System and procedure for traffic-dependent traffic signal control

Abstract

System for controlling a traffic-dependent traffic signal system, wherein the system comprises: a vehicle terminal device (100) that is configured to transmit information about the dependent traffic signal system and information about the expected time of arrival when a lane with a dependent traffic signal system on a route is reserved for use; a telematics server (200) configured to request a traffic light switching reservation based on information about the dependent traffic light system and information about the estimated time of arrival; and a traffic light control server (300) configured to: to set the traffic light switching reservation in response to a request from the telematics server (200); and to control a traffic light of a dependent traffic light system based on the set reservation information; wherein the vehicle terminal (100) has: a processor (170) which is configured to determine, by means of a vehicle speed sensor (110) and a camera (120), whether a vehicle is in a detection area of ​​the lane with a dependent traffic signal system when traffic signal switching reservation is not possible.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATION

[0001] This application claims priority from Korean patent application No. 10-2018-0142019, which was filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on November 16, 2018, and the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. TECHNICAL AREA

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a system for controlling a traffic-dependent traffic signal system and an associated method. BACKGROUND

[0003] A dependent traffic signal system is a traffic signal system that uses a vehicle detector (loop detector) to detect a vehicle on a road with a dependent traffic signal system in order to automatically control the traffic signal. Such a dependent traffic signal system controls the traffic signal based on the flow of vehicles, thereby ensuring a smooth flow of traffic.

[0004] However, the conventional dependent traffic signal system cannot function smoothly if the vehicle is outside a vehicle detection area of ​​a lane with a dependent traffic signal system.

[0005] Since the conventional dependent traffic light system does not switch the traffic light directly, even if the vehicle is correctly positioned within the vehicle detection area, the traffic light system may also switch after a predetermined waiting period in the vehicle detection area, making it difficult to determine whether the vehicle has come to a proper stop in the detection area with regard to a vehicle or driver.

[0006] US 2012 / 0326891A1 describes systems and procedures for requesting changes to traffic flow control systems that combine satellite positioning systems and dead reckoning technology with secure radio communication to accurately report the real-time position of a vehicle and the estimated times of arrival at a series of traffic lights within a traffic network or at a remote traffic light, while the traffic light controllers can take into account priority requests from these vehicles so that these vehicles can follow a fixed schedule with minimal disruption to the rest of the traffic in the network.

[0007] CN 1 02 654 941 A describes a control procedure for reserving a traffic signal priority.

[0008] DE 103 41 189 A1 describes a motor vehicle module and a method for influencing a traffic light system.

[0009] DE 10 2013 102 975 A1 describes a traffic control system, in particular for road and / or rail traffic, comprising at least one signal transmitter and a control unit for the signal transmitter as well as a transmitter for sending control information for the signal transmitter control unit, which is intended to be arranged in a vehicle that participates in traffic controlled by the traffic control system. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present disclosure was prepared to solve the aforementioned problems that arise in the prior art, while retaining the advantages achieved through the prior art.

[0011] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a traffic-responsive traffic signal control system that supports a traffic signal switching reservation of a dependent traffic signal system when a vehicle on a route is expected to pass through a lane with a dependent traffic signal system, as well as an associated method. A system for controlling a traffic-responsive traffic signal system according to the present invention is defined in claim 1. A method for controlling a traffic-responsive traffic signal system according to the present invention is defined in claim 10. Preferred embodiments of the system and the method are each described in the dependent claims.

[0012] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides for a traffic-dependent traffic signal control system that assists a vehicle in reserving a traffic signal change directly at a dependent traffic signal system when the dependent traffic signal system cannot detect a vehicle, as well as an associated method.

[0013] The technical problems to be solved by the present inventive concept are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and any other technical problems not listed herein will be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a system for controlling a traffic-responsive traffic signal system comprises the following: a vehicle terminal that transmits information about the dependent traffic signal system and information about the estimated time of arrival when a lane with a dependent traffic signal system on a route is reserved for use; a telematics server that requests a traffic signal switching reservation based on the information about the dependent traffic signal system and the information about the estimated time of arrival; and a traffic signal system control server that, in response to a request from the telematics server, sets the traffic signal switching reservation and controls a traffic signal of a dependent traffic signal system based on the set reservation information.

[0015] The vehicle terminal may include a vehicle speed sensor that measures vehicle speed, a camera that captures an image of the vehicle's surroundings, and a processor that uses the vehicle speed sensor and camera to detect whether a vehicle is in a detection range of a lane with a dependent traffic signal system when traffic signal switching reservation is not possible.

[0016] The vehicle terminal may also include an inductance sensor located at a lower end of the vehicle to detect whether a vehicle detector installed on the lane with a dependent traffic light system is in operation.

[0017] The vehicle detector may include a loop coil to detect whether the vehicle is within the detection range.

[0018] The inductance sensor can detect a change in the inductance of the loop coil.

[0019] The processor can determine that the vehicle is within the detection range by detecting that the vehicle detector is in operation when the change in the inductance of the loop coil is detected.

[0020] The processor can directly request a traffic light controller, configured to control the operation of the dependent traffic light system, to switch a traffic light signal by determining that the vehicle detector is not in operation if the change in the loop coil's inductance is not detected.

[0021] The traffic light control system can report information about the traffic light switching time back to the vehicle terminal unit when the vehicle detector detects that the vehicle is within the detection range.

[0022] The processor can obtain information about the dependent traffic signal system using information from the Global Positioning System (GPS) and an accurate map.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling a traffic-dependent traffic signal system comprises the following steps: confirmation by a vehicle terminal as to whether a lane with a dependent traffic signal system is to be used on a route; transmission of information about the lane with a dependent traffic signal system to be used and information about the expected time of arrival by the vehicle terminal to a telematics server if the lane with a dependent traffic signal system on the route is reserved for use; a request by the telematics server to a traffic signal control server, based on the information about the dependent traffic signal system and the information about the expected time of arrival, to reserve a traffic signal change;and a reservation of the traffic signal switching by the traffic signal control server in response to the request of the telematics server, and a switching of a traffic signal of the dependent traffic signal system based on reservation information.;

[0024] Confirmation of the reservation of the use of the dependent traffic signal system may include confirmation by the vehicle terminal as to whether the lane with a dependent traffic signal system is reserved for use at a time when a time condition determined based on the route is met.

[0025] The procedure may also include a determination by the vehicle terminal unit as to whether the reservation of the light signal switching is possible, by confirming whether wireless communication with the telematics server is possible before the transmission of the information about the dependent light signal system and the information about the expected time of arrival to the telematics server.

[0026] Determining whether reserving the traffic signal change is possible may involve confirmation by the vehicle terminal unit as to whether the vehicle speed decreases to less than a reference speed if reserving the traffic signal change is impossible; acquiring image information by the vehicle terminal unit using a camera if the vehicle speed decreases to less than the reference speed; confirming by the vehicle terminal unit as to whether lane identification information is detected in the image information; and determining by the vehicle terminal unit using the camera whether the vehicle is in the detection range of the lane with a dependent traffic signal system when the vehicle is stopped, if lane identification information is detected in the image information.

[0027] The procedure may also include the output of route guidance information by the vehicle terminal, indicating that the vehicle is in the detection area if, after determining whether the vehicle is in the detection area of ​​the lane with a dependent traffic signal system, the vehicle is found to be in the detection area.

[0028] The procedure may also include, after determining whether the vehicle is in the detection area of ​​the lane with a dependent traffic signal system, a determination by the vehicle terminal device as to whether a vehicle detector installed on the lane with a dependent traffic signal system is operational if the vehicle is not in the detection area as a result of the determination, and an output of route guidance information indicating that the vehicle is in the detection area if the vehicle detector is operational.

[0029] Determining whether the vehicle detector is operational may involve the vehicle terminal unit determining whether the vehicle detector is operational by detecting a change in the inductance of the vehicle detector installed on the lane with a dependent traffic signal system using an inductance sensor.

[0030] Determining the operation of the vehicle detector may include a light signal switching request from the vehicle terminal directly to the light signal controller, which is configured to control operation of the dependent light signal system when the vehicle detector is not in operation.

[0031] The traffic light control system can report information about the traffic light switching time back to the vehicle terminal unit when the vehicle detector detects that the vehicle is within the detection range.

[0032] The traffic light control system can switch a traffic light signal of the dependent traffic light system after a predetermined period of time has elapsed if the vehicle is detected in the detection area.

[0033] The vehicle terminal can obtain information about the dependent traffic light system using information from the Global Positioning System (GPS) and an accurate map. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The foregoing and other tasks, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become even more apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings: Fig. Figure 1 is a representation of a configuration of a traffic-dependent traffic signal control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 shows a block diagram in which Fig. 1 vehicle terminal shown; Fig. Figure 3 shows a block diagram in which Fig. 1. Light signal control system shown; Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows in flowcharts a method for controlling a traffic-dependent traffic signal system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. 6A, Fig. 6B, Fig. 6C and Fig. Figure 6D represents a configuration of a process for controlling a traffic-dependent traffic signal system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to denote the same or equivalent elements. Furthermore, a detailed description of known features or functions is omitted in order to avoid obscuring the essential nature of the present disclosure.

[0036] In describing the components of this disclosure, terms such as first, second, "A", "B", (a) and (b) may be used. These terms serve only to distinguish individual components; they do not limit the nature, sequence, or arrangement of the components. Furthermore, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein—including technical or scientific terms—have the same meanings as they are generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure relates. Such terms, defined in a commonly used dictionary, are to be interpreted as having a context-dependent meaning appropriate to the relevant technical field and are not to be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning, unless expressly defined as such in this application.

[0037] Fig. Figure 1 is a representation of a configuration of a traffic-dependent traffic signal control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Referring to Fig. 1 comprises a traffic-dependent traffic signal control system, a vehicle terminal unit 100, a telematics server 200, a traffic signal control server 300 and a traffic signal control unit 400.

[0039] The vehicle terminal 100 confirms whether a lane with a dependent traffic signal system is to be used on the route of a vehicle and transmits information about a dependent traffic signal system installed on the lane to be used, as well as the expected time of arrival.

[0040] Referring to Fig. 2 The vehicle terminal unit 100 comprises a vehicle speed sensor 110, a camera 120, an inductance sensor 130, a communication device 140, a memory 150, a display 160 and a processor 170.

[0041] The vehicle speed sensor 110 is a sensor designed to detect a vehicle's speed. The vehicle speed sensor 110 can be implemented using a reed switch, a photoelectric sensor, an electronic detector, or similar technology.

[0042] The Camera 120 captures image information about the vehicle's surroundings. The Camera 120 can be mounted on the front, rear, or sides of the vehicle.

[0043] The camera 120 can be implemented with at least one CCD (charge coupling device) image sensor, a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) image sensor, a CPD (charge lifting device) image sensor, a CID (charge injection device) image sensor, or similar. The camera 120 can include an image processor that performs image processing on an image captured by the image sensor, e.g., noise reduction, color reproduction, file compression, image quality adjustment, saturation adjustment, or similar.

[0044] The inductance sensor 130 detects a change in the inductance of a loop coil, which is a vehicle detector installed on the track. The inductance sensor 130 is mounted at the lower end of a vehicle.

[0045] The communication device 140 communicates with the telematics server 200, the traffic signal control server 300 and / or the traffic signal control unit 400.

[0046] The communication device 140 can use a wireless internet technology such as WLAN (WiFi), wireless broadband (Wibro) and World Interoperability for Microwave Access (Wimax), a short-range communication technology such as Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA) or similar, and / or a mobile communication technology such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Global Mobile Communication System (GSM), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced or similar.

[0047] Memory 150 stores precise map data, such as precise map information (hereinafter referred to as the "precise map"). The precise map includes lane information, road information, road infrastructure information, and environmental information. Lane information can include information such as lane identification information for a dependent traffic signal, location information, and details such as a left-turn lane, a straight-ahead lane, a right-turn lane, a U-turn lane, and similar information. Road infrastructure information can include identification information for the dependent traffic signal and information about the dependent traffic signal, such as its mounting location.

[0048] Memory 150 can store software programmed in such a way that processor 170 can perform a specific operation. Memory 150 can store input and output data for processor 170.

[0049] The 150 memory can be implemented with at least one storage medium (recording medium) such as flash memory, a hard drive, an SD (Secure Digital) card, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an electrically erasable and programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), an erasable and programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a register, a removable hard disk or a web storage.

[0050] The Display 160 outputs the progress and results of the Processor 170's operation as visual information. In this case, the visual information can include text, images, moving images, emoticons, and similar elements.

[0051] The Display 160 can include at least one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin-film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, a flexible display, a three-dimensional (3D) display, a transparent display, a head-up display (HUD), a touchscreen or a cluster.

[0052] The Display 160 can include an audio output module, such as a speaker, capable of outputting audio data. For example, the Display 160 can display route guidance information and output a voice signal (audio signal) via a speaker.

[0053] Furthermore, the 160 display can be implemented as a touchscreen combined with a touch sensor and used as both an input and output device. The touch sensor can be a touch film or a touchpad.

[0054] The processor 170 controls the overall operation of the vehicle terminal unit 100. The processor 170 can be implemented with at least one application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller or a microprocessor.

[0055] The Processor 170 performs a navigation function to set a destination for the route. The Processor 170 then guides the vehicle along the set route. In this case, the Processor 170 determines the vehicle's current location using a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver (not shown). The Processor 170 maps the vehicle's current location onto a precise map and displays it on the Display 160.

[0056] The Processor 170 analyzes the route to determine whether the lane with a dependent traffic signal should be used. The Processor 170 then confirms whether the lane with a dependent traffic signal should be used after the set time, e.g., 10 to 15 seconds, along the route.

[0057] Processor 170 transmits information about the dependent traffic signal and the estimated time of arrival to telematics server 200 when the lane with a dependent traffic signal is scheduled to be used after the set time. In this case, Processor 170 extracts the information about the dependent traffic signal, adapted to the lane with a dependent traffic signal to be used, from the detailed map. Processor 170 also calculates the estimated time of arrival by determining the time required to reach the lane with a dependent traffic signal, based on the vehicle's current location as determined by the GPS receiver (not shown).

[0058] If it is impossible to reserve the traffic light switching via the telematics server 200, the processor 170 detects the lane with a dependent traffic light system and guides the driver. For example, if the vehicle terminal 100 is an unregistered terminal in the telematics server 200, or if a communication level of the communication device 140 is below a reference level, the processor 170 performs the detection of the lane with a dependent traffic light system.

[0059] Processor 170 confirms whether the vehicle has slowed below a reference speed in order to detect the lane with a dependent traffic light system. In other words, processor 170 confirms whether the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 110 is equal to or lower than the reference speed.

[0060] The processor 170 uses the camera 120 to capture a forward (direction of travel) image of the vehicle when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the reference speed. The processor 170 analyzes the captured forward image and confirms whether it contains lane identification information that identifies the lane with a dependent traffic signal. The lane identification information is represented by text (e.g., 'Activation') and / or a symbol.

[0061] If the lane identification information is included in the forward image, the processor 170 uses the vehicle speed sensor 110 to confirm whether the vehicle is stopped. If the vehicle stops, the processor 170 uses the camera 120 to take an image of the vehicle's surroundings and confirms whether the vehicle is within a vehicle detection zone of the lane with a dependent traffic signal. The processor 170 can determine whether the vehicle is within the vehicle detection zone by applying a location estimation technique using known image analysis.

[0062] The processor 170 sends a message to the display 160 informing the driver that the vehicle is stopping within the vehicle detection range. In this case, the processor 170 can also issue a voice message to the speaker, informing the driver that the vehicle is stopping within the vehicle detection range and guiding the driver.

[0063] If it is determined that the vehicle is not within the vehicle detection range, the processor 170 uses the inductance sensor 130 to determine whether the inductance of the loop coil installed in the lane with a dependent traffic signal system is changing. The processor 170 determines that the traffic signal controller 400 is detecting the vehicle, i.e., the vehicle detector, via the loop coil when a change in the loop coil's inductance is detected. In other words, the processor 170 determines that the vehicle detector is active when the loop coil's inductance value changes. The processor 170 then informs the driver that the vehicle must stop within the vehicle detection range once the vehicle detector is detected as active.

[0064] If the change in the loop coil's inductance is not detected, processor 170 determines that the vehicle detector is not operational and requests the traffic light control unit 400 to switch the traffic signal directly. In other words, if the loop coil's inductance value does not change, processor 170 transmits a signal to the traffic light control unit 400 indicating that the vehicle is stopped in the lane with a dependent traffic light system.

[0065] In the embodiment described above, the case is described in which the processor 170 uses the camera 120 to confirm whether the vehicle is approaching a lane with a dependent traffic signal system; however, the embodiment is not limited to this. Confirmation of whether the vehicle is approaching a lane with a dependent traffic signal system is possible through cooperation with the GPS receiver and the accurate map. For example, the processor 170 can display the vehicle's current location, determined by the GPS receiver, on the accurate map to ascertain whether the vehicle is approaching a lane with a dependent traffic signal system.

[0066] Furthermore, the processor 170 transmits the arrival signal on the lane with a dependent traffic signal system to the traffic signal control unit 400 if another vehicle is stopped in front of the vehicle or if the vehicle is close to a stop line when the vehicle reaches the lane with a dependent traffic signal system.

[0067] After transmitting an arrival signal on the lane with a dependent traffic signal system, the processor 170 can receive a feedback signal provided by the traffic signal controller 400 and display the signal on the display 160. For example, if the traffic signal controller 400 provides information about the time of the traffic signal change as a feedback signal, the processor 170 displays a route guidance message such as "Traffic signal changes after '0' seconds" on the screen.

[0068] The telematics server 200 manages the vehicle terminal units 100 registered in the telematics service. The telematics server 200 exchanges data with the vehicle terminal units 100 via wireless communication. Wireless internet technology and / or mobile communication technology can be used for wireless communication.

[0069] The telematics server 200 receives information about the dependent traffic signal system and the estimated time of arrival from the vehicle terminal 100. The telematics server 200 then transmits this information to the traffic signal control server 300 and requests a traffic signal switching reservation.

[0070] The Telematics Server 200 can communicate with the Traffic Signal Control Server 300 via wired and / or wireless connections. Wired communication can be implemented using a wired internet technology such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), Ethernet, an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), or similar.

[0071] The traffic signal control server 300 manages and controls a standard traffic signal and a dependent traffic signal installed at the roadside. When the telematics server 200 receives a traffic signal switching reservation request, the traffic signal control server 300 sets the switching reservation based on the information about the dependent traffic signal and the estimated time of arrival contained in the received request message. The traffic signal control server 300 transmits the set reservation information to the traffic signal controller 400, which controls the operation of the dependent traffic signal in which the switching is reserved.

[0072] Although not shown, the telematics server may include 200 communication modules, processors and memory, and the traffic signal control server may include 300 communication modules.

[0073] The traffic signal control unit 400 performs a function of controlling the operation of the dependent traffic signal system. The traffic signal control unit 400 switches the traffic signal at the corresponding time (reserved time) based on the set reservation information. Referring to Fig. 3 The traffic signal control system 400 includes a data acquisition module 410, a communication module 420, a traffic signal system 430 and a control module 440.

[0074] The data acquisition module 410 uses a loop coil (vehicle detector) embedded in the lane with a dependent traffic signal system to confirm whether a vehicle is present in the vehicle detection area (hereinafter referred to as the "detection area"). In this case, the detection area is predefined based on the capabilities of the vehicle detector, i.e., the detectable range. The detection area is marked in a rectangular shape on the road surface of the lane with the dependent traffic signal system.

[0075] The communication module 420 establishes wireless communication with the vehicle terminal 100. The communication module 420 can directly receive the light signal switching request transmitted by the vehicle terminal 100.

[0076] Furthermore, the communication module 420 establishes wired and / or wireless communication with the traffic signal control server 300. The communication module 420 receives the reservation information transmitted by the traffic signal control server 300.

[0077] The traffic signal system 430, which is a device for displaying light signals such as Proceed (green), Stop (red), Caution (yellow), Turn left (represented by a green arrow) and similar, includes light sources such as lamps, LEDs or similar.

[0078] The control module 440, which controls the overall operation of the traffic signal control system 400, can include a process and a memory.

[0079] The control module 440 controls the lighting of the traffic signal system 430 according to a defined logic when a vehicle within its detection range is detected by the data acquisition module 410. For example, the control module 440 switches the traffic signal of the traffic signal system 430 to a left-turn signal after a predetermined time period if the vehicle is detected within the detection range of a left-turn lane with a dependent traffic signal system.

[0080] The control module 440 switches the light signal of the traffic signal system 430 into a reservation light signal at the reservation time based on the reservation information provided by the traffic signal system control server 300.

[0081] When the control module 440 receives the light signal switching request from the vehicle terminal 100, the control module 440 switches the light signal of the traffic signal system 430 after a predetermined time interval. In this case, the vehicle terminal 100 can transmit information about the lane the vehicle is in or information about a desired light signal switching when a light signal switching request is made.

[0082] Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows in flowcharts a method for controlling a traffic-dependent traffic signal system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] In operations S110 and S120, the vehicle terminal 100 first confirms whether the lane with a dependent traffic signal should be used while driving along a specific route. Meanwhile, the vehicle terminal 100 confirms whether a lane with a dependent traffic signal exists on the route. If so, the vehicle terminal 100 confirms whether the lane with a dependent traffic signal should be used at a point in time when a specified time condition is met (e.g., within 10 to 20 seconds).

[0084] If the use of the lane with a dependent traffic signal system (hereinafter referred to as "dependent lane") is planned on the route, in operation S130 the vehicle terminal 100 confirms whether wireless communication with the telematics server 200 is possible.

[0085] In operation S140, the vehicle terminal 100 transmits information about the dependent traffic signal to be used and the estimated time of arrival to the telematics server 200, provided wireless communication is possible. The vehicle terminal 100 generates the dependent traffic signal information and the estimated time of arrival using GPS information received via the GPS receiver and the precise map.

[0086] In operation S150, when the telematics server 200 receives the dependent traffic signal information and the estimated time of arrival information from the vehicle terminal 100, the telematics server 200 requests the traffic signal control server 300 to make a traffic signal switching reservation. When the telematics server 200 requests the traffic signal switching reservation, it transmits the dependent traffic signal information and the estimated time of arrival information together.

[0087] In operation S160, the traffic signal control server 300 reserves a traffic signal switching time for the dependent traffic signal in response to a request from the telematics server 200. The traffic signal control server 300 reserves the switching time based on information about the dependent traffic signal and the estimated time of arrival. Then, in operation S170, the traffic signal control server 300 switches the traffic signal of the corresponding dependent traffic signal at the reserved time. That is, the traffic signal control server 300 instructs the traffic signal controller 400 of the dependent traffic signal, whose switching time is reserved, to switch the traffic signal of the dependent traffic signal to the reserved signal.

[0088] The traffic signal control server 300 can transmit the set reservation information to the traffic signal controller 400, which controls the operation of the dependent traffic signal system, in order to switch the traffic signal. In this case, the traffic signal controller 400 switches the traffic signal of the dependent traffic signal system at the reserved switching time based on the reservation information.

[0089] If operation S130 detects that wireless communication is not possible, operation S180 detects that the light signal switching reservation is not possible and determines whether the vehicle speed is less than the reference speed. The vehicle terminal 100 determines the vehicle speed using the vehicle speed sensor 110 and determines whether the determined vehicle speed is less than the reference speed.

[0090] In operation S190, when the vehicle speed is less than the reference speed, the vehicle terminal 100 uses camera 120 to capture the forward image of the lane. The vehicle terminal 100 analyzes the captured image and recognizes the lane identification information.

[0091] In Operation S200, the vehicle terminal 100 confirms whether the lane identification information is recognized in the captured image. In other words, the vehicle terminal 100 confirms whether the captured image contains the lane identification information. For example, the vehicle terminal 100 confirms whether the image captured by camera 120 contains the text 'Activation', which represents lane identification information.

[0092] If the lane identification information is detected, the vehicle terminal 100 confirms in operation S210 whether the vehicle is stopped. The vehicle terminal 100 can determine whether the vehicle is stopped using the vehicle speed sensor 110.

[0093] In operation S220, when it is detected that the vehicle is stopped, the vehicle terminal unit 100 uses the camera 120 to take an image of the vehicle's surroundings and analyzes the recorded image to determine whether the vehicle is in the detection range of the lane with a dependent traffic signal system.

[0094] In operations S230 and S240, if the detection result indicates that the vehicle is within the detection area, the vehicle terminal 100 informs the driver that the vehicle is being stopped within the detection area. The driver confirms via the route guidance system that the vehicle is being stopped within the detection area and waits until the traffic light changes.

[0095] In operation S250, the traffic signal controller 400 confirms whether the vehicle is within the detection range. The traffic signal controller 400 receives the signal output from the vehicle detector installed on the lane with a dependent traffic signal system via the data acquisition module 410. Based on the output signal from the vehicle detector, the traffic signal controller 400 determines whether the vehicle is present within the detection range.

[0096] In operation S260, the traffic light control unit 400 switches the traffic light signal of the traffic light system 430 when the vehicle is in the detection area.

[0097] If the detection result indicates that the vehicle is not within the detection range, the vehicle terminal 100 confirms in operation S270 whether the vehicle detector installed on the dependent lane is operational. The vehicle terminal 100 uses the inductance sensor 130 to check whether the inductance of the vehicle detector is changing in order to determine if the vehicle detector is operational. The vehicle terminal 100 determines that the vehicle detector is operational if the inductance value changes, and it determines that the vehicle detector is not operational if the inductance value does not change.

[0098] In operation S240, the vehicle terminal 100 informs the driver that the vehicle will be stopped in the detection area when the vehicle detector is in operation.

[0099] If the vehicle detector is not in operation, the vehicle terminal 100 directly requests the traffic signal controller 400 to switch the traffic signal. In this case, the vehicle terminal 100 transmits a message to the traffic signal controller 400 indicating that the vehicle is in the lane with a dependent traffic signal, or signal information about the desired traffic signal change.

[0100] The Fig. Figures 6A to 6D are representations of a process for controlling a traffic-dependent traffic signal system according to the present disclosure. The embodiment describes a case in which no traffic signal reservation is made.

[0101] Referring to Fig. 6A, when the vehicle decelerates to a speed lower than the reference speed, the vehicle terminal 100, using camera 120, detects the word 'Activation', which represents lane identification information marked on the road surface. When the vehicle terminal 100 detects the lane identification information, it determines that the vehicle is in the dependent lane.

[0102] When the vehicle stops, the vehicle terminal unit 100 uses the camera 120 to determine whether the vehicle is within the detection range of the lane with a dependent traffic signal system. As shown in Fig. As shown in 6B, when the vehicle is within the detection range, the vehicle terminal 100 informs the driver.

[0103] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 6C, when the vehicle is stopped beyond the detection range, the vehicle terminal 100 uses the inductance sensor 130 to determine whether the inductance of the loop coil (vehicle detector) installed on the lane with a dependent light signaling system is changing.

[0104] If the change in the loop coil's inductance is not detected, indicating that the loop coil is defective or that the vehicle's position is not being correctly detected by the loop coil, the vehicle terminal 100 can directly request the traffic signal controller 400 to switch the traffic signal using wireless communication. The vehicle terminal 100 transmits to the traffic signal controller 400 the signal indicating that the vehicle is in the lane with a dependent traffic signal.

[0105] According to the present disclosures, since it is possible to reserve the traffic light switching directly before the vehicle reaches the lane with a dependent traffic light system, if it is intended that the vehicle will pass through the lane with a dependent traffic light system on the route, the traffic light switching can take place without the vehicle stopping and the vehicle detection processing in the vehicle detection area, so that it is possible to improve driving comfort and traffic flow.

[0106] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, even if the dependent light signaling system cannot detect the vehicle, the vehicle can directly request the dependent light signaling system to change the light signal, and thereby immediately change the light signal.

[0107] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments and the associated drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, but may be modified and amended in various ways by those skilled in the art to whom the present disclosure relates, without departing from the idea and scope of protection of the present disclosure as claimed in the following claims.

Claims

[1] System for controlling a traffic-dependent traffic signal system, wherein the system comprises: a vehicle terminal device (100) that is configured to transmit information about the dependent traffic signal system and information about the expected time of arrival when a lane with a dependent traffic signal system on a route is reserved for use; a telematics server (200) configured to request a traffic light switching reservation based on information about the dependent traffic light system and information about the estimated time of arrival; and a traffic light control server (300) configured to: to set the traffic light switching reservation in response to a request from the telematics server (200); and to control a traffic light of a dependent traffic light system based on the set reservation information; wherein the vehicle terminal (100) has: a processor (170) which is configured to determine, by means of a vehicle speed sensor (110) and a camera (120), whether a vehicle is in a detection area of ​​the lane with a dependent traffic signal system when traffic signal switching reservation is not possible. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the The vehicle speed sensor (110) is set up to measure a vehicle speed; and The camera (120) is set up to take a picture of the vehicle's surroundings. [3] System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vehicle terminal device (100) further comprises an inductance sensor (130) arranged at a lower end of the vehicle and configured to detect whether a vehicle detector installed on the lane with a dependent light signal system is in operation. [4] System according to claim 3, wherein the vehicle detector has a loop coil to detect whether the vehicle is in the detection area. [5] System according to claim 4, wherein the inductance sensor (130) is configured to detect a change in the inductance of the loop coil. [6] System according to claim 5, wherein the processor (170) is configured to determine that the vehicle is in the detection range by determining that the vehicle detector is in operation when the change in inductance of the loop coil is detected. [7] System according to claim 6, wherein the processor (170) is further configured to directly request a light signal controller (400), which is configured to control the operation of the dependent light signal system, to switch a light signal by determining that the vehicle detector is not in operation when the change in the inductance of the loop coil is not detected. [8] System according to claim 7, wherein the light signal control (400) is further configured to report information about the light signal switching time back to the vehicle terminal (100) when the vehicle detector detects that the vehicle is in the detection range. [9] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor (170) is configured to obtain information about the dependent light signaling system using information from the Global Positioning System (GPS) and an accurate map. [10] Method for controlling a traffic-dependent traffic signal system, the method comprising the following steps: Confirmation, by a vehicle terminal device (100), whether a lane with a dependent traffic signal system on a route is reserved for use; Transmission of information about the dependent traffic signal system and information about the expected time of arrival by the vehicle terminal device (100) to a telematics server (200) when the lane with a dependent traffic signal system on the route is reserved for use; Request, via the telematics server (200), to a traffic signal control server (300), to reserve a traffic signal change based on information about the dependent traffic signal system and information about the expected time of arrival; and Reserving the traffic signal switching by the traffic signal control server (300) in response to the request from the telematics server (200), and switching a traffic signal of a dependent traffic signal system based on reservation information, the transfer step comprises the following step: Determine, by means of the vehicle terminal (100), whether a vehicle is in a detection area of ​​the lane with a dependent traffic signal system, using the vehicle speed sensor (110) and the camera (120), if the traffic signal switching reservation is not possible. [11] Method according to claim 10, wherein the confirmation step comprises the following step: Confirm, via the vehicle terminal (100), whether the lane with a dependent traffic signal is reserved for use when a time condition determined based on the route is met. [12] The method of claim 10 or 11, further comprising, prior to the transfer step, the following step: Determining the possibility of reserving the light signal switching function via the vehicle terminal (100) by confirming whether wireless communication with the telematics server (200) is possible. [13] Method according to claim 12, wherein the step of determining a possibility of light signal switching reservation comprises the following steps: Confirm, via the vehicle terminal (100), whether a vehicle speed decreases to less than a reference speed when the light signal switching reservation is impossible; Acquisition of image information by means of a camera (120) by the vehicle terminal device (100) when vehicle speed decreases to less than a reference speed; Confirm, via the vehicle terminal (100), whether lane identification information is detected in the image information; and Determine, using the camera (120) via the vehicle terminal (100), whether the vehicle is in a detection area of ​​the lane with a dependent traffic signal system when the vehicle is stopped, if the lane identification information is recognized in the image information. [14] The method of claim 13, further comprising, after the step of determining whether the vehicle is in the detection area, the following step: Output of route guidance information by the vehicle terminal (100) indicating that the vehicle is in the detection range when the vehicle is detected to be in the detection range. [15] The method of claim 13, further comprising, after the step of determining whether the vehicle is in the detection area, the following steps: Determination by the vehicle terminal device (100) whether a vehicle detector installed on the lane with a dependent traffic signal system is in operation when the vehicle is not within the detection range as a result of the determination; and Output of route guidance information indicating that the vehicle is within the detection range when the vehicle detector is in operation. [16] The method of claim 15, wherein the step of determining whether the vehicle detector is in operation comprises the following step: Determination by the vehicle terminal unit (100) whether the vehicle detector is in operation by detecting a change in the inductance of the vehicle detector installed on the lane with a dependent light signal system by means of an inductance sensor (130). [17] The method of claim 15, wherein the step of determining whether the vehicle detector is in operation comprises the following step: Light signal switching request by the vehicle terminal (100) directly to the light signal control unit (400), which is configured to control operation of the dependent light signaling system when the vehicle detector is not in operation. [18] Method according to claim 17, wherein the light signal control unit (400) is configured to report information about the light signal switching time back to the vehicle terminal unit (100) when the vehicle detector detects that the vehicle is in the detection range. [19] Method according to claim 18, wherein the light signal control (400) is further configured to switch a light signal of the dependent light signal system after a predetermined period of time has elapsed when the vehicle is detected in the detection area. [20] Method according to any one of claims 10 to 19, wherein the vehicle terminal device (100) is configured to obtain information about the dependent light signaling system using information from the Global Positioning System (GPS) and an accurate map.

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