JP5699495B2 - Traffic signal controller - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a traffic signal controller that switches the color of a plurality of signal lamps.

  The traffic signal controller switches the lamp color of each signal lamp based on the current color data including the lamp color information that defines the lamp color of each signal lamp and the display time of each lamp color for each step (step). Patent Document 1). The traffic signal controller monitors whether or not its own state is normal. If the traffic signal controller determines that it is impossible to control the lamp color with the normal three-color lamp colors (red, yellow, and blue) based on the present display data determined in advance, Based on the flash signal, the signal lamp is flashed (for example, a combination of flashing yellow and flashing red, flashing red, etc.) to alert the vehicle or pedestrian and prevent traffic accidents. Yes.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a conventional traffic signal controller 200. As shown in FIG. 8, the traffic signal controller 200 includes a CPU 201, a sub circuit 202, current data 203, a clock detection circuit 204, an OR circuit 205, a flash circuit 206, a lamp color output circuit 207, and the like.

  The CPU 201 sends a step command for switching the lamp color of each signal lamp 1 to the sub circuit 202 based on the display data 203. The sub circuit 202 outputs a lamp color signal to the OR circuit 205 based on the step command sent by the CPU 201. The OR circuit 205 outputs the lamp color signal output from the sub-circuit 202 to the lamp color output circuit 207 at normal time (normal time). The lamp color output circuit 207 drives the signal lamp device 1 by converting the lamp color signal into a predetermined voltage (for example, AC 100 V). Thereby, the signal lamp device 1 switches the lamp color based on the display data.

  Further, the sub-circuit 202 sends a clock signal to the clock detection circuit 204. The clock detection circuit 204 outputs a clock signal abnormality to the sub circuit 202 when the clock signal transmitted from the sub circuit 202 is not normal. In this case, the sub circuit 202 instructs the flash circuit 206 so that the flash circuit 206 sends the flash signal to the OR circuit 205, and at the same time, the sub circuit 202 outputs the lamp color signal to the OR circuit 205. To stop. The OR circuit 205 outputs the flash signal to the lamp color output circuit 207. Thereby, the signal lamp device 1 performs flash display.

JP-A-62-111395

  By the way, the inventors examined the construction of a new internal configuration of the traffic signal controller for the purpose of improving the safety of the light color control. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the traffic signal controller 300 with improved safety. As shown in FIG. 9, the traffic signal controller 300 includes a CPU 301, a sub circuit 302, current data 303, a monitoring circuit 304, a switching circuit 305, a flash circuit 306, a lamp color output circuit 307, and the like.

  The CPU 301 sends a step command for switching the lamp color of each signal lamp 1 to the sub circuit 302 based on the present data 303. Further, the CPU 301 determines normality / abnormality of the sub-circuit 302 based on the determination of the clock signal from the sub-circuit 302 or the state indicating which step is being output, and sends the determination result to the monitoring circuit 304.

  The sub circuit 302 outputs a lamp color signal to the switching circuit 305 based on the step command sent by the CPU 301.

  The sub-circuit 302 determines normality / abnormality of the CPU 301 based on the longest / shortest determination of the step width of the step command from the CPU 301 or the step pulse interval, and the determination result (for example, “CPU abnormality”) is monitored. To send. The sub-circuit 302 sends a WD (Watch Dog) signal, which is a clock signal indicating that it is operating, to the monitoring circuit 304. That is, the sub circuit 302 transmits a WD signal when it is operating, and does not transmit a WD signal when it is not operating. If the sub-circuit 302 determines that there is an inconvenience in the display data 303, the sub-circuit 302 determines that there is an abnormality, stops the lamp color control based on the display data 303, and causes the signal lamp device 1 to flash display. Is sent to the monitoring circuit 304.

  When the monitoring circuit 304 acquires a flash command from the sub circuit 302, the monitoring circuit 304 sends a signal to the switching circuit 305 to switch to flash display.

  The switching circuit 305 outputs the lamp color signal output from the sub circuit 302 to the lamp color output circuit 307 at normal time (normal time). The lamp color output circuit 307 drives the signal lamp device 1 by converting the lamp color signal into a predetermined voltage (for example, AC 100 V). Thereby, the signal lamp device 1 switches the lamp color based on the display data. Further, when the switching circuit 305 acquires a signal for switching to flash display from the monitoring circuit 304, the switching circuit 305 stops outputting the lamp color signal from the sub circuit 302 to the lamp color output circuit 307, and the flash circuit 306 continues to output. The flashing signal is output to the lamp color output circuit 307. Thereby, the signal lamp device 1 performs flash display.

  However, in the traffic signal controller 300 described above, when the CPU 301 determines “sub circuit abnormality” and the sub circuit 302 determines “CPU normal”, the CPU 301 switches to flashing display, but the CPU 301 indicates “sub circuit abnormality”. Is determined to be “CPU abnormality” due to an abnormality in the signal line (communication line) for the determination result between the sub circuit 302 and the monitoring circuit 304 even though the CPU 301 is normal. When this happens, both the CPU 301 and the sub-circuit 302 are in an abnormal state. In this state, since the determination result of the sub-circuit 302 is given priority, it is determined that the sub-circuit 302 is normal and the CPU 301 is determined to be abnormal, and the flash display is not switched. For this reason, an abnormal lamp color signal from the sub circuit 302 may be output to the lamp color output circuit 307.

  Further, in the traffic signal controller 300 described above, a dedicated signal line (communication line) was used for the flash command from the sub circuit 302 to the monitoring circuit 304, but the flash command signal line became abnormal. In this case, the flash display is not switched. For this reason, an abnormal lamp color signal from the sub circuit 302 may be output to the lamp color output circuit 307.

  In the traffic signal controller 300 described above, the sub circuit 302 is not actually abnormal due to an abnormality of a signal line (communication line) input from the CPU 301 to the monitoring circuit 304, but the “sub circuit abnormality”. There was a situation where it was not possible to recognize that the flash display state was made despite the flash display being performed.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and even when an abnormality such as a signal line (communication line) occurs, a traffic signal that can avoid the influence of the abnormality and realize safe lamp color control. The object is to provide a controller.

A traffic signal controller according to a first aspect of the present invention is based on a main control unit that outputs a step command for switching the lamp color of a signal lamp based on lamp color information, and a step command output by the main control unit. In a traffic signal controller including a sub-control unit that outputs a lamp color signal, the sub-control unit determines normality / abnormality of the main control unit, and sends a determination result at a predetermined interval. The sub-control unit sends out and the main control unit performed by the sub-control unit includes a monitoring unit that monitors the normal / abnormal determination result, and the monitoring unit can acquire the determination result transmitted from the sub-control unit. And determining whether the sub-control unit is normal or abnormal, and outputting a flash instruction signal for flashing the signal lamp when it is determined that the sub-control unit is abnormal. Features.

  The traffic signal controller according to a second aspect of the present invention is the traffic signal controller according to the first aspect, wherein the sub-control unit determines whether it is normal or abnormal and stops sending the determination result when it is determined to be abnormal. It is characterized by being.

A traffic signal controller according to a third aspect of the present invention is based on a main control unit that outputs a step command for switching the lamp color of a signal lamp based on lamp color information, and a step command output by the main control unit. In a traffic signal controller including a sub-control unit that outputs a lamp color signal, the sub-control unit determines normality / abnormality of the main control unit, and sends a determination result at a predetermined interval. A monitoring unit that monitors a determination result sent by the sub-control unit, wherein the monitoring unit determines normality / abnormality of the sub-control unit according to whether or not the determination result can be acquired by the sub-control unit; When it is determined that the unit is abnormal, a flash instruction signal for flashing the signal lamp is output, and an instruction signal indicating whether or not the signal lamp is flashed is displayed to the main control unit. It is characterized by being sent out.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a traffic signal controller according to the third aspect, further comprising a notification unit for notifying a determination result according to the instruction signal transmitted by the monitoring unit.

  In the first invention, the sub-control unit determines normality / abnormality of the main control unit, and sends a determination result at a predetermined interval. The monitoring unit monitors the determination result sent from the sub-control unit, and determines normality / abnormality of the sub-control unit according to whether the sub-control unit can acquire the determination result. For example, the monitoring unit determines that the sub-control unit is abnormal when the determination result transmitted from the sub-control unit at a predetermined interval cannot be acquired at the predetermined interval. When the monitoring unit determines that the sub-control unit is abnormal, the monitoring unit outputs a flash instruction signal for flashing the signal lamp.

  Initially, in the traffic signal controller considered by the inventors, the sub-control unit (sub-circuit) sends a WD signal, which is a predetermined pulse signal, to the monitoring unit (monitoring circuit) every time a predetermined time is passed. When the above-mentioned pulse signal is acquired from the sub-control unit within the predetermined time, it is determined that the sub-control unit is normal, and when it cannot be acquired within the predetermined time, it is determined that the sub-control unit is abnormal. If the WD signal incorporates the determination result of the main control unit performed by the sub-control unit and sends it, the sub-control unit can transmit the determination result and be acquired by the monitoring unit. When the sub-control unit is normal and the sub-control unit does not send out the determination result and cannot be acquired by the monitoring unit, it can be determined that the sub-control unit is abnormal.

  That is, by incorporating the normal / abnormal determination result of the main control unit into the WD signal, a signal line (communication line) for transmitting the normality / abnormality of the CPU becomes unnecessary, and the cause of the abnormality of the signal line is eliminated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the main control unit is erroneously determined to be abnormal due to an abnormality in the signal line. In addition, when the abnormality occurs in the sub-control unit, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the flash display is not switched to, so that an abnormal lamp color signal is output from the sub-control unit to the lamp color output circuit. Can be prevented. Further, in the traffic signal controller initially examined by the inventors, the signal line for the WD signal and the signal line for transmitting the abnormality of the CPU are required, whereas the main control unit Therefore, the signal line (communication line) can be reduced.

  In the second invention, the sub-control unit determines its own normality / abnormality, and when it is determined to be abnormal, stops sending the determination result. The normality / abnormality of itself can be determined, for example, based on whether or not the displayed data is correct.

  In the traffic signal controller initially examined by the inventors, a signal line for sending a flash command is provided between the sub-control unit (sub-circuit) and the monitoring unit (monitoring circuit). A flash command is sent to the monitoring unit using the signal line. Therefore, the determination result of the sub-control unit is incorporated into the WD signal, the WD signal is transmitted when normal determination = normal output, and the WD signal is stopped when the abnormality determination = flash output, and the determination result of the sub-control unit is performed. Can be communicated to the monitoring department.

  That is, “send flash command / not send to monitoring unit” is expressed as “send / stop sending WD signal including determination result of main control unit to monitoring unit every predetermined time”. , Flash command signal lines can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the cause of the abnormality of the signal line, so that the situation where the flash display is not switched to can be prevented, and an abnormal lamp color signal is sent from the sub-control unit to the lamp color output circuit. It is also possible to prevent the situation of being output. Furthermore, in the traffic signal controller initially examined by the inventors, the signal line for the WD signal and the signal line for transmitting the flash command are necessary, whereas the sub-control unit has Since the result of own determination to be performed is incorporated into the WD signal, signal lines (communication lines) can be reduced.

  In the third aspect of the invention, the monitoring unit sends an instruction signal indicating whether or not to flash the signal lamp unit to the main control unit. For example, when the main control unit determines that “the sub control unit is abnormal” and the sub control unit determines that “the main control unit is normal”, the monitoring unit displays an instruction signal for performing flash display. However, when the monitoring unit does not send an instruction signal for flashing, the main control unit has an abnormality such as a signal line (communication line) around the monitoring unit or the monitoring unit. Then it can be determined. Further, when the sub-control unit is not abnormal, the monitoring unit erroneously determines that the sub-control unit is abnormal, and when the instruction signal to flash display is sent from the monitoring unit, the main control unit, It can be determined that the flash display is erroneously performed.

  In the fourth aspect of the invention, the information processing apparatus includes a notification unit that notifies the determination result according to the instruction signal sent from the monitoring unit to the outside. The notification unit, for example, can notify the external host device of an abnormality according to the presence or absence of a flash display using a communication line, or can turn on or blink an indicator lamp provided in the traffic signal controller. Abnormalities can be notified. As a result, it is possible to promptly report an abnormality such as when the flash display is erroneously performed or when the flash display is not erroneously performed.

  According to the present invention, by incorporating the normal / abnormal determination result of the main control unit into the WD signal, a signal line (communication line) for transmitting a conventional CPU abnormality becomes unnecessary, and a signal line abnormality occurs. Since the factor can be removed, it is possible to prevent a situation where the main control unit is erroneously determined to be abnormal.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the traffic signal controller which concerns on this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the determination result and the process by the monitoring circuit of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence of CPU of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the other example of the process sequence of CPU of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence of the subcircuit of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the other example of the process sequence of the subcircuit of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence of the monitoring circuit of this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the conventional traffic signal controller. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the traffic signal controller which improved safety | security.

  Hereinafter, a traffic signal controller according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the traffic signal controller 100 according to the present embodiment. The traffic signal controller 100 includes a CPU 10 as a main control unit, a sub circuit 11 as a sub control unit, a monitoring circuit 12 as a monitoring unit, display data 13, a switching circuit 14, a flash circuit 15, a lamp color output circuit 16, An interface unit 17 and a notification unit 18 are provided. The sub circuit 11 is configured by a hardware circuit such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

  The CPU 10 sends the lamp color display state recognized by the CPU 10 to the sub circuit 11 every predetermined time T1 (for example, 0.5 seconds, 1 second, etc.). In the present embodiment, a conventional step command is included in the lamp color display state. That is, the CPU 10 sends a lamp color display state indicating the current level to the sub-circuit 11 every predetermined time T1, and indicates the next level only at the timing of switching the color of the signal lamp 1 (stepping timing). Sends the color display status. The lamp color display state indicating the next floor corresponds to the step command. Moreover, when it is not the timing (stepping timing) which switches the lamp color of the signal lamp device 1, CPU10 transmits again the lamp color display state which shows the same level as the last sent.

  The display data 13 used for switching the lamp color of the signal lamp 1 includes, for example, lamp color information indicating the state of each lamp color (lit or extinguished) for each step, the order of the lamp colors, and the standard display seconds for each step. Number (reference display time), shortest display seconds (shortest display time), longest display seconds (longest display time), floor type (for example, indicate the category of long, middle, short, etc.), security seconds Each information such as operation settings is included.

  The CPU 10 determines normality / abnormality of the sub-circuit 11 and outputs the determination result to the monitoring circuit 12. Details of the normal / abnormal determination of the sub-circuit 11 by the CPU 10 will be described later.

  The sub circuit 11 outputs a lamp color signal for switching the lamp color of the signal lamp device 1 to the switching circuit 14 and the CPU 10 based on the step command sent by the CPU 10.

  The sub circuit 11 sends the lamp color display state recognized by the sub circuit 11 to the CPU 10 every predetermined time T2 (for example, 0.5 second, 1 second, etc.).

  The sub-circuit 11 determines normality / abnormality of the CPU 10 and sends the determination result to the CPU 10 every predetermined time T3 (for example, 0.5 seconds, 1 second, etc.). The predetermined time T1, the predetermined time T2, and the predetermined time T3 may be the same value or different values.

  One signal line (communication line) is disposed between the sub circuit 11 and the monitoring circuit 12, and information transmission / acquisition between the sub circuit 11 and the monitoring circuit 12 is performed using the signal line. Done with.

  The sub circuit 11 determines normality / abnormality of the CPU 10 and sends the determination result to the monitoring circuit 12 at predetermined intervals. Details of normal / abnormal determination of the CPU 10 by the sub-circuit 11 will be described later.

  Further, the sub-circuit 11 determines its own normal / abnormality, and if it is determined to be normal, the determination result of “sub-circuit 11 is normal” is sent at a predetermined interval (for example, 1 ms, 10 ms, 100 ms, etc.) And when it is determined that there is an abnormality, the transmission of the determination result is stopped. The normality / abnormality of itself can be determined by, for example, whether or not the display data 13 is correct.

  The sub-circuit 11 incorporates the determination result “normal / abnormal” of the CPU 10 and sends it to the monitoring circuit 12 when sending “the sub-circuit 11 is normal”, which is its own determination result, to the monitoring circuit 12.

  As for the determination result sent from the sub-circuit 11 to the monitoring circuit 12, there are the following sending methods. For example, the determination result that the sub-circuit 11 sends to the monitoring circuit 12 at a predetermined interval is different depending on whether the sub-circuit 12 determines “CPU is normal” or “CPU is abnormal”. Let it be a waveform signal. When the signal to be sent is a binarized signal (repetitive pulse of high level and low level), if the CPU is normal, the high level time is made longer than the low level time and the CPU is abnormal The high level time can be made shorter than the low level time.

  As another example, the determination result sent from the sub-circuit 11 to the monitoring circuit 12 is periodic communication data, and one of the contents of the communication data includes “CPU normal / abnormal determination”. Information can also be incorporated.

  The monitoring circuit 12 acquires a determination result “normal / abnormal of the sub circuit 11” from the CPU 10.

  In addition, the monitoring circuit 12 determines normality / abnormality of the subcircuit 11 according to whether or not the determination result “subcircuit 11 is normal” can be acquired from the subcircuit 11 at a predetermined interval. For example, the monitoring circuit 12 determines that the sub circuit 11 is abnormal when the sub circuit 11 cannot obtain its own determination result of “sub circuit 11 is normal” at a predetermined interval.

  Further, the monitoring circuit 12 determines that the sub circuit 11 is normal when the sub circuit 11 acquires its own determination result of “sub circuit 11 is normal” at a predetermined interval.

Further, when the monitoring circuit 12 obtains its own determination result “sub circuit 11 is normal” from the sub circuit 11 at a predetermined interval, the “normal / abnormal CPU 10” sent from the sub circuit 11 at the same timing. Get the judgment result. That is, when the monitoring circuit 12 cannot acquire its own determination result of “sub circuit 11 is normal” from the sub circuit 11 at a predetermined interval, it also acquires the determination result of “normal / abnormal CPU 10” at the predetermined interval. I can't.

  Then, the monitoring circuit 12 determines the normality / abnormality of the subcircuit 11 depending on whether or not the determination result of “normal / abnormality of the CPU 10” can be acquired from the subcircuit 11 at a predetermined interval. For example, the monitoring circuit 12 determines that the sub circuit 11 is abnormal when the determination result “normal / abnormal” of the CPU 10 cannot be obtained from the sub circuit 11 at a predetermined interval.

  The monitoring circuit 12 determines normality / abnormality of the CPU 10 and normality / abnormality of the sub-circuit 11 based on the acquired determination result, and sends a switching signal to the switching circuit 14 and the CPU 10 according to the determination result. The switching signal determines whether the switching circuit 14 outputs the lamp color signal output from the sub-circuit 11 to the lamp color output circuit 16 or the flash signal output from the flash circuit 15 to the lamp color output circuit 16. This signal includes an instruction signal indicating that the monitoring circuit 12 performs flash display. The determination method and processing by the monitoring circuit 12 will be described later.

  The flash circuit 15 sends a flash signal for flashing each signal lamp 1 to the switching circuit 14. The flashing display means a state in which, for example, when the main road and the secondary road intersect, the signal lamp 1 for the main road blinks in yellow, and the signal lamp 1 for the secondary road blinks in red. Further, it means a state in which the signal lamp 1 for the main road blinks red and the signal lamp 1 for the secondary road blinks red. The flashing display is not limited to yellow flashing red flashing and red flashing red flashing.

  Based on the switching signal sent from the monitoring circuit 12, the switching circuit 14 switches to the lamp color signal output from the sub circuit 11 or switches to the flash signal output from the flash circuit 15. The switching circuit 14 outputs either the lamp color signal or the flash signal to the lamp color output circuit 16.

  The lamp color output circuit 16 drives each signal lamp 1 based on the lamp color signal or flash signal output from the switching circuit 14. Specifically, the lamp color output circuit 16 converts the lamp color signal or the flash signal into AC 100 V or a required voltage, and turns on the lamp or LED (light emitting diode) of the signal lamp unit 1.

  Next, a normal / abnormal determination method for the sub-circuit 11 by the CPU 10 will be described. The CPU 10 determines that the sub circuit 11 is abnormal when the lamp color display state sent out by the sub circuit 11 cannot be acquired even after the predetermined time T2.

  Further, the CPU 10 determines that the sub circuit 11 is abnormal when the lamp color display state held by the CPU 10 does not match the lamp color display state sent out by the sub circuit 11. Thereby, even if the sub circuit 11 is operating, it is possible to prevent an unintended lamp color output that cannot be detected in the prior art.

  Further, the CPU 10 determines that the sub circuit 11 is abnormal when the combination of the lamp colors of the lamp color signals output from the sub circuit 11 is prohibited. The combination in which the light colors are prohibited refers to, for example, a blue-blue state in which the light colors of the signal light devices for the intersecting roads are simultaneously blue. Thereby, even if the sub circuit 11 is operating, it is possible to prevent an unintended lamp color output that cannot be detected in the prior art.

  Further, the CPU 10 acquires the lamp color signal output from the sub circuit 11 to the switching circuit 14, the lamp color display state held by itself, and the lamp color display state based on the lamp color signal output from the sub circuit 11 to the switching circuit 14. If they do not match, it is determined that the sub-circuit 11 is abnormal. Thereby, even if the sub circuit 11 is operating, it is possible to prevent an unintended lamp color output that cannot be detected in the prior art.

  Further, when the sub circuit 11 cannot acquire the determination result of “normal / abnormal CPU 10” from the sub circuit 11 even after the predetermined time T3 (for example, 0.5 second, 1 second, etc.) has elapsed, It is determined that the sub circuit 11 is abnormal. Thereby, it is possible to detect an abnormality of the sub-circuit 11 or an abnormality such as a signal line that could not be detected conventionally.

  Next, a normal / abnormal determination method for the CPU 10 by the sub-circuit 11 will be described. The sub circuit 11 determines that the CPU 10 is abnormal when the lamp color display state sent out by the CPU 10 cannot be acquired within a predetermined time T1 (for example, 0.5 seconds, 1 second, etc.). Since normality / abnormality of the CPU 10 can be determined within the predetermined time T1, the abnormal state of the CPU 10 cannot be detected until the maximum guaranteed number of seconds (for example, 110 seconds) elapses as in the prior art. Can be avoided for a long time, and an abnormality can be detected without waiting for the longest guarantee time to elapse. In addition, since the abnormality of the CPU 10 can be detected even after the floor retention command, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the floor step cannot be performed.

  Further, the sub circuit 11 determines that the CPU 10 is abnormal when it cannot acquire a step command from the CPU 10 within a predetermined designated range (for example, 0.5 to 1 second). For example, the sub-circuit 11 determines that the CPU 10 is abnormal when the interval of the step command output by the CPU 10 is shorter or longer than a predetermined designated range. Thereby, abnormality of CPU10 can be detected in a shorter time than before.

  Next, the determination result and processing by the monitoring circuit 12 will be described. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of determination results and processing by the monitoring circuit 12 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the determination result acquired and monitored by the monitoring circuit 12 includes the determination result of the sub circuit 11 (normal / abnormality of the sub circuit 11 itself and normal / abnormality of the CPU 10) and the determination result of the CPU 10 ( The sub-circuit 11 is normal / abnormal), and the processing of the monitoring circuit 12 differs depending on the combination of these determination results.

  For example, when the sub circuit 11 determines that “the sub circuit 11 is normal” and “the CPU 10 is normal” and the CPU 10 determines that “the sub circuit 11 is normal”, the monitoring circuit 12 is normal for both the sub circuit 11 and the CPU 10. It is determined that there is, and no special processing is performed. In this case, a step based on a step command from the CPU 10 is performed.

  When the sub circuit 11 determines that “the sub circuit 11 is normal” and “the CPU 10 is normal”, and the CPU 10 determines that “the sub circuit 11 is abnormal”, the monitoring circuit 12 indicates that the sub circuit 11 is abnormal. The CPU 10 determines that it is normal, and sends a switching signal to the switching circuit 14 to switch to the flash signal from the flash circuit 15 to give a flash display instruction. In this case, flash display is performed.

  When the sub circuit 11 determines that “the sub circuit 11 is normal” and “the CPU 10 is abnormal”, and the CPU 10 determines that “the sub circuit 11 is normal”, the monitoring circuit 12 indicates that the sub circuit 11 is normal, It is determined that the CPU 10 is abnormal, and no special processing is performed. In this case, stepping based on self-determination of the sub-circuit 11 is performed. Thereby, even if abnormality of CPU10 is detected, the lamp color of the signal lamp device 1 can be switched continuously.

  When the sub circuit 11 determines that “the sub circuit 11 is normal” and “the CPU 10 is abnormal”, and the CPU 10 determines that “the sub circuit 11 is abnormal”, the monitoring circuit 12 indicates that the sub circuit 11 is normal, It is determined that the CPU 10 is abnormal, and no special processing is performed. In this case, stepping based on self-determination of the sub-circuit 11 is performed. Thereby, even if abnormality of CPU10 is detected, the lamp color of the signal lamp device 1 can be switched continuously.

  When the sub-circuit 11 determines that “the sub-circuit 11 is abnormal”, the monitoring circuit 12 determines that the sub-circuit 11 is abnormal and switches the switching signal to the flash circuit 15 from the flash circuit 15. To display flash. In this case, flash display is performed.

  As described above, the sub-circuit 11 determines normality / abnormality of the CPU 10 and sends the determination result to the monitoring circuit 12 at predetermined intervals. The monitoring circuit 12 monitors the determination result sent from the sub circuit 11 and determines normality / abnormality of the sub circuit 11 according to whether or not the determination result by the sub circuit 11 can be acquired. For example, the monitoring circuit 12 determines that the sub circuit 11 is abnormal when the determination result transmitted from the sub circuit 11 at a predetermined interval cannot be obtained at the predetermined interval. When the monitoring circuit 12 determines that the sub-circuit 11 is abnormal, the monitoring circuit 12 outputs a flash instruction signal (switching signal) for causing the signal lamp device 1 to flash display.

  In the traffic signal controller 300 initially examined by the inventors shown in FIG. 9, the sub-circuit 302 sends a WD signal, which is a predetermined pulse signal, to the monitoring circuit 304 every predetermined time. Is acquired from the sub circuit 302 within the predetermined time, it is determined that the sub circuit 302 is normal, and when it cannot be acquired within the predetermined time, the sub circuit 302 is determined to be abnormal. Therefore, in the present embodiment, if the determination result for the CPU 10 performed by the sub circuit 11 is incorporated in the WD signal and transmitted, the sub circuit 11 transmits the determination result and is acquired by the monitoring circuit 12. If the sub-circuit 11 is normal and the sub-circuit 11 does not send out the determination result and cannot be acquired by the monitoring circuit 12, it can be determined that the sub-circuit 11 is abnormal. .

  In other words, in the present embodiment, the normal / abnormal determination result of the CPU 10 is incorporated into the WD signal, whereby a signal line (communication line) for transmitting the normal / abnormal CPU (for example, traffic signal control illustrated in FIG. 9). The determination result signal line between the sub circuit 302 and the monitoring circuit 304 in the machine 300 is not necessary, and the cause of the signal line abnormality can be eliminated. It is possible to prevent a situation that is determined to be abnormal. Further, in the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the flash circuit is not switched to the above-described flash display when an abnormality occurs in the sub circuit 11, so that an abnormal lamp color signal is output from the sub circuit 11 to the lamp color output circuit. It is also possible to prevent the situation of being output. Furthermore, in the traffic signal controller 300 initially examined by the inventors, the signal line for the WD signal and the signal line for transmitting the abnormality of the CPU are required. In this embodiment, since the normal / abnormal determination result of the CPU 10 is incorporated into the WD signal, signal lines (communication lines) can be reduced.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the sub-circuit 11 determines its own normality / abnormality, and stops transmission of the determination result when it is determined to be abnormal. The normality / abnormality of the sub-circuit 11 itself can be determined by, for example, whether the display data 13 is correct.

  In the traffic signal controller 300 initially examined by the inventors shown in FIG. 9, a signal line for sending a flash command is provided between the sub circuit 302 and the monitoring circuit 304, and the sub circuit 302 includes the signal line. Is used to send a flash command to the monitoring circuit 304. Therefore, if the determination result of the sub-circuit 11 is incorporated into the WD signal, the WD signal is transmitted when normal determination = normal output, and the WD signal is stopped when the abnormal determination = flash output, the sub-circuit 11 performs its determination. The result can be transmitted to the monitoring circuit 12.

  That is, in the present embodiment, “send flash command / not send to monitoring circuit 12” means “send / send WD signal including determination result of CPU 10 to monitoring circuit 12 every predetermined time”. Since it is expressed as “stop”, the flash command signal line (for example, the flash command signal line between the sub circuit 302 and the monitoring circuit 304 in the traffic signal controller 300 illustrated in FIG. 9) can be reduced. As a result, the cause of the abnormality of the signal line can be removed, so that the situation where the flash display is not switched to can be prevented, and an abnormal lamp color signal is sent from the sub circuit 11 to the lamp color output circuit. It is also possible to prevent the situation of being output. Furthermore, the traffic signal controller 300 initially examined by the inventors required two signal lines, a signal line for transmitting a WD signal and a signal line for transmitting a flash command. In the embodiment, since the determination result of the sub circuit 11 is incorporated into the WD signal, signal lines (communication lines) can be further reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the monitoring circuit 12 sends to the CPU 10 an instruction signal (switching signal) indicating whether or not the signal lamp device 1 is flash-displayed. For example, when the CPU 10 determines that “the sub-circuit 11 is abnormal” and the sub-circuit 11 determines that “the CPU 10 is normal”, the monitoring circuit 12 displays an instruction signal (switching signal) for performing flash display. ), But when the monitoring circuit 12 does not transmit an instruction signal (switching signal) for performing flash display, the CPU 10 or the signal line (communication line) around the monitoring circuit 12 ) And the like can be determined to exist. When the sub circuit 11 is not abnormal, it is erroneously determined that the sub circuit 11 is abnormal, and when the instruction signal (switching signal) for performing flash display is sent from the monitoring circuit 12, the CPU 10 It can be determined that the flash display is erroneously performed.

  And the notification part 18 notifies the determination result according to the instruction | indication signal (switching signal) which the monitoring circuit 12 sent under control of CPU10 to the exterior. The notification unit 18 can notify, for example, an abnormality according to the presence / absence of a flashing display to the external host device 300 using a communication line via the interface unit 17, or is provided in the traffic signal controller 100. An abnormality can be notified by turning on or blinking an indicator lamp or the like. As a result, it is possible to promptly report an abnormality such as when the flash display is erroneously performed or when the flash display is not erroneously performed.

  Next, operation | movement of the traffic signal controller 100 of this Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the CPU 10 according to the present embodiment. The CPU 10 performs normal / abnormal determination processing of the sub-circuit 11 (S11). The CPU 10 determines whether or not the sub circuit 11 is abnormal (S12), and determines that “the sub circuit 11 is abnormal” (YES in S12), the determination result “sub circuit 11 is abnormal” The data is sent to the monitoring circuit 12 at intervals (S13).

  The CPU 10 determines whether or not the determination result “CPU 10 is normal” has been acquired from the sub-circuit 11 (S14). If the determination result “CPU 10 is normal” is acquired (YES in S14), the monitoring circuit 12 A switching signal to be sent is acquired (S15). When the CPU 10 acquires the determination result “CPU 10 is normal” from the sub circuit 11, the CPU 10 determines that “the sub circuit 11 is abnormal” and the sub circuit 11 determines that “the CPU 10 is normal”. The monitoring circuit 12 should have output a switching signal to perform flash display.

  The CPU 10 determines whether or not the acquired switching signal is a switching signal for switching to flash display (S16). If the switching signal is not a switching signal for switching to flash display (NO in S16), the monitoring circuit 12 or the like is abnormal. Is displayed on the indicator lamp, or is notified to the host device 300 (S17), and the process is terminated.

  If it is a switching signal for switching to flashing display (YES in S16), the CPU 10 determines that the monitoring circuit 12 and the like are normal, and ends the process without performing the process of step S17.

  When it is determined that the sub circuit 11 is not abnormal (NO in S12), the CPU 10 sends a determination result of “sub circuit 11 is normal” to the monitoring circuit 12 at a predetermined interval (S18). The CPU 10 determines whether or not the determination result of “CPU is normal” is acquired from the sub-circuit 11 (S19), and when the determination result of “CPU is normal” is acquired (YES in S19), the process is terminated. .

  When the determination result of “CPU is normal” is not acquired (NO in S19), the CPU 10 notifies that the output is from the sub-circuit 11 (S20) and ends the process. If the determination result “CPU 10 is normal” cannot be acquired from the sub-circuit 11 (NO in S14), the CPU 10 ends the process. In this case, since the CPU 10 determines that “the sub circuit 11 is abnormal” and the sub circuit 11 determines that “the CPU 10 is abnormal”, the determination result “CPU 10 is abnormal” by the sub circuit 11 is given priority. .

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing another example of the processing procedure of the CPU 10 of the present embodiment. Note that the processing shown in FIG. 3 and the processing shown in FIG. 4 are performed independently. The CPU 10 acquires a switching signal from the monitoring circuit 12 (S31), and determines whether or not the acquired switching signal is a switching signal for switching to a lamp color signal (S32).

  When the signal is a switching signal for switching to the lamp color signal (YES in S32), the CPU 10 notifies the lamp color display state acquired from the sub circuit 11 and the determination result for the sub circuit 11 with the display lamp or notifies the host device 300. (S33), the process ends.

  If it is not a switching signal for switching to the lamp color signal (NO in S32), the CPU 10 has acquired a switching signal for switching to the flash signal from the monitoring circuit 12, and therefore notifies the fact that it is in the flash signal output state with the indicator lamp. Or, the host device 300 is notified (S34), and the process is terminated.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the sub-circuit 11 of the present embodiment. The sub-circuit 11 performs normal / abnormal determination processing of the CPU 10 (S41). The sub-circuit 11 determines whether or not the CPU 10 is normal (S42). When it is determined that “CPU 10 is normal” (YES in S42), the determination result that “CPU 10 is normal” is monitored at a predetermined interval. The data is sent to the circuit 12 (S43), and the process is terminated.

  If it is determined that “CPU 10 is not normal” (NO in S42), the determination result “CPU 10 is abnormal” is sent to the monitoring circuit 12 at a predetermined interval (S44), and the process is terminated.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another example of the processing procedure of the sub-circuit 11 of the present embodiment. Note that the processing shown in FIG. 5 and the processing shown in FIG. 6 are performed independently. The sub-circuit 11 performs self-diagnosis processing (S51). The self-diagnosis process is, for example, a process in which the sub-circuit 11 diagnoses normal / abnormality of internal data such as the display data 13 at a constant cycle.

  The sub-circuit 11 determines whether or not it is normal by self-diagnosis (S52). If it is determined that it is normal (YES in S52), the self-diagnosis result (determination) is “sub-circuit 11 is normal”. The result is sent to the monitoring circuit 12 at a predetermined interval (S53), and the process is terminated. When the self-diagnosis result “Sub circuit 11 is normal” is sent in step S53, it is sent at the same timing including the determination result in step S43 or step S44 in FIG.

  When it is determined that it is not normal (NO in S52), the sub-circuit 11 stops sending the self-diagnosis result (determination result) that “the sub-circuit 11 is normal” (S54), and ends the process. In this case, the monitoring circuit 12 can determine that the sub-circuit 11 is abnormal by detecting that the self-diagnosis result that “the sub-circuit 11 is normal” is not transmitted at a predetermined interval.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the monitoring circuit 12 according to the present embodiment. The monitoring circuit 12 determines whether or not the determination result from the sub circuit 11 is acquired at a predetermined interval (S61). When the monitoring circuit 12 acquires the determination result at a predetermined interval (YES in S61), the determination result of the sub circuit 11 is “ It is determined whether or not the CPU 10 is “abnormal” (S62).

  When the determination result of the sub circuit 11 is not “CPU 10 is abnormal” (NO in S62), the monitoring circuit 12 determines whether the determination result of the CPU 10 is “sub circuit 11 is abnormal” (S63). When the determination result of the CPU 10 is “sub circuit 11 is abnormal” (YES in S63), the monitoring circuit 12 outputs a switching signal for switching to flash display (S64), and the process is terminated.

  If the determination result of the CPU 10 is not “abnormality of the sub circuit 11” (NO in S63), the monitoring circuit 12 determines that the sub circuit 11 of the CPU 10 is also normal, and ends the process without performing the process of step S64. .

  When the determination result from the sub circuit 11 is not acquired at a predetermined interval (NO in S61), the monitoring circuit 12 determines that the sub circuit 11 is abnormal and performs the process of step S64. When the determination result of the sub circuit 11 is “CPU 10 is abnormal” (YES in S62), the monitoring circuit 12 ends the process on the assumption that the step based on the self determination of the sub circuit 11 is being performed.

  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.

10 CPU (main control unit)
11 Sub circuit (sub control unit)
12 Monitoring circuit (monitoring unit)
13 Present data 14 Switching circuit 15 Flash circuit 16 Light color output circuit 17 Interface section (notification section)
18 Notification section (notification section)

Claims (4)

A main control unit that outputs a step command for switching the lamp color of the signal lamp based on the lamp color information, and a sub-control unit that outputs a lamp color signal based on the step command output by the main control unit. In the traffic signal controller provided,
The sub-control unit
The main control unit is determined to be normal / abnormal, and a determination result is transmitted at a predetermined interval.
The sub-control unit sends out, and the main control unit performed by the sub-control unit includes a monitoring unit that monitors a normal / abnormal determination result,
The monitoring unit
A flash instruction for flashing the signal lamp when the sub-control unit determines whether the sub-control unit is normal or abnormal according to whether or not the determination result sent by the sub-control unit is acquired. A traffic signal controller configured to output a signal. The sub-control unit
The traffic signal controller according to claim 1, wherein the traffic signal controller is configured to determine its own normality / abnormality and to stop sending the determination result when it is determined to be abnormal. A main control unit that outputs a step command for switching the lamp color of the signal lamp based on the lamp color information, and a sub-control unit that outputs a lamp color signal based on the step command output by the main control unit. In the traffic signal controller provided,
The sub-control unit
The main control unit is determined to be normal / abnormal, and a determination result is transmitted at a predetermined interval.
A monitoring unit for monitoring the determination result sent by the sub-control unit;
The monitoring unit
The sub-control unit determines whether the sub-control unit is normal or abnormal according to whether the sub-control unit can obtain the determination result. When the sub-control unit determines that the sub-control unit is abnormal, a flash instruction signal for flashing the signal lamp is displayed. Output,
Furthermore, exchange communication No. controller characterized in that an indication signal indicating whether or not a signal lamp device to flash the display are to be sent to the main control unit.   The traffic signal controller according to claim 3, further comprising a notification unit that notifies a determination result corresponding to the instruction signal transmitted by the monitoring unit to the outside.

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