JP4911204B2 - Information providing apparatus, information providing system, and information providing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus that supports safe driving of a vehicle or the like, and more particularly, to an information providing apparatus that provides information to a roadside communication apparatus that can communicate with an in-vehicle device, an information providing system including the information providing apparatus, and an information providing method.

  In order to support the safe driving of vehicles and the safety of pedestrians, information on vehicles traveling on the road, information on pedestrians, etc. are detected, or signal information of traffic signals etc. is used to make the vehicle safer Technologies related to road-vehicle coordination systems that provide useful information for driving have been developed.

  For example, a road traffic information communication system (VICS) that can provide road traffic information such as traffic jams and accident information in real time has been put into practical use. In a road traffic information communication system, road traffic information collected or processed at an information providing center (for example, a VICS center) is transmitted to an optical beacon or a radio beacon provided on the roadside, and the in-vehicle device receives road traffic information from the optical beacon or the like. Receive. In the in-vehicle device, the received road traffic information can be displayed, for example, in a simple graphic as VICS level 2 and provided to the vehicle occupant (see Non-Patent Document 1).

Catalog of Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., “Sumitomo Network Navigation System”, April 1998

  In order to transmit the road traffic information according to the information of the vehicle to the vehicle detected by the vehicle detector using the conventional system, for example, the vehicle passes through the communication area with the roadside communication device. It is necessary to measure timing. Further, when a plurality of vehicles are subsequently detected by the vehicle detector, road traffic information corresponding to the information on each vehicle needs to be transmitted to each vehicle at a correct timing.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides an information providing apparatus capable of providing predetermined information to a target vehicle at a correct timing, an information providing system including the information providing apparatus, and an information providing method. The purpose is to provide.

  An information providing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention provides an information providing apparatus that provides predetermined information to a vehicle sensed by a vehicle detector via a roadside communication device capable of communicating with an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle. When the storage unit that stores two different pieces of predetermined information, the acquisition unit that acquires traffic state information related to the traffic state, and the traffic state information acquired by the acquisition unit satisfy a predetermined condition, the predetermined information stored in the storage unit A control unit that controls to output the first predetermined information, and the control unit outputs the second predetermined information when a predetermined time has elapsed after acquiring the traffic situation information, When another traffic condition information satisfying the predetermined condition is acquired by the acquisition unit before the predetermined time has elapsed after acquiring the traffic condition information, the predetermined time is delayed from the time when the traffic condition information is acquired. Characterized in that at the time when allowed to is arranged to output said second predetermined information.

  An information providing apparatus according to a second invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, the traffic condition information is vehicle speed information, and the predetermined condition is presence or absence of overspeed.

  In the information providing apparatus according to a third invention, in the first invention or the second invention, the predetermined information is text or graphic information combined with graphic information indicating a background of a road, and the first predetermined information is the The degree of alerting is higher than that of the second predetermined information.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the information providing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, the predetermined time can be communicated with the roadside communication apparatus from a sensing time point when the vehicle is sensed by the vehicle sensor. It is longer than the total time of the arrival time until it reaches a certain position and the time required for the vehicle to pass through the communicable area with the roadside communication device.

  An information providing system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention provides predetermined information via a roadside communication device to a vehicle detector, a roadside communication device capable of communicating with the vehicle-mounted device, and a vehicle-mounted device detected by the vehicle sensor. In the information providing system including the information providing apparatus, the information providing apparatus includes a storage unit that stores two different pieces of predetermined information, an acquisition unit that acquires traffic situation information related to traffic conditions, and traffic acquired by the acquisition unit. A control unit that controls to output first predetermined information out of the predetermined information stored in the storage unit when the situation information satisfies a predetermined condition; When the time elapses, the second predetermined information is output, and another traffic condition that satisfies the predetermined condition at the acquisition unit before the predetermined time elapses after the traffic condition information is acquired. When acquiring the broadcast, characterized in that is arranged to output said second predetermined information when delayed by the predetermined time from the time of acquiring the The traffic status information.

  An information providing method according to a sixth aspect of the invention provides information by an information providing device that provides predetermined information to a vehicle sensed by a vehicle sensor via a roadside communication device capable of communicating with an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle. In the providing method, the information providing apparatus stores two different pieces of predetermined information, acquires traffic state information relating to traffic conditions, and when the acquired traffic state information satisfies a predetermined condition, When a predetermined time has elapsed after obtaining the traffic condition information and controlling to output the first predetermined information, before the predetermined time elapses after outputting the second predetermined information and obtaining the traffic condition information In addition, when another traffic condition information satisfying the predetermined condition is acquired, the second predetermined information is output at a time delayed by the predetermined time from the time when the traffic condition information is acquired.

  In the first invention, the fifth invention, and the sixth invention, the information providing apparatus stores two different pieces of predetermined information. When the acquired traffic condition information satisfies the predetermined condition, the information providing device outputs the first predetermined information among the stored predetermined information, and when the predetermined time has elapsed after acquiring the traffic condition information, Predetermined information is output. When the information providing device acquires other traffic condition information satisfying the predetermined condition before the predetermined time has elapsed after acquiring the traffic condition information satisfying the predetermined condition, the information providing device obtains the previous traffic condition information. Instead, the second predetermined information is output at a time delayed by a predetermined time from the time when another traffic condition information is acquired.

  For example, the predetermined information can be information for alerting the driver of the vehicle, and the first predetermined information can be given a higher degree of alerting than the second predetermined information. For example, the first predetermined information is related to “speed attention”, and the second predetermined information is information related to “traveling attention”. The traffic condition information is, for example, the speed of the vehicle, and the predetermined condition can be whether the speed of the vehicle has exceeded a threshold speed. Also, the predetermined time is the time from when the vehicle is sensed by the vehicle detector until it reaches a position where it can communicate with the roadside communication device, and when the vehicle passes through the communicable area with the roadside communication device. The total time can be taken as the time required.

  The predetermined time can also be obtained from T1− (T2 + T3 + T4 + Ta) + α. Here, T1 is an arrival time from when the vehicle is detected by the vehicle detector 4 until reaching a position where the vehicle can communicate with the roadside communication device. T2 is the transmission time of the predetermined information. T3 is a processing time from when the vehicle information transmitted by the vehicle detector 4 is acquired until transmission of the predetermined information becomes possible. T4 is a processing time from when the predetermined information is acquired by the roadside communication device until transmission of the predetermined information to the in-vehicle device 5 becomes possible. Further, Ta is a correction time, and a positive / negative value can be determined as appropriate. Α is the time required for the vehicle to pass through the communicable region with the roadside communication device.

  When the vehicle detected by the vehicle detector exceeds the speed, the information providing device sends the first predetermined information (information related to “speed attention”) to the roadside when the vehicle enters the communicable area with the roadside communication device. Send to communication device. The vehicle can receive the first predetermined information from the roadside communication device. After a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the information on overspeed is acquired, that is, when the vehicle has passed through the communicable area, the information providing device receives the second predetermined information (information related to “traveling attention”). Transmit to the roadside communication device. Other vehicles (vehicles that have not exceeded the speed) can receive the second predetermined information instead of the first predetermined information. In this way, for vehicles that exceed the speed, a warning specific to the vehicle is urged, and for vehicles that do not exceed the speed, normal information is provided.

  If an overspeeded vehicle continues to drive, that is, if another vehicle detected by the vehicle detector is overspeeded before the predetermined time has elapsed, information on the overspeed of the other vehicle is displayed. The second predetermined information (information related to “traveling caution”) is transmitted to the roadside communication device at a time delayed by a predetermined time from the acquired time. Another vehicle that exceeds the speed can receive the first predetermined information (information related to “speed attention”) instead of the second predetermined information (information related to “travel attention”). Thereby, predetermined information can be provided to the target vehicle at the correct timing.

  In the second invention, the traffic condition information is vehicle speed information, and the predetermined condition is whether or not the speed is exceeded. As a result, it is possible to provide appropriate information according to the speed at the correct timing for each of the vehicles that have exceeded the speed and those that have not.

  In the third invention, the predetermined information is text or graphic information combined with graphic information indicating the background of the road, and the first predetermined information has a higher degree of alerting than the second predetermined information. It is. As a result, it is possible to prompt attention to a vehicle that satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, a vehicle that exceeds the speed) at the correct timing.

  In the fourth aspect of the invention, the predetermined time includes the arrival time from when the vehicle is sensed by the vehicle detector until reaching the position where the vehicle can communicate with the roadside communication device, and the vehicle and the roadside communication device. It is longer than the total time required to pass through the communicable area. Thus, even when an overspeed vehicle continues to travel, while the overspeed vehicle passes through the communicable region, the first predetermined information can be provided to the vehicle. In addition, after the overspeed vehicle passes through the communicable region, the second predetermined information can be provided to the vehicle that is not overspeed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide predetermined information to a target vehicle at a correct timing.

It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of an information provision system. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the information relay apparatus as one Embodiment of an information provision apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of simple figure information. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a simple figure. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the data structure of simple figure information. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of initial setting. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of selection processing of normal graphic data or attention graphic data. It is a time chart which shows the example of calculation of registration delay time TX. It is a time chart which shows an example in which an incorrect simple figure is displayed. It is a time chart which shows the example which delays cancellation | release delay time TY. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the information provision system corresponding to traffic jam. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the information provision system corresponding to an obstruction.

  Hereinafter, an information providing apparatus and an information providing system according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an information providing system, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information relay apparatus 1 as an embodiment of the information providing apparatus. As shown in FIG. 1, the information providing system includes an information relay device 1 as an information providing device, a central device 2 as an information transmitting device that transmits predetermined information included in road traffic information, and an optical beacon 3 as a roadside communication device. And an image-type vehicle detector 4. The number and installation locations of the above-described devices are examples and are not limited to the configuration shown in FIG.

  An image type vehicle detector 4 for detecting a vehicle traveling toward the intersection is installed at a point away from the intersection by an appropriate length (for example, several hundred meters). The vehicle sensor 4 can detect a vehicle or the like existing in the sensing area 40. The vehicle detector 4 can output vehicle detection information such as the presence of the vehicle, the number of vehicles existing in the detection area 40, the position and speed of the vehicle, the vehicle type, and the elapsed time after detection. The vehicle detector 4 is not limited to the image type, and may be another type such as an ultrasonic type.

  An optical beacon 3 is installed at an appropriate point between the point where the vehicle detector 4 is installed and the intersection. The optical beacon 3 can perform bidirectional communication with the in-vehicle device 5 in the communicable region 30. That is, required information is transmitted to the in-vehicle device 5 via the optical beacon 3. A radio beacon or the like can be used instead of the optical beacon 3.

  The information relay device 1 is installed in a traffic control center or the like, and is connected to a central device 2, a vehicle detector 4, an optical beacon 3, and the like for performing operation management of an information providing service according to a predetermined interface standard. In addition, although the information relay apparatus 1 can also be installed as a separate apparatus, it is good also as a structure incorporated in the optical beacon 3, a traffic signal controller not shown, etc.

  The information relay device 1 relays information output from the central device 2, the vehicle detector 4, and the like according to the information providing service assigned to the optical beacon 3. The optical beacon 3 acquires information relayed via the information relay device 1 and stores the acquired information as registration information. The information relay device 1 relays information output from the optical beacon 3 to the central device 2 or the like.

  The central device 2 transmits system information defining an information providing service provided to the in-vehicle device 5 via the optical beacon 3. The system information transmitted by the central device 2 is received by the optical beacon 3 via the information relay device 1. The optical beacon 3 transmits necessary information to the in-vehicle device 5 in accordance with the information providing service defined by the received system information.

  The service provided by the information providing system is, for example, a signal information providing service that provides signal information, a regulation information providing service that provides regulations regarding road traffic, and an obstacle detection information provision that provides information on obstacles on the road Services, road surface information providing services that provide road surface information, and the like, but are not limited thereto.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the central device 2 also has a function of controlling the operation of the road traffic information communication system. The central device 2 can provide road traffic information as simple graphic information. The simple graphic information includes simple graphic information (background graphic data) indicating the background of a road (for example, a road near an intersection in front as viewed from the driver when the vehicle passes the communicable region 30), and the background of the road. Are simple graphic information as two pieces of predetermined information combined. The two pieces of predetermined information are character or graphic information, and are different simple graphic information (normal graphic data and caution graphic data) corresponding to changes in road conditions and traffic conditions. Details of the simple graphic information will be described later.

  The central device 2 transmits simple graphic information (background graphic data) indicating the background of the road, simple graphic information (normal graphic data and attention graphic data) as two pieces of predetermined information to the information relay device 1.

  The information relay device 1 receives the background graphic data transmitted by the central device 2 and registers the received background graphic data in the optical beacon 3 by transmitting it to the optical beacon 3. The information relay device 1 receives normal graphic data and attention graphic data transmitted by the central device 2. The information relay device 1 acquires vehicle information (for example, vehicle speed information) as traffic condition information detected by the vehicle detector 4, and based on the acquired vehicle information, either normal graphic data or caution graphic data is obtained. One is controlled to be registered in the optical beacon 3.

  The optical beacon 3 transmits the background graphic data and any one of the normal graphic data and the attention graphic data to the in-vehicle device 5 in combination. The in-vehicle device 5 displays a simple graphic combining predetermined information with the background of the road.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the information relay apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10 that controls the entire information relay apparatus 1, an interface unit 11, a storage unit 12, a time calculation unit 13, a relay unit 14, and the like. The time calculation unit 13 includes an arrival time calculation unit 131, a transmission time calculation unit 132, a delay time calculation unit 133, a correction time setting unit 134, and the like.

  The interface unit 11 has a communication function with the central device 2. The interface unit 11 has a function as a receiving unit that receives predetermined information and an identifier from the central apparatus 2. The predetermined information and identifier received by the interface unit 11 are stored in the storage unit 12 under the control of the control unit 10.

  The relay part 14 has a function as an acquisition part which acquires traffic condition information. The relay unit 14 relays the vehicle information sent from the vehicle detector 4 to the optical beacon 3 under the control of the control unit 10. In addition, when relaying information, the information can be relayed as it is, or the vehicle information received from the vehicle detector 4 is subjected to necessary processing by the control unit 10 or the relay unit 14 and the post-processing Information can also be relayed to the optical beacon 3. In the example of FIG. 2, only one vehicle detector 4 and one optical beacon 3 are illustrated, but a configuration in which a plurality of vehicles are provided may be used. A traffic signal controller can also be provided. In this case, the relay unit 14 determines which optical beacon the vehicle information sent from the vehicle detector 4 is sent to.

  The storage unit 12 stores the graphic data 121A, 121B, and 122 in association with identifiers (standard flags) for identifying each data. Each graphic data is transmitted from, for example, the central apparatus 2 in a state associated with the identifier. If a plurality of optical beacons 3 are provided, the simplified graphic information provided according to the installation location and traffic conditions of the optical beacons 3 is also different, so the graphic corresponding to each optical beacon 3 is stored in the storage unit 12. Data can also be stored. Details of the graphic data will be described later.

  The arrival time calculation unit 131 has a function as an arrival time specifying unit. The arrival time calculation unit 131 calculates (specifies) an arrival time T1 from when the vehicle is detected by the vehicle detector 4 until it reaches a position where the vehicle can communicate with the optical beacon 3. The arrival time T1 may be calculated according to the speed of the vehicle, a desired value may be selected from a plurality of predetermined speed values, or a predetermined value may be used. . The arrival time T1 can be specified by any method.

  The transmission time calculation unit 132 has a function as a transmission time specifying unit. The transmission time calculation unit 132 calculates (specifies) the transmission time T2 until the information (predetermined information) transmitted from the information relay apparatus 1 is received by the optical beacon 3 (until it is transmitted). The transmission time T2 may be calculated according to the information amount of the predetermined information, a desired value may be selected from a plurality of predetermined transmission time values, or a predetermined value is used. May be. The transmission time T2 can be specified by any method.

  The delay time calculation unit 133 calculates the transmission delay time of the predetermined information by subtracting the transmission time T2 calculated by the transmission time calculation unit 132 from the arrival time T1 calculated by the arrival time calculation unit 131. The transmission delay time is the registration delay time TX, and determines the first transmission time point (registration timing) of the predetermined information (caution graphic data).

  The delay time calculation unit 133 further subtracts the processing time T3 as the first processing time from when the vehicle information transmitted by the vehicle detector 4 is acquired until the predetermined information can be transmitted from the arrival time T1. A transmission delay time can also be calculated.

  The delay time calculation unit 133 starts processing time T4 (registration) from the arrival time T1 until the transmission of the predetermined information to the in-vehicle device 5 from when the predetermined information is acquired by the optical beacon 3. The transmission delay time can also be calculated by further subtracting (including the processing time).

  The correction time setting unit 134 sets a correction time Ta for correcting the transmission delay time calculated by the delay time calculation unit 133. The correction time Ta can be either positive or negative. Since the correction time Ta can be set, the transmission point of the predetermined information can be appropriately advanced or delayed, and the transmission timing can be adjusted.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of simple graphic information. The graphic data 121A as the predetermined information is normal graphic data and represents a normal foreground in combination with a road background. The graphic data 121A is, for example, characters or graphic information such as “running caution”.

  The graphic data 121B as the predetermined information is attention graphic data, which is combined with the background of the road and represents the foreground for alerting. The graphic data 121B is, for example, character or graphic information such as “speed attention”.

  The graphic data 121B can be information for alerting the driver of the vehicle, and the content displayed in the graphic data 121B is more alert than the content displayed in the graphic data 121A or the degree of urgency. Etc. can be increased.

  The graphic data 122 is background graphic data and represents the background of the road.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a simple figure. FIG. 4A provides normal information to the driver or the like, for example, a simple graphic displayed on the display unit of the vehicle when the vehicle speed does not exceed the threshold speed. In this case, when the normal graphic data and the background graphic data are registered in the optical beacon 3, the in-vehicle device 5 receives the data registered in the optical beacon 3, and displays the road on the display unit such as a liquid crystal panel. A “running caution” can be displayed on the background.

  FIG. 4B provides information for alerting the driver or the like, for example, a simple graphic displayed on the display unit of the vehicle when the vehicle speed exceeds the threshold speed. . In this case, the attention graphic data and the background graphic data are registered in the optical beacon 3 so that the in-vehicle device 5 receives the data registered in the optical beacon 3 and displays the road on the display unit such as a liquid crystal panel. “Speed notice” can be displayed on the background.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the simple graphic information. Normal graphic data, attention graphic data, and background graphic data, which are simple graphic information, each include a header portion and a data portion. The header portion includes areas indicating standard flags, graphic types, and the like, and graphic data 121A, 121B, and 122 are stored in the data portion. The central device 2 transmits simple graphic information to the information relay device 1 with the data structure illustrated in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 (a), 5 (b), and 5 (c), the normal graphic data and the attention graphic data as the predetermined information are common in the graphic type 24, but the standard flag as an identifier is used. Distinguished by That is, the standard graphic data has a standard flag of 0 and the graphic type is 24, while the attention graphic data has a standard flag of 1 and a graphic type of 24. The background graphic data has a standard flag of 0 and a graphic type of 32. The background graphic data need not have a standard flag.

  The control unit 10 has a function as a selection unit that selects a standard flag (identifier) based on traffic condition information and selects one predetermined information (either normal graphic data or attention graphic data). The control unit 10 selects either normal graphic data or caution graphic data based on the vehicle information transmitted from the vehicle detector 4, and transmits (outputs) the selected graphic data to the optical beacon 3. For example, when the speed of the vehicle is slower (smaller) than a speed threshold (for example, 80 km / h), by selecting normal graphic data, the character “running caution” is displayed on the road background map on the vehicle display. Or a figure can be displayed. In addition, when the vehicle speed is faster (larger) than the speed threshold, by selecting the caution graphic data, the character or graphic of “speed caution” is displayed on the road background map on the vehicle display unit. Can do.

  More specifically, the control unit 10 calculates a registration delay time TX and a release delay time TY. The registration delay time TX is determined by the information relay device 1 so that the vehicle that has passed the vehicle detector 4 can receive the attention graphic data for the vehicle in the communication area 30 with the optical beacon 3. This is the time to wait from the time when data can be transmitted until it is actually transmitted to the optical beacon 3. The registration timing is the time when the registration delay time TX has elapsed, that is, the timing at which the attention graphic data is actually transmitted to the optical beacon 3. The release delay time TY is obtained by adding to the registration delay time TX the time required for the vehicle described above to enter the communicable area 30 with the optical beacon 3 and then exit the communicable area 30 (for example, a constant α). The calculation start point of the release delay time TY is the time point at which the attention graphic data can be transmitted in the information relay device 1 in the same manner as the calculation start point of the registration delay time TX. The release timing is a timing at which normal graphic data is transmitted to the optical beacon 3, and is a timing at which the above-described constant α is added to the registration timing. When the speed of the vehicle is faster (larger) than the speed threshold, the control unit 10 selects the attention graphic data at the time of registration timing when the registration delay time TX has elapsed and outputs it to the optical beacon 3. Thereafter, the control unit 10 selects normal graphic data and outputs it to the optical beacon 3 at the release timing when the release delay time TY has elapsed.

  As a result, even when the traffic situation changes (that is, when a vehicle that has exceeded the speed or a vehicle that has not exceeded the speed is traveling), it is possible to promptly provide different information corresponding to the traffic situation. it can. Further, when an overspeed vehicle is detected, attention can be urged to quickly reduce the vehicle speed, which can contribute to safe driving.

  Even if the optical beacon 3 can register only one graphic data with 24 graphic types in addition to the background graphic data with graphic type 32 due to restrictions of standards and the like, the standard flag and graphic type In the information relay device 1, either one of two different normal graphic data or attention graphic data is selected and registered in the optical beacon 3 in accordance with traffic situation information (for example, vehicle speed). Can do. Thereby, even if it is a case where the kind of simple graphic information combined on the background of a road is limited to one, different simple graphic information can be selected and provided to a driver.

  Next, the operation of the information relay apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an initial setting process. The control unit 10 receives the graphic data 122 (background graphic data) from the central device 2 (S11), stores the received graphic data 122, and transmits it to the optical beacon 3 (S12).

  The control unit 10 receives graphic data 121A (normal graphic data) and graphic data 121B (caution graphic data) from the central device 2 (S13), stores the received graphic data 121A, 121B, and graphic data 121A (normal data) Only the graphic data) is transmitted to the optical beacon 3 (S14), and the process is terminated.

  The optical beacon 3 registers graphic data 122 (background graphic data) and graphic data 121A (normal graphic data) by the above-described initial setting process. After registration, the graphic data 122 and 121A are transmitted to the vehicle (the vehicle-mounted device 5) that passes through the communicable area 30 with the optical beacon 3. As a result, a simple graphic in which a character or graphic such as “traveling caution” is combined with the background of the road is displayed on the display unit of the vehicle.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for selecting normal graphic data or attention graphic data. The control unit 10 receives vehicle speed information from the vehicle sensor 4 (S21), and determines whether or not the vehicle speed of the vehicle is greater than a speed threshold (S22). If the vehicle speed is not greater than the speed threshold value (NO in S22), the control unit 10 continues the process from step S21. As a result, a simple graphic in which a character or a graphic such as “traveling caution” is combined with a background view of the road is displayed on the display portion of the vehicle that has not exceeded the speed.

  If the vehicle speed is greater than the speed threshold (YES in S22), the control unit 10 calculates a registration delay time TX and a release delay time TY (S23). The control unit 10 determines whether or not the current time is the registration timing (S24), and if it is not the registration timing (NO in S24), the process of step S24 is continued.

  If it is the registration timing (YES in S24), the control unit 10 transmits the graphic data 121B (caution graphic data) to the optical beacon 3 (S25). In this case, the optical beacon 3 discards previously registered graphic data 121A (normal graphic data) and registers graphic data 121B (attention graphic data). Thereby, the optical beacon 3 can transmit the graphic data 122 and 121B to the vehicle whose speed has been exceeded. As a result, a simple figure in which a character or figure such as “speed notice” is combined with the background map of the road is displayed on the display part of the vehicle that has exceeded the speed.

  The control unit 10 determines whether or not it is a release timing (S26), and when it is not the release timing (NO in S26), the process of step S26 is continued. If it is the release timing (YES in S26), the control unit 10 transmits to the optical beacon 3 graphic data 121A (running graphic data) different from the graphic data 121B (caution graphic data) (S27). In this case, the optical beacon 3 discards the graphic data 121B (caution graphic data) received and registered previously, and registers the graphic data 121A (traveling graphic data). As a result, when the vehicle whose speed has been exceeded goes out of the communicable area 30 and another vehicle that has not exceeded the speed passes through the communicable area 30, the optical beacon 3 Data 122 and 121A can be transmitted. As a result, a simple figure in which a character or figure such as “traveling caution” is combined with a background view of the road is displayed on the display unit of the other vehicle.

  The control unit 10 determines whether or not to end the process (S28). If the process is not ended (NO in S28), the process after step S21 is continued and if it is determined that the process is ended (YES in S28). ), The process is terminated.

  Hereinafter, a method for calculating the registration delay time TX for determining the registration timing will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a time chart showing an example of calculating the registration delay time TX. In the calculation of the registration delay time TX, a simple method is to set the registration delay time TX as the arrival time T1 of the vehicle. However, the information relay apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has a transmission time as shown in FIG. By considering T2, processing time T3, processing time T4, correction time Ta, etc., the predetermined information can be provided to the target vehicle at a more correct timing. Hereinafter, this point will be described.

  The transmission time T <b> 2 is a time until the predetermined information (caution graphic data, normal graphic data) transmitted from the information relay device 1 is received by the optical beacon 3. The processing time T3 is the time from when the vehicle information transmitted by the vehicle detector 4 is acquired until the predetermined information can be transmitted. The processing time T4 is a time from when the predetermined information is acquired by the optical beacon 3 until transmission of the predetermined information to the in-vehicle device 5 becomes possible. Furthermore, the correction time Ta is, for example, the time from when the vehicle is detected by the vehicle detector 4 until the vehicle information is received by the information relay device 1.

  In the example of FIG. 8, the vehicle passes the vehicle detector 4 at time t1, and the speed information is received by the information relay device 1 after the correction time Ta has elapsed. The information relay apparatus 1 can transmit the attention graphic data when the processing time T3 has elapsed for processing such as speed determination, but transmits the attention graphic data after the registration delay time TX has elapsed. The attention graphic data is received by the optical beacon 3 after the transmission time T2 has elapsed. The optical beacon 3 can transmit data to the in-vehicle device 5 when the processing time T4 elapses for the attention graphic data registration processing. If the vehicle has reached the communicable area 30 at this time, the registration delay time TX can be expressed as TX = T1− (T2 + T3 + T4 + Ta). In the communicable area 30, the in-vehicle device 5 transmits uplink information to the optical beacon 3, and the optical beacon 3 transmits downlink information to the in-vehicle device 5. In the above formula, at least one of the transmission time T2, the processing time T3, the processing time T4, and the correction time Ta can be considered. However, if all are considered, the predetermined information is sent to the target vehicle at a more correct timing. Can be provided.

  The release delay time TY can be expressed by TY = TX + α. In this case, α can be a constant. For example, after the vehicle enters the communicable area 30 with the optical beacon 3, the time required for the vehicle to go out of the communicable area 30 (that is, the vehicle is in the optical beacon 3). Communication time T5).

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the vehicle detected by the vehicle detector 4 exceeds the speed, when the vehicle enters the communicable area 30 with the optical beacon 3, the first predetermined information (related to “speed attention”). Attention graphic data as information) is transmitted to the optical beacon 3. The vehicle can receive attention graphic data from the optical beacon 3. The optical beacon 3 receives the normal graphic data after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the information on overspeed is acquired (when the release delay time TY has elapsed), that is, when the vehicle has passed the communicable area 30. Thus, the information relay device 1 transmits normal graphic data as second predetermined information (information related to “traveling caution”) to the optical beacon 3 so that the registration process is completed. Other vehicles (vehicles that have not exceeded the speed) can receive normal graphic data instead of attention graphic data. In this way, for vehicles that exceed the speed, a warning specific to the vehicle is urged, and for vehicles that do not exceed the speed, normal information is provided.

  In the example of FIG. 8, when the processing times T3 and T4 and the correction time Ta can be ignored, the registration delay time TX can be calculated by subtracting the transmission time T2 from the arrival time T1. The transmission time point of the attention graphic data (first transmission time point) is the time point when the registration delay time TX has elapsed. Thereby, since the vehicle reaches the communicable region 30 when the predetermined information is received by the optical beacon 3, the predetermined information can be provided to the target vehicle at a correct timing.

  When processing time T3 is considered, registration delay time TX can be calculated by subtracting transmission time T2 and processing time T3 from arrival time T1. Thereby, when the processing time T3 is a time that cannot be ignored, the predetermined information can be provided to the target vehicle at a correct timing with higher accuracy.

  When considering the processing time T4, the registration delay time TX can be calculated by subtracting the total time of the transmission time T2, the processing time T3, and the processing time T4 from the arrival time T1. Thereby, when the processing time T4 is a time that cannot be ignored, the predetermined information can be provided to the target vehicle at a correct timing with higher accuracy.

  By considering the correction time Ta, the transmission point of the predetermined information can be appropriately advanced or delayed, and the transmission timing can be adjusted.

  The normal graphic data transmission time point (second transmission time point) is the time point when the release delay time TY has elapsed. The release delay time TY can be calculated by adding a predetermined time (indicated by a constant α) to the registration delay time TX. As a result, it is possible to send information regarding “speed attention” to vehicles that have exceeded the speed and alert them to reduce the speed, and to other vehicles (vehicles that are not overspeed) Thus, information with a low degree of urgency such as “traveling caution” instead of “speed caution” can be provided without error.

  Next, a case where a plurality of vehicles are successively detected by the vehicle detector 4 will be described. FIG. 9 is a time chart showing an example in which an incorrect simple graphic is displayed. As shown in FIG. 9, the information relay device 1 is careful when the registration delay time TX elapses for the vehicle (on-vehicle device 5) that has passed the vehicle detector 4 at time t1 because the vehicle is overspeed. The graphic data is transmitted to the optical beacon 3. Accordingly, the vehicle can receive the attention graphic data and display the attention graphic on the display unit.

  Before the release delay time TY elapses, for example, if another vehicle passes the vehicle detector 4 at time t2 and the vehicle is overspeed, the information relay device 1 passes the release delay time TY. Thus, the attention graphic data cannot be transmitted to the optical beacon 3 unless the transmission of the normal graphic data is completed. For this reason, the transmission timing of the attention graphic data is shifted (delayed). That is, because the registration timing is delayed, normal graphic data instead of caution graphic data is transmitted to an overspeed vehicle that has passed through the vehicle detector 4 at time t2.

  Hereinafter, a method for providing predetermined information at a correct timing even when a plurality of vehicles are successively detected by the vehicle detector 4 will be described. FIG. 10 is a time chart showing an example of delaying the release delay time TY. As shown in FIG. 10, with respect to the vehicle (vehicle-mounted device 5) that has passed the vehicle detector 4 at time t1, the control unit 10 displays a warning graphic at the time when the registration delay time TX has elapsed because the vehicle is overspeed. Data is transmitted to the optical beacon 3. Accordingly, the vehicle can receive the attention graphic data and display the attention graphic on the display unit. In this way, it is possible to urge a vehicle with an overspeed to call attention specific to the vehicle.

  After acquiring the traffic condition information satisfying the predetermined condition (that is, after acquiring the speed information of the vehicle when the vehicle that has passed the vehicle sensor 4 at time t1 is overspeed), the control unit 10 When another traffic condition information satisfying a predetermined condition is acquired before the release delay time TY that is a time elapses (that is, when the vehicle that has passed the vehicle sensor 4 at time t2 is overspeed) If the speed information is acquired), the second time is not the time when the previous traffic condition information is acquired, but the time when the delay time TY is delayed by a predetermined time from the time when another traffic condition information is acquired. Normal graphic data as predetermined information is transmitted to the optical beacon 3.

  The traffic situation information is, for example, the speed of the vehicle, and the predetermined condition can be whether or not the speed of the vehicle has exceeded a threshold speed. Further, the release delay time TY, which is a predetermined time, is a time (arrival time T1) from when the vehicle is sensed by the vehicle detector 4 until reaching a position where the vehicle can communicate with the optical beacon 3 (arrival time T1). Time required for exiting from the communicable area 30 after entering the communicable area 30 with the beacon 3 (communication possible time T5, which is the time required for the vehicle to pass through the communicable area with the optical beacon 3) And can be longer than the total time. Note that the transmission time T2, the processing times T3, T4, and the like can also be considered. As a result, even when an overspeed vehicle continues to travel, while the overspeed vehicle passes through the communicable region 30, the attention graphic data can be provided to the vehicle. Further, after a vehicle with an overspeed passes through the communicable region 30, normal graphic data can be provided to a vehicle with no overspeed.

  When an overspeed vehicle is continuously traveling, that is, when another vehicle detected by the vehicle sensor 4 is overspeed before the release delay time TY elapses, the control unit 10 The normal graphic data is transmitted to the optical beacon 3 at the time when it is delayed by the time of the release delay time TY from the time when the information on overspeed of another vehicle is acquired. At the time when another vehicle that exceeds the speed passes through the communicable area 30 with the optical beacon 3, attention graphic data is registered in the optical beacon 3, so that the other vehicle communicates with the optical beacon 3. In the possible area 30, attention graphic data can be received. Thereby, predetermined information can be provided to the target vehicle at the correct timing.

  In the above example, the traffic condition information is vehicle speed information, but is not limited to this. For example, the traffic status information may be information on the presence or absence of traffic jams, and the two predetermined information may be information related to driving attention and rear-end collision attention. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an information providing system corresponding to a traffic jam. In the example of FIG. 11, when there is a slope on the road and a vehicle traveling on an uphill cannot check a vehicle traveling on a downhill ahead, the traffic jam information is prevented from colliding with a forward traffic jam line. Is to provide. The presence or absence of traffic jam can be determined from the length of traffic jam. In this case, the information relay device 1 selects either graphic information of driving attention or rear-end collision attention based on the presence or absence of traffic detected by the vehicle sensor 4 or the like, and transmits it to the optical beacon 3. In a vehicle that has received graphic data from the optical beacon 3, if there is no traffic jam, "running caution" can be displayed on the background of the road. In addition, when there is a traffic jam, it is possible to display “attention for rear-end collision” on the road background. As a result, when there is a traffic jam ahead of the vehicle, it is possible to promptly alert the vehicle and contribute to safe driving.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an information providing system corresponding to an obstacle. In this case, the traffic status information may be information on the presence or absence of an obstacle, and the two predetermined information may be information on driving attention and obstacle attention. In this case, the information relay device 1 selects either graphic information of traveling attention or obstacle attention based on the presence or absence of the obstacle detected by the vehicle sensor 4 and transmits it to the optical beacon 3. In a vehicle that has received graphic data from the optical beacon 3, if there are no obstacles (for example, a pedestrian, a vehicle that travels on a road to be joined), a “running caution” may be displayed on the background of the road. it can. Further, when there is an obstacle, “pedestrian attention”, “junction attention”, etc. can be displayed on the background of the road. Thereby, when there is an obstacle in front of the vehicle, it is possible to prompt attention to the vehicle and contribute to safe driving.

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information relay apparatus 2 Central apparatus 3 Optical beacon 4 Vehicle detector 5 Car equipment 10 Control part 11 Interface part 12 Storage part 13 Time calculation part 131 Arrival time calculation part 132 Transmission time calculation part 133 Delay time calculation part 134 Correction time setting part 14 Relay section

Claims (6)

In an information providing device that provides predetermined information to a vehicle sensed by a vehicle sensor via a roadside communication device capable of communicating with an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle,
A storage unit for storing two different pieces of predetermined information;
An acquisition unit for acquiring traffic condition information related to traffic conditions;
A control unit that controls to output first predetermined information out of the predetermined information stored in the storage unit when the traffic situation information acquired by the acquisition unit satisfies a predetermined condition;
The controller is
If a predetermined time has elapsed after acquiring the traffic situation information, the second predetermined information is output.
If another traffic condition information satisfying the predetermined condition is acquired by the acquisition unit before the predetermined time has elapsed after acquiring the traffic condition information, the predetermined time is delayed from the time when the traffic condition information is acquired. An information providing apparatus configured to output the second predetermined information at the time of being executed. The traffic situation information is vehicle speed information,
The information providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is presence or absence of excess speed. The predetermined information is
Character or graphic information combined with graphic information indicating the background of the road,
The information providing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first predetermined information has a higher degree of alerting than the second predetermined information. The predetermined time is
The time required for the vehicle to reach a position where it can communicate with the roadside communication device from the point of time detected by the vehicle detector, and the time required for the vehicle to pass through the communicable area with the roadside communication device. The information providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information providing apparatus is longer than a total time with time. An information providing system comprising: a vehicle detector; a roadside communication device capable of communicating with the vehicle-mounted device; and an information providing device that provides predetermined information to the vehicle-mounted device of the vehicle detected by the vehicle sensor via the roadside communication device. In
The information providing device includes:
A storage unit for storing two different pieces of predetermined information;
An acquisition unit for acquiring traffic condition information related to traffic conditions;
A control unit that controls to output first predetermined information out of the predetermined information stored in the storage unit when the traffic situation information acquired by the acquisition unit satisfies a predetermined condition;
The controller is
If a predetermined time has elapsed after acquiring the traffic situation information, the second predetermined information is output.
If another traffic condition information satisfying the predetermined condition is acquired by the acquisition unit before the predetermined time has elapsed after acquiring the traffic condition information, the predetermined time is delayed from the time when the traffic condition information is acquired. An information providing system configured to output the second predetermined information at the time of being executed. In an information providing method by an information providing device that provides predetermined information to a vehicle detected by a vehicle sensor via a roadside communication device capable of communicating with an onboard device mounted on the vehicle,
The information providing device includes:
Two different pieces of predetermined information are stored,
Get traffic status information about traffic conditions,
When the acquired traffic condition information satisfies a predetermined condition, control is performed to output the first predetermined information among the stored predetermined information,
If a predetermined time has elapsed after acquiring the traffic situation information, the second predetermined information is output,
When another traffic condition information that satisfies the predetermined condition is acquired before the predetermined time has elapsed after acquiring the traffic condition information, at a time point delayed by the predetermined time from the time when the traffic condition information is acquired. An information providing method for outputting the second predetermined information.

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