JP2012146091A - Signal control device, computer program and signal control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a signal control device, a computer program, and a signal control method capable of performing signal control appropriate for a traffic situation.SOLUTION: A storage part 103 stores a plurality of signal control patterns. A communication part 102 acquires a statistically-processed traffic index (such as travel time) that shows a traffic situation of a vehicle for each arbitrary time zone. An update part 105 selects a signal control pattern to be used in the time zone from the plurality of signal control patterns stored in the storage part 103 and updates the pattern on the basis of the traffic index acquired by the communication part 102.

Description

  The present invention relates to a signal control device for controlling the color of a signal lamp, a computer program for realizing the signal control device, and a signal control method.

  There are several ways to control traffic signals. For example, the fixed cycle control is a control that is operated by a signal control parameter such as a predetermined display configuration, cycle length, split, offset, etc., in order to respond to traffic demand that varies depending on time of day or day of the week. The program (parameter set) is stored, and time control is performed by a program designated according to the time or the like.

  Central sensitive control is a form of traffic sensitive control, and parameters such as split, cycle length or offset at a certain time interval (for example, 1 minute, 2.5 minutes, 5 minute intervals, etc.) in the central device. The time of each step is calculated and the traffic signal controller is remotely controlled from the central device.

  In addition, as another signal control method, the travel time of the traffic management section is calculated based on the travel locus information acquired from the in-vehicle device of the vehicle, and the parameters (cycle length, split, offset, etc.) according to the calculated travel time Has been disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-252066 A

  However, in the fixed cycle control method, the signal control parameters are switched only by the time, so if the traffic volume increases earlier than the expected time due to changes in traffic conditions, or the traffic volume decreases more than the expected time. When it becomes late, it cannot follow the change of traffic volume and cannot perform signal control according to traffic conditions. In such a case, it is necessary for a human to find that the stored program is different from the traffic situation and to update the stored program so as to suit the traffic situation.

  In addition, the central sensitive control method has a drawback in that it is necessary to install a vehicle detector in each inflow path of each intersection in order to obtain vehicle sensor information, and the introduction cost of the system becomes high.

  Furthermore, since the signal control method according to Patent Document 1 depends on information from a vehicle on which the in-vehicle device is mounted, sufficient information cannot be acquired from the vehicle at a stage where the on-vehicle device is mounted at a low level, and travel time The time interval for calculating the time lengthened, and improvement was necessary to cope with changes in traffic conditions.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, a signal control device capable of realizing appropriate signal control according to traffic conditions, a computer program and a signal control method for realizing the signal control device. The purpose is to provide.

  The signal control device according to the first aspect of the present invention stores a plurality of signal control patterns having different parameter values, selects one of the signal control patterns stored in advance according to the time zone, and sets the lamp color of the signal lamp In the signal control apparatus for controlling the vehicle, an acquisition unit that acquires a traffic index indicating a running state of the vehicle for each arbitrary time zone, and a statistical value of the traffic index for each arbitrary time zone acquired by the acquisition unit Based on the statistical value calculation means to be calculated and the statistical values calculated by the statistical value calculation means, at least one of the parameter value of the stored signal control pattern or the time zone for selecting the signal control pattern is updated every predetermined period Update means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the signal control device according to the first aspect, wherein the statistical value calculating means calculates a statistical value of the traffic index for each arbitrary time period in a cycle longer than at least one month. It is characterized by being.

  In the signal control device according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the update means should increase the blue time when the statistical value calculated by the statistical value calculation means fluctuates in a direction indicating congestion. The parameter value is configured to be updated.

  In the signal control device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, when the statistical value calculated by the statistical value calculation unit fluctuates in a direction indicating congestion, the blue time is set longer. The time zone for selecting the signal control pattern is updated so that the signal control pattern is applied to the crowded time zone.

  The signal control device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the signal control apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the updating means includes a parameter value of the signal control pattern or a time zone for selecting the signal control pattern among the stored signal control patterns. From the above, the signal control pattern is updated by selecting one.

  A signal control device according to a sixth aspect of the invention is a signal control for selecting one of a plurality of signal control patterns stored in advance according to a traffic index indicating a running state of a vehicle and controlling a lamp color of the signal lamp. In the apparatus, an acquisition means for acquiring a traffic index indicating a running state of the vehicle for each arbitrary time zone, and a statistical value in a cycle longer than at least one month of the traffic index for each time zone acquired by the acquisition means. A statistical value calculating means for calculating, and a determining means for determining a signal control pattern to be selected in the time zone based on the statistical value calculated by the statistical value calculating means.

  A computer program according to a seventh aspect causes a computer to execute a step for selecting one of a plurality of signal control patterns having different parameter values according to a time zone and controlling a lamp color of a signal lamp device In the computer program, a step of calculating a statistical value of a traffic index indicating a running state of a vehicle for each arbitrary time zone, and a parameter value of the signal control pattern or a signal control pattern based on the calculated statistical value. A step of updating at least one of the time periods to be selected every predetermined period.

  A computer program according to an eighth aspect of the invention executes a step for causing a computer to select one of a plurality of signal control patterns in accordance with a traffic index indicating a running state of a vehicle and to control the color of a signal lamp. In the computer program for causing the computer to calculate a statistical value in a cycle longer than at least one month of the traffic index indicating the running state of the vehicle for each arbitrary time zone, and based on the calculated statistical value, And a step of determining a signal control pattern to be selected in the time period.

  In the signal control method according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of signal control patterns having different parameter values are stored, and one of the signal control patterns stored in advance according to the time zone is selected to select the lamp color of the signal lamp. In the signal control method by the signal control device for controlling the vehicle, a step of acquiring a traffic index indicating a running state of the vehicle for each arbitrary time zone, and a statistical value of the acquired traffic index for each arbitrary time zone And a step of updating at least one of a parameter value of the stored signal control pattern or a time zone for selecting the signal control pattern for each predetermined period based on the calculated statistical value. And

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a signal control method for selecting one of a plurality of signal control patterns stored in advance according to a traffic index indicating a running state of a vehicle and controlling a lamp color of the signal lamp. In the signal control method by the apparatus, a step of acquiring a traffic index indicating a running state of the vehicle for each arbitrary time zone, and a statistical value of the acquired traffic index for each time zone in a cycle longer than at least one month And a step of determining a signal control pattern to be selected in the time zone based on the calculated statistical value.

  In the first invention, the seventh invention, and the ninth invention, a plurality of signal control patterns having different parameter values (for example, cycle length, split, offset, etc.) are stored. A traffic index indicating the traveling state of the vehicle is acquired for each arbitrary time zone, and a statistical value of the acquired traffic index for each time zone is calculated. The arbitrary time zone is, for example, a time zone of 5 minutes or 10 minutes. The traffic index indicating the traveling state of the vehicle is, for example, travel time in an arbitrary section of the road.

  The travel time (traffic index) to be acquired can be obtained as follows. For a predetermined period (for example, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, etc.), the position of the vehicle at a predetermined cycle (for example, 1 second cycle) from the in-vehicle device via the road device, and Probe information including time, vehicle identification code, etc. is collected, travel time for each vehicle is calculated based on the collected probe information, and the calculated travel time is stored. The accumulated travel time is classified for each arbitrary time zone, and an average value obtained by dividing the total travel time of each vehicle for each time zone by the number of vehicles is defined as a statistical value of travel time.

  Based on the calculated statistical value, at least one of the parameter value of the stored signal control pattern or the time zone for selecting the signal control pattern is updated every predetermined period. The predetermined period is, for example, one month, three months, six months, one year, or the like. When the statistical value (statistical value of traffic index) in any time zone of the calculated travel time increases (that is, when it fluctuates in the direction indicating congestion), the parameter value of the time zone becomes longer in blue time Update to the parameter value set in. Alternatively, when a statistical value in an arbitrary time zone of the calculated travel time increases, the signal control pattern to use (apply) the signal control pattern selected when the travel time increases in the arbitrary time zone Update the time zone for selecting. By collecting the probe information transmitted by the in-vehicle device for a predetermined period and using a traffic index that is statistically processed such as an average value, it is possible to perform appropriate signal control according to the traffic situation even when the on-vehicle device mounting rate is low. . In addition, by updating the signal control parameter according to the statistically processed traffic index, it is possible to perform signal control according to changes in traffic conditions.

  In the second invention, the statistical value of the traffic index for each time zone is calculated at a period longer than at least one month. For example, probe information including vehicle position and time, vehicle identification code, etc. at predetermined intervals (for example, 1 second cycle) is collected from an in-vehicle device via a road device or the like over a period of one month or more. At the same time, the statistical information of the traffic index such as travel time is calculated by statistically processing the probe information collected over a period of one month or more. Thereby, it becomes possible to grasp the change of the traffic situation even when the mounting rate of the in-vehicle device is low. Moreover, the signal control according to the secular change of a traffic condition can be performed by updating with a period of one month or more.

  In the third invention, when the calculated statistical value fluctuates in the direction indicating congestion, the parameter value is updated to increase the blue time. For example, when the travel time (traffic index) in an arbitrary time zone fluctuates in the direction indicating congestion and increases to a larger value, the parameter is set to a parameter value that is set longer. Further, when the travel time (traffic index) in an arbitrary time zone fluctuates in a direction to eliminate congestion, and decreases and decreases, the parameter value is updated to a parameter value set to a shorter blue time. Thereby, appropriate signal control according to traffic conditions can be performed.

  In the fourth invention, when the calculated statistical value fluctuates in the direction indicating congestion, the time zone for selecting the signal control pattern to apply the signal control pattern in which the green time is set to be long to the crowded time zone. Update. For example, when the travel time (traffic indicator) in any time zone fluctuates in the direction of congestion and increases and increases, a signal control pattern in which the green time is set longer (for example, when travel time increases) The original use time zone (for example, the application time point such as the start time of use) of the signal control pattern selected in (1) is updated to the arbitrary time zone. Also, when the travel time (traffic index) in any time zone fluctuates in the direction to eliminate congestion, and decreases and decreases, the signal control pattern in which the green time is set short, for example, when travel time decreases The original use time zone of the signal control pattern selected in (1) is updated to the arbitrary time zone. Thereby, appropriate signal control according to traffic conditions can be performed.

  In the fifth invention, the parameter value of the signal control pattern or the time zone for selecting the signal control pattern is updated by selecting one signal control pattern from the plurality of stored signal control patterns. For example, a plurality of signal control patterns classified according to the travel time in an appropriate time zone are prepared based on past actual values of travel time, and one of the signal control patterns is obtained by time control. When selecting, instead of selecting the original signal control pattern, the time to select the parameter value of the signal control pattern or the signal control pattern by selecting another signal control pattern according to the acquired statistical value of travel time Update the belt. Thereby, signal control according to the change of traffic conditions can be performed.

  In the sixth invention, the eighth invention, and the tenth invention, a traffic index indicating the traveling state of the vehicle is acquired every arbitrary time zone, and is longer than at least one month of the acquired traffic index for each time zone. Calculate the statistical value for the period. The arbitrary time zone is, for example, a time zone of 5 minutes or 10 minutes. The traffic index indicating the traveling state of the vehicle is, for example, travel time in an arbitrary section of the road.

  The travel time (traffic index) to be acquired can be obtained as follows. At least every predetermined period (for example, 1 second period) from the in-vehicle device via the road device over a period (for example, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, etc.) longer than 1 month. Probe information including vehicle position and time, vehicle identification code, and the like is collected, travel time for each vehicle is calculated based on the collected probe information, and the calculated travel time is accumulated. The accumulated travel time is classified for each arbitrary time zone, and an average value obtained by dividing the total travel time of each vehicle for each time zone by the number of vehicles is defined as a statistical value of travel time.

  Based on the calculated statistical value, a signal control pattern to be selected in the time zone is determined. For example, a plurality of signal control patterns divided according to travel time are prepared, and a signal control pattern corresponding to a statistical value of travel time in an arbitrary time zone is selected from the plurality of signal control patterns. Then, it is determined as a signal control pattern used in the arbitrary time zone. Thereby, signal control according to the change of traffic conditions can be performed.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, even when the mounting rate of a vehicle-mounted apparatus is low, appropriate signal control according to traffic conditions can be performed.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the outline | summary of the signal control system containing the signal control apparatus of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a structure of the signal control apparatus of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the several signal control pattern memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of the signal control apparatus of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the signal control pattern table before an update. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the travel time by which the statistical process used for the update process by the signal control apparatus of this Embodiment was carried out. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the signal control pattern table after an update. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the several signal control pattern memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of the signal control apparatus of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the signal control pattern table before update. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the signal control pattern table after an update. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the statistical value calculation of the travel time by the signal control apparatus of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the update process by the signal control apparatus of this Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a signal control device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of a signal control system including a signal control apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the signal control system includes a signal control device 100, a traffic signal controller 1, a signal lamp 2, a road device 3, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the road R <b> 1 and the road R <b> 2 intersect at an intersection 20, and four intersections flow into the intersection 20. Road sections 11 and 12 are provided between an appropriate point (starting point) upstream of the intersection 20 of the road R1 and an outflow point (ending point) of the intersection 20. Similarly, road sections 21 and 22 are provided between an appropriate point (starting point) upstream of the intersection 20 of the road R2 and an outflow point (ending point) of the intersection 20. The starting ends of the road sections 11, 12, 21, and 22 can be appropriately set to such an extent that the travel time can be calculated. At the intersection 20, a signal lamp 2 for the roads R1 and R2 is installed. The traffic signal controller 1 controls the switching of the color of each signal lamp 2. The on-road device 3 is installed in the vicinity of each outflow point of the intersection 20.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the road section as the travel time measurement section set near the intersection is a section including the intersection, but may be a section from a point upstream of the intersection to the front of the intersection. That is, any section may be set as long as it is considered to be appropriate for knowing the traffic demand of each inflow path flowing into the intersection.

  The vehicle 10 is equipped with an in-vehicle device 5. The in-vehicle device 5 accumulates the time and the position of the vehicle 10 as travel locus information at a predetermined cycle (for example, every second). When the probe vehicle 10 on which the in-vehicle device 5 is mounted passes through the communication area of the road device 3, the in-vehicle device 5 uses the probe information (such as the accumulated travel locus information and the identification code for identifying the in-vehicle device 5 (probe vehicle 10)). (Information indicating the running state of the vehicle) to the road device 3.

  The roadside device 3 is a local communication device such as an optical beacon, a radio wave beacon, or a DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication), and transmits / receives information to / from the in-vehicle device 5 of the probe vehicle 10. The road device 3 includes a communication unit 3a for communicating with the in-vehicle device 5, a communication control unit 3b for controlling the communication unit 3a, and the like. The roadside device 3 receives the probe information (uplink information) from the in-vehicle device 5 and transmits the received probe information to the signal control device 100. The roadside device 3 may be a communication device using a mobile phone network, and in that case, it is not necessary to install it near the outflow point of the intersection.

  The signal control device 100 collects the probe information received from the road device 3, and based on the collected probe information, the travel time as the traffic index subjected to statistical processing of the road sections 11, 12, 21, and 22 is set to an arbitrary time. Calculate for each band, and update at least one of the parameter value of the signal control pattern stored in advance or the signal control pattern for each predetermined period based on the calculated travel time (statistical value of the traffic index) . Hereinafter, the signal control apparatus 100 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the signal control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the signal control apparatus 100 includes a control unit 101, a communication unit 102, a storage unit 103, a statistical value calculation unit 104, an update unit 105, a determination unit 106, and the like.

  The communication unit 102 performs transmission / reception (communication) of information between the road device 3 and the traffic signal controller 1. For example, the communication unit 102 receives probe information that is information indicating the traveling state of the probe vehicle 10 from the road device 3.

  The storage unit 103 stores necessary information such as a plurality of signal control patterns having different acquired probe information and parameter values (for example, cycle length, split, offset, etc.).

  The statistical value calculation unit 104 calculates travel time as a traffic index subjected to statistical processing of the road sections 11, 12, 21, and 22 based on the collected probe information.

  More specifically, the statistical value calculation unit 104 calculates a travel time statistical value as an example of a traffic index based on information (probe information) indicating the traveling state of the vehicle (probe vehicle 10) for each arbitrary time zone. To do. The statistical value calculation unit 104 extracts travel locus information for each identification code of the probe vehicle 10 from the probe information acquired via the road device 3, and performs map matching based on road segment data of road map data stored in advance. Processing is performed to determine a road section in which each probe vehicle 10 (on-vehicle device 5) travels. The statistical value calculation unit 104 extracts the position closest to the start and end of the road section and the time at that position, and from the time closest to the end to the position closest to the start. The travel time of the road section is calculated by subtracting the time.

  Then, the statistical value calculation unit 104 continuously calculates the travel time described above over a predetermined period. In other words, the statistical value calculation unit 104 is connected to the in-vehicle device 5 via the road device 3 for a predetermined period (for example, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, etc.) longer than at least 1 month. To collect probe information including vehicle position and time, vehicle identification code, etc. for each predetermined period (for example, 1 second period), and calculate travel time for each vehicle based on the collected probe information. Accumulate travel time. The accumulated travel time was classified into arbitrary time zones (for example, every 5 minutes, every 10 minutes), and the average value obtained by dividing the total travel time of each vehicle for each time zone by the number of vehicles was statistically processed. Calculate as travel time. Note that the statistical processing is not limited to averaging, and may be a predetermined percentile value. In addition, the arbitrary time zone may be a part of the day, or may include all 24 hours per day. Further, an arbitrary time zone includes a certain arbitrary time.

  The update unit 105 selects at least one of the parameter value of the signal control pattern stored in the storage unit 103 or the time zone for selecting the signal control pattern based on the statistical value of the travel time calculated by the statistical value calculation unit 104 for a predetermined period. A function as an updating means for updating each time is provided. The predetermined period is, for example, one month, three months, six months, one year, or the like.

  When the statistical value (statistical value of the traffic index) in an arbitrary time zone of the travel time calculated by the statistical value calculation unit 104 increases (that is, when it fluctuates in a direction indicating congestion), the update unit 105 The parameter value of the band is updated to the parameter value set so that the blue time becomes longer. In addition, when the statistical value in an arbitrary time zone of the travel time calculated by the statistical value calculation unit 104 increases, the update unit 105 sets the signal control pattern selected when the travel time increases to the arbitrary time zone. The time zone for selecting the signal control pattern to be used (applied) is updated.

  By collecting the probe information transmitted by the in-vehicle device 5 for a predetermined period (for example, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, etc.) and using the statistically processed travel time (traffic index), Even when the mounting rate of the in-vehicle device 5 is low, appropriate signal control according to traffic conditions can be performed. Further, by updating to a signal control pattern corresponding to the statistically processed traffic index, it is possible to perform signal control according to changes in traffic conditions.

  The determination unit 106 has a function as a determination unit that determines a signal control pattern to be selected in a time zone based on a statistical value in an arbitrary time zone of the travel time calculated by the statistical value calculation unit 104. For example, a plurality of signal control patterns divided according to travel time are prepared, and a signal control pattern corresponding to a statistical value of travel time in an arbitrary time zone is selected from the plurality of signal control patterns. Then, it is determined as a signal control pattern used in the arbitrary time zone. Note that the update unit 105 and the determination unit 106 may include only one of them.

  Hereinafter, a method for updating the signal control pattern will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a plurality of signal control patterns stored in the storage unit 103 of the signal control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. In the example of FIG. 3, it is assumed that four signal control patterns indicated by pattern numbers 1 to 4 are prepared in advance as a plurality of signal control patterns having different parameter values (for example, cycle length, split, offset, etc.).

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the signal control pattern of pattern number 1, the cycle length is 60 seconds, the split on the road R1 side (with respect to the road R2) is 0.5 (that is, the split on the road R1: R2 is 0.5: 0.5), and the blue time on the road R1 side is 30 seconds. The condition for selecting the signal control pattern of pattern number 1 is that the travel time T1 on the road R1 side is less than 120 seconds. Note that the travel time of the road R1 can be the longer travel time of the sections 11 and 12. Also, the offset is omitted.

  In the signal control pattern of pattern number 2, the cycle length is 90 seconds, the split on the road R1 side (with respect to the road R2) is 0.5 (that is, the split of the road R1: R2 is 0.5: 0.5). Yes, the blue time on the road R1 side is 45 seconds. The condition for selecting the signal control pattern of pattern number 2 is that the travel time T1 on the road R1 side is 120 seconds or more and less than 240 seconds.

  In the signal control pattern of pattern number 3, the cycle length is 120 seconds, the split on the road R1 side (with respect to the road R2) is 0.5 (that is, the split of the road R1: R2 is 0.5: 0.5). Yes, the blue time on the road R1 side is 60 seconds. The condition for selecting the signal control pattern of pattern number 3 is that the travel time T1 on the road R1 side is 240 seconds or more and less than 360 seconds.

  In the signal control pattern of pattern number 4, the cycle length is 120 seconds, the split on the road R1 side (with respect to the road R2) is 0.6 (that is, the split of the road R1: R2 is 0.6: 0.4). Yes, the blue time on the road R1 side is 72 seconds. The condition for selecting the signal control pattern of pattern number 4 is that the travel time T1 on the road R1 side is 360 seconds or more. Note that the conditions relating to the travel time for selecting each parameter value of the signal control pattern, the type (pattern number) of the signal control pattern, and the signal control pattern are merely examples, and are not limited to the example of FIG.

  Next, the signal control pattern table before update will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the signal control pattern table before update. As shown in FIG. 4, one of the signal control methods by the signal control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is to prepare a set of a plurality of signal control patterns and determine a signal control pattern to be used for each time zone. Every other time, a signal control pattern in a time zone corresponding to the time is selected.

  As shown in FIG. 4, before the update, use time zones (for example, start time and end time) of the plurality of signal control patterns are stored in the storage unit 103. For example, the signal control pattern of pattern number 1 in FIG. 3 is selected and used from time 0:00 to 6:00. Further, the signal control pattern of pattern number 2 in FIG. 3 is selected and used from time 6:00 to 7:00. Other usage time zones are as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the signal control pattern to be selected and used is determined for 24 hours a day. Before the update by the updating unit 105, the signal lamp is based on the signal control pattern table shown in FIG. 4. 2 signal control is performed.

  Next, the travel time subjected to statistical processing used for the update process by the update unit 105 will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of travel time subjected to statistical processing used for update processing by the signal control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 5, the horizontal axis represents the time of the day, and the vertical axis represents the travel time subjected to statistical processing (for example, travel time on the road R1). As described above, the travel time is probe information collected over a predetermined period (at least 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, etc.) every arbitrary time zone (for example, 5 minutes). The travel time calculated based on is divided by the collected number and averaged. That is, the travel time shown in FIG. 5 is an average value of travel time collected over a predetermined period and obtained in each time zone. Note that the statistical processing is not limited to averaging, and N-th percentile value may be used instead of the average value. In FIG. 5, the time from 6:00 to 10:00 will be described for simplification.

  Next, a method for updating the signal control pattern based on the travel time will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the updated signal control pattern table. In FIG. 5, in each time zone between time 6:00 and 6:40, the travel time is 120 seconds or more and less than 240 seconds, so the condition for selecting the signal control pattern of pattern number 2 in FIG. 3 is satisfied. To do. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, since the signal control pattern of pattern number 2 similar to that in FIG. 4 before update is used from 6:00 to 6:40, there is no update of the signal control pattern.

  As shown in FIG. 5, after time 6:40, the travel time exceeds 240 seconds, and in each time zone between time 6:40 and 7:30, the travel time is 240 seconds or more and less than 360 seconds. The condition for selecting the signal control pattern of pattern number 3 in FIG. 3 is satisfied. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, between time 6:40 and 7:30, the signal control pattern of pattern number 3 with a long blue time is selected instead of the pattern number 2 of FIG. The signal control pattern of number 2 is updated to the signal control pattern of pattern number 3.

  In this case, when FIG. 4 is compared with FIG. 6, in FIG. 4 before the update, the time to start using the signal control pattern of the pattern number 3 in which the green time is 60 seconds is 7:00, whereas after the update In FIG. 6, the use start time is 6:40, which starts 20 minutes earlier. In this way, the signal control pattern of the pattern number 3 scheduled to be used after time 7:00 at the time 6:40, which is 20 minutes earlier than the time 7:00, that is, at an earlier stage than usual can be used. Therefore, it is possible to respond flexibly even when the traffic situation changes faster than the expected traffic demand in advance.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, after time 7:30, the travel time exceeds 360 seconds, and in each time zone between time 7:30 and 9:30, the travel time is 360 seconds or more, The condition for selecting the signal control pattern of pattern number 4 in FIG. 3 is satisfied. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, during the period from 7:30 to 9:30, the signal control pattern of the pattern number 4 having a long blue time is selected instead of the pattern number 3 of FIG. The signal control pattern of number 3 is updated to the signal control pattern of pattern number 4.

  In this case, when FIG. 4 is compared with FIG. 6, in FIG. 4 before the update, the start time of using the signal control pattern of the pattern number 4 in which the blue time is 72 seconds is 8:00, whereas after the update In FIG. 6, the use start time is 7:30, which is 30 minutes earlier. In this manner, the signal control pattern of pattern number 4 scheduled to be used after time 8:00 at a time 7:30, which is 30 minutes earlier than time 8:00, that is, at an earlier stage than usual can be used. Therefore, it is possible to respond flexibly even when the traffic situation changes faster than the expected traffic demand in advance.

  Further, comparing FIG. 4 with FIG. 6, in FIG. 4 before the update, the time when the use of the signal control pattern of the pattern number 4 in which the blue time is 72 seconds is finished is 9:00, but after the update In FIG. 6, the end time is 9:30, which ends 30 minutes later. In this way, when the travel time is 360 seconds or more between 9:00 and 9:30, the signal control pattern of pattern number 4 is continuously extended and used, so that the traffic situation is Even if it changes later than expected in advance, demand can be flexibly dealt with.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the travel time is less than 360 seconds after time 9:30, and the travel time in each time zone from time 9:30 to 9:50 is 240 seconds or more and less than 360 seconds. Therefore, the condition for selecting the signal control pattern of pattern number 3 in FIG. 3 is satisfied. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, during the period from 9:30 to 9:50, the signal control pattern of pattern number 3 having a long blue time is selected instead of the pattern number 2 of FIG. The signal control pattern of number 2 is updated to the signal control pattern of pattern number 3.

  In this case, when FIG. 4 is compared with FIG. 6, in FIG. 4 before the update, the signal control pattern of the pattern number 2 in which the green time is 45 seconds is used after the time 9:30, whereas after the update, In FIG. 6, the signal control pattern of pattern number 3 having a long blue time is continuously used from the time 9:30 to 9:50. In other words, since the use start time of the signal control pattern of the pattern number 2 that starts to be used from time 9:00 is delayed until time 9:50, even when the traffic situation changes later than expected in advance of traffic demand It can respond flexibly.

  As described above, the signal control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment increases the travel time statistical value (traffic index statistical value) in an arbitrary time zone (that is, changes in a direction indicating congestion), The parameter value in the time zone is updated to a parameter value set so that the blue time becomes longer. Or the signal control apparatus 100 of this Embodiment uses the signal control pattern selected when travel time increases, when the statistical value of the travel time of arbitrary time zones increases in the said arbitrary time zones ( It is possible to perform signal control according to changes in traffic conditions by updating the time zone for selecting the signal control pattern to be applied.

  In addition, when the travel time statistic value fluctuates in the direction indicating congestion, the signal control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment updates the parameter value to increase the blue time. For example, when the travel time (traffic index) in an arbitrary time zone fluctuates in the direction indicating congestion and increases to a larger value, the parameter is set to a parameter value that is set longer. Further, when the travel time (traffic index) in an arbitrary time zone fluctuates in a direction to eliminate congestion, and decreases and decreases, the parameter value is updated to a parameter value set to a shorter blue time. Thereby, appropriate signal control according to traffic conditions can be performed.

  Further, the signal control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, when the travel time statistic value fluctuates in the direction indicating congestion, the signal control pattern to apply the signal control pattern in which the green time is set to be long to the crowded time zone. Update the time zone for selecting. For example, when the travel time (traffic indicator) in any time zone fluctuates in the direction of congestion and increases and increases, a signal control pattern in which the green time is set longer (for example, when travel time increases) The original use time zone (for example, the application time point such as the start time of use) of the signal control pattern selected in (1) is updated to the arbitrary time zone. Also, when the travel time (traffic index) in any time zone fluctuates in the direction to eliminate congestion, and decreases and decreases, the signal control pattern in which the green time is set short, for example, when travel time decreases The original use time zone of the signal control pattern selected in (1) is updated to the arbitrary time zone. Thereby, appropriate signal control according to traffic conditions can be performed.

  The signal control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment selects a signal control pattern parameter value or a time zone for selecting a signal control pattern by selecting one signal control pattern from a plurality of stored signal control patterns. Update. For example, a plurality of signal control patterns classified according to the travel time in an appropriate time zone are prepared based on past actual values of travel time, and one of the signal control patterns is obtained by time control. When selecting, instead of selecting the original signal control pattern, the time to select the parameter value of the signal control pattern or the signal control pattern by selecting another signal control pattern according to the acquired statistical value of travel time Update the belt. Thereby, signal control according to the change of traffic conditions can be performed.

  In the example of FIGS. 3 to 6, the road R <b> 1 has been described, but the signal control pattern update process can be similarly performed for the road R <b> 2 that intersects the road R <b> 1 at the intersection. That is, the signal control pattern may be updated based on the travel time of the road R1, the signal control pattern may be updated based on the travel time of the road R2, and based on the travel time of both the road R1 and the road R2. The signal control pattern may be updated.

  Next, a method for updating the signal control pattern using the determination unit 106 instead of the update unit 105 will be described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of a plurality of signal control patterns stored in the storage unit 103 of the signal control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. In the example of FIG. 7, 12 types of signal control patterns classified by pattern numbers 11 to 22 are used. For example, in the signal control pattern of pattern number 11, the cycle length is 60 seconds, the split between the road R1 and the road R2 is 0.5: 0.5, and the offset is 0 seconds. Signal control patterns with other pattern numbers are also shown in the figure. The signal control pattern is an example, and is not limited to the example of FIG. 7, and the number of signal control patterns (pattern number) is not limited to the example of FIG.

  Next, the signal control pattern table before update will be described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the signal control pattern table before update. As shown in FIG. 8, when the travel time T1 of the road R1 is shorter than 120 seconds and the travel time T2 of the road R2 is shorter than 120 seconds, the signal control pattern of the pattern number 11 is used. As shown in FIG. 7, the signal control pattern of pattern number 11 has a cycle length of 60 seconds and a split of roads R1 and R2 of 0.5: 0.5.

  When the travel time T2 of the road R2 is shorter than 120 seconds and the travel time T1 of the road R1 increases and becomes 240 seconds or more and less than 360, the signal control pattern of the pattern number 15 is used. As shown in FIG. 7, the signal control pattern of pattern number 15 has a cycle length of 90 seconds and a split of roads R1 and R2 of 0.6: 0.4. By switching to the signal control pattern of pattern number 15, the blue time of the signal lamp 2 for the road R1 is extended from 30 seconds to 54 seconds, and the traffic jam on the road R1 can be alleviated.

  Next, a method for updating the signal control pattern based on the travel time statistics will be described. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the updated signal control pattern table. As shown in FIG. 9, the travel time T1 of the road R1 is less than 120 seconds when the statistically processed travel time (traffic index) acquired for each time zone is, for example, from 6:00 to 6:20 If the travel time T2 of the road R2 is also less than 120 seconds, the determination unit 106 performs signal control of the pattern number 11 shown in FIG. 8 as a signal control pattern corresponding to the conditions of both travel times T1 and T2. A pattern is determined to be selected, and the signal control pattern of pattern number 11 is used in each time zone from 6:00 to 6:20.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, when the travel time (traffic index) subjected to statistical processing acquired for each time zone is, for example, from 6:20 to 6:30, the travel time T1 of the road R1 is 120. If the travel time T2 of the road R2 is less than 120 seconds, the determination unit 106 determines that the signal control pattern corresponding to the conditions of both travel times T1 and T2 is as shown in FIG. The signal control pattern of pattern number 12 is determined to be selected, and the signal control pattern of pattern number 12 is used in each time zone from time 6:20 to 6:30. The same applies to the time after 6:30.

  As described above, the signal control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment acquires a traffic index indicating the running state of the vehicle for each arbitrary time zone, and is longer than at least one month of the acquired traffic index for each time zone. Calculate the statistical value for the period. The signal control device 100 determines a signal control pattern to be selected in the time zone based on the calculated statistical value. For example, a plurality of signal control patterns divided according to travel time are prepared, and a signal control pattern corresponding to a statistical value of travel time in an arbitrary time zone is selected from the plurality of signal control patterns. Then, it is determined as a signal control pattern used in the arbitrary time zone. Thereby, signal control according to the change of traffic conditions can be performed.

  In the signal control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, a traffic index obtained by statistically processing information indicating the running state of the vehicle collected over a period of one month or longer is acquired, and a signal control pattern update process is performed. Is a period of one month or more. For example, the probe information including the vehicle position and time, vehicle identification code, etc., every predetermined cycle (for example, 1 second cycle) from the in-vehicle device 5 via the road device 3 or the like over a period of one month or more. Since the traffic information such as travel time is calculated by statistically processing the probe information collected over a period of one month or more, even if the installation rate of the in-vehicle device 5 is low, the traffic condition changes It becomes possible to grasp. Moreover, the signal control according to the secular change of a traffic condition can be performed by updating with a period of one month or more.

  Further, in the signal control device 100 of the present embodiment, for example, a plurality of such as shown in FIG. 8 divided according to the magnitude of the travel time in an appropriate time zone based on the past actual value of the travel time and the like. When a signal control pattern is prepared and one of the signal control patterns is selected by time control, instead of selecting the original signal control pattern, another signal control pattern corresponding to the acquired travel time statistic is selected. It is possible to select and perform signal control according to changes in traffic conditions.

  Next, the operation of the signal control apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of travel time statistic calculation by the signal control apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. The control unit 101 collects probe information (S11), determines whether a predetermined period (for example, one month) has elapsed (S12), and if the predetermined period has not elapsed (NO in S12), step The process of S11 is continued.

  When the predetermined period has elapsed (YES in S12), the control unit 101 classifies the probe information for each arbitrary time zone (S13), and statistical values (for example, average value, percentile value) of travel time for each arbitrary time zone Etc.) is calculated (S14), and the process is terminated. The signal control apparatus 100 performs the process shown in FIG. 10 at a predetermined period.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure of update processing by the signal control apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. The control unit 101 acquires the travel time statistically processed for each time zone (S21), and determines the first time zone (S22). For example, when the travel time is acquired between time 6:00 and 22:00, the first time zone can be set as the time zone from time 6:00 to 6:05.

  The control unit 101 determines whether or not the travel time in the determined time zone satisfies the condition for selecting the signal control pattern before the time zone is updated (S23), and the condition is not satisfied (NO in S23). Then, the signal control pattern before the update of the determined time zone is updated to a signal control pattern corresponding to the travel time of the time zone (S24).

  The control unit 101 updates the use time zone of the updated signal control pattern to the time zone (S25). When the condition is satisfied (YES in S23), the control unit 101 does not update the signal control pattern (S26) and performs the process of step S27 described later.

  The control unit 101 determines whether or not there is a next time zone (S27). If there is a next time zone (YES in S27), the next time zone is determined (S28), and the processing after step S23 is performed. I do. When there is no next time slot (NO in S27), the control unit 101 ends the process.

  The signal control device 100 performs the process shown in FIG. 11 at a cycle of a predetermined period (for example, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, etc.). That is, the signal control apparatus 100 does not update the signal control pattern for a predetermined period after updating the signal control pattern once.

  The signal control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can be realized using a general-purpose computer including a CPU, a RAM, and the like. That is, as shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the signal control device 100 is realized on the computer by loading the program code defining each processing procedure into the RAM provided in the computer and executing the program code by the CPU. can do.

  In the above-described embodiment, the signal control device 100 outputs the selected signal control pattern to the traffic signal controller 1. The traffic signal controller 1 controls the signal lamp 2 using the selected signal control pattern. Note that the signal control device 100 may be incorporated in the traffic signal controller 1.

  In the above embodiment, the travel time is used as the traffic index obtained using the probe information. However, the traffic index is not limited to the travel time, and the stop position upstream of the intersection of the probe vehicle is determined. It can also be used. This is because there is a correlation between the distance from the intersection to the stop position and the travel time. When the stop position of the probe vehicle is used instead of the travel time, the signal control pattern may be selected according to the stop position on each of the roads R1 and R2.

  In the above-described embodiment, the signal control pattern table that defines a set of signal control patterns is stored. Also good.

  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.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Traffic signal controller 2 Signal lamp 3 Road equipment 5 Vehicle-mounted apparatus 101 Control part 102 Communication part (acquisition means)
103 storage unit 104 statistical value calculation unit (statistical value calculation means)
105 Update unit (update means)
106 Determination unit (determination means)

Claims (10)

In a signal control device for storing a plurality of signal control patterns having different parameter values, and controlling one of the signal control patterns stored in advance according to a time zone to control a lamp color of the signal lamp device,
Acquisition means for acquiring a traffic index indicating a running state of the vehicle for each arbitrary time zone;
Statistical value calculating means for calculating a statistical value of the traffic index for each arbitrary time zone acquired by the acquiring means;
Updating means for updating at least one of a parameter value of the stored signal control pattern or a time zone for selecting the signal control pattern for each predetermined period based on the statistical value calculated by the statistical value calculating means. A signal control device. The statistical value calculation means includes
2. The signal control device according to claim 1, wherein a statistical value of the traffic index for each arbitrary time zone is calculated at a period longer than at least one month. The updating means includes
The parameter value is updated so as to increase the blue time when the statistical value calculated by the statistical value calculating means changes in a direction indicating congestion. The signal control apparatus as described. The updating means includes
When the statistical value calculated by the statistical value calculation means fluctuates in the direction indicating congestion, the time zone for selecting the signal control pattern is updated to apply the signal control pattern set with a long blue time to the crowded time zone The signal control device according to claim 1, wherein the signal control device is configured as described above. The updating means includes
A signal control pattern parameter value or a time zone for selecting a signal control pattern is configured to be updated by selecting one signal control pattern from a plurality of stored signal control patterns. The signal control apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. In a signal control device for selecting one of a plurality of signal control patterns stored in advance according to a traffic index indicating a running state of a vehicle and controlling a lamp color of a signal lamp device,
Acquisition means for acquiring a traffic index indicating a running state of the vehicle for each arbitrary time zone;
A statistical value calculating means for calculating a statistical value in a cycle longer than at least one month of the traffic index for each time zone acquired by the acquiring means;
A signal control apparatus comprising: a determining unit that determines a signal control pattern to be selected in the time zone based on a statistical value calculated by the statistical value calculating unit. In a computer program for causing a computer to select one of a plurality of signal control patterns having different parameter values according to a time zone and to control the color of a signal lamp device,
On the computer,
Calculating a statistical value of a traffic index indicating a driving state of the vehicle for each arbitrary time zone;
And a step of updating at least one of a parameter value of the signal control pattern or a time zone for selecting the signal control pattern for each predetermined period based on the calculated statistical value. In a computer program for causing a computer to execute a step for selecting one of a plurality of signal control patterns in accordance with a traffic indicator indicating a running state of a vehicle and controlling a light color of a signal lamp device,
On the computer,
Calculating a statistical value at a cycle longer than at least one month of a traffic index indicating a running state of the vehicle for each arbitrary time zone;
And a step of determining a signal control pattern to be selected in the time zone based on the calculated statistical value. A signal by a signal control device for storing a plurality of signal control patterns having different parameter values and selecting one of the signal control patterns stored in advance according to the time zone to control the color of the signal lamp In the control method,
Obtaining a traffic index indicating the running state of the vehicle at any time period;
Calculating a statistical value of the obtained traffic index for each arbitrary time period;
And a step of updating at least one of a parameter value of the stored signal control pattern or a time zone for selecting the signal control pattern at predetermined intervals based on the calculated statistical value. In the signal control method by the signal control device for selecting one of a plurality of signal control patterns stored in advance according to the traffic index indicating the running state of the vehicle and controlling the color of the signal lamp,
Obtaining a traffic index indicating the running state of the vehicle at any time period;
Calculating a statistical value with a period longer than at least one month of the obtained traffic index for each time period;
And a step of determining a signal control pattern to be selected in the time zone based on the calculated statistical value.

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