JPH11232589A - Traffic signal controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To rewrite traffic signal light blinking control data in a short time without requiring the need for a tool of complex control equipment and dimming a traffic signal light. SOLUTION: A signal control part includes storage parts 15a and 15b which store current indication data, a storage part 36 which stores data specifying a flash lamp color of the traffic signal light in case of abnormality or at the time of manual operation, and a blue-blue combination data storage part 26 which stores a combination causing blue-blue combination abnormality. Those data storage parts can have their storage contents electrically rewritten and data can be downloaded from an external personal computer. Therefore, the rewriting of those data requires no large-scale controller and under the control of the current indication data control part 1a, the data can be rewritten while three-color control over the traffic signal light is performed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a traffic signal controller for controlling the blinking of a traffic light of a traffic light, and more particularly to a traffic signal controller capable of easily changing information for controlling the blinking of a traffic light. About.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Traffic signals are arranged at intersections of various streets in order to make traffic flow smooth and to ensure traffic safety. The traffic signal generally includes a traffic signal light for blinking three color lights of blue, yellow and red, and a traffic signal controller for controlling blinking of the three color light. The blinking of the traffic lights of a plurality of traffic lights provided at a crossroad or the like is controlled in accordance with control information from a common traffic signal controller.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a conventional traffic signal controller disclosed in, for example, JP-A-7-160998. In FIG. 7, a conventional traffic signal controller 40 includes a signal control unit 41 that generates a control signal for controlling blinking of a traffic signal light. The signal control unit 41 includes a read only memory (read only memory (R
OM)), a signal for controlling the blinking of the traffic signal light is generated according to the present data stored in the present data storage section 41a. Here, the present data is data indicating which road at the point where the traffic signal controller is provided is given a right of passage. The signal parameters quantitatively indicating the setting status of the signal indication include a cycle indicating a time (second) required for the signal indication to make a complete cycle, and a time parameter of each indication in one cycle of the signal. A split indicating a ratio and an offset indicating a phase shift of a signal between a group of traffic signals having the same period are included. In order to optimally control the traffic volume, the signal parameters are optimized, and the optimized signal parameters are stored in the present data storage unit 41a.

[0004] The signal control section 41 also includes an input / output section 41b for inputting an output of a sensor for detecting a traffic amount of the automobile and the like. The signal control unit 41 transfers the sensor output provided via the input / output unit 41b and information indicating the current signal control state of the signal control unit 41 to the traffic control center via the transmission / reception unit 43. The transmitting / receiving unit 43 receives the control information and the monitoring signal from the traffic control center, and controls the presenting method.

The traffic signal controller 40 further outputs a signal for controlling the blinking of the signal light to the corresponding traffic signal light in accordance with the lamp output signal which is the signal light blinking control information from the signal control unit 41. Unit 42, a blue-blue output detecting unit 44 for detecting whether or not a combination of a prohibited blue light lighting instruction signal in a traffic light is specified, and a prohibited blue-blue output detecting unit 44 from the blue-blue output detecting unit 44. It includes a green signal cutting unit 45 for extinguishing all blue lights of the traffic signal light according to a green signal cutting signal indicating detection of a blue-blue light lighting instruction.

The blue-blue output detection section 44 turns on the blue lamp from the lamp opening / closing section 42 based on the combination of the prohibited blue lamp lighting display instruction signal stored in the blue-blue combination diode matrix section 49. It is detected whether or not the instruction signal includes a prohibited combination. The blue-blue output detector 44 is provided at the intersection to prevent a traffic light provided for one road and a road intersecting the same from being simultaneously turned on by a blue light.

[0007] The traffic signal controller 40 further determines which of the red light and the yellow light of the traffic light is to be flashed when the traffic light fails or when the blue-blue display is abnormal (when the green light disconnection signal is activated). Flashlight color designation diode matrix unit 50 for storing information indicating The flashlight color designation diode matrix unit 50 includes a signal control unit 41
Is activated upon receiving the blue-blue signal abnormal signal from the blue-blue output detection unit 44, and determines which one of the traffic lights (excluding the blue light) is to be flashed by the light switch unit 42. specify. Here, the flashing operation indicates an operation in which the blue light is in the extinguished state and the red light or the yellow light blinks.

The traffic signal controller 40 also includes a maintenance connector 48 for inputting and outputting information for outputting information for blinking (flashing) a traffic signal lamp during maintenance of the traffic signal controller. .

Normally, the present data storage unit 41
The signal control unit 41 according to the present data stored in a
A lamp output signal for performing traffic signal lamp blinking control is provided to the lamp opening / closing section 42. The lamp opening / closing section 42 outputs a lamp output for controlling blinking of the signal lamp according to the lamp output signal from the signal control section 41. Green signal cutting section 45
During normal operation, the lamp output from the lamp opening / closing section 42 is supplied to the traffic signal light as it is to cause the traffic signal light to blink.

On the other hand, the signal control unit 41 transmits the current display ladder to the traffic control center via the transmission / reception unit 43, and transfers information indicating the presently displayed presenting method to the traffic control center. The signal control unit 41 transmits a sensing input from a sensor provided via the input / output unit 41b to the traffic control center via the transmission / reception unit 43. The traffic control center, based on the information sent via the transmission / reception unit 43, grasps the display status of the traffic signal on the road, and also grasps the traffic volume. Under the control, the present method of the signal controller 40 is changed to perform remote control from the traffic control center. This aims to realize a smooth flow of traffic volume.

The blue-blue output detecting section 44 includes a lamp opening / closing section 42.
Receives the set of the blue lamp lighting instruction signal from the controller and compares it with the prohibited blue lamp lighting instruction signal stored in the blue-blue combination diode matrix 49. When it is detected that the combination of the signals is output, the green signal cutting signal is supplied to the green signal cutting unit 45 and the blue-green signal abnormal signal is supplied to the signal control unit 41. As a result, the green signal cutting unit 45
Regardless of the state of the lamp output of the lamp opening / closing section 42, the blue lamp of each traffic signal lamp is completely turned off. The signal control unit 41 supplies information for designating the flash lamp color to the lamp opening / closing unit 42 to the flash lamp color designation diode matrix 50. The lamp opening / closing section 42 blinks only the designated traffic light in accordance with the flashlight color designation information. This blue-green signal abnormal signal is sent from the signal control unit 41
The information is transmitted to the traffic control center via the transmission / reception unit 43 to notify the traffic control center that an abnormality has occurred.

As described above, the blue-blue output detection section 44 prevents the blue lights of the traffic signal lights provided on the intersecting roads from being turned on at the same time, thereby ensuring traffic safety.

[0013]

The problem of temporarily fixing the lamp color or performing three-color control during maintenance and inspection of a traffic signal controller can be compared with an external device via a maintenance connector 48 shown in FIG. It can be done easily. At the time of the maintenance and inspection, the operation can be switched to a flash operation, a manual operation, or an independent operation according to the control information from the maintenance connector 48.

On the other hand, when a change in the traffic condition of the road on which the traffic signal controller is provided or a change in the road structure such as a change from a three-way intersection to a crossroad occurs, it is necessary to change the present data. . The present data includes not only one kind of present data (combination of one kind of signal parameter) but also a plurality of control patterns (combinations of present data) according to time, day of week, vehicle traffic volume, and the like. May be prepared. It is necessary to change the present data so that the traffic flow is optimized according to the change in the surrounding environment. The present data is stored in the present data storage unit 4 shown in FIG.
1a.

The present data storage section 41a is provided from the viewpoints of price and retention of stored data when power is turned off.
It is composed of a read only memory (read only memory (ROM)) for storing information in a nonvolatile manner. The ROM has a fixed storage content and cannot be electrically rewritten. Therefore, in order to change the present data, it is necessary to replace the ROM with the new present data. When replacing the ROM, it is necessary to shut off the power of the traffic signal controller, take out the signal control unit 41 on which the ROM is mounted, and replace the ROM. Therefore, during this time, the blinking control of the signal light cannot be performed, and the signal light is turned off. If the traffic light cannot be extinguished due to traffic conditions, a maintenance traffic light is prepared, and the maintenance connector 48 controls the blinking of the traffic light. For each traffic signal controller, it is necessary to replace the present data storage ROM with this maintenance signal instead. For this reason, in order for the maintenance traffic light to operate normally, it is necessary to set the presenting data such as the presenting method and the display time for each intersection, and there is a problem that much time is required for the preparation. Occurs.

FIG. 8 shows the blue-blue output detector 44 shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 schematically shows a configuration of a blue-blue combined diode matrix section 45. 8, a blue-blue output detection unit 44 receives a blue light signal for each traffic signal light included in the light output from the light switch unit 42, determines a high level / low level thereof, and determines the determination result. Circuit 44a for providing a signal according to
And a determination circuit 44b for determining whether or not there is an abnormality in the blue-blue combination according to the output signal of the diode matrix 49. The determination result from the determination circuit 44b is provided to the green signal cutting unit 45 as a green signal cutting signal.

In the diode matrix 49, the prohibited combinations for the blue lights of each traffic light are programmed using diodes. The structure of this diode matrix 49 is, for example, an RO using diodes.
Although the configuration is the same as that of M, a specific configuration of the diode matrix will be described below.

Now, consider a blue-blue combination for four traffic lights S1, S2, S3 and S4 at the crossroads as shown in FIG. Traffic lights S1 and S
2 are arranged facing each other, and the traffic signal lights S3 and S4 are arranged facing each other. The blue traffic light of the traffic light S1 is not allowed to turn on the blue traffic lights of the traffic lights S3 and S4 at the same time. Similarly, the traffic light S2
It is not allowed to turn on the blue traffic lights simultaneously with the traffic lights S3 and S4. FIG. 10 shows the configuration of the diode matrix for these four traffic light devices.

In FIG. 10, the input circuit 44a includes inverter buffers IB1 to IB4 for receiving the blue signal lights B1, B2, B3 and B4, respectively. Blue light signal B
Numerals 1 to B4 are lighting instruction signals for the blue traffic lights of the traffic signal lamps S1 to S4, and are activated when they are at the H level.

The diode matrix 49 includes output signal lines OL of each of the inverter buffers IB1 to IB4.
1 to OL4 and connected to these output signal lines, respectively.
1, OOL2, OOL3, and OOL4, and control signal lines CL1, CL2, and C, each of which is pulled up to the power supply voltage level by pull-up resistance elements R1 to R3.
L3. The program signal lines OOL1 to OOL4
A diode element is selectively arranged corresponding to the intersection of the control signal lines CL1 to CL3. In FIG.
Since the traffic signal lights S1 and S2 cannot turn on the blue signal lights simultaneously with the traffic signal lights S3 and S4, the diode elements D1 and D2 correspond to the intersections of the control signal line CL1 and the program signal lines OOL3 and OOL4. Connected, diode elements D3 and D4 are arranged corresponding to intersections of control signal line CL2 and program signal lines OOL3 and OOL4. Diode elements D1 to D4 have respective anodes connected to corresponding control signal lines CL1 and CL2.

The determination circuit 44b receives an OR circuit G receiving a signal on the control signal line CL1 and a signal on the output signal line OL1.
1, an OR circuit G2 that receives signals on the output signal line OL2 and the control signal line CL2, an OR circuit G3 that receives signals on the output signal line OL3 and the control signal line CL3, and a signal on the output signal line OL4. Inverter IV1 and diodes DD1, DD2, and DD3 whose cathodes are output to respective output portions of OR circuits G1 to G3. The anodes of the diodes DD1 to DD3 are commonly connected to the output node OD.
Connected to. The output node OD is connected to a pull-up resistor R4
Connected to the power supply node. This output node OD
Outputs a signal E indicating the determination result. The output signal of the inverter IV1 is output as a signal F via the inverter IV2, and it is determined whether or not a lighting instruction has been given to the blue signal light B4. Next, the operation will be briefly described.

Now, consider a state where the blue signal lights B1 and B2 are at the H level in the active state and the blue signal B3 and B4 are at the L level in the inactive state. The output signals of inverter buffers IB1 and IB2 go low, while the output signals of inverter buffers IB3 and IB4 go high. Therefore, in this state,
The output signal of OR circuit G3 and the output signal of inverter circuit IV1 are at H level and L level, respectively. Since output signal lines OL3 and OL4 are at H level, the potentials of program signal lines OOL3 and OOL4 are also at H level, all diodes D1 to D4 are in a non-conductive state, and the potentials of control signal lines CL1 and CL2 are at H level. Level (pulled up to the power supply voltage level by the resistors R1 and R2, respectively). Therefore, the OR circuit G
The output signals of 1 and G2 are at H level, diodes DD1 to DD3 are all non-conductive, and determination result instruction signal E from output node OD maintains H level.

On the other hand, consider a case where the blue light signal B1 for the traffic light S1 and the blue light signal B3 for the traffic light S3 are simultaneously activated to the H level. In this case, the potential of the program signal line OL3 becomes
Driven to L level by inverter buffer IB3. The control signal line CL1 is at H level and the diode D
1 conducts, driving the control signal line CL1 to L level.
The output signal of inverter buffer IB1 is at the L level, so that the output signal of OR circuit G1 attains the L level, diode DD1 conducts, and determination result instruction signal E from output node OD attains the L level. This allows
It is possible to know that an abnormality has occurred in the blue-blue combination.

Such a diode matrix is provided on a substrate, and a blue-blue combination is programmed according to a place where the diode matrix is installed. However, in general, at a crossroad or the like, the number of traffic lights is not simply four, but a signal light for pedestrians and a signal light for instructing a right / left turn, and the number of blue light signals further increases. I do. Thus, the number of diodes for the blue-blue combination is even greater.

As described above, when the present data is changed, the traffic condition or the road condition has been changed, and therefore, it is necessary to change the blue-blue combination. To change such a prohibited combination of blue light signals, the blue-blue combination diode matrix unit 49 is removed (the diode matrix is connected on the substrate board, and its program can be changed). ), It is necessary to reprogram this combination by soldering. Since the number of diode elements increases, there is a problem that it takes time and effort to change the blue-blue combination. At this time, since soldering or the like is performed manually, there is a possibility that an error occurs in programming of the diode matrix.

Further, in the flashlight color designation diode matrix section 50 (see FIG. 7), it is necessary to change again the specification of the signal light color to be flashed according to the change of the road condition. Usually, a yellow traffic light is flashed on the main road side and a red traffic light is flashed on the slave road side at the time of flash operation. Therefore, when the road condition is changed or the road structure is changed, and the main / sub roads are changed, it is necessary to re-specify the signal light colors to be flashed. In this case as well, which of the traffic lights is to be turned on and off for each traffic light is programmed by the diode in the diode matrix unit 50, and the signal control unit 41
When the blue-green signal abnormal signal is detected from the
Under the control signal from, information specifying the signal lamp color to be turned on / off for each signal lamp unit is output from the diode matrix unit. Therefore, also in this case, if the number of traffic lights is large, the number of diodes is also large, and in order to change the flashlight color designation data, the substrate of the flashlight color designation diode matrix portion is removed and the diodes are soldered. It is necessary to combine them, and the same problem as that of the blue-blue combination diode matrix unit 49 occurs.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a traffic signal controller capable of easily changing necessary data.

A specific object of the present invention is to provide a traffic signal controller capable of easily changing the present data.

Another specific object of the present invention is to provide a traffic signal controller capable of easily changing the blue-blue combination data.

[0030] Still another specific object of the present invention is to provide a traffic signal controller capable of easily changing the flashlight color designation data.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a traffic signal controller capable of changing predetermined data easily and in a short time with a simple circuit configuration without turning off a signal light. is there.

[0032]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a traffic signal controller electrically storing information for controlling blinking of a traffic signal light in a predetermined operation mode. Has a rewritable information storage unit, and a control unit for controlling blinking of a traffic signal light according to information stored in the information storage unit in a predetermined operation mode.

According to a second aspect of the traffic signal controller, the information storage section of the first aspect stores the present data of the traffic signal light.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a traffic signal controller, wherein the information storage section of the second aspect is provided with a master data storage section for storing presenting data, and is provided separately from the master data storing section. And a sub-data storage unit for storing

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the information storage unit of the first aspect stores blue-blue data representing a combination of prohibited blue light display instructions for a plurality of traffic signal lights. Compares the blue light display instruction with the blue-blue data stored in the information storage unit, and when the blue light display instruction is given to a signal lamp of a prohibited combination, turns on the blue lights of a plurality of signal lamps. Includes means for turning off the lights.

According to a fifth aspect of the traffic signal controller, the information storage section of the first aspect stores flash control data for designating a traffic signal light to be flashed by the signal light when an abnormality occurs. Means for causing a corresponding signal lamp to perform a flash operation in accordance with the flash data when this abnormality occurs.

According to a sixth aspect of the traffic signal controller, the control section of the fifth aspect includes means for extinguishing the blue light of the traffic light in the event of an abnormality, and the flash data includes the red light and the red light of the traffic light. Contains data specifying one of the yellow lights.

The information required in the predetermined operation mode is stored in an information storage unit whose storage contents are electrically rewritable, so that the necessary data can be easily downloaded by downloading the necessary data. It can be rewritten, and the time and labor required for changing information can be significantly reduced.

[0039]

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 schematically shows an overall configuration of a traffic signal controller according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a traffic signal controller 10 controls the opening and closing of a traffic signal light in accordance with a signal control unit 11 that generates a signal necessary for blinking a traffic signal light and a lamp output signal output by the signal control unit 11. Lamp opening / closing unit 12 for outputting a lamp output of the vehicle, and a transmitting / receiving unit 13 for performing communication between the traffic control center and the signal control unit 11
And a green signal cutting unit 14 for setting all the blue lights of the traffic signal lights to the extinguished state according to the green signal cutting signal from the signal control unit 11 when a blue-blue combination abnormality occurs.

The signal control unit 11 includes a control processing unit 11a for performing necessary control such as signal lamp blinking and information transmission / reception.
A present data storage unit 15 provided for the traffic signal controller 10 for storing present data of a traffic signal light, and whether or not there is an abnormality in the blue-blue combination according to the light output from the light switch unit 12 A blue-blue output detecting unit 16 for detecting whether the vehicle is running, a signal such as a sensor for detecting the amount of traveling vehicles, and a push-button box sensor for indicating whether or not a push-button box provided on a push-button type traffic signal is pressed. It includes an input / output unit 17 for outputting a pushbutton signal output to the pushbutton box according to the state of the input and the pushbutton box sensing input. The present data storage 15, the blue-blue output detector 16, and the input / output unit 17 are connected to the control processing unit 11a.

The present data storage unit 15 is electrically rewritable, and includes a present data master storage unit 15a and a present data sub-storage unit 15b provided in parallel. These present data master storage sections 15a and 1
5b can be downloaded by a personal computer 19 as a portable information processor and its stored data can be rewritten.

Next, the operation of the traffic signal controller shown in FIG. 1 will be described. At the time of normal operation, the control processing unit 11a inputs a sensing signal of the sensor provided via the input / output unit 17, and sends out the sensing information to the traffic control center via the transmitting / receiving unit 13. The output of this sensor indicates the vehicle traffic on the road on which the traffic signal controller is provided. The control processing unit 11a also transfers information indicating the present state of the traffic light to the traffic control center via the transmission / reception unit 13. In the traffic control center, it is determined whether or not the presenting method needs to be changed based on the information provided via the transmitting / receiving unit 13, and based on the transmitted information, a traffic signal light is determined. Control of opening and closing (flashing). In the opening / closing control of the traffic signal light, the control processing unit 11 a
Based on the present data stored in 5, the ladder advances. In this normal state, the present data storage 15
A stair step is performed according to the present data stored in
The lighting device opening / closing unit 12 controls the opening / closing (flashing) of the traffic signal light according to the lighting device output signal from the signal control unit 11.

When an abnormality of the blue-blue combination occurs, the abnormality is detected by the blue-blue output detection section 16 included in the signal control section 11, and this abnormality is notified to the control processing section 11a. The control processing unit 11a transfers the occurrence of the abnormality to the traffic control center via the transmission / reception unit 13, notifies the occurrence of the abnormality, is disconnected from the remote control, and causes the traffic light to perform a flashing operation in a predetermined color. Further, the blue signal cutting unit 1 receives the blue signal cutting signal from the blue-blue output detecting unit 16.
4 drives the blue traffic light of the traffic light fully into the extinguished state.

When the switch of the push button box is pressed,
The processing for the push-button type traffic signal is performed in the control processing section 11a via the input / output section 17. That is, a pushbutton box signal output is sent out via the input / output unit 17, information indicating that the blue button display standby state is displayed on the pushbutton box, and the control processing unit 11a.
Based on the present data stored in the present data storage unit 15, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the light switch unit 12 performs the lighting operation of the blue traffic light of the push-button type traffic signal. Outputs a lamp output signal.

The personal computer 19 sets various information required for the traffic signal, that is, specific information of the traffic signal at the time of remote information in the control processing section 11a. During maintenance, the personal computer 19 sets test condition data for maintenance,
In order to determine whether the signal control unit 11 is operating normally, information indicating the internal state of the signal control unit 11 is displayed on the display screen. This personal computer 1
Based on the display data on the display screen 9, the signal control unit 11 determines whether the operation is normal, whether maintenance processing (such as replacement of parts) is necessary, and the like.

When the present data is changed, the present data is transferred from the personal computer 19 to the present data storage unit 1.
5 is downloaded to the present data master storage unit 15a and present data sub storage unit 15b. At the time of this download, first, the present data is downloaded to the present data sub storage unit 15b. The present data master storage unit 15a is connected to the control processing unit 11a, and at the time of this download, the control processing unit 11a uses the three colors of the traffic light according to the present data stored in the present data master storage unit 15a. Perform control. When the download of the present data to the present data sub-storage unit 15b is completed, the present data sub-storage unit 15b is then connected to the control processing unit 11a, and the new present data is stored in the present data master storage unit 15a. Data download is performed.
Also in this case, the control processing unit 11a performs the 3rd operation in accordance with the present data stored in the present data sub
Perform color control. Therefore, at the time of changing the present data, the signal control unit 11 operates constantly, can perform three-color control without extinguishing the traffic light, and also needs to use another traffic signal for maintenance. And the present data can be updated in a short time.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control processing section 11a and the present data storage section 15 shown in FIG. 1 in more detail. In FIG. 2, the control processing unit 11a includes an input / output unit 17
, Exchange information with the outside via the interface 11b, exchange information with the personal computer via the interface 11b, and control the blinking operation of the signal lamp according to the present data stored in the present data storage unit 15. The control of the data control unit 11aa and the main control unit 11ab is started when the present data is changed, the present data is received from the personal computer via the interface 11b, and the present data stored in the present data storage unit 15 is received. Is rewritten. The present data control unit 11aa includes a bus 11c.
And the main control unit 11ab is connected to the bus 11d.

The present data master storage unit 15a is formed of, for example, a batch erasable EEPROM (electrically erasable erasable read-only memory: flash memory), and has a memory 15aa for storing present data and a memory 15aa connected to a bus. 11c and 11d.
UX) 15ab. Present data sub storage unit 15b
Similarly, a memory 15ba for storing the present data and an electrically rewritable storage content, and a memory 15
A switch 15bb for connecting ba to one of the buses 11c and 11d is included. Switches 15ab and 15bb
Is set under the control of the main controller 11ab. Next, the change operation of the present data stored in the present data storage unit 15 shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

The switching unit 15ab included in the present data master storage unit 15a connects the memory 15aa to the bus 11c, and the switch 1ab of the present data sub storage unit 15b.
5bb connects the memory 15ba to the bus 11d.
In this state, the present data control unit 11aa outputs a lamp output signal for controlling the blinking operation of the signal light according to the present data stored in the memory 15aa. The main control unit 11ab also monitors whether or not a present data change instruction has been given via the interface 11b. When the present data change instruction is given, the main control unit 11a
b activates the present data change control. The present data change control is set to a state in which information can be communicated with the personal computer via the startup interface 11b. The switch 15bb connects the memory 15ba to the bus 11d, and the main controller 11ab receives the present data provided via the interface 11b, and then writes the data to the present data sub-storage 15b. A necessary control signal is supplied to memory 15ba via bus 11d and switch 15b, and present data supplied via interface 11b is supplied to memory 15ba. This present data sub storage unit 15
b when the present data is changed, ie, when the memory 15ba
When the present data is written to the memory 11a, the memory 11a is connected to the bus 11c.
a is connected via the switch 15ab. Therefore, the present data control unit 11aa accesses the memory 15aa via the bus 11c to read necessary present data, and executes the control operation of the signal lamp (step S).
2).

Next, when the personal computer notifies that all the necessary display data has been transferred,
The main controller 11ab determines whether or not all of the transferred present data has been written to the memory 15ba (step S3). When the writing of the present data is completed, main controller 11ab changes the connection mode of switches 15ab and 15bb. As a result, the memory 15aa is stored in the bus 11
d, while the memory 15ba of the present data sub storage unit 15b is connected to the bus 11c. In this state, main control unit 11ab performs the same operation as when data is written to present data sub enable unit 15b again, and writes data to memory 15aa of present data master storage unit 15a. The present data control unit 11aa simply sends out a necessary control signal on the bus 11c to read necessary present data. The bus 11c is connected to the present data sub-storage unit 15b. Therefore, the present data control unit 11aa is connected to the present data master storage unit 15aa.
Even when the present data is written to a, the blinking control of the signal lamp is executed in accordance with the present data stored in the memory 15ba without stopping any control operation (step S4).

When the writing of the present data in the present data master storage unit 15a is completed (step S5), the completion of the writing is notified from the main control unit 11ab to the personal computer via the interface 11b, and the present data is written. Is completed.

Upon completion of the writing of the present data, the present data sub-storage unit 15b is connected to the bus 11c. The present data is stored in the present data master storage unit 15a and the present data sub-storage unit 15b. Therefore, after completion of writing of the present data in present data master storage unit 15a, switches 15ab and 15b
Even if the connection mode of b is not switched, no particular problem occurs.
When data writing to one of memories 15aa and 15ba is completed, main control unit 11ab switches between switches 15ab and 15ba.
What is necessary is just to be comprised so that the connection aspect of bb may be changed. The switches 15ab and 15 of the main control unit 11ab
It is sufficient that a latch circuit is provided at a portion that outputs the switching control signal of bb.

When the writing of the present data to the present data master storage unit 15a is completed, the main control unit 11a is again activated.
b may be configured to connect the present data sub storage unit 15b to the bus 11d and connect the present data master storage unit 15a to the bus 11c. When main control unit 11ab is inactive except for the operation of changing the present data, and the voltage level of the switching control signal for switches 15ab and 15bb is fixed to a predetermined voltage level, the fixed voltage level Thus, the present data master storage unit 15a is connected to the bus 11c. As a result, the main control unit 11ab is always in the same initial state at the time of activation, and the operation control for rewriting becomes easy.

As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the present data is stored in the electrically rewritable information storage unit. The present data can be rewritten by downloading the present data from the outside, and a maintenance signal is separately provided, so that tools for controlling this are not required, and the present data can be easily changed. . Further, since the present data master storage unit and the present data sub-storage unit are provided, it is possible to control the blinking of the signal lamp using the other storage unit when writing to one of the present data storage units. Therefore, the present data can be exchanged while performing three-color control without extinguishing the signal light, and there is no need to perform traffic control for changing the present data, thereby simplifying the present data exchange operation. Be transformed into

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a traffic signal controller 20 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, the traffic signal controller 2
Reference numeral 0 denotes a signal control unit 21 for performing traffic control, and a lamp opening / closing unit 22 that outputs a lamp output for opening and closing a corresponding traffic signal lamp in accordance with a lamp output signal from the signal control unit 21. And a transmitting and receiving unit 23 for transmitting and receiving information between the traffic control center and the signal control unit 21. The transmission / reception unit 23 includes the transmission / reception unit 13 described in the first embodiment.
The same configuration is provided. The signal control unit 21 inputs an output signal of a sensor for detecting a traffic volume and the like and a signal for sensing a press of an operation switch of a push button box provided in a push button type traffic signal, and receives the push button. An input / output unit 25 that outputs a signal to the box according to an operation state;
Blue-storing the prohibited blue-blue combination information of signal lights
The blue combination data storage section 26 and the blue signal light drive signal included in the lamp output from the lamp opening / closing section 22 are received, and the received blue signal light drive signal is stored in the blue-blue combination data storage section 26. A blue-blue output detection unit 27 that detects whether or not the combination matches the combination is included.

The blue-blue combination data storage section 26 is constituted by an electrically rewritable flash memory, for example, and the blue-blue combination data can be changed from an external personal computer 28. The blue-blue combination data storage unit 26 receives, for example, a set of blue signal light control signals as an address signal, and stores, at a corresponding address position, data indicating whether or not the combination of the states of the blue signal lights is prohibited. I do. The blue-blue output detection unit 27 determines that an abnormality has occurred if the lamp output provided from the lamp opening / closing unit 22 includes a prohibited blue-blue combination according to this data, and disconnects the green signal. Drive the signal to the active state. The green signal cutting signal is supplied to a green signal cutting unit 24 that receives a lamp output from the lamp opening / closing unit 22. When the green signal disconnecting signal is in the active state, the green signal disconnecting section 24 is irrespective of the state of the lamp output from the lamp opening / closing section 22,
Forcibly set the blue signal lights of all lamps to the extinguished state.

When an abnormality is detected in the blue-blue output detecting section 27, the signal control section 21 operates according to the flash data stored in the flash data storage section (not shown).
A flash control signal is given to the lamp opening / closing section 22. Lighting switch 2
2 causes each signal lamp to perform a flash operation in accordance with the flash control signal.

During normal operation, the signal control unit 21
Generates a lamp output signal in accordance with control data given from the traffic control center via the transmission / reception unit 23 and according to the display data stored in a display data storage unit provided therein, and To control traffic.
At this time, the signal control unit 21 also sends out the output signal of the sensor and the information indicating the present state given via the input / output unit 25 to the traffic control center via the transmission / reception unit 23.
Therefore, during normal operation, the blinking of the signal lamp is controlled under the control of the traffic control center.

The blue-blue output detecting section 27 constantly monitors the blue signal light driving signal included in the lamp output from the lamp opening / closing section 22, and stores the combination of the states in the blue-blue combination data storage section 26. It is determined whether the combination includes the prohibited combination and the green signal disconnection signal is driven to an active / inactive state according to the determination result. If a prohibited blue-blue combination is detected, the green signal disconnect signal is activated,
The green signal cutting unit 24 forcibly sets the blue signal lights of the respective traffic signal lights to the extinguished state, and the light switch unit 22 controls the signal lights of a predetermined color for each of the lights under the control of the signal control unit 21. Flash operation is performed.

It is necessary to change the blue-blue combination due to a change in traffic conditions or a change in road structure. For example, in a pedestrian signal light, "scramble" control for turning on all green light at the same time may be permitted. In such a case, it is necessary to change the blue-blue combination. Also, in case of road structure changes,
When the installation position of the traffic light is different, it is necessary to change the blue-blue combination. In such a case, the stored content of the blue-blue combination data storage unit 26 is electrically rewritable, and the blue-blue combination data is changed from outside using a personal computer 28. This allows
Compared with the conventional configuration in which the diode matrix is manually reprogrammed, the blue-blue combination data can be easily changed.

Here, when the data stored in the blue-blue combination data storage section 26 is updated, the blue-blue output detection section 27 becomes inaccessible. In this case, as in the first embodiment, the blue-blue combination data storage unit 26 includes a master data storage unit and a sub-data storage unit, and is connected to the blue-blue output detection unit 27 alternately. The blue-blue output detection unit 27 may be configured to store the blue-blue combination data in a data storage unit separated therefrom. However, since the number of blue-blue combination patterns is represented by the square of the number of traffic signal lights, for example, when 20 signal lights are provided, including both vehicle and pedestrian signal lights , The number of patterns in this combination is 20 · 2
0 = 400. Therefore, when writing of 400 words is completed in a few seconds, rewriting of the data stored in the blue-blue combination data storage unit can be completed within one present state maintaining period, and actual traffic control can be performed. Has no adverse effect on

The configuration of the data writing unit for the blue-blue combination data storage unit 26 can be the same as the configuration in the first embodiment. That is, the combination data change control unit is started, and under the control of the combination data change control unit, the blue-blue combination data given from the personal computer 28 is written.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the blue-blue combination data is changed, it is not necessary to forcibly set the signal lamp to the extinguished state, and the traffic signal controller is set to the operating state to change the blue to the blue state. -Change of blue combination data can be performed. Further, the data is simply downloaded from the personal computer, and there is no need to prepare a signal for maintenance or a controller for controlling the signal. Can be easily updated in a short time.

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing an entire configuration of a traffic signal controller 30 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, a traffic signal controller 30 includes a signal controller 31 for controlling blinking of a traffic signal device, and a traffic signal light opening / closing signal (light device output) in accordance with a light output signal from the signal controller 31. Switch unit 32 for outputting traffic, traffic control center and signal control unit 3
1 includes a transmission / reception unit 33 for transmitting and receiving information between the communication devices. The transmission / reception unit 33 has the same configuration as the transmission / reception units of the first and second embodiments, and the signal control unit 31 performs traffic control under the control of the traffic control center. Further, when a blue-blue combination abnormality occurs, the traffic signal controller 30 forcibly extinguishes the blue traffic lights of all the traffic signals regardless of the state of the lamp output from the lamp opening / closing section 32. Includes a green signal cutting section 34 for setting the lighting state.

The signal control section 31 receives the blue signal light driving signal included in the lamp output from the lamp opening / closing section 32, and determines whether or not the combination of the received signal states is a prohibited combination. A blue-blue output detection unit 35 that outputs a signal indicating the determination result, and a flashlight color data storage unit 36 that stores flashlight color designation data for designating a signal lamp that flashes when a manual operation or an abnormality occurs. An input / output unit 37 for inputting a signal from a sensor provided outside and a signal from the push button box and outputting a signal to the push button box.
And a control processing unit 31a that generates a lamp output signal in accordance with the present data stored in a not-shown present data storage unit and control information given via the transmitting / receiving unit 33.

The control processing section 31a is connected to the flashlight color data storage section 36 and the blue-blue output detection section 35. The input / output unit 37 is also coupled to the control processing unit 31a, although its route is not shown. Flashlight color data storage 36
The storage contents are electrically rewritable, and are constituted by, for example, a flash memory. When data is changed, the flashlight color designation data is downloaded by an external personal computer 38. The personal computer 38 sets various information in the traffic signal controller, sets test data in the signal control unit 31 at the time of maintenance and inspection, and displays data indicating the test result on its display screen. I do.

At the time of manual operation or when a blue-blue combination abnormality or an abnormality occurs in this traffic signal controller, the control processing section 31a accesses the flashlight color data storage section 36 to indicate the flashlight color of each traffic signal light. The data is read out and given to the lamp opening / closing section 32 as a lamp output signal. Blue-
When a blue-blue combination abnormality is detected by the blue output detection unit 35, the green signal disconnection signal is activated, and the green signal disconnection unit 34 forcibly sets the blue signal light of the traffic signal light to the extinguished state. I do.

At this time, the control processing section 31a accesses the flashlight color data storage section 36 in accordance with the abnormality detection from the blue-blue output detection section 35, reads out the data indicating the flashlight color of each traffic signal light, and reads the data. A lamp output signal is generated and supplied to the lamp switch unit 32. Thereby, in each traffic signal light, the signal light of the designated color blinks.

The flash lamp color is designated by the main road and the sub road, and when the traffic situation or the road structure is changed, the flash lamp color is also updated. At the time of this update, the flash lamp color designation data stored in the flash lamp color data storage unit 36 is rewritten by downloading from the personal computer 38. If an abnormality occurs during data rewriting to the flashlight color storage unit 36, it is possible that the flashlight color cannot be specified. However, the flashlight color data is uniquely determined for each traffic signal light, and the number of data to be written is, for example, one word (several tens of words even if it is changed according to the date and time), and is extremely short. Thus, the flashlight color designation data can be rewritten. Therefore, when the flashlight color designation data is rewritten, when the three-color control is performed by the signal control unit 31, the flashlight color designation data is maintained within one display state maintaining period. Can be rewritten. Therefore, there is no need to forcibly set the traffic signal light device to the extinguished state, and it is not necessary to cut off the power of the traffic signal control unit 31, so that no tools such as extra control equipment are required. Thus, the flash lamp color designation data can be easily rewritten.

As described above, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the flashlight color designation data of a traffic signal light at the time of occurrence of an abnormality or manual operation is stored in an electrically rewritable memory. Therefore, the flash lamp color designation data can be changed easily and in a short time.

[Fourth Embodiment] FIG. 6 shows a structure of a main part of a traffic signal controller according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows the configuration of the signal control unit. The configuration of the remaining part is the same as that of the first to third embodiments. In FIG. 6, a signal control unit 1 includes a present data master storage unit 15a for storing present data, a present data sub-storage unit 15b for storing present data, and a flashlight color when a manual operation or an abnormality occurs. , And a blue-blue combination data storage unit 26 for storing a pattern that causes a blue-blue combination abnormality.
And a display data control unit 1a for generating a lamp output signal in accordance with the display data stored in the display data master storage unit 15a or the display data sub-storage unit 15b, and storage units 15a, 15b, 26 thereof. , And a main control unit 1b for rewriting the stored data, and a combination that receives a blue signal light drive signal provided via a path (not shown) and stores the combination in a blue-blue combination data storage unit 26. And a blue-blue combination detecting section 27 for detecting whether or not there is any.

The main control unit 1b includes an interface 11b
Can communicate information with a personal computer via the PC. Storage sections 15a, 15b, 26 and 36
Are each composed of an electrically rewritable memory,
At the time of data rewriting, the stored data is downloaded from the personal computer. At the time of this download, data writing to the corresponding storage unit is executed by the main control unit 1b.

At the time of data rewriting, a command for instructing data rewriting is given from the personal computer to the main controller 1b. When this command is given, the main controller 1b activates the rewrite control. The activated rewrite control is
Next, data provided from the personal computer is sequentially written to the designated storage unit in accordance with data identification information provided from the personal computer via the interface 11b. At the time of rewriting, for the identification of data, each storage section may simply be configured as a bank, and an address signal indicating these banks may be given from the personal computer via the interface 11b and used as storage section identification information.

The configuration of signal control unit 1 shown in FIG. 6 is substantially equivalent to a combination of the configurations of the first to third embodiments. Since the present data, the blue-blue combination data, and the flashlight color designation data are all electrically rewritable, these data can be rewritten without impairing the three-color control of the traffic light. Particularly, when the present data is changed, similarly, the blue-blue combination data and the flashlight color designation data are often rewritten, so that the time and labor required for the data change can be greatly reduced. .

As described above, the present data, the flashlight color designation data, and the blue-blue combination data are all configured to be electrically rewritable and provided in the signal control unit. In addition, there is no need to program the blue-blue combination data or the flashlight color designation data using a diode or the like on another board, so that the device occupied area can be greatly reduced, and the traffic signal controller has a compact configuration. Can be realized.

[0076]

As described above, according to the present invention, at least one of the present data, the blue-blue combination data, and the flash lamp color designation data, which are the control data of the signal lamp, is made electrically rewritable. Therefore, there is no need to forcibly set the traffic light to the light-off state, and there is no need to use another control device. Downloading can be performed, and data can be easily rewritten without adversely affecting traffic control.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of a traffic signal controller according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a main part of a signal control unit shown in FIG. 1 in more detail;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a current data changing operation in a signal control unit shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of a traffic signal controller according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of a traffic signal controller according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a main part of a traffic signal controller according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically showing an entire configuration of a conventional traffic signal controller.

8 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a blue-blue output detection unit and a blue-blue combination diode matrix unit shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an intersection where the traffic signal controller is used.

10 is a diagram showing an example of a specific configuration of a blue-blue combination diode matrix and a blue-blue detection unit for the traffic light shown in FIG. 9;

[Description of Signs] 1, 10, 20, 30 Signal control unit 1a Present data control unit 1b Main control unit 11a Control processing unit 15 Present data storage unit 15a Present data master storage unit 15b Present data sub-storage unit 21 Signal control unit 26 Blue-blue combination data storage unit 27 Blue-blue output detection unit 28 Personal computer 31 Signal control unit 31a Control processing unit 35 Blue-blue output detection unit 36 Flashlight color (designated) data storage unit 38 Personal computer

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] August 20, 1998

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0021

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The determination circuit 44b receives an OR circuit G receiving a signal on the control signal line CL1 and a signal on the output signal line OL1.
1, an OR circuit G2 receiving signals on the output signal line OL2 and the control signal line CL2, an OR circuit G3 receiving signals on the output signal line OL3 and the control signal line CL3, and an output signal line O
An inverter IV1 receiving a signal on L4 and an OR circuit G
1 to G3 include diodes DD1, DD2, and DD3 whose cathodes are connected to respective output units. The anodes of the diodes DD1 to DD3 are commonly connected to an output node OD. Output node OD is connected to a power supply node via pull-up resistor R4. From this output node OD, a signal E indicating the determination result is output. The output signal of the inverter IV1 is output as a signal F via the inverter IV2, and it is determined whether or not a lighting instruction has been given to the blue signal light B4. Next, the operation will be briefly described.

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0050

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Next, when the personal computer notifies that all the necessary display data has been transferred,
The main controller 11ab determines whether or not all of the transferred present data has been written to the memory 15ba (step S3). When the writing of the present data is completed, main controller 11ab changes the connection mode of switches 15ab and 15bb. Thereby, the memory 15aa is stored in the bus 11
d, while the memory 15ba of the present data sub storage unit 15b is connected to the bus 11c. In this state, main controller 11ab performs the same operation as when data is written to present data sub storage 15b again, and writes data to memory 15aa of present data master storage 15a. The present data control unit 11aa simply sends out a necessary control signal on the bus 11c to read necessary present data. The bus 11c is connected to the present data sub-storage unit 15b.
Even when the present data is written to a, the blinking control of the signal lamp is executed according to the present data stored in the memory 15ba without stopping the control operation at all (step S4).

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Takato Jyo 1-3-1 Shimaya, Konohana-ku, Osaka-shi Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. Osaka Works (72) Inventor Hiroo Matsui Tsunashima East, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Matsushita Communication Industrial Co., Ltd. 4-3-1, Matsushita Communication Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Masaichi Toyama 4-3-1 Tsunashima Higashi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Matsushita Communication Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kazuyoshi Takayama Shiga 2-2-1 Nishi-Kusatsu, Kusatsu-shi OMRON Corporation Kusatsu Office (72) Inventor Koji Yoshida 2-2-1 Nishi-Kusatsu, Kusatsu-shi Shiga Prefecture OMRON Corporation Kusatsu Office

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A traffic signal controller for controlling blinking of a traffic light of a traffic light, wherein the traffic light controller stores information for controlling blinking of the traffic light of the traffic light in a predetermined operation mode. An information storage unit whose storage content is electrically rewritable, and a control unit for controlling blinking of a traffic light of the traffic signal light according to the information stored in the information storage unit in the predetermined operation mode. A traffic signal controller. 2. The traffic signal controller according to claim 1, wherein the information storage unit stores present data of the traffic signal light. 3. The information storage unit includes: a master data storage unit for storing the present data; and a sub-data storage unit provided separately from the master data storage unit and for storing the present data. The traffic signal controller according to claim 2, comprising: 4. The traffic signal light device is provided in a plurality,
The information storage unit stores blue-blue data indicating a combination of prohibited blue light display instructions for the plurality of traffic signal lights, and the control unit stores the blue light display instruction and the information stored in the information storage unit. 4. A method for comparing blue-blue data, comprising means for extinguishing a blue light of said plurality of signal lights when said blue light indication is provided for a prohibited combination of signal lights. The traffic signal controller according to any one of the above. 5. The information storage unit stores flash control data for designating a traffic signal light to be flashed by the traffic signal device when an abnormality occurs, and the control unit responds according to the flash data when the abnormality occurs. The traffic signal controller according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising means for causing said traffic signal light to perform a flash operation. 6. The control unit further comprises means for extinguishing a blue light of a traffic signal light of the traffic signal when the abnormality occurs, wherein the flash control data is one of a red light and a yellow light of the traffic signal light. 6. The traffic signal controller according to claim 5, including data to be specified.