Signal control device, signal control method and program

Abstract

Provided is a signal control device suitable for a road for which system control is performed by setting an offset between adjacent traffic signals as a control parameter. The signal control device is connected to a plurality of traffic signals installed on a road on which are located a plurality of intersections having travel lanes to which traffic classifications have been assigned. Further, this signal control device is provided with: a means that detects the number of vehicles staying in the travel lanes of the same traffic classification, from among the travel lanes of the plurality of intersections; a means that, on the basis of the number of vehicles staying in the travel lanes of the same traffic classification of the plurality of intersections, determines whether or not to increase or decrease a signal lighting time for allowing passage through the travel lanes of the traffic classification; and a means that, on the basis of the determination result, adjusts the splits for the plurality of traffic signals to increase or decrease the signal lighting time for allowing passage through the travel lanes of the traffic classification, while maintaining the offset set between the plurality of traffic signals.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a signal control device, a signal control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Intersections have become widespread, with designated traffic lanes and time-shifted signals and blue arrow lights allowing right-turning vehicles to make right turns safely. In addition, because these designated traffic lanes often cause traffic congestion, right-turn-sensitive control is also implemented, which uses vehicle detectors to measure the number of right-turning vehicles remaining and extends or terminates the right-turn-only phase time (green arrow signal display time). In addition, on roads with heavy traffic, systemic control is also implemented, in which an offset, which is one of the signal control parameters, is set for the traffic lights of adjacent intersections to allow vehicles to pass smoothly. Furthermore, regional control (wide-area control) is also implemented, in which this systemic control is expanded to a certain area to manage traffic as a whole.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a traffic signal control method for shortening or extending the current green signal time. Specifically, this traffic signal control method detects a predetermined length of an absent section of a road of interest (e.g., a main road) including a traffic light intersection to be controlled, in which vehicles travel on both lanes toward the intersection, and the speed of a vehicle located at the beginning of this absent section. Then, the arrival time of the vehicle at the intersection is calculated, and based on the calculation result, the current green signal time of the road of interest is shortened or extended starting from the time when the traveling vehicle should pass through the intersection.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a signal control device that can reduce the possibility of deadlocks occurring in a specific direction caused by interactions between the control timings of multiple adjacent traffic lights. Patent Document 3 discloses a right-turn sensitive control system that temporarily changes signal control parameters according to the number of vehicles waiting to turn right, obtained from a camera installed at an intersection, to extend or shorten the display time of a right-turn arrow and the display time of a yellow or red signal light. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 04-142700 [Patent Document 2] JP 2017-004370 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2007-328454 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The following analysis has been provided by the present inventor. When the current time of the green light on the road of interest is shortened or extended as in Patent Document 1, the following problems may occur. When only the current time of the green light is shortened or extended, the cycle length of the traffic light increases or decreases as the current time of the green light increases or decreases, causing a problem that the system control by the offset set for the road of interest is broken. In addition, a method of maintaining the cycle length by shortening or extending the current time of the other signal colors by the amount of the shortening or extension of the current time of the green light may be considered. In this case, however, if the selection of the other signal colors to be shortened or extended is not made appropriately, congestion, etc. may worsen.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a signal control device, a signal control method, and a program suitable for roads where systematic control is performed by setting an offset between adjacent traffic lights as a control parameter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to a first aspect, there is provided a signal control device that is connected to a plurality of traffic lights arranged on a road at a plurality of intersections with driving lanes having designated traffic divisions, and includes: means for detecting the number of vehicles remaining in a driving lane of the same traffic division among the driving lanes at the plurality of intersections; means for determining whether to increase or decrease the current time permitting passage of the traffic division of the driving lane based on the number of vehicles remaining in the driving lane of the same traffic division at the plurality of intersections; and means for adjusting the split of the plurality of traffic lights based on the result of the determination, so as to increase or decrease the current time permitting passage of the traffic division of the driving lane while maintaining the offset set for the plurality of traffic lights.

[0009] According to a second aspect, there is provided a signal control method, in which a signal control device connected to a plurality of traffic lights arranged on a road having a plurality of intersections with travel lanes each having a designated traffic division detects the number of vehicles remaining in a travel lane of the same traffic division among the travel lanes of the plurality of intersections, determines whether to increase or decrease the actual time permitting passage of the traffic division of the travel lane based on the number of vehicles remaining in the travel lane of the same traffic division at the plurality of intersections, and adjusts the split of the plurality of traffic lights based on the result of the determination so as to increase or decrease the actual time permitting passage of the traffic division of the travel lane while maintaining the offset set for the plurality of traffic lights. This method is associated with a specific machine, that is, a signal control device connected to a plurality of traffic lights arranged on a road.

[0010] According to a third aspect, a computer constituting a signal control device connected to a plurality of traffic lights arranged on a road having a plurality of intersections with driving lanes each having a designated traffic division is provided, A program is provided that executes the following steps: detecting the number of vehicles remaining in a travel lane of the same traffic section among the travel lanes of the multiple intersections; determining whether to increase or decrease the current time for permitting passage of the traffic section of the travel lane based on the number of vehicles remaining in the travel lane of the same traffic section at the multiple intersections; and adjusting the split of the multiple traffic lights so as to increase or decrease the current time for permitting passage of the traffic section of the travel lane while maintaining the offset set for the multiple traffic lights based on the result of the determination. This program is input to the computer device from an input device or an external device via a communication interface, stored in a storage device, and drives the processor according to a predetermined step or process. In addition, this program can display the processing result, including an intermediate state as necessary, on a display device for each step, or can communicate with the outside via the communication interface. For example, the computer device for this purpose typically includes a processor, a storage device, an input device, a communication interface, and a display device as necessary, which are connectable to each other via a bus. In addition, this program can be recorded on a computer-readable (non-transitive) storage medium. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to contribute to the efficient clearing of vehicles stuck in a specific travel lane while maintaining systematic control. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a signal control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the signal control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the signal control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is another diagram for explaining the operation of the signal control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is another diagram for explaining the operation of the signal control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a signal control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a signal control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is another diagram for explaining the operation of the signal control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is another diagram for explaining the operation of the signal control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a signal control device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a signal control device according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a signal control device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a computer that constitutes the signal control device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the reference numerals in the drawings attached to the following embodiments are attached to each element for convenience as an example to aid in understanding, and are not intended to limit the present invention to the illustrated form. Also, the connection lines between blocks in the drawings and the like referred to in the following description include both bidirectional and unidirectional. A unidirectional arrow is a schematic representation of the flow of a main signal (data), and does not exclude bidirectionality. A program is executed via a computer device, and the computer device includes, for example, a processor, a storage device, an input device, a communication interface, and a display device as necessary. Also, this computer device is configured to be able to communicate with devices (including computers) inside or outside the device via the communication interface, regardless of whether it is wired or wireless. Also, although there are ports or interfaces at the connection points of input and output of each block in the figure, they are not shown.

[0014] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 1, a signal control device 10 connected to a plurality of traffic signals S arranged on a road (main road) under systematic control is shown.

[0015] The plurality of traffic lights S are provided with a predetermined offset according to their installation positions so that traffic on the road (main road) can flow smoothly. Furthermore, each intersection where the plurality of traffic lights S are installed has a driving lane with a designated traffic division. In the following explanation, the driving lane with a designated traffic division is assumed to be a right-turn lane.

[0016] The signal control device 10 includes a vehicle queue number detection unit 11, a determination unit 12, and a signal control unit 13. The signal control device 10 may be a device that functions as a control device in a control center (not shown), a signal control device that controls traffic lights installed on a road, or a MEC (Multi-access Edge Computing) server located above the signal control device.

[0017] The vehicle backlog number detection unit 11 functions as a means for detecting the number of vehicles backlogged in the travel lanes of the same traffic division among the travel lanes of the multiple intersections. For example, the number of vehicles backlogged in the right-turn lanes of the three traffic lights in the lower part of Fig. 3 is detected as 8, 6, and 1, respectively. Such a number of vehicles backlogged can be detected, for example, by an ultrasonic vehicle detector used in sensor-based signals or a camera installed at the intersection.

[0018] The determination unit 12 determines whether to increase or decrease the actual time for permitting passage of the traffic segment of the travel lane based on the number of vehicles remaining in the travel lane of the same traffic segment at the multiple intersections. For example, when the number of vehicles remaining in the right-turn lanes of three traffic lights is detected as 8, 6, and 1, respectively, the determination unit 12 determines to increase the actual time for permitting passage of the traffic segment of the corresponding travel lane if the total value is greater than a predetermined first threshold. Also, for example, the determination unit 12 determines to decrease the actual time for permitting passage of the traffic segment of the corresponding travel lane if the total value is less than a predetermined second threshold that is less than the first threshold.

[0019] Based on the judgment result of the judgment unit 12, the signal control unit 13 adjusts the split of the multiple traffic lights so as to increase or decrease the current indication time for permitting passage through the traffic section of the driving lane while maintaining the offset set for the multiple traffic lights.

[0020] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 2 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the signal control device of the first embodiment of the present invention. The signal control device 10 performs the process shown in Fig. 2 at a predetermined time interval. Note that the predetermined time interval can be at least one time based on one cycle of the change pattern of the traffic light.

[0021] First, the signal control device 10 detects the number of vehicles remaining in the right-turn lane at each intersection where the plurality of traffic lights are installed (step S001).

[0022] Next, the signal control device 10 judges whether or not the split needs to be changed, specifically, whether or not the current time for right turns to be allowed should be increased or decreased, based on the detected number of vehicles waiting in the right turn lane (step S002). If it is judged that the current time for right turns to be allowed should not be increased or decreased ("No change" in step S002), the signal control device 10 does not change the split and ends the process.

[0023] On the other hand, if it is determined that the current time for right turns is to be increased or decreased ("Change" in step S002), the signal control device 10 increases or decreases the current time for right turns while maintaining the offsets set for the multiple traffic lights as a change in the split (step S003).

[0024] Next, the specific operation of the signal control device 10 will be described in more detail with reference to Figs. 3 to 5. For example, it is assumed that a threshold value (first threshold value) is set such that when the total number of vehicles remaining in the right-turn lane of three traffic signals is 15 or more, it is determined that the right-turn-allowed indication time needs to be extended. For example, in the example of Fig. 3, the number of vehicles remaining in the right-turn lane of three traffic signals is 8, 6, and 1, respectively. In this case, since the total number of vehicles remaining is 15, the signal control device 10 determines that the right-turn-allowed indication time needs to be extended. As a result, a process is performed in which the right-turn-allowed indication time is extended by the same amount of time while maintaining the offset set for each of the three traffic signals. This promotes the clearing of right-turning vehicles at each intersection. In addition, since the offset is maintained during the extension, the system control in the straight direction is not disturbed.

[0025] On the other hand, in the example of Fig. 4, the number of vehicles waiting in the right-turn lane of three traffic lights is 8, 1, and 1, respectively. In this case, the total number of vehicles waiting is 10, so the signal control device 10 determines that it is not necessary to extend the indication time for right turns allowed. In this case, the offset set for each traffic light is maintained.

[0026] Also, for example, when the number of vehicles remaining in the right-turn lane of three traffic signals is three or less, a threshold value (second threshold value) can be set to determine that the right-turn-allowed indication time needs to be shortened. For example, in the example of FIG. 5, the number of vehicles remaining in the right-turn lane of three traffic signals is 1, 0, and 1, respectively. In this case, the total is two, so the signal control device 10 determines that the right-turn-allowed indication time needs to be shortened. Then, the signal control device 10 performs a process of shortening the right-turn-allowed indication time by the same amount while maintaining the offset set for each of the three traffic signals. This shortens unnecessary right-turn-allowed indication times at each intersection. Furthermore, since the offset is maintained during the shortening, the system control in the straight-line direction is not disturbed.

[0027] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to efficiently clear vehicles stuck in the right-turn lane while maintaining system control. Note that, in the above example, the specific travel lane is a right-turn lane, but it is also possible to efficiently clear the vehicles when the specific travel lane is a left-turn lane.

[0028] In addition, in the above-mentioned first embodiment, the number of vehicles in the right-turn lane in one direction of a road (main road) is detected and the lights in that direction are controlled. However, the number of vehicles in the right-turn lane in both directions of a road (main road) may be detected and the lights may be controlled.

[0029] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment in which the rule for determining whether to increase or decrease the time indicated by the signal for permitting passage in the traffic section of the travel lane is changed will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The configuration and operation of the signal control device of the second embodiment are almost the same as those of the first embodiment, so the following description will focus on the differences.

[0030] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a signal control device 10a according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The determination unit 12a determines whether the current display time needs to be increased or decreased for each of the three traffic signals by comparing the number of vehicles in the right-turn lane with an individual threshold (a second threshold, set to "7" in Fig. 6). Furthermore, depending on the number of traffic signals S determined to need an increase or decrease in current display time, it determines whether the current display time needs to be increased or decreased overall. Note that in the example of Fig. 6, if the number of traffic signals S determined to need an increase or decrease in current display time exceeds a predetermined threshold (a third threshold) and accounts for the majority of the total number of traffic signals S, it is determined that the current display time needs to be increased or decreased overall.

[0031] Next, the specific operation of the signal control device 10a will be described in more detail with reference to Figs. 7 to 9. For example, in the example of Fig. 7, the number of vehicles waiting in the right-turn lane of three traffic signals is 8, 9, and 1. In this case, as a result of comparison with the above-mentioned individual threshold (second threshold) = 7, it is determined that the current display time needs to be extended at the locations where 8 and 9 vehicles are waiting. Then, since it is determined that the current display time needs to be extended at two of the three traffic signals as a whole, the signal control device 10a determines that the current display time needs to be extended as a whole. Therefore, in the case of Fig. 7, the signal control device 10a performs a process of extending the current display time for right turns by the same amount of time while maintaining the offset set for each traffic signal.

[0032] On the other hand, in the example of Fig. 8, the number of vehicles waiting in the right-turn lane of three traffic lights is 7, 15, and 1. In this case, as a result of comparison with the above-mentioned individual threshold (second threshold) = 7, it is determined that the current display time needs to be extended only at the central traffic light where 15 vehicles are seen waiting. And, since it is determined that the current display time needs to be extended at one of the three traffic lights overall, the signal control device 10a determines that the current display time does not need to be extended overall. Therefore, in the case of Fig. 8, the current display time for right turns allowed is not extended.

[0033] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, it is also possible to change the individual threshold value to be compared with the number of vehicles remaining in the right-turn lane at each traffic light. For example, in the example of FIG. 9, the individual threshold value of the left traffic light in FIG. 9 is 6, the individual threshold value of the center traffic light is 7, and the individual threshold value of the right traffic light is 5. In this case, as a result of comparison with each individual threshold value, it is determined that the current display time needs to be extended at the left and center traffic lights. And, since it is determined that the current display time needs to be extended at two of the three traffic lights as a whole, the signal control device 10a determines that the current display time as a whole needs to be extended. Therefore, in the case of FIG. 9, the process of extending the current display time for right turns by the same amount of time is performed while maintaining the offset set at each traffic light. In this way, according to this embodiment, it is possible to set a threshold value according to the traffic volume, etc. at each intersection.

[0034] In the above embodiment, it has been described that if the number of traffic lights determined to need to increase or decrease the current time is the majority of the total number of traffic lights, it is determined that the current time of all traffic lights needs to be increased or decreased, but it is also possible to set another value as the third threshold. For example, if there are five traffic lights in total, and it is determined that the current time of two or more traffic lights, i.e., more than one traffic light, needs to be increased or decreased, it can be determined that the current time of all traffic lights needs to be increased or decreased.

[0035] Furthermore, even if the above-mentioned determination method does not determine that the extension of the current signal time is necessary, if the number of vehicles remaining in the right-turn lane at a specific intersection exceeds a value (fourth threshold value) that is greater than the second threshold value, it may be determined that the extension of the current signal time is necessary. For example, in the state of Fig. 8, if 14 is set as the fourth threshold value, it may be determined that the extension of the current signal time is necessary regardless of the determination at each traffic light and the number of traffic lights.

[0036] In the first embodiment, the determination is made based on the total number of vehicles waiting, so there may be cases where the system determines that the current time needs to be extended even when the number of vehicles waiting in the right-turn lane at one intersection is extremely high and the other lane is low. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, in such cases, it can be determined that the current time does not need to be extended (see FIG. 8). Furthermore, as explained using FIG. 9, by setting appropriate individual threshold values ​​for each intersection and traffic light, it is possible to make a determination according to the traffic conditions at the intersection.

[0037] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment in which the green light duration is shortened based on the length of the section in the lane opposite the right-turning vehicle where there are no straight-moving vehicles will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a signal control device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. A signal control device 10b according to the third embodiment is configured by adding a straight-moving vehicle detection unit 14 to the configuration of the signal control device 10 according to the first embodiment. Also, a determination unit 12b has the same functions as those of the first and second embodiments, and further has the function of determining whether or not to shorten the green light duration. The other configurations are the same as those of the first and second embodiments, so the following description will focus on the differences.

[0038] The straight-moving vehicle detection unit 14 functions as a means for detecting sections in the oncoming right-turn lane where there are no straight-moving vehicles at multiple intersections where the target traffic light S is installed. The straight-moving vehicle detection unit 14 can be configured, for example, by a camera, a sensor, or the like installed at a traffic light or the like at the intersection.

[0039] The determination unit 12b determines whether or not the number of intersections where right-turning vehicles are stuck in the right-turn exclusive lane and where a section in the oncoming lane with no straight-moving vehicles is longer than a predetermined length exceeds a fifth threshold value.

[0040] The signal control unit 13b performs early green light cut control when the judgment unit 12b judges that a right-turning vehicle is stuck in the right-turn exclusive lane and the number of intersections with a section with no straight-moving vehicles in the oncoming lane of a predetermined length or more exceeds a fifth threshold. Here, the "early green light cut control" refers to advancing the timing of the indication that prohibits the oncoming straight-moving vehicles in the right-turn lane from entering the intersection and advancing the timing of the indication that allows the right-turning vehicles to pass. More specifically, the signal control unit 13b performs control to end the green light earlier than usual and switch to a red light and a right arrow signal earlier than usual. Moreover, the signal control unit 13b of this embodiment performs the above-mentioned early green light cut control while maintaining the offset of each target traffic light.

[0041] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 11 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of a signal control device of the third embodiment of the present invention. The signal control device 10b performs the process shown in Fig. 11 at a predetermined time interval. The predetermined time interval can be at least one time based on one cycle of the change pattern of the traffic light.

[0042] First, the signal control device 10b detects the number of vehicles remaining in the right-turn exclusive lane at each intersection where the plurality of traffic lights are installed (step S101).

[0043] Next, the signal control device 10b detects sections in the oncoming lane of the right-turn exclusive lane at each intersection where there are no straight-moving vehicles (step S102).

[0044] Next, the signal control device 10b determines the number of intersections where right-turning vehicles are stuck in the right-turn exclusive lane and where there is a section in the oncoming lane with no straight-moving vehicles of a predetermined length or more. Furthermore, the signal control device 10b determines whether to implement "early green light cutting control" (step S103). Specifically, when the number of intersections where right-turning vehicles are stuck in the right-turn exclusive lane and where there is a section in the oncoming lane with no straight-moving vehicles of a predetermined length or more exceeds a predetermined threshold value (fifth threshold value), the signal control device 10b determines to implement "early green light cutting control".

[0045] Here, when it is determined that the "early green light cutting control" is not to be performed ("No" in step S103), the signal control device 10b does not change the split corresponding to the early green light cutting and ends the process. Specifically, when there are no right-turning vehicles staying in the right-turn exclusive lane, or when the number of intersections in which there is a section in the oncoming lane with no straight-moving vehicles of a predetermined length or more is equal to or less than a fifth threshold, the signal control device 10b determines that the "early green light cutting control" is not to be performed.

[0046] On the other hand, when it is determined that the "early turning off control of a green light" is to be performed ("Perform" in step S103), the signal control device 10b performs the early turning off control of a green light (step S104).

[0047] Next, the specific operation of the signal control device 10b will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 12. For example, in the example in the lower part of Fig. 12, vehicles are parked in the right-turn lanes of three traffic signals, and the number of intersections with a section in which there are no straight-moving vehicles in the oncoming lane for a predetermined length or more exceeds a predetermined threshold (fifth threshold = for example, 2). In this case, the signal control device 10b performs a process of "early green light cut control" in which the green light is turned off early by the same amount of time while maintaining the offset set for each of the three traffic signals, and the time when the right turn is allowed is extended. This promotes the clearing of right-turning vehicles at each intersection. In addition, since the offset is maintained during the extension, the system control in the straight direction is not disturbed.

[0048] As described above, according to this embodiment, when there is no oncoming vehicle at each intersection, the timing of the right turn OK indication can be advanced, so that it is possible to promote the clearing of right-turning vehicles. Of course, as in the first and second embodiments, it is also possible to increase or decrease the indication time of the right turn OK indication based on the number of right-turning vehicles stuck in the right-turn exclusive lane. For example, when the number of right-turning vehicles stuck at each intersection is small, it is possible to increase the indication time of other lights by shortening the indication of the right turn OK indication while advancing the indication timing of the right turn OK indication. Also, for example, when the number of right-turning vehicles stuck at each intersection is large, it is also possible to advance the indication timing of the right turn OK indication while extending the indication of the right turn OK indication. In this case, if the indication time of the right turn OK indication is extended by the amount of the advancement of the indication timing of the right turn OK indication, it is possible to eliminate the influence on other indications.

[0049] Although each embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and further modifications, substitutions, and adjustments can be made without departing from the basic technical idea of ​​the present invention. For example, the network configuration, the configuration of each element, and the data expression form shown in each drawing are examples to help understand the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the configurations shown in these drawings.

[0050] The procedures shown in the above-mentioned first to third embodiments can be realized by a program that causes a computer (9000 in FIG. 13) functioning as the signal control device 10, 10a, or 10b to realize the functions of these devices. Such a computer is exemplified by a configuration including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 9010, a communication interface 9020, a memory 9030, and an auxiliary storage device 9040 in FIG. 13. That is, the CPU 9010 in FIG. 13 executes a program for determining whether or not a signal control parameter needs to be changed and a program for changing the signal control parameters, and performs an update process for each calculation parameter held in the auxiliary storage device 9040 or the like.

[0051] In other words, each part (processing means, function) of the signal control devices 10, 10a, 10b shown in the first to third embodiments described above can be realized by a computer program that causes a processor mounted on the device to execute each of the above-mentioned processes using its hardware.

[0052] Finally, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be summarized. [First form] (See Signal Control Device from the First Aspect Above) [Second Form] The means for determining whether to increase or decrease the current time for which passage is permitted through the traffic section of the travel lane of the above-mentioned signal control device can be configured to determine to extend the current time for which passage is permitted through the traffic section of the travel lane when the number of vehicles remaining in the travel lane of the same traffic section at the multiple intersections exceeds a predetermined threshold value. [Third Form] The means for determining whether to increase or decrease the current time for permitting passage of the traffic section of the travel lane of the signal control device includes: A configuration can be adopted in which, when the number of intersections at which the number of vehicles stuck in the travel lane of the same traffic segment at the multiple intersections exceeds a predetermined second threshold value, exceeds a third threshold value, it is determined that the indication time for permitting passage in the traffic segment of the travel lane should be extended. [Fourth Form] The means for determining whether to increase or decrease the current time for permitting passage of the traffic section of the travel lane of the signal control device includes: If the number of vehicles stuck in a travel lane of the same traffic section among the multiple intersections exceeds a fourth threshold value that is greater than the second threshold value, a configuration can be adopted in which it is determined to extend the indication time for permitting passage in the traffic section of the travel lane, regardless of the result of comparison with the third threshold value. [Fifth Form] The above mentioned driving lane is a right turn only lane, The above-mentioned signal control device further comprises: a means for detecting a section in which there is no vehicle traveling straight in an oncoming lane of the right-turn exclusive lane at each of the plurality of intersections; and a means for determining whether or not the number of intersections in which right-turning vehicles are stuck in the right-turn exclusive lane and a section in which there are no straight-moving vehicles in the oncoming lane for a predetermined length or longer exceeds a fifth threshold value, The means for adjusting the split of the plurality of traffic lights, when the number of intersections where right-turning vehicles are stuck in the right-turn exclusive lane and where a section where there are no straight-moving vehicles in the oncoming lane for a predetermined length or more, among the plurality of intersections, exceeds a fifth threshold value, A configuration can be adopted in which the timing of the indications at the multiple traffic lights prohibiting straight-moving vehicles in the oncoming lane from entering the intersection is advanced, and the timing of the indications allowing right-turning vehicles to pass is advanced. [Sixth Form] The above-mentioned signal control device is It is preferable that the communication device is connected to traffic lights installed at intersections of roads having three or more consecutive intersections with driving lanes with designated traffic divisions. [7th form] It is preferable that the indicator permitting passage in the traffic section of the travel lane be a blue arrow light. [8th form] (See the second aspect of signal control method above.) [9th form] (See the program for the third perspective above) The eighth and ninth embodiments can be expanded into the second to seventh embodiments in the same manner as the first embodiment.

[0053] The disclosures of the above patent documents are incorporated herein by reference and may be used as the basis or part of the present invention as necessary. Within the framework of the entire disclosure of the present invention (including the scope of claims), modifications and adjustments of the embodiments and examples are possible based on the basic technical ideas. Furthermore, within the framework of the disclosure of the present invention, various combinations or selections (including partial deletions) of various disclosed elements (including each element of each claim, each element of each embodiment or example, each element of each drawing, etc.) are possible. In other words, the present invention naturally includes various modifications and corrections that a person skilled in the art would be able to make in accordance with the entire disclosure including the scope of claims and the technical ideas. In particular, with regard to the numerical ranges described in this document, any numerical value or small range included within the range should be interpreted as being specifically described even if not otherwise specified. Furthermore, the disclosures of the above cited documents may be used in part or in whole in combination with the disclosures of this document as part of the disclosure of the present invention in accordance with the spirit of the present invention as necessary, and are deemed to be included in the disclosures of this application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 10, 10a, 10b Signal control device 11 Vehicle waiting number detection unit 12, 12a, 12b Judgment section 13, 13b Signal control section 14 Straight-moving vehicle detection section 9000 Computers 9010 CPU 9020 Communication Interface 9030 Memory 9040 Auxiliary storage device S traffic light

Claims

1. The system is connected to multiple traffic lights located on a road that has multiple intersections with designated traffic lanes, A means for detecting a total number of vehicles remaining in a travel lane of the same traffic division, either a right turn or a left turn, among the travel lanes of the plurality of intersections; a means for determining whether to increase or decrease a time indicated by a traffic signal for permitting traffic in the traffic segment of the travel lane based on a total number of vehicles remaining in the travel lane of the same traffic segment at the plurality of intersections; a means for adjusting splits of the plurality of traffic lights based on the result of the determination so as to increase or decrease the current indication time for permitting traffic in the traffic section of the travel lane while maintaining the offset set for the plurality of traffic lights; A signal control device comprising:

2. The means for determining whether to increase or decrease the current time for permitting passage of the traffic segment of the travel lane includes:

2. The signal control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a determining unit configured to determine whether or not to extend a time period during which traffic is permitted in the traffic section of the driving lane when a total number of vehicles remaining in the driving lane of the same traffic section at the plurality of intersections exceeds a predetermined threshold value;

3. The means for determining whether to increase or decrease the current time for permitting passage of the traffic segment of the travel lane includes:

2. A signal control device according to claim 1, which determines to extend the indication time for permitting passage in the traffic section of the driving lane when the number of intersections at which the number of vehicles stuck in the driving lane of the same traffic section at the plurality of intersections exceeds a predetermined second threshold value exceeds a third threshold value.

4. The means for determining whether to increase or decrease the current time for permitting passage of the traffic segment of the travel lane includes:

4. A signal control device according to claim 3, wherein when the number of vehicles remaining in a traffic lane of the same traffic section among the plurality of intersections exceeds a fourth threshold value that is greater than the second threshold value, it determines to extend the indication time for permitting passage in the traffic section of the traffic lane, regardless of the result of comparison with the third threshold value.

5. The driving lane is a right-turn exclusive lane, The signal control device further includes: a means for detecting a section in which there is no vehicle traveling straight in an oncoming lane of the right-turn exclusive lane at each of the plurality of intersections; a means for determining whether or not the number of intersections where right-turning vehicles are stuck in the right-turn exclusive lane and where a section where there are no straight-moving vehicles in the oncoming lane for a predetermined length or longer is greater than a fifth threshold value, The means for adjusting the split of the plurality of traffic lights, when the number of intersections where right-turning vehicles are stuck in the right-turn exclusive lane and where a section where there are no straight-moving vehicles in the oncoming lane for a predetermined length or more, among the plurality of intersections, exceeds a fifth threshold value, 5. A signal control device according to claim 1, which advances the timing of the indications of the plurality of traffic lights that prohibit straight-moving vehicles in the oncoming lane from entering the intersection, and advances the timing of the indications that allow right-turning vehicles to pass, at each of the plurality of traffic lights.

6. 6. A signal control device according to claim 1, which is connected to a traffic signal installed at an intersection of a road having three or more consecutive intersections with driving lanes having designated traffic divisions.

7. 7. The signal control device according to claim 1, wherein the indicator for permitting passage in the traffic section of the travel lane is a blue arrow light.

8. A signal control device connected to a plurality of traffic lights arranged on a road having a plurality of intersections with driving lanes each having a designated traffic division, Detecting a total number of vehicles remaining in a travel lane of the same traffic division, either a right turn or a left turn, among the travel lanes of the plurality of intersections; determining whether to increase or decrease a time indicated by a signal for permitting traffic in the traffic segment of the travel lane based on a total number of vehicles remaining in the travel lane of the same traffic segment at the plurality of intersections; adjusting a split of the plurality of traffic lights based on a result of the determination so as to increase or decrease a current time for permitting passage of the traffic segment of the travel lane while maintaining an offset set for the plurality of traffic lights; Signal control method.

9. A computer constituting a signal control device connected to a plurality of traffic lights arranged on a road having a plurality of intersections with driving lanes each having a designated traffic division is provided. A process of detecting a total number of vehicles remaining in a travel lane of the same traffic division, either a right turn or a left turn, among the travel lanes of the plurality of intersections; A process of determining whether to increase or decrease a time indicated by a traffic light indicating that traffic in the traffic segment of the travel lane is permitted based on a total number of vehicles remaining in the travel lane of the same traffic segment at the plurality of intersections; a process of adjusting a split of the plurality of traffic lights based on a result of the determination so as to increase or decrease a current time for permitting passage of the traffic segment of the travel lane while maintaining an offset set for the plurality of traffic lights; A program that executes the following.

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