JP2012146145A - Information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor capable of improving safety in passing a traffic intersection.SOLUTION: The service controller 24 secures time X1 between a switch of colors of a signal lamp and the start of service operations. As a result, the time from the timing t1 of the switch of colors of the signal lamp until the start of service operations of the driving support service is extended. In addition, the service controller 24 secures time X2 between a switch of colors of the signal lamp and suspension of the service. As a result, the time from the timing t2 of the switch of colors of the signal lamp until suspension of the driving support service is extended.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus for performing driving assistance.

  As a conventional information processing apparatus, one that performs driving support based on information on traffic lights is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This information processing apparatus acquires information on the signal cycle of a traffic signal at an intersection, and performs driving support based on the information so as to avoid a collision with another vehicle or a pedestrian by sound or an image. This information processing apparatus executes the driving support service only before and after the timing of switching to a red signal and before and after the timing of switching to a green signal.

JP 2010-256982 A

  Here, when the own vehicle passes an intersection, it has been desired to further improve safety. That is, it has been demanded to improve safety when the host vehicle passes an intersection by providing a more appropriate driving support service.

  Then, this invention makes it a subject to provide the information processing apparatus which can improve the safety | security at the time of passing an intersection.

  In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a traffic signal information acquisition unit that acquires information related to a traffic signal, and a service that sets a schedule related to operation and stop of a vehicle driving support service based on the information related to the traffic signal. Control means, and the service control means starts and stops the service operation of the driving support service based on the switching of the signal lamp color of the traffic light, and the service control means switches between the signal lamp color and the service operation. A first time is ensured between the start and a second time is ensured between the change of the signal lamp color and the service stop.

  In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the service control means secures a first time between the switching of the signal lamp color and the start of the service operation. Thereby, the time from the timing of switching the signal lamp color to the start of the service operation of the driving support service is extended. In addition, the service control means secures a second time between the switching of the signal lamp color and the service stop. Thereby, the time from the timing of switching the signal lamp color to the service stop of the driving support service is extended. In this way, the information processing apparatus extends the service operation and service stop time, thereby enabling the driver to sufficiently check the situation around the host vehicle at the time of signal light color switching, and Excessive confidence in driving support services can be eliminated. As described above, safety when passing through the intersection can be improved.

  In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the service control means sets the service stop state when the signal lamp color is a color indicating that the traffic is not permitted, and switches and service operation when the signal lamp color is switched to a color indicating that the traffic is allowed. It is preferable to secure a first time between the start of the first time and the second time. As a result, the time from the switching timing of the signal lamp color (for example, the switching timing from red to blue) to the start of the service operation of the driving support service is extended. For example, if the signal light color switching timing and the service operation start timing are almost the same, the driver can grasp the signal light color switching by the start of the service operation, so the driver can check the situation around the traffic lights and other vehicles. It may not be confirmed. However, by extending the timing of starting the service operation, the driver can surely check the surrounding conditions such as traffic lights and other vehicles when passing the intersection. That is, overconfidence of the driver with respect to the driving support service can be eliminated. Further, for example, there is a possibility that another vehicle on the intersection lane or on the opposite lane enters the intersection even though the signal light color is switched from blue to red. In addition, there is a possibility that the driver of the own vehicle starts suddenly when the service operation starts. However, by extending the service operation start timing, it is possible to provide a service corresponding to the actual situation at the intersection.

  In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the first time is set based on the first passage completion time calculated from the stop position of the other vehicle on the intersection lane or the opposite lane and the intersection passage completion position. Is preferred. By setting the first time as a time that considers the approach of an intersection of another vehicle, it is possible to eliminate overconfidence of the driver's driving support service and provide a service corresponding to the situation at the actual intersection. .

  In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the service control unit starts the service operation before the elapse of the first time when the own vehicle starts and progresses within the first time. When the driver confirms the actual signal lamp color change or the surrounding situation and indicates the start-up action, the service operation can be started without waiting for the first time to elapse. As a result, frustration of the driver with respect to the service operation not being started can be avoided.

  In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the service control means starts the service operation after the elapse of the first time when the vehicle does not start and advance within the first time. In the case where the driver does not show the starting and moving action, the service operation is started after the elapse of the first time, thereby securing a sufficient time until the service operation is started.

  In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the service control means sets the service operation state when the signal lamp color is a color indicating passability, and switches and stops the service when the signal lamp color is switched to a color indicating impassability. It is preferable to secure a second time between the two. Thereby, the time from the timing of switching the signal lamp color (for example, the timing of switching from blue to red) to the service stop of the driving support service is extended. For example, there is a possibility that the host vehicle is left in the intersection at the time of a right turn / left turn and must pass through the intersection at the timing of switching the signal light color. In such a situation, if the signal lamp color switching timing and the service stop timing are substantially the same, the vehicle will pass through the intersection without the driving support service being provided. However, by extending the service stop timing, even if the host vehicle is left behind at the intersection, it is possible to pass through the intersection while the driving support service is provided. That is, it is possible to provide a service corresponding to the situation at an actual intersection.

  In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the second time is set based on a second passage completion time calculated from the vehicle stop position of the host vehicle and the intersection passage completion position. By setting the second time as a time that takes into account the situation in which the host vehicle is left behind in the intersection, a service corresponding to the situation at the actual intersection can be provided.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the safety | security at the time of passing an intersection can be improved.

It is a block diagram which shows the driving assistance apparatus provided with the information processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the condition of a signalized intersection. It is a figure which shows the condition of a signalized intersection. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a signal cycle and the switching pattern of service operation | movement and a service stop. It is an example of the image provided as a driving assistance service. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the information processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the condition of the signalized intersection for demonstrating the information processing apparatus which concerns on a modification.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or equivalent elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a driving support apparatus 2 including an information processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 and 3 are diagrams showing each situation at the signalized intersection. In the present embodiment, the driving support device 2 including the information processing device 1 is mounted on the vehicle MT1 shown in FIGS. The driving support device 2 including the information processing device 1 can provide an infrastructure enhancement service. The driving support apparatus 2 including the information processing apparatus 1 can provide driving support services such as a right turn service, a left turn service, and a crossing pedestrian service to the vehicle MT1 when the vehicle MT1 is present at an intersection. it can. With this system, the vehicle MT1 receives a driving support service that avoids a collision between the vehicle MT1 and another vehicle or a pedestrian based on road-to-vehicle communication. The driving support service is executed by alerting / warning the driver by voice / image, or by assistance by accelerator / brake intervention.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of a state when the vehicle MT1 is turning right at the intersection. As shown in FIG. 2, an infrastructure roadside device 100, a vehicle detection sensor 101, a pedestrian detection sensor 102, and a traffic signal 103 are arranged at the intersection. The vehicle detection sensor 101 detects the vehicle MT2 that travels directly opposite to the vehicle MT1 and transmits the detection result to the infrastructure roadside device 100. The pedestrian detection sensor 102 detects the pedestrian WP near the pedestrian crossing at the right turn when viewed from the vehicle MT1, and transmits the detection result to the infrastructure roadside device 100. The traffic signal 103 transmits a signal cycle to the infrastructure roadside device 100. The infrastructure roadside device 100 processes communication data and performs communication processing of the communication data. The infrastructure roadside device 100 transmits infrastructure communication data to the vehicle MT1. The infrastructure communication data includes signal cycle, detected vehicle information, detected pedestrian information, road shape, intersection shape, and other infrastructure information. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the driving support device 2 provided with the information processing device 1 is a right turn service for avoiding a collision with the vehicle MT2 that goes straight ahead, and a crosswalk for avoiding a collision with the pedestrian WP. Service is provided to the vehicle MT1.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of a state when the vehicle MT1 is turning left at the intersection. As shown in FIG. 3, the infrastructure roadside device 100, the vehicle detection sensor 106, the pedestrian detection sensor 104, and the traffic signal 103 are arranged at the intersection. The vehicle detection sensor 106 detects the vehicle MT3 in the vicinity of the rear of the vehicle MT1 and transmits the detection result to the infrastructure roadside device 100. The pedestrian detection sensor 104 detects the pedestrian WP near the pedestrian crossing at the left turn as viewed from the vehicle MT1, and transmits the detection result to the infrastructure roadside device 100. The traffic signal 103 transmits a signal cycle to the infrastructure roadside device 100. The infrastructure roadside device 100 processes communication data and performs communication processing of the communication data. The infrastructure roadside device 100 transmits infrastructure communication data to the vehicle MT1. The infrastructure communication data includes signal cycle, detected vehicle information, detected pedestrian information, road shape, intersection shape, and other infrastructure information. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the driving support device 2 including the information processing device 1 performs a left turn service for avoiding a collision with the vehicle MT3 trying to pass through the vehicle MT1 from the rear, and a collision with the pedestrian WP. A crossing pedestrian service for avoidance is provided to the vehicle MT1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the driving support device 2 includes an information processing device 1, a road-vehicle communication device 3, a GPS-ECU 4, a map database 6, a vehicle speed sensor 7, a shift position 8, and a brake lamp switch 9. And a winker switch 11, other sensors capable of acquiring own vehicle data, a display 12, a speaker / buzzer 13, an accelerator control unit 14, and a brake control unit 16.

  The road-to-vehicle communication device 3 receives infrastructure communication data from the infrastructure roadside device 100, and for example, an optical beacon or the like is used. The road-to-vehicle communication device 3 can also transmit information on the host vehicle to the infrastructure roadside device 100. The road-vehicle communication device 3 transmits and receives data to and from the information processing device 1. The GPS-ECU 4 acquires the current position information and traveling direction information of the host vehicle detected using GPS (Global Positioning System). The GPS-ECU 4 transmits the acquired information to the information processing device 1. The map database 6 stores map data and transmits node / link information to the information processing apparatus 1. The vehicle speed sensor 7 detects the vehicle speed of the host vehicle. The shift position 8 detects the shift position of the host vehicle. The brake lamp switch 9 acquires the state of the brake lamp of the host vehicle. The blinker switch 11 acquires the state of the blinker of the host vehicle. These sensors and switches transmit the own vehicle data to the information processing apparatus 1.

  The display 12 has a function of providing a driving support service using video and images. The display 12 is configured by, for example, a car navigation display or a display in a meter. As an image for driving support, for example, the image shown in FIG. 5A can be displayed when turning right, and the image shown in FIG. 5B can be displayed when turning left. The speaker / buzzer 13 has a function of providing a driving support service by voice or buzzer sound. The accelerator control unit 14 performs an acceleration operation of the host vehicle. The brake control unit 16 performs a braking operation of the host vehicle. The accelerator control unit 14 and the brake control unit 16 have a function of providing a driving support service by an accelerator or brake intervention. The display 12, the speaker / buzzer 13, the accelerator control unit 14, and the brake control unit 16 execute a driving support service by receiving a control signal from the information processing apparatus 1.

  The information processing apparatus 1 is configured by an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The information processing apparatus 1 is an electronic control unit that performs overall control of the driving support apparatus 2. The information processing apparatus 1 is mainly configured by a CPU, for example, and includes a ROM, a RAM, an input signal circuit, an output signal circuit, a power supply circuit, and the like. The information processing apparatus 1 includes a communication control unit (signal device information acquisition unit) 21, a transmission / reception signal analysis unit (signal device information acquisition unit) 22, a determination unit 23, a service control unit (service control unit) 24, and a driving support calculation. Unit 26 and HMI (Human Machine Interface) control unit 27.

  The communication control unit 21 has a function of performing control related to communication with the infrastructure roadside device 100 and other vehicles. The communication control unit 21 has a function of receiving data from the road-vehicle communication device 3 and transmitting data via the road-vehicle communication device 3. The communication control unit 21 acquires infrastructure communication data from the infrastructure roadside device 100. The transmission / reception signal analysis unit 22 has a function of analyzing a signal transmitted and received by the information processing apparatus 1. The transmission / reception signal analysis unit 22 can analyze the infrastructure communication data and use the analysis result for the driving support service. The determination unit 23 has a function of executing various determination processes in the control process in the information processing apparatus 1. The determination unit 23 performs, for example, signal cycle determination, determination regarding vehicle detection information, departure movement determination, and other determinations. The driving support calculation unit 26 has a function of executing various calculation processes related to the driving support service such as determination of possibility of crossing and driving support algorithm. The HMI control unit 27 has a function of controlling the display 12, the speaker / buzzer 13, the accelerator control unit 14, and the brake control unit 16 so that the driving support service is executed.

  The service control unit 24 has a function of setting a schedule for the operation and stop of the driving support service of the own vehicle based on the signal cycle of the traffic signal 103 (information regarding the traffic signal). The service control unit 24 has a function of controlling the start and stop of the service operation of the driving support service based on the switching of the signal lamp color of the traffic light 103. The service control unit 24 sets the service operation state in a time zone where the driving support service is required, and sets the service stop state in a time zone where the driving support service is unnecessary. As a result, the driving support service can be provided only at a necessary timing. Specifically, the service control unit 24 sets the service stop state when the signal lamp color is a color indicating that traffic is not allowed (for example, red), and performs the service operation when the signal lamp color is a color indicating that the traffic is allowed (for example, blue). State. The service control unit 24 stops the service based on the timing at which the signal lamp color is switched to a color indicating impermissibility, and starts the service operation based on the timing at which the signal lamp color is switched to a color indicating passable. The service control unit 24 switches between the service operation and the service stop in two types of patterns shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the signal lamp color of the three-lamp signal is switched in a cycle of “red, blue, yellow, red...”. The signal lamp color is switched from red to blue at timing t1. The signal lamp color is switched from blue to red at timing t2. The signal light color of the three-light / right-turned arrow light signal is switched in a cycle of “red, blue, yellow, arrow light, yellow, red…”. The signal lamp color is switched from red to blue at timing t1. The signal lamp color is switched from blue to yellow, arrow lamp, and yellow at timing t2. In addition, it is only an example of the signal lamp color cycle of FIG. 4, and may be another signal type or signal cycle.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the service control unit 24 can set switching between service operation and service stop in pattern A. In the pattern A, the service control unit 24 immediately starts the service operation at the timing t1 when switching from red to blue. That is, the service control unit 24 immediately ends the service stop state at the timing t1 when switching from red to blue. In addition, the service control unit 24 immediately stops the service at the timing t2 when switching from blue to red. That is, the service control unit 24 immediately ends the state of the service operation at the timing t2 when switching from blue to red.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the service control unit 24 can set switching between service operation and service stop in pattern B. In the pattern B, the service control unit 24 secures a time X1 (first time) between the timing t1 when switching from red to blue and the start of the service operation. That is, as compared with the pattern A, the service control unit 24 extends the service stop state by the time X1 from the timing t1 when the color is switched from red to blue. In addition, the service control unit 24 secures a time X2 (second time) between the timing t2 when switching from blue to red and the service stop. That is, the service control unit 24 extends the state of the service operation by the time X2 from the timing t2 at which the color is switched from blue to red as compared with the pattern A.

  As the time X1, a predetermined time set in advance can be set. In the example of the pattern A shown in FIG. 4, the service operation is started immediately at the timing t1, but even if it takes time from the timing t1 to the start of the service operation, the time X1 is at least the pattern A longer time than A is set. For example, the time X1 can be set to a time for ensuring a safety margin so that the host vehicle cannot start and accelerate simultaneously with the switching of the signal lamp color. The time X1 is based on the passage completion time (first passage completion time) calculated from the stop position of the other vehicle (such as the vehicle MT2 in FIGS. 2 and 3) on the intersection lane or the opposite lane and the intersection passage completion position. Can be set. That is, it is possible to set, as time X1, the time from when the signal light color is switched to the time when the other vehicle in the opposite lane and the other vehicle in the crossing lane pass through the intersection. For example, 2 to 5 seconds can be set as the time X1.

  As the time X2, a predetermined time set in advance can be set. In the example of the pattern A shown in FIG. 4, the service is immediately stopped at the timing t2. However, even if it takes time from the timing t2 to the service stop, the time X2 is at least in the pattern A. A longer time is set. The time X2 can be set, for example, for a required time until the vehicle can be completed when the host vehicle is left in the intersection. The time X2 can be set based on the passage completion time (second passage completion time) calculated from the vehicle stop position (for example, the position of the vehicle MT1 in FIGS. 2 and 3) and the intersection passage completion position. That is, the time period from when the signal light color is changed to the time when the own vehicle in the intersection moves from the stop position in the intersection to the intersection passage completion position at the predicted travel speed (for example, about 20 km / h) is set as the time X2. it can. For example, 4 to 8 seconds can be set as the time X2.

  The service control unit 24 can start the service operation before the elapse of the time X1 when the own vehicle starts and progresses within the time X1 (pattern indicated by STY in FIG. 4). The service control unit 24 can start the service operation after the elapse of the time X1 when there is no departure and advancement of the host vehicle within the time X1 (a pattern indicated by STN in FIG. 4). Accordingly, it is possible to start the service operation after confirming that the driver of the host vehicle has performed the operation after visually checking the switching of the signal light color from red to blue. For example, when the signal light color = red, the vehicle speed = 0 km / h, the brake pedal = depressed, the signal light color = blue, the brake pedal = disengaged, there is a start-up movement. Can be determined. When a service operation starts in STY, the same logic as in STN is applied after the time X1 has elapsed.

  Next, an example of a control process of the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. This process is repeatedly executed at a predetermined timing in the information processing apparatus 1 during driving of the vehicle. Note that the control processing shown in FIG. 6 is an example, and the processing order and processing content may be changed as appropriate.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the determination unit 23 of the information processing device 1 determines whether or not the own vehicle has entered the service area of the infrastructure cooperation service based on the received infrastructure communication data (step S <b> 10). When it is determined in S10 that the area is not within the service area, the process of S10 is executed again. When it is determined in S10 that the service is within the service area, the determination unit 23 determines whether the service type corresponds to the service provided in the present embodiment (step S20). Here, it is determined that the service provided in the service area corresponds to the case where the driving support service is performed based on the information on the traffic light.

  If it is determined in S20 that the information is not applicable, the information processing apparatus 1 executes a predetermined infrastructure service according to the service type (step S150). Thereafter, the determination unit 23 determines whether or not the infrastructure cooperation service has ended (step S160). If it is determined in S160 that the process has not ended, the process proceeds to S20. If it determines with complete | finishing in S160, the process shown in FIG. 6 will be complete | finished and a process will be repeated from S10 again.

  If it is determined in S20 that it is applicable, the transmission / reception signal analysis unit 22 analyzes the infrastructure communication data received by the communication control unit 21 and acquires a signal cycle (step S30). Further, the transmission / reception signal analysis unit 22 analyzes infrastructure communication data and signals from various sensors, and recognizes the position of the host vehicle (step S40). The determination part 23 determines whether the own vehicle exists in the vicinity of an intersection based on the position of the own vehicle acquired by S40 (step S50). If it is determined in S50 that the host vehicle does not exist in the vicinity of the intersection, the service control unit 24 sets the service start / stop process in the pattern A shown in FIG. 4 (Step S170). After S170, the process proceeds to S150.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S50 that the host vehicle is present in the vicinity of the intersection, the service control unit 24 sets the service start / stop process in the pattern B shown in FIG. 4 (step S60). The determination unit 23 determines whether or not the current time is in the inaccessible time zone based on the signal cycle acquired in S30 (step S70). For example, in the case of a three-lamp type signal as shown in FIG. 4, in S70, it is determined that the traffic light is not allowed when the light color is red, and the traffic time zone when the traffic light is blue or yellow. It is determined. That is, at the timing t1 when the lamp color changes from red to blue, the traffic is switched from the non-passable time zone to the passable time zone. At timing t2 when the lamp color changes from blue to red via yellow, the passage is switched from the passable time zone to the inaccessible time. However, the passability determination condition in S70 is not particularly limited, and may be set arbitrarily.

  If it is determined in S70 that the current time is in the impassable time zone, the determination unit 23 determines whether or not the current time is within the time between the timing t2 and the time X2 (step S80). In S80, when it is determined that the current time is not within the time between the timing t2 and the time X2, the process proceeds to a service stop process (step S140). If it is determined in S80 that the current time is within the time between timing t2 and time X2, it is determined whether or not time X2 has elapsed from timing t2 (step S90). If it is determined in S90 that the time X2 has elapsed, the process proceeds to service stop processing (step S140). If it is determined in S90 that the time X2 has not elapsed, the process proceeds to service operation processing (step S130).

  If it is determined in S70 that the current time is in the passable time zone, the determination unit 23 determines whether or not the current time is within the time between the timing t1 and the time X1 (step S100). In S100, when it is determined that the current time is not within the time between the timing t1 and the time X1, the process proceeds to the service operation process (step S130). In S100, when it is determined that the current time is within the time between the timing t1 and the time X1, the determination unit 23 determines whether or not the own vehicle has started and advanced (step S110). If it is determined in S110 that there is a start-up action, service operation processing is performed (step S130). If it is determined in S110 that there is no start-up movement, the determination unit 23 determines whether or not the time X1 has elapsed since the timing t1 (step S120). If it is determined in S120 that the time X1 has elapsed, the process proceeds to service operation processing (step S130). If it is determined in S120 that the time X1 has not elapsed, the process proceeds to service stop processing (step S140).

  The service operation process of S130 is executed by the service control unit 24. During the service operation process, the driving support calculation unit 26 and the HMI control unit 27 execute the driving support service. The service stop process in S140 is executed by the service control unit 24. During the service stop process, the driving support calculation unit 26 and the HMI control unit 27 stop the driving support service.

  After S130 or S140, the information processing apparatus 1 proceeds to S150 and S160, and ends the control process illustrated in FIG. The information processing apparatus 1 starts control processing again from S10.

  Next, operations and effects of the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  First, an information processing apparatus according to a conventional example will be described. The information processing apparatus according to the conventional example, for example, performs control such that the service operation is started immediately at the timing of switching the signal lamp color from red to blue, and the service is immediately stopped at the timing of switching the signal lamp color from blue to red. I do. That is, only the control of the pattern A shown in FIG. 4 is executed. In this case, the following problem occurs.

  In the information processing apparatus according to the conventional example, the service operation start / stop timing coincides with the signal cycle switching timing, and thus the driver may determine whether the intersection is passable / not passable without looking at the traffic light. There is. As described above, there is a possibility that the driver's overconfidence with respect to the driving support service is caused.

  Further, there is a possibility that another vehicle on the intersection lane or on the opposite lane may enter the intersection even though the signal light color is switched from blue to red. For example, there is a possibility that another vehicle enters the intersection with the knowledge of signal ignorance and forcing. Also, other vehicles may choose to pass without stopping at an intersection due to the relationship between speed and distance (dilemma rushing car). On the other hand, there is a possibility that the driver of the own vehicle will start suddenly with the start of the service operation of the driving support service without confirming the surrounding situation. In such a situation, there is a possibility that the driving support service provided by the information processing apparatus according to the conventional example does not correspond to the actual situation of the intersection.

  In addition, there is a possibility that the host vehicle is left in the intersection at the time of right / left turn and must pass through the intersection at the timing of switching the signal light color. In such a situation, the information processing apparatus according to the conventional example needs to pass through the intersection in a state where the driving support service is not provided.

  On the other hand, in the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the service control unit 24 secures the time X1 between the switching of the signal lamp color and the start of the service operation. Thereby, the time from the timing t1 of switching the signal lamp color to the start of the service operation of the driving support service is extended. In addition, the service control unit 24 secures a time X2 between the switching of the signal lamp color and the service stop. As a result, the time from the signal lamp color switching timing t2 to the stop of the driving support service is extended. As described above, the information processing apparatus 1 extends the service operation and the service stop time so that the driver can sufficiently check the situation around the host vehicle when the signal color is switched. Overconfidence in driving support services can be eliminated. As described above, safety when passing through the intersection can be improved.

  Further, the service control unit 24 sets the service stop state when the signal lamp color is a color indicating that traffic is not possible (for example, red), and switches the color when the signal lamp color is switched to a color indicating that the traffic light is permitted (for example, blue). A time X1 is secured between the start of the service operation. Thereby, the time from the timing t1 of switching from red to blue to the start of the service operation of the driving support service is extended. In this way, by extending the timing of starting the service operation, the driver can surely check the surroundings of traffic lights, other vehicles, etc. when passing the intersection. That is, overconfidence of the driver with respect to the driving support service can be eliminated. Further, by extending the timing of starting the service operation, it is possible to reliably prevent a collision with another vehicle (for example, the vehicle MT2 in FIG. 2) that enters the intersection despite the red signal. In this way, it is possible to provide a service corresponding to the situation at the actual intersection.

  The time X1 is set based on the passage completion time calculated from the stop position of the other vehicle on the intersection lane or the opposite lane and the intersection passage completion position. By setting the time X1 to a time that considers the approach of an intersection of another vehicle, it is possible to eliminate overconfidence of the driver's driving support service and provide a service corresponding to the situation at the actual intersection.

  Further, when the vehicle starts and progresses within the time X1, the service control unit 24 starts the service operation before the time X1 elapses. When the driver confirms the actual signal lamp color change and the surrounding situation and indicates the start and advance action, the service operation can be started without waiting for the elapse of time X1. As a result, frustration of the driver with respect to the service operation not being started can be avoided.

  In addition, when there is no vehicle start-up movement within the time X1, the service control unit 24 starts the service operation after the time X1 has elapsed. In the case where the driver does not show the starting and moving action, the service operation is started after the lapse of the time X1, thereby securing a sufficient time until the service operation is started.

  In addition, the service control unit 24 sets the service operation state when the signal lamp color is a color indicating that traffic is allowed (for example, blue), and switches the color when the signal lamp color is switched to a color indicating that the traffic light is not permitted (for example, red). Time X2 is secured between the service stoppage. Thereby, the time from the timing t2 of switching from blue to red until the service stop of the driving support service is extended. By extending the service stop timing, even if the vehicle is left behind at the intersection, the vehicle can pass through the intersection with the driving support service provided after switching to red. That is, it is possible to provide a service corresponding to the situation at an actual intersection.

  The time X2 is set based on the passage completion time calculated from the vehicle stop position of the host vehicle and the intersection passage completion position. By setting the time X2 to a time that takes into account the situation in which the host vehicle is left behind in the intersection, a service corresponding to the situation at the actual intersection can be provided.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above.

  For example, according to the current position of the host vehicle, the control of the pattern A and the pattern B shown in FIG. Specifically, in the time zone of time X2, as shown in FIG. 7, when the vehicle MT1 is waiting in the area A1 inside the intersection and when the vehicle MT1 is waiting in the area A2 outside the intersection. The pattern to be applied may be changed. Pattern B is applied when vehicle MT1 is waiting in area A1 in the time zone of time X2, and pattern A is applied when vehicle MT1 is waiting in area A2. Thereby, the control of the pattern A can be applied only at an appropriate timing according to the actual situation.

  For example, in the example of the control process shown in FIG. 6, the pattern A is applied on the condition that the host vehicle does not exist near the intersection. However, the pattern A may be applied based on other conditions. Alternatively, it is sufficient that at least the control with the pattern B is performed, and the control with the pattern A may not be performed.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the description has been given using an example in which red is a color indicating impassability and the other colors are colors indicating passability. However, the color other than red may be controlled as a color indicating impassability. For example, the lighting of yellow or an arrow lamp may be regarded as equivalent to “red” and may be controlled as a non-passable color (portion indicated by TM in FIG. 4).

  Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the information processing apparatus mounted on the vehicle performs various arithmetic processes has been described. However, the information processing apparatus is provided on the infrastructure side, and various determination processes may be performed. Alternatively, the information processing apparatus may be provided on both the infrastructure side and the vehicle side, and the two may cooperate to perform various processes.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information processing apparatus, 2 ... Driving assistance apparatus, 21 ... Communication control part (signal apparatus information acquisition means), 22 ... Transmission / reception signal analysis part (signal apparatus information acquisition means), 24 ... Service control part (service control means).

Claims (7)

Traffic light information acquisition means for acquiring information on traffic lights;
Service control means for setting a schedule for operation and stop of the driving support service of the vehicle based on the information on the traffic light, and
The service control means starts a service operation of the driving support service and stops the service based on switching of the signal lamp color of the traffic light,
The service control means secures a first time between the switching of the signal lamp color and the start of the service operation, and secures a second time between the switching of the signal lamp color and the service stop. Information processing apparatus. The service control means includes
When the signal color is a color indicating that traffic is not allowed, the service is stopped,
2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the signal lamp color is switched to a color indicating that traffic is allowed, the first time is secured between the switching and the start of a service operation.   The first time is set based on a first passage completion time calculated from a stop position of another vehicle on the intersection lane or the opposite lane and an intersection passage completion position. Information processing device. If there is a start and advancing movement of the vehicle within the first time,
4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the service control unit starts a service operation before the first time elapses. If there is no vehicle movement within the first time,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the service control unit starts a service operation after the first time has elapsed. The service control means includes
If the signal light color is a color indicating that it can pass, it is in a service operation state,
2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the signal lamp color is switched to a color indicating impassability, the second time is secured between the switching and the service stop. 3.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second time is set based on a second passage completion time calculated from a vehicle stop position of the host vehicle and an intersection passage completion position. .

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