JP2005147884A - Drive support apparatus and traffic signal - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately predict the status of traffic signals at low cost, low load, and which is accurate and has wide range. <P>SOLUTION: By the time management of both an absolute time management part 3a in a traffic signal 3 and an absolute time managing part 22 in a drive support apparatus 1, according to time information acquired from GPS 2, the time information of the traffic signal 3 and that of the drive support apparatus 1 are synchronized with each other. The traffic signal 3 switches its signals, according to any one of a plurality of previously set signal switching patterns and transmits a timing pattern number, which specifies a signal switching pattern to a transmission part 3d or the drive support apparatus 1. The drive support apparatus 1 acquires the timing pattern number which is used by the traffic signal at an intersection which own vehicle is scheduled to enter in and predict the status of the signals and their changes, by searching a timing pattern database on the basis of the acquired timing pattern number. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a driving support apparatus and a traffic light that collect information related to vehicle travel and execute notification processing for a driver and / or vehicle operation control processing based on the collected information, and in particular, predict signal state and change timing. The present invention relates to a driving support device and a traffic light that make it possible.

  Conventionally, traffic lights are used to prevent accidents at intersections and the like, and traveling according to the state of traffic lights is a prerequisite for preventing vehicle accidents. On the other hand, in recent years, it has been devised that various electronic devices are mounted on a vehicle, and various information is acquired by the electronic device to notify the driver, or assistance / intervention for vehicle operation is performed.

  However, the acquisition of information related to the state of the traffic light that is indispensable for the safe driving of the vehicle relies on visual recognition by the driver.

  In order to solve this problem, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique for realizing signal state acquisition on the electronic device side by receiving a signal state and a switching period from a traffic light.

JP-A-11-53688

  However, the above-described conventional technique has a problem in that the communication load increases because all signal states and switching cycles are transmitted from the traffic light to each vehicle.

  In addition, since the current state is transmitted by communication, the transmission / reception time lag is added to the cycle of the signal state, and there is a problem that an accurate switching cycle cannot be determined.

  In addition, a communication function is always required on the traffic light side, which increases the cost of the traffic signal, and there is a problem that the signal state cannot be obtained at an intersection where a traffic signal having no communication function is installed.

  Also, when determining whether or not the host vehicle can enter the intersection, if the signal state is determined by the conventional technology, if the approach time to the intersection changes due to a change in the state of the host vehicle or a surrounding vehicle, the traffic light again There was a need to receive information.

  In addition, there is a problem that a traffic signal capable of determining a signal state is limited to a traffic signal that exists within a communicable distance.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art, and provides a driving support device and a traffic signal that can accurately and widely predict the state of traffic signals at a low cost and with a low load. Objective.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the driving support apparatus according to the invention of claim 1 collects information related to traveling of the vehicle, and performs notification processing for the driver and / or based on the collected information. Alternatively, a driving support device that executes a vehicle operation control process, a time management unit that performs time management in synchronization with time information used by a traffic light, and a change in which a signal state of the traffic light changes corresponding to the time information Based on the change pattern acquisition means for acquiring a pattern, the time information managed by the time management means, and the signal change pattern acquired by the change pattern acquisition means, a change in the signal state of the traffic light is predicted. And a signal predicting means.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the driving support device performs time management in synchronization with the time information used by the traffic light, acquires the signal change pattern in the traffic light, and synchronizes with the traffic light, and the signal change. Predict changes in traffic light status based on patterns.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the driving support device according to the first aspect of the invention, the time management means acquires time information provided by the global positioning system and operates according to the time information provided by the global positioning system. It is characterized by synchronizing with a traffic signal.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, the driving support device acquires time information provided by the GPS, thereby synchronizing with a traffic signal that operates according to the time information provided by the GPS, and acquiring a signal change pattern in the traffic signal. The state change of the traffic light is predicted based on the time synchronized with the traffic light and the change pattern of the signal.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the driving support apparatus according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, the change pattern obtaining means stores the signal change timing in association with the signal change pattern. A database is provided, and the signal switching timing is specified from the signal change pattern.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, the driving support device performs time management in synchronization with the time information used by the traffic light, acquires the signal change pattern in the traffic light, and sets the signal switching timing with respect to the change pattern. A timing pattern database stored in association is searched to specify the signal switching timing.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the driving support apparatus according to the first, second or third aspect of the invention, the change pattern acquisition means further includes a communication means for communicating with the outside of the vehicle, and communicates the change pattern of the signal. It is characterized by acquiring by.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the driving support device performs time management in synchronization with the time information used by the traffic light, acquires a signal change pattern in the traffic light by communication with the outside of the vehicle, and synchronizes with the traffic light. The state change of the traffic light is predicted based on the time and the signal change pattern.

  Further, in the driving support apparatus according to the invention of claim 5, in the invention of claims 1 to 4, the change pattern acquisition means stores a traffic signal database for storing traffic signal position information and the change pattern of the signal in association with each other. In addition, the signal change pattern may be read and acquired from the traffic signal database.

  According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the driving support device performs time management in synchronization with the time information used by the traffic light, and changes the signal from the traffic signal database that stores the traffic signal position information and the change pattern in association with each other. A pattern is acquired, and the state change of the traffic light is predicted based on the time synchronized with the traffic light and the signal change pattern.

  A driving support apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention provides the driving support device according to any of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, based on the prediction result by the signal predicting means, to the driver the current state of the traffic light and / or the signal. It further comprises notification means for notifying the timing of switching.

  According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the driving support device performs time management in synchronization with the time information used by the traffic light, acquires a signal change pattern in the traffic light, and synchronizes with the traffic light, and the signal change. A change in the state of the traffic light is predicted based on the pattern, and the driver is notified of the current state of the signal and the timing for switching.

  The driving support device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the driving support device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, further comprising a peripheral situation acquisition unit that acquires information related to a situation around the host vehicle, wherein the signal prediction unit includes the peripheral situation. The time when the host vehicle enters the intersection is calculated based on the information acquired by the acquisition means, and the state of the signal at the calculated intersection entry time is predicted.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the driving support device acquires information related to the situation around the host vehicle, calculates the time to enter the intersection as an absolute time, and predicts the signal state at the intersection entry time.

  The driving support apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the driving support device according to the seventh aspect, wherein the signal predicting means changes the time at which the host vehicle enters the intersection as a result of information acquisition by the peripheral condition acquiring means. In addition, the state of the signal at the intersection approach time after the change is predicted.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when the time when the host vehicle enters the intersection changes, the driving support device predicts the state of the signal at the changed intersection entry time.

  The driving support apparatus according to a ninth aspect of the present invention further comprises a planned route managing means for managing a planned traveling route of the host vehicle according to the first to eighth aspects of the invention, wherein the signal predicting means includes the planned route management. It is characterized in that the signal state is predicted for each of the traffic lights installed at a plurality of intersections included in the planned route set in the means.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the driving support device acquires signal change patterns at the traffic lights at a plurality of intersections where the host vehicle is scheduled to pass, and predicts the state of the traffic lights at the scheduled passage time of the host vehicle. .

  The traffic signal according to the invention of claim 10 is a time information acquisition means for acquiring time information from a global positioning system, and a plurality of preset signal changes based on the time information acquired by the time information acquisition means. Switching control means for switching signals using any one of the patterns.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the traffic light synchronizes with the time information provided by the GPS and performs signal switching using any of a plurality of preset signal change patterns.

  The traffic light according to an eleventh aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in the tenth aspect of the invention, the traffic light further comprises a transmission means for transmitting a signal change pattern used by the switching control means.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the traffic signal is synchronized with the time information provided by the GPS, and the signal is switched using one of a plurality of preset signal change patterns, and the signal change pattern to be used is used. Is sent to nearby vehicles.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the driving support device performs time management in synchronization with the time information used by the traffic light, obtains the signal change pattern in the traffic light, and synchronizes with the traffic signal, and the signal change pattern. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a driving support device that accurately predicts the signal state with a simple configuration.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, the driving support device acquires time information provided by GPS, thereby synchronizing with a traffic signal that operates according to the time information provided by GPS and acquiring a signal change pattern in the traffic signal. Because it predicts a change in the state of the traffic light based on the time synchronized with the traffic light and the change pattern of the signal, it can easily synchronize the time with the traffic light and accurately predict the timing of signal switching. There exists an effect that an apparatus can be obtained.

  According to the invention of claim 3, the driving support apparatus performs time management in synchronization with time information used by the traffic light, acquires a signal change pattern in the traffic light, and switches a signal to the change pattern. Since the signal switching timing is specified by searching the timing pattern database that stores the information in association with each other, there is an effect that it is possible to obtain a driving support device that easily specifies the signal switching timing.

  According to the invention of claim 4, the driving support device performs time management in synchronization with the time information used by the traffic light, acquires a signal change pattern in the traffic light by communication with the outside of the vehicle, and synchronizes with the traffic light. Since the state change of the traffic light is predicted based on the measured time and the signal change pattern, it is possible to obtain a driving support device that specifies the signal change pattern with a simple configuration while suppressing the communication load. Play.

  According to the invention of claim 5, the driving support device performs time management in synchronization with the time information used by the traffic light, and also transmits the signal from the traffic signal database that stores the traffic signal position information and the change pattern in association with each other. Since the change pattern is obtained and the state change of the traffic light is predicted based on the time synchronized with the traffic light and the change pattern of the traffic signal, a driving support device that identifies the change pattern of the signal without communicating with the traffic light is obtained. There is an effect that can be.

  According to the invention of claim 6, the driving support device performs time management in synchronization with the time information used by the traffic light, acquires a change pattern of the signal in the traffic light, and synchronizes the time with the traffic signal. Predict changes in traffic light status based on the change pattern, and notify the driver of the current status of the signal and the timing of switching, so that the driver can notify the driver of the signal status even in situations where the traffic light cannot be seen. The effect is that support measures can be obtained.

  Further, according to the invention of claim 7, the driving support device acquires information on the situation around the host vehicle, calculates the time to enter the intersection as an absolute time, and predicts the state of the signal at the intersection entry time. There is an effect that it is possible to obtain a driving support device that can notify the driver in advance of the state of the signal when the host vehicle enters the intersection.

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, when the time at which the host vehicle enters the intersection changes, the driving support apparatus predicts the state of the signal at the intersection approach time after the change. Even if it occurs, there is an effect that it is possible to obtain a driving support device that performs accurate signal prediction.

  According to the invention of claim 9, the driving support device obtains signal change patterns at the traffic lights at a plurality of intersections where the host vehicle is scheduled to pass, and predicts the state of the traffic lights at the scheduled passage time of the host vehicle. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to obtain a driving support device that can notify the driver in advance of signal states at a plurality of intersections scheduled to pass.

  According to the invention of claim 10, the traffic light is synchronized with the time information provided by the GPS, and the signal is switched using any of a plurality of preset signal change patterns. There is an effect that it is possible to obtain a traffic light that can easily specify the timing.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the traffic light is synchronized with the time information provided by the GPS, and the signal is switched using one of a plurality of preset signal change patterns, and the signal change to be used is changed. Since the pattern is transmitted to a surrounding vehicle or the like, there is an effect that it is possible to obtain a traffic signal capable of notifying the signal switching timing with a low communication load.

  Exemplary embodiments of a driving support apparatus and a traffic light according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a driving support device 1 and a traffic light 3 according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the driving support device 1 and the traffic light 3 are connected to a GPS (Global Positioning System) 2.

  The traffic light 3 includes an absolute time management unit 3a, a timing pattern 3b, a signal control unit 3c, and a transmission unit 3d therein. The absolute time management unit 3a receives time information from the GPS 2 and stores it as “absolute time”. Hereinafter, “absolute time” refers to time information synchronized with the time information of GPS2.

  The traffic light 3 performs signal switching based on one of a plurality of preset signal switching periods. A timing pattern number is given to each signal switching period. The signal switching cycle and timing pattern number are shared by a plurality of traffic lights. Therefore, if a timing pattern number is acquired for a certain traffic signal, it is possible to specify at what cycle the traffic signal is switched. The timing pattern 3b stores a signal switching period in the traffic light 3 and its timing pattern number.

  The signal control unit 3c executes signal switching control according to the signal switching period stored in the timing pattern 3b based on the absolute time stored in the absolute time management unit 3a. Moreover, the transmission part 3d transmits the timing pattern number memorize | stored in the timing pattern 3b with respect to the surrounding vehicle.

  The driving support device 1 includes a navigation system 11, a traffic light information processing unit 12, a display control unit 13, a speaker 14, and a monitor 15 therein. The navigation system 11 is a system that acquires time information and position information from the GPS 2 and sets and guides the planned travel route of the host vehicle. In addition, the navigation system 11 outputs the time information and position information acquired from the GPS 2 and the set route information to the traffic signal information processing unit 12. Information provided to the driver by the navigation system 11 is output to the notification control unit 13.

  The traffic signal information processing unit 12 includes therein a signal prediction unit 20, a high precision locator 21, an absolute time management unit 22, a communication processing unit 23, a traffic signal database 24, a surrounding situation acquisition unit 25, and a timing pattern database 26.

  The high-precision locator 21 acquires position information from the navigation system 11, detects a marker installed on the road, specifies the position of the host vehicle, and outputs it to the signal prediction unit 20. The absolute time management unit 22 acquires time information from the navigation system 11 and manages time based on the acquired time information. Here, the time information provided from the navigation system 11 is a time acquired from the GPS 2, that is, an absolute time. Furthermore, since the traffic signal 3 operates based on the absolute time acquired from the GPS 2, the time managed by the absolute time management unit 3a and the time managed by the absolute time management unit 22 are synchronized.

  The communication processing unit 23 receives the timing pattern number transmitted by the communication unit 3 d of the traffic light 3 and outputs it to the signal prediction unit 20. The traffic signal database 24 stores traffic signal position information and timing patterns in association with each other.

  The surrounding state acquisition unit 25 acquires information such as the speed of the host vehicle, the position and speed of the surrounding vehicle, the presence / absence of a pedestrian, the position and the speed, and outputs the information to the signal prediction unit 20. Specifically, the surrounding state acquisition unit 25 is realized by a camera, a radar, an inter-vehicle communication device, or a road-vehicle communication device.

  The timing pattern database 26 stores a timing pattern number and a signal switching period in association with each other. The signal prediction unit 20 uses the position information of the host vehicle output from the high-precision locator 21, the situation around the host vehicle output from the surrounding state acquisition unit 25, and the route information output from the navigation system 11, and Predict approach to intersection. Furthermore, the timing pattern number of the traffic signal at the approaching intersection is acquired from the communication processing unit 23 or the traffic signal database 24, and the timing pattern database 26 is searched based on the acquired timing pattern number to specify the signal switching period.

  The signal prediction unit 26 uses the identified signal switching period and the absolute time managed by the absolute time management unit 22 to switch the current state of the traffic signal installed at the intersection where the host vehicle enters and the signal. Timing can be predicted.

  Further, the signal predicting unit 26 calculates the time when the host vehicle enters the intersection (intersection approach time) and the time when the host vehicle passes through the intersection (intersection passing time) based on the position and speed of the host vehicle and the states of the surrounding vehicles and pedestrians. Then, it is possible to predict the signal state at the intersection approach time and the intersection passage time.

  The signal prediction unit 20 outputs the predicted signal state and switching timing to the notification control unit 13. Further, the prediction result may be output to various means (not shown) for controlling the operation of the vehicle, and the signal state may be used when driving assistance or intervention in the vehicle operation.

  The notification control unit 13 performs processing for notifying the driver of information output from the navigation system 11 and a signal state output from the signal prediction unit 12 using the speaker 14 and the monitor 15.

  Here, the timing pattern database 26 will be further described. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a specific example of the timing pattern database 26. As shown in the figure, the timing pattern database 26 stores the timing pattern number in association with the time, the type of control, and the time for displaying “blue”, “yellow”, and “red”.

  Specifically, the traffic light of “Pattern 1” performs all day time control, and displays “blue” for 60 seconds, “yellow” for 5 seconds, and “red” for 60 seconds. Similarly, the traffic light of “Pattern 2” performs all day time control, and displays “blue” for 90 seconds, “yellow” for 10 seconds, and “red” for 90 seconds.

  In addition, the “pattern m” traffic light controls the time between “5: 00 to 23:00” and displays “blue” for 60 seconds, “yellow” for 5 seconds, and “red” for 60 seconds. However, a push button type control is performed between “23: 00 and 5:00”, and when the push button is pressed, “yellow” is displayed for 5 seconds and then “red” is displayed for 60 seconds. It becomes.

  Furthermore, the traffic light of “Pattern n” performs time control between “6: 00 to 22:00”, and displays “blue” for 60 seconds, “yellow” for 5 seconds, and “red” for 60 seconds. However, a red flashing signal is generated between “22:00 and 6:00”.

  For the sake of simplicity, only the signals that are switched in the order of “blue”, “yellow”, and “red” have been described here. However, the timing for the traffic lights that display “right turn” and “left turn” is the same. Patterns can be set and timing pattern numbers can be assigned.

  Next, the traffic signal database 24 will be described. The timing pattern number of the traffic signal can be acquired by either the communication processing unit 23 or the traffic signal database 24. When acquiring by the communication processing part 23, there exists an advantage that the timing pattern number can be acquired even if it is a traffic signal which is not registered into the traffic signal database 24, for example, a new traffic signal. Further, if the timing pattern number is acquired only by the communication processing unit 23, the traffic signal database 24 can be omitted, and the driving support apparatus can be simply configured.

  On the other hand, in the configuration using the traffic signal database 24, the timing pattern number can be obtained even for a traffic signal having a simple configuration without a transmission unit, and it is not necessary to communicate between the vehicle and the traffic signal. The amount of communication bandwidth used can be suppressed. Furthermore, if the timing pattern number is acquired only from the traffic signal database 24, the communication processing unit 23 can be omitted, and the driving support apparatus can be simply configured.

  In addition, even if it is a traffic signal which is using the communication processing part 23 and the traffic signal database 24, suppresses a use communication band and does not have a transmission part, or is not registered in the traffic signal database 24, it is. A timing pattern number can be acquired. Further, for traffic signals that are not registered in the traffic signal database 24, the timing pattern number may be acquired by the communication processing unit 23 and then added to the traffic signal database 24.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the traffic signal database 24 is configured by associating position information of traffic signals with timing patterns. Since the position information of the traffic signal can be specified by using the position of the host vehicle, map information, route information, etc., the timing pattern number of the traffic signal can be uniquely obtained from the specified position information.

  Next, a display example on the monitor 15 will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of display on the monitor 15 of the predicted signal state. As shown in the figure, on the monitor screen 30, in addition to the display window 33 for predicting and displaying the current state of the signal of the next intersection where the host vehicle enters next, the monitor screen 30 is installed at the intersection where the host vehicle is scheduled to enter. The signal state of the traffic signal at the predicted time of entry of the host vehicle is displayed together with the map information. The signal status is displayed superimposed on the map from several tens of meters before the target traffic signal.

  Specifically, a map is displayed on the monitor screen 30 and a host vehicle position display 31 and a planned route 32 are displayed. Furthermore, on the planned route 32, the vehicle will first go straight on at the intersection 41, then turn left at the intersection 42, and then go straight on the intersection 43, so the estimated entry time when the host vehicle is expected to enter the intersections 41-43. Are shown as signal prediction displays 51-53.

  More specifically, the signal prediction displays 51 and 52 are “blue”, and the signal prediction display 53 is “red”. Therefore, it can be determined from this display that the driver can travel to the intersection 43 without stopping.

  Further, in the display window 33, the signal switching period 34 of the intersection 41 scheduled to enter next, the current time display 35 indicating at which point in the signal switching period the current time is located, and the remaining switching time indicating the time until the signal is switched. A display 36 is displayed. More specifically, the display window 33 displays that the signal at the intersection 41 is currently “blue” and the time until switching to “yellow” is 42 seconds.

  By the way, the approach time to an intersection changes with the surrounding conditions of a vehicle. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the preceding vehicle C1 of the own vehicle C0 makes a left turn at an intersection 41, the preceding vehicle C1 decelerates due to the left turn, so that the own vehicle C0 prevents the rear-end collision with the preceding vehicle C1. Need to slow down.

  Moreover, also when the pedestrian H1 exists in the vicinity of the intersection 41, it is desirable to decelerate for pedestrian protection. In particular, when the host vehicle makes a right or left turn, there is a pedestrian crossing, and the host vehicle may be decelerated or stopped.

  In this way, when the host vehicle decelerates according to the surrounding situation, in other words, when the factor that the host vehicle should decelerate is detected, the detected factor is taken into account and the approach time to the intersection is recalculated. There is a need to.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a change in intersection approach time when a deceleration factor of the host vehicle is detected. A distance d1 in the figure is a distance from the own vehicle to the intersection 51, and a distance d2 is a distance until the own vehicle passes through the intersection 51. The time t1 indicates the time until the traffic light installed at the intersection 51 changes from “blue” to “yellow”, and the time t2 indicates that the traffic light installed at the intersection 51 changes from “yellow” to “red”. It shows the time until the change.

  If the host vehicle enters the intersection 51 at the current speed, it can enter and pass the intersection 51 before time t1, that is, while the signal is “blue”, as indicated by a prediction line 61. However, if a deceleration factor of the host vehicle is detected before entering the intersection 51, such as when the preceding vehicle makes a left turn, the signal is “red” before entering the intersection 51, as indicated by the prediction line 2. It will be switched to.

  Here, the information that the preceding vehicle turns left is acquired by the surrounding situation acquisition unit 25. More specifically, the planned route of the preceding vehicle may be acquired by inter-vehicle communication, or the lighting state of the direction indicator lamp (winker) of the preceding vehicle may be acquired by an increasing process.

  Next, a specific processing operation of the driving support device 1 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation of the signal information processing unit 12. The processing shown in this flow is repeatedly executed during the operation of the driving support device 1.

  As shown in the figure, first, the signal information processing unit 12 predicts an approach of an own vehicle to an intersection based on route information output by the navigation system 11 and position information output by the high-precision locator 21 ( Step S101).

  Next, the traffic signal information processing unit 12 acquires the timing pattern number of the intersection scheduled to enter using the communication processing unit 23 or the traffic signal database 24 (step S102). Further, the traffic light information processing unit 12 acquires the speed of the host vehicle and the surrounding situation by the surrounding situation acquisition unit 25 (step S103).

  Thereafter, the traffic light information processing unit 12 predicts the approach time to the intersection with the absolute time from the speed of the award and the surrounding situation (step S104), and also predicts the state of the signal at the intersection with the absolute time (step S105). . Here, the signal condition of the intersection is specifically predicted by searching the timing pattern database 26 by the acquired timing pattern number of the intersection, specifying the switching cycle, and referring to the absolute time management unit 22 Predict the state and state of intersection approach time.

  After step S105, notification control or operation control is executed according to the signal state predicted by the traffic light information processing unit 12 (step S106). Thereafter, the traffic light information processing unit 12 determines whether or not the surrounding state acquisition unit 25 has detected a factor that changes the entry time of the host vehicle to the intersection (step S107).

  When the surrounding situation acquisition unit 25 detects a factor that changes the entry time of the host vehicle to the intersection (Yes in step S107), the traffic signal processing unit 12 acquires the speed of the host vehicle and the surrounding situation again. (Step S103).

  On the other hand, if the surrounding situation acquisition unit 25 does not detect a factor that changes the entry time of the host vehicle to the intersection (step S107, No), the traffic light information processing unit 12 determines whether the host vehicle has passed the intersection. It is determined whether or not (step S108). This determination can be realized by using the route information output from the navigation system 11 and the position information output from the high-precision locator 21.

  If the own vehicle has not passed the intersection (No at Step S108), the traffic light information processing unit 12 executes Step S107 again. On the other hand, if the host vehicle passes through the intersection (step S108, Yes), the traffic light information processing unit 12 ends the process.

  As described above, in this embodiment, since the switching cycle used by the traffic light is patterned, the driving support device can specify the switching cycle of the traffic signal 3 by acquiring only the timing pattern number.

  Furthermore, since the traffic signal operates in synchronization with the time information provided by the GPS and the driving support device also acquires the time information provided by the GPS, the timing at which the traffic signal is switched can be accurately predicted.

  Thus, since the signal switching cycle and its timing can be predicted by acquiring only the timing pattern number, the communication load can be minimized even when the timing pattern number is received from the traffic light.

  In addition, by acquiring the timing pattern number from the traffic signal database, it is possible to predict the state of a traffic signal that does not have a communication function or a traffic signal that exists outside the communicable range.

  Furthermore, by displaying it together with the planned route of the host vehicle, it is possible to display the state at the scheduled approach time of the intersection where the host vehicle is scheduled to enter, and if the scheduled approach time changes, the change The state can be calculated and displayed again according to

  In addition, by displaying the current signal status of the intersection that is scheduled to enter and the waiting time until the signal changes, the driver cannot see the traffic light directly, for example, stop behind the large vehicle to wait for the signal. Even in this case, the driver can be notified of the signal state.

  As described above, the driving support apparatus and the traffic light according to the present invention are useful for driving support of a vehicle, and are particularly suitable for prediction of signal states and change timings.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a driving support device and a traffic light according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the specific example of the timing pattern database 26 shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the specific example of the traffic signal database 26 shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the example of a display to the monitor of the predicted signal state. It is explanatory drawing explaining the approach to an intersection, and the surrounding condition of a vehicle. It is explanatory drawing explaining the change of the intersection approach time at the time of detecting the deceleration factor of the own vehicle. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a processing operation of a signal information processing section shown in FIG. 1.

Explanation of symbols

1 Driving support device 2 GPS
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Traffic light 3a Absolute time management part 3b Timing pattern 3c Signal control part 3d Transmission part 11 Navigation system 12 Traffic light information processing part 13 Notification control part 14 Speaker 15 Monitor 21 High precision locator 22 Absolute time management part 23 Communication processing part 24 Signal database 25 Peripheral condition acquisition unit 26 Timing pattern database 30 Monitor screen 31 Own vehicle position display 32 Planned route 33 Display window 34 Signal switching cycle 35 Current time display 36 Remaining time display 41-43 Intersection 51-53 Signal prediction display

Claims (11)

A driving support device that collects information related to traveling of a vehicle and executes notification processing and / or operation control processing of the vehicle based on the collected information,
Time management means for performing time management in synchronization with time information used by the traffic light;
Change pattern acquisition means for acquiring a change pattern in which the signal state of the traffic light changes corresponding to the time information;
Based on the time information managed by the time management means and the change pattern of the signal acquired by the change pattern acquisition means, a signal prediction means for predicting a change in the signal state of the traffic light,
A driving support apparatus comprising:   The driving support device according to claim 1, wherein the time management means acquires time information provided by a global positioning system and synchronizes with a traffic signal that operates according to the time information provided by the global positioning system.   The change pattern acquisition unit includes a timing pattern database that stores signal change timings in association with signal change patterns, and specifies signal change timings from the signal change patterns. Item 3. The driving support device according to item 1 or 2.   The driving support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the change pattern acquisition unit further includes a communication unit that communicates with the outside of the vehicle, and acquires the change pattern of the signal through communication.   The change pattern acquisition unit further includes a traffic signal database that stores traffic signal position information and a change pattern of the signal in association with each other, and reads and acquires the signal change pattern from the traffic signal database. Item 5. The driving support device according to any one of Items 1 to 4.   6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising notifying means for notifying a driver of a current state of the traffic light and / or a timing at which the signal is switched based on a prediction result by the signal predicting means. The driving assistance apparatus as described in any one.   The vehicle is further provided with a surrounding situation acquisition unit that acquires information about the situation around the host vehicle, and the signal prediction unit calculates a time when the host vehicle enters the intersection based on the information acquired by the surrounding situation acquisition unit, The driving support device according to claim 1, wherein the state of the signal at the calculated intersection approach time is predicted.   The signal predicting means predicts a signal state at the intersection approach time after the change when the time when the own vehicle enters the intersection changes as a result of the information acquisition by the surrounding situation acquisition means. The driving support device according to claim 7.   The vehicle further comprises planned route management means for managing the planned travel route of the host vehicle, wherein the signal predicting means is a signal state for traffic lights installed at a plurality of intersections included in the planned route set in the planned route management means. The driving support device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each of the driving support devices is predicted. Time information acquisition means for acquiring time information from the global positioning system;
Based on the time information acquired by the time information acquisition means, a switching control means for switching signals using any one of a plurality of preset signal change patterns;
A traffic light characterized by comprising:   A traffic light further comprising transmission means for transmitting a signal change pattern used by the switching control means.

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