JP2017182750A - Diagnosis device, vehicle detector, diagnosis method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a diagnosis device that can more quickly detect abnormality of an operation of a vehicle detector when abnormality occurs in the operation thereof.SOLUTION: A diagnosis device 12, which is the diagnosis device 12 that diagnoses presence or absence of abnormality in a vehicle detector 1 including a plurality of light projection units E juxtaposed in a height direction, and a plurality of light reception units R receiving light p projected from the light projection unit E, comprises: a light reception detection information acquisition unit 120 that acquires light reception detection information indicative of whether each of one light reception unit R associated with one light projection unit E by a position relation in a height direction at a timing when the one light projection unit E projects the light, and other light reception units R arranged adjacent in the height direction to the one light reception unit R receives the light; and an abnormality determination unit 121 that determines presence or absence of abnormality in each of the plurality of light projection units E and the plurality of light reception units R on the basis of a plurality of light reception detection information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a diagnostic device, a vehicle detector, a diagnostic method, and a program.

Some toll collection facilities provided at highway tollgates are equipped with vehicle detectors for detecting the entry and passage (exit) of vehicles traveling in the lane one by one.
A vehicle detector is comprised by the several pair of the light projection part and light-receiving part which were installed so that it might oppose on both sides of a lane, for example. In this case, each of the plurality of light projecting units projects light, and the plurality of light receiving units respectively associated with the light projecting units receive the light. According to such a vehicle detector, when a vehicle traveling in the lane exists between the pair of the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit, the light projected from the light projecting unit to the light receiving unit is shielded by the vehicle body. The specific light receiving unit does not receive the light. With such a mechanism, the vehicle detector can detect entry and passage of the vehicle one by one based on the presence or absence of light reception in the light receiving unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The vehicle detector as described above is misidentified that the vehicle is always present on the lane when either the pair of light projecting part or light receiving part is shielded by foreign matter such as a piece of paper or dead leaves. Can do. In this case, for example, the vehicle detector may mistakenly recognize a plurality of vehicles that have entered the same lane as “one vehicle” and cause malfunction of the toll collection facility.
Therefore, when the light connecting the pair of light projecting units and the light receiving unit is blocked by a foreign object, this is detected, and the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit in which an abnormality has occurred (shielded by the foreign object) are detected. A vehicle detector has been proposed that separates and continues normal detection operation.

Examples of the means for detecting that the light connecting the pair of light projecting units and the light receiving unit is blocked by the foreign matter include the following.
The control device that controls the vehicle detector acquires a tread detection signal from a tread provided at the same position as the vehicle detector on the lane. According to such a configuration, the control device can detect the number of axles of the traveling vehicle based on how many times the tread detection signal from the tread is acquired during vehicle detection by the vehicle detector. it can. When the number of axles detected reaches the number of axles that cannot be a normal vehicle (e.g., 8 axles), the control device abnormally detects the light projecting unit or the light receiving unit that is detected as a “light-shielded state”. It is determined that has occurred, and the separation process is performed.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-074741

  In the case of the above-described means, the abnormality in the operation of the vehicle detector is detected at the earliest after a plurality of vehicles have passed through the toll gate lane (while being misidentified as “one vehicle”). . Therefore, it takes time to perform the separation process for the pair of the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit in which an abnormality has occurred, and for the plurality of misidentified vehicles (because it is difficult to take immediate measures) separately. Was necessary.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a diagnostic device, a vehicle detector, a diagnostic method, and a program capable of detecting the abnormality more quickly when an abnormality occurs in the operation of the vehicle detector.

One aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of light projecting units (E) arranged side by side in the height direction, and light (P) arranged side by side in the height direction and projected from the light projecting unit, or A diagnostic device (12) for diagnosing the presence or absence of abnormality in a vehicle detector (1) comprising a plurality of light receiving parts (R) capable of receiving reflected light (Q) of the projected light, One light reception associated with the one light projecting unit in the height direction among the plurality of light receiving units at a timing when one light projecting unit (E) of the light projecting unit projects light. Light reception detection information (t) indicating whether or not each of the light receiving part (R) and the other light receiving part (R) arranged adjacent to the one light receiving part in the height direction is received. Receiving light detection information acquisition unit (120) and a plurality of the light reception detection information acquired for each of the plurality of light projecting units. Based on a diagnostic apparatus comprising abnormality determining unit for determining the presence or absence of an abnormality in each of the plurality of the light projecting unit and a plurality of the light receiving portion (121), the.
In this way, when determining the presence or absence of abnormality with respect to one optical axis (a pair of one light projecting unit and one light receiving unit), the presence or absence of light reception with respect to another optical axis is referred to. be able to. Therefore, the presence or absence of abnormality can be determined with reference to the combination of the presence or absence of light reception with respect to another optical axis.
Therefore, according to the above-described aspect, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of abnormality without waiting for the passage of a plurality of vehicles when a plurality of light reception detection information is acquired. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the operation of the vehicle detector, the abnormality can be detected more quickly.

Moreover, according to one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described diagnostic apparatus, the abnormality determination unit is a timing at which the first light projecting unit (E) that is one of the plurality of light projecting units projects. Among the plurality of light receiving parts, the first light receiving part (R) associated with the first light projecting part in the height direction, and the first light receiving part and the vertical direction in the height direction. The second light receiving unit (R) and the third light receiving unit (R) arranged adjacent to each other do not receive light, and among the plurality of light projecting units, the height of the second light receiving unit is the same as that of the second light receiving unit. Each of the second light projecting unit (E) associated with the position in the direction and the third light projecting unit (E) associated with the third light receiving unit in the height direction project light. When the first light receiving unit receives light at both timings, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the first light projecting unit.
By doing so, it is possible to identify that an abnormality has occurred in the light projecting unit according to the pattern of presence or absence of light reception that can occur particularly when an abnormality has occurred in one light projecting unit.

Moreover, according to one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described diagnostic apparatus, the abnormality determination unit is a timing at which the first light projecting unit (E) that is one of the plurality of light projecting units projects. Then, among the plurality of light receiving units, the first light receiving unit (R) associated with the first light projecting unit in the positional relationship in the height direction does not receive light, and among the plurality of light receiving units The second light receiving unit (R) and the third light receiving unit (R) disposed adjacent to the first light receiving unit in the vertical direction in the height direction receive light, and among the plurality of light projecting units A second light projecting unit (E) associated with the second light receiving unit at a position in the height direction, and a third light projecting unit associated with the third light receiving unit at a position in the height direction. When the first light receiving unit does not receive light at both timings at which each of the parts (E) emits light, an abnormality has occurred in the first light receiving unit. Judges.
By doing in this way, it can be identified that an abnormality has occurred in the light receiving unit according to the pattern of the presence or absence of light reception that may occur particularly when an abnormality has occurred in one light receiving unit.

Further, one aspect of the present invention is based on the diagnosis apparatus described above, a plurality of the light projecting units, a plurality of the light receiving units, and information indicating the presence or absence of light reception in each of the plurality of light receiving units, The vehicle determination unit (111) that determines whether or not a vehicle is present at a predetermined position on the lane, and the light projecting unit that is determined to be abnormal by the diagnostic device are associated with each other in a positional relationship in the height direction. Information indicating that the light receiving unit is not receiving light and information indicating that the light receiving unit determined to be abnormal by the diagnostic device is not receiving light are present at a predetermined position on the lane. A separation processing unit (112) that is excluded from information that is a basis for determining whether or not to perform a vehicle detector.
By doing so, since the optical axis determined to be abnormal is automatically disconnected, the regular vehicle detection process can be continued using the remaining optical axes.

Moreover, according to one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described vehicle detector, the abnormality determination unit has a predetermined number of light receiving units that have not received light as a result of projecting each of the plurality of light projecting units. After the determination threshold value is exceeded, the presence / absence of the abnormality is determined when the number of the light receiving units that have not received light falls below the determination threshold value as a result of the light projecting by each of the plurality of light projecting units. .
By doing in this way, a diagnostic device performs a diagnostic process at the timing when the vehicle passed the lane. Therefore, the diagnostic device does not have to perform the diagnostic process all the time, and the processing load can be reduced.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of light projecting units arranged side by side in the height direction, and light arranged from the light projecting unit, arranged side by side in the height direction, or the light projected A diagnostic method for diagnosing the presence or absence of an abnormality in a vehicle detector comprising a plurality of light receiving units capable of receiving reflected light of light, wherein one of the plurality of light projecting units projects light At a timing, among the plurality of light receiving units, one light receiving unit associated with the one light projecting unit in a positional relationship in the height direction is disposed adjacent to the one light receiving unit in the height direction. A step of acquiring light reception detection information indicating presence / absence of light reception in each of the other light receiving units, and a plurality of the light reception detection information acquired for each timing at which each of the plurality of light projecting units emits light The presence or absence of abnormality in each of the plurality of light projecting units and the plurality of light receiving units Determining a diagnostic method with.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of light projecting units arranged side by side in the height direction, and light arranged from the light projecting unit, arranged side by side in the height direction, or the light projected One of the plurality of light projecting units projects a computer of a diagnostic device that diagnoses the presence or absence of an abnormality in a vehicle detector including a plurality of light receiving units capable of receiving reflected light. At a timing, among the plurality of light receiving units, one light receiving unit associated with the one light projecting unit in a positional relationship in the height direction is disposed adjacent to the one light receiving unit in the height direction. A plurality of light receiving detection information acquired for each timing at which each of the plurality of light projecting units emits light. Each of the plurality of light projecting units and the plurality of light receiving units It is abnormal judgment means, a program to function as determining the presence or absence of abnormality definitive.

  According to the above-described diagnostic device, vehicle detector, diagnostic method, and program, when an abnormality occurs in the operation of the vehicle detector, the abnormality can be detected more quickly.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the vehicle detector which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the function structure of the vehicle detector which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the processing flow of the vehicle detector which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the light projection part and light reception part which concern on 1st Embodiment. It is a 1st figure explaining the function of the light reception detection information acquisition part which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a 2nd figure explaining the function of the light reception detection information acquisition part which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a 1st figure explaining the function of the abnormality determination part which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a 2nd figure explaining the function of the abnormality determination part which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a 3rd figure explaining the function of the abnormality determination part which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a 4th figure explaining the function of the abnormality determination part which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a 5th figure explaining the function of the abnormality judging part concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a 6th figure explaining the function of the abnormality judging part concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a 7th figure explaining the function of the abnormality judging part concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a figure explaining the function of the light reception detection information acquisition part which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a 1st figure explaining the function of the abnormality determination part which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a 2nd figure explaining the function of the abnormality determination part which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the light projection part and light reception part which concern on 2nd Embodiment. It is a 1st figure explaining the function of the abnormality determination part which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a 2nd figure explaining the function of the abnormality determination part which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, the vehicle detector according to the first embodiment and its modifications will be described with reference to FIGS.

(overall structure)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a vehicle detector according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle detector 1 is installed in a lane L provided in a toll booth on an expressway, and detects the entry and passage of a vehicle A traveling in the lane L. The vehicle detector 1 according to the present embodiment is one of the configurations of an electronic fee collection system (ETC: Electronic Toll Collection System (registered trademark), also referred to as “automatic fee collection system”), for example. is there. In this case, the lane L may be provided with various components (roadside antenna, open / close bar, etc.) that constitute the electronic toll collection system, but illustration and description of these components are omitted.

The vehicle detector 1 includes a light projecting tower 100, a light receiving tower 101, and a control device 11.
The light projecting tower 100 and the light receiving tower 101 are installed at the same predetermined position in the lane direction (± X direction) of the lane L and on both sides (islands) thereof so as to sandwich the lane L therebetween. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the light projecting tower 100 is installed on the side of the lane L on the −Y direction side, and the light receiving tower 101 is installed on the side of the lane L on the + Y direction side. The light projecting tower 100 and the light receiving tower 101 are each formed in a rectangular shape extending in the height direction (± Z direction), and have surfaces facing each other across the lane L.

The light projecting tower 100 has a plurality of light projecting parts E that project light P (for example, infrared light) having a predetermined wavelength toward the light receiving tower 101. The light projecting unit E is, for example, a light emitting diode (LED) element having a predetermined directivity (degree of light spreading from the light source). A plurality of light projecting sections E are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval in the height direction on the surface of the light projecting tower 100 facing the light receiving tower 101.
As will be described later, each light projecting unit E performs light projection one by one in accordance with a predetermined light projecting control signal (described later) input from the control device 11 while shifting the timing.

The light receiving tower 101 has a plurality of light receiving portions R capable of receiving the light P projected from the light projecting portion E. The light receiving unit R is a light receiving sensor that can output a light receiving detection signal corresponding to whether or not the light P is received. The light reception detection signal output from the light receiving unit R is input to a light reception detection information acquisition unit 120 described later, and is used to determine whether or not the light receiving unit R has received light. On the surface of the light receiving tower 101 that faces the light projecting tower 100, a plurality of light receiving sections R are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval in the height direction. Here, each of the light receiving parts R is provided at the same height as each of the plurality of light projecting parts E arranged in the light projecting tower 100.
As will be described later, each light receiving unit R detects the presence or absence of light reception in accordance with a predetermined light receiving control signal (described later) input from the control device 11 in accordance with the timing at which each light projecting unit E projects light. To do.

  The light projecting units E and the light receiving units R are arranged in the height direction at intervals of, for example, about 15 mm to 30 mm in the light projecting tower 100 and the light receiving tower 101. In addition, the arrangement | positioning space | interval of each light projection part E or each light-receiving part R does not necessarily need to be equal intervals. As described above, in the present embodiment, each of the light projecting portions E has a pair of light receiving portions R arranged at the same height.

  The control device 11 controls the vehicle detection operation of the vehicle detector 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the control device 11 is installed on the side of the lane L. The control device 11 may be, for example, a “lane server” that controls the entire toll collection process by the electronic toll collection system.

(Functional configuration)
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the vehicle detector according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 11 includes a light projection / reception processing unit 110, a vehicle determination unit 111, a separation processing unit 112, and a diagnostic device 12.

The light projection / reception processing unit 110 controls light projection processing by the light projection unit E and light reception processing by the light reception unit R. Specifically, the light projection and reception processing unit 110 outputs a light projection control signal to each light projecting unit E, and projects light P from each light projecting unit E at a desired timing.
Further, the light projection / reception processing unit 110 outputs a light reception control signal to each light receiving unit R, and whether or not light is received by the light P projected from each light projecting unit E at a timing according to the timing of the light projection. Is detected.

The vehicle determination unit 111 determines whether the vehicle A exists at a predetermined position on the lane L (between the light projection tower 100 and the light receiving tower 101) based on information indicating the presence or absence of light reception in each of the plurality of light receiving parts R. It is determined whether or not (see FIG. 1). Specifically, the vehicle determination unit 111 determines that the number of light receiving units R that did not receive the projected light P as “detection light” as a result of projecting each of the plurality of light projecting units E is a predetermined determination. When the threshold value (for example, “10”) or more is reached, it is determined that the vehicle A exists at a predetermined position on the lane L.
Here, “detection light” refers to one light reception associated with the light projecting unit E in the positional relationship in the height direction when one light projecting unit E projects light P at a certain timing. It refers to the light P received by the part R. In the present embodiment, “one light receiving portion R associated with one light projecting portion E in the positional relationship in the height direction” is disposed at the same (corresponding) height as that of the one light projecting portion E. It is the one light-receiving part R made.
In the following description, a pair of one light projecting unit E and one light receiving unit R that receives the light P projected from the one light projecting unit E as “detection light” (that is, the same) A pair of one light projecting unit E and one light receiving unit R positioned at a height) is also referred to as an “optical axis”.
That is, the vehicle determination unit 111 determines that the vehicle A exists at a predetermined position on the lane L when the number of optical axes that are blocked by the light P is equal to or greater than the determination threshold (10 optical axes).

The separation processing unit 112 performs a “separation process” on the optical axis (a pair of the light projecting unit E and the light receiving unit R) diagnosed as having an abnormality by the diagnostic device 12 described later. Here, the “separation process” refers to information (presence / absence of light reception) acquired from the optical axis determined to have the abnormality in the vehicle determination process by the vehicle determination unit 111 as a predetermined position on the lane L. Is not included as information based on whether or not the vehicle A exists.
That is, in the separation processing unit 112, one light receiving unit R disposed at the same height as the one light projecting unit E determined to have an abnormality by the diagnostic device 12 is not receiving light (the one light receiving unit). Information indicating that a light reception detection signal is not received from R) and information indicating that one light receiving unit determined to be abnormal by the diagnostic device 12 is not receiving light at a predetermined position on the lane L. It excludes from the information used as the basis of determination of whether the vehicle A exists.
As a result, the optical axis that is the target of the separation process is treated as if it does not exist in the vehicle detection process thereafter. That is, the vehicle determination unit 111 determines whether or not the vehicle A exists at a predetermined position on the lane L based only on the presence or absence of light reception in each of the light receiving units R that have not been separated.
Note that the separation processing unit 112 according to another embodiment may stop the light projecting process in the light projecting unit E targeted for separation and the light receiving process itself in the light receiving unit R targeted for separation. . Specifically, for example, the separation processing unit 112 notifies the light projecting / receiving process unit 110 of the light projecting unit E and the light receiving unit R to be separated. Then, the light projecting / receiving processing unit 110 that has received the notification may not perform the light projecting process and the light receiving process through the notified light projecting unit E and the light receiving unit R.

The diagnostic device 12 diagnoses the presence or absence of an abnormality in the vehicle detector 1.
As shown in FIG. 2, the diagnostic device 12 includes a light reception detection information acquisition unit 120 and an abnormality determination unit 121.

  The light reception detection information acquisition unit 120 acquires the light reception detection information t for each light reception timing by the light reception unit R based on the light reception detection signal from the light reception unit R. “Light reception detection information t” is a timing at which one light projecting unit E among the plurality of light projecting units E projects light, and at least the same one light projecting unit E among the plurality of light receiving units R. Information indicating whether or not each of the one light receiving portion R arranged at a height and the other light receiving portion R arranged adjacent to the one light receiving portion R in the height direction has received light. is there.

  The abnormality determination unit 121 determines the presence / absence of abnormality in each of the plurality of light projecting units E and the plurality of light receiving units R based on the light reception detection pattern information T. The “light reception detection pattern information T” is information obtained by combining a plurality of light reception detection information t acquired for each timing at which each of the plurality of light projecting units E projects light.

(Processing flow)
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of the vehicle detector according to the first embodiment.
The processing flow shown in FIG. 3 is repeatedly executed while the vehicle detector 1 is in operation.

The light projection / reception processing unit 110 performs light projection processing and light reception processing through the plurality of light projection units E and the plurality of light reception units R (step S01).
Specifically, the light projecting / receiving unit 110 outputs a light projecting control signal to each of the plurality of light projecting units E, and sequentially outputs light P (for example, in order from the top). 1 and FIG. 2) are projected. Each light projecting unit E that has received the light projecting control signal projects light P at the timing when the light projecting control signal is received.
In addition, the light projection / reception processing unit 110 outputs a light reception control signal to each of the plurality of light reception units R in accordance with the timing of projecting each light projection unit E. Each light receiving unit R that has received the light reception control signal outputs a light reception detection signal indicating whether or not the light P has been received at the timing at which the light reception control signal is received.

The vehicle determination unit 111 performs the light projecting process on all the light projecting units E, then counts the number of the light receiving units R that have received the “detection light” among the plurality of light receiving units R, and outputs the “detection light”. It is determined whether or not the “number of light shielding optical axes”, which is the number of light receiving parts R that are not receiving light, is equal to or greater than a predetermined determination threshold (for example, “10 optical axes”) (step S02).
When the number of light-shielding optical axes is less than the determination threshold value (step S02: NO), the vehicle determination unit 111 sets the vehicle A at a predetermined position on the lane L (between the light projecting tower 100 and the light receiving tower 101). It determines with it not existing, and repeats the process of step S01.
On the other hand, when the number of light-shielding optical axes is equal to or greater than the determination threshold value (step S02: YES), the vehicle determination unit 111 exists in a predetermined position on the lane L (the vehicle A enters the predetermined position on the lane L). Detection information indicating that the vehicle A has entered the predetermined position on the lane L is output (step S03).
Various component devices constituting the electronic fee collection system execute fee collection processing for the vehicle A in cooperation with each other based on the detection information.

Even after detecting the approach of the vehicle A, the light projecting / receiving process unit 110 continues to perform the light projecting process and the light receiving process similar to step S01 (step S04).
The vehicle determination unit 111 performs the light projection process for all the light projecting units E after detecting the entry of the vehicle A, and then counts the number of light shielding optical axes again, and determines that the number of light shielding optical axes is defined in advance. It is determined whether it is less than a threshold value (for example, “10 optical axes” that is the same as the determination threshold value in step S02) (step S05).
When the number of light-shielding optical axes is equal to or greater than the determination threshold value (step S05: NO), the vehicle determination unit 111 continues the vehicle A on the lane L at a predetermined position (between the light projecting tower 100 and the light receiving tower 101). And the process of step S04 is repeated.

  On the other hand, when the number of light-shielding optical axes is less than the determination threshold (step S05: YES), the diagnostic device 12 performs a diagnostic process on the vehicle detector 1 (a plurality of light projecting units E and a plurality of light receiving units R). Start (step S06). The contents of the diagnostic process performed by the diagnostic device 12 will be described later.

If an abnormality is detected as a result of the diagnostic processing (step S07: YES), the separation processing unit 112 performs the above-described optical axis including the light projecting unit E or the light receiving unit R diagnosed as abnormal. The “separation process” is executed (step S08).
On the other hand, if no abnormality is detected for all the light projecting units E and all the light receiving units R as a result of the diagnostic processing (step S07: NO), the separation processing unit 112 performs the separation processing, The process proceeds to the next process (step S09).

Next, after completion of the diagnostic process (step S06), the light projecting / receiving process unit 110 performs the light projecting process and the light receiving process again (step S09), and the vehicle determining unit 111 has a light shielding optical axis number of “0”. It is determined whether or not (step S10). Here, when the separation process is performed in step S08, the vehicle determination unit 111 performs the determination process in step S10 using only the light reception detection signal by the optical axis that is not the target of the separation process. .
When the number of light blocking optical axes is “0” (that is, when all the light receiving units R receive light) (step S10: YES), the vehicle determination unit 111 determines that the vehicle A is in a predetermined position on the lane L ( It is determined that the vehicle no longer exists between the light projecting tower 100 and the light receiving tower 101, and detection information indicating that the vehicle A has passed a predetermined position on the lane L is output (step S11).
Various components constituting the electronic toll collection system can recognize that one vehicle A has passed a predetermined position on the lane L based on this detection information.

  On the other hand, when the number of light-shielding optical axes is not “0” (step S10: NO), the vehicle A has not completely passed, or the vehicle A has already passed but an abnormality has occurred in the optical axis. Therefore, the process returns to step S06 and the diagnosis process is repeated.

  As described above, the vehicle determination unit 111 causes the plurality of light projecting units E to project light when the number of light receiving units R that have not received “detection light” is equal to or greater than a predetermined determination threshold. It is determined that the vehicle A exists at a predetermined position on the lane L. Further, after determining that the vehicle A exists at a predetermined position on the lane L, the diagnostic device 12 (abnormality determination unit 121) emits “detection light” as a result of each of the plurality of light projecting units E projecting light. When the number of light receiving parts R that have not received light falls below the determination threshold, the presence or absence of abnormality in the light projecting part E and the light receiving part R is determined.

  When the vehicle A is a tow vehicle, according to the above-described processing flow, the number of light-shielding optical axes is once decreased in the connecting member for connecting the towed vehicle to be less than the determination threshold (step S05: YES), and diagnosis is performed. Processing (step S06) may be started. However, due to the presence of the towed vehicle following the connecting member, in step S10, the number of light-shielding optical axes may increase again without becoming “0”. In this case, the vehicle determination unit 111 may return to the processing of step S04 to step S05, and may not perform the diagnosis processing (step S06) until the number of light-shielding optical axes falls below the determination threshold again.

(Structure of light emitter and light receiver)
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit according to the first embodiment.
In the following description, the structures of the light projecting tower 100 and the light receiving tower 101 are simplified, and the structural features thereof will be described. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the light projecting tower 100 has five light projecting units E1, E2, E3, E4, and E5 arranged side by side in the height direction. It is assumed that five light receiving portions R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are arranged side by side in the height direction.
Further, the light projecting unit E1 and the light receiving unit R1 are provided at the same height, and the light receiving unit R1 receives the light P1 emitted by the light projecting unit E1 as “detection light”. About a pair of light projecting part E2 and light receiving part R2, a pair of light projecting part E3 and light receiving part R3, a pair of light projecting part E4 and light receiving part R4, and a pair of light projecting part E5 and light receiving part R5 Is the same.

As shown in FIG. 4, each light projecting section E has a light distribution characteristic that spreads radially from the light source with the horizontal direction (± Y direction) as an axis. Accordingly, the light projection range of the light P by each light projecting unit E has a predetermined spread in the height direction.
For example, the light projecting unit E1 includes, in addition to the light receiving unit R1 arranged at the same height, another light receiving unit R (light receiving unit R2) adjacent to the light receiving unit R1 in the height direction. It has light distribution characteristics. That is, the light receiving unit R2 can receive not only the light P2 projected by the light projecting unit E2, but also the light P12 projected by the light projecting unit E1.
In addition to the light receiving part R2 arranged at the same height, the light projecting part E2 includes two other light receiving parts R (light receiving part R1 and light receiving part R3) adjacent to the light receiving part R2 in the height direction. Has a light distribution characteristic that includes a light emitting range. That is, the light receiving unit R1 can receive not only the light P1 projected by the light projecting unit E1, but also the light P21 projected by the light projecting unit E2. Further, the light receiving unit R3 can receive not only the light P3 projected by the light projecting unit E3 but also the light P22 projected by the light projecting unit E2.
Similarly, in addition to the light receiving part R3 arranged at the same height, the light projecting part E3 includes two other light receiving parts R (the light receiving part R2 and the light receiving part R4) adjacent to the light receiving part R3 in the height direction. ) In the light projection range. That is, the light receiving unit R2 can receive light P31 emitted from the light projecting unit E3 in addition to the light P2 and the light P12. Further, the light receiving unit R4 can receive not only the light P4 projected by the light projecting unit E4 but also the light P32 projected by the light projecting unit E3.
Similarly, the light projecting unit E4 includes, in addition to the light receiving unit R4 arranged at the same height, two other light receiving units R (the light receiving unit R3 and the light receiving unit R5) adjacent to the light receiving unit R4 in the height direction. ) In the light projection range. That is, the light receiving unit R3 can receive the light P41 emitted by the light projecting unit E4 in addition to the light P3 and the light P22. Further, the light receiving unit R5 can receive not only the light P5 projected by the light projecting unit E5 but also the light P42 projected by the light projecting unit E4.
Similarly, the light projecting part E5 includes, in addition to the light receiving part R5 arranged at the same height, another light receiving part R (light receiving part R4) adjacent to the light receiving part R5 in the height direction. Light distribution characteristics. That is, in addition to the light P4 and the light P32, the light receiving unit R4 can also receive the light P51 emitted by the light projecting unit E5.

In the following description, when one light projecting unit E projects light P at a certain timing, it differs from one light receiving unit R disposed at the same height as the one light projecting unit E. The light P received by the light receiving unit R is referred to as “reference light”.
For example, at the timing when the light projecting unit E2 projects the light P, the light P2 received by the light receiving unit R2 is “detection light”, and the light P21 received by the light receiving unit R1 and the light receiving unit R3. The light P22 received at is “reference light”.

(Function of the received light detection information acquisition unit)
FIGS. 5 and 6 are a first diagram and a second diagram, respectively, for explaining the function of the received light detection information acquisition unit according to the first embodiment.
Hereinafter, the function of the received light detection information acquisition unit 120 (FIG. 2) according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 5 shows the timing at which the light projection / reception processing unit 110 (FIG. 2) outputs a light projection control signal to the light projection unit E1. As shown in FIG. 5, at this timing, only one light projecting unit E1 among the plurality of light projecting units E projects light.
Further, the light projection / reception processing unit 110 outputs the light reception control signal to all of the light reception units R1 to R5 at the same timing as the output of the light projection control signal to the light projection unit E1, and receives light at the timing. Detect presence or absence.

The light reception detection information acquisition unit 120 (FIG. 2) acquires the light reception detection information t1 at the timing when the light projection unit E1 projects light based on the light reception detection signals acquired from each of the light reception units R1 to R5.
Here, it is assumed that no obstacle exists between the light projecting tower 100 and the light receiving tower 101. In this case, at the timing shown in FIG. 5, the light receiving unit R1 receives the light P1 projected by the light projecting unit E1 as “detection light”. The light receiving unit R2 receives the light P12 projected by the light projecting unit E1 as “reference light”. The light receiving units R3 to R5 do not receive light at this timing.
Therefore, the light reception detection information acquisition unit 120 acquires the light reception detection information t1 indicating that the light reception unit R1 and the light reception unit R2 are “light reception” and the light reception units R3 to R5 are “non-light reception”.

FIG. 6 shows the timing at which the light projection / reception processing unit 110 outputs a light projection control signal to the light projection unit E2. As shown in FIG. 6, at this timing, only one light projecting unit E <b> 2 among the plurality of light projecting units E projects light.
Further, the light projection / reception processing unit 110 outputs a light reception control signal to all of the light reception units R1 to R5 at the same timing as the output of the light projection control signal to the light projection unit E2, and receives light at that timing. Detect presence or absence.

The light reception detection information acquisition unit 120 acquires the light reception detection information t2 at the timing when the light projection unit E2 projects based on the light reception detection signals acquired from each of the light reception units R1 to R5.
Here, it is assumed that no obstacle exists between the light projecting tower 100 and the light receiving tower 101. In this case, at the timing shown in FIG. 6, the light receiving unit R1 receives the light P21 projected by the light projecting unit E2 as “reference light”. The light receiving unit R2 receives the light P2 projected by the light projecting unit E2 as “detection light”. Further, the light receiving unit R3 receives the light P22 projected by the light projecting unit E2 as “reference light”. The light receiving units R4 and R5 do not receive light at this timing.
Therefore, the light reception detection information acquisition unit 120 acquires “light reception” to the light reception units R1, R2, and R3, and acquires light reception detection information t2 indicating that “light reception” has occurred in the light reception units R4 and R5.

  Similarly to the example shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the light reception detection information acquisition unit 120 receives the light reception detection information t3 at the timing when the light projecting unit E3, the light projecting unit E4, and the light projecting unit E5 project light. , T4, t5.

In the above-described aspect, the light projection / reception processing unit 110 outputs a light reception control signal to all the light receiving units R at the timing when one light projecting unit E projects light, Although described as acquiring a light reception detection signal, other embodiments are not limited to this mode.
The light projection / reception processing unit 110 according to another embodiment may be “non-light-receiving” in advance according to the relationship with the light projection range of the light projection unit E (even if there is no obstacle). The light receiving control signal does not have to be output to the fixed light receiving unit R. For example, at the timing of projecting only the light projecting unit E2 (FIG. 6), the light projecting and receiving processing unit 110 outputs a light reception control signal only to the light receiving units R1 to R3, and the light receiving units R1 to R3 It is good also as an aspect which acquires only a received light detection signal.

  That is, the light reception detection information acquisition unit 120 is at least one of the plurality of light receiving units R at the timing when one of the plurality of light projecting units E projects light (for example, the light projecting unit E2). One light receiving part (light receiving part R2) arranged at the same height as the light projecting part (light projecting part E2), and the one light receiving part (light receiving part R2) arranged adjacent to each other vertically in the height direction. Light reception detection information indicating whether each of the other light receiving units (light receiving units R1 and R3) has received light is acquired.

(Function of abnormality determination unit)
FIG. 7 is a first diagram illustrating the function of the abnormality determination unit according to the first embodiment.
The abnormality determination unit 121 according to the first embodiment includes a plurality of light reception detection information t (FIGS. 5 and 6) acquired by the light reception detection information acquisition unit 120 for each timing at which each of the light projection units E1 to E5 projects. ) To generate received light detection pattern information T.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the light reception detection pattern information T is a matrix indicating whether or not each of the light receiving units R1 to R5 has received light at the timing when each of the light projecting units E1 to E5 projects. Information.
Note that the light reception detection pattern information T illustrated in FIG. 7 is light reception detection pattern information T created when no obstacle exists between all the light projecting units E and all the light receiving units R.
According to the light reception detection pattern information T shown in FIG. 7, for example, the light P projected by the light projecting unit E1 is received as “detection light” in the light receiving unit R1 having the same height, and the light receiving unit R1 It can be read that the light is received as “reference light” in another light receiving part R2 adjacent in the height direction.
Further, the light P projected by the light projecting unit E2 is received as “detection light” in the light receiving unit R2 having the same height, and another light receiving unit R1 adjacent to the light receiving unit R2 in the vertical direction. , R3 can be read as “reference light”.

8 and 9 are a second diagram and a third diagram, respectively, for explaining the function of the abnormality determination unit according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 8 shows, as an example, a configuration of the light projecting unit E, the light receiving unit R, and the light P when the foreign matter X adheres to the light projecting unit E3 and the light projecting unit E3 stops projecting light.
In this case, the light P projected by the light projecting unit E3 is blocked by the foreign matter X even when the light projecting / receiving unit 110 outputs a light projection control signal to the light projecting unit E3. Accordingly, the light receiving unit R3 does not receive the “detection light” (light P3 (FIG. 4)) at the timing when the light projecting unit E3 projects. Similarly, the light receiving unit R2 and the light receiving unit R4 do not receive the “reference light” at the timing when the light projecting unit E3 projects.
However, the light receiving unit R3 receives “reference light” (light P22) from the light projecting unit E2 at the timing when the light projecting unit E2 projects light, and at the timing when the light projecting unit E4 projects. The “reference light” (light P41) is received from the light projecting unit E4.

FIG. 9 shows the received light detection pattern T acquired in the state shown in FIG.
Here, the abnormality determination unit 121 determines whether an abnormality has occurred for each of a plurality of optical axes (a pair of the light projecting unit E and the light receiving unit R) while referring to the light reception detection pattern T. .
Specifically, the abnormality determination unit 121 first diagnoses one optical axis at the same height as the one light projecting unit E at the timing when one light projecting unit E projects light. It is referred to whether or not there is light reception in the light receiving part R and the other light receiving part R arranged adjacent to the one light receiving part R in the height direction. Further, the abnormality determination unit 121 further performs the above-mentioned one light projection at the timing when each of the other light projecting units E arranged at the same height as the other light receiving units R projects as a diagnosis for the one optical axis. Reference is made to whether or not there has been light reception at the light receiving portion R.

  For example, the abnormality determination unit 121 is arranged at the same height as the light projecting unit E3 at the timing when the light projecting unit E3 projects light when performing diagnosis on the optical axis formed by the pair of the light projecting unit E3 and the light receiving unit R3. Reference is made to whether or not light is received at the received light receiving portion R3 and the light receiving portions R2 and R4 arranged adjacent to the light receiving portion R3 in the vertical direction. Further, the abnormality determining unit 121 projects each of the light projecting units E2 arranged at the same height as the light receiving unit R2 and the light projecting units E4 arranged at the same height as the light receiving unit R4. In FIG. 9, it is referred to whether or not light is received in the light receiving portion R3 (reference region G shown in FIG. 9).

Here, the abnormality determination unit 121 is adjacent to the light receiving unit R3 disposed at the same height as the light projecting unit E3 and vertically above and below the light projecting unit E3 at the timing when the light projecting unit E3 projects. It is determined that the “first condition” is satisfied when the light receiving unit R2 and the light receiving unit R4 arranged together do not receive light.
Furthermore, the abnormality determination unit 121 has both the timing at which the light projecting unit E2 disposed at the same height as the light receiving unit R2 and the light projecting unit E4 disposed at the same height as the light receiving unit R4 project light. Therefore, when the light receiving unit R3 receives light, it is determined that the “second condition” is satisfied.
Then, the abnormality determination unit 121 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the light projecting unit E3 when both the “first condition” and the “second condition” described above are satisfied.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are a fourth diagram and a fifth diagram, respectively, for explaining the function of the abnormality determination unit according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 10 shows, as an example, the configuration of the light projecting unit E, the light receiving unit R, and the light P when the foreign matter X adheres to the light receiving unit R3 and no light is received at the light receiving unit R3.
In this case, the light P reaching the light receiving unit R3 is blocked by the foreign matter X even when the light projecting and receiving processing unit 110 outputs a light receiving control signal to the light receiving unit R3. Therefore, the light receiving unit R3 does not receive the “detection light” (light P3) at the timing when the light projecting unit E3 projects. The light receiving unit R3 does not receive the “reference light” (light P22) at the timing when the light projecting unit E2 projects light. Further, the light receiving unit R3 does not receive the “reference light” (light P41) at the timing when the light projecting unit E4 projects light.
However, the light receiving unit R2 receives the “reference light” (light P31) from the light projecting unit E3 at the timing when the light projecting unit E3 projects, and the light receiving unit R4 also projects the light projecting unit E3. At the timing of light emission, “reference light” (light P32) is received from the light projecting unit E3.

FIG. 11 shows the received light detection pattern T acquired in the state shown in FIG.
As in the example shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the abnormality determination unit 121 refers to the reference region G and diagnoses the optical axis formed by the pair of the light projecting unit E3 and the light receiving unit R3.

Here, at the timing when the light projecting unit E3 projects light, the abnormality determining unit 121 does not receive the light receiving unit R3 arranged at the same height as the light projecting unit E3, and is in the height direction with respect to the light receiving unit R3. When both the light receiving unit R2 and the light receiving unit R4 arranged adjacent to each other in the vertical direction receive light, it is determined that the “third condition” is satisfied.
Furthermore, the abnormality determination unit 121 has both the timing at which the light projecting unit E2 disposed at the same height as the light receiving unit R2 and the light projecting unit E4 disposed at the same height as the light receiving unit R4 project light. When the light receiving unit R3 does not receive light, it is determined that the “fourth condition” is satisfied.
Then, the abnormality determination unit 121 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the light receiving unit R3 when both the above-described “third condition” and “fourth condition” are satisfied.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are a sixth diagram and a seventh diagram, respectively, for explaining the function of the abnormality determination unit according to the first embodiment.
In FIG. 12, as an example, there is no abnormality in the light projecting unit E and the light receiving unit R, and the connecting members B1 to B3 of the vehicle A that is a towing vehicle between the light projecting tower 100 and the light receiving tower 101. The structure in the case where there is is shown. Here, it is assumed that the connecting members B1 to B3 have different sizes (diameters).
Normally, since the vehicle A travels in the vicinity of the center in the lane width direction (± Y direction in FIG. 1) of the lane L, the connecting members B1 to B3 are composed of the light projection tower 100 and the light reception tower 101 as shown in FIG. It is arranged near the center between.

  In the example shown in FIG. 12, the connecting member B1 shields a plurality of reference lights (lights P22, P31, P32, and P41) in addition to the two detection lights (lights P2 and P3). The connecting member B2 blocks a plurality of reference lights (lights P22, P31, P32, and P41) in addition to one detection light (light P3). Similarly, the connecting member B3 shields a plurality of reference lights (P32, P41) in addition to one detection light (light P3).

FIG. 13 shows light reception detection pattern information T acquired in the state where the connecting member B2 exists as an example in FIG.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 13, in the reference region G of the light reception detection pattern information T, none of the light receiving units R2, R3, R4 receives light at the timing when the light projecting unit E3 projects, and The light receiving unit R3 does not receive light at both the timing at which the light unit E2 and the light projecting unit E4 project light.
Therefore, in the reference region G, when both the above-mentioned “first condition” and “second condition” are satisfied, and when both the “third condition” and “fourth condition” are satisfied Since neither is true, the abnormality determination unit 121 does not determine that an abnormality has occurred in the light projecting unit E3 and the light receiving unit R3.
Further, although detailed description is omitted, even when the connecting member B1 or the connecting member B3 is present, the reference region G is similarly defined as “first condition” and “second condition”. This does not apply to the case where both are satisfied and the case where both the “third condition” and the “fourth condition” are satisfied. Therefore, even when the connecting member B1 and the connecting member B3 are present, the abnormality determining unit 121 does not determine that an abnormality has occurred in the light projecting unit E3 and the light receiving unit R3.

(Function and effect)
As described above, the diagnostic apparatus 12 according to the first embodiment receives one light reception associated with one light projecting unit E in a positional relationship in the height direction at the timing when one light projecting unit E projects light. Light reception detection information acquisition for acquiring light reception detection information t indicating whether or not each of the light reception portions R and another light reception portion R arranged adjacent to the one light reception portion R in the height direction is received. Part 120 is provided. In addition, the diagnostic device 12 detects an abnormality in each of the plurality of light projecting units E and the plurality of light receiving units R based on the plurality of light reception detection information t acquired for each timing at which each of the plurality of light projecting units E projects light. The abnormality determination part 121 which determines the presence or absence of is provided.
By doing in this way, at the timing of light projection of one light projecting unit E, the diagnostic device 12 can receive other light received in the height direction in addition to one light receiving unit R associated with the light projecting unit E. Whether or not the light is received at the part R can also be identified. Further, in one light receiving unit R, in addition to the light P projected by one light projecting unit E associated with the light receiving unit R, the light P projected by another light projecting unit E different in the height direction is used. Whether or not light is received can be identified.
Then, when determining the presence or absence of abnormality with respect to one optical axis (a pair of one light projecting unit and one light receiving unit), it is possible to refer to the presence or absence of light reception with respect to another optical axis. Therefore, the presence / absence of abnormality can be accurately determined with reference to the combination of the presence / absence of light reception with respect to another optical axis.

  Moreover, according to the above-described aspect, when a plurality of light reception detection information t (light reception detection pattern information T) is acquired, it is possible to immediately determine whether there is an abnormality. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the operation of the vehicle detector 1, the abnormality can be detected more quickly.

Further, the diagnostic device 12 according to the first embodiment includes a first light receiving unit R disposed at the same height as the first light projecting unit E at the timing when the first light projecting unit E projects light. When the second light receiving unit and the third light receiving unit R, which are arranged adjacent to the first light projecting unit E in the vertical direction in the height direction, are not receiving light, the “first condition” Is satisfied.
Furthermore, the diagnostic device 12 includes a second light projecting unit E disposed at the same height as the second light receiving unit R, and a third light projecting disposed at the same height as the third light receiving unit R. It is determined that the “second condition” is satisfied when the first light receiving unit R receives light at both timings at which each of the units E emits light.
Then, the diagnostic device 12 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the first light projecting unit E when both the “first condition” and the “second condition” described above are satisfied.
By doing in this way, the diagnostic device 12 determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the light projecting unit E according to a pattern of presence or absence of light reception that can occur particularly when an abnormality has occurred in one light projecting unit E. Therefore, it is possible to accurately identify that an abnormality has occurred in the light projecting unit E.

In the diagnostic device 12 according to the first embodiment, the first light receiving unit R arranged at the same height as the first light projecting unit E has a timing at which the first light projecting unit E projects light. When both the second light receiving part R and the third light receiving part R arranged adjacent to each other in the vertical direction in the height direction do not receive light and receive light, It is determined that the “condition” is satisfied.
Furthermore, the diagnostic device 12 includes a second light projecting unit E disposed at the same height as the second light receiving unit R, and a third light projecting disposed at the same height as the third light receiving unit R. It is determined that the “fourth condition” is satisfied when the first light receiving unit R does not receive light at both timings at which each of the units E emits light.
The diagnostic device 12 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the first light receiving unit R when both the “third condition” and the “fourth condition” described above are satisfied.
By doing in this way, the diagnostic device 12 determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the light receiving unit R according to the pattern of presence or absence of light reception that can occur particularly when an abnormality has occurred in one light receiving unit R. Therefore, it is possible to accurately identify that an abnormality has occurred in the light receiving portion R.

In addition, the vehicle detector 1 according to the first embodiment has information indicating that the light receiving unit R arranged at the same height as the light projecting unit E determined to be abnormal is not receiving light, and an abnormality. A separation processing unit 112 that excludes information indicating that the light receiving unit R determined to be not receiving light from information based on the determination on whether or not the vehicle A exists at a predetermined position on the lane L. I have.
By doing in this way, since the vehicle detector 1 automatically cuts off the optical axis determined to be abnormal, the normal vehicle detection process can be continued using the remaining optical axes.

Further, in the vehicle detector 1 according to the first embodiment, the number of the light receiving parts R (the number of light shielding optical axes) that are not received as a result of the light projecting of each of the plurality of light projecting parts E is equal to or greater than a predetermined determination threshold. When it becomes, it determines with the vehicle A existing in the predetermined position on the lane L. Further, after determining that the vehicle A exists at a predetermined position on the lane L, the diagnostic device 12 projects the light from each of the plurality of light projecting units E. As a result, the number of light shielding optical axes falls below the determination threshold. In this case, it is determined whether there is an abnormality in the light projecting unit E and the light receiving unit R.
By doing in this way, the diagnostic apparatus 12 performs a diagnostic process at the timing when the vehicle A passes a predetermined position on the lane L. Therefore, the diagnostic device 12 does not have to perform the diagnostic process all the time, and the processing load can be reduced.

(Modification of the first embodiment)
As mentioned above, although the vehicle detector 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment was demonstrated in detail, the specific aspect of the vehicle detector 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment is not limited to the above-mentioned thing, A summary It is possible to add various design changes and the like without departing from the scope of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the function of the received light detection information acquisition unit according to the modification of the first embodiment.
In the first embodiment, each light projecting unit E projects one light receiving unit R arranged at the same height and another light receiving unit R adjacent to the one light receiving unit R in the height direction. It has been described as having light distribution characteristics that are included in the light range. However, other embodiments are not limited to this aspect.
The light projecting unit E according to the modification of the first embodiment includes, for example, one light receiving unit R arranged at the same height and all other light receiving units R different from the one light receiving unit R. You may have a light distribution characteristic included in the light projection range.
In this case, if there is no obstacle between the light projecting tower 100 and the light receiving tower 101, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, the light P projected by the light projecting unit E2 is transmitted to all the light receiving units. Light is received at R. Specifically, the light receiving unit R2 receives the light P2 projected by the light projecting unit E2 as “detection light” at the timing when the light projecting unit E2 projects. Further, the other light receiving parts R1, R3, R4, and R5 having different heights from the light projecting part E2 respectively receive the light P21, P22, P23, and P24 emitted by the light projecting part E2 as “reference light”. .

  Similarly to the first embodiment, the light reception detection information acquisition unit 120 according to the present modification is based on the light reception detection signals acquired from each of the light reception units R1 to R5 at the timing when the light projection unit E2 projects light. Light reception detection information t2 is acquired. In the state illustrated in FIG. 14, the light reception detection information acquisition unit 120 acquires light reception detection information t <b> 2 indicating that “light reception” has occurred over all of the light reception units R <b> 1 to R <b> 5.

  FIGS. 15 and 16 are a first diagram and a second diagram, respectively, for explaining the function of the abnormality determination unit according to the modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 15 shows the light reception acquired when the light P is no longer projected from the light projecting unit E3 because the foreign matter X adheres to the light projecting unit E3 in the modification of the first embodiment (see FIG. 8). A detection pattern T is shown.
As shown in FIG. 15, at the timing when the light projecting units E1, E2, E4, and E5 project light, all the light receiving units R1 to R5 receive the light. However, at the timing when the light projecting unit E3 projects, the light is not received by all the light receiving units R1 to R5 due to light shielding by the foreign matter X.
Here, when determining whether there is an abnormality in the light projecting unit E3 and the light receiving unit R3, the abnormality determining unit 121 determines whether there is light reception shown in the reference region G shown in FIG. 15 as in the first embodiment. Refer to the pattern. Then, the abnormality determining unit 121 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the light projecting unit E3 because the reference region G illustrated in FIG. 15 satisfies both the “first condition” and the “second condition” described above. To do.

On the other hand, FIG. 16 shows the light reception acquired when the light P is not received by the light receiving unit R3 because the foreign matter X adheres to the light receiving unit R3 in the modification of the first embodiment (see FIG. 10). A detection pattern T is shown.
As shown in FIG. 16, the light receiving parts R1, R2, R4, and R5 receive light at all timings at which the light projecting parts E1 to E5 project light. However, the light receiving unit R3 does not receive light at all timings at which the light projecting units E1 to E5 project light due to light shielding by the foreign matter X.
Here, when determining whether there is an abnormality in the light projecting unit E3 and the light receiving unit R3, the abnormality determining unit 121 determines whether there is light reception shown in the reference region G shown in FIG. 16 as in the first embodiment. Refer to the pattern. Then, the abnormality determination unit 121 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the light receiving unit R3 because the reference region G illustrated in FIG. 16 satisfies both the “third condition” and the “fourth condition” described above. .

<Second Embodiment>
Hereinafter, the vehicle detector according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19.

(Structure of light emitter and light receiver)
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit according to the second embodiment.
The vehicle detector 1 according to the first embodiment is described as a “transmission type” vehicle detector in which each of the light projecting unit E and the light receiving unit R is arranged on both sides at a predetermined position on the lane L. did. On the other hand, the vehicle detector 1 according to the second embodiment is a “reflective” vehicle in which both the light projecting unit E and the light receiving unit R are arranged on one side of the side portion (island) of the lane L. It is a detector.

As shown in FIG. 17, a plurality of light projecting portions E are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval in the height direction on the surface (+ Y direction (see FIG. 1)) facing the lane L of the light projection tower 100. Yes.
In addition, the plurality of light receiving units R are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval in the height direction on the same surface as the surface on which the light projecting unit E is arranged in the light projecting tower 100. Here, each of the light receiving parts R is provided at the same height as each of the plurality of light projecting parts E.
Hereinafter, as shown in FIG. 17, the floodlight tower 100 includes five light projecting portions E1, E2, E3, E4, and E5 arranged side by side in the height direction, and 5 arranged in the same height direction. A description will be given assuming that the light receiving portions R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are provided.

The light projecting units E1 to E5 project light P toward the vehicle A traveling in the lane L at different timings.
Here, normally, the light P projected toward the vehicle A is diffusely reflected on the vehicle body surface A1 of the vehicle A. Then, the reflected light Q of the light P projected by each light projecting portion E has a light distribution characteristic that spreads radially from the irradiation point on the vehicle body surface A1, and has a predetermined spread in the height direction. Therefore, when the light P is irradiated on the vehicle body surface A1, each light receiving unit R receives the reflected light Q corresponding to the light projection of each light projecting unit E regardless of the shape of the vehicle body surface A1. Can do.

One light receiving unit R uses reflected light Q, which is reflected by the vehicle body surface A1 of the vehicle A, as the “detection light” as the light P projected by the one light projecting unit E arranged at the same height. Receive light.
Specifically, the light receiving unit R1 receives the reflected light of the light P1 projected by the light projecting unit E1 arranged at the same height as “detection light”. However, in the example shown in FIG. 17, the light P <b> 1 travels straight without being irradiated on the vehicle body surface A <b> 1 of the vehicle A. In this case, the light receiving unit R1 does not receive the “detection light” (the reflected light of the light P1).
Further, as shown in FIG. 17, the light receiving unit R2 receives reflected light Q2 of the light P2 projected by the light projecting unit E2 arranged at the same height as “detection light”. Similarly, the light receiving unit R3 receives the reflected light Q3 of the light P3 projected by the light projecting unit E3 arranged at the same height as “detection light”. Similarly, the light receiving unit R4 receives the reflected light Q4 of the light P4 projected by the light projecting unit E4 arranged at the same height as “detection light”. Similarly, the light receiving unit R5 receives the reflected light Q5 of the light P5 projected by the light projecting unit E5 arranged at the same height as “detection light”.

Each light receiving unit R receives reflected light Q of light P projected by another light projecting unit E different from one light projecting unit E arranged at the same height as “reference light”.
For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the light receiving unit R1 receives the reflected light Q21 of the light P2 projected by the light projecting units E2 arranged at different heights. Similarly, the light receiving unit R3 receives the reflected light Q22 of the light P2 projected by the light projecting unit E2. Similarly, the light receiving unit R4 receives the reflected light Q23 of the light P2 projected by the light projecting unit E2. Similarly, the light receiving unit R5 receives the reflected light Q24 of the light P2 projected by the light projecting unit E2.

In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, it is the same also about light projection parts E other than the light projection part E2.
That is, the reflected light Q of the light P3 projected by the light projecting unit E3 is received by the light receiving units R1, R2, R4, and R5 arranged at a different height from the light projecting unit E3. Further, the reflected light Q of the light P4 projected by the light projecting unit E4 is received by the light receiving units R1, R2, R3, and R5 arranged at a different height from the light projecting unit E4. Further, the reflected light Q of the light P5 projected by the light projecting unit E5 is received by the light receiving units R1, R2, R3, and R4 arranged at a different height from the light projecting unit E5.
However, since the light P1 projected by the light projecting unit E1 is not irradiated on the vehicle body surface A1, the light receiving units R2, R3, R4, and R5 receive the reflected light of the light P1 projected by the light projecting unit E1. do not do.

(Function of abnormality determination unit)
18 and 19 are a first diagram and a second diagram, respectively, for explaining the function of the abnormality determination unit according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 18 shows a received light detection pattern T that is acquired when light P is no longer projected from the light projecting unit E3 due to foreign matter adhering to the light projecting unit E3 in the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 18, first, since the reflected light Q is not generated at the timing when the light projecting unit E1 projects light (see FIG. 17), it is not received by all the light receiving units R1 to R5.
At the timing when the light projecting units E2, E4, and E5 project light, all the light receiving units R1 to R5 receive the light. On the other hand, at the timing when the light projecting unit E3 projects, the light is not received by all the light receiving units R1 to R5 due to light shielding by the foreign matter.
Here, when determining whether there is an abnormality in the light projecting unit E3 and the light receiving unit R3, the abnormality determining unit 121 determines whether there is light reception shown in the reference region G shown in FIG. 18 as in the first embodiment. Refer to the pattern. Then, the abnormality determination unit 121 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the light projecting unit E3 because the reference region G illustrated in FIG. 18 satisfies both the “first condition” and the “second condition” described above. To do.

On the other hand, FIG. 19 shows a light reception detection pattern T acquired when the reflected light Q is not received by the light receiving unit R3 because foreign matter has adhered to the light receiving unit R3 in the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 19, first, since the reflected light Q is not generated at the timing when the light projecting unit E1 projects light (see FIG. 17), it is not received by all the light receiving units R1 to R5.
The light receiving units R1, R2, R4, and R5 receive light at all timings at which the light projecting units E2, E3, E4, and E5 other than the light projecting unit E1 project. On the other hand, the light receiving unit R3 does not receive light at all timings at which the light projecting units E2, E3, E4, and E5 other than the light projecting unit E1 project due to light shielding by foreign matter.
Here, when determining whether there is an abnormality in the light projecting unit E3 and the light receiving unit R3, the abnormality determining unit 121 determines whether there is light reception shown in the reference region G shown in FIG. 19 as in the first embodiment. Refer to the pattern. Then, the abnormality determination unit 121 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the light receiving unit R3 because the reference region G illustrated in FIG. 19 satisfies both the “third condition” and the “fourth condition” described above. .

As described above, also in the vehicle detector 1 (reflective vehicle detector) according to the second embodiment, the abnormality determination unit 121 has the same algorithm as that of the first embodiment (drop-type vehicle detector). Thus, the presence or absence of abnormality in each light projecting unit E and each light receiving unit R can be determined.
However, in the second embodiment, the light receiving unit R can receive the reflected light Q based on the light projection of the light projecting unit E only while the vehicle A exists at a predetermined position on the lane L. is there. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the diagnostic device 12 may execute the above-described diagnostic processing at the timing when the presence of the vehicle A is detected. More specifically, when the number of light receiving parts R (the number of reflected optical axes) that has received “detection light” is equal to or greater than a predetermined determination threshold (for example, “10 optical axes”), the diagnostic device 12 The above-described diagnosis process may be executed for each light projecting unit E and each light receiving unit R.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where foreign matter (foreign matter X) adheres to the light projecting unit E or the light receiving unit R and is shielded from light is described as an example. "Is not limited to the above-described embodiment. That is, the “abnormality” in the light projecting unit E or the light receiving unit R includes, for example, the light projecting unit E, the light projecting element (LED) that forms the light receiving unit R, and the light receiving sensor itself (including the light receiving detection signal transmission unit). This includes cases where a failure occurs and light projection or light reception cannot be detected.
In this case, if “the light receiving unit R does not receive light”, the light receiving sensor (light receiving unit R) itself actually receives the light P projected from the light projecting unit E. When the light reception detection signal corresponding to the reception of the light P is not output due to an abnormality (internal failure) occurring in the light reception unit R, or the output light reception detection information is normal to the light reception detection information acquisition unit 120 This includes cases where information is not transmitted to

  In addition, as an aspect of “abnormality” in the light projecting unit E or the light receiving unit R, for example, a light reception detection signal is always output even though the light receiving sensor forming the light receiving unit R has failed and is not actually receiving light. It is also assumed that In the first embodiment, when the abnormality as described above occurs in one light receiving part R (for example, the light receiving part R3), the light receiving part R3 in the light receiving detection pattern information T (FIG. 7) It is detected that “light is received” at the light emission timing of the parts E1 to E5. Therefore, in this case, the abnormality determining unit 121 determines that the light receiving unit R3 is abnormal when it is detected as “received light” at all the light emission timings of the light projecting units E1 to E5, and is also the target of the separation process. Good.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the light projecting unit E and the light receiving unit R associated with each other as the “optical axis” have been described as being arranged at the same height, but in other embodiments, It is not limited to an aspect.
For example, the light projecting unit E and the light receiving unit R forming one “optical axis” may be arranged at different heights. However, in this case, the light projecting unit E and the light receiving unit R that form the optical axis are associated with each other so that at least the arrangement order in the height direction matches.

  As mentioned above, although some embodiment of this invention was described, these embodiment is shown as an example and is not intending limiting the range of invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof, as long as they are included in the scope and gist of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vehicle detector 100 Light projection tower 101 Light reception tower 11 Control apparatus 110 Light projection light reception process part 111 Vehicle determination part 112 Detachment process part 12 Diagnosis apparatus 120 Light reception detection information acquisition part 121 Abnormality determination part E Light projection part R Light reception part P Light Q Reflected light t Light reception detection information T Light reception detection pattern information G Reference region B1, B2, B3 Connecting member X Foreign matter

Claims (7)

A plurality of light projecting units arranged in the height direction and a plurality of light projecting units arranged in the height direction and capable of receiving the light projected from the light projecting unit or the reflected light of the projected light A diagnostic device for diagnosing the presence or absence of an abnormality in a vehicle detector comprising:
One light receiving unit that is associated with the one light projecting unit in a positional relationship in the height direction among the plurality of light receiving units at a timing when one light projecting unit among the plurality of light projecting units projects light. A light reception detection information acquisition unit for acquiring light reception detection information indicating whether or not each of the light reception units and the other light reception units arranged adjacent to each other in the height direction;
Abnormality determination for determining presence / absence of abnormality in each of the plurality of light projecting units and the plurality of light receiving units based on the plurality of light reception detection information acquired for each timing at which each of the plurality of light projecting units projects. And
A diagnostic device comprising: The abnormality determination unit
At the timing when the first light projecting unit, which is one of the plurality of light projecting units, projects light, among the plurality of light receiving units, the first light projecting unit is associated with the positional relationship in the height direction. The first light receiving unit and the second light receiving unit and the third light receiving unit disposed adjacent to the first light receiving unit in the vertical direction in the height direction do not receive light,
Among the plurality of light projecting units, the second light projecting unit associated with the second light receiving unit at a position in the height direction, and the third light receiving unit associated with the position in the height direction. When the first light receiving unit receives light at both timings at which each of the third light projecting units emits light,
The diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the first light projecting unit. The abnormality determination unit
At the timing when the first light projecting unit, which is one of the plurality of light projecting units, projects light, among the plurality of light receiving units, the first light projecting unit is associated with the positional relationship in the height direction. A second light receiving portion and a third light receiving portion that are not received by the first light receiving portion and are arranged adjacent to the first light receiving portion in the vertical direction in the height direction among the plurality of light receiving portions. Receive the light,
Among the plurality of light projecting units, the second light projecting unit associated with the second light receiving unit at a position in the height direction, and the third light receiving unit associated with the position in the height direction. In the case where the first light receiving unit does not receive light at both the timings at which each of the third light projecting units emits light,
The diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the first light receiving unit. The diagnostic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A plurality of the light projecting units;
A plurality of the light receiving parts;
A vehicle determination unit that determines whether or not a vehicle is present at a predetermined position on the lane based on information indicating the presence or absence of light reception in each of the plurality of light reception units;
Information indicating that the light receiving unit associated with the light projecting unit determined to be abnormal by the diagnostic device is not receiving light, and determining that there is an abnormality by the diagnostic device A separation processing unit for excluding information indicating that the received light receiving unit is not receiving light from information based on a determination as to whether or not a vehicle is present at a predetermined position on the lane;
A vehicle detector comprising: The abnormality determination unit further includes a plurality of the light projecting units after the number of the light receiving units that have not received light is equal to or greater than a predetermined determination threshold as a result of the light projecting by each of the plurality of light projecting units. 5. The vehicle detector according to claim 4, wherein the presence or absence of the abnormality is determined when the number of the light receiving units that have not received light falls below the determination threshold as a result of projecting light. A plurality of light projecting units arranged in the height direction and a plurality of light projecting units arranged in the height direction and capable of receiving the light projected from the light projecting unit or the reflected light of the projected light A diagnostic method for diagnosing the presence or absence of an abnormality in a vehicle detector comprising:
One light receiving unit that is associated with the one light projecting unit in a positional relationship in the height direction among the plurality of light receiving units at a timing when one light projecting unit among the plurality of light projecting units projects light. And a step of obtaining light reception detection information indicating the presence or absence of light reception in each of the one light receiving portion and another light receiving portion disposed adjacent to the height direction,
Determining whether or not there is an abnormality in each of the plurality of light projecting units and the plurality of light receiving units, based on the plurality of light reception detection information acquired for each timing at which each of the plurality of light projecting units projects. ,
A diagnostic method comprising: A plurality of light projecting units arranged in the height direction and a plurality of light projecting units arranged in the height direction and capable of receiving the light projected from the light projecting unit or the reflected light of the projected light A computer of a diagnostic device for diagnosing the presence or absence of abnormality in a vehicle detector comprising:
One light receiving unit that is associated with the one light projecting unit in a positional relationship in the height direction among the plurality of light receiving units at a timing when one light projecting unit among the plurality of light projecting units projects light. And a light receiving detection information acquisition means for acquiring light receiving detection information indicating the presence or absence of light reception in each of the one light receiving portion and another light receiving portion disposed adjacent to the height direction,
Abnormality determination for determining presence / absence of abnormality in each of the plurality of light projecting units and the plurality of light receiving units based on the plurality of light reception detection information acquired for each timing at which each of the plurality of light projecting units projects. means,
Program to function as.

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