JP2005100765A - Roadside light monitoring device and monitoring method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a roadside light monitoring device and a monitoring method wherein a time required for communication is greatly shortened and the information of a roadside light can be collected while a traveling vehicle runs at a high speed, by carrying out "one-to-multiple" communication replying to an inquiry signal of the traveling vehicle from a plurality of the roadside lights. <P>SOLUTION: This roadside light monitoring device is installed at each roadside light A to D, and equipped with a state detecting part to detect the state of an illumination fixture, a communication part, and a control part, and the control part transmits the state of the illumination fixture to the traveling vehicle 3 in the case it receives the inquiry signal about the state of the illumination fixture from the traveling vehicle 3 which patrols and collects the information of the roadside lights A to D, and in a communication area, a time from receiving the inquiry signal from the traveling vehicle 3 until transmitting the state of the illumination fixture is set to be mutually different. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a roadlight monitoring apparatus and a monitoring method for installing roadlight information, for example, lamp astigmatism information on a patrol car and transmitting the roadlight information to the patrol car in a system. It is about.

  Conventionally, in order to monitor the state of road lights installed on general roads and highways over several tens of kilometers, the following method has been adopted. The first method is a method in which a traveling worker visually confirms when a lamp is turned on at night, or a method in which a display device such as an LED is visually confirmed by receiving a signal from a detection circuit when the lamp is not working. The second method is a method of transmitting abnormality information to the central management device using a dedicated signal line such as an optical fiber.

  In the case of the first method, there are concerns about reliability problems such as burden on workers and oversights, and the impact on traffic due to speed limitation because communication is not possible unless the speed is lowered when traveling around by car. In the case of the second method, since it is necessary to provide a dedicated signal line from each road light to the management device, a lot of labor and cost are generated.

Therefore, as an invention that uses wireless communication to minimize the burden on workers and the burden on facilities for collecting information when checking a large number of road lamp lighting fixtures, patrol cars and road lights Have already been proposed to collect information while performing wireless communication between them (Patent Documents 1 to 3). As a method of wireless communication, methods using infrared, weak wireless, specific low power wireless, etc. are being studied, but all respond to inquiries from patrol cars with one road light returning "one to one" It is characterized by performing communication.
JP 05-89972 A JP2000-106286 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-324686

  When using infrared, weak radio, and specific low-power radio for communication, the communication distance is short (especially infrared, weak radio has a short communication distance), so the traveling car and the road lights can communicate with each other. Therefore, it is necessary to perform communication within a limited time during which the patrol car and the road light can communicate.

  However, it is difficult to communicate with high reliability unless the traveling speed of the patrol car is slowed down in a system in which the patrol car and the road lights communicate “one-to-one” as in the conventional example. In addition, it is not preferable to reduce the traveling speed of the patrol vehicle in order to secure the communication time because it hinders the traffic of ordinary vehicles.

  Furthermore, in order to perform “one-to-one” communication using weak radio with no directivity and specific low-power radio, it is necessary to set addresses for each road light, which increases the signal length and communication time. There is a problem that the work itself becomes troublesome.

  The present invention is intended to solve such a problem, and the object of the present invention is to perform “one-to-many” communication in which a plurality of road lights respond to an inquiry signal of a traveling car. It is an object of the present invention to provide a road light monitoring device and a monitoring method for realizing a wireless communication system that can significantly reduce the time required for communication and collect road light information while a traveling car is traveling at high speed.

The road light monitoring device of the present invention is a road light monitoring device installed in each road light, the state detection unit for detecting the state of the lighting fixture, and the state of the lighting fixture detected by the state detection unit A communication unit capable of transmitting as information, and a control unit for controlling the communication unit, and the control unit circulates a road and collects information on road lights, and transmits an inquiry signal about the state of the lighting fixture from a traveling vehicle. In the case of receiving, in what transmits the state of the lighting fixture to the patrol vehicle by the communication unit based on the signal from the state detection unit,
The control unit of each road light monitoring device is characterized in that the time from the reception of the inquiry signal from the patrol vehicle to the transmission of the state of the luminaire is set to be different from each other within the communicable area. Is.

Another road light monitoring device of the present invention is a road light monitoring device installed in each road light, the state detection unit for detecting the state of the lighting fixture, and the lighting fixture detected by the state detection unit A communication unit capable of transmitting the state as information, and a control unit for controlling the communication unit, and the control unit makes an inquiry about the state of the lighting fixture from a patrol car that circulates the road and collects information on the road light. In the case of receiving a signal, in what transmits the state of the lighting fixture to the patrol car by the communication unit based on the signal from the state detection unit,
Each road light monitoring device has a timer setting unit for setting a delay time from receiving the inquiry signal from the patrol vehicle to transmitting the state of the lighting fixture,
By operating the timer setting unit in advance, a plurality of road light monitoring devices existing in an area where the patrol vehicle can communicate by one communication, as a timing to transmit the state of the lighting fixture, different delays It is characterized by having time.

  In the above configuration, the different delay time is an integral multiple of the predetermined time T, and the predetermined time T is longer than the time Tr required for signal transmission from the road light monitoring device to the patrol car.

  In the above configuration, the delay time is set to such a value that the communication is completed during the time when the road light monitoring device exists in the communication area of the patrol car.

  In the above configuration, as the number of signal transmissions from the road light monitoring device in response to an inquiry from the patrol vehicle, the state of the luminaire is transmitted to the patrol vehicle every time an inquiry signal is received from the patrol vehicle.

  In the above configuration, as the number of signal transmissions from the road light monitoring device in response to an inquiry from the patrol vehicle, the road light monitoring device exists in the communication area of the patrol vehicle when the inquiry signal is received from the patrol vehicle. The state of the luminaire is transmitted to the patrol car only once during the time.

  In the above configuration, the inquiry signal from the patrol vehicle includes a system identification code, and the road light monitoring device transmits the state of the lighting fixture only in response to the inquiry signal for its own system.

  The road light monitoring method of the present invention uses a road light monitoring device installed in each road light, detects a state of a lighting fixture by the road light monitoring device, and circulates the road to collect information on the road light. A road light monitoring method for transmitting the state of the luminaire to the patrol car when an inquiry signal about the state of the luminaire is received from a car, each after receiving an inquiry signal from the patrol car The time until the state of the luminaire of the road light monitoring device is transmitted is different within the communicable area.

  According to the road light monitoring device of the present invention, in a system in which information on road lights is collected while the traveling car communicates wirelessly, a reply from each road light is returned after a specific delay time in response to an inquiry from the traveling car. By doing so, the number of inquiries from the patrol car can be greatly reduced, and the time required for communication can be greatly reduced.

  According to another road light monitoring device of the present invention, in a system in which information on road lights is collected while the patrol car communicates wirelessly, the patrol car is operated once by operating the timer setting unit in advance. Since devices that exist within the communicable area have different delay times, it is possible to greatly reduce the number of inquiries from patrol cars by preparing a few delay times, greatly increasing the time required for communication. There is an effect that it can be shortened.

  In addition, by setting the delay time as an integer multiple of the predetermined time T, the delay time setting operation can be performed easily. In addition, it is possible to avoid signal interference by setting the predetermined time T used when setting the delay time unique to the device to be longer than the time Tr required for signal transmission from the road light device to the patrol car. Play.

  By setting the value so that the road light monitoring device of the road light will terminate the communication during the time that is present in the communication area of the patrol car, the effect that the patrol car can collect information on all road lights is effective. Play.

  Each time an inquiry signal is received from a patrol vehicle, the state of the lighting fixture is transmitted to the patrol vehicle, thereby reducing the possibility that the patrol vehicle misses information on the road lights. Also, since it moves, the number of times can be limited naturally.

  When an inquiry signal is received from a patrol car, extraneous communication is performed by transmitting the lighting fixture status to the patrol car only once during the time when the road light device exists in the communication area of the patrol car. It is possible to prevent interference, and it is highly effective because it moves.

  The inquiry signal from the patrol car includes a system identification code, and the road light device can collect only the information requested by the patrol car by transmitting the state of the lighting fixture only in response to the inquiry signal for its own system. It is possible to prevent excess communication and prevent interference, which is useful at branches and intersections.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lamp astigmatism information of the road lights A to D installed in the road lights A to D is monitored, and the lamps for the inquiry signals from the patrol car 3 are monitored. It is the road light monitoring device 4 that transmits the astigmatism information.

  As the monitoring system, a road light monitoring device 4 installed in a plurality of road lights A to D and a communication means for the road light monitoring device 4 are mounted, and the road lights A to D are not lamp-driven while traveling on the road 5. It is comprised with the patrol car 3 which collects point information.

  The road light monitoring device 4 is connected to a state detection unit that collects lamp astigmatism information of the road lights A to D, a communication unit that transmits and receives signals to and from the patrol car 3, a state detection unit, and a communication unit. It consists of the control part which controls these. Then, the lamp astigmatism information of the road lights A to D is monitored, and when the inquiry signal is received from the patrol car 3, the lamp astigmatism information of the road lights A to D is transmitted to the patrol car 3. However, as the timing for transmitting the lamp astigmatism information of the road lights A to D, a delay time unique to the road light monitoring apparatus is provided after receiving the inquiry signal from the patrol car.

  More specifically, the road lights A to D are existing or new road lights. As described above, the patrol car 3 is equipped with a communication means with the road light monitoring device 4, collects ramp light spot information of the road light while patroling, and provides an unspecified number of road light monitoring devices 4. A lamp astigmatism information inquiry signal for road lights is transmitted at regular intervals.

  A signal (lamp astigmatism information of a road light) returned after a delay time unique to the road light monitoring device 4 is received from the road light monitoring device 4 existing in the communication area. The delay time is preferably set to such a value that the communication is completed during the time when the road light monitoring device exists in the communication area of the patrol car 3.

  The state detection unit is connected to the control unit as described above and monitors the lamp astigmatism information of the road lights A to D. As a monitoring method, a method using a brightness sensor or a lamp current is measured when the road lamp is lit. Any method may be used.

  The communication unit is connected to the control unit, and performs wireless communication with the patrol car 3. There are infrared communication, weak wireless communication, specific low-power communication, and the like as wireless communication methods. May be.

  As described above, the control unit is connected to the state detection unit and the communication unit, manages the lamp astigmatism information of the road light from the state detection unit, and the lamp failure of the road lights A to D from the patrol car 3 through the communication unit. When the point information inquiry signal is received, the communication unit is instructed to transmit the lamp astigmatism information of the road lights A to D to the traveling vehicle 3 after a preset inherent delay time. The delay time is set to several tens of different values, and the road light monitoring device 4 that may receive the inquiry signal from the traveling car 3 at the same time has different delay times (the delay time is the road light monitoring device 4). To be longer than the time required for signal transmission to the traveling car 3).

  The communication timing between the road light monitoring device and the patrol car in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Time T1: The traveling vehicle 3 transmits a lamp astigmatism information inquiry signal of a road light to an unspecified number of road light monitoring devices.

  Time T2: The road lights A and B existing in the communication area of the patrol car 3 receive the inquiry signal.

  Time T3: Since the inherent delay time has elapsed from the time T2, the road light monitoring device A transmits a road light astigmatism information signal to the patrol car 3.

  Time T4: The traveling car 3 receives the signal of the road light A.

  Time T5: Since the inherent delay time has elapsed from the time T2, the road light monitoring device for the road light B transmits an astigmatism information signal for the road light 3 to the traveling car 3.

  Time T6: The traveling car 3 receives the signal of the road light B.

  Time T7: Similar to time T1, an inquiry signal for lamp astigmatism information of a road lamp is transmitted.

  Time T8: Road lights B, C, and D existing in the communication area of the traveling car 3 receive the inquiry signal.

In the same manner, the road lamp monitoring device that has received the lamp astigmatism information inquiry signal transmitted from the patrol car 3 at regular intervals receives the patrol car 3 after the elapse of a specific delay time after receiving the signal. The lamp astigmatism information of the road light is transmitted to. Further, in the present embodiment, the inquiry from the traveling vehicle 3 is performed at regular intervals, but the operator who is on the traveling vehicle 3 may perform the inquiry at an arbitrary timing. As the number of signal transmissions from the road light monitoring device in response to an inquiry from the traveling car 3, the state of the lighting fixture may be transmitted to the traveling car 3 every time an inquiry signal is received from the traveling car 3. The state of the luminaire may be transmitted only once during the time that the light monitoring device exists in the communication area of the patrol car.
(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, a timer setting unit is added to the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the lamps are installed in road lights A to E and a to e, the lamp astigmatism information of these road lights is monitored, and an inquiry signal from the traveling car 3 is obtained. Is a road light monitoring device that transmits lamp astigmatism information.

  As a monitoring system, road light monitoring devices installed on a plurality of road lights A to E and a to e and communication means therewith are mounted, and the road lights A to E and a to e while traveling on the road 5 are mounted. And a patrol car 3 that collects information on lamp irregularities.

  The road light monitoring device is connected to the control unit, a state detection unit that collects lamp astigmatism information of the road light, a communication unit that is connected to the control unit and transmits / receives an RF signal to / from the patrol car 3, A timer setting unit that is connected to the control unit and has a timer for setting a delay time from when the communication unit receives a signal until it returns, and a state detection unit, a communication unit, and a control unit that controls the timer setting unit. ing.

  The road light monitoring device is thus configured of the state detection unit, the communication unit, the timer setting unit, and the control unit, and is installed in each of the road lights A to E and a to e. Monitor. When the inquiry signal is received from the traveling car 3, the lamp astigmatism information of the road light is transmitted to the traveling car 3. However, the timing for transmitting the lamp astigmatism information of the road light is set in advance by the timer setting unit so that the road light monitoring devices existing in one communication area of the patrol vehicle have different delay times. Then, after receiving the inquiry signal from the patrol car, the lamp astigmatism information of the road lamp is transmitted after the delay time set by the timer.

  More specifically, road lights A to E and a to e are existing road lights.

  The patrol car 3 is equipped with an RF communication means with the road light monitoring device, and collects lamp astigmatism information of the road lights A to E and a to e while patrol. A lamp astigmatism information inquiry signal for the road lights A to E and a to e is transmitted at regular intervals to an unspecified number of road light monitoring devices. And the signal (ramp astigmatism information of a road light) returned after the delay time set from the road light monitoring apparatus which exists in a communication area is received.

  The state detection unit is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  The communication unit is connected to the control unit and performs RF communication with the patrol car 3. Although weak wireless communication may be used, it is desirable to use a specific low power wireless having a wide communication distance.

The timer setting unit is connected to the control unit, and is a delay from the time when the road light lamp astigmatism information inquiry signal is received from the patrol car 3 to the time when the road light lamp astigmatism information is transmitted to the car 3. Set the time. The delay time to be set is set as an integer multiple of “predetermined time T” (0, T, 2T...). Further, the “predetermined time T” is longer (T> Tr) than the “time Tr required when a signal is transmitted from the road light monitoring device to the traveling car” (see FIG. 5). As a setting method, there are a method using a switch, a remote setting method using a remote controller, and the like, and any method may be used.

  When setting the delay time of the road monitoring device, a different delay time is set for the road light monitoring device that may exist in one communication area of the patrol car 3 at the same time.

  As shown in FIG. 4, an area (referred to as a delay time group setting area) 11 that is sufficiently wider than the communication area 10 of the patrol car 3 is selected, and different delay times are set for the road light monitoring devices in the delay time group setting area. Set. The adjacent delay time group setting area 11 is the same as the delay time group setting area 11, and the delay time of the road light monitoring device is set according to the same rule (arrangement order).

  The control unit is connected to the state detection unit, the communication unit, and the timer setting unit, manages the lamp astigmatism information of the road light from the state detection unit, and transmits the lamp astigmatism information inquiry signal of the road light from the patrol car through the communication unit. Is received, the communication unit is instructed to transmit the road light ramp astigmatism information to the traveling vehicle after a delay time set in advance by the timer setting unit. In this case, a code that can identify the road light is attached and transmitted to the patrol car 3.

  The communication timing between the road light monitoring device and the patrol vehicle in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG.

  Time T1: The traveling car 3 transmits a road light lamp astigmatism information inquiry signal to an unspecified number of road light road light monitoring devices.

  Time T2: The road lights B, C, c existing in the communication area 10 of the patrol car 3 receive the inquiry signal. Since the road light monitoring device for the road light B is set to have a delay time of 0, an astigmatism information signal for the road light B is transmitted to the traveling car 3.

  Time T3: The traveling car 3 receives the signal of the road light B.

  Time T4: Since the delay time 2T has elapsed from the time T2, the road light monitoring device for the road light C transmits a road light astigmatism information signal to the traveling car 3.

  Time T5: The traveling car 3 receives the signal of the road light C.

  Time T6: Since the delay time 3T has elapsed from the time T2, the road light monitoring device for the road light c transmits a road light astigmatism information signal to the traveling car 3.

  Time T7: The traveling car 3 receives the signal of the road light c.

  In the same manner, the road light monitoring device that has received the lamp astigmatism information inquiry signal transmitted from the patrol car 3 at regular intervals will circulate after a predetermined delay time has elapsed since receiving the signal. The road 3 lamp astigmatism information is transmitted to the car 3.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment.

  The road light monitoring device includes a state detection unit, a communication unit, a timer setting unit, and a control unit. The road light monitoring device is installed in the road light, and monitors lamp astigmatism information of the road light. When an inquiry signal is received from the traveling car 3, the lamp astigmatism information of the road light is transmitted to the traveling car 3. However, the timing for transmitting the lamp astigmatism information of the road light is set by the timer setting unit so that the road light monitoring devices existing in one communication area 10 of the patrol car provide different delay times in advance. Every other time, after the delay time (0, T, 2T,..., 5T) set after receiving the inquiry signal from the traveling car 3, the lamp astigmatism information of the road lamp is transmitted.

  The “predetermined time T” used for the communication delay time is compared with the “time t when one road light monitoring device can communicate with the traveling car 3 (running)” (see FIGS. 7 and 8). It shall be sufficiently short (t >> T). That is, t >> T> Tr.

  The road light is an existing road light. The traveling vehicle 3 and the communication unit are the same as those in the second embodiment. The state detection unit is the same as that in the first embodiment. The timer setting unit is the same as in the second embodiment.

  Further, the control unit is connected to the state detection unit, the communication unit, and the timer setting unit, manages the road light ramp astigmatism information from the state detection unit, and inquires the road light ramp astigmatism information from the patrol car through the communication unit. When the signal is received, the communication unit is instructed to transmit the road light ramp astigmatism information to the traveling vehicle after a delay time set in advance by the timer setting unit.

However, if there are multiple inquiries from patrol car 3 during time t (the time when one road light monitoring device can communicate with the patrol car), a signal is sent for all inquiries. Alternatively, either one of the signals may be transmitted.
(Fourth embodiment)
A fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. In the fourth embodiment, a road number setting unit is added to the second or third embodiment. In the monitoring system including this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, it is installed in each road light of a plurality of roads 14 and 15, monitors the lamp astigmatism information of each road light, and from the patrol car. A road light monitoring device that transmits lamp astigmatism information in response to an inquiry signal and a communication means for the road light monitoring device are mounted, and traveling on the first road 14 to collect lamp astigmatism information of the road light A car 3 is provided.

  The road light monitoring device is connected to the control unit, a state detection unit that collects lamp astigmatism information of the road light, a communication unit that is connected to the control unit and transmits / receives an RF signal to / from the patrol car 3, A timer setting unit that includes a timer that sets a delay time from when the communication unit receives a signal until the communication unit returns it, and a road number that is connected to the control unit and to which the road lamp belongs (for example, a national road name) Road number setting unit, a state detection unit, a communication unit, a timer setting unit, and a control unit for controlling the road number setting unit.

  As described above, the road light monitoring device is composed of a state detection unit, a communication unit, a timer setting unit, a road number setting unit, and a control unit. The road light monitoring device is installed on the road light and monitors the lamp astigmatism information of the road light. When an inquiry signal for the road number to which the own vehicle belongs is received from the traveling vehicle 3, the lamp astigmatism information of the road light is transmitted to the traveling vehicle.

  However, the timing for transmitting the lamp astigmatism information of the road lamp is set in advance by the timer setting section so that the road lamp monitoring devices existing in one communication area of the patrol car provide different delay times. After the delay time set after receiving the inquiry signal from the patrol car, the lamp astigmatism information of the road lamp is transmitted.

  More specifically, the road light is an existing road light. The patrol car 3 is equipped with an RF communication means with the road light monitoring device, and collects ramp light spot information of the road light while patroling. A lamp astigmatism information inquiry signal of a road light is transmitted at regular intervals to a road light monitoring device having the same system, that is, a road number, as the first road 14 on which the patrol car 3 is traveling. The inquiry signal includes a system identification code. In this case, the road light monitoring device transmits the state of the lighting fixture only in response to an inquiry signal for its own system. And the signal (ramp astigmatism information of a road light) returned after the delay time set from the road light monitoring apparatus which exists in the communication area 16 is received.

  The state detection unit is the same as that in the first embodiment. The communication unit and the timer setting unit are the same as those in the second embodiment. The road number setting unit is connected to the control unit and sets a road number (for example, a national road name, a prefectural road name, an expressway name, etc.) to which the road light monitoring device belongs. As a setting method, there are a method using a switch, a remote setting method using a remote controller, and the like, and any method may be used.

  The control unit is connected to the state detection unit, the communication unit, the timer setting unit, and the road number setting unit, manages the ramp light spot information of the road light from the state detection unit, and the own vehicle from the patrol car 3 through the communication unit. When receiving a road lamp lamp astigmatism information inquiry signal for the road number to which it belongs, communication is performed so that the road lamp lamp astigmatism information is transmitted to the patrol car 3 after a delay time set in advance by a timer setting unit. To the department.

  The communication timing between the road light monitoring device and the patrol vehicle in the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Time T1: A lamp astigmatism information inquiry signal for a road light is transmitted to a road light monitoring device having the same road number as the first road 14 on which the traveling car is traveling.

  Time T2: Road lights B, b, and B existing in the communication area 16 of the traveling car 3 receive the inquiry signal. Since the road light monitoring device for the road light B is set to have a delay time of 0, a road light astigmatism information signal is transmitted to the traveling car 3. Since the road light monitoring device of the road light B belongs to the second road 15, the inquiry signal is ignored.

  Time T3: The traveling car 3 receives the inquiry signal.

  Time T4: Since the delay time T has elapsed from the time T2, the road light monitoring device for the road light b transmits an astigmatism information signal for the road light b to the traveling car 3.

  Time T5: The traveling car 3 receives the signal of the road light b.

In the same manner, the road light monitoring device which has received the lamp astigmatism information inquiry signal of the road light transmitted along with the road number at regular intervals from the patrol car uses the set road number. It is determined whether the inquiry from the vehicle is an inquiry to the own device. If the inquiry is made to the own device, road lamp lamp astigmatism information is transmitted to the traveling vehicle after a predetermined delay time has elapsed after receiving the signal.
(Fifth embodiment)
A fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. In this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the lamps are installed in road lights A to D, the lamp astigmatism information of the road lights A to D is monitored, and an inquiry signal from the traveling car 3 is received. A road light monitoring device that transmits lamp astigmatism information. In this case, in the embodiment, the communication unit uses different frequencies for transmission and reception.

  As the monitoring system, a road light monitoring device 4 installed in a plurality of road lights A to D and a communication means for the road light monitoring device 4 are mounted, and the road lights A to D are not lamp-driven while traveling on the road 5. And a traveling car 3 for collecting point information.

  The road light monitoring device is connected to the control unit, and is connected to the control unit and a state detection unit that detects lamp astigmatism information of the road light, and transmits and receives RF signals (but transmission and reception). A communication unit that uses a different frequency), a communication unit that is connected to the control unit, a timer setting unit that has a timer for setting a delay time from when the communication unit receives a signal until it returns, and a control unit that is connected to the road It consists of a road number setting unit for setting a number, a state detection unit, a communication unit, a timer control unit, and a control unit for controlling the road number setting unit.

  As described above, the road light monitoring device is composed of a state detection unit, a communication unit, a timer setting unit, a road number setting unit, and a control unit. The road light monitoring device is installed in the road light and monitors the lamp astigmatism information of the road light. When the inquiry signal is received from the car 3, the lamp astigmatism information of the road light is transmitted to the traveling car 3. In this case, different RF signals are used for transmission and reception. The timing for transmitting the lamp astigmatism information of the road lamp is set in advance by the timer setting unit so that the road lamp monitoring devices existing in the communication area provide different delay times based on one inquiry signal of the patrol car 3. In addition, the lamp astigmatism information of the road lamp is transmitted after a set delay time after receiving the inquiry signal from the traveling car 3.

  More specifically, the road light is an existing road light. The patrol car 3 is equipped with an RF communication means with the road light monitoring device, and collects ramp light spot information of the road light while patroling. A lamp astigmatism information inquiry signal of a road light is transmitted at a fixed interval (Ti) to an unspecified number of road light monitoring devices. A signal (road lamp astigmatism information) returned after a set delay time is received from the road light monitoring device existing in the communication area 10. However, different RF frequencies are used for transmission and reception.

  The state detection unit is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  The communication unit is connected to the control unit and performs RF communication with the patrol vehicle 3. Although weak wireless communication may be used, it is desirable to use a specific low power wireless having a wide communication distance. Transmission and reception are performed using different RF frequencies.

  The timer setting unit is connected to the control unit, and is a delay time from when the road lamp lamp astigmatism information inquiry signal is received from the patrol car to when the road lamp lamp astigmatism information is transmitted to the patrol car 3 Set. The delay time to be set is set as an integer multiple of “predetermined time T” (0, T, 2T,...). Further, the “predetermined time T” is assumed to be longer (T> Tr) than the “time Tr required when a signal is transmitted from the road light monitoring device to the traveling vehicle 3”. As a setting method, there are a method using a switch, a remote setting method using a remote controller, and the like, and any method may be used.

  The control unit is connected to the state detection unit, the communication unit, the timer setting unit, and the road number setting unit, manages the ramp light spot information of the road light from the state detection unit, and from the patrol car 3 through the communication unit. When the lamp astigmatism information inquiry signal is received, the communication section is instructed to transmit the road lamp lamp astigmatism information to the traveling vehicle 3 after the delay time set in advance by the timer setting section.

  The communication timing between the road light monitoring device and the patrol car in the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Time T1: The traveling vehicle 3 transmits a lamp astigmatism information inquiry signal of a road light to an unspecified number of road light monitoring devices.

  Time T2: The road lights A and B existing in the communication area 10 of the patrol car 3 receive the inquiry signal. Both the road light monitoring devices for road lights A and B start counting the delay time.

  Time T3: Since the delay time T has elapsed from the time T2, the road light monitoring device for the road light A transmits a road light astigmatism information signal to the traveling car 3.

  Time T4: The traveling car 3 receives the signal of the road light A. At the same time, a lamp astigmatism information inquiry signal for a road light is transmitted to an unspecified number of road light monitoring devices. Since the frequency varies depending on the transmission / reception of the RF signal, it is possible to frequently make inquiries regardless of the inquiry interval Ti. However, it is necessary to consider that the patrol vehicle 3 avoids receiving signals from a plurality of road light monitoring devices simultaneously by making an inquiry in synchronization with the delay time T.

  Time T5: Road lights A and B existing in the communication area 10 of the traveling car 3 receive the inquiry signal at time T4. Since both the road light monitoring devices for road lights A and B have already started counting the delay time, the current reception signal is ignored.

  Time T6: Since the delay time 2T has elapsed from the time T2, the road light monitoring device transmits a road light disagreement information signal to the traveling vehicle 3.

  Time T7: The traveling car 3 receives the signal of the road light B. At the same time, a lamp astigmatism information inquiry signal for road lights is transmitted to an unspecified number of road light monitoring devices.

  Time T8: Road lights A, B, and C existing in the communication area 10 of the traveling car 3 receive the inquiry signal at time T7. Since both the road light monitoring devices for road lights A and B have already started counting the delay time, the current reception signal is ignored. The road light monitoring device C starts counting the delay time.

  Time T9: Since the inquiry interval Ti has elapsed from time T1, the same operation as at time T1 is performed. In the same manner, the patrol car 3 frequently transmits an inquiry signal to the road light monitoring device at each of the above two timings at every matching interval Ti and every time a reply signal to the inquiry is received from the road light monitoring device. In response to the inquiry signal from the patrol car 3, the road light monitoring apparatus replies only once during time t (a time during which one road light monitoring apparatus can communicate with the patrol car).

  According to the present embodiment, by using RF communication as a communication means between a road light monitoring device for a road light and a patrol car, the system can be used without worrying about the directivity and distance of communication compared to infrared rays. Can be built. Also, by using different frequencies for transmission and reception in the RF communication between the road light device and the patrol car, it is possible to frequently make inquiries from the patrol car, and the patrol car may miss information on the road light. Can be reduced.

  In the above embodiment, the state of the lighting fixture is lamp astigmatism information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be information relating to illuminance, ballast temperature, and the like.

It is explanatory drawing of the road light monitoring system to which 1st Embodiment of this invention is applied. It is a block diagram of a road light monitoring device. It is a communication timing diagram of a road light monitoring device and a patrol car. It is explanatory drawing of the monitoring system to which 2nd Embodiment is applied. It is a block diagram of a road light monitoring device. It is a communication timing diagram of a road light monitoring device and a patrol car. (A) is explanatory drawing of the monitoring system to which 3rd Embodiment is applied, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the communication area after the time when a road light monitoring apparatus can communicate with a patrol car. It is a communication timing diagram of a road light monitoring device and a patrol car. It is explanatory drawing of the monitoring system to which 4th Embodiment is applied. It is a block diagram of a road light monitoring device. It is a communication timing diagram of a road light monitoring device and a patrol car. It is explanatory drawing of the monitoring system to which 5th Embodiment is applied. It is a block diagram of a road light monitoring device. It is a communication timing diagram of a road light monitoring device and a patrol car. (A) shows the position and communication area of the traveling vehicle at a certain time T2, and (b) shows the position and communication area of the traveling vehicle at a subsequent time T8.

Explanation of symbols

3 patrol car 4 road light monitoring device 5 road A to D road light

Claims (8)

A road light monitoring device installed in each road light, a state detection unit that detects the state of a lighting fixture, a communication unit that can transmit the state of the lighting fixture detected by the state detection unit as information, A control unit for controlling these, and when the control unit receives an inquiry signal about the state of the luminaire from a patrol vehicle that circulates the road and collects information on the road lights, the state detection unit In what transmits the state of the lighting equipment to the patrol car by the communication unit based on the signal from
The control unit of each road light monitoring device is characterized in that the time from the reception of the inquiry signal from the patrol vehicle to the transmission of the state of the luminaire is set to be different from each other within the communicable area. Road light monitoring device. A road light monitoring device installed in each road light, a state detection unit that detects the state of a lighting fixture, a communication unit that can transmit the state of the lighting fixture detected by the state detection unit as information, A control unit for controlling these, and when the control unit receives an inquiry signal about the state of the luminaire from a patrol vehicle that circulates the road and collects information on the road lights, the state detection unit In what transmits the state of the lighting equipment to the patrol car by the communication unit based on the signal from
Each road light monitoring device has a timer setting unit for setting a delay time from receiving the inquiry signal from the patrol vehicle to transmitting the state of the lighting fixture,
By operating the timer setting unit in advance, a plurality of road light monitoring devices existing in an area where the patrol vehicle can communicate by one communication, as a timing for transmitting the state of the lighting fixture, different delays A road light monitoring device characterized by having time.   3. The road light monitoring apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the different delay time is an integral multiple of the predetermined time T, and the predetermined time T is longer than a time Tr required for signal transmission from the road light monitoring apparatus to the patrol car.   The road light monitoring device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the delay time is set to a value such that communication is completed during a time in which the road light monitoring device exists in the communication area of the patrol car.   The number of signal transmissions from the road light monitoring device in response to an inquiry from the patrol car transmits the status of the lighting fixture to the patrol car every time an inquiry signal is received from the patrol car. The road light monitoring device according to claim 3 or claim 4.   The number of signal transmissions from the road light monitoring device in response to the inquiry from the patrol vehicle is, during the time when the road light monitoring device exists in the communication area of the patrol vehicle when the inquiry signal is received from the patrol vehicle. The road light monitoring device according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the state of the lighting fixture is transmitted to the traveling vehicle only once.   The inquiry signal from the patrol vehicle includes a system identification code, and the road light monitoring device transmits the state of the lighting fixture only in response to the inquiry signal for its own system. 4. The road light monitoring device according to claim 5, 5 or 6.   Inquiries about the state of luminaires from patrol cars that detect the state of luminaires using the roadlight monitoring devices installed on each streetlight and collect information on the roadlight by traveling around the road When receiving a signal, a road light monitoring method for transmitting the state of the lighting equipment to the patrol car, the state of the lighting equipment of each road light monitoring device after receiving an inquiry signal from the patrol car A road light monitoring method characterized in that the time until transmission of the traffic lights is different within a communicable area.

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