JP2000030185A - Signal control system in road traffic, its method, signal centralized control system and its method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To relieve a partial or general traffic or the like by automatically controlling a signal in accordance with the situation of the traffic through the use of a distribution-type intelligent control network. SOLUTION: Sensors 9 and 10 for measuring the traffic and the signals 11 and 12 are arranged on a road 8. The sensors 9 and 10 sense vehicles 13 and 14 when they pass and report the information to the neuron chips 2 of a signal control system 1 in realtime through communication lines 4 and 7. The respective neuron chips exchange information through LON 3 and the proper operations of the signals 11 and 12 are decided on the spot based on information of the synthesized traffic quantity. Then, the neuron chips 2 control the signals 11 and 12 in realtime through the communication lines 5 and 6.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a distributed intelligent control network, for example, an LON (Local Operate).
The present invention relates to a traffic signal control system for road traffic by a traffic volume monitoring mechanism using a traffic network, that is, a traffic signal control system for road traffic, a traffic signal control method, a traffic signal central management system, and a traffic signal central management method for the traffic signal control system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a traffic signal for road traffic, for example, the time interval of the green signal for each signal is preset in a certain pattern, that is, for each time zone based on past traffic data. Followed the pattern. In this method, only a predetermined operation can be performed, and it is not possible to cope with a temporary deviation of traffic or traffic congestion, which causes a problem that traffic congestion is further increased.

[0003]

As described above, in the conventional method, only a predetermined operation can be performed.
There was a problem that it was not possible to cope with temporary traffic bias or traffic congestion, which further increased traffic congestion.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned disadvantages and to perform automatic control of a traffic signal according to traffic conditions using a distributed intelligent control network. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a traffic signal control system for road traffic, a traffic signal control method for road traffic, a traffic signal centralized management system, and a traffic signal centralized management method for eliminating traffic unevenness and congestion.

That is, in the present invention, the distributed intelligent control network, for example, LON, whose technology has been developed by Echelon Corporation of the United States, uses a Neuron Chip (neuron chip) having a built-in communication program. Therefore, there is no need for the user to write a program related to the communication protocol, and a network can be easily realized. Another advantage of LON is that a network can be realized inexpensively by using a twisted pair line, a power line, and RF, and by not requiring extra equipment. Further, a distributed intelligent control network such as the above-described LON attached to each traffic light, and a higher-level or value-added digital communication network (ISDN: Integrated)
Services Digital Network)
It is an object of the present invention to inexpensively realize a system for centrally monitoring the control status of a large number of traffic signals through a bridge that directly connects the traffic lights.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a traffic light control system for transmitting information on vehicles passing through each traveling direction of an intersection detected by a sensor installed on a road to a communication network. A traffic signal control system for controlling the traffic signal by calculating the traffic volume in each of the traveling directions based on the information, the neuron chip controlling the traffic signal and the sensor, the neuron chip and the traffic signal And a distributed intelligent control network connecting the sensor and the sensor via the communication network, wherein the neuron chip calculates the traffic volume in each of the traveling directions based on information from the sensor, and calculates the calculated traffic volume. Based on this information, an optimal time interval for lighting a signal indicating the progress in each of the traveling directions is calculated, and the traffic signal is controlled based on this time interval. It is characterized in.

[0007] According to such a configuration, a network of a distributed intelligent control network is constructed for each area on the road, and in each distributed intelligent control network, a network is obtained from a sensor installed on the road. From the traffic information
By calculating the optimal time interval of the green signal for each direction of travel of the intersection, and controlling the traffic light based on it,
It is possible to realize a traffic light control system that is inexpensive and efficient in traffic and control.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides:
A plurality of the above-mentioned traffic light control systems are provided, and a controller for mounting a CPU and bridging the interface of the distributed intelligent control network and the ISDN is prepared in the plurality of traffic light control systems. The network of the distributed intelligent control network of the traffic light control system constructed for each area on the road is connected to this controller, whereby the management and control information of each distributed intelligent control network is transmitted to the public network ISDN. Transfer to the host computer at the center at high speed. Centralized management by this host computer makes it possible to realize an inexpensive and efficient centralized traffic signal management system for managing a plurality of traffic signal control systems.

In addition, a small-scale distributed intelligent control network provided in a plurality of traffic signal control systems is connected to a higher-level distributed intelligent control network for integrating the same into a single network via a traffic signal control system bridge. Thus, it is possible to realize a traffic signal centralized management system for monitoring and controlling a traffic signal control situation in a certain area over a wide range. The above-mentioned distributed intelligent control network and the distributed intelligent control network of the traffic light control system are connected by ISDN via the bridge of the traffic light control system, so that the control status of the traffic lights at remote locations can be monitored in a wide range. The system can be realized.

In addition, a plurality of the above-mentioned high-level distributed intelligent control networks are provided, and a controller for mounting a CPU and bridging the interface between the distributed intelligent control network and the TSDN is prepared in the plurality of high-level distributed intelligent control networks. . A high-speed distributed intelligent control network that integrates a plurality of signal control systems constructed for each area is transferred to a host computer at a center at a high speed using an ISDN which is a public network. By centrally controlling the host computer, a plurality of signal control systems can be realized at low cost and with high efficiency.

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a traffic light control system according to a first embodiment.

The traffic light control system 1 is a traffic light control system for each road area, and controls a traffic light according to the traffic volume.

The neuron chip 2 controls a traffic light and a sensor.

[0015] Distributed intelligent control network, eg LO
N3 is an LON communication network installed in each traffic light control system.

The communication lines 4, 5, 6, and 7 are communication lines for connecting traffic lights and sensors to the traffic light control system.

The road 8 is a road through which vehicles 13, 14 and the like pass, and is provided with traffic lights 11, 12. Further, sensors 9 and 10 for detecting vehicles on the road 8 and observing traffic volume.
Is provided.

With respect to the above configuration, the processing operation of the traffic light control of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, sensors 9 and 1 for measuring traffic on the road 8 are used.
0 and traffic lights 11 and 12 are installed.

The sensors 9 and 10 detect the passing of the vehicles 13 and 14 (step A1) and notify the information to the neuron chip 2 of the traffic light control system 1 in real time through the communication lines 4 and 7 (step A2). ).

Each neuron chip 2 exchanges information through the LON 3 (step A3), and determines the appropriate operation of the traffic signals 11, 12 on the spot based on the information on the total traffic volume (step A4).

Next, the neuron chip 2 controls the traffic lights 11 and 12 in real time through the communication lines 5 and 6 (step A5).

[0022] Thus, when the traffic volume is biased in a certain traveling direction on the intersection, the traffic signal control can be performed according to the deviation, and the traffic congestion caused by the conventional traffic signal control method is eliminated.

For example, consider a traffic signal control at an intersection where a road A and a road B intersect. Here, the colors of the traffic lights and the meanings thereof are assumed to be those in Japan. That is, red indicates stop, blue indicates that the vehicle may proceed, and yellow indicates that the vehicle may proceed with caution.

When the traffic volume on the road A is large and the traffic volume on the road B is small, the time interval of the green signal for the traffic light on the road A is increased and the time interval of the green signal on the road B is shortened. It is possible to improve the flow of vehicles on the road A, which is often used. In addition, even for congestion due to time zones, days of the week, events, sudden accidents, etc., traffic volume is constantly monitored and traffic signals are controlled based on the situation, reducing traffic congestion caused by the conventional traffic signal control method. Can be eliminated or alleviated.

Further, since the traffic light control is automatically performed by the LON, it is not necessary for an operator to go to each traffic light and make settings, thereby reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

(Second Embodiment) Next, as a second embodiment, through a bridge for directly connecting LON and ISDN installed in each traffic light control system,
An example of a system for centrally monitoring the control status of many traffic signals will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a traffic light control system according to the second embodiment.

The host computer 15 is a host computer that processes management and control information from each traffic light control system.

The ISDN lines 16, 17, and 18 are used to connect the host computer to each signal control system.
This is a DN line.

The traffic signal control systems 19, 20, 21
This is a traffic light control system for each road area. As in the first embodiment, each traffic light control system obtains information from a sensor installed on the road from a communication line, senses traffic volume, and controls traffic lights. do not do.

The bridges 22, 23 and 24 are bridges connecting the ISDN interface and the LON interface, and are controlled by CPUs 25, 26 and 27, respectively.

The LONs 28, 29, and 30 are LON communication networks installed in each traffic light control system.

The neuron chips 31, 32, 33 are neuron chips for controlling traffic lights and sensors.

The processing operation of the traffic light control of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

Signal control system 1 for each road area
9, 20, 21 determine the operation of each traffic light based on the information on the total traffic volume (step B1). here,
For simplicity, the processing operation is omitted, but the processing operation from step A1 to step A3 in FIG. 2 is performed as the processing operation before step B1 as in the first embodiment.

Next, based on the operation determined in step B1, the traffic signal control systems 19, 20,
21 controls each traffic light (step B2).

Each traffic light control system 19, 20, 21
The management and control information of each traffic light
Bridges 22, 23, 24 controlled by 6, 27
Over the ISDN networks 16, 17, and 18 (step B3).

Traffic light control system 1 for each road area
9, 20, 21 to ISDN networks 16, 1
The management and control information sent via the nodes 7 and 18 is sent to the host computer 15 and processed there (step B4). The host computer 15 concentrates the control status of the traffic signal control systems 19, 20, and 21 for each road area by displaying the traffic volume and traffic signal control information for each road area as necessary. Can be monitored and controlled.

Here, the host computer 15 considers the traffic volume and the positional relationship of each road area based on the management and control information of each of the traffic signal control systems 19, 20, and 21 and considers each traffic signal control system. 19, 20, 2
Then, it is determined whether or not to control the traffic signal for 1 (step B5).

When the host computer 15 controls the traffic signals to each of the traffic signal control systems 19, 20, and 21 (Yes in step B5), the control information is transmitted to the traffic signal control system for controlling the traffic signals using an ISDN network. (Step B6).

Thereafter, the host computer 15 sends the IS
The traffic light control system to which the control information of the traffic light is transmitted via the network of the DN controls the traffic light based on the control information (step B7).

If it is not necessary to control the traffic lights for each of the traffic light control systems 19, 20, and 21 (No in step B5), the process ends.

As described above, all the management information from each road obtained by the LON can be concentrated in one host. With this configuration, there is no need to provide a system for managing information for each road area, and it is sufficient to install the system only at the center, and it is possible to improve the efficiency of the traffic signal control and monitoring work. In addition, a large amount of management and control information for a plurality of traffic signals can be transmitted at high speed using a public network, and can be centrally managed at one location.

(Third Embodiment) As a third embodiment, several small-scale LONs attached to a traffic light
An example of a traffic light control network for monitoring and controlling a traffic signal control situation in a certain area over a wide area, characterized by being connected to a higher-level LON for integrating the traffic lights into one network, will be described with reference to FIG. .

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a traffic light control network according to the third embodiment.

The traffic light control systems 19, 20, 21
This is a traffic light control system for each road area. Hereinafter, the same parts and functions as those of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

The upper LON 50 is the traffic light control system 1
9, 20, 21 LONs 28, 29, 30 and bridge 2
It is connected via 2, 23 and 24 and exchanges traffic volume, traffic light management and control information from each traffic light control system. As a result, the control information of the signal control systems 19, 20, and 21 for each road area can be monitored and controlled over a wide range.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an application example of the traffic light centralized control network according to the third embodiment.

In this case, the upper LON 50 and the LONs 28, 29, 30 of the traffic light control systems 19, 20, 21 pass through the bridges 22, 23, 24 to form ISDNs 60, 61,
62. ISDN60,61,62
By using, it is possible to realize a system for monitoring / controlling the control status of a traffic signal in a remote place over a wide range.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram showing a modification of the signal control network according to the second and third embodiments.

Here, each of the traffic signal control systems 73 and 7
Upper LON7 to which 4, 75, 76, 77, 78 are connected
Reference numerals 0, 71, and 72 denote bridges 83, 84, and 85 having CPUs 80, 81, and 82, respectively, and ISDNs 86, 87, and
8 is connected to a host computer 89.

As in the second embodiment, the upper LONs 70, 71, 72, which are traffic signal control networks,
The management and control information transmitted via the networks 86, 87 and 88 is processed by the host computer 89, and the control information is transmitted to the ISDN networks 86, 87 and 8 as necessary.
8 to each of the upper LONs 70, 71, 72.

As a result, the management information of each traffic light control network can be centralized in one host computer, and the traffic light control and monitoring work can be made more efficient.
Also, a large amount of management and control information in a plurality of traffic signal control networks can be transmitted at high speed using a public network, and can be centrally managed at one place.

[0054]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, when the traffic volume is deviated in a certain traveling direction on an intersection, it is possible to control the traffic light in accordance with the deviation, and the traffic light control method according to the conventional traffic light control method is used. Traffic congestion is eliminated, and traffic signal control is automatically performed by a distributed intelligent control network, so that it is not necessary for workers to go to each traffic signal and make settings, thereby reducing costs and increasing efficiency. it can.

In addition, a large amount of management in a plurality of traffic lights,
Since control information can be transmitted at high speed using a public network and can be centrally managed in one place, a system can be easily constructed, and real-time information can be sequentially processed by a center.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a traffic light control system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a traffic light control according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a traffic light centralized management system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of traffic light control according to the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a traffic light centralized management system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a traffic light centralized management system which is one of applications of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a traffic signal centralized management system according to the second and third embodiments of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Traffic light control system 2 ... Neuron chip 3 ... LON (Distributed intelligent control network) 4, 5, 6, 7 ... Communication line 8 ... Road 9, 10 ... Sensor 11, 12 ... Traffic light 13, 14 ... Car 15 ... Host computer 16, 17, 18 ... ISDN line 19, 20, 21 ... Signal control system 22, 23, 24 ... Bridge 25, 26, 27 ... CPU 28, 29, 30 ... LON 31, 32, 33, 51 ... Neuron chip 50: Upper LON 60, 61, 62 ... ISDN line 70, 71, 72 ... Upper LON 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78 ... Signal control system 80, 81, 82 ... CPU 83, 84, 85 ... Bridge 86 , 87, 88: ISDN line 89: Host computer

Claims (13)

[Claims] A traffic signal in each traveling direction is calculated based on the information of vehicles passing through each traveling direction of an intersection detected by a sensor installed on a road. A traffic signal control system for road traffic which controls the traffic light, a neuron chip for controlling the traffic light and the sensor, and a distributed intelligent system for connecting the neuron chip, the traffic light and the sensor via the communication network. A control network, wherein the neuron chip calculates the traffic volume in each of the traveling directions based on information from the sensor, and optimally lights a signal indicating the progress in each traveling direction based on the calculated traffic volume information. A traffic signal control system for road traffic, wherein the traffic signal is controlled based on the calculated time interval. 2. Information on vehicles passing in each traveling direction of an intersection detected by a sensor installed on a road is acquired via a communication network, and based on this information, traffic volume in each traveling direction is calculated and the traffic light is calculated. A traffic signal control system comprising: a plurality of traffic light control systems for controlling the traffic light; a host computer for managing and controlling information of the traffic light control systems; and a high value-added digital communication network for connecting the traffic light control system and the host computer. In the management system, the plurality of traffic light control systems include: a neuron chip that controls the traffic light and the sensor; and a distributed intelligent control that connects the neuron chip, the traffic light, and the sensor via the communication network. A network that connects the distributed intelligent control network with the high value-added digital communication network. Wherein the neuron chip calculates the traffic volume in each of the traveling directions based on information from the sensor, and optimally lights a signal indicating the progress in each traveling direction based on the calculated traffic volume information. Means for controlling the traffic signal based on the calculated time interval, and means for transmitting the control information to the host computer via the high value-added digital communication network. A centralized traffic signal management system, further comprising means for managing a control status of a traffic signal corresponding to the plurality of traffic signal control systems based on control information transmitted from the plurality of traffic signal control systems. 3. The host computer, based on control information transmitted from the plurality of traffic light control systems,
Controlling the traffic signals by transmitting control information to the traffic signal control systems via the high value-added digital communication network in consideration of traffic volume, positional relationship, and the like for each road area corresponding to each traffic signal control system. The traffic signal centralized management system according to claim 2, characterized in that: 4. Information on vehicles passing in each traveling direction of an intersection detected by a sensor installed on a road is acquired via a communication network, and based on this information, traffic volume in each traveling direction is calculated, and A plurality of traffic signal control systems, and a traffic signal centralized management system provided with a higher-order distributed intelligent control network that is connected to the plurality of traffic signal control systems and is an upper level thereof, wherein the plurality of traffic signal control systems are: A neuron chip that controls the traffic light and the sensor; a distributed intelligent control network that connects the neuron chip, the traffic light and the sensor via the communication network; a distributed intelligent control network and the higher-level distributed network And a bridge for connecting to the intelligent control network, wherein the neuron chip is updated by information from the sensor. Calculate the traffic volume in each traveling direction, calculate the optimal time interval for lighting the signal indicating the progress in each traveling direction based on the information of the calculated traffic volume, and control the traffic light based on the time interval. Transmitting the control information to the upper distributed intelligent control network, wherein the upper distributed intelligent control network is configured to control the plurality of traffic signals based on the control information transmitted from the plurality of traffic signal control systems. A traffic signal centralized management system, wherein the traffic signal control status corresponding to the system is managed. 5. The signal concentrator according to claim 4, wherein the bridges of the plurality of signal control systems are connected to a higher-level distributed intelligent control network via a high value-added digital communication network and a bridge beyond the digital communication network. Management system. 6. A host computer connected to a host computer via a plurality of higher-level distributed intelligent control networks and a high-value-added digital communication network connected thereto, and hosts information on the plurality of higher-level distributed intelligent networks. The traffic signal centralized management system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the traffic signal is managed and controlled by a computer. 7. Information on vehicles passing through each traveling direction of an intersection detected by a sensor installed on a road is obtained via a communication network, and based on this information, the traffic volume in each traveling direction is calculated, and A signal control method for a traffic signal control system in road traffic for controlling a traffic signal, a neuron chip for controlling the signal and the sensor, and connecting the neuron chip, the signal and the sensor via the communication network. A distributed intelligent control network, wherein the neuron chip calculates traffic in each of the traveling directions based on information from the sensor, and indicates progress in each of the traveling directions based on the information on the calculated traffic. A traffic signal in road traffic, wherein an optimal time interval for lighting a signal is calculated, and the traffic signal is controlled based on the time interval. Traffic light control method in control system. 8. Information on vehicles passing through each traveling direction of an intersection detected by a sensor installed on a road is acquired via a communication network, and based on this information, the traffic amount in each traveling direction is calculated, and A plurality of traffic signal control systems, a host computer for managing and controlling the information of the traffic signal control systems, and a high value-added digital communication network for connecting the traffic signal control system and the host computer. A traffic signal central management method for a management system, wherein the plurality of traffic signal control systems include: a neuron chip that controls the traffic signal and the sensor; and connects the neuron chip, the traffic signal, and the sensor via the communication network. Distributed intelligent control network, Distributed intelligent control network and high value-added digital communication The neuron chip calculates the traffic volume in each of the traveling directions based on information from the sensor, and based on the calculated traffic volume information, a signal indicating the advance in each traveling direction. Calculating an optimal time interval for turning on the light, controlling the traffic signal based on the time interval, transmitting the control information to the host computer via the high value-added digital communication network, A traffic signal central management system for a traffic signal centralized management system, wherein a control status of a traffic signal corresponding to the plurality of traffic signal control systems is managed based on control information transmitted from the plurality of traffic signal control systems. 9. The host computer, based on control information transmitted from the plurality of traffic light control systems,
Controlling the traffic signals by transmitting control information to the traffic signal control systems via the high value-added digital communication network in consideration of traffic volume, positional relationship, and the like for each road area corresponding to each traffic signal control system. 9. The signal centralized management method for a signalized centralized management system according to claim 8, wherein: 10. A traffic signal in each traveling direction is calculated based on the information of vehicles passing through each traveling direction of an intersection detected by a sensor installed on a road. A centralized traffic signal management method for a centralized traffic signal management system, comprising: a plurality of traffic signal control systems for controlling the traffic signal control system; and A traffic light control system comprising: a neuron chip that controls the traffic light and the sensor; a distributed intelligent control network that connects the neuron chip, the traffic light and the sensor via the communication network; And a bridge connecting the network and the higher-level distributed intelligent control network. Calculate the traffic volume in each traveling direction based on the information from the server, calculate the time interval for turning on the signal indicating the optimal progression in each traveling direction based on the calculated traffic volume information, and calculate the time interval based on the time interval. The traffic signal is controlled, and the control information is transmitted to the higher-order distributed intelligent control network. The higher-order distributed intelligent control network, based on the control information transmitted from the plurality of traffic signal control systems, A centralized traffic signal management method for a centralized traffic signal management system, wherein a control status of a traffic signal corresponding to a plurality of traffic signal control systems is managed. 11. The traffic signal concentrator according to claim 10, wherein the bridges of the plurality of traffic signal control systems are connected to a high-level distributed intelligent control network via a high value-added digital communication network and a bridge beyond the network. Centralized traffic signal management method for management system. 12. A host computer connected to a host computer via a plurality of higher-level distributed intelligent control networks and a high-value-added digital communication network connected thereto, and hosts information on the plurality of higher-level distributed intelligent networks. The centralized traffic signal management method for a centralized traffic signal management system according to claim 10, wherein the centralized traffic signal management system is managed and controlled by a computer. 13. A host computer connected to a host computer via a plurality of high-level distributed intelligent control networks and a high-value-added digital communication network connected to the network, and hosting information on the plurality of high-level distributed intelligent networks. The centralized traffic signal management method for a centralized traffic signal management system according to claim 10, wherein the centralized traffic signal management system is managed and controlled by a computer.