KR100768584B1 - Apparatus and method for brightness control of variable message sign board - Google Patents

Abstract

Even when the illuminance detection surface of the predetermined illuminance sensor provided on the variable information sign is contaminated over time and the current illuminance value is measured to be smaller than the normal illuminance value, the variable information is adjusted using the predetermined illuminance correction value. Enable to control the brightness of the signs. The memory of the present invention stores a plurality of illuminance values obtained by detecting illuminance around the variable information signs at predetermined time intervals every day for one year, and the detected times as a plurality of reference illuminance values. The illuminance sensor detects an illuminance value around the current variable information sign at a predetermined time interval of each day and at a time corresponding to the time when the maximum illuminance value of the corresponding day among the plurality of illuminance values stored in the memory is detected. The correction value calculation unit determines the difference between the current illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor and the reference illuminance value corresponding to the time at which the current illuminance value is detected around the variable information sign plate, and then the variable information detected later. It calculates as a correction value for correcting the illuminance value around the sign. The illuminance value correction unit corrects the peripheral illuminance value detected after calculating the correction value based on the correction value from the correction value calculator to control the brightness of the variable information sign plate.

Variable information sign, brightness, correction, illuminance sensor, rainfall, snowfall

Description

A brightness control device and a brightness control method of a variable information sign board {APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR BRIGHTNESS CONTROL OF VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGN BOARD}

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional variable information sign brightness control apparatus using an illuminance sensor;

2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a variable information sign brightness control apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a variable information sign brightness control apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

4 is a flowchart of a variable information sign brightness control method according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of calculating a first correction value in the brightness control method of the variable information sign plate according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a flowchart of a variable information sign brightness control method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

(Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawing)

10, 20: variable information sign brightness control device

11, 21: clock circuit                 

12, 22: memory

13, 23: output unit

14, 24: correction value calculation unit

15, 25: illuminance value correction unit

16, 26: Ambient light sensor

27: rainfall detection unit

28: snow detection

29: precipitation detection unit

The present invention relates to a variable message sign board (VMS) having an automatic brightness control function so that a user can always receive clear information with a constant brightness even when the amount of ambient light changes.

Currently, variable information signs installed on expressways are used as an important information transmission medium because they can inform traffic users, construction section information, or traffic safety publicity notices to users who use roads as a data transmission method using wired and wireless communication networks.

Such a variable information sign has a structure in which color LEDs or small fluorescent tubes, which are light emitting elements, are arranged in a matrix form. Accordingly, the variable information sign is displayed by receiving traffic information consisting of bitmaps from the traffic information center and controlling color LEDs or small fluorescent tubes.

However, the readability of the variable information sign using the light emitting device is very different depending on the brightness of the surrounding. That is, during the day when the surroundings are very bright, the brightness of the light emitting device of the variable information sign is relatively dark compared to the surroundings, so that it is difficult to see faintly, and the brightness of the variable information sign is relatively too bright at night when the surroundings are dark. The displayed characters will blur together. Therefore, in order to solve this problem, a technique has been proposed to increase the brightness of the light emitting device of the variable information sign plate during the day and to lower the brightness of the light emitting device at night.

As such a conventional technique, for example, there is a method in which a predetermined CdS illuminance sensor is installed on the variable information sign plate to control the brightness of the variable information sign plate based on the illuminance value measured by the illuminance sensor. However, if the illuminance detection surface of the CdS illuminance sensor is contaminated by dust or the like over time, correct luminance control cannot be performed, and thus, continuous illumination sensor management or additional technical supplementation of the manager is required.

In addition, the conventional variable information sign brightness control apparatus using such an illuminance sensor is configured as shown in FIG.

The conventional variable information sign luminance control apparatus according to FIG. 1 converts the illuminance around the outside of the variable information sign plate into a predetermined voltage and outputs the voltage, thereby digitizing the voltage value from the illuminance sensor. An A / D conversion unit for converting a numerical value, a control unit for generating a predetermined variable information sign brightness control value based on the digitized illuminance value, and a variable information sign display unit for adjusting the brightness of the light emitting device according to the brightness control value It is configured to include.

The conventional variable information sign luminance control device divides a current illuminance value measured by the illuminance sensor into a predetermined illuminance range, and when the measured present illuminance value is included in a predetermined predetermined illuminance range, the predetermined illuminance range corresponds to the illuminance range. The variable information sign display portion is controlled by the luminance setting value of.

Application examples of such predetermined illuminance ranges and luminances are shown in Table 1.

Illuminance range Luminance control value 1 to 10 lux 200 to 500 cd 10 to 1000 lux 500 to 2000 cd More than 1000 lux 4000 cd

The method based on such a diagram can adjust the brightness of the variable information signboard to some extent in correspondence with the change in the illuminance according to the hourly of the day, but has a disadvantage in that it cannot adequately cope with contamination or failure of the illuminance sensor.

In addition, in the conventional brightness information control apparatus for variable information signs, a chart for subdividing the time of the day further by month may be used to perform appropriate brightness control. These monthly time divisions are shown in Table 2.

month Sunrise time Daytime Sunset time Night time January-February 07:00 10:00 17:00 19:00 March ~ May 06:00 09:00 18:00 20:00 June ~ August 06:00 08:30 19:00 21:00 September-October 06:00 09:00 18:00 20:00 November-December 07:00 10:00 17:00 19:00

Accordingly, by performing brightness control of the variable information sign board using predetermined brightness setting values corresponding to each time for each time of the day corresponding to Table 2, the brightness control adapted to the change of sunshine time according to the change of season Becomes possible. However, there is a drawback that these methods cannot adequately respond to temporary weather changes such as rainy weather or cloudy weather.

As a technique for improving the above disadvantages, Korean Patent Publication No. 2004-63873 and Korean Patent Publication No. 2004-14636 are disclosed.

First of all, '2004-63873' automatic illumination control device and method 'is to adjust the brightness of the billboard lighting from the external illuminance measured by a predetermined illumination sensor, and a predetermined standard lamp is periodically turned on at a certain distance. If the illuminance value is input by a certain amount less than the input data value in the normal environment due to fog, yellow dust phenomenon and air pollution, it is judged to be more than the visible distance so that the lighting can be properly lit. It is included. However, this method requires the additional standard lamp, and the control has a disadvantage in that only the on / off of the lamp is applied.

Next, a display device having an automatic luminance control function of 2004-14636 is configured by arranging a plurality of pixels in which at least two light emitting elements are paired, and combining at least one optical sensor for sensing the amount of ambient light. It is composed of a sign and a predetermined control unit, by changing the on-driving time of the light emitting device in response to the current light amount information applied from the optical sensor, to partially adjust the brightness of the display panel.

However, the conventional techniques as described above are normally performed only when the illuminance sensor and the light sensor are clean, so that the measured value of the illumination surface of the sensors is somewhat contaminated over time. In this case, it is difficult to correctly perform brightness control of the lighting and display panel.

Therefore, there is a need for an improvement in the case that the sensor is contaminated and unable to detect illuminance normally.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a predetermined illuminance even when the illuminance detection surface of a predetermined illuminance sensor provided on a predetermined variable information sign is contaminated over time and the current illuminance value is measured at a value smaller than the normal illuminance value. It is an object of the present invention to provide a variable information sign plate having an appropriate brightness at all times by enabling the brightness control of the variable information sign plate using a correction value.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a memory device comprising: a memory storing a plurality of illuminance values detected at a predetermined time every day for one year and a plurality of illuminance values around a variable information sign plate; An illuminance sensor for detecting an illuminance value surrounding the current variable information sign board at a predetermined time every day and at a time corresponding to a time at which a maximum illuminance value of the corresponding day among the plurality of illuminance values stored in the memory is detected; A correction for calculating a first correction value based on a difference between a current illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor and a reference illuminance value corresponding to the time at which the current illuminance value of the variable information sign peripheral value is detected; Value calculation unit; And an illuminance value correction unit for correcting a peripheral illuminance value detected after calculating the first correction value based on the first correction value to control the brightness of the variable information sign plate. It provides a variable information sign brightness control device comprising a.

In addition, the illuminance value around the current variable information sign at the time corresponding to the time when the maximum illuminance value of the corresponding day is detected may be set to the illuminance for a predetermined time including a time at which the maximum illuminance value of the corresponding day is detected every predetermined time. After the measurement, it is characterized in that the average value of the measured roughness.

The illuminance value corrector may be further configured to adjust the first corrected value to a peripheral illuminance value of the current variable information sign plate when the illuminance value of the current variable information sign plate is smaller than a reference illuminance value corresponding to the time when the maximum illuminance value of the corresponding day is detected. And after generating a first corrected illuminance value by adding or subtracting, the luminance control signal of the variable information sign is generated based on the first corrected illuminance value.                     

The illuminance value correction unit may further measure the current illuminance value around the variable information sign that is greater than or equal to a reference illuminance value corresponding to the time when the maximum illuminance value of the corresponding day is detected. The luminance control signal of the variable information sign is generated based on the above.

In addition, the illuminance value correction unit may be configured such that when a difference in illuminance value around the current variable information sign plate is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio with respect to a reference illuminance value corresponding to the time when the maximum illuminance value of the corresponding day is detected, or the current variable information. When the illumination intensity around the signs is constant regardless of time, the illumination sensor is determined to be a failure and the luminance control signal of the variable information sign is generated based on the reference illumination value stored in the memory. It is done.

According to the present invention, a plurality of illuminance values and the detection time of detecting illuminance around a variable information sign board at a predetermined time every day for one year are stored in a predetermined memory and set as a reference illuminance value, and the corresponding day among the reference illuminance values. Detecting an illuminance value around the current variable information sign at a time corresponding to a time at which the maximum illuminance value of the light is detected; Calculating a difference between the current illuminance value around the variable information sign plate and the reference illuminance value corresponding to the time at which the current illuminance value around the variable information sign plate is detected; Calculating a first correction value based on the difference in the illuminance value; Correcting a peripheral illuminance value of a current variable information sign plate detected after a time at which the first correction value is calculated based on the first correction value; It provides a variable information sign brightness control method comprising a.

In addition, the present invention, the rainfall detection unit for generating a predetermined rainfall state information by detecting rainfall in the current weather state; A memory for storing the illuminance around the variable information sign board at a predetermined time every day for one year and storing the detected time as a plurality of reference illuminance values; An illuminance sensor for detecting an illuminance value surrounding the current variable information sign board at a predetermined time every day and at a time corresponding to a time at which a maximum illuminance value of the corresponding day among the plurality of illuminance values stored in the memory is detected; A first correction value and the rainfall state based on a difference between a current illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor and a reference illuminance value corresponding to the time at which the current illuminance value of the current variable information sign periphery is detected; A correction value calculation unit for calculating a predetermined second correction value based on the information; And an illuminance value correction unit for applying the first correction value and the second correction value to the current illuminance value of the current variable information sign to control the brightness of the variable information sign. It provides a variable information sign brightness control device comprising a.

In addition, the illuminance value correction unit measures the illuminance for a specific time including a time when the maximum illuminance value of the day is detected a plurality of times every predetermined time, and then the average value of the measured illuminance values is the maximum of the corresponding day. If a difference occurs when the illuminance value is detected and the reference illuminance value corresponding to the time at which the illuminance value is detected exceeds a predetermined ratio or when the illuminance value around the current variable information sign is constant regardless of time, the reference stored in the memory The luminance control signal of the variable information sign is generated based on a second corrected illuminance value obtained by applying a predetermined second correction value corresponding to the rainfall state information to the illuminance value.

In addition, the present invention stores a plurality of illuminance values and the detection time of the illuminance around the variable information signs every predetermined time every day for one year and set them as reference illuminance values in the predetermined memory, and the corresponding day among the reference illuminance values. Detecting an illuminance value and a current rainfall state around the current variable information sign at a time corresponding to the time at which the maximum illuminance value of the light is detected; Calculating a difference between the current illuminance value around the variable information sign plate and a reference illuminance value corresponding to the time at which the current illuminance value around the variable information sign plate is detected; Calculating a first correction value based on the difference in illuminance value and a second predetermined correction value based on the rainfall state; And applying the first correction value and the second correction value to the illuminance value around the variable information sign plate. It includes.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a snow detection unit for detecting the amount of snow in the current weather conditions to generate predetermined snow state information; A memory for storing the illuminance around the variable information sign board at a predetermined time every day for one year and storing the detected time as a plurality of reference illuminance values; An illuminance sensor for detecting an illuminance value surrounding the current variable information sign board at a predetermined time every day and at a time corresponding to a time at which a maximum illuminance value of the corresponding day among the plurality of illuminance values stored in the memory is detected; A first correction value and the snow state based on a difference between a current illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor and a reference illuminance value corresponding to the time at which the current illuminance value of the variable information sign surroundings is detected; A correction value calculation unit for calculating a predetermined third correction value based on the information; And an illuminance value correction unit for applying the first correction value and the third correction value to the current illuminance value of the variable information sign to control the brightness of the variable information sign. It provides a variable information sign brightness control device comprising a.                     

In addition, the illuminance value correction unit measures the illuminance for a specific time including a time when the maximum illuminance value of the day is detected a plurality of times every predetermined time, and then the average value of the measured illuminance values is the maximum of the corresponding day. When a difference occurs when the illuminance value is detected and the reference illuminance value corresponding to the time at which the illuminance value is detected exceeds a predetermined ratio or when the illuminance value around the current variable information sign is constant regardless of time, the reference illuminance stored in the memory And generating a luminance control signal of the variable information sign based on the third corrected illuminance value to which a predetermined third correction value corresponding to the snow state information is applied.

In addition, a plurality of illuminance values and the detection time of detecting illuminance around the variable information sign board at a predetermined time every day for one year are stored in a predetermined memory and set as a reference illuminance value, and the maximum illuminance of the corresponding illuminance value of the corresponding day is set. Detecting an illuminance value around a current variable information sign and a current snow state at a time corresponding to the time at which the value is detected; Calculating a difference between the current illuminance value around the variable information sign plate and a reference illuminance value corresponding to the time at which the current illuminance value around the variable information sign plate is detected; Calculating a first correction value based on the difference in illuminance value and a predetermined third correction value based on the snow state; And applying the first correction value and the third correction value to the peripheral illuminance value of the variable information sign plate. It includes.

In addition, the present invention, the precipitation detection unit for detecting the rainfall and / or snowfall of the current weather conditions to generate predetermined precipitation state information; A memory for storing a plurality of illuminance values of detecting illuminance around the variable information signs every predetermined time every day for one year, and storing the detected times as a plurality of reference illuminance values; An illuminance sensor for detecting an illuminance value surrounding the current variable information sign board at a predetermined time every day and at a time corresponding to a time at which a maximum illuminance value of the corresponding day among the plurality of illuminance values stored in the memory is detected; A first correction value and the precipitation state based on a difference between a current illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor and a reference illuminance value corresponding to the time at which the current illuminance value of the variable information sign periphery is detected; A correction value calculation unit for calculating a predetermined fourth correction value based on the information; And an illuminance value correction unit for applying the first correction value and the fourth correction value to the current illuminance value around the current variable information sign to control the brightness of the variable information sign. It provides a variable information sign brightness control device comprising a.

In addition, the current illuminance value around the variable information sign plate is a value obtained by measuring the illuminance for a specific time including a time at which the maximum illuminance value of the day is detected a plurality of times every predetermined time and then averaging the measured illuminance values. It features.

The illuminance value corrector may generate a corrected illuminance value by adding or subtracting a predetermined illuminance correction value to the illuminance value around the current variable information sign plate when the illuminance value around the current variable information sign is smaller than the reference illuminance value. Thereafter, a predetermined variable information sign luminance control signal is generated based on the corrected illuminance value.

The illuminance value correction unit may further measure the measured illuminance around the current variable information sign when the illuminance value near the current variable information sign is greater than or equal to a reference illuminance value corresponding to the time at which the maximum illuminance value of the corresponding day is detected. The luminance control signal of the variable information sign is generated based on the value.                     

In addition, the illuminance value correction unit measures the illuminance for a specific time including a time at which the maximum illuminance value of the day is detected every several times and then averages the measured illuminance values as the reference illuminance value. When the difference between the maximum value and the predetermined ratio occurs or when the current illuminance value around the variable information sign is constant regardless of time, the predetermined illuminance value corresponding to the precipitation state information is stored in the reference illuminance value stored in the memory. And generating a brightness control signal of the variable information sign based on the fourth corrected illuminance value to which the fourth correction value is applied.

In addition, the correction value calculating unit detects from the illuminance sensor based on a correction value table that divides the rainfall and / or snowfall into a predetermined range and includes a predetermined fourth correction value corresponding to each of the divided rainfall and / or snowfall. It is characterized in that for correcting the peripheral illumination value of the current variable information sign.

In addition, a plurality of illuminance values and the detection time of detecting illuminance around the variable information sign board at a predetermined time every day for one year are stored in a predetermined memory and set as a reference illuminance value, and the maximum illuminance of the corresponding illuminance value of the corresponding day is set. Detecting a precipitation state including an illuminance value around a current variable information sign at a time corresponding to a time at which the value is detected, and a current rainfall and / or snowfall amount; Calculating a difference between the current illuminance value around the variable information sign plate and a reference illuminance value corresponding to the time at which the current illuminance value around the variable information sign plate is detected; Calculating a first correction value based on the difference in illuminance value and a predetermined fourth correction value based on the precipitation state; And applying the first correction value and the fourth correction value to the illuminance value around the variable information sign plate. It provides a variable information sign brightness control method comprising a.

In addition, based on the correction value table that divides the rainfall and / or snowfall amount into a predetermined range and includes a predetermined fourth correction value corresponding to each of the divided rainfall and / or snowfall amount and the illumination value surrounding the current variable information sign plate It is characterized by correcting.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)

2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a variable information sign luminance control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The brightness control apparatus of the variable information sign plate according to the first embodiment includes a clock circuit unit 11, a memory 12, an output unit 13, a correction value calculating unit 14, an illuminance value correction unit 15, and an illuminance sensor 16. It is configured to include.

The clock circuit unit 11 measures a current year, month, and day, and has a function of outputting the measured time as a predetermined electrical or mechanical signal. The clock circuit unit 11 may further include a function of controlling the illuminance measurement by the illuminance sensor 16 by generating an electrical on / off signal at predetermined time intervals.

The memory 12 stores an illuminance value at a predetermined time of each day for one year of a predetermined year as a reference illuminance value, and the reference illuminance value is measured by the illuminance sensor 16 on a corresponding day every predetermined time in the past. It is preferable that it is the illuminance value created based on one measured value. It is more preferable that the said day is a clear day.

The output unit 13 performs a function of outputting a luminance control signal from the brightness control device 10 of the variable information sign plate to a light emitting display unit (not shown) of the predetermined variable information sign plate. The luminance control signal output from the output unit includes digital and analog signals.

The correction value calculation unit 14 is based on the difference between the current illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor 16 and the reference illuminance value corresponding to the time at which the current illuminance value was detected. A predetermined illuminance correction value is calculated. The illuminance value around the current variable information sign detected by the illuminance sensor 16 measures a plurality of times of illuminance for a predetermined time at a predetermined time including a time corresponding to the time at which the maximum illuminance value of the predetermined corresponding day is detected. In addition, it is preferable that the average value of the roughness values around the plurality of measured current variable information signs (hereinafter, referred to as a roughness value for correction) be set. The average value of the plurality of measured illuminance values is, for example, when the time at which the maximum illuminance value of the corresponding day is detected is 11:00, at 10:30 to 11:30 at 10 minute intervals. The illuminance is measured and the average illuminance value calculated by averaging the eight measured values is used. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the temporary measurement error of the illuminance sensor due to the reflected light from a reflector such as an automobile, a sudden change of weather, etc. by using the average illuminance value.

In addition, the correction value calculator 14 further performs an operation of comparing the correction illuminance value of the current time with the reference illuminance value corresponding to the current time from the memory 12. Therefore, according to the result of the comparison, in generating a predetermined variable information sign luminance control signal, whether a predetermined illuminance correction value is calculated and applied to a subsequent illuminance value around the variable information sign plate, or around the current variable information sign measured Determine whether to use the illuminance value as it is.

The determination will be described in detail. First, when the correction illuminance value is smaller than the reference illuminance value, it is determined that the illuminance sensor 16 is somewhat contaminated by foreign matter such as exhaust gas or dust of an automobile. It is determined whether the difference is within a preset range set in the predetermined correction value table, and the illuminance correction value corresponding to the range is found. Then, the correction value is applied to the illuminance value around the current variable information sign detected by the illuminance sensor 16 after the present time when the illuminance correction value is found. Therefore, the subsequent variable information sign luminance control signal is generated based on a predetermined illuminance value to which the correction value is applied.

However, when the correction illuminance value is a small value having a very large difference out of a predetermined range than the reference illuminance value, it is checked how long the time of showing the difference is maintained (in time unit or date unit), and the difference is, for example, For example, if it lasts for 7 days or more, the illumination sensor 16 determines that the sensor is seriously contaminated or broken and transmits a predetermined notification signal to the management center managing the variable information sign. In addition, if the current illuminance value around the variable information sign measured by the illuminance sensor 16 is measured as a certain value lasts for a predetermined time, for example, 24 hours or more, the severeness of the illuminance sensor 16 is also severe. Judging by contamination or failure.

In addition, when the illuminance sensor 16 is determined to be a failure as described above and the illuminance value measured by the illuminance sensor 16 cannot be recognized, the illuminance value around the current variable information sign to be measured is ignored, and The luminance control signal of the variable information sign can be generated based on the reference illuminance value stored in the memory 12.

Table 3 shows predetermined correction values according to the range of difference when the correction illuminance value is smaller than the reference illuminance value.

Reference light intensity Calibration illuminance value Correction value One 255 225-240 Added 5% of illuminance for correction 2 255 210-214 Add 10% of correction illuminance 3 255 195-209 Added 15% of illuminance for correction 4 255 180-194 Added 20% of illuminance for correction 5 255 165-179 Added 25% of correction illuminance 6 255 150-164 Added 30% correction illuminance 7 255 135-149 Added 35% of illuminance for correction 8 255 120-134 Added 40% of illuminance for correction 9 255 120 or less Deal with breakdown

The illuminance value correction unit 15 applies the illuminance correction value from the correction value calculation unit 14 to the illuminance value around the variable information sign plate measured by the illuminance sensor 16 after the time at which the correction value is calculated. To generate a corrected illuminance value. Further, an operation of generating a predetermined variable information sign luminance control signal using the corrected illuminance value is further performed.

Therefore, by applying a predetermined correction value to the illuminance value measured from the illuminance sensor 16 as described above, even when the illuminance sensor 16 is contaminated to some extent and the illuminance around the variable information sign cannot be accurately measured, It is possible to appropriately control the brightness of the variable information sign in response to the illuminance of.                     

In addition, when the correction illuminance value is measured at a value greater than or equal to the reference illuminance value, it is determined that the contaminant of the illuminance sensor 16 is removed, and the correction value calculating unit 14 determines the illuminance correction value as'. 0 ', and the illuminance value correction section 15 results in a predetermined variable information sign based on the uncorrected illuminance value or the illuminance value around the current variable information sign measured by the illuminance sensor 16 every predetermined time. The luminance control signal is generated.

Even in this case, the size comparison with the reference illuminance value of the illuminance value around the current variable information sign plate is continuously performed.

4 is a flowchart showing a method of generating a variable information sign brightness control signal using the variable information sign brightness control apparatus 10 of the first embodiment.

First, the illuminance sensor 16 measures a peripheral illuminance value of the current variable information sign (S10). The measurement of the illuminance value is performed by dividing the daily into a predetermined time, and by the illuminance sensor 16 every such time. In addition, the measured peripheral illumination value of the current variable information sign is temporarily stored in the predetermined memory 12 including the measured time information.

Thereafter, the difference between the roughness value around the current variable information sign and the reference illuminance value corresponding to the time at which the light intensity around the current variable information sign is measured is calculated using the correction value calculator 14 (S20). . The illuminance value around the current variable information sign is preferably an illuminance value detected at the time when the maximum illuminance value is calculated on the corresponding day. In addition, the current illuminance value around the variable information sign plate is subjected to a plurality of illuminance measurements every predetermined time before and after the time at which the maximum illuminance value is measured on the corresponding day based on the reference illuminance values, and averages the measured illuminance values. It is preferable to compare the correction illuminance value, which is one value, and the reference illuminance value at the time when the maximum illuminance value is detected.

The difference between the correction illuminance value and the reference illuminance value may be calculated as a difference obtained by subtracting the average value from the reference illuminance value.

Based on the difference in the illuminance value, the correction value calculating unit calculates a predetermined correction value when the difference in the illuminance value is larger than a predetermined range (S30). The relationship between the predetermined range and the correction value is shown in Table 3.

In addition, when the difference in the illuminance value is very small or the value of the correction illuminance value is larger than the reference illuminance value, it is determined that the contamination of the illuminance sensor 16 is removed or replaced by a new illuminance sensor 16. The correction value is set to '0'.

When the illuminance value obtained by averaging the illuminance values measured a plurality of times every predetermined time before and after the time when the maximum illuminance value is measured on the corresponding day is reduced to 50% or less of the reference illuminance value of the time, the illuminance sensor 16 ) Is seriously contaminated and it is determined that normal illuminance is difficult, and a predetermined notification signal is sent to the management center controlling the variable information sign.

In addition, it is determined that it is difficult to measure the normal illuminance of the illuminance sensor 16 in the case where the measured illuminance value around the current variable information sign is constantly measured for a predetermined period regardless of time.

When the measured illuminance value is constantly measured irrespective of time, for example, the illuminance value around the current variable information sign is detected at the same value even at night, daytime, sunrise, and sunset time. As long as the illumination intensity is constantly measured regardless of time, the predetermined notification signal is sent to the management center. The predetermined time may be, for example, 24 hours.

In addition, if it is determined that the illuminance sensor 16 is difficult to measure normal illuminance as described above, the correction value calculating unit 14 sets the reference illuminance value corresponding to the current time as the current illuminance value around the variable information sign. .

After the correction value is calculated, the illuminance value correction unit 25 calculates the corrected illuminance value by applying the correction value to the current illuminance value around the variable information sign in an appropriate manner (S40).

The process from S20 to S30 is shown in FIG. 5.

Subsequently, the illuminance value correction unit generates a variable information sign brightness control signal based on the corrected illuminance value (S50), even when the illuminance sensor 16 changes the illuminance detection value due to contamination, deterioration, or failure. By using the correction value, appropriate brightness control of the variable information sign plate is always possible.

(Second embodiment)

The second embodiment according to the present invention has a configuration in which a predetermined rainfall detection unit 27 is added to the variable information sign luminance control device 10 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the second embodiment can be applied to more effective brightness control in consideration of the visible characteristics of the variable information sign plate when the current weather is heavy.                     

The variable information sign luminance control device 20 including the rainfall detection unit 27 has a configuration in which the rainfall detection unit is added to the configuration of the variable information sign luminance control device including the illuminance sensor shown in FIG. 2. (This is the same as the configuration except for the snow detection unit 28 in the configuration of FIG. 3.)

In the detailed description of the second embodiment, descriptions of components and control methods overlapping with those of the first embodiment will be omitted.

The rainfall detection unit 27 shown in FIG. 3 measures the rainfall of the current weather. In addition, the rainfall detection unit 27 may measure the instant rainfall at the present time. The instant rainfall measures the rainfall for a predetermined short time (for example, 10 minutes or 1 hour) to determine the instant rainfall in the current weather conditions. Therefore, more effective brightness control of the variable information sign is possible according to the current rainfall conditions.

The brightness control according to the rain state further calculates an appropriate second correction value in consideration of the dispersion of visible light, refraction, etc. of the variable information sign plate due to raindrops and reduction of the amount of sunlight caused by clouds or raindrops in the current weather state, The second correction value is applied to the currently measured variable information sign peripheral illumination value together with the first correction value using the current variable information sign peripheral illumination value according to the method of the first embodiment.

Rainfall per hour 2nd correction value 5-10 mm Decreased illuminance value by 5% 10-15 mm Decreased illuminance value by 10% 15 mm or more Decreased roughness value by 15%

The second correction value according to the rainfall detected by the rainfall detector 27 is shown in Table 4. In Table 4, the instant rainfall is set as the hourly rainfall, but may be appropriately changed to the rainfall per minute or the rainfall per 10 minutes. In this case, of course, it is preferable to appropriately change the rainfall range value and the second correction value accordingly.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a luminance control method using the variable information sign luminance control device 20 having the rainfall detection unit 27 according to the second embodiment.

First, the illuminance sensor 26 measures an illuminance value around the current variable information sign (S100), and based on a difference between the illuminance value around the current variable information sign and the reference illuminance value of the current time, the predetermined first predetermined value. The correction value is calculated (S200). Since the steps of S100 and S200 are the same as the steps of S10 and S20 of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

Next, the predetermined rainfall detection unit 27 detects the current instant rainfall (S300). A second correction value is calculated based on the detected instant rainfall (S400). The second correction value may be calculated using a correction value table as shown in Table 4 above.

Now, the first correction value and the second correction value are applied to the illuminance value around the current variable information sign plate to generate an illuminance value to which the correction value is applied, and to control the predetermined variable information sign luminance based on the illuminance value to which the correction value is applied. Generate a signal (S600).

Accordingly, the variable information sign brightness control apparatus 20 including the rainfall detection unit 27 as described above enables the brightness control of the variable information sign plate in consideration of the illumination intensity around the variable information sign plate as well as the current rainfall conditions. It is possible to appropriately cope with a decrease in the amount of sunlight caused by clouds and rain during rainfall, a decrease in the visible distance due to the refraction and reflection of the rainwater, and the spread of visible light in the variable information sign.

(Third embodiment)

The third embodiment according to the present invention has a configuration in which a predetermined snow detection unit 28 is added to the first embodiment. Therefore, the third embodiment can be applied to more effective brightness control in consideration of the visible characteristics of the variable information signs on snowy days when the weather is currently snowing.

The configuration of the variable information sign brightness control device including the snow detection part 28 is configured by adding the snow detection part 28 to the configuration of the variable information sign brightness control device 10 described with reference to FIG. 2. This is the same as the configuration except for the rainfall detection unit 27 in the configuration of FIG.

In the detailed description of the third embodiment, descriptions of components and control methods overlapping with those of the first and second embodiments will be omitted.

The snow detection unit 28 shown in FIG. 3 measures the amount of snow in the current weather. Furthermore, it is preferable that the snow detection unit 28 can measure the current instantaneous snowfall amount. The instantaneous snowfall measures a snowfall amount for a predetermined short time, for example, for one hour or 10 minutes, so that the present snowfall state can be grasped. Therefore, more effective brightness control of the variable information sign is possible according to the current snow state.

In addition, the current instantaneous snowfall amount is divided into a predetermined range, and a third correction value table (not shown) corresponding to the predetermined instantaneous snowfall amount, similar to Table 4, is provided with an appropriate third correction value according to the divided range. The third correction value is applied to the current illuminance value around the variable information sign plate measured together with the first correction value according to the method of the first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, a flow of a method of controlling the brightness of the variable information sign plate using the snow detection unit 28 is described. At this time, the rainfall may be replaced by snowfall.

(Example 4)

The fourth embodiment according to the present invention has a configuration in which the precipitation detection unit 29 including the predetermined rainfall detection unit 27 and the snow detection unit 28 is added to the first embodiment. Therefore, the fourth embodiment can be applied to more effective luminance control in consideration of the visible characteristics of the variable information signs according to the weather conditions during the current rain and the snowfall.

The configuration of the variable information sign luminance control device including the precipitation detector 29 is a predetermined precipitation detector 29 including a rainfall detector 27 and a snow detector 28 in the configuration of the first embodiment as shown in FIG. It is made in the form of adding.

The basic configuration of the fourth embodiment and the method of controlling the brightness information of the variable information sign board are changed to the precipitation detection unit 29 instead of the rainfall detection unit 27 and the snow detection unit 28 in the configurations and methods of the second and third embodiments. Since it is almost the same, detailed description is omitted.

In this case, when calculating a predetermined fourth correction value generated according to rainfall and / or snowfall, if the current weather is in a rain state, the rainfall rainfall measured by the rainfall detection unit 27 is used, and if the current weather is in a snow state, It is preferable to use the instantaneous snowfall measured by the snowfall detection unit 28.

According to the present invention having the above-described configuration, even when the illuminance sensing surface of the predetermined illuminance sensor provided on the predetermined variable information sign is contaminated with time, the current illuminance value is measured to be smaller than the normal illuminance value. By controlling the luminance of the variable information sign plate using a predetermined illuminance correction value, there is an effect of providing a variable information sign plate having a constant luminance at all times.

In addition, even when the current weather is a rainy day or a snowy day, the temporary decrease in illuminance according to the weather condition can be applied to calculate the illuminance correction value for the brightness control of the variable information sign, and thus, only a predetermined illuminance around the variable information sign is used. Compared to the case of performing the luminance control, the present invention has an advantage that the luminance control of the variable information sign plate becomes more efficient by considering the current weather conditions.

Claims (30)

A memory for storing the illuminance around the variable information sign board at a predetermined time every day for one year and storing the detected time as a plurality of reference illuminance values; An illuminance sensor for detecting an illuminance value surrounding the current variable information sign board at a predetermined time every day and at a time corresponding to a time at which a maximum illuminance value of the corresponding day among the plurality of illuminance values stored in the memory is detected; A correction for calculating a first correction value based on a difference between a current illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor and a reference illuminance value corresponding to the time at which the current illuminance value of the variable information sign peripheral value is detected; Value calculation unit; And An illuminance value correction unit for correcting a peripheral illuminance value detected after calculating the first correction value based on the first correction value to control the brightness of the variable information sign plate; Variable information sign brightness control device comprising a. The illuminance value around the current variable information sign at the time corresponding to the time when the maximum illuminance value of the corresponding day is detected is the illuminance for a specific time including a time when the maximum illuminance value of the corresponding day is detected. After measuring a plurality of times every predetermined time, the variable information sign brightness control device, characterized in that the average value. The illuminance value correction unit of claim 1 or 2, wherein the illuminance value correction unit is configured to adjust the illuminance surrounding the current variable information sign plate when the illuminance value around the current variable information sign is smaller than a reference illuminance value corresponding to the time at which the maximum illuminance value of the corresponding day is detected. And generating a first corrected illuminance value by adding or subtracting the first corrected value to a value, and then generating a brightness control signal of the variable information sign based on the first corrected illuminance value. Device. The illuminance value correction unit of claim 1 or 2, wherein the illuminance value correction unit measures the current measured when the illuminance value around the current variable information sign is greater than or equal to a reference illuminance value corresponding to the time when the maximum illuminance value of the corresponding day is detected. And a brightness control signal of the variable information sign plate based on a peripheral illuminance value of the variable information sign plate of the variable information sign plate. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the illuminance value correcting unit is further configured to determine whether or not a difference in the illuminance value around the current variable information sign plate is greater than a predetermined ratio with respect to a reference illuminance value corresponding to the time when the maximum illuminance value of the corresponding day is detected or If the current illuminance value around the variable information signs is constant regardless of time, the illuminance sensor is determined to be faulty, and the luminance control signal of the variable information sign is based on the reference illuminance value stored in the memory. And a brightness control device for generating a variable information sign. i) A plurality of illuminance values detected at a predetermined time every day for one year and the detection time of the illuminance around the variable information signboard are stored in a predetermined memory and set as a reference illuminance value, and the maximum illuminance on the corresponding day among the reference illuminance values. Detecting an illuminance value around the current variable information sign at a time corresponding to the time at which the value is detected; ii) calculating a difference between the illuminance value around the current variable information sign and the reference illuminance value corresponding to the time at which the illuminance value around the current variable information sign is detected; iii) calculating a first correction value based on the difference of the illuminance values; And, iv) correcting a peripheral illuminance value of a current variable information sign detected after a time at which the first correction value is calculated based on the first correction value; Variable information sign brightness control method comprising a. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein in step i) the illuminance value around the current variable information sign is measured a predetermined number of times per predetermined time of illuminance for a specific time including the time at which the maximum illuminance value of the day is detected. The brightness control method of a variable information sign, characterized in that the average value of the measured illuminance values. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein when the current illumination information peripheral illuminance value is smaller than the reference illuminance value, after generating the first corrected illuminance value by adding or subtracting the first correction value to the current illumination information peripheral illumination value And generating a brightness control signal of the variable information sign based on the first corrected illuminance value. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the luminance control signal of the variable information sign is generated based on the measured ambient illuminance value of the current variable information sign plate when the current illuminance value is greater than or equal to the reference illuminance value. A brightness control method of a variable information sign plate. The illuminance of the current variable information sign is different from the reference illuminance value corresponding to the time at which the maximum illuminance value of the corresponding day is detected. Determining that the illuminance sensor is faulty and generating a luminance control signal of the variable information sign using a reference illuminance value corresponding to the current time when the value is constant regardless of time. Information sign brightness control method. A rainfall detector for detecting rainfall in a current weather state and generating predetermined rainfall state information; A memory for storing the illuminance around the variable information sign board at a predetermined time every day for one year and storing the detected time as a plurality of reference illuminance values; An illuminance sensor for detecting an illuminance value currently surrounding the variable information sign plate at a predetermined time every day and at a time corresponding to a time at which the maximum illuminance value of the corresponding day among the plurality of illuminance values stored in the memory is detected; A first correction value and the rainfall state based on a difference between a current illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor and a reference illuminance value corresponding to the time at which the current illuminance value of the current variable information sign periphery is detected; A correction value calculation unit for calculating a predetermined second correction value based on the information; And An illuminance value compensator for applying the first correction value and the second correction value to the current illuminance value of the current variable information sign to control the brightness of the variable information sign; Variable information sign brightness control device comprising a. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the illuminance value correcting unit measures the illuminance for a specific time including a time at which the maximum illuminance value of the day is detected a plurality of times every predetermined time and then averages the measured illuminance values. If a difference occurs over a predetermined ratio from the reference illuminance value corresponding to the time when the maximum illuminance value of the day is detected, or if the illuminance value around the current variable information sign is constant regardless of time, And a luminance control signal of the variable information sign is generated based on a second corrected illuminance value obtained by applying a predetermined second correction value corresponding to the rainfall state information to a reference illuminance value stored in a memory. Control unit. i) A plurality of illuminance values detected at a predetermined time every day for one year and the detection time of the illuminance around the variable information signboard are stored in a predetermined memory and set as a reference illuminance value, and the maximum illuminance of the corresponding day among the reference illuminance values. Detecting an illuminance value and a current rainfall state around the current variable information sign at a time corresponding to the time at which the value is detected; ii) calculating a difference between the current illuminance value around the variable information sign and the reference illuminance value corresponding to the time at which the current illuminance value around the variable information sign is detected; iii) calculating a first correction value based on the difference in illuminance value and a predetermined second correction value based on the rainfall state; And, iv) applying the first correction value and the second correction value to the peripheral illumination value of the variable information sign plate; Variable information sign brightness control method comprising a. The maximum illuminance value of claim 13, wherein the measured illuminance values for a specific time including a time at which the maximum illuminance value of the corresponding day is detected are measured a plurality of times every predetermined time and then the average of the measured illuminance values is the maximum illuminance value of the corresponding day. When a difference occurs by a predetermined ratio or more with a reference illuminance value corresponding to the detected time or when the current illuminance value around the variable information sign is constant regardless of time, the reference illuminance corresponding to the current time is maintained. And generating a brightness control signal of the variable information sign based on the second corrected illuminance value to which the second correction value corresponding to the rainfall state is applied to the value. A snow detection unit for detecting snowfall in a current weather condition and generating predetermined snowfall state information; A memory for storing the illuminance around the variable information sign board at a predetermined time every day for one year and storing the detected time as a plurality of reference illuminance values; An illuminance sensor for detecting an illuminance value surrounding the current variable information sign board at a predetermined time every day and at a time corresponding to a time at which a maximum illuminance value of the corresponding day among the plurality of illuminance values stored in the memory is detected; A first correction value and the snow state based on a difference between a current illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor and a reference illuminance value corresponding to the time at which the current illuminance value of the variable information sign surroundings is detected; A correction value calculation unit for calculating a predetermined third correction value based on the information; And An illuminance value correction unit for applying the first correction value and the third correction value to the current illuminance value of the variable information sign plate to control the brightness of the variable information sign plate; Variable information sign brightness control device comprising a. The method of claim 15, wherein the illuminance value correction unit measures the illuminance for a specific time including a time at which the maximum illuminance value of the day is detected at a predetermined time and then averages the measured illuminance values. When the difference occurs over a predetermined ratio with a reference illuminance value corresponding to the time when the maximum illuminance value of the corresponding day is detected, or when the illuminance value around the current variable information sign is constant regardless of time, the memory is maintained. And a luminance control signal of the variable information sign plate based on a third corrected illuminance value to which a predetermined third correction value corresponding to the snow state information is applied to the reference illuminance value stored in the controller. Device. i) A plurality of illuminance values detected at a predetermined time every day for one year and the detection time of the illuminance around the variable information signboard are stored in a predetermined memory and set as a reference illuminance value, and the maximum illuminance on the corresponding day among the reference illuminance values. Detecting an illuminance value around a current variable information sign and a current snow state at a time corresponding to the time at which the value is detected; ii) calculating a difference between the current illuminance value around the variable information sign and the reference illuminance value corresponding to the time at which the current illuminance value around the variable information sign is detected; iii) calculating a first correction value based on the difference in illuminance value and a predetermined third correction value based on the snow state; And, iv) applying the first correction value and the third correction value to the illuminance value around the variable information sign plate; Variable information sign brightness control method comprising a. The maximum illuminance value of claim 17, wherein the measured illuminance values for a specific time including a time at which the maximum illuminance value of the corresponding day is detected are measured a plurality of times every predetermined time and then the average of the measured illuminance values is the maximum illuminance value of the corresponding day. When a difference occurs by a predetermined ratio or more with a reference illuminance value corresponding to the detected time or when the current illuminance value around the variable information sign is constant regardless of time, the reference illuminance corresponding to the current time is maintained. And generating a brightness control signal of the variable information sign based on the third corrected illuminance value to which the third correction value corresponding to the snow state is applied to the value. A precipitation detector for detecting rainfall and / or snowfall in a current weather condition to generate predetermined precipitation state information; A memory for storing the illuminance around the variable information sign board at a predetermined time every day for one year and storing the detected time as a plurality of reference illuminance values; An illuminance sensor for detecting an illuminance value surrounding the current variable information sign board at a predetermined time every day and at a time corresponding to a time at which a maximum illuminance value of the corresponding day among the plurality of illuminance values stored in the memory is detected; A first correction value and the precipitation state based on a difference between a current illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor and a reference illuminance value corresponding to the time at which the current illuminance value of the variable information sign periphery is detected; A correction value calculation unit for calculating a predetermined fourth correction value based on the information; And An illuminance value correction unit for applying the first correction value and the fourth correction value to the current illuminance value around the current variable information sign to control the brightness of the variable information sign; Variable information sign brightness control device comprising a. 20. The illuminance value of the current variable information sign is measured by measuring the illuminance for a predetermined time several times every predetermined time including the time when the maximum illuminance value of the day is detected, and then measuring the measured illuminance values. Variable information sign brightness control device characterized in that the average value. 21. The illuminance correcting apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the illuminance value correction unit corrects the illuminance corrected by adding or removing a predetermined illuminance correction value to the illuminance value around the current variable information sign plate when the illuminance value around the current variable information sign is smaller than the reference illuminance value. And generating a predetermined variable information sign brightness control signal based on the corrected illuminance value. 21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the illuminance value correction unit is further configured to measure the current variable measured when the illuminance value around the current variable information sign is greater than or equal to a reference illuminance value corresponding to the time at which the maximum illuminance value of the corresponding day is detected. And a brightness control signal of the variable information sign plate based on a peripheral illuminance value of the information sign plate. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the illuminance value correcting unit measures the illuminance for a specific time including a time at which the maximum illuminance value of the day is detected every several times and then averages the measured illuminance values. When the difference between the maximum value of the standard illuminance value and a predetermined ratio or more or when the current illuminance value around the variable information sign is constant regardless of time for more than a predetermined period of time, the precipitation state information on the reference illuminance value stored in the memory And a variable information sign brightness control signal is generated based on the fourth corrected illuminance value to which the predetermined fourth correction value corresponding to is applied. 24. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the correction value calculation unit divides the rainfall and / or snowfall into a predetermined range and includes a predetermined fourth correction value corresponding to each of the divided rainfall and / or snowfall. And an illuminance value of a peripheral illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor based on a correction value table. i) A plurality of illuminance values detected at a predetermined time every day for one year and the detection time of the illuminance around the variable information signboard are stored in a predetermined memory and set as a reference illuminance value, and the maximum illuminance on the corresponding day among the reference illuminance values. Detecting a precipitation state including an illuminance value around a current variable information sign at a time corresponding to a time at which the value is detected, and a current rainfall and / or snowfall amount; ii) calculating a difference between the current illuminance value around the variable information sign and the reference illuminance value corresponding to the time at which the current illuminance value around the variable information sign is detected; iii) calculating a first correction value based on the difference in the illuminance value and a predetermined fourth correction value based on the precipitation state; And, iv) applying the first correction value and the fourth correction value to the peripheral illumination value of the variable information sign plate; Variable information sign brightness control method comprising a. The illuminance value of the current variable information sign of step i) is determined by measuring the illuminance for a specific time including a time when the maximum illuminance value of the day is detected every several times, and then measuring the illuminance. And a luminance value obtained by averaging the illuminance values. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein when the current illumination information peripheral illumination value is smaller than the reference illuminance value, a corrected illumination value is generated by adding or subtracting a predetermined illumination correction value to the current illumination information peripheral illumination value. And generating a predetermined brightness information signal control signal based on the corrected illuminance value. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the luminance control signal of the predetermined variable information sign is based on the measured peripheral illuminance value of the current variable information sign when the current illuminance value is greater than or equal to the reference illuminance value. And a brightness control method for generating a variable information sign. The maximum illuminance value of claim 27, wherein a value obtained by measuring the illuminance for a specific time including a time at which the maximum illuminance value of the corresponding day is detected at a given time and averaging the measured illuminance values is the maximum illuminance value of the corresponding day. When a difference occurs by a predetermined ratio or more from the reference illuminance value corresponding to the detected time, or when the illuminance value around the current variable information signboard is constant regardless of time, it corresponds to the current time. And generating a brightness control signal of the variable information sign plate based on a fourth corrected illuminance value to which a fourth correction value corresponding to the rainfall and / or snowfall amount is applied to a reference illuminance value. 28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the current variable information sign is divided based on a correction value table that divides the rainfall and / or snowfall into a predetermined range and includes a predetermined fourth correction value corresponding to each of the divided rainfall and / or snowfall. A brightness control method for a variable information sign, characterized in that for correcting the peripheral illuminance value.

Images