JP2012038088A - Signal control device, signal, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a signal control device capable of appropriately switching a display state of a signal display part even if receiving no control signal for switching the display state of the signal display part.SOLUTION: This signal control device includes: a control section switching the display state of the signal display part attached to the signal based on an image photographed by a photographing section; and an electrical storage section supplying an electric power to respective constitutions provided in the own apparatus.

Description

  The present invention relates to a traffic signal control device, a traffic signal, and a program.

  Conventionally, a traffic light receives a control signal for switching the display state of the signal display unit from the host control device, and switches the display state of the signal display unit based on the received control signal (for example, Patent Document 1). reference).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-97696

  However, the traffic signal shown in Patent Document 1 has a problem that the display state of the signal display unit cannot be appropriately switched when a control signal cannot be received from the host control device, for example, during a disaster.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and its purpose is to appropriately change the display state of the signal display unit even when a control signal for switching the display state of the signal display unit cannot be received. To provide a traffic signal control device, a traffic signal, and a program that can be switched.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and includes a control unit that switches a display state of a signal display unit attached to a traffic light based on an image captured by the imaging unit, and the device itself. And a power storage unit that supplies power to each component.

  Moreover, this invention is a traffic signal characterized by including the traffic signal control device described above.

  The present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute a control procedure for switching a display state of a signal display unit attached to a traffic light based on an image captured by an imaging unit.

  According to this invention, even if it is a case where the control signal for switching the display state of a signal display part cannot be received, the display state of a signal display part can be switched appropriately.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the signal system by one Embodiment of this invention, and a traffic signal control apparatus. It is a state transition diagram explaining the transition between the modes of a traffic light. It is explanatory drawing which shows the intersection (1st example) as an example. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the detected traffic volume. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the period of lighting and extinction of a signal lamp. It is an operation | movement diagram which shows operation | movement of the traffic light in this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the intersection (2nd example) as an example.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a signal system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the signaling system 1, a traffic signal control device 100 included in each of a plurality of traffic signals and a host control device 200 are connected via a communication network 300. Hereinafter, the traffic signal control apparatus 100 will be described as the traffic signal 100.

  Here, the description will be made assuming that the plurality of traffic lights 100 are installed on a road and each is identified by identification information. The host controller 200 transmits a control signal for controlling each of the traffic signals 100 to the traffic signal 100 via the communication network 300. Thereby, the host control device 200 can control each of the plurality of traffic lights 100.

  Each of the plurality of traffic lights 100 has the same configuration. Therefore, here, the configuration of one traffic signal 100 will be described. The traffic signal 100 includes an imaging unit 10, a control unit 20, a signal display unit 30, a power supply unit 40, and a sound collection unit 50. The imaging unit 10 and the control unit 20 are connected via an I / F (interface) 70. The control unit 20 and the signal display unit 30 are connected via an I / F 71. The sound collection unit 50 and the control unit 20 are connected via an I / F (interface) 72.

  The signal display unit 30 includes a first light emitting unit 31, a second light emitting unit 32, and a third light emitting unit 33. The first light emitting unit 31 is lit in blue (or green), and indicates that “it may proceed” (hereinafter, “can proceed”) when lit. The second light emitting unit 32 is lit yellow, and indicates that when it is lit, it “stops at the stop position. However, if it cannot stop at the stop position, it may proceed as it is” (hereinafter referred to as stop). The third light emitting unit 33 is lit in red, and indicates that “do not proceed” (hereinafter, “cannot proceed”) when lit.

  The imaging unit 10 includes an imaging device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, and outputs the captured image to the control unit 20 via the I / F 70. The imaging unit 10 is attached to the traffic signal 100. For example, the imaging unit 10 is attached to the traffic signal 100 so as to be positioned on the upper, lower, left side, or right side of the signal display unit 30. Further, the imaging unit 10 may be attached to the traffic signal 100 as one body with the signal display unit 30.

  As an example, the imaging unit 10 images a 360 ° azimuth in the horizontal direction. In this case, the imaging unit 10 may capture a 360-degree azimuth by combining a plurality of imaging devices. Further, the imaging unit 10 may capture a 360-degree azimuth by performing image processing on an image captured through a mirror-shaped member such as a triangular pyramid or a sphere.

  The sound collection unit 50 is a sound collection device such as a microphone, and outputs the collected sound to the control unit 20 via an I / F (interface) 72. The sound collection unit 50 may be, for example, a sound collection device that includes a plurality of microphones and collects sound so that the direction of the sound source can be specified. The sound collection unit 50 is attached to the traffic signal 100. For example, the sound collection unit 50 is attached to the traffic signal 100 so as to be located on the upper, lower, left side, or right side of the signal display unit 30. In addition, the sound collection unit 50 may be attached to the traffic signal 100 as an integral part of the signal display unit 30.

  The power supply unit 40 supplies power to the imaging unit 10, the control unit 20, the signal display unit 30, and the sound collection unit 50, which are components included in the traffic signal 100.

  The power supply unit 40 includes a power supply unit 41, a power storage unit 42, and a power supply switching unit 43. Power is supplied to the power supply unit 41 from the outside of the traffic signal 100 through a power supply line. The power storage unit 42 stores power (charge) and outputs the stored power. For example, the power storage unit 42 is charged by the power supplied to the power supply unit 41 during a period in which power is supplied to the power supply unit 41 from the outside. The power storage unit 42 is, for example, a secondary battery.

  The power supply switching unit 43 supplies, for example, power from any one selected from the power supply unit 41 and the power storage unit 42 to each component included in the signal device 100. The power supply switching unit 43 detects the voltage or current of the power supplied to the power supply unit 41, and supplies power to each component included in the traffic signal 100 based on the detected voltage or current. 41 is switched to either the power supply unit 41 or the power storage unit 42.

  Here, the mode switching by the power source switching unit 43 will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, the case where the power source switching unit 43 supplies power from the power source unit 41 to each component included in the traffic signal 100 is referred to as a “first mode”, and the power source unit 42 signals the traffic signal 100. A case where power is supplied to each component included in the apparatus will be referred to as a “second mode”.

  First, when the traffic signal 100 is activated (in the case of the state “when activated” in FIG. 2), the power switching unit 43 transitions the state to the first mode when the activation condition 1 is satisfied, When the condition 2 is satisfied, the state is changed to the second mode.

  The startup condition 1 may be, for example, a condition that the voltage or current of the power supplied to the power supply unit 41 is larger than a predetermined threshold. The start-up condition 2 may be, for example, a condition that the voltage or current of the power supplied to the power supply unit 41 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. That is, the startup condition 1 is a condition that power is supplied to the traffic signal 100 from the outside, and the startup condition 2 may be a condition that power is not supplied to the traffic signal 100 from the outside. .

  Thereafter, for example, when the power supply switching unit 43 supplies power from the power supply unit 41 to each component included in the traffic signal 100 (when the state is the first mode), the power supplied to the power supply unit 41 The voltage or current is detected. The power source switching unit 43 switches the power source to the power storage unit 42 when the detected voltage or current is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (when condition 2 is satisfied) (the state is changed to the second mode). To transition).

  This condition 2 corresponds to, for example, a case where a power supply line that supplies power to the traffic signal 100 is disconnected or a facility that supplies power to the traffic signal 100 has a power failure in a disaster or the like.

  In addition, when the power supply switching unit 43 supplies power from the power storage unit 42 to each component included in the traffic signal 100 (when the state is the second mode), Current is detected. The power source switching unit 43 switches the power source to the power source unit 41 when the detected voltage or current is larger than a predetermined threshold value (when the condition 1 is satisfied) (the state is changed to the first state). Transition to mode).

  This condition 1 corresponds to, for example, when a disconnected power line that supplies power to the signal device 100 is connected or a power failure of a facility that supplies power to the signal device 100 is terminated by recovery processing after a disaster. To do.

  Thereafter, the power supply switching unit 43 changes the state between the first mode and the second mode. The power supply switching unit 43 controls information indicating that the state transitions from the first mode to the second mode, and information indicating that the state transitions from the second mode to the first mode. To the unit 20. Alternatively, the power supply switching unit 43 outputs information indicating that the current state is the first mode or the second mode to the control unit 20. Based on this information, the control unit 20 can determine whether the current mode is the first mode or the second mode.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 1, the control unit 20 includes a detection unit 21, a display control unit 22, and a communication unit 23. The communication unit 23 receives a control signal for switching the display state of the signal display unit 30 from the host control device 200 via the communication network 300. This control signal is, for example, control information indicating whether it can proceed, stop, or cannot proceed. That is, this control signal is control information indicating that the first light emitting unit 31, the second light emitting unit 32, or the third light emitting unit 33 is caused to emit light.

  In the first mode, the display control unit 22 switches the display state of the signal display unit 30 via the I / F 71 based on the control signal received from the host control device 200 by the communication unit 23. For example, in the first mode, in the first mode, when the control information indicating that the first light emitting unit 31 emits light is received from the host control device 200 via the communication unit 23, the display control unit 22 The first light emitting unit 31 included in 30 is turned on, and the second light emitting unit 32 and the third light emitting unit 33 are turned off.

  The detection unit 21 detects the traffic volume based on the image captured by the imaging unit 10. In the second mode, the display control unit 22 switches the display state of the signal display unit 30 based on the traffic volume detected by the detection unit 21.

  For example, the detection unit 21 detects the traffic volume of each of the plurality of lanes based on the images of the plurality of lanes captured by the imaging unit 10. At this time, for example, the detection unit 21 detects one vehicle at a time for each lane by image processing or pattern matching technology with respect to a plurality of lane images captured by the imaging unit 10. And the detection part 21 detects the traffic volume of each of several lanes by detecting the number of vehicles per unit time which drive | worked each lane.

  The display control unit 22 switches the display state of the signal display unit 30 based on the result of comparing the traffic volumes of the plurality of lanes detected by the detection unit 21. At this time, based on the result of comparing the traffic volumes of the plurality of lanes detected by the detection unit 21, the display control unit 22 is a vehicle in which a vehicle traveling in a lane with a large amount of traffic travels in a lane with a small amount of traffic. In contrast, the display state of the signal display unit 30 is switched so as to be able to proceed with priority.

  In this way, in the first mode, the control unit 20 switches the display state of the signal display unit 30 attached to the traffic signal 100 based on the control signal received from the host control device 200 by the communication unit 23. . Moreover, the control part 20 switches the display state of the signal display part 30 attached to the signal apparatus 100 based on the image imaged by the imaging part 10 in the 2nd mode.

  Next, an example in which the display control unit 22 switches the display state of the signal display unit 30 based on the traffic volume detected by the detection unit 21 in the second mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. .

  Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the case of two lanes, each of which is one-way, will be described. Lane A, which is one of the two lanes, is a lane that is one-way from right to left on the page of FIG. Lane B, which is the other lane of the two lanes, is a lane that is one-way from top to bottom on the page of FIG. The lane A and the lane B intersect each other at an intersection C.

  In FIG. 3, the traffic light 100-1 is installed in front of the intersection C in the lane A. Further, in the lane B, a traffic light 100-2 is installed in front of the intersection C. The traffic signal 100-1 and the traffic signal 100-2 have the same configuration as the traffic signal 100 described above with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 3, with respect to the intersection C, there is a stop line L1 in front of the traffic light 100-1, and there is a stop line L2 in front of the traffic light 100-2. Therefore, the vehicle stops before the stop line L1 and the vehicle stops before the stop line L2 with respect to the intersection C according to the signal display unit 30 of the traffic lights 100-1 and 100-2. .

  Next, the traffic volume detected by the traffic light 100 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the signal display units 30 of the traffic signal 100-1 and the traffic signal 100-2 are lit in a first light emitting unit 31 that is lit in blue (or green) indicating that the travel is possible, and in red that indicates that travel is not possible. A case where the third light emitting unit 33 is provided will be described.

  Further, here, the control units 20 of the traffic light 100-1 and the traffic light 100-2 respectively turn off the first light emitting unit 31 and the third light emitting unit 33 with respect to the signal display unit 30 included in the own device. Will be described as being executed almost simultaneously. Conversely, the control units 20 of the traffic light 100-1 and the traffic light 100-2 respectively turn on the first light emitting unit 31 and the third light emitting unit with respect to the signal display unit 30 included in the own device. In the following description, it is assumed that turning off 33 is executed almost simultaneously.

  In addition, as described above, the traffic signal 100-1 and the traffic signal 100-2 each capture an image of 360 degrees in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the traffic light 100-1 and the traffic light 100-2 can detect the traffic volume of the lane A and the lane B, respectively.

  Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the traffic signal 100-1 and the traffic signal 100-2 alternately repeat the display states of being able to proceed and not being progressed via the respective signal display units 30. Here, the respective periods in which the display of progress possible and progress impossible are assumed to be the same time length.

  For example, in the period T1, the traffic light 100-1 indicates “progressable” via the signal display unit 30 of the own device, and the traffic signal 100-2 indicates “unable to proceed” via the signal display unit 30 of the own device. . Next, in the period T2, the traffic light 100-1 indicates “unable to proceed” via the signal display unit 30 of its own device, and the traffic signal 100-2 indicates “can proceed” via the signal display unit 30 of its own device. Show. Hereinafter, the signal 100-1 and the signal 100-2 repeat the same operation in the period T3, the period T4,. It is assumed that the period T1, the period T2, the period T4,... Have the same time length.

  Here, the detection unit 21 of the traffic signal 100-1 detects the traffic volume of each of the plurality of lanes based on the images of the plurality of lanes captured by the imaging unit 10 of the traffic signal 100-1. Moreover, the detection part 21 of the traffic light 100-2 detects the traffic volume of each of several lanes based on the image of the several lanes imaged by the imaging part 10 of the traffic signal 100-2.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the detection unit 21 of the traffic signal 100-1 and the detection unit 21 of the traffic signal 100-2 pass five lanes A and zero lanes B in the period T1. It is detected that each vehicle has passed. In addition, the detection unit 21 of the traffic signal 100-1 and the detection unit 21 of the traffic signal 100-2 indicate that in the period T2, 0 vehicles pass through the lane A and 1 vehicle passes through the lane B. Detect each. Similarly, the detection unit 21 of the traffic signal 100-1 and the detection unit 21 of the traffic signal 100-2 detect the traffic volumes of the lane A and the lane B in the periods T3, T4,.

  Next, the display control unit 22 of the traffic signal 100-1 compares the traffic volumes of the plurality of lanes detected by the detection unit 21 of the traffic signal 100-1. In this case, the traffic in the lane A is more traffic than the lane B. It is determined that the amount is large. For example, the display control unit 22 of the traffic light 100-1 compares the traffic volume of each lane based on the total or average of the vehicles that have traveled in each lane in a predetermined period such as the period T1 to the period T4. May be.

  Based on this result, the display control unit 22 of the traffic light 100-1 can proceed with higher priority than a vehicle traveling in a lane with a large amount of traffic, compared to a vehicle traveling in a lane with a small amount of traffic. As described above, the display state of the signal display unit 30 is switched. In other words, in this case, the display control unit 22 of the traffic light 100-1 has a greater traffic volume in the lane A than in the lane B, so that the lane A can proceed with priority over the lane B. The display state of the signal display unit 30 is switched.

  On the other hand, the display control unit 22 of the traffic light 100-2 compares the traffic volume of each of the plurality of lanes detected by the detection unit 21 of the traffic signal 100-2, and, similarly to the display control unit 22 of the traffic signal 100-1, In this case, it is determined that the traffic amount in the lane A is larger than that in the lane B. Then, based on this result, the display control unit 22 of the traffic light 100-2 can proceed with higher priority than a vehicle traveling in a lane with a large amount of traffic compared to a vehicle traveling in a lane with a small amount of traffic. As described above, the display state of the signal display unit 30 is switched. That is, in this case, the display control unit 22 of the traffic light 100-2 has a greater traffic volume in the lane A than the lane B, and therefore the lane A is in the lane as in the display control unit 22 in the traffic signal 100-1. The display state of the signal display unit 30 is switched so that it can proceed with priority over B.

  Here, the physical quantity of traffic in a plurality of lanes has the same value as long as the measurement period is the same, even if the subject to be measured is different, such as the traffic lights 100-1 and 100-2. Therefore, the traffic volume values in the plurality of lanes detected by the detection unit 21 of the traffic signal 100-1 and the detection unit 21 of the traffic signal 100-2 are the same value. Therefore, the display control unit 22 of the traffic signal 100-1 and the display control unit 22 of the traffic signal 100-2 each have priority over the lane B in the lane A based on the detected traffic volume for each of the plurality of lanes. The display state of the signal display unit 30 can be switched so as to be able to proceed. Thus, even if the traffic light 100-1 and the traffic light 100-2 are operating independently from each other, and even when the control signal is not received from the host control device, the detected lane is detected. The display state of the signal display unit 30 can be appropriately switched based on the traffic volume for each.

  In addition, the display control part 22 of the traffic light 100-1 and the display control part 22 of the traffic light 100-2 are signals so that the lane A can proceed with priority over the lane B, for example. When the display state of the display unit 30 is switched, the following is performed.

  For example, the display control unit 22 of the traffic signal 100-1 and the traffic signal 100-2 has a traffic volume ratio or difference for each lane based on the traffic volume for each of the plurality of lanes detected by the detection unit 21 of the traffic signal 100. The display state of the signal display unit 30 is switched so that the longer the lane with a high traffic volume, the longer the period during which the lane with a high traffic volume can travel than the lane with a low traffic volume.

  Conversely, the display control unit 22 of the traffic light 100-1 and the traffic signal 100-2 is based on the traffic volume for each lane based on the traffic volume for each of the plurality of lanes detected by the detection unit 21 of the traffic signal 100, or As the difference is larger, the display state of the signal display unit 30 is switched so that the lane with less traffic becomes longer in the lane with less traffic than the lane with more traffic.

  In the case of FIG. 4 described above, the display control unit 22 of the traffic signal 100-1 and the traffic signal 100-2 changes the period of the display state by the signal display unit 30, as shown in FIG. For example, each display control unit 22 indicates that the signal display unit 30 (lane A) of the traffic signal 100-1 can travel and the signal display unit 30 (lane B) of the traffic signal 100-2 indicates that travel cannot be performed. The time lengths of T11 and T13 are changed so as to be longer than the time lengths in the periods T1 to T4 shown in FIG.

  On the contrary, each display control unit 22 indicates that the signal display unit 30 (lane A) of the traffic light 100-1 cannot travel and the signal display unit 30 (lane B) of the traffic signal 100-2 can travel. The time lengths of the periods T12 and 14 are changed so as to be shorter than the time lengths in the periods T1 to T4 shown in FIG. Thereafter, until the traffic volume changes, each display control unit 22 repeats switching the display state of each signal display unit 30 as in the case of the period T11 to the period T14.

  In this manner, the display control unit 22 of the traffic signal 100 is based on the traffic volume for each of the plurality of lanes detected by the detection unit 21, and a vehicle traveling in a lane with a high traffic volume travels in a lane with a low traffic volume. The display state of the signal display unit 30 can be switched so that the vehicle can proceed with priority as compared to the vehicle.

<Operation of Traffic Light 100 when Transitioning to Second Mode>
Next, the operation of the traffic light 100 in the second mode will be described with reference to FIG. The operation of the traffic signal 100 in FIG. 6 is the operation of the traffic signal 100 when transitioning from the first mode to the second mode, for example, as described with reference to FIG.

  First, the imaging unit 10 captures an image and outputs the captured image to the control unit 20 via the I / F 70 (step S10). Next, the detection part 21 of the control part 20 detects a traffic volume based on the image imaged by the imaging part 10 (step S20). Next, the display control unit 22 of the control unit 20 compares the traffic volumes of the plurality of lanes detected by the detection unit 21 (step S30).

Next, the display control unit 22 of the control unit 20 performs signal control by switching the display state of the signal display unit 30 based on the result of comparison in step S30 (step S40). For example, the display control unit 22 of the control unit 20 determines that a vehicle traveling in a lane with a large amount of traffic is traffic based on the result of comparing the traffic volumes of the plurality of lanes detected by the detection unit 21 in step S40. The display state of the signal display unit 30 is switched so that the vehicle can travel with priority over a vehicle traveling in a lane with a small amount. In step S40, the display control unit 22 of the control unit 20 switches the display state of the signal display unit 30 via the I / F 71.
Thereafter, the traffic signal 100 repeats the processing from step S10 until the transition to the first mode.

  In this way, in the second mode, the traffic signal 100 switches the display state of the signal display unit 30 attached to the traffic signal 100 based on the image captured by the imaging unit 10. Therefore, the traffic signal 100 according to the present embodiment makes appropriate control for switching the display state of the signal display unit 30 even when the control signal cannot be received from the host control device even when communication with the host control device is not possible. be able to.

  As shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5, the control unit 20 provided in each traffic light 100 displays each signal so that the display state of the traffic light 100-1 and the display state of the traffic light 100-2 are different. The display state of the unit 30 is switched.

  By the way, in the case of FIG. 3, the traffic light 100-1 and the traffic light 100-2 are signal display units of the traffic signals 100 so that the vehicle traveling on the lane A and the vehicle traveling on the lane B do not collide at the intersection C. 30 needs to be controlled by the control unit 20 of the own signal device 100. For example, the control unit 20 of each traffic light 100 displays the signal display of the traffic light 100 so that the vehicle traveling on the lane A and the vehicle traveling on the lane B cannot travel toward the intersection C at the same timing. The unit 30 needs to be controlled by the control unit 20 of the own signal device 100.

That is, the display state of the traffic light 100-1 and the display state of the traffic light 100-2 are not allowed to proceed at the same timing. Note that it is possible that both the display state of the traffic light 100-1 and the display state of the traffic light 100-2 cannot progress.
Therefore, the control units 20 included in the respective traffic lights 100 are configured so that the display state of the traffic light 100-1 and the display state of the traffic light 100-2 are different, and the display state in which both can proceed at the same timing is prevented. In addition, the display state of each signal display unit 30 is switched. As a result, the vehicle traveling on lane A and the vehicle traveling on lane B do not collide at intersection C, and the vehicle traveling on lane A and the vehicle traveling on lane B travel alternately at intersection C. can do.

  Incidentally, as described above with reference to FIG. 4, even if the traffic volume measuring devices such as the traffic light 100-1 and the traffic light 100-2 are different, the value of the physical quantity called traffic volume in a plurality of lanes is different. It is necessary to measure the same value in each device. For this purpose, the start time and the end time such as the period T1 for measuring the number of vehicles need to be synchronized between the traffic light 100-1 and the traffic light 100-2.

  For this synchronization, the signal device 100-1 and the signal device 100-2 may be able to detect the reference time with each other by, for example, time measurement using a radio clock or time measurement using a GPS (Global Positioning System). . And the signal apparatus 100-1 and the signal apparatus 100-2 measure the elapsed time from the detected reference | standard time in the time measuring part in each inside. Then, the traffic light 100-1 and the traffic light 100-2 determine a start time and an end time such as a period T1 in which the number of vehicles is measured based on the elapsed time measured by the respective timekeeping units. In this way, the traffic light 100-1 and the traffic light 100-2 synchronize the start time and the end time such as the period T1 for measuring the number of vehicles between the traffic light 100-1 and the traffic light 100-2. It may be.

  Thereby, even if the apparatus which measures traffic differs between the traffic light 100-1 and the traffic light 100-2, the value of the physical quantity called the traffic volume in a plurality of lanes is measured as the same value in each device. be able to. Therefore, the signal device 100-1 and the signal device 100-2 can appropriately switch the display state of the signal display unit 30.

  In the description of FIG. 4, the traffic light 100-1 and the traffic light 100-2 compare the traffic volume of each of the plurality of lanes when the period from the period T1 to the period T4 has elapsed, and based on the comparison result. Thus, the display state of the signal display unit 30 was switched. However, the timing for comparing the traffic volumes of the plurality of lanes is not limited to this. For example, the traffic light 100-1 and the traffic light 100-2 may compare the traffic volume of each of the plurality of lanes for each predetermined period.

  The “predetermined period” may be a predetermined period. The “predetermined period” is determined based on a period during which the control unit 20 of each traffic light 100 switches the display state of the signal display unit 30 as in the above-described period T1 to T4. Also good.

  Further, the “predetermined period” may be each period from the period T1 to the period T4. For example, the traffic light 100-1 and the traffic light 100-2 respectively compare the number of traveling vehicles in the lane A and the number of stopped vehicles in the lane B in the period T1, and based on the comparison result, the signal display unit 30 The display state may be switched.

  Also, the traffic light 100-1 and the traffic light 100-2 are respectively the number of traveling vehicles and the traffic lane B in the lane A in each period T2, the period T3, the period T4,. Compare the number of stopped vehicles. The traffic light 100-1 and the traffic light 100-2 are advanced on the basis of the result of comparison, in comparison with the vehicle traveling in the traffic lane with the higher traffic volume than the vehicle traveling in the traffic lane. The display state of the signal display unit 30 may be switched so as to be possible.

  The traffic light 100-1 and the traffic light 100-2 compare the traffic volume of each of the plurality of lanes when the total number of vehicles traveling in the plurality of lanes exceeds a predetermined number. May be.

  Although the number of vehicles traveling in the lane or the number of vehicles traveling per unit time has been described here as the traffic volume, the traffic volume is not limited to this. For example, the detection unit 21 may detect the number of vehicles stopped before the intersection C and the number of vehicles stopped for each lane as the traffic volume. In this case, the display control unit 22 can switch the display state of the signal display unit 30 so as to reduce the number of stopped vehicles according to the stopped vehicle.

<For multiple lanes>
In the above description using FIG. 3, the case of two lanes each having one-way traffic has been described. However, the traffic signal 100 according to the present embodiment is used in the case of two lanes having such one-way traffic. The present invention is not limited, and can handle any number of lanes that are not one-way.

  Here, an example of a lane having an arbitrary number of lanes that are not one-way traffic will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 1 or FIG.

  In FIG. 7, the lanes A1 and A2 that are opposite lanes and the lane B1 and lane B2 that are opposite lanes intersect each other at an intersection C. In traffic lane A1 and traffic lane A2, and traffic lane B1 and traffic lane B2, traffic light 100-1 and traffic light 100-3 and traffic light 100-2 and traffic light 100-4 are installed in front of intersection C. Yes. The traffic signal 100-1, the traffic signal 100-2, the traffic signal 100-3, and the traffic signal 100-4 have the same configuration as the traffic signal 100 described with reference to FIG. 1, as in the case of FIG. .

  In FIG. 7, with respect to the intersection C, there is a stop line L1 in front of the traffic light 100-1, and there is a stop line L3 in front of the traffic light 100-3. Further, with respect to the intersection C, there is a stop line L2 before the traffic light 100-2, and there is a stop line L4 before the traffic light 100-4. Therefore, according to the signal display unit 30 of the traffic lights 100-1 to 100-4, the vehicles in the respective lanes stop at the intersection C before the stop line L1 to the stop line L4.

  Incidentally, in the case of FIG. 7, as in the case of FIG. 3, the traffic light 100-1, the traffic light 100-2, the traffic light 100-3, and the traffic light 100-4 are vehicles traveling on the lane of the lane A1 or the lane A2. In addition, the signal display unit 30 of each traffic signal 100 needs to be controlled by the control unit 20 of the own traffic signal 100 so that the vehicle traveling in the lane of the lane B1 or the lane B2 does not collide at the intersection C.

  For example, the control unit 20 of each traffic light 100 allows a vehicle traveling in the lane named lane A1 or lane A2 and a vehicle traveling in the lane named lane B1 or lane B2 to travel toward the intersection C at the same timing. It is necessary to control the signal display unit 30 of the traffic signal 100 by the control unit 20 of the own traffic signal 100 so that it does not occur.

  Therefore, as an example, the control units 20 of the traffic signal 100-1 and the traffic signal 100-3 respectively switch the display state of the signal display unit 30 to the same display state at the same timing. The control units 20 of the traffic signal 100-2 and the traffic signal 100-4 switch the display state of the signal display unit 30 to the same display state at the same timing. And the control part 20 with which each signal apparatus 100 is provided displays each signal so that the display state of the signal apparatus 100-1 and the signal apparatus 100-3 is different from the display state of the signal apparatus 100-2 and the signal apparatus 100-4. The display state of the unit 30 is switched.

  As described above, the display state of the traffic light 100-1 and the traffic light 100-3 and the display state of the traffic light 100-2 and the traffic light 100-4 can both proceed at the same timing. Not. This is because if both the display state of the traffic light 100-1 and the traffic light 100-3 and the display state of the traffic light 100-2 and the traffic light 100-4 cannot proceed at the same timing, the vehicle traveling in different lanes This is because there is a possibility of collision at the intersection C. Note that it is possible that both the display state of the traffic light 100-1 and the traffic light 100-3 and the display state of the traffic light 100-2 and the traffic light 100-4 cannot be progressed.

  Therefore, the control unit 20 included in each of the traffic lights 100 is configured so that the display states of the traffic lights 100-1 and 100-3 are different from the display states of the traffic lights 100-2 and 100-4, and both. The display state of each signal display unit 30 is switched so that the display state can be advanced at the same timing.

  Therefore, also in this case, the control unit 20 of the traffic lights 100-1 and 100-3 switches the display state of the signal display unit 30 as in the case of the lane A described in FIG. The control unit 20 of the traffic light 100-4 switches the display state of the signal display unit 30 as in the case of the lane B described in FIG. Accordingly, in the case of FIG. 7, as in the case of FIG. 4, the traffic lights 100-1 to 100-4 cannot receive the control signal from the host controller even when they cannot communicate with the host controller. In addition, it is possible to appropriately control the switching of the display state of the signal display unit.

  In addition, as shown by the code | symbol P in this FIG. 7, the vehicle which turns right at the intersection C from lane A1 and drive | works lane B2 may also exist. That is, there may be a vehicle that turns right at the intersection C.

  Therefore, the display control unit 22 switches the display state of the signal display unit 30 so that the right turn (right turn signal) is given priority. As a result, for example, a vehicle traveling on the lane A1 cannot turn right at the intersection C but stops near the stop line L1, and an increase in the number of vehicles that cannot turn right can be reduced. Therefore, the display control unit 22 can reduce (relieve) the traffic jam caused by turning right at the intersection C.

  Further, the display control unit 22 switches the display state of the signal display unit 30 so as to adjust the time of the right turn signal. This makes it easier for the vehicle to turn right at intersection C. Then, it is possible to reduce the increase in the number of vehicles that cannot turn right at the intersection C but stop near the stop line L1 and cannot turn right. Therefore, the display control part 22 can reduce the traffic jam resulting from turning right at the intersection C.

  In this way, when the display control unit 22 switches the display state of the signal display unit 30 so as to give priority to the right turn or adjust the time of the right turn signal, the detection unit 21 is imaged. Based on the image, a vehicle turning right is detected.

  For example, based on the captured image, the detection unit 21 detects a vehicle that is stopped in the intersection C or in front of the intersection C and that is approaching the right end of the lane as a vehicle that turns right. In addition, it is assumed that a direction indicator that indicates a direction when the vehicle changes its course by blinking a light, and the direction indicator included in the vehicle is imaged by the imaging unit 10. In this case, even if the detection unit 21 detects a vehicle turning right by determining whether or not the vehicle turns right based on an image of a direction indicator included in the vehicle imaged by the imaging unit 10. Good. Moreover, the detection part 21 may detect the vehicle which turns right by combining arbitrarily the method of detecting the vehicle which turns right.

  Then, as described above, when the vehicle that makes a right turn is detected by the detection unit 21, the display control unit 22 has a signal display unit that gives priority to the right turn or adjusts the time of the right turn signal. 30 display states are switched.

  In addition, when the display control part 22 switches the display state of the signal display part 30 so that a right turn (right turn signal) has priority, the display control part 22 does not turn right when there is no vehicle turning right at the intersection C. In contrast to the vehicle, the display state of the signal display unit 30 is switched so that the vehicle turning right can be preferentially advanced. Here, “a vehicle that does not turn right” is, for example, a vehicle that goes straight on the lane without changing the course or a vehicle that makes a left turn.

  As an example, it is assumed that the signal display unit 30 includes a light emitting unit corresponding to right turn. In this case, the display control unit 22 switches the display state of the signal display unit 30 so as to give priority to the vehicle that makes a right turn by controlling the display state of the light emitting unit corresponding to right turn possible.

  Further, when the display control unit 22 switches the display state of the signal display unit 30 so as to adjust the time of the right turn signal, the display control unit 22 is a vehicle in which there is no vehicle that makes a right turn at the intersection C or a vehicle that does not turn right. In contrast to this, the time for switching the display state of the signal display unit 30 is adjusted so that the period during which the vehicle turning right is allowed to travel is longer than the vehicle turning right.

  As an example, it is assumed that the signal display unit 30 includes a light emitting unit corresponding to right turn. In this case, when the display control unit 22 switches the display state of the signal display unit 30 so as to adjust the time of the right turn signal, for example, the display control unit 22 does not have a vehicle that makes a right turn at the intersection C or turns right. The display state of the signal display unit 30 is controlled by controlling the display state of the light-emitting unit corresponding to the right turn so that the period in which the vehicle that makes a right turn can proceed by making a right turn is longer than the vehicle that does not turn. Is to switch.

<Emergency vehicle priority>
In addition, the detection part 21 may detect the kind of vehicle based on the imaged image. For example, an emergency vehicle has a red warning light. Therefore, the detection unit 21 determines whether or not the vehicle has a red warning light based on the captured image. When the vehicle has a red warning light, You may detect this kind of vehicle as an emergency vehicle. This emergency vehicle is, for example, a fire engine, an emergency car, or a patrol car.

  The emergency vehicle may have a predetermined color such as red or white. Therefore, the detection unit 21 may determine whether or not the type of the vehicle is an emergency vehicle by combining the determination color whether or not the vehicle has a red warning light with the color of the vehicle. For example, the detection unit 21 determines whether the color of the vehicle is red or white based on the captured image. And the detection part 21 may detect this vehicle type as an emergency vehicle, when the color of a vehicle is red or white and the vehicle has a red warning light.

  Then, in the second mode, when the detected vehicle type is an emergency vehicle, the display control unit 22 can proceed with priority over a vehicle whose vehicle type is not an emergency vehicle. The display state of the signal display unit 30 may be switched so that Thereby, the emergency vehicle can advance a lane preferentially rather than the vehicle whose vehicle type is not an emergency vehicle. As described above, it is preferable that the emergency vehicle can advance the lane preferentially at the time of disaster.

  Further, when detecting the type of vehicle based on the captured image, the detection unit 21 detects the type of vehicle based on the captured image and the sound collected by the sound collection unit 50. Also good. For example, if the type of vehicle is an emergency vehicle, the vehicle may sound a siren. Therefore, the detection unit 21 determines whether the sound collected by the sound collection unit 50 includes siren sound, and the determination result based on the determination result and the captured image described above. May be combined to determine whether the type of vehicle is an emergency vehicle.

  If the sound collection unit 50 is a sound collection device that collects sound so that the direction of the sound source can be specified, the detection unit 21 can detect the direction of the emergency vehicle including the sound source that is sounding the siren. it can. In this case, the detection unit 21 can detect the emergency vehicle more accurately based on the detected direction of the emergency vehicle and the direction of the emergency vehicle detected based on the image.

  Since the emergency vehicle can be detected more accurately in this way, the display control unit 22 can more accurately detect the emergency vehicle so that the emergency vehicle can proceed with priority in the second mode. 30 display states can be switched. In addition, since the display control part 22 can know the direction of an emergency vehicle more correctly via the detection part 21, it can estimate more accurately also the lane from which an emergency vehicle will travel from now on. Therefore, the display control unit 22 can switch the display state of the signal display unit 30 so that the emergency vehicle can travel more preferentially in the second mode. In this way, the emergency vehicle can advance the lane preferentially. As described above, it is preferable that the emergency vehicle can advance the lane preferentially at the time of disaster.

<Measures against West and Asahi>
By the way, in the signal display part 30 demonstrated using FIG. 1 above, the light emission part corresponding to one signal may each be provided with the some light emitting element. The light emitting unit corresponding to this one signal is the first light emitting unit 31, the second light emitting unit 32, or the third light emitting unit 33 described above. The plurality of light emitting elements are, for example, a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). That is, in the signal display unit 30 of the explanation signal device 100 described above, the light emitting method may be a method using LEDs.

  In this case, when the display control unit 22 of the control unit 20 turns on the light emitting unit of the signal display unit 30, some of the light emitting elements included in the light emitting unit emit light or turn off. However, the plurality of light emitting elements are caused to emit light so that the positions of the light emitting or extinguishing positions change in the light emitting unit. That is, the display control unit 22 of the control unit 20 does not light all the lightable areas of each color of the traffic light, but moves only a part of the lighted areas (or the light extinction areas) so that a plurality of light emission is performed. The device emits light.

  For example, when a western sun or a morning sun is inserted into the traffic light 100, the user viewing the traffic light 100 visually recognizes which light emitting part is emitting light among the plurality of light emitting parts provided in the signal display part 30. It may be difficult. On the other hand, when the display control unit 22 of the control unit 20 turns on the light emitting unit of the signal display unit 30 as described above, the light emitting unit that is lit is not simply lit, The part that is emitting light has moved. For this reason, even when the sun or the sun is plugged into the traffic light 100, the user who views the traffic light 100 determines which light-emitting section is emitting light among the plurality of light-emitting sections included in the signal display section 30. It becomes easy to visually recognize.

  In addition, when the display control unit 22 of the control unit 20 turns on the light emitting unit of the signal display unit 30, among the plurality of light emitting elements included in the light emitting unit, while some of the light emitting elements emit or turn off, In addition, the plurality of light emitting elements may emit light so that the light emitting or extinguished portion is rotated, moved, enlarged, or reduced in the light emitting unit. In this way, even when the sun or the sun is plugged into the traffic signal 100, the user who views the traffic signal 100 further determines which of the light emission units of the plurality of light emission units included in the signal display unit 30 is. It becomes easy to visually recognize whether light is emitted.

  In addition, when the light emitting unit of the signal display unit 30 is turned on, the display control unit 22 of the control unit 20 changes the luminance of the light emitting element that is included in the light emitting unit that is turned on and is turned off. In this way, the light emitting unit may emit light. For example, when the light emitting unit of the signal display unit 30 is turned on, the display control unit 22 of the control unit 20 emits or turns off some of the light emitting elements as described above, and the luminance of the light emitting elements that are turned off. May be changed in order from dark luminance to bright luminance instead of simply turning off the light. In addition, the display control unit 22 of the control unit 20 may change the light emitting element in order from dark luminance to bright luminance, and then sequentially change from bright luminance to dark luminance, and repeat this change in luminance. .

  As a result, even when the sun or the sun is plugged into the traffic signal 100, the user who views the traffic signal 100 further emits any of the light emitting units among the plurality of light emitting units included in the signal display unit 30. It becomes easy to see whether it is.

  In the above description, the respective traffic signals 100 are described as operating independently of each other, but the respective traffic signals 100 may communicate with each other. For example, each traffic signal 100 may communicate via the communication network 300 demonstrated using FIG. In a disaster, communication via the communication network 300 may be impossible. Accordingly, the traffic lights 100 may communicate with each other via a communication network different from the communication network 300. The communication network in this case may be a wireless communication network.

In the case of FIG. 3, such a communication network is sufficient if at least the traffic lights 100-1 and 100-2 related to the intersection C can communicate. Further, in the case of FIG. 7, it is sufficient that at least the traffic lights 100-1 to 100-4 related to the intersection C can communicate.
Also in this case, as described with reference to FIG. 3 or FIG. 7, each traffic signal 100 is displayed on each signal display unit 30 so that vehicles traveling in different lanes do not collide at the intersection C. Switch state. For example, the control units 20 included in the respective traffic lights 100 are configured so that the display states of the traffic lights 100 corresponding to the lanes that are not opposite lanes are different from each other, and the display states that can proceed at the same timing are not obtained. The display state of the signal display unit 30 is switched.

  As described above, as long as the traffic lights 100 related to the intersection can communicate with each other, information on the detected traffic volume may be transmitted and received with each other. In this case, in each traffic signal 100, the imaging unit 10 may be attached to the traffic signal 100 so as to capture at least a lane whose traffic is controlled by the display state of the signal display unit 30. That is, the traffic light 100 detects the traffic volume of only the lane in which the own device controls traffic. Then, the detected traffic volume is transmitted to another traffic signal 100. In this way, all the traffic lights 100 related to the intersection may detect the traffic volume of all the lanes related to the intersection.

  Even if it does in this way, each traffic signal 100 can detect the traffic volume for every lane based on the image imaged by the imaging part 10 by each traffic signal. Therefore, as described with reference to FIG. 3 or FIG. 7, even if the traffic signal 100 cannot communicate with the host controller or cannot receive the control signal from the host controller, the signal display unit Control for switching the display state can be made appropriate.

  Here, although the case where the traffic lights 100 related to the intersection communicate with each other has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the traffic lights 100 installed side by side in the same lane may communicate with each other. As a result, vehicles traveling in the same lane and passing through the traffic lights 100 arranged in sequence are arranged in order so that they cannot proceed with any of the traffic lights 100 but can travel. Each installed traffic signal 100 can also control the signal display unit 30 of its own device.

  Note that when the traffic signals 100 installed side by side communicate with each other, the wireless communication units included in the traffic signals 100 may perform relay transfer. Thereby, only the traffic signals 100 installed adjacent to each other can communicate with each other, and the remote traffic signals 100 can also communicate with each other.

  In the description of FIG. 2, the power supply switching unit 43 changes the state between the first mode and the second mode based on the voltage or current of the power supply supplied to the power supply unit 41. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the power supply switching unit 43 may change the state between the first mode and the second mode based on a control signal for switching modes. The control signal for switching the mode may be received via wireless communication, for example. Further, the control signal for switching the mode may be broadcast in a disaster or the like. Thereby, each of the traffic lights 100 can reliably switch the mode without depending on the voltage or current of the power supplied to the power supply unit 41 in the event of a disaster.

  Note that the traffic signal 100 may be a temporary traffic signal for construction. In this case, the signal device 100 may operate by supplying power only from the power storage unit 42. Also in this case, the traffic signal 100 switches the display state of the signal display unit 30 attached to the traffic signal 100 based on the image captured by the imaging unit 10. Therefore, the user simply installs the traffic signal 100, which is a temporary traffic signal for such construction, in the lane, there is no communication between the host controller 200 and the traffic signal 100, and the control signal cannot be received from the host controller 300. Even if it is a case, the control which switches the display state of the signal display part 30 can be made appropriate. Therefore, this traffic light 100 can control traffic appropriately. Therefore, such a traffic signal 100 is suitable for construction.

  Note that when the traffic signal 100 is a temporary traffic signal for construction, the power supply unit 40 of the traffic signal 100 may supply power to each component included in the traffic signal 100 only from the power storage unit 42. In this case, the power supply switching unit 43 may change the state to the second mode after the power is turned on in the mode described with reference to FIG. 2, and then continue to change the state to the second mode. Good.

  For example, when the traffic signal 100 is a temporary signal for construction, there is a possibility that power is not supplied from the outside. As described above, the power supply unit 40 of the traffic signal 100 supplies power to each component included in the traffic signal 100 only from the power storage unit 42, so that even when power is not supplied from the outside as described above. The control unit 22 can switch the display state of the signal display unit 30.

  In the above description, as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the display control unit 22 is based on the control signal received from the host control device 200 by the communication unit 23 in the first mode. In the above description, the display state of the signal display unit 30 is switched via the I / F 71. However, the method in which the display control unit 22 switches the display state of the signal display unit 30 in the first mode is not limited to this.

For example, the display control unit 22 may switch the display state of the signal display unit 30 based on the traffic volume detected by the detection unit 21 in the first mode. That is, also in the first mode, the display control unit 22 may switch the display state of the signal display unit 30 based on the traffic volume detected by the detection unit 21 as in the second mode. .
Further, the display control unit 22 may switch the display state of the signal display unit 30 based on a predetermined timing in the first mode.

  In the above description, the case where the vehicle passes on the left side has been described. However, the traffic signal 100 according to the present embodiment can be applied to the case where the vehicle passes on the right side, similarly to the case where the vehicle passes on the left side. In the case of right-hand traffic, the right turn in the case of left-hand traffic described above is a left turn. The above-mentioned right turn in the case of left-hand traffic or left turn in the case of right-hand traffic means that the vehicle changes its course so that it intersects the opposite lane with respect to the lane that has been traveling so far. is there.

  Then, as described above, “the display control unit 22 switches the display state of the signal display unit 30 so as to give priority to a right turn” means “the control unit 20 (or the display control unit 22) captures an image. Based on the image captured by the unit 10, when the vehicle changes its course so as to intersect the opposite lane with respect to the lane that has been traveling, the vehicle that changes the course is given priority. The display state of the signal display unit 30 is switched. "

  Further, “the display control unit 22 switches the display state of the signal display unit 30 so as to adjust the time of the right turn signal” described above means “the control unit 20 (or the display control unit 22). Based on the image captured by the imaging unit 10, when the vehicle changes its course so as to intersect the opposite lane with respect to the lane that has been traveling, the vehicle that changes the course can travel. Is to switch the display state of the signal display unit 30 so as to adjust the period of time. "

  By doing in this way, the traffic signal 100 according to the present embodiment causes the vehicle to cross the opposite lane with respect to the lane that has been traveling so far, regardless of whether the traffic is left-hand traffic or right-hand traffic. In the case of changing the course, it is possible to make it easier for the vehicle to change the course so as to intersect the opposite lane with respect to the lane that has been traveling. As a result, the traffic signal 100 according to the present embodiment changes the course so that the vehicle intersects the opposite lane with respect to the lane that has been traveling so far, regardless of whether the traffic is left-hand traffic or right-hand traffic. It is possible to reduce (relieve) the traffic jam caused by the operation.

  In addition, when the traffic signal 100 according to the present embodiment is compatible with both left-hand traffic and right-hand traffic, the setting of the traffic signal 100 when the traffic signal 100 is turned on or when the traffic signal 100 is shipped. The traffic signal 100 may be configured to be set to correspond to either left-hand traffic or right-hand traffic via the unit. Then, the control unit 20 may determine which one of left-hand traffic and right-hand traffic is supported based on the setting.

  Further, the traffic signal 100 may determine whether the lane in which the device controls traffic is left-hand traffic or right-hand traffic based on the image captured by the image capturing unit 10. Then, the traffic signal 100 may set to the own device, through the setting unit of the own device, which one of the left-hand traffic and the right-hand traffic corresponds to the traffic signal 100 based on the determination result. .

  In the above description, only the traffic signal for the vehicle has been described as the traffic signal 100. However, the traffic signal 100 is not limited to the vehicle, and the traffic signal when a person crosses the road (or the road), It may be a traffic signal for a train in a railway.

  1 may be realized by dedicated hardware, such as the detection unit 21, the display control unit 22, the communication unit 23, and the power supply switching unit 43 provided in the traffic signal control apparatus 100 in FIG. Each of these components may be constituted by a memory and a CPU (central processing unit), and the function may be realized by loading a program for realizing the function of each component into the memory and executing it.

  In addition, a program for realizing the function of each configuration is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium is read into a computer system and executed, thereby executing processing according to each configuration. May be. Here, the “computer system” includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices.

Further, the “computer system” includes a homepage providing environment (or display environment) if a WWW system is used.
The “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a storage device such as a flexible medium, a magneto-optical disk, a portable medium such as a ROM and a CD-ROM, and a hard disk incorporated in a computer system. Furthermore, the “computer-readable recording medium” dynamically holds a program for a short time like a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. In this case, a volatile memory in a computer system serving as a server or a client in that case, and a program that holds a program for a certain period of time are also included. The program may be a program for realizing a part of the functions described above, and may be a program capable of realizing the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in a computer system.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes design and the like within a scope not departing from the gist of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Imaging part, 20 ... Control part, 21 ... Detection part, 22 ... Display control part, 30 ... Signal display part, 31 ... 1st light emission part, 32 ... 2nd light emission part, 33 ... 3rd light emission part 42 ... Power storage unit, 50 ... Sound collecting unit

Claims (18)

A control unit that switches a display state of the signal display unit attached to the traffic light based on an image captured by the imaging unit;
A power storage unit that supplies power to each component included in the device;
A traffic light control device comprising: The controller is
A detection unit for detecting a traffic volume based on the captured image;
A display control unit that switches a display state of the signal display unit based on the detected traffic volume;
The traffic light control device according to claim 1, comprising: The detector is
Based on the images of the plurality of lanes imaged by the imaging unit, the traffic volume of each of the plurality of lanes is detected,
The display control unit
Based on the result of comparing the detected traffic volumes of the plurality of lanes, the display state of the signal display unit is switched.
The traffic light control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The display control unit
Based on the result of comparing the traffic volumes of the plurality of detected lanes, a vehicle traveling in a lane with a high traffic volume can proceed with priority over a vehicle traveling in a lane with a low traffic volume. So as to switch the display state of the signal display unit,
The traffic light control apparatus according to claim 3. The detector is
Based on the captured image, the type of vehicle is detected,
The display control unit
When the type of the detected vehicle is an emergency vehicle, the display state of the signal display unit is switched so that the emergency vehicle can travel.
The traffic light control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the traffic light control device is provided. A sound collection unit that collects sound,
With
The detector is
When detecting the type of vehicle based on the captured image, the type of vehicle is detected based on the captured image and the sound collected by the sound collection unit.
The traffic light control device according to claim 5, wherein: The controller is
Based on the image picked up by the image pickup unit, when the vehicle changes its course so as to cross the opposite lane with respect to the lane that has traveled so far, the vehicle that changes the route is given priority. , Switching the display state of the signal display unit,
The traffic light control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The controller is
Based on the image picked up by the image pickup unit, when the vehicle changes its course so as to intersect the opposite lane with respect to the lane that has been traveling, the vehicle that changes the course can proceed. Switch the display state of the signal display unit to adjust the time,
The traffic light control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein The controller is
When power is supplied to each component included in the device by the power storage unit, the display state of the signal display unit is switched based on an image captured by the imaging unit,
The traffic light control apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: In the signal display unit,
Each light emitting section corresponding to one signal includes a plurality of light emitting elements,
The controller is
When the light emitting unit is turned on, among the plurality of light emitting elements included in the light emitting unit, a part of the light emitting elements emits or extinguishes and the light emitting or extinguished portion is in the light emitting unit. Causing the plurality of light emitting elements to emit light so that the position changes,
The traffic light control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein The controller is
When the light emitting unit is turned on, among the plurality of light emitting elements included in the light emitting unit, a part of the light emitting elements emits or extinguishes and the light emitting or extinguished portion is in the light emitting unit. Causing the plurality of light emitting elements to emit light so as to rotate, move, enlarge, or reduce;
The traffic light control apparatus according to claim 10. The controller is
When the light emitting unit is turned on, the light emitting element included in the light emitting unit to be turned on, and the luminance of the light emitting element that is turned off is changed.
The traffic light control apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein The imaging unit
Attached to the traffic light,
The traffic light control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein The imaging unit
An imaging device that images 360 degrees of orientation,
14. The traffic light control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The imaging unit
It is attached to the traffic light so as to image a lane whose traffic is controlled by the display state of the signal display unit,
15. The traffic light control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The traffic signal control device according to any one of claims 1 to 15,
A traffic light characterized by comprising: The traffic light is
It is a temporary signal for construction.
The traffic light according to claim 16. On the computer,
A control procedure for switching the display state of the signal display unit attached to the traffic light based on the image captured by the imaging unit;
A program for running

Images