Traffic information processing apparatus, traffic information processing system, and traffic information processing method

Abstract

To further precisely detect a traffic situation.SOLUTION: A traffic information processing apparatus comprises: an acquisition unit for acquiring a sense signal indicating a sensing result with a sensor installed on a road; and a detection unit for performing detection processing of detecting a traffic situation on the road, based on the sense signal acquired by the acquisition unit. The detection unit changes a content of operation in regard to the detection processing, based on a noise occurrence situation according to the sense signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a traffic information processing device, a traffic information processing system, and a traffic information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, techniques for detecting traffic conditions using vehicle detection sensors have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 (JP 2007-72796 A) discloses the following traffic information processing device. That is, the traffic information processing device includes: a calculation means for calculating values ​​of one or more driving parameters indicating the driving state of a vehicle based on a vehicle detection signal output from a vehicle detection sensor installed on a road whose driving direction is predetermined; a determination means for determining whether or not a traffic congestion has occurred based on the values ​​of the driving parameters; and a detection means for detecting a wrong-way vehicle traveling in the opposite direction to the driving direction based on the vehicle detection signal when the determination means determines that no traffic congestion has occurred. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-72796 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a demand for a technology that can detect traffic conditions more accurately than the technology described in Patent Document 1.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a traffic information processing device, a traffic information processing system, and a traffic information processing method that are capable of detecting traffic conditions more accurately. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The traffic information processing device of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires a sensing signal indicating the sensing result by a sensor installed on a road, and a detection unit that performs a detection process to detect traffic conditions on the road based on the sensing signal acquired by the acquisition unit, and the detection unit changes the content of the operation related to the detection process based on the noise generation status in the sensing signal.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure may be realized not only as a traffic information processing device having such a characteristic processing unit, but also as a program for causing a computer to execute the steps of such a characteristic processing. Furthermore, one aspect of the present disclosure may be realized as a semiconductor integrated circuit that realizes part or all of the traffic information processing device, or as a system including the traffic information processing device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, traffic conditions can be detected more accurately. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a traffic information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pulse signal generated by the traffic information processing device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a traffic information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pulse signal generated by a receiving unit in the traffic information processing device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pulse signal after waveform shaping processing by a detection unit in a traffic information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pulse signal after waveform shaping processing by a detection unit in a traffic information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of a pulse signal after waveform shaping processing by the detection unit in the traffic information processing device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pulse signal generated by a receiving unit in the traffic information processing device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pulse signal after waveform shaping processing by a detection unit in a traffic information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart defining an example of an operation procedure when the traffic information processing device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure performs the detection process. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart defining an example of an operation procedure when the traffic information processing device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure stops the wrong-way driving detection process. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart defining an example of an operation procedure when the traffic information processing device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure resumes the wrong-way driving detection process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] First, the contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. (1) A traffic information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires a sensing signal indicating a sensing result from a sensor installed on a road, and a detection unit that performs a detection process to detect traffic conditions on the road based on the sensing signal acquired by the acquisition unit, and the detection unit changes the content of the operation related to the detection process based on the noise occurrence status in the sensing signal.

[0011] In this way, by configuring the system to change the operation of the detection process based on the noise occurrence status in the detection signal, it is possible to, for example, switch between running and stopping the detection process depending on the noise occurrence status, or determine the detection accuracy depending on the noise occurrence status, thereby reducing false detection of traffic conditions due to the influence of noise, and therefore enabling more accurate detection of traffic conditions.

[0012] (2) In the above (1), the detection unit may stop the detection process based on the occurrence of noise in the detection signal.

[0013] With this configuration, for example, the detection process can be stopped in a situation where a lot of noise is occurring, thereby making it possible to suppress erroneous detection of traffic conditions due to the influence of noise.

[0014] (3) In (2) above, the acquisition unit may acquire a plurality of the sensing signals corresponding to a plurality of the sensors installed along the traveling direction of the vehicle, and the detection unit may perform a wrong-way driving detection process as the detection process based on the plurality of sensing signals to detect the vehicle traveling in the wrong direction on the road, and the detection unit may stop the wrong-way driving detection process based on the occurrence status of noise in at least one of the plurality of sensing signals.

[0015] With this configuration, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection of wrong-way vehicles due to the influence of noise, and to more accurately detect wrong-way vehicles.

[0016] (4) In the above (2) or (3), the acquisition unit may acquire the sensing signal which is a pulse signal, and the detection unit may determine that a pulse included in the sensing signal whose pulse width is less than a predetermined value is the noise, and may stop the detection process if the frequency of occurrence of the noise per unit time in the sensing signal is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0017] With this configuration, noise can be more accurately identified based on the pulse width, and the decision to stop the detection process can be easily made based on the frequency of noise occurrence.

[0018] (5) In the above (4), the detection unit may resume the detection process when, after the detection process has been stopped, the frequency of occurrence of the noise per unit time in the detection signal becomes less than a predetermined value.

[0019] With this configuration, the detection process can be resumed as the frequency of noise occurrence decreases, so that the detection process can be performed continuously in a situation where the frequency of noise occurrence is low.

[0020] (6) A traffic information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a sensor installed on a road and a traffic information processing device, and the traffic information processing device performs a detection process to detect traffic conditions on the road based on a detection signal indicating the sensing result by the sensor, and the traffic information processing device changes the content of the operation related to the detection process based on the noise occurrence status in the detection signal.

[0021] In this way, by configuring the system to change the operation of the detection process based on the noise occurrence status in the detection signal, it is possible to, for example, switch between running and stopping the detection process depending on the noise occurrence status, or determine the detection accuracy depending on the noise occurrence status, thereby reducing false detection of traffic conditions due to the influence of noise, and therefore enabling more accurate detection of traffic conditions.

[0022] (7) In (6) above, the sensor may include a loop coil whose inductance changes as a vehicle approaches, and the traffic information processing device may perform the detection process based on the sensing signal indicating the change in inductance of the loop coil.

[0023] With this configuration, it is possible to more accurately detect traffic conditions with a simple configuration based on changes in the inductance of the loop coil caused by a vehicle traveling on a road.

[0024] (8) A traffic information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a traffic information processing method in a traffic information processing device, and includes a step of acquiring a sensing signal indicating a sensing result by a sensor installed on a road, and a step of performing a detection process to detect traffic conditions on the road based on the acquired sensing signal, and changes the content of the operation related to the detection process based on the noise generation status in the sensing signal.

[0025] In this way, by changing the operation content of the detection process based on the noise occurrence status in the detection signal, it is possible to, for example, switch between running and stopping the detection process depending on the noise occurrence status, or determine the detection accuracy depending on the noise occurrence status, thereby reducing false detection of traffic conditions due to the influence of noise, and therefore enabling more accurate detection of traffic conditions.

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, identical or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated. Furthermore, at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any manner.

[0027] [Configuration and basic operation] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a traffic information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 1 illustrates a plan view of a road 2 for which traffic conditions are to be detected by a traffic information processing system 201. Referring to Fig. 1, the traffic information processing system 201 includes sensors 51A and 51B as sensors 51, and a traffic information processing device 101.

[0028] The sensor 51 is a sensor for detecting vehicles. The sensor 51 is installed on the road 2 along the traveling direction of the vehicle 1. More specifically, the sensors 51A and 51B are installed in this order from the upstream side in the traveling direction of the vehicle 1, with an interval of, for example, 5.5 meters between them. For example, the sensors 51A and 51B are buried in the road 2. The sensor 51 transmits an analog signal indicating the sensing result to the traffic information processing device 101.

[0029] For example, the sensors 51A and 51B include loop coils 52A and 52B, respectively, which are loop coils 52 whose inductance changes as the vehicle 1 approaches. The sensors 51A and 51B transmit analog sensing signals HA and HB, respectively, which indicate the inductance of the loop coil 52, to the traffic information processing device 101.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pulse signal generated by a traffic information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 2, the horizontal axis represents time. FIG. 2 illustrates pulse signals S1A and S1B based on sensing signals HA and HB transmitted from sensors 51A and 51B when a vehicle 1 passes above the sensors 51A and 51B. Hereinafter, each of pulse signals S1A and S1B will also be referred to as pulse signal S1. Pulse signal S1 is an example of a sensing signal.

[0031] 2, the traffic information processing device 101 generates pulse signals S1A and S1B including one or more pulses P by binarizing the sensing signals HA and HB received from the sensors 51A and 51B, respectively. The pulse signal S1 indicates a change in the inductance of the loop coil 52. The pulse signal S1A includes a pulse PA, which is a pulse P having a pulse width corresponding to the period required for the vehicle 1 to pass over the loop coil 52A. The pulse signal S1B also includes a pulse PB, which is a pulse P having a pulse width corresponding to the period required for the vehicle 1 to pass over the loop coil 52B. When one vehicle 1 passes over the sensors 51A and 51B in this order, the pulses PA and PB are generated in this order.

[0032] The traffic information processing device 101 performs a detection process to detect the traffic conditions on the road 2 based on the generated pulse signal S1.

[0033] <Traffic information processing device> FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a traffic information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 3, a traffic information processing device 101 includes a receiving unit 11, a detecting unit 12, and a storage unit 13. The receiving unit 11 is an example of an acquiring unit. Some or all of the functions of the receiving unit 11 and the detecting unit 12 are realized by, for example, a processing circuit including one or more processors. The storage unit 13 is, for example, a non-volatile memory included in the processing circuit.

[0034] (Receiver) Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a pulse signal generated by a receiving unit in a traffic information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In Fig. 4, the horizontal axis represents time. Fig. 4 shows either pulse signal S1A or S1B.

[0035] 4, the receiving unit 11 acquires a pulse signal S1 indicating a sensing result by the sensor 51. More specifically, the receiving unit 11 receives sensing signals HA and HB from the sensors 51A and 51B, respectively. The receiving unit 11 generates pulse signals S1A and S1B by binarizing the received sensing signals HA and HB, respectively.

[0036] The pulse signal S1 generated by the receiver 11 may include pulses Pn, which are pulses P generated regardless of the passage of the vehicle 1, in addition to pulses P generated when the vehicle 1 passes over the loop coil 52. The pulse width of the pulses Pn is smaller than the pulse width of the pulses P generated when the vehicle 1 passes, and is, for example, 50 milliseconds or less. The pulses Pn are generated randomly multiple times due to disturbances such as construction work near the loop coil 52 and flickering electric lights, as well as noise mixed into the sensing signals HA and HB in the communication line between the sensor 51 and the traffic information processing device 101.

[0037] Furthermore, the pulse signal S1 generated by the receiving unit 11 may include multiple pulses Pd that are part of the pulses P that are originally generated when a vehicle 1 passes over the loop coil 52. The pulse intervals of the pulses Pd in ​​the pulse signal S1 are smaller than the pulse intervals of the pulses P generated when a vehicle 1 passes, and are, for example, 300 milliseconds or less. The pulses Pd are generated by disturbances such as construction work near the loop coil 52 and flickering lights, as well as deterioration of the loop coil 52. The receiving unit 11 outputs the generated pulse signals S1A and S1B to the detecting unit 12.

[0038] (Detection unit) The detection unit 12 performs a detection process to detect traffic conditions on the road 2 based on the pulse signals S1A and S1B acquired by the reception unit 11. For example, as the detection process, the detection unit 12 performs a driving detection process to detect the driving conditions of the vehicle 1 in the normal driving direction, and a wrong-way driving detection process to detect wrong-way driving of the vehicle 1 on the road 2.

[0039] (1) Waveform shaping processing Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a pulse signal after waveform shaping processing by a detection unit in a traffic information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In Fig. 5, the horizontal axis represents time. Fig. 5 shows a pulse signal S2 generated by performing waveform shaping processing on the pulse signal S1 shown in Fig. 4. Referring to Fig. 5, the detection unit 12 performs waveform shaping processing to shape the waveform of the pulse signal S1 received from the receiving unit 11, thereby generating the pulse signal S2 after waveform shaping processing.

[0040] For example, the detection unit 12 determines that pulses P included in the pulse signal S1 whose pulse width is less than a predetermined threshold Th1 are noise. Then, as waveform shaping processing, the detection unit 12 performs a removal process to remove pulses P determined to be noise. The threshold Th1 is, for example, 50 milliseconds.

[0041] Furthermore, for example, as the waveform shaping process, the detection unit 12 performs a combining process in which multiple pulses P in the pulse signal S1 whose pulse intervals are less than a predetermined threshold Th2 are combined to replace the multiple pulses P with a single pulse P. The threshold Th2 is, for example, 300 milliseconds.

[0042] The detection unit 12 generates a pulse signal S2 by performing the removal process and the combination process, and performs a detection process based on the generated pulse signal S2. The detection unit 12 performs a running detection process and a wrong-way running detection process in parallel as part of the detection process.

[0043] (2) Driving detection processing Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a pulse signal after waveform shaping processing by a detection unit in a traffic information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In Fig. 6, the horizontal axis represents time. Fig. 6 shows pulse signals S2A and S2B, which are pulse signals S2 generated by performing waveform shaping processing on pulse signals S1A and S1B. As an example, pulse signals S2A and S2B each include pulses P1 and P2, which are pulses P.

[0044] 6, the detection unit 12 performs a motion detection process based on the pulse signals S2A and S2B after waveform shaping. More specifically, the detection unit 12 detects the rising timing ta1 and falling timing ta2 of the pulse signal S2A, and the rising timing tb1 and falling timing tb2 of the pulse signal S2B. The detection unit 12 stores the detected rising timings ta1 and tb1 and falling timings ta2 and tb2 in the storage unit 13.

[0045] The detection unit 12 detects a pulse pair PR1 consisting of a set of pulses P1 and P2, the pulse pair PR1 being made up of a pulse P1 occurring in pulse signal S2A and a pulse P2 occurring in pulse signal S2B after pulse P1, based on the rise timings ta1 and tb1 and fall timings ta2 and tb2 stored in the storage unit 13. More specifically, the detection unit 12 detects the pulse pair PR1 based on the rise timings ta1 and tb1 and fall timings ta2 and tb2 of pulse signal S2 and the pulse widths of pulses P1 and P2, etc., in accordance with the procedure described in Patent Document 1.

[0046] When the detection unit 12 detects the pulse pair PR1, it detects the speed of the vehicle 1 passing above the sensor 51 based on the pulse width of a set of pulses P1 and P2 that make up the pulse pair PR1, etc. The detection unit 12 also detects the number of vehicles 1 passing above the sensor 51, the inter-vehicle distance, etc. based on the number of pulse pairs PR1 detected per unit time. The detection unit 12 transmits the detection results of the travel detection process to an external device outside the traffic information processing device 101. For example, the detection unit 12 further transmits the detection results of the rising timings ta1 and tb1 and the falling timings ta2 and tb2 to the external device.

[0047] (3) Wrong-way driving detection processing Fig. 7 is a diagram showing another example of a pulse signal after waveform shaping processing by a detection unit in a traffic information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In Fig. 7, the horizontal axis represents time. Fig. 7 shows pulse signals S2A and S2B, which are pulse signal S2 generated by performing waveform shaping processing on pulse signals S1A and S1B. As an example, pulse signals S2A and S2B each include pulses P3 and P4, which are pulses P.

[0048] 7, based on the pulse signals S2A and S2B after waveform shaping, the detection unit 12 performs a wrong-way driving detection process to detect a wrong-way driving vehicle, which is a vehicle 1 traveling in the wrong direction on the road 2. More specifically, as described above, the detection unit 12 detects the rising timings ta1 and tb1 and the falling timings ta2 and tb2 of the pulse signal S2, and stores the detected rising timings ta1 and tb1 and the falling timings ta2 and tb2 in the storage unit 13.

[0049] The detection unit 12 detects a pulse pair PR2 consisting of a set of pulses P3 and P4, which is made up of pulse P4 occurring in pulse signal S2B and pulse P3 occurring in pulse signal S2A after pulse P4, based on the rise timings ta1 and tb1 and fall timings ta2 and tb2 stored in the storage unit 13. More specifically, the detection unit 12 detects the pulse pair PR2 based on the rise timings ta1 and tb1 and fall timings ta2 and tb2 of pulse signal S2 and the pulse widths of pulses P3 and P4, according to the procedure described in Patent Document 1.

[0050] When the detection unit 12 detects the pulse pair PR2, it determines that a wrong-way vehicle is present. The detection unit 12 transmits the detection result of the wrong-way vehicle to an external device outside the traffic information processing device 101.

[0051] [assignment] Conventional wrong-way driving detection methods may erroneously detect wrong-way driving vehicles due to the influence of pulses Pn generated by noise, etc. Therefore, a technology capable of more accurately detecting traffic conditions, including the occurrence of wrong-way driving vehicles, is desired. The above-mentioned problems will be specifically described below.

[0052] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pulse signal generated by a receiving unit in a traffic information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In Fig. 8, the horizontal axis represents time. Fig. 8 illustrates pulse signals S1A and S1B based on sensing signals HA and HB transmitted from sensors 51A and 51B when no vehicle 1 is passing above the sensors 51A and 51B.

[0053] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of pulse signals after waveform shaping processing by a detection unit in a traffic information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In Fig. 9, the horizontal axis represents time. Fig. 9 shows pulse signals S2A and S2B generated by performing waveform shaping processing on pulse signals S1A and S1B shown in Fig. 8, respectively.

[0054] Referring to Figure 9, the detection unit 12 removes some of the pulses Pn in the pulse signals S2A and S2B through a removal process, but if the pulse interval of the pulses Pn is less than the threshold value Th2, it may replace some of the other pulses Pn in the pulse signals S1A and S1B with pulses Pc1 and Pc2, which are pulses P, through a combination process.

[0055] In this case, the detection unit 12 may erroneously determine that a wrong-way vehicle is present on the road 2, based on the pulse pair PR2 consisting of pulses Pc1 and Pc2 in the pulse signals S2A and S2B after waveform shaping processing, even though there is no wrong-way vehicle present on the road 2.

[0056] Therefore, the detection unit 12 in the traffic information processing device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure solves the above problem by adopting the following configuration.

[0057] (Stopping wrong-way driving detection processing) The detection unit 12 changes the operation content related to the detection process based on the occurrence status of noise in the pulse signals S1A and S1B. For example, the detection unit 12 stops the detection process based on the occurrence status of noise in the pulse signals S1A and S1B. As an example, the detection unit 12 stops the wrong-way driving detection process based on the occurrence status of noise in at least one of the pulse signals S1A and S1B. On the other hand, for example, the detection unit 12 continues the driving detection process regardless of the occurrence status of noise in the pulse signals S1A and S1B.

[0058] For example, the detection unit 12 stops the reverse running detection process when the frequency of noise occurrence per unit time in the pulse signal S1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. More specifically, the detection unit 12 calculates, at a determination timing according to a predetermined determination cycle C1, the number NA of removed pulses Pn removed from the pulse signal S1A by the removal process during the target period T1, and the number NB of removed pulses Pn removed from the pulse signal S1B by the removal process during the target period T1. The determination cycle C1 is, for example, one minute. The target period T1 is, for example, five minutes immediately before the determination timing.

[0059] The detection unit 12 compares the calculated removal numbers NA and NB with a predetermined threshold value αS. The threshold value αS is set based on the number of pulses Pn detected in advance before the traffic information processing system 201 is put into operation.

[0060] The detection unit 12 continues the reverse driving detection process when both of the removal numbers NA and NB are less than the predetermined threshold value αS. On the other hand, the detection unit 12 stops the reverse driving detection process when at least one of the calculated removal numbers NA and NB is equal to or greater than the threshold value αS.

[0061] Referring again to Fig. 8, the detection unit 12 stops the wrong-way driving detection process when the pulse signals S2A, S2B include a large number of pulses Pn as shown in Fig. 8 and the calculated removal numbers NA, NB are equal to or greater than the threshold value αS. In this case, the detection unit 12 performs the driving detection process based on the pulse signals S2A, S2B after waveform shaping process shown in Fig. 9, but does not perform the wrong-way driving detection process, thereby suppressing erroneous detection of wrong-way driving vehicles.

[0062] For example, after the reverse driving detection process is stopped, the detection unit 12 resumes the reverse driving detection process when the frequency of noise occurrence per unit time in the pulse signal S1 becomes less than a predetermined value.

[0063] More specifically, after the wrong-way driving detection process is stopped, the detection unit 12 waits for a new determination timing according to the determination cycle C1, and calculates the removal numbers NA and NB at the new determination timing. The detection unit 12 compares the calculated removal numbers NA and NB with a predetermined threshold value αE. The threshold value αE is a value smaller than the threshold value αS, and is set based on the number of pulses Pn detected in advance before the traffic information processing system 201 is put into operation.

[0064] The detection unit 12 continues to suspend the reverse driving detection process when at least one of the calculated removal numbers NA and NB is equal to or greater than the threshold value αE. On the other hand, the detection unit 12 resumes the reverse driving detection process when both of the calculated removal numbers NA and NB are less than the threshold value αE.

[0065] [Operation flow] FIG. 10 is a flowchart defining an example of an operation procedure when the traffic information processing device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure performs the detection process.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 10, first, the traffic information processing device 101 receives the sensing signals HA and HB from the sensors 51A and 51B, respectively (step S11).

[0067] Next, the traffic information processing device 101 generates pulse signals S1A and S1B by binarizing the received sensing signals HA and HB, respectively (step S12).

[0068] Next, the traffic information processing device 101 performs waveform shaping processing on the pulse signals S1A and S1B to generate pulse signals S2A and S2B (step S13).

[0069] Next, the traffic information processing device 101 performs a detection process based on the pulse signals S2A and S2B after waveform shaping. More specifically, the traffic information processing device 101 performs a driving detection process and a wrong-way driving detection process in parallel as the detection process (step S14).

[0070] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation procedure when a traffic information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure stops the wrong-way driving detection process. The traffic information processing device 101 executes the process shown in FIG. 11 while the wrong-way driving detection process is being performed.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 11, first, the traffic information processing device 101 waits for a judgment timing according to the judgment period C1 (NO in step S21), and when the judgment timing arrives (YES in step S21), it calculates the number of removed pulses Pn NA removed from the pulse signal S1A in the target period T1 by the removal process and the number of removed pulses Pn NB removed from the pulse signal S1B in the target period T1 by the removal process (step S22).

[0072] Next, the traffic information processing device 101 compares the calculated removal numbers NA and NB with a threshold value αS (step S23).

[0073] Next, if both of the removal numbers NA and NB are less than the threshold value αS (NO in step S24), the traffic information processing device 101 continues the wrong-way driving detection process and waits for a new determination timing (NO in step S21).

[0074] On the other hand, if at least one of the removal numbers NA and NB is equal to or greater than the threshold value αS (YES in step S24), the traffic information processing device 101 stops the wrong-way driving detection process (step S25).

[0075] 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation procedure when a traffic information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure resumes the wrong-way driving detection process. The traffic information processing device 101 executes the process illustrated in FIG. 12 while the wrong-way driving detection process is stopped by the process illustrated in FIG.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 12, first, the traffic information processing device 101 waits for a judgment timing according to the judgment period C1 (NO in step S31), and when the judgment timing arrives (YES in step S31), it calculates the number of removed pulses Pn NA removed from the pulse signal S1A in the target period T1 by the removal process and the number of removed pulses Pn NB removed from the pulse signal S1B in the target period T1 by the removal process (step S32).

[0077] Next, the traffic information processing device 101 compares the calculated removal numbers NA and NB with a threshold value αE (step S33).

[0078] Next, if at least one of the removal numbers NA and NB is equal to or greater than the threshold value αE (NO in step S34), the traffic information processing device 101 continues to stop the wrong-way driving detection process and waits for a new determination timing (NO in step S31).

[0079] On the other hand, if both of the removal numbers NA and NB are less than the threshold value αE (YES in step S34), the traffic information processing device 101 resumes the wrong-way driving detection process (step S35).

[0080] In the traffic information processing system 201 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor 51 is configured to include the loop coil 52, but this is not limiting. The sensor 51 may be a sensor that does not include the loop coil 52 and detects the vehicle 1 based on, for example, ultrasound, light, or temperature.

[0081] Furthermore, although the traffic information processing system 201 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure has been described as including the sensors 51A and 51B, this is not limiting. The traffic information processing system 201 may be configured to include one sensor 51, or may be configured to include three or more sensors 51.

[0082] The traffic information processing system 201 may also be configured to include a sensor 51 installed for each lane on a road having multiple lanes. In this case, the detection unit 12 in the traffic information processing device 101 performs driving detection processing and wrong-way driving detection processing for each lane based on the pulse signal S1 acquired by the reception unit 11. For example, when the number of removed pulse signals N A, N B corresponding to any one lane is equal to or greater than a threshold value α S , the detection unit 12 stops the wrong-way driving detection processing for all lanes. Note that the detection unit 12 may stop the wrong-way driving detection processing for each lane.

[0083] In addition, in the traffic information processing device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the receiver 11 is configured to receive the sensing signals HA and HB from the sensors 51A and 51B, respectively, and generate the pulse signals S1A and S1B by binarizing the received sensing signals HA and HB, but this is not limited thereto. The receiver 11 may also be configured to receive the pulse signals S1A and S1B from the sensors 51A and 51B, respectively.

[0084] Furthermore, in the traffic information processing device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection unit 12 is configured to stop the detection process based on the occurrence of noise in the pulse signals S1A and S1B, but this is not limited to this. For example, the detection unit 12 generates accuracy information indicating the detection accuracy of the detection process in addition to the detection result of the detection process, and further transmits the generated accuracy information to an external device outside the traffic information processing device 101. The detection unit 12 may be configured to change the content of the accuracy information to be transmitted to the external device as the content of the operation related to the detection process, instead of stopping the detection process, in accordance with the occurrence of noise in the pulse signals S1A and S1B.

[0085] More specifically, when both of the removal numbers NA and NB in ​​the target period T1 are less than a predetermined threshold αS, the detection unit 12 generates accuracy information indicating that the detection accuracy is "10" and transmits the generated accuracy information to the external device. For example, when the external device receives accuracy information indicating that the detection accuracy of the detection process is "10" in addition to a detection result indicating the presence of a wrong-way vehicle, it immediately notifies the police of the occurrence of the wrong-way vehicle.

[0086] On the other hand, if at least one of the removal numbers N A and N B during the target period T1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold α S , the detection unit 12 generates accuracy information indicating that the detection accuracy is "8" and transmits the generated accuracy information to the external device. For example, if the external device receives a detection result indicating the presence of a wrong-way vehicle and accuracy information indicating that the detection accuracy of the detection process is "8," the external device examines images captured by cameras installed within 3 kilometers of the installation locations of the sensors 51A and 51B. If a wrong-way vehicle is captured in an image captured by the camera within 5 minutes of receiving the detection result, the external device reports the occurrence of the wrong-way vehicle to the police. On the other hand, if a wrong-way vehicle is not captured in an image captured by the camera within 5 minutes of receiving the detection result, the external device does not report the occurrence of the wrong-way vehicle to the police.

[0087] Furthermore, if at least one of the removal numbers N A and N B during the target period T1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold Th A , the detection unit 12 generates accuracy information indicating that the detection accuracy is "5" and transmits the generated accuracy information to the external device. Here, the threshold Th A is a value greater than the threshold α S. For example, if the external device receives a detection result indicating the presence of a wrong-way vehicle and accuracy information indicating that the detection accuracy of the detection process is "5," the external device examines images captured by cameras installed within one kilometer of the installation location of the sensors 51A and 51B. If a wrong-way vehicle is captured in an image captured by the camera within two minutes of receiving the detection result, the external device notifies the police of the occurrence of the wrong-way vehicle. On the other hand, if a wrong-way vehicle is not captured in an image captured by the camera within two minutes of receiving the detection result, the external device does not notify the police. Note that the traffic information processing device 101 may notify the police instead of the external device.

[0088] Furthermore, in the traffic information processing device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection unit 12 is configured to stop the wrong-way driving detection process based on the occurrence of noise in the pulse signals S1A and S1B. However, this is not limited to this. The detection unit 12 may be configured to stop the wrong-way driving detection process instead of or in addition to the wrong-way driving detection process based on the occurrence of noise in the pulse signals S1A and S1B. This can reduce false detection of the vehicle 1's driving status due to noise. However, the wrong-way driving detection process tolerates more error in the detection results than the wrong-way driving detection process and requires continuous and statistical detection results. On the other hand, the wrong-way driving detection process requires extensive measures, such as road closures, when a wrong-way driving vehicle is detected, so it is necessary to minimize false detections. Therefore, it is preferable to stop the wrong-way driving detection process based on the occurrence of noise in the pulse signals S1A and S1B, while continuing the wrong-way driving detection process regardless of the occurrence of noise.

[0089] Furthermore, in the traffic information processing device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection unit 12 is configured to perform the driving detection process and the wrong-way driving detection process, but this is not limited to this. The detection unit 12 may be configured not to perform either the driving detection process or the wrong-way driving detection process.

[0090] In the traffic information processing device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection unit 12 is configured to determine that the pulses P included in the pulse signal S1 whose pulse width is less than the threshold value Th1 are noise, but this is not limiting. The detection unit 12 may be configured to determine noise based on, for example, the generation period of the pulses P instead of the pulse width.

[0091] Furthermore, in the traffic information processing device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection unit 12 is configured to calculate the removal numbers NA and NB and stop the wrong-way driving detection process depending on the result of comparing the removal numbers NA and NB with the threshold value αS, but this is not limited to this. The detection unit 12 may also be configured to calculate a statistical value, such as an average or total value, of the removal numbers NA and NB and stop the wrong-way driving detection process depending on the result of comparing the calculated statistical value with the threshold value αS. However, by configuring the wrong-way driving detection process to be stopped depending on the result of comparing the removal numbers NA and NB with the threshold value αS, the immediacy of stopping the wrong-way driving detection process can be improved based on the occurrence of noise in each pulse signal S1.

[0092] Furthermore, in the traffic information processing device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection unit 12 is configured to calculate the removal numbers NA and NB and resume the wrong-way driving detection process in accordance with the results of comparing the removal numbers NA and NB with the threshold value αE, but this is not limited to this. The detection unit 12 may also be configured to calculate a statistical value, such as an average or total value, of the removal numbers NA and NB and resume the wrong-way driving detection process in accordance with the results of comparing the calculated statistical value with the threshold value αE. However, by resuming the wrong-way driving detection process in accordance with the results of comparing the removal numbers NA and NB with the threshold value αE, the immediacy of resuming the wrong-way driving detection process can be improved based on the occurrence of noise in each pulse signal S1.

[0093] Furthermore, in the traffic information processing device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection unit 12 is configured to resume the wrong-way driving detection process when the frequency of noise occurrence per unit time in the pulse signal S1 becomes less than a predetermined value after the wrong-way driving detection process has been stopped, but this is not limited to this. The detection unit 12 may also be configured not to resume the wrong-way driving detection process after the wrong-way driving detection process has been stopped.

[0094] The above-described embodiments should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0095] Each process (each function) in the above-described embodiments is realized by a processing circuit including one or more processors. The processing circuit may be configured as an integrated circuit or the like that combines one or more memories, various analog circuits, and various digital circuits in addition to the one or more processors. The one or more memories store programs (instructions) that cause the one or more processors to execute each of the processes. The one or more processors may execute each of the processes according to the program read from the one or more memories, or according to a logic circuit pre-designed to execute each of the processes. The processor may be various processors suitable for computer control, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Note that the physically separate processors may cooperate with each other to execute each of the processes. For example, the processors mounted on a plurality of physically separated computers may cooperate with each other to execute the above processes via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, etc. The program may be installed into the memory from an external server device or the like via the network, or may be distributed in a state stored on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), or a semiconductor memory, and installed into the memory from the recording medium.

[0096] The above description includes the following additional features. [Appendix 1] an acquisition unit that acquires a sensing signal indicating a sensing result by a sensor installed on a road; a detection unit that performs detection processing to detect a traffic condition on the road based on the detection signal acquired by the acquisition unit, the detection unit stops the detection process based on a noise occurrence state in the detection signal; The detection unit performs, as the detection process, a driving detection process for detecting a driving state of a vehicle on the road and a wrong-way driving detection process for detecting a vehicle driving in the wrong direction on the road; The traffic information processing device, wherein the detection unit stops the wrong-way driving detection process based on the occurrence status and performs the wrong-way driving detection process regardless of the occurrence status.

[0097] [Appendix 2] A traffic information processing device, a processing circuit; The processing circuitry A sensing signal indicating a sensing result from a sensor installed on a road is acquired, performing a detection process to detect a traffic condition on the road based on the acquired detection signal; The traffic information processing device changes the content of the operation related to the detection process based on the occurrence status of noise in the sensed signal. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1 vehicle 2 road 11 Receiving unit 12 Detection unit 13 Storage section 51, 51A, 51B Sensor 52, 52A, 52B Loop coil 101 Traffic information processing device 201 Traffic Information Processing System S1, S1A, S1B, S2, S2A, S2B pulse signals P, PA, PB, Pn, Pd, P1, P2, P3, P4, Pc1, Pc2 pulse PR1,PR2 pulse pair ta1,tb1 rising timing ta2,tb2 Falling timing

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires a sensing signal indicating a sensing result by a sensor installed on a road; a detection unit that performs detection processing to detect a traffic condition on the road based on the detection signal acquired by the acquisition unit, The traffic information processing device, wherein the detection unit changes the content of the operation related to the detection process based on the occurrence status of noise in the sensed signal.

2. The traffic information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the detection unit stops the detection process based on a noise occurrence state in the sensed signal.

3. the acquisition unit acquires a plurality of the sensing signals corresponding to a plurality of the sensors installed along a traveling direction of the vehicle, the detection unit performs, as the detection processing, a wrong-way driving detection processing for detecting wrong-way driving of a vehicle on the road based on the plurality of detection signals; The traffic information processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the detection unit stops the wrong-way driving detection process based on a noise occurrence state in at least one of the plurality of detection signals.

4. the acquisition unit acquires the sensing signal, which is a pulse signal; 4. The traffic information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the detection unit determines that pulses included in the detection signal whose pulse width is less than a predetermined value are noise, and stops the detection process when the frequency of occurrence of the noise per unit time in the detection signal is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

5. The traffic information processing device according to claim 4 , wherein the detection unit resumes the detection process when, after the detection process has been stopped, the frequency of occurrence of the noise per unit time in the sensed signal becomes less than a predetermined value.

6. Sensors installed on the road, a traffic information processing device; the traffic information processing device performs a detection process to detect a traffic condition on the road based on a detection signal indicating a sensing result by the sensor; The traffic information processing system is configured so that the traffic information processing device changes the content of the operation related to the detection process based on the occurrence status of noise in the sensed signal.

7. The sensor includes a loop coil whose inductance changes as a vehicle approaches, The traffic information processing system according to claim 6 , wherein the traffic information processing device performs the detection process based on the sensing signal indicating a change in inductance of the loop coil.

8. A traffic information processing method in a traffic information processing device, comprising: acquiring a sensing signal indicating a sensing result by a sensor installed on a road; performing a detection process for detecting a traffic condition on the road based on the acquired detection signal; A traffic information processing method, which changes the content of the operation related to the detection processing based on the occurrence status of noise in the sensed signal.

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