JP6558223B2 - Traffic flow data collection device and traffic flow data collection method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for measuring traffic flow data relating to traffic flow at an intersection where a signal lamp is installed.

  Conventionally, the display display of a signal lamp installed at an intersection is switched according to the traffic situation at the intersection (see Patent Documents 1 and 2, etc.).

  Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which an image picked up by a CCD camera is processed to detect the number of vehicles located within an intersection, and the display display of a signal lamp is switched based on the detected number of vehicles. .

  Patent Document 2 captures a tracking area set in the vicinity of the exit of the inflow path to the intersection with a video camera and a clogging determination area set in the vicinity of the entrance of the outflow path from the intersection. The structure which detects the presence or absence of this vehicle and determines whether the clogging has occurred in the outflow path from the intersection based on the detection result is disclosed. Moreover, patent document 2 is disclosing the structure which switches the display display of a signal light apparatus based on the determination result which determined whether the clogging had generate | occur | produced in the outflow path from an intersection.

JP 2008-299785 A JP-A-4-352300

  However, the inventions described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not measure traffic flow data used for determination of traffic conditions at intersections based on vehicle detection results in intersections.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for measuring traffic flow data of an intersection used for determination of traffic conditions at an intersection based on a detection result of a vehicle in the intersection.

  In order to achieve the above object, the traffic flow data collecting apparatus of the present invention is configured as follows.

The vehicle detection unit is an area where a vehicle entering the intersection travels from the inflow path of the intersection where the signal lamp is installed , regardless of the branching direction at the intersection, and is set in the intersection in association with the inflow path. The presence or absence of a vehicle located within the detected area is detected. For example, the vehicle detection unit may be configured to process a frame image obtained by imaging the inside of an intersection with an imaging device such as a camera, and detect the presence or absence of a vehicle located in the detection region, or may be a loop coil type or a photoelectric type. Further, the configuration may be such that the presence or absence of a vehicle located in the detection area is detected by a vehicle detector such as a radio wave type, or other configurations.

  In addition, the detection area | region matched with an inflow path is an area | region in the intersection where almost all the vehicles which approached the intersection from this inflow path drive | work.

  A vehicle detection signal formation part forms the vehicle detection signal which shows whether the vehicle located in a detection area is detected based on the detection result of a vehicle detection part. A vehicle detection signal is a signal which shows whether the vehicle located in a detection area | region is detected by binary of high or low, for example. The vehicle detection signal may be high when the vehicle detection unit detects a vehicle located within the detection region (in this case, the vehicle detection unit does not detect a vehicle located within the detection region). (When low) or low (in this case, high when the vehicle detection unit does not detect a vehicle located within the detection area).

  A measurement part processes the vehicle detection signal formed by the vehicle detection signal formation part, and performs the measurement concerning the occupation rate of a detection area, and the measurement concerning the traffic flow rate of a detection area.

The occupancy ratio PG of the detection area is a ratio of the time t when the vehicle is located in the detection area during the measurement period when the measurement period is T [sec] from time a to time b.
PG = (t / T) × 100 [%]
Is calculated by

  In other words, the above-described time t is the time during which the vehicle detection unit has detected the vehicle located in the detection area during the measurement period. Therefore, the measurement part should just be the structure which processes said vehicle detection signal and measures said time t directly or indirectly as a measurement concerning the occupation rate of a detection area.

The traffic flow rate F in the detection area is the number of vehicles passing per unit time in the detection area, and the traffic flow rate F during the measurement period is the number of vehicles (passing vehicles) that have passed through the detection area during the measurement period. Using the number Q,
F = Q / T [unit / sec]
Is calculated by

Therefore, the measurement part should just be the structure which processes directly or indirectly the number Q of the passing vehicles which processed the vehicle detection signal and passed the detection area as a measurement concerning the traffic flow rate of a detection area. The calculation unit uses the measurement value for the occupancy rate of the detection area measured by the measurement unit and the measurement value for the traffic flow rate of the detection area, and uses the occupancy rate PG of the detection area and the traffic flow of the detection area described above. The rate F is calculated.

And a traffic condition determination part determines the traffic condition of an intersection by the occupation rate PG and the traffic flow rate F of a detection area . Traffic condition determination unit, a traffic condition of the intersection, as whether inflow path corresponding to the detection area is congested, a determination such as whether previous jam has occurred in the outlet channel corresponding to the detection area .

  As described above, the traffic flow data collecting apparatus according to the present invention can measure the traffic flow data of the intersection used for the determination of the traffic situation of the intersection based on the detection result of the vehicle in the intersection.

  In addition, the calculation unit appropriately calculates the occupancy ratio PG of the detection area and the traffic flow rate F of the detection area, so that the measurement is performed during the display period in which the vehicle group of the inflow path corresponding to the detection area is currently displayed. It is good to use the measurement value concerning the occupation rate of the detection area measured by the unit and the measurement value concerning the traffic flow rate of the detection area.

  For example, the calculation unit may measure the occupancy rate of the detection area measured by the measurement unit at the start of the display period of the vehicle group entering the intersection from the inflow path and at the end of the display period, and The measurement area occupancy rate and the detection area traffic flow rate during the present period of the vehicle group entering the intersection from the inflow path may be calculated using the measurement value relating to the detection area traffic flow rate. .

  In addition, when the vehicle detection signal forming unit is not in the display period of the vehicle group entering the intersection from the inflow path, it is confirmed that the vehicle located within the detection region is not detected regardless of the detection result by the vehicle detection unit. You may make it the structure which forms the vehicle detection signal shown. In this case, the calculation unit obtains the measurement value related to the occupancy rate of the detection area measured by the measurement unit and the measurement value related to the traffic flow rate of the detection area at any first timing and second timing. It can be configured to calculate the occupancy rate of the detection area and the traffic flow rate of the detection area during the display period of the vehicle group entering the intersection from the inflow path.

  According to this invention, the traffic flow data of the intersection used for the determination of the traffic situation of the intersection can be measured based on the detection result of the vehicle in the intersection.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the principal part of a traffic control system. It is the schematic which shows the intersection in which the vehicle detection apparatus and the signal control apparatus were installed. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the principal part of a vehicle detection apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the principal part of a signal control apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the principal part of a center apparatus. It is an example of the presenting floor plan of the signal lamp installed in the intersection. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a vehicle detection apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows a vehicle detection signal formation process. It is a flowchart which shows a traffic flow data measurement process. It is a flowchart which shows a traffic flow data collection process. It is a flowchart which shows a traffic condition determination process. It is a figure which shows the judgment pattern of a traffic condition. It is a flowchart which shows the vehicle detection signal formation process concerning another example. It is a flowchart which shows the traffic flow data collection process concerning another example. It is a figure which shows the judgment pattern of the traffic condition concerning another example.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the traffic control system according to this example. The traffic control system includes a vehicle detection device 1, a signal control device 2, and a center device 3.

  The vehicle detection device 1 is installed at each intersection. The vehicle detection device 1 detects a vehicle located within an intersection (detection areas 101 to 108 described later). Further, the vehicle detection device 1 outputs a vehicle detection signal based on the detection result of the vehicle located in the intersection. In this example, the vehicle detection device 1 includes a vehicle detection unit and a vehicle detection signal formation unit as referred to in the present invention.

  The signal control device 2 is installed at each intersection. The signal control device 2 controls the display display of the signal lamp 4 installed at the intersection. In addition, the signal control device 2 processes the vehicle detection signal output from the vehicle detection device 1 installed at the same intersection, and measures the traffic flow data relating to the traffic flow at the intersection. The signal control device 2 outputs the measured traffic flow data. In this example, the signal control device 2 has a measuring unit referred to in the present invention.

  The center device 3 is installed in a traffic control center. In FIG. 1, only one signal control device 2 connected to the center device 3 is shown, but in reality, signal control devices 2 installed at a plurality of intersections are connected. The center device 3 uses the traffic flow data input from the connected signal control device 2 to determine the traffic situation at the intersection where the signal control device 2 is installed. Moreover, the center apparatus 3 produces | generates the signal control parameter used for control of the display display of the signal lamp device 4 installed in this intersection according to the traffic condition of the determined intersection. In this example, the center apparatus 3 includes a calculation unit and a traffic condition determination unit as used in the present invention.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an intersection where the vehicle detection device 1 and the signal control device 2 according to this example are installed. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of the vehicle detection device. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of the signal control apparatus. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of the center device.

  The vehicle detection device 1 includes a control unit 11, a first image input unit 12, a second image input unit 13, a first image processing unit 14, a second image processing unit 15, and an output unit 16. And.

  The control part 11 controls operation | movement of each part of the vehicle detection apparatus 1 main body.

  A frame image captured by the camera 5a is input to the first image input unit 12. In addition, a frame image captured by the camera 6 a is input to the second image input unit 13. In this example, the road on which the vehicle passes in the left-right direction in FIG. 2 will be described as the main road, and the road on which the vehicle passes in the up-down direction in FIG. The camera 5a is installed so that the detection areas 101, 102, 105, and 106 set in the intersection are within the imaging area. The camera 5b is installed so that the detection areas 103, 104, 107, and 108 set in the intersection are within the imaging area. The frame rate of the camera 5 (5a, 5b) is several tens of frames / second. In this example, the frame rate of the camera 5 (5a, 5b) is described as 20 frames / second.

  The detection area 101 is associated with the inflow path 111 of a straight-ahead vehicle that enters the intersection from the right side of FIG. 2 and a left-turn vehicle. The detection area 102 is associated with the inflow path 112 of the right turn vehicle entering the intersection from the right side of FIG. The detection area 103 is associated with the inflow path 113 of a straight-ahead vehicle entering the intersection from the left side of FIG. 2 and a left-turn vehicle. The detection area 104 is associated with the inflow path 114 of the right turn vehicle entering the intersection from the left side of FIG. The detection area 105 is associated with the inflow path 115 of a straight-ahead vehicle that enters the intersection from the lower side of FIG. 2 and a left-turn vehicle. The detection area 106 is associated with the inflow path 116 of the right turn vehicle that enters the intersection from the lower side of FIG. The detection area 107 is associated with the inflow path 117 of a straight-ahead vehicle that enters the intersection from the upper side of FIG. 2 and a left-turn vehicle. The detection area 108 is associated with the inflow path 118 of the right-turn vehicle that enters the intersection from the upper side of FIG.

  Each of the detection areas 101 to 108 is an area in the intersection where almost all the vehicles that have entered the intersection from the corresponding inflow paths 111 to 118 travel.

  The first image processing unit 14 processes the frame image (the frame image captured by the camera 5a) input to the first image input unit 12, and detects the detection for each of the detection regions 101, 102, 105, and 106. Detects whether the vehicle is located in the area. The first image processing unit 14 forms a vehicle detection signal based on the vehicle detection result for each of the detection regions 101, 102, 105, and 106.

  The second image processing unit 15 processes the frame image (the frame image captured by the camera 5b) input to the second image input unit 13, and detects the detection for each of the detection regions 103, 104, 107, and 108. Detects whether the vehicle is located in the area. Further, the second image processing unit 15 forms a vehicle detection signal based on the detection result of the vehicle for each of the detection regions 103, 104, 107, and 108.

  In this example, the vehicle detection signal in each of the detection areas 101 to 108 is a signal indicating whether a vehicle located in the detection areas 101 to 108 is detected as a binary value of high or low. The vehicle detection signal is high when a vehicle located in the detection areas 101 to 108 is detected, and is low when a vehicle located in the detection areas 101 to 108 is not detected. The 1st image processing part 14 and the 2nd image processing part 15 have the structure concerning the vehicle detection part and vehicle detection signal formation part said by this invention.

  The output unit 16 outputs a vehicle detection signal formed for each of the detection areas 101 to 108 to the signal control device 2.

  The signal control device 2 includes a control unit 21, a vehicle detection signal input unit 22, a traffic flow data measurement unit 23, a display display control unit 24, and a communication unit 25.

  The control unit 21 controls the operation of each unit of the signal control device 2 main body.

  The vehicle detection signal input unit 22 receives the vehicle detection signals of the detection areas 101 to 108 formed in the vehicle detection device 1.

  The traffic flow data measurement unit 23 processes the vehicle detection signals of the detection areas 101 to 108 input to the vehicle detection signal input unit 22 and measures the traffic flow data for each of the detection areas 101 to 108. The traffic flow data measurement unit 23 includes, for each of the detection areas 101 to 108, an occupancy rate counter that counts a measurement value related to the occupancy rate and a traffic flow rate counter that counts a measurement value related to the traffic flow rate. Yes. That is, the traffic flow data measurement unit 23 performs measurement related to the occupation rate and measurement related to the traffic flow rate for each of the detection areas 101 to 108. In this example, the traffic flow data is an occupation rate and a traffic flow rate. The traffic flow data measuring unit 23 corresponds to the measuring unit referred to in the present invention.

  The display display control part 24 controls the display display of the signal lamp 4 (4a, 4b) installed in the intersection. The signal lamp 4a is for a vehicle traveling on the main road and entering the intersection. The signal lamp 4b is for a vehicle that travels on a secondary road and enters an intersection.

  The communication unit 25 performs communication with the center device 3. The signal control device 2 transmits the traffic flow data measured for each of the detection areas 101 to 108 from the communication unit 25 to the center device 3. The signal control device 2 receives the signal control parameter transmitted from the center device 3 for controlling the display of the signal lamp 4 at the communication unit 25.

  The center device 3 includes a control unit 31, a traffic condition determination unit 32, a signal control parameter generation unit 33, and a communication unit 34.

  The control unit 31 controls the operation of each unit of the center device 3 main body.

  The traffic condition determination unit 32 determines the traffic condition of the intersection using the traffic flow data measured for each of the detection areas 101 to 108. The traffic condition determination unit 32 determines the traffic condition for each of the detection areas 101 to 108, and determines the traffic condition of the intersection based on the traffic conditions of the detection areas 101 to 108. The traffic situation determination unit 32 corresponds to the traffic situation determination unit referred to in the present invention.

  The signal control parameter generation unit 33 generates a signal control parameter for controlling the display indication of the signal lamp device 4 based on the determined traffic conditions of the detection areas 101 to 108.

  The communication unit 34 performs communication with the signal control device 2.

  Here, the change of the display of the signal lamp 4 installed at the intersection shown in FIG. 2 will be briefly described. FIG. 6 is a current floor plan of the signal lamp installed at this intersection. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the number of step steps of the signal lamp 4 (4a, 4b) is 10 steps.

In step 1, the signal lamp 4a is blue and the signal lamp 4b is red.
In step 2 of the step, the signal lamp 4a is yellow, the signal lamp 4b is red,
In step 3 of the step, the signal lamp 4a is a right turn arrow, the signal lamp 4b is red,
In the step 4 of the step, the signal lamp 4a is yellow, the signal lamp 4b is red,
In the step 5 of the step, the signal lamp 4 and the signal lamp 4b are red,
In step 6 of the step, the signal lamp 4a is red and the signal lamp 4b is blue.
In step 7, the signal lamp 4 a is red, the signal lamp 4 b is yellow,
In the step 8 of the step, the signal lamp 4a is red, the signal lamp 4b is a right turn arrow,
The step 9 has a red signal lamp 4a and a yellow signal lamp 4b.
In the step 10, the signal lamp 4 and the signal lamp 4 b are red.

  The display indication of the signal lamp 4 (4a, 4b) repeats the above steps 1 to 10 as one cycle.

  In this example, the steps 1 and 2 of the steps are set to phase Φ1 which is a display period of the straight road vehicle and the left turn vehicle on the main road side, and the right turn vehicle on the main road side is set to the steps 3 and 4 of the step steps. Phase Φ2 is the current display period, phase 6 and 7 of the steps is the phase Φ4 which is the display period of the straight road vehicle and the left turn vehicle, and the steps 8 and 9 of the steps are the secondary road. The phase is Φ5, which is the display period of the right-turn vehicle on the side. Phase Φ3 and phase Φ6 are periods (so-called all-red periods) in which the current indication is not any vehicle group entering the intersection.

  Hereinafter, the operations of the vehicle detection device 1, the signal control device 2, and the center device 3 constituting the traffic control system according to this example will be described.

  FIG. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a vehicle detection apparatus. In the vehicle detection device 1, a frame image captured by the camera 5 a is input to the first image input unit 12, and a frame image captured by the camera 5 b is input to the second image input unit 13. . As described above, in this example, since the frame rate of the cameras 5a and 5b is 20 frames / second, the imaging interval of the frame images input to the first image input unit 12 and the second image input unit 13 is as follows. Is 50 msec.

  In the vehicle detection device 1, each of the first image processing unit 14 and the second image processing unit 15 executes the processing shown in FIG. The first image processing unit 14 performs the process shown in FIG. 7 on the four detection areas 101, 102, 105, and 106 using the frame image of the intersection imaged by the camera 5a, and the second image processing unit 15 performs the process shown in FIG. 7 on the four detection areas 103, 104, 107, and 108 using the frame image of the intersection imaged by the camera 5b. Here, the first image processing unit 14 will be described as an example.

  The first image processing unit 14 selects a processing target frame image from the frame images of the intersection captured by the camera 5a input to the first image input unit 12 (s1). In s1, as the processing target frame image, the frame image of the intersection captured by the camera 5a after the processing target frame image processed last time may be selected, or the camera 5a captured the processing target frame image processed last time. A frame image at an intersection after a predetermined number of frames (for example, after 2 frames or after 3 frames) may be selected.

  The first image processing unit 14 detects the presence or absence of a vehicle in each of the four detection areas 101, 102, 105, and 106 with respect to the processing target frame image selected in s1 (s2). The first image processing unit 14 forms a vehicle detection signal for each of the four detection areas 101, 102, 105, and 106 based on the vehicle detection result in s2 (s3), and returns to s1. The vehicle detection signal formed at s3 is a binary signal of high or low.

  As described above, for the four detection areas 103, 104, 107, and 108, the second image processing unit 15 captures the frame image of the intersection imaged by the camera 5 b input to the second image input unit 13. The processing shown in FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process for generating a vehicle detection signal according to s3. FIG. 8 shows a process of generating a vehicle detection signal (vehicle detection signal generation process) for one detection area. That is, the vehicle detection signal generation process shown in FIG. 8 is performed for each of the detection areas 101 to 108.

  Here, a case where the first image processing unit 14 generates a vehicle detection signal in the detection area 101 will be described as an example. When the first image processing unit 14 detects a vehicle located in the detection region 101 (s11), the first image processing unit 14 sets the vehicle detection signal of the detection region 101 output from the output unit 16 to high (s12).

  In addition, the output part 16 is outputting the vehicle detection signal of each detection area 101-108 as mentioned above.

  If the first image processing unit 14 does not detect a vehicle located in the detection region 101 in s1 (s11), the vehicle detection signal in the detection region 101 output from the output unit 16 at that time is detected. It is determined whether or not it is low (s13). If the first image processing unit 14 determines that the vehicle detection signal is not low (high) in s13, the first image processing unit 14 determines whether it is continuously high for a predetermined hold time (for example, 120 msec). (S14). The first image processing unit 14 detects the vehicle in the detection area 101 output from the output unit 16 if the period in which the vehicle detection signal in the detection area 101 is high continues for a predetermined hold time or longer. The signal is set to low (s15). On the other hand, if the period during which the vehicle detection signal in the detection region 101 is high does not continue for a predetermined hold time or longer, the first image processing unit 14 detects the detection region 101 output from the output unit 16. The vehicle detection signal is set to high (s12). The step according to s14 is provided to prevent the vehicle detection signal from changing frequently between high and low due to the influence of noise or the like.

  If the first image processing unit 14 determines that the vehicle detection signal is low in s13, the first image processing unit 14 sets the vehicle detection signal in the detection area 101 output from the output unit 16 to low (s15).

  Although the detection signal generation processing of the detection area 101 has been described here, the same applies to the detection areas 102 to 108. In s12, the vehicle detection signal may change from low to high, or high may be maintained. Similarly, in s15, the vehicle detection signal may change from high to low, or low may be maintained.

  Next, the traffic flow data measurement process in the signal control device 2 will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a traffic flow data measurement process. The traffic flow data measurement unit 23 performs the processing shown in FIG.

  As described above, the traffic flow data measurement unit 23, for each of the detection areas 101 to 108, an occupancy rate counter that counts a measurement value related to the occupancy rate, and a traffic flow rate counter that counts a measurement value related to the traffic flow rate, ,have. Moreover, the traffic flow data measurement part 23 performs the process shown in FIG. 9 for every detection area | region 101-108. Here, the detection area 101 will be described as an example.

  The traffic flow data measurement unit 23 determines whether the vehicle detection signal input for the detection area 101 is high or low (s22) at a predetermined measurement timing (s21). Here, the measurement timing is set to the frame image capturing period (50 msec) of the camera 5. That is, the traffic flow data measurement unit 23 determines that the measurement timing has come every time 50 msec elapses.

  When the traffic flow data measurement unit 23 determines that the vehicle detection signal input for the detection area 101 is high in s22, the traffic counter corresponding to the detection area 101 is incremented by 1 (s23), and the process returns to s21. . If the traffic flow data measurement unit 23 determines that the vehicle detection signal input for the detection area 101 is low in s22, it determines whether the vehicle detection signal in the detection area 101 was high at the previous measurement timing. Determine (s24).

  If the traffic flow data measurement unit 23 determines in s24 that the vehicle detection signal in the detection area 101 at the previous measurement timing is high, the traffic flow rate counter corresponding to the detection area 101 is incremented by 1 (s25), and s21 Return to. If the traffic flow data measurement unit 23 determines that the vehicle detection signal in the detection area 101 at the previous measurement timing is low in s24, the traffic flow data measurement unit 23 counts up the occupation rate counter and the traffic flow rate counter corresponding to the detection area 101. Return to s21 without doing.

As described above, the traffic flow data measurement unit 23 performs the detection for each of the detection areas 101 to 108.
(1) When the vehicle detection signals in the detection areas 101 to 108 are high (that is, if a vehicle located in the detection areas 101 to 108 is detected), the detection areas 101 to 108 are occupied. Increase the rate counter by one,
(2) If the vehicle detection signal in the detection area 101 to 108 changes from high to low (that is, if the vehicle located in the detection area 101 to 108 moves outside the detection area 101 to 108). )), The traffic flow rate counter of the detection areas 101 to 108 is counted up by 1,
(3) When the vehicle detection signal in the detection areas 101 to 108 is kept low (that is, if the vehicle located in the detection areas 101 to 108 is not detected). The occupation rate counter and the traffic flow rate counter of the detection areas 101 to 108 are not counted up.

  Next, traffic flow data collection processing in the center device 3 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing traffic flow data collection processing.

  At the start timing of the phase Φ1 shown in FIG. 6 (s31), the center device 3 requests the signal control device 2 to transmit the traffic flow data of the detection areas 101 and 103 in the communication unit 34, and responds to this request. The traffic flow data of the detection areas 101 and 103 transmitted from the signal control device 2 is acquired (s32). In s32, transmission of the occupation rate counter corresponding to the detection areas 101 and 103 and the count value of the traffic flow rate counter is requested as traffic flow data.

  When the center device 3 reaches the start timing of the phase Φ2 shown in FIG. 6 (s33), the communication unit 34 requests the signal control device 2 to transmit the traffic flow data in the detection areas 101 to 104. Accordingly, the traffic flow data of the detection areas 101 to 104 transmitted from the signal control device 2 is acquired (s34). In s34, transmission of the occupation rate counter corresponding to the detection areas 101 to 104 and the count value of the traffic flow rate counter is requested as traffic flow data.

  Further, when the center device 3 reaches the start timing of the phase Φ3 shown in FIG. 6 (s35), the communication unit 34 requests the signal control device 2 to transmit the traffic flow data of the detection areas 102 and 104, and this request is made. Accordingly, the traffic flow data of the detection areas 102 and 104 transmitted from the signal control device 2 is acquired (s36). In s36, transmission of the occupation rate counter corresponding to the detection areas 102 and 104 and the count value of the traffic flow rate counter is requested as traffic flow data.

  Further, when the center device 3 reaches the start timing of the phase Φ4 shown in FIG. 6 (s37), the communication unit 34 requests the signal control device 2 to transmit the traffic flow data of the detection areas 105 and 107. Accordingly, the traffic flow data of the detection areas 105 and 107 transmitted from the signal control device 2 is acquired (s38). In s38, transmission of the occupation rate counter corresponding to the detection areas 105 and 107 and the count value of the traffic flow rate counter is requested as traffic flow data.

  When the center device 3 reaches the start timing of the phase Φ5 shown in FIG. 6 (s39), the communication unit 34 requests the signal control device 2 to transmit the traffic flow data in the detection areas 105 to 108. Accordingly, the traffic flow data of the detection areas 105 to 108 transmitted from the signal control device 2 is acquired (s40). In s40, transmission of the occupation rate counter corresponding to the detection areas 105 to 108 and the count value of the traffic flow rate counter is requested as traffic flow data.

  Further, the center device 3 requests the signal control device 2 to transmit the traffic flow data of the detection areas 106 and 108 in the communication unit 34 at the start timing of the phase Φ6 shown in FIG. 6 (s41). Accordingly, the traffic flow data of the detection areas 106 and 108 transmitted from the signal control device 2 is acquired (s42), and the process returns to s31. In s42, the transmission of the occupation rate counter corresponding to the detection areas 102 and 104 and the count value of the traffic flow rate counter is requested as traffic flow data.

  The center device 3 executes the traffic flow data collection process described above, so that for each detection region 101 to 108, the vehicle group that enters the intersection from the inflow paths 111 to 118 associated with the detection regions 101 to 108 is displayed. The count values of the occupation rate counter and the traffic flow rate counter at the start timing of the current period and the end timing of the current period are acquired. The occupancy rate counter and the traffic flow rate counter in each of the detection areas 101 to 108 are counted at the start timing of the presenting period and the end timing of the presenting period of the vehicle group entering the intersection from the corresponding inflow paths 111 to 118. Not reset. That is, the count values of the occupation rate counters and the traffic flow rate counters of the detection areas 101 to 108 are cumulative values.

  Therefore, the center device 3 presents the current period of the vehicle group entering the intersection from the inflow paths 111 to 118 for the inflow paths 111 to 118 associated with the detection areas 101 to 108 for each of the detection areas 101 to 108. The count number of the occupation rate counter and the count number of the traffic flow rate counter can be obtained. For example, for the detection area 101, a value obtained by subtracting the count value of the occupancy counter acquired in s32 from the count value of the occupancy counter acquired in s34 is an intersection from the inflow path 111 associated with the detection area 101. It is the count number of the occupation rate counter during the display period of the vehicle group that enters. In addition, for the detection area 101, a value obtained by subtracting the count value of the traffic flow rate counter acquired in s32 from the count value of the traffic flow rate counter acquired in s34 is obtained from the inflow path 111 associated with the detection area 101. This is the count value of the traffic flow rate counter during the display period of the vehicle group entering the intersection.

  Next, the traffic situation determination process in the center apparatus 3 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the traffic situation determination process.

The center device 3 determines the traffic conditions of the inflow paths 111 to 118 associated with the detection areas 101 to 108 for each of the detection areas 101 to 108 in the traffic condition determination unit 32. The center device 3 calculates, for each of the detection areas 101 to 108, the occupation ratio PG of the vehicle group entering the intersection from the inflow paths 111 to 118 associated with the detection areas 101 to 108 during the current period (s51). ). In s51, the occupancy PG of each of the detection areas 101 to 108 is
PG = (t / T) × 100 [%]
Calculated by T is the time of the presenting period of the vehicle group entering the intersection from the inflow paths 111 to 118 associated with the detection areas 101 to 108, and t is the inflow associated with the detection areas 101 to 108. This is the time during which the vehicle is located in the detection areas 101 to 108 during the present period of the vehicle group entering the intersection from the roads 111 to 118. t is the count of the occupancy counter during the display period of the vehicle group entering the intersection from the inflow paths 111 to 118 associated with the detection areas 101 to 108, and the repetition time of the measurement timing of s21 described above ( In this example, it is a product of 50 msec).

Moreover, the center apparatus 3 calculates the traffic flow rate F in the display period of the vehicle group which approachs an intersection from the inflow paths 111-118 matched with the detection areas 101-108 for every detection area 101-108. (S52). In s52, the traffic flow rate F of each detection area 101-108 is determined.
F = Q / T [unit / sec]
Calculated by T is the time of the current period of the vehicle group entering the intersection from the inflow paths 111 to 118 associated with the detection areas 101 to 108, and Q is the inflow associated with the detection areas 101 to 108. This is the number of vehicles that have passed through the detection areas 101 to 108 during the display period of the group of vehicles entering the intersection from the roads 111 to 118. Q is the count number of the traffic flow rate counter during the presenting period of the vehicle group entering the intersection from the inflow paths 111 to 118 associated with the detection areas 101 to 108.

  The center apparatus 3 determines the traffic conditions of the inflow paths 111 to 118 in the traffic condition determination unit 32 (s53). In s53, for each of the detection areas 101 to 108, it is determined which of the four patterns α to δ shown in FIG. 12 corresponds to the occupation rate PG calculated for the detection areas 101 to 108 and the traffic flow rate F. . PGk shown in FIG. 12 is a predetermined threshold for the occupation rate PG, and Fk is a predetermined threshold for the traffic flow rate F. The threshold value PGk and the threshold value Fk may be values empirically estimated by an administrator or the like, or may be statistically processed using the occupation rate PG and the traffic flow rate F measured according to the actual traffic situation at the intersection. It may be an estimated value.

  The pattern α shown in FIG. 12 is a pattern in which the occupation rate PG calculated in s51 is smaller than the threshold value PGk and the traffic flow rate F calculated in s52 is smaller than the threshold value Fk. This pattern α is a traffic situation in which there is no congestion on the inflow route and no clogging has occurred on the outflow route.

  The pattern β is a pattern in which the occupation rate PG calculated in s51 is larger than the threshold PGk and the traffic flow rate F calculated in s52 is smaller than the threshold Fk. This pattern β is a traffic situation where a clog occurs in the outflow path.

  The pattern γ is a pattern in which the occupation rate PG calculated in s51 is smaller than the threshold value PGk and the traffic flow rate F calculated in s52 is larger than the threshold value Fk. This pattern γ is a traffic situation in which traffic congestion is occurring on the inflow route and no clogging occurs on the outflow route.

  The pattern δ is a pattern in which the occupation ratio PG calculated in s51 is larger than the threshold value PGk and the traffic flow rate F calculated in s52 is larger than the threshold value Fk. Pattern δ is a traffic situation in which congestion occurs on the inflow route but no clogging occurs on the outflow route.

  Further, the center device 3 displays the signal lamps 4 (4a, 4b) installed at the intersections based on the traffic conditions determined for the inflow paths 111 to 118 by the signal control parameter generation unit 33 in the processing described above. A signal control parameter used for display control is generated. The center device 3 generates a signal control parameter based on the signal control parameter at that time. The center device 3 notifies the signal control device 2 of the generated signal control parameter. The signal control device 2 controls the display of the signal lamps 4 (4a, 4b) installed at the intersection based on the signal control parameter notified from the center device 3.

  As described above, in the traffic control system according to this example, the traffic flow data used for the determination of the traffic situation at the intersection can be measured for each of the inflow paths 111 to 118 at the intersection based on the detection result of the vehicle in the intersection.

  Further, since the determination of the traffic situation of each inflow path 111 to 118 is performed based on the traffic flow data measured during the display period of the vehicle group entering the intersection from the inflow path 111 to 118, the traffic situation is accurately determined. Can be judged well.

  Furthermore, since the signal control parameter used for the control of the display display of the signal lamp 4 (4a, 4b) at the intersection is generated based on the traffic situation of each of the inflow paths 111 to 118, occurrence of traffic congestion can be suppressed.

  In the above example, the display period of each of the inflow channels 111 to 118 is a period including the blue display or right turn arrow display of the signal lamp 4 (4a, 4b) and the subsequent yellow display. The period of the blue display or right turn arrow display of the device 4 (4a, 4b) (the period not including the subsequent yellow display) may be used. In this case, in the process shown in FIG. 10, the end timing of the presenting period for acquiring the traffic flow data for each of the detection areas 101 to 108 may be changed. For example, for the detection area 101, in the above example, the end timing of the current period for acquiring traffic flow data is the start timing of the phase Φ2, but it may be changed to the start timing of the step 2 shown in FIG. .

  Next, another example of the present invention will be described. The traffic control system according to this example has the same configuration as described above. The differences are the vehicle detection signal forming process of the vehicle detection apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 8 and the traffic flow data collection process of the center apparatus 3 shown in FIG.

  The vehicle detection device 1 according to this example executes a vehicle detection signal forming process shown in FIG. In FIG. 13, the same steps as those shown in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same step numbers. In the vehicle detection signal forming process according to this example, the process according to s61 shown below is added between s11 and s12 shown in FIG. Other processes are the same.

  If it is determined that the vehicle located in the detection area 101 is detected in s11, the vehicle detection device 1 determines whether or not the present is in the presenting period (s61). If the vehicle detection device 1 determines that the current period is not reached in s61, the vehicle detection signal is set to low in s15. Moreover, if the vehicle detection apparatus 1 determines with it being a presenting period in s61, it will make a vehicle detection signal high in s12.

  That is, when the vehicle detection device 1 is not in the display period of the vehicle group entering the intersection from the inflow paths 111 to 118 associated with the detection areas 101 to 108 for each of the detection areas 101 to 108, the detection area 101 The vehicle detection signal for .about.108 is kept low. Therefore, in the traffic flow data measurement process in the signal control device 2 shown in FIG. 9, the occupancy counter of each detection area 101 to 108 and the traffic flow counter are inflow paths 111 associated with the detection areas 101 to 108. It is not counted up when it is not the display period of the vehicle group entering the intersection from .about.118.

  The signal lamp device 4 (4a, 4b) or the signal control device 2 is configured to output a signal indicating the current indication of the signal lamp device 4 (4a, 4b) to the vehicle detection device 1, and the vehicle detection device 1 may perform the determination relating to s61 by a signal indicating the present display.

  Further, as described above, the center device 3 has an inflow in which the signal control device 2 associates the occupation ratios of the detection areas 101 to 108 and the traffic flow data relating to the traffic flow rates with the detection areas 101 to 108. Since the measurement is performed during the display period of the vehicle group entering the intersection from the roads 111 to 118, it is not necessary to collect traffic flow data in synchronization with the display display cycle of the signal lights 4 (4a, 4b). . For this reason, as shown in FIG. 14, the center device 3 transmits the traffic flow data of each of the detection areas 101 to 108 to the signal control device 2 at the communication unit 34 at a predetermined collection timing (s71). The traffic flow data of each detection area 101-108 transmitted from the signal control apparatus 2 in response to this request is acquired (s72).

  Thereby, the center apparatus 3 concerning this example can also perform the traffic condition determination process shown in FIG.

Further, in the above example, the traffic conditions of each inlet channel 111 to 118, has been to determine which of the four patterns α~δ shown in FIG. 12, nine pattern A~ shown in FIG. 15 I may be determined.

PGk1 and PGk2 (PGk1 <PGk2) shown in FIG. 15 are two threshold values predetermined for the occupation rate PG, and Fk1 and Fk2 (Fk1 <Fk2) are two threshold values predetermined for the traffic flow rate F. .

  The pattern A shown in FIG. 15 is a pattern in which the occupation rate PG is smaller than the threshold value PGk1 and the traffic flow rate F is smaller than the threshold value Fk1. Pattern A is a traffic situation in which no traffic jam occurs on the inflow route and no clogging occurs on the outflow route.

  The pattern B is a pattern in which the occupation ratio PG is a value between the threshold value PGk1 and the threshold value PGk2, and the traffic flow rate F is smaller than the threshold value Fk1. Pattern B is a traffic situation in which there is no traffic jam on the inflow route and a clogging is occurring on the outflow route.

  The pattern C is a pattern in which the occupation rate PG is larger than the threshold value PGk and the traffic flow rate F is smaller than the threshold value Fk1. Pattern C is a traffic situation where a clog occurs in the outflow path.

  The pattern D is a pattern in which the occupation rate PG is smaller than the threshold value PGk1 and the traffic flow rate F is a value between the threshold value Fk1 and the threshold value Fk2. Pattern D is a traffic situation in which no traffic jam occurs on the inflow path and no clogging occurs on the outflow path, as in pattern A described above. However, in the pattern D, the traffic volume on the inflow path is increased compared to the pattern A.

  The pattern E is a pattern in which the occupation rate PG is a value between the threshold value PGk1 and the threshold value PGk2, and the traffic flow rate F is a value between the threshold value Fk1 and the threshold value Fk2. Pattern E is a traffic situation in which traffic jams occur in the inflow path and clogging is occurring in the outflow path, as in Pattern B described above. However, in the pattern E, the traffic volume in the inflow path is increased compared to the pattern B.

  The pattern F is a pattern in which the occupation rate PG is larger than the threshold value PGk and the traffic flow rate F is a value between the threshold value Fk1 and the threshold value Fk2. Pattern F is a traffic situation in which traffic congestion is occurring on the inflow route and clogging is occurring on the outflow route.

  The pattern G is a pattern in which the occupation rate PG is smaller than the threshold value PGk1 and the traffic flow rate F is larger than the threshold value Fk2. Pattern G is a traffic situation in which traffic congestion is occurring on the inflow route and no clogging occurs on the outflow route.

  The pattern H is a pattern in which the occupation rate PG is a value between the threshold value PGk1 and the threshold value PGk2, and the traffic flow rate F is larger than the threshold value Fk2. Pattern H is a traffic situation in which traffic congestion is occurring on the inflow route and clogging is occurring on the outflow route.

  The pattern I is a pattern in which the occupation rate PG is larger than the threshold value PGk and the traffic flow rate F is larger than the threshold value Fk2. Pattern I is a traffic situation in which traffic congestion occurs on the inflow path.

  In the above example, the detection areas 101 to 108 are imaged using the two cameras 5 (5a and 5b). However, the detection areas 101 to 108 may be configured to be imaged by the single camera 5, It is good also as a structure which images the detection areas 101-108 with three or more cameras 5. FIG. That is, the number of cameras 5 that capture the detection areas 101 to 108 set in the intersection may be any number.

  In the above example, detection of a vehicle located in the detection areas 101 to 108 is performed by processing a frame image obtained by imaging the detection areas 101 to 108. However, the loop coil type, the photoelectric type, and the radio wave type are used. The structure which detects the presence or absence of the vehicle located in a detection area by vehicle sensors, such as, may be sufficient, and another structure may be sufficient.

  Further, in the above example, the configuration of the traffic flow data collection device according to the present invention has been described as being divided into the vehicle detection device 1, the signal control device 2, and the center device 3, but the vehicle detection device 1, signal The control device 2 or the center device 3 may be provided together, or may be configured as a device having a casing different from that of the vehicle detection device 1, the signal control device 2, and the center device 3. Good.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Vehicle detection apparatus 2 ... Signal control apparatus 3 ... Center apparatus 4 (4a, 4b) ... Signal lamp 5 (5a, 5b) ... Camera 11 ... Control part 12 ... 1st image input part 13 ... 2nd image input Unit 14 ... First image processing unit 15 ... Second image processing unit 16 ... Output unit 21 ... Control unit 22 ... Vehicle detection signal input unit 23 ... Traffic flow data measurement unit 24 ... Current display control unit 25 ... Communication unit DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 31 ... Control part 32 ... Traffic condition determination part 33 ... Signal control parameter production | generation part 34 ... Communication part 101-108 ... Detection area | region 111-118 ... Inflow path

Claims (7)

The vehicle that has entered the intersection from the inflow path of the intersection where the signal lamp is installed travels regardless of the branching direction at the intersection, and is set in a part of the intersection in association with the inflow path A vehicle detector for detecting the presence or absence of a vehicle located in the detection area;
A vehicle detection signal forming unit that forms a vehicle detection signal indicating whether or not a vehicle located in the detection region is detected based on a detection result of the vehicle detection unit;
A measurement unit that processes the vehicle detection signal formed by the vehicle detection signal forming unit, performs measurement on the occupation rate of the detection region, and performs measurement on the traffic flow rate of the detection region;
Using the measured value for the occupancy rate of the detection area measured by the measurement unit and the measured value for the traffic flow rate of the detection area, the occupancy rate of the detection area and the traffic flow rate of the detection area are calculated. A calculation unit for calculating,
A traffic condition determination unit that determines a traffic condition based on an occupancy rate of the detection area and a traffic flow rate of the detection area in a display period of a group of vehicles entering the intersection from the inflow path calculated by the calculation unit; , traffic flow data collection device provided with. The calculation unit measures the occupancy rate of the detection area measured by the measurement unit at the start of the display period of the vehicle group entering the intersection from the inflow path and at the end of the display period. Occupancy rate of the detection area and the traffic flow rate of the detection area in the display period of a group of vehicles entering the intersection from the inflow path using the value and the measurement value relating to the traffic flow rate of the detection area The traffic flow data collection device according to claim 1 , wherein the traffic flow data collection device calculates. When the vehicle detection signal forming unit is not in a display period of a group of vehicles entering the intersection from the inflow path, a vehicle located within the detection region is detected regardless of a detection result by the vehicle detection unit. The traffic flow data collection device according to claim 1, wherein a vehicle detection signal indicating that there is no traffic is formed. The calculation unit uses, for the first timing and the second timing, a measurement value related to the occupation rate of the detection area measured by the measurement unit and a measurement value related to the traffic flow rate of the detection area. The traffic flow data collection device according to claim 3 , wherein the occupancy rate of the detection area and the traffic flow rate of the detection area during a display period of a group of vehicles entering the intersection from the inflow path are calculated. The traffic condition determination unit determines whether the outflow path of the vehicle that has entered the intersection from the inflow path and has passed through the detection area is in a clogged state that is clogged with a staying vehicle, The traffic flow data collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . The said vehicle detection part processes the picked-up image which imaged the inside of the said intersection, The traffic in any one of Claims 1-5 which detects the presence or absence of the vehicle located in the said detection area set in this intersection Flow data collection device. Vehicle detection unit, a region in which the vehicle has entered the intersection from the inflow passage of the intersection signal lamp device is installed travels regardless branch direction at the intersection, in the intersection in association with the inlet channel A vehicle detection step for detecting the presence or absence of a vehicle located in a detection area set in part ;
A vehicle detection signal forming step for forming a vehicle detection signal indicating whether a vehicle located in the detection area is detected based on a detection result of the vehicle detection unit;
A measurement step of processing the vehicle detection signal formed by the vehicle detection signal forming unit, measuring the occupation rate of the detection area, and measuring the traffic flow rate of the detection area;
The calculation unit uses the measurement value relating to the occupancy rate of the detection area measured by the measurement unit and the measurement value relating to the traffic flow rate of the detection area, and the occupancy rate of the detection area and the detection area A calculation step for calculating a traffic flow rate;
The traffic condition determination unit determines the traffic condition based on the occupancy rate of the detection area and the traffic flow rate of the detection area in the present period of the vehicle group entering the intersection from the inflow path calculated by the calculation unit. A traffic situation determination step to
Traffic flow data collection method with

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