VEHICLE TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM

Abstract

Problem: It should be possible to reduce the load on a server device that controls the movement of a vehicle and to handle a situation in which a vehicle must make an emergency stop on a hard shoulder, if one is available. Means for solving the problem: In a server device (3) of a traffic control system (1), a preprocessing processor (41) records a position of a vehicle (2) in a database (5). A control information generator (42) periodically generates individual control information regarding the vehicles (2) using information in the database (5) and transmits the individual control information. Each vehicle (2) controls the travel of that vehicle using the individual control information from the server device (3). In the server device (3), when a vehicle (2) is present that needs to make an emergency stop on a hard shoulder, an emergency processor (43) is activated, which sets passage control areas (96 and 97) around the position of the vehicle (2) and updates the passage control areas (96 and 97).The control information generator (42) generates and transmits individual control information for deceleration or stopping for a vehicle (2) that is likely to travel in the transit control areas (96 and 97) stored in the database (5), and generates and transmits the individual control information for an emergency stop for the vehicle (2) that performs the emergency stop.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle traffic control system. State of the art

[0002] For vehicles, including cars, an automated driving technology has been developed that detects a driving state of a vehicle based on, for example, an image captured by an exterior camera mounted in the vehicle and controls the driving of the vehicle using the detected information.

[0003] However, when controlling the travel of the subject vehicle based on detection information from a sensor of the subject vehicle, such as the vehicle exterior camera mounted in the subject vehicle, the travel control is basically control based on information in a field of view of the subject vehicle.

[0004] Thus, a server device can collect driving information regarding a plurality of vehicles, generate an individual control value for each vehicle based on, for example, the positions of the plurality of vehicles, and send the individual control values ​​to the plurality of vehicles.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Literature 1 proposes a lane change route instruction device that is mounted in a vehicle and generates and provides an individual travel route for each vehicle with respect to a plurality of vehicles in the surrounding area.

[0006] By using the server device or the lane change route instruction device, each vehicle can control the travel of the vehicle in question based on the control value or the travel route obtained based on information that is not available within the field of view of the vehicle in question. Furthermore, it is expected that each vehicle and other vehicles in the vicinity of each vehicle can basically achieve smooth and stable travel with fewer sudden changes, without interfering with each other. Literature listPatent literature

[0007] Patent Literature 1: International Publication No. WO 2021 / 038741 A1 Summary of the inventionProblem to be solved by the invention

[0008] However, if a server device or a lane-change route instruction device according to Patent Literature 1 generates an individual travel route or individual control value for all vehicles under the control of the server device or the lane-change route instruction device, it is expected that the devices will quickly experience excessive processing loads. Thus, both devices appear difficult to use for a wider control range.

[0009] In particular, when the lane change route guidance device mounted on a vehicle, as described in Patent Literature 1, aims to generate the individual travel route not only for the vehicle in question but also for multiple other vehicles in the surrounding area, the lane change route guidance device must have an unnecessarily high processing capacity only for the vehicle that has the lane change route guidance device. However, the design of each vehicle with such high processing capacity directly impacts the purchase price of the respective vehicle.

[0010] Furthermore, a vehicle traveling along a road or in a lane may encounter an emergency situation while traveling. For example, the physical condition of one of its occupants may deteriorate, or a minor malfunction may occur.

[0011] When such an emergency situation occurs, it is desirable for a vehicle traveling in one lane of a road to pull over to the hard shoulder and stop as an emergency.

[0012] A vehicle and a server device must be able to adequately handle such a case in which there is a vehicle that has to make an emergency stop on a hard shoulder.

[0013] As described above, in a driving control of a vehicle, it is desirable to achieve automated driving of the vehicle, reduce the processing loads for a vehicle and a server device used together with the vehicle, and enable the handling of a vehicle that needs to make an emergency stop on a shoulder when one exists. Means to solve the problem

[0014] One aspect of the invention provides a vehicle traffic control system including vehicles and a server device. The vehicles each have a driving control unit configured to generate control values ​​for controlling the driving of the vehicle as a subject vehicle. The server device is configured to generate individual control information regarding each of the vehicles based on driving information regarding the vehicles and to transmit the individual control information to the vehicles. The driving control unit of each of the vehicles is configured, upon receiving the individual control information addressed to the subject vehicle from the server device, to generate a control value for driving control of the subject vehicle using the received individual control information addressed to the subject vehicle.

[0015] The server device includes a server communication device, a database, a preprocessing processor, a control information generator, and an emergency processor. The server communication device is configured to receive the driving information from each of the vehicles. The database is configured to collect and store the driving information relating to each of the vehicles. The preprocessing processor is configured, when the receiving device receives the driving information, to record information relating to at least one driving position of the vehicle to which the driving information relates in the database.

[0016] The control information generator is configured to periodically generate individual control information for each of the vehicles using the information stored in the database. The emergency processor is configured to be activated when the driving information received by the receiving device contains information indicating that the vehicle that sent the driving information must make an emergency stop on a shoulder.

[0017] The emergency processor, upon activation, is designed to identify a position of the vehicle requiring an emergency stop on a hard shoulder on the roadway when a vehicle is present that requires an emergency stop on a hard shoulder, and to record and predetermine in the database a transit control zone for prohibiting or suppressing the travel of another vehicle for at least one area that includes a rear side in the direction of travel with respect to the identified position of the vehicle on the roadway. The control information generator is designed to generate and transmit individual control information for slowing down or stopping a vehicle that is likely to travel in the transit control zone stored in the database. Effects of the invention

[0018] The invention uses the server device to control the travel of vehicles. Each of the vehicles has the travel control unit that generates control values ​​to control the travel of the vehicle as the respective vehicle.

[0019] Further, the server device generates the individual control information regarding each of the vehicles based on the driving information regarding the vehicles and transmits the individual control information to the vehicles. When the driving control unit of each of the vehicles receives the individual control information addressed to the respective vehicle from the server device, the driving control unit of each of the vehicles generates the control value for the driving control of the respective vehicle using the received individual control information addressed to the respective vehicle.

[0020] In this way, by using the travel control unit mounted in the vehicles, the server device can perform traffic control for the travel of the vehicles without generating an individual control value that differs between the vehicles. The server device can then perform traffic control for the travel of the vehicles with a lower processing load compared to generating an individual control value for each vehicle, even when a control range of the server device is expanded or the number of vehicles to be controlled increases.

[0021] Furthermore, the server device according to the invention comprises a database in which the driving information relating to each of the vehicles is collected and stored. When the receiving device receives the driving information, the preprocessing processor of the server device records the information relating to at least the driving position of the vehicle to which the driving information relates in the database. Furthermore, the control information generator of the server device periodically generates the individual control information relating to each of the vehicles using the information stored in the database.

[0022] On the other hand, the emergency processor of the server device is activated when the driving information received by the receiving device contains information that the travel of another vehicle is obstructed. Accordingly, the preprocessing processor and the control information generator in the server device are activated when no situation has occurred in which the travel of vehicles is obstructed. The periodic processing during normal operation of the server device increases or decreases depending on the number of vehicles to be controlled. The processing capacity of the server device can be easily determined based on the number of vehicles suspected to be within its control range. Furthermore, the server device is expected to be able to continue to generate the individual control information for each of the vehicles stably and without interference.

[0023] According to the invention, when a vehicle is required to make an emergency stop on a shoulder, the server device can activate the emergency processor based on the travel information received from the server communication device. The emergency processor, which is activated when a vehicle is required to make an emergency stop on a shoulder, identifies the position of the vehicle on the shoulder on the road and records and sets a passage control area for prohibiting or suppressing the travel of other vehicles in the database for at least an area including a rear side in the travel direction with respect to the identified position of the vehicle on the road.

[0024] Furthermore, the control information generator generates and transmits individual control information for deceleration or stopping for a vehicle likely to travel within the transit control area stored in the database. The travel control unit of the vehicle likely to travel within the transit control area can generate the control value for the travel control of the subject vehicle according to a traffic control request received from the server device. For example, the travel control unit of the vehicle that has encountered a situation in which the travel of the subject vehicle is obstructed can control the travel of the subject vehicle to decelerate or stop to cope with the situation. The vehicle likely to travel within the transit control area is expected to travel according to the transit control area stored in the database.In this way, by specifying the passage control area in the server device, it becomes less likely that the other vehicle in normal travel will pass the vehicle that needs to make an emergency stop.

[0025] Furthermore, even to handle such a situation where the movement of vehicles is obstructed, the server device does not need to generate an individual control value for each vehicle. Thus, the processing content and processing load for the server device when a situation where the movement of vehicles is obstructed tend not to be excessively high compared to normal operation without a situation where the movement of vehicles is obstructed.

[0026] As described above, the invention enables automated driving of a vehicle, reducing processing loads for a vehicle and a server device used together with the vehicle, and handling a vehicle that needs to make an emergency stop on a shoulder when one is present. Short description of the drawings

[0027] The drawings show in: Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle traffic control system according to a first embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 an explanatory diagram of a control system of a car according to Fig. 1. Fig. 3 a hardware configuration representation of a server device according to Fig. 1. Fig. 4 a flowchart of a traffic control for the travel of several cars in the traffic control system according to Fig. 1. Fig. 5 a flowchart of a preprocessing control by a server CPU according to Fig. 2. Fig. 6 a flowchart of an emergency processing control by the server CPU according to Fig. 2. Fig. 7 is a flowchart of a control information generation control by the server CPU according to Fig. 2. Fig. 8 is a flowchart of a driving control under traffic control by a driving control device according to Fig. 3. Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a driving environment in which a first car traveling on a two-lane road has encountered an emergency situation requiring an emergency stop on a hard shoulder. Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a passage control area that is set on the road so that the first car can pass after an emergency situation occurs in accordance with Fig. 9 can drive onto a hard shoulder. Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the emergency stop of the first car on the hard shoulder in a state where the passage control area according to Fig. 10 is specified. Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the transit control area according to Fig. 10 is updated. Fig. 13 an explanatory diagram of the through-traffic control area, which has been extended by an update after the first car drove onto the hard shoulder in an emergency. Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the extended transit control area according to Fig. 13 is updated. Fig. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the transit control area according to Fig. 14 will be further updated. Fig. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which all transit control areas according to Fig. 15 can be repealed by an update. Fig. 17 is a flowchart of a travel shift control to be executed by a travel control device of a car in a second embodiment. Description of embodiments

[0028] Some embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First embodiment

[0029] Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle traffic control system 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0030] The traffic control system 1 according to Fig. 1 comprises several cars 2 and a server device 3. The several cars 2 travel on a road 90.

[0031] The server device 3 sends and receives information to and from the plurality of cars 2 by means of a communication system 6.

[0032] An example of vehicles here are cars 2. Other examples of vehicles include trucks, buses, motorcycles, and personal mobility. According to Fig. 1 the several cars 2 drive on the two-lane road 90, which has a first lane 91 and a second lane 92.

[0033] The communication system 6 comprises a plurality of base stations 7 and a communication network 8. The plurality of base stations 7 are located along the road 90. The plurality of base stations 7 are coupled to the communication network 8. The base stations 7 can be configured, for example, for commercial 5G or for an advanced transportation system, such as ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems). The communication network 8 can comprise, for example, a carrier communication network that provides the base stations for 5G, or the internet that is coupled to the carrier communication network.

[0034] The server device 3 has a server main body 4 and a server database 5. The server main body 4 is coupled to the communication network 8 of the communication system 6. The server database 5 is coupled to the server main body 4. In principle, the server device 3 can be coupled to the Internet of the communication system 6. The server device 3 can also be coupled to the carrier communication network.

[0035] Furthermore, the server device 3 may also comprise not just one server main body 4, but rather a plurality of server main bodies 4 that execute distributed control in cooperation with one another. The plurality of server main bodies 4 may, for example, be hierarchically organized. The plurality of server main bodies 4 at the lowest level in the hierarchy may, for example, be coupled to the carrier communication network in a distributed manner according to each of their domains. Such server main bodies 4 may, for example, be implemented as control devices of the base stations for 5G.

[0036] The server device 3 according to Fig. 1 carries out traffic control for the plurality of cars 2 in a control area which is formed in the drawing by zones of at least three base stations 7.

[0037] Furthermore, Fig. 1 satellite of a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). The GNSS satellites transmit signals containing information regarding their positions and time to the ground. A GNSS receiver can obtain information regarding the position and time of the GNSS receiver 21 by receiving the signals from the multiple GNSS satellites. The position and time of each GNSS receiver can be used as a probable position and time, which are less susceptible to error with respect to the position and time of another GNSS receiver.

[0038] Fig. Fig. 2 is an explanatory view of a control system 10 of the car 2 according to Fig. 1.

[0039] The Fig. 1 several cars shown 2 can do this in Fig. 2 shown control system 10.

[0040] The control system 10 of the car 2 according to Fig. 2 comprises a vehicle network 17 and a plurality of control devices coupled thereto. The control device can generally comprise a CPU (central processing unit), a memory, a timer, an input / output unit, and an internal bus to which these are coupled. The input / output unit is coupled to the vehicle network 17.

[0041] A control unit is implemented in the control device in which the CPU executes a program stored in the memory. Fig. 2 illustrates a plurality of control devices, such as a sensor control device 11, a travel control device 12, a drive control device 13, a steering control device 14, a brake control device 15, and an external vehicle communication control device 16. The control system 10 of the car 2 may also include further control devices, such as an operation control device or the like.

[0042] The vehicle network 17 can be configured for these vehicles, e.g., a CAN (Control Area Network) or LIN (Local Interconnect Network). The vehicle network 17 can comprise a commonly used network, such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.3 or IEEE 802.11. By using such a vehicle network 17, information can be delivered to and output from other control devices via the vehicle network 17.

[0043] The sensor control device 11 controls the operation of various sensors of the respective vehicle mounted in the car 2. The sensor control device 11 outputs detection information from the various sensors of the respective vehicle or processed information to other control devices via the vehicle network 17. Fig. 2, a GNSS receiver 21 and a vehicle exterior camera 22 are coupled to the sensor control device 11 as examples of the sensors of the vehicle in question. Furthermore, a vehicle speed sensor, a steering sensor, an acceleration sensor, and the like can be coupled to the sensor control device 11.

[0044] The vehicle speed sensor detects the speed of the car 2. The steering sensor detects a steering wheel angle of a steering wheel (not shown) of the car 2. The acceleration sensor detects an acceleration rate of the car 2. By using a sensor that detects acceleration rates in three axial directions as an acceleration sensor, the sensor control device 11 can generate information regarding angular acceleration rates in the yaw, pitch, and roll directions of the car 2.

[0045] The GNSS receiver 21 generates information regarding the position and time of the car 2.

[0046] The vehicle exterior camera 22 captures an image of the surroundings of the car 2 traveling, for example, on the road 90. The vehicle exterior camera 22 may be a monocular camera, a compound eye camera, or a 360-degree camera. It is desirable for the vehicle exterior camera 22 to capture at least a forward view of the traveling car 2. The sensor control device 11 may generate information regarding the relative distances and directions of other cars in the surroundings of the vehicle in question based on the images captured by the vehicle exterior camera 22.

[0047] A communication device 23 is coupled to the vehicle external communication control device 16. The communication device 23 is mounted in the car 2. The communication device 23 establishes a wireless communication path with the base station 7, with which communication is available. The vehicle external communication control device 16 controls the operation of the communication device 23 and sends and receives information to and from the server device 3 via the communication device 23 and the base station 7.

[0048] For example, the vehicle external communication control device 16 outputs information that the communication device 23 receives from the server device 3 or the base station 7 to another control device via the vehicle network 17. The vehicle external communication control device 16 transmits information input from another control device via the vehicle network 17 to the server device 3 via the communication device 23 and the base station 7.

[0049] The drive control device 13 is coupled to elements of a drive system mounted in the car 2, e.g., an internal combustion engine, a motor, and a transmission. The internal combustion engine generates drive power by using, e.g., gasoline or hydrogen as fuel. The motor generates drive power using electrical energy. The drive control device 13 controls the operation of these elements of the drive system based on control values ​​acquired via the vehicle network 17.

[0050] The steering control device 14 is coupled, for example, to a steering device mounted in the car 2. The steering control device 14 controls the operation of the steering device based on the control values ​​acquired via the vehicle network 17.

[0051] The brake control device 15 is coupled to a braking device mounted in the car 2. The brake control device 15 controls the operation of the braking device based on the control values ​​acquired via the vehicle network 17.

[0052] The driving control device 12 controls the driving of the car 2. When causing the car 2 to drive by means of automated driving without operation by an occupant, the driving control device 12 acquires information regarding a driving state of the subject vehicle and information regarding the surroundings of the subject vehicle from the sensor control device 11 and generates a control value corresponding to the information.

[0053] For example, if it is determined that another moving body is approaching in front of the subject vehicle based on the last image taken by the vehicle exterior camera 22, the travel control device 12 generates a control value for the brake control device 15 to cause the subject vehicle to decelerate or stop.

[0054] When it is determined, based on the last image taken by the vehicle exterior camera 22, that the stopped vehicle in question is ready to start again, the travel control device 12 generates a control value for the drive control device 13 to cause the vehicle in question to accelerate.

[0055] When it is determined, based on the last image captured by the vehicle exterior camera 22, that the subject vehicle is about to deviate from the lane in which the subject vehicle is traveling, the travel control device 12 generates a control value for the steering control device 14 to change the traveling direction of the subject vehicle.

[0056] When the driving control device 12 compares the position of the GNSS receiver 21 with the high-precision map data and determines that the subject vehicle needs to turn right or left or change lanes, the driving control device 12 generates a control value for the steering control device 14 to change the direction of travel of the subject vehicle.

[0057] Through such autonomous determination and control based on the detection by the sensors of the vehicle in question, the driving control device 12 can cause the car 2 to drive by means of automated driving.

[0058] Fig. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the server device 3 according to Fig. 1.

[0059] The server device 3 according to Fig. 3 comprises a server communication device 31, a server GNSS receiver 32, the server database 5, a server memory 33, a server CPU 34 and an internal bus 35 to which these are coupled.

[0060] The server communication device 31 is coupled to the communication network 8 of the communication system 6. The server communication device 31 sends and receives information to and from the communication device 23 mounted in the car 2. The server communication device 31 can receive driving information from each of the plurality of cars 2.

[0061] The server GNSS receiver 32 generates information regarding the position and time of the server device 3. The time generated by the server GNSS receiver 32 can be identical with high accuracy to the time generated by the GNSS receiver 21 of each car 2.

[0062] The server database 5 collects and stores various types of data to be used by the server device 3 for traffic control of the plurality of cars 2. The server database 5 may include, for example, the server map data 51, a traffic rule database 52, a vehicle position behavior database 53, and the like, as described later.

[0063] The server memory 33 stores data, such as programs to be executed by the server CPU 34.

[0064] The server CPU 34 reads and executes the programs stored in the server memory 33. Thus, a control unit is implemented in the server device 3, which controls the operation of the server device 3. The control unit may, for example, have functions including a preprocessing processor 41, a control information generator 42, and an emergency processor 43, as described later.

[0065] When using the server device 3 to control the travel of the plurality of cars 2, there are the concept of controlling the travel of each car 2 by a remote controller and the concept of controlling the travel of each car 2 by the traffic controller.

[0066] In remote control, the server device 3 generates and transmits a control value to be used by each car 2 for its control as an individual control value. In this case, it is desirable for the server device 3 to process the driving state or driving environment of each of the plurality of cars 2 through its own processing and generate the individual control value suitable for the travel of each car 2.

[0067] In contrast, during traffic control, the server device 3 generates and transmits individual control information corresponding to the driving state of each car 2. The individual control information indicates, for example, a control request related to driving control of the car 2 that prevents interference with other cars.

[0068] Such individual control information may be information that indicates, for example, a control request for acceleration, maintaining speed, deceleration, stopping, a speed range (upper and lower limits), maintaining the lane, or changing lanes for each car 2. The individual control information may contain this information, for example, as flag values. In contrast to the individual control value, which can be used directly by, for example, the drive control device 13 in each car 2, the individual control information may be information to be used by the driving control device 12 of each car 2 to generate a control value for its driving control.

[0069] In remote control, each car 2 receives the individual control value received from the server device 3 and outputs the individual control value to, for example, the drive control device 13 of the subject vehicle. The travel of each car 2 is thus controlled by the server device 3. Each car 2 can control the travel of the subject vehicle based on the individual control value obtained based on information such as a remote driving environment that cannot be obtained within a field of view of the subject vehicle. It appears that each car 2 and other cars around each car 2 can achieve smooth and stable travel with fewer sudden changes without interfering with each other, compared to a case where travel is controlled only based on information from the subject vehicle's sensors.

[0070] However, during remote control, the server device 3 is subjected to a high processing load. For example, the server device 3 performing remote control needs to associate the information collected from the multiple cars 2 with the server map data 51 or the like, determine interference based on the associated information, generate a course for each car 2 to suppress obstructions, and generate the individual control value that can be used by each car 2 based on the course.

[0071] When using the server device 3 to remotely control the travel of a plurality of cars 2, the number of processable cars 2 tends to be limited even when using the server CPU 34 with high processing power. It is not easy to use the server device 3 for remote control in a wide control area where a large number of cars 2 are likely to travel.

[0072] For this reason, in the present embodiment, traffic control is used as control by the server device 3 instead of the remote control. The traffic control server device 3 can generate and transmit information generated in a previous stage as individual control information without generating an individual control value for each car 2. The traffic control server device 3 can generate, as individual control information, the information regarding the above-described control request related to the driving control of the car 2.

[0073] However, even if the server device 3 uses traffic control, its processing capacity is limited.

[0074] Furthermore, when using the traffic control, it is also desirable that the server device 3, when, for example, a situation occurs in which the travel of the cars 2 on the road 90 on which the plurality of cars 2 are traveling is obstructed, generates information regarding the control request related to the travel control of the car 2 to cope with the situation.

[0075] For example, car 2 may stop on a road due to a malfunction. Furthermore, a passenger may exit car 2 while stopped on a road. When such events occur, it is desirable for server device 3 to generate and transmit individual control information for each car 2 so that each car 2 can control its journey to cope with the event.

[0076] Furthermore, car 2 traveling on road 90 or its lanes 91 and 92 may encounter an emergency situation while traveling. For example, the physical condition of one of the occupants may deteriorate, or a minor malfunction of car 2 may occur.

[0077] When such an emergency situation occurs, it is desirable for car 2, traveling in lanes 91 and 92 of road 90, to pull over to a shoulder of road 90 and stop as an emergency.

[0078] The car 2 and the server device 3 must be able to appropriately manage the emergency stop of the car 2 in such an emergency situation on the hard shoulder.

[0079] As described above, in the driving control of the car 2, it is desirable to achieve automated driving of the car 2, reduce the processing loads for the car 2 and the server device 3 used with the car 2, and enable handling of the car 2 that needs to make an emergency stop on a shoulder when one exists.

[0080] Fig. Fig. 4 is a flowchart of traffic control for the travel of the plurality of cars 2 in the traffic control system 1 according to Fig. 1. It should be noted that in Fig. 4 in relation to the drawing only one car 2 is shown.

[0081] Fig. Figure 4 illustrates the driving control device 12 mounted in the car 2, as well as the preprocessing processor 41, the control information generator 42, and the emergency processor 43 implemented in the server device 3. Time runs from top to bottom.

[0082] Furthermore, Fig. 4 represents the server map data 51, the traffic rule database 52, and the vehicle position behavior database 53 as the server database 5 of the server device 3. These can be stored in the server database 5 of the server device 3.

[0083] Here the solid lines in Fig. 4 is executed for basic traffic control by the preprocessing processor 41 and the control information generator 42. On the other hand, the processing indicated by dashed lines is processing that is executed only when there is a car 2 making an emergency stop on a shoulder in order to handle the situation of the car 2.

[0084] The step numbers of the corresponding processes in Fig. 4 correspond to the later in Fig. 5 to 8 described.

[0085] The server map data 51 may be the server map data 51 relating to the road 90 on which the cars 2 can travel, e.g., the road 90. The server map data 51 may be high-precision map data that, for example, contains information relating to each lane of the road 90 as well as detailed information relating to intersections. For example, Fig. 1 illustrates the road 90 having multiple lanes 91 and 92. For such a road 90, the server map data 51 may include information regarding a first line segment S1 connecting the center of the first lane 91 and information regarding a second line segment S2 connecting the center of the second lane 92.

[0086] As described above, using the server map data 51 containing detailed information regarding the road 90, the server device 3 can identify not only the road on which each car 2 travels, but also the lane on which each car 2 travels, and a position on the lane, for example, regarding the plurality of cars 2 traveling on the road 90.

[0087] When the server communication device 31 receives new driving information, the preprocessing processor 41 generally records information regarding at least one driving position of the car 2 to which the driving information relates in the vehicle position behavior database 53.

[0088] Thus, the vehicle position behavior database 53 essentially stores the positions and behaviors of multiple vehicles traveling within an area controlled by the server device 3. It is desirable for the vehicle position behavior database 53 to store information regarding, for example, the positions of all cars 2 under the control of the server device 3, including those for which no individual control information is generated. For example, an intersection camera for ADAS can capture an image of essentially all cars 2 passing through an intersection.

[0089] Based on such information, the vehicle position behavior database 53 can, for example, store the positions of all cars 2 under the control of the server device 3. Thus, the vehicle position behavior database 53 collects and stores the driving information regarding all cars 2 under the control of the server device 3. Furthermore, in the vehicle position behavior database 53, the driving information regarding the plurality of cars 2 can also be associated with identification information assigned for each car 2.

[0090] The control information generator 42 generates and transmits the individual control information different between the cars 2 with respect to each of the plurality of cars 2 using the information stored in the vehicle position behavior database 53 basically periodically.

[0091] The emergency processor 43 is activated only if, according to the driving information newly received from the communication device 23, there is a car 2 that needs to make an emergency stop on a shoulder of the road 90.

[0092] For example, a situation in which there is a car 2 that has to make an emergency stop on a shoulder of road 90 may be a case in which the physical condition of one of the occupants deteriorates or a minor malfunction of car 2 occurs.

[0093] The emergency processor 43 basically identifies the position of the car 2, which must make the emergency stop on a shoulder, on the road 90, and records, with respect to the position, a passage control area for prohibiting or suppressing the travel of other vehicles in the traffic rule database 52.

[0094] Thus, the traffic regulation database 52 stores regulation information regarding the road 90 on which the plurality of cars 2 are traveling. The traffic regulation database 52 stores passage regulation information including a passage prohibition area 96 and a passage warning area 97, as described later.

[0095] Furthermore, the traffic control database 52 may also store, for example, traffic control information that is not included in the driving information transmitted by each car 2. For example, an advanced transportation system or the like generates traffic control information corresponding to a situation on the road 90. Such traffic control information or the like may also be stored in the traffic control database 52. In this way, the traffic control database 52 may contain quasi-dynamic information regarding the current road 90.

[0096] In such a traffic control system 1, the server device 3 can basically generate a plurality of individual control information items under control by the pre-processing processor 41 and the control information generator 42 to repeatedly generate a plurality of individual control information items to control the travel of the plurality of cars 2 traveling under the control. For the car 2 receiving the individual control information, the travel control device 12 of the car 2 can generate the control value according to a request in the individual control information using the individual control information received from the server device 3, and control the travel of the respective vehicle through automated driving. The plurality of cars 2 execute the travel control under the control of the server device 3 basically according to the control of the server device 3. This allows the plurality of cars 2 to travel safely without interfering with each other.

[0097] For example, the travel control device 12 of the car 2 detects, as shown by the solid lines in Fig. 4, in step ST1, the vehicle information relating to the subject vehicle is obtained. In step ST2, the driving control device 12 sends the vehicle information as driving information relating to the subject vehicle to the server device 3. Furthermore, in step ST4, the driving control device 12 generates the control value for driving control using the vehicle information relating to the subject vehicle acquired in step ST1.

[0098] In step ST5, the driving control device 12 executes the driving control of the vehicle in question. The driving control device 12 of the car 2 periodically executes such autonomous driving control as shown in Fig. 4, in which steps ST1 to ST5 are repeated. This allows the driving control device 12 to check the last driving state and continue to control the driving of the vehicle in question so that it can handle the driving state at any time.

[0099] In the server device 3, upon receiving new driving information from each car 2, the pre-processing processor 41 calculates a position on the driving lane (hereinafter referred to as a vehicle S position) of the car 2 in step ST14. Further, the pre-processing processor 41 reads the server map data 51. In step ST17, the pre-processing processor 41 generates a vehicle behavior plan for the car 2 according to, for example, a shape of the road 90. In step ST18, the pre-processing processor 41 records the generated vehicle behavior plan in the vehicle position behavior database 53.

[0100] The preprocessing processor 41 repeats the processes in steps ST14 to ST18 each time new driving information is received from each car 2. As a result, the vehicle position behavior database 53 stores a vehicle behavior map corresponding to the last driving state of each of the plurality of cars 2. The vehicle behavior map may include information such as acceleration, speed maintenance, deceleration, stopping, the speed range (upper and lower limits), lane keeping, or lane change of each car 2.

[0101] In the server device 3, the control information generator 42 periodically reads information from the vehicle position behavior database 53 in step ST21. In step ST23, the control information generator 42 determines an obstruction with respect to each car 2. In step ST24, the control information generator 42 generates individual control information corresponding to the obstruction. In step ST25, the control information generator 42 sends the individual control information to each car 2.

[0102] In this case, the travel control device 12 of the car 2 can control the travel of the subject vehicle by generating a control value that basically follows the individual control information by using the latest vehicle information concerning the subject vehicle acquired from the server device 3 together with the individual control information acquired in step ST1.

[0103] Note that even though the car 2 basically controls the travel of the subject vehicle according to the individual control information, there is still a possibility that the travel state of the car 2 cannot sufficiently suppress, for example, an obstruction. In such a case, the server device 3 generates and transmits the next individual control information containing a similar request to the previous one. By repeating the travel control according to the individual control information containing the similar request, it is expected that the travel of the car 2 will approach the travel state corresponding to a determination result regarding an obstruction or the like in the server device 3, and that the car 2 will transition to the relevant travel state.

[0104] Furthermore, in the traffic control system 1, the server device 3 includes the emergency processor 43 separate from the preprocessing processor 41 and the control information generator 42, which are continuously activated for the above-described traffic control. The emergency processor 43 is activated only when driving information containing relevant information is received from a car 2 that must make an emergency stop on a shoulder. A controller including the emergency processor 43 will be described in detail below.

[0105] Fig. 5 is a flowchart of preprocessing control by the server CPU 34 according to Fig. 2.

[0106] The server CPU 34 performs the preprocessing control according to Fig. 5 as processing by the preprocessing processor 41 repeatedly.

[0107] In step ST10, the preprocessing processor 41 determines whether new driving information has been received and acquired from the server communication device 31. If no new driving information has been acquired, the preprocessing processor 41 repeats this process. Upon the acquisition of new driving information, the preprocessing processor 41 causes the flow to proceed to step ST11.

[0108] In step ST11, the preprocessing processor 41 determines, based on the new driving information, whether the car 2 needs to make an emergency stop on a shoulder. The preprocessing processor 41 may determine whether the driving information newly acquired in step ST10 includes information indicating the execution of an emergency stop on a shoulder. If information indicating the execution of an emergency stop on a shoulder is included, the preprocessing processor 41 causes the flow to proceed to step ST12. If no information indicating the execution of an emergency stop on a shoulder is included, the preprocessing processor 41 causes the flow to proceed to step ST13.

[0109] In step ST12, the pre-processing processor 41 initiates an interruption in the server device 3. Thus, the pre-processing processor 41 initiates the interruption if the newly received driving information from the server communication device 31 contains information indicating the execution of an emergency stop on a shoulder. Thereafter, the pre-processing processor 41 causes the flow to proceed to step ST13.

[0110] Starting at step ST13, the preprocessing processor 41 starts generating information recorded in the vehicle position behavior database 53 for the car 2 to which the newly received driving information relates. The preprocessing processor 41 first reads the server map data 51.

[0111] In step ST14, the preprocessing processor 41 calculates the vehicle S position based on position information regarding the car 2 included in the newly received driving information and the server map data 51. The vehicle S position indicates the lane on which the car 2, to which the driving information relates, is traveling, and the position on the lane.

[0112] In step ST15, the preprocessing processor 41 updates the reliability of the newly received driving information. For example, if driving information from the car 2 from which the driving information was received is periodically received at intervals equal to or less than a predetermined threshold time, the preprocessing processor 41 updates the reliability to a high level. On the other hand, if the driving information is received intermittently, for example, not periodically, the preprocessing processor 41 updates the reliability to a lower level. In this case, the reliability gradually decreases as the state in which the driving information is received intermittently continues.

[0113] In step ST16, the preprocessing processor 41 reads data from the traffic rule database 52.

[0114] In step ST17, the preprocessing processor 41 generates a vehicle behavior plan for the car 2 from which the new driving information has been received by using the information acquired in the processes up to step ST16.

[0115] The preprocessing processor 41 generates the vehicle behavior plan indicating a travel plan of the car 2, basically based on, for example, the vehicle S position and a route of the car 2 from which the new travel information has been received.

[0116] The preprocessing processor 41 generates a vehicle behavior plan for the car 2, which is to be prompted to perform an emergency stop on a hard shoulder, which enables the car 2 to drive onto the hard shoulder of the road 90 and thereby avoid the traffic control area stored in the traffic control database 52.

[0117] The vehicle behavior plan generated by these processes may include, for example, information regarding acceleration of the car 2, information regarding maintaining speed, information regarding deceleration, information regarding stopping, information regarding the speed range (upper and lower limits), information regarding keeping the lane, information regarding a lane change, and the like.

[0118] In step ST18, the preprocessing processor 41 records the information generated in the processes up to step ST17 in the vehicle position behavior database 53 and updates the vehicle position behavior database 53. Thereafter, the preprocessing processor 41 terminates this control.

[0119] Fig. 6 is a flowchart of emergency processing control by the server CPU 34 according to Fig. 2.

[0120] The server CPU 34 performs the emergency processing control according to Fig. 6 as processing by the emergency processor 43.

[0121] In step ST31, the emergency processor 43 determines whether an interruption has occurred in the server device 3. The preprocessing processor 41 initiates the interruption in step ST12 in Fig. 5 only when the driving information newly received from the server communication device 31 includes information indicating an emergency stop of the car 2 on a shoulder. In this case, the emergency processor 43 determines that an interruption has occurred in the server device 3 and causes the flow to proceed to step ST32. On the other hand, if no interruption has occurred in the server device 3, the emergency processor 43 repeats this process.

[0122] Because the interruption is initiated by the preprocessing processor 41, the emergency processor 43 is thus activated earlier, in preference to the control information generator 42, which generates the individual control information periodically.

[0123] In step ST32, the emergency processor 43 identifies a position on the road of the car 2 that is to be prompted to perform an emergency stop on the shoulder. The emergency processor 43 can calculate the vehicle S position as the position on the road.

[0124] From step ST33, the emergency processor 43 starts the generation of the passage control area.

[0125] First, for the road 90 containing the lane on which the car 2 that is to be instructed to make an emergency stop on a shoulder is traveling, the emergency processor 43 generates the no-entry zone 96 that prohibits the passage of other vehicles for at least an area on a rear side in the direction of travel relative to the position of the car 2 that is to be instructed to make an emergency stop on a shoulder. The emergency processor 43 records the no-entry zone 96 in the traffic rule database 52.

[0126] Here, the no-entry zone 96 may, for example, be an area with a predetermined length in a direction opposite to the traveling direction of the lane, starting from the vehicle S position calculated in step ST32. The length of the no-entry zone 96 may be specified as a length that allows other vehicles to stop before the vehicle S position, for example, based on information regarding a speed limit for the lane or road 90.

[0127] In step ST34, the emergency processor 43 generates the transit warning area 97 behind the transit warning area 96 for each lane of the road 90 for which the transit prohibition area 96 is specified, and records the transit warning area 97 in the traffic regulation database 52. The length of the transit warning area 97 may be a predetermined length, for example, approximately 1 kilometer, regardless of information such as the speed limit information for the lane or the road 90.

[0128] In step ST35, the emergency processor 43 determines whether the execution of the emergency stop of the car 2 on the shoulder is complete. If the car 2 has not entered the shoulder and stopped, the emergency processor 43 determines that the execution of the emergency stop on the shoulder is not complete and causes the flow to proceed to step ST36. If the car 2 has entered the shoulder and stopped, the emergency processor 43 determines that the execution of the emergency stop on the shoulder is complete and causes the flow to proceed to step ST39.

[0129] In step ST36, the emergency processor 43 determines whether an update time has arrived for the passage control area specified for the emergency stop. The emergency processor 43 can determine whether the update time has arrived based on whether a predetermined period has passed with respect to a processing time according to step ST35 or a previous processing time of the previous step ST36. If the update time has not arrived, the emergency processor 43 causes the flow to return to step ST35. If the update time has arrived, the emergency processor 43 causes the flow to proceed to step ST37.

[0130] In step ST37, the emergency processor 43 updates the passage control area specified for the emergency stop. The emergency processor 43 sequentially updates the already specified passage warning area 97 to the no-passage area 96.

[0131] Thereafter, the emergency processor 43 causes the flow to return to step ST35.

[0132] Thus, the no-entry area 96 is sequentially expanded with the lapse of time in a period until the car 2 drives onto the hard shoulder and stops.

[0133] In step ST39, the emergency processor 43 updates and expands the passage control area specified for the emergency stop. In this case, the emergency processor 43 specifies the passage control area adjacent to car 2, which has pulled onto the shoulder and stopped, in addition to the already specified passage control area. Furthermore, the emergency processor 43 updates all passage control areas to the no-passage area 96.

[0134] Thus, the no-entry zone 96 is specified in an area until the car 2, which has driven onto the hard shoulder and stopped, passes.

[0135] In step ST40, the emergency processor 43 determines whether an update time has arrived for the passage control area specified for the emergency stop. The emergency processor 43 can determine whether the update time has arrived based on whether a predetermined period has passed with respect to a processing time according to step ST37 or a previous processing time according to the previous step ST40. If the update time has not arrived, the emergency processor 43 repeats this process. If the update time has arrived, the emergency processor 43 causes the flow to proceed to step ST41.

[0136] In step ST41, the emergency processor 43 updates the passage control area specified for the emergency stop. The emergency processor 43 sequentially updates the specified no-passage area 96 to the no-passage warning area 97.

[0137] In step ST42, the emergency processor 43 cancels the specification of the passage control area specified for the emergency stop. The emergency processor 43 deletes the specification of the specified passage warning area 97 from the traffic regulation database 52.

[0138] Thus, in the passage control area, after the car 2 has entered the hard shoulder and stopped, the passage prohibition area 96 is sequentially changed to the passage warning area 97, and the specification of the passage warning area 97 is then sequentially canceled.

[0139] In step ST43, the emergency processor 43 determines whether all the passage control areas specified for the emergency stop have been canceled. If not all the passage control areas have been canceled, the emergency processor 43 causes the flow to return to step ST40. If all the passage control areas have been canceled, the emergency processor 43 ends this control.

[0140] After such control by the emergency processor 43, the preprocessing processor 41 reads in step ST16 in Fig. 5 Data from the traffic rules database 52.

[0141] If the no-entry zone 96 is stored in the traffic regulation database 52, the preprocessing processor 41 generates a vehicle behavior plan in step ST17, which includes, for example, a control request to stop for car 2, which is assumed to be traveling within the no-entry zone 96. In step ST18, the preprocessing processor 41 records the vehicle behavior plan in the vehicle position behavior database 53.

[0142] If the transit warning area 97 is stored in the traffic control database 52, the preprocessing processor 41 generates a vehicle behavior plan in step ST17, which includes, for example, a deceleration control request for car 2, which is assumed to be traveling within the transit warning area 97. In step ST18, the preprocessing processor 41 records the vehicle behavior plan in the vehicle position behavior database 53.

[0143] Furthermore, the preprocessing processor 41 generates a vehicle behavior plan for the car 2 to be instructed to perform an emergency stop on the hard shoulder, which allows the car 2 to enter the hard shoulder and stop while avoiding the no-entry zone 96 and the no-entry warning zone 97. In step ST18, the preprocessing processor 41 records the vehicle behavior plan in the vehicle position behavior database 53.

[0144] Fig. Fig. 7 is a flowchart of control information generation control by the server CPU 34 according to Fig. 2.

[0145] The server CPU 34 performs the control information generation control according to Fig. 7 as the processing by the control information generator 42. Thus, the server CPU 34 continues to periodically send the individual control information to the plurality of cars 2 under control.

[0146] If the interruption in processing by the preprocessor 41 according to Fig. 5, the server CPU 34 executes the emergency processing control according to Fig. 6 the control information generation control according to Fig. 7 out.

[0147] In step ST21, the control information generator 42 reads data from the vehicle position behavior database 53.

[0148] When there is a car 2 parked or stopped in a lane that obstructs the travel of other cars, the no-passage area 96 and the no-passage warning area 97 around the parked or stopped car 2 are set in the vehicle position behavior database 53.

[0149] In step ST22, the control information generator 42 selects an unprocessed car 2 from the plurality of cars 2 about which information is stored in the vehicle position behavior database 53.

[0150] In step ST23, the control information generator 42 determines the presence or absence of interference between the car 2 selected in step ST22 and other cars by using the information stored in the vehicle position behavior database 53.

[0151] Here, an obstruction may not only consist in the position of the selected car 2 overlapping with the position of another car, but also in the distance between the vehicles becoming equal to or smaller than a threshold. For example, if a following car is traveling at a higher speed than a preceding car, there is a possibility that the inter-vehicle distance between the following car and the preceding car will become equal to or smaller than the threshold depending on the speed difference. The control information generator 42 can determine the presence or absence of such an obstruction with respect to, for example, the inter-vehicle distance by using a threshold or the like.

[0152] In step ST24, the control information generator 42 generates the individual control information regarding the car 2 selected in step ST22.

[0153] For example, when determining that an obstruction described above exists with respect to the preceding car, the control information generator 42 may generate individual control information including a control request for maintaining speed or deceleration even if the vehicle position behavior database 53 includes information regarding, for example, acceleration or maintaining speed.

[0154] On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no interference with other cars, the control information generator 42 may use the information stored in the vehicle position behavior database 53 as it is to generate the individual control information.

[0155] When the no-entry area 96 is stored in the traffic rule database 52, the preprocessing processor 41 generates individual control information including, for example, a control request to stop for the car 2, which is assumed to be traveling in the area of ​​the no-entry area 96.

[0156] When the transit warning area 97 is stored in the traffic rule database 52, the preprocessing processor 41 generates individual control information containing, for example, a control request for deceleration of the car 2, which is assumed to be traveling in the area of ​​the transit warning area 97.

[0157] In this way, the control information generator 42 generates, as individual control information, information including a control request for acceleration, speed maintenance, deceleration, stop, speed range (upper limit and lower limit), lane keeping, or lane change for each car 2, instead of the control value to be used for driving control by each car 2.

[0158] In step ST25, the control information generator 42 sends the individual control information generated in step ST24 from the server communication device 31 to the corresponding car 2.

[0159] In step ST26, the control information generator 42 determines whether the selection for all cars 2 for which information is stored in the vehicle position behavior database 53 has been completed. If the selection of all cars 2 has not yet been completed, the control information generator 42 causes the flow to return to step ST22. In this case, the control information generator 42 repeats the processes from step ST22 to step ST26, and generates and transmits the individual control information regarding the new car 2. When the selection of all cars 2 is completed, the control information generator 42 terminates this control.

[0160] As described above, when the traffic regulation database 52 contains the transit regulation area, the control information generator 42 generates and transmits individual control information for deceleration or stopping for the car 2 that is likely to travel within the transit regulation area. For the car 2 that intends to travel within the transit regulation area stored in the traffic regulation database 52, the control information generator 42 generates and transmits individual control information for reducing speed compared to the car 2 that is likely to travel within an area for which such information is not stored.

[0161] Further, for the car 2 that needs to make an emergency stop on the shoulder, the control information generator 42 generates and transmits individual control information that allows the car 2 to enter the shoulder and stop while avoiding the passage control area on a front side in the traveling direction.

[0162] Fig. Fig. 8 is a flowchart of the driving control under the traffic control by the driving control device 12 according to Fig. 3.

[0163] The driving control device 12 of each of the plurality of cars 2 traveling under the control of the server device 3 performs the driving control under the traffic control according to Fig. 8 repeatedly.

[0164] When the driving control device 12 executes the driving control under the control of the server device 3, the communication device 23 of the subject car 2 normally periodically receives the individual control information from the server device 3. The vehicle-external communication control device outputs the individual control information received from the communication device 23 to the driving control device 12 via the vehicle network 17. The driving control device 12 can collect and record the individual control information in the memory.

[0165] In step ST1, the driving control device 12 collects and acquires the vehicle information, such as information indicating the driving state of the subject vehicle and information regarding the driving environment around the subject vehicle, from, for example, the sensor control device 11 of the subject vehicle. Note that the information to be acquired, for example, from the sensor control device 11 of the subject vehicle, may be acquired in advance and stored, for example, in the memory of the driving control device 12.

[0166] The vehicle information may include, for example, information regarding the positions, directions, speeds, acceleration rates, and directions of travel of the vehicle in question and other vehicles in the vicinity of the vehicle in question, which may be contained, for example, in the images captured by the in-vehicle camera. The driving control device 12 may process the information acquired, for example, by the sensor control device 11, to generate this information.

[0167] Furthermore, the vehicle information may include, for example, information indicating operating states, control contents, and control results of, for example, the drive control device 13, the steering control device 14, and the brake control device 15. Furthermore, the vehicle information may also include information regarding the time generated by the GNSS receiver 21.

[0168] In step ST2, the driving control device 12 transmits the driving information based on the vehicle information acquired in step ST1 to the server device 3 using the vehicle external communication control device 16. The vehicle external communication control device 16 transmits the driving information inputted by the driving control device 12 to the server device 3 via the communication device 23 and the base station 7.

[0169] The driving information can be any information used by the server device 3 for control. The driving information can be the vehicle information itself or a portion of the vehicle information. For traffic control, the server device 3 requires information regarding the position of each car 2 as a minimum.

[0170] In step ST3, the driving control device 12 acquires the latest individual control information acquired from the server device 3.

[0171] In step ST4, the travel control device 12 generates the control value for controlling the travel of the subject vehicle based on the information acquired up to step ST3.

[0172] When the individual control information addressed to the subject vehicle is received from the server device 3, the travel control device 12 basically follows the received individual control information addressed to the subject vehicle and generates the control value for the travel control of the subject vehicle so that it also corresponds to the vehicle information.

[0173] On the other hand, when no individual control information addressed to the subject vehicle is received from the server device 3, the driving control device 12 then generates the control value for the driving control of the subject vehicle so as to correspond to the vehicle information.

[0174] Thus, the driving control device 12 generates, for example, a control value that causes acceleration of the car 2, a control value that causes maintenance of speed, a control value that causes deceleration, a control value that causes stopping, a control value that causes maintenance of speed in the speed range (upper limit and lower limit), a control value that causes steering to keep the vehicle in the lane, and a control value that causes steering to change lanes.

[0175] In step ST5, the driving control device 12 outputs the control value generated in step ST4 via the vehicle network 17 to each of the control devices that executes driving control of the subject vehicle. Thus, the driving control device 13 executes, for example, control to adjust a driving power to the control value. The steering control device 14 executes control to adjust the steering angle, including a steering direction, to the control value. The braking control device 15 executes control to adjust a braking force to the control value.

[0176] Thereafter, the driving control device 12 terminates this control.

[0177] Thus, car 2, which has to make an emergency stop on a hard shoulder, can, for example, drive onto the hard shoulder and stop, avoiding the passage control zone on a side in the direction of travel.

[0178] Next, a specific example of a case where, in the traffic control system 1 for cars described above, there is a car 2 that needs to make an emergency stop on a hard shoulder will be described.

[0179] Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a driving environment in which a first car 61 traveling on the two-lane road 90 has encountered an emergency situation requiring an emergency stop on a shoulder. Fig. 9 illustrates, along with the first car 61, a second car 62, a third car 63, and a fourth car 64 traveling based on the individual control information from the server device 3. The second car 62 travels in the traveling direction (direction) behind the first car 61 on the first lane 91. The third car 63 travels side by side with the first car 61 on the second lane 92. The fourth car 64 travels in the traveling direction behind the third car 63 on the second lane 92.

[0180] According to Fig. 9, the first car 61 sends driving information containing information indicating the performance of an emergency stop on a hard shoulder to the server device 3.

[0181] Fig. Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a passage control area set on the road 90 so that the first car 61 can pass after the occurrence of an emergency situation according to Fig. 9 can drive onto a hard shoulder.

[0182] In the server device 3, the preprocessor 41 causes an interruption and, based on driving information regarding the first car 61, Fig. 9, which contain information indicating the execution of an emergency stop on a shoulder, the emergency processor 43 is activated. The emergency processor 43 identifies the position of the first car 61 on the road and specifies the no-entry zone 96 and the no-entry warning zone 97, which serve as the passage control zone on the first lane 91 and the second lane 92 of the road 90. The specified passage control information is recorded in the traffic regulation database 52.

[0183] The emergency processor 43 specifies, as an initial specification of the passage control area, the no-passage area 96 and the no-passage warning area 97 for each of the lanes from the first lane 91, on which the first car 61 is located, which must make an emergency stop on a shoulder, to the second lane 92 within a range up to the shoulder of the road 90.

[0184] The no-entry zone 96 of the first lane 91 is defined to extend from the position of the first car 61 that has to make an emergency stop on a hard shoulder on the road to a position on a rear side in the direction of travel.

[0185] The no-entry zone 96 of the second lane 92 is specified such that, like the no-entry zone 96 of the first lane 91, it extends from a position next to the first car 61 that has to make an emergency stop on a hard shoulder to a position on a rear side in the direction of travel.

[0186] The no-entry warning zone 97 of the first lane 91 is specified so that it extends in the direction of travel behind the no-entry zone 96 of the first lane 91.

[0187] The transit warning zone 97 of the second lane 92 is specified such that it extends in the direction of travel behind the no-transit zone 96 of the second lane 92. The transit warning zone 97 can be specified with a length of, for example, approximately 1 kilometer.

[0188] Based on this lane control information, the server device 3 generates individual control information for deceleration or stopping for the second car 62 and the fourth car 64 traveling behind. The second car 62 and the fourth car 64 decelerate and stop to at least prevent themselves from passing through the no-entry zone 96.

[0189] In this way, when initially specifying the passage control area, the emergency processor 43 specifies the no-passage area 96 and the no-passage warning area 97 for the first lane 91, in which the first car 61 that must make an emergency stop is located, and also for the second lane 92 that the first car 61 is to use for the emergency stop on the shoulder. The no-passage area 96 is specified at least on a rear side in the direction of travel with respect to the position of the first car 61 that must make an emergency stop.

[0190] The passage warning area 97 is specified behind the passage prohibition area 96 in the direction of travel. In a lane direction, the emergency processor 43 specifies the passage control area for prohibiting or suppressing the travel of other vehicles to include at least an area on a rear side in the direction of travel with respect to the identified position of the first car 61.

[0191] Fig. Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the emergency stop of the first car 61 on the hard shoulder in a state where the passage control area according to Fig. 10 is specified.

[0192] After the transit control area in Fig. 10, the control information generator 42 generates and transmits individual control information also for the car 2 that needs to make an emergency stop on a shoulder. At this time, the control information generator 42 generates and transmits individual control information that allows the car 2 to drive onto the shoulder and stop, thereby avoiding the passage control area on a forward side, as shown in Fig. 10. Thus, the first car 61 can drive next to the second lane 92 to a shoulder of the road 90 and stop on the shoulder of the road 90.

[0193] Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the transit control area according to Fig. 10 is updated.

[0194] According to the specification of the transit control area according to Fig. 10, the emergency processor 43 updates the specification of each already specified transit control area. In Fig. 12, the passage warning area 97 of the first lane 91 and the passage warning area 97 of the second lane 92 are both updated to the no-passage area 96.

[0195] In this way, after the initial setting of the passage regulation area, the emergency processor 43 sequentially updates an area for which the passage warning area 97 has been set in the initial setting to the passage prohibition area 96 based on the lapse of time.

[0196] The second car 62 and the fourth car 64 stop in the no-entry zone 96, the specification of which has been updated. This prevents other cars from driving near the first car 61, which has stopped on a shoulder of road 90. Furthermore, it becomes less likely that other cars stopped on road 90 will be crowded near the first car 61. Since the other cars stopped on road 90 are not crowded, it is expected that an emergency vehicle can easily reach the first car 61 by forcing its way through the other cars.

[0197] Fig. Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram of the through-traffic control area, which has been expanded by an update after the first car 61 has driven onto the hard shoulder in an emergency.

[0198] When the car 2, which must make an emergency stop on a shoulder, actually stops on the shoulder of the road 90, the emergency processor 43 performs the processing to resume passing on the road 90.

[0199] The emergency processor 43 first expands the no-entry control zone. In doing so, the emergency processor 43 extends the no-entry zone 96 already specified for the first lane 91 and the second lane 92 to the side of the first car 61 stopped on the hard shoulder.

[0200] Here the second car 62 and the fourth car 64 stopped on road 90.

[0201] Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the extended transit control area according to Fig. 13 is updated.

[0202] After the passage regulation area is expanded, the emergency processor 43 sequentially updates the plurality of predetermined no-passage areas 96 to the no-passage warning area 97 again in the order of a rear side in the traveling direction from the no-passage area 96 based on the lapse of time.

[0203] According to Fig. 14, the no-entry zone 96 is updated to the no-entry warning zone 97 on a rear side in the direction of travel.

[0204] The second car 62 and the fourth car 64, which have stopped in the transit warning zone 97, can then resume their journey.

[0205] Fig. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the transit control area according to Fig. 14 will be further updated.

[0206] If the time from the time in Fig. 14 has passed, the emergency processor 43 further updates the predetermined no-entry zone 96 to the no-entry warning zone 97 in the order of a rear side of the no-entry zone 96 in the direction of travel.

[0207] According to Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 all no-entry zones 96 are updated to the no-entry warning zone 97.

[0208] Furthermore, the emergency processor 43 deletes the transit warning area 97, which resulted from the update in the previous processing, from the traffic rule database 52. Thus, the specification of the transit warning area 97 is sequentially canceled.

[0209] The second car 62 and the fourth car 64 can then continue driving without driving regulation.

[0210] Fig. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which all the transit control areas according to Fig. 15 can be repealed by an update.

[0211] If the time from the time in Fig. 15 has passed, the emergency processor 43 deletes all transit warning zones 97 from the traffic rule database 52.

[0212] The second car 62 and the fourth car 64 can then pass the first car 61, which has stopped on the hard shoulder.

[0213] It should be noted that the emergency processor 43 in the example according to Fig. 9 to 16, when initially specifying the passage control area, specifies the no-passage area 96 for both the first lane 91 and the second lane 92.

[0214] In another example, when initially specifying the passage control area, the emergency processor 43 may also specify the no-entry area 96 only for the first lane 91, in which the first car 61 is traveling. In this case, too, the passage warning area 97 of the second lane 92 may be updated to the no-entry area 96 with a subsequent lapse of time.

[0215] Furthermore, if an event occurs in which not the first car 61, but the third car 63, makes an emergency stop on a shoulder, the emergency processor 43 can also generally specify the passage control information only for the second lane 92. It should be noted that in this case, too, the emergency processor 43 can specify the passage control information for both the first lane 91 and the second lane 92. The emergency processor 43 can also specify the passage control information for an oncoming lane with an opposite direction of travel.

[0216] Furthermore, the emergency processor 43 may also update the passage control area of ​​the first lane 91 and the passage control area of ​​the second lane 92 side by side in the lane width direction at different times instead of updating them at the same time.

[0217] For example, the emergency processor 43 may perform the updating of the transit warning area 97 and the de-specifying of the transit warning area 97 in the order from the lane farthest from the shoulder on which the first car 61 that must make an emergency stop has stopped.

[0218] As described above, in the present embodiment, the server device 3 is used to control the travel of the plurality of cars 2. Each of the plurality of cars 2 includes the travel control device 12 that generates the control value for controlling the travel of the car 2 as a subject vehicle.

[0219] Further, the server device 3 generates the individual control information regarding each of the plurality of cars 2 based on the driving information regarding the plurality of cars 2 and sends the individual control information to the plurality of cars 2. When the driving control device 12 of each of the plurality of cars 2 receives the individual control information addressed to the subject vehicle from the server device 3, the driving control device 12 of each of the plurality of cars 2 generates the control value for the driving control of the subject vehicle using the received individual control information addressed to the subject vehicle.

[0220] In this way, the server device 3 can perform traffic control for the travel of the plurality of cars 2 by using the travel control device 12 mounted in the plurality of cars 2, without generating individual control values ​​that differ between the cars 2 with respect to the plurality of cars 2. Even if the control range of the server device 3 is expanded or the number of cars 2 to be controlled increases, the server device 3 can perform traffic control for the travel of the plurality of cars 2 with a lower processing load compared to generating an individual control value for each car 2.

[0221] Furthermore, the server device 3 according to the present embodiment includes the server database 5 in which the driving information regarding each of the plurality of cars 2 is collected and stored. The preprocessing processor 41 of the server device 3, when the server communication device 31 receives the driving information, records the information regarding at least the driving position of the car 2 to which the driving information relates in the server database 5. Furthermore, the control information generator 42 of the server device 3 periodically generates the individual control information regarding the plurality of cars 2 using the information stored in the server database 5.

[0222] On the other hand, the emergency processor 43 of the server device 3 is activated when the travel information received from the server communication device 31 includes information that the travel of another vehicle is obstructed. Accordingly, if no situation has occurred in which the travel of the cars 2 is obstructed, the preprocessing processor 41 and the control information generator 42 in the server device 3 are activated. The periodic processing in a normal operation of the server device 3 increases or decreases according to the number of cars 2 to be controlled. A processing capacity of the server device 3 can be easily determined based on the number of cars 2 assumed within its control range. Furthermore, it is expected that the server device 3 can generate the individual control information regarding each of the plurality of cars 2 stably and without errors.

[0223] In the present embodiment, when a car 2 is present that needs to make an emergency stop on a shoulder, the server device 3 can activate the emergency processor 43 based on the travel information received from the server communication device. The emergency processor 43, which is activated when a car 2 is present that needs to make an emergency stop on a shoulder, identifies the position of the car 2 that needs to make an emergency stop on a shoulder on the road, and records and sets the passage control area for prohibiting or suppressing the travel of other vehicles in the server database 5 for at least an area including the rear side in the travel direction with respect to the identified position of the car 2 on the road.

[0224] Furthermore, the control information generator 42 generates and transmits individual control information for deceleration or stopping for the car 2 that is expected to travel in the transit control area stored in the server database 5. The driving control device 12 of the car 2 that is likely to travel in the transit control area can generate the control value for the driving control of the relevant vehicle according to a traffic control request received from the server device 3.

[0225] For example, the driving control device 12 of the car 2 that has encountered a situation where the travel of the subject vehicle is obstructed can control the travel of the subject vehicle to slow down or stop to cope with the situation. The car 2, which is likely to travel within the transit control area, is expected to travel according to the transit control area stored in the server database 5. In this way, by setting the transit control area and executing traffic control based on the transit control area by the server device 3, other cars traveling normally are less likely to pass the car 2 that needs to make an emergency stop.

[0226] Furthermore, even when dealing with such a situation where the travel of cars 2 is obstructed, the server device 3 does not need to generate an individual control value for each car 2. The processing contents and processing load for the server device 3 when a situation where the travel of cars 2 is obstructed occurs tend not to be excessively high compared to normal operation without a situation where the travel of cars 2 is obstructed.

[0227] In the present embodiment, the control information generator 42 of the server device 3 generates and transmits, for the car 2 that must make an emergency stop on a shoulder, individual control information that allows the car 2 to enter a shoulder and stop while avoiding the passage control area on a front side stored in the server database 5. The driving control device 12 of the car 2 that must make an emergency stop on a shoulder can generate a control value for the relevant vehicle to perform the emergency stop according to a traffic control request received from the server device 3. Thereby, the car 2 that must make an emergency stop on a shoulder can enter the shoulder and stop under the control of the server device 3.

[0228] As described above, the present embodiment enables automated driving of the car 2, reducing the processing loads on the car 2 and the server device 3 used together with the car 2, and handling the car 2 that needs to make an emergency stop on a shoulder when one exists. Second embodiment

[0229] In the above-described embodiment, the driving control device 12 of the car 2 that needs to make an emergency stop on a shoulder sends driving information including information indicating this to the server device 3, and then receives from the server device 3 individual control information that allows the car 2 to enter a shoulder and stop while avoiding the passage control area on a front side stored in the server database 5. The driving control device 12 executes the driving control for an emergency stop on a shoulder under traffic control.

[0230] In the present embodiment, the driving control device 12 of the car 2 that needs to make an emergency stop on a shoulder executes the driving control for the emergency stop of the car 2 by the autonomous driving control so that it travels to the shoulder and stops there while avoiding the passage control area on a front side in the traveling direction stored in the server database 5.

[0231] Fig. 17 is a flowchart of a travel shift control to be executed by the travel control device 12 of the car 2 according to the second embodiment.

[0232] The driving control device 12 of the car 2 carries out the driving shift control according to Fig. 17 repeatedly, even while the car is moving.

[0233] The driving control device 12 has a vehicle CPU (not shown) and a vehicle memory (not shown) in which, for example, a program to be executed by the vehicle CPU is stored. By executing the program by the vehicle CPU, the driving control device 12 can execute the driving shift control according to the control of or together with the autonomous driving control. Fig. 17 execute.

[0234] In step ST61, the driving controller 12 determines whether the subject vehicle can travel under the control. For example, if the subject vehicle intends to travel under the control, or if the subject vehicle is in a state where it can travel under the control, the driving controller 12 determines that the subject vehicle can travel under the control and causes the flow to proceed to step ST62. If the driving controller 12 determines that the subject vehicle cannot travel under the control, the driving controller 12 causes the flow to proceed to step ST67 for autonomous driving.

[0235] In step ST62, the driving control device 12 determines whether the subject vehicle needs to make an emergency stop on a shoulder. For example, the physical condition of one of the subject vehicle's occupants may deteriorate, or the subject vehicle may experience a minor malfunction that still allows it to drive. When these emergency situations occur, the driving control device 12 determines that the subject vehicle needs to make an emergency stop on a shoulder and causes the flow to proceed to step ST63. If the driving control device 12 determines that the subject vehicle does not need to make an emergency stop on a shoulder, the driving control device 12 causes the flow to proceed to step ST65 for the under-control driving control.

[0236] In step ST63, the driving control device 12 determines whether the server device 3 has been notified that the subject vehicle must make an emergency stop on a shoulder. For example, if the driving control device 12 has sent driving information related to the subject vehicle to the server device 3 after an event requiring the subject vehicle to make an emergency stop on a shoulder occurred, the driving control device 12 may determine that a notification has been sent to the server device 3. In this case, the driving control device 12 causes the flow to proceed to step ST64. If the driving control device 12 determines that no notification has been sent to the server device 3, the driving control device 12 causes the flow to proceed to step ST65 to continue the driving control under the control.

[0237] In step ST64, the driving control device 12 determines whether the server device 3 has handled the emergency stop of the vehicle in question.

[0238] For example, when traffic control information to be used to cause the subject vehicle to perform an emergency stop on a hard shoulder has been received from the server device 3, the driving control device 12 may determine that the server device 3 has managed the emergency stop of the subject vehicle.

[0239] In another example, when a time equal to or greater than a threshold has passed after sending the driving information relating to the subject vehicle to the server device 3, the driving control device 12 may determine that the server device 3 has completed the emergency stop of the subject vehicle.

[0240] Furthermore, for this determination process, the control information generator 42 of the server device 3 may, for example, send the transit control information stored in the server database 5 to the car 2 that has reported the execution of an emergency stop on a shoulder. In this case, the driving control device 12, which has determined that the subject vehicle needs to perform an emergency stop on a shoulder, may determine whether the server device 3 has handled the emergency stop of the subject vehicle. At this time, the driving control device 12 may determine whether a correspondence exists, such as that shown in FIG. 10, based on a correspondence between the transit control information received from the server device 3 and the position of the subject vehicle.

[0241] When the driving control device 12 determines that the server device 3 has managed the emergency stop of the subject vehicle, the driving control device 12 causes the flow to proceed to step ST66 for an autonomous MRM (Minimal Risk Maneuver).

[0242] When the travel control device 12 determines that the server device 3 has not coped with the emergency stop of the subject vehicle, the travel control device 12 causes the flow to proceed to step ST65 to continue the travel control under the control.

[0243] In step ST65, the driving control device 12 executes the traffic control of the trip. For example, the driving control device 12 executes the driving control under the traffic control according to Fig. 8. Thus, car 2, which needs to make an emergency stop on a hard shoulder, can drive onto the hard shoulder and stop under traffic control.

[0244] In step ST66, the driving control device 12 executes a command for the autonomous MRM. For example, the driving control device 12 generates a course or the like that causes the subject vehicle to drive toward the shoulder and stop on the shoulder. For example, the driving control device 12 may acquire the transit control area stored in the server database 5 from the server device 3 and execute emergency stop driving control for the vehicle 2 so that it drives toward the shoulder and stops there, avoiding the transit control area on a forward side in the travel direction.

[0245] In step ST67, the driving control device 12 executes the autonomous driving control. The driving control device 12 executes, for example, the driving control according to Fig.8 except for the process in step ST3. Thus, car 2, which needs to make an emergency stop on a shoulder, can drive onto a shoulder and stop independently of the control through the autonomous driving control.

[0246] It should be noted that during autonomous driving control or traffic control, the driving control device 12 does not necessarily have to drive onto the shoulder of the road for an emergency stop. For example, if the lane in which the car 2 is traveling is wide enough, the driving control device 12 can also execute the autonomous driving control for an emergency stop such that the car 2 performs an emergency stop in such a way that other cars can still pass in the lane.

[0247] When such a car 2, which other cars on the road can still pass, stops, another car that is assumed to pass the car 2 can then, under the traffic control of the drive by the server device 3 or the autonomous drive control, control the drive of the vehicle in question so that it passes by and avoids the stopped car 2.

[0248] As described above, in the present embodiment, the driving control device 12 of the car 2 that needs to make an emergency stop on a shoulder allows the car to drive onto the shoulder and stop in an emergency by the autonomous driving control independently of the traffic control by the server device 3.

[0249] Furthermore, the server device 3 does not necessarily need to generate the individual emergency stop control information for the car 2 that needs to make an emergency stop on a shoulder. It is expected that the present embodiment can reduce the processing load on the server device 3.

[0250] The above-described embodiments are preferred examples of embodiments of the invention. However, the invention is not limited to these, and various modifications and changes may be made as long as they do not deviate from the scope of the gist of the invention. List of reference symbols 1 traffic control system 2 Car (vehicle) 3 Server device 4 Server main body 5 Server database 6 Communication system 7 Base station 8 Communication network 10 Control system 11 Sensor control device 12 Driving control device 13 Drive control device 14 Steering control device 15 Brake control device 16 Vehicle external communication control device 17 Vehicle network 21 GNSS receivers 22 vehicle exterior camera 23 Communication device 31 Server communication device 32 server GNSS receivers 33 server storage 34 server CPUs 35 internal bus 41 Preprocessing processor 42 Control information generators 43 Emergency Processor 51 high-precision map data 52 Traffic rules database 53 Vehicle Position Behavior Database 61 first car 62 second car 63 third car 64 fourth car 90 Street 91 first lane 92 second lane 96 No-entry zone 97 Transit warning zone S1 first line segment S2 second line segment QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2021 / 038741 A1

[0007]

Claims

[1] Vehicle traffic control system including: - vehicles each having a driving control unit designed to generate control values ​​to control the driving of the vehicle as the vehicle in question; and - a server device configured to generate individual control information regarding each of the vehicles based on driving information regarding the vehicles and to send the individual control information to the vehicles, - wherein the driving control unit of each of the vehicles is designed, upon receipt of the individual control information addressed to the relevant vehicle from the server device, to generate the control value for a driving control of the relevant vehicle using the received individual control information addressed to the relevant vehicle, wherein the server device comprises: - a server communication device designed to receive the driving information from each of the vehicles, - a database designed to collect and store driving information relating to each of the vehicles, - a pre-processing processor configured to record, when the receiving device receives the driving information, information relating to at least one driving position of the vehicle to which the driving information relates in the database, - a control information generator configured to periodically generate the individual control information relating to each of the vehicles using the information stored in the database, and - an emergency processor designed to be activated when the driving information received by the receiving device contains information indicating that the vehicle that sent the driving information must make an emergency stop on a hard shoulder, Wherein, once activated, the emergency processor is designed to take the following actions when a vehicle is present that needs to make an emergency stop on a hard shoulder: - Identifying a position on the road of the vehicle that must make an emergency stop on a hard shoulder and - recording and specifying a transit control area for prohibiting or suppressing the travel of another vehicle in the database for at least one area comprising a rear side in the direction of travel with respect to the identified position of the vehicle on the road, where the control information generator is designed for the following measure: - Generating and sending the individual control information to slow down or stop a vehicle that is likely to drive in the transit control area stored in the database. [2] The vehicle traffic control system according to claim 1, wherein the control information generator is configured to generate and transmit, for the vehicle that needs to make an emergency stop on a shoulder, individual control information that enables the vehicle to travel and stop accordingly while avoiding the passage control area stored in the database on a forward side in the travel direction. [3] The vehicle traffic control system according to claim 1, wherein the travel control unit of the vehicle that needs to make an emergency stop on a shoulder is configured to send travel information including information indicating that the vehicle needs to make an emergency stop on a shoulder to the server device, and thereafter execute, by autonomous travel control, travel control that enables the vehicle to travel and stop accordingly while avoiding the passage control area stored in the database on a front side in the travel direction. [4] The vehicle traffic control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the emergency processor is configured to, upon initial setting of the passage control area, record in the database a passage control area for prohibiting or suppressing the travel of another vehicle, which includes at least an area in a lane width direction from a lane on which the vehicle that needs to make an emergency stop on a shoulder is located to the shoulder of a road including the lane, and at least an area in a lane direction on the rear side in the travel direction with respect to the identified position of the vehicle. [5] A vehicle traffic control system according to claim 4, wherein the emergency processor is configured to take the following actions when initially specifying the passage control area: for the lane in which the vehicle that must make an emergency stop is located and a lane that must be used by the vehicle for the emergency stop on the hard shoulder, - Specifying a no-entry zone that prohibits the other vehicle from passing at least on the rear side in the direction of travel in relation to the position of the vehicle that must make the emergency stop, and - Specifying a no-entry warning zone that suppresses the movement of other vehicles in the direction of travel beyond the no-entry zone. [6] The vehicle traffic control system according to claim 5, wherein the emergency processor is configured to update, after the initial setting of the passage control area, an area for which the passage warning area has been set in the initial setting to the passage prohibition area. [7] A vehicle traffic control system according to claim 6, wherein the emergency processor is designed to take the following measures after the vehicle that must make an emergency stop has driven onto the hard shoulder and stopped: - Specifying the no-entry zone also next to the vehicle stopped on the hard shoulder, and - Updating the no-entry zone to the no-entry warning zone in the order of one from the no-entry zone on a rear side in the direction of travel.

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