JP6292555B2 - Traffic management device, traffic management system, and traffic management method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention generates a traffic information for providing to a vehicle driver or the like based on information acquired by a vehicle sensor, and generates a traffic control device for controlling a signal controller, The present invention relates to a traffic management system and a traffic management method.

  In the traffic management system, traffic management is carried out to appropriately allocate and guide traffic flow for the purpose of alleviating traffic congestion, reducing traffic accidents, and controlling traffic pollution. The traffic information of the road network is grasped, and traffic information indicating the traffic status, for example, information on traffic jams and travel time, is displayed on the traffic information board installed on the road and provided to the driver of the vehicle. Traffic signal control for controlling a signal controller installed at an intersection is performed based on traffic information provision and traffic conditions of a target road network.

  Regarding traffic information provision performed by such a traffic control system, conventionally, traffic information in a target area is generated based on information acquired by a vehicle detector installed on a road, and the traffic information is displayed on a traffic information board. A technique for displaying the image is known (see Patent Document 1). As for traffic signal control performed in a traffic control system, a technique for controlling a signal controller based on information acquired by a vehicle detector installed on a road is conventionally known (see Patent Document 2).

JP 2012-173859 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 07-272190

  Now, as in the prior art, traffic information provision and traffic signal control depend on information collected by the vehicle detector, provide appropriate traffic information to the vehicle driver, and signal control. In order to properly control the aircraft, it is necessary to install vehicle detectors with a certain density on the road network. For this reason, the number of vehicle detectors that have been prepared so far has reached a huge number, and the operation and maintenance of vehicle detectors requires a huge amount of money. Under the recent severe financial situation in the country and prefectures, It is becoming a serious problem. Therefore, a technique is desired that can reduce the number of installed vehicle detectors and perform traffic management with practically sufficient accuracy even when the number of installed vehicle detectors is small.

  The present invention has been devised to solve such problems of the prior art, and its main purpose is to carry out traffic management with sufficient practical accuracy even when the number of vehicle detectors is small. It is an object of the present invention to provide a traffic management device, a traffic management system, and a traffic management method configured to be able to be performed.

  The traffic management device of the present invention generates traffic information in the target area based on information acquired by a vehicle detector installed in the target area, and a signal controller installed in the target area. A traffic management device that generates signal control information for control, a unit area setting unit that sets a unit area in the target area, information acquired by the vehicle sensor, and signal control related to the signal controller A first traffic situation estimation unit that estimates the traffic situation related to generation of the traffic information for each unit area by performing an estimation process using a traffic flow model for the unit area based on performance information; A traffic information generation unit that generates traffic information in the target area based on information on the traffic status of each unit area acquired by the first traffic status estimation unit Based on the information acquired by the vehicle detector and the signal control record information, the unit area is subjected to estimation processing using a traffic flow model, and the traffic situation relating to the generation of the signal control information is expressed in the unit. A second traffic situation estimation section that estimates for each area, and a signal control information generation section that generates the signal control information based on information on the traffic situation for each unit area acquired by the second traffic situation estimation section It is set as the structure provided with these.

  The traffic management system of the present invention is based on the vehicle sensor installed in the target area, the signal controller installed in the target area, and the information acquired by the vehicle sensor. A traffic management device for generating traffic information in the vehicle and generating signal control information for controlling the signal controller, and traffic information for providing a vehicle driver with the traffic information generated by the traffic management device A traffic management system comprising: a providing device; and a traffic signal control device that controls the signal controller based on the signal control information generated by the traffic management device, wherein the traffic management device is Based on a unit area setting unit that sets a unit area in the target area, information acquired by the vehicle sensor, and signal control record information about the signal controller, the unit A first traffic situation estimation unit that performs estimation processing using a traffic flow model for the rear and estimates the traffic situation relating to generation of the traffic information for each unit area; and the first traffic situation estimation unit Based on the information on the traffic situation for each unit area acquired in the above, based on the traffic information generating unit that generates traffic information in the target area, the information acquired by the vehicle sensor and the signal control performance information, A second traffic situation estimation unit that performs estimation processing using the traffic flow model for the unit area and estimates the traffic situation relating to generation of the signal control information for each unit area; and the second traffic A signal control information generation unit that generates the signal control information based on information on the traffic situation for each unit area acquired by the situation estimation unit is provided.

  Further, the traffic management method of the present invention generates traffic information in the target area based on information acquired by a vehicle detector installed in the target area, and performs signal control installed in the target area. A traffic management method for performing processing for generating signal control information for controlling a machine by an information processing device, the step of setting a unit area in the target area, the information acquired by the vehicle sensor, and the Based on signal control performance information related to a signal controller, performing estimation processing using a traffic flow model for the unit area, and estimating the traffic situation related to generation of the traffic information for each unit area; Generating traffic information in the target area based on information on the traffic situation for each unit area acquired in this step; Based on the information acquired by the vehicle sensor and the signal control performance information, the unit area is subjected to estimation processing using a traffic flow model, and the traffic situation relating to the generation of the signal control information is indicated in the unit area. And a step of generating the signal control information based on information relating to the traffic situation of each unit area acquired in this step.

  According to the present invention, since the estimation process using the traffic flow model is performed for the unit area, the traffic situation in the unit area can be estimated in detail. And in order to estimate the traffic situation in a unit area, a vehicle detector is needed at the boundary of a unit area, but the vehicle sensor in a unit area becomes unnecessary. As a result, even when the number of vehicle detectors is small, traffic management can be performed with practically sufficient accuracy.

Overall configuration diagram showing a traffic management system according to the present embodiment Explanatory drawing which shows the unit area set for the process performed with the traffic management apparatus 6 Functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the traffic management device 6 Explanatory drawing explaining the outline | summary of the process performed in the input information generation part 31 Explanatory drawing explaining the outline | summary of the process performed in the unit area setting part 37 Explanatory drawing explaining the outline | summary of the process performed in the 1st traffic condition estimation part 39 Explanatory drawing explaining the traffic flow model used in the 1st traffic condition estimation part 39 Explanatory drawing which shows the traffic condition detailed information acquired in the 1st traffic condition estimation part 39 Explanatory drawing explaining the outline | summary of the process performed in the 2nd traffic condition estimation part 43 and the signal control information generation part 44

  A first invention made to solve the above problem is to generate traffic information in the target area based on information acquired by a vehicle detector installed in the target area, and in the target area. A traffic management device that generates signal control information for controlling an installed signal controller, a unit area setting unit that sets a unit area in the target area, information acquired by the vehicle sensor, and Based on signal control record information relating to the signal controller, a first estimation process is performed for each unit area by performing an estimation process using a traffic flow model for the unit area and generating traffic information for each unit area. Traffic information in the target area based on the information on the traffic situation of each unit area acquired by the traffic situation estimation part of The signal control information is generated by performing an estimation process using a traffic flow model for the unit area based on the traffic information generation unit formed, the information acquired by the vehicle detector and the signal control record information. A second traffic situation estimation unit for estimating the traffic situation for each unit area, and the signal control information based on the information on the traffic situation for each unit area obtained by the second traffic situation estimation unit. And a signal control information generation unit to be generated.

  According to this, since the estimation process using the traffic flow model is performed for the unit area, the traffic situation in the unit area can be estimated in detail. And in order to estimate the traffic situation in a unit area, a vehicle detector is needed at the boundary of a unit area, but the vehicle sensor in a unit area becomes unnecessary. As a result, even when the number of vehicle detectors is small, traffic management can be performed with practically sufficient accuracy.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the unit area is configured such that the vehicle detector is disposed at a boundary position, and information relating to the traffic volume flowing into the unit area can be acquired by the vehicle sensor. And

  According to this, it is possible to accurately estimate the traffic situation in the unit area.

Further, according to a third aspect of the present invention, the unit area setting unit provides information regarding the installation status of the vehicle detector in the target area, information regarding the configuration of the road network in the target area, and traffic information. The unit area is determined on the basis of information on the provided unit section.

  According to this, an appropriate unit area can be determined. And since the traffic management apparatus itself determines a unit area, since a user's effort which determines a unit area can be saved, a user's convenience can be improved. Note that the unit area setting unit may perform a process in which the user determines a unit area and sets the unit area based on information regarding the unit area input by the user.

  In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the first traffic situation estimation unit is based on the information acquired by the vehicle sensor, information on the configuration of the road network in the unit area, and the signal control record information. The traffic situation in the unit area is estimated.

  According to this, it is possible to accurately estimate the traffic situation in the unit area.

  In the fifth invention, the signal control information generation unit is configured to optimize the signal control information in the target area based on information about the traffic situation for each unit area acquired by the second traffic situation estimation unit. It is set as the structure which performs.

  According to this, optimal signal control information can be generated.

  Further, the sixth invention is based on the vehicle sensor installed in the target area, the signal controller installed in the target area, and the information acquired by the vehicle sensor. A traffic management device that generates traffic information and generates signal control information for controlling the signal controller, and a traffic information display device that provides the vehicle driver with the traffic information generated by the traffic management device And a traffic signal control device that controls the signal controller based on the signal control information generated by the traffic management device, wherein the traffic management device includes the target area. The unit area is set based on the unit area setting unit that sets the unit area in the information, the information acquired by the vehicle sensor, and the signal control result information about the signal controller. Obtained by the first traffic situation estimation unit that estimates the traffic situation related to the generation of the traffic information for each unit area and the first traffic situation estimation unit. Based on the information on the traffic situation for each unit area, based on the traffic information generating unit that generates traffic information in the target area, the information acquired by the vehicle detector, and the signal control performance information, the unit area A second traffic situation estimation unit that estimates the traffic situation relating to the generation of the signal control information for each unit area by performing an estimation process using a traffic flow model for the unit, and the second traffic situation estimation unit And a signal control information generation unit that generates the signal control information based on the information on the traffic situation for each unit area acquired in step (b).

  According to this, as in the first aspect of the invention, traffic management can be performed with sufficient practical accuracy even when the number of installed vehicle detectors is small.

  The seventh invention generates traffic information in the target area based on information acquired by a vehicle detector installed in the target area, and a signal controller installed in the target area. A traffic management method in which processing for generating signal control information for control is performed by an information processing device, the step of setting a unit area in the target area, information acquired by the vehicle detector, and the signal control A step of performing estimation processing using a traffic flow model for the unit area based on signal control record information on the machine, and estimating the traffic situation related to generation of the traffic information for each unit area; and Generating the traffic information in the target area based on the information on the traffic situation for each unit area acquired in the step, and the vehicle feeling Based on the information acquired by the device and the signal control result information, an estimation process using a traffic flow model is performed for the unit area, and the traffic situation related to the generation of the signal control information is estimated for each unit area. And a step of generating the signal control information based on the information regarding the traffic situation for each unit area acquired in this step.

  According to this, as in the first aspect of the invention, traffic management can be performed with sufficient practical accuracy even when the number of installed vehicle detectors is small.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing a traffic management system according to the present embodiment. This traffic management system includes a vehicle sensor 1, a signal controller 2, a traffic information display device (traffic information board, navigation, etc.) 3, a traffic signal control device 4, a traffic information providing device 5, and a traffic management device. (Traffic information generating device) 6.

  The vehicle detector 1 is, for example, an ultrasonic vehicle detector or an optical vehicle detector (optical beacon), and detects a vehicle on a road and generates vehicle detector information related to traffic on the road. The vehicle detector information is transmitted to the traffic management device 6 via the traffic signal control device 4. The traffic management device 6 generates traffic information within the target area based on the vehicle sensor information and signal control record information, and also generates signal control information for controlling the signal controller 2. The traffic signal control device 4 controls the signal controller 2 based on the signal control information transmitted from the traffic management device 6. The traffic information providing device 5 controls the traffic information display device 3 to display the traffic information transmitted from the traffic management device 6 on the traffic information display device 3, thereby causing traffic congestion and travel time (movement of a predetermined section). The traffic information regarding the time required for the vehicle is provided to the driver of the vehicle.

  Next, an outline of processing performed by the traffic management device 6 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing unit areas set for processing performed by the traffic management device 6.

  The road network is composed of nodes (intersections) and links (roads) connecting the nodes, and a vehicle detector 1 is installed on the links. In addition, a signal controller (not shown) is installed in the node as necessary.

  In the present embodiment, the object is based on information acquired by a plurality of vehicle detectors 1, signal control record information on the signal controller 2, that is, control parameters (including those in operation) used in past signal control. Generate traffic information in the area, and in particular, in the target area, a unit area that is a unit for estimating the traffic situation is set, and the estimation process using the traffic flow model is performed for this unit area, The traffic situation in the unit area is estimated.

  The unit area is set so that the traffic situation in the unit area can be estimated. In particular, in the present embodiment, the vehicle detector 1 is arranged at the boundary position of the unit area, and the unit area is set so that the traffic volume flowing into the unit area can be measured. That is, the vehicle sensor 1 is arranged on the link located at the boundary of the unit area, and the unit area is set so that the inflow amount (inward traffic volume) can be measured for each link located at the boundary. The As shown in FIG. 2A, when the vehicle detector 1 is installed in the target area, a unit area is set as shown in FIG.

  In the unit area, it is important to acquire the traffic volume flowing in. By acquiring the traffic volume flowing into the unit area, the traffic situation in the unit area can be estimated by the estimation process using the traffic flow model. The outflow from the unit area can be acquired as an estimation result by the estimation process using the traffic flow model.

  Moreover, although it is good to acquire the inflow amount about all the links located in the boundary of a unit area, it is not necessary to acquire the inflow amount about all the links located in the boundary of a unit area. For example, in a low-traffic link such as a small road in a residential area, the inflow amount may be given by a constant based on the actual traffic volume obtained in the field survey, and it should be adjusted with the parameters of the traffic flow model. Even in this case, it is possible to estimate the traffic situation in the unit area with practically sufficient accuracy.

  Next, processing performed in the traffic management device 6 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the traffic management device 6.

  The traffic management device 6 includes a first traffic management unit 11 and a second traffic management unit 12. The first traffic management unit 11 realizes an existing function related to traffic management, and the second traffic management unit 12 realizes a new function related to traffic management. By setting it as such a structure, a new function can be added to the traffic management apparatus 6 without modifying the existing component in the traffic management apparatus 6.

  The first traffic management unit 11 includes a vehicle detector information storage unit 21, a signal control result information storage unit 22, a road network configuration information storage unit 23, a traffic information generation setting information storage unit 24, and signal control information. And a generation setting information storage unit 25.

  The vehicle detector information storage unit 21 stores vehicle detector information acquired from the vehicle detector 1 via the traffic signal control device 4. The signal control record information storage unit 22 stores signal control record information. The road network configuration information storage unit 23 stores road network configuration information. The traffic information generation setting information storage unit 24 stores setting information for traffic information generation. The signal control information generation setting information storage unit 25 stores setting information for signal control information generation.

  Here, the vehicle detector information is information related to the traffic volume of each link, but there are cases where multiple vehicle detectors are installed on one link, and what range of traffic volume is measured is a design matter It is. The road network configuration information is information regarding the connection form of nodes and links constituting the road network, the number of lanes of each link, and the like. The signal control information is control parameters (cycle length, split, and offset) that are factors that determine the display timing of traffic signals. The signal control result information is signal control information (control parameter) used in traffic signal control performed in the past in the first traffic management unit 11 and the second traffic management unit 12.

  The setting information for generating traffic information is information for setting various conditions necessary for generating the traffic information. In particular, when generating traffic information, it is necessary to generate traffic information so as to correspond to the conditions regarding the provision of traffic information. This setting information includes conditions regarding the provision of traffic information, specifically, traffic information. The information regarding the provision unit area used as the unit at the time of providing is included.

  The first traffic management unit 11 performs processing for generating traffic information based on vehicle sensor information, signal control result information, road network configuration information, and setting information for generating traffic information. The information is transmitted to the information providing device 5 and the traffic information is displayed on the traffic information display device 3. The first traffic management unit 11 performs processing for generating signal control information based on vehicle sensor information, signal control record information, road network configuration information, and setting information for generating signal control information. The signal control information is transmitted to the traffic signal control device 4 and the signal controller 2 is controlled.

  The second traffic management unit 12 includes an input information generation unit 31, a vehicle detector information storage unit 32, a signal control result information storage unit 33, a traffic situation estimation setting information storage unit 34, and a traffic information generation setting. Information storage unit 35, signal control information generation setting information storage unit 36, unit area setting unit 37, unit area definition information storage unit 38, first traffic situation estimation unit 39, and traffic situation detailed information storage unit 40, a traffic information generation unit 41, a traffic information storage unit 42, a second traffic situation estimation unit 43, a signal control information generation unit 44, and a signal control information storage unit 45.

  The input information generation unit 31 generates vehicle sensor information, signal control record information, road network configuration information, traffic information generation setting information, and signal control information generation from the information storage units 21 to 25 of the first traffic management unit 11. The vehicle detector information storage unit obtains the setting information for the vehicle and performs processing for processing the information into information suitable for the processing performed by the second traffic management unit 12 as necessary. 32, the signal control result information storage unit 33, the traffic condition estimation setting information storage unit 34, the traffic information generation setting information storage unit 35, and the signal control information generation setting information storage unit 36 are processed.

  In the unit area setting unit 37, processing for setting a unit area (see FIG. 2) in the target area is performed. The process of setting the unit area is performed when the operation of the second traffic management unit 12 is started. In addition, when the arrangement of the vehicle detector 1 is changed, when the configuration of the road network is changed, for example, when the vehicle detector 1 is abolished or newly installed, or when a road is newly established. In the update process, the unit area is reset.

  The first traffic situation estimation unit 39 performs an estimation process using a traffic flow model based on the setting information stored in the traffic situation estimation setting information storage unit 34, and determines the traffic situation relating to the generation of traffic information as a unit. A process of estimating for each area is performed, and information that expresses traffic conditions in detail, specifically, information related to a travel locus for each vehicle is generated. Information acquired by the first traffic situation estimation unit 39 is stored in the traffic situation detailed information storage unit 40.

  The traffic information generation unit 41 performs processing for generating traffic information from the estimation result in the first traffic situation estimation unit 39 based on the setting information stored in the traffic information generation setting information storage unit 35. The setting information for generating traffic information includes information related to the provided unit section, which is a unit for providing the traffic information, and the traffic information generating unit 41 generates traffic information for each provided unit section. The traffic information acquired by the traffic information generation unit 41 is stored in the traffic information storage unit 42.

  The second traffic situation estimation unit 43 performs an estimation process using the traffic flow model based on the setting information stored in the traffic situation estimation setting information storage unit 34, and determines the traffic situation relating to the generation of the signal control information. A process of estimating for each unit area is performed.

  In the signal control information generation unit 44, processing for generating signal control information is performed based on the estimation result in the second traffic situation estimation unit 43. In the present embodiment, processing for calculating signal control parameters (cycle length, split and offset) is performed as signal control information. The signal control information generated by the signal control information generation unit 44 is stored in the signal control information storage unit 45.

  The traffic information stored in the traffic information storage unit 42 is sent from the information output unit (not shown) provided in the first traffic management unit 11 to the traffic information providing device 5, and the traffic information providing device 5 uses the traffic information display device 3. Control is performed to display traffic information. The signal control information stored in the signal control information storage unit 45 is sent to the traffic signal control device 4 from an information output unit (not shown) provided in the first traffic management unit 11, and the traffic signal control device 4 The signal controller 2 is controlled based on the control information.

  Note that each unit other than the information storage unit in the traffic management device 6 shown in FIG. 3 is realized by causing a CPU provided in the traffic management device 6 to execute a traffic management program.

  Next, processing performed by the input information generation unit 31 illustrated in FIG. 3 will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of processing performed in the input information generation unit 31.

  In the present embodiment, the input information generation unit 31 acquires the information stored in the information storage units 21 to 25 of the first traffic management unit 11 from the first traffic management unit 11 to obtain the second traffic management. The information is stored in each of the information storage units 32 to 36 provided in the unit 12, and at this time, processing to process information suitable for the processing performed in the second traffic management unit 12 is performed as necessary.

  Specifically, vehicle sensor information and signal control record information are acquired from the first traffic management unit 11 and stored in the vehicle sensor information storage unit 32 and the signal control record information storage unit 33 (ST101). Further, road network configuration information, traffic information generation setting information, and signal control information generation setting information are acquired from the first traffic management unit 11, and based on these information, traffic situation estimation setting information, traffic information Information generation setting information and signal control information generation setting information are newly generated, and traffic condition estimation setting information storage unit 34, traffic information generation setting information storage unit 35, and signal control information generation setting information storage Store in the unit 36 (ST102).

  Here, the setting information for traffic situation estimation is information for setting various conditions necessary for estimating the traffic situation in the first traffic situation estimation unit 39 and the second traffic situation estimation unit 43. is there. This setting information includes road network configuration information. This setting information also includes traffic flow model parameters, such as the traffic flow rate of links and nodes (the number of vehicles passing per unit time), the legal speed of each link, the number of lanes in each link, and the lanes. This includes information on the width and presence of right turn lanes.

  Next, processing performed by the unit area setting unit 37 shown in FIG. 3 will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of processing performed by the unit area setting unit 37.

  In the present embodiment, the unit area setting unit 37 sets the unit area in the target area based on the installation status of the vehicle detector 1, the configuration of the road network, and the provision unit section that is a unit for providing traffic information. A setting process is performed (see FIG. 2).

  Specifically, the installation status of the vehicle detector 1 in the target area and the configuration of the road network are confirmed based on the traffic situation estimation setting information stored in the traffic situation estimation setting information storage unit 34 ( ST201). Also, the provision unit section is confirmed based on the traffic information generation setting information stored in the traffic information generation setting information storage unit 35 (ST202). Then, the unit area is determined based on the installation status of the vehicle detector 1, the configuration of the road network, and the provided unit section (ST203). The unit area definition information thus obtained, that is, information relating to the unit area range is stored in the unit area definition information storage unit 38.

  Next, the process performed in the 1st traffic condition estimation part 39 shown in FIG. 3 is demonstrated. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of the processing performed by the first traffic situation estimation unit 39.

  In the present embodiment, the first traffic situation estimation unit 39 performs an estimation process using a traffic flow model for a unit area, and estimates a traffic situation related to generation of traffic information for each unit area. Is called.

  Specifically, first, from the vehicle detector information storage unit 32 and the signal control performance information storage unit 33, the vehicle in the estimation period, that is, the period from the time point T1 to the time point T that goes back a predetermined time from the time point T to be estimated. Sensor information (inflow traffic to the unit area) and signal control result information (signal control parameter result value) are acquired as estimation input information (ST301).

  Based on the unit area definition information stored in the unit area definition information storage unit 38 and the setting information for traffic situation estimation related to traffic information generation stored in the setting information storage unit 34 for traffic situation estimation, After setting the model parameters such as the road network configuration and traffic flow rate, estimation input information is given to the traffic flow model to perform estimation processing in the estimation period (ST302). That is, the estimation input information is applied to the traffic flow model sequentially from the time point T1, and the estimation result in the estimation period is acquired. This estimation process is performed for each unit area, an estimation result for each unit area is obtained, and the estimation results for all unit areas in the target area are stored in the traffic condition detailed information storage unit 40 as traffic condition detailed information. Is done.

  Next, an example of a traffic flow model used in the first traffic situation estimation unit 39 shown in FIG. 3 will be described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a traffic flow model used in the first traffic situation estimation unit 39. FIG. 7A illustrates a block set for a link (road), FIG. 7B is a graph showing a traffic volume-density curve, and FIG. 7C is adjacent. This is a schematic representation of traffic density movement between blocks.

  In the present embodiment, the first traffic situation estimation unit 39 performs a process of estimating the traffic situation by an estimation process using a traffic flow model. In this process, it is necessary to consider the occurrence of traffic jams at any point, the configuration of the road network, and the number of lanes for each link, so a traffic flow model that can handle micro vehicles and lanes is required. For example, AVENUE (an Advanced & Visual Evaluator for Road Networks in Urban arEas) developed by a research group composed of the University of Tokyo Institute of Industrial Technology is suitable.

  FIG. 7 explains the block density method used in AVENUE. In this block density method, as shown in FIG. Express the traffic situation with the number of vehicles in In the example shown in FIG. 7A, a link connecting two intersections has two lanes, and a block is set for each lane.

In the block density method, as shown in FIG. 7B, a traffic volume-density curve determined by the link traffic capacity (link capacity) Qc, jam density Kj and free flow velocity Vf is set. Based on the quantity-density curve, as shown in FIG. 7C, a flow rate (moving traffic volume) Q _{i + 1, i} between the adjacent upstream block i + 1 and downstream block i is obtained. Specifically, based on the traffic volume-density curve shown in FIG. 7B, the flowable amount A ^out _{i + 1} and the flowable amount A ⁱⁿ _i of each block are obtained from the density of each block, and the minimum value is determined. Let the flow rate between blocks Q _{i + 1, i} . The flow rate between adjacent blocks is calculated for all blocks.

  In this way, the traffic density at each link can be calculated by the block density method, and further, the hybrid block density method combined with a discrete queuing model can be used to drive the vehicle. It can be reproduced one by one, and the route selection behavior of the driver can be taken in, so that the traffic situation of each link can be estimated in detail.

  Next, the process performed in the traffic information generation part 41 shown in FIG. 3 is demonstrated. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the traffic situation detailed information acquired by the first traffic situation estimation unit 39.

  In the present embodiment, the first traffic situation estimation unit 39 performs a process of estimating the traffic situation by the estimation process using the traffic flow model, thereby obtaining the traffic situation detailed information as shown in FIG. . Then, in the traffic information generation unit 41, processing for generating traffic information for each predetermined provision unit section is performed based on the detailed traffic situation information acquired by the first traffic situation estimation unit 39. The provision unit section is a unit when providing traffic information. For example, a provision unit section includes one link, a plurality of links sandwiching a node (intersection), a plurality of links serving as an inflow path of one node, and the like. It can be a provision unit section.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8, among the links (roads) L1 to L7 connecting the nodes N1 to N8, a section composed of two links L1 and L2 sandwiching the node N2, three nodes N4 and N5 are sandwiched. Each provision in the collection period based on the time point T, with the section composed of the two links L3, L4, L5 and the section composed of the two links L6, L7 sandwiching the node N7 as the provision unit section, respectively From the traffic condition detailed information of the unit section, the traffic information of each provided unit section at the time T, that is, information on the presence / absence of the traffic jam, the length of the traffic jam, and the travel time is generated.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the trajectory of each vehicle, that is, the temporal transition state of the position of each vehicle is represented, thereby obtaining the transit time and the traveling speed of each vehicle for each link. Thus, the presence or absence of traffic jam can be determined, the length of the traffic jam can be obtained, and the travel time of a predetermined section can be acquired.

  Note that FIG. 8 shows only information about some links in the target area, which is a part of the detailed traffic situation information acquired by the first traffic situation estimation unit 39. The detailed traffic information includes information on all links in the target area.

  Next, processing performed by the second traffic situation estimation unit 43 and the signal control information generation unit 44 illustrated in FIG. 3 will be described. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of processing performed by the second traffic situation estimation unit 43 and the signal control information generation unit 44.

  In the present embodiment, the second traffic situation estimation unit 43 performs an estimation process using a traffic flow model for a unit area and estimates a traffic situation related to generation of signal control information for each unit area. Done. Then, in the signal control information generation unit 44, signal control parameters (cycle length, split and offset) are set as signal control information based on the information about the traffic situation for each unit area acquired by the second traffic situation estimation unit 43. Processing to calculate is performed.

  Specifically, the second traffic situation estimation unit 43 first acquires vehicle detector information (such as the amount of traffic flowing into the unit area) in the estimation period from the vehicle detector information storage unit 32 as estimation input information. In addition, initial values of candidate signal control parameters are generated from the signal control record information stored in the signal control record information storage unit 33 and used as estimated input information.

  Based on the unit area definition information stored in the unit area definition information storage unit 38 and the traffic situation estimation setting information related to signal control information generation stored in the traffic situation estimation setting information storage unit 34, the unit area After making settings related to model parameters such as the configuration of the road network and traffic flow rate, estimation input information is given to the traffic flow model, estimation processing in the estimation period is performed, and estimation results in the estimation period are acquired. This estimation process is performed for each unit area, and estimation results for all unit areas in the target area are obtained.

  In the signal control information generation unit 44, processing for searching for an optimal signal control parameter, that is, processing for optimizing the signal control parameter, is performed based on the estimation result in the second traffic situation estimation unit 43. This process is performed based on the setting information for signal control information generation stored in the setting information storage unit 36 for signal control information generation. Thereby, when the optimum signal control parameter is determined, the signal control parameter is stored in the signal control information storage unit 45.

  In the process of optimizing the signal control parameter, the candidate signal control parameter is evaluated by the estimation process using the traffic flow model. That is, an evaluation value for evaluating the traffic situation is obtained from the traffic situation obtained by the second traffic situation estimation unit 43, and the signal control parameter is optimized based on the evaluation value. In the optimization of the signal control parameter, it is preferable to search for the signal control parameter using a technique such as metaheuristics (such as a genetic algorithm or an annealing method). Thereby, the optimal signal control parameter can be calculated at high speed.

  In the second traffic situation estimation unit 43, various known traffic flow models can be used as in the first traffic situation estimation unit 39. In particular, the traffic flow model used here includes a traffic signal. TRANSYT (A Traffic Network Study Tool) frequently used in control is suitable. In TRANSYT, a PI (Performance Index) calculated from the stop time and the number of stops of the vehicle serves as an optimization index (evaluation value), and signal control parameters are optimized by minimizing the PI.

  Note that the estimation process using the traffic flow model is performed for each unit area, and the signal control parameter is obtained for each control area (sub-area). Therefore, the unit area is preferably a collection of control areas. For this reason, it is preferable to change the design of the control area in all unit areas in the target area so as to match the unit area.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the unit area setting unit 37 sets a unit area in the target area, and the first traffic situation estimation unit 39 acquires the information acquired by the vehicle detector 1 and the signal controller 2. Based on the signal control record information regarding the traffic area model, the traffic situation related to the generation of the traffic information is estimated for each unit area by performing the estimation process using the traffic flow model for the unit area. The traffic information in the target area is generated based on the information on the traffic situation for each unit area obtained by the traffic situation estimating unit 39, and the information obtained by the vehicle detector 1 in the second traffic situation estimating unit 43. Then, based on the signal control performance information, the estimation process using the traffic flow model is performed for the unit area, and the traffic situation related to the generation of the signal control information is Estimated for each A, the signal control information generating unit 44, based on the information on traffic conditions for each unit area obtained in the second traffic condition estimation unit 43, and to generate a signal control information. Thereby, since the estimation process using a traffic flow model is performed for the unit area, the traffic situation in the unit area can be estimated in detail. And in order to estimate the traffic situation in a unit area, the vehicle detector 1 is needed in the boundary of a unit area, but the vehicle detector 1 in a unit area becomes unnecessary. Thereby, even in a state where the number of installed vehicle detectors 1 is small, traffic management can be performed with sufficient practical accuracy.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the unit area is set so that the vehicle detector 1 is arranged at the boundary position and the vehicle detector 1 can acquire information regarding the traffic flowing into the unit area. The traffic situation in the area can be estimated accurately.

  In the present embodiment, the unit area setting unit 37 provides a unit for providing information regarding the installation status of the vehicle detector 1 in the target area, information regarding the configuration of the road network in the target area, and traffic information. Since the unit area is determined based on the information on the unit section, an appropriate unit area can be determined. And since the traffic management apparatus 6 itself determines a unit area, since a user's effort which determines a unit area can be saved, a user's convenience can be improved.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, in the 1st traffic condition estimation part 39, based on the information acquired by the vehicle sensor 1, the information regarding the structure of the road network in a unit area, and signal control performance information, Since the traffic situation is estimated, the traffic situation in the unit area can be accurately estimated.

  In the present embodiment, the signal control information generation unit 44 optimizes the signal control information in the target area based on the information on the traffic situation for each unit area acquired by the second traffic situation estimation unit 43. Therefore, optimal signal control information can be generated.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on specific embodiment, these embodiment is an illustration to the last, Comprising: This invention is not limited by these embodiment. In addition, each component of the traffic management device, the traffic management system, and the traffic management method according to the present invention shown in the above embodiment is not necessarily essential, and is appropriately selected as long as it does not depart from the scope of the present invention. It is possible.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the traffic management device 6 generates the traffic information and the signal control information. However, the traffic information and the signal control information are generated by different devices, that is, the traffic information is generated. You may make it provide separately the traffic information production | generation apparatus to produce | generate, and the signal control information production | generation apparatus which produces | generates signal control information.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, although the system which displays traffic information on the traffic information display apparatus 3 by the traffic information provision apparatus 5 was shown as what provides traffic information to the driver | operator of a vehicle, etc., this traffic information display apparatus 3 For example, there is a traffic information board, and a traffic information communication system that provides traffic information to the driver using a car navigation device, for example, VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System, registered trademark) is used. May be provided.

  In the present embodiment, the traffic management device 6 includes a first traffic management unit 11 that realizes an existing function related to traffic management, and a second traffic management unit 12 that realizes a new function related to traffic management. The traffic management device 6 may be configured to be replaced with an existing device, although a new function is added to the existing function. In this case, the first traffic management unit 11 and the input information generation unit 31 are not necessary. Instead, the information input unit that inputs information from the vehicle detector 1 and the traffic information and signal control information are provided as traffic information. What is necessary is just to provide the information output part output to the apparatus 5 and the traffic signal control apparatus 4, respectively.

  In the present embodiment, the unit area is determined by the traffic management device 6 itself, but the process in which the user determines the unit area and sets the unit area based on the information about the unit area input by the user. May be performed by the unit area setting unit 37 of the traffic management device 6.

  The traffic management device, the traffic management system, and the traffic management method according to the present invention have the effect that traffic management can be performed with sufficient practical accuracy even when the number of installed vehicle detectors is small. A traffic management device, a traffic management system, a traffic management method, and the like that generate traffic information to be provided to a driver of a vehicle based on the acquired information and generate signal control information for controlling a signal controller Useful as.

1 Vehicle detector 2 Signal controller 3 Traffic information display device (traffic information board, car navigation system, etc.)
4 Traffic signal control device 5 Traffic information providing device 6 Traffic management device (traffic information generating device)
37 Unit area setting unit 39 First traffic situation estimation unit 41 Traffic information generation unit 43 Second traffic situation estimation unit 44 Signal control information generation unit

Claims (7)

Based on the information acquired by the vehicle detector installed in the target area, traffic information in the target area is generated, and signal control information for controlling the signal controller installed in the target area. A traffic management device to generate,
A unit area setting unit for setting a unit area in the target area;
Based on the information acquired by the vehicle sensor and the signal control record information on the signal controller, the traffic situation relating to the generation of the traffic information is performed by performing an estimation process using the traffic flow model for the unit area. A first traffic situation estimation unit for estimating the unit area for each unit area;
A traffic information generating unit that generates traffic information in the target area based on information on the traffic status of each unit area acquired by the first traffic status estimating unit;
Based on the information acquired by the vehicle sensor and the signal control performance information, the unit area is subjected to estimation processing using a traffic flow model, and the traffic situation relating to the generation of the signal control information is represented in the unit area. A second traffic situation estimation section that estimates for each
A signal control information generation unit that generates the signal control information based on information on the traffic situation for each unit area acquired by the second traffic situation estimation unit;
A traffic management device comprising:   2. The unit area according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle sensor is arranged at a boundary position, and the vehicle sensor is set so as to be able to acquire information relating to a traffic volume flowing into the unit area. The traffic management device described. The unit area setting unit includes information relating to the installation status of the vehicle detector in the target area, information relating to the configuration of the road network in the target area, and information relating to a provision unit section that is a unit for providing traffic information. The traffic management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the unit area is determined based on the unit area.   The first traffic situation estimation unit estimates a traffic situation in the unit area based on information acquired by the vehicle sensor, information on a road network configuration in the unit area, and the signal control record information. The traffic management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein   The signal control information generation unit optimizes the signal control information in the target area based on information on the traffic situation for each unit area acquired by the second traffic situation estimation unit. The traffic management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A vehicle detector installed in the target area;
A signal controller installed in the target area;
A traffic management device that generates traffic information in the target area based on information acquired by the vehicle sensor and generates signal control information for controlling the signal controller;
A traffic information providing device that provides a vehicle driver with the traffic information generated by the traffic management device;
A traffic signal control device for controlling the signal controller based on the signal control information generated by the traffic management device;
A traffic management system comprising:
The traffic management device is
A unit area setting unit for setting a unit area in the target area;
Based on the information acquired by the vehicle sensor and the signal control record information on the signal controller, the traffic situation relating to the generation of the traffic information is performed by performing an estimation process using the traffic flow model for the unit area. A first traffic situation estimation unit for estimating the unit area for each unit area;
A traffic information generating unit that generates traffic information in the target area based on information on the traffic status of each unit area acquired by the first traffic status estimating unit;
Based on the information acquired by the vehicle sensor and the signal control performance information, the unit area is subjected to estimation processing using a traffic flow model, and the traffic situation relating to the generation of the signal control information is represented in the unit area. A second traffic situation estimation section that estimates for each
A signal control information generation unit that generates the signal control information based on information on the traffic situation for each unit area acquired by the second traffic situation estimation unit;
A traffic management system characterized by comprising: Based on the information acquired by the vehicle detector installed in the target area, traffic information in the target area is generated, and signal control information for controlling the signal controller installed in the target area. A traffic management method for performing processing to be generated by an information processing device,
Setting a unit area in the target area;
Based on the information acquired by the vehicle sensor and the signal control record information on the signal controller, the traffic situation relating to the generation of the traffic information is performed by performing an estimation process using the traffic flow model for the unit area. Estimating for each unit area;
Generating traffic information in the target area based on information on the traffic situation for each unit area acquired in this step;
Based on the information acquired by the vehicle sensor and the signal control performance information, the unit area is subjected to estimation processing using a traffic flow model, and the traffic situation relating to the generation of the signal control information is represented in the unit area. Step to estimate for each,
Generating the signal control information based on information on traffic conditions for each unit area acquired in this step;
A traffic management method characterized by comprising:

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