JP2019110088A - Road lamp lighting apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a road lamp lighting apparatus that in a vehicle changing its course, improves perceptibility of a pedestrian existing in a direction of the course change.SOLUTION: A road lamp lighting apparatus 1 comprises: a normal light distribution unit 10 for irradiating a first region R1 for passage of a vehicle; a pedestrian light distribution unit 20 for irradiating a second region R2 for passage of a pedestrian and a vehicle after changing its course in the first region R1; vehicle motion acquisition means 30, 35 for acquiring vehicle motion information showing motion of a vehicle existing in a third region R3 through which the vehicle passes before entering the first region R1; and a control circuit 40 that on the basis of the vehicle motion information, predicts the vehicle's course change from the first region R1 to the second region R2 and, depending on the predicted course change, increases an irradiation light quantity of the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 for a prescribed period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a road light luminaire.

  As a technology to improve the visibility around a pedestrian crossing from a vehicle at an intersection at night, control by the so-called AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) that changes the irradiation direction of the headlights according to the course change direction of the vehicle is known. It is done. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a swivel angle is determined based on the speed of a vehicle, a steering angle of a steering wheel, and the like, and the light axis of the headlight is directed in the direction of the swivel angle. In addition, Patent Document 2 estimates the traveling direction and the course change destination where the own vehicle is traveling based on the intersection information and the own vehicle information, and the irradiation target of the headlights based on the traveling direction and the course change destination. Technology to control the

JP 2007-246060 A JP 2008-94151 A

  However, there are some problems with the above AFS control at intersections. For example, in the case of a right turn, there is a possibility that the oncoming vehicle in the front direction is less likely to be recognized by the fact that the irradiation direction of the headlights is more to the right. Further, depending on the timing of the change of the irradiation direction, a mismatch may occur between the driver's viewing direction and the irradiation direction, which may hinder smooth driving. In addition, even with an AFS-controlled headlight, it is not possible to irradiate light within a range that enables so-called entrainment confirmation. Therefore, as a technology for improving the visibility of pedestrians at intersections, a technology that brings about more effects than measures for the headlights of vehicles is desired.

  Then, this invention makes it a subject to provide the road lamp lighting fixture which improves the pedestrian's visibility of a course change direction at the time of course change of vehicles.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a road lamp lighting apparatus comprising: a normal light distribution unit that illuminates a first area for passing a vehicle; and a second for a pedestrian and a vehicle whose course is changed in a first area to pass A pedestrian light distribution unit for irradiating a region of the vehicle; vehicle operation acquisition means for acquiring vehicle operation information indicating an operation of a vehicle present in a third region through which the vehicle passes before entering the first region; A control circuit that predicts a course change of the vehicle from the first area to the second area based on the motion information and increases the irradiation light quantity of the pedestrian light distribution unit over a predetermined period according to the prediction of the course change .

  According to the above road lamp luminaire, when the vehicle changes its course and enters the second area where the pedestrian can pass, the illumination or the brightening of the second light distribution unit enhances the illuminance of the second area . As a result, a road lamp luminaire is realized that improves the visibility of the pedestrian in the course change direction when the course of the vehicle is changed. In addition, since the road lamp luminaire also includes a normal light distribution unit that irradiates the first area, which is a vehicle entry route to the second area, replacement from existing road lamps is easy, and introduction is easy. Excellent.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a road light luminaire comprises: a pedestrian light distribution unit for irradiating a pedestrian and a second area for passing a diverted vehicle in the first area; Vehicle operation acquisition means for acquiring vehicle operation information indicating the operation of the vehicle present in the third region through which the vehicle passes before entering, and the vehicle from the first region to the second region based on the vehicle operation information A control circuit is provided which predicts a course change and increases the irradiation light quantity of the pedestrian light distribution unit over a predetermined period according to the prediction of the course change.

  Also in the above-described road lamp luminaire, when the vehicle changes its course and enters the second area where the pedestrian can pass, the illumination or the brightening of the second area is heightened by the pedestrian light distribution unit . As a result, a road lamp luminaire is realized that improves the visibility of the pedestrian in the course change direction when the course of the vehicle is changed. In addition, the road lamp luminaire according to the present embodiment can be separated from existing road lamp luminaires equipped with only the light distribution unit that illuminates the first area, and may be useful as additional equipment.

  In the road lamp luminaire according to the first embodiment, the vehicle operation acquisition means is a camera for acquiring a captured image of the third area, and the control circuit is an HSV conversion unit for converting RGB data of the captured image into HSV data A detection range determination unit that determines a blinker detection range for the vehicle in the third region based on the captured image or HSV data; a lightness identification unit that specifies the lightness of the HSV data in the blinker detection range; Lighting control for specifying the blink of a blinker to light up or increase the pedestrian light distribution unit when the lightness is equal to or more than a predetermined value and the hue is in a predetermined range including orange when specifying the hue of the HSV data Including the department. In this way, by making both the lightness and the hue in the HSV data of the captured image as the blinker specific requirements, the blink of the blinker with high brightness and orange color can be surely identified, and the general prediction of the change of the course of the vehicle It is possible to do

  Here, the lightness specifying unit is configured to specify the difference lightness ΔV obtained by subtracting the initial lightness V0 which is the lightness of the HSV data in the initial photographing from the measured lightness Vx which is the lightness of the HSV data in the current photographing. The hue specifying unit is configured to specify the measured lightness Hx, which is the hue of the HSV data in the current shooting, and the lighting control unit sets the difference lightness ΔV to a predetermined value or more for each dot in the blinker detection range. It is configured to determine whether or not the blinker specific condition in which the measured hue Hx is included in the predetermined range is satisfied, and the number of dots satisfying the blinker specific condition is equal to or more than the threshold value. Is preferred. Thus, blinker detection with high accuracy can be performed by specifying blinking of the blinker based on the difference lightness ΔV and the measured hue Hx which are differences between the current measured lightness Vx and the initial lightness V0.

  Alternatively, the lightness specifying unit is configured to specify the measured lightness Vx which is the lightness of HSV data in the current shooting, and the hue specifying unit is the measured lightness which is the hue in the HSV data in the current shooting The lighting control unit is configured to specify Hx, and whether or not the blinker specifying condition in which the measured lightness Vx is a predetermined value or more and the measured hue Hx is included in the predetermined range is satisfied for each dot in the blinker detection range. It may be configured to determine the blinking of the blinker when the number of dots satisfying the blinker specific condition becomes equal to or more than the threshold. Thus, blinker detection can be performed with a simple control configuration by specifying the blink of the blinker using the current measured lightness Vx and the measured hue Hx.

  In the road lamp luminaire according to the second embodiment, the vehicle operation acquisition unit is a camera that acquires a captured image of the third area, and the control circuit determines a predetermined white line in the third area based on the captured image. A pedestrian light distribution unit that predicts a course change when the distance between a predetermined white line and a vehicle in a captured image becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, and identifies a white line identification unit to identify, a vehicle detection unit that detects a vehicle in the captured image And a lighting control unit for lighting or brightening the light. Alternatively, the control circuit includes a lane identification unit that identifies a predetermined lane in the third area based on the captured image, a vehicle detection unit that detects a vehicle in the captured image, and the vehicle is included in the predetermined lane in the captured image And a lighting control unit that predicts a course change and lights or brightens the pedestrian light distribution unit. As a result, a situation in which the vehicle approaches a predetermined white line such as a center line or a situation in which the vehicle enters a predetermined lane such as a right turn lane is specified from the captured image as a prediction of a course change of the vehicle. Is lit. Therefore, it becomes possible to perform general prediction of the course change of a vehicle at a general intersection.

  In the road lamp luminaire according to the third embodiment, the vehicle operation acquisition unit is a wireless reception unit that wirelessly receives the vehicle operation information from the vehicle present in the third area, and the control circuit is the vehicle operation information The lighting control unit predicts a course change and lights or brightens the pedestrian light distribution unit when indicating the rotation of the steering wheel in the direction of the operation or the course change of the blinker for the course change. This makes it possible to reliably identify the course change of the vehicle.

  The road lamp luminaire according to one example of the fourth embodiment is a human sensor that outputs a detection signal to the control circuit when a human body is detected in an area at least partially overlapping the second area in each of the above embodiments. In addition, the control circuit further includes a lighting disabling unit configured to maintain turning off or dimming of the pedestrian light distribution unit when the detection signal is not input. As a result, unnecessary lighting or brightening of the pedestrian light distribution unit can be avoided to reduce the power consumption of the road lamp luminaire.

  In each of the embodiments provided with the above camera, the road lamp luminaire according to one example of the fourth embodiment is such that the camera includes a wide-angle lens, and acquires a wide area captured image of an area including the second area and the third area. The control circuit performs image processing on the wide-area captured image, and an image processing unit that generates a detection signal when a pedestrian is detected in a portion including the second region, and a pedestrian when a detection signal is not generated. The light distribution unit further includes a lighting disabling unit configured to maintain turning off or dimming of the light distribution unit. As a result, unnecessary lighting or brightening of the pedestrian light distribution unit can be avoided to reduce the power consumption of the road lamp luminaire. Furthermore, since the camera as the vehicle operation acquisition means can also serve as the pedestrian detection means, it is possible to reduce the cost of the road lamp luminaire.

  The road lamp luminaire according to the fifth embodiment further includes a wireless communication unit accessible to the cloud server, and the control circuit causes the communication control unit to sequentially transmit information on the prediction of course change from the wireless communication unit to the cloud server. Further include. Thus, the cloud server can acquire data related to traffic from the third area to the second area via the first area. In particular, in the cloud server, similar data can be acquired as big data from many other road lamp lighting fixtures, and statistical processing of wider area traffic can be performed by combining this data.

  In each of the embodiments provided with the above-described camera, the road lamp luminaire according to the fifth embodiment further comprises a storage medium interface to which a removable storage medium can be connected, the camera is always operated, and the control circuit stores The storage control unit further includes a storage control unit configured to temporarily store the captured image for a predetermined recording time in a removable storage medium connected to the medium interface. As a result, if an accident or the like occurs at an intersection where the road lamp lighting fixtures are installed or in the vicinity thereof, the image recording at the time of the accident remains if it is within a predetermined time from the accident occurrence. Then, an authorized person can extract the storage medium from the road lamp luminaire and analyze the stored image.

  Here, the predetermined recording time is preferably 12 hours or more and 48 hours or less. As described above, since the recording time is relatively short, such as half a day to two days, the problem of privacy associated with the storage of the record is unlikely to occur.

  The above-described configuration of sequential transmission of data to the cloud server and the configuration of temporary storage of the captured image to the removable storage medium are the above-described road lamp luminaire without adding new facilities or wiring at intersections etc. It can be implemented using the system and is easy to introduce.

  In each of the road lamp lighting fixtures according to the first to fifth embodiments, the light distribution of the light emitted from the pedestrian light distribution unit is directed to the traveling direction side of the vehicle passing through the second region with respect to the vertical direction. Preferably, it is configured to have a pro-beam distribution. Thereby, the visibility of the pedestrian in the vicinity of the second region from the driver in the vicinity of the first region is further improved.

  In each of the road light luminaires according to the first to fifth embodiments, the increase of the irradiation light quantity of the pedestrian light distribution unit is performed by the change from the dimming lighting at the predetermined light control rate to the total light lighting preferable. As described above, since the pedestrian light distribution unit is switched between dimmed lighting and all light lighting, abrupt change of the illuminance environment accompanying the switching is alleviated as compared with the case where all lighting is switched off and off. , Increases the visual comfort of the driver or pedestrian.

  In each of the road lamp lighting fixtures according to the first to fifth embodiments, after the predetermined time has passed from the time when the predicted state of the course change is canceled, the predetermined time for increasing the irradiation light quantity of the pedestrian light distribution unit is ended. Is preferred. As a result, after the vehicle leaves the first area, the second area is highly illuminated for an appropriate period until it passes the second area where the pedestrian can pass.

  Further, in each of the road lamp luminaires according to the first to fifth embodiments, it is preferable that the course change corresponds to a right turn or a left turn of the vehicle. As a result, when the road lamp luminaire according to the present invention is installed at an intersection, accidents of vehicles and pedestrians can be reduced when turning to the right or turning to a relatively high incidence rate.

It is the schematic explaining the road lamp lighting fixture by each embodiment. It is the schematic of the road lamp lighting fixture by each embodiment. It is a block diagram of a road lamp lighting fixture of a 1st embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the road lamp lighting fixture of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the road lamp lighting fixture of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the road lamp lighting fixture of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the road lamp lighting fixture of 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the road lamp lighting fixture of 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the road lamp lighting fixture of 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the road lamp lighting fixture of an example of 4th Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the road lamp lighting fixture of an example of 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the road lamp lighting fixture of 4th Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the road lamp lighting fixture of 5th Embodiment.

First Embodiment
FIG. 1: is schematic which shows an example of arrangement | positioning of the road lamp lighting fixture 1-1 to 1-4 by this embodiment. Road lamp lighting fixtures 1-1 to 1-4 are installed in an area outside the roadway at each corner of the intersection. In the following description, although the road lamp luminaire 1-1 (hereinafter, also referred to as "the road lamp luminaire 1") will be particularly described, the same configuration applies to the road lamp luminaire 1-3. Moreover, when there is a pedestrian crossing which extends in the lateral direction of the drawing, the same configuration as the road lamp lighting fixture 1-1 applies to the road lamp lighting fixtures 1-2 and 1-4. The road lamp lighting fixture 1 has two irradiation directions of area | region R1 and area | region R2. Region R1 corresponds to a roadway region in the intersection. Irradiating area | region R1 from each of a road light lighting fixture 1-1 to 1-4 shall satisfy | fill the regular illumination intensity in an intersection. The area R2 corresponds to an area through which a vehicle and a pedestrian pass, and includes a pedestrian crossing C and the periphery thereof. In the present embodiment, a case where the vehicle entering from the region R3 into the region R1 turns right and passes through the region R2 will be described as an example. The region R3 will be described later.

  The schematic structure of the road lamp lighting fixture 1 is shown in FIG. Moreover, the block diagram of the road lamp lighting fixture 1 of this embodiment is shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the road lamp lighting fixture 1 as viewed from below, that is, from the road surface side. The road lamp luminaire 1 comprises a main body 2 and a pole 3, which is supported by the pole 3 against the ground. The pole 3 has a sufficient length with respect to the ground, and the main body 2 is installed at a prescribed height with respect to the ground. The road lamp lighting fixture 1 includes a main light distribution unit 10, a pedestrian light distribution unit 20, a camera 30, and a control circuit 40 in the main body 2. The control circuit 40 (control board) is contained in the main body 2. Each of the normal light distribution unit 10, the pedestrian light distribution unit 20, the camera 30, and the control circuit 40 is supplied with power from an appropriate power system such as a commercial power supply.

  The normal light distribution unit 10 generally includes a light distribution LED 11 and a power supply circuit 12. The normal light distribution LED 11 illuminates the region R1 shown in FIG. The power supply circuit 12 converts an input voltage such as a commercial power supply into a direct current (current waveform, a current whose current value is controlled, etc.), and supplies the direct current to the normal light distribution LED 11. For example, the power supply circuit 12 includes a rectifier circuit that full-wave rectifies an input voltage, and a DC / DC converter that generates a DC constant current from the output voltage of the rectifier circuit and outputs it to the normal light distribution LED 11.

  The operation / non-operation of the power supply circuit 12, that is, the on / off of the normal light distribution LED 11 may be controlled by the control circuit 40 or may be controlled by another on / off configuration, and the normal light distribution LED 11 is night / daytime Any configuration may be applied as long as it turns on / off. For example, the control circuit 40 may operate the power supply circuit 12 in a predetermined time zone by a timer, or operate the power supply circuit 12 according to the detection result by a brightness sensor (not shown) that detects environmental illuminance. It is also good. Further, the control circuit 40 may be configured to determine the on / off of the normal light distribution unit 10 based on a captured image acquired by a camera 30 described later. In this case, the control circuit 40 calculates the average illuminance of the entire captured image or a specific portion (for example, a road surface portion) as the brightness of the environment, and determines that it is daytime if the average illuminance is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The normal light distribution unit 10 is turned off, and when the average illuminance is less than a predetermined value, it is determined that it is night and the normal light distribution unit 10 is turned on. In addition, as another lighting on / off configuration, for example, a contact configuration for turning on / off an input power supply system for supplying power to the power supply circuit 12 may be applied. In this case, the road lamp lighting fixture 1-1 is centrally controlled together with the other road lamp lighting fixtures 1-2. In this embodiment, the operation / non-operation of the power supply circuit 12 is timer-controlled by the control circuit 40, and the normal light distribution LED 11 is turned on in a predetermined time zone at night. In the present embodiment, the normal light distribution unit 10 may be dimmed according to the environmental illuminance or the time zone.

  The pedestrian light distribution unit 20 includes a pedestrian light distribution LED 21 and a power supply circuit 22. The pedestrian light distribution LED 21 can irradiate the area R2 shown in FIG. 1 and can irradiate the pedestrian in the vicinity of the area R2. Similar to the power supply circuit 12, the power supply circuit 22 converts an input voltage of a commercial power supply or the like into a direct current (current waveform, a current whose current value is controlled, etc.), and supplies the direct current to the pedestrian light distribution LED 21. Do. The operation / non-operation (output level in the case of operation) of the power supply circuit 22, that is, the on / off of the pedestrian light distribution LED 21 (the amount of light in the on state) is controlled by the control circuit 40 as described in detail later. .

  Moreover, it is preferable that the light distribution of the irradiation from the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 is configured to be a pro-beam light distribution facing the traveling direction side of the vehicle passing through the region R2 in the vertical direction. Thereby, the visibility of the pedestrian in the region R2 from the driver in the vicinity of the region R1 is further improved. Alternatively, illumination of the area R2 by pro-beam orientation may be from other road lamp lighting fixtures 1-2 or 1-3.

  In the present embodiment and the following embodiments, a configuration in which the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 is switched between lighting and extinguishing is mainly shown, but instead of extinguishing, dimmed lighting (for example, with a light control rate of about 30%) Light control lighting) may be adopted. In this case, the terms "lighting" and "extinguishing" are respectively replaced with "brightening" and "dimming", and the terms "on" and "off" are also respectively replacing "brighting" and "dimming". That is, unless otherwise noted, the configuration of turning on / off or the configuration of on / off of the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 in each embodiment is similarly applied to the configuration of brightening / light reduction of the pedestrian light distribution unit 20. It is possible.

  The camera 30 is installed to image the region R3 and functions as a vehicle operation acquisition unit that acquires vehicle operation information indicating the operation of the vehicle present in the region R3. The region R3 is a region through which the vehicle passes before entering the region R1, and the camera 30 acquires a captured image of the region R3 as vehicle operation information. The captured image acquired by the camera 30 is output to the control circuit 40.

  The control circuit 40 controls the turning on and off of the normal light distribution unit 10 as described above, and controls the turning on and off of the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 in accordance with the processing of the captured image from the camera 30. As an outline, the control circuit 40 predicts a course change (right turn in the present embodiment) of the vehicle from the area R1 to the area R2 based on the vehicle operation information (that is, the captured image), and walks according to the prediction of the course change. It is comprised so that the person light distribution unit 20 may be lighted over a predetermined period. In the present embodiment, the turning of the vehicle is predicted by identifying blinks of the blinkers (turning indicators) of the vehicle.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the control circuit 40 includes a CPU 41, a memory 42 and an input / output interface (I / F) 43. The CPU 41 includes an HSV conversion unit 411, a detection range determination unit 412, a lightness specification unit 413, a hue specification unit 414, and a lighting control unit 415. These units are connected in such a manner that they can exchange signals and data with one another via a bus. The CPU 41 and the memory 42 can be included in one microcomputer. It is assumed that the CPU 41 can execute not only the functions of the units included therein, but also a general CPU function which is not particularly described. The memory 42 is a storage unit such as a RAM or a ROM that stores programs and data. The input / output I / F 43 functions as an interface for input / output of signals between the control circuit 40, the normal light distribution unit 10 (power supply circuit 12), the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 (power supply circuit 22), and the camera 30. .

  The HSV conversion unit 411 converts RGB data of the captured image acquired by the camera 30 into HSV data. This conversion may be in accordance with a general conversion function. The HSV data consists of hue (H: hue), purity (S: saturation) and lightness (V: value).

  Based on the captured image acquired by the camera 30 or the HSV data converted by the HSV conversion unit 411, the detection range determination unit 412 determines a blinker detection range for the vehicle in the region R3 that is the imaging range. The blinker detection range is, for example, a region extending substantially parallel to the white line (that is, a region through which the blinker can pass) in the vicinity of the upper side of the white line (center line) of the road surface on the image. Therefore, the detection range determination unit 412 specifies a white line by image processing. For example, a white area when image data (RGB data or HSV data) is binarized into white and black corresponds to a white line. Therefore, the detection range determination unit 412 determines an area near the upper side of the detected white line as the blinker detection range, and stores this in the memory 42.

  The lightness specifying unit 413 specifies the lightness (V) of the HSV data in the blinker detection range. Specifically, the lightness specifying unit 413 specifies the difference lightness ΔV obtained by subtracting the initial lightness V0, which is the lightness of the HSV data in the initial photographing, from the measured lightness Vx, which is the lightness of the HSV data in the current photographing. be able to.

  The hue identification unit 414 identifies the hue (H) of the HSV data in the blinker detection range, and more specifically identifies the measured hue Hx that is the hue of the HSV data in the current shooting.

  The lighting control unit 415 controls lighting of the normal light distribution unit 10 (that is, turns on, turns off, or dims the normal light distribution LED 11 by controlling the power supply circuit 12) and controls lighting of the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 (that is, the power supply circuit Lighting, extinguishing or dimming of the pedestrian light distribution LED 21 by the control of 22 is performed. The lighting control unit 415 lights the normal light distribution unit 10 at a predetermined time with reference to clocking means (timer, RTC, etc.) included in the CPU 41. Further, the lighting control unit 415 specifies the blink of the blinker to light the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 when the lightness (V) is equal to or more than the predetermined value and the hue (H) is in the predetermined range including orange.

  Specifically, the lighting control unit 415 determines whether the difference lightness ΔV is a predetermined value V1 or more for each dot in the blinker detection range and whether the measured hue Hx is included in the predetermined range H1 to H2 (winker identification condition). judge. The predetermined range H1 to H2 is, for example, 0 to 60, preferably 0 to 30, and more preferably 15 to 30 on the hue scale. Alternatively, the predetermined range H1 to H2 is, for example, 5R to 10Y, preferably 10R to 5Y, more preferably 5YR to 10YR in the Munsell system (see JIS, Z8721). Then, when the number Nw of dots satisfying the blinker specific condition becomes equal to or more than the threshold Nth, the lighting control unit 415 identifies blink of the blinker. The lightness is specified as the blinker specifying condition in order to identify the blinker from the vehicle of the orange to red car body. Also, the requirement for the hue in the blinker specific condition is to identify the blinker from light sources of other colors such as headlights or brake lamps.

  Alternatively, the lighting control unit 415 may directly determine the measurement value of the measurement lightness Vx instead of the difference from the initial value. In this case, the lighting control unit 415 determines whether or not the measured lightness Vx is equal to or greater than the predetermined value V1 and the measured hue H is included in the predetermined range H1 to H2 (winker identification condition) for each dot in the blinker detection range. . Then, when the number Nw of dots satisfying the blinker specific condition becomes equal to or more than the threshold Nth, the lighting control unit 415 identifies blink of the blinker.

  The lighting control unit 415 turns on the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 for a predetermined period. It is desirable that the end of the predetermined period be after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time the predicted state of course change is canceled. That is, after lighting the pedestrian light distribution unit 20, the lighting control unit 415 turns off the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 after a predetermined time has elapsed after the blink of the blinker is not identified. In this case, after the vehicle (right-turning vehicle) leaves the region R1, the region R2 is irradiated for an appropriate period until it passes the region R2 where the pedestrian can pass.

  The lighting control unit 415 may apply interlocking control that enables the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 to be lighted only when the normal light distribution unit 10 is lighted. Independent control may be applied to enable the light unit 20 to be turned on. That is, in the case of interlocking control, the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 is not lighted while the normal light distribution unit 10 is turned off. In this case, the power consumption accompanying lighting of the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 is optimized. On the other hand, in the case of independent control, the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 can be turned on even when the normal light distribution unit 10 is turned off. In this case, the visibility of the pedestrian in the region R2 is turned on by lighting of the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 even when the normal light distribution unit 10 is not turned on in dim light conditions at intersections such as morning and evening time zones, cloudy or rainy weather days Improves the driver's attention and makes it possible to further alert the driver.

  The light emission color of the pedestrian light distribution LED 21 may be the same as or different from the light emission color of the normal light distribution LED 11. When the two light emission colors are the same, continuous illumination from the region R1 to the region R2 is realized. When the light emission colors of the two are different, the illumination of the region R2 can be further enhanced to further elevate the driver. For example, as the light emission color of the pedestrian light distribution LED 21, a light emission color of a special color rendering index (R9) that makes human skin more prominent may be adopted.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a configuration in which the lighting and extinguishing of the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 is switched will be mainly described, but as described above, the total light lighting of the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 (that is, the light control rate) A configuration may be employed in which 100%) and light control lighting (for example, light control rate 30%) are switched. That is, when the blink of the blinker is specified, the light control lighting is increased to the full light lighting, and then the full light lighting is reduced to the light control lighting. Thereby, as compared with the case where the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 is switched off and all light lighting switched off, the abrupt change of the illumination environment accompanying the switching is alleviated, and the visual comfort of the driver or the pedestrian is increased. In addition, the lighting control unit 415 may gradually (for example, take about one second) change the light amount when the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 is turned on or off. As a result, in the driver or the pedestrian in the vicinity of the region R2, visual discomfort caused by the abrupt change in the amount of light of the region R2 can be reduced.

  The flowchart of an example of operation | movement of the road lamp lighting fixture 1 of this embodiment is shown to FIG. 4A. In addition, it is assumed that the normal light distribution unit 10 is already turned on and the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 is turned off at the start of the flow. Also, at the start of the flow, library import, initialization, function declaration, and the like in the CPU 41 are assumed to have been executed. In the flowcharts of the respective drawings and the description thereof, “lighting” and “lighting off” can be read as “brightening” and “light reducing”.

In step S100, the camera 30 outputs a captured image (RGB data) obtained by capturing an image of the region R3 to the control circuit 40.
In step S105, the HSV conversion unit 411 converts RGB data of the captured image into HSV data.

  In step S110, the detection range determination unit 412 determines the blinker detection range (dots 1 to m) from the area R3 that is the imaging range based on the captured image or its HSV data, and stores this in the memory 42. The CPU 41 performs processing such as moving body removal based on a plurality of captured images as necessary.

In step S120, the dot number k in the blinker detection range is reset.
In step S121, the lightness specifying unit 413 specifies the current measured lightness Vx (k) from the HSV data for the kth dot.
In step S122, the hue identification unit 414 identifies the current measured hue Hx (k) from the HSV data for the kth dot.
In step S123, it is determined whether the dot number k has reached the dot count k in the blinker detection range. If the dot number k is less than the dot number m (No at step S123), the dot number is incremented at step S124, and the process returns to step S121. If the dot number k has reached the dot number m (Yes at step S123), the process proceeds to step S125.

In step S125, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the current process is in the initial measurement mode. The first measurement mode may be defined as the case of first passing this flow at the time of installation of the road lamp lighting fixture 1 or at the start of the night time zone (for example, at the start of lighting of the normal light distribution unit 10). The case of passing this flow may be defined as an initial measurement mode. If the current process is the first measurement mode (Yes at step S125), the process proceeds to step S126.
In step S126, the lightness specifying unit 413 stores the measured lightness Vx (1 to m) in the memory 42 as the initial lightness V0 (1 to m). If the current process is not in the initial measurement mode (step S125, No), the process proceeds to step S130.

In step S130, the dot number k in the blinker detection range is reset.
In step S131, the lightness specifying unit 413 subtracts the initial lightness V0 (k) from the measured lightness Vx (k) for the kth dot to specify the difference lightness ΔV (k).

  In step S132, the lighting control unit 415 determines whether or not the difference lightness ΔV (k) for the kth dot is equal to or greater than a predetermined value V1 (ie, whether it is bright). If the difference lightness ΔV (k) is equal to or greater than the predetermined value V1 (Yes in step S132), the process proceeds to step S134. If the difference lightness ΔV (k) is less than the predetermined value V1 (No at Step S132), the process proceeds to Step S137.

In step S134, the lighting control unit 415 determines whether or not the measured hue Hx (k) is included in the predetermined range H1 to H2 for the kth dot (that is, whether it is orange or not). If the measured hue Hx (k) is included in the predetermined range H1 to H2 (Yes in step S134), the process proceeds to step S135. If the measured hue Hx (k) is not included in the predetermined range H1 to H2 (No in step S134), the process proceeds to step S137.
In step S135, the lighting control unit 415 increments the number Nw of dots satisfying the blinker specific condition.

  In step S136, the lighting control unit 415 determines whether the number Nw of dots has reached the threshold Nth. If the dot number Nw is less than the threshold value Nth (No at step S136), the process proceeds to step S137. On the other hand, if the dot number Nw has reached the threshold value Nth (step S136, Yes), the process proceeds to step S140.

  In step S137, it is determined whether the dot number k has reached the dot number m in the blinker detection range. If the dot number k is less than the dot number m (No at step S137), the dot number is incremented at step S138, and the process returns to step S131. If the dot number k has reached the dot number m (Yes at step S137), the process proceeds to step S145.

  In step S140, the lighting control unit 415 turns on the pedestrian light distribution unit 20. That is, when the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 is turned off, it is turned on, and when the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 is already turned on, the lighting is continued. Then, the process returns to step S100.

In step S145, if the lighting control unit 415 has already turned on the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 (Yes in step S145), that is, if the blinker is not detected after the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 is turned on, the process is In step S146, the lighting control unit 415 starts measuring a predetermined time by the timer. On the other hand, when the lighting control unit 415 turns off the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 (No in step S145), the process returns to step S100.
In step S146, the lighting control unit 415 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed, and when the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in step S146), the process proceeds to step S150.
In step S150, the lighting control unit 415 turns off the pedestrian light distribution unit 20, and the process returns to step S100.

  In the operation shown in FIG. 4A, for the lightness (V), the blinker is specified based on the difference between the current measurement value and the initial value, but as described above, the blinker is specified based only on the current measurement value. It is also possible. The flowchart of the other example of operation | movement of the road lamp lighting fixture 1 of this embodiment is shown to FIG. 4B. As in the case of FIG. 4A, it is assumed that the normal light distribution unit 10 is already on and the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 is off at the start of the flow. The same process steps as in FIG. 4A are assigned the same step numbers, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified.

  Steps S100 to S120 are the same as those shown in FIG. 4A. That is, the HSV data of the captured image is obtained up to step S115, the dot number k of the blinker detection range is reset in step S120, and the process proceeds to step S133.

  In step S133, the lighting control unit 415 determines whether the measured lightness Vx (k) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value V1 (that is, whether it is bright) for the kth dot. If the measured lightness Vx (k) is equal to or greater than the predetermined value V1 (Yes at step S133), the process proceeds to step S134. If the measured lightness Vx (k) is less than the predetermined value V1 (No in step S133), the process proceeds to step S137.

  Step S134 is similar to that of FIG. 4A. That is, when the measured hue Hx (k) is included in the predetermined range H1 to H2 (Yes in step S134), the process proceeds to step S135. If the measured hue Hx (k) is not included in the predetermined range H1 to H2 (No in step S134), the process proceeds to step S137.

  Steps S135 to S150 are also the same as the flow shown in FIG. 4A. That is, in step S135, the number Nw of dots satisfying the winker requirement is incremented, and when the dot number Nw reaches the threshold Nth (Yes in step S136), the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 is turned on in step S140. Then, when the elapsed time after the blinker is not detected in steps S145 and S146 reaches a predetermined value, the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 is extinguished in step S150.

  As described above, the road lamp lighting device 1 of the present invention includes the normal light distribution unit 10 for irradiating the area R1 for the vehicle to pass, and the area R2 for the pedestrian and the vehicle whose course is changed in the area R1 to pass. Vehicle operation acquisition means (camera 30) for acquiring vehicle operation information (captured image) indicating the operation of the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 for emitting light and the operation of the vehicle present in the area R3 where the vehicle passes before entering the area R1 And a control circuit 40 that predicts a course change of the vehicle from the area R1 to the area R2 based on the captured image and increases the irradiation light quantity of the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 over a predetermined period according to the prediction of the course change. .

  As described above, when the vehicle changes course and enters into the area R2 where the pedestrian can pass, the illumination of the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 or the increase of the area R2 makes it possible to increase the illuminance of the vehicle. In this case, the road lamp lighting device 1 is realized which improves the visibility of the pedestrian in the course change direction. Moreover, since the road lamp lighting fixture 1 is also equipped with the normal light distribution unit 10 that irradiates the area R1, which is a vehicle approach route to the area R2, replacement with existing road lamps is easy, and the introduction easiness is excellent.

  In particular, the road lamp luminaire 1 of the present embodiment includes the camera 30 that acquires the captured image of the region R3, and the control circuit 40 converts the RGB data of the captured image into HSV data, and the captured image or A detection range determination unit 412 that determines a blinker detection range for a vehicle in the region R3 based on HSV data, a lightness identification unit 413 that specifies the lightness (V) of HSV data in the blinker detection range, and HSV data in the blinker detection range And the blinker blinks when the lightness is in the predetermined range H1 to H2 including the orange color and the lightness is the predetermined value V1 or more, and the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 is specified. And a lighting control unit 415 for lighting or brightening the light. In this way, by making both the lightness and the hue in the HSV data of the captured image as the blinker specific requirements, the blink of the blinker with high brightness and orange color can be surely identified, and the general prediction of the change of the course of the vehicle It is possible to do

  Here, the lightness specifying unit 413 specifies the difference lightness ΔV obtained by subtracting the initial lightness V0 which is the lightness of the HSV data in the initial photographing from the measured lightness Vx which is the lightness of the HSV data in the current photographing. The hue identifying unit 414 identifies the measured hue Hx that is the hue of the HSV data in the current shooting. Then, the lighting control unit 415 determines whether or not the blinker specific condition that the difference lightness ΔV is the predetermined value V1 or more and the measured hue Hx is included in the predetermined range H1 to H2 is satisfied for each dot in the blinker detection range. The blinker blink is specified when the number Nw of dots satisfying the blinker identification condition becomes equal to or more than the threshold Nth. Thus, blinker detection with high accuracy can be performed by specifying blinking of the blinker based on the difference lightness ΔV and the measured hue Hx which are differences between the current measured lightness Vx and the initial lightness V0.

  Alternatively, the lightness specifying unit 413 is configured to specify the measured lightness Vx, which is the lightness of the HSV data in the current shooting, and the hue specifying unit 414 measures the hue of the HSV data in the current shooting. It is configured to specify the lightness Hx. Then, the lighting control unit 415 determines whether or not the blinker specific condition in which the measured lightness Vx is the predetermined value V1 or more and the measured hue Hx is included in the predetermined range H1 to H2 is satisfied for each dot in the blinker detection range. The blinker blink is specified when the number Nw of dots satisfying the blinker identification condition becomes equal to or more than the threshold Nth. Thus, blinker detection can be performed with a simple control configuration by specifying the blink of the blinker using the current measured lightness Vx and the measured hue Hx.

  In addition, the road lamp lighting fixture 1 which does not have the light distribution unit 10 normally is also possible in the said embodiment and each following embodiment. In other words, the road lamp luminaire 1 in this case includes the pedestrian light distribution unit 20, the vehicle operation acquisition means (camera 30), and the control circuit 40. In such a road lamp lighting apparatus 1 as well, a road lamp lighting apparatus is realized which improves the visibility of the pedestrian in the course change direction when changing the course of the vehicle as described above. In addition, the road lamp luminaire 1 in this case can be separately installed in an existing road lamp luminaire including only the light distribution unit for irradiating the region R1 (for example, the main body of the existing road lamp luminaire pole 2) can be useful as additional equipment.

Second Embodiment
In the first embodiment, the configuration to predict the course change of the vehicle using the HSV data of the captured image of the camera 30 is shown, but in the present embodiment, the route change of the vehicle is predicted by image processing of the captured image Indicates the configuration.

  FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the road lamp luminaire 1 of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 includes a lighting control unit 415, a white line identification unit 416, a lane identification unit 417, and a vehicle detection unit 418. In addition, CPU41 should just be equipped with either white line identification part 416 or lane identification part 417. In the present embodiment, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the redundant description will be omitted.

  The white line identification unit 416 identifies a predetermined white line (center line in the present embodiment) in the region R3 based on the captured image. This can be performed similarly to the detection of the white line using the binarization by the detection range determination unit 412 in the first embodiment.

  The lane identification unit 417 identifies a predetermined lane (in the present embodiment, a right turn lane) by detecting a predetermined arrow in the region R3 based on the captured image. Specifically, the lane specifying unit 417 can detect an arrow bent rightward from the binarized captured image, and specify a region near the detected arrow as a right turn lane. Alternatively, the lane specifying unit 417 detects an arrow bent rightward and two white lines sandwiching the arrow from the binarized captured image, and sets an area sandwiched between the detected two white lines as a right turn lane. It can be identified.

  The vehicle detection unit 418 detects a vehicle in the captured image. The vehicle detection unit 418 stores the background image in the memory 42 based on the captured image, and can identify a portion different from the background image on the captured image as a vehicle.

  When the white line identification unit 416 is adopted, the lighting control unit 415 changes the course of the vehicle when the distance between the identified white line (center line) and the detected vehicle in the captured image becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value. To make the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 light. This is to use the movement of the right-turn vehicle to approach the center line before turning to the route change prediction.

  When the lane specifying unit 417 is adopted, the lighting control unit 415 predicts the course change when the detected vehicle is included in the specified lane (right turn lane) in the captured image, and the pedestrian light distribution unit Turn on 20.

  The flowchart of operation | movement of the road lamp lighting fixture 1 of this embodiment is shown in FIG. In addition, it is assumed that the normal light distribution unit 10 is already turned on and the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 is turned off at the start of the flow. Also, at the start of the flow, library import, initialization, function declaration, and the like in the CPU 41 are assumed to have been executed.

In step S200, the camera 30 outputs a captured image obtained by capturing an image of the region R3 to the control circuit 40.
In step S205, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the current process is in the initial measurement mode. This process is the same as the process of step S125 in the first embodiment. If the current process is in the initial measurement mode (Yes at step S205), the process proceeds to step S210. Otherwise (No at step S205), the process proceeds to step S220.

In step S210, the white line identification unit 416 identifies a predetermined white line (center line) in the region R3 based on the captured image, and stores this in the memory 42. Alternatively, the lane specifying unit 417 specifies a predetermined lane (right turn lane) in the region R3 based on the captured image, and stores the specified lane in the memory 42.
In step S215, the vehicle detection unit 418 stores the background image in the memory 42.

In step S220, when the vehicle detection part 418 detects a vehicle (step S220, Yes), a process progresses to step S230.
In step S230, the lighting control unit 415 determines whether the distance between the detected vehicle and the center line has become equal to or less than a predetermined value, or determines whether the detected vehicle is included in the right turn lane. If the distance between the detected vehicle and the center line becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, or if the detected vehicle is included in the right turn lane (Yes in step S230), the process proceeds to step S240. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S245.

  In step S240, the lighting control unit 415 turns on the pedestrian light distribution unit 20. That is, when the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 is turned off, it is turned on, and when the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 is already turned on, the lighting is continued. Then, the process returns to step S200.

In step S245, if the lighting control unit 415 has already turned on the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 (Yes in step S245), that is, after approaching the pedestrian light distribution unit 20, approaching the center line of the vehicle or turning right lane If the entry into the vehicle is not detected, the process proceeds to step S246, and the lighting control unit 415 starts measuring a predetermined time by the timer. On the other hand, when the lighting control unit 415 turns off the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 (No in step S245), the process returns to step S200.
In step S246, the lighting control unit 415 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed, and when the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in step S246), the process proceeds to step S250.
In step S250, the lighting control unit 415 turns off the pedestrian light distribution unit 20, and the process returns to step S200.

  As described above, the road lamp luminaire 1 of the present embodiment includes the camera 30 (vehicle operation acquisition unit) that acquires a captured image of the region R3, and the control circuit 40 determines a predetermined in the region R3 based on the captured image. A lane identification unit 417 that identifies a predetermined lane (such as a right turn lane) in the region R3 based on the white line identification unit 416 that identifies a white line (such as a center line) or the captured image, and a vehicle detection unit 418 that detects a vehicle in the captured image. And. The lighting control unit 415 predicts a course change when the distance between a predetermined white line and a vehicle becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value in the captured image, or when the vehicle is included in a predetermined lane in the captured image. The unit 20 is turned on or brightened. Thus, the situation in which the vehicle approaches a predetermined white line such as a center line or the situation in which the vehicle enters a predetermined lane such as a right turn lane is specified from the captured image as a prediction of the course change of the vehicle The unit 20 is turned on or brightened. As a result, a situation in which the vehicle approaches a predetermined white line such as a center line or a situation in which the vehicle enters a predetermined lane such as a right turn lane is specified from the captured image as a prediction of a course change of the vehicle. 20 lights up. Therefore, it becomes possible to perform general prediction of the course change of a vehicle at a general intersection.

Third Embodiment
In the first and second embodiments, a camera is used as the vehicle operation acquisition means, but in the present embodiment, a configuration using a wireless reception unit capable of receiving communication from a vehicle is shown as the vehicle operation acquisition means.

  FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of the road lamp luminaire 1 of the present embodiment. The present embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments in that the wireless reception unit 35 is provided instead of the camera 30, and accordingly, the operation of the lighting control unit 415 is also different from the first and second embodiments. . In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first or second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the redundant description will be omitted.

  The wireless reception unit 35 wirelessly receives vehicle operation information from a vehicle present in the entry area R3 ′ (not shown) into the area R1. The region R3 'may be substantially the same as the region R3 in the first and second embodiments. Here, the vehicle operation information is information indicating various operations in the vehicle, and in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the vehicle can wirelessly transmit the information to the outside. Applications such as the function of CAN (Controller Area Network) and the function of OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) programmed in the ECU can be used to acquire operation information in a vehicle, for example. In this embodiment, the vehicle can wirelessly transmit the operation of the blinker operation or the steering angle of the steering wheel as the vehicle operation information. The wireless receiving unit 35 may enhance directivity so as not to receive vehicle operation information from vehicles in other traveling directions in the intersection. In this case, the region R3 'may be narrower than the region R3.

  When the vehicle operation information received by the wireless reception unit 35 indicates a right turn, the lighting control unit 415 predicts a course change of the vehicle and turns on the pedestrian light distribution unit 20. Specifically, when the vehicle operation information indicates an operation of right blinker operation or a steering angle in the right rotation direction equal to or more than a predetermined amount of the steering wheel, the right turn of the vehicle is predicted and identified.

  The flowchart of operation | movement of the road lamp lighting fixture 1 of this embodiment is shown in FIG. In addition, it is assumed that the normal light distribution unit 10 is already turned on and the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 is turned off at the start of the flow. Also, at the start of the flow, library import, initialization, function declaration, and the like in the CPU 41 are assumed to have been executed.

In step S300, the lighting control unit 415 determines whether the wireless reception unit 35 has received the vehicle operation information. When vehicle operation information is received (step S300, Yes), a process progresses to step S320. Otherwise (step S300, No), the process proceeds to step S345.
In step S320, the lighting control unit 415 determines whether the vehicle operation information indicates right turn (operation of a right blinker or right rotation of the steering wheel). If the vehicle operation information indicates a right turn (step S320, Yes), the process proceeds to step S340.

  In step S340, the lighting control unit 415 turns on the pedestrian light distribution unit 20. That is, when the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 is turned off, it is turned on, and when the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 is already turned on, the lighting is continued. Then, the process returns to step S300.

In step S345, when the lighting control unit 415 turns on the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 (Yes in step S345), that is, when the vehicle operation information is not received after the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 is turned on, the process The process proceeds to step S346, where the lighting control unit 415 starts measuring a predetermined time by the timer. On the other hand, when the lighting control unit 415 turns off the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 (No in step S345), the process returns to step S300.
In step S346, the lighting control unit 415 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed, and when the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in step S346), the process proceeds to step S350.
In step S350, the lighting control unit 415 turns off the pedestrian light distribution unit 20, and the process returns to step S300.

  As described above, the road lamp luminaire 1 of the present embodiment includes the wireless reception unit 35 that wirelessly receives the vehicle operation information from the vehicle present in the region R3 ′, and the lighting control unit 415 of the control circuit 40 When the vehicle operation information indicates the turn of the steering wheel in the direction of the turn signal or the turn of the turn signal, the turn change is predicted to light up or light up the pedestrian light distribution unit 20. This makes it possible to reliably identify the course change of the vehicle.

Fourth Embodiment
In the first to third embodiments, the configuration is shown in which the extinguishing light of the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 is controlled based on the operation of the vehicle in the predetermined area (R3, R3 '). On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a configuration is shown in which turning on / off of the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 is controlled based not only on the operation of the vehicle in the region R3 and the like but also on the presence or absence of the pedestrian near the region R2.

  The block diagram of the road lamp lighting fixture 1 of this embodiment (human sensor type) is shown to FIG. 9A. In the present embodiment, the human sensor 50 is provided, and the CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 includes the lighting disabling unit 420. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the redundant description will be omitted.

  The human sensor 50 is configured to detect a human body present in a detection area that at least partially overlaps the region R2. From the viewpoint of detecting pedestrians who are currently passing or potentially pedestrians in the region R2, it is desirable that the detection area substantially overlap with the region R2 or substantially include the region R2. The human sensor 50 may be, for example, a pyroelectric infrared sensor, and is installed at an appropriate position of the main body 2 or the pole 3 of the road lamp lighting fixture 1. The human sensor 50 outputs a detection signal to the control circuit 40 when a human body is detected in the detection area, and does not output a detection signal to the control circuit 40 when the human body is not detected. Note that not outputting a detection signal may mean outputting a non-detection signal whose logic is opposite to that of the detection signal, or may simply stop the detection signal.

  The CPU 41 includes a block 410 and a lighting disabling unit 420. The block 410 may include the HSV conversion unit 411, the detection range determination unit 412, the lightness specification unit 413, the hue specification unit 414, and the lighting control unit 415 of the first embodiment, and the lighting of the second embodiment. The control unit 415, the white line identification unit 416, the lane identification unit 417, and the vehicle detection unit 418 may be included, or the lighting control unit 415 of the third embodiment may be included. When the present embodiment is applied to the third embodiment, the wireless reception unit 35 is connected instead of the camera 30.

  The lighting invalidation unit 420 enables lighting of the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 by the lighting control unit 415 when the detection signal is input from the human sensor 50, and the lighting control unit 415 when the detection signal is not input. The lighting of the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 according to is disabled. That is, even when the vehicle turns right from the area R1 to the area R2, if the pedestrian does not exist in the detection area, the extinguishing of the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 is maintained. However, even if the human body is absent after lighting the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 and the detection signal is not input, the lighting may be maintained for several seconds thereafter.

  FIG. 9B shows a block diagram of the road lamp luminaire 1 of the present embodiment (wide-angle camera type). In the present embodiment, a camera with a wide-angle lens is employed as the camera 30, and the CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 includes an image processing unit 419 and a lighting disabling unit 420. The same components as those in the embodiment of FIG. 9A are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the redundant description thereof will be omitted.

  The camera 30 captures an area including the area R2 and the area R3 to obtain a wide area captured image. That is, it not only functions as a vehicle operation acquisition unit that acquires a captured image of the region R3, but also functions as a pedestrian detection unit that acquires a captured image of a sidewalk region including the region R2. The wide-area captured image acquired by the camera 30 is output to the control circuit 40.

  The image processing unit 419 detects a pedestrian by performing image processing on a wide area captured image. As a result of the image processing, the image processing unit 419 generates a detection signal when detecting a pedestrian in a portion including the region R2 (outputs to the lighting disabling unit 420), and does not detect a pedestrian. Do not generate The operation of the lighting disabling unit 420 is the same as that of FIG. 9A.

  In FIG. 10, the flowchart of operation | movement of the road lamp lighting fixture 1 of this embodiment is shown. In addition, it is assumed that the normal light distribution unit 10 is already turned on and the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 is turned off at the start of the flow. Also, at the start of the flow, library import, initialization, function declaration, and the like in the CPU 41 are assumed to have been executed.

  In step S400, the lighting invalidation unit 420 determines the presence or absence of the input of the detection signal from the human sensor 50 or the image processing unit 419. When the detection signal is input (Yes in step S400), the on / off process P450 of the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 is performed. When the detection signal is not input (Step S400, No), the lighting disabling unit 420 keeps the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 off.

  The on / off process P450 is any one of steps S100 to S150 of the first embodiment, steps S200 to S250 of the second embodiment, or steps S300 to S350 of the third embodiment. After the lighting / extinguishing process P450, the process returns to step S400. Here, even if the human body (pedestrian) is not detected by the process of steps S145 to 146, S245 to 246 or S345 to 346 included in the on / off process P450, the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 is turned on for a predetermined time. Be done. On the other hand, the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 is forcibly turned off regardless of the progress of the lighting on / off processing P450 after the non-detection signal from the human sensor 50 is input or after a predetermined time has elapsed from that time on You may

  As described above, the road lamp lighting device 1 according to an example of the present embodiment further includes the human sensor 50 for outputting a detection signal to the control circuit 40 when the human body is detected in the detection area at least partially overlapping the region R2. Prepare. The control circuit 40 further includes the lighting disabling unit 420 configured to maintain the turning off or dimming of the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 when the detection signal is not input. As a result, unnecessary lighting or brightening of the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 can be avoided, and power consumption of the road lamp lighting fixture 1 can be reduced.

  Moreover, in the road lamp lighting fixture 1 according to an example of the present embodiment, the camera 30 is configured to obtain a wide area captured image of a region including the region R2 and the region R3 and the control circuit 40 Image processing of the image, the image processing unit 419 that generates a detection signal when the pedestrian is detected in the part including the region R2, and turn off or dimming of the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 when the detection signal is not generated And a lighting disabling unit 420 configured to: As a result, unnecessary lighting or brightening of the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 can be avoided, and power consumption of the road lamp lighting fixture 1 can be reduced. Furthermore, since the camera 30 as a vehicle operation acquisition means can also serve as a human body detection means, cost reduction of the road lamp lighting fixture 1 is attained.

Fifth Embodiment
In the above-described embodiments, the road lamp luminaire 1 having the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 has been described. In the present embodiment, the road lamp lighting fixture 1 further has a configuration having an external output configuration of various data.

  FIG. 11 shows a block diagram of the road lamp luminaire 1 of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first or second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the redundant description will be omitted. The road lamp lighting device 1 of the present embodiment includes a wireless communication unit 60 and a storage medium interface (I / F) 65. The CPU 41 further includes a block 410, a communication control unit 460 and a storage control unit 465. The block 410 may include the HSV conversion unit 411, the detection range determination unit 412, the lightness specification unit 413, the hue specification unit 414, and the lighting control unit 415 of the first embodiment, and the lighting of the second embodiment. A control unit 415, a white line identification unit 416, a lane identification unit 417, and a vehicle detection unit 418 may be included.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the camera 30, the control circuit 40, the wireless communication unit 60, and the storage medium I / F 65 are always operated. On the other hand, it is assumed that the lighting of the normal light distribution unit 10 and the lighting of the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 are validated only during a predetermined time zone (nighttime).

  The wireless communication unit 60 is a communication device that can access the cloud server 5 via the Internet or the like. The wireless communication unit 60 and the cloud server 5 are wirelessly connected by, for example, 3G, 4G (LTE) or the like.

  The communication control unit 460 causes the wireless communication unit 60 to sequentially transmit part of data generated in the CPU 41 to the cloud server 5. As the transmission data, one with a relatively small amount of data is selected in consideration of the communication cost and the like. For example, the transmission data includes information on the prediction of the change in the course of the vehicle from the area R1 to the area R2. More specifically, an event specific to the blinker of the vehicle (see the first embodiment) or an approach of the vehicle to a predetermined white line such as a center line or an event of an entry of the vehicle to a predetermined lane such as a right turn lane Data such as the second embodiment) and the time of occurrence may be transmitted.

  The storage medium I / F 65 is an interface to which the removable storage medium 66 can be connected. In the present embodiment, the storage medium I / F 65 is an SD card slot (hereinafter also referred to as “SD card slot 65”), and the removable storage medium 66 is an SD card (hereinafter also referred to as “SD card 66”) . However, the combination of the storage medium I / F 65 and the removable storage medium 66 is not limited to the SD card slot and the SD card. For example, the combination of the storage medium I / F 65 and the removable storage medium 66 may be a USB port and a USB memory or an external hard disk.

  The storage control unit 465 temporarily stores the captured image acquired by the camera 30 in the SD card 66 connected to the SD card slot 65. Specifically, the storage control unit 465 is configured to store the captured image of the latest predetermined recording time in the SD card 66 and erase the captured image before the latest predetermined recording time. The predetermined recording time is, for example, 12 hours or more and 48 hours or less, preferably about 24 hours. Note that, as a modification, the storage control unit 465 is configured to store the captured image in the SD card 66 to a predetermined data amount, and delete the older captured image when the captured image exceeds the predetermined data amount. Good.

  And, if necessary (for example, when an accident or incident occurs at or at the intersection where the road light luminaire 1 is installed), an authorized person such as the police can use the SD card 66 from the road light luminaire 1 It becomes possible to take out. Here, the SD card slot 65 may be stored in the main body 2 of the road lamp lighting fixture 1 or may be stored in a housing installed in a lockable manner inside or outside the pole 3. When the SD card slot 65 is stored in the main body 2, the wiring associated with the SD card slot 65 is completed inside the main body 2, which is advantageous in construction. On the other hand, when the SD card slot 65 is accommodated in the pole, the work at the high place becomes unnecessary when inserting and removing the SD card 66, which is advantageous in handling the SD card 66.

  As described above, the road lamp lighting fixture 1 of the present embodiment further includes the wireless communication unit 60 capable of accessing the cloud server, and the control circuit 40 transmits the information related to the change of the route of the vehicle from the wireless communication unit 60 to the cloud server 5. The communication control unit 460 further includes a communication control unit 460 that performs sequential transmission. As a result, the cloud server 5 can acquire data regarding traffic traveling from the area R3 to the area R2 via the area R1. In addition, the cloud server 5 acquires similar data as big data from the road lamp lighting fixtures 1 at many other intersections, and performs statistical processing of wider area traffic by combining this data and the like. Is possible.

  In addition, the road light lighting fixture 1 further includes an SD card slot (storage medium I / F) 65 to which an SD card (removable storage medium) 66 can be connected, and the camera 30 is always operated. The control circuit 40 further includes a storage control unit 465 configured to temporarily store the captured image for a predetermined recording time in the SD card 66 connected to the SD card slot 65. As a result, if an accident occurs at or near an intersection where the road lamp lighting fixture 1 is installed, the image recording at the time of the accident occurrence remains if it is within a predetermined time from the occurrence of the accident. Then, an authorized person can extract the SD card 66 from the road lamp lighting fixture 1 and analyze the stored image. On the other hand, since the recording time is relatively short, such as half a day to two days (preferably one day), the problem of privacy associated with the storage of the record is unlikely to occur.

  The above-described configuration of sequential transmission of data to the cloud server 5 and the configuration of temporary storage of captured images to the SD card 66 use a road lamp luminaire without adding new facilities or wiring at intersections etc. Can be implemented and is easy to introduce.

<Program etc.>
In addition, each component which realizes especially the control circuit 40 (CPU41) of the road lamp lighting fixture 1 in each embodiment mentioned above and each step of a process are realized by the program memorized by ROM etc. of memory 42 operating. Be done.

  In addition, a program of software (a program corresponding to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 6, FIG. 8 or FIG. 10) for realizing the functions of the above respective embodiments is disclosed in the road light lighting fixture 1 (control circuit 40). It can be supplied directly or remotely. Therefore, the program code itself installed in the road lamp lighting fixture 1 (control circuit 40) to realize the functional processing of the present invention is also included in the present invention. That is, the present invention also includes a computer program for realizing the functional processing of the present invention. The program includes a computer such as the control circuit 40, the HSV conversion unit 411, the detection range determination unit 412, the lightness specification unit 413, the hue specification unit 414, the lighting control unit 415, the white line specification unit 416, the lane specification unit 417, It can function as all or part of the vehicle detection unit 418, the lighting invalidation unit 420, the communication control unit 460, or the storage control unit 465. As described above, according to the present invention, since the operation and effect as shown in the above-described embodiment can be realized by the introduction of software, the introduction easiness of the road lamp lighting fixture 1 can be improved.

<Modification>
Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention can be modified in various aspects, for example, as described below.

(1) Modification Regarding the Aspect of Course Change In the above embodiments, the course change of the vehicle has been described as a right turn on a fork road, but the aspect of the course change that the road lamp lighting fixture 1 can handle It is not limited. For example, even when the course change is a left turn at various intersections, the road lamp luminaire 1 of the present invention is applicable. As a result, accidents of vehicles and pedestrians at the time of a right turn or a left turn at an intersection where the incidence is relatively high may be reduced. Further, the form of the intersection (the number and position of the pedestrian crossing, the number of lanes, the presence or absence of the right turn lane, the form of the center line, etc.) is not limited to that shown in FIG. Furthermore, the road lamp lighting fixture 1 of the present invention is applicable even when the intersection is a three-fork, a five-fork, a six-fork, or the like. Furthermore, although the above-mentioned each embodiment explained as what a lane is left-handed, the road light lighting fixture 1 of the present invention is applicable also when a lane is right-handed.

(2) Combination of Embodiments Although the first to third embodiments have been described as individual ones, these may be appropriately combined. In this case, with regard to the determination of lighting of the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 by the lighting control unit 415, the final lighting may be determined based on the logical product of the determination according to each embodiment, or the determination according to each embodiment A final lighting decision may be made based on the disjunction. For example, in the combination of the first or third embodiment (specification of blinker blinks) and the second embodiment (specification of positional relationship of vehicle to white line or lane), determination of lighting of the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 is respectively Consider the case based on the disjunction of the decisions of. In this case, a driver's vehicle that does not comply with traffic rules (for example, a vehicle that changes the course without blinking blinkers) or a driver's driver with a low driving skill (for example, does not move in the direction of course change before changing the course) Also for the vehicle), a course change may be predicted and identified, and lighting of the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 may be performed.

  In addition, although the fifth embodiment has been described based on the first or second embodiment, the fifth embodiment is also applicable to the fourth embodiment. In this case, the data transmitted from the wireless communication unit 60 to the cloud server 5 may include the detection result regarding the pedestrian by the human sensor 50 or the image processing unit 419. As a result, not only vehicles but also pedestrian data or big data can be collected by the cloud server 5. The configuration related to the fifth wireless communication unit 60 and the communication control unit 460 is also applicable to the third embodiment. In this case, the data transmitted to the cloud server 5 is, for example, an event of reception of an operation operation of a blinker or a rotation operation of a steering wheel and the occurrence time thereof.

  Moreover, the road lamp lighting fixture 1 which is not provided with the normal light distribution unit 10 shown in the first embodiment can also be practiced in the second to fifth embodiments. Also in this case, as in the first embodiment, the road lamp luminaire 1 can be separated from the existing road lamp luminaire, and an effect as an additional facility can be obtained.

(3) Modification Regarding Light Source In each of the above embodiments, the normal light distribution unit 10 and the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 have shown the configuration in which the LEDs (normal light distribution LED 11 and pedestrian light distribution LED 21) are light sources. The light source of one or both of the light unit 10 and the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 may be another type of light source such as a discharge lamp or a halogen lamp. In addition, when a discharge lamp is used for the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 where frequent flickering is expected, a low light control rate instead of extinguishing the pedestrian light distribution unit 20 from the viewpoint of preventing shortening of the life of the discharge lamp The light control lighting in may be performed.

1, 1-1-1-4 Road light lighting fixture 10 Normal light distribution unit 20 Pedestrian light distribution unit 30 Camera (vehicle operation acquisition means)
35 wireless receiver (vehicle operation acquisition unit)
40 control circuit 50 human sensor 60 wireless communication unit 65 SD card slot (storage medium I / F)
411 HSV conversion unit 412 detection range determination unit 413 lightness specification unit 414 hue specification unit 415 lighting control unit 416 white line specification unit 417 lane specification unit 418 vehicle detection unit 419 image processing unit 420 lighting invalidation unit 460 communication control unit 465 storage control unit

Claims (18)

Road light luminaire,
A normal light distribution unit that illuminates a first area for the vehicle to pass;
A pedestrian light distribution unit that irradiates a pedestrian and a second area for passing a vehicle whose course is changed in the first area;
Vehicle operation acquisition means for acquiring vehicle operation information indicating an operation of a vehicle present in a third area through which the vehicle passes before entering the first area;
Based on the vehicle operation information, the course change of the vehicle from the first area to the second area is predicted, and the irradiation light quantity of the pedestrian light distribution unit is increased over a predetermined period according to the prediction of the course change. Road light luminaire with control circuit to make it Road light luminaire,
A pedestrian light distribution unit that illuminates a second area for passing a pedestrian and a vehicle whose course is changed in the first area;
Vehicle operation acquisition means for acquiring vehicle operation information indicating an operation of a vehicle present in a third area through which the vehicle passes before entering the first area;
Based on the vehicle operation information, the course change of the vehicle from the first area to the second area is predicted, and the irradiation light quantity of the pedestrian light distribution unit is increased over a predetermined period according to the prediction of the course change. Road light luminaire with control circuit to make it The vehicle operation acquisition means is a camera for acquiring a captured image of the third area,
The control circuit
An HSV converter for converting RGB data of the captured image into HSV data;
A detection range determination unit that determines a blinker detection range for a vehicle in the third area based on the captured image or the HSV data;
A lightness specification unit that specifies the lightness of the HSV data in the blinker detection range;
A hue identification unit that identifies the hue of the HSV data in the blinker detection range;
The lighting control section for specifying blink of a blinker to light or light up the pedestrian light distribution unit when the lightness is a predetermined value or more and the hue is in a predetermined range including orange. The road lamp luminaire described in 2. The lightness specifying unit is configured to specify a difference lightness ΔV obtained by subtracting the initial lightness V0 which is the lightness of the HSV data in the initial photographing from the measured lightness Vx which is the lightness of the HSV data in the current photographing. And
The hue identification unit is configured to identify a measured lightness Hx, which is a hue of the HSV data in the current shooting,
The lighting control unit determines, for each dot in the blinker detection range, whether or not the difference lightness ΔV is equal to or greater than the predetermined value and the measured hue Hx satisfies a blinker specific condition included in the predetermined range. 4. The road light luminaire according to claim 3, wherein the blinking of the blinker is specified when the number of dots satisfying the blinker specific condition reaches a threshold. The lightness specifying unit is configured to specify a measured lightness Vx, which is the lightness of the HSV data in the current shooting,
The hue identification unit is configured to identify a measured lightness Hx, which is a hue of the HSV data in the current shooting,
The lighting control unit determines, for each dot in the blinker detection range, whether or not the measured lightness Vx is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, and the measured hue Hx satisfies a blinker specific condition included in the predetermined range. 4. The road light luminaire according to claim 3, wherein the blinking of the blinker is specified when the number of dots satisfying the blinker specific condition reaches a threshold. The vehicle operation acquisition means is a camera for acquiring a captured image of the third area,
The control circuit
A white line identification unit that identifies a predetermined white line in the third area based on the captured image;
A vehicle detection unit that detects a vehicle in the captured image;
A lighting control unit for predicting the course change and lighting or increasing the pedestrian light distribution unit when the distance between the predetermined white line and the vehicle in the captured image becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value. The road lamp lighting fixture as described in 1 or 2. The vehicle operation acquisition means is a camera for acquiring a captured image of the third area,
The control circuit
A lane identification unit that identifies a predetermined lane in the third area based on the captured image;
A vehicle detection unit that detects a vehicle in the captured image;
The road according to claim 1, further comprising: a lighting control unit that predicts the course change and lights or increases the light distribution unit when the vehicle is included in the predetermined lane in the captured image. Lighting fixtures. The vehicle operation acquisition unit is a wireless reception unit that wirelessly receives vehicle operation information from a vehicle present in the third area,
The control circuit
A lighting control unit configured to predict the course change and light or light up the pedestrian light distribution unit when the vehicle operation information indicates the turn of the turn signal or the turn of the steering wheel in the direction of the course change; The road lamp luminaire according to claim 1 or 2, comprising. The human detection system further includes a human sensor that outputs a detection signal to the control circuit when a human body is detected in an area at least partially overlapping the second area.
The control circuit
The road lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: a lighting disabling unit configured to maintain turning off or dimming of the pedestrian light distribution unit when the detection signal is not input. lighting equipment. The camera comprises a wide-angle lens, and is configured to obtain a wide area captured image of an area including the second area and the third area,
The control circuit
An image processing unit that performs image processing on the wide-area captured image and generates a detection signal when a pedestrian is detected in a portion including the second area;
The road according to any one of claims 3 to 7, further comprising: a lighting disabling unit configured to maintain turning off or dimming of the pedestrian light distribution unit when the detection signal is not generated. Lighting fixtures. It further comprises a wireless communication unit that can access the cloud server,
The control circuit
The road lamp luminaire according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a communication control unit that sequentially transmits information on the prediction of the course change from the wireless communication unit to the cloud server. It further comprises a wireless communication unit that can access the cloud server,
The control circuit
The road light luminaire according to claim 8, further comprising a communication control unit that sequentially transmits information on the prediction of the course change from the wireless communication unit to the cloud server. It further comprises a storage medium interface to which a removable storage medium can be connected,
The camera is always on
The control circuit
12. A storage control unit according to claim 1, further comprising a storage control unit configured to temporarily store the captured image for a predetermined recording time on the removable storage medium connected to the storage medium interface. Road lamp luminaire according to any one of the preceding claims.   14. The road lamp luminaire according to claim 13, wherein the predetermined recording time is at least 12 hours and at most 48 hours.   The light distribution of the irradiation from the said pedestrian light distribution unit is a pro beam light distribution which faces the advancing direction side of the vehicle which passes through the said 2nd area | region with respect to the perpendicular direction. Road light luminaire described in the section.   The road light luminaire according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the increase of the irradiation light amount of the pedestrian light distribution unit is performed by a change from dimmed lighting at a predetermined light control rate to full light lighting. .   The end time of the predetermined period to which the irradiation light quantity of the pedestrian light distribution unit is increased is after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time the predicted state of the course change is canceled. Road light luminaire as described. 18. A road light luminaire according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the course change corresponds to a right turn or left turn of the vehicle.

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