mentioned traffic information providing device, further comprising: an operation database recording scheduled operation times between intersections of route buses for each route system; And a traffic congestion judging means for creating congestion information based on an actual running time of the bus in and a scheduled operation time of a route system corresponding to the received ID signal. Is transmitted directly to a general vehicle.

In this traffic information providing device, traffic information is directly transmitted to a general vehicle, so that it is possible to easily understand at which point and at what level of traffic congestion occurs in a general vehicle, This is a useful information source when selecting a detour route. Further, for example, there is an advantage that it is possible to visually grasp at which point traffic congestion occurs by using map information such as on-board car navigation.

A traffic information providing device according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the traffic information providing device according to the above-mentioned traffic information providing device, further comprising: an operation database recording scheduled operation times between intersections of route buses for each route system; Determining the traffic congestion area based on the actual travel time of the bus at and the scheduled operation time of the route system corresponding to the received ID signal,
A traffic congestion determination unit that creates detour route information based on the determination result and the operation database, wherein the transmission unit transmits the detour route information to a receiver of an electronic bulletin board installed in a traveling route or a general It is transmitted to the vehicle.

In this traffic information providing device, the traffic congestion judging means judges the congested area, creates detour information from the judgment result and the operation database, and transmits the detour information to the traveling route by the transmitting means. Since the signal is transmitted to the receiver of the installed electronic bulletin board or the general vehicle, it is possible to more reliably select the detour route for the general vehicle running.

In the traffic information providing device according to a seventeenth aspect, in the traffic information providing device, the transmitting means transmits information based on the actual traveling time to a predetermined facsimile information terminal. is there. This claim 1
In the invention according to 7, information based on the actual traveling time,
For example, since the actual traveling time itself, the traveling delay time, the traffic congestion information, the detour information, and the like are transmitted to a predetermined facsimile information terminal by means of the confidential means, the current traffic situation can be accurately transmitted in real time. The predetermined facsimile information terminal corresponds to, for example, a facsimile terminal of a user who has contracted to receive the traffic information providing service.

In the traffic information providing device according to claim 18, in the traffic information providing device, the transmitting means transmits information based on the actual travel time to a host computer of a bus company. .

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the information based on the actual travel time is transmitted to the host computer of the bus company by the transmitting means, so that the data of the estimated travel time is actually stored on the host computer side of the bus company. It is possible to update to accurate data based on the running time. In particular, since the routes of various routes cover a wide range on the route of the route bus, collecting accurate data on the wide range by collecting data based on the actual travel time between intersections. It is possible to change them all at once.

The traffic information providing method according to the nineteenth aspect is characterized in that a signal receiver installed at each intersection transmits a vehicle-specific ID signal transmitted by a route bus, intersection position information, and a reception time. A collecting step of collecting, the collected ID signal, the position information of the intersection, and the reception time, from the reception time, a measuring step of measuring the actual travel time of the bus between any intersections; and Transmitting traffic information based on the traffic information to the running bus, the general vehicle, the electronic bulletin board on the running route, the host computer of the control center, or the host computer of the bus company.

In the traffic information providing method according to the nineteenth aspect, similarly to the above invention, a specific route bus can be accurately identified, and accurate traffic information can be provided to a person who runs on a road or a person who manages traffic. Can be provided.

[0051]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a traffic light control system, a traffic light control device, a traffic information providing system and a traffic information providing device according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited by the embodiment.

(Embodiment 1) This embodiment relates to a traffic light control system and a traffic light control device.
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the traffic light control system of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the traffic light control system comprises a traffic light control device 1 for controlling a route bus 2 running on a road and a traffic light A and a traffic light B installed at an intersection.
And the upstream position of the intersection, that is, about 30 to 15 meters from the intersection
It is composed of a signal receiver 3 installed at a position closer to 0 m and a vehicle detector 4.

The route bus 2 is provided with a transmitter 7, which transmits a bus signal indicating the route bus 2 constantly or at regular intervals. Note that the bus signal is a simple pulse signal. Signal receiver 3
Receives the bus signal from the transmitter 7 of the route bus 2 passing therethrough, and the signal controller 1 wired to the signal receiver 3
To send to. This bus signal is transmitted to the signal receiver 3
, It is possible to identify that the passing vehicle is the route bus 2. The vehicle detector 4 measures the number of vehicles passing, the vehicle speed, the density, and the like.
This is a known device that has conventionally existed.

The traffic signal control device 1 includes a traffic control center 8
Are installed at all intersections controlled by the traffic control center 1 and each traffic light control device 1 is connected to a host computer of the traffic control center 8 by a telephone line. The traffic light control device 1 controls the display lamps of the traffic light A and the traffic light B. When receiving the bus signal from the signal receiver 3, the traffic light control device 1 detects that the passing vehicle is a bus, The display time is controlled. In this embodiment, the traffic light A is a traffic light in the direction of approach to the intersection of the bus, that is, a traffic light in the straight lane 5, and the traffic light B is a traffic light in the lane 6 orthogonal to the straight lane 5. The traffic light A and the traffic light B both have a blue lamp, a red lamp, a yellow lamp, and a right turn lamp.

Next, the traffic light control of the traffic light controller 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the traffic light control device 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the traffic light control device 1 mainly includes a calculation unit 10 for calculating the timing of the switching time of the display of the display lamps, and a control unit 9 for controlling the switching and lighting time of each display lamp. I have.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the traffic light control in the control section 9 of the traffic light control device 1 of the present embodiment.
When receiving the bus signal from the signal receiver 3, the control unit 9 determines that the route bus 2 passes through the intersection (step 301), and controls the traffic signal as follows. First, the current lamp lighting of the traffic light A in the approach direction (straight lane 5) to the intersection of the bus is checked (step 302). If the blue light is currently lit on the traffic light A, then the traffic light A is approached from now on. The switching timing is calculated so that the time until switching to the yellow lamp is longer than usual so as not to stop the bus (step 3).
03).

Then, the lighting time of the blue lamp is extended to the calculated time (step 304). At the same time, at the traffic light B in the direction (orthogonal lane 6) orthogonal to the approach direction (straight lane 5), the display time of the red lamp is extended. As a result, the blue lamp of the traffic light A is lit longer than usual, so that the route bus 2 can pass without stopping at the intersection, and a delay in the traveling time can be prevented.

On the other hand, if the red lamp or the yellow lamp is currently lit at the traffic light A, the bus entering the intersection from now on should not be stopped at the intersection for a long time.
The timing is calculated so that the time until switching to the blue lamp is shorter than usual (step 30).
5). After the red lamp of the traffic light A is turned on until the calculated time (step 306), the display is switched to the blue lamp (step 307). At the same time, a direction (orthogonal lane 6) that intersects the approach direction (straight lane 5)
Is switched to a yellow lamp and then to a red lamp. As described above, the display time of the red lamp of the traffic light A is reduced, so that the route bus 2 that has entered the intersection does not stop for a long time at the intersection, and a delay in the traveling time is prevented. In the present embodiment, if the yellow lamp is currently lit at the traffic light A in step 302 and the traffic of other vehicles is not hindered, the switch to the blue lamp may be performed immediately.

In this embodiment, the lighting time of the blue lamp of the traffic light A is extended, but the signal receiver 3 is further provided at the intersection, and the signal receiver 3 detects the completion of the passage at the bus intersection. Until then, control may be performed so that the blue lamp is turned on. In this case, the bus can be passed without stopping at the intersection.

(Embodiment 2) A traffic light control system and a traffic light control device 1 according to Embodiment 2 will be described. The traffic light control system according to the second embodiment detects the traveling direction at the intersection of the route bus 2,
The traffic light A and the traffic light B are controlled. Overall configuration of this traffic light control system and traffic light control device 1
Is similar to FIGS. 1 and 2 in the first embodiment.

This traffic light control system is different from the first embodiment in that the transmitter 7 mounted on the bus transmits a progress information signal and the control of the control unit 9 of the traffic light controller 1. The progress information signal is one of a right-turn signal, a left-turn signal, and a straight-ahead signal. These signals are signals indicating that the passing vehicle is a bus, and also indicate the traveling direction of the bus at the intersection. Transmitter 7
Normally transmits a straight ahead signal, but when a turn signal is activated, a right turn signal or a left turn signal is transmitted in conjunction with this operation.

That is, when the driver operates the turn signal lever in the direction of blinking the right turn signal, the electric signal is transmitted to the right turn signal, and at the same time, the electric signal is also transmitted to the transmitter 7. The transmitter 7 generates and transmits a right turn signal. Similarly, when the left turn signal is operated, an electric signal is transmitted to the transmitter 7 simultaneously with the driver's operation, and the transmitter 7 generates and transmits a left turn signal. On the other hand, when the driver does not operate any of the right and left turn signals, a straight ahead signal is transmitted, and it is determined that the vehicle is going straight ahead at this time. Note that the right turn signal, left turn signal, and straight ahead signal are signals having different pulse widths, frequencies, and the like, and the signal receiver 3 and the traffic light control device 1 can identify each signal.

Next, signal control in the signal control device 1 will be described. FIG. 4 shows the traffic light control device 1
6 is a flowchart showing the traffic signal control in the control unit 9 of FIG. When receiving the progress information signal from the signal receiver 3, the control unit 9 determines that the route bus 2 passes through the intersection (step 401), and performs the following signal control. First, the traveling direction at the intersection of the route bus 2 is determined based on the received traveling information signal (step 402).
If the traveling direction is a right turn, the current lamp lighting of the traffic light A in the approach direction (straight lane 5) to the intersection of the route bus 2 is checked (step 409).

When the right turn lamp is currently lit on the traffic light A, the timing of the light ending is calculated so that the time until the right turn light of the traffic light A is completed is longer than usual. (Step 410), the display time of the right turn lamp is extended to the calculated time (Step 411). As a result, the route bus 2 entering the intersection
Can turn right without stopping at an intersection.

On the other hand, if the blue lamp is currently lit on the traffic light A in step 409, the time required for switching the traffic light A from the blue light to the yellow or red light is shorter than usual. The timing is calculated (step 412). Then, after the blue lamp of the traffic light A is turned on until the shortened time (step 413), the traffic light A is switched to the lighting of the red or yellow lamp (step 414), and then the right turn lamp is turned on (step 4).
15). As a result, the right turn lamp is turned on earlier than usual with the traffic light A in the straight lane 5 switched to the red lamp turned on, so that the route bus 2 entering the intersection is turned on.
Can turn right without stopping at the intersection due to oncoming vehicles.

At step 409, if the red lamp is currently lit on the traffic light A, the blue lamp is lit on the traffic light B in the approach direction (straight lane 5) and in the orthogonal direction (lane lane 6). Therefore, in order to make a right turn on the bus entering the intersection, the switching timing is calculated so that the time required for the signal B to switch from the blue lamp to the yellow or red lamp is shorter than usual (step 416). After the blue lamp of the traffic light B is turned on for a reduced time (step 417), the lighting is switched to the red lamp (step 418). Then, at the traffic light A in the bus approach direction (straight lane 5), the right turn lamp is lit while the red lamp is lit (step 41).
9). Thereby, when the route bus 2 enters the intersection, the straight lane 5 and the vehicles in the lane 6 orthogonal to the straight lane 5 are both stopped by the red lamp, and the right turn lamp of the traffic light A is lit. Turns right without stopping at an intersection.

If it is determined in step 402 that the traveling direction of the bus is a left turn or straight ahead based on the traveling information signal, the processing of steps 403 to 408 is performed. The control is the same as the processing from step 302 to step 307 in FIG. In addition, when there is a left turn ramp at the traffic light and the traveling direction of the bus is a left turn,
Control may be performed such that the left turn lamp is turned on preferentially.

In this embodiment, a signal receiver 3 may be further provided at the intersection, and control may be performed such that the right turn lamp is turned on until the signal receiver 3 detects that the right turn of the bus is completed. In this case, it is possible to make a right turn without stopping the bus at the intersection.

(Embodiment 3) Next, a traffic light control system and a traffic light control device 1 according to Embodiment 3 will be described. FIG. 5 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating a traffic light control system according to the third embodiment. In this overall configuration, the point different from the first embodiment is that a bus stop 11 is installed just before the intersection, and a signal receiver 12 is also installed at this stop 11. This is the same as in the first embodiment. Stop 11 signal receiver 12
Also receives the bus signal from the transmitter 7 of the route bus 2 and transmits it to the traffic light controller 1.

The functional configuration of the traffic light control device 1 is the same as that of the device of the first embodiment (FIG. 2), and the description is omitted. Next, the traffic light control in the control unit 9 of the traffic light control device 1 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the traffic light control by the control unit 9. First, in the control unit 9,
The number of passing vehicles is acquired from the vehicle detector 4 (Step 601). Next, when a bus signal is received from the signal receiver 12 of the stop 11, it is detected that the route bus 2 is stopped at the stop 11 (step 602). If the route bus 2 is stopped at the stop 11, the currently lit lamp of the traffic light A in the bus approach direction is checked (step 603).

At present, when the blue light is lit on the traffic light A, the stop of the route bus 2 at the stop 11 may hinder the traveling of the following vehicle. For this reason, the control unit 9
It is checked whether or not the number of vehicles passing from the vehicle detector 4 is equal to or less than a certain number k (step 604). here,
Although k can be arbitrarily determined, it is preferable that k be a number that does not significantly impede traffic when the traffic light A is changed to a red lamp.

When the number of passing vehicles is equal to or less than a certain number k,
When it is determined that the number of vehicles passing is small, the lighting of the traffic light A is switched from the blue light to the yellow light and then to the red light (step 605), and the traffic light B in the direction orthogonal to the approach direction (the orthogonal lane 6) is changed to the red light. Is switched to a blue lamp (step 606). That is, the bus stops at 11
When the bus is stopped, go straight to lane 5
When the number of vehicles passing through the straight lane 5 is small, the vehicle running on the straight lane 5 is stopped and the vehicle on the lane 6 perpendicular to the straight lane 5 is run. By doing so, the efficiency of the intersection can be improved.

(Embodiment 4) Next, a traffic light control system and a traffic light control device 1 according to Embodiment 4 will be described. FIG. 7 is an overall configuration diagram showing a traffic light control system according to the fourth embodiment. This overall configuration differs from the first and second embodiments in that an imaging camera 13 is provided instead of the signal receiver 3 and that the transmitter 7 is not provided on the bus.
Other configurations are the same as those of the first and second embodiments. The imaging camera 13 captures an image of a vehicle passing through the straight lane 5 and transmits the captured image to the traffic light controller 1.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the control section 9 of the traffic light control device 1 shown in FIG. The point that the traffic light control device 1 is provided with an image processing unit 14 for performing image processing on a video received from the imaging camera 13 is as follows.
It is different from the traffic light control devices 1 of the first and second embodiments. The image processing unit 14 analyzes the image received from the imaging camera 13 and determines whether or not the route bus 2 is photographed in the image. When the route bus 2 is photographed, the right blinker or the left blinker blinks. It is determined whether or not. That is, the traffic signal control device 1 of the above-described embodiment determines whether or not the passing vehicle is the route bus 2 based on the bus signal, and determines whether or not the passing vehicle is the route bus 2 based on the direction information signal. Although the traveling direction at the intersection of the bus 2 has been determined, in the present embodiment, whether or not the passing vehicle is the route bus 2 and the traveling direction are determined by analyzing the captured image itself. .

In this embodiment, recognition of the route bus 2 and recognition of the traveling direction are performed by analyzing the photographed image by the image processing unit 14, and the traffic signal control of the control unit 9 is described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. The description is omitted because it is the same. As described above, in the traffic light control system according to the fourth embodiment, the route bus 2 and the traveling direction are certified based on the image captured by the imaging camera 13. It is not necessary to equip with a simple equipment, and it is possible to receive preferential control of the traffic light with a simple structure.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a traffic information providing system, a traffic information providing apparatus and a traffic information providing method according to a fifth embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is an overall configuration diagram showing the traffic information providing system according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in the figure, this traffic information providing system is installed on a running route bus 2 provided with a transmitter 7 for transmitting an ID signal, and at each intersection at a position (upstream side) in front of the intersection. 2, a signal receiver 3 for receiving an ID signal from each of the traffic signals 2, a signal controller 1 for each intersection that controls signals installed at a plurality of intersections, and a signal controller 1 for each signal.
It mainly comprises a host computer 81 of the traffic control center 8 which collects various information from and provides a traffic information service. Note that the host computer 81 constitutes the traffic information providing device of the present invention.

The ID signal transmitted from the transmitter 7 mounted on the bus is a signal unique to the traveling route bus 2,
It is a signal indicating a route system during traveling. This ID signal is also a pulse signal, and the pulse width, frequency and the like differ for each route system, and can be identified by the host computer 81.

The traffic light control device 1 has the same configuration as that described in the first embodiment, the second embodiment or the fourth embodiment. However, in the fifth embodiment, the The reception time and the identification number indicating the position information of the intersection are transmitted to the host computer 81. Each traffic light control device 1 is connected to a host computer 81 via a public line.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the host computer of the traffic control center. The host computer 81 includes a collection unit 18 that receives and collects the ID number of the traveling route bus 2, the reception time thereof, the position information of the intersection, and the like from each traffic light control device 1,
A measuring unit 16 that measures the actual travel time between arbitrary intersections for each route bus 2 based on the collected ID numbers, the reception times thereof, and the position information of the intersections, and a scheduled travel time of a bus between a plurality of intersections for each route bus 2. An operation database 15 recorded for each route system, a traffic congestion determination unit 17 that determines congestion degree from the measured actual traveling time and a planned traveling time recorded in the operation database 15 to create traffic congestion information; A transmission unit 19 for transmitting travel time and traffic information is mainly provided.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing of the host computer and each unit. First, collection unit 1
In step 8, an ID signal, a reception time of the ID signal (passing time of the bus), and position information of each intersection are received from each of the traffic signal control devices 1 (step 1101). Then, the main intersection is extracted from all the received intersections by the measuring unit 16 (step 1102), and the actual travel time between the intersections is calculated from the received various reports (step 1103). The actual travel time calculated for each intersection is transmitted to the receiver of the traveling route bus 2 and the computer of the control center or the computer 23 of the bus company by the transmission unit 19 (step 1104).

As described above, in the fifth embodiment, the actual traveling time between the intersections of the route buses 2 is transmitted to the traveling route bus 2, so that the actual traveling time is displayed on the information display device in the bus. Is displayed, the driver and the passenger can accurately grasp the current progress of the vehicle, and the psychological burden can be reduced.

Since the actual travel time for each intersection is transmitted to the computer 23 of the bus company, the computer 23 of the bus company updates the data of the scheduled travel time to accurate data based on the actual travel time. It is possible to do. In particular, since the route of the route bus 2 includes various systems of routes covering a wide range, by collecting data based on actual travel times between intersections, accurate travel times in a wide range can be obtained. Can be changed collectively.

Next, the traffic congestion judging unit 17 refers to the scheduled travel time between the intersections from the operation database 15 and compares it with the actual travel time obtained in step 1103 for each intersection (step 1105). Then, an intersection where the actual traveling time exceeds the scheduled traveling time is specified, and it is determined that there is a possibility that a traffic jam has occurred near the specified intersection (step 1106). Next, in order to determine the degree of congestion at the specified intersection, the congestion determining unit 17 calculates a travel delay time from the difference between the actual travel time and the scheduled travel time (step 1107). Is determined (step 1108). The degree of congestion may be classified as a traffic congestion level or the like for each value of the travel delay time.

Further, the traffic congestion judging section 17 creates traffic congestion information in which the congested intersection is associated with the degree of congestion for each intersection (step 1109), and uses this congestion information for the general vehicle 20 traveling. The information is transmitted to the receiver of the electronic bulletin board 21 installed at a predetermined location on the road and the facsimile terminal 22 of the user who receives the traffic information providing service (step 1110).

The traffic congestion determining unit 17 creates detour route information based on the traffic congestion information in addition to the traffic congestion information, and transmits the information to the general vehicle 20, the receiver of the electronic bulletin board 21, and the facsimile terminal 22 of the user. Is also good. The travel delay time obtained by the measuring unit 16 may be transmitted to the traveling route bus 2 or the computer 23 of the bus company.

As described above, in this traffic information providing system, traffic congestion information is transmitted to the general vehicle 20. Therefore, in the general vehicle 20, it is easy to grasp at which point the traffic congestion is occurring and at what degree of traffic congestion. It becomes a useful information source when selecting a detour route. Further, since the congestion information is transmitted to the receiver of the electric bulletin board 21 installed in the traveling route, it is possible to notify the general vehicles 20 other than the route bus 2 of the congestion situation, and the general vehicles 20 are allowed to make detours while avoiding the congestion. Or you can. In particular, since the travel route of the route bus 2 covers a wide range by routes of various systems, the actual travel time between the intersections is collected, so that the congested area in the wide range is collected. Can be specified.

Further, in the traffic information providing system of the present embodiment, since the traffic congestion information is transmitted to the user's facsimile terminal 22, the current traffic condition can be transmitted accurately in real time.

[0088]

As described above, according to the signal control system of the present invention (claim 1), a signal transmitter for transmitting a bus signal indicating that the vehicle is operating on a regular route is mounted. When a bus signal is received by a signal receiver installed at a predetermined set point in front of a certain intersection, it detects that the bus has passed the set point and controls a traffic signal at the intersection for the bus. I did it. For this reason, there is an effect that the traffic signal can be accurately controlled for the route bus without erroneously distinguishing the large vehicle from the route bus.

In the traffic light control system according to the present invention (claim 2), a traveling information signal indicating the traveling direction of the bus at the intersection is transmitted from the transmitter mounted on the bus, and the bus is controlled based on the traveling information signal. The traffic light is controlled according to the direction of travel. For this reason, the traveling at the intersection of the route buses can be smoothly performed with priority, and there is an effect that traveling delay can be prevented.

Further, in the traffic light control system of the present invention (claim 3), the driver of the bus explicitly transmits the progress information signal in conjunction with the operation of the turn signal of the bus. There is no need to activate the transmitter at
The traveling information signal is automatically transmitted from the transmitter only by the normal driving operation of activating the turn signal at the time of turning right or left, so that it is possible to receive the control of the traffic light with priority.

Further, in the traffic light control device according to the present invention (claim 4), the signal receiver installed at a predetermined set point before the intersection indicates that the vehicle is operated on a regular route from a route bus. Receiving the signal, detecting from the bus signal that the bus has passed the set point,
Controlled traffic lights at intersections. For this reason, there is an effect that the traffic signal can be accurately controlled for the route bus without erroneously distinguishing the large vehicle from the route bus.

In the traffic light control device according to the present invention (claim 5), when the signal receiving means receives the bus signal, the lighting time of the blue lamp of the traffic light in the approach direction is extended. Thus, there is an effect that the bus can be passed through the intersection preferentially and traveling delay can be prevented.

In the traffic light control device according to the present invention (claim 6), the signal receiving means receives the travel information signal indicating the travel direction of the bus at the intersection, and based on the progress information signal, determines the travel direction of the bus. Since the corresponding traffic light is controlled, the traffic light control can be preferentially performed in accordance with the traveling direction at the intersection of the route bus, and there is an effect that the traveling delay of the bus can be prevented.

In the traffic light control device according to the present invention (claim 7), when the progress information signal is a right turn signal, the lighting time of the right turn display lamp of the traffic light in the approaching direction is extended, and the progress information signal is output. When the signal is a left turn signal, the lighting time of the left turn indicator lamp or blue lamp of the traffic light is extended. Therefore, there is an effect that the bus can be smoothly run without stopping the bus at the intersection.

Further, in the traffic light control device of the present invention (claim 8), the stop of the bus at the stop is detected by the signal receiving means installed at the predetermined stop before the intersection, and the bus stops at the stop. If it is determined that the vehicle is approaching, the blue light of the traffic light in the approach direction is stopped early. For this reason, the stop of the bus stop does not hinder the travel of other general vehicles, and thus has the effect of preventing traffic jams.

In the traffic light control device according to the present invention (claim 9), a vehicle passing through the intersection is analyzed by analyzing an image taken by the imaging means installed at a predetermined set point in front of the intersection. Is determined, and the traveling direction at the intersection of the bus is determined. When the passing vehicle is the route bus, the traffic signal is controlled in accordance with the traveling direction determined from the image. For this reason, the route bus does not need to be provided with equipment such as a transmitter, and has an effect that the signal can be preferentially controlled with a simple structure.

In the traffic information providing system according to the present invention (claim 10), a route bus equipped with a transmitter for transmitting a vehicle-specific ID signal, and a signal receiving device installed at each intersection and receiving the ID signal And a traffic information providing device (host computer of a traffic control center) for providing traffic information, wherein the traffic information providing device is configured to receive, from a plurality of signal receivers, the position information of the intersection, the received ID signal, and the reception time. Collecting means for collecting the ID signal, the position information of the intersection, and the reception time, and measuring means for measuring the actual travel time of the bus between any of a plurality of intersections; The traffic information based on the traveling time of the route bus, the ordinary vehicle, the electric bulletin board on the traveling route, the host computer of the control center or the host And a transmitting means for transmitting to the preparative computer. Therefore, it is possible to accurately identify a specific route bus, and to provide accurate traffic information in real time to a person who runs on a road or a person who operates traffic.

Further, in the traffic information providing device of the present invention (claim 11), a vehicle-specific ID signal transmitted by a route bus, the position information of the intersection, and the reception time from a signal receiver installed at each intersection. And the collected ID
An actual travel time of the bus between arbitrary intersections is measured from the signal, the position information of the intersection, and the reception time. Then, traffic information based on the actual traveling time is provided. For this reason, there is an effect that a specific route bus can be accurately identified, and accurate traffic information can be provided to a person who runs on a road or a person who manages traffic.

Further, in the traffic information providing device of the present invention (claim 12), the actual travel time is transmitted to the bus by the transmitting means.
This has the effect of accurately grasping the current progress of the vehicle and reducing the psychological burden.

Further, the traffic information providing apparatus of the present invention (claim 13) further comprises an operation database for recording the scheduled operation time between the intersections of the route buses for each route system, and the measuring means further comprises The traveling delay time of the bus is calculated by comparing the traveling time of the vehicle with the scheduled traveling time, and the traveling delay time is transmitted to the bus. For this reason,
It is possible to allow the driver or passenger to accurately grasp the current vehicle delay situation and take an appropriate response, thereby providing an effect that the driver or passenger becomes a useful information source.

Further, in the traffic information providing device of the present invention (claim 14), for each route system, an operation database in which scheduled operation times between intersections of route buses are recorded; And traffic congestion determining means for obtaining traffic congestion information based on the travel time of the route system and the scheduled operation time of the route system corresponding to the received ID signal. Send to the bulletin board receiver. For this reason, it is possible to notify the general vehicles other than the route bus of the traffic congestion state, and to provide an effect that the general vehicles can be detoured while avoiding the traffic congestion. In particular, the route of the route bus
As it covers a wider area with various system routes,
By collecting the actual travel time between intersections, it is possible to specify a congested area within a wide area.

In the traffic information providing apparatus according to the present invention (claim 15), for each route system, an operation database in which scheduled operation times between the intersections of the route buses are recorded; And traffic congestion determining means for creating traffic congestion information based on the scheduled travel time of the route system corresponding to the received ID signal, and the transmission means transmits the traffic congestion information directly to a general vehicle. I made it. For this reason, in a general vehicle, it is possible to easily understand at which point the degree of traffic congestion occurs at which point, and it is possible to obtain a useful information source when selecting a detour route.

Further, in the traffic information providing device of the present invention (Claim 16), an operation database in which scheduled operation times between intersections of route buses are recorded for each route system; Congestion determination means for determining a congestion area based on the travel time of the vehicle and the scheduled operation time of the route system corresponding to the received ID signal, and creating detour route information based on the determination result and the operation database. And transmitting means for transmitting the bypass route information to a receiver of an electric bulletin board or a general vehicle installed in the traveling route by a transmission means. For this reason, there is an effect that the detour route can be more accurately selected for the traveling general vehicle.

In the traffic information providing apparatus according to the present invention, the information based on the actual traveling time is transmitted to the predetermined facsimile information terminal, so that the user can obtain the current traffic condition in real time. This has the effect of receiving data accurately.

In the traffic information providing device of the present invention (claim 18), information based on the actual travel time is transmitted to the host computer of the bus company.
This has the effect that the data on the estimated travel time can be updated to accurate data on the host computer side of the bus company based on the actual travel time. In particular, since the routes of various systems cover a wide range in the route of the route bus,
By collecting data based on the actual travel time between intersections, it is possible to collectively change the accurate travel time over a wide range.

In the traffic information providing method according to the present invention (claim 19), a vehicle-specific ID signal transmitted by a route bus, intersection position information, and reception time are transmitted from a signal receiver installed at each intersection. A collecting step of collecting the ID signal, the position information of the intersection, and the reception time, and measuring the actual travel time of the bus between any intersections; and The method further includes a step of transmitting traffic information based on the travel time to the route bus, a general vehicle, an electronic bulletin board on a travel route, a host computer of a control center, or a host computer of a bus company. Therefore, it is possible to accurately identify a specific route bus, and to provide real-time and accurate traffic information to a person who runs on a road or a person who manages traffic.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a traffic light control system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the traffic light control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a traffic light control process in a control unit of the traffic light control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a traffic light control process in a control unit of the traffic light control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an overall configuration diagram of a traffic light control system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a traffic light control process in a control unit of the traffic light control device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an overall configuration diagram of a traffic light control system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of a traffic light control device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an overall configuration diagram of a traffic information providing system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a process performed by the traffic information providing device (host computer of the control center) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of a traffic information providing device (host computer of a control center) according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 signal controller 2 route bus 3 signal receiver 4 vehicle detector 5 straight lane 6 orthogonal lane 7 transmitter 8 traffic control center 81 host computer (traffic information providing device) 9 control unit 10 arithmetic unit 11 stop 12 installed at stop Signal receiver 13 imaging camera 14 image processing unit 15 operation database 16 measurement unit 17 traffic congestion determination unit 18 collection unit 19 transmission unit 20 general vehicle 21 electric light board 22 facsimile terminal 23 computer of bus company

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. A route bus equipped with a transmitter for transmitting a bus signal indicating that the vehicle is operating on a regular route, and a bus signal installed at a predetermined set point before an intersection with a traffic signal, A signal receiver that receives the bus signal, when the signal receiver receives the bus signal, detects that the bus has passed the set point, and controls a traffic signal at an intersection with the bus. A traffic light control system comprising: 2. A transmitter mounted on the bus transmits a traveling information signal indicating a traveling direction of the bus at an intersection. The traffic signal control device, based on the traveling information signal,
The traffic light control system according to claim 1, wherein the traffic light is controlled in accordance with the traveling direction of the bus. 3. The traffic signal control system according to claim 2, wherein the transmitter transmits the progress information signal in conjunction with an operation of a turn signal of the bus. 4. A signal receiving means which is installed at a predetermined set point before a certain intersection with a traffic light and receives a bus signal indicating that the vehicle runs on a regular route from a route bus; Control means for detecting that the bus has passed the set point and controlling a traffic signal at an intersection with the bus. 5. The control unit according to claim 4, wherein when the signal receiving unit receives the bus signal, the control unit extends the lighting time of the blue lamp of the traffic light in the approach direction. The traffic light control device as described. 6. The signal receiving means receives a traveling information signal indicating a traveling direction of the bus at an intersection, and the control means responds to the traveling direction of the bus based on the traveling information signal. The traffic light control device according to claim 4, wherein the traffic light control device controls the traffic light. 7. The control means, when the progress information signal is a right turn signal, extends a lighting time of a right turn display lamp of a traffic light in an approaching direction, and when the progress information signal is a left turn signal, 7. The traffic light control device according to claim 6, wherein a lighting time of a left turn display lamp or a blue lamp of the traffic light is extended. 8. The signal receiving means is installed at a predetermined stop before an intersection, and detects a stop of the bus at the stop, and the control means sends the signal to the stop by the signal receiving means. The traffic light control device according to claim 4, wherein when it is determined that the bus is stopped, the blue light of the traffic light in the approach direction is stopped earlier. 9. An image pickup means installed at a predetermined set point before an intersection where a traffic light is located, and an image taken by the image pickup means is analyzed to determine whether a vehicle passing through the intersection is a route bus. Determination means for determining whether or not and the traveling direction at the intersection of the bus, and when the passing vehicle is the route bus, control means for controlling a traffic signal according to the traveling direction determined from the image, A traffic signal control device comprising: 10. A route bus equipped with a transmitter for transmitting a vehicle-specific ID signal, a signal receiver installed at each intersection and receiving the ID signal, and a traffic information providing device for providing traffic information ( And a traffic information providing device, which receives, from a plurality of signal receivers, the position information of the intersection and the I
Collecting means for collecting the D signal and the reception time; measuring the actual travel time of the bus between any of the plurality of intersections from the collected ID signal, the position information of the intersection, and the reception time Means, a transmission means for transmitting the traffic information based on the actual traveling time, the traveling bus, a general vehicle, an electric bulletin board on the traveling route, a host computer of a control center or a host computer of a bus company, A traffic information providing system, comprising: 11. A collecting means for collecting a vehicle-specific ID signal transmitted from a route bus, an intersection position information, and a reception time from a signal receiver installed at each intersection, and the collected ID signal. Measuring means for measuring the actual travel time of the bus between any intersection from the position information of the intersection and the reception time; andtransmitting means for providing traffic information based on the actual travel time. A traffic information providing device, comprising: 12. The traffic information providing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the transmitting means transmits the actual travel time to the bus. 13. An operation database for recording a scheduled operation time between intersections of a route bus for each route system, wherein the measuring means further compares the actual travel time with the scheduled travel time. The traffic information providing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the traffic delay time is calculated for the bus, and the transmitting unit transmits the travel delay time to the bus. 14. An operation database that records scheduled operation times between intersections of route buses for each route system, an actual running time of the bus between predetermined intersections,
Traffic congestion determining means for obtaining traffic congestion information based on the scheduled operation time of the route system corresponding to the received ID signal; and The traffic information providing device according to claim 11, wherein the traffic information is transmitted to a receiver. 15. An operation database which records scheduled operation times between intersections of route buses for each route system, an actual running time of the bus between predetermined intersections,
Traffic jam determining means for creating traffic jam information based on the scheduled operation time of the route system corresponding to the received ID signal;
The traffic information providing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising: transmitting the congestion information directly to a general vehicle. 16. An operation database which records scheduled operation times between intersections of route buses for each route system, an actual traveling time of the bus between predetermined intersections,
Traffic jam determining means for determining a congestion area based on the scheduled operation time of the route system corresponding to the received ID signal, and creating detour route information based on the determination result and the operation database; 12. The traffic information providing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the transmission unit transmits the detour route information to a receiver of an electric bulletin board or a general vehicle installed on a traveling route. 17. The traffic information providing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the transmitting means transmits information based on the actual traveling time to a predetermined facsimile information terminal. 18. The traffic information providing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the transmitting means transmits information based on the actual travel time to a host computer of a bus company. 19. A collecting step of collecting, from a signal receiver installed at each intersection, a vehicle-specific ID signal transmitted from a route bus, intersection position information, and reception time, Measuring the actual travel time of the bus between any intersections from the location information of the intersection and the reception time; traffic information based on the actual travel time; Transmitting to a general vehicle, an electronic bulletin board on a traveling route, a host computer of a control center or a host computer of a bus company.