JP2012098810A - Traffic signal control apparatus and traffic signal control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a traffic signal control apparatus and traffic signal control method in which signal control can be performed while ensuring safety even for movement control employing a dual ring system.SOLUTION: A CPU 1 sends a stepping command that is a switching timing signal of a light color to step counters 7 and 8 on the basis of a display pattern via a CPU interface 2. On the basis of the stepping command sent from the CPU 1, the step counters 7 and 8 sequentially designate steps of a signal light independently of each other. When performing a time differential aspect on one of confronted flow-in paths, the CPU 1 sets a first step in which the step counter 7 designates a light color for one flow-in path (e.g., direction N) to blue for going straight and the step counter 8 simultaneously designates a light color for one flow-in path (direction N) to blue for turning right in each of signal cycles.

Description

  The present invention relates to a traffic signal control apparatus and a traffic signal control method using a dual ring system.

  For the purpose of improving traffic jams at intersections, the traffic lights (arrows) assigned to each movement are used for the movement lines of vehicles and pedestrians that are classified according to direction, lanes used, traffic rights, etc. Movement control (variable phase control, variable display control) that independently controls the display time for each light color of the signal lamps on the inflow paths facing each other (roads flowing into the intersection), for example, the inflow paths in the upward and downward directions Also called). By performing movement control, for example, when there is a deviation in traffic demand in the vertical direction, the time difference is displayed in a direction where there is a lot of demand (also called a priority direction) By displaying the display of all the signal lights in the direction where demand is low, the traffic light can be expected to improve. One method for realizing movement control is a dual ring system. The dual ring method is characterized in that the signal display can be switched for each ring, so that the degree of freedom in the signal display transition process is high.

  As an example of a traffic signal controller for movement control using the dual ring system, it is equipped with multiple step counters and independently controls the upstream and downstream signals, and performs real-time signal control according to the traffic situation of each inflow path at the intersection Has been disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-268547 A

  However, in movement control traffic signal controllers using the dual ring system, the display time for each lamp color in each ring (for example, the display time of each floor) can be varied, and the signal display between the rings There are no restrictions on the transition process (the transition process of the tiers between rings). For this reason, the signal lamp may be lit in the transition process of signal display different from the normal display pattern (lamp color order, lamp color combination, etc.) in the time difference display that should be originally traced, which is different from the normal display pattern. There is a risk that a driver confronting the signal lamp may become confused or confused in making a decision to safely pass or stop at the intersection. In addition, even if the display is followed by a regular display pattern, the traffic signal controller using the dual ring system may display only a small time difference when displaying the time difference. There is a risk of causing confusion and confusion in the decision to safely pass or stop at the intersection.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a traffic signal control device and a traffic signal control method capable of performing signal control ensuring safety even in movement control using a dual ring system. The purpose is to provide.

  The traffic signal control device according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of lamp color designating units for designating display times for each lamp color of the signal lamp unit, and independently controls the signal control of the inflow path facing at the intersection by each lamp color designating unit. In a traffic signal control apparatus using a dual ring system, when a time difference is indicated for one inflow path of the opposite inflow path, one light color designation unit is the one inflow in each cycle of the signal cycle. A setting unit is provided for setting a first stage that designates the light color for the road as blue for at least straight travel, and at the same time the other light color designation unit designates the light color for the one inflow route as right turn blue. It is characterized by.

  The traffic signal control apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the setting unit sets the display time of the first floor to a predetermined time or more.

  In the traffic signal control device according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the setting unit is configured such that the one lamp color designation unit sets a lamp color for the one inflow path before the first stage. At least the second lamp designating blue for the straight traveling and simultaneously setting the lamp color for the inflow path opposite to the one inflow path by the other lamp color designation section is set. After the first floor, the one lamp color designation unit designates the lamp color for the one inflow path as yellow, and simultaneously, the other lamp color designation unit turns the lamp color for the one inflow path to the right. A third stage is designated which is designated blue and the light color for the opposite inflow channel is designated red.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the traffic signal control apparatus according to the third aspect, the setting unit may be configured such that the one lamp color designation unit is a lamp for the one inflow path between the first and second decks. A color is designated at least as blue for straight travel, and at the same time, the other lamp color designation unit is configured to set a fourth stage for designating the lamp color for the opposite inflow path as red. Features.

  In the traffic signal control device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the third or fourth aspect of the invention, the setting unit is configured such that, after the third step, the one lamp color designation unit changes the lamp color for the one inflow path to red. At the same time, the other lamp color designating unit designates a right turn blue color for the one inflow path, and sets a fifth ladder designating the lamp color for the opposite inflow path to red. It is comprised by these.

  A traffic signal control method according to a sixth aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of lamp color specifying sections that specify display times for each lamp color of a signal lamp device, and independently controls the signal control of inflow paths facing each other at an intersection by each lamp color specifying section. In the traffic signal control method by the traffic signal control device using the dual ring system to perform the time difference indication for one inflow path of the opposite inflow path, one lamp color designation unit in each cycle of the signal cycle Designates the light color for the one inflow path as blue for at least straight travel, and at the same time, the other light color designation unit sets the first tier for designating the light color for the one inflow path as right turn blue. Including steps.

  In the first invention and the sixth invention, when the setting unit performs the time difference display for one inflow path of the opposite inflow path, one set of one lamp color designation section is provided in each cycle of the signal cycle. The light color for the inflow route is set to blue for at least straight traveling, and at the same time, the other light color designating unit sets the first deck for designating the light color for the one inflow route to turn right. One inflow channel has a high traffic demand among the two inflow channels facing each other, for example, an inflow channel in the upward or downward direction, an inflow channel in the N or S direction, or an inflow channel in the W or E direction. Can be better. The time difference indication is, for example, when one inflow path is set to the N direction and the time difference indication is performed for the N direction inflow path, the inflow path opposite to the one inflow path (the one with less traffic demand, for example, S (Direction) signal lights are all red, stop the vehicle traveling in the S direction, and then advance the vehicle in the N direction (including straight, left and right turns). Further, in the dual ring method, for example, each of the light colors of blue (including straight blue and left turn blue), yellow, red, and right turn blue of the signal lamp corresponding to the S direction corresponding to the N direction is ring 1. As a summary. Also, the light colors of blue (including straight blue and left turn blue), yellow, red, and right turn blue of the signal lamp corresponding to the N direction are collected as a ring 2. A plurality of lamp color designation units (for example, step counters) are associated with each ring. For example, one lamp color designation unit designates the lamp color of the signal lamp of one ring (Ring 1), and the other The lamp color designation unit separately designates the lamp colors of the signal lamps of the other ring (ring 2).

  When the time difference display is performed on the inflow path in the N direction, the setting unit, in each cycle of the signal cycle, the one lamp color designation unit changes the light color of the signal lamp corresponding to the N direction to at least blue in a straight line. At the same time, the other lamp color designating unit sets the first deck that designates the light color of the signal lamp in the N direction as right turn blue. Note that “simultaneous” indicates a state in which lamp colors designated by a plurality of lamp color designation units are lit simultaneously. When the setting unit sets the first floor, it is possible to limit the signal display transition process between rings (the transition process of the floor between rings). Even if the movement control using the dual ring method is safe, it is possible to securely provide a floor that turns on both the straight blue (including the left turn blue) and the right turn blue. Signal control that ensures the above can be performed. Also, the situation where the right blue arrow suddenly lights up with the yellow light lit up, or the yellow light and the right turn blue light are turned on immediately after the straight blue arrow and the left blue arrow disappear. It is possible to prevent a situation in which lighting starts.

  In the second invention, the setting unit sets the display time of the first ladder to a predetermined time or more. The predetermined time can be set to about 2 to 3 seconds, for example. When there is no restriction on the signal display transition process between rings, when time difference display is performed, for example, the time difference display time is set to a short time of less than 1 second, and straight ahead immediately after the right turn driver starts. There is a risk of confusing the yellow light. By setting the display time of the first tier to a predetermined time or more, it is possible to guarantee the minimum time when displaying the time difference, and it is possible to prevent the driver from being confused.

  In the third aspect of the invention, the setting unit designates the lamp color for one inflow path to be blue at least for the straight line, and at the same time other lamps at the same time before the first stage. The color designation unit sets a second tier that designates the lamp color for the inflow path facing one inflow path as yellow. That is, the setting unit designates the light color of the signal lamp corresponding to the N direction as blue at least in the straight direction before the first floor, and simultaneously sets the other light color designation unit. Sets the second tier that specifies yellow as the light color of the signal lamp in the S direction. As a result, in the dual ring system, various patterns occur when priority is given to one direction, so that it is possible to shift from the second floor to the first floor in order, and it is matched with one pattern of the conventional time difference display system. Therefore, the driver can be prevented from being confused.

  In addition, after the first stage, the setting unit designates the lamp color for one inflow channel as yellow by one lamp color designation unit, and simultaneously the other lamp color designation unit sets the lamp color for one inflow channel. A third ladder is set that designates a right turn blue and a red color for the inflow path opposite to the one inflow path. That is, after the first level, the setting unit designates the lamp color of the signal lamp corresponding to the N direction as yellow after the first stage, and simultaneously the other lamp color designation unit sets the signal lamp for the N direction. The third stage is set so that the lamp color of the light turns blue and the lamp color of the signal lamp with respect to the S direction is designated red. As a result, in the dual ring method, various patterns occur when priority is given to one direction, so that it is possible to shift from the first level to the third level in order, and it is matched with one pattern of the conventional time difference display method. Therefore, the driver can be prevented from being confused.

  In the fourth aspect of the invention, the setting unit designates the light color for one inflow channel as blue at least for straight traveling between the first and second tiers, and at the same time In other words, another lamp color designating unit sets the fourth deck for designating the lamp color for the inflow path opposite to the one inflow path. That is, the setting unit designates the light color of the signal lamp corresponding to the N direction as blue at least for straight traveling between the first and second tiers, and simultaneously The 4th stage which designates the light color of the signal light apparatus with respect to the S direction to red is set. As a result, in the dual ring method, various patterns are generated when priority is given to one direction, so that it is possible to shift from the second floor to the fourth floor and from the fourth floor to the first floor in order, It is possible to prevent the driver from being further confused because it is adapted to one pattern of the shown method and a fourth level is added.

  In the fifth invention, after the third stage, the setting unit designates the lamp color for one inflow channel as red after the third stage, and simultaneously sets the other lamp color designation unit as one. A fifth deck is designated which designates the light color for the inflow channel as right turn blue and the light color for the inflow channel opposite to the one inflow channel as red. That is, after the third stage, the setting unit designates the lamp color of the signal lamp corresponding to the N direction as red by one lamp color designation unit, and simultaneously the other lamp color designation unit designates the signal lamp for the N direction. The fifth color is set so that the light color of the signal light turns blue and the signal light color for the S direction is designated red. As a result, in the dual ring method, when one direction is given priority, various patterns are generated, so that the transition from the first to the third and the third to the fifth can be made in this order. It is possible to prevent the driver from being further confused because it is adapted to one pattern of the indication method and a fifth deck is added.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to limit the signal display transition process between the rings, and when performing the time difference display in the dual ring system, the straight light blue (including the left turn blue) of the signal lamp in the N direction every cycle. ) And right turn blue can be provided at the same time. Therefore, even in the case of movement control using the dual ring system, signal control with safety can be performed.

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 schematic diagram which shows an example of the light color of a signal lamp device. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between a ring and a signal lamp device. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the regular display hierarchy in a normal control system. It is explanatory drawing which shows the transition of the light color of the signal lamp device by the normal presenting step | level | step display in case there is no time difference display by the traffic signal controller of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the regular display hierarchy in a time difference display control system. It is explanatory drawing which shows the transition of the light color of the signal lamp device by the regular presenting step | level | step-step when there is a time difference display by the traffic signal controller of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 1st example of the anomalous presenting stage as a comparative example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the transition of the lamp color of the signal lamp device by the 1st example of the anomalous presenting stage as a comparative example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd example of the anomalous display stage as a comparative example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the transition of the lamp color of the signal lamp device by the 2nd example of the anomalous display stage as a comparative example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 3rd example of the anomalous display stage as a comparative example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the transition of the lamp color of the signal lamp device by the 3rd example of the anomalous display stage as a comparative example. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the control method of the signal display transfer process in case there exists a time difference display by the traffic signal controller of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the transition of the lamp color of a signal lamp device when performing the control method of the signal display transition process in case there exists a time difference display by the traffic signal controller of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the signal display transfer process of the traffic signal controller of this Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a traffic signal control device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a traffic signal controller will be described as an example of a traffic signal controller. However, the traffic signal controller is not limited to a traffic signal controller, and is a higher-level controller for the traffic signal controller. It may be.

  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 control unit 20 that controls the step corresponding to the lamp color of the signal lamp, a signal lamp A display memory 11 and a display memory reading circuit 12 are provided as storage units for storing display patterns that determine the order of lamp colors, combinations of lamp colors, display times of lamp colors, and the like. In addition, the control unit 20 includes step counters 7 and 8 as a plurality of lamp color designation units that designate display times for each lamp color of the signal lamp.

  For example, when there is a large amount of right-turn traffic at an intersection and there is a traffic jam in the direction, providing a time difference display improves the processing capability in the traffic jam direction and can realize a smooth traffic flow. If the amount of right turn traffic changes every cycle of the signal cycle and there is a traffic jam, the movement control is performed to change the direction of the time difference display for each cycle. The processing capacity in the direction of traffic jams that change to a better.

  The traffic signal controller 100 can perform movement control (also referred to as variable phase control or variable display control) using a dual ring system. The movement control is to independently control the display time for each light color of the signal lamp assigned to the flow line (movement) of the vehicle or pedestrian. And in order to control independently the display time for each lamp color of each signal lamp, in the dual ring method, a plurality of rings (for example, two) to which a plurality of signal lamps are allocated are provided, and each ring lamp has a lamp color for each lamp color. By changing the display time independently, a time difference display can be provided for a desired inflow path. The inflow path is a road that flows into the intersection. For example, as described later, the left straight blue arrow of the ring 1 and the right blue arrow of the ring 2 are controlled independently.

  The CPU 1 sends a step command, which is a lamp color switching timing signal, to the step counters 7 and 8 via the CPU interface 2 based on the display pattern. The step command is a command to advance the current display to the next level (advance the step to the next step).

  The CPU 1 performs the time difference appearance determination process, for example, every cycle of the signal cycle. Judgment of time difference appearance is, for example, the method of causing the time difference to appear by displaying a right turn by displaying the opposite right turn by measuring the left turn on the gap sensitivity judgment, measuring the right turn demand on the opposite inflow channel (road), and calculating the time difference A method of giving time, a method of causing a time difference to appear by displaying a predetermined number of step seconds for each ring, and the like can be used. Note that the present invention is not limited to these methods, and any method capable of causing the time difference to appear (display) as a result can be included in the time difference appearance determination process.

  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.

  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 display memory reading circuit 12 reads the display pattern stored in the display memory 11 based on the step signal output from each of the step counters 7 and 8, and lights the signal lamps according to the read display pattern. 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, in the opposite inflow path (road flowing into the intersection), for example, an N lamp (signal lamp) is provided for a vehicle heading in the traveling direction N as one inflow path of the opposite inflow path. An S lamp (signal lamp) is installed for a vehicle that is installed and heads in the traveling direction S as an inflow path opposite to the one inflow path. The N lamp and the S lamp have respective lamp colors of G, Y, R, left turn blue arrow, straight forward blue arrow, and right turn blue arrow.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the color of the signal lamp. G indicates a blue light color, Y indicates a yellow light color, and R indicates a red light color. Further, a leftward arrow indicates a left turn blue, an upward arrow indicates a straight blue, and a right arrow indicates a right turn blue. There are no left-turned arrow lamps at intersections where left turn is always permitted.

  In the example of FIG. 2, the N direction and the S direction are described for simplification, but the following description can be similarly applied to roads that intersect the roads in the N direction and the S direction.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the ring and the signal lamp. As shown in FIG. 4, two rings (rings 1 and 2) are provided for the color of the signal lamps in the N direction and the S direction on opposite roads. Ring 1 is a direct (straight blue), left (blue left turn), G (blue), Y (yellow), R (red) color of N lamp, and right (right turn blue) of S lamp. Includes light color. The display time of each lamp color included in the ring 1 is specified by the step counter 7.

  In addition, the ring 2 is a straight (straight blue), left (blue left turn), G (blue), Y (yellow), R (red) color of the S lamp, and right (blue turn right) of the N lamp. ). The display time of each lamp color included in the ring 2 is specified by the step counter 8.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a regular display step in the normal control system, and FIG. 6 is a signal lamp using a regular display step when there is no time difference display by the traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows transition of the lamp color of a vessel. In FIG. 5, a double line shows a red signal (R), and a diagonal line shows a yellow signal (Y). Also, N left represents straight (straight blue) and left (blue left) of N lamp, S right represents right (right blue) of S lamp, and NYR represents Y (yellow) of N lamp. ), R (red). The ring 1 includes the lamp colors N right left, S right, and NYR, and the step counter 7 designates the display time for each lamp color in the order of steps 1, 2,.

  In addition, S-left indicates straight (straight blue) and left (blue turning left) of the S lamp, N right indicates right (blue turning right) of the N lamp, and SYR indicates Y (yellow) of the S lamp. ), R (red). The ring 2 includes the lamp colors of S right, N right, and SYR, and the step counter 8 designates the display time for each lamp color in the order of steps 1, 2,.

  When there is no time difference indication, steps 1 to 6 of ring 1 and steps 1 to 6 of ring 2 transition at the same timing. As shown in FIG. 6, when the rings 1 and 2 are in step 1, the N lamp is in the left turn blue, straight blue, and R (red) lighting state, and the S lamp is in the left turn blue, straight blue, R ( (Red) lights up.

  When the rings 1 and 2 are step 2, the Y lamp is in the Y (yellow) lighting state, and the S lamp is in the Y (yellow) lighting state.

  When the rings 1 and 2 are step 3, the N lamp is lit in R (red), and the S lamp is lit in R (red).

  When the rings 1 and 2 are in step 4, the N lamp is R (red) and right turn blue is lit, and the S lamp is R (red) and right turn blue is lit.

  When the rings 1 and 2 are step 5, Y lamp (Y) is lit in the N lamp, and Y (yellow) is lit in the S lamp.

  When the rings 1 and 2 are in step 6, the R lamp is lit in R (red) and the S lamp is lit in R (red). Thereafter, the same lighting state is repeated.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a regular presenting step in the time difference presenting control method, and FIG. 8 is based on a regular presenting step when there is a time difference presenting by the traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the transition of the lamp color of a signal lamp. In the example of FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the time difference indication is set for the N-direction inflow path in an arbitrary cycle, assuming that the traffic demand of the N-direction inflow path is greater than the traffic demand of the S-direction inflow path ( That is, the case where the vehicle in the S direction is stopped in full red during the time difference display) is shown.

  When the time difference display is performed, the step counters 7 and 8 set the display times of the lamp colors of the rings 1 and 2 respectively independently. That is, unlike the cases of FIGS. 5 and 6, the steps in the rings 1 and 2 do not transition at the same timing.

  However, the start time of Step 1 and the end time of Step 6 are referred to as a barrier, and the rings 1 and 2 are synchronized in the barrier. Steps other than barriers are not necessarily synchronized. The barrier indicates the timing at which the signal control needs to be divided, such as the main road and the secondary road of the road intersecting at the intersection.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when ring 1 is step 1 and ring 2 is step 1, the N lamp turns left blue, straight blue, and R (red) lights, and the S lamp turns left blue, straight Blue and R (red) are lit.

  When the ring 1 is step 1 and the ring 2 is step 2, the N lamp is in the left turn blue, straight blue, and R (red) is lit, and the S lamp is in Y (yellow).

  When the ring 1 is step 1 and the ring 2 is step 3, the N lamp is in the left turn blue, straight blue, and R (red) is lit, and the S lamp is in R (red).

  When Ring 1 is Step 1 and Ring 2 is Step 4, the N lamp will turn left blue, straight blue, R (red) and right turn blue, and the S lamp will light R (red). Become. The ring 1 is in step 1 and the ring 2 is in step 4. The vehicle in the N direction can turn left, go straight, and turn right, and the vehicle in the S direction stops in red.

  When the ring 1 is step 2 and the ring 2 is step 4, the N lamp is lit in Y (yellow) and right turn blue, and the S lamp is lit in R (red).

  When the ring 1 is step 3 and the ring 2 is step 4, the N lamp is in R (red) and right turn blue is lit, and the S lamp is in R (red).

  When the ring 1 is step 4 and the ring 2 is step 4, the N lamp is in R (red) and right turn blue, and the S lamp is in R (red) and right turn blue.

  When Ring 1 is Step 5 and Ring 2 is Step 5, the N lamp is in the Y (yellow) lighting state, and the S lamp is in the Y (yellow) lighting state.

  When the ring 1 is step 6 and the ring 2 is step 6, the N lamp is lit in R (red), and the S lamp is lit in R (red). Hereinafter, the same lighting state is repeated, but in the case of the time difference indication control method in which the time difference indication is set for the inflow path in the S direction, the normal display pattern is that the contents of the ring 1 and ring 2 in FIG. In addition, the contents of the N lamp and the S lamp are switched.

  As described above, in the conventional traffic signal controller, the display time for each lamp color in each ring can be varied, and there is no restriction on the signal display transition process between the rings. That is, there is no restriction on the setting of the display time for each lamp color in each ring. In the following, an anomalous unillustrated display ladder that may occur in a conventional traffic signal controller will be described as a comparative example.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a first example of an anomalous display floor as a comparative example, and FIG. 10 shows the transition of the light color of the signal lamp according to the first example of an anomalous display floor as a comparative example. It is explanatory drawing shown. As described above, in the dual ring system, the time of each step of the ring 1 can be varied, and the time of each step of the ring 2 can be varied independently of the ring 1. As shown in FIG. 10, when the ring 1 is step 2 and the ring 2 is step 3, the N lamp is in the Y (yellow) lighting state and the S lamp is in the R (red) lighting state. Become. Then, in the next step, when ring 1 is step 2 and ring 2 is step 4, the N lamp is turned right-turned blue while Y (yellow) is on. That is, a right blue arrow is displayed in the middle of the yellow signal, and an abnormal display pattern different from a normal (normal) display pattern (for example, FIG. 5 to FIG. 8) is displayed. The driver may be at a loss or confused in determining whether to stop or pass at an intersection.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of an anomalous display floor as a comparative example, and FIG. 12 shows the transition of the light color of the signal lamp according to the second example of an anomalous display floor as a comparative example. It is explanatory drawing shown. As shown in FIG. 12, when the ring 1 is step 1 and the ring 2 is step 3, the N lamp is turned left blue, straight blue, and R (red) is lit, and the S lamp is R (red). Lights up. When the ring 1 is step 2 and the ring 2 is step 4, Y (yellow) and right turn blue are simultaneously turned on in the N lamp. In other words, when the straight blue arrow and the left blue arrow are displayed, the driver determines that the right blue arrow is displayed with the lighting state being maintained normally. Immediately after the arrow disappears, yellow and right turn blue light up at the same time, resulting in an abnormal display pattern different from a normal (normal) display pattern (for example, FIGS. 5 to 8). A driver confronting a vessel may be at a loss or confused in determining whether to stop or pass at an intersection. Note that “simultaneous” means that the lamp colors specified by a plurality of step counters are lit at the same time, and only means that the lighting start time of the lamp color or the lighting time of the lamp color is the same time point. is not.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing a third example of an irregular display floor as a comparative example, and FIG. 14 shows the transition of the lamp color of the signal lamp according to the third example of an irregular display floor as a comparative example. It is explanatory drawing shown. In the third example, when ring 1 is step 1 and ring 2 is step 4, the N lamp is in the left turn blue, straight blue, right turn blue, and R (red) is lit, and the S lamp is R (red) ) Lights up. However, since the time (time difference) during which the N lamp is displaying the left turn, straight ahead, and right turn blue arrows is less than the minimum number of seconds to be held (for example, 1 second, etc.), the normal display in the time difference display Even if it is a pattern, only a slight time difference time can be secured, and the driver who confronts the signal lamp may cause hesitation or confusion in determining whether to stop or pass at the intersection.

  The traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment solves the safety problem due to the above-mentioned irregular presenting ladder (for example, the first to third examples). Hereinafter, signal control by the traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a control method of a signal display transition process when there is a time difference display by the traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 16 is a traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the transition of the lamp color of a signal lamp device when performing the control method of the signal display transition process in case there exists a time difference display by. In the example of FIGS. 15 and 16, the time difference indication is set for the inflow path in the N direction assuming that the traffic demand in the inflow path in the N direction is larger than the traffic demand in the inflow path in the S direction (that is, in the S direction). The case where the vehicle is stopped in full red during the time difference display) is shown. 15 and 16 are the same as the examples of FIGS. 7 and 8, but the traffic signal controller 100 uses the normal display pattern signal in the time difference display as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. By providing a restriction on the signal display transition process between the rings so as to always follow the display transition process, even in the movement control using the dual ring system, it is possible to perform signal control ensuring safety. When setting the time difference display for the inflow path in the S direction, control is performed so as to follow a normal display pattern of the time difference display method for setting the time difference display for the inflow path in the S direction.

  The step counters 7 and 8 set the display time for each lamp color based on a predetermined limit when the lamp color display times for the rings 1 and 2 are set independently. Hereinafter, the control method of the signal display transition process will be described.

  When the CPU 1 displays the time difference for one inflow path, one step counter (for example, the step counter 7) changes the light color for one inflow path (for example, N direction) at every cycle of the signal cycle. The first step is designated as straight blue, and at the same time, the other step counter (eg, step counter 8) sets the first tier that designates the right turn blue for the one inflow path (N direction). The first stage is a case where the ring 1 illustrated in FIG. 16 is step 1 and the ring 2 is step 4. That is, when performing the time difference display, the traffic signal controller 100 always incorporates the first ladder into the display pattern at every signal cycle. In addition, in the 1st floor, since a time difference display is performed, the light color of the signal lamp device of the inflow path (S direction) which opposes is red.

  By setting the first stage in each cycle of the signal cycle, it is possible to limit the signal display transition process between rings (the transition process of the floor between rings), and when performing time difference display in the dual ring system 9 and FIG. 9 to FIG. 9 described above, because it is possible to reliably provide a floor in which a straight blue (including a left turn blue) and a right turn blue of a signal lamp in a direction with a high traffic demand in each cycle is turned on simultaneously. 12 can be prevented from occurring, and even in the case of movement control using the dual ring method, signal control with safety can be performed.

  In addition, the CPU 1 sets the above-described first stage (the left turn blue, straight blue, and right turn in the N direction are all lit) to a predetermined time or more. The predetermined time can be set to about 2 to 3 seconds, for example. When there is no restriction on the signal display transition process between rings, when time difference display is performed, for example, the time difference display time is set to a short time of less than 1 second, and straight ahead immediately after the right turn driver starts. There is a risk of confusing the yellow light. By setting the display time of the first floor to a predetermined time or more, it is possible to guarantee the minimum time when displaying the time difference, and it is possible to prevent the driver from being confused. It is possible to prevent the anomalous display pattern exemplified in the above from occurring, and to secure a time during which the vehicle can safely turn right at the intersection.

  In addition, before the first level, the CPU 1 designates the light color for one inflow path (N direction) as straight blue when one step counter (for example, the step counter 7), and at the same time another step counter ( For example, a second deck is set that specifies yellow as the lamp color for the inflow channel (S direction) facing the step counter 8). The second tier is a case where ring 1 illustrated in FIG. 16 is step 1 and ring 2 is step 2.

  That is, in every cycle of the signal cycle, the CPU 1 designates the light color of the signal lamp corresponding to the N direction as straight blue before the first stage, and at the same time, the step counter 8 corresponds to the S direction. Set the second tier that specifies yellow for the signal lamp. Thereby, in the dual ring method, various patterns (for example, FIG. 7, FIG. 9, FIG. 11, FIG. 13, etc. described above) are generated when priority is given to one direction. Since it is possible to shift from the floor to the first floor in order to match one pattern of the conventional time difference display method, the driver can be prevented from being confused.

  In addition, after the first step, the CPU 1 designates the light color for one inflow path (N direction) as yellow for one step counter (for example, the step counter 7), and simultaneously sets the other step counter (for example, for example). The step counter 8) sets the third stage in which the lamp color for one inflow path (N direction) is designated as right turn blue and the lamp color for the opposite inflow path (S direction) is designated as red. The third deck is a case where the ring 1 illustrated in FIG. 16 is step 2 and the ring 2 is step 4.

  That is, in each cycle of the signal cycle, the CPU 1 designates the lamp color of the signal lamp corresponding to the N direction as yellow after the first step, and the step counter 8 simultaneously sets the signal lamp for the N direction. The third stage is set so that the lamp color of the light turns blue and the lamp color of the signal lamp with respect to the S direction is designated red. As a result, in the dual ring system, various patterns (for example, FIG. 7, FIG. 9, FIG. 11, FIG. 13, and the like described above) are generated when priority is given to one direction. Since it is possible to shift from the floor to the third floor in order to match one pattern of the conventional time difference display method, the driver can be prevented from being confused.

  Further, the CPU 1 designates the light color for the one inflow path (N direction) as straight blue between the first and second tiers, and the inflow path where the step counter 8 faces at the same time. It is also possible to set a fourth ladder that designates the lamp color for (S direction) as red. The fourth floor is a case where the ring 1 illustrated in FIG. 16 is step 1 and the ring 2 is step 3. Note that the fourth floor may not be provided.

  That is, in every cycle of the signal cycle, the CPU 1 designates the light color of the signal lamp corresponding to the N direction as straight blue between the first and second tiers, and simultaneously the step counter 8 sets the 4th stage which designates the light color of the signal lamp with respect to the S direction as red. As a result, in the dual ring method, when one direction is given priority, various patterns (for example, FIG. 7, FIG. 9, FIG. 11, FIG. 13 described above, etc.) are generated. It is possible to shift from the 4th floor to the 1st floor in order to match one pattern of the conventional time difference display method and further add the 4th floor, so that the driver can be prevented from further confusion. .

  Further, after the third step, the CPU 1 designates the lamp color for one inflow path (N direction) as red after the step counter 7 and simultaneously the lamp color for the one inflow path (N direction) by the step counter 8. It is also possible to set a fifth ladder that designates the right turn blue and the lamp color for the opposite inflow channel (S direction) as red. The fifth floor is a case where the ring 1 illustrated in FIG. 16 is step 3 and the ring 2 is step 4. Note that the fifth floor may not be provided.

  That is, in every cycle of the signal cycle, the CPU 1 designates the lamp color of the signal lamp corresponding to the N direction as red after the third stage, and the step counter 8 simultaneously sets the signal lamp for the N direction. The fifth color is set so that the light color of the signal light turns blue and the signal light color for the S direction is designated red. Thus, in the dual ring method, when one direction is given priority, various patterns (for example, FIG. 7, FIG. 9, FIG. 11, FIG. 13 described above) are generated. It is possible to shift from the 3rd floor to the 5th floor in order to match one pattern of the conventional time difference display method and further add the 5th floor, so that the driver can be prevented from further confusion. .

  Next, the processing procedure of the traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a signal display transition process of the traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment. The CPU 1 performs time difference appearance determination processing (S11), and determines whether or not there is a time difference indication (S12).

  When there is a time difference display (YES in S12), that is, when it is determined that a time difference display is to be performed, the CPU 1 sets a display time for each lamp color with a time difference display (S13), and a lamp with a time difference display. Color display processing is performed (S14). As a result, the display (switching) of the lamp color of the signal lamp is controlled based on the display level when there is a time difference display.

  The CPU 1 determines whether or not the time difference time is not less than the minimum value (S15). The time difference time is the display time of the first tier described above, and the minimum value is a predetermined time. When the time difference time is not equal to or greater than the minimum value (NO in S15), the CPU 1 continues to display the time difference step (first step) (S16) and performs the process of step S15. Thereby, it waits for the time difference time to become the minimum value or more.

  If the time difference time is equal to or greater than the minimum value (YES in S15), the CPU 1 continues the lamp color display process with time difference indication (S17), and determines whether or not the barrier has been reached (S18).

  When there is no time difference display (NO in S12), that is, when time difference display is not performed, the CPU 1 sets a display time for each light color without time difference display (S19), and displays a light color without time difference display. A process is performed (S20), and the process of step S18 is performed.

  If the barrier has not been reached (NO in S18), the CPU 1 continues the process of step S18. Until the barrier is reached, the process of step S17 or step S20 is continued.

  When the barrier is reached (YES in S18), the CPU 1 determines whether or not the process is finished (S21). When the process is not finished (NO in S21), the CPU 1 starts the process of the next cycle (S22). The process after step S11 is performed. When the process is finished (YES in S21), the CPU 1 finishes the process.

  In the above-described embodiment, the traffic signal controller 100 is configured to perform the process of the signal display transition process. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a higher-level signal control device different from the traffic signal controller. The signal display transition process may be performed in step 1, and the processing result may be instructed to the traffic signal controller.

  In the above-described embodiment, the directions of the inflow paths are described as the N direction and the S direction, respectively, but the present invention is not limited to this. In addition, the intersection is not limited to the intersection in the cross shape, and the traffic of the present embodiment can be used at any intersection of any structure as long as the intersection can perform time difference display such as a three-way intersection or a five-way intersection. A signal controller 100 can be used.

  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.

1 CPU (setting unit)
7 Step counter (one light color designation part)
8 Step counter (other light color specification part)
11 Present Memory 12 Present Memory Reading Circuit

Claims (6)

A traffic signal control device using a dual ring system that includes a plurality of lamp color designating sections that designate display times for each lamp color of a signal lamp, and independently controls the signal of an inflow path facing at an intersection by each lamp color designating section. In
When displaying the time difference for one inflow path of the opposite inflow path, at each cycle of the signal cycle, one light color designation unit designates the light color for the one inflow path at least as blue for straight travel The traffic signal control device further includes a setting unit for setting a first stage in which another lamp color designating unit simultaneously designates the light color for the one inflow path to turn right blue. The setting unit
The traffic signal control device according to claim 1, wherein a display time of the first floor is set to be equal to or longer than a predetermined time. The setting unit
In front of the first floor, the one lamp color designation unit designates the lamp color for the one inflow path as blue at least for straight travel, and at the same time, the other lamp color designation unit designates the one inflow. The second stage is set to specify yellow as the light color for the inflow path opposite to the road,
After the first floor, the one lamp color designation unit designates the lamp color for the one inflow path as yellow, and simultaneously, the other lamp color designation unit turns the lamp color for the one inflow path to the right. The traffic signal control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the traffic signal control device is configured to set a third ladder that is designated blue and the light color for the opposite inflow channel is designated red. The setting unit
Between the first and second tiers, the one lamp color designation unit designates the lamp color for the one inflow path as blue at least for straight travel, and simultaneously designates the other lamp color. 4. The traffic signal control device according to claim 3, wherein the unit is configured to set a fourth floor designating red as a lamp color for the opposing inflow channel. The setting unit
After the third floor, the one lamp color designation unit designates the lamp color for the one inflow path as red, and simultaneously, the other lamp color designation unit turns the lamp color for the one inflow path to the right. 5. The traffic signal control device according to claim 3, wherein the traffic signal control device is configured to set a fifth floor which is designated as blue and a light color for the opposite inflow channel is designated as red. A traffic signal control device using a dual ring system that includes a plurality of lamp color designating sections that designate display times for each lamp color of a signal lamp, and independently controls the signal of an inflow path facing at an intersection by each lamp color designating section. In the traffic signal control method by
When displaying the time difference for one inflow path of the opposite inflow path, at each cycle of the signal cycle, one light color designation unit designates the light color for the one inflow path at least as blue for straight travel In addition, the traffic signal control method further includes the step of simultaneously setting the first stage in which the other lamp color designating unit designates the light color for the one inflow path as right turn blue.

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