Information generation device, information generation method, and computer program

Abstract

An information generating device capable of generating more accurate signal information is provided. [Solution] A device (information generating device) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a device that generates signal information representing the future operating state of a signal light device, and comprises: a memory unit that stores a time table including the planned lighting sequence of one or more signal lights included in the signal light device and the planned duration of each light color; an observation unit that observes change events of one or more reference lights among the one or more signal lights; and an information processing unit that generates the signal information based on the stored time table and the observation time of the observed change event, wherein the signal information includes a plurality of data parts, the first of which is the step immediately after the change event, including the planned lighting sequence of the one or more signal lights and the planned duration in seconds of each light color, and a reference time that represents the start time of the first data part of the plurality of data parts, and the information processing unit adopts the observation time of the change event, which is in the past with respect to the generation time of the signal information, as the reference time.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information generation device, an information generation method, and a computer program. This application claims priority to Japanese Application No. 2020-173122, filed on October 14, 2020, and incorporates by reference all of the contents of said Japanese application. [Background technology]

[0002] There are two types of traffic signal controllers: those connected to a traffic control center (centralized type) and those not connected (standalone type). The former centralized type controllers are available in table control type and step control type. Patent document 1 describes a method in which a signal information providing device connected to a step-control type traffic signal controller receives a signal control plan from a traffic control center, and at the same time, the signal information providing device detects the timing of switching the signal lamps, thereby providing accurate signal information to vehicles without replacing the traffic signal controller. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-39673 Summary of the Invention

[0004] An apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an apparatus that generates signal information representing the future operating state of a signal light device, and includes: a memory unit that stores a time table including the planned lighting order of one or more signal lights included in the signal light device and the planned duration of each light color; an observation unit that observes change events of one or more reference lights among the one or more signal lights; and an information processing unit that generates the signal information based on the stored time table and the observation time of the observed change event, wherein the signal information includes a plurality of data sections including the planned lighting order of the one or more signal lights and the planned duration in seconds of each light color, with the light color immediately after the change event being the first, and a reference time that represents the start time of the first data section of the plurality of data sections, and the information processing unit adopts the observation time of the change event, which is in the past with respect to the generation time of the signal information, as the reference time.

[0005] A system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an information generation system comprising: a server device that generates signal information representing the future operating state of a signal light; and an observation unit that remotely observes change events of one or more reference lights among one or more signal lights included in the signal light, wherein the observation unit is connected to the server device via a communication network and transmits the observed change events of the reference lights to the server device, and the server device comprises a memory unit that stores a time table including the planned lighting order and the planned duration of each light color of one or more signal lights included in the signal light device, and an information processing unit that generates the signal information based on the stored time table and the observation time of the change event received from the observation unit, wherein the signal information includes a plurality of data parts including the planned lighting order and the planned duration in seconds of each light color of the one or more signal lights, with the light color immediately after the change event as the first, and a reference time that represents the start time of the first data part of the plurality of data parts, and the information processing unit adopts the observation time of the change event, which is in the past relative to the generation time of the signal information, as the reference time.

[0006] A method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method for generating signal information representing the future operating state of a signal light device, comprising the steps of: storing a time table including a planned lighting sequence and a planned duration of each light color of one or more signal lights included in the signal light device; observing a change event of one or more reference lights among the one or more signal lights; and generating the signal information based on the stored time table and the observation time of the observed change event, wherein the signal information includes a plurality of data sections including a planned lighting sequence of the one or more signal lights and a planned duration in seconds of each light color, with the light color immediately after the change event being the first, and a reference time representing the start time of the first data section of the plurality of data sections, and in the step of generating the signal information, the observation time of the change event, which is in the past with respect to the generation time of the signal information, is adopted as the reference time.

[0007] A computer program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a computer program that causes a computer to function as a device that generates signal information that represents the future operating state of a signal light device, and causes the computer to function as: a memory unit that stores a time table that includes the planned lighting order of one or more signal lights included in the signal light device and the planned duration of each light color; an observation unit that observes change events of one or more reference lights among the one or more signal lights; and an information processing unit that generates the signal information based on the stored time table and the observation time of the observed change event, wherein the signal information includes a plurality of data parts that include the planned lighting order of the one or more signal lights and the planned duration in seconds of each light color, with the light color immediately after the change event being the first, and a reference time that represents the start time of the first data part of the plurality of data parts, and the information processing unit adopts the observation time of the change event, which is in the past with respect to the generation time of the signal information, as the reference time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information providing system. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of an SSU. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the information generating device. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a table showing an example of the format of the current stage table. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a table showing another example of the format of the current stage table. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a table showing an example of a header portion of signal information generated by the information processing unit. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a table showing an example of the data portion of the signal information generated by the information processing unit. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a table showing another example of the header portion of the signal information generated by the information processing unit. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a table showing another example of the data portion of the signal information generated by the information processing unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a time chart showing an example of a method for generating signal information. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the information generation process. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a plurality of change events that can be set in one cycle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] <Problems to be solved by this disclosure> In the signal information providing device of Patent Document 1, if the traffic signal controller is not connected to a traffic control center, the providing device cannot obtain a signal control plan from another device. In addition, in Patent Document 1, the expected number of seconds for each signal light color is transmitted to the vehicle at the timing when the signal light changes to a predetermined color (for example, green), and then the expected number of seconds for the displayed signal light color is periodically transmitted to the vehicle while decreasing the expected number of seconds. However, this method of providing the expected number of seconds cannot provide an accurate expected number of seconds in the case of a communication system with a large fluctuation in delay time.

[0010] In view of the above-described conventional problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an information generating device capable of providing more accurate signal information.

[0011] <Advantages of this disclosure> According to the present disclosure, more accurate signal information can be provided.

[0012] <Outline of the embodiment of the present invention> Hereinafter, an outline of an embodiment of the present invention will be listed and described. (1) The information generating device of this embodiment is a device that generates signal information that represents the future operating state of a signal light device, and includes: a memory unit that stores a time table that includes the planned lighting order of one or more signal lights included in the signal light device and the planned duration of each light color; an observation unit that observes change events of one or more reference lights among the one or more signal lights; and an information processing unit that generates the signal information based on the stored time table and the observation time of the observed change event, wherein the signal information includes a plurality of data parts that include the planned lighting order of the one or more signal lights and the planned duration in seconds of each light color, with the light color immediately after the change event being the first, and a reference time that represents the start time of the first data part of the plurality of data parts, and the information processing unit adopts the observation time of the change event, which is in the past with respect to the generation time of the signal information, as the reference time.

[0013] According to the information generating device of this embodiment, the traffic light information includes a plurality of data sections, including the planned lighting order of the traffic lights and the planned duration in seconds of each light color, with the light color immediately after the change event being the first, and a reference time that indicates the start time of the first of the plurality of data sections.Therefore, a vehicle receiving the traffic light information can use the reference time included in the traffic light information to calculate the planned duration in seconds of the traffic light light color (the duration in seconds of the light color that will be lit in the future). Therefore, even in the case of a communication system in which delay time fluctuates significantly, more accurate signal information can be provided to vehicles.

[0014] According to the information generating device of this embodiment, the information processing unit uses the observation time of a change event that is in the past relative to the generation time of the traffic light information as the reference time, so that traffic light information can be output immediately after the observation of a change event of the reference light. Therefore, the freshness of the traffic light information can be improved compared to when a time in the future relative to the time when the traffic light information was generated is used as the reference time.

[0015] (2) In the information generating device of this embodiment, the observation unit may observe the change event one or more times during one cycle, and the information processing unit may generate the signal information based on at least one of the observation times of the one or more observed change events. In this way, the freshness of the traffic light information can be improved compared to when the traffic light information is generated at the first timing of one cycle.

[0016] (3) In the information generating device of this embodiment, the observation unit may observe the change event multiple times during one cycle, and the information processing unit may generate the signal information each time the change event is observed during one cycle. In this way, the freshness of the signal information can be improved compared to when the observed change event is fixed to once per cycle.

[0017] (4) In the information generating device of this embodiment, the reference light may be any of a plurality of signal lights included in the signal light device, and the change event observed during one cycle may be an event observed due to at least one of the start and end of lighting of the reference light. In this way, a change event can be observed even if there is no change in at least one of the multiple signal lights.

[0018] (5) In the information generating device of this embodiment, the reference light may be any one of the signal lights included in the signal light device, and the change event observed multiple times during one cycle may be an event observed when the one signal light starts to light up and stops to light up. In this way, multiple change events that may occur during one cycle can be detected simply by observing one arbitrary signal light, making it easier to implement the information generating device than when observing multiple signal lights.

[0019] (6) In the information generating device of this embodiment, the information processing unit may determine whether or not there is a time discrepancy based on the difference between the observation time of the change event and the scheduled time of the change event in the generated traffic light information. In this way, when there is a time lag, the observation time of the change event is used as the reference time, thereby effectively ensuring the accuracy of the traffic signal information.

[0020] (7) In the information generating device of this embodiment, the information processing unit may set the reference time to a time obtained by subtracting a delay time required to calculate the observation time of the change event from the reference time. In this way, more accurate signal information can be generated compared to when the delay time is not taken into consideration.

[0021] (8) In the information generating device of this embodiment, the information processing unit may measure the time by using a time synchronization function of a mobile communication system. In this way, when a mobile communication system is used for wireless communication with a vehicle, accurate signal information can be provided to the vehicle.

[0022] (9) In the information generating device of this embodiment, the information processing unit may determine that the signal lamp is in offset tracking operation, estimate the planned duration of each light color during tracking, and generate the signal information. In this way, even when the traffic signal controller is performing offset tracking, appropriate signal information can be generated.

[0023] (10) In the information generating device of this embodiment, the storage unit may store the time limit table received from a predetermined server. This eliminates the need for traffic engineers to input and set time tables, making it easier to set up the information generating device.

[0024] (11) The information generation system of this embodiment is a system including the above-mentioned observation unit and a server device that communicates with the above-mentioned observation unit via a communication network, and the server device incorporates the above-mentioned storage unit and information processing unit. Therefore, the information generation system of this embodiment has the same effects as the information generation devices of (1) to (10) above.

[0025] (12) The information generation method of this embodiment relates to an information generation method executed by the information generation device of (1) to (10) described above. Therefore, the information generation method of this embodiment has the same effects as the information generation device of (1) to (10) described above.

[0026] (13) A computer program according to this embodiment relates to a program that causes a computer to function as the information generating device according to any one of (1) to (10) above. Therefore, the computer program according to this embodiment has the same effects as the information generating device according to any one of (1) to (10) above.

[0027] <Details of the embodiment of the present invention> DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. At least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any desired manner.

[0028] [Overall system configuration] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information providing system 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, an information providing system 1 of this embodiment includes a plurality of traffic light devices 2 installed at an intersection J, a traffic signal controller 3, an information generating device 4, and the like.

[0029] The traffic light device 2 is installed on a pole 2A (see FIG. 3) located near an intersection J. The traffic light device 2 of FIG. 1 has traffic lights for vehicles that include a blue light, a yellow light, and a red light. However, the vehicle lights of the signal lamps 2 may also include arrow signal lights such as right turn arrow lights. Also, the intersection J may include signal lamps 2 consisting of pedestrian signal lights.

[0030] The traffic signal controller 3 is a power control device that controls the turning on and off of a plurality of signal lights included in the signal light device 2. The traffic signal controller 3 is installed near the intersection J. The traffic signal controller 3 may be either a standalone type that is not connected to the central device of the traffic control center by a dedicated line (such as a telephone line), or a centralized type that is connected to the dedicated line. Note that this embodiment assumes a standalone type that is not controlled by the central device.

[0031] The information generating device 4 is a device that generates signal information 21 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) in a predetermined format that indicates the future operating state of the signal lamp device 2, and outputs it to the outside. Specifically, the information generating device 4 is a device that stores an indication stage table 20 (see Figure 4) of multiple signal lights included in the signal light device 2, observes changes in the state of a reference light (e.g., a green light on a main road or a secondary road) among the multiple signal lights, and generates signal information 21 based on the signal control plan defined in the indication stage table and the observation results.

[0032] The public communication network 7 includes an information center that collects traffic light information 21 and a distribution center that distributes information to vehicles 5. The information generating device 4 transmits the generated traffic light information 21 to an external device such as the information center or the distribution center. However, the external device to which the traffic light information 21 is transmitted may be the in-vehicle communication device 6 of the vehicle 5. In other words, the information generating device 4 may transmit the generated traffic light information 21 directly to the vehicle 5 without going through a center.

[0033] The information generating device 4 includes a housing 40 , an information generating unit 41 housed in the housing 40 , and a communication unit 42 housed in the housing 40 . The housing 40 may be composed of separate first and second housings. In this case, the information generating device 4 is composed of a "first device" in which the information generating unit 41 is housed in the first housing, and a "second device" in which the communication unit 42 is housed in the second housing.

[0034] The information generating unit 41 detects the timing of a state change (start or end of lighting) of the reference light based on the amount of current or voltage supplied to the reference light. The information generating unit 41 has a phase stage table 20 (see FIG. 4) currently applied to the traffic signal controller 3. The information generation unit 41 generates signal information 21 (see Figures 5 and 6) in a predetermined format based on the state change time of the reference light and the current stage table 20, and outputs the generated signal information 21 to the communication unit 42.

[0035] The communication unit 42 is, for example, a wireless station (wireless communication device) that communicates with other wireless stations in accordance with a predetermined communication standard. Specifically, the communication unit 42 is a wireless communication device that communicates with a wireless base station (not shown) in accordance with a mobile communication standard such as LTE (4G) or fifth generation (5G). In this case, the signal information 21 wirelessly transmitted by the communication unit 42 is transmitted to the LTE or 5G compatible in-vehicle communication device 6 via a public communication network 7 including an LTE or 5G mobile communication network.

[0036] The communication unit 42 may be an ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) radio device that uses a dedicated band in the 700 MHz band. In this case, the traffic light information 21 wirelessly transmitted by the communication unit 42 is directly transmitted to an ITS-compatible in-vehicle communication device 6 mounted on a vehicle 5 traveling on the approach road to the intersection J. The communication unit 42 may not be a wireless communication device, but may be a communication device that is connected to a wireless communication device (not shown) via a communication cable and communicates with the wireless communication device via a wired connection.

[0037] [Internal structure of a traffic signal controller] 1, the traffic signal controller 3 includes a control unit 31, a memory unit 32, a light device driving unit 33, and a connection terminal block 34. These units are housed in a single housing 30. The control unit 31 is made up of a control board on which one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units), a temporary recording medium made up of a volatile memory, and the like are mounted.

[0038] The storage unit 32 is made up of a non-transitory recording medium such as a non-volatile memory in which a computer program is recorded. The data stored in the memory unit 32 includes an indication stage table 20 (see Figure 4) for fixed-period control, and a control program for causing the CPU to execute power control of the signal lamp 2 in accordance with the indication stage table 20.

[0039] The phase step table 20 is made up of a signal control plan that defines whether each signal light of the signal light device 2 is turned on or off for each step in one cycle. Hereinafter, the "phase step table 20" will also be referred to as the "time limit table 20." The setting values ​​of the time limit table 20 for the memory unit 32 of the traffic signal controller 3 are determined, for example, by a traffic business entity (such as a prefectural police), and the settings of the time limit table 20 are input, for example, by a traffic engineer belonging to the traffic business entity.

[0040] The control unit 31 determines the timing for switching on / off the signal lights included in the signal light device 2 at the intersection J based on the set number of seconds for each stage defined in the time limit table 20. Specifically, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the state of each signal light needs to be switched at the next stage of the local time (current time) of the aircraft, and outputs a control signal to the light driving unit 33 to turn on or off the signal light that is determined to need to be switched at the time of switching to the next stage.

[0041] Although the time limit table 20 defines the set number of seconds for each stage, it does not include time information such as the start time of each stage. In addition, after the light color of the last step in the time table is lit for a set number of seconds, it returns to the first step and continues to light cyclically from then on. One cycle is defined as the period from the first step to the last step in the time table.

[0042] The lamp driving section 33 is made up of a control board on which a solid state relay unit (hereinafter referred to as "SSU") 35 corresponding to each signal lamp 2 is mounted. The SSU 35 turns on and off the voltage supplied to each signal light (such as blue light, yellow light, and red light) included in the signal light device 2 in response to a control signal input from the control unit 31. This causes the signal light color of the signal light device 2 to change at the timing when the control unit 31 inputs the control signal. The power supply voltage supplied to each signal light of the signal light device 2 is, for example, AC 100V from the commercial power source 8.

[0043] The connection terminal block 34 is an output distribution type terminal block having a plurality of input / output ports and a one-input / two-output branch structure. The plurality of power lines 9 leading to the semiconductor relays 37A to 37C (see FIG. 2) of the SSU 35 are respectively connected to the plurality of input ports of the connection terminal block 34. The plurality of power lines 9 leading to each signal light of the signal light device 2 are respectively connected to the plurality of output ports on one side of the connection terminal block 34.

[0044] In the example of FIG. 1, for simplicity of illustration, the SSU 35 and the signal light unit 2 are connected by a single power line 9. However, the number of power lines 9 actually connecting the SSU 35 and the signal light unit 2 is equal to the number of lights included in the signal light unit 2. The power line 9 is also connected to the other output port of the connection terminal block 34. The power line 9 connected to the other output port is connected to an information generating unit 41 of the information generating device 4. Therefore, the AC output by the SSU 35 to each signal lamp of the signal lamp unit 2 is also applied to the information generating unit 41.

[0045] [Internal structure of SSU] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the SSU 35. As shown in FIG. 2, the SSU 35 of the traffic signal controller 3 includes an interface unit 36 ​​and a plurality of semiconductor relays 37A to 37C corresponding to each signal light (e.g., blue light, yellow light, red light, etc.) included in one signal light device 2.

[0046] The input terminals of the plurality of semiconductor relays 37A to 37C are connected in parallel to a power source such as a commercial power source 8. The output terminal of the semiconductor relay 37A for the blue light is connected to the power line 9A leading to the blue light. Similarly, the output terminal of the semiconductor relay 37B for the yellow light is connected to the power line 9B leading to the yellow light, and the output terminal of the semiconductor relay 37C for the red light is connected to the power line 9C leading to the red light.

[0047] The interface unit 36 ​​is made up of, for example, a voltage conversion circuit that converts an input signal into an output signal of a predetermined voltage that can drive a relay. The interface unit 36 ​​outputs switching signals for the semiconductor relays 37A to 37C in response to an input signal (on / off control signal) from the control unit 31. Each of the semiconductor relays 37A to 37C has a built-in switch, and connects or disconnects the power lines 9A to 9C to the commercial power source 8 in response to the switching signal input from the interface unit 36.

[0048] For example, when turning on the blue light of the signal light device 2, the semiconductor relay 37A for the blue light switches the built-in switch to connect the power line 9A to the commercial power supply 8. The same applies when turning on the yellow light and red light of the signal light device 2. Conversely, when turning off the blue light of the signal light device 2, the semiconductor relay 37A for the blue light switches the built-in switch to disconnect the power line 9A from the commercial power source 8. The same applies when turning off the yellow light and red light of the signal light device 2.

[0049] [Internal configuration of information generating device] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the information generating device 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 40 of the information generating device 4 accommodates an information generating unit 41 and a communication unit 42. The information generating unit 41 includes a circuit board 43, a connector 44, and a data generating unit 45. The connector 44 and the data generating unit 45 are attached to the circuit board 43.

[0050] The connector 44 is a one-input / one-output non-distributed terminal block with multiple input / output ports. The total number of input / output ports of the power line 9 that can be connected to the connector 44 is the number of lighting devices required to observe change events, which will be described later. The power lines 9 leading to the connection terminal block 34 of the traffic signal controller 3 are connected to the input ports of the connector 44, respectively.

[0051] 3, the data generation unit 45 of this embodiment includes, in order from the input side (left side of FIG. 3) to the output side (right side of FIG. 3), a current conversion unit 46, a voltage conversion unit 47, a control unit 48, and a storage unit 52. The storage unit 52 is made up of a recording medium including a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory.

[0052] The current conversion unit 46 is, for example, a photocoupler 49. The current conversion unit 46 has a plurality of input / output ports in one-to-one correspondence, and is capable of current conversion for each port. The power lines 9 leading to the output ports of the connector 44 are connected to the input ports of the current converter 46. Alternating current (e.g., AC 100V) input to the input ports of the current converter 46 is converted into direct current of a predetermined voltage (e.g., 12V) and output.

[0053] For example, a voltage conversion transceiver is used as the voltage conversion unit 47. The voltage conversion unit 47 has a plurality of input / output ports in one-to-one correspondence, and is capable of DC voltage conversion for each port. Signal lines 50 leading to output ports of the current conversion unit 46 are connected to the input ports of the voltage conversion unit 47. A direct current (e.g., DC 12 V) input to the input port of the voltage conversion unit 47 is converted into a direct current of a predetermined voltage (e.g., 5 V) and output.

[0054] The control unit 48 is made up of an integrated circuit having input ports Pj (j=1, 2 . . . n). Signal lines 51 leading to the output ports of the voltage conversion unit 47 are connected to the input ports Pj of the control unit 48, respectively. The control unit 48 is configured with a CPU that executes a computer program read into memory. The control unit 48 may be configured with an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or may include an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0055] The control unit 48 has an observation unit 48A and an information processing unit 48B as functional units realized by a CPU etc. A direct current (for example, DC 5V) input to the input port Pj is used by the observation unit 48A to determine the state of a predetermined reference light. Specifically, the observation unit 48A compares the input voltage to the input port Pj with a predetermined threshold (e.g., 3V), and determines that the signal light corresponding to the input port Pj that is above the threshold is on, and determines that the signal light corresponding to the input port Pj that is below the threshold is off.

[0056] For example, it is assumed that the correspondence between each signal lamp of the signal lamp device 2 on the main road at intersection J and the input port Pj is defined in the storage unit 52 of the data generation unit 45 as follows: Blue light on the main road → Input port P1 Yellow light on main road → Input port P2 Red light on main road → Input port P3

[0057] In this case, the observation unit 48A determines that the blue light on the main road is on (lit) if the input voltage of the input port P1 is above the threshold, and determines that the blue light on the main road is off (unlit) if the input voltage of the input port P1 is below the threshold. Similarly, the observation unit 48A determines that the yellow light on the main road is on (lit) if the input voltage of input port P2 is above the threshold, and determines that the yellow light on the main road is off (unlit) if the input voltage of input port P2 is below the threshold.

[0058] Similarly, the observation unit 48A determines that the red light on the main road is on (lit) if the input voltage of input port P3 is above the threshold, and determines that the red light on the main road is off (unlit) if the input voltage of input port P3 is below the threshold. The observation unit 48A can also perform the same state determination as above for the traffic lights included in the secondary roads installed at the intersection J.

[0059] The main road is one of the intersecting roads at intersection J (for example, the road with more lanes), and the secondary road is the other of the intersecting roads at intersection J (for example, the road with fewer lanes). Furthermore, the observation unit 48A does not need to observe the start or end of lighting of all signal lights included in the signal light device 2, but rather it is sufficient to observe the start or end of lighting of a predetermined reference light that has been set in advance (for example, a blue light on a main road or a blue light on a secondary road).

[0060] The storage unit 52 of the data generating unit 45 stores the indication stage table (time table) 20 currently being applied to the traffic signal controller 3. The setting values ​​of the time table 20 in the memory unit 52 of the data generation unit 45 are determined, for example, according to the setting values ​​of the traffic signal controller 3, and the setting input of the time table 20 is performed, for example, by a traffic engineer belonging to the traffic business entity. Note that the communication unit 42 may receive a communication packet including the time table 20 from a predetermined server, and the received time table 20 may be recorded in the memory unit 52 of the data generation unit 45. In this case, it is not necessary for a traffic engineer to perform the setting input.

[0061] The data generation unit 45 can measure the current time using a local clock device (not shown) included in the data generation unit 45. The clock device of the data generation unit 45 is, for example, a device that measures time using a synchronization function of a mobile communication system. If the information generating device 4 is equipped with a GNSS (Global Positioning System) receiver such as a GPS (Global Positioning System), the timekeeping device of the data generating unit 45 may be a device that acquires and synchronizes time from the GNSS. In this case, time can also be measured with high accuracy. If the information generating device 4 is connected to a predetermined server or the Internet, time synchronization may be performed using NTP (Network Time Protocol).

[0062] The information processing unit 48B generates signal information 21 in a predetermined format based on the observation time of a change event indicating the start of lighting of a predetermined reference light observed by the observation unit 48A and the time limit table 20 recorded in memory, and outputs the generated signal information 21 to the communication unit 42. The communication unit 42 generates a predetermined communication packet including the signal information 21 input from the information processing unit 48B, and transmits the generated communication packet. The details of the information generation process (FIG. 8) executed by the information processing unit 48B will be described later.

[0063] [Example of format for the current stage table] FIG. 4A is a table showing an example of the format of the indicated stage table (time table) 20. FIG. 4B is a table showing another example of the format of the phased stage table (time table) 20. As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the phase step table (time table) 20 includes the planned lighting sequence of multiple signal lights and the planned duration of each light color. More specifically, the phase step table 20 is made up of a signal control plan that defines the duration in seconds (planned lighting time) of the signal light colors of the main road and the secondary road for each step included in one cycle. Figures 4A and 4B show an example in which one cycle includes six steps, but it may also include seven or more steps.

[0064] 4A and 4B show examples of staircase settings that are only for vehicle signal lights, but if pedestrian lights are also present, staircases may be set using a combination of light colors that includes those. For example, after a staircase that reads "vehicle lights on the main road are green, pedestrian lights on the main road are green, vehicle lights on the secondary road are red, and pedestrian lights on the main road are red," the next staircase would be "vehicle lights on the main road are green, pedestrian lights on the main road are flashing green, vehicle lights on the secondary road are red, and pedestrian lights on the main road are red." Also, even if the combination of light colors is the same, it may be divided into multiple stages. For example, if the duration of time is extended / shortened by sensory control, a stage with a fixed duration of time is set next to a stage with the same combination of light colors but with a variable duration of time.

[0065] The displayed stage table (time table) 20 includes a plurality of types of tables 20A and 20B that are applicable to different time periods. For example, the time limit table 20 includes two types: a first time limit table 20A illustrated in FIG. 4A, in which the usage time period is from 07:00 to 17:00, and a second time limit table 20B illustrated in FIG. 4B, in which the usage time period is from 17:00 to 7:00.

[0066] In the first time period table 20A, the duration of step 1 is defined as 69 seconds, the duration of step 2 is defined as 3 seconds, the duration of step 3 is defined as 3 seconds, the duration of step 4 is defined as 49 seconds, the duration of step 5 is defined as 3 seconds, and the duration of step 6 is defined as 3 seconds. In this way, the time table 20 defines the duration in seconds of each stage, but does not include time information such as the start time of each stage.

[0067] The control unit 31 of the traffic signal controller 3 measures the current time using a local timing device (not shown) included in the controller, and switches between the first and second time limit tables 20A and 20B to be applied to the intersection J depending on the measured current time. That is, the control unit 31 reads out the time table 20 corresponding to the current time from the multiple time tables 20A, 20B stored in the memory unit 32, and switches the signal light color of the signal light device 2 based on the time table 20 that has been read out.

[0068] 4A and 4B show an example in which the time limit table 20 changes depending on the time period, but it is also possible to use the same time limit table 20 all day. Furthermore, the time limit table 20 may not only be changed depending on the time period, but may also be changed depending on the day of the week or on special days such as holidays. 4A and 4B illustrate an example in which the duration of each floor is fixed, but there are also traffic signals that extend or shorten specific floors in combination with vehicle detectors, such as bus priority control. In this case, the maximum extension time or maximum shortening time is also recorded in the time limit table 20.

[0069] [Signal information format example] Fig. 5A is a table showing an example of a header portion of signal information 21 generated by information processing section 48B. Fig. 5B is a table showing an example of a data portion of signal information generated by information processing section 48B. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the signal information 21 is made up of tabular data having a "header section" and a plurality of "data sections i" (i=1, 2, . . . ). The "header section" includes fields for "generation time" and "reference time." The "generation time" indicates the time value (absolute time) at which generation of the signal information 21 is completed. The "reference time" indicates the start time (absolute time) of the first data section 1.

[0070] The fields of "main road light color," "secondary road light color," and "planned number of seconds" are associated with "data section i" (i=1, 2, etc.). Therefore, the arrangement of multiple data sections i represents the planned lighting order of multiple signal lights and the planned duration of each light color in seconds. In this case, if the light colors are the same for adjacent stages in the time limit table 20, each light color may be grouped into one data section i. In the following, an example is shown in which the division of the stage and the division of the light color match.

[0071] The data section i is data corresponding to each stage after number conversion is performed on the stages in the time table 20 according to the following conditions 1 to 4. Note that "m" below is the number of the stage that starts immediately after the change event of the observation target, and "n" is the total number of stages included in the time table 20 (n=6 in the example of Figure 4).

[0072] Condition 1: Data section i (1≦i≦n-m+1) corresponds to stage (i+m-1). Therefore, the first data section 1 corresponds to stage m, which starts immediately after the change event of the observation target. Condition 2: Data section i (n-m+2≦i≦2n-m+1) corresponds to the stage (i+m-1-n).

[0073] Condition 3: Data section i (2n-m+2≦i≦3n-m+1) corresponds to the stage (i+m-1-2n). Condition 4: When defining data section i after i=3n-m+2, n levels are cyclically assigned in the same manner as above.

[0074] "Main road light color" refers to the light color of signal light 2 on the main road at intersection J. "Minor road light color" refers to the light color of signal light 2 on the minor road at intersection J. "Expected number of seconds" refers to the number of seconds that the data section i will continue for (the number of seconds that corresponds to "Number of seconds that will continue" in time limit table 20). The information processing unit 48B performs number conversion according to the above conditions 1 to 4 on the time limit table 20 recorded in the storage unit 52, and determines the information to be written in each field of the main road light color, the secondary road light color, and the expected number of seconds corresponding to the data part i. The traffic light information 21 in Figure 5 is traffic light information when "main road green light on" is set as the change event to be observed.

[0075] In this case, the information processing unit 48B writes the values ​​of the main road light color, the secondary road light color, and the duration in seconds of the stage (stage 1 in Figure 4) that starts immediately after the observed change event (the main road green light turning on) in the ``main road light color,'' ``secondary road light color,'' and ``planned number of seconds'' in the data unit 1. In addition, the information processing unit 48B writes the values ​​of the main road light color, the secondary road light color, and the duration in seconds of the second stage (stage 2 in Figure 4) counting from the observed change event (main road green light turned on) in the ``main road light color,'' ``secondary road light color,'' and ``planned number of seconds'' in the data unit 2.

[0076] Thereafter, the information processing unit 48B performs similar processing on the data portion 3 and subsequent data portions, and generates signal information 21 including a predetermined number of data portions i (i=1, 2, . . . ). The predetermined number of data sections i to be included in the traffic light information 21 is arbitrary, but if the observation period of a change event is one cycle, it is preferable to include data sections i (i=1, 2, etc.) for a time period exceeding at least one cycle. Note that the traffic light information 21 in Fig. 5 includes data sections 1 to 12 for two cycles.

[0077] Fig. 6A is a table showing another example of the header portion of the signal information 21 generated by the information processing unit 48B. Fig. 6B is a table showing another example of the data portion of the signal information generated by the information processing unit 48B. The traffic light information 21 in FIGS. 6A and 6B is traffic light information when "secondary road green light on" is set as the change event to be observed.

[0078] In this case, the information processing unit 48B writes the values ​​of the main road light color, the secondary road light color, and the duration in seconds of the step (step 4 in Figure 4) that starts immediately after the observed change event (the secondary road turning green) in the ``main road light color,'' ``secondary road light color,'' and ``planned number of seconds'' in the data unit 1. In addition, the information processing unit 48B writes the values ​​of the main road light color, the secondary road light color, and the duration in seconds of the second stage (stage 5 in Figure 4) counting from the observed change event (the secondary road turning green) in the ``main road light color,'' ``secondary road light color,'' and ``planned number of seconds'' in the data unit 2.

[0079] Thereafter, the information processing unit 48B performs similar processing on data section 3 and onwards to generate signal information 21 including a predetermined number of data sections i (i=1, 2, ...). Note that the signal information 21 in Fig. 6 also includes data sections 1 to 12 for two cycles.

[0080] As shown in Figures 5B and 6B, the traffic light information 21 in this embodiment includes the light color of the signal light device 2 for each floor ("main road light color" and "secondary road light color" in Figures 5B and 6B) and the duration in seconds of each floor ("expected number of seconds" in Figures 5B and 6B), as well as a plurality of data parts i (i = 1, 2 ...) with the floor immediately after the change event as the first data part 1, and a reference time indicating the start time of the first data part 1 of the plurality of data parts i.

[0081] Therefore, the vehicle 5 that receives the traffic light information 21 can calculate the expected number of seconds for the light color of the traffic light device 2, which is the number of seconds for which the light color will be displayed in the future, using the reference time included in the traffic light information 21. Therefore, even in the case of a communication system in which there is a lot of fluctuation in delay time, such as a communication system that communicates via the public communication network 7, more accurate traffic light information can be provided to the vehicle 5.

[0082] In addition, in the signal information 21 of Figures 5B and 6B, a time value is used as the value to be written in the expected number of seconds (continuous number of seconds) field, but it is also possible to use a format in which the expected number of seconds field writes the start time value and end time value of each data section i. Furthermore, since the reference time means the start time of the data section 1, when the above format is adopted, the reference time field may be omitted from the header section.

[0083] The traffic light information 21 in Figures 5B and 6B uses a format that stores information on each road of the traffic light 2, but it is also possible to use a format that stores information on only one road, or that hierarchizes by road and further groups the data section by light color. For example, when hierarchizing the information in Fig. 5B by road, first, data sections 1 to 3 and 4 to 6 for the main road light color can be set to "green 69 seconds," "yellow 3 seconds," and "red 58 seconds," respectively, and then data sections 1 to 7 for the secondary road light color can be set to "red 75 seconds," "green 49 seconds," "yellow 3 seconds," "red 78 seconds," "green 49 seconds," "yellow 3 seconds," and "red 3 seconds." Furthermore, the first "red 75 seconds" in the cycle following "red 3 seconds" can be combined to set data section 7 for the secondary road light color to "red 78 seconds."

[0084] Furthermore, the traffic light information 21 in Figures 5B and 6B uses a format in which the light colors of the traffic light devices 2 are simply divided by road, but it is also possible to use a format in which the light colors of the traffic light devices 2 are further divided by the direction of travel of the vehicle 5. In this case, for example, in the case of a signal lamp 2 having a right-turn arrow light, a format can be adopted in which, when the right-turn arrow light is lit, the light is "red" for vehicles turning left or going straight, and a "right-turn arrow" for vehicles turning right.

[0085] Furthermore, in the signal information 21 of FIG. 5B and FIG. 6B, the number of data sections is set to two cycles, and the expected number of seconds for the second and subsequent cycles is set to the same as that for the first cycle, but this is not limiting. For example, if it is not possible to specify the expected number of seconds for the data section corresponding to the second cycle or later, such as when there are multiple types of tables that apply to different time periods, a format may be adopted in which the expected number of seconds for the relevant data section is undetermined, or a format may be adopted in which the expected minimum and maximum values ​​are recorded.

[0086] [Specific example of a method for generating signal information] FIG. 7 is a time chart showing an example of a method for generating the traffic light information 21. In FIG. In Fig. 7, time t progresses from left to right, and "Ej" (j = 1, 2 ...) is a change event to be observed. Here, the change event Ej is assumed to be an event that is observed once per cycle (such as a green light on the main road or a green light on the secondary road).

[0087] 7, "Cj" (j=1, 2...) is the cycle of intersection J, and "tj" (j=1, 2...) is the observation time of change event Ej that occurs at the start of cycle Cj. Also, "uj" is the generation time of traffic light information 21, and "Di" (i=1 to 12) is the data portion included in one traffic light information 21.

[0088] Generation pattern 1 shown in Figure 7 is a generation method related to the comparative example, in which when a change event E1 occurring at the start of the current cycle C1 is observed, the future time (=t1+130) obtained by adding the cycle time to the observation time t1 of the change event E1 is recorded in the reference time field of the signal information 21. Therefore, the traffic light information 21 based on the generation pattern 1 has data portions D1 to D12 from the start of the next cycle C2 onwards. In this case, the vehicle 5 can use the received traffic light information 21 to predict the change in light colour from the next cycle C2 onwards.

[0089] Generation pattern 1 is based on the idea that in order for all data portions i to be future schedule information, the reference time (=t1+130) of the traffic light information 21 should be a time in the future with respect to the generation time u1 of the traffic light information 21. The traffic light information 21 including the data portions D1 to D6 corresponding to the current cycle C1 is transmitted in the previous cycle C0. Therefore, the vehicle 5 can predict the light color change in the current cycle C1 using the traffic light information 21 received in the previous cycle C0.

[0090] Generation pattern 2 shown in Figure 7 is a generation method performed by the information generation device 4 of this embodiment, in which when a change event E1, which is the start point of the current cycle C1, is observed, the observation time t1 of the change event E1 is recorded in the reference time field of the signal information 21. Therefore, the traffic light information 21 based on the generation pattern 2 has data portions D1 to D12 from the start of the current cycle C1 onwards. In this case, the vehicle 5 can use the received traffic light information 21 to predict changes in light colour from the current cycle C1 onwards.

[0091] Generation pattern 2 is based on the idea that even if some data sections Di (e.g., data section D1) from the beginning become past actual information, the remaining data sections Di are valid as future scheduled information, and therefore it is acceptable for the reference time (=t1) of the traffic light information 21 to be a time in the past relative to the generation time u1 of the traffic light information 21. Furthermore, if the time difference between the observation time t1 and the generation time u1 is relatively short (for example, about 1 to several seconds), the first data section 1 of the signal information 21 will be past performance information, but the second and subsequent data sections 2 to 12 will be information representing the future operating state of the signal light device 2.

[0092] In the case of generation pattern 1, traffic light information 21 for one cycle in the future is provided, so if a time deviation occurs during the current cycle C1, the reference time (=t1+130) of the transmitted traffic light information 21 cannot be corrected. Therefore, there is a possibility that inaccurate traffic light information 21 will be provided. In contrast, in the case of generation pattern 2, traffic light information 21 including data sections D1 to D6 of the current cycle C1 is provided, and therefore the freshness of the traffic light information 21 can be improved by determining whether or not there is a time lag using the observation time t2 of the next change event E2.

[0093] Specifically, when a change event E2 that occurs at the start of cycle C2 is observed, it is possible to determine whether a time deviation has occurred during cycle C1 depending on the difference between the observation time t2 of change event E2 and the scheduled time. Here, the scheduled time of the change event E2 is the occurrence time of the change event E2 scheduled in the traffic signal information 21 generated in the cycle C1, and in FIG. 7 is the start time (=t1+130) of the data portion D7.

[0094] For example, if the absolute value of t2-(t1+130) is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold Th (e.g., 0.1 seconds), it can be assumed that there was a time shift during cycle C1, and therefore the observation time t2 of change event E2 can be adopted as the reference time ts of signal information 21 for cycle C2. Furthermore, if the absolute value of t2-(t1+130) is less than the predetermined threshold value Th, the scheduled time (=t1+130) of the change event E2 may be adopted as the reference time ts of the traffic light information 21 of the cycle C2. Here, the threshold value Th may be set appropriately according to the observation method, taking into consideration the observation error and a significant value.

[0095] [Contents of information generation process] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of information generation processing by the information processing unit 48B. The information generation process of FIG. 8 is a process when executing generation pattern 2 of FIG. 7, and is executed at predetermined processing intervals (for example, 0.1 seconds). As shown in FIG. 8, the information processing unit 48B of the information generating device 4 first determines whether or not a change event Ej of the observation target has been observed (step S10).

[0096] If the determination result in step S10 is negative, the information processing unit 48B skips the processes from steps S11 to S17 and ends the process. If the determination result in step S10 is affirmative, the information processing unit 48B extracts the scheduled time of the change event Ej specified in the stored signal information 21 (in the example of FIG. 7, the start time of D7) (step S11).

[0097] Next, the information processing unit 48B determines whether the absolute value of the difference between the observation time tj and the scheduled time is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value Th (step S12). If the determination result in step S12 is affirmative, the information processing unit 48B stores the value of the observation time tj in the field of the reference time ts of the signal information 21 (step S13). If the determination result in step S12 is negative, the information processing unit 48B stores the scheduled time in the field of the reference time ts of the traffic light information 21 (step S14).

[0098] Next, the information processing unit 48B executes a process of creating a data portion i to be included in the signal information 21 (step S15). The creation process includes the following processes a and b. Process a: According to the above conditions 1 to 4, the step immediately after the change event Ej is set as the first data section 1, and the multiple steps following the step of data section 1 are assigned in order as multiple data sections 2, 3, etc. Process b: In the fields of main road light color, secondary road light color, and scheduled number of seconds of each data section i, the information of the stage extracted from the time limit table 20 (main road light color, secondary road light color, and duration in seconds) is entered.

[0099] Next, the information processing unit 48B stores the current time in the generation time field of the traffic light information 21 (step S16), and outputs the stored traffic light information 21 to the communication unit 42 (step S17), and ends the process. When the communication unit 42 receives the signal information 21 from the information processing unit 48B, it immediately transmits the received signal information 21 and then continues the transmission process of the signal information 21 at a predetermined transmission period (for example, 1 second).

[0100] [Variations of change events] Although FIG. 7 illustrates a case where a change event Ej of an observation target occurs in each cycle, a plurality of change events may be set within one cycle. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a plurality of change events Xk (k=1 to 4) that can be set in one cycle. In FIG. 9, the following four types of change events X1 to X4 are shown as examples.

[0101] Change event X1: Green light on main road begins to light up Change event X2: Yellow light on main road starts to light up Change Event X3: Green light on secondary road begins to light up Change event X4: Yellow light on secondary road starts to light up

[0102] The occurrence of change events X1 to X4 may be determined by the end of lighting of the previous signal light. Specifically, the occurrence of change event X1 may be determined by the end of lighting of the red signal light on the main road, and the occurrence of change event X2 may be determined by the end of lighting of the green signal light on the main road. Alternatively, the occurrence of the change event X3 may be determined by the end of the red light on the secondary road, and the occurrence of the change event X4 may be determined by the end of the green light on the secondary road.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 9, when a plurality of change events X1 to X4 are set in one cycle, the information generation process of FIG. 8 is executed each time a change event X1 to X4 occurs. In this case, new traffic light information 21 is generated and output each time a change event X1 to X4 occurs, so the freshness of the traffic light information 21 can be improved compared to when the number of observed change events is fixed at one per cycle.

[0104] [First Modification] In the above-described embodiment, any one of the signal lights included in the signal light device 2 may be set as a reference light, and multiple change events X1 and X2 may be observed based on the start and end of lighting of that one signal light (for example, a blue light on a main road). In this case, by simply observing one signal light, it is possible to detect multiple change events X1 and X2 that may occur during one cycle. Therefore, compared to when observing multiple signal lights, the implementation of the information generating device 4 is simpler.

[0105] [Second Modification] In the above-described embodiment, the information processing unit 48B may subtract the delay time τ required to calculate the observation time tj of the change event Ej from the reference time of the traffic signal information 21, and set the result as the reference time. In this way, more accurate signal information 21 can be generated compared to when the delay time τ is not taken into consideration.

[0106] [Third Modification] In the above-described embodiment, the reference lights may be any of a plurality of signal lights included in the signal light device 2, and the change events observed during one cycle may be observed by at least one of the start and end of lighting of the reference lights. In this case, a change event can be observed even if there is no change in at least one of the multiple signal lights.

[0107] For example, assume that the sequence of light color changes over a predetermined period of time for the green, yellow, and red signal lights included in one signal light device 2 is as follows: Note that an arrow (→) indicates a change in state, and a slash ( / ) indicates a continuation of a state. Blue: Off → On → Off / Off Yellow: Off / Off → On → Off Red: On → Off / Off → On

[0108] In this case, to be able to observe the state change (→) as a change event, for example, the green light and the yellow light may be selected as reference lights, and in this way, a change event can be observed even during a period when there is no change in the red light (a period when the red light remains off).

[0109] Also, the sequence of light color changes over a predetermined period of time for the green signal light, yellow signal light, red signal light, and right-turn arrow signal light included in one signal light device 2 is as follows: An arrow (→) indicates a change in state, and a slash ( / ) indicates a continuation of the state. Blue: Off / Off / Off Yellow: Off / Off / Off Red: On / On / On Right turn arrow: off → on → off

[0110] In this case, to be able to observe the change event of the state change (→), it is sufficient to select, for example, the right turn arrow light as the reference light, and in this way, it is possible to observe the change event even during the period when there is no change in the green light, yellow light, and red light (the period when these signal lights continue to be turned off or on).

[0111] [Fourth Modification] In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the case where the signal lamp 2 is installed at a crossroads intersection J where a main road and a secondary road intersect is illustrated, but the installation location of the signal lamp 2 is not limited to this. For example, the traffic light 2 may be a traffic light installed at a T-junction, a three-way intersection, or an intersection with five or more intersections. Furthermore, the traffic light 2 may be a traffic light for vehicles installed not at an intersection but at the front and rear of a pedestrian crossing on a straight road in the direction of travel of vehicles.

[0112] Furthermore, the traffic light 2 may be a traffic light for vehicles 5 passing alternately, which is installed near the entrance of a tunnel or bridge where two-way traffic is not possible, such as uphill or downhill. If the signal light 2 is a signal light for alternating traffic, the signal light 2 does not necessarily need to be provided with multiple signal lights, and the right of way of the vehicle 5 may be indicated by lighting only one signal light (for example, a blue light).

[0113] [Fifth Modification] In the above embodiment, the traffic lights at the relevant intersections operate independently according to the time table 20, but another method of signal control is coordinated control. Coordinated control is a control method that aims to create a smooth traffic flow by synchronizing the timing of the change in the light color of signals installed at multiple intersections lined up on a route with a predetermined offset. In coordinated control, the traffic signal controller 3 may have an offset tracking function.

[0114] Offset tracking is a function that adjusts the cycle seconds over multiple cycles to prevent a sudden change in offset when switching from time table 20A to 20B depending on the time period, as shown in Figure 4. In such offset tracking, the information generating device 4 may generate traffic light information by observing the time of a change event to determine that offset tracking has started, and then determining that generating traffic light information during tracking is difficult and stopping generation, or by estimating the operation of offset tracking and generating information. Furthermore, if accurate estimation is difficult, a format that indicates minimum and maximum values ​​within the range of seconds that can be adjusted in the specifications may be adopted.

[0115] [Other Modifications] The above-described embodiment (including the modified examples) is illustrative in all respects and is not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and it is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0116] In the above-described embodiment, the information generating device 4 may be built into the traffic signal controller 3. Alternatively, the control unit 48 of the data generating unit 45 may execute only the function of the observation unit 48A, and the functions of the storage unit 52 and information processing unit 48B of the data generating unit 45 may be incorporated into a server device (for example, an edge server) connected to the public communication network 7. In this case, the observation unit 48A of the data generation unit 45 transmits the on / off state of the signal light to the server device (information processing unit 48B) via wireless communication, and the server device generates signal information based on the received on / off information. In this way, the device 4 in Fig. 3 functions as a light color observation device, and an information generation system including the device 4 and the server device can be configured.

[0117] In the above-described embodiment, a current sensor may be used to detect the on / off state of the signal light included in the signal light device 2. As such a current sensor, a clamp-type AC current sensor or a CT (Current Transformer) sensor that can detect the current in the power line 9 in a non-contact manner may be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1 Information provision system 2 Signal lights 2A strut 3 Traffic signal controller 4 Information generation device 5 vehicles 6. In-vehicle communication device 7 Public communication networks 8 Commercial power supply 9. Power Lines 9A~9C power line 20 Current ladder table (time table) 20A~20C Current ladder table (time table) 21 Traffic Signal Information 30 Case 31 Control Unit 32 Storage section 33 Lighting unit drive unit 34 Connection terminal block 35 SSU 36 Interface section 37A~37C Solid State Relays 40 cabinets 41 Information generation section 42 Communications Department 43 Circuit Board 44 connectors 45 Data Generation Unit 46 Current conversion section 47 Voltage conversion unit 48 Control Unit 48A Observation Section 48B Information Processing Department 49 Photocoupler 50 signal line 51 Signal line 52 Storage section

Claims

1. A device that generates signal information representing the future operating state of a signal light, A storage unit that stores a timetable including the planned lighting sequence of one or more signal lights included in the signal light unit and the planned duration of each light color, An observation unit that observes change events of one or more reference lights among the one or more signal lights, The system comprises an information processing unit that generates the signal information based on the stored timetable and the observed time of the observed change event, The signal information includes a plurality of data sections, the first of which is the color of the light immediately following the change event, and includes the planned lighting sequence of one or more signal lights and the planned duration in seconds for each light color.

2. The observation unit observes the change event one or more times during one cycle, The information generating device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing unit generates the signal information based on at least one of the observation times of one or more observed change events.

3. The observation unit observes the change event multiple times during one cycle, The information generating device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing unit generates the signal information each time the change event is observed during one cycle.

4. The reference lamp is any multiple signal lamps among the signal lamps included in the signal lamp, The information generating device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the change event observed during one cycle is observed by at least one of the start and end of illumination of the reference lamp.

5. The reference lamp is any one of the signal lamps included in the signal lamp, The information generating device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the change event observed multiple times during one cycle is observed by the start and end of illumination of one signal light.

6. The information generating device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the information processing unit determines whether or not there is a time discrepancy based on the difference between the observation time of the change event and the scheduled time of the change event in the generated signal information.

7. The information generating device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the information processing unit measures the time using the time synchronization function of a mobile communication system.

8. The information generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the information processing unit determines that the signal lamp is performing offset tracking operation, estimates the planned duration of each lamp color during tracking, and generates the signal information.

9. The information generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 89, wherein the storage unit stores the timetable received from a predetermined server.

10. A server device that generates signal information representing the future operating state of a signal lamp, An information generation system comprising: an observation unit that remotely observes change events of one or more reference lights among the one or more signal lights included in the signal light unit, The aforementioned observation unit is The aforementioned server device is connected to a communication network, The observed change event of the reference lamp is transmitted to the server device. The server device is A storage unit that stores a timetable including the planned lighting sequence of one or more signal lights included in the signal light unit and the planned duration of each light color, The system includes an information processing unit that generates the signal information based on the stored timetable and the observation time of the change event received from the observation unit, The signal information includes a plurality of data sections, the first of which is the color of the light immediately following the change event, and includes the planned lighting sequence of one or more signal lights and the planned duration in seconds for each light color.

11. A method for generating signal information representing the future operating state of a signal lamp, The steps include storing a timetable that includes the planned lighting sequence of one or more signal lights included in the signal light unit and the planned duration of each light color, The steps include observing a change event of one or more reference lights among the one or more signal lights, The process includes the step of generating the signal information based on the stored timetable and the observed time of the observed change event, The signal information includes a plurality of data sections, the first of which is the color of the light immediately following the change event, and includes the planned lighting sequence of one or more signal lights and the planned duration in seconds for each light color.

12. A computer program that causes a computer to function as a device for generating signal information representing the future operating state of a signal lamp, wherein the computer is A storage unit that stores a timetable including the planned lighting sequence of one or more signal lights included in the signal light unit and the planned duration of each light color, An observation unit that observes change events of one or more of the aforementioned signal lights, It functions as an information processing unit that generates the signal information based on the stored timetable and the observation time of the observed change event. The signal information is a computer program that includes a plurality of data sections, starting with the color immediately following the change event, which includes the planned lighting sequence of one or more signal lights and the planned duration in seconds for each light color.

Images