KR102390883B1 - Apparatus and method for notifying a change of a traffic lamp using wireless communication - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for notifying traffic light changes using wireless communication. A signal input unit for receiving a wireless communication signal including traffic light information from a traffic light having a built-in wireless communication module; an output unit for outputting at least one of an alarm and a warning to a smart terminal owned by the driver of the vehicle; and a control unit that receives a wireless communication signal from a signal input unit, determines a signal state of a traffic light through the received wireless communication signal, and generates an event corresponding to each signal through an output unit.

Description

Apparatus and method for notifying traffic light changes using wireless communication

The present invention relates to a traffic light change notification device and method using wireless communication, and more particularly, to a traffic light change notification device and method using wireless communication to notify a smart terminal of a driver around a traffic light of a signal change using wireless communication. .

A traffic light refers to a device that controls the movement of vehicles traveling on the road to create a regular and efficient traffic environment and minimize safety accidents. In downtown areas with high traffic volume and complex roads, the number of traffic lights increases, and the waiting time and frequency of drivers naturally increases.

At the same time, the driver's concentration while waiting for a signal may also drop significantly. In fact, the driver's concentration on driving, such as operating a smartphone while waiting for a signal, may not detect a change in the signal, resulting in a delayed departure of the leading vehicle and causing traffic congestion. is increasing Since such a situation can increase the risk of traffic accidents as well as traffic congestion, it is very important for the driver to smoothly detect signal changes.

In order to solve this problem, various methods have been proposed. For example, by using a camera to analyze a traffic light image, or by using V2I (Vehicle to Infrastructure) communication technology to receive information from a traffic light or traffic signal control system to detect signal changes and provide haptic feedback to the driver, separate HMI (Human Machine Interface) There are ways to notify you through the device. These methods basically require the installation of additional parts such as a camera or V2X (Vehicle to Everything) communication module inside the vehicle.

This causes additional processes in vehicle production and inevitably incurs enormous costs such as vehicle cost increase and infrastructure construction cost. In addition, there is a problem in that a separate actuator, lamp, and display are additionally required for signal change notification.

As a background technology of the present invention, there is a "signal change driver notification system by detection of a traffic light signal", which is disclosed in Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0020683 (published on February 23, 2017).

According to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention has been devised to improve the above problems, and provides an apparatus and method for notifying a change in a traffic light using wireless communication for notifying a change in a signal to a smart terminal of a driver near a traffic light using wireless communication. intended to provide

Traffic light change notification device using wireless communication according to an aspect of the present invention,

a signal input unit for receiving a wireless communication signal including the signal light information from a signal light having a built-in wireless communication module;

an output unit for outputting at least one of an alarm and a warning to a smart terminal owned by the driver of the vehicle; and

a control unit that receives the wireless communication signal from the signal input unit, determines a signal state of the traffic light through the received wireless communication signal, and generates an event corresponding to each signal through the output unit;

The control unit determines the traffic light corresponding to the vehicle based on the strength of the wireless communication signal input from the signal input unit and the movement route data of the vehicle identified by the navigation or map application being used in the smart terminal.

In the present invention, the traffic light is characterized in that it generates a wireless communication signal including different traffic light information according to the unique number and signal state of the traffic light.

In the present invention, the control unit determines the strength of the wireless communication signal input from the signal input unit, and if it is greater than or equal to a reference strength, determines that a signal light generating a wireless communication signal of greater than or equal to the reference strength is a signal light corresponding to the vehicle. do.

The present invention further includes a motion detection unit for detecting the behavior of the vehicle, wherein the control unit, when a vehicle behavior corresponding to the type of signal such as a traffic light is detected through the motion detection unit, voice, vibration through the output unit And it is characterized in that the warning using at least one or more of the time.

In the present invention, when the signal of the traffic light is a red signal, if the controller determines that the vehicle intends to travel as a result of detecting the movement of the vehicle through the motion detecting unit, at least one of voice, vibration and time through the output unit It is characterized by using one or more to warn.

In the present invention, when the signal of the traffic light is a yellow signal or is changed to another signal, the control unit outputs a signal change alarm using at least one of voice, vibration, and time through the output unit. do.

In the present invention, when the signal of the traffic light is a green signal or a left/right turn signal, the control unit outputs a vehicle departure alarm using at least one of voice, vibration, and time through the output unit, and the motion detection unit When it is determined that the vehicle is stopped for more than a set time as a result of detecting the vehicle's behavior through the output unit, a warning is issued using at least one of voice, vibration, and time through the output unit.

In the present invention, the control unit, when there are several traffic lights having the strength of the wireless communication signal input from the signal input unit equal to or greater than the reference strength, the path the vehicle has moved so far as determined by the navigation or map application being used in the smart terminal It is possible to select a traffic light corresponding to the vehicle through the data.

The present invention further includes an image input unit for receiving an image photographed in front of the vehicle, wherein the control unit receives the input from the image input unit when the strength of the wireless communication signal input from the signal input unit is less than the reference strength. The signal of the traffic light is determined by recognizing the traffic light in front through the image, or the traffic light information of the traffic light corresponding to the vehicle in front is received from the smart terminal owned by the driver of the vehicle in front through the signal input unit to respond to the vehicle in front It is characterized in that it determines the signal of the traffic light.

The present invention further includes a vehicle control unit for controlling driving and braking of the vehicle, wherein the control unit receives a wireless communication signal such as a traffic light corresponding to the vehicle from the signal input unit, and receives the received wireless communication signal If it is determined that the signal of the traffic light is changed to a green signal by identifying the signal change order of the traffic light through the It is characterized in that the braking pressure is maintained through the control unit, and the pedestrian danger warning and alarm are outputted using at least one of voice, vibration, and time through the output unit.

A traffic light change notification method using wireless communication according to another aspect of the present invention,

The control unit determines the traffic light corresponding to the vehicle based on the strength of the wireless communication signal input from the signal input unit and the movement route data of the vehicle identified by the navigation or map application being used in the smart terminal, and the wireless communication module is built-in receiving a wireless communication signal including traffic light information from the traffic light;

determining, by the control unit, a signal state of the traffic light through the wireless communication signal; and

and generating, by the control unit, an event corresponding to each signal through an output unit according to the determined signal state of the traffic light.

In the step of receiving the wireless communication signal of the present invention, the traffic light is characterized in that it generates a wireless communication signal including different traffic light information according to a unique number and signal state of the traffic light.

In the step of receiving the wireless communication signal of the present invention, the control unit detects the strength of the wireless communication signal input from the signal input unit, and if it is greater than the reference strength, corresponds to the vehicle with a traffic light generating the wireless communication signal of the reference strength or more It is characterized by judging by a traffic light.

The present invention further includes the step of the control unit detecting a behavior of the vehicle through a motion sensing unit, wherein in the step of generating the event, the control unit corresponds to the type of signal such as a traffic light through the motion sensing unit When the movement of the vehicle is detected, it is characterized in that the warning is issued using at least one of voice, vibration, and time through the output unit.

In the step of generating the event of the present invention, when the signal of the traffic light is a red signal, the controller determines that the vehicle intends to drive as a result of detecting the behavior of the vehicle through the motion detection unit, through the output unit It is characterized in that the warning is made using at least one of voice, vibration, and sight.

In the step of generating the event of the present invention, the control unit, when the signal of the traffic light is a yellow signal or is in a state of being changed to another signal, the signal is changed using at least one of voice, vibration and time through the output unit It is characterized by outputting an alarm.

In the step of generating the event of the present invention, when the signal of the traffic light is a green signal or a left/right turn signal, the control unit generates a vehicle departure alarm using at least one of voice, vibration and time through the output unit. output, and when it is determined that the vehicle is stopped for more than a set time as a result of detecting the movement of the vehicle through the motion detection unit, a warning is issued using at least one of voice, vibration, and time through the output unit.

In the step of receiving the wireless communication signal, the control unit, when there are multiple signal lights having the strength of the wireless communication signal input from the signal input unit equal to or greater than the reference strength, the current determined by the navigation or map application being used in the smart terminal It is possible to select a traffic light corresponding to the vehicle through the route data the vehicle has moved up to.

The present invention further includes the step of receiving, by the control unit, an image photographed in front of the vehicle from an image input unit, wherein the control unit further includes, when the strength of the wireless communication signal input from the signal input unit is less than the reference strength, the The signal of the traffic light is determined by recognizing the traffic light in front through the image received from the image input unit, or the signal information of the traffic light corresponding to the vehicle in front is received from the smart terminal owned by the driver of the vehicle in front through the signal input unit. It is characterized in that the signal of the traffic light corresponding to the vehicle in front is determined.

The present invention further includes; by the control unit, controlling driving and braking of the vehicle through a vehicle control unit, wherein the control unit receives a wireless communication signal such as a traffic light corresponding to the vehicle from the signal input unit, and receives the input If it is determined before the signal of the traffic light is changed to a green signal by determining the signal change order of the traffic light through the received wireless communication signal, check whether there is a pedestrian in front through the image input from the image input unit, When there is a pedestrian, the braking pressure is maintained through the vehicle control unit, and a pedestrian danger warning and alarm are outputted using at least one of voice, vibration, and time through the output unit.

A traffic light change notification apparatus and method using wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present invention can reduce traffic congestion by notifying that a signal has been changed through a smart terminal of a driver around a traffic light waiting for a traffic signal, and can reduce traffic accidents It is effective in preventing accidents in advance by eliminating the cause.

In addition, the apparatus and method for notifying a change in traffic light using wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present invention detects inappropriate behavior (non-start, signal violation, etc.) of the vehicle after changing the signal, and warns it through the driver's smart terminal. As a result, concentration on driving can be improved and the probability of safety accidents can be reduced.

In addition, the apparatus and method for notifying a change in traffic light using wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present invention uses a driver's smart terminal without using a separate vehicle part, thereby providing a conventional UI (User Interface)/UX (User Experience) ), it is possible to not only eliminate the objection to new functions, but also to eliminate additional costs and additional processes due to additional parts and additional production, thereby improving the convenience of function expansion and addition.

1 is a schematic diagram of a traffic light change notification device using wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a block diagram illustrating a traffic light change notification device using wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for notifying a change in a traffic light using wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of notifying a change in a traffic light using an image input unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a flowchart for explaining a method for notifying a change in a traffic light through pedestrian detection according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a traffic light change notification apparatus and method using wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this process, the thickness of the lines or the size of the components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation.

In addition, the terms to be described later are terms defined in consideration of functions in the present invention, which may vary according to the intention or custom of the user or operator. Therefore, definitions of these terms should be made based on the content throughout this specification.

1 is a schematic diagram of a traffic light change notification device using wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a traffic light change notification device using wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present invention. A traffic light change notification device using wireless communication will be described with reference to the following.

First, as shown in FIG. 1 , the apparatus for notifying traffic light change using wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present invention uses wireless communication, but may use short-range wireless communication. At this time, short-range wireless communication includes Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zig bee, Near Field Communication (NFC), etc., but in this embodiment, Beacon communication of BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication is used. Apply and explain.

That is, in this embodiment, using the traffic light 100 including the beacon module 130 and the driver's smart terminal 300 owned by the driver, the signal change is easily and quickly recognized by the driver in a low cost and easy way, and the traffic jam and to prevent accidents in advance.

Here, BLE is a low-power, short-range wireless communication method supported by the Bluetooth 4.0 standard. When BLE is used, one-way communication called a beacon is supported in addition to two-way communication similar to the existing Bluetooth communication. A beacon is a peripheral device, and it continuously transmits packet data (location, separate data) allocated to itself within a certain radius. At this time, the control unit 240 scans the signal of the beacon module 130 and generates a predetermined event through a central device, for example, the smart terminal 300 according to the data inside the transmitted packet. If the traffic light 100 of the roadway is configured as a peripheral device using these operating characteristics and the traffic light information is transmitted to the smart terminal 300 inside the vehicle that is waiting for a signal around the traffic light 100, without additional system configuration inside the vehicle. It can notify the driver of traffic signal changes.

That is, the traffic light 100 includes a lamp 110 that flickers under the control of the traffic signal controller 120, and a beacon module ( 130), and transmits the traffic light information to the control unit 240, so that an event for the traffic light information can be generated in the smart terminal 300.

At this time, the lamp 110 of the traffic light 100 may include a lamp displaying a red signal, a yellow signal, a green signal, and a left/right turn signal, but may include a separate signal lamp such as a dedicated bus lane signal, and is not limited thereto. does not

In addition, the traffic light information may include a signal state (red, yellow, green and left/right turn) of the traffic light 100 , a unique number of the traffic light 100 , and the beacon module 130 is a signal of the traffic light 100 . It is possible to generate a unique signal according to the state, and to generate a separate signal according to the change of each signal when the traffic signal changes.

In other words, the traffic light 100 has a built-in beacon module 130 to generate a beacon signal including different traffic light information according to a unique number and signal state of the traffic light.

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the smart terminal 300 is a smart terminal 300 owned by a driver who drives a vehicle, and may be, for example, a smartphone. However, in addition to the smart phone, it may include all of the easy-to-port smart terminal 300 such as a tablet PC, but is not limited thereto. In this case, the driver may install and use a navigation or map related application in the smart terminal 300 . In this embodiment, when a navigation or map related application is installed and used in the smart terminal 300, an event linked to an event according to traffic light information can be generated within the application there is. In this case, a separate API (Application Programming Interface) function may be provided as an open source to developers so that it can be applied to all navigation or map related applications.

Next, as shown in FIG. 2, the signal light change notification device using wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a signal input unit 210, a motion detection unit 220, an image input unit 230, and a control unit ( 240 ), an output unit 250 , and a vehicle control unit 260 .

The signal input unit 210 may receive a beacon signal including signal light information of the signal light 100 from the signal light 100 in which the beacon module 130 is built in, and transmit it to the control unit 240 .

Also, the signal input unit 210 may know the strength of the beacon signal input from the beacon module 130 . That is, the signal input unit 210 may transmit the signal strength data of the beacon signal transmitted from the beacon module 130 to the control unit 240 .

And, when the beacon module 130 continuously transmits packet data (position, separate data), that is, a beacon signal, allocated within a certain radius, the signal input unit 210 scans the beacon signal to decode the packet data. , and thus, the traffic light information included in the beacon signal may be transmitted to the controller 240 .

The motion sensing unit 220 detects the behavior of the vehicle, and may detect and transmit the driving, stopping, and steering states of the vehicle to the control unit 240 . In this case, the motion detection unit 220 may include an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor, but is not limited thereto.

The image input unit 230 receives an image photographed through a camera (not shown) installed in front of the vehicle. In this case, the camera (not shown) may be a black box camera or a camera pre-installed in the vehicle for front monitoring of the vehicle. In addition, the image input unit 230 may receive an image from a camera (not shown) for photographing the front as well as the rear and side of the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the image input unit 230 allows the control unit 240 to receive the front image and provide it to the control unit 240 in order to detect the traffic light information in front of the vehicle or to detect whether a pedestrian is located in front of the vehicle.

The output unit 250 outputs at least one of an alarm and a warning to the smart terminal 300 owned by the driver of the vehicle, and according to a control signal (event occurrence) of the control unit 240 , at least one of voice, vibration and time More can be printed out. For example, the output unit 250 may output a warning sound to the smart terminal 300 or output that the signal has been changed by voice, may cause the smart terminal 300 to vibrate, and change the signal to the smart terminal 300 . message can be displayed. At this time, when a navigation or map application is installed in the smart terminal 300 , the output unit 250 may output the warning and alarm within the application, but output to the smart terminal 300 even if it is not installed can do.

On the other hand, in the present specification, alarms and warnings are output from the output unit 250, and alarms and warnings are separately described, but this is to make the meaning of the warning more clear. can be referred to as

The vehicle control unit 260 controls the driving and braking of the vehicle, and can drive or stop the vehicle according to the control signal of the control unit 240, and in particular, when a pedestrian is detected in front, it maintains the braking pressure to prevent the pedestrian with the vehicle. You can make sure it doesn't collide.

The control unit 240 receives the beacon signal of the traffic light 100 corresponding to the vehicle from the signal input unit 210 . In this case, the beacon signal may include packetized information on traffic lights, which may be decoded by the signal input unit 210 and transmitted to the control unit 240 . Alternatively, the signal input unit 210 may transmit the packetized beacon signal received from the beacon module 130 of the traffic light 100 to the control unit 240 , and decode it in the control unit 240 to know the traffic light information.

That is, even when the control unit 240 receives the traffic light information from the signal input unit 210 or obtains the traffic light information from the control unit 240 , what kind of information does the signal light information contain and what event corresponds to the traffic light information? can be judged

Accordingly, the control unit 240 may determine the signal state of the traffic light 100 through the beacon signal input from the signal input unit 210 and generate an event corresponding to each signal through the output unit 250 .

On the other hand, the control unit 240 can determine the strength of the beacon signal input from the signal input unit 210, and if the determined strength of the beacon signal is greater than or equal to a preset reference strength, the signal light 100 that generates a beacon signal greater than or equal to the reference strength It may be determined as the traffic light 100 corresponding to the vehicle. That is, the beacon module 130 of the traffic light 100 continuously transmits a beacon signal, and as the vehicle approaches the traffic light 100 (the greater the strength of the beacon signal, the closer the distance between the vehicle and the traffic light 100) ), the control unit 240 determines that the traffic light 100 is a traffic light 100 corresponding to the vehicle, so that the driver can be provided with an alarm and a warning about a signal change of the traffic light 100 .

Meanwhile, as a result of comparing the strength of the beacon signal input from the signal input unit 210 with the reference strength, the control unit 240 may have a plurality of traffic lights 100 having the reference strength or higher.

The control unit 240 compares the strength of the beacon signal of each traffic light 100 when there are a plurality of traffic lights 100 (eg, at an intersection) in which the strength of the beacon signal input from the signal input unit 210 is equal to or greater than the reference strength, and compares the strength of the beacon signal with the vehicle. The distance may be determined and the traffic light 100 having the shortest distance may be determined as the traffic light 100 corresponding to the vehicle. That is, the control unit 240 determines that the signal light 100 having the strongest intensity of the beacon signal transmitted from the beacon module 130 of the plurality of traffic lights 100 is the signal light 100 having the shortest distance from the vehicle, and the driver to be provided with an alarm and a warning about a signal change of the traffic light 100 .

In addition, when there are a plurality of traffic lights 100 in which the intensity of the beacon signal input from the signal input unit 210 is equal to or greater than the reference intensity, the control unit 240 is based on the position of the vehicle and the behavior of the vehicle input from the motion detection unit 220 . Accordingly, it is possible to determine the traveling direction of the vehicle and determine that the traffic light 100 located in the identified traveling direction is the traffic light 100 corresponding to the vehicle. That is, the control unit 240 uses a positioning method such as a GPS module (not shown) or triangulation method to determine the current location of the vehicle, and to determine the behavior of the vehicle through the motion detection unit 220, each vehicle A traffic light 100 corresponding to may be determined.

At this time, if there are a plurality of traffic lights 100 corresponding to the vehicle, especially two, a method of selecting the traffic light 100 by comparing the distance between the vehicle and the vehicle is used, and in the case of three or more, based on the location and behavior of the vehicle The traffic light 100 corresponding to the vehicle may be determined, but is not limited thereto.

In addition, when a navigation or map application is being used in the smart terminal 300 , the controller 240 may distinguish the traffic light 100 where the vehicle is located through the route data the vehicle has moved so far, and may be configured by the driver. A traffic light 100 may be selected.

The control unit 240 may determine the signal state of the traffic light 100 through the beacon signal. At this time, the signal state of the traffic light 100 may include a red signal, a green signal, a left/right turn signal, and a yellow signal.

The control unit 240 may determine whether a vehicle movement corresponding to the type of the signal is detected through the motion detection unit 220 . That is, when the signal of the traffic light 100 is particularly recognized as a red signal, a green signal, or a left/right turn signal, the control unit 240 detects the behavior of the vehicle through the motion detection unit 220 and drives or stops. cognition can be judged. In other words, it can be determined whether the vehicle travels (starts) when the red signal is received, or whether the vehicle is stopped for more than a set time when the green signal or left/right turn signal is received.

At this time, when the vehicle behavior corresponding to the signal of the traffic light 100 is detected (driving or stopped for more than a set time), the control unit 240 uses at least one of voice, vibration, and time through the output unit 250 . can warn you.

That is, when the signal of the traffic light 100 is a red signal, the control unit 240 detects the behavior of the vehicle through the motion detection unit 220 and determines that the vehicle intends to drive through the output unit 250 . At least one of voice, vibration, and sight may be used to give a warning. For example, when the traffic light 100 to be checked by the driver is a red signal (stop), it is possible to prevent the case of starting in advance or accidentally starting by warning the departure of the vehicle at the same time.

In addition, when the signal of the traffic light 100 is a green signal or a left/right turn signal, the control unit 240 uses at least one of voice, vibration, and time through the output unit 250 to provide an alarm (signal) for vehicle departure. status alarm) and if it is determined that the vehicle is stopped for more than a set time as a result of detecting the movement of the vehicle through the motion detection unit 220, at least one or more of voice, vibration, and time through the output unit 250 can be used to warn. For example, when the traffic light 100 to be checked by the driver is a green signal or a left/right turn signal, it notifies the vehicle departure and detects and warns the vehicle not starting at the same time, so that the driver fails to check the signal and the departure is delayed. Situations that may cause traffic jams can be avoided.

On the other hand, when the signal of the traffic light 100 is a left/right turn signal, the control unit 240 detects a vehicle movement through the motion detection unit 220, and determines and warns about not performing a left/right turn. may be At this time, the control unit 240 may determine the current traveling direction of the vehicle through the navigation or map application installed in the smart terminal 300 , and the vehicle through the identified current traveling direction and left/right turn signals of the traffic light 100 . A case in which this left/right rotation is not performed may be determined.

In addition, when the signal of the traffic light 100 is a yellow signal or is changed to another signal, the control unit 240 outputs a signal change alarm using at least one of voice, vibration, and time through the output unit 250 . can do.

On the other hand, according to another embodiment of the present invention, when the intensity of the beacon signal input from the signal input part 210 is less than the reference intensity, the control unit 240 uses the image input from the image input unit 230 to control the front traffic light 100 ) to determine the signal of the traffic light 100 . That is, when the control unit 240 determines that the strength of the beacon signal is less than the reference strength and is greater than or equal to the communication distance with the traffic light 100 , the signal of the front signal light 100 through the image input from the image input unit 230 . may be determined, and an alarm or warning may be output through the output unit 250 as described above according to the determined signal.

In addition, when the control unit 240 determines that the strength of the beacon signal of the signal light 100 input from the signal input unit 210 is less than the reference strength, and the distance between the vehicle and the traffic light 100 is greater than or equal to the communication distance, the signal input unit Through 210, by receiving the traffic light information of the traffic light 100 corresponding to the front vehicle from the smart terminal 300 owned by the driver of the vehicle in front, the signal of the traffic light 100 corresponding to the vehicle in front can be determined. there is.

In this case, the signal input unit 210 may be a communication module capable of receiving a beacon signal from the beacon module 130 as well as vehicle-to-vehicle communication. That is, it can communicate with another vehicle and receive a signal of another vehicle. Accordingly, the control unit 240 checks the signal state of the front traffic light 100 confirmed by the vehicle in front through the smart terminal 300, and according to the confirmed signal, an alarm or warning through the output unit 250 as described above. can be printed out.

Further, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 240 receives a beacon signal of a traffic light corresponding to the vehicle from the signal input unit 210, and through the received beacon signal, it is possible to determine the signal change order of the traffic light. there is. That is, the beacon signal including the traffic light information also includes information on the signal change order of the traffic light.

In this case, the controller 240 may determine whether the signal of the traffic light 100 is changed to a green signal before the signal is changed to a green signal based on the identified signal change order. That is, when it is determined that the signal of the traffic light 100 is changed to a green signal, the control unit 240 can detect whether there is a pedestrian in front through the image input from the image input unit 230 and the pedestrian When detected, the braking pressure may be maintained through the vehicle control unit 260 . In addition, the control unit 240 allows the vehicle to further maintain the braking state according to the detection of the pedestrian, and warns that a pedestrian has been detected in the front using at least one of voice, vibration, and time through the output unit 250 or An alarm can be output.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for notifying a change in a traffic light using wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a method for notifying a change in a traffic light using an image input unit according to another embodiment of the present invention 5 is a flowchart for explaining a method for notifying a change in a traffic light through pedestrian detection according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this, a method for notifying a change in a traffic light using wireless communication will be described as follows.

As shown in FIG. 3 , in the traffic light change notification method using wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present invention, first, the control unit 240 receives the beacon signal of the traffic light 100 corresponding to the vehicle from the signal input unit 210 . Input is received (S10).

In this case, the beacon signal may include packetized information on traffic lights, which may be decoded by the signal input unit 210 and transmitted to the control unit 240 . Alternatively, the signal input unit 210 may transmit the packetized beacon signal received from the beacon module 130 of the traffic light 100 to the control unit 240 , and decode it in the control unit 240 to know the traffic light information.

In addition, the traffic light information may include a signal state (red, yellow, green and left/right turn) of the traffic light 100, a unique number of the traffic light 100, and the beacon module 130 is a signal of the traffic light 100 It is possible to generate a unique signal according to the state, and to generate a separate signal according to the change of each signal when the traffic signal changes. In other words, the traffic light 100 has a built-in beacon module 130 to generate a beacon signal including different traffic light information according to a unique number and signal state of the traffic light.

On the other hand, the control unit 240 can determine the strength of the beacon signal input from the signal input unit 210, and if the determined strength of the beacon signal is greater than or equal to a preset reference strength, the signal light 100 that generates a beacon signal greater than or equal to the reference strength It may be determined as a traffic light 100 corresponding to the vehicle. That is, the beacon module 130 of the traffic light 100 continuously transmits a beacon signal, and as the vehicle approaches the traffic light 100 (the greater the strength of the beacon signal, the closer the distance between the vehicle and the traffic light 100) ), the control unit 240 may determine the traffic light 100 as the traffic light 100 corresponding to the vehicle.

In step S10, the control unit 240 can determine the signal state of the traffic light 100 through the beacon signal, wherein the signal state of the traffic light 100 includes a red signal, a green signal, a left/right turn signal, and a yellow signal. can

That is, when the signal of the traffic light 100 is a red signal (S21), a green signal or a left/right turn signal (S31), when the signal of the traffic light 100 is a yellow signal (S41) through the beacon signal input in step S10. ) can be determined.

After step S10, when the signal of the traffic light 100 is a red signal (S21), the controller 240 receives the vehicle behavior through the motion detection unit 220 (S22).

In this case, the motion sensing unit 220 detects the behavior of the vehicle, and may detect and transmit the driving, stopping, and steering states of the vehicle to the control unit 240 . In this case, the motion detection unit 220 may include an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor, but is not limited thereto.

Next, as a result of detecting the behavior of the vehicle in step S22, the controller 240 determines whether the vehicle intends to drive (S23).

At this time, if the control unit 240 determines that the vehicle is traveling (starting), it gives a warning using at least one of voice, vibration, and time through the output unit 250 (S24).

For example, when the traffic light 100 to be checked by the driver is a red signal (stop), it is possible to detect the departure of the vehicle and warn of a signal violation at the same time to prevent early departure or accidental departure.

At this time, the output unit 250 outputs at least one of an alarm and a warning to the smart terminal 300 owned by the driver of the vehicle, for example, the output unit 250 outputs a warning sound to the smart terminal 300, or It is possible to output that the signal has been changed by voice, the smart terminal 300 may vibrate, and a signal change message may be displayed on the smart terminal 300 .

Meanwhile, in step S23 , if the controller 240 does not determine that the vehicle is driving, it may output an alarm for the current signal state ( S25 ).

However, in the case of a red signal, the process of outputting an alarm for the signal state may be omitted.

After step S10 , when the signal of the traffic light 100 is a green signal or a left/right turn signal ( S31 ), the controller 240 receives the vehicle behavior through the motion detection unit 220 ( S32 ).

And, as a result of detecting the behavior of the vehicle in step S32, the control unit 240 determines whether the vehicle is in a state of being stopped for more than a set time (S33).

At this time, if the control unit 240 determines that the vehicle has been stopped for more than a set time, a warning is issued using at least one of voice, vibration, and time through the output unit 250 ( S34 ).

For example, when the traffic light 100 that the driver needs to check is a green signal or a left/right turn signal, the vehicle detects a state in which the vehicle does not start even though the signal needs to be changed and starts and warns of non-start, so that the driver fails to check the signal This can prevent a situation in which departures are delayed and traffic jams can occur.

Meanwhile, in step S33, when the vehicle is stopped for less than a set time, the control unit 240 outputs an alarm (signal state alarm) for vehicle departure (S35).

In other words, when the signal of the traffic light 100 is a green signal or a left/right turn signal, the control unit 240 may output an alarm through the output unit 250 and warn if the vehicle does not start at the same time.

After step S10, when the signal of the traffic light 100 is a yellow signal (S41), the control unit 240 may output a signal change alarm through the output unit 250 (S42).

At this time, the control unit 240 may output a signal change alarm using at least one of voice, vibration, and time through the output unit 250 even when the signal of the traffic light 100 is a yellow signal or is changed to another signal. there is.

As shown in FIG. 4 , in the method of notifying a change in a traffic light using an image input unit according to another embodiment of the present invention, first, the control unit 240 receives the beacon signal of the traffic light 100 corresponding to the vehicle from the signal input unit 210 . Input is received (S100).

The traffic light 100 has a built-in beacon module 130 to generate a beacon signal including different traffic light information according to a unique number and signal state of the traffic light.

At this time, the traffic light information may include a signal state (red, yellow, green, and left/right rotation) of the traffic light 100 , and a unique number of the traffic light 100 , and the beacon module 130 is the signal of the traffic light 100 . It is possible to generate a unique signal according to the state, and to generate a separate signal according to the change of each signal when the traffic signal changes.

On the other hand, the control unit 240 can determine the strength of the beacon signal input from the signal input unit 210, and if the determined strength of the beacon signal is greater than or equal to a preset reference strength, the signal light 100 that generates a beacon signal greater than or equal to the reference strength It may be determined as a traffic light 100 corresponding to the vehicle. That is, the beacon module 130 of the traffic light 100 continuously transmits a beacon signal, and as the vehicle approaches the traffic light 100 (the greater the strength of the beacon signal, the closer the distance between the vehicle and the traffic light 100) ), the control unit 240 may determine the traffic light 100 as the traffic light 100 corresponding to the vehicle.

Upon receiving the beacon signal in step S100, the controller 240 may determine whether the intensity of the input beacon signal is less than the reference intensity (S110).

That is, the control unit 240 may determine whether the strength of the beacon signal is less than the reference strength, and whether the distance between the traffic light 100 and the vehicle is greater than or equal to a communicationable distance (communication impossible or weak signal).

When the intensity of the beacon signal is less than the reference intensity in step S110 , the control unit 240 receives the front image from the image input unit 230 ( S120 ).

At this time, the image input unit 230 receives an image photographed through a camera (not shown) installed in front of the vehicle. In order to detect or detect whether a pedestrian is located in front, an image of the front is received and provided to the controller 240 .

And the control unit 240 determines the signal of the front traffic light 100 through the front image input in step S120 (S121).

That is, when the strength of the beacon signal input from the signal input unit 210 is less than the reference strength, the control unit 240 recognizes the traffic light 100 in front through the image received from the image input unit 230 and the traffic light 100 . signal can be determined. If it is determined in step S110 that the beacon signal strength is greater than or equal to the reference strength, it may be terminated and may be controlled with reference to the bar disclosed in FIG. 3 .

On the other hand, when the intensity of the beacon signal is less than the reference intensity in step S110, the control unit 240 may receive the signal state of the traffic light 100 corresponding to the vehicle ahead from the smart terminal 300 of the driver of the vehicle ahead (S130). .

Then, the control unit 240 may determine the signal of the traffic light 100 received in step S130 (S131).

In steps S121 and S131, the control unit 240 may determine the signal of the traffic light 100, and output a warning or an alarm through the output unit 250 according to the signal of the traffic light 100 (S140).

As shown in FIG. 5 , in the method of notifying traffic light changes through pedestrian detection according to another embodiment of the present invention, first, the control unit 240 receives the beacon signal of the traffic light 100 corresponding to the vehicle from the signal input unit 210 . Input is received (S200).

Then, the control unit 240 determines the signal change order of the traffic light through the received beacon signal (S210).

That is, the beacon signal including the traffic light information also includes information on the signal change order of the traffic light.

In this case, the control unit 240 determines whether the signal of the traffic light 100 is changed to a green signal before the signal is changed to a green signal based on the identified signal change order (S220).

Then, when it is determined that the signal of the traffic light 100 is changed to the green signal, the controller 240 receives the front image from the image input unit 230 (S230).

At this time, through the image received from the image input unit 23, the control unit 240 may detect whether there is a pedestrian in front (S240).

In step S240 , when a pedestrian is detected, the control unit 240 may maintain the braking pressure of the vehicle through the vehicle control unit 260 , and may output a warning or an alarm through the output unit 250 ( S250 ).

That is, the control unit 240 allows the vehicle to further maintain the braking state according to the detection of the pedestrian, and warns that a pedestrian is detected in the front using at least one of voice, vibration, and time through the output unit 250 or An alarm can be output.

On the other hand, if it is not before the traffic light signal is changed to a green signal in step S220 or a pedestrian is not detected in step S240, it may end.

As described above, the traffic light change notification apparatus and method using wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present invention can reduce traffic congestion by notifying that the signal has changed through the smart terminal of a driver around a traffic light waiting for a traffic signal. There is an effect that can prevent accidents in advance by eliminating the causes of traffic accidents.

In addition, the apparatus and method for notifying a change in traffic light using wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present invention detects inappropriate behavior (non-start, signal violation, etc.) of the vehicle after changing the signal, and warns it through the driver's smart terminal. As a result, concentration on driving can be improved and the probability of safety accidents can be reduced.

In addition, the apparatus and method for notifying a change in traffic light using wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present invention uses a driver's smart terminal without using a separate vehicle part, thereby providing a conventional UI (User Interface)/UX (User Experience) ), it is possible to not only eliminate the objection to new functions, but also to eliminate additional costs and additional processes due to additional parts and additional production, thereby improving the convenience of function expansion and addition.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiment shown in the drawings, this is merely exemplary, and it is understood that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible by those of ordinary skill in the art. will understand

Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention should be defined by the following claims.

100: traffic light 110: lamp
120: traffic signal controller 130: beacon module (Beacon)
210: signal input unit 220: motion detection unit
230: image input unit 240: control unit
250: output unit 260: vehicle control unit
300: smart terminal

Claims (20)

a signal input unit for receiving a wireless communication signal including traffic light information from a signal light having a built-in wireless communication module;
an output unit for outputting at least one of an alarm and a warning to a smart terminal owned by the driver of the vehicle; and
A control unit that receives the wireless communication signal from the signal input unit, determines the signal state of the traffic light through the received wireless communication signal, and generates an event corresponding to each signal through the output unit; includes,
The control unit is
Determine the traffic light corresponding to the vehicle based on the strength of the wireless communication signal input from the signal input unit and the movement route data of the vehicle identified by the navigation or map application being used in the smart terminal,
an image input unit for receiving an image of the front of the vehicle;
a motion detection unit for detecting a movement of the vehicle; and
Further comprising; a vehicle control unit for controlling the driving and braking of the vehicle;
The traffic light information received from the signal input unit includes the change order of the traffic light,
The control unit controls the operation of the image input unit, the motion detection unit, or the vehicle control unit based on the change order of the traffic light received from the signal input unit. According to claim 1,
The traffic light is
A traffic light change notification device using wireless communication, characterized in that it generates a wireless communication signal including different traffic light information according to the unique number and signal state of the traffic light.
According to claim 1,
The control unit is
Traffic light change notification using wireless communication, characterized in that by determining the strength of the wireless communication signal input from the signal input unit, and if it is greater than or equal to a reference strength, a traffic light generating a wireless communication signal greater than or equal to the reference strength is determined as a traffic light corresponding to the vehicle Device. 4. The method of claim 3,
The control unit is
Traffic light change notification using wireless communication, characterized in that when the motion of the vehicle corresponding to the type of signal of the traffic light is detected through the motion detection unit, a warning is issued using at least one of voice, vibration and time through the output unit Device. 5. The method of claim 4,
The control unit is
When the signal of the traffic light is a red signal, when it is determined that the vehicle intends to drive as a result of detecting the movement of the vehicle through the motion detection unit, warning using at least one of voice, vibration, and time through the output unit Traffic light change notification device using wireless communication, characterized in that. 5. The method of claim 4,
The control unit is
Signal change notification using wireless communication, characterized in that when the signal of the traffic light is a yellow signal or is in a state of being changed to another signal, a signal change alarm is outputted using at least one of voice, vibration, and time through the output unit Device. 5. The method of claim 4,
The control unit is
When the signal of the traffic light is a green signal or a left/right turn signal, a vehicle departure alarm is output using at least one of voice, vibration, and time through the output unit, and the motion of the vehicle is detected through the motion detection unit. When it is determined that the vehicle is stopped for more than a set time, a traffic light change notification device using wireless communication, characterized in that it warns using at least one of voice, vibration, and time through the output unit. 5. The method of claim 4,
The control unit is
When there are multiple traffic lights having the strength of the wireless communication signal input from the signal input unit equal to or greater than the reference strength, the smart terminal corresponds to the vehicle through the route data that the vehicle has moved so far as determined by the navigation or map application used in the smart terminal. A traffic light change notification device using wireless communication, characterized in that the traffic light is selected. 4. The method of claim 3,
The control unit is
When the strength of the wireless communication signal input from the signal input unit is less than the reference strength, the signal of the traffic light is determined by recognizing the traffic light in front through the image received from the image input unit, or the driver of the vehicle in front through the signal input unit A traffic light change notification device using wireless communication, characterized in that receiving the traffic light information of the traffic light corresponding to the vehicle in front from the owned smart terminal and determining the signal of the traffic light corresponding to the vehicle in front. 10. The method of claim 9,
The control unit is
When it is determined that the signal of the traffic light is changed to a green signal by receiving a wireless communication signal of a traffic light corresponding to the vehicle from the signal input unit and determining the signal change order of the traffic light through the received wireless communication signal , it is checked whether there is a pedestrian in front through the image input from the image input unit, and if there is a pedestrian, the braking pressure is maintained through the vehicle control unit, and at least one of voice, vibration, and time is used through the output unit. A traffic light change notification device using wireless communication, characterized in that it outputs a pedestrian danger warning and alarm. The control unit determines the traffic light corresponding to the vehicle based on the strength of the wireless communication signal input from the signal input unit and the movement route data of the vehicle identified by the navigation or map application being used in the smart terminal, and receiving a wireless communication signal including traffic light information from the traffic light;
determining, by the control unit, a signal state of the traffic light through the wireless communication signal; and
generating, by the control unit, an event corresponding to each signal through an output unit according to the determined signal state of the traffic light;
The traffic light information received in the step of receiving the wireless communication signal includes a change order of the traffic light,
A method of notifying traffic light changes using wireless communication, characterized in that the control unit controls the operation of the image input unit, the motion detection unit, or the vehicle control unit based on the change order of the traffic lights received from the signal input unit. 12. The method of claim 11,
In the step of receiving the wireless communication signal,
The traffic light is a traffic light change notification method using wireless communication, characterized in that generating a wireless communication signal including different traffic light information according to a unique number and signal state of the traffic light. 12. The method of claim 11,
In the step of receiving the wireless communication signal,
Wherein the control unit grasps the strength of the wireless communication signal input from the signal input unit, and if it is equal to or greater than the reference strength, the signal light generating the wireless communication signal greater than or equal to the reference strength is determined as a signal light corresponding to the vehicle. How to notify traffic light change. 14. The method of claim 13,
Further comprising; detecting, by the control unit, a motion of the vehicle through a motion detection unit;
In the step of generating the event,
The control unit, when the motion of the vehicle corresponding to the type of signal of the traffic light is detected through the motion sensing unit, wireless communication, characterized in that by using at least one or more of voice, vibration, and time to warn through the output unit How to notify change of traffic light. 15. The method of claim 14,
In the step of generating the event,
When the control unit determines that the vehicle intends to drive as a result of detecting the movement of the vehicle through the motion detection unit when the signal of the traffic light is a red signal, the control unit uses at least one of voice, vibration and time through the output unit A traffic light change notification method using wireless communication, characterized in that it warns. 15. The method of claim 14,
In the step of generating the event,
The control unit, when the signal of the traffic light is a yellow signal or is in a state of being changed to another signal, wireless communication characterized in that it outputs a signal change alarm using at least one of voice, vibration, and time through the output unit How to notify change of traffic light. 15. The method of claim 14,
In the step of generating the event,
When the signal of the traffic light is a green signal or a left/right turn signal, the control unit outputs a vehicle departure alarm using at least one of voice, vibration, and time through the output unit, and the vehicle behavior through the motion sensing unit When it is determined that the vehicle is stopped for more than a set time as a result of detecting , a traffic light change notification method using wireless communication, characterized in that it warns using at least one of voice, vibration and time through the output unit. 15. The method of claim 14,
In the step of receiving the wireless communication signal,
The control unit, when there are multiple traffic lights having the strength of the wireless communication signal input from the signal input unit equal to or higher than the reference strength, through the route data the vehicle has moved so far as determined by the navigation or map application being used in the smart terminal. A traffic light change notification method using wireless communication, characterized in that selecting a traffic light corresponding to a vehicle. 14. The method of claim 13,
Further comprising; receiving, by the control unit, an image of the front of the vehicle from the image input unit;
When the strength of the wireless communication signal input from the signal input unit is less than the reference strength, the control unit recognizes a front signal light through the image inputted from the image input unit to determine the signal of the signal light, or to the front through the signal input unit A traffic light change notification method using wireless communication, characterized in that the signal of the traffic light corresponding to the vehicle in front is received by a smart terminal owned by the driver of the vehicle, and the signal of the traffic light corresponding to the vehicle in front is received. 20. The method of claim 19,
Further comprising; the control unit controlling the driving and braking of the vehicle through the vehicle control unit;
The control unit receives a wireless communication signal of a traffic light corresponding to the vehicle from the signal input unit, determines a signal change order of the traffic light through the received wireless communication signal, and before the signal of the traffic light is changed to a green signal , it is determined whether there is a pedestrian in front through the image input from the image input unit, and if there is a pedestrian, the braking pressure is maintained through the vehicle control unit, and at least one of voice, vibration and time is output through the output unit. A traffic light change notification method using wireless communication, characterized in that the pedestrian danger warning and alarm are output using one or more.

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