Traffic light and method for controlling light emission of traffic light

Abstract

To provide a traffic light which is compact and can transfer a plurality of pieces of information.SOLUTION: Provided is a traffic light including a light emission unit, a display unit having the light emission unit, and a control unit that controls light emission of the light emission unit. The control unit can adjust luminance of the light emission unit to be first luminance or second luminance lower than the first luminance. When the light emission unit is caused to emit light at the first luminance, the light emission unit is partially dimmed to the second luminance each time a predetermined time period elapses. When the entire light emission location of the light emission unit reaches the second luminance, display content of the display unit is changed to cause the light emission unit to emit light at the first luminance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a traffic light and a method for controlling light emission of a traffic light. [Background technology]

[0002] A traffic light equipped with a red signal light, a green signal light, and a number display board is known. The construction traffic light described in JP-A-09-330496 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1) is one example of such a traffic light. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 09-330496 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Such conventional traffic lights have separate display units for each piece of information they indicate. For example, the construction traffic light in Patent Document 1 has a red signal light to indicate "no entry", a blue signal light to indicate "open", and a numeric display board to indicate "time until switching". This makes it large and difficult to use. In particular, construction traffic lights are placed on roads, so it is preferable that they are compact so as not to obstruct the passage of vehicles, etc. as much as possible when in use. And yet, it is preferable that they are capable of transmitting multiple pieces of information.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a traffic light that is small and capable of transmitting multiple pieces of information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A traffic light according to one solution of the present invention is a traffic light having a light-emitting unit, a display unit having the light-emitting unit, and a control unit that controls the light emission of the light-emitting unit, wherein the control unit is capable of adjusting the brightness of the light-emitting unit to a first brightness and a second brightness that is lower than the first brightness, and when the light-emitting unit is caused to emit light at the first brightness, the control unit partially dims the light-emitting unit to the second brightness every time a predetermined time elapses, and when the entire light-emitting area of ​​the light-emitting unit reaches the second brightness, the display content of the display unit is changed to cause the light-emitting unit to emit light at the first brightness. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one solution of the present invention, a small traffic light capable of transmitting multiple pieces of information can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic front view of a traffic light 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is an enlarged view of a display unit 20 of the traffic light 10 shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the traffic light 10 shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a change in the display content of the traffic light 10 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display in a central portion 63 of the traffic light 10 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the display content of a traffic light 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 7 is a diagram showing an example of the display content of the traffic light 100 shown in FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 8] 7 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the traffic light 100 shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] 7 is a diagram showing an example of a change in the display content of the traffic light 100 shown in FIG. 6. FIG. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THEINVENTION

[0009] In the following embodiments of the present invention, the description will be divided into multiple sections, etc., if necessary, but in principle, they are not unrelated to each other, and one is a partial or complete modification, detail, etc. of the other. For this reason, in all drawings, members having the same function are given the same reference numerals, and repeated description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the number of components (including the number, numerical value, amount, range, etc.) is not limited to a specific number, except when specifically stated or when it is clearly limited to a specific number in principle, and may be more than or less than a specific number. In addition, when referring to the shape of a component, etc., it includes those that are substantially similar or similar to that shape, etc., except when specifically stated or when it is clearly not considered to be the case in principle.

[0010] First embodiment An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of a traffic light 10. The traffic light 10 includes a pole 11 and a base 12, and is installed on a ground G.

[0011] The traffic light 10 includes a housing 13. The housing 13 includes a circular opening 14 and a display unit 20. Figures and images are displayed on the display unit 20. This allows the traffic light 10 to give instructions to people in the vicinity and to call their attention. The display content of the display unit 20 is observed from the surroundings through the opening 14. The display method of the display unit 20 is not particularly limited. For example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, a plurality of light-emitting diodes, electronic paper, a plasma display, etc. can be used for the display unit 20. In this embodiment, the display unit 20 includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes as the light-emitting unit 21, and is described as displaying figures by turning on and off each light-emitting diode.

[0012] 2 is an enlarged view of the display unit 20. The display unit 20 includes a light-emitting unit 21 made up of a plurality of light-emitting diodes. The light-emitting unit 21 can emit light of at least two colors. In this embodiment, the light-emitting unit 21 will be described as being capable of emitting two colors, blue and red.

[0013] The display unit 20 is divided into a plurality of regions. The method of division is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the display unit 20 is described as being divided into eight regions 25-1 to 25-8 as shown in FIG. 2. A light-emitting unit 21 is disposed in each region 25-n. An element or pixel of the light-emitting unit 21 may be used as a division unit of the region 25-n.

[0014] 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of traffic light 10. Traffic light 10 includes a memory unit 30, a control unit 40, and a drive unit 50. Information and programs necessary for the operation of traffic light 10 are stored in memory unit 30. Control unit 40 executes the programs stored in memory unit 30 and controls drive unit 50. Based on the control of control unit 40, drive unit 50 applies a voltage to light-emitting unit 21 in area 25-n to cause light-emitting unit 21 to emit light.

[0015] Power for the operation of the traffic light 10 is supplied from a power source P. There is no particular limitation on the type of power source P. A commercial power source, a solar power generation device, a storage battery, or a combination of these may be used.

[0016] The operation of the traffic light 10 configured as above will be described. The traffic light 10 is in an operating state when it is connected to the power source P. In the operating state, the display content of the display unit 20 changes based on the display sequence stored in the memory unit 30.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of changes in the display content of the traffic light 10. When the traffic light 10 is in operation, first, the control unit 40 drives the drive unit 50 to light up each area 25-n of the display unit 20 in blue with luminance b. In FIG. 4, the areas filled in black are areas that are emitting light with luminance b. In this embodiment, each area 25-n is set to a circular shape along the opening 14, so that a hollow (or doughnut-shaped) blue circle 60u is displayed on the display unit 20 [1]. By displaying the blue circle 60u on the display unit 20, the traffic light 10 can issue a "go ahead" instruction to those in the vicinity.

[0018] When a predetermined time t (e.g., 10 seconds) has elapsed since the circle 60u was displayed, the control unit 40 drives the drive unit 50 to dim the light-emitting unit 21 that emits light to form the region 25-1. As a result, a blue circle 61u with a partially reduced brightness is displayed on the display unit 20 [2].

[0019] When a predetermined time t has elapsed since the blue circle 61u was displayed, the control unit 40 drives the drive unit 50 to dim the light-emitting unit 21 that emits light and forms the area 25-2 adjacent to the area 25-1 that was dimmed in the previous step. As a result, the blue circle 61u is displayed on the display unit 20 with an increased portion of reduced brightness [3].

[0020] In this manner, the control unit 40 drives the drive unit 50 to gradually dim the brightness of the circle 60u every time a predetermined time t elapses. When all of the regions 25-n constituting the circle 60u have been dimmed, a blue circle 62u with reduced overall brightness is displayed on the display unit 20 [4].

[0021] When a predetermined time t has elapsed since the circle 62u was displayed, the control unit 40 drives the drive unit 50 to cause all of the elements in each region 25-n that constituted the circle 62u to emit red light. Furthermore, each element is caused to emit light at a brightness b. As a result, a red circle 60r with a hollow inside (or a doughnut shape) is displayed on the display unit 20 [5]. By displaying the red circle 60r on the display unit 20, the traffic light 10 can issue a "no proceed" instruction to those around. In this way, the traffic light 10 can change the instruction to those around by changing the display content.

[0022] When a predetermined time t has elapsed since the circle 60r was displayed, the control unit 40 drives the drive unit 50 to dim the light-emitting unit 21 that emits light to form the region 25-1. As a result, a blue circle 61r with a partially reduced brightness is displayed on the display unit 20 [6].

[0023] In this manner, the control unit 40 drives the drive unit 50 to gradually dim the brightness of the circle 60r every time a predetermined time t elapses. When all of the regions 25-n constituting the circle 60r have been dimmed, a blue circle 62r with reduced overall brightness is displayed on the display unit 20 [7].

[0024] When a predetermined time t has elapsed since the circle 62r was displayed, the control unit 40 drives the drive unit 50 to cause all of the elements in each region 25-n that constituted the circle 60r to emit blue light. Furthermore, each element is caused to emit light at a brightness of b. As a result, a blue circle 60u with a hollow center (or doughnut shape) is displayed on the display unit 20 [8].

[0025] In this way, by gradually decreasing the brightness of the circle 60 at predetermined intervals, it is possible to show the surroundings the time remaining until the display content is changed without providing a separate display unit for displaying the time. Furthermore, by indicating whether progress can be made or not by the color of the circle 60, it is possible to convey multiple pieces of information to the surroundings with a single display unit.

[0026] In addition, since the passage of time is indicated by a decrease in brightness rather than by turning off the light, the display unit 20 will not be turned off during a series of changes in the display content. Therefore, information can be effectively conveyed to the surroundings regardless of the stage of the display content.

[0027] Transmitting display contents using brightness adjustment rather than turning off the lights is particularly suitable for the purpose of transmitting information using a small number of display units. For example, when using multiple display units, such as the construction traffic light in Patent Document 1, even if some of the display units are temporarily turned off to switch the display contents, the information transmission ability is not significantly impaired by the lighting of other display units. However, when only one display unit is provided, such as the traffic light 10 in this embodiment, information cannot be transmitted to the surroundings if the only display unit is turned off.

[0028] Therefore, in order to convey information with a small number of display units, it is advisable to adjust the brightness of the light-emitting units 21 forming the circle 60 rather than gradually turning them off. By adopting such a configuration, information can be conveyed effectively with a minimum number of display units.

[0029] By using the hollow circle 60 to indicate the passage of time and whether or not it is possible to proceed, the central portion 63 can be used as an additional information display area. Characters or figures related to whether or not it is possible to proceed may be displayed in the central portion 63 to reinforce the information transmission ability of the traffic light 10. For example, in the stages [1] to [4] (blue light emission stage) in FIG. 4, an arrow may be displayed in the central portion 63 as shown in FIG. 5 to reinforce the meaning of "Proceed". Similarly, in the stages [5] to [7] (red light emission stage), a cross mark or the like may be displayed to reinforce the meaning of "Do not proceed". Other information (such as weather information) other than the passage of time and whether or not it is possible to proceed may be displayed in the central portion 63. By efficiently utilizing the display unit 20 in this way, multiple pieces of information can be effectively transmitted without increasing the size of the traffic light.

[0030] In setting the predetermined time t related to the dimming of each area 25-n, an operation unit may be provided on the housing 13 so that it can be input as appropriate when using the device. A plurality of settings may be stored in the storage unit 30 in advance so that the user can select as appropriate. A communication means may be provided on the traffic light 10 so that the predetermined time t can be set via communication with another terminal.

[0031] In this embodiment, the number of the regions 25-n has been described as eight, but the total number of the regions 25-n is not limited to this value. The number of the regions 25-n (i.e., the way in which the circle 60 is divided) may be appropriately changed according to the set predetermined time t. The size of each region does not necessarily have to be the same. The number of the regions 20-n may be set to seven, for example.

[0032] In this embodiment, the method of decreasing the luminance of each region 25-n in a clockwise direction has been described, but the direction of decrease in luminance may be counterclockwise. Also, the part to be dimmed in step [2] or step [6] may be any part on the circle 60. The light emission color of the light-emitting unit 21 is not limited to a combination of blue and red, and may be appropriately set according to visibility, the price of the light-emitting element, and the like.

[0033] Second Embodiment Another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 are diagrams showing an example of the display content of a traffic light 100. The traffic light 100 includes a housing 170. The housing 170 includes a circular opening 171, a display unit 180, and a light-emitting unit 181 consisting of a plurality of light-emitting elements. When the light-emitting unit 181 emits light, an indication symbol 182 and an indication symbol 186 are displayed on the display unit 180. By displaying the indication symbol 182 and the indication symbol 186, the traffic light 100 can give instructions to people in the vicinity or call their attention. The indication symbol 182 and the indication symbol 186 on the display unit 180 can be observed from the vicinity through the opening 171.

[0034] 8 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of traffic light 100. Traffic light 100 is equipped with a control unit 190 and a storage unit 191. Information and programs necessary for the operation of traffic light 100 are stored in storage unit 191. Control unit 190 executes the programs stored in storage unit 191, and controls the operation of each element constituting light-emitting unit 181. As a result, indication symbol 182 and indication symbol 186 are displayed on display unit 180.

[0035] The operation of the traffic light 100 thus configured will be described. The traffic light 100 is in an operating state when it is connected to the power source P. In the operating state, the display content of the display unit 180 changes based on the display sequence stored in the memory unit 191.

[0036] Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of changes in the display content of the traffic light 100. When the traffic light 100 is in operation, first, the control unit 190 displays an indication symbol 182 on the display unit 180

[10] . The blackened areas in Figure 9 are areas that are emitting light at a brightness of b. By displaying the arrow-shaped indication symbol 182 on the display unit 180, the traffic light 100 can issue a "go ahead" indication to those in the vicinity.

[0037] When a predetermined time t (e.g., 10 seconds) has elapsed since the display of the indication symbol 182, the control unit 190 reduces the brightness of a portion 183-1 that is a part of the indication symbol 182

[11] . As a result, an indication symbol 184 with a partially reduced brightness is displayed on the display unit 180.

[0038] When a predetermined time t has elapsed since the partially reduced brightness of the indication symbol 184 was displayed, the control unit 190 reduces the brightness of the portion 182-2. As a result, the indication symbol 184 displayed on the display unit 180 now has an increased portion with reduced brightness

[12] .

[0039] In this way, the control unit 190 gradually dims the brightness of the indication symbol 182 every time a predetermined time t elapses. When all of the portions 183-1 to 183-4 that make up the indication symbol 182 have been dimmed, an indication symbol 185 with reduced overall brightness is displayed on the display unit 180

[13] .

[0040] When a predetermined time t has elapsed since the indication symbol 185 was displayed, the control unit 190 displays an indication symbol 186 on the display unit 180 with a brightness of b

[14] . The traffic light 100 can issue a "Do not proceed" indication to those around it by displaying the cross-shaped indication symbol 186 on the display unit 180. In this way, the traffic light 100 can change the indication to those around it by changing the content of the display.

[0041] When a predetermined time t has elapsed since the display of the indication symbol 186, the control unit 190 reduces the brightness of a portion 187-1 that is a part of the indication symbol 186

[15] . As a result, an indication symbol 188 with a partially reduced brightness is displayed on the display unit 180.

[0042] In this way, the control unit 190 gradually dims the brightness of the indication symbol 186 every time a predetermined time t elapses. When all of the portions 187-1 to 187-4 that make up the indication symbol 186 have been dimmed, an indication symbol 189 with reduced overall brightness is displayed on the display unit 180

[16] .

[0043] When a predetermined time t has elapsed since the indication symbol 189 was displayed, the control unit 190 causes the display unit 180 to display the indication symbol 182 with a brightness of b

[17] .

[0044] In this way, by gradually decreasing the brightness of the indication symbols 182 and 186 one by one at a time for each predetermined time, it is possible to show those around the area the time remaining until the display content changes, without having to provide a separate display unit for displaying the time. Furthermore, by indicating whether or not progress can be made using the shape of the indication symbols 182 and 186, it is possible to convey multiple pieces of information to those around with a single display unit.

[0045] In this embodiment, the arrow-shaped indicator symbol 182 and the cross-shaped indicator symbol 186 are used to indicate whether progress can be made or not. However, other shapes and symbols may be used. For example, a circle may be used to indicate a progress-possible state. Characters may be used as the indicator symbols 182 and 186.

[0046] While the present invention has been specifically described above based on an embodiment, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0047] For example, a rectangular opening may be provided in the housing 13, and the display unit 20 may be provided in a rectangular shape rather than a circular shape. The shape of the display unit 20 is not limited to a circular shape. Furthermore, the traffic light according to the present invention may be configured to display information other than whether or not a road can be traveled. For example, it may be configured as an occupancy / full traffic light for a parking lot. The information displayed can be changed as appropriate depending on the installation location and application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 10. Traffic Lights 20 Display section 21 Light emitting part 25 areas 40 Control section

Claims

1. A traffic signal having a light-emitting unit, a display unit having the light-emitting unit, and a control unit that controls light emission of the light-emitting unit, the control unit being capable of adjusting the luminance of the light-emitting unit to a first luminance and a second luminance lower than the first luminance, and when the control unit causes the light-emitting unit to emit light at the first luminance, the control unit causes the light-emitting unit to partially dim to the second luminance every time a predetermined time elapses, and when the entire light-emitting portion of the light-emitting unit reaches the second luminance, the control unit changes the display content of the display unit and causes the light-emitting unit to emit light at the first luminance. A traffic light characterized by:

2. The light-emitting unit is capable of emitting light of a first color and light of a second color, and the control unit, after causing the light-emitting unit to emit light of the first color and at the first luminance, partially dims the light-emitting unit to the second luminance every time a predetermined time elapses, and when an entire light-emitting portion of the light-emitting unit emits light of the first color and at the second luminance, causes the light-emitting unit to emit light of the second color and at the first luminance.

2. A traffic light according to claim 1.

3. The display unit is divided into a plurality of regions, and the control unit dims one of the plurality of regions to the second luminance each time the time elapses, and dims one of the plurality of regions adjacent to the region dimmed to the second luminance to the second luminance each time the time elapses again.

3. A traffic light according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The light emitting unit is capable of displaying a figure having a hollow portion on the display unit by emitting light, and an information display unit is provided in the hollow portion of the figure. A traffic light according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A light emission control method for a traffic light having a light-emitting unit, a display unit having the light-emitting unit, and a control unit that controls the light emission of the light-emitting unit, wherein the control unit is capable of adjusting a luminance of the light-emitting unit to a first luminance and a second luminance that is lower than the first luminance, and when the light-emitting unit is caused to emit light at the first luminance, the control unit partially dims the light-emitting unit to the second luminance every time a predetermined time elapses, and when an entire light-emitting area of ​​the light-emitting unit reaches the second luminance, the control unit changes display content of the display unit and causes the light-emitting unit to emit light at the first luminance.

Images