JP4881757B2 - Traffic information providing system, traffic information providing device, navigation device, and traffic information providing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a traffic information providing system, a traffic information providing device, a navigation device, and a traffic information providing method for providing traffic information using information collected from a large number of vehicles.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a traffic information providing system that provides a driver with traffic information data related to a predetermined area from a traffic information center via an in-vehicle terminal mounted on an automobile, for example, one disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known.

  In this traffic information providing system, the in-vehicle device provides traffic information data near the position of the vehicle to the information center automatically or manually. The information center that has received the traffic information data forms a traffic information database based on the received traffic information data. When a search request for traffic information data related to the predetermined area is received from the in-vehicle device, the information center searches the database for traffic information data related to the predetermined area in response to the search request, and the traffic related to the searched predetermined area. The information data is transmitted to the in-vehicle device that has issued the transmission request.

  As described above, in Patent Document 1, the information center collects traffic information data in the vicinity of the position of the vehicle on which the in-vehicle device is mounted, creates a database, and sends necessary traffic information data to the vehicle in response to a request from the vehicle. providing.

  The traffic information data also includes waiting time data for left and right turns at intersections. These left and right turn waiting time data is generated as waiting times for left and right turns with the turn signal turned on in the in-vehicle device, and sent to the information center. It is calculated by calculating the average of the waiting time for left and right turns based on the transmitted waiting time.

  Moreover, as shown in Patent Document 2, an in-vehicle terminal (navigation device) that provides traffic information to a driver using time information of a signal transmitted from a roadside device is known.

The navigation device of Patent Literature 2 determines whether or not the vehicle can pass through the traffic light at what number of green signals based on the time information of the signal received from the roadside device and the vehicle position and the distance traveled by one green signal. Is calculated. Using this calculation result, the navigation device displays a message such as “I can pass after another signal ○ times” and presents the driver with a waiting time for turning left and right and the number of signal waits in advance. As described above, the navigation device supports the driver for more specific route selection, and aims to improve the safe driving by giving a margin to the driving of the driver.
JP 11-328580 A JP 2004-205389 A

  By the way, there is a demand for providing more detailed information about the waiting time at the intersection as traffic information to be provided to the driver using the traffic information providing system.

  However, in the conventional traffic information providing system of Patent Document 1, although information on the total time required for turning left and right at an intersection can be obtained, the number of signal waiting times, which is detailed information for passing the intersection, and pedestrians on the route There is a problem that it is not possible to provide waiting time due to passing an oncoming vehicle including passing.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, unlike Patent Document 1, the number of signal waiting times for passing through an intersection can be calculated and provided to the driver.

  However, in the configuration of Patent Document 2, the number of waiting times cannot be calculated unless the signal travels for one cycle, and when there are multiple lanes for each traveling direction, the vehicle travels in the direction (escape road) where the vehicle travels at the intersection. Only waiting time can be calculated. In particular, when the number of lanes increases at each intersection at the intersection, the distance traveled by one green light changes, causing an error in the number of waiting times, especially passing oncoming vehicles including pedestrians on the route that occur when turning right The waiting time for the vehicle cannot be calculated, and the waiting time due to the oncoming vehicle cannot be provided to the driver.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and is a traffic that can provide a driver with the number of times of waiting for a signal, which is detailed information for passing through an intersection, a waiting time due to passing an oncoming vehicle including a pedestrian passing on the route, etc. An object is to provide an information providing system, a traffic information providing device, a navigation device, and a traffic information providing method.

The traffic information providing system of the present invention is mounted on a vehicle traveling on a road, and travel information acquisition means for acquiring vehicle travel information including position information, time information and vehicle speed information of the vehicle, and a signal installed on the road An in-vehicle device comprising: signal state detection means for detecting red, blue and yellow signal state information; and communication means for transmitting the vehicle travel information and the signal state information in association with each other. From the receiving means for receiving the vehicle travel information and the signal state information transmitted from the communication means, the map information storage means for storing map information, and the map information and the received position information, the vehicle is predetermined. A right turn completion determination means for detecting that the intersection has been escaped by a right turn, and the intersection in the vehicle in which the right turn completion determination means has detected that the intersection has been escaped. From said signal status information associated with the vehicle traveling information when escaped, and stopping time calculating means for detecting when a signal of the intersection becomes finally blue, said detected by the vehicle stop time calculating means The vehicle when it is detected by the time information included in the vehicle travel information associated with the signal state information when the signal has finally turned blue, and the right turn completion determination means has escaped the intersection From the time information included in the travel information, an oncoming vehicle waiting time from when the signal finally turns blue to when the vehicle exits the intersection is obtained, and the waiting time for the oncoming vehicle is determined using the map information. data generating means for generating traffic information including time, the traffic information providing device comprising a, is mounted on a vehicle different from the vehicle that the vehicle device is mounted, wherein Using the traffic information generated by passing an information providing apparatus, it employs a configuration having: a navigation apparatus for displaying the oncoming vehicle waiting.
The traffic information providing apparatus according to the present invention includes vehicle travel information including positional information, time information, and vehicle speed information transmitted from the in-vehicle devices respectively mounted on a plurality of vehicles traveling on a road. From receiving means for receiving red, blue and yellow signal state information of signals installed on the road, map information storing means for storing map information, the map information and the received position information, Right turn completion determination means for detecting that the vehicle has escaped from a predetermined intersection by a right turn, and the vehicle travel information when the vehicle has detected that the vehicle has exited the intersection by the right turn completion determination means when exiting the intersection From the signal state information associated with the stop time calculation means for detecting when the signal at the intersection has finally turned blue, and the stop time calculation means The time information detected the signal is included in the vehicle drive information of the last associated with the signal state information when it becomes blue, and when it is detected that escaped the intersection by the right turn completion determination unit From the time information included in the vehicle travel information, the oncoming vehicle waiting time from when the signal finally turns blue to when the vehicle exits the intersection is obtained, and the map information is used to And a data generation means for generating traffic information including the oncoming vehicle waiting time.
The traffic information providing method of the present invention acquires vehicle travel information including vehicle position information, time information, and vehicle speed information, and is associated with the vehicle travel information and red, blue and An acquisition step for acquiring yellow signal state information, a right turn completion determination step for detecting that the vehicle has escaped from a predetermined intersection by a right turn from the map information and the acquired position information, and a right turn completion determination step In the vehicle that has detected that it has exited the intersection, it detects when the signal at the intersection has finally turned blue from the signal status information associated with the vehicle travel information when exiting the intersection. a parking time calculating step, the signal detected by the parking time calculating step is finally and the signal state information when it becomes blue Seki The time information included in the vehicle drive information that is attached, and from the time information included in the vehicle drive information when it is detected that it has escaped the intersection by the right turn completion determination step, the signal is finally A data generation step for obtaining an oncoming vehicle waiting time from when the vehicle turns blue until the vehicle exits the intersection, and generating traffic information including the oncoming vehicle waiting time using the map information, And a display step for displaying the oncoming vehicle waiting time in a vehicle different from the vehicle using the traffic information.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the driver can present the number of signal waiting times and the waiting time for the oncoming vehicle in the right turn waiting time in advance for any traveling direction at any intersection. , Support better route selection during traffic jams, and provide safe driving support by allowing the driver to drive.

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

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a traffic information providing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  A traffic information providing system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a collection in-vehicle device 200, a traffic information providing device 300, and a navigation device 400. In this traffic information providing system 100, a plurality of collecting in-vehicle devices 200 collects traffic information and transmits it to the traffic information providing device 300. The traffic information providing device 300 manages the collected traffic information and sends it to the navigation device 400. Generate traffic information to provide. The generated traffic information is provided to the driver in the navigation device 400.

  The collection in-vehicle device 200 is mounted on a collection vehicle that can travel and collect road information and traffic information, and collects traffic information information provided from the traffic information providing device 300 to the navigation device 400.

  The collection in-vehicle device 200 includes a vehicle information acquisition unit 210 that detects the position and time of the collection vehicle, a vehicle speed, and the like, a signal detection unit 220 that detects a signal state, and a communication unit that transmits the information to the traffic information providing device 300. 230 and a control unit 240 that controls each unit.

  The vehicle information acquisition unit 210 has a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver as the positioning unit 211, and further generates an angle sensor such as a gyro that detects the rotation angle of the vehicle, and a pulse for every predetermined travel distance. And a vehicle speed sensor for measuring the travel speed and travel distance of the vehicle. Here, the vehicle information acquisition unit 210 includes a vehicle speed sensor as the vehicle speed detection unit 212.

  In the vehicle information acquisition unit 210, trajectory information indicating the trajectory of the collection vehicle (the time when the position and position information are acquired) based on information obtained from the GPS receiver (positioning unit) 211, the vehicle speed sensor 212, and the like. Then, information such as vehicle speed information is calculated and output to the control unit 240.

  The signal detection unit 220 detects the signal state using an in-vehicle camera or the like, or receives signal state information from the roadside device, specifically, signal state information before the intersection, and sends it to the control unit 240. Output.

  The signal status information is status information such as red, blue, and yellow of the signal, in other words, each color information and color duration information in the signal. In the present embodiment, the signal detection unit 220 is configured to capture the signal of a traffic light installed at an intersection or the like by the imaging unit 221 using an in-vehicle camera or the like and detect the signal state from the acquired imaging information. It is said. From the imaging information, it is possible to extract a signal color, a color duration, and the like.

  The method for acquiring the signal state is not limited to this, and the signal detection unit 220 may include a road-to-vehicle communication device capable of communicating with an access point installed along the road. In this case, for example, the road-to-vehicle communication device receives the color information of the signal such as blue, red, and yellow, as well as the time information indicating how many seconds the color of the signal changes after the access point such as the traffic light is installed. You may do it.

  Based on this acquired information, the signal detection unit 220 can detect the signal state of a traffic light installed at an intersection or the like, that is, the display time of each of red, blue, and yellow. Note that the signal detection unit 220 may calculate the cycle time information indicating one cycle time of the signal using the state information of these signals. That is, the total display time of red, blue, and yellow colors may be one cycle time.

  The control unit 240 associates information input from the vehicle information acquisition unit 210 and the signal detection unit 220 and transmits the information to the traffic information providing apparatus 300 via the communication unit 230. That is, the control unit 240 collects information on when and where the collection vehicle including the collection on-vehicle apparatus 200 including the signal waiting state is collected by the vehicle information acquisition unit 210 and the signal detection unit 220. Yes.

  The control unit 240 measures the vehicle position by the vehicle information acquisition unit 210 and detects the signal state at that time by the signal detection unit 220, thereby correlating and sampling the traffic information at the time of traveling.

  The collection in-vehicle device 200 is mounted on each of the plurality of collection vehicles, collects information in each collection vehicle, and is transmitted to the traffic information providing device 300. The collection in-vehicle device 200 may be mounted on a vehicle on which a navigation device 400 that receives information from a vehicle other than a traffic information collection vehicle is mounted. Moreover, the information transmitted to the traffic information providing apparatus 300 by the collection in-vehicle apparatus 200 may be controlled by the control unit 240 so as to be transmitted, for example, every predetermined time or every predetermined fixed distance.

  The traffic information providing device 300 includes vehicle position information, trajectory information such as time, vehicle speed information, signal state information including signal state information before an intersection, and the like transmitted from a plurality of collection vehicles equipped with the collection in-vehicle device 200. The information is received, and traffic information to be provided to the navigation device 400 is generated.

  In detail, the traffic information providing apparatus 300 uses the information from the communication in-vehicle apparatus 200 to transmit / receive information to / from the collection in-vehicle apparatus 200, the map data storage unit 320, and the information from the collection in-vehicle apparatus 200 as traffic information. And a traffic information generation unit 350 that generates statistical data.

  The communication unit 310 receives the information collected by the collection in-vehicle device 200 and outputs it to the traffic information generation unit 350. When the navigation device 400 includes a communication unit that can receive the traffic information generated by the traffic information providing device 300, the communication unit 310 performs transmission / reception with the communication unit of the navigation device 400.

  The map data storage unit 320 includes information on roads (road width, number of lanes, road length, etc.), information on traffic lights installed on the road, information on facilities (type of facility, name, position, telephone number, etc.) And the like are stored and read by the traffic information generation unit 350. Note that the map data includes, for example, information on roads as numerical values expressed based on road width, number of lanes, road length, and the like.

  The traffic information generation unit 350 generates each traffic information corresponding to the road of the map data based on the information transmitted from the collection in-vehicle device 200 and the map data in the map data storage unit 320. Specifically, the traffic information generation unit 350 corresponds to the map data, for each traveling direction of each intersection, day type (day of the week, whether or not a holiday), and time zone, a right / left turn waiting time and a signal waiting time. The number of times, the signal cycle time, the oncoming vehicle waiting time, and the signal waiting time changing point are generated as statistical data.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a main configuration of the traffic information generation unit 350 in the traffic information providing apparatus 300.

  FIG. 2 shows elements that generate the waiting time and the signal waiting time change position necessary for exiting the intersection for each lane, which is characteristic traffic information, when the traffic information generating unit 350 generates traffic information. ing. Note that the number of signal waiting times is the number of times of waiting for a signal to go straight or turn right or left at the intersection, and refers to the number of times that the vehicle could not go straight or turn right or left despite the green light.

  The traffic information generation unit 350 includes vehicle speed information, vehicle position information, signal state information, and map data read from the map data storage unit 320, which are input from the collection in-vehicle device 200 acquired via the communication unit 310. Traffic information is generated using the information stored in the storage unit 360.

  The traffic information generation unit 350 shown in FIG. 2 includes a last stop determination unit 351, a first stop time calculation unit 352, a signal cycle time calculation unit 353, a right / left turn completion determination unit 354, and a second stop time calculation unit. 355, a first stop position calculation unit 356, a signal waiting number calculation unit 357, and a statistical data generation unit 358. Here, the processing in each of the units 351 to 357 will be described as processing performed based on information from the same collection vehicle on which the collection in-vehicle device 200 is mounted.

  The last stop determination unit 351 uses the vehicle location information, vehicle speed information, and map data collected at a predetermined location, here a predetermined intersection, to stop the collection vehicle as the tail of the vehicle row at the predetermined intersection. Is output to the first stop time calculation unit 352.

  The first stop time calculation unit 352 is the final stop determination result from the final stop determination unit 351, the vehicle location, speed, and signal collected at a predetermined location, here at a predetermined intersection acquired by the collection in-vehicle device 200. From the state information and map data, a stop time (first stop time) at which the vehicle stops first before a predetermined intersection is calculated.

  More specifically, the first stop time calculation unit 352 uses the position information indicating the locus at the target intersection, the time information when the position information is acquired, the vehicle speed information, the time when the vehicle first stops, and the movement from that time. The difference from the time until the start is calculated as the first stop time. This first stop time is the time from when the vehicle stops waiting at the intersection at the time intersection after the vehicle that waits for the signal, or at the end of the line of vehicles, until the signal changes to blue and moves. It is said.

  The first stop time calculated by the first stop time calculation unit 352 is output to the traffic information database 362 and stored. In the traffic information database 362, the first stop time is a vehicle traveled together with information (signal cycle information, second stop time) calculated from other information from the collection vehicle that is the information source, as information on the same collection vehicle. Information is stored (indicated as “vehicles a, b, i” in FIG. 2).

  The signal cycle time calculation unit 353 calculates one cycle time when the signal changes to blue, yellow, and red from input signal state information (information indicating red duration, blue duration, and yellow duration, respectively). Calculate and output to the traffic information database 362.

  The right / left turn completion determination unit 354 determines that the collection vehicle has completed a right / left turn at a predetermined intersection using information input to the traffic information generation unit 350. Specifically, the right / left turn completion determination unit 354 determines from the signal cycle estimation time, the map data, the vehicle position information, and the vehicle speed information that the vehicle position of the collection vehicle is present on the escape road at the predetermined intersection. It is determined whether or not to perform, and output to the second stop time calculation unit 354.

  The second stop time calculation unit 355 uses the vehicle position information, vehicle speed, signal state information, map data, calculated signal cycle, right / left turn completion determination result, etc., so that the signal turns blue immediately before the right / left turn. The second stop time, which is the time from the start to the end of the turn, is calculated.

  The second stop time includes a signal waiting time until the green light immediately before the right / left turn changes, and an oncoming vehicle waiting time that cannot be turned right when an oncoming vehicle passes when turning right or the like and needs to wait. The oncoming vehicle waiting time includes the time that the pedestrian needs to wait by crossing the pedestrian crossing when making a right or left turn, and means the time for the pedestrian to pass on the course when making a left turn.

  Thus, the right / left turn waiting time calculated by the second stop time calculation unit 355 is output to the traffic information database 362.

  The traffic information generation unit 350 uses the last stop determination unit 351, the first stop time calculation unit 352, the signal cycle time calculation unit 353, the right / left completion determination unit 354, and the second stop time calculation unit 355, in a predetermined location. Here, the waiting time for exiting a predetermined intersection is calculated.

  The waiting time when exiting a given intersection is called the “signal waiting time”, and this signal waiting time is the time from when the car stops at the end of the train in front of the intersection until the exit from the intersection. Define.

  The first stop position calculation unit 356 calculates the first stop position, which is the actual position when the vehicle stopped last at a predetermined location, using vehicle position information, map data, and the like, and outputs the first stop position to the traffic information database 362. To do. For example, the first stop position calculation unit 356 indicates the position at which the collection vehicle has stopped at the end at a predetermined intersection by the distance from the center of the intersection and sets it as the first stop position.

  The signal waiting number calculation unit 357 uses the map data from the input vehicle position information, vehicle speed information, and signal state information to wait for the signal necessary to exit the intersection when using the lane at a predetermined intersection. The time is calculated and output to the traffic information database 362.

  The traffic information generation unit 350 calculates the signal waiting number changing position using the first stop position and the signal waiting number when exiting these predetermined intersections.

  In the traffic information database 362, the first stop position and the number of signal waiting times are information (signal cycle information, second stop time, first stop time) calculated from other information from the collection vehicle as an information source, It is stored as vehicle traveling information (indicated as “vehicles a, b, i” in FIG. 2) as information on the same collection vehicle. The vehicle traveling information is stored in the collected information storage unit 363 in the traffic information database 362.

  The statistical data generation unit 358 uses the vehicle travel information “vehicle a”, “vehicle b”, and “vehicle i” in the traffic information database 362 as traffic information to be provided to the navigation device 400 for each traveling direction of each intersection ( For each lane), generate various statistical data that links the left / right turn waiting time, the number of signal waits, the signal cycle time, and the oncoming vehicle waiting time to the map data for each day type (day of the week, holiday) To do.

  That is, in the statistical data generation unit 358, the information from each calculation unit 352, 353, 355-357, specifically, the information acquired from the traffic information database 362 is all different for each day type, time zone, and lane. It is. That is, in the statistical data generation unit 358, for each traveling direction (each lane) of each intersection, the day type (whether it is a day of the week or a holiday), the time zone (every predetermined time zone), the waiting time (waiting straight ahead and turning left and right) Time), signal waiting times, signal cycle time, and oncoming vehicle waiting time are averaged and generated as various statistical data.

  The statistical data generation unit 358 includes a first stop time statistical information generation unit 3581, a signal cycle statistical information generation unit 3582, a second stop time statistical information generation unit 3583, and a first stop position statistical information generation unit 3584. Have.

  The first stop time statistical information generating unit 3581 statistics and averages the first stop time at a predetermined intersection that is a predetermined place collected by the collection vehicle, and the first stop time statistical information used in the navigation device 400. Is generated. Here, the information generated by the first stop time statistical information generation unit 3581 is output to and stored in the statistical information storage unit 364.

  The signal cycle statistical information generation unit 3582 statistically averages signal cycles at a predetermined intersection that is a predetermined location collected by the collection vehicle, and generates first stop time statistical information used in the navigation device 400. Here, the information generated by the signal cycle statistical information generation unit 3582 is output to and stored in the statistical information storage unit 364.

  The second stop time statistical information generation unit 3583 statistically calculates and averages the second stop time at a predetermined intersection that is a predetermined place collected by the collection vehicle, and second stop time statistical information used in the navigation device 400. Is generated. Here, the information generated by the second stop time statistical information generation unit 3583 is output and stored in the statistical information storage unit 364.

  A “signal waiting time” used in the navigation device 400 is generated by the first stop time statistical information generation unit 3581, the signal cycle statistical information generation unit 3582, and the second stop time statistical information generation unit 3583.

  The first stop position statistical information generation unit 3584 statistically calculates and averages the first stop position at a predetermined intersection that is a predetermined place collected by the collection vehicle, and calculates the date for each traveling direction (for each lane) at each intersection. The first stop position statistical information provided to the navigation device 400 is generated differently for each type (whether it is a day of the week or a holiday) and for each time zone (for each predetermined time zone).

  Specifically, the first stop position statistical information generation unit 3584 uses the first stop position and the number of signal waits among the traveling vehicle information stored in the traffic information database 362, and sets the first stop position statistics information generation unit 3584. Statistical information of one stop position, that is, a signal waiting number changing point before the intersection is generated.

  This generation is performed corresponding to each day type and each time zone for each traveling direction in each predetermined location, and for each traveling direction (for each lane), the day type (whether it is a day of the week or a holiday), time A statistical information generation unit for the first stop position in the band (for each predetermined time period) is generated. Information generated by the first stop position statistical information generation unit 3584 is output to and stored in the statistical information storage unit 364.

  Moreover, this statistical data generation part 358 may generate | occur | produce the display pattern in the display apparatus 480 of the navigation apparatus 400 about each produced | generated information.

  A statistical information storage unit 364 that stores information generated by the statistical data generation unit 358 is provided in the traffic information database 362 of the storage unit 360. The storage unit 360 may be configured by a hard disk or the like and stored as used in the traffic information providing apparatus 300, or may be a data storage medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD (also referred to as a “storage medium”). ) 441 may be included in the writing device. Here, the data storage medium 441 is written and stored.

  The navigation device 400 includes a GPS receiver 410, a gyro 420, a vehicle speed sensor 430, a reading device 440, an operation switch unit 450, a control device 460, an external memory 470, a display device 480, and the like.

  The GPS receiver 410 receives a radio wave from an artificial satellite and outputs a signal indicating the current location of the vehicle. The gyro 420 outputs a signal corresponding to the traveling direction of the vehicle, and the vehicle speed sensor 430 outputs a signal corresponding to the vehicle speed.

  The reading device 440 reads traffic information from a storage medium 441 that stores traffic information controlled by the control device 460 and having various statistical data generated by the traffic information providing device 300 corresponding to the map data. The data is output to the control device 460.

  Here, the storage medium 441 is composed of a CD-ROM, a DVD, or the like, and when the traffic information is updated in the traffic information providing apparatus 300, the updated content is replaced with the updated content storage medium. It can be easily handled by additional storage.

  These reading devices 440 together with the storage medium 441 constitute a storage device 442 that stores traffic information corresponding to the map data generated by the traffic information providing device 300 from the storage medium 441.

  Note that the storage device 442 can read any statistical data together with the map data from the map data storage medium and output it to the control device 460 based on the map data and statistical data read command from the control device 460. It may be configured. For example, the information stored in the statistical information storage unit 364 of the traffic information providing apparatus 300 that is configured by a storage medium such as an HDD and acquired via communication means that can communicate with the traffic information providing apparatus 300, that is, the statistical data generation unit The traffic information generated at 358 may be stored. Note that the map data stored in the storage device 442, here the storage medium 441 (here, the map data stored in the storage device 442) includes data necessary for setting a route to the destination. ing.

  The operation switch unit 450 is operated by a user and outputs various operation signals necessary for navigation in accordance with the operation. The touch panel that can perform an input operation on the screen of the display device 480 and the display device 480 It consists of a key operation unit provided around the screen.

  The control device 460 is configured to include computer means such as a microcomputer, and executes various arithmetic processes necessary for navigation based on signals from each component in the navigation device 400 described above.

  Specifically, control device 460 obtains the current location of the vehicle based on signals from GPS receiver 410 and signals from gyroscope 420 and vehicle speed sensor 430, and outputs a map data read command to storage device 442 to output a map. Data is read and a map is displayed on the display device 480.

  In addition, the control device 460 includes a waiting time display control unit 462. The waiting time display control unit outputs a traffic information data read command to the storage device 442, reads the traffic information data, and waits for a signal at a predetermined intersection. Traffic information such as a signal waiting time, an oncoming vehicle waiting time, and a right / left turn waiting time is displayed on the display device 480.

  In addition, when the destination is set, the control device 460 guides the route by causing the display device 480 to make a route to the destination. Various programs and data necessary for the above arithmetic processing are stored in the external memory 470.

  The display device 480 is provided, for example, in the instrument panel section of the vehicle, displays a road map including the current location of the vehicle, and performs the above-described route guidance display during route guidance. As the display device 480, a liquid crystal display device, a CRT display device, or the like can be used. The road map display may be formed by a plurality of layers such as a road layer and a background layer by the display device 480.

  In addition, the display device 480 is controlled by the display control of the control device 460, in particular, the waiting time display control unit 462, the right / left turn waiting time, the right / left turn waiting time, the number of signal waiting times, the oncoming vehicle waiting time for an arbitrary intersection and arbitrary traveling direction. The signal waiting number change point is displayed on the driver.

  In the navigation device 400 configured as described above, when the user performs a predetermined operation such as setting a destination for performing route guidance, the control device 460 performs route calculation using the Dijkstra method or the like to perform the departure point. Set the route from to the destination.

  The set route is displayed on the display device 480 by the control device 460. At this time, the control device 460 reads traffic information corresponding to the displayed route from the storage device 442 and displays it on the display device 480. Specifically, when the display device 480 displays the intersection corresponding to the route on the display device 480 as traffic information, the control device 460 waits for the number of signals necessary to pass through the intersection, the signal waiting time, and the oncoming vehicle when turning right Display waiting time.

  Next, an operation for displaying traffic information will be described for the collection in-vehicle device, the traffic information providing device, and the navigation device in the traffic information providing system according to the present embodiment.

  In the wireless communication system 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the collecting in-vehicle device 200, the vehicle information acquisition unit 210 detects the position, speed, and time of the vehicle by using a GPS receiver or the like. The signal detection unit 220 detects a signal state, that is, whether the signal color is red, blue, or yellow, using an in-vehicle camera or the like. In addition, the signal detection part 220 is good also as a structure which receives the state of a signal from a roadside machine. When receiving the signal state from the roadside device, the signal detection unit 220 may be configured to receive time information indicating how many seconds later the signal color changes.

  The collection in-vehicle device 200 transmits the information collected by the vehicle information acquisition unit 210 and the signal detection unit 220 to the traffic information providing device 300 via the communication unit 230 by the control unit 240. Note that the collection in-vehicle device 200 may be mounted on one collection vehicle, but in the present embodiment, the information collected from each collection on-vehicle device 200 is traffic information. To the providing device 300. Thereby, the traffic information providing apparatus 300 can collect a large amount of traffic information data in a short time.

  In the traffic information providing apparatus 300, information such as the position and speed of the vehicle is received by the communication unit 310 from the plurality of collecting on-vehicle apparatuses 200 and output to the traffic information generating unit 350.

  From these information, the traffic information generation unit 350 determines the waiting time for the right and left turns, the number of signal waiting times, the signal cycle time, the oncoming vehicle waiting time for each traveling direction, day type (day of week, holiday), and time zone. Statistical data is generated by averaging time, and traffic information is generated corresponding to map data.

  The generated traffic information is configured to be stored in the statistical information storage unit 364 as the traffic information database 362, but is not limited thereto, and may be stored in a storage unit that stores the map data storage unit 320. The statistical information storage unit 364, the traffic information database 362, or the storage unit 360 itself may be stored as a readable / writable storage unit such as a RAM or a hard disk and transmitted to the navigation device 400 via the communication unit 310.

  In the present embodiment, the traffic information database 362 is stored in a storage medium such as a DVD-ROM, and is displayed on the display device 480 by being mounted on a reading device such as a DVD-ROM drive provided in the navigation device 400 and read out. It is supposed to be done. The external storage medium may be a storage device using an optical disk (CD-R / W, DVD-RAM, etc.), a removable hard disk, a semiconductor memory card, or the like.

  Here, a process for generating traffic information including a signal waiting time at a predetermined location, here, a predetermined intersection in the traffic information generation unit 350 of the traffic information providing apparatus 300 will be specifically described.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining vehicle information calculation processing used when calculating the waiting time of the traffic information generated by the traffic information generation unit.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the traffic information generation unit 350, in step S1, the last stop determination unit 351 determines whether or not the vehicle collecting information has stopped at the end when exiting a predetermined intersection. If the last stop is determined, the process proceeds to step S2.

  In step S2, the first stop time calculation unit 352 calculates the time from the last stop until the signal turns blue, and the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S3, the signal cycle time calculation unit 353 calculates a signal cycle time that is a cycle time that changes from red, blue, and yellow, and then proceeds to step S4.

  In step S4, the right / left turn completion determination unit 354 uses the signal cycle time, map data, vehicle position information, and vehicle speed information to determine whether the vehicle has made a right / left turn at a predetermined intersection and escaped from the intersection. If it judges and has escaped, it will transfer to step S5.

  In step S5, the second stop time calculation unit 355 displays the determination result from the right / left turn completion determination unit 354, the vehicle position information, the vehicle speed, the signal state information, the map data, and the calculated signal cycle, respectively. Using this, the second stop time including the oncoming vehicle waiting time is calculated from the time when the intersection is escaped until the signal turns blue immediately before turning right and left and then turns right and left.

  In this way, for each collection vehicle, the first stop time, the signal cycle time, and the second stop time are collected information storage unit 363 as vehicle travel information (indicated as “vehicles a, b, i” in FIG. 2). Is remembered. Using this stored information, the statistical data generation unit 358 generates statistical data for each of the first stop time, the signal cycle time, and the second stop time. Then, using the generated statistical data, the traffic information generation unit 350 calculates a signal waiting time (first stopping time + signal cycle time × N (number of cycles) + second stopping time including oncoming vehicle waiting time). .

  The traffic information generation unit 350 calculates the waiting time changing position by first calculating the first stop position by the first stop position calculation unit 356 and then waiting for a signal using the first stop position. The number calculation unit 357 calculates the number of signal waiting times until exiting a predetermined intersection. The first stop position calculation unit 356 and the signal wait number calculation unit 357 store the calculated first stop position and the signal wait number in the collected information storage unit 363 of the traffic information database 362. Using the stored first stop position and the number of signal waiting times, a first stop position statistical information generating unit 3584 generates a first stop position for each signal waiting number as statistical data, that is, a waiting number changing point. The

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining traffic information of an intersection generated in the traffic information providing apparatus.

  The traffic information of the intersection shown in this figure is the traffic information generated in the traffic information providing apparatus 300, the determination units 351, 354 of the traffic information generation unit 350, the calculation units 352, 353, 355-357 and the statistical data generation. Generated by the unit 358 and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 4, first, the traffic information generation unit 350 reads the vehicle position information, speed information, and signal state information input from the collection in-vehicle device 200 from the collection information storage unit 363 and reads the collected in-vehicle device. The information from 200 is expanded on the map data of a predetermined intersection corresponding to the information from the collection in-vehicle device 200 read from the map data storage unit 320.

  The traffic information generation unit 350 obtains the first stop position at a predetermined intersection, the number of waiting times for the signal, and the signal 1 from the vehicle position information, speed information, and signal state information, that is, red, blue, and yellow state information. Estimate cycle time.

  At the intersection shown in FIG. 4, the collection vehicle that has transmitted the vehicle position, speed, and signal status information to the traffic information providing device 300 waits for a signal twice, as indicated by arrows A, B, and C indicating the travel distance. After exiting the intersection. In FIG. 4, it is assumed that the vehicle V passes the intersection J by making a right turn. At this time, after the vehicle V stops at the end, the vehicle V moves by the arrow A and then stops and then moves by the arrow B and stops. After that, the case of moving by the arrow C and passing (escape) the intersection at the right turn is shown. FIG. 4 shows the detected or calculated signal state, vehicle signal waiting time, signal waiting time A, B, signal cycle time, and the like corresponding to the movement of arrows A, B, and C.

  The traffic information providing apparatus 300 calculates the signal waiting time in a predetermined traveling direction by the first stop time + signal cycle time × N (cycle number) + oncoming vehicle waiting time.

  In particular, the traffic information generation unit 350 sets the right / left turn waiting time from the first stop time, that is, the time from when the vehicle first stops to the time when the signal turns blue and starts moving, N times the signal cycle time of one cycle from yellow to red to blue again (where n is the number of times the signal waits during a right or left turn) and the oncoming vehicle waiting time, that is, the actual intersection after the signal turns blue Is calculated by adding up the time to escape.

  Thus, the traffic information providing apparatus 300 calculates the signal waiting time including the oncoming vehicle waiting time for each traveling direction at the intersection. Further, these signal waiting times are generated for each day type and time zone, and the signal waiting number changing point is calculated together with the signal waiting times.

  As described above, the traffic information generation unit 350 uses the information about the vehicle speed and the signal state among the information obtained from the vehicle, refers to the map data, and refers to the first stop time, the signal cycle time, and the signal waiting time. The number of times n and the oncoming vehicle waiting time are generated. The generated information is stored in the collection information storage unit 363 as traveling vehicle information for each collection vehicle on which the collection in-vehicle device 200 is mounted.

  Then, the traffic information generation unit 350 statistically averages the first stop time, the signal cycle time, the second stop time, and the first stop position using the traveling vehicle information stored in the collected information storage unit 363. .

  Thereby, the traffic information generation part 350 is the information about each intersection on the map data, the signal waiting time when exiting the intersection from the first stop time, the second stop time and the signal cycle time, and the individual points before the intersection The number of times of waiting for signal is generated in. Further, the traffic information generating unit 350 calculates a signal waiting number changing point before the intersection from the first stop position for each signal waiting number.

  The various statistical data generated in this way, that is, traffic information including the signal waiting time is stored in the storage medium 441 that is read by the reading device 440 of the navigation device 400.

  The storage medium stores map data linked to the statistical data together with the statistical data.

  In the navigation device 400, information stored in a storage medium attached to the reading unit is read by the control device, and via the display device 480, a right / left turn waiting time, a signal cycle time, an arbitrary intersection, an arbitrary traveling direction, The number of signal waiting times, oncoming vehicle waiting time, and signal waiting number changing point are displayed to the driver.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of traffic information displayed on the display device 480 of the navigation device 400.

  On the display screen 700 of the display device 480 shown in FIG. 5, the control device 460 (see FIG. 1) reads map data corresponding to the current position of the host vehicle from the storage medium 441 via the reading device 440 and reads the read map. Traffic information 720 corresponding to the data 701 is displayed together with a map. The traffic information 720 on the display screen 700 is display-controlled by the waiting time display control unit 462 in the control device 460.

  The display screen 700 of FIG. 5 displays intersections of three lanes. The display screen 700 displays traffic information 720 corresponding to the displayed map (specifically, waiting information) 720 for the number of signal waits 721 for each traveling direction. The oncoming vehicle waiting time 725 is displayed to the driver who is the user of the navigation device 400.

  That is, the waiting time display control unit 462 (see FIG. 1) of the control device 460 causes the display screen 700 to display the number of signal waiting times and the signal waiting time on the lane for each lane at the intersection. This display is controlled by the control device 460 so as to be displayed before entering the intersection that is scheduled to pass, that is, from a predetermined distance before the scheduled intersection, for example, 500 m before.

  In the display screen 700 shown in FIG. 5, the waiting information 720 including the signal waiting time 721 and the oncoming vehicle waiting time 725 is displayed on each lane on the navigation screen (route guidance information) including the displayed map. Is displayed as a waiting time corresponding to.

  Signal waiting time 721 and oncoming vehicle waiting time 725 as waiting information 720 are displayed on display screen 700 in a stacked state on the corresponding lane. As waiting information 720, in each lane, the lowest layer shows the first signal waiting time 721a, the upper layer shows the second waiting time 721b, and the upper layer shows the oncoming vehicle waiting time 725. ing. Here, the oncoming vehicle waiting time is displayed above the signal waiting time.

  The intersection has three lanes one way, the lane on the left in the direction of travel is a straight lane and a left turn lane, and the first signal waiting time of 20 seconds is displayed as the time it takes to travel through this lane and pass the intersection. ing.

  The lane at the center in the traveling direction is a straight lane, and the time required to travel through this lane and pass through the intersection is displayed as 20 seconds. The right lane is the right turn lane, and the time it takes to travel through the right turn lane and pass the intersection is 30 seconds for the first signal waiting time + 40 seconds for the second signal waiting time + waiting for the oncoming vehicle. It is displayed as 20 seconds such as time.

  At the intersection shown in FIG. 5, it takes 20 seconds to wait for one signal to pass through the intersection on the left and go straight, and when passing on the right, the second signal waiting time 721a is 30 seconds. The signal waiting time 721b of the vehicle and the oncoming vehicle waiting time 725, which is a total of 1 minute 30 seconds, are displayed.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a display and a signal state when turning right and passing an intersection on the display screen 700 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when turning right at the intersection shown in FIG. 5, that is, when exiting, the right turn is completed after 90 seconds as a signal waiting time after stopping at the end of the right turn lane at the intersection, The signal has changed to red twice.

  In addition, the signal waiting time and the oncoming vehicle waiting time on the screen displayed on the display device 480 are counted down as time passes, and the actual waiting time at that time is displayed.

  At this time, the signal waiting time is also consumed, so when the first signal waiting is finished, the first signal waiting time icon at the bottom layer disappears. After the first signal waiting icon disappears, the second signal waiting icon above the first signal waiting icon may be displayed so as to move to the display position of the previous first signal waiting icon. Good. This display control is performed by the waiting time display control unit 462, and the waiting time display control unit 462 is set at the first stop time, the second stop time, and the first stop position generated by the statistical data generation unit 358. A corresponding icon is generated and displayed on the display screen of the display device 480.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of a method for displaying the signal waiting number changing point by the waiting time display control unit 462. FIG. 7 is controlled so as to be displayed by selecting the signal waiting number change point display through the operation of the operation switch unit 450 in the navigation device 400.

  In the display screen 800 shown in FIG. 7, for each traveling direction, in addition to the signal waiting time (waiting information) 720, adjacent to the navigation screen area 750 in which the signal waiting time 720 is displayed, together with the remaining distance 760 to the intersection A sub display area 780 in which the signal waiting number changing point 770 is displayed is provided to the driver.

  In the sub display area 780 of the remaining distance 760 to the intersection and the signal waiting number changing point 770, the vehicle position 790 is superimposed on the remaining distance display 760 to the center of the intersection in the lane, and the navigation device 400 is provided. Move on the remaining distance display in response to the movement of the vehicle. As a result, the driver can know how many times he / she has to wait for a signal each time the vehicle moves.

  The signal waiting time of the waiting information 720 on the display screen 800 is synchronized with the signal waiting number and the remaining distance, and the signal waiting number and the remaining distance decrease each time the signal waiting time decreases.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of a display method of the signal waiting number changing point by the waiting time display control unit 462. FIG. 8 is controlled so as to be displayed by selecting the signal waiting number changing point display through the operation of the operation switch unit 450 in the navigation device 400.

  In the display screen 800a shown in FIG. 8, a congestion line 765 indicating the congestion situation for each lane is displayed in a sub display area 780 of the display screen 800 shown in FIG. The length of the traffic congestion line 765 is displayed corresponding to the display of the distance to the intersection indicated by the remaining distance 760. Thus, the driver can intuitively and easily confirm the length of the traffic jam situation for each lane just by looking at the traffic jam line 770 before the intersection. Note that the traffic line 765 as shown in the display screen 800a performs a process in which the control device 460 reads traffic information including information on the traffic line for each lane and causes the display device 480 to display the traffic information on the display device 480. Is displayed.

  The traffic information at this time includes traffic line information for each lane that is generated by the traffic information generation unit 350 from information input from the collected in-vehicle device 200.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, vehicle trajectory information (position, speed, signal state information) for generating traffic information is collected by the collecting in-vehicle device 200 and transmitted to the traffic information providing device 300. Thereby, the traffic information providing apparatus 300 generates traffic information based on the statistical data and uses it in the navigation apparatus 400.

  For this reason, the traffic information providing apparatus 300 calculates the number of times of waiting for a signal to pass through the intersection without actually passing through the intersection, calculation of waiting time other than the traveling direction (escape road), etc. Can do. Even when the number of lanes increases for each direction of travel, the exact number of waiting times can be calculated. Further, it is possible to calculate a point where the number of waiting times changes, in particular, a waiting time for passing an oncoming vehicle including a pedestrian passing on a route that occurs when turning right.

  Therefore, in the traffic information providing system 100, the oncoming vehicle waiting time is given to the driver in an arbitrary direction of travel at an arbitrary intersection by the traffic information generated in the traffic information providing apparatus 300 and displayed on the navigation device 400. Precise right and left turn waiting time including the number of signal waiting times, signal waiting time changing point can be presented. As a result, it is possible to support better driving when traffic is congested, and to provide safe driving support by allowing the driver to drive.

  As described above, the collection in-vehicle apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment receives the vehicle information acquisition unit 210 that detects the position, speed, and time of the vehicle, the signal detection unit 220 that receives the signal state, or receives the signal state information from the signal. Thus, it has a configuration including a detection unit that detects a signal state and a communication unit 230 that transmits the information to the traffic information providing apparatus 300.

  In addition, the traffic information providing device 300 receives a communication unit 310 that receives information such as vehicle positions and speeds transmitted from a large number of collection vehicles, and the day type (day of the week, holiday) for each traveling direction of each intersection from these information. Whether or not), the traffic information generation unit 350 that generates the right / left turn waiting time, the number of signal waiting times, the signal cycle time, and the oncoming vehicle waiting time as statistical data for each time zone, and is referred to when generating traffic information. A map data storage unit 320 for storing map data.

  In addition, the navigation device 400 stores various statistical data generated by the traffic information providing device 300 in the storage device 442 in the navigation device 400, and waits for a left or right turn regarding an arbitrary intersection or arbitrary traveling direction. And a display device 480 that displays a time, a left / right turn waiting time, a signal waiting number, an oncoming vehicle waiting time, and a signal waiting number changing point to the driver.

  With these configurations, it is possible to calculate the number of signal waiting times for passing through the intersection and the waiting time other than the traveling direction (escape road) without actually passing through the intersection. Also, even when the number of lanes increases according to the direction of travel, accurate calculation of the number of waiting times, calculation of points where the number of waiting times change, especially calculation of waiting time for passing oncoming vehicles including pedestrians on the course that occur when turning right It becomes possible.

  A traffic information providing system, a traffic information providing device, a navigation device, and a traffic information providing method according to the present invention can provide information on a right turn that is beneficial to a driver, and support a comfortable driving to avoid a traffic jam. And a signal control system for reducing traffic congestion by controlling traffic lights.

The block diagram which shows schematic structure of the traffic information provision system which concerns on one embodiment of this invention The figure which shows an example of the principal part structure of the traffic information generation part in a traffic information provision apparatus. Flowchart for explaining a calculation process of vehicle information used when calculating a waiting time of traffic information generated by the traffic information generation unit Diagram for explaining traffic information of an intersection generated in the traffic information providing device The figure which shows an example of the traffic information displayed on the display apparatus of a navigation apparatus 5 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the display and the signal state when turning right and passing the intersection on the display screen of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the display method of a signal waiting time change point The figure which shows an example of the display method of a signal waiting time change point

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Traffic information provision system 200 Collecting vehicle-mounted apparatus 210 Vehicle information acquisition part 211 GPS receiver (positioning part)
220 Signal Detection Unit 221 Imaging Unit 230 Communication Unit 240 Control Unit 300 Traffic Information Providing Device 310 Communication Unit 320 Map Data Storage Unit 350 Traffic Information Generation Unit 352 First Stop Time Calculation Unit 353 Signal Cycle Time Calculation Unit 355 Second Stop Time Calculation Unit 356 first stop position calculation unit 358 statistical data generation unit 360 storage unit 400 navigation device 410 GPS receiver 440 reading device 441 storage medium 442 storage device 460 control device 462 waiting time display control unit 480 display device

Claims (7)

Mounted on vehicles traveling on the road,
Travel information acquisition means for acquiring vehicle travel information including the vehicle position information, time information and vehicle speed information;
Signal state detection means for detecting signal state information of red, blue and yellow of signals installed on the road;
An in-vehicle device comprising: communication means for associating and transmitting the vehicle travel information and the signal state information;
Receiving means for receiving the vehicle travel information and the signal state information transmitted from the communication means of the in-vehicle device;
Map information storage means for storing map information;
From the map information and the received position information, a right turn completion determining means for detecting that the vehicle has escaped from a predetermined intersection by making a right turn;
Based on the signal status information associated with the vehicle travel information at the time of exiting the intersection in the vehicle that has detected that the right turn completion determination means has exited the intersection, the signal at the intersection is finally blue. Stop time calculation means for detecting when
The time information included in the vehicle travel information associated with the signal state information when the signal detected by the stop time calculation means finally turned blue, and the right turn completion determination means escape the intersection. From the time information included in the vehicle travel information at the time of detecting that the vehicle has been detected, the waiting time for the oncoming vehicle from when the signal finally turns blue until the vehicle exits the intersection, Data generating means for generating traffic information including the oncoming vehicle waiting time using map information;
A traffic information providing device comprising:
A navigation device that is mounted on a vehicle different from the vehicle on which the in-vehicle device is mounted, and that displays the oncoming vehicle waiting time using the traffic information generated by the traffic information providing device;
A traffic information providing system characterized by comprising: The data generation means includes, in the traffic information to be generated, signal waiting number change point information indicating a point where a signal changes when waiting for a signal at the intersection for each lane of the intersection,
The navigation device displays the signal waiting time changing point information using the traffic information generated by the traffic information providing device in addition to the oncoming vehicle waiting time display. The traffic information provision system described.   The traffic information according to claim 1, wherein the signal state detection unit includes an imaging unit that images the signal, and the imaging unit detects a color of the signal and a duration of the color as the signal state information. Offer system. Vehicle traveling information including position information, time information, and vehicle speed information transmitted from an in-vehicle device mounted on each of a plurality of vehicles traveling on a road, and a red signal of a signal installed on the road Receiving means for receiving blue and yellow signal status information;
Map information storage means for storing map information;
From the map information and the received position information, a right turn completion determining means for detecting that the vehicle has escaped from a predetermined intersection by making a right turn;
Based on the signal status information associated with the vehicle travel information at the time of exiting the intersection in the vehicle that has detected that the right turn completion determination means has exited the intersection, the signal at the intersection is finally blue. Stop time calculation means for detecting when
The time information included in the vehicle travel information associated with the signal state information when the signal detected by the stop time calculation means finally turned blue, and the right turn completion determination means escape the intersection. From the time information included in the vehicle travel information at the time of detecting that the vehicle has been detected, the waiting time for the oncoming vehicle from when the signal finally turns blue until the vehicle exits the intersection, Data generating means for generating traffic information including the oncoming vehicle waiting time using map information;
A traffic information providing apparatus comprising: The data generation means includes, in the traffic information to be generated, signal waiting number changing point information indicating a point where a signal changes when waiting for a signal at the intersection for each lane of the intersection. Item 4. The traffic information providing device according to Item 4.   5. A navigation device comprising display means for displaying an oncoming vehicle waiting time when turning right at an intersection using the traffic information provided by the traffic information providing device according to claim 4. Acquisition of vehicle driving information including vehicle position information, time information and vehicle speed information, and acquisition of red, blue and yellow signal state information of signals associated with the vehicle driving information and installed on the road Steps,
From the map information and the acquired position information, a right turn completion determination step for detecting that the vehicle escapes from a predetermined intersection by a right turn;
Based on the signal status information associated with the vehicle travel information at the time of exiting the intersection, the signal at the intersection is finally blue in the vehicle that has detected that it has exited the intersection in the right turn completion determination step. A stop time calculation step for detecting when
The time information included in the vehicle travel information associated with the signal state information when the signal detected at the stop time calculation step turns blue last time, and the right turn completion determination step escapes the intersection. From the time information included in the vehicle travel information at the time of detecting that the vehicle has been detected, the waiting time for the oncoming vehicle from when the signal finally turns blue until the vehicle exits the intersection, A data generation step of generating traffic information including the oncoming vehicle waiting time using map information;
A display step of displaying the oncoming vehicle waiting time in a vehicle different from the vehicle using the generated traffic information;
A traffic information providing method characterized by comprising:

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