Road control system and road control method

Abstract

When multiple regional road control systems are integrated, this system supports the control operations performed by controllers. [Solution] The road control system of the embodiment is a road control system that integrates a first control system for performing road control in a first region and a second control system for performing road control in a second region different from the first region, and comprises a storage unit including a function specification database that stores the function specifications of the first control system and the function specifications of the second control system in a unified format, a display unit that displays information related to control operations, and an operation unit that can be operated by a control operator, and a processing unit that, when a predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit to request guidance regarding the function of the first control system or the function of the second control system, searches the function specification database and displays a guidance screen regarding the function or specification on the display unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a road traffic control system and a road traffic control method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as road traffic control systems, there are a traffic control system that manages and controls the traveling of vehicles, and a facility control system that performs state monitoring and operation control of road facilities.

[0003] For example, in the control operation of expressways, the conditions of the expressway (such as traffic congestion, accidents, fallen objects, etc.) and the operating states of various facilities (such as information boards and tunnel ventilation devices, etc.) are monitored. When an accident, fire or other incident occurs, a controller at the control center is required to quickly and accurately grasp an appropriate countermeasure and execute it immediately. Some road traffic control systems have such operation procedures for disasters predefined and incorporated into the system as guidance screens. With such guidance, even when a disaster occurs, it is expected that the controller can take appropriate measures in accordance with pre-established procedures to minimize damage and achieve rapid response.

[0004] On the other hand, for each system, not only the functions provided from the beginning are used, but functional improvements and additions are made from time to time, so there is a concern that operations will become more complicated.

[0005] Furthermore, as a prior art, from the viewpoint of preventing operation errors and ensuring reliable operation, there is a technology for improving the screen operation efficiency of a man-machine for guidance display that displays guidance such as operation flows and related contact information in the event of a fire in a facility control system.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0007] Furthermore, road control systems are established for each region, such as the Kanto region, Tohoku region, and Joetsu-Hokuriku region. It is conceivable that multiple regional road control systems could be integrated and operated together, for example, to reduce the number of controllers. However, the functional specifications of the road control systems in multiple regions may differ. Therefore, for example, if the road control system of the Kanto region and the road control system of the Tohoku region were integrated, the controllers of the original Kanto region road control system may not be able to fully understand the functional specifications of the Tohoku region road control system, and thus may not be able to perform control operations smoothly.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a road control system and a road control method that can support control operations by controllers when multiple regional road control systems are integrated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The road control system of the embodiment is a road control system that integrates a first control system for performing road control in a first region and a second control system for performing road control in a second region different from the first region, and comprises a storage unit including a function specification database that stores the function specifications of the first control system and the function specifications of the second control system in a unified format, a control console having a display unit that displays information related to control operations and an operation unit that can be operated by a control operator, and a processing unit that, when a predetermined operation is performed on the control console to request guidance regarding the functions of the first control system or the functions of the second control system, searches the function specification database and causes the display unit to display a guidance screen regarding the said function or specification. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an overall diagram of the road system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the integration of functional specifications in the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a first example screen of the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a second example screen of the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a third example screen of the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the road control system of the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments of the road system of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the road system S of the embodiment. The road system S comprises a road control system 1, collection equipment 4, supply equipment 5, camera equipment 6, tunnel equipment 7, and on-site equipment 8.

[0012] The collection equipment 4, provision equipment 5, camera equipment 6, tunnel equipment 7, and on-site equipment 8 are communicatively connected to the road traffic control device 2 via a communication network NT.

[0013] The collection equipment 4 is equipment for collecting road-related information, and is, for example, a vehicle sensor that measures the number and speed of vehicles traveling on a road.

[0014] The provision equipment 5 is equipment for providing road traffic information and the like to road users, and is, for example, a road information board or highway radio.

[0015] The camera equipment 6 is equipment for capturing images for monitoring road conditions, and is, for example, a CCTV (Closed Circuit Television System) camera or the like.

[0016] The tunnel equipment 7 is equipment for maintaining the tunnel so that it can be used safely and appropriately, and includes lighting equipment 71, fire extinguishing equipment 72, water spray equipment 73, ventilation equipment 74, and the like.

[0017] The on-site equipment 8 is various equipment installed on the road to maintain the operation of expressways, and is, for example, an emergency telephone or the like.

[0018] The road traffic control system 1 is an example of an integrated road traffic control system installed in a road traffic control center or the like, which integrates a first control system for performing road traffic control in a first region (for example, the Kanto region) and a second control system for performing road traffic control in a second region (for example, the Tohoku region) different from the first region. In the present embodiment, a case will be described as an example where, in addition to the first region and the second region, a third control system for performing road traffic control in a third region (for example, the Joetsu-Hokuriku region) is also integrated. The road traffic control system 1 includes the road traffic control device 2 and a console 3.

[0019] The console 3a is a console for air traffic control work related to a first area. The console 3b is a console for air traffic control work related to a second area. The console 3c is a console for air traffic control work related to a third area. Hereinafter, when the consoles 3a, 3b, and 3c are not distinguished from each other, they are referred to as "console 3".

[0020] The console 3 includes a display unit 31 that displays information related to air traffic control work, and an operation unit 32 that can be operated by a controller.

[0021] The road traffic control device 2 is a computer device, and includes a storage unit 21, an input unit 23, an output unit 24, a communication unit 25, and a processing unit 22. For the sake of simplifying the description, the road traffic control device 2 will be described as being configured by one computer device, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The road traffic control device 2 may be implemented by, for example, a plurality of computer devices, or part or all of the road traffic control device 2 may be implemented by a cloud server.

[0022] The storage unit 21 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), and stores various types of information. The storage unit 21 includes a functional specification DB (Data Base) 211 (functional specification database) and an event DB 212 (event database).

[0023] The functional specification DB 211 stores first area functional specification data 2111, which is data of functional specifications of the first control system (functional specification data), second area functional specification data 2112, which is data of functional specifications of the second control system, and third area functional specification data 2113, which is data of functional specifications of the third control system, in a unified format. This will be described with reference to Figure 2.

[0024] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram of the integration of functional specifications in the embodiment. (a) is the functional specification data of Branch A, which was in charge of the first control system. (b) is the functional specification data of Branch B, which was in charge of the second control system. (c) is the functional specification data of Branch C, which was in charge of the third control system.

[0025] In (a), (b), and (c), the following information is shown from left to right: function, description, related information, subsequent processing, image / flowchart, implementing branch, system, implementation period, and needs. Note that, although the data formats in (a), (b), and (c) are shown to be consistent, they do not have to be consistent.

[0026] Then, the data from (a), (b), and (c) are unified in format and integrated to form the functional specification data in (d). Functional specification DB211 holds the functional specification data in the format of (d). This makes it easier for the processing unit 22 to search and extract data from the functional specification DB211.

[0027] Event DB212 stores information about events related to road infrastructure (for example, planned road closures).

[0028] Returning to Figure 1, the input unit 23 is an input device that receives user input to the road control device 2, such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel.

[0029] The output unit 24 is a means for outputting various types of information, such as a display device (LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)) or an audio output device (speaker).

[0030] The communication unit 25 is a communication interface for communicating with external devices (such as the collection equipment 4).

[0031] The processing unit 22 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU comprehensively controls the operation of the road control device 2. ROM is a storage medium for storing various programs and data. RAM is a storage medium for temporarily storing various programs and rewriting various data. The CPU then uses RAM as a work area to execute programs stored in the ROM, storage unit 21, etc.

[0032] The processing unit 22 performs various calculations. For example, when a predetermined operation is performed on the control console 3 to request guidance regarding the functions of the first control system, the second control system, or the third control system, the processing unit 22 searches the function specification DB 211 and displays a guidance screen for that function or specification on the display unit 31 of the control console 3. In this case, the processing unit 22 may also display related information.

[0033] Furthermore, if the control panel 3 performs an operation to register a predetermined event for a predetermined date and time in the future, the processing unit 22 registers the predetermined event as a reserved event in the event DB 212, and changes the reserved event to a current event when the predetermined date and time arrives.

[0034] Next, with reference to Figures 3 to 5, we will explain examples of screens to be displayed on the display unit 31 of the control console 3.

[0035] Figure 3 shows an example of the first screen of the embodiment. Figure 3(a) is an example of the screen for the first region. On the left side, from top to bottom, are the items List, History, and New Registration. Figure 3(b) is an example of the screen for the second region. On the left side, from top to bottom, are the items List, History, New Registration, and Reservation.

[0036] For example, if an air traffic controller who was originally responsible for air traffic control operations related to Area 1 sees the screen in Figure 3(b), they may not understand the meaning of the reservation item. In that case, the controller will use the operation unit 32 to perform a predetermined operation to request guidance regarding the reservation item (for example, by right-clicking after moving the cursor over the reservation item).

[0037] The processing unit 22 then searches the function specification DB 211 (Figure 2(d)) and displays a guidance screen (the callout portion in Figure 3(b)) related to the function and specification on the display unit 31 of the corresponding control console 3. This guidance screen can be created, for example, using the text data of the explanatory items in Figure 2(d). The air traffic controller can look at this guidance screen and understand the meaning of the reservation items.

[0038] Figure 4 shows a second example screen of the embodiment. The following information is displayed on this screen: It is raining from A-IC (interchange) to B-IC. Therefore, the A-board (road information board) at A-IC displays "AB Rain, Slippery Warning". There is no rain or snow from B-IC to C-IC. Therefore, nothing is displayed on the A-board at B-IC.

[0039] Snowfall has caused restrictions on the 80km section between C-IC and D-IC. Therefore, the sign at C-IC will display "CD Snow 80km restriction".

[0040] There is no rain or snow in the section to the right of D-IC. Therefore, nothing is displayed on the A sign at D-IC.

[0041] Furthermore, the specifications from the operation manual are displayed at the top. This displays, for example, which road information boards will display information about an event (such as rain or snow) and how, as well as the types of events to be displayed (e.g., rain, snow, accidents, fires, earthquakes, designated traffic regulation events, etc.). By looking at this screen, air traffic controllers can recognize that the information is displayed according to the specifications and carry out their control operations smoothly.

[0042] Figure 5 shows a third example screen of the embodiment. The following content is displayed on this screen. A route map is shown in the diagram section IM. Symbols F to R represent interchanges (ICs). Arrow AR indicates that the section from F-IC to J-IC is closed to traffic. It is assumed that a smart IC is included in this closed section.

[0043] Furthermore, performing a specific operation on the arrow AR (for example, right-clicking) will display the operational manual specifications regarding road closures in sections including smart interchanges in the pop-up area PU. This will show, for example, what kind of information (e.g., "F·IC~J·IC: Road Closed", "○○SA ETC Entrance △△ Closed") will be displayed on the road signs of each interchange. By viewing this screen, controllers can recognize that these are in accordance with the system specifications and smoothly carry out their control operations.

[0044] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the road control device 2 of the embodiment. In step S1, the processing unit 22 performs processing related to control operations (normal monitoring) by the controller, such as displaying information on the display unit 31 of the control console 3 and receiving operation signals from the operation unit 32.

[0045] Next, in step S2, the processing unit 22 determines whether an event has occurred and action is required. If yes, it proceeds to step S3; otherwise, it returns to step S1.

[0046] In step S3, the processing unit 22 performs processing related to control operations (event handling) by the air traffic controller, such as displaying information on the display unit 31 of the control console 3 and receiving operation signals from the operation unit 32.

[0047] Next, in step S4, the processing unit 22 determines whether a predetermined operation to request guidance has been performed by the controller using the operation unit 32. If the answer is yes, the unit proceeds to step S5; otherwise, the unit proceeds to step S6.

[0048] In step S5, the processing unit 22 displays a guidance screen on the display unit 31 of the corresponding control console 3 in response to a predetermined operation for which guidance is requested.

[0049] In step S6, the processing unit 22 determines whether the processing has been completed. If Yes, it returns to step S1; otherwise, it returns to step S3.

[0050] In this way, the road control device 2 of this embodiment can support the control operations performed by controllers when multiple regional road control systems are integrated.

[0051] Specifically, when a predetermined operation requesting guidance is performed on the control console 3, the processing unit 22 searches the function specification DB 211 and displays a guidance screen related to that function and specification on the display unit 31 of the control console 3. This allows the air traffic controller to smoothly perform their control duties by viewing the guidance screen.

[0052] Furthermore, in that case, displaying not only a description of the function (Figure 2(d)), but also related information, subsequent processing, images / flowcharts, implementing branch offices, systems, implementation period, and needs can further contribute to streamlining air traffic control operations by air traffic controllers.

[0053] Furthermore, if a registration operation for a predetermined event starting from a predetermined date and time in the future is performed on the control console 3, the processing unit 22 registers the predetermined event as a reserved event in the event DB 212, and changes the reserved event to a current event when the predetermined date and time arrives. This allows reserved events to be automatically changed to current events, thereby reducing the burden on air traffic controllers.

[0054] Furthermore, while conventional technology allows users to operate according to pre-set guidance screens, it was not easy to accommodate improvements or additions to functions. According to this embodiment, improvements and additions to functions can be easily accommodated by changing the contents of the function specification DB211.

[0055] Furthermore, with conventional technology, if the user was unable to follow the instructions on the guidance screen, the controller had to make a judgment to respond, which could lead to oversights, haste, or human errors by inexperienced investigators. This embodiment, however, can accurately display the guidance screen, thereby reducing such possibilities.

[0056] Furthermore, the program executed by the road control device 2 of this embodiment can be provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM (Read Only Memory), flexible disk (FD), CD-R (Recordable), or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Alternatively, the program may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0057] While embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications are permitted without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the claims and their equivalents.

[0058] For example, when displaying guidance, instead of simply displaying the information from the functional specification DB211 (Figure 2(d)) (e.g., "Description"), the information may be summarized and displayed.

[0059] Furthermore, for any questions that air traffic controllers cannot resolve even after reviewing the guidance display, it would be beneficial to allow them to add those questions to the system's records. This would enable them to later review those questions and update the functional specification DB211 to address them. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 1…Road control system, 2…Road control device, 3…Control console, 4…Collection equipment, 5…Provision equipment, 6…Camera equipment, 7…Tunnel equipment, 8…On-site equipment, 21…Storage unit, 22…Processing unit, 23…Input unit, 24…Output unit, 25…Communication unit, 31…Display unit, 32…Operation unit, 71…Lighting equipment, 72…Fire extinguishing equipment, 73…Water spray equipment, 74…Ventilation equipment, 211…Functional specification DB, 212…Event DB, 2111…First region functional specification data, 2112…Second region functional specification data, 2113…Third region functional specification data, S…Road system

Claims

1. A road control system that integrates a first control system for controlling road traffic in a first region and a second control system for controlling road traffic in a second region different from the first region, A storage unit including a functional specification database that stores the functional specifications of the first control system and the functional specifications of the second control system in a unified format, A control console having a display unit for displaying information related to air traffic control operations, and an operating unit that can be operated by an air traffic controller, A road control system comprising: a processing unit that, when a predetermined operation is performed on the control console to request guidance regarding the functions of the first control system or the functions of the second control system, searches the function specification database and displays a guidance screen regarding the said function or specification on the display unit.

2. The aforementioned functional specification database stores related information associated with the functions of the first control system and the functions of the second control system, respectively. The road control system according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit searches the functional specification database and displays a guidance screen regarding the function and specification on the display unit, and also displays the related information.

3. The memory unit further includes an event database that stores information about events related to road facilities, The road control system according to claim 1, wherein when a registration operation for a predetermined event from a predetermined date and time in the future is performed on the control console, the processing unit registers the predetermined event as a reserved event in the event database, and changes the reserved event to a current event when the predetermined date and time arrives.

4. A road control method using a road control system that integrates a first control system for controlling road traffic in a first region and a second control system for controlling road traffic in a second region different from the first region, The road control system comprises a storage unit including a functional specification database that stores the functional specifications of the first control system and the functional specifications of the second control system in a unified format, a control console having a display unit that displays information related to control operations and an operation unit that can be operated by a control operator, and a processing unit. A road control method comprising: when a predetermined operation is performed on the control console to request guidance regarding the functions of the first control system or the second control system, the processing unit searches the function specification database and displays a guidance screen regarding the said function or specification on the display unit.

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