JP5831247B2 - Traffic signal controller and traffic signal control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a traffic signal controller and a traffic signal control method for sequentially switching the signal display of a plurality of signal lamps.

  The traffic signal controller switches the signal display of each signal lamp based on the step color information including the lamp color information that defines the lamp color of the signal display (step) of each signal lamp and the display time of each lamp color. In such a traffic signal controller, the traffic control center or traffic signal controller has an appropriate signal light device based on traffic data such as traffic volume or congestion length collected by a vehicle detector installed on the road. There is an automatic control method that calculates the display time and sequentially switches the signal display of the signal lamp.

  In order to maintain smooth traffic even when there is an abnormality such as a failure or when a traffic situation that cannot be handled by the above-mentioned automatic control system is maintained, for example, a police officer sets the signal change timing. There is a manual control method that determines and sequentially switches the signal display of the signal lamp by manual operation (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-331385 A

  Ideally, the signal control is all automatically controlled (also referred to as automatic stepping control) without relying on manual control (also referred to as manual stepping control). For this purpose, not only the signal control algorithm is improved, but also the vehicle detectors must be installed at high density around the intersection, which may be difficult as a real problem. In such a case, the manual control method may be effective. For example, in a situation where a right-turn vehicle and a straight-ahead vehicle are mixed before the intersection, and the right-turn vehicle cannot make a right turn and a traffic jam occurs, the oncoming vehicle can be temporarily stopped and the right-turn vehicle can be turned. As another example, if there is a traffic jam on the downstream side of the intersection and a so-called clogging has occurred, the vehicle cannot pass through the intersection even if a green light is continuously given. The current display can be terminated and switched to the next display.

  However, since manual control depends on the judgment of the police officer or the like, there may be cases where the disadvantage is exposed due to the emotion of the police officer or the restriction of the field of view. For example, in order to maximize the processing capacity of an intersection, it is appropriate to stop the green light when the saturation flow breaks, but if there is a vehicle that reaches the intersection a little later than the saturation flow, The vehicle also tends to pass through the intersection, resulting in a decrease in the processing capacity of the intersection. As another example, since the field of view from the intersection is limited, if the congestion length occurs in the range beyond the field of view, the difference in the actual congestion length of each road intersecting at the intersection is determined. Inability to give a proper green light, resulting in congested traffic.

  Thus, the automatic control method and the manual control method have advantages and disadvantages, respectively. In a conventional traffic signal controller, only one control method can be selected, either automatic control or manual control. For this reason, in the conventional traffic signal controller, it was not possible to reduce traffic congestion by taking advantage of the advantages of both control methods.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a traffic signal controller and a traffic signal control method capable of reducing traffic jams by utilizing the advantages of the automatic control method and the manual control method. With the goal.

  A traffic signal controller according to a first aspect of the present invention is a traffic signal controller that sequentially switches the signal display steps of a plurality of signal lamps for a plurality of roads that intersect at an intersection. A storage unit that stores stage information related to a stage composed of a plurality of steps including a predetermined step that differs in time, an operation reception unit that receives a manual stepping operation for switching signal display, and the predetermined step When a manual stepping operation is accepted, a determination unit that determines the stepping time of the predetermined step; and when the stepping point of the predetermined step is determined by the determination unit, after the predetermined step of the stage And a control unit for controlling the remaining steps to sequentially automatically advance.

  The traffic signal controller according to a second invention is the traffic signal controller according to the first invention, wherein when the display elapsed time of the predetermined step is longer than the shortest display time when the determination unit receives the manual stepping operation, A point in time at which a manual stepping operation is accepted is determined as a stepping point.

  In the traffic signal controller according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect or the second aspect, when the determination unit receives the manual stepping operation, the display elapsed time of the predetermined step is less than the shortest display time. When the display time is short, the time when the display elapsed time becomes the shortest display time is determined as the stepping time.

  The traffic signal controller according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the traffic signal controller according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the determining unit displays the predetermined step when the manual stepping operation is not accepted. The time point when the set display time of the step is reached is determined as the stepping time point.

  The traffic signal controller according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the predetermined step is blue for a vehicle, blue for a pedestrian, or a blue arrow.

  A traffic signal controller according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the traffic signal controller according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the control unit controls to stop the automatic step when the remaining steps are sequentially stepped automatically. It is comprised so that it may carry out.

  A traffic signal control method according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is a traffic signal control method by a traffic signal controller that sequentially switches the signal display steps of a plurality of signal lamps for a plurality of roads that intersect at an intersection. Storing stage information relating to a stage composed of a plurality of steps including a predetermined step in which a display time and a shortest display time are different, and receiving a manual stepping operation for switching signal display; and the predetermined step When the manual stepping operation is accepted, the step of determining the stepping time of the predetermined step, and the stepping point of the predetermined step are determined, the remaining of the stage after the predetermined step And a step of controlling the steps to sequentially advance automatically.

  In the first invention and the seventh invention, the storage unit stores stage information related to a stage configured by a plurality of steps including a predetermined step in which a preset display time and a shortest display time are different. The preset set display time (also referred to as set display seconds) is, for example, the display time of each step calculated based on the traffic data collected by the vehicle sensor or the like or traffic data such as the congestion length. The shortest display time (also referred to as the shortest display seconds or guaranteed seconds) is a lower limit value of the display seconds indicating the allowable range when the display seconds are shortened by, for example, sensitive control, and ensures safety. The minimum display time (in seconds) above. The stage includes a predetermined step in which the set display time and the shortest display time are different, and a step other than the predetermined step in which the set display time and the shortest display time are the same time. For example, the stage can be composed of a predetermined step and one or a plurality of steps other than the predetermined following the predetermined step. The predetermined step is, for example, a blue signal, and steps other than the predetermined step are a yellow signal and a red signal.

  The operation reception unit receives a manual stepping operation for switching the signal display. When the determination unit receives a manual stepping operation in a predetermined step, the determination unit determines a stepping time of the predetermined step. The determination of the stepping time depends on, for example, whether the display elapsed time of a predetermined step (the time already displayed when the manual stepping operation is accepted) is longer or shorter than the shortest display time. It can be determined whether or not to advance from a predetermined step to the next step. When determining the step time of the predetermined step, the control unit controls the remaining steps after the predetermined step of the stage (for example, steps other than the predetermined step) to automatically advance in sequence.

  With the above-described configuration, when a manual stepping operation is received at a predetermined step of the stage, the manual stepping time is determined in consideration of the displayed time and the shortest display time at the time of receiving, so-called Realize manual control method. Then, the remaining steps after the predetermined step of the stage are sequentially automatically advanced to realize a so-called automatic control method. As a result, a semi-automatic control method that is an intermediate control method utilizing the advantages of the automatic control method and the manual control method can be realized, and traffic congestion can be reduced.

  In the second invention, when the determination unit receives the manual stepping operation and the display elapsed time of the predetermined step is longer than the shortest display time, the determination unit sets the time when the manual stepping operation is received as the stepping point. decide. For example, it is assumed that the shortest display time T1 of a predetermined step (blue) is 30 seconds and the set display time T2 is 40 seconds. Then, when the display elapsed time of the predetermined step is 35 seconds at the time when the manual stepping operation is received at time t1, the determining unit aborts the predetermined step at time t1. That is, the predetermined step can be terminated in 35 seconds without being displayed for 40 seconds which is the set display time T2, and for example, the blue time can be shortened (5 seconds in the above example).

  With the above-described configuration, for example, in a situation where a right turn vehicle and a straight-ahead vehicle are mixed before the intersection, and the right turn vehicle cannot turn right and a traffic jam occurs, the oncoming vehicle can be stopped and the right turn vehicle can be turned. Also, if there is a traffic jam on the downstream side of the intersection and a so-called “clogging” occurs, the vehicle cannot pass through the intersection even if the green signal is continuously applied. The advantages of the so-called manual control method can be realized.

  In the third aspect of the invention, when the manual stepping operation is accepted, the determination unit walks when the display elapsed time becomes the shortest display time if the display elapsed time of the predetermined step is shorter than the shortest display time. It is determined as the advance point. For example, it is assumed that the shortest display time T1 of a predetermined step (blue) is 30 seconds and the set display time T2 is 40 seconds. When the display elapsed time of the predetermined step is 25 seconds when the manual stepping operation is received at time t2, the determining unit displays the predetermined step for 30 seconds that is the shortest display time T1. That is, the predetermined step can be displayed for 30 seconds, which is the shortest display time T1, without stepping when the manual stepping operation is accepted.

  With the above configuration, for example, even when a police officer performs a manual stepping operation at an early timing based on his / her own judgment, a predetermined step can be displayed during the shortest display time T1, thus ensuring safety. can do.

  In the fourth invention, when the manual stepping operation is not accepted, the determination unit determines the time point at which the display elapsed time of the predetermined step becomes the set display time of the step as the stepping time point. For example, assume that the set display time T2 of a predetermined step (blue) is 40 seconds. When the manual stepping operation is not received (when the manual stepping operation is not performed), the determination unit displays a predetermined step for 40 seconds that is the set display time T2, and the manual stepping operation is not performed. Since it is not performed, it automatically advances to the next step. As a result, when manual stepping operation is not performed, automatic stepping, which is normal signal control including terminal sensitive control, is performed, so when the saturation flow is interrupted (when the vehicle passes the stop line) , And the intersection processing capacity can be maximized.

  In the fifth invention, the predetermined step is blue for vehicles, blue for pedestrians or blue arrows. The vehicle blue is a green signal for making the vehicle go straight, turn left or turn right regardless of the presence or absence of a pedestrian signal lamp. Pedestrian blue is blue and blue blinking of pedestrian signal lights. As a result, when manual stepping operation is accepted while displaying the vehicle blue, pedestrian blue or blue arrow, the manual stepping time is taken into account the displayed time and the shortest display time at the point of acceptance. Can be determined. Thus, a so-called manual control method can be realized for a predetermined step in the stage, and a so-called automatic control method can be realized for steps other than the predetermined step (for example, yellow, red). .

  In the sixth aspect, the control unit controls to stop the automatic step when the remaining steps are sequentially stepped automatically. This realizes a so-called manual control method for a predetermined step in the stage, and realizes a so-called automatic control method for steps other than the predetermined step (for example, yellow, red), and at the end of the stage. Since the automatic step is stopped, it is possible to realize a semi-automatic control method that is an intermediate control method utilizing the advantages of the automatic control method and the manual control method.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a semi-automatic control method that is an intermediate control method utilizing the advantages of the automatic control method and the manual control method, and to reduce traffic jams.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the traffic signal controller of this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the intersection in which the signal light apparatus controlled by the traffic signal controller of this Embodiment was installed. It is a presenting floor plan as an example which the traffic signal controller of this Embodiment uses. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the stage information which the traffic signal controller of this Embodiment uses. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of stepping operation | movement when manual stepping operation is received after the minimum display time passes. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of stepping operation | movement at the time of accepting manual stepping operation before the minimum display time passes. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of stepping operation at the time of accepting manual stepping operation after the minimum display time passes. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of step operation when manual step operation is received before the minimum display time passes. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the right turn process by the semiautomatic control mode of this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the clogging countermeasure process by the semiautomatic control mode of this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the normal blue end by the traffic signal controller of this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the blue time distribution by the traffic signal controller of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation | movement procedure of the traffic signal controller of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation | movement procedure of the traffic signal controller of this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the other example of the intersection in which the signal lamp device controlled with the traffic signal controller of this Embodiment was installed. It is the present | indicated floor plan as another example which the traffic signal controller of this Embodiment uses. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of stepping operation at the time of accepting manual stepping operation after the minimum display time when there is no pedestrian signal lamp. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of stepping operation at the time of accepting manual stepping operation before the minimum display time when there is no pedestrian signal lamp.

  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 of the present embodiment. The traffic signal controller 100 is a CPU 10, a communication interface 11 that communicates with a traffic control center, a sensor interface 12 that has an interface function with a vehicle sensor, a timer circuit 13, and an operation reception unit that receives a manual stepping operation. Manual operation unit 14, semi-automatic control unit 15 that performs intermediate control between so-called automatic control and manual control, manual control unit 16, step counter 17 that sequentially designates signal display of signal lamps, signal information such as stage information is stored A display memory 18 as a storage unit, a display memory reading circuit 19 and the like are provided.

  The sensor interface 12 acquires vehicle detection information from a vehicle detector installed on the road.

  The communication interface 11 transmits the vehicle detection information acquired by the sensor interface 12 to a signal control processing device (not shown) installed in the traffic control center.

  A signal control processing device (not shown) collects vehicle detection information from a plurality of traffic signal control devices, and calculates traffic data such as traffic volume or congestion length based on the collected vehicle detection information. A signal control processing device (not shown) calculates the operation timing of each traffic signal controller so that traffic on the road flows smoothly based on the calculated traffic data. The calculated operation timing is transmitted to the traffic signal controller as operation command information. The communication interface 11 receives the operation command information transmitted from the signal control processing device.

  The timer circuit 13 is driven based on a clock signal (not shown), measures a unit time of a step (for example, 1 second) according to the setting, and outputs a unit time signal (for example, a clock with a period of 1 second) to the step counter 17. To do.

  The traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment includes an automatic control mode that performs a so-called automatic control method, a manual control mode that performs a manual control method, and a semi-automatic control method that is an intermediate control method between the automatic control method and the manual control method. There are three control modes, semi-automatic control mode.

  In the automatic control mode, the CPU 10 sends a step command, which is a lamp color switching timing signal, to the step counter 17 based on the operation command information transmitted from the signal control processing device. The step command is a command to advance the signal display to the next signal display (advance the step to the next step). Note that the lamp color switching timing is appropriately changed by, for example, sensitive control for sensing the traffic situation of each road intersecting at an intersection, and updated operation command information is transmitted from the signal control processing device. In addition, it replaces with the structure which receives operation command information from a signal control processing apparatus, and the information corresponding to operation command information can also be produced | generated by the traffic signal controller 100 itself.

  The step counter 17 sequentially specifies the steps of the signal lamp based on the step command sent from the CPU 10. Specifically, the step counter 17 measures a step based on a step command sent from the CPU 10 and generates a step signal. The step counter 17 outputs the generated step signal to the display memory reading circuit 19. Note that counting a step means sequentially stepping to the next step while pointing to the current step.

  The manual operation unit 14 includes an operation button (switch) for performing manual stepping. Each time the operation button is pressed, the manual operation unit 14 outputs an operation signal to the manual control unit 16.

  In the manual control mode, the manual control unit 16 outputs a count-up command (command) to the step counter 17 in accordance with an input (operation signal) from the manual operation unit 14.

  The step counter 17 sequentially specifies the steps of the signal lamp based on the count-up command (command) output from the manual control unit 16. Specifically, the step counter 17 measures a step based on a command sent from the manual control unit 16 and generates a step signal. The step counter 17 outputs the generated step signal to the display memory reading circuit 19.

  In the semi-automatic control mode, the semi-automatic control unit 15 stores the input (operation signal) from the manual operation unit 14, the operation command information acquired from the CPU 10, and the display memory 18 acquired through the display memory reading circuit 19. A count-up command (command) is output to the step counter 17 based on the signal information and the like. Details of the semi-automatic control unit 15 will be described later.

  The step counter 17 sequentially designates the steps of the signal lamp based on the count-up command (command) output from the semi-automatic control unit 15. Specifically, the step counter 17 measures a step based on a command sent from the semi-automatic control unit 15 and generates a step signal. The step counter 17 outputs the generated step signal to the display memory reading circuit 19.

  The traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment has two types of operation modes. The first is a case of operating in three control modes, an automatic control mode, a semi-automatic control mode, and a manual control mode. In this case, in the automatic control mode, manual stepping operation by the manual operation unit 14 is not accepted. Second, in the automatic control mode, it is possible to accept a manual stepping operation by the manual operation unit 14, and two control modes of a semi-automatic control mode (stepping operation is the same as in the case of the automatic control mode) and a manual control mode. It is a case where it works with. That is, in the automatic control mode, the manual stepping operation by the manual operation unit 14 is basically not accepted. However, when operating in the two control modes, the manual stepping by the manual operation unit 14 is performed in the automatic control mode. The semi-automatic control mode can be set by setting the state in which the operation can be accepted.

  The display memory reading circuit 19 reads the signal information stored in the display memory 18 based on the step signal output from the step counter 17 and outputs the lamp color to each signal lamp unit based on the read signal information. .

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an intersection where a signal lamp controlled by the traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment is installed. As shown in FIG. 2, the road in the east-west direction and the road in the north-south direction intersect at an intersection. In addition, although the direction of the road was set to east-west and north-south for convenience, it is not limited to this.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a vehicle signal lamp 201 for a road in the east-west direction and a signal lamp 202 for a vehicle for a road in the north-south direction are installed at predetermined locations near the intersection. In addition, a pedestrian signal lamp 301 is installed on the pedestrian crossing that crosses the north-south road, and a pedestrian signal lamp 302 is installed on the pedestrian crossing that crosses the east-west road. is there. In the following description, the signal lamp 201 is referred to as a signal lamp for vehicles in the east-west direction, the signal lamp 202 is referred to as a signal lamp for vehicles in the north-south direction, and the signal lamp 301 is referred to as a signal lamp for pedestrians in the east-west direction. The signal lamp 302 is referred to as a signal lamp for pedestrians in the north-south direction.

  FIG. 3 is a current floor plan as an example used by the traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 shows each step (floor) and each signal lamp measured by the step counter 17 at the intersection illustrated in FIG. In the figure, the horizontal line represents blue display, the broken line represents yellow display, the double line represents red display, the round arrow represents blue arrow (right turn arrow) display, and the vertical line represents blue blinking. Steps 1 to 14 represent one cycle of the signal lamp.

  The set display seconds (also referred to as set display time) is, for example, the display time of each step calculated based on traffic data such as traffic volume or congestion length collected by a vehicle detector or the like. The shortest display seconds (also referred to as the shortest display time or guaranteed seconds) is a lower limit value of the display seconds indicating an allowable range when the display seconds are shortened by, for example, sensitive control, and ensures safety. The minimum display time (in seconds) above.

  In the example of FIG. 3, in step 1 (reference PG), the set display seconds is 40 seconds, the shortest display seconds is 30 seconds, and both times are different. Similarly, in step 5 (symbol GA), step 8 (symbol PG), and step 12 (symbol GA), the set display seconds and the shortest display seconds are different. In other steps 2 to 4, 6 to 7, 9 to 11, and 13 to 14, the set display seconds and the shortest display seconds are the same time. The step in which the set display seconds and the shortest display seconds are the same time adopts the display time calculated based on traffic data such as traffic volume or congestion length collected by the vehicle detector etc. Can do.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the example of FIG. 3. For example, the set display seconds and the shortest time in Step 2 (reference PF), Step 3 (reference PR), Step 9 (reference PF), and Step 10 (reference PR) are the shortest. The display seconds may be different times.

  Next, stage information used in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of stage information used by the traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment. The steps shown in FIG. 4 are obtained by extracting steps 1 to 7 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the stage (referred to as stage 1 for convenience) is composed of steps 1 to 4. The next stage (stage 2) is composed of steps 5-7.

  That is, the stage 1 has a predetermined step (step 1 in the example of FIG. 4) in which the set display seconds (40 seconds in the example of FIG. 4) and the shortest display seconds (30 seconds in the example of FIG. 4) are different. And a step other than the predetermined step (steps 2 to 4 in the example of FIG. 4) in which the set display time and the shortest display time are the same time. That is, the stage can be composed of a predetermined step and one or a plurality of steps other than the predetermined step following the predetermined step.

  The stage 2 next to the stage 1 is a predetermined step (example of FIG. 4) in which the set display seconds (8 seconds in the example of FIG. 4) and the shortest display seconds (7 seconds in the example of FIG. 4) are different. Then, step 5) and steps other than the predetermined time (steps 6 to 7 in the example of FIG. 4) in which the set display time and the shortest display time are the same time are included. Also in this case, the stage can be configured by a predetermined step and one or a plurality of steps other than the predetermined step following the predetermined step.

  In the example of FIG. 4, the predetermined steps are Step 1 (reference PG) and Step 5 (reference GA), but are not limited to this. For example, Step 2 (reference PF), Step 3 It is possible to set a predetermined step by setting the set display seconds and the shortest display seconds of (symbol PR) to different seconds. In the above example, the predetermined step is, for example, a blue signal (PG, PF, PR), and the steps other than the predetermined step are a yellow signal (Y) and a red signal (AR).

  In the example of FIG. 4, only steps 1 to 7 are illustrated, but the steps 8 to 14 also have stage information similar to that of FIG. 4.

  The display memory 18 stores stage information relating to a stage composed of a plurality of steps including predetermined steps having different preset display display times and shortest display times as shown in FIG. Further, the display memory 18 stores signal information as shown in FIG. Note that information as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 may be stored in a memory (not shown) of the CPU 10.

  Next, the semi-automatic control mode of the present embodiment will be described. In the following, the case of operating in two control modes (semi-automatic control mode and manual control mode) will be described, but the stepping operation is the same when operating in three control modes.

  Whether to set the manual control mode or the semi-automatic control mode, a setting operation unit (not shown) having a switch or a button or the like may be provided to set one of the control modes. The setting operation unit outputs a signal indicating which control mode it is to the semi-automatic control unit 15, the manual control unit 16, and the CPU 10.

  When not in the manual control mode, that is, in the semi-automatic control mode, the semi-automatic control unit 15 functions as a determination unit that determines the stepping time of the predetermined step when a manual stepping operation is received in a predetermined step. Have Further, the semi-automatic control unit 15 has a function as a control unit for controlling the remaining steps after the predetermined step of the stage to sequentially automatically advance when the advance point of the predetermined step is determined. Instead of the configuration in which the semi-automatic control unit 15 has both functions of the determination unit and the control unit, the determination unit and the control unit may be separated.

  The determination of the stepping time by the semi-automatic control unit 15 is, for example, whether the display elapsed time of a predetermined step (the time already displayed when the manual stepping operation is received) is longer than the shortest display time ( It is possible to decide whether or not to step from a predetermined step to the next step depending on whether it is short (or less). Then, when the advance point of the predetermined step is determined, the semi-automatic control unit 15 controls the remaining steps after the predetermined step of the stage (for example, steps other than the predetermined step) to sequentially automatically advance. That is, by accepting a manual stepping operation and determining a stepping operation time point, by incorporating a manual step different from automatic stepping and automatically stepping sequentially after the stepping operation point is determined A semi-automatic step intermediate between manual step and automatic step can be realized.

  With the above-described configuration, when a manual stepping operation is received at a predetermined step of the stage, the manual stepping time is determined in consideration of the displayed time and the shortest display time at the time of receiving, so-called Realize manual control method. Then, the remaining steps after the predetermined step of the stage are sequentially automatically advanced to realize a so-called automatic control method. As a result, a semi-automatic control method that is an intermediate control method utilizing the advantages of the automatic control method and the manual control method can be realized, and traffic congestion can be reduced.

  The semi-automatic control unit 15 controls to stop the automatic step when the remaining steps are sequentially stepped automatically. This realizes a so-called manual control method for a predetermined step in the stage, and realizes a so-called automatic control method for steps other than the predetermined step (for example, yellow, red), and at the end of the stage. Since the automatic step is stopped, it is possible to realize a semi-automatic control method that is an intermediate control method utilizing the advantages of the automatic control method and the manual control method.

  The semi-automatic control unit 15 performs the automatic stepping (in the case where the manual stepping operation is not performed) when the manual stepping operation is not received (when the manual stepping operation is not performed), and performs a normal stepping operation. Implement terminal sensitive control.

  Hereinafter, a specific example of the stepping operation in the semi-automatic control mode will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a stepping action when a manual stepping operation is accepted after the shortest display time has elapsed. FIG. 5A shows a point in time when the manual stepping operation is received, and FIG. 5B shows a state of the stepping operation after the manual stepping operation is received. In FIG. 5, the horizontal axis represents time, and shows the step and sign switching state. FIG. 5 is based on the stage information (signal information) of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the shortest display time T1 (for example, 30 seconds) and the set display time T2 (for example, 40 seconds) in Step 1 (reference PG) are different predetermined steps. Further, when a manual stepping operation is accepted at time t1, the display elapsed time in the predetermined step 1 is longer than the shortest display time T1.

  In the case of FIG. 5A, as shown in FIG. 5B, the semi-automatic control unit 15 determines the time t1 at which the manual stepping operation is accepted as the stepping point, and after the predetermined step 1 of the stage (steps 1 to 4). The remaining steps 2 to 4 are automatically advanced sequentially. In this case, the semi-automatic control unit 15 displays steps 2 to 4 for each shortest display time and automatically advances to the next step. Then, the semi-automatic control unit 15 stops the automatic stepping when the display of step 4 is completed, and starts displaying the next step (step 5).

  As described above, when the manual stepping operation is accepted, the semi-automatic control unit 15 determines the time point when the manual stepping operation is accepted as the stepping point when the display elapsed time of the predetermined step is longer than the shortest display time. To do. For example, it is assumed that the shortest display time T1 of a predetermined step (PG) is 30 seconds and the set display time T2 is 40 seconds. Then, when the display elapsed time of the predetermined step is 35 seconds when the manual stepping operation is received at time t1, the semi-automatic control unit 15 aborts the predetermined step at time t1. That is, a predetermined step can be terminated in 35 seconds without displaying the set display time T2 for 40 seconds. For example, the blue time can be shortened (in the above example, it can be shortened by 5 seconds, and can be shortened by 10 seconds at the maximum). )can do.

  With the above-described configuration, for example, in a situation where a right turn vehicle and a straight-ahead vehicle are mixed before the intersection, and the right turn vehicle cannot turn right and a traffic jam occurs, the oncoming vehicle can be stopped and the right turn vehicle can be turned. Also, if there is a traffic jam on the downstream side of the intersection and a so-called “clogging” occurs, the vehicle cannot pass through the intersection even if the green signal is continuously applied. The advantages of the so-called manual control method can be realized.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a stepping action when a manual stepping operation is accepted before the shortest display time has elapsed. FIG. 6A shows a point in time when a manual stepping operation is received, and FIG. 6B shows a state of the stepping operation after receiving the manual stepping operation. In FIG. 6, the horizontal axis represents time, and shows the step and sign switching state. FIG. 6 is based on the stage information (signal information) of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the shortest display time T1 (for example, 30 seconds) and the set display time T2 (for example, 40 seconds) in step 1 (reference PG) are different predetermined steps. Further, when a manual stepping operation is received at time t2, the display elapsed time in the predetermined step 1 is shorter than the shortest display time T1.

  In the case of FIG. 6A, as shown in FIG. 6B, the semi-automatic control unit 15 determines the time point when the display elapsed time of the predetermined step 1 becomes the shortest display time T1 as the stepping time point, and the stage (steps 1 to 4) The remaining steps 2 to 4 after the predetermined step 1 are automatically advanced in sequence. In this case, the semi-automatic control unit 15 displays steps 2 to 4 for each shortest display time and automatically advances to the next step. Then, the semi-automatic control unit 15 stops the automatic stepping when the display of step 4 is completed, and starts displaying the next step (step 5).

  As described above, when the manual stepping operation is accepted, the semi-automatic control unit 15 advances the time when the display elapsed time becomes the shortest display time when the display elapsed time of the predetermined step is shorter than the shortest display time. Determine as time. For example, it is assumed that the shortest display time T1 of a predetermined step (blue) is 30 seconds and the set display time T2 is 40 seconds. Then, when the display elapsed time of the predetermined step 1 is 25 seconds at the time when the manual stepping operation is received at time t2, the semi-automatic control unit 15 performs the predetermined step 1 for 30 seconds which is the shortest display time T1. indicate. That is, the predetermined step 1 can be displayed for 30 seconds, which is the shortest display time T1, without stepping when the manual stepping operation is accepted.

  With the above-described configuration, for example, even when a police officer or the like performs a manual stepping operation at an early timing based on his / her own judgment, a predetermined step can be displayed during the shortest display time, thus ensuring safety. be able to.

  Further, when the manual stepping operation is not accepted, the semi-automatic control unit 15 determines a time point when the display elapsed time of the predetermined step becomes the set display time of the step as the stepping time point. For example, assume that the set display time T2 of a predetermined step (blue) is 40 seconds. When the manual stepping operation is not accepted (when the manual stepping operation is not performed), the semi-automatic control unit 15 displays a predetermined step for 40 seconds which is the set display time T2, and the manual stepping operation is performed. Since no operation has been performed, the system automatically advances to the next step. As a result, when manual stepping operation is not performed, automatic stepping (automatic control mode), which is normal signal control including terminal sensitive control, is performed, so when the saturation flow is interrupted (the vehicle passes the stop line) The green light can be cut off at the same time, and the processing capacity of the intersection can be maximized.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a stepping operation when a manual stepping operation is accepted after the shortest display time has elapsed. FIG. 7A shows a point in time when the manual stepping operation is accepted, and FIG. 7B shows a state of the stepping operation after the manual stepping operation is accepted. In FIG. 7, the horizontal axis represents time, and shows the step and sign switching state. FIG. 7 is based on the stage information (signal information) of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the shortest display time T3 (for example, 7 seconds) and the set display time T4 (for example, 8 seconds) in step 5 (reference GA) are different predetermined steps. Further, when the manual stepping operation is received at time t3, the display elapsed time in the predetermined step 5 is longer than the shortest display time T3.

  In the case of FIG. 7A, as shown in FIG. 7B, the semi-automatic control unit 15 determines the time t3 at which the manual stepping operation is accepted as the stepping point, and after the predetermined step 5 of the stage (steps 5 to 7). The remaining steps 6 to 7 are automatically advanced sequentially. In this case, the semi-automatic control unit 15 displays steps 6 to 7 for each shortest display time and automatically advances to the next step. Then, the semi-automatic control unit 15 stops the automatic stepping when the display of step 7 is completed, and starts displaying the next step (step 8).

  As described above, when the manual stepping operation is accepted, the semi-automatic control unit 15 determines the time point when the manual stepping operation is accepted as the stepping point when the display elapsed time of the predetermined step is longer than the shortest display time. To do. For example, it is assumed that the shortest display time T3 of a predetermined step (GA) is 7 seconds and the set display time T4 is 8 seconds. Then, when the display elapsed time of the predetermined step is 7.5 seconds when the manual stepping operation is received at time t3, the semi-automatic control unit 15 aborts the predetermined step at time t3. That is, a predetermined step can be terminated in 7.5 seconds without displaying the set display time T4 for 8 seconds. For example, the blue time can be shortened (in the above example, 0.5 seconds can be shortened, 1 second can be shortened).

  With the above configuration, for example, when there is traffic jam on the downstream side of the outflow path in the right turn direction at the intersection and a so-called clogging occurs, the right turn car will turn right at the intersection even if the blue arrow signal continues to be given. Therefore, the blue arrow signal can be terminated to switch to the next display, and the advantages of the so-called manual control method can be realized.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a stepping operation when a manual stepping operation is accepted before the shortest display time has elapsed. FIG. 8A shows a point in time when the manual stepping operation is accepted, and FIG. 8B shows a state of the stepping operation after the manual stepping operation is accepted. In FIG. 8, the horizontal axis represents time, and shows the step and sign switching state. FIG. 8 is based on the stage information (signal information) of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the shortest display time T3 (for example, 7 seconds) and the set display time T4 (for example, 8 seconds) in step 5 (reference GA) are different predetermined steps. Further, when the manual stepping operation is received at time t4, the display elapsed time in the predetermined step 5 is shorter than the shortest display time T3.

  In the case of FIG. 8A, as shown in FIG. 8B, the semi-automatic control unit 15 determines the time point at which the display elapsed time of the predetermined step 5 becomes the shortest display time T3 as the stepping time point, and the stage (steps 5 to 7). The remaining steps 6 to 7 after the predetermined step 5 are automatically advanced in sequence. In this case, the semi-automatic control unit 15 displays steps 6 to 7 for each shortest display time and automatically advances to the next step. Then, the semi-automatic control unit 15 stops the automatic stepping when the display of step 7 is completed, and starts displaying the next step (step 8).

  As described above, when the manual stepping operation is accepted, the semi-automatic control unit 15 advances the time when the display elapsed time becomes the shortest display time when the display elapsed time of the predetermined step is shorter than the shortest display time. Determine as time. For example, it is assumed that the shortest display time T3 of a predetermined step (GA) is 7 seconds and the set display time T4 is 8 seconds. If the display elapsed time of the predetermined step is 5 seconds when the manual stepping operation is received at time t4, the semi-automatic control unit 15 displays the predetermined step 5 for 7 seconds which is the shortest display time T3. To do. That is, the predetermined step 5 can be displayed for 7 seconds, which is the shortest display time T3, without stepping when the manual stepping operation is accepted.

  With the above-described configuration, for example, even when a police officer or the like performs a manual stepping operation at an early timing based on his / her own judgment, a predetermined step can be displayed during the shortest display time, thus ensuring safety. be able to.

  Further, when the manual stepping operation is not accepted, the semi-automatic control unit 15 determines a time point when the display elapsed time of the predetermined step becomes the set display time of the step as the stepping time point. For example, it is assumed that the set display time T4 of a predetermined step (blue) is 8 seconds. When no manual stepping operation is accepted (when the manual stepping operation is not performed), the semi-automatic control unit 15 displays a predetermined step for 8 seconds which is the set display time T4, and the manual stepping is performed. Since no operation has been performed, the system automatically advances to the next step. As a result, when manual stepping operation is not performed, automatic stepping (automatic control mode), which is normal signal control including terminal sensitive control, is performed, so when the saturation flow is interrupted (the vehicle passes the stop line) The green light can be cut off at the same time, and the processing capacity of the intersection can be maximized.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a right turn process in the semi-automatic control mode of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, when the number of lanes of the inflow path to the intersection cannot be secured sufficiently and a straight vehicle and a right turn vehicle are mixed or a right turn vehicle protrudes from the right turn lane, a signal light for the oncoming vehicle By stopping the display time (blue time) of a predetermined step (for example, PG) at the time when a manual stepping operation is accepted, it is possible to switch to the next step in a time shorter than the set display time. You can park your car and turn right.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a leading jam handling process in the semi-automatic control mode of the present embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a traffic jam has occurred on the downstream side of the straight road that passes through the intersection (the outflow path of the intersection), so even if a green signal is given to the straight road, the intersection If a so-called clogging that does not eliminate congestion on the upstream side of the intersection (the inflow path of the intersection) or if the flow rate is low, a predetermined step (eg, PG, GA, etc.) ) Display time (blue time) is terminated when the manual stepping operation is accepted, so that the current display can be quickly terminated and switched to the next display.

  As described above, the operation rule when the manual stepping operation is accepted by the manual operation unit 14 in the semi-automatic control mode is as follows. (1) When there is no manual stepping operation (present end command, for example, button press), normal signal control including terminal sensitive control is executed. (2) If there is a display end command (button press) while PG, PF, PR, and GA are being executed (displayed), the current blue display time is less than the shortest display seconds. The number of seconds is displayed, and if it is longer than the minimum display number of seconds, the process immediately proceeds to the next step. (3) If the next step in the above (2) is PF or PR, the shortest display seconds are displayed and the step is automatically advanced to the end of Y. (4) Y and AR display the shortest display seconds and automatically proceed to the next display.

  The traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment performs automatic stepping for the remaining steps after a predetermined step in the stage, or a manual stepping operation (present end command) is performed by the manual operation unit 14. If not, automatic stepping, which is normal signal control, is performed, so that the disadvantages that can occur in the manual control method can be solved as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 below.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of normal blue end by the traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the saturated flow is interrupted in the last vehicle A of the group of vehicles traveling in the congestion direction. Further, the vehicle B is traveling toward the intersection with a slight delay from the last vehicle A in the saturated flow.

  In such a case, when manual control by the police officer is carried out, the police officer tends to allow the vehicle B that arrives a little later to pass through the intersection. As a result, the processing amount in the current blue direction decreases. In addition, there is a disadvantage that the cycle length is gradually increased by performing the same correspondence in each display.

  In this embodiment, the remaining steps after a predetermined step in the stage are automatically stepped or when the manual stepping operation (present end command) is not performed by the manual operation unit 14. Since automatic stepping, which is normal signal control including terminal sensitive control, is performed, the green light can be cut off when the saturation flow is interrupted (when vehicle A passes the stop line).

  Specifically, for example, when the terminal sensitivity control is performed, the sensitivity is set as an example for the set display time (for example, 40) seconds, which is the central calculated value, according to the traffic situation just before the blue end. When the range is ± 3 seconds, the display time varies between 37 seconds and 43 seconds. When a manual stepping operation is received during the period of 37 seconds to 43 seconds, the semi-automatic control mode is performed, and a predetermined step (current step) is terminated when the manual stepping operation is received. Further, when a manual stepping operation is not accepted between 37 seconds and 43 seconds (when the manual stepping operation is not performed), automatic stepping is performed (implementing the automatic control mode), Implement normal terminal sensitivity control. Thereby, the processing capacity of the intersection can be maximized, and the above-mentioned drawbacks can be solved.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of blue time distribution by the traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment. FIG. 12 shows an example of a road network connecting two intersections A and B, and an arrow along the road indicates a traffic jam length. As shown in FIG. 12, for example, it is assumed that the traffic jam length of each inflow path flowing into the intersection A is different and the traffic jam length extends beyond the range where the police officer at the intersection can be seen.

  When manual control is performed by a police officer, the field of view of the police officer is at most in the range of 100 to 150 m from the intersection, and the field of view becomes even narrower if there are curves or slopes on the inflow path. As shown in FIG. 12, when the length of the traffic jam extends beyond the police officer's field of view, it is not possible to give an equal blue time to the ratio of the traffic volume that arrives. And there is a drawback that traffic congestion involving the road on the intersection side occurs.

  In this embodiment, the remaining steps after a predetermined step in the stage are automatically stepped or when the manual stepping operation (present end command) is not performed by the manual operation unit 14. Since automatic stepping, which is normal signal control including terminal sensitive control, is performed, the green time can be appropriately allocated according to the traffic volume of each inflow path flowing into the intersection. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the disadvantage that the traffic jam in one direction reaches the upstream intersection and the traffic jam involving the road on the intersection side occurs.

  Next, the operation procedure of the traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment will be described. 13 and 14 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation procedure of the traffic signal controller 100 according to the present embodiment. 13 and 14 show an example in the case of using two control modes, a semi-automatic control mote and a manual control mode. Further, the processes of FIGS. 13 and 14 are repeatedly performed, for example, every time a signal switching determination period (for example, 0.1 second) of signal control. Further, for the sake of convenience, the subject of processing will be described as the semi-automatic control unit 15.

  The semi-automatic control unit 15 determines whether or not the manual control mode is set (S11). When the manual control mode is not set (NO in S11), the semi-automatic control mode 15 determines whether or not there is a manual stepping operation as the semi-automatic control mode. (S12).

  When there is a manual stepping operation (YES in S12), the semi-automatic control unit 15 determines whether the step being displayed is Y (yellow) or AR (full red) (S13), If the step is neither Y (yellow) nor AR (all red) (NO in S13), it is determined whether or not the step being displayed is PG (vehicle blue, pedestrian blue) (S14). .

  When the step being displayed is not PG (NO in S14), the semi-automatic control unit 15 determines whether or not the step being displayed is PF (blue for vehicle, blue blinking for pedestrian) (S15). When the step being displayed is not PF (NO in S15), the semi-automatic control unit 15 indicates that the display elapsed time of PR (blue for vehicle, red for pedestrian) or GA (blue arrow) is shorter than the shortest display time (less than). (S16).

  If the PR or GA display elapsed time is shorter than the shortest display time (YES in S16), the semi-automatic control unit 15 continues the PR or GA display for the shortest display time (S17) and executes automatic control (S19). ), The process is terminated. It should be noted that by executing the automatic control in step S19, the display time (the set display seconds and the shortest display seconds are calculated based on the traffic data collected by the vehicle detector or the like or the traffic data such as the congestion length). Each step can be automatically advanced in sequence at the same time.

  If the PR or GA display elapsed time is not shorter than the shortest display time (NO in S16), the semi-automatic control unit 15 immediately terminates the display of PR or GA (blue time is cut off) (S18), and after step S19. Process.

  When the step being displayed is PG (YES in S14), the semi-automatic control unit 15 determines whether or not the display elapsed time of PG is shorter (less than) the shortest display time (S20).

  When the PG display elapsed time is shorter than the shortest display time (YES in S20), the semi-automatic control unit 15 continues the PG display for the shortest display time (S21), and performs the processing after step S19.

  When the PG display elapsed time is not shorter than the shortest display time (NO in S20), the semi-automatic control unit 15 immediately ends the PG display (blue time is cut off) (S22), and performs the processing from step S19.

  When the step being displayed is PF (YES in S15), the semi-automatic control unit 15 determines whether or not the display elapsed time of the PF is shorter (less than) the shortest display time (S23).

  When the display elapsed time of the PF is shorter than the shortest display time (YES in S23), the semi-automatic control unit 15 continues the display of the PF for the shortest display time (S24), and performs the processes after step S19.

  When the PF display elapsed time is not shorter than the shortest display time (NO in S23), the semi-automatic control unit 15 immediately ends the display of the PF (blue time is cut off) (S25), and performs the processing from step S19.

  When there is no manual stepping operation (NO in S12), or when the step being displayed is Y or AR (YES in S13), the semi-automatic control unit 15 performs the processing after step S19. When the manual control mode is set (YES in S11), the semi-automatic control unit 15 executes manual control (S26) and ends the process.

  In the above example, the intersection where the pedestrian signal lamp is installed has been described, but there is also an intersection that does not include the pedestrian signal lamp. Below, the case of the intersection where the signal lamp for pedestrians is not installed is explained.

  FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing another example of an intersection where a signal lamp controlled by the traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment is installed. As shown in FIG. 15, the road in the east-west direction and the road in the north-south direction intersect at an intersection. In addition, although the direction of the road was set to east-west and north-south for convenience, it is not limited to this. The difference from the case of FIG. 2 is that signal lights 301 and 302 for pedestrians are not installed.

  FIG. 16 is a current floor plan as another example used by the traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment. The difference from the case of FIG. 3 is that there are no steps of the symbols PF and PR. The numerical examples of the set display seconds and the shortest display seconds are also partially different.

  Hereinafter, a specific example of the stepping operation in the semi-automatic control mode in the case of FIGS. 15 and 16 will be described. The difference from the above-described examples of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 is that pedestrian blinking (PF) and pedestrian red (PR) steps are not necessary, so that PF = 0 seconds and PR = 0 seconds may be considered.

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a stepping action when a manual stepping operation is accepted after the shortest display time has elapsed without a pedestrian signal lamp. FIG. 17A shows a point in time when a manual stepping operation is received, and FIG. 17B shows a state of a stepping operation after receiving the manual stepping operation. In FIG. 17, the horizontal axis represents time, and shows the step and sign switching state.

  As shown in FIG. 17A, the shortest display time T5 (for example, 10 seconds) and the set display time T6 (for example, 52 seconds) in step 1 (reference PG) are different predetermined steps. When a manual stepping operation is received at time t5, the display elapsed time in the predetermined step 1 is longer than the shortest display time T5.

  In the case of FIG. 17A, as shown in FIG. 17B, the semi-automatic control unit 15 determines the time t5 at which the manual stepping operation is accepted as the stepping point, and after the predetermined step 1 of the stage (steps 1 and 2). The remaining step 2 is automatically advanced. In this case, the semi-automatic control unit 15 automatically advances by displaying step 2 for the shortest display time. Then, the semi-automatic control unit 15 stops the automatic stepping when the display of step 2 is completed, and starts displaying the next step (step 3).

  As described above, when the manual stepping operation is accepted, the semi-automatic control unit 15 determines the time point when the manual stepping operation is accepted as the stepping point when the display elapsed time of the predetermined step is longer than the shortest display time. To do. For example, it is assumed that the shortest display time T5 of a predetermined step (PG) is 10 seconds and the set display time T6 is 52 seconds. Then, when the display elapsed time of the predetermined step is 20 seconds when the manual stepping operation is received at time t5, the semi-automatic control unit 15 aborts the predetermined step at time t5. That is, a predetermined step can be terminated in 20 seconds without being displayed for 52 seconds, which is the set display time T6. For example, the blue time can be shortened (in the above example, 32 seconds can be shortened, and 42 seconds at maximum). )can do.

  With the above-described configuration, for example, in a situation where a right turn vehicle and a straight-ahead vehicle are mixed before the intersection, and the right turn vehicle cannot turn right and a traffic jam occurs, the oncoming vehicle can be stopped and the right turn vehicle can be turned. Also, if there is a traffic jam on the downstream side of the intersection and a so-called “clogging” occurs, the vehicle cannot pass through the intersection even if the green signal is continuously applied. The advantages of the so-called manual control method can be realized.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a stepping action when a manual stepping operation is received before the shortest display time elapses when there is no pedestrian signal lamp. As shown in FIG. 18A, the shortest display time T5 (for example, 10 seconds) and the set display time T6 (for example, 52 seconds) in Step 1 (reference PG) are different predetermined steps. Further, when a manual stepping operation is accepted at time t6, the display elapsed time in the predetermined step 1 is shorter than the shortest display time T5.

  In the case of FIG. 18A, as shown in FIG. 18B, the semi-automatic control unit 15 determines the time point at which the display elapsed time of the predetermined step 1 becomes the shortest display time T5 as the stepping time, and the stage (steps 1 and 2). The remaining step 2 after the predetermined step 1 is automatically advanced. In this case, the semi-automatic control unit 15 automatically advances by displaying step 2 for the shortest display time. Then, the semi-automatic control unit 15 stops the automatic stepping when the display of step 2 is completed, and starts displaying the next step (step 3).

  As described above, when the manual stepping operation is accepted, the semi-automatic control unit 15 advances the time when the display elapsed time becomes the shortest display time when the display elapsed time of the predetermined step is shorter than the shortest display time. Determine as time. For example, it is assumed that the shortest display time T5 of a predetermined step (blue) is 10 seconds and the set display time T6 is 52 seconds. Then, when the display elapsed time of the predetermined step 1 is 5 seconds when the manual stepping operation is accepted at time t6, the semi-automatic control unit 15 performs the predetermined step 1 for 10 seconds which is the shortest display time T5. indicate. That is, the predetermined step 1 can be displayed for 10 seconds, which is the shortest display time T5, without stepping when the manual stepping operation is accepted.

  With the above-described configuration, for example, even when a police officer or the like performs a manual stepping operation at an early timing based on his / her own judgment, a predetermined step can be displayed during the shortest display time, thus ensuring safety. be able to. Also in this case, the semi-automatic control unit 15 performs automatic stepping when the manual stepping operation is not performed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the semi-automatic control unit 15 can be configured by a dedicated hardware circuit, or can be configured by a CPU, a RAM, etc., and a program defining a required processing procedure is loaded into the RAM, and the program is executed. It can also be realized by software by executing on the CPU.

  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
14 Manual operation unit (operation reception unit)
15 Semi-automatic control unit (decision unit, control unit)
16 Manual control unit 17 Step counter 18 Display memory (storage unit)

Claims (7)

In a traffic signal controller that sequentially switches the signal display step of each of a plurality of signal lamps for a plurality of roads that intersect at an intersection,
A storage unit for storing stage information related to a stage composed of a plurality of steps including a predetermined step in which a preset display time and a shortest display time are different;
An operation accepting unit for accepting a manual stepping operation for switching the signal display;
When the manual stepping operation is received in the predetermined step, a determination unit that determines a stepping time of the predetermined step;
And a control unit that controls the remaining steps after the predetermined step of the stage to sequentially automatically advance when the determination unit determines the stepping time of the predetermined step. Signal control machine. The determination unit
At the time when the manual stepping operation is received, when the display elapsed time of the predetermined step is longer than the shortest display time, the time point at which the manual stepping operation is received is determined as the stepping time. The traffic signal controller according to claim 1. The determination unit
When the display time of the predetermined step is shorter than the shortest display time when the manual stepping operation is received, the time when the display elapsed time becomes the shortest display time is determined as the stepping time. The traffic signal controller according to claim 1, wherein the traffic signal controller is provided. The determination unit
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the manual stepping operation is not accepted, the time point at which the display elapsed time of the predetermined step becomes the set display time of the step is determined as the stepping time point. The traffic signal controller according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The predetermined step includes:
The traffic signal controller according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the traffic signal controller is blue for vehicles, blue for pedestrians, or blue arrows. The controller is
The traffic signal control according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the remaining steps are sequentially automatically advanced, control is performed to stop the automatic advancement. Machine. In the traffic signal control method by the traffic signal controller that sequentially switches the signal display step of each of the plurality of signal lamps for a plurality of roads intersecting at an intersection,
Store stage information relating to a stage composed of a plurality of steps including a predetermined step in which the preset display time and the shortest display time are different,
Receiving a manual stepping operation for switching the signal display;
When the manual stepping operation is received in the predetermined step, determining a stepping time of the predetermined step;
And a step of controlling the remaining steps after the predetermined step of the stage to automatically advance in sequence when the step time of the predetermined step is determined.

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