WO2008093033A1 - Système et procédé permettant de fournir à un véhicule des informations relatives au statut de signaux de contrôle du trafic - Google Patents

Système et procédé permettant de fournir à un véhicule des informations relatives au statut de signaux de contrôle du trafic Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008093033A1
WO2008093033A1 PCT/GB2007/000314 GB2007000314W WO2008093033A1 WO 2008093033 A1 WO2008093033 A1 WO 2008093033A1 GB 2007000314 W GB2007000314 W GB 2007000314W WO 2008093033 A1 WO2008093033 A1 WO 2008093033A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
vehicle
control signal
traffic control
information
request
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2007/000314
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Andreas Bergvall
Jan Odenmo
Johan Nilsson
Original Assignee
Autoliv Development Ab
Beattie, Alex
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Autoliv Development Ab, Beattie, Alex filed Critical Autoliv Development Ab
Priority to PCT/GB2007/000314 priority Critical patent/WO2008093033A1/fr
Publication of WO2008093033A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008093033A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/09—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
    • G08G1/0962—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions having an indicator mounted inside the vehicle, e.g. giving voice messages
    • G08G1/0967—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits

Definitions

  • THIS INVENTION relates to a system for providing information to a vehicle, and in particular concerns a system to provide information to anyone of a plurality of vehicles relating to the status of a traffic control signal.
  • a traffic control signal such as a traffic light
  • a traffic control signal to transmit information relating to its current status to a vehicle.
  • the present invention seeks to provide an improved system of this type.
  • one aspect of the present invention provides a system for providing information to a vehicle, the system comprising: a plurality of control signal units located in or near respective traffic control signals; a vehicle unit located in or on a vehicle; and an information server operable to communicate with each of the control signal units and with the vehicle unit, wherein the information server is operable, on receipt of a request from the vehicle unit relating to a traffic control signal, to transmit to the vehicle unit information relating to the current and/or expected future status of the traffic control signal.
  • the vehicle unit is operable to send a request including a length of time over which any updated information regarding the traffic control signal is requested.
  • the length of time over which any updated information regarding the traffic control signal is requested is defined between a first, earlier time and a second, later time.
  • the earliest time is approximately equal to the time at which the request is sent from the vehicle unit.
  • the later time corresponds to an estimated latest time at which the vehicle may pass the traffic control signal.
  • the information server is operable to transmit updated information, received from the traffic control signal, to the vehicle unit if the updated information is received within the indicated length of time.
  • the request is deleted from the information server.
  • the vehicle unit is operable to send a request indicating that any updated information regarding the traffic control signal is requested until the vehicle has reached a spatial position or region defined with respect to the traffic control signal or the position of the vehicle.
  • the vehicle unit is operable to send a request indicating that any updated information regarding the traffic control signal is requested until the vehicle has passed the traffic control signal.
  • the information relating to the current and/or expected future status of the traffic control signal is used to provide a driver of the vehicle with advice or a warning relating to a recommended speed of the vehicle.
  • the information relating to the current and/or expected future status of the traffic control signal is used to control the speed of the vehicle.
  • the vehicle comprises an automatic cruise control function, in which the speed of the vehicle applied by the automatic cruise control function is influenced by the information relating to the current and/or expected future status of the traffic control signal.
  • the system comprises a plurality of vehicle units located in or on respective vehicles.
  • Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of providing information to a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: locating a plurality of control signal units in or near respective traffic control signals; locating a vehicle unit in or on a vehicle: providing an information server operable to communicate with each of the control signal units and with the vehicle unit; sending a request from the vehicle unit to the information server relating to a traffic control signal; and on receipt of the request at the information server, transmitting to the vehicle unit information relating to the current and/or expected future status of the traffic control signal.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram showing components of a system embodying the present invention
  • FIG. 2 shows the components of a system embodying the present invention
  • FIG 3 is a flow diagram showing the steps taken in use of a system embodying the present invention.
  • a traffic signal in the form of a traffic light 1
  • the traffic light 1 has a number of lamps 2 of different colours (typically green, amber and red), and is provided with a control signal unit 3, which is preferably provided within the housing of the traffic light 1 (but may also be provided within a separate housing).
  • the control signal unit 3 is operable to transmit information, and hence may include a wireless transmitter such as an antenna, a connection to a network such as the internet, a private communication network or any other suitable transmission arrangement.
  • An information server 4 is also provided, the information server 4 being operable to receive the information transmitted by the control signal unit 3. Accordingly, the information server 4 is provided with, or connected to, a suitable receiver, such as a wireless receiver or network connection.
  • a suitable receiver such as a wireless receiver or network connection.
  • information is transmitted continuously from the control signal unit 3 to the information server 4, but in other embodiments of the invention information may be specifically requested from the control signal unit 3 by the information server 4, and it will be understood that in such embodiments the control signal unit 3 will also incorporate a receiver to receive requests from the information server 4.
  • information passing from the control signal unit 3 to the information server 4 passes through a private communication network 5 to a regional server 6, before being transmitted to the information server 4 over an external communication network 7.
  • the information transmitted by the control signal unit 3 relates to the current status of the traffic light 1 , as well as the expected future state thereof.
  • the traffic light 1 may have the green lamp thereof illuminated, but it is expected that 40 seconds later the green lamp will have been extinguished and the red lamp illuminated.
  • both the present status and the length of time which is likely to elapse until a change of status are continuously transmitted to the information server 4.
  • a vehicle 8 is provided with a processing unit 9, which is preferably concealed within the body of the vehicle 8 itself.
  • the processing unit 9 is operable to send information to, and receive information from, the information server 4, and therefore comprises a suitable transceiver 10, as will be understood by the skilled reader.
  • the transceiver 10 communicates via a wireless link 12 within a transceiver gateway 13, which in turn communicates via an external communication network 14 with the information server 4.
  • the processing unit 9 unit is operable to send a request to the information server 4 relating to one or more traffic control signals.
  • the vehicle 8 is provided with a location arrangement 11 , such as GPS or another system, in conjunction with a stored map on which the locations of traffic control signals are identified.
  • the request sent from the processing unit 9 may include the specific location of the traffic control signals in question, and the stored map may even include a unique identification code for a traffic signal, which can be included in the request from the vehicle 8.
  • the vehicle 8 may not have access to information regarding the location of specific traffic control signals, but may send a request relating to a particular intersection, identified by map location, which is effectively a request for information regarding the status of traffic control signals if any are present at that intersection.
  • the vehicle may be provided with a location arrangement 11 , but does not have a stored map (or may have strayed outside the area in respect of which the vehicle 8 does have stored map), and in this case the vehicle 8 may send a request which includes the location and bearing of the vehicle 8, which is effectively a request for information about any traffic control signal that the vehicle may be approaching.
  • the vehicle 8 approaches a road intersection 15, and its associated traffic light 1.
  • the vehicle 8 determines that the traffic light 1 is being approached, and sends an appropriate request to the information server 4.
  • the information server 4 immediately sends a response to the vehicle 8, which includes all of the currently-available information regarding the traffic light 1 , which is likely to be the current and expected future status of the traffic light 1.
  • the processing unit 9 is able to make a determination as to the likely status of the traffic light 1 when the vehicle 8 reaches the traffic light 1. It is appreciated that certain assumptions about the future speed of the vehicle 8 will need to be made in calculating the time t 3 at which the vehicle 8 is expected to reach the traffic light 1 , for instance that the sensed present speed will remain roughly constant, or that any sensed acceleration will continue.
  • the processing unit 9 may take action, through a driver interface 16 which is controlled by the processing unit 9, to assist the driver in coming to a stop before the traffic light 1.
  • information or a warning may be provided to a driver of the vehicle 8, indicating that the vehicle 8 is approaching a traffic control signal and is likely to be required to stop, or communicating a recommended maximum speed to the driver, so that the traffic light is reached after the light 1 has changed to green. With this adjustment of speed the traffic light 1 should not be reached until t 4 (t 4 > t 3 ).
  • this warning may take the form of an audible, visual or tactile signal, or any combination of these.
  • the speed applied by the cruise control function may be influenced or controlled by the processing unit 9 in accordance with the information received from the information server 4.
  • the speed of the vehicle 8 may be gradually decreased as the traffic light 1 is operated if it appears likely that the vehicle 8 will be required to stop at the traffic light 1.
  • the processing unit 9 may activate automatic emergency braking of the vehicle 8.
  • the processing unit 9 determines a safe maximum braking rate for the vehicle (which may take into account road conditions, weather conditions and so forth), and when the vehicle 8 reaches the point at which maximum safe braking needs to be applied for the vehicle 8 to be brought safely to a halt before the traffic light 1 , the emergency braking will be activated.
  • the request sent by the vehicle 8 includes a length of time over which the vehicle 8 requires to be sent any new information that becomes available regarding the status of the traffic light 1.
  • the processing unit 9 of the vehicle 8 may determine that the vehicle 8 is likely to reach the traffic light 1 in around 30 seconds (t 3 ).
  • the processing unit 5 also calculates a "time-out" value (t 5 ), representing an estimate of the latest time of passage, taking into account the possibility that the vehicle may need to reduce speed, or indeed come to a halt, on the way to the traffic light 1 , and in the present example t 5 might be chosen to be 60 seconds.
  • the request sent by the vehicle 8 will then include a request for any new information regarding the status of the traffic light 1 , if this information is received between ti and the estimated time of latest passage t 5 . If any updated information is received, the processing unit 9 will react accordingly.
  • control signal unit 3 may indicate that the green lamp of the traffic light 1 is illuminated, and is expected to remain illuminated for 40 seconds.
  • the vehicle 8 is expected to reach the traffic light at time t. 3 , 30 seconds after the request is sent to the information server 4 and, upon receiving a response indicating that the traffic light 1 is expected to remain on green for a further 40 seconds, no action will be taken by the processing unit 9. If this does occur, the time t 4 at which the traffic light 1 is passed will be equal, or approximately equal, to t 3 .
  • a pedestrian might press a button associated with the traffic light 1 , causing the traffic light to switch to red at time X 2 , 15 seconds after the request was initially made by the vehicle 8, such that the traffic light 1 is not expected to return to green until 40 seconds after t
  • the estimated time of latest passage ts should not be too late, in order to minimise the data that is transmitted to the vehicle.
  • a long "time-out" period may be set, with the vehicle 8 sending a separate communication to the information serve 4 once it has been determined that the vehicle 8 has passed of the traffic light 1 , indicating that no further information is required.
  • the vehicle 8 may send a new request to the information server 4.
  • Figure 3 shows the steps that occur during use of an information system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, in the form of a flow chart.
  • any traffic control signal that has two or more different states may include a control signal unit to transmit information in accordance with the present invention.
  • Examples of other traffic control signal include level crossing indication signs, variable speed limit indicators and automatic barriers. It is envisaged that, within a region such as a city, all or most of the traffic control signals will include control signal units, and a plurality of vehicles within the city will include respective vehicle units. It will be understood that use of the system within the region is likely to increase the level of vehicle safety significantly.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Atmospheric Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Traffic Control Systems (AREA)

Abstract

Système destiné à fournir des informations à un véhicule, le système comprenant : une pluralité d'unités de signaux de contrôle situées dans ou à proximité de signaux de contrôle du trafic respectifs; une unité de véhicule située dans ou sur un véhicule; et un serveur d'informations capable de communiquer avec chacune des unités de signaux de contrôle et avec l'unité de véhicule, le serveur d'informations étant capable, lors de la réception d'une demande de la part de l'unité de véhicule liée à un signal de contrôle du trafic, de transmettre à l'unité de véhicule des informations relatives au statut actuel et/ou futur prévu du signal de contrôle du trafic.
PCT/GB2007/000314 2007-01-31 2007-01-31 Système et procédé permettant de fournir à un véhicule des informations relatives au statut de signaux de contrôle du trafic WO2008093033A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/GB2007/000314 WO2008093033A1 (fr) 2007-01-31 2007-01-31 Système et procédé permettant de fournir à un véhicule des informations relatives au statut de signaux de contrôle du trafic

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/GB2007/000314 WO2008093033A1 (fr) 2007-01-31 2007-01-31 Système et procédé permettant de fournir à un véhicule des informations relatives au statut de signaux de contrôle du trafic

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008093033A1 true WO2008093033A1 (fr) 2008-08-07

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PCT/GB2007/000314 WO2008093033A1 (fr) 2007-01-31 2007-01-31 Système et procédé permettant de fournir à un véhicule des informations relatives au statut de signaux de contrôle du trafic

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WO (1) WO2008093033A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011160255A1 (fr) * 2010-06-23 2011-12-29 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Contrôle du défilement des véhicules à une intersection de circulation
EP3944212A3 (fr) * 2020-12-22 2022-05-25 Apollo Intelligent Connectivity (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd. Procédé et appareil d'assistance de conduite d'un véhicule, dispositif électronique et support de stockage
EP4113476A1 (fr) * 2021-06-30 2023-01-04 Apollo Intelligent Connectivity (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd. Procédé et appareil de traitement de données, dispositif électronique et support d'enregistrement lisible

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19842912A1 (de) * 1998-09-18 2000-03-30 Greenway Systeme Gmbh Verfahren zur Fahrwegfreischaltung für Einsatzfahrzeuge mit Sonderbefugnissen unter Nutzung des GPS-Systems und Steuereinrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens
EP1288883A1 (fr) * 2001-08-29 2003-03-05 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Procédé et disposif pour contrôler un système de plusieurs signaux routiers
EP1628276A2 (fr) * 2004-08-17 2006-02-22 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Système d'assistance pour conducteur d'un véhicule

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19842912A1 (de) * 1998-09-18 2000-03-30 Greenway Systeme Gmbh Verfahren zur Fahrwegfreischaltung für Einsatzfahrzeuge mit Sonderbefugnissen unter Nutzung des GPS-Systems und Steuereinrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens
EP1288883A1 (fr) * 2001-08-29 2003-03-05 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Procédé et disposif pour contrôler un système de plusieurs signaux routiers
EP1628276A2 (fr) * 2004-08-17 2006-02-22 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Système d'assistance pour conducteur d'un véhicule

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011160255A1 (fr) * 2010-06-23 2011-12-29 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Contrôle du défilement des véhicules à une intersection de circulation
EP3944212A3 (fr) * 2020-12-22 2022-05-25 Apollo Intelligent Connectivity (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd. Procédé et appareil d'assistance de conduite d'un véhicule, dispositif électronique et support de stockage
EP4113476A1 (fr) * 2021-06-30 2023-01-04 Apollo Intelligent Connectivity (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd. Procédé et appareil de traitement de données, dispositif électronique et support d'enregistrement lisible

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