Signal information generation device, traffic signal control system, signal information generation method, and computer program

Abstract

This signal information generation device comprises: a signal information acquisition unit for acquiring first signal information that is provided from a first business operator and is used for control of a first traffic signal by the first business operator; a signal information generation unit for generating, on the basis of the first signal information and probe information pertaining to a vehicle, second signal information that is used for control of the first traffic signal; and a signal information provision unit that provides the second signal information to the first business operator.

Description

Signal information generating device, traffic signal control system, signal information generating method, and computer program

[0001] This disclosure relates to a traffic signal information generating device, a traffic signal control system, a traffic signal information generating method, and a computer program. This application claims priority to Japanese Application No. 2024-070203, filed on April 24, 2024, and incorporates by reference all of the contents of said Japanese application.

[0002] Known methods for remotely controlling traffic signals by a central device in a traffic control center include MODERATO (Management by Origin-DEStination Related Adaptation for Traffic Optimization), SCOOT (Split Cycle Offset Optimization Technique), and SCATS (Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System).

[0003] Among these, MODERATO, which is used in Japan, is a system that automatically generates signal control parameters such as split and cycle length based on the load factor of each approach road at an intersection (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] The load factor is calculated based on the traffic volume and the number of queuing vehicles on the incoming road. The traffic volume and the number of queuing vehicles on the incoming road are usually measured from the detection signals of vehicle detectors installed on the incoming road. Therefore, at intersections where vehicle detectors are not installed on the incoming road, remote control such as MODERATO cannot be performed.

[0005] Currently, more than half of intersections in Japan do not have vehicle detectors installed. In some countries, an even higher percentage of intersections do not have vehicle detectors installed. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to perform remote control even at intersections that do not have vehicle detectors installed.

[0006] In recent years, technologies have been developed that utilize probe information collected from vehicles to control traffic signals. For example, MODERATO calculates the load factor, a type of traffic index required for calculating signal control parameters, from the probe information and the current values ​​of the traffic signal control parameters.

[0007] International Publication No. 2016 / 147350

[0008] A traffic light information generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a traffic light information acquisition unit that acquires first traffic light information provided by a first operator and used for controlling a first traffic light by the first operator, a traffic light information generation unit that generates second traffic light information used for controlling the first traffic light based on the first traffic light information and vehicle probe information, and a traffic light information provision unit that provides the second traffic light information to the first operator.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a traffic signal control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a probe information collection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a format of probe information collected from a probe terminal of a vehicle. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a traffic signal information generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of area information. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of analysis result information. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of intersection information. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of first traffic signal information. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of second traffic signal information. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of intersection information for querying an intersection ID. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of first traffic signal information provided by a first traffic signal information providing unit. FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a central device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the probe information collection device. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the traffic signal information generation device. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the traffic signal information generation device. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the traffic signal information generation device. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the traffic signal information generation device. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the central device. Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the central device. Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the central device. Fig. 21 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the traffic signal control system. Fig. 22 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the traffic signal control system. Fig. 23 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the traffic signal control system. Fig. 24 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the traffic signal control system.

[0010] Traffic signals are controlled by designated operators for each designated area (prefecture in Japan). Until now, signal information (including signal control parameters) used to control traffic signals has not been disclosed. If signal information held by multiple operators could be collected, it would be possible to use the signal information of other operators to help control one's own traffic signals.

[0011] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a traffic signal information generating device, a traffic signal control system, a traffic signal information generating method, and a computer program that can promote the collection of traffic signal information for controlling traffic signals owned by multiple operators.

[0012] First, an outline of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. (1) A traffic light information generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a traffic light information acquiring unit that acquires first traffic light information provided by a first operator and used for controlling a first traffic light by the first operator, a traffic light information generating unit that generates second traffic light information used for controlling the first traffic light based on the first traffic light information and vehicle probe information, and a traffic light information providing unit that provides the second traffic light information to the first operator.

[0013] According to this configuration, the traffic signal information generating device can collect first traffic signal information. The traffic signal information generating device can provide second traffic signal information generated from the first traffic signal information to the first operator that provided the first traffic signal information. This motivates the first operator to provide the first traffic signal information to the traffic signal information generating device. Therefore, the traffic signal information generating device can promote the collection of first traffic signal information.

[0014] (2) In the above (1), the traffic light information generating device may further include a compensation information providing unit that provides compensation information for providing the first traffic light information to the first operator.

[0015] According to this configuration, the first operator can obtain compensation information in return for providing the first signal information, which encourages the first operator to actively provide the first signal information to the signal information generating device, thereby enabling the signal information generating device to promote collection of the first signal information.

[0016] (3) In the above (2), the consideration information providing unit may determine the consideration information based on a value of the first signal information.

[0017] According to this configuration, the first operator can obtain compensation information based on the value of the first signal information, which motivates the first operator to provide more valuable first signal information, thereby enabling the signal information generating device to promote the collection of more valuable first signal information.

[0018] (4) In any of (1) to (3) above, the signal information acquisition unit may acquire third signal information from a second operator different from the first operator, the third signal information being used to control a second traffic signal by the second operator, and the signal information provision unit may provide the third signal information to the first operator.

[0019] According to this configuration, the first operator can obtain the third signal information of the second operator by providing the first signal information, which motivates the first operator to provide the first signal information to the signal information generating device, thereby enabling the signal information generating device to promote collection of the first signal information.

[0020] (5) In the above (4), the signal information providing unit may provide the third signal information to the first operator based on the value of the first signal information.

[0021] According to this configuration, the first operator can acquire the third signal information based on the value of the first signal information, which motivates the first operator to provide more valuable first signal information, and the signal information generating device can promote the collection of more valuable first signal information.

[0022] (6) In (3) or (5) above, the value of the first signal information may be determined based on at least one of the number of the first signal information and the type of information included in the first signal information.

[0023] With this configuration, the traffic light information generating device can facilitate the collection of a large amount of first traffic light information or first traffic light information containing a large variety of information.

[0024] (7) In any of (1) to (6) above, the traffic signal information generating device may further include an analysis result information providing unit that provides the first operator with analysis result information indicating the analysis result of the traffic conditions in the area specified by the first operator.

[0025] According to this configuration, the traffic signal information generation device can provide the analysis result information to the first operator that provided the first traffic signal information, thereby motivating the first operator to provide more valuable first traffic signal information, and therefore the traffic signal information generation device can promote the collection of more valuable first traffic signal information.

[0026] (8) A traffic signal control system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a traffic signal information generating device described in any one of (1) to (3) above, a first traffic signal control device controlled by the first operator, and a second traffic signal control device controlled by a second operator, wherein the first traffic signal control device provides the first traffic signal information to the traffic signal information generating device, and the second traffic signal control device provides the traffic signal information generating device with third traffic signal information used to control a second traffic signal that is controlled by the second operator.

[0027] With this configuration, the traffic light information generating device can collect first traffic light information from the first traffic light control device and third traffic light information from the second traffic light control device. The traffic light information generating device can provide the first operator that provided the first traffic light information with second traffic light information generated from the first traffic light information and third traffic light information used to control the second traffic light. This motivates the first operator to provide the first traffic light information to the traffic light information generating device. Therefore, the traffic light information generating device can promote the collection of first traffic light information.

[0028] (9) A traffic signal control system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a signal information generating device described in any one of (4) to (6) above, a first signal control device controlled by the first operator, and a second signal control device controlled by the second operator, wherein the first signal control device provides first signal information to the signal information generating device, and the second signal control device provides the third signal information to the signal information generating device.

[0029] With this configuration, the traffic light information generating device can collect first traffic light information from the first traffic light control device and third traffic light information from the second traffic light control device. The traffic light information generating device can provide the first operator that provided the first traffic light information with second traffic light information generated from the first traffic light information and third traffic light information used to control the second traffic light. This motivates the first operator to provide the first traffic light information to the traffic light information generating device. Therefore, the traffic light information generating device can promote the collection of first traffic light information.

[0030] (10) A traffic light information generating method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes the steps of acquiring first traffic light information provided by a first operator and used to control a first traffic light by the first operator, generating second traffic light information to be used to control the first traffic light based on the first traffic light information and vehicle probe information, and providing the second traffic light information to the first operator.

[0031] This configuration includes the characteristic processing steps of the above-described signal information generating device, and therefore provides the same functions and effects as the above-described signal information generating device.

[0032] (11) A computer program according to another embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer to function as a signal information acquisition unit that acquires first signal information provided by a first operator and used to control a first traffic signal that is the subject of control by the first operator, a signal information generation unit that generates second signal information to be used to control the first traffic signal based on the first signal information and vehicle probe information, and a signal information provision unit that provides the second signal information to the first operator.

[0033] According to this configuration, the computer can function as the above-described signal information generating device, thereby achieving the same functions and effects as the above-described signal information generating device.

[0034] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below represents a specific example of the present disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are examples and do not limit the present disclosure. Of the components in the following embodiments, components not recited in independent claims are components that can be added arbitrarily. Each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration.

[0035] The same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and since their functions and names are also the same, their explanations will be omitted where appropriate.

[0036] [Overall Configuration of Traffic Signal Control System] See Figure 1. The traffic signal control system 1 is a system for controlling a first traffic signal 20A, a second traffic signal 20B, and a third traffic signal 20C based on probe information collected from probe terminals (not shown) installed in vehicles 10A, 10B, and 10C traveling on a road. Herein, the vehicles 10A, 10B, and 10C include four-wheeled automobiles, two-wheeled motorcycles, and the like. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the vehicles 10A, 10B, and 10C, they will be referred to as vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 may be, for example, a commercial vehicle or a general vehicle such as a private car.

[0037] The probe terminal may be, for example, an on-board device such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite receiver installed in the vehicle 10, or a terminal device such as a smartphone capable of acquiring location information that is brought into the vehicle 10 by the driver of the vehicle 10 or the like.

[0038] The traffic signal control system 1 includes probe information collection devices 100A, 100B, and 100C, a traffic light information generation device 200, and central devices 300A, 300B, and 300C.

[0039] The probe information collection device 100A is managed by a probe information vendor A, which is a business operator, and collects probe information from probe terminals installed in a plurality of vehicles 10A that have a contract with the probe information vendor A. The probe information collection device 100B is managed by a probe information vendor B, which is a business operator, and collects probe information from probe terminals installed in a plurality of vehicles 10B that have a contract with the probe information vendor B. The probe information collection device 100C is managed by a probe information vendor C, which is a business operator, and collects probe information from probe terminals installed in a plurality of vehicles 10C that have a contract with the probe information vendor C. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the probe information collection devices 100A, 100B, and 100C, they will be referred to as the probe information collection device 100.

[0040] Probe information vendor A, probe information vendor B, and probe information vendor C are different businesses. For example, probe information vendor A is a car manufacturer and collects probe information from vehicle 10A manufactured or sold by probe information vendor A. Probe information vendor B is a business that provides a car navigation system service and provides the service to vehicle 10B. Probe information vendor C is a business that aims to collect probe information, collects probe information from vehicle 10C, and provides compensation for the collected probe information to vehicle 10C or the user of vehicle 10C. However, each probe information vendor is not limited to those described above, and may be another business as long as a contract regarding the delivery of probe information is concluded between each probe information vendor and the vehicle 10 that collects the probe information.

[0041] The central unit 300A, which is the first signal control device, is managed by a first business operator, signal control vendor A, and controls the operation of a plurality of first traffic signals 20A managed by signal control vendor A. The central unit 300B, which is the second signal control device, is managed by a second business operator, signal control vendor B, and controls the operation of a plurality of second traffic signals 20B managed by signal control vendor B. The central unit 300C, which is the third signal control device, is managed by a third business operator, signal control vendor C, and controls the operation of a plurality of third traffic signals 20C managed by signal control vendor C. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the central units 300A, 300B, and 300C, they will be referred to as the central unit 300. When there is no need to distinguish between the first traffic signal 20A, the second traffic signal 20B, and the third traffic signal 20C, they will be referred to as traffic signals 20.

[0042] Traffic light control vendor A, traffic light control vendor B, and traffic light control vendor C are different businesses. For example, traffic light control vendor A, traffic light control vendor B, and traffic light control vendor C are police or traffic bureaus that have jurisdiction over different areas. Each traffic light control vendor may be a business that controls traffic signals and has been entrusted with the business by the police or traffic bureau that has jurisdiction over that area. In this case, even if one business is entrusted with work by multiple contractors at the same time, if the contractors are different, the business may be treated as multiple different traffic light control vendors.

[0043] The central device 300 sets signal control parameters for controlling the traffic signals 20 installed at intersections and the like in the area under the jurisdiction of the traffic signal control vendor that manages the central device 300, and operates the traffic signals 20 in accordance with the parameters. The signal control parameters include, for example, the cycle length, split, and offset of the traffic signals 20. The central device 300 changes the signal control parameters of the traffic signals 20 based on traffic indicators such as the length of congestion, delay time, or number of passing vehicles at the point (e.g., intersection) where the traffic signals 20 are installed.

[0044] The central device 300 provides the signal information generating device 200 with first signal information, which is signal information used to control the traffic signal 20. Here, the first signal information includes signal control parameters or traffic indicators. The first signal information may be signal information that has actually been used to control the traffic signal 20, or may be signal information that is scheduled to be used to control the traffic signal 20.

[0045] The signal information generating device 200 acquires a probe information group, which is a set of probe information, from each probe information collecting device 100 .

[0046] The traffic signal information generating device 200 transmits, to the probe information collecting device 100, compensation information indicating compensation to be paid to the probe information vendor for providing the probe information group. The compensation is not limited to cash, but may be electronic money, virtual currency, points, coupons, or the like. The traffic signal information generating device 200 calculates compensation according to the value of the probe information group. For example, the traffic signal information generating device 200 may determine that the more probe information included in the probe information group, the higher the value, and pay a larger compensation to the probe information vendor. The traffic signal information generating device 200 may determine that the more rarity of the probe information group, the higher the value, and pay a larger compensation to the probe information vendor. As a result, a larger compensation is paid for a probe information group that includes a large amount of probe information from vehicles 10 traveling on roads with few vehicles traveling on them.

[0047] The traffic light information generating device 200 analyzes the traffic conditions in an area under the jurisdiction of a traffic light control vendor based on the probe information group acquired from the probe information collecting device 100, and provides analysis result information indicating the analysis results of the traffic conditions to the traffic light control vendor that has jurisdiction over that area. For example, the traffic light information generating device 200 analyzes congested intersections, which are intersections where congestion caused by vehicles 10 occurs, among intersections in the area under the jurisdiction of traffic light control vendor A. The traffic light information generating device 200 provides the analysis result information to traffic light control vendor A by transmitting the analyzed congested intersection information (analysis result information) to the central device 300A.

[0048] The traffic light information generating device 200 acquires first traffic light information from the central device 300A. Based on the probe information group acquired from the probe information collecting device 100 and the first traffic light information acquired from the central device 300A, the traffic light information generating device 200 generates second traffic light information, which is signal information used to control the first traffic light 20A. The traffic light information generating device 200 transmits the generated second traffic light information to the central device 300A that controls the first traffic light 20A. The traffic light information generating device 200 acquires third traffic light information from the central device 300B. Based on the probe information group acquired from the probe information collecting device 100 and the third traffic light information acquired from the central device 300B, the traffic light information generating device 200 generates fourth traffic light information, which is signal information used to control the second traffic light 20B. The traffic light information generating device 200 transmits the generated fourth traffic light information to the central device 300B that controls the second traffic light 20B. The traffic light information generating device 200 acquires third traffic light information from the central device 300B. Based on the probe information acquired from the probe information collecting device 100 and the fifth traffic light information acquired from the central device 300C, the traffic light information generating device 200 generates sixth traffic light information, which is traffic light information used to control the third traffic light 20C. The traffic light information generating device 200 transmits the generated sixth traffic light information to the central device 300C that controls the third traffic light 20C. The second traffic light information, fourth traffic light information, and sixth traffic light information each include traffic indices or recommended values ​​of signal control parameters. Traffic indices include, for example, congestion length, delay time, load factor (demand factor), saturation level, and TOSI (Temporal Oversaturation Severity Index) at an intersection. When the first traffic light information, third traffic light information, and fifth traffic light information are not distinguished, they may be referred to as "upstream traffic light information." When the second traffic light information, fourth traffic light information, and sixth traffic light information are not distinguished, they may be referred to as "downstream traffic light information."

[0049] For example, the traffic light information generating device 200 calculates the length of the traffic jam by measuring the tail position of a vehicle 10 that is stopped at the entrance of an intersection when the green light display ends, based on a group of probe information and the first traffic light information, the third traffic light information, or the fifth traffic light information.

[0050] The traffic light information generating device 200 calculates the ratio of traffic demand to the maximum traffic volume that can be handled during one cycle as the load factor (demand level) based on the probe information group and the first traffic light information. The traffic light information generating device 200 calculates the ratio of arriving traffic volume to the maximum traffic volume that can be handled during a green time as the saturation level based on the probe information group and the first traffic light information. The calculation formula for the load factor Lr is as shown in Equation 1 below. The calculation formula for the saturation level (phase saturation level) Ds is as shown in Equation 2 below. Lr = (Vin + k × Qin) / Sf ... (Equation 1) Ds = Vin × C / (Sf × G) ... (Equation 2) where Vin: inflow traffic volume to the intersection (vehicles / second) k: weighting coefficient (for example, 1.0 is used) Qin: traffic volume equivalent value of the number of queuing vehicles (vehicles / second) Sf: saturation traffic flow rate (vehicles / second) G: effective green time (seconds) C: cycle length (seconds)

[0051] The traffic signal information generating device 200 calculates recommended values ​​for the signal control parameters of the traffic signal 20 based on the calculated traffic index.

[0052] For example, assume that the central device 300A employs MODERATO and calculates the split and cycle length of a crossroads intersection that includes only two aspects as recommended signal control parameter values. The aspect number is represented by "i" (i = 1, 2), and the direction of the incoming lane for each aspect i is represented by "j" (j = 1, 2).

[0053] If the load factor of each inflow route j of aspect i is "Lij", the traffic volume on inflow route j is "Vij", the number of queueing vehicles on inflow route j is "Qij", and the saturation traffic flow rate on inflow route j is "Sij", the load factor Lij is as shown in the following formula 3: Lij = (Vij + Qij) / Sij (formula 3)

[0054] The traffic signal information generating device 200 calculates the load factor Lri of the aspect i using the following equation 4, and calculates the load factor Lrt of the entire intersection using the following equation 5. In equation 4, "maxj" means the maximum value among the j load factors Lij included in the aspect i. Lri = maxj(Lij) (equation 4) Lrt = Lr1 + Lr2 (equation 5)

[0055] The signal information generator 200 calculates the split λi and cycle length C of the aspect i using the following equations 6 and 7. In equation 6, K represents the lost time, and a1, a2, and a3 are coefficients. λi = Lri / Lrt (equation 6) C = (a1 × K + a2) / (1 - a3 × Lrt) (equation 7)

[0056] The traffic light information generating device 200 transmits second traffic light information including the calculated traffic index or the recommended value of the signal control parameter to the central device 300A.

[0057] The traffic light information generating device 200 transmits to the central device 300A consideration information indicating the consideration to be paid to traffic light control vendor A for the provision of the first traffic light information from the central device 300A. The traffic light information generating device 200 transmits to the central device 300B consideration information indicating the consideration to be paid to traffic light control vendor B for the provision of the third traffic light information from the central device 300B. The traffic light information generating device 200 transmits to the central device 300C consideration information indicating the consideration to be paid to traffic light control vendor C for the provision of the fifth traffic light information from the central device 300C. The consideration is not limited to cash, and may be electronic money, virtual currency, points, coupons, or the like. Note that the traffic light information generating device 200 may pay a larger consideration to traffic light control vendor A as the value of the first traffic light information becomes higher. For example, the traffic light information generating device 200 may determine that the value of the first traffic light information is higher the greater the number or amount of data of the first traffic light information, or may determine that the value of the first traffic light information is higher the greater the types of data included in the first traffic light information even if the number or amount of data is the same. For example, if the first traffic light information includes information on cycle length, split, and offset, three types of information are included. The traffic light information generating device 200 may determine that the value of the first traffic light information is higher the greater the rarity of the first traffic light information. For example, the first traffic light information including a traffic indicator that is rarely used or difficult to obtain may be determined to be rarer and therefore more valuable. The traffic light information generating device 200 may also apply the above criteria to determine the value of the third traffic light information and the fifth traffic light information.

[0058] The traffic light information generating device 200 may provide traffic light information from another traffic light control vendor in exchange for providing the first traffic light information. For example, the traffic light information generating device 200 transmits the third traffic light information acquired from the central device 300B or the fifth traffic light information acquired from the central device 300C to the central device 300A in exchange for the first traffic light information acquired from the central device 300A. As an example, the traffic light information generating device 200 transmits one piece of third traffic light information acquired from the central device 300B to the central device 300A in return for three pieces of first traffic light information acquired from the central device 300A. In this case, the traffic light information generating device 200 may provide the central device 300A with more valuable third traffic light information as the value of the first traffic light information increases. The method for determining the value of the first traffic light information is as described above. For example, the traffic light information generating device 200 may provide the central device 300A with more third traffic light information as the number of pieces of first traffic light information acquired from the central device 300A increases.

[0059] [Configuration of the Probe Information Collection Device 100] Please refer to Fig. 2. The probe information collection device 100 includes a communication I / F (interface) unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130, which are interconnected via a bus 140.

[0060] The communication I / F unit 110 is an interface for wireless or wired communication with the signal information generating device 200 via a network such as the Internet.

[0061] The storage unit 120 is composed of a volatile memory element such as an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), a non-volatile memory element such as a flash memory or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), or a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk.

[0062] The storage unit 120 stores a computer program 121 executed by the control unit 130. The storage unit 120 stores probe information 122 collected from the vehicle 10 and consideration information 123 received from the traffic light information generating device 200.

[0063] The control unit 130 is configured with various processors suitable for controlling the probe information collection device 100, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), and a graphics processing unit (GPU). The control unit 130 reads and executes a computer program 121 from the storage unit 120. The control unit 130 may be a processing circuit such as a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) configured to execute the processing procedures indicated by the computer program 121.

[0064] The control unit 130 includes, as processing units that function by executing the computer program 121, a probe information collection unit 131, a probe information group provision unit 132, and a consideration information acquisition unit 133.

[0065] The probe information collection unit 131 collects probe information from the probe terminals of the vehicle 10 via the communication I / F unit 110. The probe information collection unit 131 stores the collected probe information in the storage unit 120.

[0066] 3, the probe terminal of the vehicle 10 acquires probe information at predetermined time intervals (e.g., every 30 seconds) or predetermined distance intervals (e.g., every 100 meters). The probe information includes a vehicle ID, position, time, speed, direction, fuel efficiency, terminal type, vehicle model, and a map matching flag.

[0067] The vehicle ID is identification information of the vehicle 10 or the probe terminal of the vehicle 10. The location is the latitude and longitude indicating the traveling location of the vehicle 10. The time is the time when the location of the vehicle 10 is acquired from the probe terminal. The direction is the traveling direction of the vehicle 10. The fuel efficiency is the fuel efficiency of the vehicle 10. The terminal type is the type of terminal acquiring the probe. For example, the terminal type includes a dedicated terminal such as a car navigation system installed in the vehicle 10, and a general-purpose terminal such as a smartphone used by the driver of the vehicle 10. The vehicle model indicates the vehicle model classification of the vehicle 10. In Japan, for example, vehicle models include light vehicles, standard vehicles, medium-sized vehicles, and large vehicles. The vehicle model is changed as appropriate depending on the laws and regulations of the country or region in which the present disclosure is implemented. The map matching flag indicates whether the location has been map matched.

[0068] 2 , the probe information group providing unit 132 transmits a probe information group, which is a set of probe information 122 collected by the probe information collecting unit 131 and stored in the storage unit 120, to the signal information generating device 200 via the communication I / F unit 110. Here, the probe information group providing unit 132 may transmit the probe information group at predetermined time intervals. The probe information group providing unit 132 may transmit a probe information group that combines a predetermined number of pieces of probe information 122 every time a predetermined number of pieces of probe information 122 are stored in the storage unit 120.

[0069] The consideration information acquisition unit 133 acquires consideration information having monetary value as consideration for providing the probe information group from the signal information generating device 200 via the communication I / F unit 110. The consideration information acquisition unit 133 stores the acquired consideration information 123 in the storage unit 120.

[0070] [Configuration of Traffic Light Information Generating Device 200] See Fig. 4. The traffic light information generating device 200 includes a communication I / F unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a control unit 230, which are interconnected via a bus 240.

[0071] The communication I / F unit 210 is an interface for wireless or wired communication with the probe information collection device 100 and the central device 300 via a network such as the Internet.

[0072] The storage unit 220 is configured by a volatile memory element such as an SRAM or a DRAM, a non-volatile memory element such as a flash memory or an EEPROM, or a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk.

[0073] The storage unit 220 stores a computer program 221 executed by the control unit 230. The storage unit 220 stores a probe information group 222 acquired from the probe information collection device 100. The storage unit 220 also stores uplink signal information 223, area information 225, and intersection information 226 acquired from the central unit 300. The area information 225 is information indicating an area that the traffic signal information generating device 200 is to analyze traffic conditions for. The intersection information 226 is information indicating an intersection that is the subject of downlink signal information or uplink signal information provided from the traffic signal information generating device 200 to the central unit 300.

[0074] The control unit 230 is configured with various processors, such as a CPU, an MPU, and a GPU, that are suitable for controlling the signal information generating device 200. The control unit 230 reads and executes a computer program 221 from the storage unit 220. Note that the control unit 230 may be a processing circuit, such as a DSP, an FPGA, or an ASIC, configured to execute the processing procedures indicated by the computer program 221.

[0075] The control unit 230 is equipped with a probe information group acquisition unit 231, a compensation information provision unit 232, an area information registration unit 233, a traffic condition analysis unit 234, an intersection information registration unit 235, an uplink signal information acquisition unit 236, a downlink signal information generation unit 237, a downlink signal information provision unit 238, and an uplink signal information provision unit 239 as processing units that function by executing the computer program 221.

[0076] The probe information group acquiring unit 231 acquires the probe information group 222 from the probe information collection device 100 via the communication I / F unit 210. The probe information group acquiring unit 231 stores the acquired probe information group 222 in the storage unit 220.

[0077] The compensation information providing unit 232 calculates the compensation to be paid to the probe information vendor for the provision of the probe information group from the probe information collection device 100, and transmits the calculated compensation information to the probe information collection device 100 via the communication I / F unit 210. The amount of compensation is calculated according to the value of the probe information group.

[0078] The compensation information providing unit 232 calculates the compensation to be paid to the traffic light control vendor for the provision of the first traffic light information 223 from the central unit 300, and transmits compensation information indicating the calculated compensation to the central unit 300 via the communication I / F unit 210. The amount of the compensation is calculated according to the value of the first traffic light information 223.

[0079] The area information registration unit 233 receives the area information 225 from the central device 300 via the communication I / F unit 210, and issues an area ID that uniquely identifies the received area information 225. The area information registration unit 233 adds the issued area ID to the area information 225 and stores it in the storage unit 220. The area information registration unit 233 transmits the area ID to the central device 300.

[0080] 5 is referred to. The area information 225 includes an area ID for identifying an area to be analyzed for traffic conditions, a location indicating the area, an area name, a country to which the area belongs, and a time zone to which the area belongs. The location indicating the area includes, for example, the latitude and longitude of each vertex of a polygon that constitutes the area.

[0081] When the traffic condition analysis unit 234 receives a traffic condition analysis request specifying an area ID and a period from the central device 300, it analyzes the traffic conditions in the area corresponding to the area ID for the specified period. The traffic condition analysis unit 234 transmits analysis result information to the central device 300.

[0082] 6 is referenced. In this embodiment, the traffic condition analysis unit 234 analyzes intersections where congestion occurs as a traffic condition. The analysis result information includes intersection locations and congestion information. The intersection locations include the latitude and longitude of the intersections where congestion occurs. The congestion information includes the direction of the lanes where congestion occurs, the congestion length, and the congestion duration.

[0083] When a request for registering intersection information is received from the central device 300 via the communication I / F unit 210, the intersection information registration unit 235 receives the intersection information 226. The intersection information registration unit 235 issues an intersection ID for identifying the intersection indicated by the received intersection information 226. The intersection information registration unit 235 adds the intersection ID to the received intersection information 226 and stores it in the storage unit 220. The intersection information registration unit 235 transmits the intersection ID to the central device 300.

[0084] 7 is referred to. The intersection information 226 includes an intersection ID, the location of the intersection identified by the intersection ID, the name and number of lanes of the intersection, the entrance road settings for the intersection, and the intersection aspect settings. The intersection location is indicated by latitude and longitude. The entrance road settings include the latitude and longitude indicating the location of the entrance road. The aspect settings include the corresponding entrance road and the minimum green time.

[0085] The upstream signal information acquisition unit 236 acquires the upstream signal information 223 from the central unit 300 via the communication I / F unit 210. The upstream signal information acquisition unit 236 stores the acquired upstream signal information 223 in the storage unit 220. The upstream signal information acquisition unit 236 transmits a registration result indicating that the upstream signal information 223 has been registered in the storage unit 220 to the central unit 300 via the communication I / F unit 210.

[0086] 8 is referred to. The uplink signal information 223 includes an intersection ID for identifying the intersection, the current values ​​of the signal control parameters of the traffic signals 20 installed at the intersection, and the current values ​​of the traffic indicators.

[0087] The downlink signal information generation unit 237 receives a traffic index generation request, including an intersection ID and a time period, from the central device 300. Based on the generation request and the probe information group 222 and the uplink signal information 223 stored in the storage unit 220, the downlink signal information generation unit 237 generates a traffic index for the intersection indicated by the intersection information 226 as downlink signal information. The downlink signal information generation unit 237 generates the traffic index using the probe information including the time within the time period and the uplink signal information 223 for the intersection identified by the intersection ID within the time period. The downlink signal information generation unit 237 may also generate recommended values ​​of signal control parameters as downlink signal information from the generated traffic index. An example of a method for generating a traffic index and a signal control parameter is as described using Equations 1 to 7.

[0088] The downstream signal information providing unit 238 transmits the downstream signal information including the traffic indicator of the intersection indicated by the intersection ID generated by the downstream signal information generating unit 237 to the central device 300 via the communication I / F unit 210.

[0089] 9 is referred to. The downlink signal information includes an intersection ID, a traffic indicator of the intersection identified by the intersection ID, and recommended and current values ​​of signal control parameters of the traffic signals 20 installed at the intersection. However, the recommended and current values ​​of the signal control parameters do not necessarily have to be included in the downlink signal information.

[0090] When the first traffic light information providing unit 239 receives an inquiry from the central device 300 about the intersection ID of another traffic light control vendor, the first traffic light information providing unit 239 provides the intersection ID to the central device 300 based on the inquiry.

[0091] See Figure 10. The intersection information includes the intersection location, intersection name, number of lanes, and the setting of an approach road to the intersection. Each piece of information is the same as the intersection information 226, an example of which is shown in Figure 7. Note that the intersection information for querying the intersection ID only needs to include at least one of the location and the intersection name.

[0092] When the uplink signal information providing unit 239 receives a request from the central unit 300 to provide uplink signal information including the intersection ID and period of another traffic light control vendor, the uplink signal information providing unit 239 transmits, based on the provision request, the uplink signal information of the intersection indicated by the intersection ID of the other traffic light control vendor for the period to the central unit 300 via the communication I / F unit 210. Note that the uplink signal information providing unit 239 provides the uplink signal information of the other traffic light control vendor based on the value of the uplink signal information acquired by the uplink signal information acquisition unit 236.

[0093] See Figure 11. The uplink signal information includes an intersection ID and the current values ​​of the signal control parameters of the intersection identified by the intersection ID.

[0094] [Configuration of Central Unit 300] See Fig. 12. The central unit 300 includes a communication I / F unit 310, an input / output I / F unit 320, a storage unit 330, and a control unit 340, which are interconnected via a bus 350.

[0095] The communication I / F unit 310 is an interface for wireless or wired communication with the signal information generating device 200 via a network such as the Internet.

[0096] The input / output I / F unit 320 is an interface for connecting the central unit 300 to an input device such as a keyboard and an output device such as a display device.

[0097] The storage unit 330 is configured by a volatile memory element such as an SRAM or a DRAM, a non-volatile memory element such as a flash memory or an EEPROM, or a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk.

[0098] The storage unit 330 stores a computer program 331 executed by the control unit 340. The storage unit 330 stores area information 332, congested intersection information 333, intersection information 334, uplink signal information 335, consideration information 336, and downlink signal information 337. The area information 332 is information indicating an area to be analyzed for traffic conditions by the traffic signal information generating device 200. The congested intersection information 333 is information indicating an intersection where congestion is occurring, which is an example of the traffic conditions analyzed by the traffic signal information generating device 200. The intersection information 334 is information indicating an intersection to which downlink signal information or uplink signal information is provided from the traffic signal information generating device 200. The uplink signal information 335 is uplink signal information provided to the traffic signal information generating device 200, or uplink signal information from another traffic light control vendor provided by the traffic signal information generating device 200. The consideration information 336 is information indicating consideration to be paid from the traffic light information generating device 200 for providing the upstream signal information to the traffic light information generating device 200. The downstream signal information 337 is downstream signal information provided by the traffic light information generating device 200.

[0099] The control unit 340 is configured with various processors, such as a CPU, an MPU, and a GPU, that are suitable for controlling the central device 300. The control unit 340 reads and executes a computer program 331 from the storage unit 330. The control unit 340 may be a processing circuit, such as a DSP, an FPGA, or an ASIC, that is configured to execute the processing procedures indicated by the computer program 331.

[0100] The control unit 340 includes a traffic condition acquisition unit 341, a traffic light information acquisition unit 342, a first traffic light information providing unit 343, a payment information acquisition unit 344, and a traffic light control unit 345 as processing units that function by executing the computer program 331.

[0101] The traffic condition acquisition unit 341 receives input of area information to be analyzed for traffic conditions from the user via the input / output I / F unit 320, and transmits the received area information to the traffic light information generation device 200. The traffic condition acquisition unit 341 receives an area ID corresponding to the area information transmitted from the traffic light information generation device 200, writes the received area ID into the area information, and registers it in the storage unit 330 as area information 332. The area information 332 is the same as the area information 225, an example of which is shown in FIG. 5 .

[0102] The traffic condition acquisition unit 341 also receives an analysis request, including an area ID and a period to be analyzed for traffic conditions, from the user via the input / output I / F unit 320. The traffic condition acquisition unit 341 transmits the received analysis request to the traffic signal information generation device 200 and receives information on congested intersections, which is the analysis result of the traffic conditions, from the traffic signal information generation device 200. The traffic condition acquisition unit 341 registers the received information as congested intersection information 333 in the storage unit 330. The congested intersection information 333 is the same as the analysis result information, an example of which is shown in FIG. 6 .

[0103] The traffic condition acquisition unit 341 outputs image information based on the congested intersection information 333 to the display device via the input / output I / F unit 320, thereby displaying an image on the screen of the display device. The image is, for example, a map image, and is an image in which the location of the congested intersection indicated by the congested intersection information 333 is indicated by an icon.

[0104] The traffic light information acquisition unit 342 receives input of intersection information 334 of an intersection for which second traffic light information is to be acquired from the user via the input / output I / F unit 320. The traffic light information acquisition unit 342 transmits the received intersection information 334 to the traffic light information generation device 200, receives an intersection ID of the intersection indicated by the intersection information 334 from the traffic light information generation device 200, writes the received intersection ID into the intersection information 334, and registers it in the storage unit 330. The intersection information 334 is the same as the intersection information 226, an example of which is shown in FIG. 7 .

[0105] The traffic light information acquisition unit 342 receives a traffic index generation request, including an intersection ID and a period, from a user via the input / output I / F unit 320. The traffic light information acquisition unit 342 transmits the received generation request to the traffic light information generation device 200, receives from the traffic light information generation device 200 down signal information 337 of the intersection identified by the intersection ID included in the generation request, and registers the down signal information 337 in the storage unit 330. The down signal information 337 registered in the storage unit 330 is the same as the down signal information, an example of which is shown in FIG. 9 .

[0106] The traffic light information acquisition unit 342 receives input of intersection information 334 of another traffic light control vendor from which first traffic light information is to be acquired from a user via the input / output I / F unit 320. The traffic light information acquisition unit 342 transmits the received intersection information 334 to the traffic light information generation device 200, receives an intersection ID of the intersection indicated by the intersection information 334 from the traffic light information generation device 200, writes the received intersection ID into the intersection information 334, and registers it in the storage unit 330. An example of the intersection information transmitted to the traffic light information generation device 200 is as shown in FIG. 10 .

[0107] The traffic light information acquisition unit 342 receives an input of a request for provision of uplink signal information, including the intersection ID and period of an intersection of another traffic light control vendor, from a user via the input / output I / F unit 320. The traffic light information acquisition unit 342 transmits the received provision request to the traffic light information generation device 200, receives uplink signal information 335 corresponding to the intersection ID and period indicated in the provision request from the traffic light information generation device 200, and registers it in the storage unit 330. The uplink signal information 335 registered in the storage unit 330 is the same as the uplink signal information, an example of which is shown in FIG. 11 .

[0108] When the signal information providing unit 343 receives a request from a user to register the upstream signal information 335 in the signal information generating device 200 via the input / output I / F unit 320, the signal information providing unit 343 transmits the upstream signal information 335 to the signal information generating device 200. The upstream signal information 335 is the same as the upstream signal information 223, an example of which is shown in Fig. 8. The upstream signal information providing unit 343 receives a registration result from the signal information generating device 200, which indicates that the signal information generating device 200 has registered the upstream signal information 335.

[0109] When the consideration information is provided by the signal information generating device 200 , the consideration information acquiring unit 344 receives the consideration information and registers it in the storage unit 330 .

[0110] The traffic light control unit 345 controls the traffic light 20 in accordance with a predetermined remote control method, and registers the signal control parameters and traffic indicators as up signal information 335 in the storage unit 330 .

[0111] [Processing Procedure of the Probe Information Collection Device 100] See Fig. 13. The probe information collection device 100 collects probe information from each vehicle 10 (step S1). The probe information collection device 100 stores the collected probe information 122 in the storage unit 120 (step S2).

[0112] The probe information collection device 100 provides the probe information group, which is a set of probe information 122 stored in the memory unit 120, to the signal information generating device 200 (step S3).

[0113] If the signal information generating device 200 provides the compensation information (YES in step S4), the probe information collection device 100 receives the compensation information (step S5). The probe information collection device 100 stores the received compensation information 123 in the storage unit 120 (step S6).

[0114] [Processing Procedure of the Signal Information Generating Device 200] See Figures 14 to 17. When a probe information group is provided from the probe information collecting device 100 (YES in step S11), the signal information generating device 200 receives the probe information group from the probe information collecting device 100 (step S12).

[0115] The signal information generating device 200 stores the received probe information group 222 in the signal information generating device 200 (step S13).

[0116] The signal information generating device 200 determines whether the timing for providing the compensation information to the probe information collection device 100 has arrived (step S14). For example, the signal information generating device 200 may determine that the timing for providing the compensation information has arrived at a predetermined time interval, or may determine that the timing for providing the compensation information has arrived every time a predetermined number of pieces of probe information are accumulated in the storage unit 220.

[0117] When the timing for providing the compensation information has arrived (YES in step S14), the signal information generating device 200 calculates compensation for the provision of the probe information group from the probe information collecting device 100 (step S15).

[0118] The signal information generating device 200 transmits the calculated compensation information to the probe information collecting device 100 (step S16).

[0119] When there is a request from the central unit 300 to register area information to be analyzed for traffic conditions (YES in step S17), the traffic signal information generating device 200 receives the area information from the central unit 300 (step S18).

[0120] The traffic signal information generator 200 issues an area ID for uniquely identifying the received area information and transmits it to the central device 300 (step S19). The traffic signal information generator 200 adds the issued area ID to the received area information and stores the area information in the storage unit 220.

[0121] The traffic signal information generating device 200 continuously analyzes congested intersections within the area indicated by the received area information (step S20).

[0122] When there is a request for analysis of a congested intersection from the central unit 300 (step S21), the traffic signal information generating device 200 receives the analysis request from the central unit 300 (step S22).

[0123] The traffic signal information generating device 200 transmits to the central device 300 congested intersection information indicating congested intersections in the area specified by the area ID indicated in the received analysis request during the period indicated by the analysis request (step S23).

[0124] When there is a request for registering intersection information from the central device 300 (YES in step S24), the traffic signal information generating device 200 receives the intersection information from the central device 300 (step S25).

[0125] The traffic light information generating device 200 issues an intersection ID for uniquely identifying the received intersection information, and transmits the intersection ID to the central device 300 (step S26). The traffic light information generating device 200 adds the issued intersection ID to the received intersection information, and stores the intersection information in the storage unit 220.

[0126] When there is a request to register uplink signal information from the central unit 300 (YES in step S27), the signal information generating unit 200 receives the uplink signal information from the central unit 300 and registers it in the storage unit 220 (step S28).

[0127] The signal information generating device 200 transmits a registration result indicating that the uplink signal information has been registered to the central device 300 (step S29).

[0128] When the traffic signal information generating device 200 receives a request to generate a traffic index from the central device 300 (YES in step S30), the traffic signal information generating device 200 generates a traffic index for the intersection indicated by the intersection ID included in the request (step S31). The traffic signal information generating device 200 transmits the generated traffic index to the central device 300 as down traffic signal information (step S32).

[0129] The signal information generating device 200 calculates the amount of compensation to be provided to the traffic light control vendor for the uplink signal information received in step S28, and if there is compensation to be provided (YES in step S33), it transmits compensation information indicating the compensation to the central device 300 (step S34).

[0130] When the traffic light information generating device 200 receives intersection information from the central device 300 to inquire about the intersection ID of another traffic light control vendor other than the traffic light control vendor that operates the central device 300 (YES in step S35), it transmits the intersection ID of the other traffic light control vendor to the central device 300 based on the intersection information (step S36).

[0131] When the signal information generating device 200 receives a request from the central device 300 to provide first signal information from another traffic light control vendor (YES in step S37), it transmits uplink signal information for the intersection based on the request to the central device 300 (step S38).

[0132] [Processing Procedure of Traffic Signal Information Generator 200] See Figures 18 to 20. When area information is input by the user (YES in step S41), the central device 300 transmits the input area information to the traffic signal information generator 200 (step S42).

[0133] The central device 300 receives the area ID corresponding to the transmitted area information from the traffic signal information generating device 200 (step S43).

[0134] The central unit 300 registers the received area ID in the input area information, and registers it as area information 332 in the storage unit 330 (step S44).

[0135] If the user inputs an analysis request including the area ID and period to be analyzed for congested intersections (YES in step S45), the central device 300 transmits the analysis request to the traffic light information generating device 200 (step S46).

[0136] The central unit 300 receives the congested intersection information in response to the analysis request from the traffic light information generating unit 200 (step S47).

[0137] The central unit 300 displays an image based on the received congested intersection information on the screen of the display device (step S48).

[0138] If the central device 300 receives intersection information input from the user (YES in step S49), the central device 300 transmits the input intersection information to the traffic light information generating device 200 (step S50).

[0139] The central device 300 receives the intersection ID corresponding to the transmitted intersection information from the traffic light information generating device 200 (step S51).

[0140] The central device 300 writes the received intersection ID into the input intersection information and registers it in the storage unit 330 (step S52).

[0141] When the central device 300 receives a request to register upstream signal information from the user (YES in step S53), it transmits the upstream signal information to the signal information generating device 200 (step S54).

[0142] The central unit 300 receives from the signal information generator 200 a registration result indicating that the uplink signal information has been registered in the signal information generator 200 (step S55).

[0143] When the central device 300 receives an input from the user requesting generation of a traffic index including an intersection ID and a period (YES in step S56), the central device 300 transmits the generation request to the traffic signal information generating device 200 (step S57).

[0144] The central device 300 receives, from the traffic light information generating device 200, downlink traffic light information of the intersection corresponding to the intersection ID indicated in the generation request (step S58).

[0145] If a price has been offered for the upstream signal information transmitted in step S54 (YES in step S59), the central unit 300 receives the price information from the signal information generating unit 200 (step S60).

[0146] If the user inputs intersection information from another traffic light control vendor (other vendor) (YES in step S61), the central device 300 transmits the input intersection information to the traffic light information generating device 200 (step S62).

[0147] The central device 300 receives the intersection ID of the other traffic light control vendor that corresponds to the intersection information (step S63).

[0148] The central device 300 writes the received intersection ID into the input intersection information and registers it in the storage unit 330 (step S64).

[0149] When the central device 300 receives a request for uplink signal information including the intersection ID and the period from the user (YES in step S65), the central device 300 transmits the request for provision to the signal information generating device 200 (step S66).

[0150] The central device 300 receives from the traffic light information generating device 200 uplink traffic light information for the intersection corresponding to the intersection ID indicated in the request for provision, for the period indicated in the request for provision (step S67).

[0151] The traffic signal control system 1 can implement the following four functions through the operations of the probe information collection device 100, the traffic signal information generation device 200, and the central device 300 described above.

[0152] [First Function: Probe Information Group Collection Function] The probe information collection device 100 and the signal information generation device 200 implement a function of registering the probe information group collected by the probe information collection device 100 in the signal information generation device 200 .

[0153] See Fig. 21. The probe information collection device 100 collects probe information (step S201).

[0154] The probe information collection device 100 transmits a probe information group, which is a set of collected probe information 122, to the signal information generation device 200, and the signal information generation device 200 receives the probe information group from the probe information collection device 100 (step S202).

[0155] The signal information generating device 200 calculates a fee according to the value of the received probe information group (step S203).

[0156] The signal information generating device 200 transmits compensation information corresponding to the calculated compensation to the probe information collecting device 100, and the probe information collecting device 100 receives the compensation information from the signal information generating device 200 (step S204).

[0157] [Second Function: Traffic Condition Providing Function] The traffic signal information generating device 200 and the central device 300 implement a function of providing the traffic conditions analyzed by the traffic signal information generating device 200 to the central device 300 .

[0158] See Fig. 22. The central device 300 transmits the area information to the traffic signal information generator 200, and the traffic signal information generator 200 receives the area information (step S211).

[0159] The signal information generating device 200 transmits the area ID corresponding to the received area information to the central device 300, and the central device 300 receives the area ID (step S212).

[0160] The traffic signal information generating device 200 analyzes the congested intersections in the area indicated by the received area information (step S213).

[0161] The central device 300 transmits an analysis request including the area ID and the period to the traffic signal information generating device 200, and the traffic signal information generating device 200 receives the analysis request (step S214).

[0162] The traffic signal information generating device 200 transmits to the central device 300 congested intersection information indicating congested intersections in the area specified by the area ID indicated in the received analysis request during the period indicated by the analysis request, and the central device 300 receives the congested intersection information (step S215).

[0163] The traffic signal information generating device 200 displays an image based on the received congested intersection information on the screen of the display device (step S216).

[0164] According to the second function, the traffic light information generating device 200 can provide analysis result information to the traffic light control vendor that provided the uplink traffic light information. This can motivate the traffic light control vendor to provide more valuable uplink traffic light information, and the traffic light information generating device 200 can promote the collection of more valuable uplink traffic light information.

[0165] [Third Function: Function of Providing Downstream Signal Information] The signal information generating device 200 and the central device 300 implement a function of providing the downstream signal information generated by the signal information generating device 200 to the central device 300 .

[0166] 23 is referred to. As an example, the central device 300A transmits intersection information of an intersection under the jurisdiction of the first traffic light control vendor that operates the central device 300A to the traffic light information generating device 200, and the traffic light information generating device 200 receives the intersection information (step S221).

[0167] The traffic light information generating device 200 transmits an intersection ID corresponding to the received intersection information to the central device 300A, and the central device 300A receives the intersection ID (step S222).

[0168] The central device 300A transmits the first traffic light information including the intersection ID to the traffic light information generating device 200, and the traffic light information generating device 200 receives the first traffic light information (step S223).

[0169] The signal information generating device 200 registers the received first signal information in the memory unit 220 shown in Figure 4, and transmits a registration result indicating that the registration has been completed to the central device 300A, which then receives the registration result (step S224).

[0170] The central device 300A transmits a request to generate second traffic light information including the intersection ID and the period to the traffic light information generator 200, and the traffic light information generator 200 receives the generation request (step S225).

[0171] The traffic light information generating device 200 generates second traffic light information based on the received generation request (step S226).

[0172] The traffic light information generating device 200 transmits the generated second traffic light information to the central device 300A, and the central device 300A receives the second traffic light information (step S227).

[0173] The traffic light information generating device 200 transmits the consideration information for the first traffic light information received from the central device 300A to the central device 300A, and the central device 300A receives the consideration information (step S228).

[0174] According to the third function, the traffic light information generating device 200 can collect uplink signal information from multiple traffic light control vendors. The traffic light information generating device 200 can provide downlink signal information generated from uplink signal information to the traffic light control vendor that provided the uplink signal information. This motivates the traffic light control vendor to provide uplink signal information to the traffic light information generating device 200. Therefore, the traffic light information generating device 200 can promote the collection of uplink signal information from multiple traffic light control vendors.

[0175] [Fourth function: Function of providing upstream signal information from other traffic light control vendors] The traffic light information generating device 200 and multiple central devices 300 implement a function of providing upstream signal information from a traffic light control vendor to the central devices 300 of other traffic light control vendors.

[0176] 24 is referred to. As an example, the central device 300A transmits intersection information of a second traffic light control vendor that operates the central device 300B to the traffic light information generation device 200. The traffic light information generation device 200 receives the intersection information of the second traffic light control vendor (step S231).

[0177] The traffic light information generating device 200 transmits an intersection ID corresponding to the received intersection information to the central device 300A, which receives the intersection ID (step S232).

[0178] The central device 300A transmits the first traffic light information including the intersection ID to the traffic light information generating device 200. The traffic light information generating device 200 receives the first traffic light information (step S233).

[0179] The traffic light information generating device 200 registers the received first traffic light information in the storage unit 220 shown in Fig. 4. The traffic light information generating device 200 transmits a registration result indicating that the first traffic light information has been registered to the central device 300A. The central device 300A receives the registration result (step S234).

[0180] The central device 300A transmits a request for providing third traffic light information, including the intersection ID and period of the second traffic light control vendor, to the traffic light information generating device 200. The traffic light information generating device 200 receives the request for providing third traffic light information (step S235).

[0181] Based on the received provision request, the traffic signal information generating device 200 transmits the third traffic signal information to the central device 300A. The central device 300A receives the third traffic signal information (step S236).

[0182] According to the fourth function, a first traffic light control vendor can obtain third traffic light information from a second traffic light control vendor by providing the first traffic light information. For example, the first traffic light control vendor can modify the control method of the traffic signal 20 by referring to uplink traffic light information from another traffic light control vendor. This motivates the first traffic light control vendor to provide the first traffic light information to the traffic light information generating device 200, allowing the traffic light information generating device 200 to promote the collection of uplink traffic light information from multiple traffic light control vendors.

[0183] In the above-described embodiment, the traffic light information generating device 200 provides the central device 300 with compensation information for the uplink signal information provided from the central device 300. Alternatively, the central device 300 may provide compensation information to the traffic light information generating device 200.

[0184] For example, the central device 300 transmits payment information to the traffic light signal information generating device 200, and the traffic light signal information generating device 200 receives the payment information. The traffic light signal information generating device 200 transmits uplink signal information of other traffic light control vendors to the central device 300 according to the amount of payment indicated in the received payment information. In other words, the traffic light signal information generating device 200 transmits more uplink signal information to the central device 300 as the payment amount increases.

[0185] Each process (each function) in the above-described embodiments is achieved by a processing circuit including one or more processors. The processing circuit may be configured as an integrated circuit or the like that combines one or more processors, one or more memories, various analog circuits, and various digital circuits. The one or more memories store programs (instructions) that cause the one or more processors to execute each process. The one or more processors may execute each process according to a program read from one or more memories, or according to a logic circuit designed in advance to execute each process. The processor may be a CPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA, ASIC, or any other processor suitable for computer control. Note that multiple physically separated processors may cooperate with each other to execute each process. For example, processors installed in multiple physically separated computers may cooperate with each other via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the Internet to execute each process. The program may be installed into memory via a network from an external server device, or may be distributed stored on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), or a semiconductor memory, and then installed into the memory from the recording medium.

[0186] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0187] 1 Traffic signal control system 10 Vehicle 10A Vehicle 10B Vehicle 10C Vehicle 20 Traffic signal 20A First traffic signal 20B Second traffic signal 20C Third traffic signal 100 Probe information collection device 100A Probe information collection device 100B Probe information collection device 100C Probe information collection device 110 Communication I / F unit 120 Memory unit 121 Computer program 122 Probe information 123 Value information 130 Control unit 131 Probe information collection unit 132 Probe information group providing unit 133 Value information acquisition unit 140 Bus 200 Traffic light information generation device 210 Communication I / F unit 220 Memory unit 221 Computer program 222 Probe information group 223 Upstream signal information 225 Area information 226 Intersection information 230 Control unit 231 Probe information group acquisition unit 232 Consideration information provision unit 233 Area information registration unit 234 Traffic condition analysis unit (analysis result information provision unit) 235 Intersection information registration unit 236 Upstream signal information acquisition unit 237 Downstream signal information generation unit 238 Downstream signal information provision unit 239 Upstream signal information provision unit 240 Bus 300 Central unit (traffic light control device) 300A Central unit (first traffic light control device) 300B Central unit (second traffic light control device) 300C Central unit (third traffic light control device) 310 Communication I / F unit 320 Input / output I / F unit 330 Storage unit 331 Computer program 332 Area information 333 Congested intersection information 334 Intersection information 335 Upstream signal information 336 Consideration information 337 Downstream signal information 340 Control unit 341 Traffic condition acquisition unit 342 Signal information acquisition unit 343 Upstream signal information providing unit 344 Price information acquisition unit 345 Signal control unit 350 Bus

Claims

1. A traffic light information generating device comprising: a traffic light information acquiring unit that acquires first traffic light information provided by a first operator and used for controlling a first traffic light by the first operator; a traffic light information generating unit that generates second traffic light information to be used for controlling the first traffic light based on the first traffic light information and vehicle probe information; and a traffic light information providing unit that provides the second traffic light information to the first operator.

2. The traffic signal information generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a compensation information providing unit that provides compensation information for the provision of said first traffic signal information to said first operator.

3. The traffic light information generating device according to claim 2, wherein the consideration information providing unit determines the consideration information based on the value of the first traffic light information.

4. A traffic light information generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the traffic light information acquisition unit acquires third traffic light information used for controlling a second traffic signal by a second operator different from the first operator from the second operator, and the traffic light information provision unit provides the third traffic light information to the first operator.

5. The signal information generating device according to claim 4, wherein the signal information providing unit provides the third signal information to the first operator based on the value of the first signal information.

6. A signal information generating device as described in claim 3 or claim 5, wherein the value of the first signal information is determined based on at least one of the number of the first signal information and the type of information contained in the first signal information.

7. A traffic signal information generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an analysis result information providing unit that provides the first operator with analysis result information indicating the analysis results of traffic conditions in an area designated by the first operator.

8. A traffic signal control system comprising: a traffic signal information generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3; a first traffic signal control device controlled by the first business operator; and a second traffic signal control device controlled by a second business operator, wherein the first traffic signal control device provides the first traffic signal information to the traffic signal information generating device, and the second traffic signal control device provides third traffic signal information used to control a second traffic signal controlled by the second business operator to the traffic signal information generating device.

9. A traffic signal control system comprising: a traffic signal information generating device according to any one of claims 4 to 6; a first traffic signal control device controlled by the first business operator; and a second traffic signal control device controlled by the second business operator, wherein the first traffic signal control device provides first traffic signal information to the traffic signal information generating device, and the second traffic signal control device provides the third traffic signal information to the traffic signal information generating device.

10. A traffic light information generating method comprising the steps of: acquiring first traffic light information provided by a first operator and used for controlling a first traffic light by the first operator; generating second traffic light information based on the first traffic light information and vehicle probe information to be used for controlling the first traffic light; and providing the second traffic light information to the first operator.

11. A computer program for causing a computer to function as: a signal information acquisition unit that acquires first signal information provided by a first operator and used to control a first traffic signal that is the subject of control by the first operator; a signal information generation unit that generates second signal information to be used to control the first traffic signal based on the first signal information and vehicle probe information; and a signal information provision unit that provides the second signal information to the first operator.

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