JP4941518B2 - Information providing system and information providing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

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

  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 conventional systems, when providing road traffic information as simple graphics, only two types of simple graphics can be registered in the roadside communication device due to restrictions imposed by standards such as roadside communication devices such as optical beacons. Can not. The two types of simple figures are a simple figure indicating a road background and a simple figure such as characters (eg, required time) combined on the road background. That is, in the case of providing information using simple graphics, only road traffic information corresponding to a certain traffic situation can be provided. On the other hand, road traffic conditions often change suddenly due to traffic jams, accidents, and the like, and it has been desired to quickly provide information indicating a plurality of different situations corresponding to such changes in the situation.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides an information providing system capable of promptly providing different information depending on traffic conditions and the like, and an information providing apparatus constituting the information providing system. With the goal.

Information providing system according to the first invention, an information transmission apparatus for transmitting two types of information included in the road traffic information, outputs the information to the information transmission device transmits to the vehicle-mounted device that can communicate with the roadside communication device In the information providing system including the information providing device, the information transmitting device indicates a background of a road ahead viewed from the driver, and transmits background graphic information of a first type to the information providing device. Furthermore, each has a character or a figure combined with the background graphic information, and the second type of normal information and attention information for alerting are used to identify the normal information and the attention information. Yes so as to transmit in association with different identifiers to the information providing device, the information supply device, wherein the background graphic information, and the information typically associated with the identifier and A receiver for receiving a serial note information, stores the background graphic information received by the receiving unit, a storage unit for storing a normal information and warning information received by the receiving unit in association with the identifier, traffic conditions An acquisition unit that acquires traffic situation information regarding, and any one of the normal information and the caution information stored in the storage unit by selecting one of the different identifiers based on the traffic situation information acquired by the acquisition unit And a selection unit for selecting the background graphic information and the normal information or the caution information related to the selected identifier is output to the roadside communication device for registration. To do.

An information providing system according to a second invention is the information providing system according to the first invention, wherein the traffic situation information is vehicle speed information, the normal information and the caution information are information relating to a driving caution and a speed caution, and the selection unit is Further, the present invention is characterized in that either information on driving attention or speed attention is selected based on the magnitude of the vehicle speed.

An information providing system according to a third invention is the information providing system according to the first invention, wherein the traffic situation information is information on presence / absence of an obstacle, and the normal information and the attention information are information relating to driving attention and obstacle attention, The selection unit is configured to select information on either driving attention or obstacle attention based on the presence or absence of an obstacle.

In the information providing system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect , the traffic condition information is information on the presence or absence of traffic congestion, the normal information and the caution information are information related to a driving caution and a rear-end collision caution, and the selection unit Is configured to select either information on driving attention or rear-end collision attention based on the presence or absence of traffic jams.

Fifth invention information providing apparatus according to the two types of information included in the road traffic information information transmitting device transmits an information providing apparatus for a force output to the vehicle-mounted device that can communicate with the roadside communication equipment,
Indicating the background of the road ahead seen from the driver, receiving the background graphic information that is the first type from the information providing device, and further, each has a character or graphic combined with the background graphic information, A receiving unit that receives normal information and attention information for alerting that are the second type in association with different identifiers for identifying the normal information and the attention information, and a background graphic received by the receiving unit A storage unit that stores information and stores normal information and caution information received by the reception unit in association with the identifier, an acquisition unit that acquires traffic state information related to traffic conditions, and traffic acquired by the acquisition unit and a selector for selecting one from among and selecting one of said different identifiers based on the status information of the normal information and warning information stored in the storage unit, the back Characterized in that are configured so that the output to the roadside communication device in order to register either the normal information or warning information concerning the graphical information and the selected identifier.

In the first invention and the fifth invention, the information providing apparatus stores two pieces of predetermined information. The two pieces of predetermined information are different road traffic information corresponding to changes in road conditions. For example, in the case of simple graphic display, simple graphic information combined on the road background. More specifically, the two pieces of predetermined information are information having characters or graphics combined with background graphic information indicating the background of the road ahead as viewed from the driver, and are normal information and attention information of the same type. . The information providing device acquires traffic situation information related to the traffic situation. The information providing apparatus selects one predetermined information corresponding to the road condition based on the acquired traffic condition information from the stored predetermined information, and outputs the selected information to the roadside communication apparatus. Thereby, even when traffic conditions etc. change, the information from which contents differ corresponding to traffic conditions can be provided promptly.

The storage unit stores predetermined information in association with an identifier for identifying the predetermined information, and the selection unit selects an identifier based on the traffic situation information and selects one predetermined information. For example, in addition to an identification value indicating the type of predetermined information, a flag as an identifier for identifying different predetermined information can be used. The identification value indicating the type of simple graphic combined on the road background is “24”, and different simple graphic can be distinguished by flags 1 and 0. Thereby, even if the type of the simple graphic information combined on the road background is limited to one, different simple graphic information can be selected and provided.

The information transmitting apparatus transmits the predetermined information in association with an identifier for identifying the predetermined information. The information providing apparatus receives the predetermined information and the identifier and stores them in the storage unit. For example, in addition to an identification value indicating the type of predetermined information, a flag as an identifier for identifying different predetermined information can be used. The identification value indicating the type of simple graphic combined on the road background is “24”, and different simple graphic can be distinguished by flags 1 and 0. Thus, even if the simple graphic information that can be transmitted from the information transmitting apparatus is limited to one simple graphic information combined on the road background, different simple graphic information is distinguished. Can be sent separately.

In the second invention, the traffic condition information is vehicle speed information, and the normal information and the caution information are information related to driving caution and speed caution. The selection unit selects either the driving attention or the speed attention based on the magnitude of the vehicle speed. For example, when the speed of the vehicle is slower (smaller) than the speed threshold, “running caution” can be displayed on the background of the road. Further, when the vehicle speed is faster (larger) than the speed threshold, “speed attention” or the like can be displayed on the road background. As a result, when an overspeed vehicle is detected, the vehicle can be alerted to quickly reduce the speed, which can contribute to safe driving.

In the third invention, the traffic condition information is information on the presence or absence of an obstacle, and the normal information and the caution information are information related to driving caution and obstacle caution. The selection unit selects either driving attention or obstacle attention information based on the presence or absence of an obstacle. For example, when there is no obstacle (for example, a pedestrian, a vehicle traveling on a road at a junction), “traveling caution” can be displayed on the background of the road. 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.

In the fourth invention, the traffic condition information is information on the presence or absence of traffic jams, and the normal information and the caution information are information related to driving caution and rear-end caution. A selection part selects either the information of driving | running | working attention or rear-end collision attention based on the presence or absence of traffic congestion. For example, when there is no traffic jam (for example, it can be determined by the length of the traffic jam), “traveling 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.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, even when a traffic condition etc. change, the information from which a content differs according to a traffic condition can be provided rapidly.

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. Thus, even if the simple graphic information that can be transmitted from the information relay device 1 is limited to one simple graphic information combined on the road background, different simple graphic information is displayed. It can be transmitted in a distinguished manner.

  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. Assuming that the vehicle has reached the communicable area 30 at this time, the registration delay time TX can be expressed by 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 (5)

Information providing system comprising an information transmitting apparatus for transmitting information of 2 type included in the road traffic information, and an information providing device the information transmitting apparatus outputs to the communicable roadside communication apparatus and vehicle-mounted machine information was sent In
The information transmitting device includes:
The background of the road ahead viewed from the driver is shown, and the background graphic information that is the first type is transmitted to the information providing device,
Furthermore, each has a character or a figure combined with the background graphic information, and the second type of normal information and attention information for alerting are respectively different identifiers for identifying the normal information and the attention information. Is transmitted to the information providing apparatus in association with
The information providing device includes:
A receiving unit that receives the background graphic information and the normal information and the attention information associated with the identifier;
Storing the background graphic information received by the receiving unit, and storing the normal information and the attention information received by the receiving unit in association with the identifier ;
An acquisition unit for acquiring traffic condition information related to traffic conditions;
And a selection unit that selects one from among the normal information and care information by selecting one of the different identifiers based on the acquired traffic conditions information by said acquisition unit stored in the storage unit,
An information providing system configured to output to the roadside communication device to register either the background graphic information and the normal information or the caution information related to the selected identifier . The traffic situation information is
Vehicle speed information,
The normal information and the caution information are:
It is information about driving attention and speed warning,
The selection unit includes:
2. The information providing system according to claim 1 , wherein the information providing system is configured to select either information on driving attention or speed attention based on the magnitude of the vehicle speed. The traffic situation information is
Information on the presence or absence of obstacles,
The normal information and the caution information are:
It is information about driving attention and obstacle attention,
The selection unit includes:
2. The information providing system according to claim 1 , wherein the information providing system is configured to select either driving attention or obstacle attention based on the presence or absence of an obstacle. The traffic situation information is
Information on the presence or absence of traffic,
The normal information and the caution information are:
It is information about driving attention and rear-end collision warning,
The selection unit includes:
The information providing system according to claim 1 , wherein the information providing system is configured to select either driving attention or rear-end warning information based on the presence or absence of a traffic jam. 2 type of information included in the road traffic information information transmitting device transmits an information providing apparatus for a force output to the vehicle-mounted device that can communicate with the roadside communication equipment,
Indicating the background of the road ahead as seen from the driver, receiving the first type of background graphic information from the information providing device,
Furthermore, each has a character or a figure combined with the background graphic information, and the second type of normal information and attention information for alerting are respectively different identifiers for identifying the normal information and the attention information. A receiving unit for receiving in association with
Storing the background graphic information received by the receiving unit, and storing the normal information and the attention information received by the receiving unit in association with the identifier ;
An acquisition unit for acquiring traffic condition information related to traffic conditions;
And a selection unit that selects one from among the normal information and care information by selecting one of the different identifiers based on the acquired traffic conditions information by said acquisition unit stored in the storage unit,
An information providing device configured to output to the roadside communication device to register either the background graphic information and normal information or caution information related to the selected identifier .

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