JP4887169B2 - Traffic information generating apparatus, traffic information providing system, and traffic information generating method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a traffic information generating device, a traffic information providing system, and a traffic information generating method for generating traffic information using vehicle positions and speeds collected from a large number of vehicles.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a traffic information providing system that provides a driver with traffic information data related to a predetermined area from a traffic information center via an in-vehicle terminal mounted on an automobile, for example, one disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known.

  In this traffic information providing system, the in-vehicle device provides traffic information data near the position of the vehicle to the information center automatically or manually. The information center that has received the traffic information data forms a traffic information database based on the received traffic information data. When a search request for traffic information data related to the predetermined area is received from the in-vehicle device, the information center searches the database for traffic information data related to the predetermined area in response to the search request, and the traffic related to the searched predetermined area. The information data is transmitted to the in-vehicle device that has issued the transmission request.

  As described above, in Patent Document 1, the information center collects traffic information data in the vicinity of the position of the vehicle on which the in-vehicle device is mounted, creates a database, and sends necessary traffic information data to the vehicle in response to a request from the vehicle. providing.

  The traffic information data also includes waiting time data for left and right turns at intersections. These left and right turn waiting time data is generated as waiting times for left and right turns with the turn signal turned on in the in-vehicle device, and sent to the information center. It is calculated by calculating the average of the waiting time for left and right turns based on the transmitted waiting time.

  Moreover, as shown in Patent Document 2, an in-vehicle terminal (navigation device) that provides traffic information to a driver using time information of a signal transmitted from a roadside device is known.

The navigation device of Patent Literature 2 determines whether or not the vehicle can pass through the traffic light at what number of green signals based on the time information of the signal received from the roadside device and the vehicle position and the distance traveled by one green signal. Is calculated. Using this calculation result, the navigation device displays a message such as “I can pass after another signal ○ times” and presents the driver with a waiting time for turning left and right and the number of signal waits in advance. As described above, the navigation device provides better route selection support to the driver and improves the safe driving by providing a margin for the driving of the driver.
JP 11-328580 A JP 2004-205389 A

  By the way, there is a desire to provide detailed information such as the number of signal waiting times at intersections as traffic information to be provided to the driver using a traffic information providing system whose cost has been reduced.

  However, in the conventional traffic information providing system of Patent Document 1, although information on the total time required for turning right and left at an intersection can be obtained, it is not possible to generate the number of signal waiting times that are detailed signal waiting information for passing through the intersection. There's a problem.

  Further, although Patent Document 2 can calculate the number of signal waiting times for passing through an intersection and provide it to the driver, the time information of the signal provided from the roadside device can be used to calculate the number of signal waiting times. The state of the signal is detected using an in-vehicle camera.

  For this reason, in addition to the need for a roadside device for providing signal time information, an apparatus for vehicle-to-vehicle or road-to-vehicle communication, an in-vehicle camera, etc. are necessary, which is costly. was there.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and a traffic information generating apparatus and a traffic information providing system for generating traffic information including signal waiting information such as the number of signal waiting times for passing through an intersection without increasing costs. It is another object of the present invention to provide a traffic information generation method.

The traffic information generation device of the present invention is a traffic information generation device that generates traffic information displayed together with route guidance information in a navigation device, the vehicle position information transmitted from a plurality of vehicles traveling on a road, A receiving means for receiving the time information and speed information when the position information is acquired, and a time when the received position information, time information and speed information of the vehicle are statistically processed, and a predetermined intersection is escaped by making a right turn. In the axis, the stop time of each vehicle at the intersection is measured, and the occurrence probability of the stop time of the vehicle, which is the ratio of the number of vehicles at each stop time to the total number of vehicles, is determined . among the intervals between adjacent peak values, interval a first signal waiting for the second peak of the future side in the next time the most future side first peak and the first peak of Estimated vehicle time, and the interval between the second peak and the third peak on the future side after the second peak is estimated as the oncoming vehicle waiting time, and the future next to the third peak and the third peak. The second signal waiting stop time is estimated as the second signal waiting stop time, and the signal at the predetermined intersection from the end time of the second signal waiting stop time to the end time of the first signal waiting stop time is estimated . take a signal cycle time estimation means for estimating a cycle time, and traffic information generating means for generating traffic information including the estimated the cycle time, the arrangement comprising a.
The traffic information providing system of the present invention includes the above-described traffic information generation device, an in-vehicle device that is mounted on each of a plurality of vehicles, and transmits the position information and vehicle speed information of the vehicle to the traffic information generation device, and the traffic information The traffic information generated by the generation device is provided, and a configuration is provided that includes a navigation device that displays the provided traffic information together with route guidance information.
A traffic information generation method according to the present invention is a traffic information generation method for generating traffic information displayed on a navigation device, the position information of the vehicle transmitted from a plurality of vehicles traveling on a road, and the position information. The step of receiving time information and speed information at the time of acquisition, and statistical processing of the received position information, time information and speed information of the vehicle, and on each time axis when exiting a predetermined intersection by making a right turn, Measure the stop time of the vehicle at the intersection, determine the occurrence probability of the stop time of the vehicle, which is the ratio of the number of vehicles at each stop time to the total number of vehicles, and calculate the adjacent peak value in the occurrence probability of the stop time of the vehicle . among apart, the estimated first signal waiting stoppage time of the second peak of the next future side of the first peak and the first peak time the most future side, front An interval between the second peak and the third peak on the future side after the second peak is estimated as an oncoming waiting time, and the fourth peak on the future side after the third peak and the third peak is estimated. the distance is estimated as the second traffic light stopping time from the end time of the second signal wait parking time to the end time of the first signal waiting stoppage time, estimating the signal cycle time in the predetermined intersection Generating traffic information including the estimated cycle time.

  As described above, according to the present invention, traffic that includes signal waiting information such as the number of signal waiting times as detailed information for passing through an intersection without increasing the cost for a driver confirming a navigation device. Information can be provided.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a traffic information providing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  A traffic information providing system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a collection in-vehicle device 200, a traffic information providing device (traffic information generating device) 300, and a navigation device 400. In this traffic information providing system 100, a plurality of collecting in-vehicle devices 200 collects traffic information and transmits it to the traffic information providing device 300. The traffic information providing device 300 manages the collected traffic information and sends it to the navigation device 400. Generate traffic information to provide. The generated traffic information is provided to the driver in the navigation device 400.

  The collection in-vehicle device 200 is mounted on a collection vehicle that can travel and collect road information and traffic information, and collects traffic information information provided from the traffic information providing device 300 to the navigation device 400.

  The collection in-vehicle device 200 includes a vehicle information acquisition unit 210 that detects the position and time of the collection vehicle, a vehicle speed, and the like, a communication unit 230 that transmits information detected by the vehicle information acquisition unit 210 to the traffic information providing device 300, and each unit And a control unit 240 for controlling 210 and 230.

  The vehicle information acquisition unit 210 includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 211 that is a positioning unit that measures the position of the vehicle, and further includes an angle sensor such as a gyro that detects the rotation angle of the vehicle, and a fixed travel distance. You may have a vehicle speed sensor etc. for generating a pulse every time and measuring the travel speed of a vehicle, and a travel distance. Here, the vehicle information acquisition unit 210 includes a vehicle speed detection unit (also referred to as a vehicle speed sensor) 212. In addition, the GPS receiver 211 which is a positioning part acquires the time at the time of positioning at the time of positioning.

  In these vehicle information acquisition units 210, based on information obtained from the positioning unit (GPS receiver) 211, the vehicle speed detection unit (vehicle speed sensor) 212, and the like, trajectory information indicating the trajectory of the collected vehicle (vehicle position and position information). And the vehicle speed information and the like are calculated and output to the control unit 240.

  The control unit 240 associates the information input from the vehicle information acquisition unit 210 and transmits the information to the traffic information providing apparatus 300 via the communication unit 230.

  That is, the control unit 240 collects information about when and where the collection vehicle on which the collection vehicle-mounted device 200 is mounted via the vehicle information acquisition unit 210. The control unit 240 measures the position of the host vehicle by the vehicle information acquisition unit 210 and samples the travel locus.

  In addition, this collection vehicle-mounted apparatus 200 is mounted in each of a plurality of collection vehicles, and information is collected in each collection vehicle and transmitted to the traffic information providing device 300. The collection in-vehicle device 200 may be mounted on a vehicle on which a navigation device 400 that receives information from a vehicle other than a traffic information collection vehicle is mounted. Moreover, the information transmitted to the traffic information providing apparatus 300 by the collection in-vehicle apparatus 200 may be controlled by the control unit 240 so as to be transmitted, for example, every predetermined time or every predetermined fixed distance.

  The traffic information providing device 300 receives information such as vehicle position, time and other vehicle trajectory information, vehicle speed information, etc., transmitted from a plurality of collection vehicles equipped with the collection in-vehicle device 200, and the received information Is used to generate traffic information to be provided to the navigation device 400.

  Specifically, the traffic information providing apparatus 300 includes a communication unit 310 that transmits and receives information to and from the collecting on-vehicle apparatus 200, a map data storage unit 320, a signal cycle estimation unit 340, and a traffic information generation unit 350. Have.

  The communication unit 310 receives the information collected by the collection in-vehicle device 200 and outputs it to the traffic information generation unit 350. When the navigation device 400 includes a communication unit that can receive the traffic information generated by the traffic information providing device 300, the communication unit 310 performs transmission / reception with the communication unit of the navigation device 400.

  The map data storage unit 320 includes information on roads (road width, number of lanes, road length, etc.), information on traffic lights installed on the road, information on facilities (type of facility, name, position, telephone number, etc.) And the like are stored and read by the traffic information generation unit 350. Note that the map data includes, for example, information on roads as numerical values expressed based on road width, number of lanes, road length, and the like.

  The signal cycle estimation unit 340 estimates the signal cycle time at the intersection by statistically processing the positions and speeds of a large number of collection vehicles received via the communication unit 310, and the estimated signal cycle time is used as the traffic information generation unit 350. Output to. The traffic information generation unit 350 uses this signal cycle time and other information acquired from the collection in-vehicle device 200 to make traffic information, specifically, a right or left turn at a predetermined place, here at a predetermined intersection. Information including the signal waiting time, the number of signal waiting times, and the signal waiting number changing position at the time of evacuation is performed. Details of the processing of the signal cycle estimation unit 340 will be described later.

  The traffic information generation unit 350 generates each traffic information corresponding to the road of the map data based on the information transmitted from the collection in-vehicle device 200 and the map data in the map data storage unit 320. Specifically, the traffic information generation unit 350 corresponds to the map data, for each traveling direction of each intersection, day type (day of the week, whether or not a holiday), and time zone, a right / left turn waiting time and a signal waiting time. Number of times, signal cycle time, oncoming vehicle waiting time, traffic waiting time change point traffic information is generated as statistical data.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a main configuration of the traffic information generating unit 350 in the traffic information providing apparatus 300.

  FIG. 2 shows elements that generate the waiting time and the signal waiting time change position necessary for exiting the intersection for each lane, which is characteristic traffic information, when the traffic information generating unit 350 generates traffic information. ing. Note that the number of signal waiting times is the number of times of waiting for a signal to go straight or turn right or left at the intersection, and refers to the number of times that the vehicle could not go straight or turn right or left despite the green light.

  The traffic information generation unit 350 receives the vehicle position information, vehicle speed information, and signal cycle estimation time estimated by the signal cycle estimation unit 340, which are input from the collection in-vehicle device 200 acquired through the communication unit 310. Traffic information is generated using the map data read from the map data storage unit 320 and the information stored in the storage unit 360.

  The traffic information generation unit 350 shown in FIG. 2 includes a last stop determination unit 351, a first stop time calculation unit 352, a signal cycle estimation time acquisition unit (indicated by “signal cycle time acquisition unit” in the figure) 353, It has a right / left turn completion determination unit 354, a second stop time calculation unit 355, a first stop position calculation unit 356, a signal waiting number calculation unit 357, and a statistical data generation unit 358. Here, the processing in each of the units 351 to 357 will be described as processing performed based on information from the same collection vehicle on which the collection in-vehicle device 200 is mounted.

  The last stop determination unit 351 uses the vehicle location information, vehicle speed information, and map data collected at a predetermined location, here a predetermined intersection, to stop the collection vehicle as the tail of the vehicle row at the predetermined intersection. Is output to the first stop time calculation unit 352.

  The first stop time calculation unit 352 includes the last stop determination result from the last stop determination unit 351, the vehicle location information collected at the predetermined intersection, here the vehicle acquired by the collection in-vehicle device 200, the vehicle The first stop time (first stop time) at which the vehicle stops first before a predetermined intersection is calculated from the speed of the vehicle, signal cycle estimation time information (also referred to as “signal cycle estimation information”), and map data.

  Specifically, the first stop time calculation unit 352 includes the position information of the vehicle indicating the locus at the target intersection, the time information when the position information is acquired, the time when the vehicle first stops based on the vehicle speed information, The difference from the time until the start of movement is calculated as the first stop time. This first stop time is the time from when the vehicle stops waiting at the intersection at the time intersection after the vehicle that waits for the signal, or at the end of the line of vehicles, until the signal changes to blue and moves. It is said.

  The first stop time calculated by the first stop time calculation unit 351 is output to the traffic information database 362 and stored. In the traffic information database 362, the first stop time is a vehicle traveled together with information (signal cycle information, second stop time) calculated from other information from the collection vehicle that is the information source, as information on the same collection vehicle. Information is stored (indicated as “vehicles a, b, i” in FIG. 2).

  The signal cycle estimation time acquisition unit 353 outputs the input signal cycle estimation information (one cycle estimation time when the signal changes to blue, yellow, and red) to the traffic information database 362.

  The right / left turn completion determination unit 354 determines that the collection vehicle has completed a right / left turn at a predetermined intersection using information input to the traffic information generation unit 350. Specifically, the right / left turn completion determination unit 354 determines from the signal cycle estimation information, the map data, the vehicle position information, and the vehicle speed information that the vehicle position of the collection vehicle is present on the escape road at the predetermined intersection. It is determined whether or not to perform, and output to the second stop time calculation unit 355.

  The second stop time calculation unit 355 uses the vehicle position information, vehicle speed, signal cycle estimation information, map data, right / left turn completion determination result, etc. to complete the right / left turn immediately after the signal turns blue. The second stop time, which is the time until it is done, is calculated.

  The second stop time is the stop time just before exiting a predetermined intersection by changing to a green light for each lane, the signal waiting time until it changes to a green light just before turning right and left, and oncoming vehicles pass when turning right And waiting time for the oncoming vehicle, which cannot be turned right. The oncoming vehicle waiting time includes the time that the pedestrian needs to wait by crossing the pedestrian crossing when making a right or left turn, and means the time for the pedestrian to pass on the course when making a left turn.

  Thus, the right / left turn waiting time calculated by the second stop time calculation unit 355 is output to the traffic information database 362.

  The traffic information generation unit 350 uses the last stop determination unit 351, the first stop time calculation unit 352, the signal cycle estimation time acquisition unit 353, the right / left completion determination unit 354, and the second stop time calculation unit 355, in a predetermined manner. The waiting time for exiting a place, here a predetermined intersection, is calculated.

  The waiting time when exiting a given intersection is called the “signal waiting time”, and this signal waiting time is the time from when the car stops at the end of the train in front of the intersection until the exit from the intersection. Define.

  The first stop position calculation unit 356 calculates the first stop position, which is the actual position when the vehicle stopped last at a predetermined location, using vehicle position information, map data, and the like, and outputs the first stop position to the traffic information database 362. To do. For example, the first stop position calculation unit 356 indicates the position at which the collection vehicle has stopped at the end at a predetermined intersection by the distance from the center of the intersection and sets it as the first stop position.

  The signal waiting number calculation unit 357 uses the map data from the input vehicle position information, vehicle speed information, and signal cycle estimation information, and signals necessary for exiting the intersection when using a lane at a predetermined intersection The waiting time is calculated and output to the traffic information database 362.

  The traffic information generation unit 350 calculates the signal waiting number changing position using the first stop position and the signal waiting number when exiting these predetermined intersections.

  In the traffic information database 362, the first stop position and the number of signal waiting times are calculated together with information (second stop time, first stop time) and signal cycle estimation information calculated from other information from the collection vehicle as an information source. The vehicle collection information (indicated as “vehicles a, b, i” in FIG. 2) is stored as information on the same collection vehicle. The vehicle traveling information is stored in the collected information storage unit 363 in the traffic information database 362.

  The statistical data generation unit 358 uses the vehicle travel information “vehicle a”, “vehicle b”, and “vehicle i” in the traffic information database 362 as traffic information to be provided to the navigation device 400 for each traveling direction of each intersection ( For each lane), generate various statistical data that links the left / right turn waiting time, the number of signal waits, the signal cycle time, and the oncoming vehicle waiting time to the map data for each day type (day of the week, holiday) To do.

  That is, in the statistical data generation unit 358, the information from each of the calculation units 352, 355 to 357 and the acquisition unit 353, specifically, the information acquired from the traffic information database 362 is all for each day type, time zone, and lane. Is different. That is, in the statistical data generation unit 358, for each traveling direction (each lane) of each intersection, the day type (whether it is a day of the week or a holiday), the time zone (every predetermined time zone), the waiting time (waiting straight ahead and turning left and right) Time), the number of signal waiting times, the signal cycle estimation time, and the oncoming vehicle waiting time are each averaged and generated as various statistical data.

  The statistical data generation unit 358 includes a first stop time statistical information generation unit 3581, a signal cycle statistical information generation unit 3582, a second stop time statistical information generation unit 3583, and a first stop position statistical information generation unit 3584. Have.

  The first stop time statistical information generating unit 3581 statistics and averages the first stop time at a predetermined intersection that is a predetermined place collected by the collection vehicle, and the first stop time statistical information used in the navigation device 400. Is generated. Here, the information generated by the first stop time statistical information generation unit 3581 is output to and stored in the statistical information storage unit 364.

  The signal cycle statistical information generation unit 3582 generates first stop time statistical information used in the navigation device 400 by statistically averaging the signal cycle estimation time at a predetermined intersection that is a predetermined location collected by the collection vehicle. To do. Here, the information generated by the signal cycle statistical information generation unit 3582 is output to and stored in the statistical information storage unit 364.

  The second stop time statistical information generation unit 3583 statistically calculates and averages the second stop time at a predetermined intersection that is a predetermined place collected by the collection vehicle, and second stop time statistical information used in the navigation device 400. Is generated. Here, the information generated by the second stop time statistical information generation unit 3583 is output to and stored in the statistical information storage unit 364.

  A “signal waiting time” used in the navigation device 400 is generated by the first stop time statistical information generation unit 3581, the signal cycle statistical information generation unit 3582, and the second stop time statistical information generation unit 3583.

  The first stop position statistical information generation unit 3584 statistically calculates and averages the first stop position at a predetermined intersection that is a predetermined place collected by the collection vehicle, and calculates the date for each traveling direction (for each lane) at each intersection. The first stop position statistical information provided to the navigation device 400 is generated differently for each type (whether it is a day of the week or a holiday) and for each time zone (for each predetermined time zone).

  Specifically, the first stop position statistical information generation unit 3584 uses the first stop position and the number of signal waits among the traveling vehicle information stored in the traffic information database 362, and sets the first stop position statistics information generation unit 3584. One stop position is generated.

  The first stop position for each signal waiting number is statistical information of the signal waiting number change point before the intersection, and the generation of the first stop position for each signal waiting number is performed for each predetermined direction at each traveling direction, It is performed corresponding to each day type and time zone. That is, the statistical information of the first stop position is generated for each predetermined place, for each traveling direction (for each lane), for each day type (whether it is a day of the week or a holiday), and for each time zone (for each predetermined time zone). Is. Information generated by the first stop position statistical information generation unit 3584 is output to and stored in the statistical information storage unit 364.

  Moreover, this statistical data generation part 358 may generate | occur | produce the display pattern in the display apparatus 480 of the navigation apparatus 400 about each produced | generated information.

  A statistical information storage unit 364 that stores information generated by the statistical data generation unit 358 is provided in the traffic information database 362 of the storage unit 360. Note that the storage unit 360 may be configured as a hard disk or the like and stored as used in the traffic information providing apparatus 300. A configuration may be employed in which a writing device that writes data in a data storage medium (also referred to as a “storage medium”) 441 such as a CD-ROM or a DVD is possible. Here, the data storage medium 441 is written and stored.

  The navigation device 400 includes a GPS receiver 410, a gyro 420, a vehicle speed sensor 430, a reading device 440, an operation switch unit 450, a control device 460, an external memory 470, a display device 480, and the like.

  The GPS receiver 410 receives a radio wave from an artificial satellite and outputs a signal indicating the current location of the vehicle. The gyro 420 outputs a signal corresponding to the traveling direction of the vehicle, and the vehicle speed sensor 430 outputs a signal corresponding to the vehicle speed.

  The reading device 440 reads traffic information from a storage medium 441 that stores traffic information controlled by the control device 460 and having various statistical data generated by the traffic information providing device 300 corresponding to the map data. To the control device 460.

  The reading device 440 is provided in the storage device 442, and traffic information (various statistical data) corresponding to the map data generated by the traffic information providing device 300 from the storage medium 441, that is, the statistical information storage unit 364. Read information stored in.

  Here, the storage medium 441 is composed of a CD-ROM, a DVD, or the like, and when the traffic information is updated in the traffic information providing apparatus 300, the updated content replaced with the updated storage medium is added. It can be easily handled by saving.

  These reading devices 440 together with the storage medium 441 constitute a storage device 442 that stores traffic information corresponding to the map data generated by the traffic information providing device 300 from the storage medium 441.

  Note that the storage device 442 can read any statistical data together with the map data from the map data storage medium and output it to the control device 460 based on the map data and statistical data read command from the control device 460. It may be configured. For example, the information stored in the statistical information storage unit 364 of the traffic information providing apparatus 300 that is configured by a storage medium such as an HDD and acquired via communication means that can communicate with the traffic information providing apparatus 300, that is, the statistical data generation unit The traffic information generated at 358 may be stored. Note that the map data stored in the storage device 442, here the storage medium 441 (here, the map data stored in the storage device 442) includes data necessary for setting a route to the destination. ing.

  The operation switch unit 450 is operated by a user and outputs various operation signals necessary for navigation in accordance with the operation. The touch panel that can perform an input operation on the screen of the display device 480 and the display device 480 It consists of a key operation unit provided around the screen.

  The control device 460 is configured to include computer means such as a microcomputer, and executes various arithmetic processes necessary for navigation based on signals from each component in the navigation device 400 described above.

  Specifically, control device 460 obtains the current location of the vehicle based on signals from GPS receiver 410 and signals from gyroscope 420 and vehicle speed sensor 430, and outputs a map data read command to storage device 442 to output a map. Data is read and a map is displayed on the display device 480.

  The control device 460 also has a waiting information display control unit 462, which outputs a traffic information data read command to the storage device 442 to read the traffic information data, and waits for a signal at a predetermined intersection. Traffic information such as a signal waiting time, an oncoming vehicle waiting time, and a right / left turn waiting time is displayed on the display device 480.

  In addition, when the destination is set, the control device 460 guides the route by causing the display device 480 to make a route to the destination. Various programs and data necessary for the above arithmetic processing are stored in the external memory 470.

  The display device 480 is provided, for example, in the instrument panel section of the vehicle, displays a road map including the current location of the vehicle, and performs the above-described route guidance display during route guidance. As the display device 480, a liquid crystal display device, a CRT display device, or the like can be used. The road map display may be formed by a plurality of layers such as a road layer and a background layer by the display device 480.

  Further, the display device 480 is controlled by the display control of the control device 460, in particular, the waiting information display control unit 462. The signal waiting number change point is displayed on the driver.

  In the navigation device 400 configured as described above, when the user performs a predetermined operation such as setting a destination for performing route guidance, the control device 460 performs route calculation using the Dijkstra method or the like to perform the departure point. Set the route from to the destination.

  The set route is displayed on the display device 480 by the control device 460. At this time, the control device 460 reads traffic information corresponding to the displayed route from the storage device 442 and displays it on the display device 480. Specifically, when the display device 480 displays the intersection corresponding to the route on the display device 480 as traffic information, the control device 460 waits for the number of signals necessary to pass through the intersection, the signal waiting time, and the oncoming vehicle when turning right Display waiting time.

  Next, an operation for displaying traffic information will be described for the collection in-vehicle device, the traffic information providing device, and the navigation device in the traffic information providing system according to the present embodiment.

  The collection in-vehicle device 200 transmits the information collected by the vehicle information acquisition unit 210 to the traffic information providing device 300 through the communication unit 230 by the control unit 240. Note that the collection in-vehicle device 200 may be mounted on one collection vehicle. However, in the present embodiment, the information collected from each of the collection on-vehicle devices 200 is traffic information. To the providing device 300. Thereby, the traffic information providing apparatus 300 can collect a large amount of traffic information data in a short time.

  In the traffic information providing device 300, information such as the position and speed of the vehicle is received by the communication unit 310 from the plurality of collecting in-vehicle devices 200 and is output to the signal cycle estimation unit 340 and the traffic information generation unit 350.

  The signal cycle estimation unit 340 estimates the signal cycle time at the intersection by statistically processing the received position information, time information, and vehicle speed information of a large number of vehicles on the assumption that the vehicle behaves according to the signal cycle. To do.

  Here, the signal cycle time estimation processing in the signal cycle estimation unit 340 will be described.

  FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are diagrams for explaining the process of estimating the signal cycle time in the signal cycle estimation unit 340. Here, it is assumed that the signal cycle time in the case of making a right turn at a predetermined intersection is estimated. FIG. 3A is a conceptual diagram showing a right turn state of a vehicle turning right at a predetermined intersection, and FIG. 3B is a view showing a relationship between the speed of the right turn vehicle and time in FIG.

  First, the concept of signal cycle time estimation processing in the signal cycle estimation unit 340 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 3, for example, a right turn car that turns right at an intersection first stops at a point P1 before the intersection. Thereafter, after a predetermined time has passed, the vehicle moves and stops at the point P2. Then, after a predetermined time has passed, the vehicle moves and stops again at point P3, then turns right and exits the intersection.

  The relationship between the speed and the time of the right turn vehicle that turns right at the intersection in this way is shown in FIG.

  When turning right at an intersection, it is considered that there is an oncoming vehicle waiting time for waiting for an oncoming vehicle after waiting for a signal just before making a right turn. For this reason, the stop time T1 immediately before passing through the intersection shown in FIG. 3B is regarded as an oncoming waiting time when the host vehicle actually waits for an oncoming vehicle, and the stop times T2 and T3 existing retroactively. , T4 are sequentially regarded as a signal waiting time, an oncoming vehicle waiting time (an oncoming vehicle waiting time of a vehicle located at the head of a row in which the own vehicles at the intersection P3 are arranged), and a signal waiting time.

  The stop time T4 can be determined as the stop time starting from the point P1 at which the vehicle first stops at the intersection based on the input vehicle position information. Therefore, the signal cycle estimation unit 340 sequentially estimates the stop times T4, T3, T2, and T1 as the first signal waiting time, the first oncoming vehicle waiting time, the second signal waiting time, and the oncoming vehicle waiting time. To do. In FIG. 3B, the actual signal state is indicated by “signal: red” and “signal: blue, yellow”, and is generated in a predetermined cycle as shown in FIG. 3B. The behavior indicated by the stopping and moving of the vehicle is estimated to correspond to the cycle time of the signal.

  Therefore, data indicating the behavior of a right turn vehicle that makes a right turn at a predetermined intersection is collected and statistically shown in FIG. Here, intersection waiting times (stopping times T1 to T4 shown in FIG. 3B) when a right turn is made when a large number of vehicles turn right at a predetermined intersection are collected and statisticalized. This statistic is shown in FIG. 4A as statistical data indicating the occurrence probability of the stop times T1 to T4 on the time axis when exiting a predetermined intersection by making a right turn.

  Further, the oncoming vehicle waiting time at the intersection when a large number of vehicles turn right at a predetermined intersection is collected and statisticalized. This statistic is shown in FIG. 4B as statistical data that collects the relationship with the occurrence probability of the oncoming vehicle waiting time on the time axis when exiting a predetermined intersection by making a right turn.

  The intervals between the peak values shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B are regarded as the signal cycle time, and the intervals at which the respective peak intervals in FIGS. Estimate as time.

  The signal cycle estimation unit 340 has a default setting function for an i-th stop, an i-th stop time calculation function, an i-th stop time calculation determination function, a signal cycle calculation function for each color, a signal cycle update function for each color at a predetermined location, It has a signal cycle determination function for each color.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing for estimating the signal cycle time in the signal cycle estimation unit 340.

  In step S11 shown in FIG. 5, the signal cycle estimation unit 340 sets the number of stops i = 0 as a default setting, and proceeds to step S12.

  In step S12, the signal cycle estimation unit 340 sets the number of stops i = i + 1, and proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, the signal cycle estimation unit 340 uses the map data, the vehicle speed information, the position information, and the time information input from the collection in-vehicle device 200 to calculate the end time of the i-th stop at a predetermined location, here an intersection. Then, the process proceeds to step S14.

  In step S14, the signal cycle estimation unit 340 determines whether or not the i-th stop stop time has been calculated using the above information, and if it cannot be calculated, the signal cycle estimator 340 considers that the vehicle has stopped and ends the process. If it can be calculated, the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S15, the signal cycle estimation unit 340 determines whether or not the number of stops i is 1. If i = 1, the process proceeds to step S16, and if i = 1, the process proceeds to step S17.

  In step S16, the signal cycle estimation unit 340 performs signal cycle (red) calculation processing by assuming that the signal is “red”, and proceeds to step S18.

  In step S18, the signal cycle estimation unit 340 determines whether or not the calculated red signal cycle is an abnormal value, that is, whether or not the calculated red signal cycle approximates a preset red signal cycle reference value. If it is abnormal, the process ends. If not abnormal, the process proceeds to step S19.

  In step S19, the signal cycle estimation unit 340 updates the value of the red signal cycle (indicated by the signal cycle (red) in FIG. 5), and proceeds to step S17.

  In step S <b> 17, the signal cycle estimation unit 340 uses the map data, the vehicle speed information, the position information, and the time information input from the collection on-vehicle device 200 to determine the i-th stop start time at a predetermined location (here, an intersection). Calculation processing is performed, and the process proceeds to step S20.

  In step S20, the signal cycle estimation unit 340 determines whether or not the i-th stop start time can be calculated. If it cannot be calculated, the process ends. If it can be calculated, the process proceeds to step S21.

  In step S21, the signal cycle estimation unit 340 performs signal cycle (blue, yellow) calculation processing assuming that the signal is “blue, yellow” other than “red”, and proceeds to step S22.

  In step S22, the signal cycle estimation unit 340 determines whether or not the calculated blue and yellow signal cycles are abnormal values, that is, whether or not the blue and yellow signal cycle reference values are set in advance. If it is abnormal, the process ends. If not abnormal, the process proceeds to step S23.

  In step S23, the signal cycle estimation unit 340 updates the values of the blue and yellow signal cycles (indicated by signal cycles (blue and yellow) in FIG. 5), and proceeds to step S12.

  As described above, the signal cycle estimation unit 340 calculates the signal cycle time of each color at the intersection from the multiple collection vehicles received via the communication unit 310 and performs statistical processing, thereby calculating the signal cycle. Signal cycle information indicating time is estimated and output to the traffic information generation unit 350.

  That is, the signal cycle estimation unit 340 statistically analyzes changes in the position and speed of a vehicle that makes a right turn based on vehicle position information and vehicle speed information that are input from a number of collection vehicles that are traveling in a predetermined place (here, a right turn place at an intersection). And the presence or absence of a certain cycle that meets the estimation condition is estimated.

  Specifically, the signal cycle estimation unit 340 statistically analyzes a plurality of pieces of information on the number of stops of the collection vehicle and the time when the vehicle starts moving after stopping (stop end time). The signal cycle estimation unit 340 then determines the interval between the peak values of the stopping time (waiting time) necessary to exit the intersection and the stopping time immediately before exiting the intersection (specifically, the oncoming vehicle waiting time at the second stopping time). And the interval satisfying the interval between the two is estimated as the signal cycle time.

  Thereby, the signal cycle estimation unit 340 estimates a stop time for waiting for a signal, a stop time for waiting for an oncoming vehicle, and a time for one cycle of the signal.

  As described above, the signal cycle estimation unit 340 uses only the information indicating the position, time, and speed (vehicle speed) of the vehicle from the collection on-vehicle apparatus 200, and uses the signal cycle time, that is, the signal state (red, blue, and yellow). , And the sum of these durations).

  Therefore, the traffic information providing apparatus 300 needs a roadside unit for providing signal time information, a device for vehicle-to-vehicle or road-to-vehicle communication, a vehicle-mounted camera, and the like, unlike the conventional case, by the signal cycle estimation unit 340. However, it is possible to obtain one cycle time of the signal state change in a state where the cost is reduced.

  From these information, the traffic information generation unit 350 determines the waiting time for the right and left turns, the number of signal waiting times, the signal cycle time, the oncoming vehicle waiting time for each traveling direction, day type (day of week, holiday), and time zone. Statistical data is generated by statistics of time, and a traffic information database is generated corresponding to map data.

  The generated traffic information database may be stored in a storage unit that stores the map data storage unit 320, but the storage unit 360 is stored as a readable / writable storage device such as a RAM or a hard disk, and the communication unit 310 is connected. It is good also as a structure which transmits to the navigation apparatus 400.

  In the present embodiment, the traffic information database 362 is stored in a storage medium such as a DVD-ROM, and is displayed on the display device 480 by being mounted on a reading device such as a DVD-ROM drive provided in the navigation device 400 and read out. It is supposed to be done. The external storage medium may be a storage device using an optical disk (CD-R / W, DVD-RAM, etc.), a removable hard disk, a semiconductor memory card, or the like.

  Here, a process for generating traffic information including a signal waiting time at a predetermined location, here, a predetermined intersection in the traffic information generation unit 350 of the traffic information providing apparatus 300 will be specifically described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining vehicle information calculation processing used when calculating the waiting time of the traffic information generated by the traffic information generating unit 350.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the traffic information generation unit 350, in step S31, the last stop determination unit 351 determines whether or not the vehicle collecting information has stopped at the end when exiting a predetermined intersection. If the last stop is determined, the process proceeds to step S32.

  In step S32, the first stop time calculation unit 352 calculates the time from the last stop until the signal turns blue, and the process proceeds to step S33.

  In step S33, the signal cycle time acquisition unit 353 acquires the signal cycle estimation information from the signal cycle estimation unit 340, and the cycle changes to red, blue, and yellow corresponding to the other information input from the collection in-vehicle device 200. The time is output as a signal cycle time to the traffic information database 362 and output to the right / left turn completion determination unit 354, and the process proceeds to step S34.

  In step S34, the right / left turn completion determination unit 354 determines whether the vehicle has escaped from the intersection by making a right / left turn at a predetermined intersection using the signal cycle estimation information, map data, vehicle position information, and vehicle speed information. If it is determined that it has escaped, the process proceeds to step S35.

  In step S35, the second stop time calculation unit 355 determines the determination result from the right / left turn completion determination unit 354, the signal cycle estimation time, and vehicle position information, vehicle speed, signal state information, map data, and the like associated with each other. Is used to calculate the second stop time including the oncoming vehicle waiting time until the vehicle turns right and left after the signal turns blue immediately before turning right and left after exiting the intersection.

  In this way, for each collection vehicle, the first stop time, the signal cycle time, and the second stop time are collected information storage unit 363 as vehicle travel information (indicated as “vehicles a, b, i” in FIG. 2). Is remembered. Using this stored information, the statistical data generation unit 358 generates statistical data for each of the first stop time, the signal cycle time, and the second stop time.

  Then, using the generated statistical data, the traffic information generation unit 350 calculates a signal waiting time (first stopping time + signal cycle time × N (number of cycles) + second stopping time including oncoming vehicle waiting time). .

  The traffic information generation unit 350 calculates the waiting time changing position by first calculating the first stop position by the first stop position calculation unit 356 and then waiting for a signal using the first stop position. The number calculation unit 357 calculates the number of signal waiting times until exiting a predetermined intersection.

  The first stop position calculation unit 356 and the signal wait number calculation unit 357 store the calculated first stop position and the signal wait number in the collected information storage unit 363 of the traffic information database 362. Using the stored first stop position and the number of signal waiting times, a first stop position statistical information generating unit 3584 generates a first stop position for each signal waiting number as statistical data, that is, a waiting number changing point. The

  FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram for explaining intersection traffic information generated in the traffic information providing apparatus 300.

  The traffic information generated at the traffic information providing apparatus 300 is the determination units 351 and 354 of the traffic information generation unit 350, the signal cycle time acquisition unit (signal cycle estimation time acquisition unit) 353. These are generated by the calculation units 352, 355 to 357, the statistical data generation unit 358, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 7, first, in the traffic information generation unit 350, traveling vehicle information (vehicle position information, speed information, and signal cycle estimation information input from the signal cycle estimation unit 340) input from the collection in-vehicle device 200. ) Is read from the collected information storage unit 363, and the read information from the collected in-vehicle device 200 is developed on the map data at a predetermined intersection corresponding to the information from the collected in-vehicle device 200 read from the map data storage unit 320. .

  As shown in FIG. 7, the traffic information generation unit 350 determines the first stop position at a predetermined intersection and the number of signal waiting times from the vehicle position information, speed information, and signal cycle estimation information indicating one cycle time of the signal. calculate. Note that the signal cycle estimation time is used as the signal cycle time in the traffic information generation unit 350.

  At the intersection shown in FIG. 7, the collection vehicle that has transmitted the vehicle position, speed, and signal status information to the traffic information providing device 300 waits for a signal twice, as indicated by arrows A, B, and C indicating the travel distance. After exiting the intersection. In FIG. 7, it is assumed that the vehicle V passes the intersection J by making a right turn. At this time, after the vehicle V stops at the end, the vehicle V moves by the arrow A and then stops, and then moves by the arrow B and stops. After that, the case of moving by the arrow C and passing (escape) the intersection at the right turn is shown. FIG. 4 shows the detected or calculated signal state, vehicle signal waiting time, signal waiting time A, B, signal cycle time, and the like corresponding to the movement of arrows A, B, and C.

  The traffic information providing apparatus 300 calculates the signal waiting time in a predetermined traveling direction by the first stop time + signal cycle time × N (cycle number) + oncoming vehicle waiting time.

  In particular, the traffic information generation unit 350 sets the right / left turn waiting time from the first stop time, that is, the time from when the vehicle first stops to the time when the signal turns blue and starts moving, N times the signal cycle time of one cycle from yellow to red to blue again (where n is the number of times the signal waits during a right or left turn) and the oncoming vehicle waiting time, that is, the actual intersection after the signal turns blue Is calculated by adding up the time to escape.

  In this way, the traffic information providing device calculates the signal waiting time including the oncoming vehicle waiting time for each traveling direction at the intersection. Further, these signal waiting times are generated for each day type and time zone, and the signal waiting number changing point is calculated together with the signal waiting times.

  As described above, the traffic information generation unit 350 uses the information on the vehicle speed and the signal cycle estimation time among the information obtained from the vehicle, refers to the map data, and the first stop time and the signal waiting number n. Generate oncoming vehicle waiting time. The generated information is stored in the collection information storage unit 363 as traveling vehicle information for each collection vehicle on which the collection in-vehicle device 200 is mounted.

  Then, the traffic information generation unit 350 statistically averages the first stop time, the signal cycle time, the second stop time, and the first stop position using the traveling vehicle information stored in the collected information storage unit 363. .

  Thereby, the traffic information generation part 350 is the information about each intersection on the map data, the signal waiting time when exiting the intersection from the first stop time, the second stop time and the signal cycle time, and the individual points before the intersection The number of times of waiting for signal is generated in. Furthermore, the traffic information generation unit 350 calculates a signal waiting number change point before the intersection from the first stop position for each signal waiting number.

  The various statistical data generated in this way, that is, traffic information including the signal waiting time is stored in the storage medium 441 that is read by the reading device 440 of the navigation device 400.

  The storage medium stores map data linked to the statistical data together with the statistical data.

  In the navigation device 400, information stored in a storage medium attached to the reading unit is read by the control device, and via the display device 480, a right / left turn waiting time, a signal cycle time, an arbitrary intersection, an arbitrary traveling direction, The number of signal waiting times, oncoming vehicle waiting time, and signal waiting number changing point are displayed to the driver.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of traffic information displayed on the display device 480 of the navigation device 400.

  In the display screen 700 of the display device 480 shown in FIG. 8, the control device 460 (see FIG. 1) reads map data corresponding to the current position of the host vehicle from the storage medium 441 via the reading device 440, and the read map. Traffic information 720 corresponding to the data 701 is displayed together with a map (route guidance information). The traffic information 720 on the display screen 700 is display-controlled by the waiting information display control unit 462 in the control device 460.

  The display screen 700 of FIG. 8 displays intersections of three lanes, and the display screen 700 displays traffic information (specifically, waiting information) 720 corresponding to the displayed route guidance information map for each traveling direction. The signal waiting count 721 and the oncoming vehicle waiting time 725 are displayed to the driver who is the user of the navigation device 400.

  That is, the waiting information display control unit 462 (see FIG. 1) of the control device 460 causes the display screen 700 to display the number of signal waiting times and the signal waiting time on the lane for each lane at the intersection. This display is controlled by the control device 460 so as to be displayed before entering the intersection that is scheduled to pass, that is, from a predetermined distance before the scheduled intersection, for example, 500 m before.

  In the display screen 700 shown in FIG. 8, the waiting information 720 including the signal waiting time 721 and the oncoming vehicle waiting time 725 is displayed on each lane on the navigation screen (route guidance information) including the displayed map. Is displayed as a waiting time corresponding to.

  Signal waiting time 721 and oncoming vehicle waiting time 725 as waiting information 720 are displayed on display screen 700 in a stacked state on the corresponding lane. As waiting information 720, in each lane, the lowest layer shows the first signal waiting time 721a, the upper layer shows the second waiting time 721b, and the upper layer shows the oncoming vehicle waiting time 725. ing. Here, the oncoming vehicle waiting time is displayed above the signal waiting time.

  The intersection has three lanes one way, the lane on the left in the direction of travel is a straight lane and a left turn lane, and the first signal waiting time of 20 seconds is displayed as the time it takes to travel through this lane and pass the intersection. ing.

  The lane at the center in the traveling direction is a straight lane, and the time required to travel through this lane and pass through the intersection is displayed as 20 seconds. The right lane is the right turn lane, and the time it takes to travel through the right turn lane and pass the intersection is 30 seconds for the first signal waiting time + 40 seconds for the second signal waiting time + waiting for the oncoming vehicle. It is displayed as 20 seconds such as time.

  At the intersection shown in FIG. 8, it takes 20 seconds to wait for one signal to pass through the intersection on a left turn and straight ahead. When passing a right turn, the second signal waiting time 721a is 30 seconds. The signal waiting time 721b of the vehicle and the oncoming vehicle waiting time 725, which is a total of 1 minute 30 seconds, are displayed.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a display and a signal state when turning right and passing an intersection on the display screen 700 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when turning right at the intersection shown in FIG. 8, that is, exiting, a right turn is completed after 90 seconds as a signal waiting time after stopping at the end of the right turn lane at the intersection, The signal has changed to red twice.

  Note that the signal waiting time and the oncoming vehicle waiting time on the screen displayed on these display devices 480 are counted down with the passage of time, and the actual waiting time at that time is displayed.

  At this time, the signal waiting time is also consumed, so when the first signal waiting is finished, the first signal waiting time icon at the bottom layer disappears. After the first signal waiting icon disappears, the second signal waiting icon above the first signal waiting icon may be displayed so as to move to the display position of the previous first signal waiting icon. Good. In addition, this display control is performed by the waiting information display control unit 462, and the waiting information display control unit 462 has the first stop time, the second stop time, and the first stop position generated by the statistical data generation unit 358. A corresponding icon is generated and displayed on the display screen of the display device 480.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of a display method of the signal waiting number changing point by the waiting information display control unit 462. FIG. 10 is controlled so as to be displayed by selecting the signal waiting number changing point display through the operation of the operation switch unit 450 in the navigation device 400.

  In the display screen 800 shown in FIG. 10, in addition to the signal waiting time (waiting information) 720 for each direction of travel, the navigation screen area 750 in which the signal waiting time 720 is displayed is displayed along with the remaining distance 760 to the intersection. A sub display area 780 in which the signal waiting number changing point 770 is displayed is provided to the driver.

  In the sub display area 780 of the remaining distance 760 to the intersection and the signal waiting number changing point 770, the vehicle position 790 is superimposed on the remaining distance display 760 to the center of the intersection in the lane, and the navigation device 400 is provided. Move on the remaining distance display in response to the movement of the vehicle. As a result, the driver can know how many times he / she has to wait for a signal each time the vehicle moves.

  The signal waiting time of the waiting information 720 on the display screen 800 is synchronized with the signal waiting number and the remaining distance, and the signal waiting number and the remaining distance decrease each time the signal waiting time decreases.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of a display method of the signal waiting number changing point by the waiting information display control unit 462. FIG. 11 is controlled so as to be displayed by selecting the signal waiting number change point display through the operation of the operation switch unit 450 in the navigation device 400.

  In the display screen 800a shown in FIG. 11, a traffic congestion line 765 indicating a traffic congestion situation for each lane is displayed in a sub display area 780 of the display screen 800 shown in FIG. The length of the traffic congestion line 765 is displayed corresponding to the display of the distance to the intersection indicated by the remaining distance 760. Thus, the driver can intuitively and easily confirm the length of the traffic jam situation for each lane just by looking at the traffic jam line 770 before the intersection. Note that the traffic line 765 as shown in the display screen 800a performs a process in which the control device 460 reads out traffic information including information on the traffic line for each lane and causes the wait information display control unit 462 to display the traffic information on the display device 480. Is displayed.

  The traffic information at this time includes traffic line information for each lane that is generated by the traffic information generation unit 350 from information input from the collected in-vehicle device 200.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, vehicle trajectory information (position, time) and vehicle speed information for generating traffic information are collected by the in-vehicle device 200 and transmitted to the traffic information providing device 300. Thereby, the traffic information providing apparatus 300 generates traffic information based on the statistical data and uses it in the navigation apparatus 400.

  For this reason, the traffic information providing apparatus 300 calculates the number of times of waiting for a signal to pass through the intersection without actually passing through the intersection, calculation of waiting time other than the traveling direction (escape road), etc. Can do. Even when the number of lanes increases for each direction of travel, the exact number of waiting times can be calculated. Further, it is possible to calculate a point where the number of waiting times changes, in particular, a waiting time for passing an oncoming vehicle including a pedestrian passing on a route that occurs when turning right.

  Therefore, in the traffic information providing system 100, the oncoming vehicle waiting time is given to the driver in an arbitrary direction of travel at an arbitrary intersection by the traffic information generated in the traffic information providing apparatus 300 and displayed on the navigation device 400. Precise right and left turn waiting time including the number of signal waiting times, signal waiting time changing point can be presented. As a result, it is possible to support better driving when traffic is congested, and to provide safe driving support by allowing the driver to drive.

  As described above, the collection in-vehicle device 200 according to the present embodiment includes the vehicle information acquisition unit 210 that detects the position, speed, and time of the vehicle, and the communication unit 230 that transmits the information to the traffic information providing device 300. Have

  Further, the traffic information providing apparatus 300 receives a communication unit 310 that receives information such as vehicle positions and speeds transmitted from a large number of collection vehicles, and 1 cycle time (signal red, For each cycle direction, day type (day of the week, holiday), time zone, and the signal cycle estimation unit 340 that estimates the time of one cycle for the blue and yellow state changes) A traffic information generation unit 350 that generates the right / left turn waiting time, the number of signal waiting times, the signal cycle time, and the oncoming vehicle waiting time as statistical data, and a map data storage unit 320 that stores map data to be referred to when generating traffic information With.

  In addition, the navigation device 400 stores various statistical data generated by the traffic information providing device 300 in the storage device 442 in the navigation device 400, and waits for a left or right turn regarding an arbitrary intersection or arbitrary traveling direction. And a display device 480 that displays a time, a left / right turn waiting time, a signal waiting number, an oncoming vehicle waiting time, and a signal waiting number changing point to the driver.

  With the above configuration, in the present embodiment, the number of signal waiting times and the oncoming vehicle waiting time are obtained by statistically processing the position and speed of a large number of vehicles without acquiring signal time information using a roadside device or a vehicle-mounted camera. It is possible to generate time and signal waiting number changing points.

  Therefore, it is possible to select a better route during a traffic jam by presenting the driver with an accurate right / left turn waiting time, signal waiting times, and signal waiting times changing points in advance in any direction of travel at any intersection. In order to support safe driving by providing drivers with extra driving margin, roadside units for obtaining signal status and time information, in-vehicle devices for inter-vehicle and inter-vehicle communication, in-vehicle cameras Etc. becomes unnecessary, and the cost can be reduced.

  The traffic information generating device, the traffic information providing system, and the traffic information generating method according to the present invention can provide information at the time of a right turn that is useful for the driver, and provide a car navigation device and a traffic light for supporting comfortable driving to avoid traffic jams. It is very useful for a signal control system for reducing traffic congestion by controlling the above.

The block diagram which shows schematic structure of the traffic information provision system which concerns on one embodiment of this invention The figure which uses for description of an example of the principal part structure of the traffic information generation part in a traffic information provision apparatus The figure for demonstrating the process which estimates a signal cycle time in a signal cycle estimation part The figure for demonstrating the process which estimates a signal cycle time in a signal cycle estimation part Flowchart for explaining an example of processing for estimating signal cycle time in the signal cycle estimation unit Flowchart for explaining a calculation process of vehicle information used when calculating a waiting time of traffic information generated by the traffic information generation unit Conceptual diagram explaining the traffic information of the intersection generated in the traffic information providing device The figure which shows an example of the traffic information displayed on the display apparatus of a navigation apparatus The figure which shows the relationship between the display and signal state when turning right and passing an intersection on the display screen of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the display method of the signal waiting time change point by the waiting information display control part The figure which shows an example of the display method of the signal waiting time change point by the waiting information display control part

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Traffic information provision system 200 Collecting vehicle-mounted apparatus 210 Vehicle information acquisition part 211 GPS receiver (positioning part)
212 Vehicle speed detection unit 230 Communication unit 240 Control unit 300 Traffic information providing device (traffic information generating device)
310 communication unit 320 map data storage unit 340 signal cycle estimation unit 350 traffic information generation unit 352 first stop time calculation unit 355 second stop time calculation unit 356 first stop position calculation unit 357 signal wait number calculation unit 358 statistical data generation unit 360 Storage Unit 400 Navigation Device 410 GPS Receiver 440 Reading Device 441 Storage Medium 442 Storage Device 460 Control Device 462 Wait Information Display Control Unit 480 Display Device

Claims (6)

A traffic information generating device that generates traffic information displayed together with route guidance information in a navigation device,
Receiving means for receiving position information of the vehicles transmitted from a plurality of vehicles traveling on a road, time information and speed information when the position information is acquired;
Statistical processing is performed on the received position information, time information, and speed information of the vehicle , and on the time axis when exiting a predetermined intersection by making a right turn, the stop time at the intersection of each vehicle is measured, and the total number of vehicles is The occurrence probability of the stop time of the vehicle, which is the ratio of the number of vehicles at each stop time, is obtained, and the first peak on the most future side in time among the adjacent peak value intervals in the occurrence probability of the stop time of the vehicle. And the second peak on the future side after the first peak is estimated as the first signal waiting stop time, and the interval between the second peak and the third peak on the future side after the second peak is Estimating the oncoming vehicle waiting time, estimating the interval between the third peak and the third peak and the fourth peak on the future side as the second signal waiting time, and ending the second signal waiting time Wait for the first signal from the time The end time of the car time, the signal cycle time estimation means for estimating a cycle time of the signal at the predetermined intersection,
Traffic information generating means for generating traffic information including the estimated cycle time;
A traffic information generating device comprising: The traffic information generating means includes
Calculating the number of signal waiting times at the predetermined intersection based on the occurrence probability of the stop time of the vehicle, and generating the traffic information including the number of signal waiting times in addition to the cycle time;
The traffic information generation device according to claim 1. The traffic information generating means includes
Calculating an oncoming vehicle waiting time at the predetermined intersection based on the occurrence probability of the stop time of the vehicle, and generating the traffic information including the oncoming vehicle waiting time in addition to the cycle time;
The traffic information generation device according to claim 1. The traffic information generating means includes
A signal that is the stop position of the vehicle for each signal waiting of the signal waiting number of times based on the received position information of the vehicle and calculating the signal waiting number of times at the predetermined intersection based on the occurrence probability of the vehicle stopping time Calculating a waiting time changing point, and generating the traffic information including the signal waiting time changing point in addition to the cycle time;
The traffic information generation device according to claim 1. The traffic information generating device according to claim 1,
An in-vehicle device that is mounted on each of a plurality of vehicles, and transmits the vehicle position information and vehicle speed information to the traffic information generation device;
A traffic information providing system comprising: a traffic information provided by the traffic information generating device; and a navigation device that displays the provided traffic information together with route guidance information. A traffic information generation method for generating traffic information displayed on a navigation device,
Receiving the vehicle position information transmitted from each of a plurality of vehicles traveling on the road, time information and speed information when the position information is acquired;
Statistical processing is performed on the received position information, time information, and speed information of the vehicle , and on the time axis when exiting a predetermined intersection by making a right turn, the stop time at the intersection of each vehicle is measured, and the total number of vehicles is The occurrence probability of the stop time of the vehicle, which is the ratio of the number of vehicles at each stop time, is obtained, and the first peak on the most future side in time among the adjacent peak value intervals in the occurrence probability of the stop time of the vehicle. And the second peak on the future side after the first peak is estimated as the first signal waiting stop time, and the interval between the second peak and the third peak on the future side after the second peak is Estimating the oncoming vehicle waiting time, estimating the interval between the third peak and the third peak and the fourth peak on the future side as the second signal waiting time, and ending the second signal waiting time Wait for the first signal from the time The end time of the car time, estimating the cycle time of the signal at the predetermined intersection,
Generating traffic information including the estimated cycle time;
A traffic information generation method comprising:

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