JP2011227853A - Traffic signal control unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a traffic signal control unit capable of switching the color of a light of a signal lamp unit at an appropriate timing by a simple manual operating operation.SOLUTION: A manual operating section 9 has an operation button for permitting walk in response to a manual operation. Each time the operation button is pressed, the manual operating section 9 outputs an operation signal to a manual operation control section 10. Upon reception of an operation signal form the manual operating section 9, the manual operation control section 10 outputs a count-up command to step counters 7 and 8 based on step information input via an indicator memory reading circuit 12. The step counters 7 and 8 measure steps based on the count-up command output from the manual operation control section 10. Based on step signals output from the step counters 7 and 8, the indicator memory reading circuit 12 reads step information stored in the indicator memory 11, and outputs the color of light to each signal lamp based on the read step information.

Description

  The present invention relates to a traffic signal controller that switches the color of a plurality of signal lamps.

  The traffic signal controller switches the lamp color of each signal lamp on the basis of step color information including the lamp color information for determining the lamp color of each signal lamp and the display time of each lamp color for each step (floor). And the traffic signal controller is provided with the step counter for performing the step operation which advances each step in order. The traffic signal controller also has a function of stepping by manual operation in order to maintain smooth traffic even when there is an abnormality such as a failure (see Patent Document 1).

  Moreover, the conventional traffic signal controller has only one step counter. For this reason, in the conventional traffic signal controller, it was necessary to light up the color of the up and down signal lamps at the same timing. Therefore, a traffic signal controller that has a plurality of step counters and can perform real-time signal control according to the traffic situation of each inflow path at the intersection by independently performing uplink and downlink signal control has been studied. Yes.

JP 2003-331385 A

  However, in a traffic signal controller equipped with a plurality of step counters, when manually switching the color of each signal lamp in the event of an abnormality, operation buttons (switches) for the number of step counters are provided, Thus, it is necessary to individually perform an operation for manual stepping (for example, an operation of pressing an operation button for manual stepping). However, in order to achieve a balanced display time of the color of each signal lamp, there is a problem that it is necessary to perform the manual step operation in order and the operation becomes very complicated.

  As a method for avoiding such a complicated operation, for example, only one operation button is provided, and a single operation button is used to advance simultaneously to a plurality of step counters. It is also possible. However, when the light-colored step with a long display time and the light-colored step with a short display time overlap at the same timing, when performing a manual step operation and stepping each light-colored step simultaneously, When the display time of one of the lamp colors becomes too short or the display time becomes too long, there is a problem that the lamp color of each signal lamp cannot be manually advanced at an appropriate timing. . Hereinafter, this problem will be specifically described.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an intersection, and FIG. 13 is a current floor plan as an example of up and down of a conventional traffic signal controller. As shown in FIG. 12, with respect to a vehicle traveling in the upward direction (N direction in the figure), the light color of the signal lamp is 1G (blue arrow that can go straight and turn left), 1Y (yellow), and 1R (red) is doing. Further, for a vehicle traveling in a downward direction (S direction in the figure), the signal lamps are exemplified by 1G (blue arrow that can go straight and turn left), 1Y (yellow), and 1R (red). Other signal lamps and lamp colors are omitted for the sake of simplicity. FIG. 14 shows the state of each step at normal time.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the step counter has two types, upstream (N direction) and downstream (S direction). For the ascending direction (N direction), steps (levels) 1, 2, and 3 are illustrated. In step 1 in the N direction, 1G (blue arrow that can go straight and turn left) and 1R (red, indicated by a double line in the figure) are lit, and in step 2, 1Y (yellow, indicated by a broken line in the figure) is lit (1G is unlit), and in step 3, 1R (red) is lit. Further, steps (tiers) 1, 2, and 3 are illustrated for the down (S direction). In step 1 in the S direction, 1G (blue arrow that can go straight and turn left) and 1R (red, indicated by a double line in the figure) are lit, and 1Y (yellow, indicated by a broken line in the figure) is lit in step 2. Step 3 indicates that 1R (red) is lit.

  For example, at the time of switching when the step counter in the N direction indicates step 1 and the step counter in the S direction switches from step 1 to step 2, as shown in FIG. It can be seen that yellow (1Y) Step 2 with a short display time overlaps at the same timing. It is assumed that manual stepping operation is performed after this switching time.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a manual stepping operation is performed by paying attention to a green light with a conventional traffic signal controller. As shown in FIG. 14, an operator who performs a manual stepping operation, for example, pays attention to the display time of the blue arrow 1G so that the vehicle in the N direction can sufficiently turn, and the display time of the blue arrow 1G is, for example, When a manual stepping operation is performed after about 20 seconds have elapsed from the switching time so that the step time becomes 20 seconds, stepping commands are sent to the step counters in both the N direction and the S direction. The counter is switched from step 1 to 2, and the step counter in the S direction is switched from step 2 to step 3. In this case, since the display time of yellow (1Y) in the S direction is too long, the driver of the vehicle in the S direction who normally thinks that yellow is short may be confused.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a manual stepping operation is performed by paying attention to a yellow signal with a conventional traffic signal controller. As shown in FIG. 15, an operator who performs a manual stepping operation, for example, in the S direction so that the vehicle traveling in the S direction is surely stopped and the yellow display is long and does not confuse the driver of the vehicle. Pay attention to the display time of yellow 1Y, and when the manual stepping operation is performed after about 5 seconds from the switching time so that the display time of yellow 1Y is 5 seconds, for example, both the N direction and the S direction Since the step command is sent to the step counter, the step counter in the N direction is switched from step 1 to step 2, and the step counter in the S direction is switched from step 2 to step 3. In this case, since the display time of the blue arrow (1G) in the N direction is too short, the vehicle in the N direction cannot be run sufficiently, and there is a risk of causing traffic jam in the N direction.

  As described above, when a plurality of step counters are stepped by one manual stepping operation button (switch), there is a problem that the color of the signal lamp cannot be switched at an appropriate timing.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a traffic signal controller capable of switching the color of a signal lamp at an appropriate timing by a simple manual operation.

  A traffic signal controller according to a first aspect of the present invention is a traffic signal controller that switches the color of a plurality of signal lamps for each step, and a storage unit that stores step information including the lamp color for each step of the plurality of signal lamps; An operation unit that accepts a manual stepping operation for switching the lamp color and steps of the plurality of signal lamps are individually specified sequentially, and the steps are stepped based on the manual stepping operation accepted by the operation unit. A control unit that controls, when the light color of the designated step is a predetermined light color, when the manual step operation is accepted by the operation unit, the control unit proceeds to the next step. When stepping is controlled and the lamp color of the specified step is a lamp color other than the predetermined lamp color, when a manual stepping operation is accepted by the operation unit, the step is switched to the step. The After a predetermined time, characterized in that the step is arranged to control so as to increment to the next step.

  The traffic signal controller according to a second aspect of the present invention is the traffic signal controller according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the control unit is configured to perform a plurality of step designation units for sequentially designating the steps of the plurality of signal lamps and a manual step operation accepted by the operation unit. And a command output unit that outputs a command to designate the next step to the step designation unit, and the command output unit commands the step designation unit to designate the next step. The step specifying unit is configured to specify the next step based on a command output from the command output unit. To do.

  The traffic signal controller according to a third aspect of the present invention is the traffic signal controller according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the control unit is configured to perform a plurality of step designating units for sequentially designating the steps of the plurality of signal lamps and a manual stepping operation received by the operation unit And a command output unit that outputs a command to designate the next step to the step designation unit, and the command output unit commands the step designation unit to designate the next step. The step designating unit determines whether the command output from the command output unit is valid or invalid, and designates the next step when it is determined to be valid. It is configured as described above.

  The traffic signal controller according to a fourth invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to third inventions, the predetermined lamp color is blue or red immediately before a blue signal.

  In the first invention, a storage unit that stores step information including lamp colors for each step of the plurality of signal lamps, an operation unit that receives a manual stepping operation for switching the lamp colors, and a plurality of signal lamps A control unit that sequentially specifies the steps individually and controls stepping based on the manual stepping operation received by the operation unit. The control unit controls the step to advance to the next step when a manual step operation is accepted by the operation unit when the light color of the specified step is a predetermined light color. Yes, when the lamp color of the specified step is a lamp color other than the predetermined lamp color, when a manual stepping operation is accepted by the operation unit, after switching to the step, Control the step to step to the next step. For example, the control unit outputs a command for designating the next step to the step designating unit based on a plurality of step designating units that sequentially designate the steps of the plurality of signal lamps and the received manual stepping operation. A command output unit can be used.

  The step designating unit (control unit) is, for example, a step counter that designates (shows) the current step, and advances from the current step to the next step in response to the designation output from the command output unit. (Specify the next step). The step designation unit includes a plurality of step designation units, for example, one that switches the color of each signal lamp corresponding to the up direction of the intersection, and one that switches the color of each signal lamp corresponding to the down direction.

  The command output unit (control unit), when a step of a predetermined light color is specified by the step specification unit, and when a manual stepping operation is accepted by the operation unit, performs the next step for the step specification unit. Output a command to specify. In addition, when the command output unit (control unit) designates a step of a light color other than a predetermined light color in the step designation unit, when a manual stepping operation is accepted in the operation unit, the command output unit (control unit) is switched to the step. After a predetermined time has elapsed, a command is output to the step designating unit to designate the next step. The predetermined lamp color is, for example, blue (including a blue arrow). For example, when the lamp color of a step specified by one step specifying unit is blue (including a blue arrow) and the lamp color of a step specified by another step specifying unit is yellow, an operation for performing a manual stepping operation When a member pays attention to the green light and performs a manual stepping operation at a timing necessary for smooth traffic flow control, the command output unit switches the green light at the timing of the manual stepping operation. In addition, a step specified by another step specifying unit is switched to the next step after a predetermined time has elapsed (including the elapsed time). In this way, the green signal lighting (display) time required to achieve a smooth traffic flow can be set to a desired time, and the light color of the signal lamp can be switched at an appropriate timing with a simple manual operation. Can do. Also, for those that do not require special display time adjustment, such as a yellow signal, automatic stepping is performed instead of manual stepping operation, which makes manual operation easier and appropriate only with simple manual operation. It is possible to switch the light color of the signal lamp at an appropriate timing.

  In addition, for example, when the lamp color of the step specified by one step specifying unit and the other step specifying unit is blue (including a blue arrow) which is a predetermined lamp color, a manual stepping operation is performed by the operation unit. When accepted, the command output unit outputs a command to designate the next step to the one step designating unit and the other step designating unit at the timing of the manual stepping operation. In addition, when the step color designated by one step designation unit and the other step designation unit is not a predetermined color, when the manual step operation is accepted by the operation unit, the command output unit In advance operation timing, a command is not output to the one step designating unit and the other step designating unit to specify the next step. A command to designate the next step to the one step designating unit and the other step designating unit.

  In the second invention, the control unit performs the following on the step designating unit based on the plurality of step designating units for sequentially designating the steps of the plurality of signal lamps and the manual step operation accepted by the operation unit. A command output unit that outputs a command to specify a step. The command output unit is configured to determine whether or not to output a command to specify the next step with respect to the step specifying unit, and the step specifying unit is based on the command output from the command output unit, Specify the next step. That is, the control unit is configured by a plurality of step designating units and a command output unit, and step control can be performed according to whether or not the command output unit outputs a command.

  In the third invention, the control unit performs the following on the step designating unit based on the plurality of step designating units that sequentially designate the steps of the plurality of signal lamps and the manual step operation received by the operation unit. A command output unit that outputs a command to specify a step. The command output unit outputs a command for designating the next step to the step designating unit, and the step designating unit determines whether the command output from the command output unit is valid or invalid. If it is determined to be valid, the next step is designated. That is, the control unit is composed of a plurality of step designation units and a command output unit, the command output unit outputs a command to the step designation unit, and the step designation unit determines whether the command is valid or invalid. Then, stepping control can be performed according to the determination.

  In the fourth invention, the predetermined lamp color is blue or red immediately before the blue signal. Thereby, the display time of a green signal can be adjusted to desired time. In addition, when the predetermined lamp color is red immediately before blue, that is, a red signal that lights up immediately before the blue signal, the display time of the red signal can be adjusted to a desired time (for example, a long time), For example, it is possible to pass an emergency vehicle safely.

  According to the present invention, the lighting time of a green light necessary for realizing a smooth traffic flow can be set to a desired time, and the lamp color of a signal lamp can be switched at an appropriate timing with a simple manual operation. it can.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the traffic signal controller which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the intersection where the signal lamp device controlled by the traffic signal controller which concerns on this Embodiment was installed. It is a presenting floor plan as an example which the traffic signal controller concerning this embodiment uses. It is a presenting floor plan as an example which the traffic signal controller concerning this embodiment uses. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the step information which the traffic signal controller which concerns on this Embodiment uses. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the step information which the traffic signal controller which concerns on this Embodiment uses. It is explanatory drawing which shows a part of step information for demonstrating operation | movement of the traffic signal controller which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a time chart which shows the operation example 1 of the traffic signal controller which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a time chart which shows the operation example 2 of the traffic signal controller which concerns on this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows a part of step information for demonstrating operation | movement of the traffic signal controller which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a time chart which shows the operation example 3 of the traffic signal controller which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of an intersection. It is the present | indicated floor plan as an example of the going up and down of the conventional traffic signal controller. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example at the time of performing manual step operation paying attention to a green signal with the conventional traffic signal controller. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example at the time of performing manual step operation paying attention to a yellow signal with the conventional traffic signal controller.

  Hereinafter, a traffic signal controller according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the traffic signal controller 100 according to the present embodiment. The traffic signal controller 100 includes a CPU 1, a CPU interface 2, a clock circuit 3, timer circuits 4 and 5, a step synchronization circuit 6, a manual operation unit 9 as an operation unit that receives a manual stepping operation for switching the lamp color, a signal light A control unit 20 that controls the step (step, step, etc.) corresponding to the lamp color of the vessel, a display memory 11 as a storage unit that stores step information, a display memory reading circuit 12, and the like are provided. Further, the control unit 20 sequentially specifies (shows) the steps corresponding to the lamp colors of the signal lamps (steps 7 and 8 as a plurality of step specifying units), for the step specifying units. A manual control unit 10 is provided as a command output unit that outputs a command (count-up command) to designate the next step.

  The CPU 1 is a lamp color switching timing signal based on step information that determines the lamp color switching timing (step advance) corresponding to each step (step) of each signal lamp through the CPU interface 2. A step command is sent to the step counters 7 and 8. The step command is a command to advance the current display to the next level (advance the step to the next step). Note that the lamp color switching timing indicated by the lamp color information is appropriately changed by, for example, sensitive control for sensing the traffic situation of each road that intersects at an intersection. Details of the step information will be described later.

  The timer circuits 4 and 5 are driven based on the clock signal output from the clock circuit 3 and output a setting signal for setting a unit time (time length of each step) of the step (step) to the step counters 7 and 8. .

  The step counters 7 and 8 sequentially specify the steps of the signal lamps independently of each other based on the step command sent from the CPU 1. Specifically, the step counters 7 and 8 time steps independently from each other based on a step command sent from the CPU 1 and generate step signals. The step counters 7 and 8 output the generated step signal to the display memory reading circuit 12. Further, the step counters 7 and 8 time steps based on the setting signals output from the timer circuits 4 and 5. In addition, the step counters 7 and 8 time steps based on a count-up command (command) output from the manual control unit 10. Note that counting a step means sequentially stepping to the next step while pointing to the current step.

  The step synchronization circuit 6 outputs a synchronization signal to the step counters 7 and 8 when it is necessary to synchronize the step signals output from the step counters 7 and 8, respectively.

  The manual operation unit 9 is used when the lamp color of the signal lamp is switched by manual operation when the CPU 1 is abnormal. The manual operation unit 9 includes operation buttons (switches) for performing manual stepping. Each time the operation button is pressed, the manual operation unit 9 outputs an operation signal to the manual control unit 10. Moreover, when performing manual operation, it is not only performed according to traffic conditions, but a police officer may perform manual operation in order to respond to an event. As an event, for example, when a vehicle on which a national custodian or a clerk rides is allowed to pass without stopping at an intersection, traffic control is performed when a marathon or an accident occurs.

  When receiving the operation signal from the manual operation unit 9, the manual control unit 10 outputs a count-up command (command) to the step counters 7 and 8 based on the step information input via the current memory reading circuit 12. . The manual control unit 10 may output a count-up command to only one of the step counters 7 and 8 and may not output a count-up command to the other depending on the content of the step information. That is, the manual control unit 10 determines whether or not to output a count-up command to the step counters 7 and 8, and counts up to the step counters 7 and 8 according to the determination result. Is output.

  The display memory reading circuit 12 reads the step information stored in the display memory 11 based on the step signals output from the step counters 7 and 8, and lights the signal lamps according to the read step information. Output.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an intersection where a signal lamp controlled by the traffic signal controller 100 according to the present embodiment is installed. As shown in FIG. 2, for the vehicle heading in the traveling direction N1, the color of the signal lamp is N1G (straight blue arrow and left turn blue arrow), N1A (right turn blue arrow), N1Y (yellow), N1R. (Red), N1AY (yellow after the blue arrow is turned off), N1AR (red after the blue arrow is turned off).

  In addition, for the vehicle heading in the traveling direction N2, the light color of the signal lamp is N2G (straight blue arrow and left turn blue arrow), N2A (right turn blue arrow), N2Y (yellow), N2R (red), N2AY. (Yellow after the blue arrow goes off), N2AR (Red after the blue arrow goes off).

  In addition, for the vehicle heading in the traveling direction S1, the light color of the signal lamp is S1G (straight blue arrow and left turn blue arrow), S1A (right turn blue arrow), S1Y (yellow), S1R (red), S1AY. (Yellow after the blue arrow turns off), S1AR (Red after the blue arrow goes off).

  In addition, for the vehicle heading in the traveling direction S2, the color of the signal lamp is S2G (straight forward blue arrow and left turn blue arrow), S2A (right turn blue arrow), S2Y (yellow), S2R (red), S2AY. (Yellow after the blue arrow turns off), S2AR (Red after the blue arrow goes off).

  In FIG. 2, for example, the N1 direction can be up and the S1 direction can be down. The up and down are not limited and can be determined as appropriate.

  3 and 4 are current floor plans as an example used by the traffic signal controller 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 shows steps (stages) measured by the step counter 7 and each signal lamp, and FIG. 4 shows steps (stages) measured by the step counter 8 and each signal lamp. In the figure, the lamp color information (N1Y etc.) is as described above. In the figure, double lines represent red display, and broken lines represent yellow display. The arrow in the circle represents a blue arrow. Also, the flowchart represents the direction in which the vehicle can travel.

  For example, in FIG. 3, in steps 1, 2, and 3, traffic control is performed on the vehicle in the traveling direction N1, and in steps 4, 5, and 6, traffic control is performed on the vehicle in the traveling direction S1, and steps 7, 8, and 9 are performed. Then, traffic control for the vehicle in the traveling direction N2 is performed, and in steps 10, 11, and 12, traffic control for the vehicle in the traveling direction S2 is performed. Similarly, in FIG. 4, in steps 1, 2, and 3, traffic control for the vehicle in the traveling direction S1 is performed, and in steps 4, 5, and 6, traffic control for the vehicle in the traveling direction N1 is performed, and steps 7, 8, and In 9, the traffic control for the vehicle in the traveling direction S2 is performed, and in steps 10, 11, and 12, the traffic control for the vehicle in the traveling direction N2 is performed. In this way, the step counters 7 and 8 function to perform uplink and downlink traffic control independently of each other.

  5 and 6 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of step information used by the traffic signal controller 100 according to the present embodiment. 5 corresponds to FIG. 3 and is timed by the step counter 7, and FIG. 6 corresponds to FIG. 4 and is timed by the step counter 8. Step information includes lamp color information indicating the state of each lamp color (lit or extinguished) for each step, the standard display seconds (standard display time), the shortest display seconds (shortest display time), and the longest display seconds for each step. Each information includes (longest display time), floor type, automatic progress flag, and the like.

  The reference display seconds are, for example, display seconds employed in normal traffic conditions. The shortest display seconds is the lower limit of the display seconds indicating the allowable range when the display seconds are shortened by sensitive control etc., and the longest display seconds are the allowable range when extending the display seconds. This is the upper limit value of the displayed seconds.

  For example, according to the length of the standard display seconds, the floor type is divided into long, middle, short, etc. The short ladder indicates the short display seconds, and the long ladder indicates the long display seconds. The middle level indicates a level whose display seconds are between the long level and the short level.

  For example, the automatic step refers to automatically stepping to the next step after the display time of a certain step has elapsed. The automatic progress flag indicates whether or not automatic progress is being performed. For example, if the automatic step flag is 1, it is an automatic step, and if the automatic step flag is 0, it is not an automatic step. When manually switching the light color of the signal lamp (in the case of manual stepping), if the automatic stepping flag is 0, the current step is maintained unless a manual stepping operation is performed. On the other hand, if the automatic step flag is 1, if the manual step operation is not performed before the reference display time elapses, the next step is automatically performed after the reference display time elapses (including the elapsed time). Go to (step forward).

  A command for automatic stepping can be output by the manual control unit 10, but is not limited to this, and automatic stepping is performed using setting signals output from the timer circuits 4 and 5. It can also be done.

  Next, the operation | movement by the manual control part 10 of the traffic signal controller 100 which concerns on this Embodiment is demonstrated. The following operation is an explanation when the step is performed manually. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a part of step information for explaining the operation of the traffic signal controller 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 shows only steps 8 and 9 out of the steps counted by the step counter 7 and only steps 7, 8 and 9 among the steps counted by the step counter 8 in order to facilitate the explanation of the operation. Is extracted. That is, at the intersection shown in FIG. 2, the signal lamp for the vehicle whose traveling direction is N2 and the signal lamp for the vehicle whose traveling direction is S2 will be described. The example of FIG. 7 shows an example of the result of adjusting the display time of the step of the signal lamp according to the traffic situation of the intersection, and the display time is different from the examples of FIGS. 5 and 6. In step 8 timed by the step counter 7, the automatic step flag is set to 1, and automatic step is performed. Note that the automatic step flag in step 8 does not necessarily have to be 1. However, in the following operation example 1, it is assumed that the automatic step flag is set to 1.

(Operation example 1)
FIG. 8 is a time chart showing an operation example 1 of the traffic signal controller 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8A shows a state waiting for a manual stepping operation. The step counter 7 designates (clocks) step 8 as the current step (current step), and N2Y (yellow) is lit on the signal lamp. Further, the step counter 8 designates (measures) Step 7 as the current step (current step), and S2G (straight forward and left turn blue arrow) is lit as a predetermined lamp color of the signal lamp.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, when the manual control unit 10 receives a manual stepping operation at time t1, the step specified by the step counter 8 (one step specifying unit) (in the case of FIG. 8, the step) When 7) is a predetermined lamp color (for example, blue, blue arrow, red immediately before the blue signal, etc.), a count-up command is output to the step counter 8. As a result, the step counter 8 generates a step signal, switches from step 7 to the next step 8, and S2G (blue arrow) is turned off as the lamp color of the signal lamp. That is, the signal lamp S2G (blue arrow) continues to be lit until a manual stepping operation is performed.

  On the other hand, since the lamp color of the step (step 8 in the case of FIG. 8) designated by the step counter 7 (other step designation unit) is other than a predetermined lamp color (for example, yellow), after switching to step 8, The process proceeds from step 8 to step 9 at a time T1 after a predetermined time (for example, a reference display time) has elapsed (including the elapsed time). Thereby, the signal lamp is switched from N2Y (yellow) to N2R (red). In this case, whether or not to perform automatic stepping can be determined by setting an automatic stepping flag in a step corresponding to a light color other than a predetermined light color, but is not limited to this. It is also possible to make a judgment based on the light color information without setting the advance flag.

  As described above, in the first operation example, when the operator who performs the manual stepping operation pays attention to the green light and performs the manual stepping operation at a timing necessary for smooth control of the traffic flow, the manual control unit 10 By switching the green light at the timing of manual stepping operation, the lighting (display) time of the green light necessary to realize a smooth traffic flow can be set to the desired time, and only appropriate with simple manual operation It is possible to switch the light color of the signal lamp at an appropriate timing. In addition, for a yellow signal that does not require special display time adjustment, manual operation is further facilitated by performing automatic step instead of manual step operation.

(Operation example 2)
FIG. 9 is a time chart showing an operation example 2 of the traffic signal controller 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9A shows a state of waiting for a manual stepping operation, as in FIG. The step counter 7 designates (clocks) step 8 as the current step (current step), and N2Y (yellow) is lit on the signal lamp. Further, the step counter 8 designates (measures) Step 7 as the current step (current step), and S2G (straight forward and left turn blue arrow) is lit as a predetermined lamp color of the signal lamp.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, when the manual control unit 10 receives a manual stepping operation at time t1, the step specified by the step counter 8 (one step specifying unit) (in the case of FIG. 8, the step) When 7) is a predetermined lamp color (for example, blue, blue arrow, red immediately before the blue signal, etc.), a count-up command is output to the step counter 8. As a result, the step counter 8 generates a step signal, switches from step 7 to the next step 8, and S2G (blue arrow) is turned off as the lamp color of the signal lamp. That is, the signal lamp S2G (blue arrow) continues to be lit until a manual stepping operation is performed.

  On the other hand, since the lamp color of the step (step 8 in the case of FIG. 8) specified by the step counter 7 (another step specifying unit) is other than a predetermined lamp color (for example, yellow), the manual control unit 10 A count-up command is output to the counter 7 at time T1, which is the time when step 8 has passed a predetermined time.

  Also in the case of the operation example 2, when the operator who performs the manual stepping operation pays attention to the green light and performs the manual stepping operation at a timing necessary for smooth control of the traffic flow, the manual control unit 10 Since the green light can be switched at the timing of the stepping operation, the lighting (display) time of the green light necessary to realize a smooth traffic flow can be set to the desired time, and only appropriate with simple manual operation. The color of the signal lamp can be switched at the timing. Also, for those that do not require special display time adjustment, such as a yellow signal, automatic stepping is performed instead of manual stepping operation, which makes manual operation easier and appropriate only with simple manual operation. It is possible to switch the light color of the signal lamp at an appropriate timing.

  In the first and second operation examples described above, the lamp color of the step specified by the step counter 8 is a predetermined lamp color, and the lamp color of the step specified by the step counter 7 is a lamp color other than the predetermined lamp color. Although described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the lamp colors of the steps specified by the step counters 7 and 8 may be both predetermined lamp colors, or the lamp colors of the steps specified by the step counters 7 and 8 are both lamp colors other than the predetermined lamp colors. There may be.

  For example, when the step lamp color specified by the step counter 7 and the lamp color specified by the step counter 8 are both predetermined lamp colors (blue, blue arrow, red immediately before the blue signal, etc.) The manual control unit 10 outputs a count-up command to both the step counter 7 and the step counter 8 at time t1 when a manual stepping operation is received at time t1.

  When the lamp color of the step specified by the step counter 7 and the lamp color of the step specified by the step counter 8 are not the predetermined lamp colors, the manual control unit 10 performs the manual stepping operation at time t1. Is not output to the step counters 7 and 8 when the command is received, and after switching to the current step, the step counters 7 and 8 are set at a time after a predetermined time (for example, the reference display time) has elapsed. Output count-up command.

(Operation example 3)
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a part of step information for explaining the operation of the traffic signal controller 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 shows only steps 8 and 9 out of the steps counted by the step counters 7 and 8 in order to facilitate the explanation of the operation. That is, at the intersection shown in FIG. 2, the signal lamp for the vehicle whose traveling direction is N2 and the signal lamp for the vehicle whose traveling direction is S2 will be described. The example of FIG. 10 shows an example of the result of adjusting the display time of the step of the signal lamp according to the traffic situation of the intersection, and the display time is different from the examples of FIGS. 5 and 6.

  FIG. 11 is a time chart showing an operation example 3 of the traffic signal controller 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11A shows a state waiting for a manual stepping operation. The step counter 7 designates (clocks) step 8 as the current step (current step), and S2AR (red) is lit on the signal lamp. The step counter 8 also designates (clocks) step 8 as the current step (current step), and the signal lamp N2AR (red) is lit. As can be seen from FIG. 10, both S2AR (red) and N2AR of the signal lamp are red signals immediately before the blue signal (step 9).

  As shown in FIG. 11 (b), the manual control unit 10 receives the step that is designated by the step counter 8 (one step designation unit) when the manual stepping operation is received at time t2 (in the case of FIG. 11, the step When 8) is a predetermined lamp color (for example, blue, blue arrow, red immediately before the blue signal, etc.), a count-up command is output to the step counter 8. As a result, the step counter 8 generates a step signal, switches from step 8 to the next step 9, and N2A (blue arrow for right turn) lights up as the lamp color of the signal lamp. That is, the signal lamp N2AR (red) continues to be lit until a manual stepping operation is performed.

  Similarly, in the example of FIG. 11, when the manual control unit 10 receives a manual stepping operation at time t2, the step designated by the step counter 7 (another step designation unit) (step 8 in the case of FIG. 11). ) Is a predetermined lamp color (for example, blue, blue arrow, red immediately before the blue signal, etc.), a count-up command is output to the step counter 7. As a result, the step counter 7 generates a step signal, switches from step 8 to the next step 9, and S2A (blue arrow for right turn) lights up as the lamp color of the signal lamp. That is, the signal lamp S2AR (red) continues to be lit until a manual stepping operation is performed.

  In the operation example 3, when the predetermined lamp color is red immediately before blue, that is, a red signal that is lit immediately before the blue signal, the display time of the red signal is adjusted to a desired time (for example, a long time). For example, it is possible to safely pass an emergency vehicle.

  In the above-described embodiment, two step counters are provided. However, when the number of roads crossing the intersection increases and the control of the signal lamp becomes more complicated, or the signal lamp for pedestrians is installed. In the case of control, the number of step counters can be increased as appropriate to provide, for example, three or more step counters. The present embodiment can be applied to a configuration that includes one manual operation unit 9 and includes two or more step counters.

  In the above-described embodiment, the manual control unit 10 determines whether or not to output a count-up command to the step counters 7 and 8, and sets the step counters 7 and 8 according to the determination result. In contrast, the count-up command is output, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the manual control unit 10 is configured to output a count-up command to the step counters 7 and 8, and whether the step counters 7 and 8 validate the count-up command output from the manual control unit 10. Alternatively, it may be determined whether or not to be invalid, and when it is determined to be valid, it may be configured to advance to the next step.

  The disclosed embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative 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.

7 Step counter (other step designation part)
8 Step counter (one step designation part)
9 Manual operation unit (operation unit)
10 Manual control unit (command output unit)
11 Display memory (storage unit)

Claims (4)

In a traffic signal controller that switches the color of multiple signal lamps step by step,
A storage unit that stores step information including a lamp color for each step of the plurality of signal lamps;
An operation unit for accepting a manual stepping operation for switching the lamp color;
The step of individually specifying the steps of the plurality of signal lamps, and a control unit that controls the step based on a manual step operation received by the operation unit, and
The control unit
When the specified step color is a predetermined color, when a manual stepping operation is accepted in the operation unit, the step is controlled to advance to the next step.
If the specified step color is a light color other than the predetermined color, and the manual step operation is accepted by the operation unit, the step is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed after switching to the step. A traffic signal controller configured to control to advance to the next step. The controller is
A plurality of step designating units for sequentially designating the steps of the plurality of signal lamps;
A command output unit that outputs a command to designate a next step to the step designation unit based on a manual stepping operation received by the operation unit;
The command output unit
Whether to output a command to designate the next step to the step designation unit;
The step designation unit includes:
The traffic signal controller according to claim 1, wherein the next step is designated based on a command output from the command output unit. The controller is
A plurality of step designating units for sequentially designating the steps of the plurality of signal lamps;
A command output unit that outputs a command to designate a next step to the step designation unit based on a manual stepping operation received by the operation unit;
The command output unit
A command is output to designate the next step to the step designation unit,
The step designation unit includes:
2. The command output from the command output unit is determined to be valid or invalid, and when it is determined to be valid, the next step is designated. Traffic signal controller as described in. The predetermined lamp color is
The traffic signal controller according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the traffic signal controller is blue or red immediately before a blue signal.

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