Traffic control device, traffic control method, and program

Abstract

A traffic control device (102) comprises: an estimation unit (103) that estimates the emission amounts of vehicles at a target point; and a traffic control unit (104) that uses the estimated emission amounts to execute a process for controlling the amount of vehicle traffic passing through the target point.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a traffic control device , intersection traffic control method and program thereof.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for estimating traffic volume. Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for estimating carbon dioxide emissions.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Documents

[0004]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Recently, as a countermeasure against global warming, reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases including CO2 has become an issue, and vehicle exhaust gas has been pointed out as one of the causes of the increase in greenhouse gases.

[0006] Even if the conventional technology can estimate traffic volume and carbon dioxide emissions, it does not disclose a technology for reducing exhaust gas volume.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and one of its objectives is to reduce the amount of exhaust gas emitted by vehicles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, An estimation means for estimating the amount of vehicle exhaust gas at a target location, The system includes traffic control means that perform processing to control the traffic of the target vehicle using the estimated exhaust gas volume, The aforementioned target locations are multiple, The traffic control means provides a traffic control device that, when the target vehicle is equipped with a CO2 absorber, guides the vehicle to pass through a target location where the estimated exhaust gas amount is greater than a standard value, and when the target vehicle is an engine-powered vehicle, guides the vehicle to pass through a target location where the estimated exhaust gas amount is less than a standard value.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, Computers The amount of exhaust gas from vehicles passing through the target location is estimated, This includes performing a process to control the traffic of the target vehicle using the estimated exhaust gas volume, The aforementioned target locations are multiple, The process for controlling the traffic of the aforementioned target vehicle provides a traffic control method that, when the target vehicle is equipped with a CO2 absorber, provides route guidance to pass through a target location where the estimated exhaust gas amount is greater than a standard value, and when the target vehicle is an engine-powered vehicle, provides route guidance to pass through a target location where the estimated exhaust gas amount is less than a standard value.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, On the computer, The amount of exhaust gas from vehicles passing through the target location is estimated, Execute a process for controlling the traffic of the target vehicle using the estimated exhaust gas amount. There are a plurality of the target points. In the process for controlling the traffic of the target vehicle, when the target vehicle is a vehicle equipped with a CO2 absorber, route guidance is provided so that the target vehicle passes through a target point where the estimated exhaust gas amount is greater than a reference value. When the target vehicle is an engine vehicle, a program is provided for route guidance so that the target vehicle passes through a target point where the estimated exhaust gas amount is less than the reference value.

Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to reduce the amount of exhaust gas from vehicles at the target points.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a traffic control system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of the traffic control unit according to Modification 5. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of a traffic control device according to Modification 5. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted where appropriate.

[0015] <<Embodiment 1>> (Configuration of traffic control system 100) The traffic control system 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is a system for controlling the traffic of vehicles C on roads R1 to R4. As shown in Figure 1, the traffic control system 100 comprises sensor devices 101a to 101d, a traffic control device 102, and a plurality of traffic signals S.

[0016] The traffic control device 102, the sensor devices 101a to 101d, and the traffic signals S are all interconnected via a network N constructed by wire, wireless, or a combination thereof. This allows the traffic control device 102 and each of the sensor devices 101a to 101d to send and receive information from each other. Furthermore, the traffic control device 102 and each of the traffic signals S can also send and receive information from each other.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, the sensor devices 101a to 101d are installed in correspondence with each of the target points Pa to Pd, which are intersections of roads R1 to R4. Figure 2 is a view of roads R1 to R4 from above, and shows examples of the sensor devices 101a to 101d and traffic signals S associated with each of the target points Pa to Pd. Each of roads R1 to R4 is an example of a two-lane road with left-hand traffic (i.e., roads R1 and R4 have one lane in the upward and downward directions in Figure 2, and roads R2 and R3 have one lane in the left and right directions in Figure 2).

[0018] Furthermore, the target locations are not limited to intersections; any location predetermined in relation to roads R1 to R4, such as a designated section of roads R1 to R4, is acceptable.

[0019] Each of the sensor devices 101a to 101d includes a sensor that detects a physical quantity for estimating the amount of exhaust gas at the corresponding target points Pa to Pd. Each of the sensor devices 101a to 101d generates sensor information including the physical quantity detected by the sensor and transmits the sensor information to the traffic control device 102 via the network N.

[0020] Each of the sensor devices 101a to 101d according to this embodiment generates sensor information including images taken of the corresponding target points Pa to Pd, and transmits the sensor information to the traffic control device 102. Each of the sensor devices 101a to 101d is composed of, for example, a camera including an image sensor that detects the color and brightness as physical quantities for each pixel according to the light from the shooting area.

[0021] The sensor information includes location information and images, as shown in an example in Figure 3.

[0022] Location information is information used to identify target locations Pa to Pd. The sensor information illustrated in Figure 2 is an example of sensor information generated by the sensor device 101a, and includes location information "Pa" indicating the target location Pa and an image of the target location Pa.

[0023] Hereafter, if roads R1 to R4 are not specifically distinguished, they will simply be referred to as "Road R". If target points Pa to Pd are not specifically distinguished, they will simply be referred to as "Target Point P". If sensor devices 101a to 101d are not specifically distinguished, they will simply be referred to as "Sensor Device 101".

[0024] Furthermore, the number of target locations P is not limited to four; one or more locations are sufficient. Similarly, the number of sensor devices 101 is not limited to four; one or more devices should be installed, each corresponding to one or more target locations. One or more traffic signals S are also sufficient.

[0025] (Functional configuration of the traffic control device 102) Functionally, the traffic control device 102 comprises an estimation unit 103 and a traffic control unit 104, as shown in Figure 1.

[0026] The estimation unit 103 acquires sensor information from the sensor device 101 via the network N. Based on the acquired sensor information, the estimation unit 103 estimates the amount of exhaust gas from vehicle C at the target location P.

[0027] The exhaust gas volume of vehicle C according to this embodiment is the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted from vehicle C, i.e., the amount of CO2.

[0028] Furthermore, the exhaust gas volume of vehicle C is not limited to the amount of CO2 emitted from vehicle C, but may also be the total amount of gas emitted from vehicle C, or the amount of a specific component of gas emitted from vehicle C. Greenhouse gases are preferred as the specific component of gas, and CO2 is one example of a greenhouse gas. Other greenhouse gases besides CO2 include methane and nitrous oxide.

[0029] The traffic control unit 104 uses the exhaust gas volume estimated by the estimation unit 103 to perform processing to control the traffic of the target vehicle C. The target vehicle C may be a vehicle whose exhaust gas volume is estimated by the estimation unit 103, or it may be a vehicle other than the vehicle whose exhaust gas volume is estimated by the estimation unit 103.

[0030] In this embodiment, the traffic control unit 104 controls multiple traffic lights S using the estimated exhaust gas volume estimated by the estimation unit 103. In this way, the traffic control unit 104 controls the traffic of the target vehicle C. That is, in this embodiment, the target vehicle is a vehicle C passing through a target point P where the traffic lights S to be controlled are installed. Note that there may be only one traffic light S to be controlled.

[0031] For example, the traffic control unit 104 uses the amount of exhaust gas estimated by the estimation unit 103 to control the traffic signal S so that the amount of change in the speed of the target vehicle is reduced.

[0032] For example, the traffic control unit 104 uses the exhaust gas volume estimated by the estimation unit 103 to determine whether the estimated exhaust gas volume at each target point P exceeds a predetermined standard value. If there is a target point P where the exhaust gas volume exceeds the predetermined standard value, the traffic control unit 104 controls the traffic signals S to reduce the traffic volume of vehicles C at that target point P where the exhaust gas volume exceeds the standard value.

[0033] Furthermore, for example, the traffic control unit 104 uses the exhaust gas volume estimated by the estimation unit 103 to control the traffic of the target vehicle so that it passes through a target point P where the estimated exhaust gas volume is lower than that of other target points P.

[0034] Furthermore, for example, the traffic control unit 104 uses the exhaust gas volume estimated by the estimation unit 103 to determine whether the estimated exhaust gas volume for each target point P is less than a predetermined standard value. If there is a target point P where the estimated exhaust gas volume is less than the predetermined standard value, the traffic control unit 104 controls the traffic of the target vehicles so that they pass through that target point P with the less than standard value preferentially over other target points P where the estimated exhaust gas volume is greater than that target point P.

[0035] (Physical configuration of traffic control device 102) The traffic control device 102 is physically, for example, a general-purpose computer, and as shown in Figure 4, has a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, an input interface 1050, an output interface 1060, and a network interface 1070.

[0036] Bus 1010 is a data transmission path for the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, input interface 1050, output interface 1060, and network interface 1070 to send and receive data to and from each other. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the other components to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0037] The 1020 processor is a processor implemented in components such as the CPU (Central Processing Unit) and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0038] Memory 1030 is a main memory device implemented using RAM (Random Access Memory), etc.

[0039] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device implemented as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), memory card, or ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage device 1040 stores program modules for implementing each function of the traffic control device 102. The processor 1020 reads these program modules into memory 1030 and executes them, thereby realizing each function corresponding to that program module.

[0040] The input interface 1050 is an interface for the user to input information, and is one or more of the following: a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, etc.

[0041] The output interface 1060 is an interface for presenting information to the user, and is, for example, one or more of the following: an LCD panel, an OLED (Electroluminescent) panel, etc.

[0042] The network interface 1070 is an interface for connecting the traffic control device 102 to the network N.

[0043] The configuration of the traffic control system 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention has been described so far. From here, the operation of the traffic control system 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0044] (Operation of traffic control system 100) The traffic control process according to this embodiment is a method for the traffic control device 102 to control the traffic of target vehicles on roads R1 to R4 based on sensor information, and an example of its flowchart is shown in Figure 5. The traffic control process is executed repeatedly in real time, for example, when the traffic control device 102 acquires sensor information from each of the sensor devices 101.

[0045] (Regarding step S101) The estimation unit 103 estimates the amount of exhaust gas from vehicle C at target point P based on sensor information acquired from sensor device 101 (step S101).

[0046] In detail, for example, based on the location information contained in the sensor data, images of each of the target locations Pa to Pd are identified, and based on each of the images of the target locations Pa to Pd, the amount of exhaust gas from vehicle C at target location P is estimated.

[0047] The sensor information may include, instead of location information, a sensor ID (Identifier) ​​for identifying sensor devices 101a to 101d, the address of sensor devices 101a to 101d in network N, etc. In this case, the estimation unit 103 may pre-store conversion data that associates the sensor ID or address with location information, and associate the image of the sensor information with the target locations Pa to Pd by referring to the conversion data.

[0048] (Method for estimating exhaust gas volume) Conventional methods are often used to estimate exhaust gas volume from images. For example, a pre-prepared exhaust gas estimation model is used to estimate the exhaust gas volume of vehicle C at target location P.

[0049] The exhaust gas estimation model takes data (image data) including images of each of the target locations Pa to Pd as input data and outputs an estimated value of the exhaust gas amount of vehicle C at target location P.

[0050] As the exhaust gas estimation model, a predetermined standard vehicle C exhaust gas estimation model may be used, but in this embodiment, an example in which a vehicle type-specific exhaust gas estimation model is used will be explained. That is, in this embodiment, the exhaust gas estimation model uses images for each target point Pa to Pd as input data to estimate the amount of exhaust gas from vehicle C at each of the target points Pa to Pd.

[0051] Here, "vehicle type" refers to the type of vehicle, preferably one relating to the vehicle's environmental performance. Examples of vehicle environmental performance include the vehicle type and the type of power source. Examples of vehicle power sources include electric vehicles, which use electricity as their power source, and fuel-powered vehicles, which use fuel as their power source. Fuel-powered vehicles may be further classified into engine (internal combustion engine) vehicles, which use only fuel as their power source, and hybrid cars, which use both fuel and electricity as their power sources. Engine vehicles may be further classified into gasoline vehicles, diesel vehicles, etc., depending on the type of fuel used as their power source.

[0052] In detail, for example, the exhaust gas estimation model includes a first model and a second model.

[0053] The first model is a model for obtaining traffic information for vehicle C at each of the target locations Pa to Pd, using images of each location Pa to Pd as input data. The traffic information includes each vehicle type of vehicle C, and may further include the number of vehicles of each vehicle type.

[0054] For the first model, a pre-trained machine learning model is preferred, which uses image data of the target location P as input data to output traffic information for vehicles C at the target location P. In the machine learning of the first model, for example, data including the vehicle type and the number of vehicles of each vehicle type included in the input image data is used as training data.

[0055] The second model uses the traffic information of vehicle C at target point P obtained from the first model as input data, and outputs estimated values ​​for the exhaust gas volume of each vehicle C at target point P and their sum. An example of the second model is described below.

[0056] (Example 1 of the second model) The first example of the second model is a model that includes a predetermined amount of exhaust gas per vehicle for each vehicle type (for example, the average amount of exhaust gas during driving for each vehicle type).

[0057] The estimation unit 103 identifies a second model corresponding to each vehicle type of vehicle C at the target location P obtained in the first model, and uses the exhaust gas amount included in the second model as an estimated value of the exhaust gas amount for each vehicle C. Then, the estimation unit 103 calculates the sum of the estimated exhaust gas amounts for each vehicle C to obtain the sum of the estimated exhaust gas amounts for vehicle C at the target location P.

[0058] (Example 2 of the second model) A second example of the second model is a model that estimates the amount of exhaust gas per vehicle for each vehicle type, taking into account one or more driving conditions. Such a second model may be represented by a predetermined function that includes driving conditions as parameters, a table that defines values ​​according to combinations of driving conditions, or a trained model that has been trained using machine learning to estimate the amount of exhaust gas of vehicle C at a target location P.

[0059] Driving conditions are those related to the operation of vehicle C, and in particular affect the amount of exhaust gas emitted by vehicle C. Examples of driving conditions include the speed of vehicle C, the rate of change in the speed of vehicle C, the idling stop status when stationary, the total weight of the number of people on board vehicle C and the cargo loaded on vehicle C, road information, weather information, road surface conditions, and vehicle condition.

[0060] The vehicle speed of vehicle C, the rate of change in vehicle speed of vehicle C, the idling stop status when stationary, the number of people on board vehicle C, and the total weight of the cargo loaded on vehicle C are estimated based on the image of the target location P.

[0061] The driving speed and its rate of change are estimated, for example, by determining the amount of movement of vehicle C per unit time using image processing. The idling stop state when the vehicle is stopped is estimated, for example, based on the vehicle type estimated from an image of the stopped vehicle C, and vehicle type data that associates idling stop information indicating whether or not an idling stop function is installed with vehicle type information indicating the vehicle type. The load capacity is estimated, for example, based on information from a weight sensor mounted on vehicle C and the amount of sinking determined by image processing.

[0062] Road information, for example, is information that indicates the attributes of road R on which vehicle C is traveling, such as the slope, curves, number of lanes, the lane the vehicle traveled in, and the status of CO2 absorbers installed in buildings and other structures around the road.

[0063] Weather information includes wind speed information obtained from sources such as anemometers installed on roads and external devices (not shown) that provide weather information.

[0064] The road surface condition of road R is, for example, whether there is snow on the road surface, whether the road surface is wet due to rain, etc., and whether the road surface is frozen. The vehicle condition is, for example, whether or not chains are attached to the tires of vehicle C. The road surface condition and vehicle condition, respectively, can be estimated using a trained machine learning model that uses images included in sensor information as input data to estimate the road surface condition or vehicle condition. This trained model outputs the road surface condition or vehicle condition. In machine learning, for example, the road surface condition of road R or the vehicle condition of vehicle C included in the input data image is used as training data.

[0065] The estimation unit 103 identifies a second model corresponding to each vehicle type of vehicle C at the target location P, obtained from the first model. The estimation unit 103 inputs the respective driving conditions of vehicle C into the second model corresponding to each vehicle type of vehicle C at the target location P, thereby obtaining an estimated value for each exhaust gas volume of vehicle C at the target location P. Then, the estimation unit 103 calculates the sum of the estimated exhaust gas volumes of vehicle C at the target location P by calculating the sum of the estimated exhaust gas volumes of each vehicle C.

[0066] If the second model is a pre-trained model that has undergone machine learning, for example, the second model might employ a pre-trained model that has been used to estimate the amount of exhaust gas from vehicle C, using the driving conditions of vehicle C as input data.

[0067] In this machine learning scenario, for example, data showing the amount of exhaust gas for each vehicle type is used as training data. The amount of exhaust gas for each vehicle type may be obtained experimentally based on sensors attached to the vehicle (e.g., flow sensors, CO2 sensors), or it may be a value created by referring to values ​​published in the vehicle's catalog, etc.

[0068] By adopting an exhaust gas estimation model that takes these driving conditions into account, it is possible to estimate CO2 emissions on the road while considering the driving conditions of vehicle C. ,versus This makes it possible to more accurately estimate the amount of exhaust gas emitted by vehicle C at point P.

[0069] (Regarding step S102) The traffic control unit 104 uses the exhaust gas volume estimated in step S101 to perform processing to control the traffic volume of the target vehicle (step S102), and then terminates the traffic control process.

[0070] In detail, for example, the traffic control unit 104 determines whether the sum of the estimated exhaust gas amounts at each of the target points P exceeds a predetermined standard value. If it determines that the standard value has been exceeded, the traffic control unit 104 generates control information for controlling the traffic signals S installed at each of the target points P and transmits the generated control information to the corresponding traffic signals S or the control device (not shown) of the traffic signals S.

[0071] The control information includes, for example, information for determining when to switch the green and red lights of traffic light S, and includes the duration of each green and red light.

[0072] As a first example of a method for controlling traffic signals S, as described above, traffic for vehicles C passing through a target point P may be controlled in such a way that the amount of change in the speed of the vehicles is minimized.

[0073] For example, referring to Figure 2, there is a large volume of traffic for vehicle C traveling uphill on road R1, causing congestion between target point Pa and target point Pb. As a result, at target point Pa, vehicle C traveling uphill on road R1 repeatedly starts, slows down, and stops, resulting in large changes in speed and, consequently, a large amount of exhaust gas. In such a situation, the sum of the estimated exhaust gas volumes at target point Pa exceeds a predetermined standard value. On the other hand, in the example shown in Figure 2, the traffic volume on roads R2 to R3 is less than the traffic volume of vehicle C traveling uphill on road R1.

[0074] In such a case, the traffic control unit 104 controls the traffic light S on road R1 at target point Pa so that the time it is green is longer than the time it is red, and controls the traffic light S on road R2 so that the time it is green is shorter than the time it is red. Furthermore, the traffic control unit 104 controls the traffic light S on road R1 at target point Pb so that the time it is green is longer than the time it is red, and controls the traffic light S on road R3 so that the time it is green is shorter than the time it is red.

[0075] Furthermore, the traffic control unit 104 may control the system so that the time periods when the traffic light S on road R1 is green are synchronized at target point Pa and target point Pb.

[0076] This reduces the change in speed of vehicle C as it travels along road R1 to the target point Pa. Consequently, it becomes possible to reduce the amount of exhaust gas emitted from vehicle C at the target point Pa.

[0077] As a second example of a method for controlling traffic signals S, as described above, traffic of target vehicles C may be controlled to reduce the volume of traffic of those vehicles at the target location P.

[0078] For example, as explained in the first example of the control method for traffic light S, suppose the sum of the estimated exhaust gas amounts at target point Pa exceeds a predetermined standard value. In this case, for example, traffic light S (not shown) at an intersection below target point Pa is controlled so that the time it is green when approaching target point Pa via road R1 is shorter than the time it is red, and the time it is green when other traffic lights S are longer than the time they are red.

[0079] This allows vehicle C to be guided to detour onto road R, which is green for a longer period of time, thereby reducing the traffic volume of vehicle C at the target location Pa. Consequently, it becomes possible to reduce the amount of exhaust gas emitted from vehicle C at the target location Pa.

[0080] As a third example of a method for controlling traffic signals S, as described above, traffic of target vehicles may be controlled to prioritize passing through target point P where the estimated amount of exhaust gas is less than that of other target points P.

[0081] For example, as explained in the first example of the control method for traffic light S, suppose the sum of the estimated exhaust gas amounts at target point Pa is greater than that at other target points Pb, Pc, and Pd. In this case, for example, traffic light S (not shown) at the intersection below target point Pa is controlled so that the time it is green when approaching target point Pa via road R1 is shorter than the time it is red, and the time it is green when other traffic lights S are longer than the time they are red.

[0082] This allows us to guide vehicle C to detour onto road R, which is green for a longer period of time, thereby controlling the vehicle's traffic so that it preferentially passes through target point Pb, for example, where the total estimated exhaust gas volume is lower than at target point Pa. Consequently, it becomes possible to reduce the amount of exhaust gas from vehicle C at target point Pa.

[0083] As a fourth example of a method for controlling traffic signals S, as described above, traffic of target vehicles may be controlled so that they pass through target points P with a predetermined threshold value lower than other target points P with priority.

[0084] For example, suppose the sum of the estimated exhaust gas volumes at target locations Pa, Pb, and Pc is greater than that at target location Pd. Also, suppose the sum of the estimated exhaust gas volumes at target location Pd is less than the baseline value.

[0085] In this case, for example, with respect to a traffic light S (not shown) at an intersection to the right or below the target point Pd, the control is made so that the time the traffic light S is green when traveling towards the target points Pb and Pc via a road not shown is shorter than the time it is red, and the control is made so that the time the other traffic lights S are green is longer than the time they are red.

[0086] This allows us to guide vehicle C to detour onto road R, which is green for a longer period of time, thereby controlling the vehicle's traffic so that, for example, it passes through target point Pd, where the sum of estimated exhaust gas emissions is less than the standard value, with priority over other target points Pa, Pb, and Pc. Consequently, it becomes possible to reduce the amount of exhaust gas emitted from vehicle C at target point Pa.

[0087] Embodiment 1 of the present invention has been described above.

[0088] According to Embodiment 1, the amount of exhaust gas from a vehicle C passing through a target point P is estimated, and the traffic volume of vehicles passing through the target point P is controlled by controlling a traffic signal S installed at the target point P using the estimated amount of exhaust gas. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of exhaust gas from vehicle C at the target point P.

[0089] The present invention is not limited to Embodiment 1, and Embodiment 1 may be modified as follows, for example.

[0090] (Variation 1) In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the traffic control process is repeatedly executed in real time when the traffic control device 102 acquires sensor information from each of the sensor devices 101. However, the traffic control process may also be performed at predetermined times (for example, daily at a predetermined time, weekly on a predetermined day of the week, or monthly on a predetermined day) after the sensor information has been stored in a memory unit.

[0091] As shown in Figure 6, the traffic control device 102 according to the modified example 1 further includes a storage unit 105 in addition to the configuration of the traffic control device 102 according to embodiment 1. When the estimation unit 103 acquires sensor information from each of the sensor devices 101, it stores the acquired sensor information in the storage unit 105. Then, the estimation unit 103 estimates the amount of exhaust gas from vehicle C at target point P based on the sensor information stored in the storage unit.

[0092] In the traffic control process according to Modification 1, in step S101, the estimation unit 103 estimates the amount of exhaust gas from vehicle C at the target point P based on sensor information acquired from the storage unit 105.

[0093] According to this modified version, it is possible to estimate the pattern of when the amount of exhaust gas from vehicle C at target point P is high, based on past sensor data. As a result, by executing a process to control the traffic volume of the target vehicle during periods when the amount of exhaust gas at target point P is often high, it becomes possible to reduce the amount of exhaust gas from vehicle C at target point P.

[0094] (Modification 2) The sensor device 101 according to Embodiment 1 is not limited to a camera or the like, but may be, for example, a sensor that detects the amount of exhaust gas from vehicle C. The amount of exhaust gas detected by the sensor is, for example, the concentration of a specific component gas (for example, a greenhouse gas such as carbon dioxide (CO2)). In this case, the sensor device 101 may generate sensor information including the concentration of the detected specific component gas and transmit the sensor information to the traffic control device 102.

[0095] This modified example also produces the same effects as Embodiment 1.

[0096] (Variation 3) The traffic control unit 104 may use the exhaust gas volume estimated by the estimation unit 103 to control the traffic signals S according to the proportion of vehicle types of vehicles C passing through each of the target points P.

[0097] For example, if the estimated amount of exhaust gas at the target point Pa, which is an intersection, exceeds a standard value, the traffic control unit 104 controls the traffic signals S on roads R1 and R2 that intersect at the target point Pa, according to the proportion of electric vehicles and hybrid cars on those roads.

[0098] For example, suppose the proportion of electric vehicles and hybrid cars is greater on road R1 than on road R2. In this case, the traffic control unit 104 shortens the green light time at the traffic light S on road R1 compared to the traffic light S on road R2, and lengthens the red light time at the traffic light S on road R1 compared to the traffic light S on road R2.

[0099] Generally, electric vehicles and hybrid cars produce less exhaust gas than gasoline-powered vehicles. Therefore, this modified example also makes it possible to reduce the amount of exhaust gas from vehicle C at point P.

[0100] <<Embodiment 2>> Embodiment 1 described an example in which the traffic volume of vehicles C passing through a target point P where the traffic signal S is installed is controlled by controlling the traffic signal S. However, the method of controlling the traffic of target vehicles is not limited to this. For example, the traffic volume of target vehicles may be controlled by providing route guidance to vehicles C traveling using a guidance device such as an in-vehicle device or terminal device through the guidance device.

[0101] The route guidance function of a navigation system informs the driver of the route from the starting point to the destination using maps, voice guidance, etc. The starting point and destination are specified, for example, by the user of the navigation system.

[0102] Embodiment 2 describes an example in which an in-vehicle device installed in the target vehicle controls the traffic of the target vehicle by providing route guidance to the destination. In this embodiment, the differences from Embodiment 1 will be mainly described, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate to simplify the explanation.

[0103] (Configuration of traffic control system 200) As shown in Figure 7, the traffic control system 200 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention comprises sensor devices 101a to 101d similar to those in Embodiment 1, a traffic control device 202 that replaces the traffic control device 102 and traffic signal S according to Embodiment 1, and an on-board device E.

[0104] The in-vehicle device E is a device installed in the target vehicle C, and is, for example, a car navigation system. The in-vehicle device E is interconnected with the traffic control device 202 via the network N. This allows the traffic control device 202 and the in-vehicle device E to send and receive information from each other.

[0105] The in-vehicle device E transmits vehicle information of the target vehicle to the traffic control device 202. The vehicle information includes, for example, the vehicle number, vehicle type, communication address, destination, and origin.

[0106] The in-vehicle device E acquires route information transmitted to an address included in the vehicle information via the network N. The route information includes the route to the destination. The in-vehicle device E guides vehicle C according to the acquired route information using voice, a display of the road being traveled, voice, etc.

[0107] (Functional configuration of traffic control device 202) Functionally, the traffic control device 202 includes an estimation unit 103 similar to that in Embodiment 1, as shown in Figure 7, and a traffic control unit 204 that replaces the traffic control unit 104 according to Embodiment 1.

[0108] The traffic control unit 204 uses the exhaust gas volume estimated by the estimation unit 103 to perform processing to control the traffic of the target vehicle. In this embodiment, the traffic control unit 204 uses the exhaust gas volume estimated by the estimation unit 103 to control the traffic of the target vehicle by providing route guidance to the target vehicle.

[0109] In detail, for example, when the traffic control unit 204 obtains vehicle information from the on-board device E of the target vehicle, it uses the vehicle information and the exhaust gas volume estimated by the estimation unit 103 to determine the route to the target vehicle's destination and generates route information including the determined route. The traffic control unit 204 then transmits the generated route information to the address included in the vehicle information obtained from the target vehicle.

[0110] Furthermore, if vehicle C, the target vehicle, is operating autonomously, it should follow the route information provided.

[0111] (Physical configuration of traffic control device 202) The traffic control device 202 may be physically configured in the same way as the traffic control device 102 according to Embodiment 1.

[0112] (Operation of traffic control system 200) The traffic control process according to this embodiment is a method for the traffic control device 202 to control the traffic of target vehicles on roads R1 to R4 based on sensor information, and an example of its flowchart is shown in Figure 8. The traffic control process is executed repeatedly in real time, for example, when the traffic control device 202 acquires sensor information from each of the sensor devices 101.

[0113] The estimation unit 103 performs the same step S101 as in Embodiment 1.

[0114] The traffic control unit 204 acquires vehicle information of the target vehicle from the on-board device E of the target vehicle via the network N (step S202).

[0115] The traffic control unit 204 uses the exhaust gas volume estimated in step S101 and the vehicle information acquired in step S202 to generate route information including the route to the target vehicle's destination and transmits it to the on-board device E of the target vehicle (step S203). In this way, the traffic control unit 204 executes processing to control the traffic of the target vehicle and terminates the traffic control processing.

[0116] In detail, for example, the traffic control unit 204 may use the estimated exhaust gas volume and vehicle information to determine the route of the target vehicle to its destination so that it preferentially passes through target points P where the estimated exhaust gas volume is lower than that of other target points P.

[0117] In detail, for example, the traffic control unit 204 uses vehicle information to determine multiple candidate routes to the destination. Using the estimated exhaust gas volume, the traffic control unit 204 identifies the route among the multiple candidates that has the smallest sum of estimated exhaust gas volumes for the target point P to be passed. The traffic control unit 204 generates route information including the identified route and transmits it to the on-board device E. This allows the vehicle to be guided to pass through target point P with a lower estimated exhaust gas volume than other target point Ps, prioritizing its passage.

[0118] Alternatively, for example, the traffic control unit 204 may use the estimated exhaust gas volume and vehicle information to control the traffic of the target vehicle so that the amount of change in the target vehicle's speed is reduced.

[0119] Furthermore, for example, the traffic control unit 204 may use the estimated exhaust gas volume and vehicle information to control the traffic of target vehicles in order to reduce the traffic volume of vehicles C at target point P that exceeds a predetermined standard value.

[0120] In detail, for example, the traffic control unit 204 uses vehicle information to determine multiple candidate routes to the destination. Using the estimated exhaust gas volume, the traffic control unit 204 identifies a route from among the multiple candidates that passes through the target point P without exceeding a standard value. The traffic control unit 204 generates route information including the identified route and transmits it to the on-board device E. This allows the target vehicle to be guided in a way that reduces the traffic volume of vehicle C at the target point P where the standard value has been exceeded.

[0121] Furthermore, for example, the traffic control unit 204 may use the estimated exhaust gas volume and vehicle information to control the traffic of the target vehicle so that it has priority over other target points if there is a target point P where the exhaust gas volume is less than a predetermined standard value.

[0122] In detail, for example, the traffic control unit 204 uses vehicle information to determine multiple candidate routes to the destination. Using the estimated exhaust gas volume, the traffic control unit 204 identifies a route from among the multiple candidates that passes through a target point P where the exhaust gas volume is less than a standard value. The traffic control unit 204 generates route information including the identified route and transmits it to the on-board device E. This allows the vehicle to be guided to pass through target point P, where the exhaust gas volume is less than the standard value, with priority given to other target points.

[0123] Embodiment 2 of the present invention has been described so far.

[0124] According to Embodiment 2, the amount of exhaust gas emitted by a vehicle C passing through a target point P is estimated, and the traffic of the target vehicle is controlled by guiding the vehicle along its route using the estimated amount of exhaust gas. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of exhaust gas emitted from vehicle C at the target point P.

[0125] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described herein, and Embodiment 2 may be modified as follows, for example.

[0126] (Modification 4) The traffic control unit 204 may predict the amount of exhaust gas from vehicle C and control the traffic of the target vehicle using the estimated amount of exhaust gas and the predicted amount. The traffic control unit 204 according to the modified example 4 includes a prediction unit 204a and a control processing unit 204b, as shown in Figure 9.

[0127] The prediction unit 204a calculates the predicted amount of exhaust gas from vehicle C. Conventional methods may be used for this prediction, for example, the average value over a predetermined period, the average value for each time period within a predetermined period, or the value of a straight line or curve that approximates the change from a predetermined point in time to the present may be adopted.

[0128] The control processing unit 204b uses the exhaust gas volume estimated by the estimation unit 103 and the predicted volume obtained by the prediction unit 204a to guide the target vehicle along a route. That is, it uses the estimated exhaust gas volume and the predicted volume to determine the route to the target vehicle's destination, generates route information including that route, and transmits it to the on-board device E of the target vehicle.

[0129] By predicting exhaust gas volume and guiding the target vehicle along its route, the likelihood of the target vehicle passing through point P, where an increase in exhaust gas volume is expected, can be reduced. Furthermore, a reduction in traffic volume at point P reduces the change in speed of vehicle C passing through point P, thereby reducing the amount of exhaust gas emitted from vehicle C. As a result, an increase in exhaust gas volume from vehicle C at point P can be prevented in advance. Consequently, it becomes possible to reduce the amount of exhaust gas emitted from vehicle C at point P.

[0130] Furthermore, the control processing unit 204b may control the traffic signal S using the exhaust gas volume estimated by the estimation unit 103 and the predicted volume obtained by the prediction unit 204a. This also reduces the likelihood that the target vehicle will pass through the target point P where an increase in exhaust gas volume is expected. In addition, by reducing the traffic volume at the target point P where an increase in exhaust gas volume is expected, the amount of change in the speed of the vehicle C passing through the target point P becomes smaller, and the amount of exhaust gas from the vehicle C passing through the target point P can also be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an increase in the amount of exhaust gas from the vehicle C at the target point P where an increase in exhaust gas volume is expected. Consequently, it becomes possible to reduce the amount of exhaust gas from the vehicle C at the target point P.

[0131] (Variation 5) The traffic control unit 204 may control the traffic of the target vehicle using the estimated exhaust gas volume and information about CO2 absorbers installed around the target point P. CO2 absorbers include plants such as trees, paints and materials with CO2 absorption capabilities, and such paints and materials are installed, for example, on the walls of buildings. Information about CO2 absorbers includes at least one of the following: the location where the CO2 absorbers are installed, the number and area of ​​CO2 absorbers installed, and a value indicating the CO2 absorption capacity of the installed CO2 absorbers. The traffic control unit 204 according to Modification 5 includes an acquisition unit 204c and a control processing unit 204d, as shown in Figure 10.

[0132] The acquisition unit 204c acquires absorber information. The absorber information is information about the CO2 absorber described above. The absorber information may be acquired from an external device (not shown) or entered by the user.

[0133] The control processing unit 204d uses the exhaust gas volume estimated by the estimation unit 103 and the absorber information acquired by the acquisition unit 204c to guide vehicle C along a route. Specifically, it uses the estimated exhaust gas volume and absorber information to determine the route for vehicle C to its destination, generates route information including this route, and transmits it to the on-board device E of vehicle C.

[0134] At location P, where many CO2 absorbers are installed, more exhaust gas is absorbed than at location P with fewer CO2 absorbers, making it difficult for the amount of exhaust gas from vehicle C in the atmosphere to increase. Therefore, by, for example, setting a higher exhaust gas limit at location P than at location P with fewer CO2 absorbers, vehicle C can be guided to location P with many CO2 absorbers, thereby preventing an increase in the amount of exhaust gas from vehicle C at location P. Consequently, it becomes possible to reduce the amount of exhaust gas from vehicle C at location P.

[0135] The control processing unit 204d may also control the traffic signal S using the exhaust gas amount estimated by the estimation unit 103 and the absorber information acquired by the acquisition unit 204c. This also prevents an increase in the amount of exhaust gas from vehicle C at target point P by guiding vehicle C to target point P, which has many CO2 absorbers, by, for example, setting the standard value of the exhaust gas amount higher at target point P, where many CO2 absorbers are installed, than at target point P, where there are fewer CO2 absorbers. Therefore, it becomes possible to reduce the amount of exhaust gas from vehicle C at target point P.

[0136] (Experimental variation 6) Vehicle information may include conditions related to exhaust gas volume. These conditions represent the driver's preference regarding exhaust gas reduction, and for example, the degree of exhaust gas reduction is selected by the driver of the vehicle in question from options such as high, medium, or low. The traffic control unit 204 may further refer to these conditions to determine the route to the destination of the vehicle in question.

[0137] For example, the traffic control unit 204 changes the reference value applied to the target vehicle depending on the conditions. More specifically, for example, if the degree of exhaust gas reduction is set to "high," the reference value applied to the target vehicle is made lower than when it is set to "low." As a result, drivers who wish to increase the degree of exhaust gas reduction will pass through more target points P where the amount of exhaust gas is estimated to be low than drivers who wish to reduce it. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of exhaust gas from the target vehicle at target points P while taking the user's wishes into consideration.

[0138] (Example 7) To motivate the driver to follow the route guidance, the traffic control device 202 may further include an incentive-providing unit 206, as shown in Figure 11.

[0139] The incentive granting unit 206 grants a reward to a vehicle of a predetermined type when the vehicle actually travels according to the route guidance. The reward may be, for example, a discount on highway tolls or a discount on gasoline.

[0140] This provides an incentive for users to set conditions that allow them to reduce exhaust emissions, thereby further reducing the amount of exhaust gas from the target vehicle at the target location P. Consequently, it becomes possible to reduce the amount of exhaust gas from vehicle C at the target location P.

[0141] (Variation 8) The traffic control unit 204 may determine different routes depending on the vehicle type of the target vehicle, even if the target vehicles share the same destination.

[0142] For example, the traffic control unit 204 may generate route information including the shortest route for a first type of target vehicle. For a second type of target vehicle, it may generate route information including a route determined to pass through a target point P where the estimated amount of exhaust gas is less than that of other target points P.

[0143] The vehicle types related to this modified example are other examples of vehicle types relating to environmental performance, and are types relating to the amount of exhaust gas emitted by the vehicle. Specifically, the first type is a type of vehicle C that emits less exhaust gas than the second type of vehicle C. The first type of vehicle C is, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid car, or a vehicle C equipped with a CO2 absorber. The second type of vehicle C is, for example, an engine-powered vehicle.

[0144] A vehicle C equipped with a CO2 absorber is, for example, a vehicle C that has been painted with a CO2-absorbing coating, or a vehicle C that has a CO2-absorbing component installed on its exterior or elsewhere. Ta Whether or not it is an Ip may be included in the vehicle information, or it may be determined based on the vehicle type.

[0145] This means that if the target vehicle is a first-type vehicle C, which emits relatively little exhaust gas, the shortest route will be guided, thus providing an incentive to ride in first-type vehicle C. Consequently, it becomes possible to reduce the amount of exhaust gas emitted from vehicle C at the target location P.

[0146] For example, the traffic control unit 204 may generate route information for a first type of target vehicle that includes a route determined to pass through a target point P where the estimated exhaust gas volume is low. For a second type of target vehicle, it may generate route information that includes the shortest route.

[0147] As a result, if the target vehicle is a first-type vehicle C, which has a relatively low exhaust gas volume, the amount of detours taken by the target vehicle will be reduced, thereby reducing the overall exhaust gas volume of vehicle C. Therefore, it becomes possible to reduce the amount of exhaust gas from vehicle C at the target point P.

[0148] In this case, the traffic control device 202 may include the incentive-giving unit 206 described in Modification 7. This provides an incentive to drive along a route determined to pass through a target point P with a low estimated exhaust gas volume among multiple target points P, thereby further reducing the overall exhaust gas volume of the vehicle C. Consequently, it becomes possible to reduce the amount of exhaust gas from the vehicle C at target point P.

[0149] (Extreme variation 9) The traffic control unit 204 may determine different routes depending on whether the target vehicle is a vehicle type equipped with a CO2 absorber, even if the destination is the same for all target vehicles.

[0150] In this modified example, the traffic control unit 204 determines a route to the destination for a vehicle C of the vehicle type equipped with a CO2 absorber, such that it passes through a target point P among several target points P where the estimated exhaust gas volume is high, generates route information including the determined route, and transmits it to the on-board device E of vehicle C.

[0151] By having a vehicle C equipped with a CO2 absorber pass through a target location P with a high volume of exhaust gas, the amount of CO2 at the target location P can be reduced. Therefore, it becomes possible to reduce the amount of exhaust gas from vehicle C at the target location P.

[0152] In this case, the traffic control device 202 may include the incentive-giving unit 206 described in Modification 7. This provides an incentive to drive along a route determined to pass through a target point P with a large estimated exhaust gas volume, thereby further reducing the amount of CO2 at the target point P. Consequently, it becomes possible to reduce the amount of exhaust gas from the vehicle C at the target point P.

[0153] The embodiments and variations of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, but these are merely examples of the present invention, and various other configurations can also be adopted.

[0154] Furthermore, while the flowcharts used in the above description show multiple steps (processes) in sequence, the execution order of the steps performed in each embodiment is not limited to the order in which they are described. In each embodiment, the order of the illustrated steps can be changed to the extent that it does not impede the content. Also, the above embodiments and modifications can be combined to the extent that their content is not contradictory.

[0155] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following:

[0156] 1. An estimation means for estimating the amount of vehicle exhaust gas at a target location, The system includes traffic control means that use the estimated exhaust gas volume to perform processing for controlling the traffic of the target vehicle. Traffic control device. 2. The traffic control means controls the traffic of the target vehicle by at least one of the following: controlling one or more traffic lights using the estimated exhaust gas volume, and providing route guidance to the target vehicle. The traffic control device described in item 1 above. 3. When controlling the traffic of the target vehicle by providing the aforementioned route guidance, the system further includes an incentive provision means for providing a benefit to the target vehicle when it travels according to the aforementioned route guidance. The traffic control device described in item 2 above. 4. The traffic control means uses the estimated exhaust gas volume to control the traffic of the target vehicle so that the change in the speed of the target vehicle is minimized. A traffic control device as described in any one of the above 1. to 3. 5. The traffic control means controls the traffic of the target vehicle to reduce the traffic volume at the target location when the estimated exhaust gas volume exceeds a predetermined standard value. A traffic control device as described in any one of items 1 to 4 above. 6. The aforementioned target locations are multiple, The traffic control means controls the traffic of the target vehicle so that it passes through target locations with low estimated exhaust gas volume as a priority over other target locations. A traffic control device as described in any one of items 1 through 5 above. 7. The traffic control means controls the traffic of the target vehicle so that it passes through target points where the estimated exhaust gas volume is less than the standard value, with priority given to other target points. The traffic control device described in item 6 above. 8. When the traffic control means controls the traffic of the target vehicle by providing route guidance, it uses the estimated exhaust gas volume and the type of the target vehicle to provide route guidance for the target vehicle. A traffic control device as described in any one of items 2 through 7 above. 9. The traffic control means, when the target vehicle is a predetermined first type of vehicle, provides route guidance so that it passes through the target location where the estimated amount of exhaust gas is high. The traffic control device described in item 7 above. 10. The traffic control means, when the target vehicle is a vehicle of a predetermined second type, provides route guidance so that it passes through a target location where the estimated amount of exhaust gas is low. The traffic control device described in item 7 or item 8 above. 11. The traffic control means is Prediction means for determining the predicted amount of exhaust gas from the vehicle, Includes control processing means that uses the estimated exhaust gas volume and the predicted volume to perform processing for controlling the traffic of the target vehicle at the target location. A traffic control device as described in any one of items 1 through 10 above. 12. The traffic control means is A means for obtaining information about CO2 absorbers, The system includes a control processing means for guiding the vehicle along a route using the estimated exhaust gas volume and information regarding the CO2 absorber. A traffic control device as described in any one of items 1 through 10 above. 13. A traffic control device described in any one of items 1 to 12 above, A sensor device for detecting a physical quantity for estimating the amount of exhaust gas at the aforementioned target location, It comprises at least one of a traffic signal and an on-board device. Traffic control system. 14. Computers The amount of exhaust gas from vehicles passing through the target location is estimated, This includes performing a process to control the traffic of the target vehicle using the estimated exhaust gas volume. Traffic control methods. 15. On the computer, The amount of exhaust gas from vehicles passing through the target location is estimated, A recording medium containing a program that causes the system to perform a process to control the traffic of the target vehicle using the estimated exhaust gas volume. 16. On the computer, The amount of exhaust gas from vehicles passing through the target location is estimated, A program for executing a process to control the traffic of a target vehicle using the estimated exhaust gas volume. [Explanation of symbols]

[0157] 100,200 traffic control systems 101, 101a~101d Sensor equipment 102,202 Traffic control devices 103 Estimation part 104,204 Traffic Control Unit 105 Storage section

Claims

1. An estimation means for estimating the amount of vehicle exhaust gas at a target location, The system includes traffic control means that perform processing to control the traffic of the target vehicle using the estimated exhaust gas volume, The aforementioned target locations are multiple, The traffic control means, when the target vehicle is equipped with a CO2 absorber, provides route guidance to pass through target locations where the estimated exhaust gas volume is greater than a standard value, and when the target vehicle is an engine-powered vehicle, provides route guidance to pass through target locations where the estimated exhaust gas volume is less than a standard value. Traffic control device.

2. The traffic control means controls the traffic of the target vehicle by using the estimated exhaust gas volume to control one or more traffic lights or to provide route guidance to the target vehicle when the target vehicle is an engine-powered vehicle. The traffic control device according to claim 1.

3. When controlling the traffic of the target vehicle by providing the aforementioned route guidance, the system further includes an incentive provision means for providing a benefit to the target vehicle when it travels according to the aforementioned route guidance. The traffic control device according to claim 2.

4. Computers The amount of exhaust gas from vehicles passing through the target location is estimated, This includes performing a process to control the traffic of the target vehicle using the estimated exhaust gas volume, The aforementioned target locations are multiple, In the process for controlling the traffic of the aforementioned target vehicle, if the target vehicle is equipped with a CO2 absorber, the route is guided to pass through a target point where the estimated exhaust gas volume is greater than the standard value, and if the target vehicle is an engine-powered vehicle, the route is guided to pass through a target point where the estimated exhaust gas volume is less than the standard value. Traffic control methods.

5. On the computer, The amount of exhaust gas from vehicles passing through the target location is estimated, Using the estimated exhaust gas volume, the system executes a process to control the traffic of the target vehicle. The aforementioned target locations are multiple, The process for controlling the traffic of the aforementioned target vehicle includes a program that, when the target vehicle is equipped with a CO2 absorber, provides route guidance to pass through a target location where the estimated exhaust gas volume is greater than a standard value, and when the target vehicle is an engine-powered vehicle, provides route guidance to pass through a target location where the estimated exhaust gas volume is less than a standard value.