Driving guide system for roundabout

Abstract

According to the present invention, a driving guidance system for a roundabout can effectively help a vehicle to pass through the roundabout at a sufficiently low cost. This driving guidance system for a roundabout comprises: an exit path mark assigned to a plurality of exit paths deviating from the roundabout; and an entry path mark assigned to each of lanes of a plurality of entry paths entering the roundabout. The entry path mark includes information on a driving method of the roundabout.

Description

Roundabout Operation Guidance System

[0001] The present invention relates to a roundabout operation guidance system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a roundabout operation guidance system that displays information necessary for roundabout operation on at least one entrance road to the roundabout, thereby assisting vehicle operation in the roundabout.

[0002] To ensure traffic safety, various traffic safety facilities are installed and operated. Among these, typical signalized intersections have long waiting times, which can lead to traffic congestion and other disruptions to communication. Furthermore, vehicles running red lights are more likely to cause major accidents.

[0003] As a way to overcome the shortcomings of these typical signalized intersections, roundabouts are widely implemented in many countries, including South Korea.

[0004] A roundabout is a one-way road system where vehicles turn in one direction around a traffic island in the center and exit in the desired direction.

[0005] Specifically, in a roundabout, vehicles that have already entered the intersection have priority.

[0006] Based on the right-hand traffic system of the road, vehicles entering a roundabout should enter counterclockwise after the rotating vehicles have passed, and can drive in a roundabout by turning on the turn signal when entering or exiting to signal other drivers.

[0007] Roundabouts can also be applied when there are sufficiently few vehicles passing through, and in such cases, the installation and operating costs of traffic lights, etc. can be reduced.

[0008] Meanwhile, there is a problem that roundabouts without traffic lights can be relatively difficult to drive at compared to regular intersections.

[0009] For example, a vehicle circling within a roundabout may become confused about which exit ramp to use to exit the roundabout or which lane to follow.

[0010] As a prior art for a roundabout, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1601958 (filed on October 14, 2014, title of the invention: Roundabout operating device considering saturation level for each approach road and method thereof) includes a technical configuration for controlling the passage of entering and exiting vehicles by considering the saturation level for each approach road of a roundabout.

[0011] In the prior art according to this document 1, there is a problem that the cost may increase excessively compared to installing a traffic light because the saturation level for each access road must be calculated in real time.

[0012] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a roundabout operation guidance system that assists vehicle operation in a roundabout by displaying information necessary for operation of the roundabout on an entrance road.

[0013] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a roundabout operation guidance system that assists vehicle operation in a roundabout by matching marks displayed on an entrance road corresponding to a roundabout with marks displayed on an exit road.

[0014] A roundabout operation guidance system according to the present invention includes an exit mark assigned to a plurality of exits from a roundabout and an entry mark assigned to each lane of a plurality of entrys into the roundabout, and the entry mark may include information on an operation method of the roundabout.

[0015] In addition, the entrance mark further includes a matching mark matching at least one of the exit mark, and at least one of the entrance marks includes a plurality of lanes, and the matching mark assigned to the last lane among the plurality of lanes may be matched to the exit mark assigned to the first exit mark to the right among the plurality of exit marks, and the matching mark assigned to the first lane among the plurality of lanes may be matched to the exit mark assigned to the first exit mark to the left among the plurality of exit marks.

[0016] In addition, the roundabout is connected to a first road, a second road, a third road, and a fourth road, and the first road includes a first exit road leaving the roundabout and a first entry road entering the roundabout, the second road includes a second exit road leaving the roundabout and a second entry road entering the roundabout, the third road includes a third exit road leaving the roundabout and a third entry road entering the roundabout, the fourth road includes a fourth exit road leaving the roundabout and a fourth entry road entering the roundabout, and a first exit road mark is assigned to the first exit road, a second exit road mark is assigned to the second exit road, a third exit road mark is assigned to the third exit road, and a fourth exit road is assigned to the fourth An exit mark may be assigned, and the first entrance road may include a first lane, a second lane, a third lane, and a fourth lane, and a first matching mark matching the first exit mark may be assigned to the first lane, a second matching mark matching the fourth exit mark may be assigned to the second lane, a third matching mark matching the third exit mark may be assigned to the third lane, and a fourth matching mark matching the second exit mark may be assigned to the fourth lane.

[0017] Additionally, the matching mark may include at least one first light-emitting portion that emits light by the supplied power, and the exit mark may include at least one second light-emitting portion that emits light by the supplied power.

[0018] In addition, the device further includes a power supply unit that supplies power to the light-emitting unit, the power supply unit includes at least one solar cell that produces electricity from sunlight, and the power supply unit can be located on a traffic island of the roundabout.

[0019] In addition, the traffic island is installed, and a plurality of camera units for taking images corresponding to each of the entrance roads, an entry detection unit for analyzing the images taken by the camera units to detect vehicle entry into the roundabout, and a determination unit for determining the matching mark corresponding to the entering vehicle detected by the entry detection unit and determining the exit road mark matching the determined matching mark, and the power supply unit can supply power to the first light emitting unit of the matching mark determined by the determination unit and the second light emitting unit of the exit road mark to cause them to emit light, respectively. The plurality of camera units can display driving information, including the direction of the entrance road and an appropriate speed, on a driving information display panel installed on the entrance road by detecting the speed and movement of the vehicle.

[0020] The roundabout operation guidance system according to the present invention has the effect of effectively assisting vehicles to pass through the roundabout at a sufficiently low cost.

[0021] Cameras are installed on traffic islands to detect the movement and speed of entering vehicles (just like measuring speed on a highway), and the information collected here is displayed on the ground at the entrance to each entrance road to indicate speed, whether the vehicle is speeding, and the direction of entry, which has the effect of preventing reverse driving and speeding on the entrance road.

[0022] Figures 1 to 6 are drawings for explaining a first embodiment of a roundabout operation guidance system according to the present invention.

[0023] FIGS. 7 to 12 are drawings for explaining a second embodiment of a roundabout operation guidance system according to the present invention.

[0024] Hereinafter, a roundabout operation guidance system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0025] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. This is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0026] When describing the present invention, terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, but these components may not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be referred to as the "second component," and similarly, the second component may also be referred to as the "first component."

[0027] The term "and / or" may include any combination of multiple related listed items or any one of multiple related listed items.

[0028] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it can be understood that it is directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components in between. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it can be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0029] The terminology used in this document is solely for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0030] In this document, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, and can be understood as not excluding in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries may be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and, unless explicitly defined herein, may not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0032] In addition, the embodiments disclosed in this document are provided to more completely explain to a person having average knowledge in the art, and the shapes and sizes of elements shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for a clearer explanation.

[0033] In describing the present invention in this document, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description may be omitted.

[0034] The various embodiments described in this document may be implemented in a recording medium readable by a computer or similar device using software, hardware, or a combination thereof.

[0035]

[0036] *In terms of hardware implementation, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented using at least one of ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), DSPDs (digital signal processing devices), PLDs (programmable logic devices), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and electrical units for performing functions.

[0037] Meanwhile, in a software implementation, embodiments such as procedures or functions in the present invention may be implemented together with a separate software module that performs at least one function or operation.

[0038] Figures 1 to 6 are drawings for explaining a roundabout operation guidance system according to the present invention.

[0039] Referring to Figure 1, at least one exit (OR) connected to a roundabout (Roundabout, 1) may be assigned an exit mark (OMK), and at least one entry (IR) may be assigned an entry mark (IMK).

[0040] The present invention will be described based on right-hand driving, where vehicles drive on the right side of the road. The present invention may also be applied to left-hand driving.

[0041] A roundabout (1) may be located at a point where at least three roads (RDs) intersect.

[0042] A traffic island (ISD) may be located at the center of a roundabout (1).

[0043] Vehicles operating in a roundabout (1) can rotate around the traffic island (ISD).

[0044] While the present invention exemplifies a case where a roundabout (1) is located at the intersection of four roads, the present invention may not be limited thereto. For example, the roundabout operation guidance system according to the present invention may be applied to a roundabout (1) where three roads intersect or a roundabout (1) where five or more roads intersect.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 1, a roundabout (1) can be located at a point where the first road (RD1), the second road (RD2), the third road (RD3), and the fourth road (RD4) intersect.

[0046] Here, an entrance mark (IMK) may be assigned (installed, displayed) to each of the entrances (IR) of the first road (RD1), the second road (RD2), the third road (RD3), and the fourth road (RD4).

[0047] In addition, an exit mark (OMK) may be assigned (installed, displayed) to each of the exit routes (OR) of Road 1 (RD1), Road 2 (RD2), Road 3 (RD3), and Road 4 (RD4).

[0048] The entrance mark (IMK) and exit mark (OMK) may be installed (displayed) so that the driver riding in the vehicle can identify them.

[0049] An entrance mark (IMK) may be installed (marked) on the road surface of an entrance (IR) so as not to interfere with the vehicle driver's acquisition of information.

[0050] The entrance mark (IMK) may contain information on the operation method of the roundabout (1).

[0051] For example, the entrance mark (IMK) may include information indicating that a circulating vehicle has priority in a roundabout (1), information about a temporary stop, etc.

[0052] An OMK may contain geographic information corresponding to the corresponding OMK.

[0053] For example, an OMK may include information about places that can be reached using that OMK.

[0054] In Fig. 1, numbers such as 1, 2, 3, and 4 are sequentially assigned to the exit mark (OMK) from the right, but the present invention may not be limited thereto.

[0055] For example, it may be possible to assign OMKs sequentially from the left, or to assign them first for horizontal roads and then for vertical roads.

[0056] Alternatively, the OMK may include characters other than numbers, such as alphabets.

[0057] Alternatively, the OMK may include symbols such as arrows.

[0058] In this way, any OMK that is easily identifiable by the driver of the vehicle can be applied.

[0059] Meanwhile, in the case where the entrance road (IR) to the roundabout (1) includes multiple lanes, the entrance road mark (IMK) may further include a matching mark (MMK) assigned to each lane of the entrance road (IR).

[0060] Here, the matching mark (MMK) can be matched to at least one exit mark (OMK).

[0061] For example, as in the case of Fig. 2, let us assume that the entrance road (IR) of the first road (RD1) connected to the roundabout (1) includes multiple lanes.

[0062] In this case, the matching mark (MMK, ②) assigned to the last lane (lane 3) among the multiple lanes of the entrance (IR) of the first road (RD1) may be matched to the exit mark (OMK, ②) assigned to the first exit (OMK) on the right among the multiple exits (OR), i.e., the exit (OR) of the second road (RD2).

[0063] In this case, the driver of a vehicle that has entered the last lane of the first road (RD1), i.e., the third lane, can check the matching mark (MMK, ②) displayed on the third lane and use it to easily identify the exit route (OR), i.e., the exit route (OR) of the second road (RD2).

[0064] In addition, the matching mark (MMK, ①④) assigned to the first lane (Lane 1) among the multiple lanes of the entrance (IR) of the first road (RD1) can be matched to the exit mark (①) assigned to at least the first exit on the left among the multiple exits, i.e., the exit (OR) of the first road (RD1).

[0065] Alternatively, the matching mark (MMK, ①④) assigned to the first lane (Lane 1) among the multiple lanes of the entrance (IR) of the first road (RD1) may be matched to the exit mark (④) assigned to the exit (OR) of the fourth road (RD1), which is at least the second exit to the left among the multiple exits.

[0066] In this way, it is possible to simply inform the driver of the vehicle of the information about the corresponding exit lane (OR) for each lane of the entrance ramp (IR) using a matching mark (MMK).

[0067] In such cases, it can be helpful for drivers who are not familiar with roundabouts (such as beginner drivers) to drive on roundabouts because they can find the exit ramp (OR) corresponding to the matching mark and proceed.

[0068] To explain the matching mark (MMK) in more detail, as shown in FIG. 3, let us assume that a first road (RD1), a second road (RD2), a third road (RD3), and a fourth road (RD4) intersect at a roundabout (1), the second road (RD2) is adjacent to the right side of the first road (RD1), the third road (RD3) is adjacent to the right side of the second road (RD2), the fourth road (RD4) is adjacent to the right side of the third road (RD3), and the entrance (IR) of the first road (RD1) includes four lanes (lanes 1, 2, 3, and 4).

[0069] In such a case, the first road (RD1) may include a first off-ramp (OR1) leading out of the roundabout (1) and a first on-ramp (IR1) leading into the roundabout (1).

[0070] Here, the first exit mark (①) can be assigned to the first exit (OR1).

[0071] Additionally, the second road (RD2) may include a second off-ramp (OR2) leading away from the roundabout (1) and a second on-ramp (IR2) leading into the roundabout (1).

[0072] Here, the second exit mark (②) can be assigned to the second exit (OR2).

[0073] The third road (RD3) may include a third off-ramp (OR3) leading away from the roundabout (1) and a third on-ramp (IR3) leading into the roundabout (1).

[0074] Here, the third exit mark (③) can be assigned to the third exit (OR3).

[0075] The fourth road (RD4) may include a fourth off-ramp (OR4) leading away from the roundabout (1) and a fourth on-ramp (IR4) leading into the roundabout (1).

[0076] Here, the 4th exit mark (④) can be assigned to the 4th exit (OR4).

[0077] In this case, the first lane of the first entrance road (IR1) of the first road (RD1) may be assigned a first matching mark (①) that matches the first exit road mark (①).

[0078] In addition, a second matching mark (④) matching the fourth exit mark (④) may be assigned to the second lane, a third matching mark (③) matching the third exit mark (③) may be assigned to the third lane, and a fourth matching mark (②) matching the second exit mark (②) may be assigned to the fourth lane.

[0079] In such cases, the driver of the vehicle can easily drive through a roundabout (1) in the form of a four-way intersection.

[0080] Meanwhile, the matching mark (MMK) and the exit mark (OMK) may include at least one light-emitting element that emits light when supplied with power.

[0081] In detail, the matching mark (MMK) may include at least one first light-emitting portion (LEP1) that emits light by the supplied power.

[0082] Additionally, the OMK may include at least one second light emitting portion (LEP2) that emits light when supplied with power.

[0083] In this case, even at night when the surroundings are dark, the information necessary for driving the roundabout (1) can be easily transmitted to the driver of the vehicle.

[0084] At least one of the first light emitting unit (LEP1) and the second light emitting unit (LEP2) can be installed on the road surface.

[0085] For example, as shown in (A) and (B) of FIG. 4, the first light emitting portion (LEP1) and the second light emitting portion (LEP2) are installed on the road (RD) and can protrude from the road surface of the road (RD) by a predetermined height (D1) so that the vehicle driver can easily identify them.

[0086] In addition, as shown in (B) of FIG. 4, the first light emitting portion (LEP1) and the second light emitting portion (LEP2) may include a rear cover (BK), a light emitting element (LED), and a transparent cover (TC) in a portion protruding from the road surface (RD).

[0087] The back cover (BK) can be made of a metal material or plastic material that is sufficiently strong.

[0088] The back cover (BK) may be substantially opaque and may not transmit light.

[0089] The back cover (BK) can sufficiently protect the light emitting diode (LED) and certain components that are not shown but are required to operate the light emitting diode (LED).

[0090] A light emitting diode (LED) can emit light when supplied with power.

[0091] These light emitting elements (LEDs) may include a red light emitting element (R) for emitting red (R) light, a green light emitting element (G) for emitting green (G) light, and a blue light emitting element (B) for emitting blue (B) light.

[0092] In this case, the first light emitting unit (LEP1) and the second light emitting unit (LEP2) can implement various colors of light by combining red (R) light, green (G) light, and blue (B) light.

[0093] The transparent cover (TC) may include a material that transmits light, such as a transparent resin material.

[0094] Such a transparent cover (TC) can cover at least a portion of the light emitting element (LED).

[0095] Accordingly, light generated from the light-emitting element (LED) can pass through the transparent cover (TC) and be emitted to the outside.

[0096] The width (D3) of the transparent cover (TC) may be smaller than the width (D2) of the rear cover (BK).

[0097] Additionally, the transparent cover (TC) may include a portion of its surface that is inclined at a predetermined angle (θ).

[0098] In such cases, the transparent cover (TC) can be suppressed or prevented from being damaged or worn due to collision with the vehicle's wheels.

[0099] The transparent cover (TC) can face the direction in which the vehicle is entering.

[0100] The direction of vehicle entry is indicated by an arrow on the drawing.

[0101] Meanwhile, it is possible for an exit mark (OMK) to be formed on a road sign.

[0102] For example, as shown in (A) and (B) of Fig. 5, it is possible for an exit mark (OMK) to be formed on a part of a road sign (BRD) installed on an exit (OR) of a road (RD).

[0103] In this case, as shown in (B) of Fig. 5, the exit mark (OMK) can be attached to the road sign (BRD).

[0104] For example, the entry mark (OMK) may include a substrate portion (SBT) and a second light emitting portion (LEP2) arranged on the substrate portion (SBT).

[0105] The second light emitting unit (LEP2) can be powered from a power source not shown through the substrate unit (SBT).

[0106] In addition, the second light-emitting unit (LEP2) may include at least one light-emitting element (LED) arranged on the substrate unit (SBT) and a dome cover (TCD) having a dome shape covering the light-emitting element (LED).

[0107] The dome cover (TCD) may include a transparent material that transmits light generated from the light-emitting element (LED). For example, the dome cover (TCD) may include a transparent resin material.

[0108] In such cases, it is possible to install it in a simple manner by separately manufacturing an on-ramp mark (OMK) and attaching the manufactured on-ramp mark (OMK) to a road sign (BRD).

[0109] Meanwhile, it is possible for the power supply unit for supplying power to at least one of the first light emitting unit (LEP1) and the second light emitting unit (LEP2) to include at least one solar cell that produces electricity from sunlight.

[0110] For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a solar panel (SLC) including at least one solar cell can be placed on an intersticed island (ISD) of a roundabout (1).

[0111] A solar panel (SLC) may be included in the power supply unit (20).

[0112] In this case, it is possible to effectively drive the first light emitting unit (LEP1) and the second light emitting unit (LEP2) even in rural areas with relatively little traffic.

[0113] For example, in rural areas with excessively low traffic volume, installing traffic lights may be cost-effective. Furthermore, even if the first light source (LEP1) and the second light source (LEP2) are used, installing a separate power supply to power the first light source (LEP1) and the second light source (LEP2) may be unnecessary.

[0114] In this case, if a solar panel (SLC) is installed on the traffic island (ISD) located in the center of the roundabout (1), the first light emitting unit (LEP1) and the second light emitting unit (LEP2) can be sufficiently driven without a separate power source.

[0115] In this way, the power supply unit can be located on the traffic island (ISD) of the roundabout (1).

[0116] Alternatively, although not shown, solar panels (SLC) for the power supply unit could be installed in the space between each road.

[0117] For example, it may be possible to install solar panels (SLC) in the space between the first entrance (IR1) and the second exit (OR2), i.e., in the corner space of the roundabout.

[0118] Meanwhile, when a vehicle enters a roundabout (1), it is possible to selectively drive at least one of the first light emitting unit (LEP1) and the second light emitting unit (LEP2). This is as follows, with reference to the attached drawing.

[0119] Figures 7 to 12 are drawings illustrating a second embodiment of a roundabout operation guidance system according to the present invention. Below, a detailed description of the parts described above may be omitted.

[0120] Looking at Figure 7, the driving unit (Driver, 2) included in the roundabout operation guidance system according to the present invention may include a power supply unit (20), a control unit (10), and a camera unit (30).

[0121] Since each component illustrated in Fig. 7 is not essential, it is also possible to implement a driving unit (2) having more or fewer components.

[0122] The power supply unit (20) can supply power to at least one of the camera unit (30), the first light-emitting unit (LEP1), and the second light-emitting unit (LEP2) under the control of the control unit (10).

[0123] Such a power supply unit (20) may include a solar panel (SLC) including at least one solar cell.

[0124] Additionally, the power supply unit (20) can be placed on the traffic island (ISD) of the roundabout (1).

[0125] The camera unit (30) may include at least one camera (Camera, 300, 310, 320, 330) for capturing an image of an entrance (IR) of a road (RD).

[0126] For example, when a total of four entrances (IR) are connected to a roundabout (1), the camera unit (30) may include a first camera (300), a second camera (310), a third camera (320), and a fourth camera (330).

[0127] Each camera (300, 310, 320, 330) included in the camera unit (30) can capture an image corresponding to the access road (IR).

[0128] For example, a first camera (300) can capture an image corresponding to a first entrance (IR1) of a first road (RD1), a second camera (310) can capture an image corresponding to a second entrance (IR2) of a second road (RD2), a third camera (320) can capture an image corresponding to a third entrance (IR3) of a third road (RD3), and a fourth camera (330) can capture an image corresponding to a fourth entrance (IR4) of a fourth road (RD4).

[0129] Considering the price of the camera and the amount of power required to operate the camera, it may be quite advantageous to apply the camera unit (30) to the traffic guidance system of a roundabout according to the present invention.

[0130] This camera unit (30) can be installed on a traffic island (ISD) like the power supply unit (20).

[0131] If the number of entrances (IR) connected to a roundabout changes, the number of cameras included in the camera unit (30) may also change.

[0132] The control unit (10) can control the overall operation of the driving unit (2).

[0133] For example, the control unit (10) can control the shooting and analysis of the image, and control the power supply to at least one of the first light emitting unit (LEP1) and the second light emitting unit (LEP2).

[0134] For this purpose, the control unit (10) may include an entry detection unit (100) and a determination unit (110).

[0135] The entry detection unit (100) can detect vehicle entry into the roundabout (1) by analyzing the video captured by the camera unit (30).

[0136] The determination unit (110) can determine a matching mark (MMK) corresponding to an entering vehicle detected by the entry detection unit (100) and determine an exit mark (OMK) matching the determined matching mark (MMK).

[0137] The driving unit (2) can take a video using the camera unit (30) in a preset guide mode and use the taken video.

[0138] The guidance mode can be said to be a mode in which the surrounding environment of the roundabout (1) is sufficiently dark and power supply is required to at least one of the first light emitting unit (LEP1) and the second light emitting unit (LEP2).

[0139] Below, we will explain the guidance mode.

[0140] Looking at Fig. 8, the control unit (10) can set the driving unit (2) to guidance mode (S140) when the current time enters the preset reference time (S100).

[0141] In this case, it can be said that at least one of the first light emitting unit (LEP1) and the second light emitting unit (LEP2) emits light by power for a preset reference time.

[0142] For example, at night when the surroundings are dark, power can be supplied to at least one of the first light emitting unit (LEP1) and the second light emitting unit (LEP2) to cause it to light up.

[0143] Alternatively, the control unit (10) can determine the power production amount of the solar panel (SLC) of the power supply unit (20), and if the power production amount is lower than a preset standard production amount (S110), determine whether the time for which the power production amount is lower than the standard production amount exceeds a preset first threshold time (S120).

[0144] In step S120, if the time for which the power production is maintained at or below the standard production amount does not exceed the preset first threshold time, the preset first function (Default 1) can be performed (S130).

[0145] Here, the first function may be, for example, a step to determine the power production amount of the solar panel (SLC) or a function to release the guidance mode.

[0146] On the other hand, if the time for which the power production is maintained at or below the standard production amount exceeds the preset first threshold time as a result of the judgment at step S120, the driving unit (2) can be set to guidance mode (S140).

[0147] In this case, it can be said that at least one of the first light emitting unit (LEP1) and the second light emitting unit (LEP2) emits light by power when the surroundings are sufficiently dark, regardless of the time.

[0148] For example, even if it is daytime, if the surroundings are sufficiently dark due to clouds or thick fog blocking sunlight, power can be supplied to at least one of the first light emitting unit (LEP1) and the second light emitting unit (LEP2) to cause it to emit light.

[0149] Thereafter, the control unit (10) can release the guidance mode of the driving unit (2) (S190) when the current time deviates from the preset reference time (S150).

[0150] Alternatively, the control unit (10) can determine whether the current power production amount is greater than a preset standard production amount (S160).

[0151] In step S160, if the power production amount is greater than the standard production amount, it can be determined whether the time for which the power production amount is greater than the standard production amount exceeds the preset second threshold time (S170).

[0152] In step S170, if the time for which the power production is maintained at a level higher than the standard production level does not exceed the preset second threshold time, the preset second function (Default 2) can be performed (S180).

[0153] Here, the second function may include, for example, a function to re-determine whether the power production of the solar panel (SLC) is greater than the standard production amount or to maintain the guidance mode.

[0154] On the other hand, if the time for which the power production is maintained at a level higher than the standard production level is determined to exceed the preset second threshold time in step S170, the driving unit (2) can be released from the guidance mode (S190).

[0155] Meanwhile, in the guidance mode, when a vehicle enters a roundabout (1), a video is taken, and the taken video can be used to supply power to at least one of the first light emitting unit (LEP1) and the second light emitting unit (LEP2).

[0156] Looking at Fig. 9, in the guidance mode, the camera unit (30) can capture an image of the entrance (IR) of the road (RD) under the control of the control unit (10) (S200).

[0157] Afterwards, the entry detection unit (100) can analyze the image captured by the camera unit (30) under the control of the control unit (10) (S210).

[0158] In addition, the entry detection unit (100) can determine whether a vehicle enters the roundabout (1) based on the analysis results of the captured video (S220).

[0159] In order to reduce unnecessary image processing and power consumption, the entry detection unit (100) can compare previous image data with current data and analyze the image when the amount of change in the image data is greater than a preset threshold amount of change.

[0160] For example, when a vehicle enters a roundabout (1) in a dark environment, the brightness of the image is likely to increase rapidly due to the vehicle's headlights.

[0161] Using this, the entry detection unit (100) compares previous image data with current image data, determines that there is a possibility that a vehicle will enter the roundabout (1) if the image data changes excessively, and analyzes the image to detect the vehicle entry.

[0162] In detail, the entry detection unit (100) can analyze the amount of change in image data by comparing the 30-frame image data (previous image data) during the first period (PD1) with the 30-frame image data (current image data) during the second period (PD2) after the first period (PD1) with a cycle of 30-frame image data.

[0163] Next, it is possible to analyze the amount of change in image data by comparing 30 frame image data (previous image data) during the second period (PD2) with 30 frame image data (current image data) during the third period (PD3) after the second period (PD2).

[0164] In this way, when analyzing video data in a 30-frame cycle, not only can the amount of data analysis be reduced, but power consumption can also be reduced.

[0165] Afterwards, in the case where the vehicle enters the roundabout (1) as a result of the judgment at step S220, the determination unit (110) can determine the lane of the entry road (IR) corresponding to the current vehicle and the matching mark (MMK) corresponding thereto based on the result analyzed by the entry detection unit (100) under the control of the control unit (10) (S230).

[0166] In addition, the determination unit (110) can determine the exit mark (OMK) matching the determined matching mark (MMK) based on the determined matching mark (MMK) according to the control of the control unit (10) (S240).

[0167] Then, the power supply unit (20) supplies power (S250) to at least one of the matching mark (MMK) and the exit mark (OMK) determined by the determination unit (110) according to the control of the control unit (10), and at least one of the light-emitting units (LEP) of the matching mark (MMK) and the exit mark (OMK) to which power has been supplied, that is, at least one of the first light-emitting unit (LEP1) and the second light-emitting unit (LEP2), can be turned on (S260) to emit light.

[0168] For example, as shown in Fig. 10, let us assume that a given vehicle (VCL) enters the third lane of the first entrance road (IR1) of the first road (RD1).

[0169] In this case, the driving unit (2) can detect the entry of the vehicle (VCL) using the entry detection unit (100) under the control of the control unit (10).

[0170] In addition, the determination unit (100) can determine the matching mark (MMK, ③) assigned to the third lane of the first entrance road (IR1) of the first road (RD) into which the vehicle (VCL) has entered, and determine the exit road mark (OMK, ③) matching the matching mark (MMK, ③), i.e., the exit road mark (OMK, ③) assigned to the third exit road (OR3) of the third road (RD3).

[0171] In addition, power is supplied to the light emitting portions (LEPs) of the matching mark (MMK, ③) assigned to the third lane of the first entrance (IR1) of the first road (RD) and the exit mark (OMK, ③) assigned to the third exit (OR3) of the third road (RD3), so that the corresponding light emitting portions (LEPs) can light up.

[0172] In this case, the driver of the vehicle (VCL) can easily identify the exit ramp (OR), i.e., the third exit ramp (OR3), to which the exit ramp mark (OMK, ③) matching the matching mark (MMK, ③) assigned to the lane into which the driver entered is assigned.

[0173] When multiple vehicles enter a roundabout (1), it is possible for the entrance marks (OMK) to emit light of different colors to assist the operation of the vehicles.

[0174] For example, as shown in Fig. 11, let us assume that a first vehicle (VCL1) enters the third lane of the first entrance road (IR1) of the first road (RD1), and a second vehicle (VCL2) enters the second lane.

[0175] In this case, the driving unit (2) can detect the entry of the first vehicle (VCL1) and the second vehicle (VCL2) using the entry detection unit (100) under the control of the control unit (10).

[0176] The determination unit (100) can determine the matching mark (MMK, ③) assigned to the third lane of the first entrance road (IR1) of the first road (RD) into which the first vehicle (VCL1) has entered, and determine the exit road mark (OMK, ③) matching the matching mark (③), i.e., the exit road mark (OMK, ③) assigned to the third exit road (OR3) of the third road (RD3).

[0177] In addition, the determination unit (100) can determine the matching mark (MMK, ④) assigned to the second lane of the first entrance road (IR1) of the first road (RD) into which the second vehicle (VCL2) entered, and determine the exit road mark (OMK, ④) matching the matching mark (MMK, ④), i.e., the exit road mark (OMK, ④) assigned to the fourth exit road (OR4) of the fourth road (RD4).

[0178] Afterwards, power is supplied to the light emitting portions (LEPs) of the matching mark (MMK, ③) assigned to the third lane of the first entrance (IR1) of the first road (RD) and the exit mark (OMK, ③) assigned to the third exit (OR3) of the third road (RD3), so that the corresponding light emitting portions (LEPs) can emit light of the first color.

[0179] For example, the light emitting portion (LEP) of the matching mark (MMK, ③) assigned to the third lane of the first entrance (IR1) of the first road (RD) and the exit mark (OMK, ③) assigned to the third exit (OR3) of the third road (RD3) can emit green (G) light.

[0180] Since the light emitting diode (LEP) can include a red (R) LED, a green (G) LED, and a blue (B) LED, it is possible to implement light of various colors.

[0181] In addition, power is supplied to the light emitting portions (LEPs) of the matching mark (MMK, ④) assigned to the second lane of the first entrance (IR1) of the first road (RD) and the exit mark (OMK, ④) assigned to the fourth exit (OR4) of the fourth road (RD4), so that the light emitting portions (LEPs) can emit light of a second color different from the first color.

[0182] For example, the light emitting portion (LEP) of the matching mark (MMK, ④) assigned to the second lane of the first entrance (IR1) of the first road (RD) and the exit mark (OMK, ④) assigned to the fourth exit (OR4) of the fourth road (RD4) can emit blue (B) light.

[0183] In this way, when using lights of different colors, even when multiple vehicles enter the roundabout (1), information helpful for driving the roundabout (1) can be effectively conveyed to drivers.

[0184] Meanwhile, when guiding a predetermined exit route in response to the lane of a vehicle (VCL) entering an on-ramp (IR), there may be cases where the matching mark (MMK) of the on-ramp (IR) and the actual exit route (OR) are used differently depending on the road (RD) conditions or driver characteristics. Therefore, when a vehicle enters a roundabout (1), the power supply unit (20) is not limited to corresponding to the matching mark (MMK) determined by the determination unit (110), and it is also possible to set a guidance mode so that the light emitting units (LEP) of all exit route marks (OMK) of the roundabout (1) are turned on (S260) and illuminated.

[0185] For example, when a given vehicle (VCL) enters the third lane of the first entrance road (IR) of the first road (RD1), the driving unit (2) can determine the vehicle entry (S220) and the matching mark (MMK, ③) assigned to the third lane, but since all vehicles may not enter the third road (RD3) but may use another exit road (OR) depending on the result of the matching mark determination (S230), the light emitting unit (LEP) may also illuminate the exit road marks (OMK) of the second road (RD2) and the fourth road (RD4).

[0186] In addition, when a vehicle entry (S220) is determined, the light emitting part (LEP) of the entrance mark (IMK) of the entrance (IR) is set to light up to provide information such as information on priority for turning vehicles and information on temporary stop, thereby helping to drive the vehicle safely.

[0187] Meanwhile, considering that a vehicle enters a roundabout (1) in a dark environment, it can be expected that the light from the vehicle's headlights may affect the camera unit (30).

[0188] Taking this into consideration, it is possible to apply a certain filter to the camera unit (30).

[0189] For example, as shown in Fig. 12, it is possible to place a polarizing filter unit (340) in front of the first camera (310).

[0190] In this case, even if the headlights of the vehicle shine excessively brightly on the first camera (310), the first camera (310) can effectively capture the image.

[0191] The above-mentioned plurality of camera units (30) can detect the speed and movement of the vehicle and display driving information, including the direction of the entrance road and the appropriate speed, on a driving information display panel (400) installed on the entrance road.

[0192] In the roundabout operation guidance system according to the present invention, when it is determined whether a vehicle is entering a roundabout (1), further detailed information such as the type of vehicle that has entered may not be required.

[0193] Therefore, it may be more desirable to apply a polarizing filter that is relatively inexpensive to the camera unit (30).

[0194] Meanwhile, although not shown, it is possible to recognize the entrance mark (IMK), matching mark (MMK), and exit mark (OMK) by taking pictures of them using a camera mounted on the vehicle.

[0195] In such cases, the vehicle's navigation system may be able to provide vehicle guidance using the entrance mark (IMK), matching mark (MMK), and exit mark (OMK).

[0196] In this way, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the technical configuration of the present invention described above can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical idea or essential features of the present invention.

[0197] Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as being exemplary and not restrictive in all respects, and the scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims described below rather than the detailed description described above, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

[0198] The roundabout operation guidance system according to the present invention can be applied to roundabouts. Furthermore, the roundabout operation guidance system according to the present invention can be applied to LHD (Left-hand drive) vehicles with the driver's seat on the left side or RHD (Right-hand drive) vehicles with the driver's seat on the right side.

Claims

1. Off-ramp marks assigned to multiple off-ramp routes leaving a roundabout; and Includes an entrance mark assigned to each lane of a plurality of entrances entering the above roundabout; A roundabout operation guidance system, characterized in that the above-mentioned entrance mark includes information on the operation method of the roundabout.

2. In paragraph 1, The above entry mark further includes a matching mark matching at least one of the above exit mark, At least one of said access roads comprises multiple lanes; The matching mark assigned to the last lane among the plurality of above lanes is matched to the exit mark assigned to the first exit to the right among the plurality of above exits, A roundabout operation guidance system, characterized in that the matching mark assigned to the first lane among the plurality of lanes matches the exit mark assigned to the first exit to the left among the plurality of exits.

3. In paragraph 2, The above roundabout connects Road 1, Road 2, Road 3 and Road 4. The first road includes a first exit road leaving the roundabout and a first entrance road entering the roundabout, The second road includes a second exit road leaving the roundabout and a second entrance road entering the roundabout, The third road includes a third exit road leaving the roundabout and a third entrance road entering the roundabout, The fourth road includes a fourth exit road leaving the roundabout and a fourth entrance road entering the roundabout, The above first exit route is assigned a first exit route mark, The second exit route is assigned a second exit mark. The third exit mark is assigned to the above third exit. The above 4th exit route is assigned a 4th exit route mark, The above first access road includes lanes 1, 2, 3 and 4, The first lane above is assigned a first matching mark matching the first exit mark, The second lane above is assigned a second matching mark matching the fourth exit mark, The third lane above is assigned a third matching mark matching the third exit mark. A roundabout operation guidance system characterized in that a fourth matching mark matching the second exit mark is assigned to the above-mentioned fourth lane.

4. In paragraph 3, The above matching mark includes at least one first light-emitting portion that emits light by the supplied power, A roundabout operation guidance system, characterized in that the above-mentioned entrance mark includes at least one second light-emitting portion that emits light by the supplied power.

5. In paragraph 4, Further comprising a power supply unit for supplying power to the first and second light emitting units, The above power supply unit includes at least one solar cell that produces electricity from sunlight, A roundabout operation guidance system, characterized in that the power supply unit is located on a traffic island of the roundabout, an adjacent side of the first road, an adjacent side of the second road, an adjacent side of the third road, or an adjacent side of the fourth road.

6. In paragraph 5, A plurality of camera units installed at the entrance of the traffic island or the entrance road, each of which captures images corresponding to the entrance road; An entry detection unit that analyzes the video captured by the above camera unit and detects the vehicle entering the roundabout; and It further includes a determination unit that determines the matching mark corresponding to the entry vehicle detected by the above entry detection unit and determines the exit mark matching the determined matching mark; The above multiple camera units detect the speed and movement of the vehicle and display driving information, including the direction of the entrance road and the appropriate speed, on a driving information display panel installed on the entrance road. The above power supply unit A roundabout operation guidance system characterized in that the determining unit supplies power to the first light emitting unit of the matching mark and the second light emitting unit of the exit mark, respectively, to cause them to light up.

7. In any one of claims 1 to 6, the roundabout operation guidance system is a roundabout operation guidance system applicable to a left hand drive (LHD) vehicle with the driver's seat on the left or a right hand drive (RHD) vehicle with the driver's seat on the right.

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