JP2002373396A - Signal information supplying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the optimum passing method for a crossing which corresponds to the state of a signal and the state of a vehicle. SOLUTION: A signal information supplying device is provided with a crossing information obtaining means 1 obtaining information on the crossing where the signal is arranged and in front of the vehicle, a signal information obtaining means 1 obtaining information on the signal of the crossing, a vehicle speed detecting means 3 detecting vehicle speed, a passing method judging means 4 judging the optimum passing method for the crossing based on information on the crossing, information on the signal and detected vehicle speed and signal information outputting means 4, 5 and 6 outputting signal information on the optimum passing method. Thus, not only an alarm for making the vehicle stop at a stop line like a conventional device but also signal information on the optimum passing method for the crossing can be supplied to a driver. The driver therefore can pass the crossing where the signal is arranged with ease.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a signal information providing apparatus for providing an optimum method of crossing an intersection according to the state of a traffic light and the state of a vehicle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The state of a traffic light when a vehicle enters an intersection is predicted, and if it is necessary to stop the vehicle, it is determined whether or not the current traveling state is suitable for stopping at a stop line at the intersection. An intersection warning device that warns a driver when inappropriate is known (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-053).
686).

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional intersection warning device, since the warning is intended to stop at the stop line before the intersection, the vehicle can be stopped at the stop line before the intersection. However, it is conceivable that sudden braking may be required depending on the traveling state.

FIG. 19 shows the relationship between the position of a vehicle entering an intersection and the vehicle speed. At an intersection where a green light can be confirmed from a considerable distance, two types of passing modes are conceivable. The first is
Maintain the vehicle speed as shown by the line, and notice that the traffic light changes from green to yellow, and then slow down a bit more. Second
It is possible that the driver's psychology that he does not want to stop at the intersection works and he wants to pass within the green light, and unintentionally depresses the accelerator pedal to increase the speed as shown by the and lines. In such a case, even if a yellow signal is noticed immediately before the intersection as shown by the line and sudden deceleration occurs, the stop line may be exceeded or the signal may be unavoidably ignored as shown by the line.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide an optimal intersection passing method according to the state of a traffic light and the state of a vehicle.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided intersection information obtaining means for obtaining information on an intersection in front of a vehicle where a traffic light is installed, and traffic signal information for obtaining information on a traffic signal at the intersection. Obtaining means, vehicle speed detecting means for detecting a vehicle speed, traffic method determining means for determining an optimal traffic method of the intersection based on information on the intersection, information on the traffic light and the detected vehicle speed, and the optimal traffic method Signal information output means for outputting signal information related to the above, thereby achieving the above object. (2) The signal information providing device according to claim 2, wherein the intersection information obtaining means obtains a distance from a current position of the vehicle to an intersection where a traffic light is installed, and the traffic light information obtaining means obtains a remaining time of a current signal state. Then, the traffic method determination means calculates the time from the current position to reach the stop line of the intersection when the vehicle maintains the current vehicle speed,
An optimal traffic method is determined based on the remaining time of the signal state and the stop line arrival time. (3) The signal information providing device according to claim 3, wherein the traffic light information obtaining means obtains the remaining time of the green light, and the traffic method determining means determines that the vehicle cannot pass through the intersection within the remaining time of the green light. Determines a traffic method in which the vehicle gradually decelerates from the current position of the vehicle to the stop line at the intersection and stops at the stop line. (4) In the signal information providing device according to claim 4, the signal information obtaining means obtains the remaining time of the red signal, and the signal information output means determines that the remaining time of the red signal is stopped by the traffic method determining means. When it is determined that the time is shorter than the line arrival time, the time until the light changes to a green light is output as signal information. (5) In the signal information providing device according to claim 5, the intersection information obtaining means obtains the shape of the intersection, and the traffic method determining means determines whether or not to determine the traffic method according to the shape of the intersection. . (6) The signal information providing device according to claim 6, wherein the traffic method determination means is configured to determine the traffic method of the preceding intersection when the intersection information obtaining means detects the presence of a plurality of traffic light installation intersections in front of the vehicle. Is preferentially determined. (7) The signal information providing device according to claim 7, further comprising: preceding vehicle information detecting means for detecting information on a preceding vehicle, wherein the traffic method determining means is installed at an intersection ahead of the vehicle based on the information on the preceding vehicle. It is determined whether or not the traffic light can be seen through, and the signal information output means stops outputting the signal information of the intersection when the traffic method determination means determines that the traffic light can be seen even with the preceding vehicle. . (8) In the signal information providing device according to claim 8, the intersection information obtaining means obtains a road gradient to the intersection, and the traffic method determining means determines a traffic method in consideration of the road gradient to the intersection. . (9) The signal information providing device according to claim 9, further comprising a turn signal detecting means for detecting lighting of the turn signal, wherein the traffic method determining means determines a traffic method when the turn signal is lit before the intersection. No judgment is made. (10) The signal information providing device according to claim 10, further comprising accelerator release detection means for detecting an open state of the accelerator pedal, wherein the signal information output means outputs signal information when the release state of the accelerator pedal is detected. Stop output. (11) The signal information providing device according to claim 11, further comprising a brake depression detecting means for detecting a depression state of a brake pedal, wherein the signal information output means outputs the signal information when the depression state of the brake pedal is detected. Stop output of. (12) The signal information providing device according to a twelfth aspect includes an alarm unit that issues an alarm based on a determination result by the traffic method determination unit. (13) The signal information providing device according to a thirteenth aspect includes a braking / driving control unit that performs a braking / driving control of the vehicle based on a determination result by the traffic method determining unit.

[0007]

(1) According to the first aspect of the present invention, the information on the intersection and the information on the traffic signal are obtained, the vehicle speed is detected, and the optimum traffic method of the intersection is determined based on the intersection information, the traffic information and the detected vehicle speed. And output the signal information about the optimal traffic method,
In addition to the warning for stopping at the stop line as in the conventional device, it is possible to provide the driver with signal information on the optimal traffic method of the intersection, so that the driver can safely travel at the intersection where the traffic light is installed. it can. (2) According to the invention of claim 2, the distance from the current position of the vehicle to the signalized intersection is obtained, and the remaining time of the current signal state is obtained. The time required to reach the stop line at the intersection from the position is calculated, and the optimal traffic method is determined based on the remaining time of the signal state and the stop line arrival time, so that the vehicle can pass without stopping at the intersection. It is possible to provide accurate information on whether or not the driver is traveling, and the driver can safely pass through the intersection where the traffic light is installed. (3) According to the invention of claim 3, when the remaining time of the green light is obtained, and it is determined that the vehicle cannot pass through the intersection within the remaining time of the green light, the vehicle slowly decelerates from the current position of the vehicle to the stop line of the intersection. As a result, the driver can perform deceleration with a margin and can safely stop at the stop line. (4) According to the invention of claim 4, the remaining time of the red signal is obtained, and when the remaining time of the red signal is shorter than the stop line arrival time, the time until it is changed to the blue signal is output as signal information. . When the driver confirms that the traffic light in front of the vehicle is a red light, the driver can know in advance that it will change to a green light within the time from the position until reaching the intersection stop line, and the intersection stop line By properly controlling the speed until the vehicle reaches, it is possible to pass without stopping at the intersection. (5) According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the shape of the intersection is obtained, and the necessity of the determination of the traffic method is determined according to the shape of the intersection. For example, at an intersection such as a T-junction where the traffic light is green and the vehicle cannot turn right or left without deceleration before the intersection, the vehicle decelerates sufficiently before entering the intersection. Even if the color changes from yellow to yellow, a situation in which sudden braking is applied is unlikely to occur, so that unnecessary and troublesome provision of signal information at such an intersection can be avoided. (6) According to the invention of claim 6, when the presence of a plurality of traffic signal installation intersections is detected in front of the vehicle, the traffic method of the intersection in front is determined with priority, so that the plurality of traffic signals is determined. It is possible to simultaneously provide the signal information of the installation intersection and prevent a situation in which the driver is confused. (7) According to the invention of claim 7, it is determined whether or not the traffic light installed at the intersection ahead of the vehicle can be seen based on the information on the preceding vehicle, and it is determined that the traffic light can be seen even if the preceding vehicle is present. Stopped providing signal information for the intersection. When there is a preceding vehicle in front of the traffic signal intersection, giving priority to paying attention to the behavior of the preceding vehicle must be given priority, so provide the signal information and draw the driver's attention to the signal information Can be avoided. (8) According to the invention of claim 8, since the road gradient up to the intersection is obtained and the signal information considering the road gradient up to the intersection is determined, the brake may be slightly weakened on an uphill. On the other hand, it is possible to provide a fine and appropriate traffic method according to the road environment, such as making the brakes slightly stronger on a downhill. (9) According to the ninth aspect of the invention, when the turn signal is lit before the intersection, the determination of the traffic method is not performed. When the turn signal is lit, it is time to make a right or left turn.In such a case, it is considered that the vehicle is decelerating sufficiently, and sudden braking is performed even if the signal changes from blue to yellow just before the intersection. Such a situation is unlikely to occur, so that unnecessary provision of signal information at such an intersection can be avoided. (10) According to the tenth aspect, when the released state of the accelerator pedal is detected, the output of the signal information is stopped. If the accelerator pedal is released just before the intersection, it is considered that the driver intends to decelerate the vehicle. Therefore, in such a case, unnecessary and troublesome provision of signal information can be avoided. (11) According to the invention of claim 11, the provision of the signal information is stopped when the depression state of the brake pedal is detected. If the brake pedal is depressed before the intersection, it is considered that the driver intends to brake the vehicle. Therefore, in such a case, unnecessary and troublesome provision of signal information can be avoided. (12) According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, the warning is issued based on the determination result of the traffic method, so that the signal information can be effectively recognized when the driver does not notice the signal information. (13) According to the invention of claim 13, since the braking / driving control of the vehicle is performed based on the determination result of the traffic method, even if the driver does not notice the signal information, an appropriate response in accordance with the determination result. Is automatically taken.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS << First Embodiment of the Invention >> FIG.
Shows the configuration of the first embodiment. The road-to-vehicle communication device 1
Communicates with FM multiplex broadcasting stations installed on the roadside, transmitting / receiving devices such as optical beacons and radio beacons, and lane markers, etc., and congestion information, traffic obstruction information such as accidents and construction, traffic restrictions such as traffic closures and lane regulations In addition to VICS information including information, traffic signal information (signal switching cycle, current signal elapsed time, etc.), road environment information such as intersection shape and road surface conditions, and lane marker signal including vehicle approach information To receive.

Usually, a lane marker is buried at a predetermined position before the intersection at the intersection where the traffic light is installed. This embedding position is determined by considering the braking characteristics of the vehicle.
It is installed at a distance that can be stopped at the intersection stop line at a deceleration of 0.3 G from the speed of km / h, for example, about 50 m before the stop line of the intersection. The signals emitted from the lane markers include
Information such as the presence or absence of a traveling machine, the distance to the stop line, the burial position, the direction of entry of the vehicle into the intersection, and the like are included.

[0010] The preceding vehicle detection device 2 is used to detect the distance between the vehicle and the preceding vehicle,
The type of the preceding vehicle is detected. Furthermore, the vehicle speed sensor 3
Detects the traveling speed of the own vehicle. The control device 4 includes a microcomputer 4a, a memory 4b, and the like, and based on information from the road-to-vehicle communication device 1, the preceding vehicle detection device 2, and the vehicle speed sensor 3, the state of the traffic light installed at the intersection and the traveling state of the own vehicle. Judge the passage or stop according to and
The judgment result is displayed on the display 5 and is notified by sound or voice through the speaker 6.

In the configuration of the first embodiment, the road-to-vehicle communication device 1 has an intersection information obtaining means and a signal information obtaining means, the vehicle speed sensor 3 has a vehicle speed detecting means, and the control device 4 has a traffic method determining means. The control device 4, the display 5, and the speaker 6 constitute signal information output means, and the preceding vehicle detection device 2 constitutes preceding vehicle information detection means.

The intersections to which the present invention is applied are all the intersections where traffic lights are installed. Not only intersections where general roads and roads intersect, but also intersections where roads and sidewalks intersect, roads and roads intersect. Intersections (railroad crossings) that intersect with railway lines are also included.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are flowcharts showing a signal information providing process according to the first embodiment. Also, FIG.
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the signal information providing process according to the first embodiment. The operation of the first embodiment will be described with reference to these drawings.

In step 201 in FIG. 2, it is checked whether there is a traffic signal within a predetermined distance ahead of the host vehicle and the vehicle is approaching. The presence of the traffic light in front of the host vehicle and the approaching state to the traffic light can be grasped based on the information received by the road-to-vehicle communication device 1 described above. In addition, it can also be grasped by the navigation device mounted on the vehicle. When there is a traffic light in front of the own vehicle and the vehicle is approaching the traffic light, the process proceeds to step 202, where the preceding vehicle is detected within a predetermined inter-vehicle distance D in front of the own vehicle B using the preceding vehicle detection device 2 as shown in FIG. Check if A is present.

If there is a preceding vehicle A, the process proceeds to step 207, where the relationship between the total height of the preceding vehicle A and the inter-vehicle distance is calculated based on the type of the preceding vehicle detected by the preceding vehicle detecting device 2, and Check if you can see a traffic light. If it is determined that the traffic light can be seen even if there is a preceding vehicle, the signal information providing process ends. When there is a preceding vehicle in front of the traffic signal intersection, paying attention to the behavior of the preceding vehicle must be given top priority,
Providing the signal information can avoid drawing the driver's attention to the signal information.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, when the preceding vehicle E is a large truck having a high vehicle height, it is not possible to directly check the traffic light from the own vehicle F. When entering the vehicle, there is a possibility that it may not be possible to stop at the stop line at the intersection depending on the speed of the host vehicle F. Therefore, in such a case, step 20
Proceed to 3 and consider whether to continue providing signal information.

In step 203, it is determined whether or not the intersection where the traffic light is installed satisfies the condition for providing signal information. FIG. 6 shows a case where the host vehicle G turns right or left at an intersection of a T-junction. At such a T-junction intersection, even if the traffic light is green, you cannot turn right or left unless you slow down before the intersection, so stop the vehicle at a large deceleration even if the traffic light changes from blue to yellow just before the intersection. Such a situation is unlikely to occur. Therefore, when it is determined that the intersection does not satisfy the condition for providing the signal information, the provision of the signal information is stopped. This can avoid providing unnecessary signal information at an intersection such as a T-junction. The road environment at the traffic signal installation intersection can be recognized by a navigation device (not shown) in addition to the lane marker signal and the VICS information described above.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the intersection where the traffic light is installed satisfies the condition for providing signal information, the process proceeds to step 204, and whether the installation state of the traffic signal satisfies the condition for providing signal information is determined. Check. FIG. 7 shows a state in which a plurality of traffic lights are installed in a range that can be seen from the driver. When information is provided to all of these traffic lights, the traffic lights 2
There is a possibility that the information provision of (3) or (3) will be performed, and it will be very confusing information for the driver. In such a case,
First, information is provided only for the traffic light 1. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which signal information of a plurality of traffic signal installation intersections is simultaneously provided and the driver is confused. When the installation state of the traffic signal does not satisfy the provision condition of the signal information, the provision of the signal information is stopped. In addition, the installation state of the traffic signal at the intersection can be recognized by the navigation device in addition to the lane marker signal and the VICS information described above.

If it is determined that the installation state of the traffic light satisfies the condition for providing the signal information, the process proceeds to step 205, where the time until the vehicle reaches the stop line at the intersection when the current vehicle speed is maintained and the red light To the remaining time. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when a driver travels a distance L from a position where a red light of a traffic light installed at an intersection can be checked to the intersection while maintaining the current vehicle speed V0, a stop line at the intersection Ts is (L / V0)
Can be calculated by Since the current position of the vehicle and the remaining time of the signal can be recognized by the lane marker signal or the like as described above, the distance L from the current position of the vehicle to the stop line of the intersection is determined.
Is compared with the remaining time of the red light when the vehicle travels while maintaining the current vehicle speed V0, and reaches the stop line at the intersection. If the remaining time of the red light is shorter than the intersection arrival time Ts, Proceed to step 208 to provide information on the time until the light turns green. If the driver sees the red light at the traffic light at the intersection ahead, and can inform the driver in advance that it will change to a green light within the time from the position to reach the intersection, the driver will be able to wait until the intersection is reached. By properly controlling the distance, you can pass without stopping before the intersection. The current position of the vehicle can be detected by a navigation device.

On the other hand, if the time of the green light, the time of the yellow light, or the time of the remaining red light is longer than the time required to reach the intersection at step 205, the process proceeds to step 206.
In step 206, the time until the vehicle passes the intersection when the current vehicle speed is maintained is compared with the remaining time of the green light. Since the current position of the vehicle and the remaining time of the signal can be recognized by the lane marker signal or the like as described above, the distance L from the current position of the vehicle to the stop line at the intersection is determined when the vehicle travels while maintaining the current vehicle speed V0. The time Ts required to reach the stop line of the intersection is compared with the remaining time of the green light, and if the vehicle cannot pass through the intersection with the remaining time of the green light, the process proceeds to step 301 in FIG. 3 for providing information. If it is possible to pass the intersection in the remaining time of the green light, the provision of the signal information is stopped.

In steps 301 and 302 in FIG. 3, it is checked whether the road up to the intersection where the traffic light is installed is uphill, downhill, or flat. If the road to the traffic light installation intersection is flat, the process proceeds to step 303, and information on a slow deceleration method to the intersection is provided. As shown in FIG.
If it is not possible to pass through the intersection within the remaining time of the green light, the driver is notified of the impossibility of passing and the method of reducing the distance to the stop line of the intersection as slowly as possible (hereinafter referred to as a slow deceleration method). Advise). This means that the distance from the current position of the vehicle obtained from the lane marker or the navigation device to the stop line at the intersection decelerates at a constant deceleration from the current vehicle speed of the vehicle, and stops at the stop line at the intersection. Deceleration method.
Although it is not possible to set the signal information providing position to the same position for all traffic signal installation intersections, as shown in FIG. 9, up to the intersection considering the relationship between the traffic signal installation intersection and the signal information provision position. By recommending the slow deceleration method, it is possible to cope with any traffic intersection.

If the road to the traffic signal installation intersection is uphill in step 301, the process proceeds to step 306, in which slow deceleration as shown in FIG. 8 is recommended, and the brake may be slightly weaker for the uphill. And other information. Conversely, if it is determined in step 302 that the road to the traffic light installation intersection is downgradient, the process proceeds to step 307, in which gently decelerating as shown in FIG. 8 is recommended, and the braking is slightly increased for the downhill. Add information. Thus, it is possible to provide fine and appropriate signal information according to the road environment. Step 30
The information in 3,306,307 is not only displayed and provided on a display, but also broadcasted through speakers.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the road to the traffic signal installation intersection has a curvature and visibility is poor, the driver may not notice the traffic signal itself. Therefore, in step 304, it is checked whether the curvature of the road to the traffic signal installation intersection is a curvature that allows the traffic signal to be seen, and if the traffic signal cannot be seen, the process proceeds to step 305 to call the driver's attention by sound or voice from the speaker 6. As a result, the presence of a traffic light installed in a position with poor visibility can be notified in advance.

As described above, according to the first embodiment,
Obtain the distance from the current position of the vehicle to the signalized intersection, obtain the remaining time of the current signal condition, and obtain the time from the current position to reach the intersection stop line if the vehicle maintains the current vehicle speed. Is calculated and the traffic method is determined based on the remaining time of the signal state and the arrival time of the stop line, so not only the warning for stopping at the stop line as in the conventional device, but also the optimal intersection It is possible to provide the driver with signal information on the traffic method, and the driver can safely pass through the intersection where the traffic light is installed. In addition, it is possible to provide accurate information as to whether or not the vehicle can pass without stopping at the intersection, and the driver can safely pass through the intersection where the traffic light is installed.

Specifically, the remaining time of the green light is obtained,
If it is determined that the vehicle cannot pass through the intersection within the remaining time of the green light, the driver will have enough time to determine the method of slowing down slowly from the current position of the vehicle to the stop line at the intersection and stopping at the stop line. The vehicle can be decelerated with a certain speed and can be safely stopped at the stop line. In addition, the remaining time of the red signal was obtained, and when the remaining time of the red signal was shorter than the stop line arrival time, the time until the signal was changed to the green signal was defined as signal information. When the driver confirms that the traffic light in front of the vehicle is a red light, the driver can know in advance that it will change to a green light within the time from the position until reaching the intersection stop line, and the intersection stop line By properly controlling the speed until the vehicle reaches, it is possible to pass without stopping at the intersection.

<< Second Embodiment of the Invention >> A second embodiment not only providing signal information but also performing alarm and braking / driving control will be described.

FIG. 12 shows the configuration of the second embodiment.
The same components as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description will focus on the differences. The turn signal switch 7 is a switch that is turned on when the turn signal lever is operated to a right turn position or a left turn position. The accelerator switch 8 is a switch that is turned on when the accelerator pedal is depressed, and the brake switch 9 is a switch that is turned on when the brake pedal is depressed. The alarm device 10 sounds a buzzer to generate an alarm.

The braking / driving control device 11 is a device for controlling the driving force and braking force of the vehicle. For example, in a vehicle using an engine as a driving source, the throttle valve opening and the fuel injection amount are adjusted to reduce the driving force of the engine. In addition to the control, the brake force of the brake device is controlled by adjusting the brake fluid pressure. In an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle using a motor as a driving source, the power supplied to the motor is adjusted to control the output of the motor and the regenerative braking force. The control device 4A provides signal information in the same manner as in the first embodiment, issues an alarm with the alarm device 10 as necessary, and controls the driving force and the braking force of the vehicle with the braking / driving control device 11. .

In the configuration of the above-described second embodiment, the road-vehicle communication device 1 has intersection information obtaining means and signal information obtaining means, the vehicle speed sensor 3 has vehicle speed detecting means, and the control device 4 has traffic direction determining means. The control device 4, the display 5, and the speaker 6 serve as signal information output means, the preceding vehicle detection device 2 serves as preceding vehicle information detection means, the turn signal switch 7 serves as turn signal detection means, and the accelerator switch 8 serves as accelerator release detection means. , Brake switch 9
Represents the brake depression detection means, the alarm device 10 constitutes the alarm means, and the braking / driving control device 11 constitutes the braking / driving control means.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are flowcharts showing signal information providing processing according to the second embodiment. The above-described processing shown in FIG. 2 in the signal information providing processing is completely the same, and is not shown. FIG.
FIG. 16 to FIG. 16 are diagrams for explaining signal information providing processing according to the second embodiment. The operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to these drawings.

If it is determined in step 206 in FIG. 2 that the vehicle speed cannot be maintained and the vehicle cannot pass through the intersection within the remaining green light time, the process proceeds to step 1301 in FIG. In step 1301, it is checked whether or not the turn signal (turn signal lamp) is turned on (ON) by the turn signal switch 7. If it is lit, there is little need to provide signal information because the driver may be thinking about stopping at the shoulder in front of the traffic light or turning right or left at the traffic light installation intersection. Stop providing information. On the other hand, when the turn signal is not lit, the steps 1302 to 13
At 08, the same processing as the processing of steps 301 to 307 in FIG. 3 is performed.

Next, in step 1401 of FIG. 14, the accelerator pedal is released by the accelerator switch 8 (switch OF).
F) Check if it was done. When the accelerator pedal is released, the driver recognizes the information provision of the slow deceleration up to the traffic light installation intersection, determines that the deceleration has started, and ends the information provision processing. On the other hand, if the accelerator pedal has not been released, the routine proceeds to step 1402, and an alarm is issued as shown in FIG. In the following step 1403, as shown in FIG. 15, the slow deceleration method up to the traffic signal installation intersection is recalculated and the information is provided.

After issuing an alarm and recommending slow deceleration, it is checked in step 1404 whether the brake switch 9 has been operated (switch ON) by the brake switch 9. When the brake pedal is operated, it is determined that the driver has started decelerating by noticing the warning and the recommendation of slow deceleration, and the information providing process ends. However, when the brake pedal is not operated, the process proceeds to step 1405, and as shown in FIG. 16, the throttle valve is fully closed regardless of the depression of the accelerator pedal by the braking / driving control device 11, and the fuel injection is stopped and The automatic braking is applied by the braking device, and the vehicle is stopped at the stop line just before the intersection.

According to the second embodiment, when the turn signal is lit in front of the intersection, the determination of the traffic method and the provision of the signal information are not performed. When the turn signal is lit, it is time to make a right or left turn.In such a case, it is considered that the vehicle is decelerating sufficiently, and sudden braking is performed even if the signal changes from blue to yellow just before the intersection. Such a situation is unlikely to occur, so that unnecessary and troublesome provision of signal information at such an intersection can be avoided.

According to the second embodiment, the provision of the signal information is stopped when the released state of the accelerator pedal is detected. If the accelerator pedal is released just before the intersection, it is considered that the driver intends to decelerate the vehicle. Therefore, in such a case, unnecessary and troublesome provision of signal information can be avoided. Furthermore, when the depression state of the brake pedal is detected, the provision of the signal information is stopped. If the brake pedal is depressed before the intersection, it is considered that the driver intends to brake the vehicle. Therefore, in such a case, unnecessary and troublesome provision of signal information can be avoided.

<< Modification of Second Embodiment >> In the above-described second embodiment, an example has been described in which the provision of signal information, alarming, and braking / driving control are performed. However, as shown in FIG. The driving control may not be performed and only the provision of the signal information may be performed. In this configuration, since the driver's reaction to the signal information provision can be seen, the driving manner can be determined. In addition, as shown in FIG.
If the signal information provision and the warning are performed by adding 0, it is possible to determine whether the provided information is intentionally ignored.

[0037]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a signal information providing process according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart following FIG. 2 and illustrating signal information providing processing according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a case where a preceding vehicle is present in front of a traffic light installation intersection;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a case where a preceding vehicle having a high vehicle height is located in front of a traffic signal installation intersection;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a case where the vehicle travels through a traffic signal installation intersection on a T-junction.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a case where a plurality of traffic lights are installed in a range that can be seen by a driver.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing slow deceleration to a traffic light installation intersection.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a slow deceleration method up to an intersection in consideration of a positional relationship between a signal installation intersection and a position where signal information is provided.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a case where there is a traffic light installation intersection at a position where visibility from a driver is poor.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between a time required to reach a traffic light installation intersection and a remaining red light time.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a signal information providing process according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating signal information providing processing according to the second embodiment, following FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a slow deceleration method from a warning position to a traffic light installation intersection.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for describing a braking / driving control method in a case where deceleration does not occur even when an alarm is issued.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a modification of the second embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a configuration of another modification of the second embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a relationship between a position of a vehicle entering a traffic signal installation intersection and a vehicle speed.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 1 road-vehicle communication device 2 preceding vehicle detection device 3 vehicle speed sensor 4, 4A, 4B, 4C control device 4a microcomputer 4b memory 5 display 6 speaker 7 turn signal switch 8 accelerator switch 9 brake switch 10 alarm device 11 control device

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) B60R 21/00 626 B60R 21/00 626B 626C 626G 628 628B // G08G 1/0962 G08G 1/0962 (72) Inventor Machiko Hiramatsu 2 Takara-cho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. FF03 FF12 FF13 FF25 FF32 JJ02

Claims (13)

[Claims] An intersection information obtaining means for obtaining information on an intersection ahead of a vehicle where a traffic light is installed; a signal information obtaining means for obtaining information on a traffic light at the intersection; a vehicle speed detecting means for detecting a vehicle speed; It is provided with a traffic method determining unit that determines an optimal traffic method of the intersection based on information on an intersection, information on the traffic signal, and the detected vehicle speed, and signal information output unit that outputs signal information on the optimal traffic method. A signal information providing device characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. The signal information providing device according to claim 1, wherein said intersection information obtaining means obtains a distance from a current position of the vehicle to an intersection where a traffic light is installed, and said signal information obtaining means obtains a current signal state. Obtaining the remaining time, the traffic method determination means calculates the time from the current position to reach the stop line of the intersection when the vehicle maintains the current vehicle speed, the remaining time of the signal state and the stop A signal information providing device for determining an optimal traffic method based on a line arrival time. 3. The signal information providing device according to claim 2, wherein the traffic light information obtaining means obtains a remaining time of the green light, and the traffic method determining means cannot pass through the intersection within the remaining time of the green light. A traffic information method for gently decelerating from the current position of the vehicle to the stop line at the intersection and stopping at the stop line. 4. The signal information providing device according to claim 2, wherein the signal information obtaining means obtains a remaining time of the red signal, and the signal information output means obtains the remaining time of the red signal by the traffic method determining means. When it is determined that the time is shorter than the stop line arrival time, the signal information providing device outputs a time until the light changes to a green light as signal information. 5. The signal information providing device according to claim 1, wherein the intersection information obtaining means obtains a shape of the intersection, and the traffic method determining means obtains a shape of the intersection according to the shape of the intersection. A signal information providing device, which determines whether or not it is necessary to determine a traffic method. 6. The signal information providing device according to claim 1, wherein said traffic method determining means detects presence of a plurality of traffic light installation intersections in front of the vehicle by said intersection information obtaining means. A signal information providing apparatus for determining, in a priority manner, a traffic method of a preceding intersection. 7. The signal information providing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: preceding vehicle information detecting means for detecting information about a preceding vehicle; It is determined whether or not the traffic light installed at the intersection in front of the vehicle can be seen based on the information.If the signal information output means is determined by the traffic method determination means to be able to see the traffic light even if there is a preceding vehicle, A signal information providing apparatus, which stops outputting the signal information of the intersection. 8. The signal information providing device according to claim 1, wherein said intersection information obtaining means obtains a road gradient up to said intersection, and said traffic method determining means obtains a road gradient up to said intersection. A signal information providing apparatus for determining a traffic method in consideration of a road gradient of a vehicle. 9. The signal information providing device according to claim 1, further comprising: a turn signal detecting unit configured to detect a lighting of a turn signal, wherein the traffic method determining unit performs a turn before an intersection. A signal information providing device which does not judge a traffic method when a signal is turned on. 10. The signal information providing device according to claim 1, further comprising: accelerator release detecting means for detecting an open state of an accelerator pedal; A signal information providing device, which stops outputting signal information when a release state is detected. 11. A signal information providing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a brake depression detecting means for detecting a depression state of a brake pedal, wherein said signal information output means includes a brake pedal. A signal information providing device for stopping output of signal information when a stepped-on state is detected. 12. The signal information providing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an alarm unit that issues an alarm based on a result of the determination by the passage method determining unit. apparatus. 13. The signal information providing device according to claim 1, further comprising: braking / driving control means for controlling braking / driving of the vehicle based on a result of the determination by said traffic method determining means. Characteristic signal information providing device.