Traffic control system, lane information processing device, and lane information processing method

Abstract

This traffic control system makes it easier to understand lane changes, even when road construction involves lane changes, and facilitates the reflection of changes in traffic conditions resulting from lane changes into traffic control. [Solution] The traffic control system includes an acquisition unit, a temporary lane information acquisition unit, a temporary lane editing unit, and a traffic control unit. The acquisition unit acquires traffic information for multiple roads, which includes at least one of sensor information from vehicle detection sensors that sense the passage status of vehicles and event information that indicates the content of events that may be involved in changes in the passage status of roads. The temporary lane information acquisition unit acquires temporary lane information that indicates the form of a temporary lane that can be used when some lanes are designated as construction lanes when repair or renovation work is carried out on a road composed of multiple lanes. The temporary lane editing unit edits the road's lane information based on the temporary lane information. The traffic control unit executes traffic control on the road based on the edited lane information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a traffic control system, a lane information processing device, and a lane information processing method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a road (e.g., a highway, etc.), a traffic control system for ensuring smooth driving of vehicles has been put into practical use. The traffic control system acquires detection data of sensors installed on the roadside or the like, image information captured by roadside cameras, driving information provided from vehicle-to-road communication, vehicles, drivers, etc., the content of events (accidents, disabled vehicles, fallen objects, etc.) occurring on the road, information such as weather conditions, etc. By analyzing these pieces of information, the traffic control system generates traffic jam information, information regarding speed limits, driving restrictions and their restricted ranges, arrival prediction time information for each destination, detour information, caution information when driving, etc. Then, the generated information is provided to users. The information is provided, for example, by displaying it via an information board installed on the road, outputting it to a terminal installed in a service area or the like, a terminal mounted on a vehicle, a terminal carried by a driver or the like, a broadcasting facility, etc.

[0003] The traffic control system performs operations such as acquisition of various pieces of information, analysis results, and display of information provided to road users using a display on an individual operation desk or a large display installed in a control room. A route map showing the shape of the road is displayed on the display on the operation desk or the large display, and by associating and displaying this route map with various pieces of information, individual controllers' control operations and information sharing in the entire control room can be efficiently performed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0005] By the way, regular maintenance is necessary to ensure the safe use of roads over the long term. In particular, renewal work (repair and maintenance) due to aging may require repairing the road surface or replacing bridge decks, and may necessitate large-scale and long-term road construction. In such cases, road closures may be necessary to carry out the work, but it is sometimes required to maintain existing traffic flow while construction is being carried out for an extended period. For example, the alignment of the lanes in use may be changed, and a separate lane (temporary lane) may be created to allow traffic to pass through (this is sometimes called lane shifting).

[0006] When lane shifts are implemented, information indicating the construction site and details is sometimes displayed on the control room's control panel display or large screen on the existing route map using marks or symbols to inform control operators. However, this presents a problem in that it is difficult to visualize the lane situation after the lane shift, making it difficult to intuitively grasp the traffic situation. Furthermore, there may be discrepancies between the actual traffic flow in the shifted lane and the traffic flow shown on the route map displayed on the screen. This discrepancy can affect not only the traffic situation at the construction site but also the road area before and after it, potentially leading to a decrease in the accuracy of traffic regulation content and regulation areas, and thus a decrease in the accuracy of traffic control.

[0007] Therefore, even when road construction involves lane changes, if it is possible to easily understand the status of lane changes and to easily reflect the changes in traffic conditions resulting from these lane changes in traffic control, it would be beneficial to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and usability of traffic control. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The traffic control system according to this embodiment includes an acquisition unit, a temporary lane information acquisition unit, a temporary lane editing unit, and a traffic control unit. The acquisition unit acquires traffic information for multiple roads, which includes at least one of sensor information from vehicle detection sensors that sense the passage status of vehicles and event information that indicates the content of events that may be involved in changes in the passage status of the roads. The temporary lane information acquisition unit acquires temporary lane information that indicates the form of a temporary lane that can be used when some of the lanes are designated as construction lanes when repair or renovation work is carried out on a road composed of multiple lanes. The temporary lane editing unit edits the lane information of the road based on the temporary lane information. The traffic control unit performs traffic control on the road based on the edited lane information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an exemplary and schematic block diagram showing a traffic control system including a lane information processing unit (lane information processing device) according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an illustrative and schematic diagram showing the lane configuration of a road before lane shifting, which is the subject of processing by the lane information processing unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an illustrative and schematic diagram showing the lane configuration after lane shifting of a road that is processed by the lane information processing unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an illustrative and schematic diagram showing other lane configurations after lane shifting of a road that is processed by the lane information processing unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an illustrative and schematic diagram showing that an accident has occurred as an event in the lane configuration after a lane shift on a road that is processed by the lane information processing unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an illustrative and schematic diagram showing that the lane information processing unit according to the embodiment can display an actual image showing the traffic situation in the lane configuration after lane shift of the road to be processed. [Figure 7]Figure 7 is an illustrative and schematic diagram showing the status of regulations associated with an accident that occurred in the lane configuration after a lane shift on a road that is processed by the lane information processing unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an illustrative and schematic diagram illustrating the content of additional information, in addition to regulations, related to accidents that occur in the lane configuration after lane shifting of a road, which is the subject of processing by the lane information processing unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an illustrative and schematic diagram illustrating the processing flow between the lane information processing unit, the traffic control system, and related components according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The configurations of the embodiments described below, as well as the operations and results (effects) brought about by these configurations, are merely examples and are not limited to the following descriptions.

[0011] The traffic control system of this embodiment not only implements conventional traffic control processing, but also improves the reliability and usability of traffic control processing by enabling the editing of information related to lane changes (lane shifts) that occur due to road construction, and outputting the edited content as appropriate.

[0012] Figure 1 is an exemplary and schematic block diagram showing a traffic control system 100 including a lane information processing unit (lane information processing device) according to an embodiment.

[0013] The traffic control system 100 is broadly composed of a traffic information management unit 10 and a traffic control room unit 12.

[0014] The traffic information management unit 10 acquires various types of information related to traffic control and, based on the acquired information, generates and outputs, as traffic control information for each road (each lane), for example, traffic jam information, speed limit and driving restriction information and information on the scope of such restrictions, arrival prediction time information for each destination, detour information, cautionary information when driving, etc.

[0015] The traffic control room unit 12 is the control work space (control room) of the controller and is a facility for performing operations such as acquisition (input) work and processing operation work of various information handled by the traffic information management unit 10, traffic control work based on various information and that information, and sharing of traffic control results. The traffic control room unit 12 includes a large display 12a that shows a lane diagram indicating the roads (lanes) to be controlled. The large display 12a can share the traffic situation and its transition state within the control room by displaying the lane diagram and superimposing various information detected in each lane, traffic control information related to each lane, etc.

[0016] In addition, the traffic control room unit 12 includes a plurality of operation desks 12b that can be operated by monitors. The operation desks 12b are terminal devices that can be individually operated by the controller and are equipped with a desktop display and input devices (keyboard, mouse, etc.). The same content as or equivalent information to the display content of the large display 12a can be displayed on the desktop display.

[0017] Note that the traffic information management unit 10 may be installed in the traffic control room unit 12, or may be installed in a different space (room) or a different facility from the traffic control room unit 12.

[0018] The traffic information management unit 10 includes a processing unit 14, a lane information processing unit 16 (lane information processing device), a storage unit 18, an input reception unit 20, a display processing unit 22, etc. In the case of FIG. 1, for simplicity of illustration, the traffic information management unit 10 is shown as one unit, but it may be composed of a plurality of units having a similar configuration.

[0019] The processing unit 14 controls the overall operation of the traffic information management unit 10 and realizes the various functions of the traffic information management unit 10. The processing unit 14 can be composed of computer resources such as a general PC or server. In other words, the processing unit 14 can be composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and a storage unit such as an HDD (hard disk drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). The processing unit 14 reads a processing program installed and stored in a non-volatile storage unit such as a ROM or SSD, and realizes various modules according to the processing program. The processing unit 14 realizes modules such as a receiving control unit 14a, an acquisition unit 14b, a traffic control unit 14c, and a transmission control unit 14d.

[0020] The receiving control unit 14a performs receiving control on sources of traffic information, such as a vehicle detector S1, a smartphone S2, an in-vehicle device Ma in a vehicle M, and roadside communication equipment RF.

[0021] The vehicle detector S1 collects information such as traffic volume (vehicles / h), average vehicle speed (km / h), vehicle density (vehicles / km), and occupancy rate (%) for both the uphill and downhill lanes of the road under control, and transmits this information to the acquisition unit 14b. Although separate vehicle detectors S1 are provided for the uphill and downhill lanes, one detector may be used for both lanes.

[0022] Smartphone S2 is an information terminal carried by users of vehicle M, and by, for example, registering as a user with the traffic information management unit 10, it can transmit location information, traffic-related information, and accident information (so-called "tweet" information, etc.) to the acquisition unit 14b.

[0023] The onboard device Ma of vehicle M collects probe information, which is driving history information such as the vehicle's position (latitude, longitude, altitude), speed, acceleration, direction of travel, date and time, as time-series vehicle information, using a detection system such as GPS (Global Positioning System). The probe information can be transmitted to the acquisition unit 14b via the roadside communication equipment RF.

[0024] The roadside communication equipment RF is, for example, an ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) spot installed on the roadside of a road (e.g., a highway), and is capable of communicating with an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System) 2.0 on-board unit (on-board unit Ma). The roadside communication equipment RF receives probe information (e.g., driving history information such as vehicle position, speed, date and time) from vehicles M that pass nearby on both the uphill and downhill lanes, and transmits the received probe information to the acquisition unit 14b.

[0025] The acquisition unit 14b acquires information usable for traffic control from sources of traffic information such as vehicle detectors S1, smartphones S2, on-board devices Ma in vehicles M, and roadside communication equipment RF. The acquisition unit 14b can acquire event information such as accident information on the road recognized by the police, broken-down vehicle information, and fallen object information based on reports from road users, etc. Event information can be used when performing traffic control. Event information may also be acquired through various information provision services. In addition, the acquisition unit 14b may acquire information usable for traffic control and setting information entered by controllers, etc., via the input reception unit 20. The acquisition unit 14b stores the acquired information in the storage unit 18.

[0026] The traffic control unit 14c recognizes the degree of congestion in each section of a road (e.g., a highway) and the occurrence of events (e.g., traffic accidents, broken-down vehicles, fallen objects, etc.) based on the various information acquired by the acquisition unit 14b. The traffic control unit 14c then generates traffic control information based on the recognition results, such as information on congestion, speed limits, driving restrictions and their restricted areas, estimated arrival time information for each destination, detour information, and warning information for when driving. The controller may also determine and supply information on congestion, speed limits, driving restrictions and their restricted areas, estimated arrival time information for each destination, detour information, and warning information to the traffic control unit 14c, or modify the results generated by the traffic control unit 14c, based on the various information acquired by the acquisition unit 14b and the recognition results of the traffic control unit 14c.

[0027] The transmission control unit 14d performs control to provide traffic control information generated by the traffic control unit 14c to controllers and road users. The transmission control unit 14d displays the traffic control information on the large display 12a or the desktop display of the control console 12b. By displaying the traffic control information on the large display 12a or the desktop display of the control console 12b, it becomes possible to share traffic control information and carry out traffic control work.

[0028] Furthermore, the transmission control unit 14d appropriately transmits traffic control information to, for example, information boards D, smartphones S2, on-board devices Ma in vehicles M, roadside communication equipment RF, etc.

[0029] Information board D is a large display device installed on the roadside, etc., and is a device that can provide traffic control information to road users (drivers, etc.) mainly using text information, symbols, simplified figures, etc. However, information board D has a limited display area, and there are restrictions on the number and size of characters that can be displayed in order to ensure visibility. For this reason, the transmission control unit 14d may control the transmission of traffic control information to be transmitted to information board D according to a predetermined distribution priority based on the urgency, impact, and type of information of the traffic control information to be transmitted. Alternatively, the transmission control unit 14d may sequentially transmit the traffic control information to be transmitted to information board D, and information board D may determine the display order, etc., according to the content of the traffic control information and display it sequentially.

[0030] The transmission control unit 14d sequentially provides traffic control information that can be handled by the smartphone S2. The smartphone S2 provides the user with the received traffic control information (such as congestion information, speed limits, driving restrictions and their restricted areas, estimated arrival time information for each destination, detour information, and warning information) using, for example, a dedicated application.

[0031] Similarly, the transmission control unit 14d sequentially provides traffic control information that can be handled by the vehicle's in-vehicle device Ma (e.g., a navigation system). The in-vehicle device Ma provides the user with the received traffic control information (information on congestion, speed limits, driving restrictions and their restricted areas, estimated arrival time information for each destination, detour information, warning information, etc.) in the form of images and audio.

[0032] The transmission control unit 14d provides the generated traffic control information, for example, warning information that is effective in a specific area, to the roadside communication equipment RF. When a vehicle traveling on the road (lane) reaches the communication area of ​​the roadside communication equipment RF, the roadside communication equipment RF provides the warning information to the onboard device Ma of the vehicle M, and provides it to the driver, etc.

[0033] Next, we will explain the lane information processing unit 16 (lane information processing device).

[0034] As described above, the lane information processing unit 16 can edit information related to lane changes (lane shifts) when lane changes are implemented due to road construction on roads subject to traffic control, and can output the edited content as appropriate. The lane information processing unit 16 is composed of, for example, a CPU, ROM, RAM, and a storage unit such as an HDD or SSD. The lane information processing unit 16 reads an editing processing program installed and stored in a non-volatile storage unit such as a ROM or SSD, and implements various modules according to the editing processing program. The lane information processing unit 16 implements modules such as a temporary lane information acquisition unit 16a, a temporary lane editing unit 16b, and an output unit 16c.

[0035] The temporary lane information acquisition unit 16a acquires temporary lane information indicating the type of temporary lane that can be used when some lanes are designated as lanes for construction work during road repair or maintenance work on a road composed of multiple lanes. The temporary lane information may be acquired by the temporary lane information acquisition unit 16a by, for example, a control operator manually inputting it using an input device such as a keyboard or mouse. In another embodiment, the temporary lane information acquisition unit 16a may automatically acquire temporary lane information included in the construction plan information by referring to a construction plan management system or the like.

[0036] Temporary lane information includes information such as the increase or decrease in the number of lanes and the direction of travel. Temporary lane information also includes information on the shape and type of temporary lanes newly created due to construction. The temporary lane shape information includes information for displaying temporary lanes on lane diagrams shown on large displays 12a and desktop displays on control consoles 12b. The temporary lane type information includes information indicating temporary uphill lanes, temporary downhill lanes, temporary driving lanes, temporary overtaking lanes, etc.

[0037] Furthermore, the temporary lane information acquisition unit 16a may acquire event information as temporary lane information, which indicates the content of events that may be involved in changes in the passage conditions of the temporary lane (for example, traffic accidents, broken-down vehicles, fallen objects, etc.). Event information may be acquired via the acquisition unit 14b of the processing unit 14, or it may be acquired directly from the police, road management offices, road users, etc.

[0038] The temporary lane information acquisition unit 16a may acquire additional information that may be added to the temporary lane in response to an event. This additional information may include, for example, information regarding speed limits and driving restrictions and their restricted areas before and after the location of an event (e.g., an accident), and information to warn drivers when driving.

[0039] The temporary lane editing unit 16b can edit lane information of the road before construction based on the temporary lane information acquired by the temporary lane information acquisition unit 16a. The temporary lane editing unit 16b can be used by a controller to edit lane information manually, for example, using an input device such as a keyboard or mouse. The controller can use the temporary lane editing unit 16b to perform edits such as adding temporary lanes, changing existing lanes to temporary lanes, or changing lane types, based on the temporary lane information. In addition, the controller can use the temporary lane editing unit 16b to perform edits such as adjusting the display position of events occurring on the temporary lane (e.g., accidents), adding information such as speed limits, driving restrictions and their restricted areas, and warning information, based on event information.

[0040] Furthermore, the temporary lane editing unit 16b may automatically perform editing processes related to these temporary lanes by referring to the editing history of temporary lanes that have been edited in the past and the editing history of edits made when similar events have occurred in the past. Alternatively, the controller may manually edit the automatically edited content. Details of temporary lane editing will be described later.

[0041] The output unit 16c sequentially outputs the editing results from the temporary lane editing unit 16b. The output unit 16c provides the editing results of the temporary lane to the traffic control unit 14c of the processing unit 14, allowing traffic control processing to be carried out with the temporary lane information reflected in the existing road (lane). Alternatively, the output unit 16c may output information and additional information regarding the temporary lane directly to each output device (for example, the onboard device Ma of the vehicle M) without going through the processing unit 14.

[0042] Furthermore, the output unit 16c may output information regarding temporary lanes and additional information to the Automated Driving Management Center AD or the Automated Driving ECU (electronic control unit) Me of the Automated Driving-compatible vehicle M. The Automated Driving Management Center AD can, for example, communicate with the Automated Driving-compatible vehicle M and provide services such as acceleration / deceleration control, vehicle speed control, braking control, and steering control of the Automated Driving-compatible vehicle M based on the acquired Automated Driving information, including information regarding temporary lanes and additional information.

[0043] Furthermore, if information regarding temporary lanes or additional information is provided to the automated driving ECUMe, the automated driving ECUMe may reflect the information regarding temporary lanes and additional information in the various detection results that the vehicle M acquires in order to perform automated driving, and then perform automated driving.

[0044] In this way, by providing the lane information processing unit 16 with edited temporary lane information and additional information to the autonomous driving-compatible vehicle, it is possible to contribute to improving the accuracy and efficiency of autonomous driving. For example, if an event (such as an accident) occurs in the temporary lane, the system can smoothly recognize areas that should not be entered and perform automatic control such as lane changes or speed control in advance to avoid entering those areas.

[0045] The memory unit 18 is a rewritable, non-volatile memory unit that can store data even when the power to the traffic information management unit 10 is turned off. The memory unit 18 stores standard information related to existing roads (lanes), such as shape information, kilometer post information, road name information, lane type information, lane-specific information, and installation location information for vehicle detectors S1 and roadside communication equipment RF.

[0046] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 14b stores current and past traffic information, historical information on past events, and historical information on the responses to those events in a searchable format. The traffic control unit 14c can perform efficient traffic control processing by referring to this information.

[0047] The memory unit 18 may also store the information acquired by the temporary lane information acquisition unit 16a. By using the information stored in the memory unit 18, the temporary lane information acquisition unit 16a can contribute to improving the efficiency and accuracy of editing information related to temporary lanes.

[0048] The input receiving unit 20 receives input information from the input device of the control console 12b and supplies it to the acquisition unit 14b. Information input to the lane information processing unit 16 may be performed using the control console 12b, or a dedicated input device may be provided. If the lane information processing unit 16 is equipped with a dedicated input device, the lane information processing unit 16 will also be equipped with an input receiving unit to receive input information.

[0049] The display processing unit 22 controls the display when the traffic control results of the traffic control unit 14c of the processing unit 14 are displayed on a large display 12a or a desktop display on the control console 12b. The display processing unit 22 can adjust the display size and layout, adjust the display priority when displaying multiple pieces of information, and adjust the display mode (display color, blinking, etc.).

[0050] In Figure 1, an example is shown in which the lane information processing unit 16 (lane information processing device) is included in the traffic information management unit 10. In other embodiments, the lane information processing unit 16 (lane information processing device) may be provided independently of the traffic information management unit 10 and may be configured to cooperate with the traffic information management unit 10. In this case, the lane information processing unit 16 (lane information processing device) may include a dedicated storage unit, input device, display device, etc.

[0051] The process of editing temporary lanes in response to lane shifts due to construction, performed by the lane information processing unit 16 included in the traffic control system 100 configured as described above, will be explained using the examples shown in Figures 2 to 8.

[0052] Figure 2 is an illustrative and schematic diagram showing the lane configuration of road R before lane shifting, which is the target of processing by the lane information processing unit 16. In other words, Figure 2 shows the lane configuration (alignment) of the existing road R before construction, and is a partial route diagram showing road R with two lanes in each direction, consisting of an uphill driving lane 24a and an uphill passing lane 24b, and a downhill driving lane 26a and a downhill passing lane 26b.

[0053] Figure 3 is an illustrative and schematic diagram showing the lane configuration of road R after lane shifting, which is the target of processing by the lane information processing unit 16. As mentioned above, when construction is carried out on road R, the temporary lane information acquisition unit 16a acquires temporary lane information indicating the configuration of the temporary lane that will be made available due to the construction (lane shifting). The temporary lane editing unit 16b can then edit the lane configuration based on the temporary lane information.

[0054] In the example shown in Figure 3, the temporary lane editing department 16b has edited the uphill passing lane 24b and downhill passing lane 26b before the lane shift to lanes 28a and 28b, which are subject to long-term construction. Then, on the route map, temporary lanes that can be used when construction is being carried out on lanes 28a and 28b are shown as a temporary uphill driving lane 30a and a temporary uphill passing lane 30b, and a temporary downhill driving lane 32a and a temporary downhill passing lane 32b. In this case, the temporary uphill driving lane 30a can be formed by utilizing the shoulder located to the left of the uphill driving lane 24a in the direction of travel before the lane shift.

[0055] Additionally, the temporary uphill passing lane 30b is created by changing the lane type (editing) of the uphill driving lane 24a before the lane shift. Similarly, the temporary downhill driving lane 32a can be formed by utilizing the shoulder located to the left of the downhill driving lane 26a in the direction of travel before the lane shift. Furthermore, the temporary downhill passing lane 32b is created by changing the lane type (editing) of the downhill driving lane 26a before the lane shift.

[0056] Once construction is completed on lanes 28a and 28b, which are the long-term construction sections shown in Figure 3, the temporary uphill passing lane 30b in Figure 3 will be designated as lane 28a in the long-term construction section, and the completed lane 28a will be reverted to the uphill passing lane 24b (Figure 2). Similarly, the temporary downhill passing lane 32b will be designated as lane 28b in the long-term construction section, and the completed lane 28b will be reverted to the downhill passing lane 26b (Figure 2). Once construction is completed to convert the temporary uphill passing lane 30b and temporary downhill passing lane 32b in Figure 3 into lanes 28a and 28b, which are the long-term construction sections, the lane type will be returned to the state shown in Figure 2, thereby completing construction on the entire road R (two lanes in each direction).

[0057] Figure 4 is an illustrative and schematic diagram showing other lane configurations after lane shifting on road R, which is processed by the lane information processing unit 16.

[0058] In the example shown in Figure 4, the temporary lane editing department 16b changes (edits) the uphill driving lane 24a and uphill passing lane 24b before the lane shift (Figure 2) to the lanes 28a and 28b that are the target of the long-term construction section. Then, the downhill driving lane 26a and downhill passing lane 26b before the lane shift are changed (edited) to the uphill driving lane 30a and downhill driving lane 32a. In other words, by temporarily changing the direction of travel, the lanes are changed to temporary lanes of one lane each in the uphill and downhill sections, making it possible to carry out construction for a long period of time.

[0059] Once construction is completed on lanes 28a and 28b, which are the long-term construction section shown in Figure 4, the temporary northbound lane 30a and temporary southbound lane 32a in Figure 4 will be swapped with lanes 28a and 28b in the long-term construction section, and construction will be carried out on the lanes that have not yet been worked on. The lanes on the completed side will then be designated as the temporary northbound lane 30a and temporary southbound lane 32a. Once construction is completed to convert the temporary northbound lane 30a and temporary southbound lane 32a in Figure 4 into lanes 28a and 28b, which are the long-term construction section, the lane types will be returned to the state shown in Figure 2, thereby completing construction on the entire road R (two lanes in each direction).

[0060] In this way, by sequentially shifting the lanes between the temporary lanes and the lanes in the long-term construction section, it is possible to carry out long-term construction while maintaining traffic flow. Furthermore, by sequentially editing the lanes on the route map according to the available temporary lanes in the lane information processing unit 16 (temporary lane information acquisition unit 16a), the route map displayed on the large display 12a or the desktop display of the control console 12b can be made to correspond to actual traffic. As a result, even when road construction involving lane changes is carried out, it becomes easier for traffic controllers to grasp the status of lane changes, and it becomes easier to reflect changes in traffic conditions based on lane changes in traffic control, thereby contributing to improved efficiency, accuracy, and usability of traffic control.

[0061] Figure 5 is an illustrative and schematic diagram showing an accident occurring as an event in the lane configuration after a lane shift on a road that is processed by the lane information processing unit 16. Figure 5 shows the lane configuration after a lane shift, as explained in Figure 3.

[0062] When the temporary lane information acquisition unit 16a acquires event information (for example, accident information), the temporary lane editing unit 16b can display a mark TP indicating the occurrence of an event (accident) at an appropriate location on the uphill overtaking lane 30b, which is designated as a temporary lane due to long-term construction. As a result, air traffic controllers who check the route map displayed on the large display 12a or the desktop display of the control console 12b, which reflects the temporary lane, can more easily grasp the situation and make appropriate decisions regarding the event.

[0063] Furthermore, if the temporary lane information acquisition unit 16a acquires event information (for example, accident information), the controller may manually display the mark TP. In this case, since the temporary lane is reflected on the route map, it becomes possible to input the location where the event occurred more accurately, making it easier to grasp the situation and make appropriate decisions regarding the event.

[0064] Figure 6 is an illustrative and schematic diagram showing that the lane information processing unit 16 can display actual image CVs showing traffic conditions in the lane configuration after lane shifts on the road to be processed. Roadside cameras capable of capturing actual traffic conditions on road R may be installed at multiple locations on the road to be controlled. Roadside cameras may be installed at predetermined intervals, or they may be installed at locations where events are likely to occur (locations with a high frequency of congestion or accidents). Camera switches CS are displayed on the large display 12a and the desktop display of the control console 12b, which reflect the temporary lanes, at locations corresponding to the installation locations of the roadside cameras.

[0065] Note that in Figure 6, only one location is shown for simplification, but in reality, multiple locations can be installed. By operating the camera switch CS, the actual image CV captured by the roadside camera is displayed along with the route map, allowing for detailed confirmation of traffic information along the route. For example, if an event occurs in a temporary lane, displaying the actual image CV of the location where the event occurred can improve the accuracy of assessing the situation of the event (e.g., an accident) and making appropriate decisions regarding response.

[0066] Furthermore, the impact of an event on traffic flow can occur not only at the event location but also in surrounding and distant areas. In such cases, displaying actual CV images from roadside cameras in surrounding and distant areas on a route map that reflects temporary lanes makes it easier to effectively reflect the traffic conditions that may change due to the event in traffic control.

[0067] Furthermore, the camera switch CS may allow adjustments to the field of view, shooting direction, and zoom of the roadside camera. In this case, more useful real-world image CV information can be obtained, contributing to improved accuracy and quality of traffic control, including the use of temporary lanes.

[0068] Figure 7 is an illustrative and schematic diagram showing the regulatory situation associated with an accident (event) that occurred in the lane configuration after a lane shift on a road that is processed by the lane information processing unit 16.

[0069] As described above, event information (mark TP) is automatically or manually entered into the temporary lane that becomes available due to long-term construction. At this time, the temporary lane editing unit 16b displays traffic control information TS, such as necessary traffic restrictions in the sections before and after construction or accident cleanup, on the route map that reflects the temporary lane, based on the entered event information (e.g., accident information). As a result, it is possible to contribute to the implementation of more appropriate traffic control on the route map that reflects the temporary lane.

[0070] Figure 8 is an illustrative and schematic diagram illustrating the content of additional information, in addition to regulations, associated with accidents (events) that occur in the lane configuration after lane shifting on road R, which is the subject of processing by the lane information processing unit 16.

[0071] As shown in Figure 7, when event information (mark TP) due to the occurrence of an event is entered automatically or manually and regulatory information TS is displayed, the temporary lane editing unit 16b may display additional information in conjunction with the regulatory information TS. The additional information is, for example, information that corresponds to the event information in the temporary lane where an event (e.g., an accident) has occurred (e.g., a temporary uphill overtaking lane 30b), as well as information that is appropriate to the characteristics and type of the temporary lane, and is displayed at an appropriate location in the temporary lane.

[0072] For example, immediately before the restriction information TS based on event information (mark TP), lane change information RC is displayed because vehicle M is required to change lanes. In addition, in temporary lanes, prohibition information ES is displayed between the restricted section and the lane change section to provide a buffer zone where entry into the restricted section is prohibited in order to prevent rear-end collisions and entry into the restricted section.

[0073] Additionally, in the adjacent temporary lane (upbound driving lane 30a) where the event is occurring, lane changes may occur from the temporary lane (temporary upbound overtaking lane 30b) where the event is occurring. To ensure safety in this situation, a speed limit may be imposed in the adjacent temporary lane (upbound driving lane 30a). Therefore, speed limit information ST will be displayed based on the location where the event occurred.

[0074] Furthermore, temporary lanes extending in the opposite direction from the temporary lane where the event is occurring (temporary uphill overtaking lane 30b) (downhill overtaking lane 32b, downhill driving lane 32a) are unaffected by the event (e.g., an accident), so normal driving information SR is displayed, indicating that drivers should continue driving as usual. However, temporary lanes near the opposite side of the event (accident site) (downhill overtaking lane 32b, downhill driving lane 32a) may experience speed reductions or congestion due to distracted driving. Therefore, warning information SH, etc., which alerts drivers to speed reductions, may be displayed in temporary lanes near the opposite side of the event (e.g., an accident) site (downhill overtaking lane 32b, downhill driving lane 32a).

[0075] As described above, the output unit 16c of the lane information processing unit 16 can output information and additional information regarding temporary lanes, as shown in Figures 2 to 8, to the automated driving management center AD or the automated driving ECUMe of the automated driving-enabled vehicle M. As a result, the automated driving-enabled vehicle M can more appropriately implement acceleration / deceleration control, vehicle speed control, braking control, steering control, etc., corresponding to the temporary lane it is actually driving in, based on the automated driving information including the acquired information and additional information regarding temporary lanes. This contributes to improving the accuracy and reliability of automated driving control.

[0076] Figure 9 is an illustrative and schematic diagram illustrating the processing flow between the lane information processing unit 16, the traffic control system 100, and related components.

[0077] Figure 9 shows, as an example, the processing flow between the control console 12b, lane information processing unit 16, roadside camera C, traffic control system 100, related agency office RO, large display 12a, and automated driving management center AD, divided into processing flows F1, F2, and F3. In the example in Figure 9, manual input operations and displays during input operations in the lane information processing unit 16 are shown to be performed using the control console 12b on the traffic control room unit 12 side.

[0078] Processing flow F1 is a flow for displaying temporary lanes and manually editing temporary lanes on the control panel 12b.

[0079] For example, if the lane information processing unit 16 has temporary lane status information (a), such as shape information or location information (location information for long-term construction), the temporary lane information is provided to the control console 12b and a screen display (b) is displayed on the desktop display. The controller can refer to the screen display (b) displayed on the desktop display and perform manual editing (c) of the temporary lane on the existing route map, such as editing the shape of the temporary lane or editing the connection location. Then, the lane information processing unit 16 performs information processing and reflection (d) of the temporary lane status information (a) as a result of the manual editing (c). In other words, manual editing of the temporary lane status information (a) can be easily performed via the control console 12b.

[0080] Processing flow F2 is a flow that reflects the video (e) captured by roadside camera C onto a route map, for example, one that includes temporary lanes, displayed on the desktop display of the control console 12b. For example, if a controller wants to display the video (e) captured by roadside camera C, they operate the desired camera switch CS on the route map, as shown in Figure 6.

[0081] As a result, the control console 12b processes a screen display (b) that includes a real image CV on a portion of the route map displayed on the desktop display. As a result, the accuracy of traffic control on the route map, including temporary lanes, can be improved. The real image CV displayed on the desktop display can also be displayed on the large display 12a, which can similarly display the route map.

[0082] Processing flow F3 is a flow that performs display processing and notification processing when an event occurs or manual editing is performed in the temporary lane. For example, as shown in processing flow F1, the temporary lane status information (a) held by the lane information processing unit 16 can be manually edited (c) at the control console 12b, and the lane information processing unit 16 performs information processing and reflection (d) of the temporary lane status information (a).

[0083] Furthermore, if the traffic control system 100 (acquisition unit 14b) acquires information about an event (accident, etc.) that occurred in the temporary lane, the traffic control system 100 can provide event input (f) to the lane information processing unit 16. The lane information processing unit 16 performs information processing and reflection (d) of the event input (f). The results of the information processing and reflection (d) performed in the lane information processing unit 16 are provided to the control console 12b, and the control console 12b performs the process of displaying an image (b) on the desktop display.

[0084] Furthermore, the results of the information processing and reflection (d) performed in the lane information processing unit 16 are notified (g) via the traffic control system 100 to relevant agencies and offices (ROs, such as road management offices) that can utilize the traffic control information. In addition, the results of the information processing and reflection (d) performed in the lane information processing unit 16 are supplied to the large display 12a via the traffic control system 100 and displayed (h) on the route map, making it possible to share the information among the controllers in the control room.

[0085] Furthermore, the processing results (information about temporary lanes and additional information, etc.) of the information processing and reflection (d) performed in the lane information processing unit 16 are notified (g) to the automated driving management center AD. As a result, the automated driving-compatible vehicle M can more appropriately implement acceleration / deceleration control, vehicle speed control, braking control, steering control, etc., corresponding to the temporary lane it is actually driving in, based on the automated driving information, including the acquired (notified) information about temporary lanes and additional information. In other words, it can contribute to improving the accuracy and reliability of automated driving control.

[0086] In the embodiments described above, we assumed long-term construction projects lasting several months to several years. However, the technology of these embodiments can also be applied to short-term projects, such as projects lasting less than one month or one-off projects, and similar effects can be obtained. Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the target of the construction was described as a road (lane). However, the technology of these embodiments can also be applied to projects involving lane shifts, such as road infrastructure construction or road-related construction like bridge piers, and similar effects can be obtained.

[0087] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments and modifications are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiments can be implemented in various forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The above embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 10 Traffic Information Management Unit 12 Traffic Control Room Unit 12a Large Display 12b Control console 14 Processing Unit 14a Receiving control unit 14b Acquisition part 14c Traffic Control Department 14d Transmission Control Unit 16. Lane Information Processing Unit (Device) 16a Temporary lane information acquisition unit 16b Temporary Lane Editorial Department 16c output section 18 Memory section 20 Input Reception Section 22 Display Processing Unit 100 Traffic Control Systems

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires traffic information for multiple roads, including at least one of sensor information from vehicle detection sensors that sense the passage status of vehicles and event information indicating the content of events that may be involved in changes in the passage status of the roads, A temporary lane information acquisition unit acquires temporary lane information indicating the configuration of temporary lanes that can be used when some of the lanes are designated as lanes to be worked on during road repair or maintenance work on the road, which is composed of multiple lanes. A temporary lane editing department edits the lane information of the aforementioned road based on the temporary lane information, A traffic control unit that executes traffic control on the road based on the edited lane information, including, Traffic control system.

2. A temporary lane information acquisition unit acquires temporary lane information indicating the configuration of temporary lanes that can be used when some of the lanes are designated as lanes to be worked on during road repair or maintenance work on a road consisting of multiple lanes. A temporary lane editing department edits the lane information of the aforementioned road based on the temporary lane information, An output unit that outputs the editing results by the temporary lane editing unit, Equipped with, Lane information processing device.

3. The temporary lane information acquisition unit acquires temporary lane shape information as temporary lane information. The lane information processing device according to claim 2.

4. The temporary lane information acquisition unit acquires lane type information indicating the type of the temporary lane as temporary lane information. The lane information processing device according to claim 2.

5. The temporary lane information acquisition unit acquires event information as temporary lane information, which indicates the content of events that may be involved in changes in the passage status of the temporary lane. The lane information processing device according to claim 2.

6. The temporary lane information acquisition unit acquires, as temporary lane information, additional information that may be added in the temporary lane in conjunction with the occurrence of the event. The lane information processing device according to claim 5.

7. The output unit provides the lane information, edited based on the editing results, to a vehicle traveling on the road. The lane information processing device according to claim 2.

8. A temporary lane information acquisition step involves the temporary lane information acquisition unit acquiring temporary lane information indicating the configuration of temporary lanes that can be used when some of the lanes are designated as lanes to be worked on when road repair or maintenance work is carried out on a road composed of multiple lanes. The temporary lane editing step involves the temporary lane editing department editing the lane information of the aforementioned road based on the temporary lane information, The output unit performs an output step that outputs the editing results from the temporary lane editing unit, Equipped with, Lane information processing method.

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