JP2006072912A - Traffic signal control system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a traffic signal control system, capable of realizing interlocking operation among a master device and slave devices using a simple method. <P>SOLUTION: The traffic signal control system captures image information of a signal lamp instrument as a master device by a camera 40 of a sensor 5, and detects lamp-lighting states by an image processing section 41 and an information analyzing section 42. A signal control unit 250 controls the lamp-lighting states of signal lamp instruments 20a to 20d, on the basis of the detected result. Thus, an information communication means from the master device to slave devices is not necessary to be installed, and interlocking operation from the master device to the slave devices can be carried out in a simple method. Installation cost can be also reduced. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a traffic signal control device that controls lighting and extinction of a signal lamp from captured image data.

  In order to control road traffic, a large number of traffic signals (hereinafter also simply referred to as traffic signals) are currently installed throughout the country. These traffic lights are controlled by various methods depending on road conditions or local conditions. As an example, each traffic light has a clock circuit, and according to the time information output from the built-in clock circuit, each traffic light independently controls the lighting and extinguishing of the signal lamps each has. .

  In this regard, consider the case where the blue, yellow, and red lighting states of the signal lamps are synchronized independently at different timings when the plurality of traffic lights are adjacent to each other. For example, when the signal light of one traffic light is displaying blue, when the signal light of the adjacent traffic light is displaying red, it is immediately adjacent even if the vehicle starts in blue. It is conceivable that the traffic light will stop due to the red color of the signal lamp, and the vehicle will not be able to travel smoothly, resulting in traffic congestion.

  Therefore, in general, the lighting or extinguishing timing for turning on / off the signal lamp of the traffic light is related to the lighting or extinguishing timing of the signal lamp of the adjacent traffic signal, and the entire traffic signal group operates in a synchronized manner. It is designed to realize a smooth car flow.

  However, when each traffic signal has a clock circuit and is controlled independently, when the time information is delayed or advanced and the time information indicated by the clock circuit of each traffic signal varies, the signal lamps are turned on between the traffic signal groups. In addition, it becomes impossible to synchronize the timing of turning off the lights, which may cause a traffic jam.

  Alternatively, with regard to the timing of turning on and off the signal lamps of the traffic lights, a method of synchronizing by using a so-called traffic control center that collectively manages a plurality of traffic lights can be considered, but a communication connection with the traffic control center is provided. It is possible to synchronize the traffic lights with the timing in response to an instruction from the traffic control center, but the other traffic signals that do not have a communication connection can only be synchronized with a predetermined timing. Inability to synchronize the timing with other traffic signals, it may result in traffic congestion.

  FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a case where the lighting timings of the signal lamps of the traffic lights are synchronized between adjacent traffic lights.

  Referring to FIG. 6, intersections 1 and 2 are shown in this example. A traffic light 320 is provided at the intersection 1, and the signal lamps 10 a to 10 d constituting the traffic light 320 are arranged so as to surround the intersection 1. For example, the signal lamp 10a is provided for a vehicle that travels to the intersection 1 along the direction dw. Similarly, the signal lamp device 10b is provided for a vehicle that travels to the intersection 1 along the direction dn. The signal lamp 10c is provided for a vehicle that travels to the intersection 1 along the direction ds. The signal lamp 10d is provided for a vehicle that travels to the intersection 1 along the direction de. Similarly, at the intersection 2, a traffic light 330 is provided, and the signal lamps 20 a to 20 d constituting the traffic light 330 are arranged so as to surround the intersection 2. Similar to the intersection 1, it is provided for each vehicle traveling to the intersection 2 along each direction. Specifically, the signal lamps 20a to 20d are respectively provided for vehicles that travel to the intersection 2 along directions dw, dn, ds, and de.

  The traffic light 320 at the intersection 1 includes a signal control unit 100 for controlling the signal lamps 10a to 10d at the intersection 1, and the traffic light 330 at the intersection 2 is a signal for controlling the signal lamps 20a to 20d at the intersection 2. A control unit 200 is included. The signal control unit 100 and the signal control unit 200 are connected to each other by a signal cable CB.

  In this example, the signal control unit 100 of the traffic light 320 at the intersection 1 on the upstream side sends information indicating the lighting state of the signal lamps 10a to 10d via the signal cable CB to the signal control unit 200 of the traffic light 330 at the downstream intersection 2. Is communicating against.

  This is a method generally called a master / slave interlocking operation. More specifically, a periodic signal that is information indicating a lighting state is output from a traffic signal serving as a parent device. The traffic signal serving as the slave unit receives it and executes a control operation such as lighting or extinguishing in synchronization with a change in the lighting state of the master unit.

  This makes it possible to synchronize the lighting timing of the signal lamps between adjacent traffic lights, alleviate traffic congestion, and realize a smooth automobile flow.

There are various methods for controlling the lighting timing. For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 64-88700, the lighting timing is based on information such as the number of vehicles between adjacent intersections as the master / slave interlocking operation. A method for controlling the above is disclosed.
JP-A 64-88700

  However, in order to synchronize the lighting timing of the signal lamps between adjacent traffic lights, a periodic signal is output from the signal control unit 100 on the parent device side to the signal control unit 200 on the child device side as shown in FIG. It is necessary to connect the signal cable CB. That is, it is necessary to lay the signal cable as an overhead wiring or underground wiring.

  In this respect, there are various problems such as a problem that the aerial wiring impairs the scenery and the like, and in the case of underground wiring, a huge cost is required for the laying work cost.

  FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a case where information is transmitted by wireless LAN without using the signal cable CB.

  Referring to FIG. 7, the difference from the configuration of FIG. 6 is that traffic lights 340 and 350 are provided instead of traffic lights 320 and 330. Specifically, while removing the signal cable CB, the traffic light 340 is provided with a wireless transmitter 30 for transmitting information by wireless radio waves, and the traffic light 350 is for receiving information transmitted from the wireless transmitter 30. The difference is that a wireless receiver 31 is provided.

  The signal control unit 110 provided at the intersection 1 uses the wireless transmitter 30 to transmit information indicating the lighting state of the signal device to the wireless receiver 31 of the signal control unit 210 provided at the intersection 2 to thereby connect the signal cable CB. Without using it, it is possible to realize the above-mentioned master / slave interlocking operation.

  However, it is not necessary to provide the signal cable CB using a wireless LAN. However, there is an influence of a recent home wireless LAN or an illegal radio wave, etc., and transmission / reception is appropriately performed in consideration of the influence of noise radio waves. However, there is a problem that the control and configuration of the transmitter and the receiver are complicated.

  6 and FIG. 7, it is necessary to provide a transmitter that transmits information to each of the signal devices on the parent device / child device side and a receiver that receives the information. In order to realize the above, it is necessary to make some modifications to each of the traffic lights of the master unit and the slave unit. In particular, when there are a plurality of traffic signals constituting a traffic signal group, it is considered that each of them can play a role as a master unit or a slave unit in order to realize an interlocking operation with each other. .

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a traffic signal control device capable of realizing a so-called parent / child device linked operation in a simple manner. To do.

  The traffic signal control device according to the present invention is a traffic signal control for controlling the lighting state of the second signal lamp of the second traffic light based on the lighting state of the first signal lamp of the at least one first traffic light. A device for detecting a lighting state of the first signal lamp and a lighting state of the second signal lamp based on the lighting state of the first signal lamp detected by the sensor And a signal control unit.

  Preferably, the sensor includes a camera that captures the lighting state of the first signal lamp as image information, and a detection unit that processes the image information captured by the camera and detects the lighting state of the first signal lamp.

  In particular, the sensor further includes a memory in which information for processing the image information is stored, and the detection unit converts the image information of the image information based on data including the shape of the first signal lamp stored in the memory. The first signal lamp included is specified, and the lighting state of the first signal lamp is detected.

  In particular, the sensor further includes an output unit that outputs the lighting state of the first signal lamp detected by the detection unit to the signal control unit as signal information.

  Preferably, the signal control unit includes a control unit that controls switching of the lighting state of the second signal lamp according to at least one lighting color of the first signal lamp detected by the sensor.

  In particular, the signal control unit further includes a memory that stores a plurality of types of control patterns for controlling the lighting state of the second signal lamp, and the control unit stores the memory according to at least one lighting color of the first signal lamp. The switching of the lighting state of the second signal lamp is controlled according to one of a plurality of types of control patterns stored in.

  The traffic signal control device according to the present invention detects the lighting state of the first signal lamp of the first traffic light using a sensor, and controls the lighting state of the second signal lamp of the second traffic light based on the detection result. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide information communication means from the first traffic light to the second traffic light, and so-called interlocking operation can be executed by a simple method. In addition, the installation cost can be reduced.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a traffic signal control apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 1, at intersection 1, signal lamps 10 a to 10 d constituting a traffic light 300 and a signal control unit 150 that controls the signal lamps 10 a to 10 d are provided. Further, at the intersection 2, signal lamps 20a to 20d constituting the traffic light 310 and a signal control unit 250 for controlling the signal lamps 20a to 20d are provided. The intersection 2 is further provided with a sensor 5 for detecting the lighting state of the signal lamp on the intersection 1 side. The signal control unit 250 and the sensor 5 constitute a traffic signal control device.

  The traffic signal control device according to the embodiment of the present invention is a method in which the sensor 5 included in the traffic signal control device of the traffic signal 310 serving as the slave unit detects the lighting state of the signal lamp of the traffic signal 300 serving as the master unit.

  Specifically, the lighting state of the signal light device of the parent device is detected by a camera, which will be described later, of the sensor 5 of the traffic signal control device of the child device, and the lighting state of the signal light device of the parent device is based on the imaging information detected by the camera Analyze and analyze the signal lights on the handset side.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of sensor 5 and signal control unit 250 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 2, sensor 5 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a camera 40, an image processing unit 41, an information analysis unit 42, a signal output unit 43, and a memory 44.

  The signal control unit 250 includes a lamp control circuit 50, a control unit 51, a memory 52, and a signal input unit 53.

  In the sensor 5, the camera 40 captures the lighting state of the signal lamp of the parent device, captures it as image information, and outputs it as image data to the image processing unit 41. The image processing unit 41 performs image processing based on the image data output from the camera 40. Specifically, the image processing unit 41 receives image data and executes image processing to identify the position of the signal lamp of the parent device. The information analysis unit 42 analyzes the lighting state of the signal lamp from the position of the signal lamp of the master unit specified based on the processing result of the image processing unit 41, and outputs the analysis result to the signal output unit 43. In this example, the case where the image processing unit 41 and the information analysis unit 42 are provided separately is described. However, the image processing that executes the image processing and analyzes the lighting state of the signal lamp unit based on the image processing. It is also possible to realize with a detection unit that combines the functions of the unit 41 and the information analysis unit 42. Moreover, it becomes possible to detect more useful image information in the camera 40 of the sensor 5 by using the LED having excellent visibility for the light bulb of the signal lamp.

  The memory 44 stores information necessary for image processing and analysis in the image processing unit 41 and the information analysis unit 42 in advance. Specifically, various necessary data such as position data for specifying the position of the signal lamp and the color data for analyzing the lighting state of the signal lamp are stored. In addition, information related to various control programs for operating the sensor 5 and various control data is also stored. Furthermore, it is also used as a storage area for data used by arithmetic processing such as image processing and analysis.

  In response to the analysis result from the information analysis unit 42, the signal output unit 43 outputs signal information indicating the lighting state of the signal lamp of the parent device to the signal control unit 250.

  The signal input unit 53 of the signal control unit 250 receives the signal information output from the sensor 5 and transmits it to the control unit 51.

  The control unit 51 analyzes the signal information given from the sensor 5 based on the information stored in the memory 52 and instructs the lamp control circuit 50 to control the lighting state of the signal lamp based on the analysis result. To do. The lamp control circuit 50 controls the lighting states of the signal lamps 20a to 20d based on instructions from the control unit 51. The memory 52 also stores information related to various control programs and various control data for operating the signal control unit 250. Furthermore, it is also used as a storage area for data and the like used by arithmetic processing such as analysis.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the sensor 5.

  Referring to FIG. 3, sensor 5 starts (starts) operation (step S0). First, image information is taken in from the camera 40 (step S1). As described with reference to FIG. 1, image information of the traffic light 300 on the intersection 1 side, more specifically, image information indicating the lighting state of the signal lamp 10a is captured.

  Next, the position of the signal lamp 10a of the traffic light 300 is specified from the image information (step S2). Specifically, the image processing unit 41 specifies the position of the signal lamp using the position data stored in the memory 44 from the image information.

  As a method for specifying the position of the signal lamp 10a, the memory 44 stores a search range for searching for the position of the signal lamp in order to specify the position, and whether there is a signal lamp within the search range from the image information. It is possible to specify the position of the signal lamp depending on the reason. When the process is repeated, it is also possible to store the previous signal lamp device position in the memory 44 and set the search range based on the previous signal lamp device position.

  Within the search range, whether or not there is the signal lamp 10a of the traffic light 300 is determined based on the shape of the signal lamp of the traffic light stored in advance in the memory 44, the lighting color of the signal lamp, and the signal lamp when the signal lamp is lit. It is possible to specify whether or not the shape or the like in the image data is collated by using the diameter or the like of each light bulb (circle).

  As a method for narrowing down the search range, a plurality of positional relationships between a target object (such as a building whose position does not change) that can be easily detected by image processing and a signal lamp are registered. It is also possible to first specify the position of the target object and specify the position of the signal lamp using information on the relative positional relationship between the target and the signal lamp.

  The information analysis unit 42 detects the lighting state of each light bulb (blue, yellow, red) of the signal lamp from the position of the signal lamp of the traffic light specified in the image processing unit 41 (step S3).

  Next, the lighting state of the detected signal lamp is determined (step S4). As a result of the determination, if the lighting state of the signal lamp can be determined, the process proceeds to the next step S5.

  On the other hand, when the lighting state of the signal lamp cannot be determined, correction processing is performed (step S4 #). For example, when the lighting state of each light bulb cannot be determined due to disturbance of image data due to obstacles, wind, vibration, etc. temporarily, the lighting state of the signal lamp detected periodically N (N: natural number) times before If it is stored in the memory and the detection result detected from the current image information is combined and (N + 1) times of lighting state is lit a predetermined number of times M (M: natural number) as an example, this time as well Judge that it is lit. On the other hand, it is possible to determine that the light has been turned off when it has not been turned on more than M times. This process can be similarly performed for other light bulbs. The predetermined number of times M can be set so as to satisfy M> (N + 1) / 2 as an example.

  If all the bulbs are turned off, or if it is abnormal that it is determined that the camera of the sensor is defective, the status of the signal lamp should be monitored using communication means (not shown). It is also possible to output a signal indicating abnormality to an external monitoring engine. As a result, even when an unexpected situation occurs, it is possible to transmit information to the monitoring organization and take appropriate measures in terms of maintenance and maintenance.

  In step S5, information indicating the lighting state is converted into information for output to the signal control unit. Then, the converted information is output to the signal control unit (step S6).

  Based on the input information indicating the lighting state, the signal control unit 250 controls lighting and extinguishing of the signal lamp device on the slave unit side.

  Here, control of the lighting state of the signal lamp will be described. As an example with reference to FIG. 4, a Y-linked control method for executing control of the signal lamp on the slave unit side using the yellow state of the signal lamp on the master unit side will be described. Specifically, the yellow lighting signal information output from the sensor 5 to the signal control unit 250 is used as the Y-linked periodic signal Y.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, when the signal lamp 10a (10d) changes from blue to yellow, the sensor 5 detects the yellow lighting state (also referred to as yellow lighting information) and detects the signal control unit 250. Output to. In addition, although the lighting state of the signal lamp device 10d is not necessarily detected by the sensor 5, it is assumed that the signal lamp device 10d is in the same lighting state as the signal lamp device 10a in this example. In addition, it is also possible to make the signal lamps 10a and 10d into a different lighting state.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 51 changes the lighting state of the signal lamps 20 a and 20 d from blue to yellow after the offset period T seconds has elapsed based on the input of the yellow lighting information. The signal control unit 250 controls lighting / extinguishing of the signal lamp according to a predetermined lighting pattern, starts blue lighting of the signal lamps 20a and 20d, and after the minimum guaranteed time of blue lighting has elapsed, the yellow light from the sensor 5 is turned on. The system waits for input of information (periodic signal Y). When the yellow lighting information is input, the offset counter is timed, and the lighting state of the signal lamps 20a and 20d is changed to a yellow point after a predetermined period T seconds. Thereafter, the signal lamp is turned on / off according to the predetermined lighting pattern, and the same interlocking operation is repeated.

  In the conventional configuration, the lighting signal such as the yellow lighting information is transmitted by the traffic light on the parent device side, and is received by the traffic light on the child device side. For example, according to the Y interlocking system, the signal lamp of the signal light on the child device side Was running control.

  In the configuration of the present application, there is no need to provide any transmission circuit or the like on the traffic light on the parent device side, and the lighting state of the signal lamp of the parent device can be detected only on the child device side. Interlocking operation of a certain signal lamp is possible.

  Further, it is not necessary to lay a signal cable between the signal device of the parent device and the signal device of the child device, and it is not necessary to modify the signal device of the parent device, so that the installation cost can be reduced.

  In the above description, the Y interlocking method using yellow information has been described. However, the control of the interlocking operation is not limited to this, and the interlocking operation can be executed according to another method.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating another control method according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In this example, it is a figure explaining the case where the blue lighting information of the signal lamp 10a (10d) of the signal apparatus 300 which is a main | base station is also used.

  The signal control unit 250 controls the lighting / extinguishing of the signal lamps 20a to 20d according to the determined lighting pattern.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the parent signal lamp 10a (10d) changes to blue, a pulse signal for a certain period is output as blue lighting information. Based on this blue lighting information, after the offset period (T1 second) has elapsed, the lighting state of the signal lamps 20b and 20c of the traffic signal 310 that is the slave unit is changed from blue to yellow. About the signal lamps 20b and 20c, after the blue lighting starts and the minimum guarantee time of the blue lighting elapses, the lighting of the blue lighting information (period signal G) from the sensor 5 is awaited. When the blue lighting information is input, the offset counter is timed and the signal lamps 20b and 20c are changed to yellow lighting after a predetermined period T1 seconds. Thereafter, the signal lamps 20b and 20c are turned on / off according to the lighting pattern determined again, and the same interlocking operation is repeated.

  Further, as described with reference to FIG. 4 above, the yellow lighting information (periodic signal Y) from the sensor 5 described above after the blue lighting of the signal lamps 20a and 20d has started and the minimum guaranteed time of blue lighting has elapsed. Waiting for input. When the yellow lighting information is input, the offset counter is counted and the signal lamps 20a and 20d are changed to yellow lighting after a predetermined period T2 seconds. Thereafter, the signal lamps 20a and 20d are turned on / off according to the lighting pattern determined again, and the same interlocking operation is repeated.

  As in this example, by using not only the yellow lighting information but also the blue lighting information, the lighting / extinguishing timing of the signal lamp can be changed by a plurality of variations. That is, it is possible to efficiently and effectively realize the optimal signal control timing according to various conditions such as traffic conditions and time. In this example, control using yellow or blue has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and red may be used, or a combination of these may be used. The signal information output from the sensor 5 includes not only the color information indicating the lighting state, but also the output time in a format including additional information such as the time that has elapsed since the lighting and correction. It is also possible to realize control with higher accuracy. It should be noted that a plurality of variations or the like that change the lighting / extinguishing timing are stored in the memory 52.

  In this example, as an example, the upstream-side signal device 300 is used as a parent device, and the downstream-side signal device 310 is used as a child device. It is also possible to execute control of the signal lamp of the traffic signal 310 as a slave unit based on the lighting state of the signal lamps of a plurality of master units provided on the upstream side. Specifically, for each of the plurality of master units, the lighting state of the signal lamp unit is detected by the sensor 5 of the signal unit 310 as the slave unit, and based on the detection result, that is, the combination of the lighting state of the signal lamp units of the plurality of master units. It is possible to control the signal lamp of the traffic signal 310 that is a slave unit.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a conceptual diagram explaining the traffic signal control apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the structure of the sensor 5 and the signal control unit 250 according to embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the sensor 5. It is a figure explaining the Y interlocking control system which performs control of the signal lamp device which is the subunit | mobile_unit side using the yellow state of the signal lamp device of the main | base station side. It is a figure explaining the other control system according to embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram explaining the case where the lighting timing of the signal lamp of a signal apparatus is synchronized between adjacent signal apparatuses. It is a conceptual diagram explaining the case where information is transmitted by wireless LAN, without using signal cable CB.

Explanation of symbols

  1, 2 intersections, 5 sensors, 10a to 10d, 20a to 20d signal lamps, 30 wireless transmitters, 31 wireless receivers, 40 cameras, 41 image processing units, 42 information analysis units, 43 signal output units, 44, 52 memories , 50 lamp control circuit, 51 control unit, 53 signal input unit, 100, 110, 150, 200, 210, 250 signal control unit.

Claims (6)

A traffic signal control device for controlling a lighting state of a second signal lamp of a second traffic light based on a lighting state of a first signal lamp of at least one first traffic light,
A sensor for detecting a lighting state of the first signal lamp;
A traffic signal control device comprising: a signal control unit for controlling a lighting state of the second signal lamp device based on a lighting state of the first signal lamp device detected by the sensor. The sensor is
A camera that captures the lighting state of the first signal lamp as image information;
The traffic signal control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a detection unit that processes the image information captured by the camera and detects a lighting state of the first signal lamp. The sensor further includes a memory in which information for processing the image information is stored,
The detection unit identifies the first signal lamp included in the image data of the image information based on data including the shape of the first signal lamp stored in the memory, and the first signal lamp The traffic signal control device according to claim 2, wherein the lighting state of the vehicle is detected.   4. The traffic signal control device according to claim 2, wherein the sensor further includes an output unit that outputs the lighting state of the first signal lamp detected by the detection unit to the signal control unit as signal information. 5.   The signal control unit includes a control unit that controls switching of a lighting state of the second signal lamp according to at least one lighting color of the first signal lamp detected by the sensor. 5. The traffic signal control device according to any one of 4. The signal control unit further includes a memory for storing a plurality of types of control patterns for controlling a lighting state of the second signal lamp.
The control unit controls switching of the lighting state of the second signal lamp according to one of a plurality of types of control patterns stored in the memory according to at least one lighting color of the first signal lamp. The traffic signal control device according to claim 5.

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