Traffic signal system

Abstract

To provide a novel traffic signal system which can prevent a traffic accident and a safety accident that may occur when a signal lamp device is not seen.SOLUTION: A traffic signal system comprises: a signal lamp device unit which includes a signal lamp device consisting of a plurality of LEDs for displaying a signal for an operation of a vehicle, a signal lamp device supporting main body for supporting the signal lamp device, and a signal lamp device auxiliary illumination part disposed in a frame edge portion region of the signal lamp device supporting main body to output a plurality of color light beams; and a control part which controls the plurality of LEDs to be turned on in response to a signal-controlling signal for the signal lamp device, and controls the signal lamp device auxiliary illumination part so that a color identical to that of the signal lamp device is output.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a traffic signal system, and more particularly to a traffic signal system that improves the visibility of signal lamps. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, traffic lights are devices installed at intersections, railroad crossings, etc. to allow vehicles and pedestrians to move, walk, and stop. These traffic lights can display signals such as green, red, and arrows, and are made up of multiple LEDs that display signals for moving, walking, and stopping through colors.

[0003] However, when pedestrians or drivers look at a traffic light, if the sun is rising or there are lights on in the area ahead, they may not be able to see the traffic light correctly. This occurs when the traffic light is blocked by the sun or lights, and the traffic light's area is small. This can lead to traffic accidents and safety incidents.

[0004] As a prior art patent for a traffic signal system, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2614255 discloses a system equipped with a camera for acquiring traffic information and road surface condition information, and a traffic information display board 70 that displays variable display information according to traffic conditions, weather conditions, and time-of-day display information.

[0005] Korean Patent Registration No. 10-2604315 discloses a wireless transceiver for a pedestrian-activated traffic signal controller, which includes a signal operating unit that controls the lighting of a traffic light by arbitrarily operating the green light lighting time or the additional pedestrian green light extinguishing time, a traffic signal controller that is networked with a remote traffic control center, and a wireless push button switch that is installed at an intersection and generates a walking signal from a pedestrian.

[0006] The applicant's prior patent, Korean Patent Registration No. 10-2564695, discloses a traffic signal system including a signal lamp unit including a signal lamp consisting of multiple LEDs that display signals for vehicle operation, a signal lamp support body that supports the signal lamp, and a signal lamp auxiliary lighting unit that is arranged in the frame edge region of the signal lamp support body and outputs multiple colored lights, and a control unit that controls the signal lamp auxiliary lighting unit to light up the multiple LEDs in response to a signal control signal for the signal lamp and to output the same color as the color of the signal lamp.

[0007] The present invention is an improvement over these prior patents, and has been devised to provide a display that is easily visible to car drivers and pedestrians, makes it easy to understand traffic light wait times, and accurately notifies road and section information according to the direction of travel of the car. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Registration No. 10-2614255 [Patent Document 2] Korean Patent Registration No. 10-2604315 [Patent Document 3] Korean Patent Registration No. 10-2564695 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a traffic signal system that can prevent traffic accidents and safety incidents that may occur due to not being able to see the signal lamps. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a traffic signal system including a signal lamp unit including a signal lamp consisting of a plurality of LEDs that display signals for vehicle traffic, a signal lamp support body that supports the signal lamp, and a signal lamp auxiliary lighting unit that is arranged in the frame edge region of the signal lamp support body and outputs a plurality of colored lights; and a control unit that controls the plurality of LEDs to be turned on in response to a signal control signal for the signal lamp, and controls the signal lamp auxiliary lighting unit to output the same color as the color of the signal lamp; and the LEDs attached to the upper frame or lower frame of the signal lamp support body light up and display a predetermined guide mark. the control unit stores control setting information including a display time for the signal lamp, and when the signal lamp is turned on, turns on the guide mark of the signal lamp support body according to the signal display time of the control setting information, and the control unit controls the guide mark so that when a green signal lamp lights up, all of the guide marks are arranged in a row of squares or circles and light up, and as the display time becomes shorter, the number of lighted squares or circles decreases, and when a left turn signal lamp lights up, all of the guide marks are arranged in a row of arrows with the apex on the left side and light up, and as the display time becomes shorter, the number of lighted arrows decreases.

[0011] The signal lamp further includes a right-turn signal lamp, and the control unit can control the guide mark so that, when the right-turn signal lamp is illuminated, the arrow shapes with the right side at the apex are arranged in a line and all light up, and the number of illuminated arrow shapes decreases as the display time becomes shorter.

[0012] The control unit does not have to start lighting the LEDs of the right-turn signal light and the signal light auxiliary lighting unit when it detects the presence of pedestrians in the crosswalk area or receives information via the communication unit of the traffic signal system that other signal lights at the right-turn intersection have switched to green.

[0013] The signal lamp may further include a road information guide section above or below the auxiliary illumination section, and the road information guide section may include a road name and address guide section and a road condition notification section.

[0014] The road name and address guide unit displays the name of the straight road, the name of the road when driving on the left side, and the name of the road when driving on the right side, and the road name may be the road name specified in the Road Traffic Act as "road" or "ro" or "michi".

[0015] The road name and address guidance section can further display buildings included in the road name and address in the straight or left-hand or right-hand driving section.

[0016] The road condition notification unit is provided adjacent to each road name and address guidance unit, and displays in text whether the section of the road name and address in question is in a "normal," "slightly delayed" or "congested" state when going straight, turning left or right, and the control unit can receive road traffic conditions in real time via the communication unit of the traffic signal system and display congestion information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, a signal light auxiliary lighting unit is provided in the frame edge region of the signal light support body, and the color of the signal light auxiliary lighting unit can be output in the same color as the signal light, thereby preventing it from being blocked by the sun or light and improving visibility, and playing a role in preventing traffic accidents and safety incidents from occurring, thereby having the effect of increasing user safety.

[0018] In addition, with the visibility improved by the auxiliary lighting unit of the signal lamp, the remaining time of the signal and specific marks indicating the direction of travel are displayed, so users can drive and walk safely by checking the remaining time, and the color, size, or number of marks of the displayed remaining time can be changed to further improve visibility for users.

[0019] In addition, when the remaining time is changed, the signal light auxiliary lighting unit can also be made to blink to increase visibility, and the light intensity of the signal light auxiliary lighting unit can be set stronger than the light intensity of the signal light unit, which has the effect of further increasing visibility for users who see it.

[0020] In addition, adding traffic lights with improved visibility not only for left turns but also for right turns will increase safety, and the road name and address displays already used in daily life, along with the accompanying road information, can be displayed more effectively. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is an exemplary diagram of a traffic signal system in accordance with the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a signal lamp auxiliary lighting unit. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating changes in color and size of the auxiliary lighting unit of a signal lamp depending on the remaining time. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating exemplary operation of the signal lamp auxiliary lighting unit according to changes in remaining time. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of a traffic signal system. [Figure 6] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing the signal lamp auxiliary lighting unit displaying a square mark in time sequence. [Figure 7] 7 is a diagram showing the operation of a case in which a right-turn signal lamp is further included in addition to the embodiment of FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 8] This is a diagram of the same right-turn signal lamp as in Figure 7, but with the left-turn signal lamp positioned on the leftmost side and displaying an arrow-shaped mark to make it easier to understand. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention in which a traffic light unit further includes a road information guide unit above the traffic light auxiliary lighting unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how the display on the road information guide unit changes in response to lighting of a traffic light in FIG. 9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] While the present invention can be modified in various ways and can have various embodiments, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in detail with specific details for carrying out the invention. However, it is understood that this is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments, and that it includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0023] A traffic signal system 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] FIG. 1 is an example diagram of a traffic signal system 1 according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an example diagram of an implementation of the signal light auxiliary lighting unit 13, FIG. 3 is an example diagram of changing the color and size of the signal light auxiliary lighting unit 13 depending on the remaining time, FIG. 4 is an example diagram of the operation of the signal light auxiliary lighting unit 13 depending on the remaining time, and FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of the traffic signal system 1.

[0025] The configuration of a traffic signal system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0026] The traffic signal system 1 includes a traffic light unit 10 , a communication unit 20 , a speaker 22 , a camera 24 , a lighting unit 26 , a rotation drive unit 28 and a control unit 30 .

[0027] The signal lamp unit 10 provides signals for vehicle operation and crosswalks to drivers of vehicles and pedestrians walking on the sidewalk. The signal lamp unit 10 can include a signal lamp support body 11, a signal lamp 12, and a signal lamp auxiliary lighting unit 13.

[0028] The signal lamp support body 11 supports the signal lamp 12. The signal lamp support body 11 has a shape that supports the signal lamp while being supported by the signal lamp support pole.

[0029] The signal light 12 is made up of a plurality of LEDs that display signals related to vehicle operation. The signal light 12 can include a red signal light 121, a green signal light 122, and an arrow signal light 123. In other words, the red signal light 121, the green signal light 122, the yellow signal light, and the arrow signal light 123 can all be provided within a single signal light support body 11.

[0030] The red light lamp 121 provides a signal for a stop instruction. The red light lamp 121 may have a plurality of first LEDs 121-1 emitting red light arranged in the signal lamp area. The plurality of first LEDs 121-1 in the entire area may all be turned on or off, or only some of the plurality of first LEDs 121-1 may be turned on. Although the number of first LEDs 121-1 is limited to a plurality of first LEDs 121-1, they may be provided to implement various colors.

[0031] The green traffic light 122 provides a signal for vehicle traffic and pedestrians crossing the street. A plurality of second LEDs 122-1 emitting green light may be arranged in the traffic light area. All of the second LEDs 122-1 in the entire area may be turned on or off, or only some of the second LEDs 122-1 may be turned on. Although the number of second LEDs 122-1 is limited to a plurality of second LEDs 122-1, they may be arranged to realize various colors.

[0032] The arrow signal light 123 provides a signal for a vehicle to switch to a left turn arrow at an intersection. A plurality of third LEDs 123-1 are arranged in the signal light area, and some of the plurality of third LEDs 123-1 can be turned on to display an arrow and remaining time. The plurality of third LEDs 123-1 in the signal light area are provided to embody various colors, and can be turned on or off to display various shapes, milestones, pictures, etc.

[0033] The signal lamp auxiliary lighting unit 13 is disposed in the frame edge (frame portion) region of the signal lamp support body 11 and outputs a plurality of colored lights. A plurality of fourth LEDs 131 that output a plurality of colors may be disposed in the frame edge region of the signal lamp support body 11. All of the plurality of fourth LEDs 131 in the frame edge region of the signal lamp support body 11 may be turned on or off, or only some of the plurality of fourth LEDs 131 may be turned on. Although the present invention is limited to a plurality of fourth LEDs 131, they may be provided so as to realize various colors.

[0034] The communication unit 20 can transmit data related to the signal to a central control room or to an external device. The communication unit 20 can perform wireless communication, including at least one of infrared communication, RF, ZigBee, and Bluetooth®. The communication unit 20 receives a video signal and transmits it to the control unit 30 (described later). The communication unit 20 can be implemented in various ways depending on the standard of the received video signal and the implementation of the user terminal. For example, the communication unit 20 can wirelessly receive a radio frequency (RF) signal transmitted from a broadcasting station (not shown), or can wiredly receive a video signal conforming to the composite video, component video, super video, SCART, or HDMI® (High Definition Multimedia Interface) standard. If the video signal is a broadcast signal, the communication unit 20 can include a tuner for tuning the broadcast signal to each channel.

[0035] The communication unit 20 can communicate with other nearby signal lamp units and receive road traffic information from public institutions.

[0036] The speaker 22 can output sound at a predetermined volume to the sidewalk area and the roadway area. The speaker 22 is provided so that the volume can be adjusted, and may be provided so that sound can be transmitted only to an arbitrary small area, or so that sound can be transmitted to a wide range of areas.

[0037] The camera 24 can photograph the area in front of the signal lamp support body 11. The camera 24 photographs the sidewalk area including a crossing waiting area where pedestrians wait to cross the crosswalk, and the roadway area including the crosswalk area and the vehicle waiting area where vehicles wait to pass through the crosswalk. The camera 24 can photograph by being supported by the signal lamp support body 11. A camera 24 may be provided for each signal lamp support body 11.

[0038] The lighting unit 26 can output light at a predetermined intensity to the sidewalk area and the roadway area. It is preferable that the lighting unit 26 be configured to output light with a higher intensity than that of a typical street lamp. The lighting unit 26 can output highlighted light, can output concentrated light, and can freely flash or light up. The lighting unit 26 can also be rotatably supported on the signal lamp support body 11.

[0039] The lighting unit 26 may also include multiple filters so that the illumination light passes through at least one of the filters before being output. The multiple filters may be provided so that a message can be conveyed to drivers traveling on the roadway using text or pictures by illuminating the roadway. For example, the phrase "Stop" may be displayed, or a picture that highlights pedestrians may be displayed.

[0040] The rotation drive unit 28 drives the lighting unit 26 to rotate relative to the signal lamp support body 11. The rotation drive unit 28 may be composed of a rotary motor, a turntable, or the like, and may enable the lighting unit 26 to output light in various directions.

[0041] The control unit 30 controls the plurality of LEDs to be turned on in response to a signal control signal for the signal lamp 12, and controls the signal lamp auxiliary lighting unit 13 to output the same color as the color of the signal lamp 12. The control unit 30 stores control setting information including the display time for the signal lamp 12, and when the signal lamp 12 is turned on, it can control the plurality of LEDs to display the remaining time of the signal display time according to the signal display time in the control setting information.

[0042] The control unit 30 can control the remaining time displayed in the signal light 12 area to be changed as the remaining time decreases, and at least one of the displayed remaining time and the color and size of the signal light auxiliary lighting unit 13.

[0043] The control unit 30 can control the output of the signal light auxiliary lighting unit 13 to flash when the remaining time displayed in the signal light 12 area becomes shorter and the displayed remaining time is changed.

[0044] The control unit 30 can set the light intensity of the signal lamp auxiliary lighting unit 13 to be at least stronger than the light intensity of the signal lamp 12. FIG.

[0045] In FIG. 2a, the remaining time of the signal is displayed on the signal light, and when the remaining time is displayed in green, the signal light auxiliary lighting unit 13 is also displayed in the same green color.

[0046] In FIG. 2b, the arrow signal light 123 of the signal light 12 is lit, and the arrow signal light 123 is lit in green, and the color of the signal light auxiliary lighting unit 13 is also displayed in the same green color.

[0047] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating changes in color and size of the signal lamp auxiliary lighting unit 13 depending on the remaining time.

[0048] 3a, the remaining time displayed in the green signal light 122 area is reduced to 11, and the color of the signal light auxiliary lighting unit 13 may change from green to yellow. The color of the remaining time displayed in the green signal light 122 area may change from green to yellow and then to red as time passes.

[0049] In Figure 3b, the remaining time displayed in the green signal light 122 area has been reduced to 5, and the size of the light output area may be reduced so that only the inner area of ​​the signal light auxiliary lighting unit 13 area outputs light.

[0050] FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram illustrating the operation of the signal lamp auxiliary lighting unit 13 according to a change in remaining time.

[0051] In FIG. 4a, the remaining time displayed in the green signal light 122 area is 7 seconds, and the color of the signal light auxiliary lighting unit 13 area is also displayed in the same green color.

[0052] In FIG. 4b, the green signal light 122 area is turned off to change the remaining time displayed from 7 seconds to 6 seconds, and the signal light auxiliary lighting unit 13 area is also turned off.

[0053] In FIG. 4c, the remaining time displayed in the green signal light 122 area is changed from 7 seconds to 6 seconds, and the color of the signal light auxiliary lighting unit 13 area is also displayed in the same green color.

[0054] As a result, the output of the signal lamp auxiliary illumination unit 13 is controlled to blink as the remaining time displayed in the signal lamp area decreases and the displayed remaining time changes.

[0055] Modified embodiments other than the above embodiment will be described.

[0056] The control unit 30 stores signal light setting information including the display time for the signal light unit 10, and when the signal light 12 begins to be displayed, it can control the multiple LEDs of the signal light 12 to display the remaining time of the display time of the signal light 12 in seconds based on the signal light display time in the signal light setting information.

[0057] The control unit 30 can control the speaker 22 to output the remaining time of the signal lamp 12 as a sound in response to the remaining time being displayed in seconds.

[0058] The control unit 30 sets the remaining time of the display time of the signal light 12, and when the set remaining time arrives, controls the camera 24 to photograph the area in front of the signal light support body 11, and stores the photographed image of the area in front of the signal light support body 11.

[0059] If the control unit 30 determines that there is a scene that appears to be an accident in the stored video of the area in front of the signal light support body 11, it can control the transmission of the stored video of the area in front of the signal light support body 11 to public institutions, including the police.

[0060] If the control unit 30 determines that there is no scene that appears to be an accident in the stored image of the area in front of the signal light support body 11, it can control the image to be removed after a predetermined period of time.

[0061] An alarm unit that provides a warning message to pedestrians or vehicle drivers may also be included. The alarm unit may utilize the signal light 12 and may be provided with a light or a speaker, etc., to warn pedestrians or vehicle drivers of anything occurring at the crosswalk or in the surrounding area.

[0062] The control unit stores control setting information including the flashing time for each of the plurality of signal lights 12, turns on at least one of the plurality of signal lights based on the stored control setting information, and can also control the plurality of LEDs so that the remaining time is displayed when a predetermined time has elapsed since the signal light was turned on.

[0063] The control unit can perform control so that when a signal corresponding to the signal lamp is displayed in the area of ​​the signal lamp, the remaining time is displayed on the indicator lamp.

[0064] The control unit can control the signal light so that when a predetermined time has passed since the signal light was turned on, the remaining time is displayed in the area of ​​the signal light, and the auxiliary signal light displays a signal corresponding to the signal light.

[0065] The control unit can perform control so that when a predetermined time has passed since the signal light was turned on, the remaining time is displayed in the area of ​​the signal light along with the signal corresponding to the signal light.

[0066] The control unit can change the proportion of at least a portion of the content area displayed in the signal light area by controlling the first LED, second LED, third LED, and fourth LED that are uniformly distributed in the signal light area of ​​the red signal light, green signal light, and arrow signal light, and can delete at least a portion of the area, and can change the position of at least a portion of the area.

[0067] The control unit can determine a defective LED area by determining the current supply state, voltage, and resistance of the first LED, the second LED, the third LED, and the fourth LED that are uniformly distributed in the signal light area of ​​the red signal light, the green signal light, and the arrow signal light, thereby determining a content displayable area and performing control so that the content is displayed in the content displayable area.

[0068] When the remaining time decreases to the set time, the control unit flashes the red LED of the adjacent traffic light to warn the driver. The control unit also flashes the LED that displays the remaining time and the traffic light to prevent the vehicle from entering the intersection. At the same time, the control unit can output a voice message from the speaker to warn the driver not to enter the intersection.

[0069] The lighting unit can also form a lighting curtain to prevent people from entering the intersection.

[0070] The control unit can also set a limit time of the remaining time and control the multiple LEDs to display a no entry phrase in the signal display area of ​​the signal light unit 12 if the limit time remains.

[0071] The control unit can increase the brightness, including the luminance and brightness, of the multiple LEDs in the signal display area of ​​the signal light device 12 as the remaining time becomes shorter.

[0072] The traffic signal system 1 described above provides a signal light auxiliary lighting unit in the frame edge region of the signal light support body, and can output the same color as the signal light, thereby preventing the signal light auxiliary lighting unit from being blocked by the sun or light, improving visibility, and playing a role in preventing traffic accidents and safety incidents from occurring, thereby increasing the safety of users.

[0073] In addition, since the remaining time of the signal is displayed with improved visibility by the auxiliary lighting unit of the signal lamp, users can drive and walk safely by checking the remaining time, and at least one of the color and size of the displayed remaining time can be changed to further improve the user's visibility. In addition, when the remaining time is changed, the auxiliary lighting unit of the signal lamp can also be made to flash to improve visibility, and the light intensity of the auxiliary lighting unit can be set stronger than the light intensity of the signal lamp, to further improve the user's visibility.

[0074] Next, as another embodiment of the present invention, the guidance display function of the signal lamp auxiliary lighting unit 13 will be described.

[0075] The signal lamp unit 10 includes a signal lamp support body 11, a signal lamp 12, and a signal lamp auxiliary lighting unit 13. Of the signal lamp auxiliary lighting unit 13, a fourth LED 131 attached to the upper frame of the signal lamp support body 11 is configured to flash a predetermined guide mark. The fourth LED 131 has a lattice shape in which point light sources are closely arranged at predetermined intervals, and a specific mark or signal can be displayed by illuminating only some of the LEDs under the control of the control unit.

[0076] 6, for example, the fourth LED 131 displays a square-shaped mark 1310. When the green traffic light device 122 emits light, the square-shaped mark 1310 is displayed by lighting up the LEDs forming the square outline of the fourth LED 131 and the LEDs within the outline. The lighting method is such that all the marks 1310 are initially lit, and as time passes, the lit marks 1310 are sequentially turned off until all the marks 1310 are turned off.

[0077] 6a shows that the signal lamp auxiliary lighting unit 13 on the upper frame lights up all the LEDs that make up the square-shaped mark 1310. At this moment, the green signal lamp 122 is turned on, and vehicles and pedestrians are permitted to drive or walk through the mark 1310, and it can be seen that there is ample time to proceed.

[0078] 6b shows that the signal lamp auxiliary lighting unit 13 of the upper frame has lit about half of the LEDs forming the square-shaped mark 1310. If the green signal lamp 122 at the crosswalk is lit for 30 seconds, about half of the square-shaped mark 1310 will be lit in about 15 seconds, and if the green signal lamp 122 on the road is lit for 3 minutes, about 1 minute and 30 seconds.

[0079] 6c shows that most of the LEDs forming the square mark 1310 of the signal light auxiliary lighting unit 13 on the upper frame have gone out, leaving only one LED. Drivers and pedestrians will know that the signal will soon change and can stop driving or walking to ensure safety.

[0080] The reason why the square-shaped mark 1310 is associated with the green signal light 122 in the present invention is that the green signal light indicates forward or straight-ahead movement at the crosswalk, so a familiar shape with no directionality is more appropriate than a mark indicating direction. Therefore, the mark 1310 can be a circle or an oval in addition to a square. As in the above embodiment, the mark 1310 is preferably displayed in a darker or brighter color than the signal light.

[0081] Furthermore, it is preferable that the color of the mark 1310 is lit in the same green as the green signal lamp 122 to minimize confusion among drivers and pedestrians. The mark 1310 can be arranged in a row at the top, or at the bottom, or all at both the top and bottom, and various other variations are possible.

[0082] Next, when the traffic light auxiliary lighting unit 13 of the present invention is installed on a road for automobiles, it can display arrow marks 1310 to indicate the remaining time when turning right or left. As an example of the arrow marks 1310, a row of "<" symbols indicating a left turn or a row of ">" symbols indicating a right turn can be used.

[0083] FIG. 7 further includes a right-turn signal lamp 124 in addition to the above-described embodiment. In FIG. 7, a fourth LED 131 displays an arrow-shaped mark 1310 with the apex on the right side. When the right-turn signal lamp 124 emits light, the arrow-shaped mark 1310 is displayed by lighting up the LEDs forming the outline of the arrow among the fourth LED 131 and the LEDs inside the outline. The lighting method is such that all the marks 1310 are initially lit ( FIG. 7 a), and as time passes, the lit marks 1310 are sequentially turned off ( FIG. 7 b), until all the marks 1310 are turned off.

[0084] Recently, due to amendments to road traffic regulations in Korea, vehicles are required to stop when turning right if the pedestrian signal at the crosswalk is green or while pedestrians are crossing the crosswalk. The control unit of the present invention does not start lighting up the right-turn signal light 124 and the fourth LED 131 when it detects the presence of pedestrians in the crosswalk area via the camera 24 or receives information that other traffic lights at the right-turn intersection have switched to green via the communication unit 20. Furthermore, even if the right-turn signal light 124 and the fourth LED 131 are currently on, if any of the above events occurs, it sends a light-off signal to switch them to the off state.

[0085] Figure 8 shows an example in which, in the same right-turn signal light 124 as in Figure 7, the fourth LED 131 is associated with the left-turn signal light 123 and displays an arrow-shaped mark 1310 with the apex on the left side, and all marks 1310 are initially lit (Figure 8a), and as time passes, the lit marks 1310 are sequentially turned off (Figure 8b).

[0086] 9 shows another embodiment of the present invention in which the signal lamp unit 10 further includes a road information guidance unit 15 above the signal lamp auxiliary lighting unit 13. The road information guidance unit 15 includes a road name and address guidance unit 150 and a road condition notification unit 152.

[0087] Currently, road name addresses have been mandatory in Korea since 2014. Depending on the size of the road, a name is given: "road" (e.g., Gangnam-daero), "road" (e.g., Teheran 10-ro), or "road" (e.g., Deul-do), and each road is numbered 1, 2, 3, ... according to its location. However, many people have become accustomed to lot number addresses for a long time, and the use of road name addresses has not spread widely, and many people are inconvenienced by various issues such as insufficient road guidance and small font size.

[0088] Therefore, the present invention displays the road name of the straight road, the road name when driving on the left, and the road name when driving on the right, as shown in Figure 9, to particularly assist drivers and pedestrians in navigating the road. Currently, road name and address display boards are installed everywhere, but they have drawbacks such as insufficient visibility and consistent guidance, and high maintenance costs when road name and addresses are changed or removed. However, by using the road name and address guidance unit 150 of the present invention, excellent visibility allows road name and addresses to be recognized more reliably and clearly, and changes to the road name and address can be easily corrected. In the example of Figure 9, the display of one road name and address was described, but if necessary, for example, the name and address of major roads that will be passed by when driving straight can also be displayed.

[0089] Although the example of displaying a typical road name has been given simply, the road name and address guide unit 150 can also display the main buildings in the relevant section. Current road signs often display main institutions and facilities (e.g., City Hall, Gwanghwamun, etc.) that are far from the current location, which is of little use for driving, and instead causes inconvenience by not displaying the names of main buildings that are close by. This can solve the problem. Furthermore, the national and local governments can manage and operate the main institutions and facilities included in the road name address so that they match the current road name address.

[0090] The road condition notification unit 152 is provided adjacent to each road name and address guidance unit 150, and displays, for example in text, whether the section of the road name and address in question is in a "normal," "slow (slight delay)," or "congested" state when going straight, turning left, or turning right. The control unit 30 receives road traffic conditions in real time via the communication unit 20 and displays congestion information. By providing guidance in this manner, it is possible to expect an auxiliary effect that not only notifies the road congestion status but also helps the user to better recognize the road name and address.

[0091] Furthermore, in the present invention, when a traffic light in a specific direction is turned on as shown in FIG. 10, the road information guide unit 15 can be highlighted in the same color as the traffic light or can be made to flash, thereby improving visibility for drivers and pedestrians.

[0092] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention, and it is obvious that the scope of the present invention extends to the same or equivalent areas as the claims described below.

Claims

1. A traffic signal system includes a signal lamp unit including a signal lamp consisting of a plurality of LEDs that display signals for vehicle operation, a signal lamp support body that supports the signal lamp, and a signal lamp auxiliary lighting unit that is arranged in a frame edge region of the signal lamp support body and outputs a plurality of color lights; and a control unit that controls the plurality of LEDs to be turned on in response to a signal control signal for the signal lamp, and controls the signal lamp auxiliary lighting unit to output the same color as the color of the signal lamp; and the LEDs attached to the upper frame or the lower frame of the signal lamp support body are configured to light up and display a predetermined guide mark. wherein the control unit stores control setting information including a display time for the signal lamp, and when the signal lamp is turned on, turns on the guide mark of the signal lamp support body according to the signal display time in the control setting information, and the control unit controls the guide mark so that when a green signal lamp lights up, all of the guide marks are arranged in a row of squares or circles and light up, and as the display time becomes shorter, the number of lighted squares or circles decreases, and when a left turn signal lamp lights up, all of the guide marks are arranged in a row of arrows with the apex on the left side and light up, and as the display time becomes shorter, the number of lighted arrows decreases.

2. 2. The traffic signal system according to claim 1, wherein the traffic light further includes a right-turn signal light, and the control unit controls the guide mark so that, when the right-turn signal light is illuminated, the arrow shapes of the guide mark are arranged in a row with the apex on the right side and all of them are illuminated, and the number of illuminated arrow shapes decreases as the display time becomes shorter.

3. 3. The traffic signal system according to claim 2, wherein the control unit does not start lighting up the LEDs of the right-turn signal light and the signal light auxiliary lighting unit when it detects the presence of a pedestrian in a crosswalk area or receives information via a communication unit of the traffic signal system that another signal light at the right-turn intersection has switched to a green light.

4. 2. The traffic signal system according to claim 1, further comprising a road information guidance unit above or below the signal lamp auxiliary illumination unit, the road information guidance unit including a road name and address guidance unit and a road condition notification unit.

5. 5. The traffic signal system of claim 4, wherein the road name and address guidance unit displays the name of a straight road, the name of a road when driving on the left side, and the name of a road when driving on the right side, and the road name is a road name specified in the Road Traffic Act, such as "road" or "ro" or "michi."

6. The traffic signal system according to claim 5 , wherein the road name and address guidance unit further displays buildings included in the road name and address of the straight or left-hand or right-hand driving section.

7. 6. The traffic signal system according to claim 5, wherein the road condition notification unit is provided adjacent to each of the road name and address guidance units and displays in text whether the section of the road name and address in question is in a "normal," "slightly delayed," or "congested" state when going straight, turning left, or turning right, and the control unit receives road traffic conditions in real time via a communication unit of the traffic signal system and displays congestion information.

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