JP2009176235A - Traffic signal controller, computer program and traffic signal control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a traffic signal controller that can reduce delay of a preferential vehicle, even when traffic congestion is occurring, a computer program and a traffic signal control method. <P>SOLUTION: The traffic signal controller 1 acquires the current position of a route bus B, and calculates estimated required time from the current position to a stop S where the route bus is to be stopped. In addition, the traffic signal controller 1 controls signal indication so that green-indication continues in signal light devices 5, 5, corresponding to the traveling direction of the route bus B at intersections C1, C2, at least until the calculated estimated required time passes. As a result of this, the route bus B can arrive up to the stop S without delays. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to traffic signal control that prioritizes driving of a priority vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to a traffic signal control device, a computer program, and a traffic signal control method that can reduce the delay of a priority vehicle even when a traffic jam occurs.

  A traffic control system that operates traffic signals accurately at intersections according to traffic conditions and reduces traffic congestion is being used. By reducing traffic congestion, traffic flow is smoothed and traffic accidents are expected to be reduced. It also leads to energy savings by reducing travel time.

In the traffic control system, priority vehicles that are expected to operate without delay, such as public transportation such as route buses, trams, and distribution trucks, are detected by detectors and light beacons. In the case of approaching, sensitive control is implemented in which the control of extending the display time of the green signal is performed in order to allow the priority vehicle to pass without stopping (Non-Patent Document 1, Non-Patent Document 2).
"Revised Traffic Signal Guide" Editorial and publication Traffic Engineering Research Group (16-18, 68-76) New Traffic Management System Association, “Construction of Traffic Control System-Control-Effective Operation of Signal Control”, [online], [Search January 18, 2008], Internet <URL: http: // www .utms.or.jp / japanese / cont / seigyo / index4.html>

  According to the prior art, it can be expected that the priority vehicle attempting to enter the intersection is allowed to pass without stopping. However, when the traffic flow is stagnant further ahead of the intersection in the traveling direction of the priority vehicle, the priority vehicle may not be able to travel even if the green time is extended.

  In addition, the priority vehicle may need to stop at a predetermined place other than the stop line. For example, when the priority vehicle is a route bus, it is necessary to stop at a bus stop before the intersection. Especially when traffic jams occur, if the traffic light at the intersection in the direction of travel turns red before the bus arrives at the bus stop, the bus stops in front of the bus stop after being caught in a waiting train. It will be. Therefore, the route bus cannot reach the bus stop until the next traffic light turns blue, and a useless stop period other than the bus stop to be stopped occurs. For this reason, the delay of the route bus which should be regularly serviced increases. In this case, since the route bus stops at the bus stop at the next blue hour, even if it is displayed in blue, it may affect the progress of the vehicles following the route bus and may further increase the traffic jam.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a traffic signal control device that can reduce the delay of a priority vehicle, a computer program that causes a computer to operate as the traffic signal control device, and a traffic signal control method. For the purpose.

  A traffic signal control device according to a first aspect of the present invention is the traffic signal control device that controls signal display on a traffic light installed at an intersection based on position information of a priority vehicle traveling on an approach road to the intersection. And a calculation means for calculating a required time until the priority vehicle arrives at a predetermined position in front of the vehicle, and a green time of a traffic light for an approach road on which the priority vehicle is traveling is continued until at least the required time elapses. And a blue time adjusting means for adjusting the time.

  A traffic signal control device according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises means for acquiring traffic jam information on a road in the direction of travel of the priority vehicle, and when there is traffic jam on the road, the blue hour is adjusted by the blue hour adjustment means. It is characterized by being adjusted.

  In the traffic signal control apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention, the green time adjusting means adjusts a part or all of the green time of traffic lights installed at a plurality of intersections existing on a road in the traveling direction of the priority vehicle. It is characterized by the above.

  In the traffic signal control apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, an extension upper limit time of a green time is set for the traffic light, and a time until the required time calculated by the calculation means elapses exceeds the extension upper limit time. Determination means for determining whether or not, the blue time adjustment means adjusts when it is determined that the determination means does not exceed.

  The traffic signal control apparatus according to a fifth aspect is characterized in that the priority vehicle is a route bus and the predetermined position is a bus stop.

  A computer program according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is a computer program for causing a computer to control the signal display of a traffic light installed at an intersection based on position information of a priority vehicle traveling on an approach path to the intersection. Calculating means for calculating a required time until the priority vehicle arrives at a predetermined position before an intersection, and at least the required time has elapsed until the green time of the traffic light for the approach road on which the priority vehicle is traveling It is made to function as a blue time adjustment means to adjust so that it may continue.

  A traffic signal control method according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the traffic signal control method for controlling the signal display of the traffic light installed at the intersection based on the position information of the priority vehicle traveling on the approach path to the intersection. The time required until the priority vehicle arrives at a predetermined position in front is calculated and adjusted so that the green time of the traffic light for the approach road on which the priority vehicle is traveling continues at least until the required time elapses. It is characterized by that.

  In the first invention, the sixth invention, and the seventh invention, the time required for the priority vehicle to arrive at a predetermined position before the intersection at a traffic light installed at the intersection in the traveling direction of the priority vehicle. At least the blue time continues until it has passed. Therefore, the priority vehicle arrives at a predetermined position without stopping while being displayed in blue, and when it is displayed next in blue, it can start and pass through an intersection. Thereby, it is possible to prevent an increase in the delay of the priority vehicle due to stopping at a point other than the predetermined position to be stopped. The priority vehicle increases the probability of stopping at a predetermined position while it is displayed in red on the traffic light, so the probability of hindering the progress of the following vehicle is reduced by stopping even though it can proceed during the blue hour be able to.

  In the second invention, the blue time is adjusted when there is a traffic jam on the road in the traveling direction of the priority vehicle, and there is a vehicle train in front of the priority vehicle that prevents the priority vehicle from traveling. Especially when there is traffic jam, the waiting queue for the signal becomes long, and there is a high probability that the priority vehicle will have to stop before the predetermined position. At least until the required time elapses Will continue. Therefore, even when there is a high possibility that the traffic jam will occur and the front is clogged, the priority vehicle is reduced from stopping at a point other than the predetermined position, and an increase in the delay of the priority vehicle can be prevented. .

  In the third aspect of the invention, one of a plurality of traffic lights installed at a plurality of intersections including not only a traffic signal at an intersection existing at the beginning of a road in a traveling direction of a priority vehicle but also a traffic signal at an intersection existing thereafter. In part or all, the adjustment is performed so that the blue time continues at least until the required time has elapsed. As a result, the vehicle train ahead of the priority vehicle is not able to proceed even though the green light is displayed at the first existing intersection and it can proceed, but it is blocked by the vehicle congested ahead, As a result, a situation in which the priority vehicle cannot smoothly reach the predetermined position is avoided.

  In the fourth aspect of the invention, an upper limit is provided for the extension of the green time, so that the disruption of traffic flow is avoided, and when the priority vehicle cannot reach the predetermined position even if the blue time is continued to the upper limit, the green signal time Do not adjust. As a result, a situation in which a traffic jam occurs instead of the signal control that gives priority to the priority vehicle is avoided.

  In the fifth aspect of the invention, public transportation such as a route bus should operate regularly without delay, but the signal display at the intersection is controlled so that the front train will travel for the distance until the route bus arrives at the stop. Is done. As a result, it is possible for the route bus to get into the stop smoothly without being stopped by being caught in the signal waiting queue before the bus stop.

  In the case of the present invention, the signal display is controlled so that the traffic flow ahead of the priority vehicle flows at least until the priority vehicle arrives at a predetermined position before the stop line at the intersection at the front. Thereby, it is possible to arrive at the predetermined position without delay without being caught in the vehicle waiting for the signal at a point other than the predetermined position where the priority vehicle should be stopped and stopping. The priority vehicle increases the probability of stopping at a predetermined position while being displayed in red on the traffic light, so the probability of hindering the progress of the following vehicle in the blue hour can be stopped and the occurrence of traffic jams can be suppressed. It becomes possible.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of signal control by the traffic signal control device in the present embodiment. The schematic diagram of FIG. 1 represents a schematic top view of the traveling road of the route bus B. Reference numeral 1 in FIG. 1 denotes a traffic signal control device, which is installed in a traffic control center that is remote from the intersections C1 and C2. The traffic signal control device 1 may be realized by a traffic signal controller 4 installed on the roadside in the vicinity of the signal lamps 5 and 5 at the intersections C1 and C2. In FIG. 1, 2, 2,... Receive information transmitted from the in-vehicle devices 3, 3,... That are installed on the roadside and are mounted on each vehicle including the route bus B, and control traffic in the traffic control center. It is a communication device that transmits to the device 1 and the traffic signal controller 4. The communication devices 2, 2,... Are communicably connected to the traffic signal control device 1 via the network N. The communication devices 2, 2,... May be directly connected to the traffic signal controller 4. Moreover, it is good also as a structure by which communication is implement | achieved by radio | wireless communication between communication apparatus 2,2, ... and the traffic signal control apparatus 1. FIG. The traffic signal controllers 4, 4,... Control signal display such as blue light, yellow light, red light, blue arrow, etc. in the signal lamps 5, 5,. The traffic signal controllers 4, 4,... Are connected to the traffic signal control device 1 of the traffic control center, respectively.

  The traffic signal controllers 4, 4,... Basically receive a control signal transmitted when centralized control is executed by the traffic signal control device 1, and signals in the signal lamps 5, 5,. It is configured to control the display. And, when a priority vehicle such as a route bus indicated by B in FIG. 1 has entered the intersection, the entry of the priority vehicle is detected by a notification from a sensor (not shown) or a communication device 2, 2,. In order to preferentially pass through the intersection, control is performed so as to extend the time of the green light. For example, in the example shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 1, the traffic signal controller 4 that controls the signal display of the signal lamp 5 corresponding to the traveling direction of the route bus B at the intersection C <b> 1 detects the entry of the route bus B. If the green signal is displayed with, extend the green time. As a result, it is expected that the route bus B will smoothly pass through the intersection C1 and the regular operation without delay of the route bus B will be realized.

  However, before the route bus B in the schematic diagram of FIG. 1 passes through the intersection C1, the stop before the intersection C1, that is, before the stop line corresponding to the signal lamp 5 in the traveling direction of the route bus B at the intersection C1. You may be trying to stop at S. In this case, it is not necessarily prioritized that the route bus B passes through the intersection C1, and the signal display on the signal lamp 5 is not performed so as to prevent the route bus B from being stopped unnecessarily by waiting for a signal before the stop S. It is required to be controlled. In the example shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 1, the distance from the route bus B to the stop S is equivalent to four cars, and the signal lamp corresponding to the intersection C <b> 1 in the traveling direction remains the example of the schematic diagram of FIG. 1. When 5 shifts to the display of a yellow signal and a red signal, the route bus B stops uselessly just before the stop S. In this case, when the next green signal display is started, the route bus B stops at the stop S, and it may not be possible to pass the intersection C1 until the next green signal display is started. Can cause a delay. Further, since the next route bus B stops at the stop S when the display of the green signal is started next, the following vehicle of the route bus B even though the green signal is displayed by the signal lamp 5 in the traveling direction of the intersection C1. Can't progress, increasing traffic jams.

  Therefore, the traffic signal control device 1 in the present embodiment adjusts the blue time so that the green signal display in the signal lamp 5 corresponding to the traveling direction of the intersection C1 is continued at least until the route bus B arrives at the stop S. The intersection C1 is allowed to pass through the train in front of the route bus B.

  Further, in the example shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 1, a traffic jam occurs until the current position of the route bus B starts from the intersection C2 further ahead of the intersection C1 existing first in the traveling direction of the route bus B. ing. In this case, even if the green time is extended by the traffic signal controller 4 of the signal lamp 5 corresponding to the traveling direction of the route bus B at the intersection C1, the red light is displayed on the signal lamp 5 at the intersection C2. The train in front of route bus B cannot travel. Therefore, the route bus B cannot travel and cannot arrive at the stop S smoothly.

  Therefore, the traffic signal control device 1 according to the present embodiment is not only the signal lamp 5 at the intersection C1 that exists first in the traveling direction of the route bus B, but also the traveling direction of the route bus B at the intersection C2 that exists after the intersection C1. The blue time in the signal lamp 5 corresponding to is adjusted so that the blue time continues at least until the route bus B arrives at the stop S. As a result, the train in front of the route bus B travels, and the route bus B is expected to arrive at the stop S without stopping while the green light is displayed.

  In the example shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 1, the distance from the route bus B to the bus stop S is equivalent to four cars. In the traffic signal control device 1 according to the present embodiment, not only the blue hours at the signal lamp 5 corresponding to the traveling direction of the route bus B at the intersection C1, but also the signal lamp 5 corresponding to the traveling direction of the route bus B at the intersection C2. The blue time is also adjusted to continue until the time that the route bus B will arrive at the stop S. Thereby, the four cars in front of the route bus B can pass through the intersection C1. Therefore, the route bus B stops at the stop S immediately before the stop S without being caught in the signal waiting train, starts at the timing when the display of the next green light is started, passes through the intersection C1, and is scheduled without delay. The operation can be realized. In addition, since the blue time is adjusted so that at least the route bus B arrives at the stop S, the probability that the route bus B stops at the stop S during the yellow display and the red display increases. The probability of hindering the progress of the following vehicle on the route bus B during the blue display can be reduced, and an increase in traffic congestion can be expected.

  Below, the detail is demonstrated about the structure of the traffic signal control apparatus 1 for implement | achieving the above signal control. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the traffic signal control device 1, the communication device 2, the in-vehicle device 3, and the traffic signal controller 4 in the present embodiment.

  The in-vehicle device 3 is mounted on a vehicle and includes a control unit 30, a storage unit 31, a GPS reception unit 32, and a transmission unit 33. The control unit 30 controls each component. The storage unit 31 stores identification information (ID) for identifying the route bus B. The GPS receiving unit 32 has a function of receiving time information from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite.

  The control unit 30 of the in-vehicle device 3 calculates vehicle position information based on the time information received by the GPS receiving unit 32. Moreover, the control part 30 is comprised so that speed information may be acquired from the speed detection apparatus mounted in the vehicle. Then, the control unit 30 transmits the position information calculated based on the time information received by the GPS receiving unit 32 and the acquired speed information to the communication device 2 by the transmission unit 33 together with the vehicle identification information read from the storage unit 31. . The position information calculation timing and transmission timing at this time are set to a constant cycle, for example, every 100 milliseconds. The time information transmitted from the in-vehicle device 3 may not be the time information received by the GPS receiving unit 32. The in-vehicle device 3 is configured to include a time measuring unit that measures time at a predetermined frequency, measures an elapsed time from a predetermined reference time, and the control unit 30 acquires time information corresponding to the calculated position information from the time measuring unit. May be transmitted.

  The communication device 2 includes a control unit 20, a reception unit 21, and a transmission unit 22. The control unit 20 of the communication device 2 controls each component unit. The receiving unit 21 has a function of receiving vehicle identification information, position information, and speed information transmitted from the in-vehicle device 3. The transmitter 22 has a function of realizing communication with the traffic signal control device 1. The control unit 20 transmits the vehicle identification information, the position information, and the speed information received by the reception unit 21 to the traffic signal control device 1 by the transmission unit 22.

  The traffic signal controller 4 includes a control unit 40, a timer unit 41, a communication unit 42, and an output unit 43. The control unit 40 controls each component unit. The timer unit 41 measures time at a predetermined frequency, and the control unit 40 can acquire the time measured from the timer unit 41. The time acquired by the time measuring unit 41 may be an absolute time or an elapsed time from a predetermined reference time. The timer unit 41 may have a GPS reception function. The communication unit 42 has a function of realizing communication with the traffic signal control device 1 and accepts a signal switching instruction control signal transmitted from the traffic signal control device 1. When the output unit 43 receives a control signal from the communication unit 42, the control unit 40 outputs a control signal for starting signal display of the target color to the signal lamp 5 in response to the control signal. The control unit 40 may switch the signal display in the signal lamp 5 based on the time acquired from the time measuring unit 41. Signal control based on the control signal from the traffic signal control device 1 and acquisition from the time measuring unit 41. The signal control based on the time to be performed may be configured to be switchable. Moreover, the control part 40 receives the priority vehicle detection signal which shows having detected the approach to intersection C1, C2 of a priority vehicle from the communication apparatus 2,2, ... or the sensor which is not shown in figure via the communication part 42. FIG. When the priority vehicle detection signal is received by the communication unit 42, the control unit 40 is basically configured to extend the blue time by a predetermined time.

  The traffic signal control device 1 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 11, a temporary storage area 12, a timer unit 13, and a communication unit 14. The storage unit 11 stores a control program 1P that causes the computer to function as the traffic signal control device 1 according to the present invention. The temporary storage area 12 is used for temporarily storing information generated by the processing of the control unit 10. The timer unit 13 measures time at a predetermined frequency, and the control unit 10 can acquire the time measured from the timer unit 13. The time acquired by the time measuring unit 13 is an absolute time, but may be an elapsed time from a predetermined reference time. The timer unit 13 may have a function of correcting the time measured by itself by having a GPS reception function. The communication unit 14 has a function of realizing communication with the communication device 2 and the traffic signal controller 4, receives various information transmitted from the communication device 2, and transmits a control signal for switching signal display to the traffic signal controller 4. Send to. The control unit 10 reads out the control program 1P from the storage unit 11 to the temporary storage area 12 and executes it, so that the signal lamps 5, 5,... At the intersections C1, C2,. Is used to control the switching of the signal display at, and when the traveling of the route bus B is detected in the control target section, the process for adjusting the blue time at the signal lamps 5, 5,. Do.

  Next, details of the blue time adjustment process executed by the control unit 10 by reading and executing the control program 1P will be described with reference to a flowchart. 3 and 4 are flowcharts illustrating an example of a processing procedure in which the control unit 10 of the traffic signal control device 1 according to the present embodiment adjusts the blue time.

  The control unit 10 receives the identification information, the position information, and the speed information of the route bus B from the communication devices 2, 2,... Installed on the road side of the approach path to the intersections C1, C2 by the communication unit 14. It is determined whether or not it has been acquired (step S101). When the control unit 10 determines that the identification information, the position information, and the speed information of the route bus B are not acquired (S101: NO), the process returns to step S101.

  When it is determined that the identification information, the position information, and the speed information of the route bus B have been acquired (S101: YES), the control unit 10 stores the acquired information in the storage unit 11 or the temporary storage area 12 (step S102). . Based on the received identification information and position information of the route bus B, the control unit 10 determines whether the route bus B is a bus scheduled to stop at the stop S, and determines that the bus is scheduled to stop. In such a case, the following processing may be continued.

  Based on the received position information, the control unit 10 determines whether the current position of the route bus B or the road in the traveling direction is congested (step S103). Whether or not there is a traffic jam is determined by measuring the occupancy rate of the road with a vehicle detector installed on the road and determining whether or not there is a traffic jam based on the measured occupancy rate. Alternatively, the control unit 10 may make a determination based on road traffic information acquired from another device via the network N. Further, it may be determined whether the route bus B is congested based on position information or speed information at a plurality of past points in time. For example, when the average speed of the route bus B within the past minute is equal to or less than a reference speed (for example, 10 kilometers / hour), the control unit 10 determines that the traffic is being congested.

  When determining that the current position of the route bus B or the road in the traveling direction is not congested (S103: NO), the control unit 10 returns the process to step S101. When the control unit 10 determines that the route bus B is entering the intersections C1 and C2 when determining that the route is not congested, the traffic signal corresponding to the traveling direction of the route bus B at the intersections C1 and C2 is detected. Under the control of each of the controllers 4 and 4, basic control for extending the blue time of the signal lamp 5 is performed.

  When the control unit 10 determines that the current position of the route bus B or the road in the traveling direction is congested (S103: YES), the intersections C1, C2 existing from the current position of the route bus B to the beginning of the congestion section ,..., CN are selected (step S104). At this time, the control unit 10 may specify a route of the route bus B based on the identification information of the route bus B, and may select a plurality of intersections existing in a traffic jam section in the specified route. At this time, it is desirable to select a plurality of intersections existing in a traffic jam section including the periphery of the specified route. Then, the control unit 10 calculates an estimated required time T from the current position and speed of the route bus B to the stop S where the route bus B is scheduled to stop (step S105).

  Next, the control unit 10 extends the green signal extension times ΔG1, ΔG2,..., GN of the respective signal lamps 5, 5,... Corresponding to the traveling directions of the buses at the intersections C1, C2,. Is calculated. Therefore, the control unit 10 substitutes “1” for the intersection number i (step S106), and starts calculation from the extended time at the intersection C1.

  Then, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the signal lamp 5 corresponding to the traveling direction of the route bus B at the intersection Ci is currently displaying a green signal (step S107). The control part 10 complete | finishes a process, when it is judged that the signal lamp 5 corresponding to the advancing direction of the route bus B in the intersection Ci is not already a green signal display (S107: NO). If at least one of the signal lamps 5, 5,... At the intersections C1, C2,..., CN selected in step S104 is not already displayed with a green signal, the traffic flow is disrupted when the signal lamp 5 is suddenly displayed with a green signal. This is because there is little effect even if the blue time is extended with other signal lamps 5, 5,.

  When the control unit 10 determines that the signal lamp 5 corresponding to the traveling direction of the route bus B at the intersection Ci is currently displaying a green signal (S107: YES), the remaining time RGi of the blue time in the signal lamp 5 is a step. Whether or not the extension is necessary is determined based on whether or not the estimated required time T calculated in S105 is exceeded (step S108).

  When it is determined that the remaining time RGi of the blue time of the signal lamp 5 at the intersection Ci is equal to or longer than the estimated required time T (S108: YES), the control unit 10 does not need to extend, so the extension time ΔGi is zero (ΔGi = 0) (step S109), 1 is added to the intersection number i (i = i + 1) in order to calculate the extension time for the blue time at the next intersection (step S110).

  Then, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the intersection number i is greater than the number N of the selected intersections C1, C2,... CN (step S111). When the intersection number i is equal to or less than the number N of intersections C1, C2,... (CN) (S111: NO), the control unit 10 returns to the processing step S107 and extends the blue time in the signal lamp 5 at the next intersection Ci. The process which calculates is performed.

  When the control unit 10 determines in step S108 that the remaining time RGi of the blue time of the signal lamp 5 at the intersection Ci is less than the predicted required time T (S108: NO), it needs to be extended, but the predicted required time After T has elapsed, whether or not the extension time Gmaxi is within the extension time Gmaxi of the blue light at the traffic light 5 at the intersection Ci, that is, the estimated required time T is added to the remaining time RGi of the green time at the traffic light 5 at the intersection Ci. It is determined whether or not the time is shorter (step S112). If the control unit 10 determines that the predicted time T is out of the extension limit Gmaxi of the blue time in the signal lamp 5 at the intersection Ci (S112: NO), the process ends. This is because if the green time is extended unnecessarily in the signal lamp 5 at the intersection Ci, the traffic flow may be disrupted, and further, the extension of the blue time in other signal lamps 5, 5,. .

  When the controller 10 determines that the estimated required time T has elapsed within the extension limit Gmaxi of the blue time in the signal lamp 5 at the intersection Ci (S112: YES), the controller 10 determines the extended time ΔGi as the estimated required time T and the blue time. Is calculated by the difference (ΔGi = T−RGi) with respect to the remaining time RGi (step S113), the process proceeds to step S110 and step S111, and the process of calculating the extension time for the blue time at the next intersection is performed.

  When the control unit 10 determines in step S111 that the intersection number i is greater than the number N of intersections C1, C2,... CN (S111: YES), the signal lamps 5, 5 at the intersections C1, C2,. ,... Are extended by the calculated extension times ΔG1, ΔG2,..., ΔGN, respectively (step S114), and the process is terminated.

  Thus, the blue time at the signal lamps 5, 5,... At the respective intersections C1, C2,... CN is adjusted so as to continue at least after the estimated required time T at which the route bus B arrives at the stop S. Accordingly, it is expected that the green time will continue at least until the route bus B arrives at the stop S, the train in front of the route bus B proceeds, and the route bus B arrives at the stop S smoothly. .. Are adjusted in series in the signal lamps 5, 5,... Not only from the first intersection C1 that exists next on the road on which the route bus B is traveling, but also from the beginning of the traffic jam section to the next intersection C1. Therefore, when there is a traffic jam in which the train is stagnating in front of the route bus B, the route bus B is at least a stop even when the train in front of the route bus B is likely to be long and clogged ahead. You can arrive at S. As described above, even if a traffic jam occurs, the delay of the route bus B is reduced, and a regular operation without a delay can be realized.

  A specific example will be described in which the control unit 10 of the traffic signal control device 1 performs control for effectively adjusting the green time by executing the processing procedure shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a content example of signal control by the traffic signal control device 1 according to the present embodiment.

  On the left side of the explanatory diagram of FIG. 5, a schematic top view of the traveling road of the route bus B is represented, and the traffic jam section is distinguished and indicated by oblique lines. As shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 5, there are intersections C1, C2 and C3 downstream in the traveling direction of the route bus B, but congestion occurs in the section to the intersection C3. Then, the route bus B stops at the stop S existing upstream from the stop line corresponding to the signal lamp 5 in the traveling direction of the route bus B at the intersection C1.

  Further, on the right side of the explanatory diagram of FIG. 5, the current position at the present time is the zero point of the coordinates, the horizontal axis indicates the passage of time, the vertical axis indicates the position, the travel prediction of the route bus B is indicated by a broken line, The signal display timing of each color at the intersections C1, C2 and C3 is shown in time series. In addition, the timing of signal display of each color at each intersection C1, C2, and C3 shows the case of normal control in the upper stage, and shows the case where the blue time is adjusted by the control unit 10 of the traffic control device 1 in the lower stage.

  As shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 5, when the route bus B is traveling in a traffic jam section starting from the stop line at the intersection C <b> 3, it is transmitted from the route bus B by the control unit 10 of the traffic signal control device 1. The current position of the route bus B is specified based on the position information and the speed information, and it is determined that the current position of the route bus B or the road section in the traveling direction is congested. Then, the control unit 10 selects the intersections C1, C2, and C3 existing from the current position of the route bus B to the intersection C3 corresponding to the head of the traffic jam section. Further, the control unit 10 calculates the estimated required time T until the route bus B arrives at the stop S from the current position and speed of the route bus B.

  In this case, when the signal display at each of the intersections C1, C2, and C3 is normally controlled as shown in the upper stage of each, the start of the yellow light at the intersection C3 and before the predicted required time T has elapsed. The train line ahead of the route bus B stops at the time point, and it is highly likely that the route bus B will stop before the stop S even though the signal display at the intersection C1 shows a green light. Conceivable.

  On the other hand, the control unit 10 of the traffic signal control device 1 adds the upper limit time Gmax1 to the remaining time RG1 of the blue time after the estimated required time T has elapsed, for the extension time ΔG1 for the blue light at the traffic light 5 at the intersection C1. Since it is smaller than the time, it is calculated from the difference between the predicted required time T and the remaining time RG1 of the blue time. Similarly, the extension times ΔG1 and ΔG2 for the blue hours at the signal lamps 5 and 5 at the intersections C2 and C3 are respectively the difference between the estimated required time T and the remaining time RG2 of the blue time, and the estimated required time T and the blue time. It is calculated from the difference from the remaining time RG2. As a result, the blue hours of the signal lamps 5, 5, and 5 at the respective intersections C1, C2, and C3 are extended by the extension times ΔG1, ΔG2, and ΔG3, respectively, and adjusted so as to continue from the current time until the predicted required time T has elapsed. .

  As a result, each vehicle train included in the traffic jam starting from the intersection C3 can proceed with a green light until the estimated required time T has elapsed. Therefore, the train line existing up to the stop line corresponding to the traffic signal at the first intersection C3 in the traffic jam section in the traveling direction of the route bus B is ahead by the distance between the current position of the route bus B and the position of the stop S. Expected to proceed to The route bus B is predicted to arrive at the stop S after the estimated required time T has elapsed unless the preceding vehicle stops. As described above, each vehicle train can proceed with a green light, resulting in congestion. Even in this case, the route bus B can smoothly arrive at the stop S without being obstructed by the stop of the preceding vehicle train, and the delay of the route bus B can be reduced. At least until the route bus B arrives at the stop S, the blue time is adjusted so that the route bus B stops at the stop S during the yellow display and red display, and the next blue display There is a high possibility that the route bus B can start. Thereby, useless stops can be reduced and an increase in delay of the route bus B can be prevented. In addition, the probability that the route bus B stops at each stop during the yellow display and the red display can be increased, and the probability of hindering the subsequent vehicle on the route bus B during the blue display can be reduced. It is also possible to prevent the increase.

  Note that the control unit 10 of the traffic signal control device 1 does not continue the blue time until the estimated required time T has elapsed, but is adjusted to continue for a predetermined time α in addition to the estimated required time T within the upper limit time limit. May be.

  It is indispensable about the determination processing of whether or not the traffic is jammed and the selection processing of the intersection existing before the head of the traffic jam section shown in step S103 in the processing procedure shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 4 in the present embodiment. Absent. You may comprise so that the blue display of the signal in the intersection included within the predetermined distance from the running route bus B may be adjusted irrespective of whether it is traffic jam. However, when there is no traffic jam, the traffic signal controllers 4, 4,... That control the signal lamps 5, 5,... At each intersection are controlled by each control until at least the route bus B arrives at the stop S. It may be adjusted so that time continues. However, when a traffic jam occurs, it is necessary to control the signal lights 5, 5,... In the present invention, since the blue signals in the plurality of signal lamps 5, 5,... Are similarly adjusted so as to continue until the estimated required time T elapses, it is expected to be particularly effective when a traffic jam occurs.

  Further, in the present embodiment, it has been described that signal control is performed by taking a bus and a stop where the bus should stop as an example of a priority vehicle. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be another public transport that travels on a road together with a normal vehicle, such as a tram, etc., and is effective in realizing regular operation without delay of the public transport.

  The disclosed embodiments 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 schematic diagram which shows the outline | summary of the signal control by the traffic signal control apparatus in this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the traffic signal control apparatus in this Embodiment, a communication apparatus, a vehicle-mounted apparatus, and a traffic signal controller. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence in which the control part of the traffic signal control apparatus in this Embodiment adjusts blue time. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence in which the control part of the traffic signal control apparatus in this Embodiment adjusts blue time. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the content of the signal control by the traffic signal control apparatus in this Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Traffic signal control apparatus 10 Control part 11 Memory | storage part 1P Control program 4 Traffic signal control machine 5 Signal lamp B Route bus (priority vehicle)
S stop (predetermined position)
C1, C2, ... Intersection

Claims (7)

In the traffic signal control device for controlling the signal display in the traffic light installed at the intersection based on the position information of the priority vehicle traveling on the approach road to the intersection,
Calculating means for calculating a time required for the priority vehicle to arrive at a predetermined position before the intersection;
A traffic signal control device comprising: a green time adjusting means for adjusting a green time of a traffic light for an approach road on which the priority vehicle is running so as to continue at least until the required time has elapsed. Means for acquiring traffic jam information on the road in the traveling direction of the priority vehicle,
The traffic signal control device according to claim 1, wherein when a traffic jam occurs on the road, the blue time is adjusted by the blue time adjusting means. The green time adjusting means adjusts the blue time of a part or all of traffic lights installed at a plurality of intersections existing on a road in a traveling direction of the priority vehicle. The traffic signal control apparatus according to 1 or 2. The traffic light has a set upper limit time of blue time,
Determining means for determining whether or not a time until the required time calculated by the calculating means exceeds the extension upper limit time;
The traffic signal control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the green time adjusting means is adjusted when it is determined that the determining means does not exceed. The traffic signal control device according to claim 1, wherein the priority vehicle is a route bus, and the predetermined position is a bus stop. In a computer program for causing a computer to control signal display of a traffic light installed at an intersection based on position information of a priority vehicle traveling on an approach road to the intersection,
Computer
A calculating means for calculating a time required until the priority vehicle arrives at a predetermined position before the intersection; and
A computer program that functions as a green time adjusting means for adjusting so that a green time of a traffic light for an approach road on which the priority vehicle is traveling continues at least until the required time has elapsed. In the traffic signal control method for controlling the signal display of the traffic light installed at the intersection based on the position information of the priority vehicle traveling on the approach road to the intersection,
Calculate the time required for the priority vehicle to arrive at a predetermined position before the intersection,
The traffic signal control method, wherein the green time of the traffic light for the approach road on which the priority vehicle is traveling is adjusted so as to continue at least until the required time elapses.

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