JP2016091207A - Traffic signal controller, computer program, and traffic signal control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a traffic signal controller, a computer program, and a traffic signal control method that are capable of conducting optimal traffic control even when an aspect is switched manually.SOLUTION: A traffic signal controller comprises: a reception unit for accepting a switching instruction to switch from a variable aspect capable of selectively switching to a plurality of selection aspects to one selection aspect from the plurality of selection aspects; a determination unit for determining whether or not a prescribed first condition is satisfied during the display of the selection aspect switched by the accepted switching instruction; and a control unit for performing control so as to stop the display of the selection display during display if it has determined that the first condition is satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a traffic signal controller, a computer program, and a traffic signal control method for switching a plurality of indications indicating a flow path to which a right of traffic at an intersection is given by a green light.

  The traffic signal controller performs traffic control by switching a plurality of indications indicating a flow path to which a right of traffic at an intersection is given by a green light. Specifically, the traffic signal controller switches the signal display of each signal lamp based on the signal color information that defines the lamp color of the signal display of each signal lamp, the signal information including the display time of each lamp color, etc. . In such a traffic signal controller, the traffic control center or traffic signal controller has an appropriate signal light device based on traffic data such as traffic volume or congestion length collected by a vehicle detector installed on the road. There is an automatic control method that calculates the display time and sequentially switches the displayed display.

  In order to maintain smooth traffic even when there is an abnormality such as a failure or when a traffic situation that cannot be handled by the above-mentioned automatic control system is maintained, for example, a police officer sets the signal change timing. There is a manual control method that determines and sequentially switches the signal display of the signal lamp by manual operation (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-331385 A

  Ideally, the signal control is all automatically controlled (also referred to as automatic stepping control) without relying on manual control (also referred to as manual stepping control). For this purpose, not only the signal control algorithm is improved, but also the vehicle detectors must be installed at high density around the intersection, which may be difficult as a real problem. In such a case, the manual control method may be effective. For example, in a situation where a right-turn vehicle and a straight-ahead vehicle are mixed before the intersection, and the right-turn vehicle cannot make a right turn and a traffic jam occurs, the oncoming vehicle can be temporarily stopped and the right-turn vehicle can be turned. As another example, if there is a traffic jam on the downstream side of the intersection and a so-called clogging has occurred, the vehicle cannot pass through the intersection even if a green light is continuously given. The current display can be terminated and switched to the next display.

  However, when switching the display by manual control, each time the display is switched, a manual operation must be performed to give an accurate switching instruction to the traffic signal control. For this reason, for example, when a police officer temporarily stops the oncoming vehicle and switches the display to go straight and turn right, when the straight and right turn make money, go to the next display If the manual operation for switching is not performed, a situation in which the green light is wasted even though there is no vehicle to pass through, and accurate traffic control cannot be realized.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a traffic signal controller capable of realizing optimal traffic control even when switching the display by manual operation, and for realizing the traffic signal controller It is an object of the present invention to provide a computer program and a traffic signal control method using the traffic signal controller.

  A traffic signal controller according to an embodiment of the present invention is a traffic signal controller that switches from a current indication indicating a flow path to which a right of traffic at an intersection is given by a green light to a required selection indication, and a plurality of the traffic signal controllers A receiving unit that receives a switching instruction to switch from a variable display that can be selectively switched to a selected display to one of the plurality of selected displays, and a switching instruction that is received by the receiving unit. A determination unit that determines whether or not the predetermined first condition is satisfied while the selected selection display is being displayed, and the determination unit determines that the first condition is satisfied when the determination unit determines that the first condition is satisfied And a control unit that controls to stop the display.

  A computer program according to an embodiment of the present invention is a computer program for causing a computer to switch from a display indicating a flow path to which a right of traffic at an intersection is given by a green light to a required selection display. A receiving unit that receives a switching instruction to switch from a variable display that can be selectively switched to a plurality of the selected displays to one selected display of the plurality of selected displays, and a received switching instruction. The determination means for determining whether or not a predetermined first condition is satisfied while the switched selection display is being displayed, and the display of the selection display being displayed is terminated when it is determined that the first condition is satisfied It is made to function as a control means for controlling as much as possible.

  The traffic signal control method according to the embodiment of the present invention is a traffic signal control method by a traffic signal controller that switches from a current indication indicating a passage that is given a right of traffic at an intersection with a green light to a required selection indication. A step of accepting a switching instruction to switch from a variable display that can be selectively switched to a plurality of the selected displays to one selected display of the plurality of selected displays, and a received switch A step of determining whether or not a predetermined first condition is satisfied during display of the selected display switched by an instruction; and when the determined display determines that the first condition is satisfied, the selected display being displayed And a step of controlling by the control unit to discontinue the display.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an optimum traffic control by preventing a situation in which a green signal is continuously wasted.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the traffic signal controller of this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the intersection in which the signal light apparatus controlled by the traffic signal controller of this Embodiment was installed. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the light color of a signal lamp device. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the installation position of a vehicle detector. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the mode of switching of present. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 1st Example of the display switching by the traffic signal controller of this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 2nd Example of the display switching by the traffic signal controller of this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 3rd Example of the present switching by the traffic signal controller of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the automatic switch from the selection display by the traffic signal controller of this Embodiment to the next display. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the display operation screen in a portable information processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence of the traffic signal controller of this Embodiment.

[Description of Embodiment of Present Invention]
(1) A traffic signal controller according to an embodiment of the present invention is a traffic signal controller that switches from a present indicating a flow path to which a right of traffic at an intersection is given by a green light to a required selected present. A reception unit that receives a switching instruction to switch from a variable display that can be selectively switched to a plurality of selection displays to one of the plurality of selection displays, and a switch that is received by the reception unit A determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined first condition is satisfied during display of the selection display switched by an instruction, and the selection that is being displayed when the determination unit determines that the first condition is satisfied And a control unit that controls to discontinue the display of the current display.

(7) A computer program according to an embodiment of the present invention is a computer program for causing a computer to switch from a present indicating a flow path to which a right of traffic at an intersection is given by a green light to a required selected present. Receiving means for receiving a switching instruction to switch the computer from a variable display capable of selectively switching to a plurality of selected displays to one selected display of the plurality of selected displays; A determination means for determining whether or not a predetermined first condition is satisfied during display of the selection display switched by the switching instruction, and when it is determined that the first condition is satisfied, the selection display being displayed is displayed. It functions as a control means for controlling the display to be cut off.

(8) The traffic signal control method according to the embodiment of the present invention is a traffic signal control by a traffic signal controller that switches from a current indication indicating a flow path that is given a right of traffic at an intersection with a green light to a required selection indication. A method in which a reception unit receives a switching instruction to switch from a variable display that can be selectively switched to a plurality of selection displays to one selection display of the plurality of selection displays; When the determination unit determines whether or not the predetermined first condition is satisfied during the display of the selected display switched by the received switching instruction, and when the determination unit determines that the first condition is satisfied, And a control unit for controlling the display of the selected display to be terminated.

  The reception unit receives a switching instruction to switch from the variable display to one selected display among a plurality of selected displays. The selected display means a selected display. The variable indication can be any indication among a plurality of indications that are sequentially displayed in one signal cycle, and selectively selects one selection indication from a plurality of selection indications. The display can be switched (that is, it has a function of changing the display). The reception unit may be a manual operation switch or button provided in the traffic signal controller, or may be a reception unit that receives a signal from a remote operation terminal device or the like separated from the traffic signal controller.

  The determination unit determines whether or not a predetermined first condition is satisfied during display of the selection display switched by the switching instruction received by the reception unit. When it is determined by the determination unit that the first condition is satisfied, the control unit performs control so as to cancel the display of the selected display being displayed. That is, by switching off the display of the selected display being displayed, the display is switched to the display displayed next to the selected display.

  With the above configuration, in a traffic signal controller configured to manually switch from variable display to selected display (switching of display), after switching to the selected display, Even when the manual operation for switching the display is not performed, when the predetermined first condition is satisfied, the display is automatically switched to the next display. As a result, the selection display continues to be displayed, thereby preventing the situation where a green signal is continuously displayed wastefully even when there is no vehicle passing through the flow path to which the right to pass is given. Traffic control can be realized.

(2) The traffic signal controller according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires the traffic volume on the inflow path of the intersection, and the determination unit is configured to perform gap sensitivity control when gap sensitivity control is performed. It is determined that the first condition is satisfied when the traffic volume acquired by the acquisition unit within a time becomes a predetermined threshold value or less.

  An acquisition part acquires the traffic volume in the inflow path of an intersection. For example, a vehicle detector (for example, an ultrasonic detector) can be installed upstream of a required inflow path at an intersection, or a vehicle sensor (for example, an image of the upstream side of a required inflow path at an intersection can be taken. The image type) is installed, and the traffic volume (number of vehicles, presence / absence of vehicles, etc.) is acquired based on the measurement data measured by the vehicle detector.

  The determination unit determines that the first condition is satisfied when the gap sensitivity control is performed and the traffic volume acquired by the acquisition unit within the gap sensitivity time becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. Gap Sensitivity is a sensitivity to extend or shorten the green light time to meet traffic demand by detecting the unit extension time every time a vehicle is detected and detecting the vehicle gap (inter-vehicle time) upon completion of the time measurement. It is a method. The gap sensitive time is obtained by giving a predetermined width to the green light time. For example, if the standard display time of the green light is 15 seconds, the gap sensitive time is 15 ± 5 seconds, that is, 10 seconds to 20 seconds. However, it is not limited to this. The case where the traffic volume is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold means, for example, a case where there is no traffic and the gap is sensed.

  When the gap is sensed, that is, when it is detected that there is no vehicle traffic, even if the green signal is cut off, the vehicle traffic is not hindered, and it is possible to prevent the situation where a wasteful green signal is continuously displayed. it can.

(3) In the traffic signal controller according to the embodiment of the present invention, the determination unit satisfies the first condition when the display time of the selected display during display exceeds a predetermined upper limit display time. Judgment is made.

  The determination unit determines that the first condition is satisfied when the display time of the selected display being displayed has exceeded a predetermined upper limit display time. The upper limit display time can be, for example, the maximum display time of the green signal. As a result, even if manual switching of display is not performed after switching to the selected display, the display after the maximum display time is automatically switched to the next display. The situation that continues can be prevented.

(4) In the traffic signal controller according to the embodiment of the present invention, the reception unit is configured to receive a switching instruction to switch to another display while the selected display is being displayed. When the reception unit receives a switching instruction to switch to the other display, it is determined whether or not a predetermined second condition is satisfied, and the determination unit determines that the second condition is satisfied In this case, control is performed so as to stop the display of the selected display being displayed.

  The reception unit receives a switching instruction to switch to another display while the selected display is being displayed. The determination unit determines whether or not a predetermined second condition is satisfied when the reception unit receives a switching instruction to switch to another display. When it is determined by the determination unit that the second condition is satisfied, the control unit performs control so that the display of the selected display being displayed is terminated. When a manual operation for switching the display is accepted while the selected display is displayed, a situation that does not cause any inconvenience even if the display is switched is specified by the second condition. Traffic safety can be ensured by preventing a situation where the green light time of the vehicle becomes too short.

(5) In the traffic signal controller according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the display time of the selected display being displayed has exceeded a predetermined guaranteed display time, the determination unit sets the second condition. It is determined that it is satisfied.

  The determination unit determines that the second condition is satisfied when the display time of the selected display being displayed has exceeded a predetermined guaranteed display time. The guaranteed display time (also referred to as the shortest display seconds or guaranteed display seconds) is a lower limit value of the display seconds indicating the allowable range when the display seconds are shortened by, for example, sensitive control, etc. Is the minimum display time. As a result, even when a manual operation for switching the display is received while the selected display is displayed, the selected display is displayed during the guaranteed display time, so traffic safety can be ensured.

(6) In the traffic signal controller according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the display time of the selected display during display does not pass a predetermined guaranteed display time, the determination unit sets the first condition. It is determined that it is not satisfied.

  The determination unit determines that the first condition is not satisfied when the display time of the selected display being displayed has not exceeded the predetermined guaranteed display time. The guaranteed display time (also referred to as the shortest display seconds or guaranteed display seconds) is a lower limit value of the display seconds indicating the allowable range when the display seconds are shortened by, for example, sensitive control, etc. Is the minimum display time. As a result, the selected display is displayed during the guaranteed display time, so traffic safety can be ensured.

[Details of the embodiment of the present invention]
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment. The traffic signal controller 100 includes a CPU 10, a communication interface 11 for communicating with a server or a portable information processing apparatus (not shown) via a network, and a sensor interface 12 for receiving vehicle detection information from the vehicle sensor 20. , A timer circuit 13, a step counter 14 for sequentially specifying the signal display of the signal lamp, a display memory 15, a display memory reading circuit 16, an operation unit 17 and the like. The traffic signal controller 100 is connected to signal lamps 201 and 202. The above-described portable information processing apparatus is, for example, a remote operation apparatus separated from the traffic signal controller 100.

  The vehicle detector 20 is installed at a required position of the inflow path that flows into the intersection, and acquires vehicle detection information such as traffic volume (number of vehicles) and occupancy by acquiring a detection pulse signal, and the calculated vehicle The sensing information is transmitted to the sensor interface 12 of the traffic signal controller 100.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an intersection where signal lamps 201 and 202 controlled by the traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment are installed. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of inflow paths R1, R2, R3, and R4 flow into the intersection. The inflow paths R2 and R4 are inflow paths facing each other, and the signal lamp 201 is provided for the inflow paths R2 and R4. The inflow paths R1 and R3 are inflow paths facing each other, and the inflow paths R1 and R3 In contrast, a signal lamp 202 is provided. For convenience, the inflow path R3 is called up and the inflow path R1 is called down. In addition, the shape of the intersection is not limited to the example of FIG. 2, and may be a three-way road, a five-way road, or the like. Note that FIG. 2 is an example of left-hand traffic, and in the case of right-hand traffic, the lane is reversed left and right.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the color of the signal lamp. G indicates a blue light color, Y indicates a yellow light color, and R indicates a red light color. Further, a leftward arrow indicates a left turn blue, an upward arrow indicates a straight blue, and a right arrow indicates a right turn blue. There are no left-turned arrow lamps at intersections where left turn is always permitted.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the installation position of the vehicle detector 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the vehicle detector 20 can be installed at a required position on the upstream side of the inflow paths R1 to R4 flowing into the intersection (for example, a point where the distance from the intersection is L). The distance L can be set to, for example, about 40 m to 50 m, but is not limited thereto. Moreover, the vehicle detector 20 does not need to be installed in all the inflow paths R1-R4, and may be installed only in a required inflow path. Further, in the case where an image type vehicle sensor is used instead of the ultrasonic type vehicle sensor 20, it is sufficient if it can capture a range where the distance from the intersection is L.

  The sensor interface 12 acquires vehicle detection information and the like from the vehicle sensor 20. That is, the sensor interface 12 has a function as an acquisition unit that acquires the traffic volume on the inflow paths R1 to R4 at the intersections.

The communication interface 11 receives operation command information transmitted from a server (not shown). The communication interface 11 has a function as a reception unit, and receives a switching instruction transmitted from a portable information processing device (not shown). The switching instruction is an instruction for switching to a selection display described later.

  The timer circuit 13 is driven based on a clock signal (not shown), counts a unit time (for example, 1 second) of a signal lamp color step (also called a step) according to the setting, and outputs a unit time signal (for example, a cycle of 1 second). Clock) is output to the step counter 14.

  Based on the operation command information transmitted from a server (not shown), the CPU 10 sends a step command, which is a lamp color switching timing signal of the signal lamps 201 and 202, to the step counter 14. The step command is, for example, a command to advance the signal display to the next signal display (advance the step to the next step).

  Further, the CPU 10 sends a switching signal for switching the display to the step counter 14 based on the traffic volume acquired by the sensor interface 12.

  Further, the CPU 10 sends a switching signal for switching the current display to the step counter 14 based on a switching instruction transmitted from a portable information processing apparatus (not shown) or a switching instruction received by the operation unit 17.

  The step counter 14 sequentially specifies the steps of the signal lamps 201 and 202 based on the step command sent from the CPU 10. Specifically, the step counter 14 measures a step based on a step command sent from the CPU 10 and generates a step signal. The step counter 14 outputs the generated step signal to the display memory reading circuit 16. Note that counting a step means sequentially stepping to the next step while pointing to the current step.

  Further, the step counter 14 generates a current switching step signal for switching the current display based on the switching signal sent from the CPU 10, and outputs the generated current switching step signal to the current memory reading circuit 16. .

  The display memory 15 stores a plurality of displays whose display order is determined in advance. The display stored in the display memory 15 is used for normal traffic control. In the embodiment, the present indication means a flow chart indicating a flow path to which a right of traffic at an intersection is given by a green light or signal information related to the flow chart.

  The display memory reading circuit 16 reads the signal information related to the display stored in the display memory 15 based on the step signal output from the step counter 14, and based on the read signal information, each signal lamp 201, The lamp color is output to 202.

  Further, the display memory reading circuit 16 selects and switches one display from a plurality of displays stored in the display memory 15 based on the display switching step signal output from the step counter 14.

  The operation unit 17 has a function as a reception unit that receives a switching instruction for switching the display.

  Next, operation | movement of the traffic signal controller 100 of this Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the state of the current switching. The traffic signal controller 100 performs signal control as shown in FIG. 5, for example, based on the current display (signal information related to the current display) stored in the current display memory 15. That is, after the display 1 is displayed, the display 1 is switched from the display 1 to the display 2 and the display 2 is displayed. The indication 2 is referred to as a variable indication for convenience. The variable indication can be any indication among a plurality of indications displayed in order in one signal cycle, and a plurality of selection indications (in the example of FIG. -2, 3-3) is a display which can be switched by selecting one selected display selectively (that is, having a function of changing the display). Further, the selected display means a selected display.

  The traffic signal controller 100 is set to switch and display the display in a predetermined order. For example, when the display 3-1 is selected in the example of FIG. 5, the traffic signal control is performed. The machine 100 displays the current display 1, the current display 2, the current display 3-1, and the current display 3-3 in this order. After displaying the current display 3-3, the display 100 returns to the current display 1 and displays the same. repeat. When the current indication 3-2 is selected, the traffic signal controller 100 displays the current indication 1, the current indication 2, the current indication 3-2, and the current indication 3-3 in this order. After 3 is displayed, the display returns to the current display 1 again and the same display is repeated. In addition, when the indication 3-3 is selected, the traffic signal controller 100 displays the indication 1, the indication 2, and the indication 3-3 in this order, and after displaying the indication 3-3. Then, returning to the current display 1 again, the same display is repeated.

  The present indication 1 is a present indication in which the right to pass in the straight, left and right turn directions is given to the inflow paths R2 and R4 at the intersection illustrated in FIG. The present indication 2 is a present indication in which right passage, right turn and right turn directions are given to the inflow paths R1 and R3. The present indication 3-1 is a present indication that grants the right of passage in the straight, left-turn, and right-turn directions to the inflow route R1, and the right that does not grant the right of passage to the inflow route R3. The present indication 3-2 is a present indication that grants the right of passage in the straight direction, the left turn, and the right turn direction to the inflow route R3, and the right that does not grant the right of passage to the inflow route R1. Present 3-3 is a present that grants the right of passage only in the right turn direction to the inflow paths R1 and R3.

  In the example of FIG. 5, the current display 2 is a variable display. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the current display 1 may be a variable display. In this case, a selection display (not shown) that grants the right of passage to the inflow channels R2 and R4 may be used.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of current switching by the traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment. In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 6, while the current indication 2 (variable indication) is displayed, for example, a police officer looks at the traffic situation on the road and the traffic volume of the inflow path R1 is relatively large. By determining that traffic on the road R3 is very small and that vehicles traveling on the inflow path R1 can go straight by turning off the traffic on the inflow path R3, and performing the switching operation, The case where selection display 3-1 is selected is shown. That is, switching from the current display 2 to the current display 3-1 is performed by manual switching.

  The CPU 10 has a function as a determination unit, and determines whether or not a predetermined first condition is satisfied during display of the selected display (display 3-1 in the example of FIG. 6) switched by the switching instruction. judge.

  Further, when the CPU 10 has a function as a control unit and determines that the first condition is satisfied, the CPU 10 controls the display of the currently selected display to be stopped. That is, by discontinuing the display of the selected display being displayed, the display is switched to the display (display 3-3 in the example of FIG. 6) displayed next to the selected display.

  That is, switching from the current display 3-1 to the current display 3-3 is performed by automatic switching if the predetermined first condition is satisfied. In FIG. 6, the switching from the current display 3-1 to the current display 3-3 is described as automatic switching, but the switching from the current display 3-1 to the current display 3-3 is performed manually. This is not excluded. With the above-described configuration, traffic signal control configured to manually switch from the variable display (present 2 in the example of FIG. 6) to the selected display (present 3-1 in the example of FIG. 6). In the machine 100, even if the manual switching of the display switching is not performed after switching to the selected display once, when the predetermined first condition is satisfied, the next display (in the example of FIG. It automatically switches to 3-3). As a result, the selection display continues to be displayed, thereby preventing the situation where a green signal is continuously displayed wastefully even when there is no vehicle passing through the flow path to which the right to pass is given. Traffic control can be realized.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of the presenting switching by the traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment. In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7, while the current indication 2 (variable indication) is being displayed, for example, a police officer looks at the traffic situation on the road and the traffic volume of the inflow path R3 is relatively large. By determining that traffic on the road R1 is extremely small and that vehicles traveling on the inflow path R3 can go straight by turning off the traffic on the inflow path R1, and performing a changeover operation, The case where selection display 3-2 is selected is shown. That is, switching from the current display 2 to the current display 3-2 is performed by manual switching.

  The CPU 10 determines whether or not a predetermined first condition is satisfied during display of the selected display (display 3-2 in the example of FIG. 7) switched by the switching instruction. Further, when it is determined that the first condition is satisfied, the CPU 10 performs control so as to cancel the display of the selected display being displayed. That is, by discontinuing the display of the selected display being displayed, the display is switched to the display displayed next to the selected display (present 3-3 in the example of FIG. 7).

  That is, switching from the current display 3-1 to the current display 3-2 is performed by automatic switching if the predetermined first condition is satisfied. In FIG. 7, the switching from the current display 3-2 to the current display 3-3 is described as automatic switching, but the switching from the current display 3-2 to the current display 3-3 is performed manually. This is not excluded. With the above-described configuration, traffic signal control configured to manually switch from the variable display (present 2 in the example of FIG. 7) to the selected display (present 3-2 in the example of FIG. 7). In the machine 100, even if the manual operation for switching the display is not performed after switching to the selected display, if the predetermined first condition is satisfied, the next display (in the example of FIG. It automatically switches to 3-3). As a result, the selection display continues to be displayed, thereby preventing the situation where a green signal is continuously displayed wastefully even when there is no vehicle passing through the flow path to which the right to pass is given. Traffic control can be realized.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a third example of current switching by the traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment. In the third embodiment shown in FIG. 8, while displaying the current indication 2 (variable indication), for example, police officers often turn right on the inflow paths R1 and R3 while watching the traffic situation on the road. In addition, a case where it is determined that the right turn car of the inflow paths R1 and R3 can be run by temporarily stopping the left turn car and the selection display 3-3 is selected by performing the display switching operation is shown. That is, switching from the current display 2 to the current display 3-3 is performed by manual switching.

  The CPU 10 determines whether or not a predetermined first condition is satisfied during display of the selected display (display 3-3 in the example of FIG. 8) switched by the switching instruction. Further, when it is determined that the first condition is satisfied, the CPU 10 performs control so as to cancel the display of the selected display being displayed. That is, by discontinuing the display of the selected display being displayed, the display is switched to the display (display 1 in the example of FIG. 8) displayed next to the selected display.

  In other words, switching from the current display 3-3 to the current display 1 is performed by automatic switching if the predetermined first condition is satisfied. In FIG. 8, the switching from the current display 3-3 to the current display 1 is described as automatic switching, but it is excluded that the switching from the current display 3-3 to the current display 1 is performed by manual switching. It is not a thing. With the above-described configuration, traffic signal control configured to manually switch from the variable display (present 2 in the example of FIG. 8) to the selected display (present 3-3 in the example of FIG. 8). In the machine 100, even if the manual operation for switching the display is not performed after switching to the selected display, if the predetermined first condition is satisfied, the next display (in the example of FIG. Switch to display 1) automatically. As a result, the selection display continues to be displayed, thereby preventing the situation where a green signal is continuously displayed wastefully even when there is no vehicle passing through the flow path to which the right to pass is given. Traffic control can be realized.

  Next, automatic switching from the selected display to the next display will be described. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of automatic switching from the selected display to the next display by the traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, when the display time of the selected display exceeds the maximum display seconds, automatic switching is performed.

  That is, the CPU 10 determines that the first condition is satisfied when the display time of the selected display being displayed exceeds a predetermined upper limit display time. The upper limit display time can be, for example, the maximum number of seconds for displaying a green signal (also referred to as the maximum display time). As a result, even if manual switching of display has not been performed after switching to the selected display, after displaying the maximum number of display seconds, the display automatically switches to the next display. It is possible to prevent the situation that continues.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 9, when there is a gap sensitivity within the gap sensitivity time during the gap sensitivity control, automatic switching is performed.

  That is, when the gap sensitive control is performed, the CPU 10 determines that the first condition is satisfied when the traffic volume acquired within the gap sensitive time becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. Gap Sensitivity is a sensitivity to extend or shorten the green light time to meet traffic demand by detecting the unit extension time every time a vehicle is detected and detecting the vehicle gap (inter-vehicle time) upon completion of the time measurement. It is a method. The gap sensitive time is obtained by giving a predetermined width to the green light time. For example, if the standard display time of the green light is 15 seconds, the gap sensitive time is 15 ± 5 seconds, that is, 10 seconds to 20 seconds. However, it is not limited to this. The case where the traffic volume is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold means, for example, a case where there is no traffic and the gap is sensed.

  When the gap is sensed, that is, when it is detected that there is no vehicle traffic, even if the green signal is cut off, the vehicle traffic is not hindered, and it is possible to prevent the situation where a wasteful green signal is continuously displayed. it can.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 9, when the display time of the selected display has not passed the minimum guaranteed number of seconds, automatic switching is not performed.

  That is, the CPU 10 determines that the first condition is not satisfied when the display time of the selected display being displayed has not exceeded the predetermined guaranteed display time. The guaranteed display time (also referred to as the shortest display seconds or guaranteed display seconds) is a lower limit value of the display seconds indicating the allowable range when the display seconds are shortened by, for example, sensitive control, etc. Is the minimum display time. As a result, the selected display is displayed during the guaranteed display time, so traffic safety can be ensured.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, when the display time of the selected display has passed the minimum guaranteed number of seconds, when an instruction to switch to the next display is received, automatic switching is performed. In other words, automatic switching is not performed even if an instruction to switch to the next display is accepted when the display time of the selected display has not reached the minimum guaranteed number of seconds.

  That is, when the CPU 10 receives a switching instruction to switch to another display while displaying the selected display, the CPU 10 determines whether or not a predetermined second condition is satisfied. When the CPU 10 determines that the second condition is satisfied, the CPU 10 performs control so as to cancel the display of the selected display being displayed. When a manual operation for switching the display is accepted while the selected display is displayed, a situation that does not cause any inconvenience even if the display is switched is specified by the second condition. Traffic safety can be ensured by preventing a situation where the green light time of the vehicle becomes too short.

  More specifically, the CPU 10 determines that the second condition is satisfied when the display time of the selected display being displayed has exceeded a predetermined guaranteed display time. The guaranteed display time (also referred to as the shortest display seconds or guaranteed display seconds) is a lower limit value of the display seconds indicating the allowable range when the display seconds are shortened by, for example, sensitive control, etc. Is the minimum display time. As a result, even when a manual operation for switching the display is received while the selected display is displayed, the selected display is displayed during the guaranteed display time, so traffic safety can be ensured.

  Next, display switching based on manual operation will be described. The manual operation may be received by the operation unit 17 or may be received by a portable information processing device (not shown). Hereinafter, operations on the portable information processing apparatus will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a current operation screen on the portable information processing apparatus. As shown in FIG. 10, on the display operation screen of the portable information processing apparatus, a plurality of displays whose display order is determined in advance are displayed in the “display display order” position according to the display order. Further, the current display currently being displayed is displayed in a display mode different from the other current display (in the example of FIG. 10, a pattern is given for convenience). In the “selectable display” section, a selection display that can be switched from the currently displayed display is displayed.

  In the display operation screen shown in FIG. 10, when a person who performs manual operation selects a selectable display and operates the selection button, the portable information processing apparatus displays the information along with the selected selection display. A switching instruction for display switching is transmitted to the traffic signal controller 100.

  When switching from variable display to selection display, one selection display may be selected and switched from a plurality of selection displays, or simply by operating a changeover switch or switch button. The display may be switched to a preset selection display.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment. In the following description, the processing subject is referred to as CPU 10 for convenience. The CPU 10 displays the variable display (S11), and determines whether or not there is a display switching instruction (S12). When there is no indication switching instruction (NO in S12), the CPU 10 continues the process of step S12.

  When there is a display switching instruction (YES in S12), the CPU 10 displays the selected display (S13), and determines whether or not there is a display switching instruction (S14). If there is no indication switching instruction (NO in S14), it is determined whether or not gap sensitive control is set (S15), and if gap sensitive control is set (YES in S15), that is, when gap sensitive control is performed, The CPU 10 determines whether or not there is a gap sensitivity within the gap sensitivity time (S16).

  If there is a gap sensitivity within the gap sensitivity time (YES in S16), the CPU 10 cancels the selected display being displayed, displays the next display (S17), and ends the process. If there is no gap sensitive control setting (NO in S15), or if there is no gap sensitive within the gap sensitive time (NO in S16), the CPU 10 determines whether the display time of the selected display has exceeded the maximum number of display seconds. Is determined (S18).

  When the display time of the selected display has not exceeded the maximum number of display seconds (NO in S18), the CPU 10 continues the processing after step S14. If the display time of the selected display has exceeded the maximum number of display seconds (YES in S18), the CPU 10 performs the process of step S17.

  If there is an indication switching instruction in step S14 (YES in S14), the CPU 10 determines whether or not the display time of the selected indication exceeds the minimum guaranteed number of seconds (S19), and displays the selected indication. If the time does not exceed the minimum guaranteed number of seconds (NO in S19), the process of step S15 is performed. If the display time of the selected display exceeds the minimum guaranteed number of seconds (YES in S19), the process of step S17 I do.

  The traffic signal control by the traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment can also be realized using a general-purpose computer including a CPU, a RAM, and the like. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, a computer program defining each processing procedure is recorded on a computer program recording medium such as a CD, DVD, USB memory, etc., and the computer program is loaded into a RAM provided in the computer. By executing the computer program on the CPU, the traffic signal control by the traffic signal controller 100 can be realized on the computer.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, for example, in the case of a traffic signal controller that is set to sequentially switch the display by manual operation, the variable display is switched to the selected display by manual operation. Later, even if a manual operation for switching the currently displayed display to the next display is not mistakenly performed, if the predetermined condition is met, the display is automatically switched to the next display. It is possible to prevent the situation where the continuous blue time is continuously displayed and to realize the optimum traffic control.

  The disclosed embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

10 CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Communication interface 12 Sensor interface 13 Timer circuit 14 Step counter 15 Present memory 16 Present memory reading circuit 17 Operation part 20 Vehicle detector 100 Traffic signal controller 201, 202 Signal lamp

Claims (8)

A traffic signal controller that switches from a current indication indicating a flow path to which a right of traffic at an intersection is granted with a green light to a required selection indication,
A reception unit that receives a switching instruction to switch from a variable display that can be selectively switched to a plurality of selection displays to one of the plurality of selection displays;
A determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined first condition is satisfied during display of the selection display switched by the switching instruction received by the reception unit;
A traffic signal controller comprising: a control unit that controls to stop displaying the selected display being displayed when the determination unit determines that the first condition is satisfied. An acquisition unit for acquiring traffic on the inflow path of the intersection;
The determination unit
In the case where gap sensitive control is performed, it is determined that the first condition is satisfied when the traffic volume acquired by the acquisition unit within a gap sensitive time is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. The traffic signal controller described. The determination unit
The traffic signal controller according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the display time of the selected display during display exceeds a predetermined upper limit display time, it is determined that the first condition is satisfied. The reception unit
While displaying the selected display, a switching instruction to switch to another display is received,
The determination unit
When receiving a switching instruction to switch to the other display in the reception unit, it is determined whether or not a predetermined second condition is satisfied,
The traffic according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the determination unit determines that the second condition is satisfied, control is performed so as to cancel the display of the selected display being displayed. Signal control machine. The determination unit
The traffic signal controller according to claim 4, wherein when the display time of the selected display being displayed has exceeded a predetermined guaranteed display time, it is determined that the second condition is satisfied. The determination unit
4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein when the display time of the selected display during display does not pass a predetermined guaranteed display time, it is determined that the first condition is not satisfied. 5. Traffic signal controller as described in. A computer program for causing a computer to switch from a display indicating a flow path to which a right of traffic at an intersection is given by a green light to a required selection display,
Computer
Receiving means for receiving a switching instruction to switch from a variable display capable of selectively switching to a plurality of the selected displays to one of the plurality of selected displays;
Determining means for determining whether or not a predetermined first condition is satisfied during display of the selected display switched by the received switching instruction;
When it is determined that the first condition is satisfied, a computer program that functions as a control unit that controls to stop displaying the selected display being displayed. A traffic signal control method by a traffic signal controller that switches from a current indication indicating a flow path to which a right of traffic at an intersection is given by a green light to a required selection indication,
A step of receiving a switching instruction to switch from a variable display that can be selectively switched to a plurality of the selected displays to one selected display of the plurality of selected displays;
A step of determining by the determining unit whether or not a predetermined first condition is satisfied during display of the selection display switched by the received switching instruction;
And a control unit that controls the control unit to stop displaying the selected display being displayed when it is determined that the first condition is satisfied.

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