JP4985377B2 - Traffic signal control system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a traffic signal control system comprising a traffic signal controller that controls lighting, extinguishing or blinking of a traffic signal lamp, and a drive device that drives the traffic signal lamp based on signal information output by the traffic signal controller. .

In order to ensure safe traffic for vehicles, pedestrians, etc. at intersections or pedestrian crossings, a number of traffic signal lights are installed at predetermined positions, and the blue, yellow, red, blue arrows, etc. A traffic signal system that controls to turn off or flash repeatedly at predetermined time intervals has already been put into practical use. In addition, along with recent technological advances, technical development relating to traffic signal systems has been carried out (see Patent Document 1).
JP 2006-146295 A

  However, in such a traffic signal system, traffic lights are turned on / off / flashed through SSU (Solid State Relay Unit, SSR Unit) built in the traffic signal controller. It is necessary to provide power supply wiring between the signal controller and each traffic signal lamp. Especially in large intersections such as urban areas, the number of installed traffic signal lights increases, and the distance between the traffic signal controller and the traffic signal lamp also increases. The problem that the installation work of the power line becomes difficult has become prominent. Also, from the viewpoint of fail-safe traffic signal system, when the control by the traffic signal controller becomes impossible, for example, the traffic signal lamp is blinking yellow on the main road side and red blinking on the secondary road side. In order to maintain a smooth traffic signal control, it has been desired to avoid such a situation.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a traffic signal control system capable of preventing a situation in which control by a traffic signal controller is disabled and always realizing smooth traffic signal control. For the purpose.

A traffic signal control system according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a traffic signal controller that outputs at least one cycle of signal information for controlling lighting, extinguishing or blinking of a traffic signal lamp, and signal information output by the traffic signal controller A traffic signal control system comprising: a driving device that drives a traffic signal lamp unit, wherein the traffic signal controller and the driving device include a wireless communication unit that communicates wirelessly; Signal information is transmitted to the driving device by wireless communication, and the driving device further includes first determination means for determining whether or not the traffic signal lamp can be controlled based on the signal information. If it is determined that the uncontrollable by first determining unit, Yes so as to drive the traffic signal lamp device based on a predetermined signal information, determined that the controllable by the first judging means If the first response information indicating that is transmitted to the traffic signal controller by wireless communication, the traffic signal controller receives the first response information, Before starting, it is configured to transmit control command information to the effect that control is performed with the signal information of the next cycle, and when the drive device receives the control command information, The traffic signal lamp is configured to be driven on the basis thereof.

Traffic signal control system according to the second invention, in the first invention, the drive apparatus, when receiving the control command information, and transmits the second response information indicating that the wireless communication to the traffic signal controller The traffic signal controller discards the signal information of the next cycle when the second response information is not received by a predetermined time before the time when the next cycle starts. When the discard command information is received, the drive device drives the traffic signal lamp based on predetermined signal information when the discard command information is received. It is configured.

Traffic signal control system according to the third invention, the first invention or the second shot Oite bright, the traffic signal controller and the drive, a clock, the traffic signal controller is time information to signal information The driving device further includes a calculation means for calculating a time difference between the time information transmitted by the traffic signal controller and the time information of the driving device. The determining means is configured to determine that control is impossible when the time difference calculated by the calculating means is larger than a predetermined threshold value.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a traffic signal control system according to the third aspect , wherein the traffic signal controller and the driving device include correction means for correcting a clock.

  In the first invention, a traffic signal controller that outputs at least one cycle of signal information for controlling lighting, extinction or blinking of the traffic signal lamp, and traffic based on the signal information output by the traffic signal controller The drive device that drives the signal lamp device includes a wireless communication unit that communicates wirelessly. The traffic signal controller transmits signal information of the next cycle to the driving device by wireless communication. The signal information includes, for example, information such as a signal cycle and a lighting time of each signal lamp. When receiving the signal information transmitted by the traffic signal controller, the driving device determines whether or not the traffic signal lamp can be controlled based on the received signal information. Whether or not control is possible can be determined based on, for example, errors in received signal information, communication quality deterioration due to intermittent interruption of wireless communication, failure of the wireless communication unit, and the like.

  When it is determined that the control is impossible, the drive device drives the traffic signal lamp based on predetermined signal information (for example, signal information of the current cycle, latest signal information, etc.). This prevents a situation in which the control by the traffic signal controller becomes impossible, and causes the traffic signal lamp to perform a constant operation that does not change with time, for example, the main road side blinks yellow and the secondary road side blinks red. Instead, each signal lamp can be turned on sequentially, and smooth traffic signal control can be maintained as compared with the prior art. In addition, when the power can be directly supplied to the driving device, it is not necessary to carry out any wiring work of the power line and the signal line between the traffic signal controller and the driving device, and the installation work can be facilitated. In addition, it is possible to reduce the influence at the time of disaster such as disconnection of wiring.

Moreover , when it determines with a drive being controllable, a drive device transmits the 1st response information which shows that to a traffic signal controller by radio | wireless communication. When the traffic signal controller receives the first response information, the traffic signal controller transmits control command information indicating that control is performed using the signal information of the next cycle to the drive device before the next cycle starts. In addition, when there are a plurality of driving devices, the traffic signal controller, when receiving the first response information from all the driving devices, controls with the signal information of the next cycle before the next cycle starts. The control command information can be transmitted to all the drive devices. When receiving the control command information, the driving device drives the traffic signal lamp based on the signal information of the next cycle.

  As a result, between the traffic signal controller and the drive device, it is possible to establish the control of the traffic signal lamp using the signal information of the next cycle before the next cycle starts, and the signal information for each cycle. It can be transmitted reliably. Further, even when it is necessary to change the lighting time or signal cycle of each signal lamp according to the traffic situation, traffic signal control according to the traffic situation can be realized. Further, by reducing the transmission amount of the control command information, it is possible to perform the command in a short time, and it is possible to minimize the influence of the quality deterioration of the wireless communication.

In the second invention, when receiving the control command information, the drive device transmits second response information indicating the fact to the traffic signal controller by wireless communication. If the second response information has not been received by a predetermined time before the start of the next cycle, the traffic signal controller transmits to the drive device a discard command information indicating that the signal information of the next cycle is to be discarded. To do. In addition, when there are a plurality of driving devices, the traffic signal controller has not received the second response information from any of the driving devices by a predetermined time before the time when the next cycle starts, Discard command information for discarding the signal information of the next cycle is transmitted to all the driving devices. When receiving the discard command information, the driving device drives the traffic signal lamp based on predetermined signal information (for example, signal information of the current cycle, latest signal information, etc.).

  Thereby, between the traffic signal controller and the drive device, it is possible to reliably determine whether or not the signal information of the next cycle can be used before the next cycle starts. In addition, when the signal information of the next cycle cannot be used, the traffic signal lamp is not allowed to perform a constant operation that does not change with time, for example, the main road side blinks yellow and the secondary road side blinks red. And the same operation as the current or most recent cycle can be performed. Further, by reducing the transmission amount of the discard command information, it is possible to perform the command in a short time, and it is possible to minimize the influence of the quality deterioration of the wireless communication.

In the third invention, the traffic signal controller transmits the time information included in the signal information. The driving device calculates a time difference between the two based on the time information transmitted by the traffic signal controller and its own time information, and determines that control is impossible when the calculated time difference is larger than a predetermined threshold. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the lighting disclosure time, lighting time, turn-off start time, turn-off time, and the like of each lamp color of the traffic signal lamp are inaccurate.

In the fourth aspect of the invention, the traffic signal controller and the drive device are provided with correction means for correcting the timepiece. For example, the clock of the traffic signal controller and the driving device are corrected at the same time using a radio clock, GPS, or the like. As a result, even if the communication between the traffic signal controller and the drive device cannot be established, it is possible to perform a fixed-cycle operation based on the corrected clock, and to ensure safety of traffic signal control. Sex can be secured.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the control by the traffic signal controller is disabled, and the traffic signal lamp is not changed with time, for example, the main road side blinks yellow and the secondary road side blinks red. Instead of operating, each signal lamp can be turned on in sequence, and smooth traffic signal control can be maintained as compared with the prior art. In addition, when the power can be directly supplied to the driving device, it is not necessary to carry out any wiring work of the power line and the signal line between the traffic signal controller and the driving device, and the installation work can be facilitated. In addition, it is possible to reduce the influence at the time of disaster such as disconnection of wiring.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments thereof. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a traffic signal control system according to the present invention. The traffic signal control system of the present invention includes, for example, traffic signal lamps 10 installed on pillars (not shown) installed at predetermined positions at the four corners of a crossing intersection constituted by four traffic paths,. SSU (solid state relay unit, SSR unit) 200 installed in the vicinity of 10, and a traffic signal controller 100 that controls lighting, extinguishing, blinking, etc. of each traffic signal lamp 10. Yes.

  Each SSU 200 is installed in the vicinity of the traffic signal lamp 10 to be driven. For example, the SSU 200 can be provided in the vicinity of the column where the traffic signal lamp 10 to be driven is installed, in the lower part of the column, in the column. Further, it may be provided adjacent to the traffic signal lamp 10 or may be provided so as to be built in the traffic signal lamp 10.

  The traffic signal controller 100 is installed, for example, in the vicinity of one of the columns on which the traffic signal lamp 10 is installed, and includes a control unit 101, an external interface unit 102, a power supply unit 103, a wireless communication unit 104, and a time correction unit. 105 or the like. The traffic signal controller 100 is connected to a commercial power source 1 (for example, AC 100V).

  The power supply unit 103 is configured by a rectifier circuit, or a rectifier circuit and a constant voltage circuit, etc., to convert AC100V supplied from the commercial power supply 1 into a predetermined DC voltage so that each unit in the traffic signal controller 100 operates. Supply the required DC voltage as required.

  The external interface unit 102 has a communication interface function for transmitting / receiving information to / from the outside (for example, a traffic control device, a central monitoring device, etc.). For example, the traffic signal controller 100 receives a command plan related to traffic signal control from a traffic control device (not shown) installed in a traffic control center or the like, and each traffic signal lamp 10 acquired by the traffic signal controller 100. Is sent to the traffic control device.

  The control unit 101 controls the overall operation of the traffic signal controller 100 and outputs signal information for controlling the lighting, extinguishing, blinking, and the like of each traffic signal lamp 10 via the wireless communication unit 104 to each SSU 200. To do. Each SSU 200 is connected with commercial power supplies 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d that can be connected at the four corners of the intersection. In addition, when the traffic signal controller 100 is installed in the vicinity of one of the pillars on which the traffic signal lamp 10 is installed (for example, the lower right of the intersection in FIG. 1), the commercial power supply 2d is used instead of the commercial power supply 2d. The power supply 1 can also be connected to the SSU 200. In this case, since the distance between the traffic signal lamp 10 and the traffic signal controller 100 is short, the SSU 200 may be built in the traffic signal controller 100.

  On the transmission side, the wireless communication unit 104 is an encoding circuit that encodes data to be transmitted to each SSU 200 (for example, signal information for performing control such as lighting, extinction, and blinking of the traffic signal lamp 10), encoding A modulation circuit that modulates the received data, a filter for transmitting the signal modulated by the modulation circuit in a predetermined communication band (for example, 2.4 GHz band), and the like on the receiving side from the signals received from each SSU 200 A filter for extracting a signal in a predetermined communication band, a demodulation circuit for demodulating the received signal, a decoding circuit for decoding data demodulated by the demodulation circuit, and the like are provided.

  The time correction unit 105 includes a radio clock, a GPS receiver, and the like, and corrects the time recognized by the traffic signal controller 100 to an absolute time. As a result, even if the communication between the traffic signal controller 100 and the SSU 200 cannot be established, the periodic operation can be performed based on the corrected timepiece, and traffic signal control can be performed. It is possible to ensure safety.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the SSU 200. The SSU 200 includes a wireless communication unit 201, a voltage detection unit 202, a semiconductor relay 203,..., A time correction unit 204, a storage unit 205, and the like. Each semiconductor relay 203 is for turning on / off AC100V supplied from the commercial power source 2a. Each semiconductor relay 203 turns on / off AC 100 V supplied to each of the red light, blue light, and yellow light of the traffic signal lamp 10 based on the signal information acquired by the wireless communication unit 201.

  The voltage detection unit 202 detects the presence or absence of AC100V supplied to each of the red light, blue light, and yellow light of the traffic signal lamp 10, and the detection result (lamp state signal) is transmitted via the wireless communication unit 201 to the control unit 101. Output to.

  For example, the control unit 101 monitors the detection result detected by the voltage detection unit 202 in order to prevent the two traffic signal lamps 10 and 10 from simultaneously turning on the blue light. The voltage detected by the voltage detection unit 202 may be configured to detect only the presence or absence of AC 100 V supplied to the blue lamp.

  On the transmission side, the wireless communication unit 201 is an encoding circuit that encodes data to be transmitted to the traffic signal controller 100, a modulation circuit that modulates the encoded data, and a signal modulated by the modulation circuit in a predetermined communication band. (For example, a filter for transmitting in 2.4 GHz band) The reception side includes a filter for extracting a signal in a predetermined communication band from a signal received from the traffic signal controller 100, and demodulates the received signal. A demodulation circuit, a decoding circuit that decodes data demodulated by the demodulation circuit, and the like are provided.

  The time correction unit 204 has the same configuration as the time correction unit 105 and includes a radio clock, a GPS receiver, and the like, and corrects the time recognized by the SSU 200 to an absolute time. Thereby, the clocks of the traffic signal controller 100 and the SSU 200 can be corrected at the same time.

  The storage unit 205 stores signal information transmitted from the traffic signal controller 100 through the wireless communication unit 201.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data format for wireless communication between the traffic signal controller 100 and the SSU 200. As shown in FIG. 3A, the data format is a serial data format including a header part, a transmission source, an SSU number, a data type, a data part, a status part, a time part, a footer part, and the like. As shown in FIG. 3B, the data types include, for example, next signal cycle information, information response, adoption command, command response, adoption stop command, current signal cycle change, change response, and the like.

  The header portion stores, for example, information indicating the start of communication or the start of data. The transmission source stores information indicating the transmission source of data. When data is transmitted from the traffic signal controller 100 to the SSU 200, the SSU number stores an SSU number for identifying which data is transmitted to the SSU 200, and the data is transmitted from the SSU 200 to the traffic signal controller 100. Is transmitted, the SSU number for identifying the data transmitted from which SSU is stored.

  The data type indicates an attribute of data, and when transmitted from the traffic signal controller 100 to the SSU 200, next signal cycle information, adoption command (control command information), adoption stop command (discard command information), current signal cycle change In the case of transmission from the SSU 200 to the traffic signal controller 100, an information response (first response information), a command response (second response information), a change response (first response information), or the like is used.

  The data portion stores data related to communication contents. For example, signal information for performing control such as lighting, extinguishing or blinking of the traffic signal lamp 10 is stored. The status part indicates the state of whether the information or command from the traffic signal controller 100 has been normally received by the SSU 200, or if there is any abnormality. The time part stores the time when the data is transmitted. In the footer section, for example, information indicating the end of communication or the end of data is stored. The data format is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.

  Next, the data types shown in FIG. The next signal cycle information is used when the traffic signal controller 100 transmits the signal information used in the next signal cycle to each SSU 200 before the next signal cycle (next cycle) starts. Thereby, the traffic signal controller 100 notifies each SSU 200 of signal information to be used in the next signal cycle before the next signal cycle starts, and determines the signal information to be used. Each traffic signal lamp 10 is controlled (driven) based on the above.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the next signal cycle information. The next signal cycle information is signal cycle start time (for example, xx year xx month xx day xx hour xx minute xx second) and the number of signal lamp colors (for example, 3 when the signal lamp is blue, yellow, red). In this case, the first lamp color can be blue, the second lamp color can be yellow, and the third lamp color can be red), the first lamp color duration (for example, xx seconds), and the first lamp color content. , For example, blue (on), yellow (off), red (off), second lamp color duration (for example, xx seconds), second lamp color content, for example, blue (off), yellow (on), red (Off), third lamp color duration (for example, xx seconds), third lamp color contents, for example, blue (off), yellow (off), red (on), and the like. Data of next signal cycle information is stored in the data portion.

  In addition, the number of signal lamp colors is not limited to 3, and can be a required number according to the traffic signal lamp installed. For example, when the signal light is blue for vehicles, yellow for vehicles, red for vehicles, blue for pedestrians, red for pedestrians, blue arrows, etc., the signal light color can be 6. Further, when the data type is the next signal cycle information, not only the above-described data but also information necessary for correcting a communication error can be added to the data portion.

  The information response is used when each SSU 200 receives the next signal cycle information and transmits it to the traffic signal controller 100 as a response to the received next signal cycle information. When transmitting an information response, each SSU 200 stores a determination flag (for example, normal or abnormal) indicating whether or not the traffic signal lamp 10 can be normally controlled in the status portion.

  Whether or not the traffic light 10 can be controlled is determined, for example, by checking the presence or absence of a communication error due to data parity check, cyclic redundancy code (CRC), etc. Can be controllable. Further, a time difference between the transmission time added to the data transmitted from the traffic signal controller 100 and the time when received is determined, and it is determined whether the calculated time difference is within a predetermined threshold, Control is possible if the time difference is within the threshold, and control is not possible if the time difference exceeds the threshold. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the lighting disclosure time, lighting time, turn-off start time, turn-off time, and the like of each lamp color of the traffic signal lamp device 10 are inaccurate.

  Further, self-diagnosis can be performed by the SSU 200, and control can be performed if no abnormality is detected, and control can be disabled if an abnormality is detected. Examples of the self-diagnosis include failure diagnosis of the wireless communication unit 201, presence / absence of a voltage abnormality detected by the voltage detection unit 201 (when a voltage for a blue light is detected when the red light is lit), and the like. Note that the above-described determination as to whether control is possible is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. Whether or not control is possible can be determined based on errors in received signal information, communication quality deterioration due to intermittent interruption of wireless communication, failure of the wireless communication unit, and the like. When the data type is an information response, information necessary for correcting a communication error can be added to the data portion.

  The adoption command is for instructing each SSU 200 to adopt the signal information transmitted by the traffic signal controller 100 in the next signal cycle information when the response information from all the SSUs 200 is normal.

  The command response is a response indicating that the SSU 200 has normally received the employment command from the traffic signal controller 100. When the traffic signal controller 100 receives command responses from all the SSUs 200 before a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds, 5 seconds, etc.) before the time at which the next signal cycle starts, The SSU 200 controls the traffic signal lamp 10 in the next signal cycle based on the signal information of the next signal cycle. If the traffic signal controller 100 does not receive a command response from the SSU 200, the traffic signal controller 100 repeatedly transmits an employment command.

  The adoption stop command is received when the traffic signal controller 100 does not receive a command response from any SSU 200 before a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds, 5 seconds, etc.) before the time when the next signal cycle starts. It is transmitted to the SSU 200.

  When the SSU 200 receives a hiring stop command from the traffic signal controller 100, that is, when the next signal cycle information is not confirmed when the current signal cycle ends, the SSU 200 uses the signal information of the next signal cycle. First, the traffic signal lamp 10 is controlled based on the signal information of the current signal cycle or the latest signal cycle. This prevents a situation in which the control by the traffic signal controller 100 is disabled, and the traffic signal lamp 10 does not change with time, for example, the main road side blinks yellow and the secondary road side blinks red. Instead, the signal lights can be turned on in sequence, and smooth traffic signal control can be maintained as compared with the prior art.

  The current signal cycle information can be used when a sensitive operation is performed and only a difference in signal information is transmitted when a part of the current signal cycle is changed.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure for changing the current signal cycle. The current signal cycle change is the number of change signal lamp colors (for example, 2 if the signal lamp to be changed is yellow or red. In this case, the first lamp color is blue, the second lamp color is yellow, 3 lamp colors are assumed to be red), a second lamp color duration (for example, shortening or extending xx seconds), a third lamp color duration (for example, shortening or extending xx seconds), and the like. The data of the current signal cycle information is stored in the data part.

  The change response is used when each SSU 200 receives the current signal cycle change and transmits it to the traffic signal controller 100 as a response to the received current signal cycle change. When transmitting a change response, each SSU 200 stores a determination flag (for example, normal or abnormal) indicating whether or not the traffic signal lamp 10 can be normally controlled in the status portion as in the case of an information response. To do.

  Next, the operation of the traffic signal control system according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a communication procedure between the traffic signal controller 100 and the SSU 200. In the example of FIG. 6, the traffic signal lamp 10 can be controlled based on the signal information of the next signal cycle. The traffic signal controller 100 transmits next signal cycle information to each SSU 200. The SSU 200 determines whether the traffic signal lamp 10 can be controlled (normal or abnormal), and transmits an information response to the traffic signal controller 100.

  The traffic signal controller 100 receives the information response, and when all the SSUs 200 are normal (control of the traffic signal lamp 10 is possible), transmits an employment command to each SSU 200. If any SSU 200 is abnormal (the traffic signal lamp 10 cannot be controlled) by the received information response, the traffic signal controller 100 may transmit the next signal cycle information again, or the above-mentioned May be transmitted. When the SSU 200 receives the employment command, the SSU 200 transmits a command response to the traffic signal controller 100.

  When the traffic signal controller 100 receives command responses from all the SSUs 200, it is assumed that a series of communication procedures has been completed. In the next signal cycle, the SSU 200 determines the traffic signal lamp based on the signal information of the determined next signal cycle. Drive (control).

  Thereby, between the traffic signal controller 100 and the SSU 200, the control of the traffic signal lamp 10 using the signal information of the signal cycle can be established before the next signal cycle starts, and the signal cycle Each signal information can be transmitted reliably. Further, even when it is necessary to change the lighting time or signal cycle of each signal lamp according to the traffic situation, traffic signal control according to the traffic situation can be realized. Further, by reducing the amount of transmission of the adoption command or command response, the command can be performed in a short time, and the influence of the deterioration in the quality of wireless communication can be minimized.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of a communication procedure between the traffic signal controller 100 and the SSU 200. The example of FIG. 7 shows a case where the signal information of the next signal cycle cannot be used, and the traffic signal lamp 10 is controlled based on predetermined signal information. The traffic signal controller 100 transmits next signal cycle information to each SSU 200. The SSU 200 determines whether the traffic signal lamp 10 can be controlled (normal or abnormal), and transmits an information response to the traffic signal controller 100.

  The traffic signal controller 100 receives the information response, and when all the SSUs 200 are normal (control of the traffic signal lamp 10 is possible), transmits an employment command to each SSU 200. If any SSU 200 is abnormal (the traffic signal lamp 10 cannot be controlled) by the received information response, the traffic signal controller 100 may transmit the next signal cycle information again, or the above-mentioned May be transmitted. When the SSU 200 receives the employment command, the SSU 200 transmits a command response to the traffic signal controller 100.

  When the traffic signal controller 100 cannot receive a command response from any of the SSUs 200, the traffic signal controller 100 transmits the adoption command to the SSU 200 again. In this case, the adoption command can be transmitted only to the SSU 200 that has not received the command response. When the traffic signal controller 100 cannot receive the command response by a predetermined time before the time when the next signal cycle starts, the traffic signal controller 100 transmits the adoption stop command to all the SSUs 200.

  When the SSU 200 receives the adoption stop command, the SSU 200 does not drive (control) the traffic signal lamp device based on the signal information of the next signal cycle in the next signal cycle, and does not perform predetermined signal information (for example, the signal of the current signal cycle). The traffic signal lamp 10 is driven (controlled) based on the information or the latest signal information).

  Thereby, between the traffic signal controller 100 and the SSU 200, it is possible to reliably determine whether or not the signal information of the signal cycle can be used before the next signal cycle starts. In addition, when the signal information of the next signal cycle cannot be used, the traffic signal lamp 10 performs a certain operation that does not change with time, for example, the main road side blinks yellow and the secondary road side blinks red. Instead, the same operation as the current or most recent signal cycle can be performed. Further, by reducing the transmission amount of the adoption cancellation command, the command can be issued in a short time, and the influence of the deterioration of the quality of the wireless communication can be minimized.

  The traffic signal controller 100 transmits signal information to each SSU 200 in signal cycle units. In this case, when there is no change in the signal information of the next signal cycle, the traffic signal controller 100 drives the traffic signal lamp 10 for each SSU 200 using the current signal information without changing the signal information. Can be ordered. Alternatively, the traffic signal controller 100 is configured not to transmit the next signal cycle information when there is no change in the signal information of the next signal cycle, and when each SSU 200 does not receive the next signal cycle information, The traffic signal lamp 10 may be driven based on the signal information.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the situation in which the control by the traffic signal controller 100 becomes impossible is prevented, and the traffic signal lamp 10 is simply blinked yellow from the viewpoint of fail-safe, for example, Rather than causing the secondary road side to flash red, etc., it does not change with time, but instead, each signal light can be turned on sequentially, and traffic signal control is smoother than when constant operation that does not change with time is performed. Can be maintained. In addition, when power can be directly supplied to the SSU 200, the traffic signal controller 100 and the SSU 200 have a wireless communication function, so that any wiring of the power line and the signal line between the traffic signal controller 100 and the SSU 200 is possible. There is no need to carry out construction work, and the installation work can be facilitated, and the influence of a disaster such as disconnection of wiring can be reduced.

  In the above-described embodiment, the signal information of the next signal cycle can be configured to be transmitted every signal cycle regardless of whether or not the signal information of the next signal cycle is changed. It can also be configured to transmit every signal cycle whenever there is a change in the signal information of the cycle. In this case, if the signal information is partially changed, the current signal cycle change can be transmitted.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the SSU 200 determines whether or not the traffic signal lamp 10 is controllable (normal or abnormal) and determines that control is not possible, the SSU 200 does not use the signal information of the next signal cycle. It is also possible to drive (control) the traffic signal lamp 10 based on the signal information (for example, the signal information of the current signal cycle or the latest signal information). As a result, the situation where the control by the traffic signal controller 100 becomes impossible is prevented, and instead of simply causing the traffic signal lamp 10 to be flashed, etc., each signal lamp can be turned on sequentially, and simply flashed. Compared to the above, smooth traffic signal control can be maintained.

  In the above-described embodiment, the SSU is provided in the vicinity of the traffic signal lamp. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the SSU is integrated into the traffic signal lamp to be integrated with the traffic signal lamp drive device. (Driver) can also be configured. In this case, the components constituting the SSU can be mounted on the substrate, and the mounting substrate can be disposed in the traffic signal lamp. Also, the components constituting the SSU can be built in the housing and accommodate the housing. By providing the accommodating portion in the traffic signal lamp, the SSU can be incorporated in the traffic signal lamp.

  In the above-described embodiment, the four traffic signal lamps are provided at the intersection. However, the number of traffic signal lamps is not limited to this, and two traffic signal lamps are used instead of one for each traffic path. The structure which provides a traffic signal lamp device may be sufficient. In addition, the traffic signal lamp is not limited to a vehicle, and may be configured to include a pedestrian traffic signal lamp. For example, in a crossing intersection, when two pedestrian traffic signal lamps are provided for each crosswalk, a total of eight pedestrian traffic signal lamps are provided. Further, the configuration of the intersection is not limited to a cross intersection, and may be an intersection where three traffic paths intersect and an intersection where five traffic paths intersect.

  In the above-described embodiment, the traffic signal lamp and the SSU are provided on a one-to-one basis. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and two traffic signal lamps are driven by one SSU. Also good.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration is such that supply of commercial power that is alternating current is received. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be configured to receive supply of direct current power. It may be a configuration.

  In the above-described embodiment, the semiconductor relay is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a semiconductor switching element can be used as long as it can control on / off of AC or DC. Further, an FET may be used to turn on / off direct current.

  In the above-described embodiment, the communication band between the traffic signal controller and each SSU is not limited to the 2.4 GHz band, and other frequency bands such as a 5 GHz band can be used.

  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.

It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a structure of the traffic signal control system which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of SSU. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the data format of the radio | wireless communication between a traffic signal controller and SSU. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a data structure of next signal cycle information. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the data structure of the present signal cycle change. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the communication procedure of a traffic signal controller and SSU. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the communication procedure of a traffic signal controller and SSU.

Explanation of symbols

1, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d Commercial power supply 10 Traffic signal lamp 100 Traffic signal controller 101 Control unit 102 External interface unit 103 Power source unit 104 Wireless communication unit 105 Time correction unit 200 SSU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 201 Wireless communication part 202 Voltage detection part 203 Semiconductor relay 204 Time correction part 205 Storage part

Claims (4)

A traffic signal controller for outputting at least one cycle of signal information for controlling lighting, extinguishing or blinking of the traffic signal lamp, and a drive device for driving the traffic signal lamp based on the signal information output by the traffic signal controller A traffic signal control system comprising:
The traffic signal controller and the driving device are:
A wireless communication unit that communicates wirelessly,
The traffic signal controller is
The signal information of the next cycle is configured to be transmitted to the driving device by wireless communication,
The driving device includes:
A first determination means for determining whether or not the traffic signal lamp can be controlled based on the signal information;
If the first determination means determines that control is impossible, the traffic signal lamp is driven based on predetermined signal information ;
When it is determined that control is possible by the first determination means, the first response information indicating that is transmitted to the traffic signal controller by wireless communication,
The traffic signal controller is
When receiving the first response information, before starting the next cycle, it is configured to transmit control command information to the drive device to control with the signal information of the next cycle,
The driving device includes:
A traffic signal control system configured to drive a traffic signal lamp unit based on the signal information when the control command information is received . The driving device includes:
When the control command information is received, second response information indicating that is transmitted to the traffic signal controller by wireless communication,
The traffic signal controller is
If the second response information has not been received by a predetermined time before the start of the next cycle, the discard command information for discarding the signal information of the next cycle is transmitted to the drive device. Configured,
The driving device includes:
The traffic signal control system according to claim 1 , wherein when the discard command information is received, the traffic signal lamp is driven based on predetermined signal information. The traffic signal controller and the driving device are:
Equipped with a clock,
The traffic signal controller is
It is configured to send the time information in the signal information,
The driving device includes:
Further comprising calculation means for calculating the time difference between both based on the time information transmitted by the traffic signal controller and its own time information,
The first determination means includes
The traffic signal control system according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein when the time difference calculated by the calculating means is larger than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that control is impossible. The traffic signal controller and the driving device are:
The traffic signal control system according to claim 3 , further comprising correction means for correcting the clock.

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