Information processing apparatus and traffic light

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus and a traffic light that allow a vehicle capable of non-contact power supply to more efficiently select a route to a destination.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus is provided with: an acquisition unit that acquires signal information that is related to one or more traffic lights and that is transmitted from the one or more traffic lights or a traffic control center managing the one or more traffic lights; a storage unit that stores non-contact power supply information related to a non-contact power supply device provided on the road surface around the one or more traffic lights; a message generation unit that generates a power supply lamp color signal on the basis of the signal information and the non-contact power supply information; and a transmission unit that can transmit the power supply lamp color signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device and a traffic light that provide signal information related to the light color of a traffic light installed at an intersection or the like and contactless power supply information related to a contactless power supply device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been described a navigation server that outputs to a vehicle a route from the vehicle's departure point to its destination, the route being equipped with a contactless power supply device depending on the remaining charge in the vehicle's driving battery, as a recommended route (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-68042 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The amount of power that can be supplied by a contactless power supply device depends on the time spent within the power supply area. Furthermore, when a vehicle capable of contactless power supply selects a route to a destination, information on how efficiently power can be supplied while traveling is also a selection criterion for the route. However, Patent Document 1 only provides information on routes where contactless power supply devices are installed, which poses a problem in that it is difficult to grasp the amount of power that can be supplied.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device and a traffic light that enable a vehicle capable of contactless power supply to more efficiently select a route to a destination. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an acquisition unit, a storage unit, a message generation unit, and a transmission unit. The acquisition unit acquires signal information relating to the one or more traffic signals transmitted from one or more traffic signals or a traffic control center that manages the one or more traffic signals. The storage unit stores contactless power supply information relating to contactless power supply devices provided on a road surface around the one or more traffic lights. The message generating unit generates a power supply light color signal based on the signal information and the contactless power supply information. The transmitter is capable of transmitting the power supply light color signal.

[0007] The traffic light information may include the current light color of the one or more traffic lights and the number of seconds remaining.

[0008] The contactless power supply information may include position information of the contactless power supply device.

[0009] The contactless power supply information may include information on whether the contactless power supply device is available for use.

[0010] The acquisition unit may further acquire road information from a target information presentation device having target information of vehicles traveling or stopped on a road or from the traffic control center. In this case, the vehicle further includes an update unit that updates the contactless power supply information based on the road information.

[0011] The storage unit may further store permitted vehicles to which wireless power supply is possible. In this case, the system further includes a determination unit that determines whether the vehicle is an authorized vehicle based on a request signal requesting contactless power supply transmitted from the vehicle and acquired by the acquisition unit, and a notification signal generation unit that generates a power supply notification signal that notifies the vehicle of whether power can be supplied based on the determination unit.

[0012] the request signal further includes route information for the vehicle; The vehicle may further include a time calculation unit that calculates a power supply time during which the vehicle is able to supply power, based on the route information. In this case, the power supply notification signal further includes the power supply time.

[0013] the request signal further includes route information for the vehicle; The vehicle may further include a capacity calculation unit that calculates a power supply capacity that the vehicle can supply based on the route information. In this case, the power supply notification signal further includes the power supply capacity.

[0014] The electric power supply device may further include a control signal generation unit that generates a control signal for controlling an operation of the contactless power supply device based on the road information, and a communication unit that can transmit the control signal to the contactless power supply device.

[0015] The road information may include congestion information indicating the degree of congestion. In this case, the control signal generating unit generates the control signal for stopping at least a part of the operation of the contactless power supply device based on the congestion information.

[0016] In order to achieve the above object, a traffic signal according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a traffic light and a signal control device. The signal control device includes a storage unit, a signal information generating unit, a message generating unit, and a transmitting unit. The storage unit stores contactless power supply information relating to a contactless power supply device provided on the road surface around the signal lamp, and light color output data for the stairs of the signal lamp. The traffic light information generating unit generates traffic light information based on the light color output data. The message generating unit generates a power supply light color signal based on the signal information and the contactless power supply information. The transmitter is capable of transmitting the power supply light color signal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing device and a traffic light that enable a vehicle capable of contactless power supply to more efficiently select a route to a destination. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an information providing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram of an information providing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a road to which the information provision system is applied. [Figure 4] 3 is a diagram showing a format of signal information transmitted in the information providing system. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of the information providing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of an information providing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an information providing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are sequence diagrams of an information provision system according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) is a sequence diagram relating to a vehicle, a traffic light, an information processing device, and a target information presentation device, and (B) is a sequence diagram relating to an information processing device and a contactless power supply device. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an information providing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of an information providing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a method for using the information providing system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an information provision system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the information provision system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a road R to which the information provision system 1 is applied, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the format of traffic light information transmitted by the information provision system 1. In this embodiment, as an example, a road R having an intersection and having a wireless power supply device 40A on the road surface will be described, but it is of course not limited to intersections. In this embodiment, a vehicle V is a vehicle capable of receiving wireless power supply, such as an electric vehicle. In this embodiment, the information provision system 1 is described in a controlled area connected to a traffic control center 30, but of course it is not limited to this, and may also be a non-controlled area not connected to the traffic control center 30 (traffic lights of a coordinated control system or an individual control system may also be used).

[0021] The information provision system 100 of this embodiment includes a traffic light 10, an information processing device 20, a traffic control center 30, and a wireless power supply device 40. A road R includes a first road R1 that is a roadway extending in a north-south direction (up-down direction in the drawing) and a second road R2 that is a roadway extending in an east-west direction (left-right direction in the drawing). The road R also includes a power supply area (section) W in which the wireless power supply device 40 is installed.

[0022] (Traffic lights) The traffic light 10 includes a traffic light 11, a traffic light information generator 12, a signal storage unit 13, and a signal transmitter 14. As shown in FIG. 1, the traffic light 10 controls the traffic light 11 installed on a second road R2, which is a roadway running in the east-west direction (left-right direction in the figure).

[0023] The traffic light 10 uses a commercial power source as its power source and controls the light emission (green, yellow, red) of the signal lamp 11 for a preset lighting time (aspect seconds) and cycle. The signal storage unit 13 is typically composed of a non-volatile semiconductor memory. The signal storage unit 13 stores control setting information including light color output data (aspect planning data) for the stages of the signal lamp 11. The control setting information typically refers to the signal constants of the signal lamp 11, and includes the stage table (light color output data), offset, time table, response seconds, safety time, etc.

[0024] The signal storage unit 13 also stores control programs, control parameters, etc. that cause the signal information generation unit 12 (described later) to execute predetermined operations.

[0025] The signal information generating unit 12 is typically composed of a computer including a CPU / MPU, and is configured to generate a light color signal for continuously transmitting signal information regarding the traffic light 10 from the information processing device 10 described later, based on the light color output data of the traffic light 10 stored in the signal memory unit 13.

[0026] The signal information is information related to the light color of a traffic light located ahead of the vehicle V in the direction of travel, and typically includes time information at the time of transmission, the light color of the traffic light at the time of transmission, and the remaining time (number of seconds remaining) until the next level. Of course, the signal information is not limited to this, and may also include control setting information having light color output data (phase plan data) for the level of the signal lamp 11, including not only the light color of the traffic light at the time of transmission and the remaining time until the next level, but also signal information scheduled for the future. This makes it possible to provide driving assistance information such as traffic light passage assistance and red light deceleration assistance to the traveling vehicle V. Furthermore, if the vehicle V is an autonomous vehicle, the signal information can be used by the vehicle itself to autonomously determine braking control. The signal transmission unit 14 is also configured to be able to transmit the signal information to the information processing device 10.

[0027] (Traffic Control Center) The traffic control center 30 is connected to the traffic lights 10 via wired or wireless communication. The traffic control center 30 acquires the number and occupancy rate of vehicles detected by vehicle detectors or the like for each intersection within the area under control, accumulates and statistically processes this information, and performs tasks such as monitoring traffic conditions within the area and accident status within the area, and adjusting traffic light cycles at each intersection. The traffic control center 30 is also connected to an information processing device 20 (described later) via wired or wireless communication, and transmits road information (including intersection IDs, route IDs, congested intersection IDs, route IDs, etc.) including traffic signal information and congestion information for the traffic lights 10 under its control to the information processing device 20.

[0028] (Non-contact power supply device) The contactless power supply device 40 is configured to be able to supply power to a vehicle V that is capable of being contactlessly supplied with power. The contactless power supply device 40 is supplied with power from a power source (not shown). The power source is, for example, a commercial power source that supplies AC power. The contactless power supply device 40A has a resonant circuit that has a rectifier circuit, an inverter, a coil, and a capacitor. Furthermore, the power supplied from the power source is converted into AC power of a desired frequency by the rectifier circuit and the inverter, and the converted AC power is applied to the resonant circuit. This allows the contactless power supply device 40 to generate an AC magnetic field. Power is supplied to the vehicle V contactlessly via this AC magnetic field.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 , a power supply area W is an area where power can be supplied, and the ends of the area are referred to as a start position S and an end position E, respectively. The position information of the start position S and the end position E, which indicate the range of the power supply area W, may be expressed using X and Y coordinates with respect to an intersection as a reference, or may be expressed using latitude and longitude. The X and Y coordinates may also be expressed in terms of the north-south direction as the Y axis and the east-west direction as the X axis, but are not limited to this. The route IDs shown in FIG. 3 are IDs assigned to roads extending from the center of the intersection, and each road can be identified by using these IDs. Only the power supply area W0 with route ID 0 is shown in FIG. 3 , and the power supply areas with the other route IDs 1 to 3 are not shown. In this embodiment, the range of the power supply area W is expressed as a start position and an end position. However, this is merely for convenience, since the vehicle V moves from west to east as shown in FIG. 1 .

[0030] Here, the vehicle V will be described. The vehicle V is, for example, an electric vehicle capable of contactless power supply, and has a power receiving device (not shown) for receiving power transmitted contactlessly from a contactless power supply device 40, and power is supplied contactlessly from the power supply device 40 to the power receiving device by a method such as an electromagnetic induction method, a magnetic field resonance method, or an electric field coupling method. Here, the power receiving device receives a power reception start notification signal, which will be described later, to connect the battery and the power receiving device so that the battery of the vehicle V is charged, and the vehicle V may transmit (generate) a charge end request signal, which will be described later, to the information processing device 20, thereby putting the power receiving device and the battery into a circuit (electrical) contactless state.

[0031] The vehicle V has a first receiving unit V1, a route setting unit V2, a signal generating unit V3, and a first information transmitting unit V4.

[0032] The first receiving unit V1 receives a power supply light color signal transmitted from the information processing device 20 described later, a power supply signal notifying the power supply time and power supply amount, a charge availability notification signal notifying whether charging is possible, a power reception start notification signal notifying that power reception by the non-contact power supply device 40 has started, and a charging completion notification signal notifying that charging by the non-contact power supply device 40 has completed.

[0033] The route setting unit V2 sets a route for the vehicle V to travel. The route setting unit V2 guides the vehicle V to a destination set by the user based on map information stored in the vehicle and location information of the vehicle. At this time, the route setting unit V2 can set the route so that the vehicle V passes through roads where contactless power supply devices 40 are installed, based on the power supply state of the vehicle V. That is, for example, when the charge rate of the vehicle V is low at 30%, the route setting unit V2 can set the route so that the vehicle V passes through roads where contactless power supply devices 40 are installed, based on a power supply light color signal or a power supply signal.

[0034] When wireless power feeding is desired on a road on the route set by the route setting unit V2 where a wireless power feeding device 40 is installed, the signal generating unit V3 generates a charging permission request signal (request signal) requesting wireless power feeding.

[0035] The charging permission request signal includes a request for permission for contactless power supply, a vehicle ID for the vehicle V, route information set by the route setting unit V2, intersection IDs for intersections the vehicle V will pass through, a route ID, and information regarding the time of arrival at the power supply area W. Here, the vehicle ID is a value unique to each vehicle, and the vehicle type and type (bus, ambulance, general vehicle, etc.) can be identified by the ID.

[0036] Furthermore, based on the charge availability notification signal transmitted from the information processing device 20, if the information processing device 20 determines that charging is possible and that the information processing device 20 is in the power supply area W, the signal generation unit V3 generates a power reception start request signal to the information processing device 20.

[0037] The power reception start request signal includes a request to perform contactless power feeding, a vehicle ID for the vehicle V, an intersection ID for an intersection through which the vehicle V passes, and a route ID.

[0038] Furthermore, the signal generating unit V3 generates a charging end request signal to the information processing device 20 when charging is completed.

[0039] The charging end request signal includes information indicating that contactless power supply has ended, a vehicle ID for the vehicle V, an intersection ID for an intersection through which the vehicle V passes, and a route ID.

[0040] The first information transmission unit V4 transmits the above-mentioned charging permission request signal, power reception start request signal, and charging end request signal to the information processing device 20 wirelessly.

[0041] (information processing device 20) The information processing device 20 transmits power supply signal information to the vehicle V. The information processing device 20 includes an acquisition unit 21, a generation unit 22, a calculation unit 23, a determination unit 24, a first transmission unit 25, and a storage unit 26.

[0042] The acquisition unit 21 acquires signal information transmitted from the traffic signal 10 or the traffic control center 30. The acquisition unit 21 also acquires the request signal transmitted from the vehicle V described above.

[0043] The generation unit 22 generates information related to power supply to be transmitted to the vehicle V. The generation unit 22 includes a message generation unit 221 and a notification signal generation unit 222.

[0044] The message generator 221 generates a power supply light color signal based on the signal information described above and contactless power supply information described later. The power supply light color signal generated by the message generator 221 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 and Tables 1 and 2 below.

[0045] The frame structure of the transmission format for the power supply light color signal consists of an IP header, a transport layer, and an information section, as shown in Figure 4. This information section stores signal information and contactless power supply information.

[0046] As mentioned above, traffic light information is information that is generated based on the time the information was generated, and includes the light color and remaining seconds for each direction at the intersection. In other words, traffic light information includes the time the information was generated, the intersection ID, and the current light color and remaining seconds for each direction.

[0047] If the target intersection is an intersection where contactless power supply is possible, the contactless power supply information is added, linked to the signal information and route ID, and the power supply area information is transmitted.

[0048] An example of information stored in the signal information is shown below, and Table 1 shows an example of information stored in the contactless power supply information.

[0049] The traffic light information includes an identification ID for each prefecture, an intersection ID for identifying the intersection or single road, a single road ID, information on the time of information generation in units of year, month, day, hour, minute, second and 10 milliseconds, the number of traffic lights indicating the number of traffic lights installed at the intersection, the number of roads connected to the intersection, and traffic light information for each road (road ID, current light color information, remaining seconds for the current light color, information on the light color to be displayed after the current light color, and the number of seconds the light color is scheduled to be displayed).

[0050] [Table 1]

[0051] The notification signal generating unit 222 generates a charging availability notification signal, a power reception start notification signal, and a charging end notification signal.

[0052] The charging possibility notification signal is generated based on a charging permission request signal transmitted from vehicle V. That is, after acquiring the charging permission request signal, notification signal generation unit 222 generates a charging possibility notification signal including the result of determination by determination unit 24 as to whether or not the vehicle is an authorized vehicle for which wireless power supply is possible, which is stored in memory unit 26 described later, and the expected power supply time and power supply capacity calculated by calculation unit 23 described later.

[0053] The power reception start notification signal is generated based on a power reception start request signal transmitted from the vehicle V. That is, after acquiring the power reception start notification signal, the determination unit 24 determines again, as described above, whether the vehicle is an authorized vehicle to which contactless power can be supplied, and if the vehicle is an authorized vehicle, the notification signal generation unit 222 generates a power reception start notification signal that causes the vehicle V to start receiving power.

[0054] Furthermore, the charging end notification signal is generated based on the charging end request signal transmitted from the vehicle V. That is, after acquiring the charging end request signal, the signal generating unit 222 generates the charging end notification signal, which includes the power supply time calculated by the calculation unit 23 from the time from generating (transmitting) the power receiving start notification signal to acquiring the charging end request signal, and the power supply capacity calculated by the calculation unit 23 from the calculated power supply time.

[0055] The calculation unit 23 calculates information related to power supply. The calculation unit 23 includes a time calculation unit 231 and a capacity calculation unit 232.

[0056] The time calculation unit 231 calculates the time that the vehicle V has supplied power. The calculation is based on the difference between the time when the above-mentioned power reception start notification signal was generated (transmitted) and the time when the charging end request signal was acquired. Furthermore, the capacity calculation unit 232 calculates the capacity (amount of power) that the vehicle V has supplied power. The capacity calculation unit 232 calculates the amount of power according to the time during which power was supplied, but of course, in addition to the time alone, factors such as the vehicle type identified from the vehicle ID acquired from the charging permission request signal may also contribute to the calculation of the amount of power.

[0057] The first transmitter 25 transmits to the vehicle V the above-mentioned power supply light color signal, the charge availability notification signal, the power reception start notification signal, and the charging completion notification signal.

[0058] The memory unit 26 stores wireless power supply information (e.g., Table 2) regarding the wireless power supply device 40 installed on the road surface around the above-mentioned traffic light 10, authorized vehicles to which wireless power can be supplied, and the charging result of the vehicle V that transmitted the charging end request signal.

[0059] The charging result is information that links together, for example, a vehicle ID related to the vehicle, an intersection ID related to the intersection that the vehicle passed through, a route ID related to the route the vehicle took from the intersection, charging time, charging capacity, and the like.

[0060] Here, a case where the vehicle V uses contactless power feeding will be described. Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram of the information provision system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] First, as shown in Fig. 5, a case will be described in which the vehicle V is in front of the power supply area W as shown in Fig. 1. First, the traffic light 10 transmits signal information to the information processing device 20 (S101). In this embodiment, the traffic light 10 transmits the signal information to the information processing device 20, but of course, this is not limited to this, and the traffic control center 30 may transmit the signal information to the information processing device 20.

[0062] Next, the information processing device 20 that has acquired the traffic light information generates a power supply light color signal based on the non-contact power supply information and traffic light information previously stored in the storage unit 26, and transmits the generated signal to the vehicle V (S102). At this time, the information included in the traffic light information is stored in the storage unit 26.

[0063] Next, the vehicle V that has received the power supply light color signal sets a route using the route setting unit V2, and transmits a charge permission request signal to the information processing device 20 requesting the use of a non-contact power supply device 40 that is present on the set route (S103).

[0064] Next, the information processing device 20 that has acquired the charging permission request signal transmits a charging permission notification signal to the vehicle V (S104), which includes the result of the determination by the determination unit 24 as to whether the vehicle is an authorized vehicle capable of contactless power supply, which is stored in the memory unit 26 as described above, and the expected power supply time and power supply capacity calculated by the calculation unit 23 described later.

[0065] Next, when the vehicle V arrives at the power supply area W, the vehicle V transmits a power reception start request signal to the information processing device 20 to notify that contactless power supply has started (S105).

[0066] Next, the information processing device 20 that has acquired the power reception start request signal transmits a power reception start notification signal to the vehicle V based on the power reception start request signal as described above (S106). When the vehicle V receives this power reception start request signal, charging is performed.

[0067] Next, when the charging is completed (when the vehicle V wants to complete the charging), the vehicle V transmits a charging completion request signal to the information processing device 20 (S107).

[0068] Next, the information processing device 20 that has acquired the charging end request signal transmits a charging end notification signal to the vehicle V (S108). At this time, the charging result of the vehicle V is stored in the storage unit 26. Here, if the charging end notification signal is not transmitted within a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) after transmitting the power reception start notification signal, the vehicle V may be deemed to have passed through the power supply area W and a charging end notification signal may be transmitted. The power supply time at this time is not particularly limited, but may be deemed to be a predetermined time.

[0069] Next, a method of using the information providing system 1 of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a method of using the information providing system 1 of the present invention.

[0070] 12, a road R has an intersection K1 having a power supply area W1 and an intersection K2 having a power supply area W2. Here, a case will be described in which a vehicle V has a low charge rate and wireless power supply is desired.

[0071] Vehicle V receives the power supply light color signal of traffic light 10 and the power supply light color signal of traffic light 10' from communication device 20. At this time, if the areas of power supply region W1 and power supply region W2 (sections where power can be supplied) are the same, but traffic light 10 is red and traffic light 10' is green, vehicle V can stay in power supply region W1 longer by selecting route A that passes through traffic light 10 with a red light, thereby allowing vehicle V to charge more. On the other hand, if vehicle V's charge rate is high, there is no need to go through route A with a red light. Therefore, vehicle V can select route B that passes through traffic light 10'.

[0072] That is, in this embodiment, not only information about the power supply area W where contactless power supply is possible (contactless power supply information), but also information including signal information of the traffic lights 10 installed in the power supply area W (power supply light color signal) is transmitted to the vehicle V, so that the vehicle V can more appropriately set a route based on the charge rate of the vehicle itself. That is, various routes are selected depending on the purpose such as the charge rate, which is expected to help the vehicle avoid congestion, etc.

[0073] Furthermore, even if the vehicle V is not a vehicle capable of contactless power supply, receiving the power supply light color signal can be useful when setting a route. In other words, if the vehicle is not capable of contactless power supply, a route that does not pass through the power supply area W can be set. The reason for setting a route that does not pass through the power supply area W is that there may be many vehicles in the power supply area W looking for contactless power supply, and a route that does not pass through the power supply area W may have relatively empty roads.

[0074] <Second embodiment> In the above embodiment, the information transmitted to the information processing device 20 is only traffic light information, but of course this is not limited to this and road information such as congestion information may also be transmitted. Fig. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of an information provision system 1A according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 7 is a block diagram of the information provision system 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Descriptions of the same things as in the information provision system 1 according to the above embodiment will be simplified or omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

[0075] The information providing system 1A includes a traffic light 10, an information processing device 20A, a non-contact power feeding device 40, and a target information presentation device 50.

[0076] The information processing device 20A includes an acquisition unit 21, a generation unit 22A, a calculation unit 23, a first transmission unit 25, a second transmission unit 25A, a storage unit 26, and an update unit 27.

[0077] The generator 22A differs from the generator 22 in the first embodiment in that the generator 22A includes a control signal generator 223 in addition to the message generator 221 and the notification signal generator 222.

[0078] The control signal generating unit 223 generates a control signal that controls the operation of the contactless power supply device 40. The control signal generating unit 223 generates the control signal based on road information transmitted from the target information presentation device 50, which will be described later. The contactless power supply device 40 stops or drives part of the operation of the contactless power supply device 40 based on the control signal. Specifically, the information processing device 20A (acquisition unit 21) acquires information that the road R is congested based on the road information. In this case, the control signal generating unit 223 generates a control signal that shortens the end position EB of the power supply area W to the end position EA in order to alleviate the congestion (that is, a signal that stops the operation of the contactless power supply device 40 from the end position EA to the end position EB).

[0079] The second transmission unit 25A transmits the control signal generated by the control signal generation unit 223 to the contactless power supply device 40, which will be described later.

[0080] The update unit 27 updates the information in the storage unit 26 based on a region change signal transmitted from the non-contact power supply device 40, which will be described later. The update unit 27 updates the non-contact power supply information. More specifically, when the operating status of the non-contact power supply device 40A changes (when the terminal position EB of the power supply region W is changed to the terminal position EA, as shown in FIG. 6), the update unit 27 stores the changed information in the storage unit 26 so as to update the information.

[0081] (Non-contact power supply device) The contactless power supply device 40 generates information about the contactless power supply device 40 and transmits the information to the information processing device 20A. The contactless power supply device 40 includes a second receiving unit 41, a power supply control signal generating unit 42, a power supply signal generating unit 43, and a second information transmitting unit 44.

[0082] The second receiving unit 41 receives a control signal transmitted from the information processing device 20. The second receiving unit 41 also receives a control completion signal that notifies that the control of the power supply area W has been completed.

[0083] The power supply control signal generating unit 42 controls the operation of the contactless power supply device 40 based on the above-mentioned control signal. The power supply control signal generating unit 42 controls (drives or stops) part of the operation of the contactless power supply device 40 based on the control signal transmitted from the information processing device 20A. The power supply control signal generating unit 42 controls the above-mentioned inverter to control (drives or stops) the power supply of the contactless power supply device 40.

[0084] The area change signal generation unit 43 generates a signal including change information regarding a change in the power supply area W. When the end position EB of the power supply area W is changed to the end position EA as shown in Fig. 6, the area change signal generation unit 43 generates an area change signal including change information that the power supply area W is changed from the start position S to the end position EA.

[0085] The second information transmission unit 44 transmits the area change signal to the information processing device 20A by wire or wirelessly. In this embodiment, the contactless power supply device 40 communicates directly with the information processing device 20A, but this is not limiting, and communication may also be via a repeater or the like.

[0086] (Target information display device) The target object information presentation device 50 detects and generates information about a vehicle V on a road R. The target object information presentation device 50 includes a detection unit 51, a road information generation unit 52, and a road information transmission unit 53.

[0087] The detection unit 51 detects the road R on which the vehicle V is traveling, as well as the position, size, and speed of the vehicle V. The detection unit 51 is, for example, an optical vehicle detector (so-called optical beacon) that detects vehicles by emitting near-infrared light. Alternatively, the detection unit 51 may be an image detection device such as a camera, a distance measurement detection device such as a millimeter wave detection device, or a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) that combines an image detection device and a distance measurement detection device.

[0088] The road information generation unit 52 generates road information based on the detection result of the detection unit 51. As described above, the road information includes the congested intersection ID, the road ID, etc. In other words, based on the detection result of the detection unit 51, when the road R (power supply area W) is congested, the road information generation unit 52 generates road information including information that the road R is congested.

[0089] The road information transmitting unit 53 transmits the generated road information to the information processing device 20A by wire or wirelessly.

[0090] Here, a case up to when the vehicle V uses contactless power supply will be described. Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram of the information provision system 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) is a sequence diagram relating to the vehicle V, the traffic light 10, the information processing device 20A, and the target information presentation device 50, and (B) is a sequence diagram relating to the information processing device 20A and the contactless power supply device 40.

[0091] First, as shown in Fig. 8(A), a case will be described in which the vehicle V is in front of the power supply area W as shown in Fig. 6. First, the traffic light 10 transmits signal information to the information processing device 20A (S201). In this embodiment, the traffic light 10 transmits the signal information to the information processing device 20A, but of course, this is not limited to this, and the signal information may also be transmitted from a traffic control center (not shown) to the information processing device 20A.

[0092] Next, the road information is transmitted from the target information presentation device 50 to the information processing device 20 (S202).

[0093] At this time, as shown in FIG. 8(B), if the road R (power supply area W) is congested based on the road information, the information processing device 20A transmits a control signal to the contactless power supply device 40 (S203). At this time, the control signal is information regarding changing the end position EB of the power supply area W to the end position EA. The reason for shortening the power supply area W when there is congestion is that vehicles capable of contactless power supply within the power supply area W slow down to supply power even if only slightly, causing congestion. Therefore, shortening the power supply area W relieves the congestion. However, this is not a limitation, and the power supply area W may also be widened. In the present embodiment, the size of the power supply area W is changed based on the road information, but this is not a limitation, and the size of the power supply area W does not necessarily have to be changed.

[0094] Next, the contactless power supply device 40 that has received the control signal changes the power supply region W based on the control signal, and transmits a region change signal including change information related to the change in the power supply region W to the information processing device 20A (S204). The information processing device 20A that has acquired the region change signal updates the contactless power supply information in the storage unit 26 by the update unit 27.

[0095] Next, the information processing device 20A that has acquired the traffic light information generates a power supply light color signal based on the road information, the updated contactless power supply information, and the traffic light information, and transmits the signal to the vehicle V (S205). At this time, the information included in the traffic light information is stored in the storage unit 26. That is, the power supply light color signal includes road information (such as which roads are congested), information about the power supply area W, and traffic light information.

[0096] Next, the vehicle V that has received the power supply light color signal sets a route using the route setting unit V2, and transmits a charge permission request signal to the information processing device 20A requesting the use of a non-contact power supply device 40 that exists on the set route (S206).

[0097] Next, the information processing device 20A that has acquired the charging permission request signal transmits a charging permission notification signal to the vehicle V (S207), which includes the result of the determination by the determination unit 24 as to whether the vehicle is an authorized vehicle capable of contactless power supply, which is stored in the memory unit 26 as described above, and the expected power supply time and power supply capacity calculated by the calculation unit 23 described later.

[0098] That is, in this embodiment, the information processing device 20A can widen or narrow the power supply area W based on road information (whether there is traffic congestion, etc.), thereby alleviating traffic congestion on the road R.

[0099] Furthermore, even if the vehicle V is not capable of contactless power supply, receiving the power supply light color signal can be useful when setting a route. In other words, if the vehicle is not capable of contactless power supply, a route with a shorter power supply area W can be set. The reason for setting a route with a shorter power supply area W is that the power supply area W may contain many vehicles seeking contactless power supply, and a route with a shorter power supply area W may have fewer vehicles and relatively empty roads.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the power supply area W is narrowed by the control signal, but it is also possible to make contactless power supply impossible over the entire power supply area W.

[0101] In the present embodiment, the information processing device 20A acquires road information from the target information presentation device 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The information processing device 20A may acquire road information from the traffic control center 30.

[0102] <Third embodiment> In the above embodiment, the information processing device 20 and the traffic light 10 are separate devices, but of course this is not limited to this, and the traffic light 10B may transmit a power supply light color signal. Fig. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of an information provision system 1B according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 10 is a block diagram of the information provision system 1B according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Descriptions of the same parts as those in the information provision system 1 according to the above embodiment will be simplified or omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

[0103] The information provision system 1B includes a traffic signal 10B and a contactless power supply device 40. In this embodiment, the traffic control center 30 is not included, but of course, the present invention is not limited to this and the traffic control center 30 may be included.

[0104] Traffic light 10B has a signal acquisition unit 11B, a generation unit 12B, a calculation unit 13B, a determination unit 14B, a signal transmission unit 15B, a signal storage unit 16B, and a signal lamp 17B. As described above, traffic light 10B uses a commercial power source as its power source and controls the light emission (green, yellow, red) of signal lamp 17B at a preset lighting time (number of seconds indicated) and cycle.

[0105] The signal acquisition unit 11B acquires the above-mentioned request signal transmitted from the vehicle V. The signal acquisition unit 11B may also acquire signal information transmitted from the traffic control center 30B.

[0106] The generation unit 22 generates information related to power supply to be transmitted to the vehicle V. The generation unit 22 has the above-mentioned signal information generation unit 121B, the above-mentioned message generation unit 122B, and the above-mentioned notification signal generation unit 123B.

[0107] The calculation unit 13B calculates information related to power supply. The calculation unit 13B includes the time calculation unit 131B and the capacity calculation unit 132B.

[0108] The determination unit 14B determines whether the vehicle V is an authorized vehicle to which wireless power supply is possible, based on a charging permission request signal or a power reception start request signal transmitted from the vehicle V.

[0109] The signal transmission unit 15B transmits to the vehicle V the charging possibility notification signal, the power reception start notification signal, and the charging end notification signal generated by the generation unit 22 described above.

[0110] The signal memory unit 26 stores the light color output data for the stairs of the signal lamp 17B, the contactless power supply information related to the contactless power supply device 40, the authorized vehicles to which contactless power supply is possible, and the charging result of the vehicle V that transmitted the charging end request signal.

[0111] Here, a case where the vehicle V uses contactless power feeding will be described. Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram of an information provision system 1B according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] First, as shown in FIG. 10, a case will be described in which the vehicle V is in front of the power supply area W as shown in FIG. 1. Note that the information processing device 20 as shown in FIG. 1 does not exist. First, the traffic light 10B generates signal information based on the light color output data for the step of the signal lamp 17B, and further generates a power supply light color signal based on the pre-stored contactless power supply information and the generated signal information, and transmits it to the vehicle V (S301). In this embodiment, the signal information is generated by the traffic light 10B, but of course, this is not limited to this, and the signal information may also be transmitted from the traffic control center 30 to the traffic light 10B.

[0113] Next, the vehicle V that has received the power supply light color signal sets a route using the route setting unit V2, and transmits a charge permission request signal to the traffic light 10B requesting the use of a non-contact power supply device 40 that is present on the set route (S302).

[0114] Next, the traffic light 10B that has acquired the charging permission request signal transmits to the vehicle V a charging permission / non-permission notification signal that includes the result of the determination by the determination unit 24 as to whether the vehicle is a permitted vehicle for which contactless power supply is possible, which is stored in the memory unit 26 as described above, and the expected power supply time and power supply capacity calculated by the calculation unit 23 as described above (S303). As a result, the vehicle V resets its route.

[0115] Next, when the vehicle V arrives at the power supply area W, the vehicle V transmits a power reception start request signal to the traffic light 10B notifying that contactless power supply has started (S304).

[0116] Next, the traffic light 10B that has acquired the power reception start request signal transmits a power reception start notification signal to the vehicle V based on the power reception start request signal as described above (S305). When the vehicle V receives this power reception start request signal, charging is performed.

[0117] Next, when the vehicle V has finished charging (desiring to finish charging), the vehicle V transmits a charging end request signal to the traffic light 10B (S306).

[0118] Next, the traffic light 10B that has received the charging end request signal transmits a charging end notification signal to the vehicle V (S307). At this time, the charging result of the vehicle V is stored in the storage unit 26.

[0119] That is, in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment described above, not only information (contactless power supply information) about the power supply area W where contactless power supply is possible is transmitted to the vehicle V, but also information including signal information of the traffic lights 10 installed in the power supply area W (power supply light color signal), thereby enabling the vehicle V to more appropriately set a route based on the charge rate of the vehicle itself. That is, various routes are selected depending on the purpose such as the charge rate, which is expected to enable the vehicle to avoid congestion, etc.

[0120] Furthermore, even if the vehicle V is not a vehicle capable of contactless power supply, receiving the power supply light color signal can be useful when setting a route. In other words, if the vehicle is not capable of contactless power supply, a route that does not pass through the power supply area W can be set. The reason for setting a route that does not pass through the power supply area W is that there may be many vehicles in the power supply area W looking for contactless power supply, and a route that does not pass through the power supply area W may have relatively empty roads.

[0121] Furthermore, in this embodiment, there is no need to provide a separate device for transmitting a power supply light color signal, which reduces installation costs.

[0122] <Other variations> In the above embodiment, the road information has been described as congestion information, but of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and the road information may be accident information (the road information may include information such as the intersection ID and route ID where the accident occurred). For example, the information processing device 20, which has acquired accident information from the traffic control center 30, may determine that contactless power supply is not possible due to the accident, and the power supply light color signal may include information indicating that power supply is not possible. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the power supply light color signal reflects road information in the contactless power supply information, but of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and the power supply light color signal may include road information (for example, road R is congested) separately from the contactless power supply information.

[0123] The contactless power supply device 40 may also be configured to be able to detect its own state. That is, when a malfunction occurs in a part of the contactless power supply device 40, the contactless power supply device 40 can transmit information about the malfunction to the information processing device 20. This allows accurate contactless power supply information to be presented to the vehicle V.

[0124] Furthermore, if the vehicle V attempts to charge but is unable to do so due to an abnormality, the charging termination request signal may include information regarding the abnormal termination. In this case, the information processing device 20 sets the power supply time and power supply capacity included in the charging termination notification signal to 0 (i.e., no contactless power supply was performed). Furthermore, if an abnormal termination occurs in a specific power supply area, the information processing device 20 may disable power supply in that power supply area. In other words, the power supply light color signal transmitted to the vehicle includes information that power supply is not possible in that specific power supply area.

[0125] In the present embodiment, the determination unit 24 determines whether a vehicle is capable of wireless power supply, but the determination criteria are not limited to this. For example, the determination unit 24 can also make a determination based on road information (e.g., traffic congestion) or vehicle classification. For example, the determination unit 24 may determine that only official vehicles are allowed to be charged based on the vehicle ID during traffic congestion.

[0126] The charging result stored in the storage unit 26 may also be used for collecting a usage fee (a usage fee for the contactless power supply device 40). For example, the information processing device 20 may be capable of communicating with a server owned by a company that supplies power to the contactless power supply device 40 (a company to which the user pays the fee), and may transmit the charging result (data necessary for the usage fee) to the server. This allows the usage fee to be settled. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 1. Information provision system 10...Traffic light 20...Information processing device 30...Traffic Control Center 40...Non-contact power supply device 50…Target information presentation device R…Road V...Vehicle W: Power supply area

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires signal information regarding one or more traffic signals transmitted from one or more traffic signals or a traffic control center that manages the one or more traffic signals; a storage unit that stores contactless power supply information related to a contactless power supply device installed on a road surface around the one or more traffic lights; a message generating unit that generates a power supply light color signal based on the signal information and the contactless power supply information; a first transmitter capable of transmitting the power supply light color signal; A communication device comprising:

2. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, The signal information includes the current light color of the one or more traffic lights and the remaining seconds thereof. Communication equipment.

3. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, The contactless power supply information includes location information of the contactless power supply device. Communication equipment.

4. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, The contactless power supply information includes information on whether the contactless power supply device is available. Communication equipment.

5. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, the acquisition unit further acquires road information from a target information presentation device having target information of vehicles traveling or stopped on a road or from the traffic control center; The wireless power supply information updating unit may further include an updating unit that updates the wireless power supply information based on the road information. Communication equipment.

6. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, The storage unit further stores an authorized vehicle to which wireless power supply is possible, The system further includes a determination unit that determines whether the vehicle is the permitted vehicle based on a request signal requesting contactless power supply transmitted from the vehicle and acquired by the acquisition unit, and a notification signal generation unit that generates a power supply notification signal that notifies the vehicle whether power can be supplied based on the determination unit. Communication equipment.

7. 7. The communication device according to claim 6, the request signal further includes route information for the vehicle; a time calculation unit that calculates a power supply time during which the vehicle can supply power based on the route information; The power supply notification signal further includes the power supply time. Communication equipment.

8. 7. The communication device according to claim 6, the request signal further includes route information for the vehicle; a capacity calculation unit that calculates a power supply capacity that can be supplied by the vehicle based on the route information; The power supply notification signal further includes the power supply capacity. Communication equipment.

9. 6. The communication device according to claim 5, The wireless power supply device further includes a control signal generating unit that generates a control signal for controlling an operation of the wireless power supply device based on the road information, and a second transmitting unit that can transmit the control signal to the wireless power supply device. Communication equipment.

10. 10. The communication device according to claim 9, The road information includes congestion information indicating a degree of congestion, The control signal generation unit generates the control signal for stopping at least a part of the operation of the contactless power supply device based on the congestion information. Communication equipment.

11. Signal lights and a storage unit that stores wireless power supply information related to a wireless power supply device installed on a road surface around the signal lamp and light color output data for a staircase of the signal lamp; a traffic light information generating unit that generates traffic light information based on the light color output data; a message generating unit that generates a power supply light color signal based on the signal information and the contactless power supply information; a transmitter capable of transmitting the power supply light color signal; Signal control device and A traffic light equipped with:

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