JP2013020428A - Traffic signal controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a traffic signal controller capable of surely reducing electric power consumption.SOLUTION: The invention relates to a traffic signal controller 1 for controlling the light color switching timing of signal light devices 50, 51. The traffic signal controller 1 includes: a power supply part 4 for supplying electric power to the signal light device 50 for a pedestrian; and a power supply control part 41 for stopping electric power supply from the power supply unit 4 to the signal light device 50 for the pedestrian when a predetermined stop condition is satisfied.

Description

  The present invention relates to a traffic signal controller that controls lighting or extinguishing of a signal lamp. More specifically, the present invention relates to a measure for power saving of the traffic signal controller.

At an intersection or pedestrian crossing, a traffic signal controller is installed to control the lighting or extinguishing of the blue, yellow, red, and blue arrows of the signal lamp at predetermined time intervals.
Such traffic signal controllers include “centralized type” and “point type”. Among these, the centralized traffic signal controller has a function of performing information communication with a central device installed in a traffic control center or the like, and the point type traffic signal controller is connected to the central device. The signal lamp is controlled independently without performing the above communication.

  In addition, as a traffic signal controller of this type, in order to increase the reliability of traffic signal control by securing a power source even when the commercial power source is interrupted due to a disaster or the like, a commercial power source of AC 100V is used as the power source of equipment including a signal lamp. A centralized type and a point type traffic signal controller equipped with a power supply unit that can be switched between a normal operation to be used and a battery operation using a DC voltage of a battery are known (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-71176 A (paragraphs 0003 to 0009, FIGS. 7 and 8)

By the way, there is a need to reduce the amount of commercial power used as much as possible in the time zone when the power demand is large, such as in the daytime in summer, for example, against the background of the recent deterioration of the power situation.
However, in the traffic signal controller described in Patent Document 1, even when there are no pedestrians near the intersection or when there are almost no pedestrians, the signal lights for pedestrians are always turned on. Therefore, there is a problem that power is wasted.

For this reason, when the traffic signal controller is driven by a commercial power source, the amount of commercial power used cannot be reduced so much, and when the traffic signal controller is driven by a battery, There was a drawback that the battery usage time could not be made too long.
In view of the conventional problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a traffic signal controller capable of reliably reducing power consumption.

  (1) A traffic signal controller according to the present invention is a traffic signal controller that controls the timing of switching the color of a signal lamp, and satisfies a predetermined stop condition with a power supply unit that supplies power to a pedestrian lamp. And a power supply control unit that stops power supply to the pedestrian lamp by the power supply unit.

According to the traffic signal controller of the present invention, when the power supply control unit satisfies a predetermined stop condition, power supply to the pedestrian lamp is stopped by the power supply unit. It can be surely reduced.
Therefore, for example, when the traffic signal controller is driven by a commercial power source, the amount of commercial power used can be reduced, and when the traffic signal controller is driven by a battery, the battery usage time can be extended.

(2) In the traffic signal controller of the present invention, it is preferable that the stop condition is that a power supply stop command is issued from a central device communicating with the traffic signal controller.
In this case, since power supply to the pedestrian lamp is stopped in response to a power supply stop command from the central device, power saving operation for the traffic signal controller can be started by centralized control from the central device. .

(3) Moreover, in the traffic signal controller of the present invention, the stop condition may be that a preset execution time has started.
In this case, since the power supply to the pedestrian lamp is stopped at the start of the preset execution time, for example, by setting the start time of the execution time to the time when the power demand increases, Power saving operation for the traffic signal controller can be started at an appropriate time.

(4) In the traffic signal controller of the present invention, when the power supply unit includes a power supply switching unit capable of switching a power supply to be used for either a commercial power supply or a battery, the stop condition is the in-use condition The remaining battery capacity of the battery may be less than a predetermined amount.
In this case, since power supply to the pedestrian lamp is stopped when the remaining battery capacity falls below a predetermined amount, the battery power is reduced when the remaining battery capacity is less than the predetermined amount. The battery is not used for driving the battery, and the battery usage time can be extended.

(5) Moreover, in the traffic signal controller of the present invention, when the power supply unit includes a power supply switching unit capable of switching a power supply to be used for either a commercial power supply or a battery, the stop condition is the power supply The switching unit may switch the used power source from the commercial power source to the battery.
In this case, power supply to the pedestrian lamp is stopped when the power supply switching unit switches the power supply to the battery, so the power is used to drive the pedestrian lamp from the beginning of use of the battery. The battery usage time can be extended.

  (6) In the traffic signal controller of the present invention, if the power supply control unit satisfies a predetermined resumption condition, the power supply to the pedestrian lamp by the power supply unit is resumed. It is possible to automatically resume the lamp color change control for the lamp for the person.

(7) In the traffic signal controller of the present invention, it is preferable that the restart condition is that a power supply restart command is issued from a central device communicating with the traffic signal controller.
In this case, since power supply to the pedestrian lamp is resumed in response to a power supply restart command from the central device, power saving operation for the traffic signal controller can be terminated by centralized control from the central device. .

(8) In the traffic signal controller of the present invention, the resumption condition may be that a preset execution time has ended.
In this case, since the power supply to the pedestrian lamp is resumed at the end of the preset execution time, for example, by setting the end time of the execution time to a time when power demand decreases, The power saving operation for the traffic signal controller can be terminated at an appropriate time.

(9) In the traffic signal controller of the present invention, in the case where the power supply unit includes a power supply switching unit that can switch a power supply to be used for either a commercial power supply or a battery, the restart condition is the power supply switching unit. However, the power source used may be switched from the battery to the commercial power source.
In this case, since power supply to the pedestrian lamp is resumed when the power supply switching unit switches the use power source to the commercial power supply, the battery power is used for driving the pedestrian lamp. There is no, and the usage time of the battery can be extended.

(10) By simply stopping the power supply to the pedestrian lamp, the pedestrian lamp will be extinguished without any notification to the pedestrian, resulting in confusion in pedestrian traffic. there is a possibility.
Therefore, when the power supply control unit stops power supply to the pedestrian lamp, the display of at least one of the reason why the pedestrian lamp is extinguished and the status of the extinction is displayed. It is preferable to operate the display device presented to the person.
As the display of the reason for extinguishing the light, for example, there is a display such as “power saving”. .

(11) Moreover, if the display device having a display unit that does not require power for the display is used, the power consumption of the display device during the display period is zero.
For this reason, compared with the case where the said display is performed, for example with an electric light display board etc., the power saving effect by the electric power supply stop to the pedestrian lamp can be improved more.

  (12) Further, when the power supply control unit is configured to stop the display by the display device when the power supply from the power supply unit is resumed to the pedestrian lamp, the display by the display device is displayed. In addition to the start of the display, the end of the display can be automatically performed from the power supply control unit, and the display can be easily switched using the display device.

(13) In the traffic signal controller according to the present invention, the power supply control unit may detect an operation signal to the push button device for the pedestrian during a stop period of power supply to the pedestrian lamp. The power supply to the pedestrian lamp may be temporarily resumed.
In this case, even during the period when the power supply to the pedestrian lamp is stopped to reduce the power consumption of the traffic signal controller, as in the case of normal driving, the pedestrian's intention The right of traffic can be displayed.

(14) When power supply to the pedestrian lamp is temporarily resumed, the power supply control unit is configured to use the corresponding lamp that is the pedestrian lamp on the pedestrian crossing where the push button device is installed. It is preferable to turn on the pedestrian red when the power supply is resumed.
The reason for this is that in the case of the corresponding lamp, it is not possible to cross the pedestrian crossing when the push button device is operated, so it is necessary to turn on the pedestrian red until the vehicle lamp is switched to red. Because.

(15) In addition, the power supply control unit, for the corresponding lamp that has turned on the pedestrian red at the time of resumption of power supply, after a lapse of a predetermined time from the time when the pedestrian blue flashing floor is switched to the pedestrian red floor, It is preferable to stop power feeding.
If it does in this way, the pedestrian blue all the time when a corresponding lamp lights up can be secured, and sufficient traffic rights can be given to the pedestrian who follows according to a corresponding lamp.

(16) On the other hand, for the non-corresponding lamp that is the lamp for the pedestrian in the pedestrian crossing where the push button device is not installed, the power supply control unit is a pedestrian necessary for crossing the pedestrian crossing. When the blue display time is secured, the pedestrian blue may be turned on when the power supply is resumed.
The reason is that if the display time of pedestrian blue is secured for non-compatible lamps, pedestrians can cross the pedestrian crossing even if the non-compatible lamp suddenly emits pedestrian blue. .

(17) On the other hand, when the display time of the pedestrian blue necessary for crossing the pedestrian crossing is not secured for the non-corresponding lamp, the power supply control unit Should be lit.
The reason for this is that if the display time of pedestrian blue is not secured for non-compatible lamps, it is highly possible that you will not be able to cross the pedestrian crossing if you suddenly turn pedestrian blue to non-compatible lamps. This is because it is preferable to give the right of traffic with the next pedestrian blue after giving out red.

(18) In addition, the power supply control unit, for the non-corresponding lamp that has turned on the pedestrian red when resuming the power supply, after a predetermined time has elapsed from when the pedestrian blue blinking floor is switched to the pedestrian red floor. It is preferable to stop feeding.
If it does in this way, the pedestrian blue all the time for which a non-corresponding lamp lights up can be ensured, and sufficient traffic rights can be given to the pedestrian who follows according to a non-corresponding lamp.

(19) Further, the power supply control unit may continue to supply power until at least the pedestrian blue and the pedestrian blue blinking are displayed for the non-corresponding lamp that lights up the pedestrian red when the power supply is resumed. preferable.
The reason for this is that if only the pedestrian red is turned on and turned off again when the power supply is resumed, there is a risk that the pedestrian cannot be crossed by mistakenly. This is because the time when the pedestrian can cross can be ensured by displaying the person blinking blue.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when the power supply control unit satisfies a predetermined stop condition, power supply to the pedestrian lamp is stopped by the power supply unit, so the power consumption of the traffic signal controller can be reliably ensured. Can be reduced.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the traffic signal controller which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a central apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the corresponding | compatible table which a central apparatus hold | maintains. It is a sequence diagram of the control frame transmitted / received between the traffic signal controllers with a central apparatus. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a display apparatus, (a) shows the state at the time of normal operation, (b) shows the state at the time of a power saving operation. It is a figure which shows another example of a structure of a display apparatus, (a) shows the state at the time of normal operation, (b) shows the state at the time of a power saving operation. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the traffic signal controller which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the corresponding | compatible table which a central apparatus hold | maintains. It is a sequence diagram of the control frame transmitted / received between the traffic signal controllers with a central apparatus. It is a road top view of the intersection which shows the example of installation of a pushbutton device and a signal lamp.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
<First Embodiment>
[Configuration of traffic signal controller]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a traffic signal controller 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The traffic signal controller 1 of the present embodiment is of the centralized type and includes a communication unit 2, a control unit 3, a power supply unit 4, and a lamp drive unit 11. In FIG. 1, only one lamp driving unit 11 that drives the signal lamps 50 and 51 is illustrated, but a plurality of actual lamp driving units 11 are provided according to the number of the signal lamps 50 and 51. It has been.

The traffic signal controller 1 includes an ultrasonic sensor interface unit 12, a photo sensor interface unit 13, an image sensor interface unit 14, a traffic information board as various interface units for exchanging signals with external devices. An interface unit 15, a push button device interface unit 16, a traffic signal controller interface unit 17, and the like are provided.
The control unit 3 includes a CPU 31, a security operation circuit 32, and a flash operation circuit 33, and the power supply unit 4 includes a power supply control unit 41 and a timer circuit 42.

A central device 6 (also referred to as a traffic control device) installed in the traffic control center is connected to the communication unit 2 of the traffic signal controller 1 through a predetermined communication line. The central device 6 may be installed in a building other than the traffic control center.
The central device 6 is connected to a plurality of centralized traffic signal controllers 1 in the jurisdiction area of the own device through a communication line. A traffic signal control system of the form is configured.

The communication unit 2 exchanges predetermined information with the central device 6 by wired communication through a communication line. For example, the communication unit 2 provides signal control parameters such as cycle length, offset, and split necessary for traffic signal control performed by the aircraft, traffic information provided to the vehicle side by the optical beacon 53 and the traffic information board 55, and the like. , From the central device 6.
In addition, the communication unit 2 transmits control execution information including information related to the time when the signal lamp 51 is turned on / off, a detection signal acquired by the vehicle detectors 52 and 54, and the like to the central device 6.

A commercial power supply 7 (for example, AC 100V AC power supply) is connected to the power supply unit 4 of the traffic signal controller 1.
The lamp driving unit 11 is connected with a pedestrian signal lamp 50 that gives a right of passage to a crossing pedestrian at an intersection and a vehicle signal lamp 51 that gives a right of passage to an inflowing vehicle at the intersection. The interface units 12 to 17 of the signal controller 1 include an ultrasonic vehicle sensor 52, an optical beacon 53, an image processing vehicle sensor 54, a traffic information board 55, a push button device 56, and other traffic signal controls. The machines 101 are connected to each other.

  In the following, the pedestrian signal lamp 50 is referred to as a “pedestrian lamp 50”, the vehicle signal lamp 51 is referred to as a “vehicle lamp 51”. Signal lamps 50 and 51 ".

[Control part of traffic signal controller]
Among the components of the control unit 3, the CPU 31 is composed of a programmable arithmetic device, and executes a computer program stored in a storage device (not shown) such as a memory or an HDD, whereby the signal lamps 50 and 51 are turned on. Color switching timing can be generated.
For example, the CPU 31 determines switching timing for turning on or off the signal lamps 50 and 51 for each cycle based on the signal control parameter from the central device 6 received by the communication unit 2, and drives the timing signal to the lamp unit. To the unit 11.

In addition, the CPU 31 autonomously generates a signal control parameter based on the sensing signals acquired by the vehicle detectors 52 and 54, and sets a switching timing such as turning on or off of the signal lamp 51 based on the generated signal control parameter. It can also be determined for each cycle.
Further, when a predetermined switching pattern set in advance is recorded in the storage device, the CPU 31 determines the switching timing for turning on or off the signal lamps 50 and 51 from the pattern read from the storage device. You can also.

The CPU 31 can exchange data such as traffic information and sensing signals with the interface units 12 to 17 connected to the internal bus 5.
When the CPU 31 stops its own operation and operates the operation circuits 32 and 33 in the control unit 3, it outputs a CPU stop signal to the security operation circuit 32 and the flash operation circuit 33.
On the other hand, the security operation circuit 32 and the flash operation circuit 33 are composed of wired logic control circuits, and perform a single operation assumed in advance (in this case, a security operation or a flash operation).

That is, the security operation circuit 32 is composed of, for example, a logic circuit using a small-scale LSI, and generates a timing signal for switching the color of the signal lamp 51 in place of the CPU 31 when receiving a CPU stop signal. A signal is output to the lamp drive unit 11.
More specifically, the safety operation circuit 32 is configured in hardware so that fixed switching is performed so that the red lamp, the blue lamp, and the yellow lamp of the signal lamp 51 are turned on at a predetermined cycle. The security operation circuit 32 does not output a timing signal when the CPU 31 operates.

Further, the flash operation circuit 33 is composed of, for example, a logic circuit using an LSI smaller than the security operation circuit 32. When power supply to the CPU 31 and the security operation circuit 32 is stopped and the operation is stopped, Instead, a timing signal for blinking a predetermined lamp color of the signal lamp 51 is generated, and the timing signal is output to the lamp driving unit 11.
More specifically, the flash operation circuit 33 is configured in hardware so that a timing signal for blinking the red lamp of the signal lamp 51 or blinking the yellow lamp is generated.

  In this case, for example, the signal light device 51 on the main line side blinks a yellow light, and the signal light device 51 on the non-main line side blinks a red light. The flash operation circuit 33 does not output a timing signal when the CPU 31 or the security operation circuit 32 operates.

[Traffic signal controller lamp drive unit and interface unit]
The lamp drive unit 11 includes a plurality of semiconductor relays (not shown) inside. When this relay is turned on, the power supply voltage of AV 100V supplied from the power supply unit 4 is applied to the signal lamp 51, and the signal lamps of the respective colors such as the red lamp, the blue lamp and the yellow lamp of the signal lamps 50 and 51 are turned on. .
The on / off operation of the semiconductor relay is performed by a timing signal output from the CPU 31, the security operation circuit 32, or the flash operation circuit 33 in the control unit 3.

The ultrasonic sensor interface unit 12 acquires a sensing signal (for example, an on signal when the vehicle is detected and an off signal when the vehicle is not detected) from the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 52.
The optical sensor interface unit 13 transmits and receives data to and from the optical beacon 53.
The image sensor interface unit 14 transmits / receives data to / from the image processing vehicle sensor 54. For example, the image picked up by the image processing type vehicle sensor 54 is processed to receive processed data, and a command signal to the image processing type vehicle sensor 54 is transmitted.

The traffic information board interface unit 15 transmits data for displaying various traffic information on the traffic information board 55.
The push button device interface unit 16 receives an operation signal from the push button device 56 operated by the pedestrian to turn on the blue light of the pedestrian signal lamp.

The traffic signal controller interface unit 17 transmits / receives data to / from other traffic signal controllers 101.
For example, when the traffic signal controller 1 controls the lighting, extinguishing, and blinking of the signal lamp 51 as a master unit, the traffic light controller 1 is connected to other points separated from each other according to the lighting time or lighting cycle of each signal lamp of the signal lamp 51. By transmitting necessary data to another traffic signal controller (slave unit) that controls the signal lamp, it is possible to realize a smooth traffic flow between other points.

[Power supply for traffic signal controller]
The power supply control unit 41 of the power supply unit 4 includes an AC / DC conversion circuit and a control circuit (not shown) capable of ON / OFF control of the circuit. The power supply control unit 41 supplies the AC 100V AC of the commercial power supply 7 as it is to the lamp driving unit 11 that operates with an AC power supply, and other devices that operate with the DC power supply, that is, the communication unit 2, the CPU 31, and the safety operation circuit. 32, the flash operation circuit 33, and each of the interface units 12 to 17 are supplied with a DC voltage obtained by rectifying AC 100V AC with an AC / DC conversion circuit.

The control circuit of the power supply control unit 41 can individually turn on / off the power supply to the lamp drive unit 11, thereby maintaining the power supply to the vehicular lamp 51 and to the pedestrian lamp 50. The power supply can be stopped and restarted individually.
Further, in the traffic signal controller 1 of the present embodiment, the power supply control unit 41 supplies power to the pedestrian lamp 50 in accordance with the control frame F1 (see FIG. 4) that is the power saving mode command acquired from the central device 6. Specify the time period when the system stops.

That is, the control frame F1 sent from the central device 6 to each traffic signal controller 1 includes a field that defines the “execution time” of the power saving operation that the central device 6 requests from the traffic signal controller 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the power supply control unit 41 determines a time zone in which the power supply of the pedestrian lamp 50 is stopped according to the execution time specified in the control frame F1.
More specifically, the communication unit 2 passes the control frame F1 received from the central device 6 to the power supply control unit 41, and the power supply control unit 41 starts the value described in the “execution time” of the control frame F1. Sometimes, a control signal for stopping the power supply of the pedestrian lamp 50 is output to the lamp driver 11.

The power supply control unit 41 starts counting of the timer circuit 42 at the start, and when the count value becomes a value corresponding to the value of the execution time described in the control frame F1, the power supply to the pedestrian lamp 50 is supplied. A control signal to be resumed is output to the lamp drive unit 11.
Note that the description format of the time value for the field defining the “execution time” of the control frame F1 may be a method of describing the start time value and the time value from the time value, or the start time value and the end of power saving. A method of writing a time value may be used.

[Configuration of central unit]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the central device 6.
As shown in FIG. 2, the central device 6 includes a control unit 61, a display unit 62, a communication unit 63, a storage unit 64, and an operation unit 65.
In this specification, in order to distinguish from the “control unit 3” and the “communication unit 2” of the traffic signal controller 1, the “control unit 61” of the central device 6 is referred to as “central control unit 61”, and the central device 6 of FIG. The “communication unit 63” may be referred to as a “central communication unit 63”.

The central control unit 61 includes a workstation (WS), a personal computer (PC), and the like, and comprehensively collects, processes (calculates) and records various traffic information from the traffic signal controller 1, controls signals, and provides information. To do.
The central control unit 61 is connected to the hardware units via an internal bus, and also controls the operations of these units.

The central control unit 61 extends “system control” for adjusting the color switching timing of the traffic signal group on the same road to the traffic signal controller 1 belonging to its own jurisdiction area, and extends this system control to the road network. "Wide area control (surface control)" can be executed.
That is, the central control unit 61 can perform traffic sensitive control that sets signal control parameters (such as split, cycle length, and offset) according to traffic conditions. The traffic sensitive control performed by the central control unit 61 includes a plurality of types including MODERATO control and profile control, for example.

The central communication unit 63 is a communication interface connected to the communication unit 2 of the traffic signal controller 1 through a communication line. The central communication unit 63 is a signal control command related to the lamp color switching timing of the signal lamp 51 every predetermined time, or the road link. Traffic information including travel time and traffic information is transmitted to each traffic signal controller 1.
The signal control command is transmitted every calculation period (for example, 1.0 to 2.5 minutes) of the signal control parameter, and the traffic information is transmitted, for example, every 5 minutes.

The display unit 62 of the central device 6 is configured by a display screen on which a road map of the jurisdiction area of the own device and positions of various roadside sensors such as all signal lamps 51 and vehicle detectors on the road map are displayed. Inform the central operator of traffic conditions such as traffic jams and accidents.
The operation unit 65 of the central device 6 includes an input interface such as a keyboard and a mouse. The operation unit 65 allows the central operator to perform a display switching operation on the display unit 62.

  The storage unit 64 of the central device 6 includes an HDD, a semiconductor memory, and the like, and stores a control program for the above-described traffic sensitivity control, a calculation program for a traffic index used for the traffic sensitivity control, and the like. It also has a temporary storage area for signal control commands and traffic information generated by the central control unit 61.

[Example of correspondence table]
The storage unit 64 of the central device 6 holds a correspondence table NT shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the correspondence table NT includes entries for controller IDs of a plurality of traffic signal controllers 1 managed by the central device 6, and each traffic signal controller 1 performs each entry for each entry. It consists of a reference table that defines the “execution time” of power operation (a time period during which power supply to the pedestrian lamp 50 is stopped).

In the example of the correspondence table NT in FIG. 3, in the case of the traffic signal controller 1 with the controller ID “1”, the execution time is set to “10:00 to 60 minutes” and the controller ID is “2”. In the case of the traffic signal controller 1, the execution time is set to “12:00 to 90 minutes”.
In the case of the traffic signal controller 1 with the controller ID “3”, the execution time is set to “13:00 to 90 minutes”, and in the case of the traffic signal controller 1 with the controller ID “n”, The execution time is set to “12:00 to 60 minutes”.

  When the central control unit 61 causes the traffic signal controller 1 having a specific controller ID to perform power saving operation for stopping the power supply to the pedestrian lamp 50, the central controller 61 sets the controller ID of the controller ID in the correspondence table NT. A control frame F1 in which a predetermined time value is written in the execution time field is generated, and the generated control frame F1 is transmitted to the central communication unit 63 addressed to the controller ID.

[Operation sequence in power saving mode]
FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of control frames F <b> 1 to F <b> 3 transmitted and received between the central device 6 and the plurality of traffic signal controllers 1.
The central device 6 controls each traffic signal controller 1a to 1d in order to save power with respect to the traffic signal controller 1 belonging to the jurisdiction area of its own device in a time zone where the power demand is large, such as in the daytime in summer. F1 is transmitted to implement the power saving mode.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, the central device 6 sends a control frame (power saving mode command) F1 indicating the value of the execution time of the power saving operation to the traffic signal controller 1 of its own jurisdiction area. And requests the traffic signal controller 1 to perform power saving operation.
In the example shown in FIG. 4, in order to simplify the illustration, the execution time of the power saving operation designated for each of the traffic signal controllers 1 a to 1 d is the same time zone.

The traffic signal controllers 1a to 1d that have received the control frame F1 extract the value of the execution time included in the control frame F1, and center the control frame (Ack: response frame) F2 that responds to the control frame F1. Transmit to device 6.
Thereafter, the traffic signal controllers 1a to 1d stop supplying power to the pedestrian lamp 50 at the start of the designated execution time, and at the end of the designated execution time. And a control frame F3 notifying that the restart has been performed is transmitted to the central apparatus 6.

[Configuration example of display device]
In the traffic signal controller 1 of the present embodiment, power supply to the pedestrian lamp 50 is stopped to reduce power consumption. Without contact, pedestrian traffic may be disrupted.
Therefore, for example, display devices 70 and 80 that notify that the pedestrian lamp 50 is stopped for the power saving operation are linked to the pedestrian lamp 50 in conjunction with the start and end of the power saving operation. It is preferable to provide it.

5 and 6 show configuration examples of display devices 70 and 80 for notifying a pedestrian that the pedestrian lamp 50 has been stopped.
5 includes a horizontally long casing 71 attached to the upper end portion of the pedestrian lamp 50 and a hanging curtain 72 that protrudes downward from a slit provided on the front surface of the casing 71. ing.

Inside the casing 71, drive means comprising a winding portion (not shown) that rotates electrically is provided.
When the winding portion rotates in the winding direction, as shown in FIG. 5A, the hanging curtain 72 is accommodated in the casing 71. When the winding portion 72 rotates in the feeding direction, as shown in FIG. 5B. A weight 73 provided at the end of the hanging curtain 72 jumps out from the slit of the casing 71 so that the hanging curtain 72 covers the front surface of the pedestrian lamp 50 and hangs down. Note that the banner 72 has a text “power saving” as an indication of the reason for extinguishing the pedestrian lamp 50.

On the other hand, the display device 80 of FIG. 6 includes a vertically long casing 81 attached to a side surface portion of the pedestrian lamp 50 and a display plate 82 rotatably accommodated in the casing 81.
The display plate 82 is rotatably mounted in the casing 81 around the center axis in the vertical direction, and a non-display rear surface shown in FIG. 5A is provided by a driving means including an electric motor (not shown). It rotates 180 degrees intermittently to either one of the surfaces described as “during power saving” shown in FIG.

The drive means of these display devices 70 and 80 are connected to the lamp drive unit 11 together with the pedestrian lamp 50, and the display state is switched by a control signal from the power supply control unit 41.
That is, the power supply control unit 41 controls the driving means of the display devices 70 and 80 so that the display of “power saving” is not performed during normal operation in which power is supplied to the pedestrian lamp 50, and the pedestrian At the time of power saving operation in which power supply to the lamp 50 is stopped, the drive means of the display devices 70 and 80 is controlled so that “power saving” is displayed.

Note that the display described on the display devices 70 and 80 is not limited to a display such as “power saving” indicating the reason why the pedestrian lamp 50 is extinguished, but the pedestrian lamp 50 is extinguished. As the status display, for example, a display such as “turned off” or “power supply stopped” may be used.
By using the display devices 70 and 80 to display the above information on the pedestrian lamp 50 that stops the power supply and extinguishes the lights, it is possible to prevent the pedestrian from getting confused.

In addition, according to the display devices 70 and 80 described above, since the display unit such as the banner 72 and the display plate 82 that does not require power for display is employed, the display of “power saving” or the like is being performed. There is no power consumption.
For this reason, for example, the power saving effect by stopping the power supply to the pedestrian lamp 50 can be further improved as compared with the case where the display of “power saving” or the like is displayed as an electric display.

[Effects of First Embodiment]
As described above, according to the traffic signal controller 1 of the first embodiment, the power supply control unit 41 supplies power to the pedestrian lamp 50 from the power supply unit 4 at the start of the execution time specified by the central device 6. Therefore, the power consumption of the traffic signal controller 1 is reduced, and the usage amount of the commercial power source 7 can be reduced.
Moreover, since the power supply control part 41 restarts the electric power feeding from the power supply part 4 to the pedestrian lamp 50 at the end of the execution time designated by the central device 6, the lamp color change control for the pedestrian lamp is performed. Can be automatically resumed.

  Further, in the traffic signal controller 1 of the present embodiment, the start of the execution time specified by the central device 6 is a power supply stop condition, and the end of the execution time is a power supply restart condition. 6, by setting the start time of the execution time as a time when the power demand increases (for example, after noon) and setting the end time of the execution time as a time when the power demand decreases (for example, around the evening) The power saving operation of the traffic signal controller 1 can be started and ended at an appropriate time.

  Furthermore, in the traffic signal controller 1 of the present embodiment, the power supply control unit 41 determines when the power supply to the pedestrian lamp 50 is stopped according to the value of the execution time included in the control frame F1 transmitted by the central device 6. Since the restart time is determined, there is also an advantage that the power saving operation for the traffic signal controller 1 can be started and ended by the centralized control from the central device 6.

[Variation 1 of the first embodiment]
In the above-described first embodiment, the definition field of the execution time of the power saving operation is included in the control frame F1, but the power supply control unit responds to the reception of the control frame F1 instructing the power supply stop transmitted by the central device 6. In response to reception of the control frame F0 instructing the resumption of power transmission transmitted by the central device 6 as indicated by a virtual line in FIG. 4, the power source control unit 41 stops power feeding to the pedestrian lamp 50. 41 may resume the power supply to the pedestrian lamp 50.

In this case, since it is not necessary to provide a definition field for the execution time of the power saving operation in the first control frame F1 which is a command for the power saving mode, the amount of data necessary for the control frame F1 can be further reduced. .
But in the case of the above-mentioned 1st Embodiment, when the value of the execution time contained in the first control flame | frame F1 has passed for the power supply control part 41 of the traffic signal controller 1, it is with respect to the lamp 50 for pedestrians. Restart the power supply.

  For this reason, in 1st Embodiment, even if the central apparatus 6 does not transmit again the control frame F0 which instruct | indicates the resumption of the electric power feeding of the pedestrian lamp 50, the traffic signal controller 1 automatically starts power saving operation. There is an advantage that it is possible to return to the original normal state, and the power supply state switching control for the pedestrian lamp 50 is easy.

[Modification 2 of the first embodiment]
In the first embodiment described above, the case where the traffic signal controller 1 is a centralized type that communicates with the central device 6 is illustrated, but the signal lamps 50 and 51 are controlled independently without performing communication with the central device 6. It may be a point type traffic signal controller.
In this case, the “execution time” of the power saving operation (for example, 11:00 to 13:00 on weekdays or 14:00 to 16:00 on holidays) is set in the traffic signal controller 1 in advance. The control unit 41 may stop the power supply to the pedestrian lamp 50 at the start of the execution time and restart the power supply to the pedestrian lamp 50 at the end of the execution time.

Second Embodiment
[Power supply for traffic signal controller]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the traffic signal controller 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 7, the traffic signal controller 1 of this embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in that the backup battery 10 is installed assuming that the commercial power supply 7 cannot be used due to a power failure or the like. The power supply unit 4 has a power supply switching unit 43 that switches the power supply used to either the commercial power supply 7 or the battery 10.

The battery 10 is formed of a secondary battery such as a lead storage battery, a lithium ion battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a nickel metal hydride battery, and may be built in the casing of the traffic signal controller 1, or the casing. It may be provided as a separate body outside.
The power source switching unit 43 of the power source unit 4 includes a switch circuit that switches the power source of the device including the signal lamps 50 and 51 of the traffic signal controller 1 to either the commercial power source 7 or the battery 10. Switching of the switching unit 43 is performed.

Further, the power supply switching unit 43 supplies a part of the electric power to the battery 10 for charging in the case of normal operation using the commercial power supply 7.
When the power supply switching unit 43 is switched to the battery 10, the power supply control unit 41 of the power supply unit 4 detects the discharge current from the battery 10 and calculates the remaining battery capacity based on the detected value and the discharge time. Can do. Further, the power supply control unit 41 includes an AC / DC conversion circuit, a DC / AC conversion circuit, and a control circuit (none of which is shown) that can control on / off of these circuits and the power supply switching unit 43. In preparation.

  In the case of “normal operation” in which the power source switching unit 43 is switched to the commercial power source 7, the power source control unit 41 supplies AC 100 V AC of the commercial power source 7 as it is to the lamp driving unit 11 operating with the AC power source. A DC voltage obtained by rectifying an AC of 100 V AC by an AC / DC conversion circuit is supplied to other devices that operate in the above-described manner, that is, the communication unit 2, the CPU 31, the security operation circuit 32, the flash operation circuit 33, and the interface units 12-17.

  On the other hand, in the case of “battery operation” in which the power supply switching unit 43 is switched to the battery 10, the power supply control unit 41 supplies the lamp driving unit 11 with an AC voltage of AV100V obtained by converting the direct current of the battery 10 by the DC / AC conversion circuit A DC voltage obtained by adjusting the direct current of the battery 10 to a predetermined voltage is supplied to the other devices supplied and operated by the direct current power source.

Further, the power supply control unit 41 switches the power supply switching unit 43 to the battery 10 in accordance with the control frame S1 (see FIG. 9) that is a battery mode command acquired from the central device 6 to perform battery operation.
In the present embodiment, in the control frame S1 that the central device 6 sends to each traffic signal controller 1, an “execution time” that causes the traffic signal controller 1 to perform battery operation, and the traffic signal controller 1 performs battery operation. In this case, a field for defining a “specified lower limit value” that is a lower limit value of the remaining battery capacity is included.

The communication unit 2 passes the control frame S1 received from the central device 6 to the power supply control unit 41. The power supply control unit 41 sets the power supply switching unit 43 to the battery at the start of the value indicated in the execution time of the control frame S1. Switch to 10.
The power supply control unit 41 starts counting of the timer circuit 42 at the start of the execution time value written in the control frame S1, and the count value corresponds to the execution time value written in the control frame F1. When the value is reached, the power source switching unit 43 is switched to the commercial power source 7.

On the other hand, the power supply control unit 41 continues the battery operation as long as the specified execution time has not elapsed, but during the battery operation after switching the power supply switching unit 43 to the battery 10 according to the control frame S1, When the remaining battery capacity reaches a specified lower limit value (for example, 50% of full charge) indicated in the control frame S1, the power source switching unit 43 is immediately switched to the commercial power source 7 to stop battery operation.
Thus, by continuing the battery operation below the specified lower limit value, it is possible to prevent the remaining battery capacity from being reduced and causing an output shortage.

The power supply control unit 41 switches the power supply switching unit 43 to the battery 10 and performs battery operation regardless of whether or not the control frame S1 is received even when power supply from the commercial power supply 7 is lost due to a power failure or the like. (Backup mode)
In this case, even if the power supply control unit 41 receives the control frame S1 from the central device 6, it controls the power supply switching unit 43 ignoring the specified lower limit value included therein, and the power supply from the commercial power supply 7 returns. Continue battery operation until

[Example of correspondence table]
In the second embodiment, the storage unit 64 of the central device 6 holds a correspondence table NT shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8, the correspondence table NT includes entries for controller IDs of a plurality of traffic signal controllers 1 managed by the central device 6, and the battery to be performed by each traffic signal controller 1 for each entry. It consists of a reference table defined as “execution time” of operation and “specified lower limit value” that is a lower limit value of the remaining battery capacity when battery operation is performed.

In the example of the correspondence table NT in FIG. 8, in the case of the traffic signal controller 1 with the controller ID “1”, the execution time is “10:00 to 60 minutes”, and the specified lower limit value is 50% with respect to full charge. In the case of the traffic signal controller 1 with the controller ID “2”, the execution time is set to “12:00 to 90 minutes”, and the specified lower limit value is set to 40% with respect to full charge.
In the case of the traffic signal controller 1 with the controller ID “3”, the execution time is set to “90 minutes from 13:00”, the specified lower limit value is set to 40% with respect to the full charge, and the controller ID is In the case of the traffic signal controller 1 of “n”, the execution time is set to “12:00 to 60 minutes”, and the designated lower limit value is set to 50% with respect to full charge.

When the central control unit 61 causes the traffic signal controller 1 of a specific controller ID to perform battery operation, the central control unit 61 sets predetermined values in the execution time and specified lower limit fields of the controller ID in the correspondence table NT, respectively. The described control frame S1 is generated, and the generated control frame S1 is transmitted to the central communication unit 63 addressed to the controller ID.
The “designated lower limit value” is a threshold value of the remaining battery capacity when the battery operation is performed for a predetermined time (60 minutes when the controller ID = 1 in FIG. 3). This indicates that battery operation that results in the remaining battery capacity is not permitted.

In the traffic signal controller 1 of the present embodiment, the main reason for setting the “designated lower limit value” is as follows.
That is, as will be described later, when the battery operation is performed during a time when the power demand is large, such as in the daytime in summer, to save power in the entire system, each traffic signal controller 1 uses the battery 10 to the end. If a power failure occurs before the next charging is completed, the “backup mode” that is the original function of the battery 10 is not executed, and the traffic signal controller 1 is provided with the battery 10. This is because the meaning is lost.

[Battery mode operation sequence]
FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram of control frames S <b> 1 to S <b> 4 transmitted and received between the central device 6 and the plurality of traffic signal controllers 1.
The central device 6 controls each traffic signal controller 1a to 1d in order to save power with respect to the traffic signal controller 1 belonging to the jurisdiction area of its own device in a time zone where the power demand is large, such as in the daytime in summer. S1 is transmitted to execute the battery mode.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, the central device 6 controls the traffic signal controllers 1a to 1d in its own jurisdiction area in a control frame (battery mode) indicating the battery operation execution time and the specified lower limit value. Command) S1 is transmitted to request the traffic signal controller 1 to perform battery operation.
In the example shown in FIG. 9, the battery operation execution times specified for the traffic signal controllers 1a to 1d are all in the same time zone in order to simplify the illustration.

The traffic signal controllers 1a to 1d that have received the control frame S1 extract the execution time and the specified lower limit value included in the control frame S1, and also respond to the control frame S1 (Ack: response frame). ) S2 is transmitted to the central device 6.
In the present embodiment, the power supply control unit 41 of the traffic signal controllers 1a to 1d supplies power to the pedestrian lamp 50 by the power supply unit 4 at the start of the battery operation execution time designated by the central device 6. By stopping the operation, the usage time of the battery 10 is prolonged.

Here, for the traffic signal controllers 1a and 1b among the plurality of traffic signal controllers 1a to 1d shown in FIG. 9, the remaining battery capacity is set to the specified lower limit during the execution time of the battery operation designated from the central device 6. Assume that the value has been reached.
In this case, the traffic signal controllers 1a and 1b switch the power supply switching unit 43 to the commercial power supply 7 to return from the battery operation to the normal operation, and send a control frame (return signal) S4 for notifying the return to the central device 6. Send to.

On the other hand, the other two traffic signal controllers 1c and 1d assume that the remaining battery capacity has not reached the specified lower limit value during the battery operation execution time designated by the central device 6.
In this case, the traffic signal controllers 1c and 1d switch the power supply switching unit 43 to the commercial power supply 7 after the designated battery operation execution time has elapsed, and return to normal operation from battery operation, and the execution period is completed successfully. A control frame (completion notice) S3 for notifying that it has been sent is transmitted to the central device 6.

Moreover, the power supply control unit 41 of the traffic signal controllers 1a to 1d switches to the commercial power supply 7 in the middle of the specified execution time (in the case of the traffic signal controllers 1a and 1b), and the specified execution time. In both cases where the power supply is switched to the commercial power supply 7 (in the case of the traffic signal controllers 1c and 1d), the power supply to the pedestrian lamp 50 by the power supply unit 4 is resumed.
In other words, when the power source used is switched from the battery 10 to the commercial power source 7, the power source control unit 41 resumes power supply to the pedestrian lamp 50 regardless of whether the execution time is achieved.

[Effects of Second Embodiment]
As described above, according to the traffic signal controller 1 of the second embodiment, when the power supply control unit 41 switches to battery operation with the start of the execution time specified by the central device 6, a pedestrian lamp by the power supply unit 4 is used. Since the power supply to the battery 50 is stopped, the power consumption of the traffic signal controller 1 can be surely reduced and the usage time of the battery 10 can be extended.

  Further, when the power supply control unit 41 switches from battery operation to normal operation using the commercial power supply 7, the power supply from the power supply unit 4 to the pedestrian lamp 50 is resumed, so that the power of the battery 10 is used for pedestrians. The operating time of the battery 10 can be extended without being used to drive the lamp 50.

[Modification 1 of Second Embodiment]
In the second embodiment described above, the power supply control unit 41 switches to battery operation at the start of the execution time designated by the central device 6 and switches to normal operation at the end, but the control frame S1 from the central device 6 At the same time as receiving, the power source is switched to the battery 10 to stop power supply to the pedestrian lamp 50, and at the same time as receiving a control frame (not shown) instructing to resume normal operation, the power source is used as the commercial power source 7. The power supply to the pedestrian lamp 50 may be resumed by switching.

In this case, since it is not necessary to provide a definition field for the battery operation execution time in the first control frame S1, which is a battery mode command, the amount of data required for the control frame S1 can be further reduced.
However, in the case of the second embodiment described above, when the power control unit 41 of the traffic signal controller 1 passes the value of the execution time included in the first control frame S1, the power source used is changed to the commercial power source 7. Switch to resume normal operation.

  For this reason, in the second embodiment, the traffic signal controller 1 automatically returns from the battery operation to the original normal operation even if the central device 6 does not transmit a control frame for resuming the normal operation. There is an advantage that the switching control of the power source is easy.

[Modification 2 of the second embodiment]
In the second embodiment described above, a case where the traffic signal controller 1 is a centralized type that communicates with the central device 6 is exemplified, but a point type that can be switched to battery operation independently without performing communication with the central device 6. The traffic signal controller may be used.
In this case, the “execution time” of the battery operation (for example, 11:00 to 13:00 on weekdays or 14:00 to 16:00 on holidays) is set in advance, and the power supply control unit 41 executes the execution. If the battery operation is started at the start of the time and power supply to the pedestrian lamp 50 is stopped, and at the end of the execution time, the normal operation is resumed and the power supply to the pedestrian lamp 50 is resumed. Good.

[Modification 3 of the second embodiment]
Further, in the second embodiment described above, the power supply stop condition for the pedestrian lamp 50 is that the power source used is switched to the battery 10, but the battery 10 has a predetermined amount (for example, 80%). May be set as a condition for stopping power supply to the pedestrian lamp 50.
In this case, for example, when the remaining battery capacity is 80% or more, the electric power of the battery 10 is also used to drive the pedestrian lamp 50, but when the remaining battery capacity falls below 80%. Since the electric power of the battery 10 is no longer used to drive the pedestrian lamp 50, the usage time of the battery 10 can be extended.

[Common modification (when pushbutton device is operated)]
In the first and second embodiments described above, since the power saving operation and the battery operation are being performed, the pedestrian lamp is used even during the period when the power supply to the pedestrian lamp 50 is stopped. When the push button device 56 is operated, the pedestrian lamp 50 may be turned on exceptionally.

Specifically, the operation signal of the push button device 56 is transmitted to the power supply control unit 41, and the power supply control unit 41 performs the operation signal during the period when the power supply to the pedestrian lamp 50 is stopped. Then, the power supply to the pedestrian lamp 50 is resumed, and the drive means of the display devices 70 and 80 are controlled so that the display of “power saving” is not performed.
Upon receiving the operation signal, the control unit 3 (specifically, the CPU 31), the pedestrian lamp 50 on the pedestrian crossing PX in which the push button device 56 is installed (see FIG. 10: hereinafter, “corresponding lamp” Or a pedestrian lamp 50 on a pedestrian crossing PY in which the push button device 56 is not installed (see FIG. 10: hereinafter, also referred to as “non-corresponding lamp 50b”). The “push button control” to be described later, which performs different steps depending on whether or not there is, is performed.

Then, the CPU 31 outputs a push button control end signal to the power control unit 41 at a predetermined time corresponding to each of the lamps 50a and 50b. Receiving the end signal, the power supply control unit 41 again stops the power supply to the pedestrian lamp 50 and controls the drive means of the display devices 70 and 80 so as to display “power saving”.
In this way, if power supply to the pedestrian lamp 50 is temporarily resumed in conjunction with the operation of the push button device 56 for pedestrians, even during power saving operation or battery operation, As in the case of normal driving, the right of passage of the pedestrian can be displayed according to the intention of the pedestrian.

FIG. 10 is a road plan view of an intersection showing an installation example of the push button device 56 and the signal lamps 50 and 51. Hereinafter, the contents of “push button control” performed by the CPU 31 when an operation signal of the push button device 56 is received will be described with reference to FIG.
Here, at the intersection in FIG. 10, the push button device 56 is provided only on the pedestrian crossing PX for the pedestrian to cross the “main road” in the east-west direction, and the pedestrian crosses the “secondary road” in the north-south direction. The push button device 56 is not provided in the pedestrian crossing PY.

  In the traffic signal controller 1 that controls the signal lamps 50 and 51 at such intersections, the CPU 31 advances another floor for the corresponding lamp 50a and the non-corresponding lamp 50b, and the next "pattern 1" or "pattern 2" In addition to performing “push button control”, the power supply control unit 41, when receiving the push button control end signal from the CPU 31, stops the power supply to the pedestrian lamps 50a and 50b that have resumed power supply.

(Pattern 1 push button control)
In the push button control of the pattern 1, the CPU 31 determines that “the pedestrian red → the pedestrian blue → the pedestrian blue” for the corresponding lamp 50a that is the pedestrian lamp 50 of the pedestrian crossing PX where the push button device 56 is installed. Advance the floor in the order of “Blink → Pedestrian Red”.
As described above, the reason for turning on the pedestrian red first is that in the case of the corresponding lamp 50a, the vehicular lamp 51 is turned red because the pedestrian crossing PX cannot be passed when the push button device 56 is operated. This is because it is necessary to light up the pedestrian red until switching.

Then, the CPU 31 power-controls a push button control end signal related to the corresponding lamp 50a after a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, after 5 seconds) when the pedestrian blue blinking floor is switched to the pedestrian red floor. It outputs to the part 41 and stops electric power feeding of the corresponding lamp 50a.
Thus, if the power supply of the corresponding lamp 50a is stopped after a lapse of a predetermined time from the time when the pedestrian blue blinks to the pedestrian red, the pedestrian blue total display time is secured, and the corresponding lamp Sufficient access rights can be given to the pedestrian who passes the pedestrian crossing PX according to 50a.

On the other hand, regarding the non-corresponding lamp 50b that is the pedestrian lamp 50 of the pedestrian crossing PY in which the push button device 56 is not installed, the CPU 31 “pedestrian blue → pedestrian blue flashing → pedestrian red → pedestrian”. Advance the floor in the order of “blue”.
Thus, the reason why the pedestrian blue is turned on first is that, in the case of the non-corresponding lamp 50b, the pedestrian crossing PY can be passed when the push button device 56 is operated.

  Then, the CPU 31 power-controls the push button control end signal related to the non-corresponding lamp 50b after a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, after 5 seconds) when the pedestrian red floor is switched to the pedestrian blue floor. It outputs to the part 41 and stops the electric power feeding of the non-corresponding lamp 50b.

As is clear from the above, in the case of the push button control of pattern 1, the pedestrian lamp 50a of the pedestrian crossing PX in which the push button device 56 is installed and the pedestrian crossing in which the push button device 56 is not installed. The temporary power supply period is the same as that of the PY pedestrian lamp 50b.
Thus, in the pattern 1, since the pedestrian lamps 50a and 50b start to be turned on at the same time and are turned off at the same time, there is an advantage that the pedestrian can easily understand that the power saving operation is being performed.

(Pattern 2 push button control)
In the push button control of pattern 2, the CPU 31 has the same start time of the temporary power supply period for the pedestrian lamps 50a and 50b, but makes the timing of the end time of the push button control different. . Hereinafter, the pattern 2 will be described.
First, also in the pattern 2, the progress of the floor with respect to the corresponding lamp 50a performed by the CPU 31 and the timing of outputting the end signal are the same as in the case of the pattern 1.

On the other hand, regarding the non-corresponding lamp 50b, the CPU 31 changes the progress of the floor according to the lighting time of the pedestrian blue at the time when the operation signal of the push button device 56 is detected.
That is, if the CPU 31 can turn on the pedestrian blue of the non-corresponding lamp 50b for a time longer than the pedestrian blue display time necessary for crossing the pedestrian crossing PY (the time determined by the length of the pedestrian crossing PY), Advance the floor of the non-corresponding lamp 50b in the order of pedestrian blue → pedestrian blue flashing → pedestrian red, and after the predetermined time has elapsed since the pedestrian red switch, A push button control end signal related to the corresponding lamp 50b is output to the power supply control unit 41, and power supply to the non-corresponding lamp 50b is stopped.

The reason for this is that if the pedestrian blue is always emitted when the operation signal of the push button device 56 is detected as in pattern 1, depending on the operation timing of the push button device 56, the non-corresponding lamp 50b may be The pedestrian blue may turn off in about 5 seconds after the start of the display. In this case, there is a possibility that the pedestrian passing the pedestrian crossing PY may be unable to cross the pedestrian crossing. Because.
In this regard, as described above, if there is a blue display time required for crossing, if the floor of the non-corresponding lamp 50b starts from the pedestrian blue and goes off when the pedestrian is red, the pedestrian crossing PY passes. It is possible to prevent confusion in the pedestrian inside.

  Also, as shown in Pattern 1, when pedestrian blue is displayed next to pedestrian red and the pedestrian blue is turned off after a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds), the pedestrian crossing the pedestrian crossing PY crosses. However, if the pedestrian is turned off as in pattern 2, there is an advantage that such a determination can be prevented. .

  On the other hand, when the non-corresponding lamp 50b cannot be turned on for the display time required for crossing the pedestrian crossing PY over the pedestrian blue, the CPU 31 immediately switches the pedestrian blue to blinking blue and the pedestrian crosses. Since there is a possibility that it cannot cross the sidewalk PY, the level of the non-corresponding lamp 50b is advanced in the order of “pedestrian red → pedestrian blue → pedestrian blue flashing → pedestrian red”.

The reason for advancing the floor in this way is to enable the pedestrian to cross the pedestrian crossing PY without hesitation. That is, when only the pedestrian red of the non-corresponding lamp 50b is turned on and turned off again, the pedestrian may erroneously determine that it cannot cross the pedestrian crossing PY, and may not be able to cross the pedestrian red. Even if the pedestrian blue is displayed, there is a possibility that the pedestrian crossing the pedestrian crossing PY may be confused and confused as to whether or not to continue crossing.
In this regard, as described above, when at least pedestrian blue → pedestrian blue blinking is displayed, it is possible to secure time for the pedestrian to cross, and the pedestrian can cross without hesitation.

In the above-described common modification, when the push button device 56 of the pedestrian crossing PX is operated, power supply to the pedestrian lamps 50a and 50b of both pedestrian crossings PX and PY is resumed. A resumption method may be used in which power supply is temporarily started only for the lamp 50a, and power supply is stopped for the non-corresponding lamp 50b.
Further, in the above-described common modification example, it is assumed that one of the cross roads is a main road and the other is a secondary road. It is also possible to apply the method for temporarily resuming the power supply described in.

[Other variations]
Each embodiment disclosed this time (including the above-described modifications) is illustrative in all points and is not restrictive. The scope of right of the present invention is not the above-described embodiments, but includes all modifications within the scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the central device 6 transmits control frames F1 and S1 to some traffic signal controllers 1 in the jurisdiction area in its own jurisdiction area, and some traffic signal controllers 1 Therefore, the power saving mode or the battery mode may be implemented.
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, when the traffic signal controller 1 is provided with an auxiliary power source (solar cell or the like) and the amount of power from the commercial power source 7 is insufficient, power is supplied to each device with power from the auxiliary power source. You may make it supplement.

  The traffic signal controller 1 of the present invention is not limited to a general crossroad intersection having four pedestrian crossings PX and PY and corresponding pedestrian lamps 50a and 50b as shown in FIG. It can also be applied to intersections where pedestrian crossings and pedestrian lamps 50 are installed on either of the intersection roads, and traffic signal control for controlling signal lamps 50 and 51 provided in the middle of a single road instead of the intersection It can also be adopted as a machine.

Furthermore, for example, at an intersection that uses a pedestrian-only display push button device 56, such as a pedestrian scramble intersection where push button installations 56 are installed on both the main road and the secondary road crossing. The traffic signal controller 1 of the invention may be applied.
As push button control in this case, the pedestrian lamps 50 start lighting from pedestrian red all at once, and the pedestrian blue → the pedestrian blue flashing → the pedestrian red and the floor are changed, and the pattern 1 is the same. In addition, the light may be turned off again after a predetermined time has elapsed since the pedestrian turned red.

  In the case of the above pedestrian scramble intersection, the pedestrian crossing in all directions is pushed at the point where the pedestrian lamp 50 of all pedestrian crossings becomes pedestrian red when the push button device 56 is operated. Since it can be said that it corresponds directly to the button device 56, all the pedestrian lamps 50 provided at the intersection correspond to the “corresponding lamp 50a” described above.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Traffic signal controller 2 Communication part 3 Control part 4 Power supply part 6 Central apparatus 41 Power supply control part 50 Pedestrian lamp 51 Vehicle lamp 56 Push button apparatus 70 Display apparatus 72 Banner (display part)
80 Display device 82 Display plate (display unit)
F1 control frame (command)
S1 Control frame (command)

Claims (19)

A traffic signal controller for controlling the timing of switching the color of a signal lamp,
A power supply for supplying power to a pedestrian lamp;
A power control unit for stopping power supply to the pedestrian lamp by the power supply unit when a predetermined stop condition is satisfied;
A traffic signal controller characterized by comprising:   The traffic signal controller according to claim 1, wherein the stop condition is that a power supply stop command is issued from a central device that communicates with the traffic signal controller.   The traffic signal controller according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the stop condition is that a preset execution time has started. The power supply unit has a power supply switching unit capable of switching the power supply to either commercial power supply or battery,
The traffic signal controller according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the stop condition is that a remaining battery capacity of the battery in use is less than a predetermined amount. The power supply unit has a power supply switching unit capable of switching the power supply to either commercial power supply or battery,
The traffic signal controller according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the stop condition is that the power supply switching unit switches the use power supply from the commercial power supply to the battery.   The traffic signal controller according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the power supply control unit restarts power supply to the pedestrian lamp by the power supply unit when a predetermined restart condition is satisfied.   The traffic signal controller according to claim 6, wherein the restart condition is that a power supply restart command is issued from a central device that communicates with the traffic signal controller.   The traffic signal controller according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the restart condition is that a preset execution time has ended. The power supply unit has a power supply switching unit capable of switching the power supply to either commercial power supply or battery,
The traffic signal controller according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the restart condition is that the power supply switching unit switches the use power supply from the battery to the commercial power supply.   When the power supply control unit stops power supply to the pedestrian lamp, the pedestrian displays at least one of the reason why the pedestrian lamp is extinguished and the status of the extinction. The traffic signal controller according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a display device for presenting is operated.   The traffic signal controller according to claim 10, wherein the display device includes a display unit that does not require power for the display.   The traffic signal controller according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the power control unit terminates the display by the display device when power supply to the pedestrian lamp is resumed.   The power supply control unit supplies power to the pedestrian lamp when an operation signal to the push button device for the pedestrian is detected during a stop period of power supply to the pedestrian lamp. The traffic signal controller according to any one of claims 1 to 12, which is temporarily resumed.   The traffic signal according to claim 13, wherein the power control unit lights a pedestrian red when resuming power supply for a corresponding lamp that is the lamp for a pedestrian on a pedestrian crossing where the push button device is installed. Control machine.   The power supply control unit stops the power supply again after a predetermined time elapses from the time when the pedestrian red blinking floor is switched to the pedestrian red floor for the corresponding lamp that lights up the pedestrian red when power supply is resumed. The traffic signal controller according to claim 14.   For the non-corresponding lamp that is the pedestrian lamp in the pedestrian crossing where the push button device is not installed, the power control unit displays the pedestrian blue display time required to cross the pedestrian crossing. The traffic signal controller according to claim 13, wherein, when secured, the pedestrian blue is lit when power supply is resumed.   For the non-corresponding lamp that is the pedestrian lamp in the pedestrian crossing where the push button device is not installed, the power control unit displays the pedestrian blue display time required to cross the pedestrian crossing. The traffic signal controller according to claim 13, wherein when not secured, the pedestrian red is lit when the power supply is resumed.   The power supply control unit stops the power supply again after a predetermined time from the time when the pedestrian red flashing floor is switched to the pedestrian red floor for the non-corresponding lamp that lights up the pedestrian red when power supply is resumed. The traffic signal controller according to claim 17.   The traffic signal controller according to claim 17, wherein the power control unit continues to supply power for at least the pedestrian blue and the pedestrian blue blinking for the non-corresponding lamp that lights up the pedestrian red when the power supply is resumed. .

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