Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and computer program

Abstract

To present an object intersection requiring constant adjustment of a traffic signal controller to a user by a more easily graspable method.SOLUTION: An information processing device according to the present disclosure includes a control unit configured to cause a display unit to display time-series transitions of a first traffic indicator and a second traffic indicator used for evaluating whether or not an intersection node included in map data is a target intersection at which a constant of a traffic signal controller needs to be adjusted, wherein the control unit is configured to cause an overlapping area in which a first area in which the first traffic indicator is equal to or greater than a first threshold value and a second area in which the second traffic indicator is equal to or greater than a second threshold value overlap each other to be displayed so as to be distinguished from other areas in the time-series transitions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for displaying to a user traffic signal controllers that require adjustment of signal control parameters (hereinafter referred to as "constant adjustment") in order to alleviate congestion.

[0003] The information processing device in Patent Document 1 calculates "congestion length," a traffic index, for each incoming road connected to an intersection node of interest based on time-series data of traffic information such as link average speed, and if there is a bias in congestion length between incoming roads in a specified direction connected to the same intersection node, detects the intersection node as a target intersection where "one-way congestion (a type of traffic phenomenon requiring constant adjustment)" has occurred.The information processing device then displays the detected target intersections on a display unit.

[0004] Thus, Patent Document 1 relates to a technology for displaying to a user intersections where traffic events such as one-way congestion have been detected. For example, the display unit displays the number of times one-way congestion has been detected at a target intersection during a specified period. The display unit also displays the time series transition of congestion length at the target intersection specified by the user. The time series transition is shown, for example, by a line graph of congestion length by time.

[0005] By checking the display, the user can ascertain the target intersection where one-way congestion is expected to occur, and adjust the constants of the traffic signal controller at that intersection as necessary. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2022 / 123832 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The technology of Patent Document 1 displays target intersections where traffic events such as one-way congestion have been detected to the user, and the user is expected to consider which intersections to actually adjust the constant from among these displayed target intersections. For example, the user selects target intersections where one-way congestion occurs frequently, target intersections where the congestion length is particularly long, or target intersections where the congestion length is highly uneven from among multiple target intersections displayed on the display unit, and considers whether or not to actually adjust the constant.

[0008] However, for example, a target intersection where one-way congestion occurs frequently may already have had constant adjustments made, but may still have one-way congestion due to various reasons. It may also be an intersection in a busy city, where one-way congestion is being created as a policy to slow down vehicles for pedestrian safety. In these cases, even if one-way congestion occurs frequently, there is little need to adjust the constants again.

[0009] On the other hand, even if one-way congestion occurs only rarely, there are intersections where congestion is concentrated during rush hour, and where constant adjustment is highly necessary to alleviate congestion. Such intersections could not be narrowed down based on factors such as the number of occurrences, and users had to carefully consider each target intersection. For this reason, narrowing down target intersections that required constant adjustment previously required an excessive amount of time and effort.

[0010] In view of such problems, the present disclosure aims to present to the user target intersections where constant adjustment of traffic signal controllers is required in a manner that allows the user to more easily grasp the intersections. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The information processing device disclosed herein includes a control unit that causes a display unit to display the time series transition of a first traffic indicator and a second traffic indicator used to evaluate whether an intersection node included in map data is a target intersection that requires constant adjustment of a traffic signal controller, and the control unit is an information processing device that displays, in the time series transition, an overlapping area where a first area where the first traffic indicator is equal to or greater than a first threshold and a second area where the second traffic indicator is equal to or greater than a second threshold overlap, distinguishing it from other areas.

[0012] The embodiments of the present disclosure may be realized by an apparatus, a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium, or any combination thereof. The recording medium may be either volatile or non-volatile. The apparatus may be composed of multiple individual devices. When composed of multiple individual devices, they may be arranged in a single housing or separated into two or more housings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to present to the user target intersections that require constant adjustment of traffic signal controllers in a manner that allows the user to more easily understand the intersections. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen for specifying the first extraction condition. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another example of the input screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen for specifying the third extraction condition. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of time-series data of traffic information. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of an information processing method. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the details of the inflow path detection process. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the most upstream link detected by the inflow path detection process. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of congestion imbalance. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of pre-clogging. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] <Summary of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure> The following provides an outline of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] (1) The information processing device of the present disclosure includes a control unit that causes a display unit to display the time series transition of a first traffic indicator and a second traffic indicator used to evaluate whether an intersection node included in map data is a target intersection that requires constant adjustment of a traffic signal controller, and the control unit is an information processing device that displays, in the time series transition, an overlapping area where a first area where the first traffic indicator is equal to or greater than a first threshold and a second area where the second traffic indicator is equal to or greater than a second threshold overlap, distinguishing it from other areas.

[0017] By displaying the overlapping area separately from the other areas, the user can visually and easily grasp the traffic conditions that particularly require constant adjustment based on the time series transition of multiple traffic indicators. In other words, the information processing device can present to the user in a way that makes it easier to grasp target intersections that require constant adjustment of traffic signal controllers.

[0018] (2) In the information processing device of (1) above, the control unit may display, in the time series transition, a symmetrical difference area that is the first area or the second area and is not an overlap area, distinguished from the overlap area and other areas.

[0019] Since the symmetric difference region is displayed separately from the overlap region, the user can easily visually grasp at an intersection node in which time periods the overlap region and the symmetric difference region exist.

[0020] (3) In the information processing device of (2) above, the control unit may display the overlapping region in a darker color than the symmetrical difference region.

[0021] The overlap area is generally a time period where constant adjustment is more necessary than in the symmetric difference area, so by highlighting this area with a dark color, the user can be presented with a method that makes it easier to understand the target intersections that require constant adjustment of the traffic signal controller.

[0022] (4) In the information processing device according to any one of (1) to (3) above, the control unit may distinguish the overlapping area from other areas by indicating the overlapping area with a predetermined graphic.

[0023] By indicating the overlapping area using a graphic, the overlapping area stands out in the time series transition, allowing the user to quickly recognize the overlapping area.

[0024] (5) In the information processing device of (1) to (4) above, the control unit may display the time series transition for each of a plurality of entrance roads connected to the intersection node, and when the overlapping area is included in the time series transition of a first entrance road among the plurality of entrance roads, even if the overlapping area is not included in the time series transition of a second entrance road among the plurality of entrance roads that is different from the first entrance road, the control unit may display the area of ​​the time series transition of the second entrance road that corresponds to the overlapping area in the first entrance road separately from other areas.

[0025] This makes it easier to compare traffic indicators between multiple incoming roads, and helps the user understand the event.

[0026] (6) In the information processing device of (5) above, the control unit may display the time series transitions for each of the multiple inflow channels in a spatially overlapping manner, and sequentially change the time series transition displayed in the foreground over time or in response to a user operation.

[0027] The user can visually compare the traffic conditions on multiple incoming roads while keeping their eyes fixed on one spot, thereby reducing the physical burden on the user when identifying target intersections where constant adjustments to traffic signal controllers are required.

[0028] (7) In the information processing device of (1) to (6) above, the control unit may display, in the time series transition, the overlapping area that overlaps with an adjustment-free period in which constant adjustment is not required for the target intersection, without distinguishing it from other areas.

[0029] Areas where there is little need for new constant adjustment are not highlighted to distinguish them from other areas, so the user can easily identify areas where there is a high need for constant adjustment based on the highlighting.

[0030] (8) In the information processing device of (1) to (7) above, the first traffic index is one of congestion length, delay time, and traffic volume, and the second traffic index is a traffic index different from the one traffic index.

[0031] These traffic indicators can be used to assess the need for constant adjustments.

[0032] (9) The method according to this embodiment is an information processing method performed by the information processing device described above in (1) to (8). Therefore, the information processing method according to this embodiment has the same effects as the information processing device described above in (1) to (8).

[0033] (10) The computer program according to this embodiment is a computer program for causing a computer to function as the information processing device described above in (1) to (8). Therefore, the computer program according to this embodiment has the same effects as the information processing device described above in (1) to (8).

[0034] <Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure> Hereinafter, details of embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any manner.

[0035] [Configuration example of information processing device] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 1 is, for example, a single personal computer (PC) or a server computer. The information processing device 1 may be configured with multiple computers. In this case, these multiple computers may be installed in the same facility, or may be scattered across multiple locations that are geographically separated. When the information processing device 1 is configured with multiple computers, these computers cooperate via a network such as a public communication network to realize the functions of a single information processing device 1.

[0036] The information processing device 1 extracts an intersection node Nt1 from a node n included in map data 18, which will be described later, and calculates multiple traffic indices Z1, Z2, and Z3 for each intersection node Nt1. At least two traffic indices (e.g., Z1 and Z2) among these traffic indices Z1, Z2, and Z3 are displayed to the user in a single time-series transition. The information processing device 1 may also calculate and display only the traffic indices specified in a third extraction condition C3, which will be described later.

[0037] In this case, a time period when multiple traffic indices Z1 and Z2 are both high (hereinafter referred to as "overlap area A3") can be evaluated as a traffic situation that particularly requires constant adjustment. For this reason, the information processing device 1 displays the overlap area A3 more emphatically than other areas in the time series transition. For example, the overlap area A3 is displayed in a way that distinguishes it from other areas by adding a specific color (such as red) to the overlap area A3. This allows the user to visually and easily grasp the traffic situation that particularly requires constant adjustment in the time series transition of multiple traffic indices. In other words, the information processing device 1 can present the target intersections that require constant adjustment of the traffic signal controller to the user in a manner that makes it easier to grasp.

[0038] The information processing device 1 includes a housing 10 and electronic devices housed in the housing 10. The electronic devices include a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13. An operation unit 14, a display unit 15, and a reading unit 16 are connected to the housing 10 of the information processing device 1.

[0039] The control unit 11 is mounted on a motherboard inside the housing 10, and the storage unit 12 and communication unit 13 are attached to dedicated connectors provided on the motherboard. The operation unit 14, display unit 15, and reading unit 16 are each connected to a predetermined connection port provided on the housing 10, and exchange predetermined information with the control unit 11 via a backplane or bus. The control unit 11 controls the operation of each of the hardware units 12 to 16.

[0040] The control unit 11 is configured as an arithmetic processing device including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a main memory. The main memory of the control unit 11 is a volatile memory, RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU of the control unit 11 reads a computer program (software) 121 installed in the storage unit 12 into the main memory, and performs various information processing in accordance with the read computer program 121.

[0041] The storage unit 12 is an auxiliary storage device including a nonvolatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) and a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 12 may include a flash read only memory (ROM), a universal serial bus (USB) memory, or an SD card. The storage unit 12 stores a computer program 121, various parameters, and map data 18 in the nonvolatile memory.

[0042] The communication unit 13 is a communication card (for example, a LAN card) that performs Ethernet (registered trademark) communication with an external device. The communication unit 13 is connected to a gateway that is connected to the Internet via a predetermined communication cable such as a LAN cable or a wireless LAN.

[0043] The operation unit 14 is an input device including a keyboard and a pointing device such as a mouse. The operation unit 14 may include a touch panel device that allows a user to input operations by touching the screen of the display unit 15 with a finger or the tip of a pen. A user such as a traffic engineer can send a predetermined command to the control unit 11 by inputting operations such as keyboard input, mouse clicks, or touch operations.

[0044] The display unit 15 is a display device such as a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel. The display unit 15 displays various GUI (Graphical User Interface) screens in accordance with operation commands from the control unit 11. The various GUI screens include a screen for receiving operation input from the operation unit 14, a screen containing a map, and a screen containing a time series transition of traffic indicators.

[0045] The reading unit 16 is a reading device that reads information from a recording medium 17 such as an optical disk. When the reading unit 16 reads the recording medium 17 on which the computer program 121 and various parameters are recorded, this information is stored in the storage unit 12. Note that the computer program 121 and various parameters may be stored in the storage unit 12 by being downloaded from another computer via a public communication network.

[0046] The map data 18 is digital information of a map that covers a predetermined area on Earth (for example, all of Japan or the entire world). The map data 18 may be stored on a cloud server operated by an information service provider that provides the map data. In this case, the control unit 11 downloads the map data 18 of the predetermined area from the cloud server via the communication unit 13 and a public communication network, and temporarily records the acquired map data 18 of the predetermined area in the storage unit 12 and displays it on the display unit 15.

[0047] The map data 18 includes data representing actual road alignments as a directed graph formed by nodes n and directed links l (lowercase L). Specifically, the map data 18 includes a directed graph in which multiple nodes n corresponding to intersections, merging points, etc. in an actual road network are connected by directed links l. Therefore, one-way roads are represented by only one-way links l.

[0048] The data assigned to node n includes a node ID. The node ID is an identification number assigned in advance to intersections, merging points, etc. The data assigned to node n also includes the location information (latitude, longitude, and altitude) of the node.

[0049] Here, "intersection" refers to the intersection of two or more roads (or the roadway in the case of roads where the sidewalk and roadway are separated) at a crossroads, T-junction, or other intersection (Road Traffic Act, Article 2, Paragraph 1, Item 5). Also, "merging point" refers to the point where two traffic flows join to form one traffic flow. Generally, traffic signal controllers are installed at intersections, but traffic signal controllers are often not installed at merging points.

[0050] The data assigned to the link l includes a link ID, which is an identification number of the link l, and the following information 1) to 4) associated with the link ID. 1) Location information of the start point, end point, and interpolation point of the link (latitude, longitude, and altitude) 2) Link ID connecting to the start point of the link 3) Link ID connecting to the end point of the link 4) Link cost of the link

[0051] The traffic information database 19 includes time-series data in which traffic information such as past link average speeds or link travel times is arranged for each predetermined time period. The database 19 is stored, for example, in a cloud server (hereinafter referred to as a "traffic information server") operated by an information service provider that provides traffic information. The traffic information server generates time-series data of traffic information from probe information including vehicle positions and times, and stores the generated time-series data in the database 19. The database 19 may be included in the storage unit 12. In other words, the database 19 may be constructed as a partial area of ​​the storage unit 12.

[0052] [Outline of information processing method] Next, we will explain the information processing method executed by the information processing device 1. Specifically, the control unit 11 reads out the computer program 121 from the storage unit 12, and the control unit 11 executes various information processes in accordance with the computer program 121, thereby realizing the following series of information processing methods.

[0053] First, the outline of the information processing method will be explained. First, a user who wishes to check a target intersection that requires constant adjustment specifies extraction conditions for the target intersection to the information processing device 1. Specifically, the user operates the operation unit 14 to input input data X1 including the extraction conditions to the information processing device 1.

[0054] Based on the input data X1, the control unit 11 extracts an intersection node Nt1 (hereinafter also referred to as a "target intersection Nt1") that meets the extraction conditions from a plurality of nodes n included in the map data 18. Specifically, the control unit 11 extracts the target intersection Nt1 by narrowing down the plurality of nodes n based on geographical conditions.

[0055] Finally, the control unit 11 generates output data Y1 including the position information of the extracted target intersections Nt1 and the time-series transitions of multiple traffic indicators for these target intersections Nt1, and causes the display unit 15 to display the output data Y1.

[0056] For example, a road map showing the position of the target intersection Nt1 is first displayed as output data Y1 (display screen SC1) on the display unit 15. By looking at the display unit 15, the user can confirm the position of the target intersection Nt1.

[0057] Next, when the user selects an intersection on the road map display that the user wishes to check in detail, the control unit 11 switches the display on the display unit 15 from the road map to the time series transition of multiple traffic indicators at that intersection (display screen SC2). This allows the user to understand the traffic conditions at that intersection for each time period. At this time, the control unit 11 highlights and displays the overlapping area A3, which is the time period when the values ​​of multiple traffic indicators are all high. This allows the user to visually and easily understand the traffic conditions that particularly require constant adjustment from the time series transition of multiple traffic indicators.

[0058] Thereafter, the user narrows down the intersections where the constant adjustment is actually performed from among the multiple target intersections Nt1 based on the display of time series transitions, and goes to the intersection and adjusts the constants of the traffic signal controller (for example, adjusting the green time), thereby alleviating congestion. The information processing method will be described in detail below.

[0059] [Regarding input data X1] First, a user inputs input data X1 to the information processing device 1. The input data X1 includes a first extraction condition C1 for extracting a target intersection Nt1 from among multiple nodes n, a second extraction condition C2 for limiting the time range for calculating traffic indices, and a third extraction condition C3 for specifying the traffic indices to be calculated.

[0060] The input data X1 may include extraction conditions other than these extraction conditions C1, C2, and C3. Furthermore, at least one of these extraction conditions C1, C2, and C3 does not have to be specified by the user.

[0061] For example, the information processing device 1 may extract the target intersection Nt1 under geographical conditions (e.g., the entire area under the user's jurisdiction) that are preset by the computer program 121. Furthermore, the information processing device 1 may calculate a traffic index of a preset type under temporal conditions (e.g., a predetermined period immediately before the program is executed) that are preset by the computer program 121.

[0062] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen 20 for specifying the first extraction condition C1. The first extraction condition C1 is a condition for extracting nodes included in a predetermined geographical range from among a plurality of nodes n included in the map data 18. The first extraction condition C1 includes a geographical range specified by the user (hereinafter referred to as a "specified area"). The input screen 20 is a screen that is first displayed on the display unit 15 when the control unit 11 executes the computer program 121.

[0063] The input screen 20 includes an input box 20A for selecting a designated area from a pull-down menu. For example, if a user wants to check a target intersection Nt1 included in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, the user selects "Chiyoda Ward" from the input box 20A. This designates "Chiyoda Ward" as the designated area of ​​the first extraction condition C1. In the example of FIG. 2, the control unit 11 extracts a node n included in "Chiyoda Ward" from the map data 18 and sets it as a candidate node in the intersection detection process described below.

[0064] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another example of the input screen 20. The input method for the input screen 20 is not particularly limited as long as it is a screen that allows the user to select a designated area. The input screen 20 in FIG. 3 is a GUI screen 20B that allows the user to directly specify a designated area on a map displayed on the screen. For example, the user clicks on a first corner of the designated area with the mouse pointer P1 and drags it to the diagonal corner of the first corner to specify the designated area as a rectangle. In this case, the control unit 11 extracts a node n included in the range selected by the mouse pointer P1 from the map data 18 and sets it as a candidate node in the intersection detection process described below.

[0065] The second extraction condition C2 is a condition for extracting time-series data included in a predetermined time range. The second extraction condition C2 includes a time range specified by the user (hereinafter referred to as a "specified period").

[0066] Traffic conditions can have characteristics in various time ranges, such as seasons, weekdays, holidays, or rush hour (e.g., 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM). For example, in tourist areas, traffic congestion is less likely to occur on weekdays, but tends to be concentrated on holidays. For this reason, the user predicts a rough time range in which constant adjustments will be required at the target intersection, taking into account, for example, the characteristics of the specified area (e.g., whether it is a tourist destination or an office district), and specifies that range. This allows the processing volume in the information processing device 1 to be limited to that range, thereby shortening processing time.

[0067] The user may specify a specified period using an appropriate input field, for example. The specified period may be one month from "May 1, 2020" to "May 31, 2020" as in the example of Fig. 1, or may specify "weekdays only" or "holidays only" during that one month, or may specify "commuting hours only" during that one month.

[0068] The third extraction condition C3 is a condition that specifies a traffic index from among multiple traffic indexes to be used to evaluate whether a traffic phenomenon (hereinafter referred to as an "event") that requires constant adjustment of the traffic signal controller has occurred at the target intersection Nt1.

[0069] The multiple traffic indices include, for example, "traffic congestion length," "delay time," and "traffic volume." Each of these traffic indices has a positive correlation with the likelihood of congestion occurring at an intersection and the length of congestion that has occurred. The higher the number of these indices, the greater the need for constant adjustment of the traffic signal controller at the intersection. Therefore, by using these traffic indices, the need for constant adjustment can be evaluated.

[0070] The multiple traffic indicators may be obtained, for example, based on probe information collected from vehicles traveling on the roadway, or based on sensor information collected by roadside sensors such as vehicle sensors installed on the roadway.

[0071] The congestion length is a traffic index indicating the length of congestion on link l. The delay time is a traffic index indicating the extra travel time required to pass through link l compared to free travel. Instead of the delay time, the travel time on link l may be used as a traffic index. The traffic volume is a traffic index indicating the number of vehicles passing through a specified point (e.g., the end point) on link l per unit time. Instead of traffic volume, a traffic index disclosed in International Publication No. 2020 / 071040 (e.g., normalized traffic volume expressed as a ratio of traffic volume to saturation traffic flow rate) may be used. Details of these traffic indexes will be described later.

[0072] 4 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen 30 for specifying the third extraction condition C3. For example, after the user specifies the first extraction condition C1 and the second extraction condition C2, the information processing device 1 displays the input screen 30 on the display unit 15.

[0073] The input screen 30 includes options 31 for specifying a traffic index and an OK button 32. The options 31 include multiple check boxes 311 for specifying one or more traffic indexes from among multiple traffic indexes. In the example of Fig. 4, the congestion length and delay time are specified by the user from among the multiple traffic indexes.

[0074] When the user clicks the OK button 32 with the option 31 specified, the information processing device 1 generates input data X1 according to the user's specifications. For example, in the above example, the input data X1 is generated with the first extraction condition C1 set to "Chiyoda Ward," the second extraction condition C2 set to "May 1, 2020" to "May 31, 2020," and the third extraction condition C3 set to "traffic congestion length" and "delay time." The information processing device 1 stores the input data X1 in the storage unit 12.

[0075] [Time-series traffic information data] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of time-series data of traffic information. As shown in FIG. 5, the time series data of traffic information stored in database 19 is tabular data including columns such as "Time," "Link 1," "Link 2," "Link 3," "Link 4," and "Link 5."

[0076] In the "Time" column, time values ​​are listed in chronological order at intervals of a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes). The length of the predetermined time may vary depending on the time period. While FIG. 5 shows an example of one day's worth of time series data, it may also be possible to classify the data into multiple time series data, for example, by day of the week.

[0077] The "Link 1" column lists the traffic information values ​​for each time value for Link 1 (link average speed in the example of Figure 5). The "Link 2" column lists the traffic information values ​​for each time value for Link 2. The same applies to Links 3 to 5.

[0078] 5 shows five links 1 to 5 as an example, the number of links included in the time-series data of traffic information is not limited to 5. In addition, in the example of FIG. 5, the traffic information is link average speed (km / h), but the traffic information may be other information such as link travel time (seconds).

[0079] [Details of information processing method] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of an information processing method executed by the information processing device 1 in response to the specification of input data X1. When the user operates the operation unit 14 to specify input data X1 including various extraction conditions C1 to C3 and clicks the OK button 32 (FIG. 4), the information processing device 1 executes a series of information processes to generate output data Y1 based on the input data X1.

[0080] [Intersection detection process: Step S1] First, the control unit 11 extracts candidate nodes included in the specified area from among the plurality of nodes n, and further detects an intersection node Nt1 from among the plurality of candidate nodes (intersection detection process: step S1). Specifically, in the intersection detection process, the control unit 11 extracts the intersection node Nt1 by excluding nodes corresponding to midpoints or nodes corresponding to junctions (hereinafter referred to as "junction nodes") from the plurality of candidate nodes.

[0081] In addition, if identification information representing an intersection is assigned to a node n in the map data 18, in the intersection detection process, the control unit 11 may extract a node n having identification information representing the intersection from within the specified area as the intersection node Nt1.

[0082] First, the control unit 11 extracts candidate nodes included in the specified area from among the plurality of nodes n, and then the control unit 11 determines whether each of the plurality of candidate nodes is the intersection node Nt1 by the following procedure.

[0083] The control unit 11 extracts a node n at which multiple links l terminate (i.e., a node n that shares the end points of links l) from among the candidate nodes. If the number of links that share the end point at the extracted node n is three or more, the control unit 11 extracts the node n as an intersection node Nt1. Furthermore, if the number of links that share the end point at the extracted node n is two, the control unit 11 extracts the node n as an intersection node Nt1 only if the angle α between these links is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value β1 (e.g., 30 degrees). This completes the intersection detection process.

[0084] The reason for the above processing will be explained. First, if multiple links l do not terminate at a candidate node (i.e., if only one link l flows in), the candidate node is a midpoint set in the middle of a road and can be considered not to be a node n indicating an intersection, so it is not extracted as an intersection node Nt1. Next, a candidate node at which three or more links l terminate is a T-junction, three-way intersection, crossroads, five-way intersection, etc., and can be considered to be an intersection, so it is extracted as an intersection node Nt1.

[0085] Furthermore, the candidate nodes where two links l terminate may be intersections or junctions. Therefore, among the candidate nodes, nodes where links l intersect at an angle less than a predetermined threshold β1 are considered to be junctions, and other candidate nodes are extracted as intersection nodes Nt1.

[0086] [Inflow path detection process: Step S2] Next, the control unit 11 extracts one or more links where congestion may continue, starting from the intersection node Nt1 (downstream end) (entering road detection process: step S2).

[0087] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the details of the inflow path detection process (step S2). In FIG. 7, "I" is a variable representing the upstream link of the congestion starting from the intersection node Nt1. "J" is a threshold representing the expected maximum congestion length (e.g., 2000 m). L(I) is a variable representing the distance from the intersection to the start of the upstream link. The threshold J is, for example, predefined in the computer program 121 as a parameter.

[0088] The control unit 11 appropriately executes the following series of flows (steps ST21 to ST23) for each of all intersection nodes Nt1 detected in the intersection detection process (step S1). First, the control unit 11 adds an incoming link that terminates at the intersection node Nt1 to a variable I, and sets the added incoming link as the most upstream link (step ST21). Next, the control unit 11 determines whether L(I)>J holds (step ST22).

[0089] If the determination result of step ST22 is positive (L(I)>J), the control unit 11 ends the process. If the determination result of step ST22 is negative (L(I)≦J), the control unit 11 adds to the variable I the link that has the smallest change in direction from the current most upstream link among the links that flow into the start end of the current most upstream link, sets the link as a new most upstream link, and returns to step ST22 (step ST23).

[0090] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the most upstream link detected by the incoming road detection process (step S2). In FIG. 8, "N" is one node among the multiple intersection nodes Nt1 extracted by intersection detection. Link 1 is a link whose end coincides with intersection node N, and the length of link 1 is assumed to be equal to or less than threshold J. Link 2 and link 3 are links whose end coincides with the starting point of link 1.

[0091] In this case, link 1 becomes the most upstream link in step ST21 of FIG. 7, but because link 1 is equal to or less than threshold value J, the determination result in step ST22 is negative. Furthermore, of links 2 and 3, link 3 is the link with the smallest change in direction relative to link 1. In other words, link 3 is the link that flows into link 1 most linearly. Therefore, link 3 is added as the new most upstream link in step ST23 of FIG. 7.

[0092] If the sum of the lengths of link 1 and link 3 exceeds threshold J, the judgment result of the second step ST22 becomes positive, and link 1 and link 3 are extracted as one or more links where congestion may continue with intersection node Nt1 as the downstream end.

[0093] [Traffic index calculation process: Step S3] Next, the control unit 11 calculates one or more traffic indices specified as the third extraction condition C3 (traffic index calculation process: step S3). Hereinafter, as examples of the traffic index calculation process, a congestion length calculation process and a delay time calculation process will be described.

[0094] The control unit 11 may use various known methods to calculate the traffic indexes. For example, the control unit 11 may use the technology disclosed in International Publication No. 2022 / 123832 for calculating the congestion length, the technology disclosed in International Publication No. 2022 / 085249 for calculating the delay time, and the technology disclosed in International Publication No. 2020 / 071040 for calculating the normalized traffic volume.

[0095] [Congestion Length Calculation Process] The control unit 11 calculates the congestion length for the plurality of links l based on the time-series data of traffic information for a specified period for the plurality of links l extracted by the entering road detection process (step S2). The control unit 11 stores the calculated congestion length in the memory unit 12.

[0096] For example, if the traffic information is link average speed, the control unit 11 determines that one or more links l whose link average speed is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (e.g., 20 km / h) are congested oncoming roads, and sets the length of the determined congested oncoming roads as the congestion length. Here, the multiple links l are a set of links extracted as "one or more links where congestion may continue" in the oncoming road detection process (step S2).

[0097] In addition, when the traffic information is link travel time, the control unit 11 determines that one or more links l whose link travel time is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (for example, 100 seconds) are congested oncoming roads, and determines the length of the determined congested oncoming roads as the congestion length.

[0098] [Delay time calculation process] The delay time indicates the extra travel time required to pass through link l compared to free travel due to waiting at traffic lights, etc. For the multiple links l extracted by the incoming road detection process (step S2), the control unit 11 calculates the travel time when the vehicle travels through link l at an assumed speed Ve (e.g., a specified speed) without waiting at traffic lights as a reference time Trf (Trf=Lm / Ve), where Lm is the link length.

[0099] Next, the control unit 11 calculates the delay time dav for each link l by subtracting the reference time Trf from the link travel time Tl based on the time-series data of traffic information for the specified period and the reference time Trf (dav=Tl-Trf). The control unit 11 stores the calculated delay time dav in the storage unit 12.

[0100] [Traffic indicator output processing: Step S4] Next, the control unit 11 generates output data Y1 for visually displaying the calculated multiple traffic indicators on the display unit 15 (traffic indicator output process: step S4). The output data Y1 includes position information for each of the extracted intersection nodes Nt1 and time-series transitions of the multiple traffic indicators at each intersection node Nt1. The control unit 11 causes the display unit 15 to display display screens SC1 and SC2 based on the output data Y1.

[0101] [About the display screen SC1] Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display screen SC1. The output data Y1 itself is digital information generated by the control unit 11. The display screen SC1 in Fig. 9 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 15 based on the output data Y1, and visually shows a portion of the output data Y1. Similarly, a display screen SC2 described below visually shows a portion of the output data Y1.

[0102] The display screen SC1 includes a map window 50. The map window 50 includes a map 51 including roads and intersections, and icons 52 and 53 displayed on or near a target intersection Nt1 for which a relatively high traffic index has been calculated.

[0103] In the above example, the control unit 11 calculated "traffic jam length" and "delay time" as multiple traffic indices. For convenience, in the following explanation, "traffic jam length" will be referred to as the first traffic index Z1, and "delay time" will be referred to as the second traffic index Z2. The higher the values ​​of these traffic indices Z1 and Z2, the more likely it is that serious congestion is occurring, and the more likely it is that constant adjustment of the traffic signal controller will be required at the target intersection corresponding to intersection node Nt1.

[0104] Therefore, for the first traffic index Z1, a first threshold value Th1 (e.g., a congestion length of 300 m) is set as a traffic condition that allows for a certain degree of evaluation of the need for constant adjustment of the traffic signal controller. Also, for the second traffic index Z2, a second threshold value Th2 (e.g., a delay time of 2 minutes 30 seconds) is set as a traffic condition that allows for a certain degree of evaluation of the need for constant adjustment of the traffic signal controller. These threshold values ​​Th1 and Th2 are pre-stored in the storage unit 12 by, for example, the user inputting them into the information processing device 1 via the operation unit 14 prior to the output processing of the traffic indexes.

[0105] That is, in the time series transition of these traffic indicators Z1 and Z2, in the time period when the first traffic indicator Z1 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value Th1 (hereinafter referred to as the "first area A1") or the time period when the second traffic indicator Z2 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value Th2 (hereinafter referred to as the "second area A2"), it is necessary to consider adjusting the constants of the traffic signal controller at the target intersection Nt1. Furthermore, in the area where the first area A1 and the second area A2 overlap (hereinafter referred to as the "overlap area A3"), it is assumed that there is a particularly high need to consider adjusting the constants of the traffic signal controller.

[0106] Therefore, on the display screen SC1, the control unit 11 displays, with an icon 53, an intersection node Nt1 where the calculated multiple traffic indicators Z1, Z2 include an overlapping area A3. Furthermore, on the display screen SC1, the control unit 11 displays, with an icon 52, an intersection node Nt1 where the calculated multiple traffic indicators Z1, Z2 include the first area A1 or the second area A2 but do not include the overlapping area A3.

[0107] The icon 53 is, for example, a double circle surrounding the intersection node Nt1 on the map 51. The icon 52 has a different appearance from the icon 53, for example, a circle surrounding the intersection node Nt1 on the map 51. The icon 53 is displayed in an emphasized manner so as to stand out more than the icon 52. For example, the icon 53 is displayed larger than the icon 52. Note that the icon 53 may be displayed with a thicker line than the icon 52, or in a darker color than the icon 52 (for example, a color with lower brightness, a color with higher saturation, or a color with lower transmittance; the same applies hereinafter).

[0108] The icons 52 and 53 allow the user to visually and easily grasp the intersection nodes Nt1 for which adjustment of the traffic signal controller constants is necessary. Furthermore, by displaying the intersection nodes Nt1 that include the overlapping area A3 with a more emphasized icon 53, the user can visually and easily grasp the nodes among these intersection nodes Nt1 that are expected to have a particularly high need for constant adjustment.

[0109] To consider whether constant adjustment is necessary, the user selects, for example, an intersection node Nt1 for which the user wishes to grasp specific traffic conditions by time period from among the intersection nodes Nt1 indicated by icons 52 and 53 on the display screen SC1. For example, the user uses the operation unit 14 to double-click on the intersection node Nt1 for which the user wishes to check details on the map 51. In this way, when the user inputs a predetermined operation into the map window 50, the control unit 11 switches the display screen SC1 to the display screen SC2.

[0110] [About the display screen SC2] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the display screen SC2. The display screen SC2 includes a graph window 60 and a setting window 70. The graph window 60 displays, in the form of a line graph, the time series transition of the traffic index at the intersection node Nt1 designated by the user's operational input.

[0111] In the graph window 60, the horizontal coordinate axis represents time, and the first and second vertical axes represent the first traffic index Z1 and the second traffic index Z2 for one link l (entry road) selected in the setting window 70 from among multiple links l that flow into the intersection node Nt1. Graph 61 shows the time series transition of the first traffic index Z1, and graph 62 shows the time series transition of the second traffic index Z2.

[0112] Here, the first vertical axis (congestion length) shows the first threshold value Th1 of the first traffic index Z1, and the second vertical axis (delay time) shows the second threshold value Th2 of the second traffic index Z2. The control unit 11 highlights an overlapping area A3 where these traffic indexes Z1 and Z2 are both equal to or greater than the threshold values ​​Th1 and Th2, respectively. The highlighting 63 is, for example, a marker that fills in the time period that forms the overlapping area A3 with a predetermined color (e.g., red).

[0113] The highlighting 63 is not particularly limited as long as it distinguishes the overlapping area A3 from the other areas, and may be, for example, a frame display that surrounds the start and end points of the overlapping area A3. Furthermore, the highlighting 63 does not need to be a display that fills in the entire vertical axis direction of the time period that forms the overlapping area A3, but may be a display that fills in part of the vertical axis direction. For example, it may be a display that fills in the lower part of the line graph.

[0114] In addition, the highlighting 63 may be a display in which the line color of the area of ​​the line graph that becomes the overlapping area A3 is colored a different color from the other areas, or a display in which the line thickness of the area of ​​the line graph that becomes the overlapping area A3 is made thicker than the other areas.

[0115] Furthermore, in addition to (or instead of) the highlighting 63, a highlighting 65 may be added, which indicates the time period that forms the overlapping area A3 with a predetermined graphic such as an arrow. The highlighting 65 is added, for example, to the start point, midpoint, or end point of the overlapping area A3. By indicating it with a graphic in this way, the overlapping area A3 stands out in the time series transition, allowing the user to quickly recognize the overlapping area A3.

[0116] Furthermore, the control unit 11 applies highlighting 64, which is different from highlighting 63, to an area that is the first area A1 or the second area A2 and is not the overlap area A3 (hereinafter referred to as the "symmetric difference area A4"). The highlighting 64 is, for example, a marker that fills in the time period that becomes the symmetric difference area A4 with a predetermined color (for example, pink) different from highlighting 63.

[0117] At this time, the control unit 11 can make the overlapping area A3 more noticeable than the symmetrical difference area A4 by displaying the highlighting 63 in a darker color than the highlighting 64. The overlapping area A3 is generally a time period in which constant adjustment is more necessary than the symmetrical difference area A4, so by making this area more noticeable, it is possible to present to the user in a way that makes it easier to understand the target intersections where constant adjustment of the traffic signal controller is necessary.

[0118] 10, after time t1, both traffic indicators Z1 and Z2 become equal to or greater than thresholds Th1 and Th2, after time t2, the first traffic indicator Z1 becomes equal to or less than the first threshold Th1, and after time t3, the second traffic indicator Z2 becomes equal to or less than the second threshold Th2. Therefore, the period from time t1 to time t2 becomes an overlapping region A3, and the period from time t2 to time t3 becomes a symmetrical difference region A4 (specifically, the difference set of the second region A2). Therefore, the control unit 11 displays the period from time t1 to time t2 using highlighted displays 63 and 65, and the period from time t2 to time t3 using highlighted display 64.

[0119] Similarly, the control unit 11 displays the period from time t4 to time t5, the period from time t6 to time t7, and the period from time t8 to time t9 in highlighted display 64, and displays the period from time t5 to time t6 in highlighted displays 63 and 65.

[0120] This allows the user to visually and easily grasp in which time periods the overlap area A3 and the symmetric difference area A4 exist at the intersection node Nt1 specified on the display screen SC1. That is, the control unit 11 can present the target intersection Nt1 requiring constant adjustment of the traffic signal controller to the user in a manner that allows the user to more easily grasp the traffic situation. In particular, when the user specifically views the traffic situation at each target intersection Nt1, the control unit 11 distinguishes the time periods in which constant adjustment is highly necessary from other areas by using highlighting 63, 64, and 65, thereby making it easier for the user to grasp the traffic situation at the target intersection Nt1.

[0121] The setting window 70 includes a schematic diagram 71 of the specified intersection node Nt1 and a plurality of radio buttons 72 for alternatively selecting the incoming roads shown in the graph window 60. The storage unit 12 stores in advance schematic diagrams corresponding to a plurality of intersection patterns, such as a T-junction, a three-way intersection, a crossroads, or a five-way intersection.

[0122] Then, for example, for an intersection node Nt1 specified on the display screen SC1, the control unit 11 determines the intersection pattern based on the number of links l terminating at the intersection node Nt1 (i.e., the number of entering roads at the target intersection Nt1) and the angle α between these links l. The control unit 11 reads out a schematic diagram corresponding to the determined intersection pattern from the storage unit 12 and displays it as a schematic diagram 71 in the setting window 70.

[0123] In the schematic diagram 71, a number is assigned to each of the multiple incoming routes, and the numbers correspond to the numbers of the incoming routes indicated by the multiple radio buttons 72. The user refers to the schematic diagram 71 and selects the number of the incoming route that the user wishes to view using the radio button 72. This causes the control unit 11 to display in the graph window 60 the time series transition for the incoming route selected using the radio button 72. In the example of FIG. 10, the southbound incoming route (number 1) of the multiple incoming routes is selected using the radio button 72, and the time series transition for that southbound incoming route is displayed in the graph window 60.

[0124] This allows the user to visually select an incoming road from among the incoming roads at the intersection node Nt1 for which the user wishes to specifically grasp the traffic situation.

[0125] [Modification] Modifications of the embodiment will be described below. In the following modifications, the same components as those in the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0126] [First Modification] On the display screen SC2, the graphs 61 and 62 are each displayed as a line graph. However, the time series transitions of the first traffic index Z1 and the second traffic index Z2 may be displayed as graphs other than line graphs. For example, the graph 61 may be a bar graph. Furthermore, the graphs 61 and 62 may be different types of graphs.

[0127] [Second Modification] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the display screen SC3. The control unit 11 may display the display screen SC3 instead of the display screen SC2. The display screen SC2 selectively displays one of the multiple incoming roads that connect to the intersection node Nt1. However, depending on the type of event, it may be easier to grasp the traffic situation at the intersection node Nt1 by displaying these incoming roads side by side.

[0128] Therefore, the display screen SC3 includes a plurality of graph windows 60a to 60d that display time series transitions for each of a plurality of links 1 that are connected to the intersection node Nt1. For example, consider a case where the intersection node Nt1 specified on the display screen SC1 is an intersection where roads intersect in the north-south and east-west directions, and a southbound incoming road R1, a westbound incoming road R2, an eastbound incoming road R3, and a northbound incoming road R4 each connect to the intersection node Nt1.

[0129] In this case, a graph window 60a corresponding to the incoming road R1, a graph window 60b corresponding to the incoming road R2, a graph window 60c corresponding to the incoming road R3, and a graph window 60d corresponding to the incoming road R4 are displayed on the display screen SC3. The display method of each of these graph windows 60a to 60d is the same as that of the graph window 60 in Fig. 10, and a graph 61 showing the time series transition of the first traffic index Z1 and a graph 62 showing the time series transition of the second traffic index Z2 are displayed, respectively.

[0130] Furthermore, to allow the user to visually grasp the direction of the corresponding incoming roads R1 to R4, graphic icons 66 such as arrows indicating the incoming direction to the intersection node Nt1 are attached to the edges of the graph windows 60a to 60d. The graphic icons 66 allow the user to easily grasp which incoming roads R1 to R4 each of the graph windows 60a to 60d represents.

[0131] Here, "traffic congestion imbalance" will be explained as an example of an event that the user wants to understand. "Traffic congestion imbalance" is an event that indicates a state in which there is a bias in congestion (for example, a bias in congestion length) on an inbound road in a specific direction among multiple inbound roads that flow into the same intersection node Nt1. A state in which only an inbound road in a specific direction is congested and there is no congestion on inbound roads in other directions is called "one-way congestion." Since "one-way congestion" is an event that is a subordinate concept to "traffic congestion imbalance," "traffic congestion imbalance" will be explained below.

[0132] At the target intersection Nt1 where congestion imbalance is occurring, if constants are adjusted, such as by extending the green time of the traffic signal controller in the direction where congestion imbalance is large, congestion starting from the target intersection Nt1 is likely to be alleviated. For this reason, the user evaluates whether or not a tendency for congestion imbalance is observed at the intersection node Nt1 by observing the display screen SC3.

[0133] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of congestion imbalance. At intersection N, southbound oncoming road R1, westbound oncoming road R2, eastbound oncoming road R3, and northbound oncoming road R4 all enter. In this case, a pair of opposing oncoming roads (e.g., oncoming roads R1 and R4) are likely to belong to the same aspect, so they may be treated as one group.

[0134] Here, the congestion lengths of the four incoming roads R1 to R4 are referred to as L1 to L4, respectively. In the example of Fig. 12, the congestion length L1 of the incoming road R1 at a given time is 200 m, the congestion length L2 of the incoming road R2 is 600 m, and the congestion lengths L3 and L4 of the incoming roads R3 and R4 are 0 m (i.e., there is no congestion on the incoming roads R3 and R4).

[0135] In this case, the maximum congestion lengths L1 and L4 in the north-south direction (entering roads R1 and R4) are 200 m, while the maximum congestion lengths L2 and L3 in the east-west direction (entering roads R2 and R3) are 600 m. In this way, if there is a congestion length equal to or greater than the first threshold value Th1 on the entering roads R1 and R4 in a specific direction, but there is no congestion length equal to or greater than the first threshold value Th1 on the entering roads R2 and R3 in other directions, it can be said that there is a tendency for congestion imbalance at the intersection, and it is possible that congestion could be alleviated by adjusting the constant to extend the green time in the north-south direction, for example.

[0136] In addition, traffic congestion imbalance can also be evaluated based on the deviation in delay times. For example, if a delay time of at least the second threshold Th2 occurs on the oncoming roads R1 and R4 in a specific direction, but no delay time of at least the second threshold Th2 occurs on the oncoming roads R2 and R3 in other directions, it can be said that there is a tendency for traffic congestion imbalance at that intersection.

[0137] If multiple traffic indicators (congestion length and delay time) all indicate a tendency toward congestion imbalance, it can be evaluated that the congestion imbalance trend is significant at that intersection. For this reason, it is preferable to visualize the congestion imbalance trend using multiple traffic indicators.

[0138] Please refer to FIG. 11. To enable the user to easily grasp the trends of the events described above, the control unit 11 applies highlighting 63, 64, and 65 to the display screen SC3. In the example of FIG. 11, the period from time t10 to time t11 and the period from time t12 to time t13 in the graph window 60c are the symmetric difference region A4 (the difference set of the first region A1), and the period from time t11 to time t12 is the overlap region A3. Therefore, the highlighting 63, 64, and 65 are applied to the graph window 60c in the same manner as in FIG. 10. This allows the user to grasp that congestion occurred on the incoming road R3 (an example of the "first incoming road" in the present disclosure) from time t10 to time t13 (particularly, from time t11 to time t12).

[0139] On the other hand, in order for the user to understand the congestion imbalance, it is necessary to observe the traffic conditions of other incoming routes during the same time period from time t10 to time t13. Therefore, even if the overlapping area A3 or the symmetrical difference area A4 is not included in the other incoming routes R1, R2, and R4 (examples of the "second incoming route" in the present disclosure) during the same time period, the control unit 11 also applies highlighting 63, 64 to these incoming routes R1, R2, and R4 from time t10 to time t13 in the same manner as for the incoming route R3, in order to facilitate comparison with the incoming route R3.

[0140] As a result, by observing the highlighted displays 63, 64 of the incoming routes R1 and R4, whose incoming directions intersect with the incoming route R3, from time t10 to time t13, the user can easily understand that there is no congestion on the incoming routes R1 and R4, and as a result, the user can visually easily understand that congestion is biased toward the incoming route R3 during the same time period (i.e., the occurrence of congestion imbalance). In this way, the control unit 11 distinguishes not only the overlapping area A3 of the incoming route R3 but also the area corresponding to the overlapping area A3 of the incoming route R3 (hereinafter referred to as the "corresponding area A5") among the time-series transitions of the other incoming routes R1, R2, and R4 from the other areas, thereby making it easy to compare traffic indicators between multiple incoming routes and helping the user understand events.

[0141] Alternatively, the control unit 11 may display the highlighting 65 only in the overlapping region A3. As a result, both the highlighting 63 and the highlighting 65 are displayed in the overlapping region A3 of the inflow channel R3, and only the highlighting 63 is displayed in the corresponding regions A5 of the other inflow channels R1, R2, and R4. Therefore, the user can easily visually recognize from the presence or absence of the highlighting 65 that the inflow channel R3 is the inflow channel with the overlapping region A3 and the inflow channels R1, R2, and R4 are the inflow channels without the overlapping region A3. In this way, the control unit 11 may highlight the corresponding region A5 with a display different from that of the overlapping region A3.

[0142] 11, similarly, from time t14 onwards, in graph window 60b, there is a symmetric difference region A4 (difference set of second region A2) from time t14 to time t15, there is a symmetric difference region A4 (difference set of first region A1) from time t16 to time t17 and from time t18 to time t19, and there is an overlap region A3 from time t17 to time t18, so control unit 11 applies highlighting 63, 64, 65 to these regions, respectively. Then, control unit 11 applies highlighting 63, 64 to the corresponding regions A5 in the other graph windows 60a, 60c, 60d, respectively.

[0143] [Third Modification] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the display screen SC4. The control unit 11 may display a display screen SC4 instead of the display screen SC2. The display screen SC2 selectively displays one of the multiple incoming roads connecting to the intersection node Nt1, and the user switches the displayed incoming road. In this case, the user needs to move their eyes between the graph window 60 and the setting window 70, which may strain the user's eyes when comparing traffic conditions between the multiple incoming roads.

[0144] Furthermore, on the display screen SC3, multiple graph windows 60a to 60d are arranged spatially side by side for each of the multiple inflow channels, which has the advantage that the user can view these graph windows 60a to 60d simultaneously, but this requires the user to move their eyes to compare these graph windows 60a to 60d, which can put strain on the user's eyes, etc.

[0145] In response to this, on the display screen SC4, the control unit 11 displays multiple graph windows 60a-60d, as shown in the example of Fig. 12, in a spatially overlapping manner, and sequentially changes the window displayed in the foreground not only in response to user operations but also over time. The time-series transitions of the first traffic indicator Z1 and the second traffic indicator Z2 for each of the multiple incoming routes R1-R4 are automatically switched and displayed like an animation, allowing the user to visually compare the traffic conditions on the multiple incoming routes R1-R4 while keeping their eyes focused on one spot. This reduces the physical burden on the user when identifying target intersections where traffic signal controller constants need to be adjusted.

[0146] The display screen SC4 includes a graph window 60 and a setting window 80. In the graph window 60, graph windows 60a to 60d, which respectively display the time-series transition of the first traffic index Z1 and the second traffic index Z2 for each of the multiple incoming roads R1 to R4, are arranged in a spatially overlapping state. In the example of FIG. 13, the graph window 60a is arranged in the foreground, followed by the graph windows 60b and 60c in that order, and the graph window 60d is arranged in the background. In this case, only the foreground graph window 60a is visible to the user in the graph window 60.

[0147] The setting window 80 includes a play button 81, a forward button 82, and a backward button 83. The user can set the display method of the graph window 60 by clicking these buttons 81 to 83 using the operation unit 14.

[0148] The play button 81 is a button that automatically switches the display placed at the forefront of the graph window 60 over time. When the user clicks the play button 81, the display of the graph window 60 starts, for example, with graph window 60a, and at predetermined time intervals (for example, every second), the window displayed at the forefront changes sequentially to graph windows 60b, 60c, and 60d, before returning to graph window 60a. When clicked by the user, the play button 81 switches to a stop button 84, and the automatic switching of the graph windows 60a to 60d continues until the user clicks the stop button 84.

[0149] The advance button 82 is a button for manually switching the display placed at the forefront of the graph window 60 one by one. When the user clicks the advance button 82 once, the window currently displayed in the graph window 60 is switched to the window immediately behind (for example, from graph window 60a to graph window 60b).

[0150] The back button 83 is a button for manually switching back one display at a time to the display arranged in the forefront of the graph window 60. When the user clicks the back button 83 once, the window currently displayed in the graph window 60 is switched to the backmost window (for example, from graph window 60a to graph window 60d).

[0151] The user can switch the display of the graph window 60 over time (play button 81) or by user operation (forward button 82 and back button 83) by operating the setting window 80. This allows the user to visually compare the traffic conditions on the multiple approach roads R1 to R4 as needed while keeping their eyes focused on one spot, thereby reducing the physical burden on the user.

[0152] [Fourth Modification] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the display screen SC5. The control unit 11 may display the display screen SC5 instead of the display screen SC2. The overlap area A3 or the symmetric difference area A4 may include a time period in which constant adjustment has already been performed, but the event has not yet been resolved due to various circumstances. For example, there may be a time period at a busy intersection in a city where traffic congestion is caused by policy to slow down vehicles for pedestrian safety. Even if these time periods are in the overlap area A3 or the symmetric difference area A4, there is little need to perform new constant adjustment.

[0153] Therefore, in the information processing device 1 of this modification, a time period during which constant adjustment is not required (hereinafter referred to as an "adjustment-free period A6") is set in advance as appropriate at each intersection node Nt1. For example, a user inputs the adjustment-free period A6 at each intersection node Nt1 through the operation unit 14 based on various circumstances such as policy, and the period A6 is stored in the storage unit 12.

[0154] When displaying the time-series transitions of the multiple traffic indices Z1 and Z2, the control unit 11 does not highlight the adjustment-free period A6 with the highlighting marks 63, 64, and 65. For example, if the adjustment-free period A6 is set from time t4 to time t7 in FIG. 14, the control unit 11 does not highlight these areas with the highlighting marks 63, 64, and 65.

[0155] In this way, the highlighting 63, 64, 65 is not applied to areas where there is little need for new constant adjustment, so the user can easily grasp areas where there is a high need for constant adjustment based on the highlighting 63, 64, 65.

[0156] [Additional Notes] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes all modifications within the scope of equivalents to the configurations described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0157] 1. Information processing equipment 10. Cabinet 11 Control section 12 Storage section 121 Computer Programs 13 Communications Department 14 Control section 15 Display 16 Reading unit 17 Recording Media 18 Map Data 19 Databases 20 Input screen 20A Input Box 20B screen 30 Input screen 31 Choices 32 buttons 311 Checkbox 50 Map Window 51 Map 52,53 Icons 60 Graph Window 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d Graph window 61 graphs 62 graphs 63,64,65 Highlight 66 Shape Icons 70 Settings window 71 Schematic diagram 72 Radio Buttons 80 Settings Window 81 Play button 82 buttons 83 Button 84 Stop button X1 Input data Y1 output data Z1 1st traffic index Z2 2nd traffic index C1 First extraction condition C2 Second extraction condition C3 Third extraction condition Nt1 intersection node (target intersection) P1 Mouse Pointer SC1,SC2,SC3,SC4 display screen Th1 First threshold Th2 second threshold value A1, First Domain A2, Second Field A3 Repeating Areas A4 Discrepancy area A5 equivalent field Inflow paths R1, R2, R3, R4 L1, L2, L3, L4 hysteresis length

Claims

1. a control unit that displays, on a display unit, time-series transitions of a first traffic index and a second traffic index used to evaluate whether an intersection node included in the map data is a target intersection that requires constant adjustment of a traffic signal controller; the control unit displays, in the time-series transition, an overlapping area in which a first area in which the first traffic index is equal to or greater than a first threshold and a second area in which the second traffic index is equal to or greater than a second threshold overlap, in a manner that distinguishes it from other areas. Information processing device.

2. the control unit displays, in the time-series transition, a symmetric difference region that is the first region or the second region and is not the overlap region, in a manner distinguished from the overlap region and other regions. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the control unit displays the overlapping region in a darker color than the symmetrical difference region. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The control unit distinguishes the overlapping area from other areas by indicating the overlapping area with a predetermined graphic. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The control unit displaying the time series transition for each of a plurality of incoming roads respectively connected to the intersection node; When the overlapping region is included in the time series transition of a first inflow channel among the plurality of inflow channels, even if the overlapping region is not included in the time series transition of a second inflow channel among the plurality of inflow channels that is different from the first inflow channel, a region corresponding to the overlapping region in the first inflow channel among the time series transition of the second inflow channel is displayed in a manner distinguished from other regions. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the control unit displays the time series transitions for each of the plurality of inflow channels in a spatially overlapping manner, and sequentially changes the time series transitions displayed in the foreground in response to the passage of time or a user operation. The information processing device according to claim 5 .

7. the control unit, in the time-series transition, displays a region of the overlapping region that overlaps with an adjustment-free period in which the constant adjustment is not required for the target intersection without distinguishing it from other regions. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

8. the first traffic index is one of a congestion length, a delay time, and a traffic volume; The second traffic indicator is a traffic indicator different from the one traffic indicator. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

9. a step of displaying, on a display unit, time-series transitions of a first traffic index and a second traffic index used for evaluating whether an intersection node included in the map data is a target intersection that requires constant adjustment of a traffic signal controller; The step includes a step of displaying an overlapping area in which a first area in which the first traffic index is equal to or greater than a first threshold and a second area in which the second traffic index is equal to or greater than a second threshold overlap in the time-series transition, in a manner that distinguishes it from other areas. Information processing methods.

10. A computer program that causes a computer to function as an information processing device, The computer program comprises: a step of displaying, on a display unit, time-series transitions of the first traffic index and the second traffic index used for evaluating whether or not an intersection node included in the map data is a target intersection requiring constant adjustment of a traffic signal controller; causing the computer to execute The step includes a step of displaying an overlapping area in which a first area in which the first traffic index is equal to or greater than a first threshold and a second area in which the second traffic index is equal to or greater than a second threshold overlap in the time-series transition, in a manner that distinguishes it from other areas. Computer program.

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