JP2012123795A - Time difference aspect evaluation support device and time difference aspect evaluation support method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a time difference aspect evaluation support device and a time difference aspect evaluation support method for supporting the evaluation of a time difference aspect.SOLUTION: A traffic information acquisition part 12 acquires the traffic information of each straight advancing direction and each right-turn direction at the intersection of an inflow path. The traffic information of each straight advancing direction is, for example, information to make it possible to obtain the congestion level of the inflow path, such as congestion length, congestion level, traffic volume, traveling time, occupancy rate, saturation level, load rate, and the number of queues. The traffic information of the right-turn direction is, for example, such a traffic volume as the number of right-turn standby vehicles or queue length. A time difference aspect time calculation part 16 calculates a time difference aspect time for evaluating the validity of a time difference aspect based on the acquired traffic information. For example, when one direction of the inflow path is congested, and a value (difference) calculated by subtracting, from the number of right-turn standby vehicles from the one direction, the number of right-turn standby vehicles from a direction opposite to the one direction is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the time difference aspect time calculation part 16 calculates a time difference aspect time corresponding to the difference.

Description

  The present invention relates to a time difference display evaluation support apparatus and a time difference display evaluation support method for evaluating the effectiveness of a time difference display performed for an inflow path facing at an intersection.

  The purpose of traffic signal control is to improve the smoothness such as the improvement of traffic congestion and the safety such as the prevention of traffic accidents by optimizing the traffic flow at the intersection. From the viewpoint of smoothness, it is necessary to select an optimal signal display pattern and give an appropriate green time according to the traffic volume of a vehicle that goes straight, turns left, or turns right at an intersection. Examples of the traffic signal control method include normal control, time difference display control, status change control, movement control (also referred to as variable phase control or variable display control).

  The normal control is, for example, when the traffic volume is the same on the inflow path facing the intersection (the road flowing into the intersection), in the case of an intersection where there is little right-turn traffic, or in an intersection where there is little straight traffic in the opposite lane. , "Blue to yellow, yellow to all red" for the indication of one inflow channel, and "Blue to yellow, yellow to all red" for the indication of the other inflow channel that intersects A simple signal display is selected and given a green time according to the traffic demand of each of the inflow paths that intersect at the intersection. A right turn vehicle can turn right when the vehicle in the opposite lane is interrupted, and even if a right turn is not possible during blue hours, if the number of right turn waiting at the end of blue is about 1 or 2, The right turn car can turn right between “yellow and all red”, so you won't have to wait more than necessary at the intersection.

  In addition, the time difference display control is used when there is a deviation in traffic on the inflow path facing at the intersection (the road flowing into the intersection), that is, at the intersection where traffic is congested or congested in either direction of the facing inflow path. In addition, the light color of the signal light device in the direction with the heavy traffic volume (also referred to as the priority direction) is blue, and the light color of the signal light device in the direction with the light traffic volume is all red.

  Status change control is a method in which the direction of the time difference display is made variable at the start of the cycle, especially when the traffic volume of the inflow path facing at the intersection changes in the morning and evening hours. It is suitable for changing the direction of display according to the time zone.

  Movement control is a method in which the direction of the time difference display is made variable in the middle of the cycle, especially when the traffic on the inflow path facing the intersection changes from moment to moment during a short period of time. This is a method suitable for making the present direction variable for each signal cycle. As an example of such a traffic signal controller for movement control, a plurality of step counters are provided, and up and down signal control is performed independently, enabling real-time signal control according to the traffic situation of each inflow path at the intersection. A traffic signal controller has been disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-268547 A

  In order to ensure smoothness at the intersection, it is necessary to indicate the time difference according to the traffic situation of the inflow path. For example, when judging whether or not to change from a general display method at an intersection to a display method that includes time difference display control such as time difference display control, status change control, or movement control, improve smoothness at the intersection. Must be confirmed or guaranteed. However, the traffic situation differs for each intersection, and there is no evaluation index for evaluating whether the time difference display control, status change control, or movement control is adopted at each intersection.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a time difference display evaluation support device and a time difference display evaluation support method that support evaluation of a time difference display.

  The time difference display evaluation support device according to the first aspect of the present invention is the time difference display evaluation support device that supports the evaluation of the time difference display performed for the inflow passages facing each other at the intersection. And traffic information acquisition means for acquiring traffic information in each right turn direction, and time difference display time calculation means for calculating a time difference display time based on the traffic information acquired by the traffic information acquisition means, To do.

  The time difference display evaluation support device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the time difference indication evaluation support device according to the first aspect, wherein it determines whether the inflow route is congested based on traffic information in each straight direction acquired by the traffic information acquisition means. The time difference display time calculating means comprises: a determining means; and a difference calculating means for calculating a difference in the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn in each right turn direction based on the traffic information in each right turn direction acquired by the traffic information acquiring means. The time difference display time is calculated based on the determination result by the congestion determination unit and the difference calculated by the difference calculation unit.

  A time difference display evaluation support apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the time difference display time calculation means according to the second aspect, wherein the time difference display time calculation means determines that the one inflow path is congested by the congestion determination means. When the difference between the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from the inflow path and the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from the inflow path facing the one inflow path is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the time difference display display time is calculated. It is characterized by being.

  In the time difference display evaluation support apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second or third aspect, the time difference display time calculating means repeatedly calculates the time difference display display time every time a predetermined time elapses. The time difference display time calculation means collects the time difference display display time, and includes time difference display determination means for determining whether or not the time difference display is valid.

  A time difference display evaluation support device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the time difference display evaluation support device for supporting the evaluation of the time difference display performed for the inflow path facing at the intersection. Traffic information acquisition means for acquiring traffic information in each right turn direction, and time difference display time calculation means for repeatedly calculating a time difference display time each time a predetermined time elapses based on the traffic information acquired by the traffic information acquisition means; And generating means for generating a time difference display display time distribution in an arbitrary time zone based on the time difference display display time calculated by the time difference display time calculation means.

  A time difference display evaluation support device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the time difference display evaluation support device for supporting the evaluation of the time difference display performed for the inflow passages facing each other at the intersection. And traffic information acquisition means for acquiring traffic information in each right turn direction, and time difference display determination means for determining whether or not the time difference display is valid based on the traffic information acquired by the traffic information acquisition means. It is characterized by.

  A time difference indication evaluation support method according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the time difference indication evaluation support method for supporting the evaluation of the time difference indication performed for the inflow passages facing each other at the intersection. And a step of acquiring traffic information in each right turn direction and a step of calculating a time difference display time based on the acquired traffic information.

  A time difference display evaluation support method according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the time difference display evaluation support method for supporting the evaluation of the time difference display performed for the inflow passages facing each other at the intersection. And a step of acquiring traffic information in each right turn direction, a step of repeatedly calculating a time difference display time every time a predetermined time elapses based on the acquired traffic information, and based on the calculated time difference display display time Generating a time difference display display time distribution in an arbitrary time zone.

  The time difference display evaluation support method according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is the time difference display evaluation support method for supporting the evaluation of the time difference display performed for the inflow passages facing each other at the intersection. And a step of acquiring traffic information in each right turn direction, and a step of determining whether or not the time difference display is valid based on the acquired traffic information.

  In the 1st invention and the 7th invention, the traffic information of each straight ahead direction and each right turn direction at the intersection of the inflow path is acquired. The traffic information in the straight direction may include traffic information in the left turn direction, or the traffic information in the left turn direction may be omitted. The traffic information in each straight direction (each straight direction, or each straight direction and each left turn direction) is, for example, information that can determine the degree of congestion of the inflow path. For example, the congestion length, the congestion degree, the traffic volume, the travel Time, occupancy, saturation, load factor, number of queues, etc. The traffic information in each straight direction can be obtained from the measurement results of one or more vehicle detectors installed upstream of the intersection, for example. Moreover, the traffic information in each straight direction can be acquired every predetermined time (for example, during one cycle of a signal cycle). The traffic information in the right turn direction is, for example, the traffic volume such as the number of vehicles waiting for the right turn or the queue length. The traffic information in each right turn direction is, for example, a vehicle detector installed at a predetermined distance upstream from the intersection, an imaging device capable of imaging a right turn waiting vehicle near the intersection, or probe information transmitted from the right turn vehicle, etc. Can be measured. Further, the traffic information in each right turn direction can be acquired every predetermined time (for example, during one cycle of a signal cycle). The signal control at the intersection where the traffic information is acquired may be a general display method, or may be a display method including time difference display such as time difference display control, status change control, or movement control. . This is because it is evaluated how much smoothness is improved with respect to the actual implementation method.

  Then, based on the acquired traffic information, a time difference display time for evaluating the effectiveness of the time difference display is calculated. For example, the degree of congestion in each direction of the opposite inflow path is obtained based on the traffic information in each straight traveling direction, and the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from each direction is obtained based on the traffic information in each right turn direction. And when one inflow path is congested, the difference between the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from the one inflow path and the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from an inflow path opposite to the one inflow path is a predetermined value or more. If there is, the time difference display time corresponding to the difference is calculated. When time difference indication is performed using the time difference indication time calculated based on the traffic information of each straight direction and each right turn direction, the vehicle waiting for the right turn with the larger number of vehicles is displayed between the indication times of the time difference indication. In addition, the crowded straight-lined vehicles can also go during the time difference display, improving the smoothness of the intersection, so that the calculated time difference display display time can be used effectively. You can understand and evaluate the effectiveness of time difference display.

  In the second invention, it is determined whether the inflow route is congested based on the acquired traffic information in each straight direction, and the right turn in each right turn direction is determined based on the acquired traffic information in each right turn direction. The difference in the number of waiting vehicles is calculated. Then, the time difference display time is calculated based on the determination result of whether or not the vehicle is congested and the calculated difference. For example, when one inflow path is congested, the difference between the number of vehicles waiting to turn right from the one inflow path and the number of vehicles waiting to turn right from the inflow path opposite to the one inflow path is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If there is, the time difference display time corresponding to the difference is calculated. When the time difference display is performed using the calculated time difference display time, the vehicle with the larger number of cars waiting to turn right turns between the display time of the time difference display, and the congested straight-ahead vehicle also has a time difference. Since it is possible to go during the display and the smoothness of the intersection improves, it can be seen that the calculated time difference display time is the blue time that is used effectively, and the effectiveness of the time difference display can be evaluated. it can.

  In the third invention, when it is determined that one inflow path is congested, the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from the one inflow path and a right turn waiting vehicle from the inflow path facing the one inflow path When the difference from the number is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the time difference display display time is calculated. The predetermined value can be set as appropriate, but can be set to 4 or 5, for example. For example, when the inflow path is not congested, even if the time difference display is performed, it hardly contributes to the improvement of the smoothness of the intersection. In addition, when the difference in the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from each inflow path is less than a predetermined value, the necessity of performing time difference display is low. In other words, if the inflow path is congested and the difference in the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the vehicle waiting for the right turn with the larger number of vehicles will be crawled between the display times of the time difference indication and Since the vehicle running straight ahead can also be run during the time difference display, only the time difference display time effective for improving the smoothness of the intersection can be obtained.

  In the fourth aspect of the invention, the time difference display display time is repeatedly calculated every time a predetermined time elapses, and the calculated time difference display display time is collected to determine whether the time difference display is valid. The predetermined time can be the time of all or part of one cycle of the signal cycle, and the signal lamps for the inflow paths facing at the intersection are displayed in blue (including left turn blue arrow, straight forward blue arrow, right turn blue arrow) It may be a certain time. Then, the time difference display display time is repeatedly calculated during the evaluation time (for example, 1 hour, 2 hours, etc.), and the total value of the time difference display display time calculated during the evaluation time is equal to or greater than a threshold (for example, 1 If the time difference is 60 seconds or more), it is determined that the time difference display is valid. When determining whether or not the time difference display is valid, the total value may be obtained by adding each time the time difference display display time is calculated, or the evaluation time is further increased (for example, 12 hours). 24 hours, etc.), the time difference display display time is collected and the distribution in the evaluation time zone is obtained and the time difference display is effective, or the time difference display control method (time difference display control, status change control or It is also possible to determine which of the movement control) is effective.

  In the fifth and eighth aspects of the invention, traffic information in each straight direction and each right turn direction at the intersection of the inflow path is acquired. The traffic information in the straight direction may include traffic information in the left turn direction, or the traffic information in the left turn direction may be omitted. The traffic information in each straight direction (each straight direction, or each straight direction and each left turn direction) is, for example, information that can determine the degree of congestion of the inflow path. For example, the congestion length, the congestion degree, the traffic volume, the travel Time, occupancy, saturation, load factor, number of queues, etc. The traffic information in each straight direction can be obtained from the measurement results of one or more vehicle detectors installed upstream of the intersection, for example. Moreover, the traffic information in each straight direction can be acquired every predetermined time (for example, during one cycle of a signal cycle). The traffic information in the right turn direction is, for example, the traffic volume such as the number of vehicles waiting for the right turn or the queue length. The traffic information in each right turn direction is, for example, a vehicle detector installed at a predetermined distance upstream from the intersection, an imaging device capable of imaging a right turn waiting vehicle near the intersection, or probe information transmitted from the right turn vehicle, etc. Can be measured. Further, the traffic information in each right turn direction can be acquired every predetermined time (for example, during one cycle of a signal cycle). The signal control at the intersection where the traffic information is acquired may be a general display method, or may be a display method including time difference display such as time difference display control, status change control, or movement control. . This is because it is evaluated how much smoothness is improved with respect to the actual implementation method.

  Based on the acquired traffic information, the time difference display time is repeatedly calculated every time a predetermined time elapses. For example, the degree of congestion of each inflow path facing each other is obtained based on traffic information in each straight direction, and the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from each inflow path is obtained based on traffic information in each right turn direction. And when one inflow path is congested, the difference between the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from the one inflow path and the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from an inflow path opposite to the one inflow path is a predetermined value or more. If there is, the time difference display time corresponding to the difference is calculated. The predetermined time can be the time of all or part of one cycle of the signal cycle, and the signal lamps for the inflow paths facing at the intersection are displayed in blue (including left turn blue arrow, straight forward blue arrow, right turn blue arrow) It may be a certain time.

  Based on the calculated time difference display display time, a time difference display display time distribution in an arbitrary time zone is generated. For example, the time difference display display times repeatedly calculated during the evaluation time such as 12 hours and 24 hours are collected to generate a distribution of time difference display display times in the evaluation time zone. The distribution can be expressed, for example, as an indication of how many seconds display time is displayed in the east direction, or how many seconds display time is displayed in the west direction at an arbitrary time point. Based on the generated time difference display display time distribution, an effective control method (time difference display control, status change control, or movement control) of the time difference display can be determined. For example, when the time difference display display time is distributed with almost no change in the direction of the time difference display, it can be determined that the time difference display control is effective. Further, when the time difference display direction changes and the time difference display display time is distributed every certain time zone, it can be determined that the status change control is effective. Further, when the time difference display direction changes from time to time and the time difference display display time is distributed, it can be determined that the movement control is effective.

  In the sixth and ninth inventions, traffic information in each straight direction and each right turn direction at the intersection of the inflow path is acquired. The traffic information in the straight direction may include traffic information in the left turn direction, or the traffic information in the left turn direction may be omitted. The traffic information in each straight direction (each straight direction, or each straight direction and each left turn direction) is, for example, information that can determine the degree of congestion of the inflow path. For example, the congestion length, the congestion degree, the traffic volume, the travel Time, occupancy, saturation, load factor, number of queues, etc. The traffic information in each straight direction can be obtained from the measurement results of one or more vehicle detectors installed upstream of the intersection, for example. Moreover, the traffic information in each straight direction can be acquired every predetermined time (for example, during one cycle of a signal cycle). The traffic information in the right turn direction is, for example, the traffic volume such as the number of vehicles waiting for the right turn or the queue length. The traffic information in each right turn direction is, for example, a vehicle detector installed at a predetermined distance upstream from the intersection, an imaging device capable of imaging a right turn waiting vehicle near the intersection, or probe information transmitted from the right turn vehicle, etc. Can be measured. Further, the traffic information in each right turn direction can be acquired every predetermined time (for example, during one cycle of a signal cycle). The signal control at the intersection where the traffic information is acquired may be a general display method, or may be a display method including time difference display such as time difference display control, status change control, or movement control. . This is because it is evaluated how much smoothness is improved with respect to the actual implementation method.

  Then, based on the acquired traffic information, it is determined whether or not the time difference display is valid. For example, when it is determined that one inflow path is congested, the difference between the number of vehicles waiting to turn right from the one inflow path and the number of vehicles waiting to turn right from the inflow path opposite to the one inflow path is predetermined. When the value is greater than or equal to the value, it is determined that the time difference display is valid for the one inflow path. In other words, the vehicle that waits for the right turn with the larger number of cars can be crawled during the time difference display time, and the congested vehicle in the straight direction can also be crushed during the time difference display, improving the smoothness of the intersection. Therefore, the direction of the time difference display is known, and the effectiveness of the time difference display can be evaluated.

  According to the present invention, when the time difference indication is performed using the time difference indication time calculated based on the traffic information in each straight direction and each right turn direction, the vehicle waiting for the right turn with the larger number is displayed. As the vehicle travels between the displayed times, the congested straight-line vehicle can also travel during the time difference display, improving the smoothness of the intersection, and the calculated time difference display display time can be used effectively. It can be seen that the time is blue, and the effectiveness of the time difference display can be evaluated.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the time difference display evaluation assistance apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the intersection which evaluates the effectiveness of the time difference display by the time difference display evaluation assistance apparatus of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the presenting step | rank when not implementing a time difference presenting. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the floor pattern in the case of not implementing a time difference display. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the flowchart in the case of not implementing a time difference display. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the presenting hierarchy in the case of implementing a time difference presenting. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the floor pattern in the case of implementing a time difference display. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the flowchart in the case of implementing a time difference display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the flowchart in the case of implementing a time difference display. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the measurement result of a right turn waiting vehicle. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the measurement result of congestion length. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of calculation of the difference in the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 1st example of the evaluation parameter | index produced | generated by the time difference display evaluation assistance apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd example of the evaluation parameter | index produced | generated by the time difference display evaluation assistance apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 3rd example of the evaluation parameter | index produced | generated by the time difference display evaluation assistance apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the other example of the intersection which evaluates the effectiveness of the time difference display by the time difference display evaluation assistance apparatus of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the evaluation process by the time difference display evaluation assistance apparatus of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the evaluation process by the time difference display evaluation assistance apparatus of this Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a time difference display evaluation support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a time difference display evaluation support apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. The time difference display evaluation support device 10 includes a control unit 11 that controls the entire device, a traffic information acquisition unit 12 as a traffic information acquisition unit, a difference calculation unit 13 as a difference calculation unit that calculates a difference in the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn, a time difference Time difference display determination unit 14 as a current determination unit, congestion determination unit 15 as a congestion determination unit, time difference display time calculation unit 16 as a time difference display time calculation unit, and generation for generating a distribution of time difference display display time An evaluation index generation unit 17 as a means is provided.

  The time difference display evaluation support device 10 according to the present embodiment acquires traffic information of each straight-ahead direction and each right-turn direction at an intersection in a state where signal control is actually performed at an arbitrary intersection. An evaluation index that indicates whether the improvement of smoothness at the intersection (for example, reduction or elimination of traffic congestion, reduction or reduction of vehicles waiting for a right turn, etc.) can be reliably ensured, for example, effective Time difference indication direction, time difference indication display time, and time difference indication display time distribution for determining which control method (time difference indication control, status change control or movement control) is effective It is.

  The traffic information acquisition part 12 acquires the traffic information of each straight ahead direction and each right turn direction at the intersection of the inflow path which is a road flowing into the intersection. The traffic information in the straight direction may include traffic information in the left turn direction, or the traffic information in the left turn direction may be omitted. The traffic information in each straight direction (each straight direction, or each straight direction and each left turn direction) is, for example, information that can determine the degree of congestion of the inflow path. For example, the congestion length, the congestion degree, the traffic volume, the travel Time, occupancy, saturation, load factor, number of queues, etc. The traffic information in each straight direction can be obtained from the measurement results of one or more vehicle detectors installed upstream of the intersection, for example. The traffic information in each straight direction can be acquired every predetermined time. The predetermined time can be the time of all or part of one cycle of the signal cycle, and the signal lamps for the inflow paths facing at the intersection are displayed in blue (including left turn blue arrow, straight forward blue arrow, right turn blue arrow) It may be a certain time.

  The traffic information in the right turn direction is, for example, the traffic volume such as the number of vehicles waiting for the right turn or the queue length. The traffic information in each right turn direction is, for example, a vehicle detector installed at a predetermined distance upstream from the intersection, an imaging device capable of imaging a right turn waiting vehicle near the intersection, or probe information transmitted from the right turn vehicle, etc. Can be measured. In addition, traffic information in each right turn direction can be acquired every predetermined time. The predetermined time can be the time of all or part of one cycle of the signal cycle, and the signal lamps for the inflow paths facing at the intersection are displayed in blue (including left turn blue arrow, straight forward blue arrow, right turn blue arrow) It may be a certain time.

  The signal control at the intersection where the traffic information is acquired may be a general display method, or may be a display method including time difference display such as time difference display control, status change control, or movement control. . This is because the time difference display evaluation support apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment obtains an evaluation index for evaluating how much smoothness is improved with respect to a display method that is actually implemented. .

  The difference calculation unit 13 calculates the difference in the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn in each right turn direction based on the acquired traffic information in each right turn direction. If the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn can be measured, the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn can be used.If the length of a queue can be measured instead of the number of vehicles, the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn can be determined by the queue length x vehicle density. Can be sought.

  The congestion determination unit 15 determines whether the inflow path is congested based on the acquired traffic information in the straight direction (straight direction, or straight direction and left turn direction). Whether or not it is congested can be determined, for example, by whether or not an index indicating the degree of congestion, such as traffic jam length, traffic volume, travel time, occupancy rate, saturation, and load factor, exceeds a predetermined threshold. .

  The time difference display time calculation unit 16 calculates a time difference display time for evaluating the effectiveness of the time difference display based on the acquired traffic information. For example, the degree of congestion of each inflow path facing each other is obtained based on traffic information in each straight direction, and the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from each inflow path is obtained based on traffic information in each right turn direction. And when one inflow path is congested, the difference between the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from the one inflow path and the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from an inflow path opposite to the one inflow path is a predetermined value or more. If there is, the time difference display time corresponding to the difference is calculated. When time difference indication is performed using the time difference indication time calculated based on the traffic information of each straight direction and each right turn direction, the vehicle waiting for the right turn with the larger number of vehicles is displayed between the indication times of the time difference indication. In addition, the crowded straight-lined vehicles can also go during the time difference display, improving the smoothness of the intersection, so that the calculated time difference display display time can be used effectively. You can understand and evaluate the effectiveness of time difference display.

  More specifically, when it is determined that the one inflow path is congested, the time difference display time calculation unit 16 faces the number of vehicles waiting to turn right from the one inflow path and the one inflow path. When the difference from the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from the inflow path is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, a time difference display display time is calculated. The predetermined value can be set as appropriate, but can be set to 4 or 5, for example.

  For example, Me is the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from the east, and Mw is the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from the west. When Me−Mw ≧ predetermined value (for example, 4, 5, etc.), the time difference display display time is calculated by (Me−Mw) × coefficient C (seconds). The coefficient C is, for example, the time required for one vehicle to turn right at an intersection, and can be about 2 seconds.

  When the inflow path is not congested, even if the time difference is displayed, it hardly contributes to the improvement of the smoothness of the intersection. In addition, when the difference in the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from the respective inflow paths facing each other at the intersection is less than a predetermined value, the necessity for performing the time difference display is low. In other words, if the inflow path is congested and the difference in the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the vehicle waiting for the right turn with the larger number of vehicles will be crawled between the display times of the time difference indication and Since the vehicle running straight ahead can also be run during the time difference display, only the time difference display time effective for improving the smoothness of the intersection can be obtained.

  The time difference display determination unit 14 collects the time difference display display time repeatedly calculated by the time difference display time calculation unit 16 every time a predetermined time has elapsed, and determines whether or not the time difference display is valid. The predetermined time can be the time of all or part of one cycle of the signal cycle, and the signal lamps for the inflow paths facing at the intersection are displayed in blue (including left turn blue arrow, straight forward blue arrow, right turn blue arrow) It may be a certain time. Then, the time difference display display time is repeatedly calculated during the evaluation time (for example, 1 hour, 2 hours, etc.), and the total value of the time difference display display time calculated during the evaluation time is equal to or greater than a threshold (for example, 1 If the time difference is 60 seconds or more), it is determined that the time difference display is valid.

  When determining whether or not the time difference display is valid, it may be added every time the time difference display display time is calculated, or the total value may be obtained, or the evaluation time may be further increased (for example, 12 hours, 24 hours, etc.), or the time zone in which the inflow channel is congested as the evaluation time, collects the time difference display display time, obtains the distribution in the evaluation time zone, and obtains the time difference display time, or It is also possible to determine which of the time difference indication control methods (time difference indication control, status change control, or movement control) is effective.

  The time difference display determination unit 14 determines whether the time difference display is valid based on the traffic information acquired by the traffic information acquisition unit 12. For example, when it is determined that one inflow path is congested, the difference between the number of vehicles waiting to turn right from the one inflow path and the number of vehicles waiting to turn right from the inflow path opposite to the one inflow path is predetermined. When the value is greater than or equal to the value, it is determined that the time difference display is valid for the one inflow path. In other words, the vehicle that waits for the right turn with the larger number of cars can be crawled during the time difference display time, and the congested vehicle in the straight direction can also be crushed during the time difference display, improving the smoothness of the intersection. Therefore, the direction of the time difference display is known, and the effectiveness of the time difference display can be evaluated.

  Based on the time difference display display time calculated by the time difference display time calculation unit 16, the evaluation index generation unit 17 generates a time difference display display time distribution in an arbitrary time zone as one of the evaluation indexes. For example, the time difference display display times repeatedly calculated during the evaluation time such as 12 hours and 24 hours are collected to generate a distribution of time difference display display times in the evaluation time zone. The distribution can be expressed, for example, as an indication of how many seconds display time is displayed in the east direction, or how many seconds display time is displayed in the west direction at an arbitrary time point.

  Based on the generated time difference display display time distribution, an effective control method (time difference display control, status change control, or movement control) of the time difference display can be determined. For example, when the time difference display display time is distributed with almost no change in the direction of the time difference display, it can be determined that the time difference display control is effective. Further, when the time difference display direction changes and the time difference display display time is distributed every certain time zone, it can be determined that the status change control is effective. Further, when the time difference display direction changes from time to time and the time difference display display time is distributed, it can be determined that the movement control is effective.

  The time difference display time distribution generated by the evaluation index generation unit 17 may be displayed on a display unit such as a display (not shown), or an external device via a communication line or the like by an interface mechanism (not shown). You may make it output to.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an intersection that evaluates the effectiveness of time difference display by the time difference display evaluation support device 10 of the present embodiment. As for the intersection, four inflow paths (the roads 1 and 2 flowing into the intersection) intersect, and for convenience, one inflow path facing at the intersection is defined as the east direction, and the facing inflow path is defined as the west direction. In addition, each inflow path which mutually opposes is not limited to the east-west direction. A signal lamp for a vehicle traveling in the east direction (for the east direction) is called an E lamp, and a signal lamp for a vehicle traveling in the west direction (for the west direction) is called a W lamp.

  The E lamp and the W lamp have G, Y, R, left, direct, and right lamp colors, respectively. 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.

  A vehicle sensor 20 for detecting a vehicle waiting for a right turn is installed at a predetermined point upstream of the intersection (for example, a point near the branch point from the straight lane of the right turn lane and about 50 m upstream from the intersection). . Information of the vehicle waiting for a right turn detected by the vehicle sensor 20 is transmitted to the time difference display evaluation support apparatus 10. In addition, vehicle detectors (not shown) are provided at appropriate distances from the intersection toward the upstream side (for example, between the intersection and about 2500 m upstream at intervals of about 200 m). Traffic information (for example, the length of a traffic jam for determining the degree of congestion) can be measured. In the example of FIG. 2, a right turn dedicated lane is provided, but an intersection where there is no right turn dedicated lane may be used.

  Next, a description will be given of the current display ladder when the time difference display is not performed and the current display floor when the time difference display is performed.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the current display when the time difference display is not performed. The example of FIG. 3 shows a case where the dual ring method is used. In FIG. 3, a double line indicates a red signal (R), and a diagonal line indicates a yellow signal (Y). In addition, E-left indicates straight blue and left-turn blue of the E lamp, W-right indicates right-turn blue of the W lamp, and EYR indicates Y (yellow) and R (red) of the E lamp. Each lamp color of E right left, W right, and EYR is switched (increased) as the ring 1 in the order of steps 1, 2,.

  Further, W right indicates the straight blue and left turn blue of the W lamp, E right indicates the right turn blue of the E lamp, and WYR indicates Y (yellow) and R (red) of the W lamp. The light colors W right, E right, and WYR are switched (incremented) as ring 2 in the order of steps 1, 2,. In the movement control, the light color group of ring 1 and the light color group of ring 2 can be switched (incremented) independently of each other.

  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. 3, in the case of step 1, the E lamp is in the left turn blue, straight blue, R (red) lighting state, and the W lamp is in the left turn blue, straight blue, R (red) lighting state. It becomes.

  In the case of step 2, Y (yellow) is lit in the E lamp, and Y (yellow) is lit in the W lamp.

  In step 3, R (red) is lit for the E lamp, and R (red) is lit for the W lamp.

  In the case of Step 4, the E lamp is turned on in R (red) and right turn blue, and the W lamp is turned on in R (red) and right turn blue.

  In the case of step 5, Y (yellow) is lit in the E lamp, and Y (yellow) is lit in the W lamp.

  In step 6, R (red) is turned on for the E lamp, and R (red) is turned on for the W lamp. Hereinafter, the same lighting state is repeated for the inflow path that intersects the inflow path in the east-west direction at the intersection, and thereafter, the same lighting state is repeated for the inflow path in the east-west direction on the basis of the current stage shown in FIG.

  Next, a case where the current page selection method is used instead of the dual ring method will be described. In the current page selection method, a plurality of current pages (a floor pattern including combinations of signal lamp colors) are prepared in advance, and a current page (hierarchy) to be executed next at a predetermined timing in the signal cycle. Pattern).

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a floor pattern when the time difference display is not performed. Note that the floor pattern illustrated in FIG. 4 corresponds to the current floor of FIG. Note that steps 1 to 6 in FIG. 3 correspond to steps 1 to 9 in FIG. 4.

  In Steps 1 to 4, the east direction E lamp is in the lighting state with the left arrow R (red), and the west direction W lamp is in the lighting state with the right arrow R (red). That is, in steps 1 to 4, the vehicle on the inflow path in both the east and west directions can go straight and turn left.

  In step 5, Y (yellow) is turned on for the E lamp in the east direction, and Y (yellow) is turned on for the W lamp in the west direction.

  In Step 6, R (red) is turned on for the E lamp in the east direction, and R (red) is turned on for the W lamp in the west direction.

  In Step 7, the E lamp in the east direction turns on the right turn arrow and R (red), and the W lamp in the west direction turns on the right turn arrow and R (red). That is, at step 7, the vehicle can go straight and turn left on the inflow path in both the east and west directions with a red signal and turn right.

  In Step 8, the E lamp in the east direction is lit in Y (yellow), and the W lamp in the west direction is lit in Y (yellow).

  In step 9, the E lamp in the east direction is lit in R (red), and the W lamp in the west direction is lit in R (red). In the next step after step 9, for example, signal control can be performed on the inflow path in the north-south direction using the same step pattern.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a flow chart when the time difference display is not performed. The flowchart schematically shows the direction in which the vehicle can travel. The flow chart shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, and is a case where a right turn exclusive lane is provided on the inflow path in the east-west direction and a right turn blue arrow indication is provided to process a right turn vehicle. . In addition, sufficient safety in the case of performing the time difference display control can be ensured by adopting the right straight separation control that separates the right turn vehicle from the straight and left turn vehicles. In the example of FIG. 5, the inflow path in the east-west direction will be described, but the direction of the inflow path is for convenience and is not limited to the east-west direction.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the time difference display is not performed, it is possible to go straight to the east and west directions and turn left for the time T1, and then to turn right to both the east and west directions for the time T2. Become. 3 and 4, steps 1-2 in FIG. 3 and steps 1-5 in FIG. 4 correspond to time T1, and steps 4-5 in FIG. 3 and steps 7-8 in FIG. 4 correspond to time T2. Corresponding to Note that the time T1 may include Step 3 in FIG. 3 and Step 6 in FIG. 4, and the time T2 may include Step 6 in FIG. 3 and Step 9 in FIG.

  Next, a case where time difference display is performed will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the presenting step when the time difference presenting is performed. The example of FIG. 6 shows a case where the dual ring method is used. The example of FIG. 6 shows an example in which the time difference display is performed on the inflow path in the east direction (ie, the vehicle in the west direction is stopped in full red during the time difference display). In FIG. 6, the double line indicates a red signal (R), and the diagonal line (dashed line) indicates a yellow signal (Y).

  As shown in FIG. 6, when ring 1 is step 1 and ring 2 is step 1, the E lamp turns left blue, straight blue, and R (red) is lit, and the W lamp turns left blue, straight Blue and R (red) are lit. In other words, both the east and west inflow paths can go straight and turn left.

  Next, when ring 1 is step 1 and ring 2 is step 2, the E lamp turns left turn blue, straight blue, R (red) is lit, and the W lamp turns Y (yellow) lit. Become. That is, the straight blue and the left turn blue are turned off for the vehicle on the inflow path in the west direction, and the yellow signal is turned on.

  Next, when ring 1 is in step 1 and ring 2 is in step 3, the E lamp is in the left turn blue, straight blue, and R (red) is lit, and the W lamp is in R (red) is lit. Become. This stops traveling on the inflow path in the west direction.

  Next, when ring 1 is step 1 and ring 2 is step 4, the E lamp turns left turn blue, straight blue, R (red), right turn blue lights, and the W lamp turns R (red) Lights up. The ring 1 is in step 1 and the ring 2 is in step 4. The vehicle in the east inflow path can turn left, go straight, and turn right, and the vehicle in the west inflow path can be red. Stop at.

  Next, when the ring 1 is step 2 and the ring 2 is step 4, the Y lamp is Y (yellow) and the right turn blue is lit, and the W lamp is R (red). That is, the straight blue and the left turn blue are extinguished with respect to the vehicle on the inflow path in the east direction, and the yellow signal is lit.

  Next, when the ring 1 is step 3 and the ring 2 is step 4, the E lamp is in R (red) and right turn blue is lit, and the W lamp is in R (red). This stops straight travel and left turn traveling from the inflow path in the east direction.

  Next, when ring 1 is step 4 and ring 2 is step 4, the E lamp is R (red) and right turn blue is lit, and the W lamp is R (red) and right turn blue is lit. Become. That is, the vehicle turns right from the inflow path in both east and west directions.

  Next, when the ring 1 is step 5 and the ring 2 is step 5, the Y lamp is in the Y (yellow) lighting state, and the W lamp is in the Y (yellow) lighting state.

  Next, when ring 1 is step 6 and ring 2 is step 6, R (red) is turned on for the E lamp, and R (red) is turned on for the W lamp. As a result, all vehicles on the inflow path in the east-west direction are stopped. Thereafter, for example, similar lamp color control is performed on the inflow path in the north-south direction, and similar lighting control is repeated.

  Next, a case where the current page selection method is used instead of the dual ring method will be described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a floor pattern in the case of time difference display. The floor pattern illustrated in FIG. 7 corresponds to the current floor shown in FIG. 6 and performs time difference display on the inflow path in the east direction. Note that steps 1 to 6 in FIG. 6 correspond to steps 1 to 9 in FIG. 7. 7, steps 1 and 7 to 9 are the same as those in the case where the time difference display in FIG.

  In Step 2, the E lamp in the east direction is lit in the left direction, R (red), and the W lamp in the west direction is lit in Y (yellow).

  In Step 3, the E lamp in the east direction is lit in the direction of the left arrow R (red), and the R lamp in the west direction is lit in R (red).

  In step 4, the E lamp in the east direction is turned on in the direction of the left arrow, the right turn arrow, and R (red), and the R lamp in the west direction is turned on. That is, in Step 4, all the vehicles in the west inflow path can be stopped at a red signal, and the vehicles in the east inflow path can go straight, turn left, and turn right.

  In Step 5, the E lamp in the east direction turns right, Y (yellow) is turned on, and the R lamp in the west direction turns on (red).

  In Step 6, the E lamp in the east direction turns right, and R (red) is turned on, and the W lamp in the west direction turns on R (red). That is, in Steps 5 to 6, all the vehicles in the west inflow path can be stopped at a red signal, and the vehicles in the east inflow path can make a right turn.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a flow chart when the time difference display is performed. The flowchart shown in FIG. 8 corresponds to FIG. 2, FIG. 6 and FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, during the time T1, it is possible to go straight and turn left with respect to the inflow path in both the east and west directions. Time T1 corresponds to the case where ring 1 of FIG. 6 is step 1 and ring 2 is steps 1 to 2 (step 3 may be included). The time T1 corresponds to steps 1 to 3 in FIG.

  During the time ΔT1 following the time T1, it is possible to go straight, turn left, and turn right on the inflow path in the east direction, and the time difference indication is being implemented. Time ΔT1 corresponds to the time difference display display time. Time ΔT1 corresponds to the case where ring 1 in FIG. 6 is steps 1 to 2 (step 3 may be included) and is ring 2. The time ΔT1 corresponds to steps 4 to 6 in FIG.

  During the time T3 following the time ΔT1, only a right turn is possible with respect to the inflow path in both the east and west directions. The time T3 corresponds to the case where the ring 1 of FIG. 6 is steps 4 to 5 (which may include step 6) and the ring 2 is steps 4 to 5 (which may include step 6). The time T2 corresponds to steps 7 to 8 (which may include step 9) in FIG.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a flow chart when the time difference display is performed. In the example of FIG. 8, a flow chart in the case where the time difference display is performed for the east inflow path is shown. However, the example in FIG. 9 is a flow chart in the case of performing the time difference display for the west direction inflow path. Show. As shown in FIG. 9, during the time T1, it is possible to go straight and turn left with respect to the inflow path in both the east and west directions.

  During the time ΔT2 following the time T1, it is possible to go straight, turn left, and turn right with respect to the inflow path in the west direction. Time ΔT2 corresponds to the time difference display display time.

  During the time T4 following the time ΔT2, only a right turn is possible with respect to the inflow path in both the east and west directions.

  Next, a description will be given of a method for calculating the green signal time (time difference display display time) that is used more effectively for the current signal control (when traffic information is measured) by measuring traffic information.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a measurement result of a vehicle waiting for a right turn, and FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a measurement result of a traffic jam length. In the following explanation, the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn is given as an example of traffic information in each right turn direction, and the length of a traffic jam is given as an example of traffic information in a straight direction, but the traffic information is the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn. And it is not limited to traffic jam length. 10 and 11 show traffic information measured over 24 hours (one day) from midnight to midnight the next day. 10 and 11, each point on the graph indicates a measurement time point, and is measured for each cycle of the signal cycle. Note that the measurement time point is an example and is not limited to each cycle.

  In FIG. 10, the vertical axis indicates the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn, and for convenience, the number above the origin 0 is the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from the east, and the number below the origin 0 is the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from the west.

  In FIG. 11, the vertical axis indicates the traffic jam length, and for convenience, the traffic congestion length in the east direction is from the origin 0 and the traffic congestion length in the west direction is downward from the origin 0. When the congestion length of the inflow path is a predetermined threshold (for example, 500 m) or more, it can be determined that the inflow path is congested, and when the congestion length is less than the predetermined threshold, it is determined that it is not congested. can do.

  In the example of FIG. 11, in the time zones indicated by reference signs A <b> 1 and A <b> 2, the traffic congestion length in the east direction is greater than or equal to the threshold value, so it can be said that the east direction is congested. Further, in the time zones indicated by the symbols B1 and B2, the west direction traffic congestion length is equal to or greater than the threshold value, so it can be said that the west direction is congested.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a calculation example of the difference in the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn. FIG. 12 shows the difference between the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from the east direction and the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from the west at each measurement time in FIG. In FIG. 12, the vertical axis shows the difference in the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn, and for convenience, shows the value (difference) obtained by subtracting the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from the west from the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from the east from the origin 0. The value (difference) is obtained by subtracting the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from the east from the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from the west.

If the difference in the right turn waiting vehicle is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (for example, 4), the time difference is indicated in the direction where there are many right turn waiting vehicles, and the right turn waiting vehicle is lit with a green light to contribute to smoothness at the intersection. . In addition, when the difference of vehicles waiting for a right turn is less than a predetermined value (for example, 4), even if the time difference display is performed, the effect is small.

  As shown in FIG. 12, at the time of measurement included in the range surrounded by the broken lines indicated by reference signs A1 and A2, the east direction is congested and the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from the east direction and waiting for a right turn from the west direction The case where the difference with the number of vehicles is a predetermined value (for example, 4) or more is shown, and the point in time when it is recognized that the time difference display is effective can be specified. In this case, the time difference display display time should be determined by, for example, assuming that the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from the east is Me and the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from the west is Mw. The display time is calculated by (Me−Mw) × coefficient C (seconds). The coefficient C is, for example, the time required for one vehicle to turn right at an intersection, and can be about 2 seconds.

  In addition, at the time of measurement included in the range surrounded by the broken lines indicated by reference numerals B1 and B2, the west direction is congested and the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from the west direction and the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from the east direction The case where the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 4) is shown, and the time point when it is recognized that the time difference display is effective can be specified. In this case, the time difference display display time should be determined by, for example, assuming that the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from the west direction is Mw and the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from the east is Me. The display time is calculated by (Mw−Me) × coefficient C (seconds). The coefficient C is, for example, the time required for one vehicle to turn right at an intersection, and can be about 2 seconds.

  Next, a method for collecting the time difference display display time repeatedly calculated on the assumption that the time difference display is valid will be described. FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing a first example of the evaluation index generated by the time difference display evaluation support apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 14 is shown by the time difference display evaluation support apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd example of the produced | generated evaluation index, FIG. 15 is explanatory drawing which shows the 3rd example of the evaluation index produced | generated by the time difference display evaluation assistance apparatus 10 which concerns on this Embodiment.

  FIG. 13 to FIG. 15 show the time difference display time distribution generated in an arbitrary time zone as one of the evaluation indexes based on the time difference display time calculated by the time difference display time calculator 16. is there. For example, during the evaluation time such as 12 hours or 24 hours, or the evaluation time zone such as the time zone in which the inflow path is determined to be congested, the time difference display display time calculated repeatedly is collected and the evaluation time zone is collected. It is possible to generate a time difference display display time distribution at. In the example of FIGS. 13 to 15, the time difference indication display times repeatedly calculated by the time difference indication time calculation unit 16 are arranged in time series in the time zone in which it is determined that the inflow path is congested for convenience. . 13 to 15, GE on the vertical axis indicates the time difference display display time in the east direction, and GW indicates the time difference display display time in the west direction. In FIG. 13 to FIG. 15, for convenience sake, one bar graph represents the time difference display display time calculated corresponding to one measurement time point. In addition, in FIGS. 13 to 15, two bar graphs are shown in close contact with each other, but there may be a gap (a time during which the difference in the number of vehicles is less than a predetermined value) between the two bar graphs.

  The following is found based on the generated distribution. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the generated time difference display display time is biased in one direction of the inflow path (in the east direction in the example of FIG. 13), that is, most of the evaluation time zone. When either GE or GW in the belt is large (GE in the example of FIG. 13), it is understood that it is most effective to perform the time difference display control on the east inflow path from the viewpoint of cost effectiveness. .

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the generated time difference display display time changes in a relatively long time zone (for example, morning and evening) in the evaluation time zone, that is, in the evaluation time zone. When there is a time zone with a large GE and a time zone with a large GW (in the example of FIG. 14, the GW is large before the time T and the GE is large after the time T), the status change control from the viewpoint of cost effectiveness It can be seen that it is most effective to do.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the generated time difference display display time changes from time to time in a relatively short time zone (for example, a signal cycle) in the evaluation time zone, as shown in FIG. As shown in the example, when the time when the GE is large and the time when the GW is large change every moment in the evaluation time zone, it is understood that it is effective to perform the movement control.

  As an example of determining whether or not it is necessary to perform time difference display using the generated distribution, there is the following method. That is, the time difference display display times GE and GW of the generated distribution are totaled within an evaluation time (for example, 1 hour), and if the total value is equal to or greater than a threshold value (for example, 60 seconds or more per hour), It can also be determined that the time difference display is valid.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing another example of an intersection where the effectiveness of time difference display is evaluated by the time difference display evaluation support device 10 of the present embodiment. In the example of FIG. 2, the vehicle detector 20 is provided near the right turn dedicated lane to detect the traffic information (traffic volume) of the right turn vehicle. However, the detection (measurement) of the right turn vehicle traffic information is as follows: It is not limited to the vehicle sensor 20. As shown in FIG. 16, image sensors 30 and 31 (imaging devices) that can measure the right turn waiting number or the right turn queue length can be provided in the vicinity of the intersection. The image sensor 30 is provided when imaging a right turn vehicle from the front, and the image sensor 31 is provided when imaging a right turn vehicle from the rear. Only one of the image sensors 30 and 31 may be installed.

  Next, the operation of the time difference display evaluation support apparatus 10 of the present embodiment will be described. 17 and 18 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the evaluation process performed by the time difference display evaluation support apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. In the examples of FIGS. 17 and 18, the direction of the inflow path facing at the intersection is set as the east-west direction for convenience. The control unit 11 sets an evaluation cycle (for example, one cycle of the signal cycle) (S11), acquires traffic information in the straight traveling direction and the left turn direction (S12), and acquires traffic information in the right turn direction (S13). . The traffic information in the straight direction and the left turn direction is information that can determine the degree of congestion of the inflow route, for example, for example, the length of traffic jam, traffic congestion, traffic volume, travel time, occupation rate, saturation, load factor, waiting The number of queues. The traffic information in the right turn direction is, for example, the traffic volume such as the number of vehicles waiting for the right turn or the queue length.

  The control unit 11 determines whether or not there is congestion on the east inflow path (one inflow path) (S14). If there is congestion (YES in S14), the control unit 11 determines the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from the east direction to the west. It is determined whether or not a value (difference) obtained by subtracting the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from the direction (an inflow path facing one inflow path) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (S15). The predetermined value can be set to 4, for example, but other values can be set according to the situation of the inflow path.

  When the difference is equal to or larger than the predetermined value (YES in S15), the control unit 11 calculates the time difference display display time corresponding to the difference in the number of units (S16), and collects the calculated time difference display display time in the east direction. (S17). For example, the time difference display display time can be determined by the difference × coefficient C (second). The coefficient C is, for example, the time required for one vehicle to turn right at an intersection, and can be about 2 seconds.

  When there is no congestion in the east inflow path (NO in S14), or when the difference is less than a predetermined value (NO in S15), the control unit 11 performs a process of step S18 described later.

  The control unit 11 determines whether or not there is congestion on the inflow path in the west direction (S18). If there is congestion (YES in S18), the vehicle waiting for the right turn from the east direction from the number of vehicles waiting for the right turn from the west direction. It is determined whether or not the value (difference) obtained by subtracting the number is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (S19). The predetermined value is the same as that in step S15.

  When the difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (YES in S19), the control unit 11 calculates the time difference display display time according to the difference in the number of units (S20), and collects the calculated time difference display display time in the west direction. (S21).

  When there is no congestion in the west inflow path (NO in S18), or when the difference is less than a predetermined value (NO in S19), the control unit 11 performs a process of step S22 described later.

  The control unit 11 determines whether or not to end the process (S22). If the process is not ended (NO in S22), the control unit 11 proceeds to the next evaluation cycle (S23), and continues the process from step S12 onward. If it is determined to end (YES in S22), the process ends.

  In the above-described embodiment, the directions of the inflow channels facing each other have been described as the east direction and the west direction, respectively, but the present invention is not limited to this. In addition, the intersection is not limited to the intersection that intersects in a cross shape, and the time difference according to the present embodiment can be applied to any intersection having any structure as long as the intersection is capable of displaying a time difference, such as a three-way intersection or a five-way intersection. The display evaluation support apparatus 10 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.

11 Control Unit 12 Traffic Information Acquisition Unit (Traffic Information Acquisition Means)
13 Difference calculation unit (difference calculation means)
14 Time difference display determination unit (time difference display determination means)
15 Congestion determination unit (congestion determination means)
16 Time difference display time calculation part (Time difference display time calculation means)
17 Evaluation index generation unit (generation means)

Claims (9)

In the time difference indication evaluation support device that supports the evaluation of the time difference indication performed for the inflow channel facing at the intersection,
Traffic information acquisition means for acquiring traffic information in each straight direction and each right turn direction at the intersection of the inflow path;
A time difference indication evaluation support device, comprising: time difference indication time calculation means for calculating a time difference indication time based on traffic information acquired by the traffic information acquisition means. Congestion determination means for determining whether or not the inflow path is congested based on traffic information in each straight direction acquired by the traffic information acquisition means;
Difference calculating means for calculating the difference in the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn in each right turn direction based on the traffic information in each right turn direction acquired by the traffic information acquiring means, and
The time difference display time calculating means is:
2. The time difference display evaluation support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the time difference display time is calculated based on a determination result by the congestion determination unit and a difference calculated by the difference calculation unit. . The time difference display time calculating means is:
When the congestion determination means determines that one inflow path is congested, the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from the one inflow path and the number of vehicles waiting for a right turn from an inflow path opposite to the one inflow path The time difference display evaluation support apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the time difference display display time is calculated when the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The time difference display time calculating means is:
The time difference display display time is calculated repeatedly every time the specified time has elapsed.
4. The time difference display determination means for collecting the time difference display display time calculated by the time difference display time calculation means and determining whether the time difference display is valid or not is provided. Time difference indication evaluation support device described. In the time difference indication evaluation support device that supports the evaluation of the time difference indication performed for the inflow channel facing at the intersection,
Traffic information acquisition means for acquiring traffic information of each straight direction and each right turn direction at the intersection of the road,
Based on the traffic information acquired by the traffic information acquisition unit, a time difference display time calculation unit that repeatedly calculates a time difference display time each time a predetermined time elapses;
A time difference display evaluation support comprising: a means for generating a time difference display display time distribution in an arbitrary time zone based on the time difference display display time calculated by the time difference display time calculation means. apparatus. In the time difference indication evaluation support device that supports the evaluation of the time difference indication performed for the inflow channel facing at the intersection,
Traffic information acquisition means for acquiring traffic information in each straight direction and each right turn direction at the intersection of the inflow path;
A time difference display evaluation support device comprising: time difference display determination means for determining whether or not the time difference display is valid based on the traffic information acquired by the traffic information acquisition means. In the time difference indication evaluation support method for supporting the evaluation of the time difference indication performed for the inflow channel facing at the intersection,
Obtaining traffic information of each straight direction and each right turn direction at the intersection of the inflow path;
Calculating a time difference display time based on the acquired traffic information. A time difference display evaluation support method, comprising: In the time difference indication evaluation support method for supporting the evaluation of the time difference indication performed for the inflow channel facing at the intersection,
Obtaining traffic information of each straight direction and each right turn direction at the intersection of the inflow path;
A step of repeatedly calculating a time difference display time each time a predetermined time elapses based on the acquired traffic information;
Generating a time difference display display time distribution in an arbitrary time zone based on the calculated time difference display display time. A time difference display evaluation support method comprising: In the time difference indication evaluation support method for supporting the evaluation of the time difference indication performed for the inflow channel facing at the intersection,
Obtaining traffic information of each straight direction and each right turn direction at the intersection of the inflow path;
And a step of determining whether the time difference display is valid based on the acquired traffic information.

Images