JP2014130680A - Illumination control device and illumination control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an illumination control device and an illumination control system that enable a driver of a vehicle and passersby to easily recognize information.SOLUTION: An illumination control system comprises an illumination control device, and an illuminating device connected with the illumination control device via a network. The illumination control device comprises: a first reception unit for receiving traffic information for a vehicle via the network; a first identification unit for identifying the illuminating device located on a path identified based on the traffic information; a decision unit for deciding control actions for the illuminating device identified by the first identification unit; and a transmission unit for generating a control signal according to the control actions decided by the decision unit, and transmitting the generated control signal to the illuminating device.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a lighting control device and a lighting control system.

  In recent years, a technique has been proposed in which a detection device is provided in a vehicle to detect the approach of another vehicle or the like. According to this technique, the driver of the vehicle can detect the approach of another vehicle or the like and take an appropriate avoidance action.

  However, in the conventionally proposed technology, a driver of a vehicle provided with a detection device can detect the approach of another vehicle or the like, but other vehicles or passersby can know the approach of another vehicle or the like. Can not.

JP 2010-0667165 A JP 2003-308986 A JP 2006-207267 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a lighting control device and a lighting control system in which a driver and a passerby of a vehicle can easily recognize information.

  The lighting control device of the embodiment includes a first receiving unit that receives vehicle traffic information via a network, and a first specifying unit that specifies a lighting device arranged on a route specified by the traffic information. A determining unit that determines the control content of the lighting device specified by the first specifying unit, and a transmission unit that generates a control signal according to the control content determined by the determining unit and transmits the control signal to the lighting device.

  The lighting control device and the lighting control system of the embodiment have an effect that the driver and passers-by of the vehicle can easily recognize information.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an example of a configuration of a lighting control system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the illumination storage unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the control pattern storage unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the schedule storage unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the illumination control process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of control content determination processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of obstacle removal processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8A is a diagram for describing a case where the first embodiment is applied to an emergency vehicle. FIG. 8B is another diagram for explaining a case where the first embodiment is applied to an emergency vehicle. FIG. 8C is still another diagram for explaining a case where the first embodiment is applied to an emergency vehicle. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an illumination control system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the prediction storage unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the schedule storage unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of illumination control processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an illumination control system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 14A is a diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement of light emitting units included in the illumination device of the third embodiment. FIG. 14B is a diagram illustrating another example of the arrangement of the light emitting units included in the illumination device of the third embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the lighting pattern storage unit according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a lighting control process according to the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of traffic situation determination processing according to the third embodiment.

  The lighting control device of the embodiment includes a first receiving unit that receives vehicle traffic information via a network, and a first specifying unit that specifies a lighting device arranged on a route specified by the traffic information. A determining unit that determines the control content of the lighting device specified by the first specifying unit; and a transmission unit that generates a control signal according to the control content determined by the determining unit and transmits the control signal to the lighting device. .

  The illumination control device of the embodiment further includes a detection unit that detects the proximity of the vehicle to the illumination device specified by the first specification unit, and the determination unit is configured according to the proximity of the vehicle detected by the detection unit. The control content may be determined.

  The first receiving unit included in the illumination control device of the embodiment may further receive vehicle identification information, and the determination unit may determine the control content according to the identification information.

  The determination unit included in the illumination control device of the embodiment may determine at least one control content among lighting, turning off, blinking, color tone, and illuminance of the illumination device.

  The lighting control device of the embodiment further includes a second specifying unit that specifies a time for the vehicle to pass the lighting device on the route based on the traffic information, and the determining unit is a time specified by the second specifying unit. The control content to be executed may be determined.

  The lighting control device according to the embodiment includes a determination unit that determines the presence or absence of an obstacle in the vicinity of the lighting device specified by the first specification unit, and the presence or absence of obstruction of the vehicle traveling by the obstacle, and the determination unit includes: In the case where it is determined that there is an obstacle to the traveling of the vehicle, a notification unit that notifies the vehicle of the fact may be further included.

  The lighting control device according to the embodiment includes a second determination unit that determines the presence / absence of a parked vehicle in the vicinity of the lighting device specified by the first specifying unit, and the presence / absence of obstruction of the vehicle traveling by the parked vehicle, When the determination unit of 2 determines that there is a hindrance to travel of the vehicle, a control signal for retracting the parked vehicle to a position that does not interfere with the parked vehicle or the lighting device specified by the first specifying unit And a second transmission unit for transmission.

  The lighting control device according to the embodiment includes a second receiving unit that receives information on traffic conditions on a road via a network, and information received by the first and second receiving units based on information received in the future on the road. You may further comprise the prediction part which estimates a traffic condition, and the control part which controls the illuminating device arrange | positioned on a road according to the prediction by a prediction part.

  The prediction unit included in the lighting control device of the embodiment predicts the time that the vehicle passes on the road, and the control unit turns on the lighting device on the road from a predetermined time before the time predicted by the prediction unit. Control may be performed.

  The 1st receiving part with which the lighting control device of an embodiment comprises may receive the position information which shows the course information on the vehicles concerned and / or the current position from the car navigation device with which vehicles are provided.

  The 2nd receiving part with which the lighting control device of an embodiment comprises may receive the information about the speed and / or the number of passing vehicles detected by the sensor arranged on the road.

  The 2nd receiving part with which the lighting control device of an embodiment comprises may receive information about switching of a traffic light from a traffic light arranged on a road or a traffic light control system that controls the traffic light.

  The lighting control device according to the embodiment determines whether to accelerate or decelerate the vehicle on the road based on the information received by the second receiving unit, and in the vehicle traveling direction on the road according to the determination result. A third determination unit that determines lighting intervals of the plurality of light emitting units arranged side by side, and a second control unit that controls the plurality of light emitting units according to the lighting intervals determined by the third determination unit And may be further provided.

  The third determination unit included in the lighting control device of the embodiment determines to increase the lighting interval when determining to accelerate the vehicle and to decrease the lighting interval when determined to prompt the vehicle to decelerate. May be.

  The lighting control system of the embodiment includes the lighting control device of the embodiment and a plurality of lighting devices arranged on a road.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a lighting control device and a lighting control system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment, configurations having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an example of a configuration of a lighting control system according to the first embodiment. An example of a lighting control system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[Example of Configuration of Lighting Control System 1]
The illumination control system 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a server 10 and a plurality of illumination devices 20A to 20E (hereinafter collectively referred to as illumination devices 20). Server 10 and lighting devices 20 </ b> A to 20 </ b> E are connected via network 40 so that they can communicate with each other. The server 10 operates as an illumination control device that controls the illumination devices 20A to 20E. Server 10 is also communicably connected to vehicle 30 via network 50.

  The server 10 receives information from the vehicle 30 and controls the lighting operation of the lighting device 20 based on the received information. For example, the server 10 includes vehicle specifying information for specifying the vehicle 30 from the vehicle 30, route information regarding the route on which the vehicle 30 is going to travel, position information indicating the position of the vehicle 30, speed information indicating the speed of the vehicle 30, etc. Receive. And the server 10 specifies the illuminating device 20 on the path | route which the vehicle 30 drive | works. And the server 10 performs control of the specified illuminating device 20. FIG. For example, the server 10 controls to increase the illuminance of the specified lighting device 20. Further, for example, the server 10 performs control so that the color tone of the light emitted from the identified lighting device 20 is different from the color tone of the light emitted from the other lighting device 20. Further, for example, the server 10 performs control so that the specified lighting device 20 is turned on, turned off, or blinked.

  Moreover, the server 10 calculates the time when the vehicle 30 reaches the position of the specified lighting device based on the speed information and the position information received from the vehicle 30. And the server 10 performs control of each illuminating device based on the calculated time. For example, the server 10 increases the illuminance of each lighting device or changes the color tone from a predetermined time before the calculated time to a predetermined time later. Details of the control of the server 10 will be described later. Note that the route information, speed information, position information, and the like regarding the travel route received by the server 10 from the vehicle 30 are also referred to as traffic information hereinafter. The traffic information is not particularly limited as long as it is information related to the traveling state of the vehicle 30, and may include arbitrary information. The traffic information includes at least information for specifying the travel route of the vehicle 30.

  The lighting devices 20A to 20E are installed on the road at an arbitrary interval and illuminate the road. Lighting devices 20A to 20E are, for example, road lights. Each of the lighting devices 20A to 20E includes a control unit 200. The control unit 200 includes a communication unit 210, a light control unit 220, and a detection unit 230. The communication unit 210 receives a control signal transmitted from the server 10. The communication unit 210 sends the received control signal to the dimming unit 220, and the dimming unit 220 adjusts the light emission mode of the lighting device 20 based on the received control signal. For example, the dimming unit 220 turns on, turns off, or blinks the lighting device 20 based on the received control signal, or changes the color tone, illuminance, and the like of the light emitted from the lighting device 20. The detection unit 230 detects a vehicle or the like that passes around the lighting device 20.

  The shapes and types of the lighting devices 20A to 20E are not particularly limited, and any lamps such as a fluorescent lamp, a mercury lamp, LED lighting, and a solar battery type lamp may be used. However, LED lighting that can be easily connected to a network and can control color tone or the like is preferable.

  The vehicle 30 includes a communication unit 310 and a navigation device 320. The communication unit 310 performs communication between the server 10 and the vehicle 30 via the network 50. The navigation device 320 identifies the travel route of the vehicle 30 in accordance with an instruction from the driver of the vehicle 30. The route information regarding the identified travel route is transmitted to the server 10 via the network 50 by the communication unit 310. In addition to the route information, the communication unit 310 can transmit vehicle specifying information for specifying the vehicle 30, position information indicating the position of the vehicle 30, speed information of the traveling vehicle 30, and the like to the server 10.

  The vehicle 30 also has an optical signal detection unit 330 that detects an optical signal included in the light emitted from the lighting device 20, and an automatic control that automatically controls the movement of the vehicle 30 according to the optical signal detected by the optical signal detection unit 330. Part 340.

  1 shows five lighting devices 20A to 20E, the number of lighting devices is not limited to this, and an arbitrary number of lighting devices necessary for illuminating the road with appropriate illuminance, The illumination control system 1 can be provided.

  The network 40 connects the server 10 and the lighting devices 20A to 20E so that they can communicate with each other. The network 40 may be a wireless network or a wired network. For example, an arbitrary network such as a WAN (Wide Area Network) or a LAN (Local Area Network) can be used as the network 40. Further, for example, power line communication (PLC) may be used.

  The network 50 connects the server 10 and the vehicle 30 so that they can communicate with each other. The network 50 is a wireless network that transmits and receives information about the moving vehicle 30. As the network 50, for example, a network using any medium such as radio waves can be used. In addition, a communication system similar to a mobile phone can be used as the network 50.

  The network 40 may be the same network as the network 50. Further, a closed system may be configured by the server 10, the lighting devices 20A to 20E, and the network 40, and the network 50 may use a network that can be used by any third party.

[Example of configuration of server 10]
The configuration of the server 10 will be further described with reference to FIG. The server 10 includes a communication unit 110, a control unit 120, and a storage unit 130.

  Communication unit 110 transmits and receives signals between server 10, lighting devices 20 </ b> A to 20 </ b> E, and vehicle 30. For example, the communication unit 110 receives information transmitted from the communication unit 310 of the vehicle 30 and passes the received information to the control unit 120 and / or the storage unit 130. In addition, the communication unit 110 transmits a control signal generated by the control unit 120 to the vehicle 30.

  In addition, the communication unit 110 receives a signal transmitted from the control unit 200 of the lighting devices 20 </ b> A to 20 </ b> E, and passes the received signal to the control unit 120 and / or the storage unit 130. And the communication part 110 transmits the control signal produced | generated in the control part 120 to illuminating device 20A-20E.

  The control unit 120 includes a vehicle specifying information receiving unit 121, a route information receiving unit 122, a vehicle information receiving unit 123, an illumination specifying unit 124, a time specifying unit 125, a control determining unit 126, and a control signal transmitting unit 127. The control unit 120 includes an obstacle determination unit 128 and a vehicle control signal transmission unit 129.

  The vehicle specifying information receiving unit 121 receives vehicle specifying information for specifying the vehicle 30. The vehicle identification information is a vehicle ID (Identifier) or the like that uniquely identifies the vehicle, which is transmitted along with the information when the vehicle 30 transmits the information. The vehicle identification information may include pattern designation that designates an illumination control pattern to be applied to the vehicle. The pattern designation may be automatically given based on the type of vehicle (fire engine, police vehicle, etc.), and the vehicle owner applies for pattern designation when using the lighting control system 1. It may be a thing.

  The route information receiving unit 122 receives the route information of the vehicle 30 determined by the navigation device 320 of the vehicle 30. The route information is information indicating a route on which the vehicle 30 travels.

  The vehicle information receiving unit 123 receives position information indicating the current position of the vehicle and speed information indicating the current traveling speed of the vehicle from the vehicle 30.

  The illumination specifying unit 124 specifies the lighting device 20 on the route on which the vehicle 30 travels based on the route information received by the route information receiving unit 122.

  Based on the position information and the speed information received by the vehicle information receiving unit 123, the time specifying unit 125 specifies the predicted time for the vehicle 30 to reach each lighting device specified by the lighting specifying unit 124.

  The control determining unit 126 determines the content of the control to be executed for each lighting device specified by the lighting specifying unit 124. That is, the control determination unit 126 determines a control pattern (described later) to be applied to the vehicle 30. For example, the control determination unit 126 determines the illuminance of each lighting device, the degree to increase the illuminance, and the time to increase the illuminance.

  The control signal transmission unit 127 generates a control signal based on the control content determined by the control determination unit 126 and transmits the control signal to the lighting device 20. In the illumination device 20, the communication unit 210 receives the control signal, and the dimming unit 220 adjusts the illumination based on the control signal. The dimmer 220 may include a storage unit that stores the received control signal.

  When the obstacle determination unit 128 receives a signal indicating that the vehicle 30 has been detected in the surroundings from the detection unit 230 of the lighting device 20 specified as being on the route by the illumination specification unit 124, the obstacle determination unit 128 It is determined whether or not the vehicle is in a position that obstructs the passage of the vehicle. For example, when the vehicle 30 that transmitted the route information is an emergency vehicle such as an ambulance, if there is a parked vehicle that obstructs the route, smooth travel of the emergency vehicle is hindered. Therefore, the obstacle determination unit 128 determines whether there is an obstructing vehicle on the route.

  The vehicle control signal transmission unit 129 notifies the detected vehicle 30 via the network 40 when the obstacle determination unit 128 determines that the detected vehicle 30 is in a position that obstructs the passage of other vehicles. A control signal for moving the vehicle 30 is transmitted. Moreover, the vehicle control signal transmission part 129 transmits the control signal for moving the detected vehicle 30 with respect to the illuminating device 20, and controls so that the optical signal which instruct | indicates a movement may be emitted from the illuminating device 20. You can also Control for moving the obstacle vehicle will be described later.

[Example of information stored in storage unit 130]
The storage unit 130 stores information used for processing in the server 10, information generated in the server 10, and the like. The storage unit 130 includes a map storage unit 131, an illumination storage unit 132, a control pattern storage unit 133, and a schedule storage unit 134.

  The map storage unit 131 stores a map. The map storage unit 131 stores at least a map of an area where the lighting devices 20A to 20E to be controlled by the server 10 are arranged, and a map within a distance range in which the vehicle can travel from the lighting devices 20A to 20E. When receiving the route information, the server 10 refers to the map stored in the map storage unit 131 and identifies the route.

  The illumination storage unit 132 stores information on the illumination devices 20A to 20E to be controlled by the server 10. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the illumination storage unit 132 according to the first embodiment. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the illumination storage unit 132 stores “lighting device ID”, “position information”, “performance information”, and “maintenance information”. The “lighting device ID” is an identifier (ID: Identifier) for uniquely identifying each lighting device to be managed. “Position information” is information indicating the position of the illumination device. “Performance information” is information indicating the performance of the lighting device. “Maintenance information” is a state indicating a maintenance state of the lighting device.

  In the example of FIG. 2, for example, “lighting device ID, 0001”, “position information, (W14, E25)”, “performance information, 100 W”, “maintenance information, last replacement 2012/01/01, life 2013/01 “/ 01” is stored in association with each other. This means that the lighting device specified by the lighting device ID “0001” is in the position specified by “W14, S25”. Here, “W14, S25” indicates the positions of the west section 14 and the south section 25 on the map. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any type of position information can be stored as long as the information can identify the position. In the example of FIG. 2, it is shown that the lighting device with the lighting device ID “0001” has an output of 100 watts and has been replaced on January 1, 2012. Furthermore, it is shown that the lifetime of the lighting device with the lighting device ID “0001” is January 1, 2013.

  The control pattern storage unit 133 stores a lighting control pattern to be applied to the route information received by the server 10. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the control pattern storage unit 133 according to the first embodiment. In the example of FIG. 3, the control pattern storage unit 133 stores “pattern ID”, “target vehicle”, and “control content”.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 3, “target vehicle, emergency vehicle (default)” and “control contents, street lamp on the route (within 100 m) on red” are associated with the pattern ID “01”. It is remembered. This indicates that the target vehicle is an emergency vehicle when the control pattern of the pattern ID “01” is selected. When the control pattern of pattern ID “01” is selected, among the lighting devices (street lights) on the route specified by the route information, lighting devices within a range of 100 m from the target vehicle are sequentially lit in red. Indicates that you are going.

  In the example of FIG. 3, “target vehicle, general vehicle (default)”, “control content, illuminance 20% UP” are stored in association with the pattern ID “06”. This indicates that the control pattern of the pattern ID “06” is selected by default when a general vehicle transmits route information. In addition, when the control pattern with the pattern ID “06” is selected, it indicates that the illuminance of the lighting device on the route specified by the lighting specifying unit 124 is increased by 20%.

  The schedule storage unit 134 stores the illumination control schedule determined by the control determination unit 126 corresponding to the route information received by the server 10. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the schedule storage unit 134 according to the first embodiment. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, “schedule ID”, “target lighting device”, “control content”, “timing”, and “target vehicle” are associated and stored in the schedule storage unit 134.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 4, “schedule ID, 0001”, “target lighting device, 008-030”, “control content, pattern ID 01”, “timing, 19: 00-19: 30”, “target vehicle, V030” "Is stored in association with each other. This indicates that the ID of the lighting device to be controlled in the schedule specified by the schedule ID “0001” is “008” to “030”. Further, the control content indicates that the control is specified by the pattern ID “01”. In addition, the timing for executing the control is from 19:00 to 19:30. Further, it indicates that the vehicle that has transmitted the route information corresponding to this schedule is the vehicle identified by the ID “V030”.

[Example of Flow of Lighting Control Process According to First Embodiment]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the illumination control process according to the first embodiment. With reference to FIG. 5, an example of the flow of the illumination control process in the illumination control system 1 will be described.

  First, the driver of the vehicle 30 uses the navigation device 320 to determine the travel route. Then, the navigation device 320 transmits route information of the determined travel route to the server 10 together with the vehicle specifying information of the vehicle 30. And the vehicle specific information receiving part 121 of the server 10 receives vehicle specific information (step S501). Further, the route information receiving unit 122 receives route information (step S502). Next, the vehicle information receiving unit 123 of the server 10 receives the position information and speed information of the vehicle from the vehicle 30 (step S503). Then, the illumination specifying unit 124 first specifies an illumination device on the route based on the route information (step S504). Next, the time specifying unit 125 specifies a time zone for controlling the lighting device 20 based on the route information, the position information, and the speed information (step S505). And the control determination part 126 determines the control content performed in the time slot | zone which the time specific part 125 specified in each illuminating device 20 which the illumination specific part 124 specified with reference to vehicle specific information and the control pattern memory | storage part 133. (Step S506). The determined control content is stored in the schedule storage unit 134. Then, the control signal transmission unit 127 generates a control signal that instructs each lighting device 20 about the control content determined by the control determination unit 126, and transmits the control signal to each lighting device 20 (step S507). That is, the control signal transmission unit 127 reads the schedule stored in the schedule storage unit 134, generates a control signal corresponding to the corresponding control pattern, and transmits the control signal to the corresponding lighting device 20. After the control is finished in the lighting device 20, the lighting device 20 returns a completion response to the server 10, and the server 10 that has received the completion response deletes the corresponding schedule from the schedule storage unit 134 (step S508). Thereby, the illumination control process ends.

[Example of control content decision processing flow]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of control content determination processing according to the first embodiment. The flow of control content determination processing by the control determination unit 126 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the control determination unit 126 refers to the vehicle specifying information transmitted from the vehicle 30 and determines whether or not the vehicle 30 corresponds to an emergency vehicle (step S601). If it is determined that the vehicle corresponds to the emergency vehicle (step S601, affirmative), the control determination unit 126 determines whether or not a pattern designation is included in the vehicle identification information (step S602). When it is determined that the pattern designation is included (Yes at Step S602), the control determining unit 126 selects the pattern ID of the corresponding pattern (Step S603). If it is determined that the pattern specification is not included in the vehicle identification information (No at Step S602), the control determination unit 126 selects a default pattern, which is the pattern with the pattern ID “01” in the example of FIG. (Step S604).

  When it is determined that the vehicle does not correspond to the emergency vehicle (No at Step S601), the control determination unit 126 determines whether or not the pattern specification is included in the vehicle specifying information (Step S605). When it is determined that the pattern designation is included (Yes at Step S605), the control determination unit 126 selects the pattern ID of the corresponding pattern (Step S606). Further, when it is determined that the pattern specification is not included in the vehicle specifying information (No at Step S605), the control determining unit 126 determines whether the specification of the control content is included in the vehicle specifying information (Step S605). S607). When it is determined that the designation of the control content is included (Yes at Step S607), the control determination unit 126 newly generates a control pattern of the designated control content and stores it in the control pattern storage unit 133 (Step S607). S608). Then, a new pattern ID is assigned to the generated pattern. On the other hand, when it is determined that the designation of control content is not included (No at Step S607), the control determining unit 126 selects a default pattern, that is, the pattern with the pattern ID “06” in the example of FIG. 3 (Step S609). ).

  Then, the control determination unit 126 stores the ID of the illumination device specified by the illumination specification unit 124 and the pattern ID of the pattern selected by the control determination unit 126 in the schedule storage unit 134 together with the new schedule ID. Further, the control determining unit 126 stores the control timing and the vehicle specifying information received by the vehicle specifying information receiving unit 121 in the schedule storage unit 134 (Step S610). This completes the control content determination process.

  Thus, in the lighting control system 1 according to the first embodiment, the lighting device to be controlled and the control content are specified based on the information received from the vehicle. And according to the specified content, control which adjusts the illumination aspect of an illuminating device is performed. For this reason, the lighting device of the route along which the vehicle travels can be made to emit light in a mode different from other lighting devices, and the traveling route of the vehicle can be easily visually recognized from other vehicles and passers-by. .

  By the way, the illumination control system 1 according to the first embodiment can not only control the illumination mode of the illumination device on the travel route of the vehicle according to the route information of the vehicle. In addition to this, the lighting control system 1 can determine whether or not the other vehicle on the traveling route of the vehicle is obstructed by the traveling, and retract the obstructing vehicle in advance. Next, the obstacle removal process by the illumination control system 1 will be described.

  The obstacle removal processing mainly includes the obstacle determination unit 128 of the server 10, the vehicle control signal transmission unit 129, the detection unit 230 provided in the lighting device, the optical signal detection unit 330 and the automatic control unit 340 provided in the vehicle 30. It is executed by.

[Example of obstruction removal process flow]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of obstacle removal processing according to the first embodiment. First, when a new schedule is stored, the server 10 transmits a signal instructing detection of the presence or absence of an obstacle on the route specified in the schedule to the lighting device that is the control target of the schedule (step S701). ). When receiving the signal from the server 10, the lighting device causes the detection unit 230 to detect whether there is a parked vehicle or the like on the surrounding road (step S702). When the detection unit 230 does not detect a parked vehicle or the like (No at Step S703), the obstacle removal process is ended as it is. On the other hand, if the detection unit 230 detects a parked vehicle or the like (Yes in step S703), the detection unit 230 transmits a signal indicating the presence and position to the server 10 (step S704).

  Based on the received signal and the schedule stored in the schedule storage unit 134, the obstacle determination unit 128 of the server 10 determines whether the detected parked vehicle or the like obstructs the traveling of the vehicle to which the schedule is applied. (Step S705). For example, not only the vehicle ID but also the size of the vehicle is registered in the schedule storage unit 134, and the size of the parked vehicle or the like is detected and transmitted by the detection unit 230. With such a configuration, the obstacle determination unit 128 refers to the schedule storage unit 134 and determines whether the vehicle or the like detected by the detection unit 230 interferes with the traveling of the vehicle to which the schedule is applied. To do.

  When the obstacle determination unit 128 determines that the vehicle travel is not obstructed (No at step S705), the obstacle removal process is terminated. On the other hand, when the obstacle determination unit 128 determines that the vehicle travel is obstructed (Yes in step S705), the vehicle control signal transmission unit 129 transmits a control signal instructing to evacuate the vehicle to the lighting device. (Step S706). When the lighting device receives the control signal, the lighting device instructs the dimming unit 220 to emit an optical signal instructing retraction (step S707). The optical signal detection unit 330 of the parked vehicle detects an optical signal from the light emitted from the lighting device, and the automatic control unit 340 retracts the vehicle to the road side by automatic control in accordance with the optical signal (step S708). As a result, the obstacle removal process is completed.

  Instead of causing the lighting device to emit a light signal for instructing retraction, a control signal is transmitted directly from the server 10 to the parked vehicle via the network 40, and the parked vehicle automatic control unit 340 retracts the parked vehicle. You may comprise as follows.

  Further, the vehicle 30 may be configured not only to perform automatic control according to the light signal emitted from the lighting device, but also to perform automatic control according to the color tone of the light emitted from the lighting device. For example, instead of the optical signal detection unit 330 provided in the vehicle 30, a storage unit that stores in advance the meaning associated with the color tone of the light emitted from the lighting device is provided in the vehicle 30. Then, the vehicle 30 may be provided with a color tone determination unit that instructs to automatically control the vehicle according to the color tone of light of the lighting device based on the association stored in the storage unit.

  In the example of FIG. 7, it is assumed that the lighting control system 1 performs a process for removing an obstacle. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the obstacle determination unit 128 determines that the vehicle is obstructed by the obstacle, the server 10 notifies the vehicle 30 of the presence and location of the obstacle. You may comprise. In this case, the obstacle determination unit 128 determines whether or not the vehicle is obstructed by the obstacle, and the vehicle control signal transmission unit 129 notifies the vehicle 30 of the presence and location of the obstacle. Further, the vehicle control signal transmission unit 129 may notify the center or the like that supervises the vehicle instead of the vehicle 30 itself. For example, in the case of an ambulance, an emergency center that arranges an ambulance, and in the case of a police vehicle, the local police may be notified via a network.

[Application Example of First Embodiment-Example Applied to Emergency Vehicle]
Next, a case where the lighting control system 1 according to the first embodiment is applied to an emergency vehicle will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8C. 8A to 8C are diagrams for explaining a case where the first embodiment is applied to an emergency vehicle.

  For example, at an intersection as shown in FIG. 8A, an emergency vehicle E is approaching the intersection from above, but the other vehicles A to C cannot visually recognize the emergency vehicle itself. At this time, it is assumed that route information is sent in advance from the emergency vehicle E to the server 10 to determine a lighting control schedule. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8B, among the lighting devices on the route of the emergency vehicle E, the lighting device within a predetermined distance range from the emergency vehicle E is lit in red only on one side of the road. Then, although other vehicles A-C cannot visually recognize emergency vehicle E itself, they can visually recognize the lighting device that is lit in red, and can know in which direction the emergency vehicle travels. .

  When the color tone of the lighting device is changed according to the proximity of the emergency vehicle as described above, the detection unit 230 of the lighting device may be configured to detect the proximity of the target vehicle and adjust the control content. The information indicating the current position may be continuously transmitted to the server 10 using the GPS function of the emergency vehicle, and the proximity timing may be instructed from the server 10 to the lighting device.

  Further, for example, the traveling direction of the emergency vehicle E can also be displayed by changing the lighting color of the lighting device toward the traveling direction of the emergency vehicle E. For example, the lighting colors of the lighting devices 20F to 20J illustrated in FIG. 8C are changed according to the distance from the emergency vehicle E. For example, the lighting device near the emergency vehicle E is red, the lighting device in front of the traveling direction is yellow, the lighting device in the rear of the traveling direction is blue, and the lighting color of the lighting device can be changed. By controlling the lighting mode of the lighting device in this way, not only the travel route of the emergency vehicle but also the traveling direction and position of the emergency vehicle can be easily seen by drivers and passers-by of other vehicles. Can do.

[Effect of the first embodiment]
As described above, the lighting control device and the lighting control system according to the first embodiment are arranged on the route specified by the first receiving unit that receives the traffic information of the vehicle via the network and the traffic information. A first specifying unit for specifying the lighting device. In addition, the lighting control device and the lighting control system generate a control signal corresponding to the control content determined by the determination unit and a determination unit that determines the control content of the lighting device specified by the first specifying unit, and A transmitting unit for transmitting. Therefore, it is possible to provide a lighting control device and a lighting control system that allow a driver and a passer-by of the vehicle to easily recognize information.

  The lighting control device and the lighting control system according to the first embodiment further include a detection unit that detects the degree of proximity of the vehicle to the lighting device specified by the first specifying unit. The determination unit determines the control content according to the degree of proximity of the vehicle detected by the detection unit. For this reason, according to the proximity degree of a vehicle, the control content of an illuminating device can be changed and the driver | operator and passerby of another vehicle can recognize the position of the said vehicle easily.

  In the lighting control device and the lighting control system according to the first embodiment, the first receiving unit further receives vehicle identification information, and the determining unit determines the control content according to the identification information. For this reason, according to the identification information of a vehicle, the control content of an illuminating device can be changed, for example, different illumination control can be performed with an emergency vehicle and a general vehicle. For this reason, the driver | operator and passerby of a vehicle can recognize the kind etc. of the vehicle to drive | work easily with an illumination aspect.

  In the lighting control device and the lighting control system according to the first embodiment, the determination unit determines at least one control content among lighting, turning off, blinking, color tone, and illuminance of the lighting device. For this reason, the driver | operator and passerby of a vehicle can recognize the information which the said illuminating device means easily by visually recognizing the state of a illuminating device.

  Moreover, the lighting control device and the lighting control system according to the first embodiment further include a second specifying unit that specifies the time for the vehicle to pass the lighting device on the route based on the traffic information. And a determination part determines the control content performed at the time which the 2nd specific | specification part specified. For this reason, the lighting mode of the lighting device can be changed according to the time when the vehicle passes the lighting device, and the driver and passerby of the other vehicle can know the traveling position of the vehicle more accurately. .

  In addition, the lighting control device and the lighting control system according to the first embodiment determine whether there is an obstacle in the vicinity of the lighting device specified by the first specifying unit, and whether the obstacle is obstructing the traveling of the vehicle. When the determination unit determines that there is a hindrance to travel of the vehicle, the determination unit further includes a notification unit that notifies the vehicle to that effect. For this reason, when there is an obstruction on the travel route of the vehicle, it can be notified to the vehicle.

  Moreover, the lighting control device and the lighting control system according to the first embodiment include the presence / absence of a parked vehicle in the vicinity of the lighting device specified by the first specifying unit, and the presence / absence of obstruction of travel of the vehicle by the parked vehicle. When the second determination unit and the second determination unit determine that there is a hindrance to travel of the vehicle, a control signal for retracting the parked vehicle to a position that does not interfere with the parked vehicle or And a second transmission unit that transmits to the lighting device identified by the first identification unit. For this reason, it can inform a parked vehicle that the said vehicle obstructs driving | running | working of another vehicle. In addition, a light signal or the like can be issued from the lighting device to the parked vehicle so as to inform the parked vehicle that the other vehicle is obstructed. Thereby, when an obstruction exists on the travel route of the vehicle, it is possible to prompt the evacuation of the obstruction.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the lighting control system that controls the lighting device based on the route information from the vehicle has been described. By the way, from the viewpoint of reducing energy consumption by the lighting device, if there are no passing vehicles or passers-by, turn off the lighting device or reduce the illuminance of the lighting device, and turn on or increase the illuminance only when necessary. It is preferable to do. However, at present, it is always lit without particularly controlling the lighting device even in a time zone when there are few passing vehicles and passersby such as at night.

  From the viewpoint of the safety and security of passers-by, it is conceivable that the lighting device is provided with a human sensor or the like to detect and light the passers-by. However, in the case of a moving body having a high passing speed such as a vehicle, if the lighting device is turned on after the vehicle is detected by the sensor, the lighting timing is delayed.

  Therefore, in the second embodiment, a lighting control system capable of comprehensively grasping the traveling state of the vehicle, predicting the traffic state, and controlling the lighting device based on the prediction will be described.

[Example of configuration of lighting control system 2]
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the illumination control system 2 according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the lighting control system 2 includes a server 70, a traffic information management device 80, a traffic light 90, and lighting devices 20 _{1 to} 20 _n (n is an arbitrary natural number). Server 70 is communicably connected to vehicle 30 </ b> A via network 40. The server 70 is also communicably connected to the traffic information management device 80 and the traffic light 90 via the network 50. The server 70 is also communicably connected to the lighting devices 20 _{1 to} 20 _n via the network 60.

  The server 70 receives information related to traveling of the vehicle 30A from the vehicle 30A. For example, the server 70 receives route information determined in the vehicle 30A. In addition, the server 70 receives speed information indicating the speed of the vehicle 30A and position information indicating the position. Further, the server 70 receives from the traffic information management device 80 information related to the speed and number of vehicles traveling on each road, which the traffic information management device 80 has received from sensors or the like provided on the road. Further, the server 70 receives information related to the display of the traffic signal 90 from the traffic signal 90. For example, the server 70 receives information indicating the timing at which the traffic signal 90 switches from red to blue, and receives information indicating the timing at which the traffic light 90 switches from blue to red. Note that the server 70 may receive information on traffic signals from a traffic signal control system that controls a plurality of traffic signals 90 in an integrated manner. The server 70 predicts the traffic situation on the road based on the received information, and controls the lighting device on the road according to the prediction.

  The traffic information management device 80 collects information related to the speed and number of vehicles traveling on each road, using sensors or the like provided on the road. A conventional traffic information management system may be applied as the traffic information management device 80.

  The traffic light 90 has a function similar to that of a conventional traffic light. The traffic signal 90 is further connected to the server 70 via the network 50, thereby transmitting information such as switching timing to the server 70.

In FIG. 9, the networks 40, 50, and 60 are shown separately, but one network may function as the networks 40, 50, and 60. Alternatively, the networks 50 and 60 may be configured as a single network, and a system closed by the networks 50 and 60, the server 70, the traffic information management device 80, the traffic light 90, and the lighting devices 20 _{1 to} 20 _n may be configured. In that case, the communication between the vehicle 30A and the server 70 may be realized by a public network.

  The network 40 is a wireless network using radio waves or the like. The networks 50 and 60 can be realized by any network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), and the Internet. As the networks 50 and 60, for example, power line communication (PLC) may be used.

[Example of configuration of server 70]
The server 70 includes a communication unit 710, a control unit 720, and a storage unit 730. The communication unit 710 transmits and receives information between the server 70, the vehicle 30A, the traffic information management device 80, the traffic light 90, and the lighting devices 20 _{1 to} 20 _n .

  The control unit 720 controls processing in the server 70. The control unit 720 includes a vehicle information reception unit 721, a traffic information reception unit 722, a signal information reception unit 723, a prediction unit 724, a schedule generation unit 725, and a signal transmission unit 726.

  The vehicle information receiving unit 721 receives information transmitted from the vehicle 30A. For example, the vehicle information receiving unit 721 receives route information indicating the route on which the vehicle 30A travels, position information indicating the position of the vehicle 30A, and speed information indicating the speed of the vehicle 30A. For example, the vehicle information receiving unit 721 receives information from a car navigation device provided in the vehicle 30A.

  The traffic information receiving unit 722 receives traffic information collected by the traffic information management device 80 using sensors or the like provided on the road. For example, the traffic information receiving unit 722 receives information indicating the number and speed of vehicles existing on each road.

  The signal information receiving unit 723 receives information from the traffic signal 90. For example, the signal information receiving unit 723 receives information indicating the timing at which the color of the traffic light switches from red to blue. In addition, the signal information receiving unit 723 may receive information from a traffic signal control system that controls a plurality of traffic signals 90 in an integrated manner.

The prediction unit 724 predicts a future traffic situation based on information received by at least one of the vehicle information reception unit 721, the traffic information reception unit 722, and the signal information reception unit 723. For example, the prediction unit 724 predicts the traffic volume for a predetermined time on a predetermined road. Moreover, the prediction unit 724 predicts the time when the vehicle passes through the vicinity of each of the lighting devices 20 _{1 to} 20 _n .

The schedule generation unit 725 generates a schedule for controlling the lighting devices 20 _{1 to} 20 _n based on the prediction result of the prediction unit 724. For example, the prediction unit 724, three vehicles near the lighting device 20 ₁ to 20 pm 21 and predicted to pass. Then, the schedule generating section 725 generates a schedule for controlling to illuminate the lighting device 20 ₁ by the illuminance 30 lux from 21:00 to 40 pm 21. Also, the schedule generating section 725, so as to control such from the lighting device 20 ₁ other lighting device within a predetermined distance illuminating similarly to generate a schedule.

  The reason for determining the control time of the lighting device with a slight width with respect to the time predicted by the prediction unit 724 is that the lighting device is not turned on before the vehicle passes through the corresponding point. This is because the driver who looks out from the vehicle cannot clearly see the corresponding part. Therefore, the control time of the lighting device is set as from a predetermined time before the predicted time to a predetermined time later. Alternatively, the predicted speed of the passing vehicle may be calculated based on information received by the vehicle information receiving unit 721 and the time width may be determined based on the calculated predicted speed.

  The schedule generated by the schedule generation unit 725 is stored in a schedule storage unit 734 (described later).

  The signal transmission unit 726 transmits a control signal to the lighting device to be controlled based on the schedule generated by the schedule generation unit 725.

[Example of information stored in storage unit 730]
The storage unit 730 includes a map storage unit 731, an illumination storage unit 732, a prediction storage unit 733, and a schedule storage unit 734.

Map storage unit 731, and regions at least the server 70 is present in the illuminating device ₂₀ 1 to 20 _n for controlling, storing regional map of the surrounding. The information stored in the map storage unit 731 is the same as the information stored in the map storage unit 131 of the first embodiment.

The illumination storage unit 732 stores information on the illumination devices 20 _{1 to} 20 _n controlled by the server 70. The information stored in the illumination storage unit 732 is the same as the information stored in the illumination storage unit 132 of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  The prediction storage unit 733 stores the prediction result by the prediction unit 724. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the prediction storage unit 733 according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the prediction storage unit 733 stores “date and time”, “point”, “predicted traffic”, and “target lighting device” in association with each other. “Date” indicates the date and time to be predicted, and “Point” indicates the point to be predicted. “Predicted traffic volume” indicates the predicted traffic volume, for example, the number of vehicles, and “Target lighting device” indicates a lighting device to be controlled.

  In FIG. 10, as an example, “Date, 2013/1/1/23: 00”, “Point, Route 2, point 45”, “Predicted traffic volume, 3 cars / second”, “Target lighting device, 001-045” Is stored. This indicates that the traffic volume predicted at the point 45 of the route 2 at 23 o'clock on January 1, 2013 is three per second. In addition, it indicates that the lighting devices 001-045 are controlled corresponding to the vehicle passing through the point 45 on the route 2.

  The schedule storage unit 734 stores the schedule generated by the schedule generation unit 725. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the schedule storage unit 734 according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the schedule storage unit 734 stores “schedule ID”, “date / time”, “point”, “target lighting device”, and “control content” in association with each other. “Schedule ID” is an identifier for uniquely identifying each schedule. “Date and time” indicates the date and time when the schedule is applied. “Point” indicates a point to which the schedule is applied. “Target lighting device” indicates a lighting device to which the schedule is applied. “Control content” indicates the content of control according to the schedule.

  In the example of FIG. 11, “date and time, 2013/1/1/23: 00-24: 00”, “point, Route 2, point 45”, “target lighting device, “001-045” and “control content, illuminance UP30 lux” are stored. This indicates that the schedule “0001” is executed for the vehicle passing through the point 45 of the route 2 between 23:00 and 24:00 on January 1, 2013. The schedule “0001” indicates that the illuminance of the lighting device identified by the ID “001 to 045” is increased to 30 lux.

[Example of Flow of Lighting Control Processing According to Second Embodiment]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of illumination control processing according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, when the server 70 starts the lighting control process, first, the vehicle information receiving unit 721, the traffic information receiving unit 722, and the signal information receiving unit 723 start receiving information (step S1201). Based on the received information, the prediction unit 724 predicts the traffic volume at a predetermined time at a predetermined point, and identifies a lighting device that affects the brightness at the predetermined point (step S1202). The prediction result is stored in the prediction storage unit 733. And the schedule production | generation part 725 produces | generates the schedule of the predetermined time in a predetermined point based on the prediction result of the prediction part 724 (step S1203). The generated schedule is stored in the schedule storage unit 734. Then, based on the generated schedule, the signal transmission unit 726 transmits a control signal to the target lighting device to execute a lighting operation (step S1204). This completes the illumination control process.

[Effects of Second Embodiment]
As described above, in the lighting control device and the lighting control system according to the second embodiment, the second receiving unit that receives information on the traffic situation on the road via the network, and the first and second receiving units include The apparatus further includes a prediction unit that predicts future traffic conditions on the road based on the received information, and a control unit that controls the lighting device arranged on the road according to the prediction by the prediction unit. For this reason, it is possible to control the lighting device by predicting the future traffic situation, and to suppress energy consumption. In addition, more accurate and efficient lighting control can be realized and energy consumption can be suppressed as compared with the case where the lighting device is always lit.

  Further, in the lighting control device and the lighting control system according to the second embodiment, the prediction unit predicts the time when the vehicle passes on the road, and the control unit performs the predetermined time before the time predicted by the prediction unit. Control to turn on the lighting device on the road. For this reason, it is possible to illuminate the road before the time when the vehicle actually travels, and it is possible to perform illumination control more suitable for a vehicle having a high traveling speed, which contributes to the safety of traveling of the vehicle. .

  In the lighting control device and the lighting control system according to the second embodiment, the first receiving unit receives route information of the vehicle and / or position information indicating the current position from a car navigation device provided in the vehicle. For this reason, after grasping | ascertaining the condition of a vehicle, the future traffic condition can be predicted and a lighting device can be controlled by performing a more accurate prediction. For this reason, more accurate and efficient illumination control can be realized and energy consumption can be suppressed as compared with the case where the lighting device always emits light.

  In the lighting control device and the lighting control system according to the second embodiment, the second receiving unit receives information on the speed and / or the number of passing vehicles detected by sensors arranged on the road. For this reason, after grasping the speed and density of the vehicle on the actual road, the future traffic situation can be predicted, and the lighting device can be controlled by performing more accurate prediction. For this reason, more accurate and efficient illumination control can be realized and energy consumption can be suppressed as compared with the case where the lighting device always emits light.

  In the lighting control device and the lighting control system according to the second embodiment, the second receiving unit receives information related to switching of the traffic light from the traffic light arranged on the road or the traffic light control system that controls the traffic light. For this reason, it is possible to control the lighting mode of the lighting device in accordance with the switching of the traffic light, and it is possible to realize the control of the lighting device in response to the traveling state of the vehicle. For this reason, more accurate and efficient illumination control can be realized and energy consumption can be suppressed as compared with the case where the lighting device always emits light.

[Modification of lighting control processing]
In the lighting control process shown in FIG. 12, the future traffic volume is predicted based on at least one of vehicle information, traffic information, and signal information. By the way, the present invention is not limited to this, and rough future traffic volume can be predicted in advance based on past traffic information, and then fine adjustment can be performed in real time.

  For example, based on at least one of vehicle information, traffic information, and signal information, a future schedule is predicted in advance and a first schedule is generated. For example, when information indicating that the signal is switched from red to blue is received from the traffic light 90, the control is performed to temporarily increase the illuminance of the lighting device in the direction in which the vehicle travels by switching to blue in real time. Do. In addition, for example, when information on a route or position where a vehicle involved in a crime is traveling is received from the traffic information management device 80 or the like, control for temporarily increasing the illuminance of a lighting device on the traveling route of the vehicle I do. By controlling the lighting in this way, it is possible to realize lighting according to a comprehensive traffic situation and fine adjustment adapted to individual needs. Therefore, it is possible to realize lighting control that ensures personal safety and security while reducing energy consumption.

  Further, for example, the illumination control process of the first embodiment and the illumination control process of the second embodiment can be combined. In this case, a first schedule for rough illumination control is generated in advance by the illumination control process of the second embodiment. And when the illumination control request | requirement and route information from a vehicle are received, the 2nd schedule for raising the illumination intensity of a lighting apparatus or changing a color tone based on the said request | requirement and route information is produced | generated. Then, the second schedule is preferentially executed with respect to the first schedule. By configuring in this way, it is possible to realize illumination that can easily recognize the travel route of an emergency vehicle and the like while reducing energy consumption by illumination control based on a rough vehicle travel tendency.

  Moreover, it is good also as what preferentially performs the schedule corresponding to a user with a high priority, registering a user's priority beforehand so that the lighting control request | requirement from an emergency vehicle can be prioritized. Or it is good also as what transmits the illumination control request | requirement which set the priority together with route information from the vehicle side, and a server performs illumination control based on a priority. In this way, it is possible to distinguish between a lighting control request from an emergency vehicle with a high degree of urgency and a lighting control request from an individual user with a low degree of urgency, and to execute a lighting control request with a high degree of urgency in priority. it can.

(Third embodiment)
In the second embodiment, the example in which the overall traffic situation is grasped and the lighting control according to the traffic situation is realized has been described. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, an illumination control system that realizes illumination control processing corresponding to traffic conditions such as traffic jams will be described.

  It is well known that there are places where traffic congestion is likely to occur on highways. One of the reasons is that the driver unconsciously decreases the speed. For example, when approaching a downhill, the driver depresses the brake almost unconsciously, and the distance from the following vehicle becomes narrow accordingly. In addition, on the uphill, the speed naturally decreases, resulting in traffic jams. On the contrary, due to the small number of vehicles at night and the like, it becomes difficult for the driver to recognize the speed of the own vehicle, and there is a tendency to fall over speed.

  Therefore, it is conceivable to control the lighting device provided near the road, such as on the side of the road, so that the driver recognizes an appropriate speed and prevents the occurrence of traffic jams and excessive speed.

  The lighting control system according to the third embodiment prompts the driver to make the traveling speed of the vehicle appropriate by controlling the lighting device that can be easily seen by the driver.

[Example of Configuration of Lighting Control System 3 According to Third Embodiment]
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the illumination control system 3 according to the third embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the illumination control system 3 includes a server 1000, an illumination device 2000, and a detection device 3000. The server 1000 is connected to the illumination device 2000 and the detection device 3000 via a network 4000 so as to communicate with each other.

  The server 1000 receives information related to traffic conditions detected by the detection device 3000. Then, the server 1000 determines contents to be instructed to the passing vehicle based on the received information on the traffic situation. For example, the server 1000 determines whether to instruct the passing vehicle to decelerate or accelerate. Then, based on the determination result, server 1000 transmits a control signal instructing control corresponding to the instruction to the passing vehicle to lighting device 2000. The lighting device 2000 receives the control signal and adjusts the lighting interval of the light emitting unit based on the control signal.

  Lighting device 2000 includes a plurality of light emitting units arranged in the vehicle traveling direction in the vicinity of a road on which the vehicle passes. FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B are diagrams illustrating an example of the arrangement of the light emitting units provided in the illumination device 2000 of the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14A, the light emitting units may be arranged side by side with a predetermined interval in the vehicle traveling direction on the road on which the vehicle passes. Moreover, as shown to FIG. 14B, you may arrange | position with the predetermined | prescribed space | interval in the vehicle running direction, etc. on the fence beside a road. In addition, the shape and size of the light emitting part are not particularly limited. For example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp or the like can be used as the light emitting unit.

  The lighting device 2000 adjusts the lighting interval of the light emitting unit according to the control signal transmitted from the server 1000. For example, the illumination device 2000 causes the light emitting units arranged side by side to emit light (turn on and off) one by one in order. At that time, an interval from when one light emitting unit emits light to when an adjacent light emitting unit emits light is adjusted. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 14A, the light emitting units sequentially emit light from the bottom to the top. The illumination device 2000 performs control to shorten or lengthen the time interval from when one light emitting unit emits light to when the next light emitting unit emits light according to a control signal, in the case of sequential light emission. For example, when the speed of the traveling vehicle is slow and the server 1000 transmits a signal instructing acceleration, the lighting device 2000 performs control to increase the lighting interval. When the speed of the traveling vehicle is high and the server 1000 transmits a signal instructing deceleration, the lighting device 2000 performs control to shorten the lighting interval.

  Further, for example, the arrangement interval of the light emitting units to be lit may be lengthened or shortened according to the control signal. For example, when the server 1000 transmits a signal instructing acceleration, the lighting device 2000 performs control so that every other light emitting unit is lit. Further, for example, when the server 1000 transmits a signal instructing deceleration, the lighting device 2000 controls to maintain the lighting state of all the light emitting units.

  However, the lighting mode of the light emitting unit is not limited to the above, and any light emitting mode may be applied as long as the driver can recognize an appropriate speed.

  The detection device 3000 detects a traffic situation on the road. The detection device 3000 may be, for example, a speed sensor provided on the side of a road or a moving body sensor that detects a moving object. The detection device 3000 may be provided integrally with the lighting device 2000. The detection device 3000 transmits the detected traffic condition information to the server 1000 via the network 4000.

  Network 4000 may be a wireless network or a wired network. For example, any network such as a network using radio waves, a WAN (Wide Area Network), or a LAN (Local Area Network) can be used. As the network 4000, for example, power line communication (PLC) may be used.

[Example of configuration of server 1000]
With reference to FIG. 13 again, an example of the configuration of the server 1000 will be described. The server 1000 includes a communication unit 1100, a control unit 1200, and a storage unit 1300. The communication unit 1100 transmits and receives information between the server 1000, the illumination device 2000, and the detection device 3000. The control unit 1200 controls processing in the server 1000. The storage unit 1300 stores information used for processing in the server 1000 or information generated by processing in the server 1000.

  The control unit 1200 includes an information reception unit 1201, a determination unit 1202, and a signal transmission unit 1203. The information receiving unit 1201 receives information detected by the detection device 3000. Based on the information received by the information receiving unit 1201, the determining unit 1202 determines the control content to be instructed to the vehicle traveling on the road.

  Based on the determination result of the determination unit 1202, the signal transmission unit 1203 transmits a control signal that instructs the lighting device 2000 to turn on the light emitting unit. For example, the signal transmission unit 1203 transmits a control signal instructing to increase the lighting interval when instructing acceleration. In addition, the signal transmission unit 1203 transmits a control signal instructing to shorten the lighting interval when instructing deceleration.

[Example of information stored in storage unit 1300]
The storage unit 1300 includes a lighting pattern storage unit 1301. The lighting pattern storage unit 1301 stores the information received by the information receiving unit 1201 and the lighting interval of the light emitting unit in association with each other. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the lighting pattern storage unit 1301 according to the third embodiment. In the example of FIG. 15, “determination result”, “lighting pattern ID”, and “control content” are stored in association with each other. The “determination result” indicates the determination result of the determination unit 1202. “Lighting pattern ID” is an identifier for uniquely identifying each lighting pattern. “Control content” indicates the content of lighting control specified by the lighting pattern ID.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 15, “lighting pattern ID, 01” and “longest control content and interval (level 1)” are stored in association with “determination result, acceleration required (possibility of occurrence of traffic jam)”. Has been. This indicates that, as a result of the determination by the determination unit 1202, it is determined that acceleration is necessary, and that there is a possibility of traffic jam if the acceleration is not performed. In addition, the determination unit 1202 indicates that it is determined to perform control with the lighting pattern of the lighting pattern ID “01”. The control content of the lighting pattern of the lighting pattern ID “01” indicates that the lighting interval of the light emitting unit is set to the longest setting (level 1). The lighting intervals of levels 1 to 4 may be set and stored separately, or a specific interval such as “0.01 second interval” may be stored in the lighting pattern storage unit 1301. .

[Example of lighting control processing flow]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a lighting control process according to the third embodiment. First, the information receiving unit 1201 receives information from the detection device 3000 (step S1601). Next, the determination unit 1202 performs traffic condition determination processing based on the received information (step S1602). And the signal transmission part 1203 transmits a control signal to the illuminating device 2000 based on the determination result of the determination part 1202 (step S1603). Then, it returns to step S1601 again and repeats a process.

[An example of the flow of traffic condition judgment processing]
The traffic situation determination process in step S1602 of FIG. 16 will be further described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of traffic situation determination processing according to the third embodiment. First, the determination unit 1202 calculates the speed of the vehicle on the road based on the information received from the information reception unit 1201, and determines whether or not the calculated speed is greater than the threshold value TH1 (step S1701). When it is determined that the calculated speed is greater than the threshold value TH1 (Yes at Step S1701), the determination unit 1202 next calculates the vehicle density and determines whether the calculated vehicle density is greater than the threshold value TH2 (Step S1701). S1702). When it is determined that the calculated vehicle density is equal to or less than the threshold value TH2 (No at Step S1702), the determination unit 1202 determines that there are few vehicles on the road (Step S1703). Then, the determination unit 1202 determines to apply the level 4 lighting pattern (step S1704).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S1702 that the calculated vehicle density is greater than the threshold value TH2 (Yes in step S1702), the determination unit 1202 determines that the road is congested (step S1705). Then, the determination unit 1202 determines to apply the level 3 lighting pattern (step S1706).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S1701 that the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the threshold value TH1 (step S1701, negative), the determination unit 1202 further determines whether the vehicle density is greater than the threshold value TH3 (step S1707). If it is determined that the vehicle density is greater than the threshold value TH3 (Yes in step S1707), the determination unit 1202 determines that a traffic jam has occurred (step S1708). Then, the determination unit 1202 determines to apply the level 2 lighting pattern (step S1709).

  If it is determined in step S1707 that the vehicle density is equal to or lower than the threshold value TH3 (No in step S1707), the determination unit 1202 indicates that there is no traffic jam and the vehicle speed is low, and thus acceleration is required. Determination is made (step S1710). Then, the determination unit 1202 determines to apply the level 1 lighting pattern (step S1711). Thus, the traffic situation determination process by the determination unit 1202 ends, and the process of the signal transmission unit 1203 continues.

  The signal transmission unit 1203 generates a control signal corresponding to the control content with reference to the lighting pattern storage unit 1301 according to the determination result by the determination unit 1202, that is, the selected lighting pattern. Then, the signal transmission unit 1203 transmits the generated control signal to the lighting apparatus 2000.

[Effect of the third embodiment]
As described above, the lighting control device and the lighting control system according to the third embodiment determine whether to prompt the vehicle on the road to accelerate or decelerate based on the information received by the second receiving unit. According to the result, according to the lighting interval determined by the third determining unit and the third determining unit that determines the lighting interval of the plurality of light emitting units arranged along the vehicle traveling direction on the road, A second control unit that controls the plurality of light emitting units. For this reason, it is possible to control the lighting device in a manner that the driver of the vehicle can easily visually recognize, depending on whether the vehicle is prompted to accelerate or decelerate, thereby accelerating acceleration or deceleration. Moreover, since the traffic information is acquired and the control mode is determined based on the acquired traffic situation, it is possible to realize appropriate control that responds immediately to the situation. For this reason, smooth driving | running | working of a vehicle can be promoted by control of the light emission part which can be visually recognized easily, and the speed of a vehicle can be optimized.

  In the lighting control device and the lighting control system according to the third embodiment, when the third determination unit determines to accelerate the vehicle, the third determination unit determines to increase the lighting interval and to accelerate the vehicle. In this case, it is decided to shorten the lighting interval. For this reason, depending on the lighting interval of the light emitting unit, the driver of an overspeed vehicle can be given an illusion that the speed is higher than the actual speed, and can be more urged to decelerate. In addition, the driver of the vehicle whose speed is slowing can be given an illusion that the speed is slower than the actual speed, and acceleration can be more strongly urged. For this reason, smooth driving | running | working of a vehicle can be promoted by control of the light emission part which can be visually recognized easily, and the speed of a vehicle can be optimized.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

1, 2, 3 Lighting control system 10, 70 Server 20A-20E Lighting device 30 Vehicle 40, 50, 60 Network 80 Traffic information management device 90 Traffic light 110 Communication unit 120 Control unit 121 Vehicle specific information receiving unit 122 Route information receiving unit 123 Vehicle information receiving unit 124 Illumination specifying unit 125 Time specifying unit 126 Control determining unit 127 Control signal transmitting unit 128 Obstacle determining unit 129 Vehicle control signal transmitting unit 130 Storage unit 131 Map storage unit 132 Illumination storage unit 133 Control pattern storage unit 134 Schedule Storage unit 200 Control unit 210 Communication unit 220 Light control unit 230 Detection unit 310 Communication unit 320 Navigation device 330 Optical signal detection unit 340 Automatic control unit 1000 Server 1100 Communication unit 1200 Control unit 1201 Information reception unit 1202 Determination unit 203 signal transmitting unit 1300 storing unit 1301 lighting pattern storage section 2000 illuminating device 3000 detecting device 4000 network

Claims (15)

A first receiver for receiving vehicle traffic information via a network;
A first specifying unit that specifies a lighting device disposed on a route specified by the traffic information;
A determining unit that determines the control content of the lighting device specified by the first specifying unit;
A transmission unit that generates a control signal according to the control content determined by the determination unit and transmits the control signal to the lighting device;
An illumination control device comprising: A detector that detects a degree of proximity of the vehicle to the lighting device specified by the first specifying unit;
The lighting control device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines the control content according to a proximity degree of the vehicle detected by the detection unit. The first receiving unit further receives vehicle identification information,
The lighting control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines control content according to the identification information.   The lighting control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the determination unit determines at least one control content among lighting, extinguishing, blinking, color tone, and illuminance of the lighting device. Based on the traffic information, further comprising a second specifying unit for specifying a time for the vehicle to pass the lighting device on the route;
5. The lighting control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines a control content to be executed at a time specified by the second specifying unit. A determination unit that determines the presence or absence of an obstacle in the vicinity of the lighting device specified by the first specification unit, and the presence or absence of obstruction of travel of the vehicle by the obstacle;
A notification unit for notifying the vehicle to that effect when the determination unit determines that there is an obstruction in traveling of the vehicle;
The illumination control device according to claim 1, further comprising: A second determination unit that determines whether or not there is a parked vehicle in the vicinity of the lighting device specified by the first specifying unit, and whether or not the parked vehicle interferes with traveling of the vehicle;
When the second determination unit determines that there is an obstacle to travel of the vehicle, the parked vehicle or the first specifying unit specifies a control signal for retracting the parked vehicle to a position that does not interfere with the vehicle. A second transmitter for transmitting to the illuminated device;
The illumination control device according to claim 1, further comprising: A second receiver for receiving information on traffic conditions on the road via a network;
A prediction unit that predicts future traffic conditions on the road based on information received by the first and second reception units;
A control unit for controlling a lighting device arranged on the road according to the prediction by the prediction unit;
The illumination control device according to claim 1, further comprising: The prediction unit predicts a time for a vehicle to pass on the road,
The lighting control device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit performs control to turn on the lighting device on the road from a predetermined time before the time predicted by the prediction unit.   The said 1st receiving part receives the positional information which shows the route information and / or present position of the said vehicle from the car navigation apparatus with which a vehicle is provided, The any one of Claim 1 to 9 characterized by the above-mentioned. Lighting control device.   11. The illumination according to claim 8, wherein the second receiving unit receives information related to a speed and / or number of passing vehicles detected by a sensor disposed on the road. Control device.   The said 2nd receiving part receives the information regarding switching of a traffic signal from the traffic signal arrange | positioned on the said road or the traffic signal control system which controls the said traffic signal, The any one of Claim 8 to 11 characterized by the above-mentioned. Lighting control device. Based on the information received by the second receiving unit, it is determined whether to accelerate or decelerate the vehicle on the road, and is arranged along the vehicle traveling direction according to the determination result. A third determination unit for determining lighting intervals of the plurality of light emitting units;
A second control unit that controls the plurality of light emitting units according to the lighting interval determined by the third determination unit;
The lighting control device according to claim 1, further comprising:   When it is determined that the vehicle is urged to accelerate, the third determination unit increases the lighting interval, and when it is determined to accelerate the vehicle, the third determining unit determines to shorten the lighting interval. The lighting control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13. The lighting control device according to any one of claims 1 to 14;
A plurality of lighting devices arranged on the road;
A lighting control system comprising:

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