JP5565275B2 - Traffic signal controller and traffic signal control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a traffic signal controller and a traffic signal control method for switching the color of a plurality of signal lamps.

  For the purpose of improving traffic jams at intersections, the traffic lights (arrows) assigned to each movement are used for the movement lines of vehicles and pedestrians that are classified according to direction, lanes used, traffic rights, etc. Therefore, movement control (also referred to as variable phase control or variable display control) for independently controlling the time for each lamp color of the signal lamps on the opposite roads (for example, the upward direction and the downward direction) has been studied. By performing movement control, for example, when there is a deviation in traffic demand in the vertical direction, the time difference is displayed in a direction where there is a lot of demand (also called a priority direction) By displaying the display of all the signal lights in the direction where demand is low, the traffic light can be expected to improve.

  As an example of a traffic signal controller for movement control, a dual ring equipped with a plurality of step counters and capable of independent upstream / downstream signal control and real-time signal control according to the traffic situation of each inflow path at the intersection A traffic signal controller of the type is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-268547 A

  On the other hand, a conventional traffic signal controller is provided with a manual step button or switch that can manually switch the color of the signal lamp in the event of an abnormality or emergency. However, in a dual-ring traffic signal controller equipped with a plurality of step counters, each step counter independently designates a light color and switches, so there are provided buttons or switches for manual stepping corresponding to the number of step counters. It is necessary to perform an operation for manual stepping individually for each step counter. And in order to realize the display time of the color of each signal lamp with good balance, it is necessary to perform manual step operation in order, and there is a problem that the manual step operation becomes very complicated.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a traffic signal controller capable of easily performing manual stepping even in the case of a dual ring traffic signal controller having a plurality of step counters. It is another object of the present invention to provide a traffic signal control method.

  The traffic signal controller according to the first aspect of the present invention designates a light color step of one light color group and a light color step of another light color group, among the light color groups of the signal light device for the road facing at the intersection. A traffic signal controller that switches a lamp color by sequentially specifying the steps by the step specifying means, and receiving the manual stepping operation for stepping the step. Manual step control means for stepping the step specified by the step specifying means based on the manual step operation received by the means, the manual step control means preceding the step specified by the step specifying means. If there is a step, the subsequent step is stepped based on the manual stepping operation, and the step specified by the step specifying means is synchronized with the step. , Based on the manual stepping operation, characterized in that it is constituted such that it is incremented in synchronization with each step.

  In the traffic signal controller according to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the manual step control means is configured to hold the preceding step when the step designated by the step designation means is precedent. Features.

  The traffic signal controller according to a third aspect of the present invention is the traffic signal controller according to the first aspect, wherein when the step specified by the step specifying unit is preceded by the step specified by the step specifying unit, the preceding step is a predetermined step. The preceding step is held, and when the preceding step is other than the predetermined step, an automatic step control means for automatically stepping the preceding step after a lapse of a predetermined time is provided. .

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the traffic signal controller according to the third aspect, wherein the predetermined step is that the lamp color is blue.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the traffic signal controller according to the third aspect, wherein the predetermined step has a variable lamp color display time.

  The traffic signal controller according to the sixth aspect of the present invention designates a light color step of one light color group and a light color step of another light color group, among the light color groups of the signal light device for the road facing at the intersection. A traffic signal controller that switches a lamp color by sequentially specifying the steps by the step specifying means, and receiving the manual stepping operation for stepping the step. Manual step control means for stepping the step designated by the step designation means based on the manual step operation accepted by the means, and storage means for storing a corresponding number in which the steps to be synchronized are sequentially associated, If the corresponding step number corresponding to the step specified by the step specifying unit is preceded by the manual step control unit, the manual step control unit can respond to the subsequent corresponding number based on the manual step operation. Step is performed, and when the step designated by the step designation means is synchronized with the step, each step is stepped synchronously based on the manual stepping operation. It is characterized by.

  In the traffic signal controller according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect, the manual step control means corresponds to the preceding corresponding number when the corresponding number corresponding to the step specified by the step specifying means is precedent. The step is held.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the traffic signal controller according to the sixth aspect, the manual step control means corresponds to the preceding corresponding number when the corresponding number corresponding to the step designated by the step designating means is precedent. When the step is a predetermined step, the step is held. When the step corresponding to the preceding corresponding number is other than the predetermined step, the step is automatically advanced after a predetermined time has elapsed. A step control means is provided.

  In the traffic signal control method according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the step of the light color of one light color group and the step of the light color of the other light color group are respectively designated from the light color groups of the signal light device for the road facing at the intersection. Traffic signal control by a traffic signal controller comprising a plurality of step designating means for receiving and a accepting means for accepting a manual stepping operation for stepping, wherein the step designating means sequentially designates the steps and switches the lamp color. The method includes a manual step control step of stepping the step specified by the step specifying unit based on the manual step operation received by the receiving unit, the manual step control step being performed by the step specifying unit. If the specified step has an advance, the subsequent step is stepped on the basis of the manual stepping operation, and the step specified by the step specifying means is synchronized with the step. If you, on the basis of the manual stepping operation, and characterized in that is incremented in synchronization with each step.

  The traffic signal control method according to the tenth aspect of the present invention designates a light color step of one light color group and a light color step of another light color group, among the light color groups of the signal light device for the road facing at the intersection. Traffic signal control by a traffic signal controller comprising a plurality of step designating means for receiving and a accepting means for accepting a manual stepping operation for stepping, wherein the step designating means sequentially designates the steps and switches the lamp color. In the method, a manual step control step of storing a correspondence number in which the steps to be synchronized are sequentially associated and stepping the step designated by the step designation unit based on the manual step operation accepted by the reception unit. The manual step control step includes a step corresponding to the step designated by the step designation means, and the step corresponding to the step designated by the step designation means The step corresponding to the corresponding number is stepped, and when the step designated by the step designation means is synchronized by stepping, each step is stepped synchronously based on the manual stepping operation. To do.

  In the first invention and the ninth invention, the lamp color step of one lamp color group and the lamp color step of another lamp color group among the lamp color groups of the signal lamp for the roads facing each other at the intersection, respectively. A plurality of step designating means for designating (for example, a step counter) and a receiving means for accepting a manual stepping operation for stepping up the step. One direction of the road facing at the intersection is the N1 direction, and the direction facing the N1 direction is the S1 direction. In the dual ring system including step designating means, one step designating means, for example, N1G (straight blue, left turn blue) in the N1 direction, N1Y (yellow) in the N1 direction, N1 Specify the step of each lamp color of direction N1R (red) and S1A (right turn blue) in the S1 direction. The other step designating means may be, for example, S1G (straight forward blue, left turn blue) in the S1 direction, S1Y (yellow) in the S1 direction, S1R (red) in the S1 direction, and N1. Designate each light color step of direction N1A (right turn blue).

  Then, based on the manual step operation received by the receiving unit, a manual step control unit is provided for stepping the step specified by the step specifying unit. When the step designated by the step designating means precedes or follows, the manual step control means advances the subsequent step based on the manual stepping operation, and the step designated by the step designation means When synchronized by (manual stepping or automatic stepping), the steps are stepped in synchronism based on the manual stepping operation. For example, when the signal cycle is divided (configured) in steps 1 to 12, if the steps designated by the respective step designation means are different, the steps can be preceded and followed. When one step designating unit designates step 1 and another step designating unit designates step 4, each time the manual stepping operation is accepted, the one step designating unit sequentially executes step 1 from step 1. Advance (increase). Synchronizing steps means that the steps designated by both step designation means designate the same step, for example. For example, when a manual step operation is accepted after both step designation means designate step 4, both step designation means advance the steps sequentially in synchronization each time.

  The following steps are stepped sequentially by manual stepping operation, and after each step is synchronized, each step is stepped sequentially by manual stepping operation, so dual ring traffic signal control with multiple step counters Even in the case of a machine, it is not necessary to provide a manual step operation button or switch for each step counter, and the manual step operation can be easily performed with one operation button or switch.

  In the second invention, the manual step control means holds the preceding step when the step designated by the step designation means has precedent. As a result, even if there is a step ahead in both step designation means, each step can be easily synchronized by simply manually stepping the subsequent steps.

  In the third invention, the manual step control means holds the preceding step when the step designated by the step designating means is ahead, and if the preceding step is a predetermined step, the automatic step When the preceding step is other than the predetermined step, the control means automatically advances the preceding step after a predetermined time has elapsed. That is, when the preceding step is a predetermined step, the step is held without performing a step even if a manual stepping operation is performed, and when the preceding step is other than the predetermined step, for each step Automatically advance when a predetermined time has passed. The predetermined step is, for example, a step that is not particularly problematic even if it is displayed for a long time (for example, a green light), and steps other than the predetermined step may cause danger to traffic if displayed for a long time. There are certain steps (for example, yellow signal, red signal, etc.). Thereby, for example, when the light color of the preceding step is yellow, the yellow signal advances automatically after a predetermined time (seconds) has elapsed even when a manual stepping operation is performed. Therefore, a safe signal display can be ensured.

  In the fourth invention, the predetermined step is that the lamp color is blue (including a blue arrow signal). In the case of a green light, since there is little possibility of causing traffic danger even if displayed for a long time, the subsequent steps are sequentially advanced by a manual stepping operation, and the green light is maintained until both steps are synchronized. Thereby, a safe signal display can be ensured.

  In the fifth invention, the predetermined step is variable (variable level) in the display time of the lamp color. The variable floor is, for example, a blue signal including a blue arrow signal, a blue signal for a pedestrian, or a red signal. On the other hand, the fixed steps (steps other than the predetermined steps) are, for example, a yellow signal, a red signal, and a blue blinking signal for pedestrians. Thereby, a safe signal display can be ensured.

  In the sixth invention and the tenth invention, among the lamp color groups of the signal lamp for the roads facing each other at the intersection, the lamp color step of one lamp color group and the lamp color step of the other lamp color group are respectively performed. A plurality of step designating means for designating (for example, a step counter) and a receiving means for accepting a manual stepping operation for stepping up the step. One direction of the road facing at the intersection is the N1 direction, and the direction facing the N1 direction is the S1 direction. In the dual ring system including step designating means, one step designating means, for example, N1G (straight blue, left turn blue) in the N1 direction, N1Y (yellow) in the N1 direction, N1 Specify the step of each lamp color of direction N1R (red) and S1A (right turn blue) in the S1 direction. The other step designating means may be, for example, S1G (straight forward blue, left turn blue) in the S1 direction, S1Y (yellow) in the S1 direction, S1R (red) in the S1 direction, and N1. Designate each light color step of direction N1A (right turn blue).

  Then, based on the manual step operation received by the receiving means, manual step control means for stepping the step specified by the step specifying means, and storage means for storing a corresponding number in which the steps to be synchronized are sequentially associated with each other Prepare. The manual stepping control means is configured to step the step corresponding to the subsequent corresponding number based on the manual stepping operation when the corresponding number corresponding to the step specified by the step specifying means is precedent. When the step specified by the step specifying means is synchronized by the step, each step is stepped synchronously based on the manual stepping operation. For example, it is assumed that the correspondence number N is associated as a step in which step 4 designated by one step designation unit and step 5 designated by another step designation unit are synchronized. When one step designating unit designates step 4 (corresponding number N) and the other step designating unit designates step 4 (corresponding number N-1), the corresponding number is preceded (preceding). Since the corresponding number is N and the subsequent corresponding number is N−1), step 4 specified by another step specifying unit corresponding to the subsequent corresponding number is stepped up.

  After each step is synchronized, each step is sequentially stepped by manual stepping operation. Therefore, even in the case of a dual-ring traffic signal controller equipped with a plurality of step counters, manual stepping operation is performed for each step counter. There is no need to provide a button or switch, and manual stepping can be easily performed with a single operation button or switch.

  In the seventh invention, the manual step control means holds the step corresponding to the preceding corresponding number when the corresponding number corresponding to the step specified by the step specifying means is precedent. As a result, each step can be easily synchronized by simply manually stepping through the steps corresponding to subsequent corresponding numbers.

  In the eighth invention, the manual stepping control means, when the corresponding number corresponding to the step specified by the step specifying means is precedent, and when the step corresponding to the preceding corresponding number is a predetermined step, The step is held, and when the step corresponding to the preceding corresponding number is other than the predetermined step, the step is automatically advanced after a predetermined time. Thereby, for example, when the light color of the preceding step is yellow, the yellow signal advances automatically after a predetermined time (seconds) has elapsed even when a manual stepping operation is performed. Therefore, a safe signal display can be ensured.

  According to the present invention, the subsequent steps are sequentially stepped by the manual stepping operation, and after each step is synchronized, each step is sequentially stepped by the manual stepping operation. Therefore, the dual step having a plurality of step counters is provided. Even in the case of a ring traffic signal controller, it is not necessary to provide a manual step operation button or switch for each step counter, and the manual step operation can be easily performed with one operation button or switch.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the traffic signal controller which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the intersection where the signal lamp device controlled by the traffic signal controller which concerns on this Embodiment was installed. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 1st example of the relationship between the floor plan by the traffic signal controller of this Embodiment, and manual stepping operation. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd example of the relationship between the floor map by the traffic signal controller of this Embodiment, and manual stepping operation. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 3rd example of the relationship between the floor map by the traffic signal controller of this Embodiment, and manual stepping operation. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 4th example of the relationship between the floor map by the traffic signal controller of this Embodiment, and manual stepping operation. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 5th example of the relationship between the floor map by the traffic signal controller of this Embodiment, and manual stepping operation. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 6th example of the relationship between the floor map by the traffic signal controller of this Embodiment, and manual stepping operation. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 7th example of the relationship between the floor map by the traffic signal controller of this Embodiment, and manual stepping operation. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 8th example of the relationship between the floor map by the traffic signal controller of this Embodiment, and manual stepping operation.

  Hereinafter, a traffic signal controller according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the traffic signal controller 100 according to the present embodiment. The traffic signal controller 100 is a CPU 1, a CPU interface 2, a clock circuit 3, a timer circuit 4, 5, a step synchronization circuit 6, and a manual operation as an accepting unit that accepts a manual step operation for stepping a light color step. A control unit 20 for controlling the step of the light color of the signal lamp (step), a display memory 11 as a storage unit for storing step information, a display memory reading circuit 12 and the like. The control unit 20 also receives step counters 7 and 8 as a plurality of step designating means for sequentially designating the steps (levels) of the lamp colors of the signal lamps. The step control unit 10 is provided as manual step control means for manually stepping through the step specified in step 1 and automatic step control means for automatic stepping.

  The CPU 1 via the CPU interface 2, based on step information that determines the switching timing (stepping) of the lamp color step (step) of each signal lamp, a step command that is a lamp color switching timing signal Is sent to the step counters 7 and 8. The step command is a command to advance the current display to the next level (advance the step to the next step). Note that the lamp color switching timing indicated by the lamp color information is appropriately changed by, for example, sensitive control for sensing the traffic situation of each road that intersects at an intersection.

  The timer circuits 4 and 5 are driven based on the clock signal output from the clock circuit 3 and output a setting signal for setting a unit time (time length of each step) of the step (step) to the step counters 7 and 8. .

  The step counters 7 and 8 sequentially specify the light color steps of the signal lamp device independently of each other based on the step command sent from the CPU 1. Specifically, the step counters 7 and 8 time steps independently from each other based on a step command sent from the CPU 1 and generate step signals. The step counters 7 and 8 output the generated step signal to the display memory reading circuit 12. Further, the step counters 7 and 8 time steps based on the setting signals output from the timer circuits 4 and 5. In addition, the step counters 7 and 8 time steps based on a count-up command (command) output from the step control unit 10. Note that counting a step means sequentially stepping to the next step while pointing to the current step.

  The step synchronization circuit 6 outputs a synchronization signal to the step counters 7 and 8 when it is necessary to synchronize the step signals output from the step counters 7 and 8, respectively. For example, when the step synchronization circuit 6 acquires a synchronization command from the step control unit 10, the step synchronization circuit 6 outputs a synchronization signal to step in a state in which the steps specified by the step counters 7 and 8 are synchronized.

  The manual operation unit 9 is used when the lamp color of the signal lamp is switched by manual operation in the case of abnormality or emergency. The manual operation unit 9 includes operation buttons (switches) for performing manual stepping. Each time the operation button is pressed, the manual operation unit 9 outputs an operation signal to the step control unit 10.

  When the step control unit 10 receives the operation signal from the manual operation unit 9, the step control unit 10 outputs a count-up command (command) to the step counters 7 and 8 based on the step information input via the current memory reading circuit 12. To do. The step control unit 10 outputs a count-up command to only one of the step counters 7 and 8 according to the content of the step information, and does not output a count-up command to hold the step to the other. There is a case. That is, the step control unit 10 determines whether or not to output a count-up command to the step counters 7 and 8, and counts up the step counters 7 and 8 according to the determination result. Outputs a command.

  The step controller 10 outputs a synchronization command to the step synchronization circuit 6 when the step specified by the step counters 7 and 8 is stepped in a synchronized state.

  If the step specified by the step counters 7 and 8 is precedent, the step controller 10 advances the subsequent step based on the manual step operation. When the steps specified by the step counters 7 and 8 are synchronized, both steps are stepped synchronously based on a manual stepping operation.

  The step control unit 10 holds the preceding step when the step specified by the step counters 7 and 8 has precedent.

  More specifically, when the preceding step is a predetermined step when the step specified by the step counters 7 and 8 has a preceding step, the progress control unit 10 holds the preceding step, and the preceding step Is other than a predetermined step, the preceding step is automatically advanced after a predetermined time has elapsed. That is, when the preceding step is a predetermined step, the step is held without performing a step even if a manual stepping operation is performed, and when the preceding step is other than the predetermined step, for each step Automatically advance when a predetermined time has passed.

  The predetermined step is, for example, a step with no particular problem even if displayed for a long time, for example, a step in which the lamp color is blue (including a blue arrow signal). Further, the predetermined step is a step in which the display time of the lamp color is variable (variable step). The variable floor is, for example, a blue signal including a blue arrow signal, a blue signal for a pedestrian, or a red signal.

  Further, steps other than the predetermined steps are steps that may cause traffic danger when displayed for a long time. Steps other than the predetermined steps are, for example, fixed-step steps, such as a yellow signal, a red signal, and a blue blinking signal for pedestrians.

  The display memory reading circuit 12 reads the step information stored in the display memory 11 based on the step signals output from the step counters 7 and 8, and lights the signal lamps according to the read step information. Output.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an intersection where a signal lamp controlled by the traffic signal controller 100 according to the present embodiment is installed. As shown in FIG. 2, for the vehicle heading in the traveling direction N1, the color of the signal lamp is N1G (straight forward blue arrow and left turn blue arrow), N1A (right turn blue arrow), N1Y (yellow), N1R (red). , N1AY (yellow after the blue arrow is turned off), N1AR (red after the blue arrow is turned off).

  Further, for the vehicle heading in the traveling direction N2, the light colors of the signal lamps are N2G (straight forward blue arrow and left turn blue arrow), N2A (right turn blue arrow), N2Y (yellow), N2R (red), N2AY (blue arrow) N2AR (red after the blue arrow goes off).

  In addition, for the vehicle heading in the traveling direction S1, the color of the signal lamp is S1G (straight forward blue arrow and left turn blue arrow), S1A (right turn blue arrow), S1Y (yellow), S1R (red), S1AY (blue arrow) Is yellow after the light is turned off) and S1AR (red after the light is turned off).

  In addition, for the vehicle heading in the traveling direction S2, the light color of the signal lamp is S2G (straight blue arrow and left turn blue arrow), S2A (right turn blue arrow), S2Y (yellow), S2R (red), S2AY (blue arrow) Is yellow after the light is turned off) and S2AR (red after the light is turned off).

  In FIG. 2, for example, the N1 direction can be up and the S1 direction can be down. The up and down are not limited and can be determined as appropriate.

  Next, the operation of the traffic signal controller 100 when a manual stepping operation is performed will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of the relationship between the floor plan and the manual stepping operation by the traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 shows the steps (steps) counted by the step counters 7 and 8 and the respective signal lamps. In FIG. 3, the lamp color information (N1Y etc.) is as described above. In the figure, double lines represent red display, and broken lines represent yellow display. The arrow in the circle represents a blue arrow. Also, the flowchart represents the direction in which the vehicle can travel. Further, the end point of step 6 (start point of step 7) and the end point of step 12 (start point of step 1) are barriers. The barrier is a point in time when the color control of the signal lamps on the roads that intersect each other at the intersection is switched.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the step counter 7 performs traffic control on the vehicle in the traveling direction N1 in steps 1, 2, and 3, and performs traffic control on the vehicle in the traveling direction S1 in steps 4, 5, and 6. In Steps 7, 8, and 9, traffic control for the vehicle in the traveling direction N2 is performed. In Steps 10, 11, and 12, traffic control for the vehicle in the traveling direction S2 is performed. Similarly, the step counter 8 performs traffic control on the vehicle in the traveling direction S1 in steps 1, 2, and 3, and performs traffic control on the vehicle in the traveling direction N1 in steps 4, 5, and 6, and steps 7, 8 9, the traffic control for the vehicle in the traveling direction S 2 is performed. In steps 10, 11, and 12, the traffic control for the vehicle in the traveling direction N 2 is performed. In this way, the step counters 7 and 8 function to perform uplink and downlink traffic control independently of each other.

  Further, in FIG. 3 and FIGS. 4 to 9 described later, the green signals (including straight blue arrows, left turn blue arrows, right turn blue arrows) in steps 1, 4, 7, and 10 are the predetermined steps described above. The yellow signal or red signal of 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12 is a step other than the predetermined step described above.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when both the step counters 7 and 8 specify step 1, the step control unit 10 has no precedent to the step specified by each of the step counters 7 and 8 (synchronously). The synchronization command is output to the step synchronization circuit 6. Thus, when a manual stepping operation is accepted by the manual operation unit 9, each time the manual stepping operation is performed, the step counters 7 and 8 are in a state in which both steps are synchronized from step 1 to step 2, 2 to 3 Step manually. That is, manual stepping is performed as a single ring method based on a predetermined step counter (which may be either step counter 7 or step counter 8).

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of the relationship between the floor plan and the manual stepping operation by the traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment. Although the example of FIG. 3 illustrates the floor map when the time difference display is not performed, the example of FIG. 4 illustrates the floor map when the time difference display is performed in the N1 direction. The time difference display with respect to the N1 direction is a display for stopping all the vehicles traveling in the S1 direction facing the N1 direction with a red signal and proceeding straight, left and right turn vehicles in the N1 direction.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the step counter 7 designates step 1 and the step counter 8 designates step 2, the step control unit 10 precedes step 2 designated by the step counter 8. Step 1 designated by the step counter 7 is set as a subsequent step.

  In the example of FIG. 4, step 2 designated by the step counter 8 is a preceding step. Since the preceding step 2 is a yellow signal (S1Y) and is a step other than a predetermined step, the step is automatically advanced when a predetermined time determined for each step has elapsed. That is, it automatically advances from step 2 to step 3. Since step 3 after the automatic step is a red signal (S1R) and is a step other than the predetermined step, the step advances from step 3 to step 4 in the same manner. Step 4 after the automatic step is a right turn blue arrow (N1A) and is a predetermined step, and therefore step 4 is held without stepping even if a manual stepping operation is performed. That is, the step specified by the step counter 8 automatically advances from step 2 to step 4.

  On the other hand, step 1 designated by the step counter 7 is a subsequent step. In the subsequent step 1, each time a manual stepping operation is performed, the step is stepped one by one. That is, the subsequent steps specified by the step counter 8 are stepped from step 1 to step 4 each time the manual stepping operation is performed, and are synchronized with the preceding step in step 4 where the preceding step is held. After both steps specified by the step counters 7 and 8 are synchronized in step 4, manual stepping is performed as a single ring system based on a predetermined step counter (which may be either the step counter 7 or 8). Do.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a third example of the relationship between the floor map and the manual stepping operation by the traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment. The example of FIG. 5 also shows a floor plan in the case of performing time difference display in the N1 direction as in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the step counter 7 designates step 1 and the step counter 8 designates step 3, the step control unit 10 precedes step 3 designated by the step counter 8. Step 1 designated by the step counter 7 is set as a subsequent step.

  In the example of FIG. 5, step 3 designated by the step counter 8 is a preceding step. Since the preceding step 3 is a red signal (S1R) and is a step other than a predetermined step, the step is automatically advanced when a predetermined time determined for each step has elapsed. That is, the step advances automatically from step 3 to step 4. Step 4 after the automatic step is a right turn blue arrow (N1A) and is a predetermined step, and therefore step 4 is held without stepping even if a manual stepping operation is performed. That is, the step specified by the step counter 8 automatically advances from step 3 to step 4.

  On the other hand, step 1 designated by the step counter 7 is a subsequent step. In the subsequent step 1, each time a manual stepping operation is performed, the step is stepped one by one. That is, the subsequent steps specified by the step counter 8 are stepped from step 1 to step 4 each time the manual stepping operation is performed, and are synchronized with the preceding step in step 4 where the preceding step is held. After both steps specified by the step counters 7 and 8 are synchronized in step 4, manual stepping is performed as a single ring system based on a predetermined step counter (which may be either the step counter 7 or 8). Do.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a fourth example of the relationship between the floor map and the manual stepping operation by the traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment. The example of FIG. 6 also shows a floor plan in the case where time difference display is performed in the N1 direction as in FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the step counter 7 designates step 1 and the step counter 8 designates step 4, the step control unit 10 precedes step 4 designated by the step counter 8. Step 1 designated by the step counter 7 is set as a subsequent step.

  In the example of FIG. 6, step 4 designated by the step counter 8 is a preceding step. Since the preceding step 4 is a right turn blue arrow (N1A) and is a predetermined step, step 4 is held without stepping even if a manual stepping operation is performed. That is, the step specified by the step counter 8 holds (continues) Step 4.

  On the other hand, step 1 designated by the step counter 7 is a subsequent step. In the subsequent step 1, each time a manual stepping operation is performed, the step is stepped one by one. That is, the subsequent steps specified by the step counter 8 are stepped from step 1 to step 4 each time the manual stepping operation is performed, and are synchronized with the preceding step in step 4 where the preceding step is held. After both steps specified by the step counters 7 and 8 are synchronized in step 4, manual stepping is performed as a single ring system based on a predetermined step counter (which may be either the step counter 7 or 8). Do.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a fifth example of the relationship between the floor plan and the manual stepping operation by the traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment. The example of FIG. 7 also shows a floor plan in the case of performing time difference display in the N1 direction as in FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the step counter 7 designates step 2 and the step counter 8 designates step 3, the step control unit 10 precedes step 3 designated by the step counter 8. Step 2 designated by the step counter 7 is set as a subsequent step.

  In the example of FIG. 7, step 3 specified by the step counter 8 is a preceding step. Since the preceding step 3 is a red signal (S1R) and is a step other than a predetermined step, the step is automatically advanced when a predetermined time determined for each step has elapsed. That is, the step advances automatically from step 3 to step 4. Step 4 after the automatic step is a right turn blue arrow (N1A) and is a predetermined step, and therefore step 4 is held without stepping even if a manual stepping operation is performed. That is, the step specified by the step counter 8 automatically advances from step 3 to step 4.

  On the other hand, step 2 designated by the step counter 7 is a subsequent step. In the subsequent step 2, each time a manual step operation is performed, the step is stepped one by one. That is, the subsequent steps specified by the step counter 8 are stepped from step 2 to step 4 each time the manual stepping operation is performed, and are synchronized with the preceding step in step 4 where the preceding step is held. After both steps specified by the step counters 7 and 8 are synchronized in step 4, manual stepping is performed as a single ring system based on a predetermined step counter (which may be either the step counter 7 or 8). Do.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a sixth example of the relationship between the floor plan and the manual stepping operation by the traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment. The example of FIG. 8 also shows a floor plan in the case of performing time difference display in the N1 direction as in FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the step counter 7 designates step 2 and the step counter 8 designates step 4, the step control unit 10 precedes step 4 designated by the step counter 8. Step 2 designated by the step counter 7 is set as a subsequent step.

  In the example of FIG. 8, step 4 specified by the step counter 8 is a preceding step. Since the preceding step 4 is a right turn blue arrow (N1A) and is a predetermined step, step 4 is held without stepping even if a manual stepping operation is performed. That is, the step specified by the step counter 8 holds (continues) Step 4.

  On the other hand, step 2 designated by the step counter 7 is a subsequent step. In the subsequent step 2, each time a manual step operation is performed, the step is stepped one by one. That is, the subsequent steps specified by the step counter 8 are stepped from step 2 to step 4 each time the manual stepping operation is performed, and are synchronized with the preceding step in step 4 where the preceding step is held. After both steps specified by the step counters 7 and 8 are synchronized in step 4, manual stepping is performed as a single ring system based on a predetermined step counter (which may be either the step counter 7 or 8). Do.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a seventh example of the relationship between the floor map and the manual stepping operation by the traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment. The example of FIG. 9 also shows a floor plan in the case of performing time difference display in the N1 direction as in FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the step counter 7 designates step 3 and the step counter 8 designates step 4, the step control unit 10 precedes step 4 designated by the step counter 8. Step 3 designated by the step counter 7 is set as a subsequent step.

  In the example of FIG. 9, step 4 specified by the step counter 8 is a preceding step. Since the preceding step 4 is a right turn blue arrow (N1A) and is a predetermined step, step 4 is held without stepping even if a manual stepping operation is performed. That is, the step specified by the step counter 8 holds (continues) Step 4.

  On the other hand, step 3 designated by the step counter 7 is a subsequent step. In the subsequent step 2, each time a manual step operation is performed, the step is stepped one by one. That is, the subsequent steps specified by the step counter 8 are stepped from step 2 to step 4 each time the manual stepping operation is performed, and are synchronized with the preceding step in step 4 where the preceding step is held. After both steps specified by the step counters 7 and 8 are synchronized in step 4, manual stepping is performed as a single ring system based on a predetermined step counter (which may be either the step counter 7 or 8). Do.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 9 described above, in the present embodiment, the subsequent steps are sequentially stepped by the manual stepping operation, and after both steps are synchronized, both steps are manually stepped on. In the case of a dual-ring traffic signal controller equipped with a plurality of step counters, it is not necessary to provide a manual step operation button or switch for each step counter. With this, manual stepping can be easily performed.

  In the present embodiment, if there is a previous step in the step specified by the step counter, the previous step is held. As a result, even if there is an advance in the steps in both step counters, both steps can be easily synchronized only by manually incrementing subsequent steps.

  Also, in this embodiment, when the step specified by the step counter is precedent, if the preceding step is a predetermined step, the preceding step is retained, and the preceding step is other than the predetermined step Automatically advances the preceding step after a predetermined time has elapsed. That is, when the preceding step is a predetermined step, the step is held without performing a step even if a manual stepping operation is performed, and when the preceding step is other than the predetermined step, for each step Automatically advance when a predetermined time has passed. Thus, for example, if the light color of the preceding step is yellow or red, the yellow signal or red signal will be displayed after a predetermined time (seconds) has elapsed even when a manual stepping operation is performed. Since it advances automatically, a safe signal display can be secured.

  In the present embodiment, the predetermined step is a step in which the lamp color is blue (including a left turn blue arrow, a straight turn blue arrow, and a right turn blue arrow signal). In the case of a green light, since there is little possibility of causing traffic danger even if displayed for a long time, the subsequent steps are sequentially advanced by a manual stepping operation, and the green light is maintained until both steps are synchronized. Thereby, a safe signal display can be ensured.

  Further, the predetermined step is a step in which the display time of the lamp color is variable (variable step). The variable floor is, for example, a blue signal including a blue arrow signal, a blue signal for a pedestrian, or a red signal. On the other hand, as steps other than the predetermined step, for example, a fixed floor such as a yellow signal, a red signal, and a blue blinking signal for a pedestrian can be used. Thereby, a safe signal display can be ensured.

  In the example of FIGS. 3 to 9 described above, if the preceding step is a predetermined step, the step is retained, and if the preceding step is a step other than the predetermined step, the step is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, regardless of whether or not a step is a predetermined step, that is, the predetermined step is not considered at all, and the specified step is preceded, the preceding step may be held.

  In the above-described example, the case where the manual stepping operation is performed in steps 1 to 4 has been described, but the same applies to the case where the manual stepping operation is performed in other steps 5 to 12.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the step numbers designated by the step counters 7 and 8 match, it has been described that both steps are synchronized. However, the fact that a plurality of steps are synchronized means that each step number matches. It is not limited to things. For example, when the step counter 7 designates step x1 and the step counter 8 designates step x2 or x3, both steps may be synchronized. In short, it is only necessary to determine in advance when the step specified by the step counter is synchronized, and it is not always necessary that the step numbers match.

  Next, a case where the steps are synchronized even when the step numbers are not the same will be described. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an eighth example of the relationship between the floor plan and the manual stepping operation by the traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment. The example shown in FIG. 10 is a case where the steps are synchronized even if the step numbers are not the same.

  First, it is assumed that steps 1, 4, 7, and 10 specified by the step counter 7 are variable steps, and steps 1, 5, 8, and 11 specified by the step counter 8 are variable steps. In addition, a correspondence number (symbols other than numerals may be used as long as the order is known) may be associated with the steps synchronized in advance in an internal memory (for example, a memory built in the step control unit 10). Remember.

  For example, step 1 designated by the step counter 7 and step 1 designated by the step counter 8 correspond to the corresponding number 1. Step 2 designated by the step counter 7 and step 2 designated by the step counter 8 correspond to the correspondence number 2. Step 3 designated by the step counter 7 and step 3 designated by the step counter 8 correspond to the corresponding number 3. Step 4 specified by the step counter 8 corresponds to the correspondence number 4. Step 4 specified by the step counter 7 and step 5 specified by the step counter 8 correspond to the corresponding number 5. In correspondence number 5, the steps specified by step counters 7 and 8 are different.

  Similarly, step 5 designated by the step counter 7 and step 6 designated by the step counter 8 correspond to the corresponding number 6. Step 6 designated by the step counter 7 and step 7 designated by the step counter 8 correspond to the corresponding number 7. Step 7 specified by the step counter 7 and step 8 specified by the step counter 8 correspond to the corresponding number 8. Step 8 designated by the step counter 7 and step 9 designated by the step counter 8 correspond to the corresponding number 9. Step 9 designated by the step counter 7 and step 10 designated by the step counter 8 correspond to the corresponding number 10. Step 10 specified by the step counter 7 and step 11 specified by the step counter 8 correspond to the corresponding number 11. Step 11 designated by the step counter 7 and step 12 designated by the step counter 8 correspond to the corresponding number 12. Step 12 specified by the step counter 7 and step 13 specified by the step counter 8 correspond to the corresponding number 13.

  The step control unit 10 acquires the step specified by the step counters 7 and 8 when the manual step operation is performed by the manual operation unit 9, and the corresponding number corresponding to the acquired step (any one of the corresponding numbers 1 to 13). Or get).

  The step control unit 10 determines whether the acquired corresponding number is ahead or behind. For example, after the corresponding number, the smaller corresponding number is the following, and the larger corresponding number is the preceding. The step control unit 10 holds a step corresponding to the preceding corresponding number, and steps the step corresponding to the subsequent corresponding number by a manual stepping operation.

  When the corresponding numbers corresponding to the steps specified by the step counters 7 and 8 are the same (that is, when the steps specified by the step counters 7 and 8 are synchronized), the step control unit 10 is configured as a single ring. Both step counters 7 and 8 are stepped by a manual stepping operation.

  For example, in FIG. 10, when the manual stepping operation is performed, if the step counter 7 designates step 4 and the step counter 8 designates step 4, the step 4 designated by the step counter 7 has the corresponding number 5. Step 4 designated by the step counter 8 corresponds to the correspondence number 4. Since the step counter 7 designates the step corresponding to the preceding corresponding number, step 4 of the step counter 7 is held, and the step of the step counter 8 is stepped by manual stepping operation.

  If the step counter 7 designates step 4 and the step counter 8 designates step 5, the steps designated by both step counters 7 and 8 are aligned (synchronized) with the corresponding number 5, so the step control unit 10 Corresponding numbers 5 and later are single rings, and both step counters 7 and 8 are stepped by manual stepping operation.

  Also in the example of FIG. 10, after each step is synchronized, each step is sequentially stepped by a manual stepping operation. Therefore, even in the case of a dual ring traffic signal controller having a plurality of step counters, the step counter It is not necessary to provide a manual step operation button or switch every time, and the manual step operation can be easily performed with one operation button or switch.

  In addition, when the corresponding number corresponding to the step designated by the step counters 7 and 8 is precedent, the step control unit 10 holds the step corresponding to the preceding corresponding number. As a result, each step can be easily synchronized by simply manually stepping through the steps corresponding to subsequent corresponding numbers.

  In addition, when the corresponding number corresponding to the step specified by the step counters 7 and 8 is precedent, the step control unit 10 holds the corresponding step when the step corresponding to the preceding corresponding number is a predetermined step. If the step corresponding to the preceding corresponding number is other than the predetermined step, the step is automatically advanced after a predetermined time has elapsed. The predetermined step is a step in which the light color is blue (including a left turn blue arrow, a straight advance blue arrow, and a right turn blue arrow signal). Thereby, for example, when the light color of the preceding step is yellow (other than a predetermined step), the yellow signal has passed a predetermined time (seconds) even when a manual stepping operation is performed. Since it advances automatically after that, a safe signal display can be secured.

  In the above-described embodiment, two step counters are provided. However, when the number of roads crossing the intersection increases and the control of the signal lamp becomes more complicated, or the signal lamp for pedestrians is installed. In the case of control, the number of step counters can be increased as appropriate to provide, for example, three or more step counters. The present embodiment can be applied to a configuration that includes one manual operation unit 9 and includes two or more step counters.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the road crosses in a cross shape at the intersection has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and traffic that performs movement control by a dual ring system such as a three-way or a five-way The traffic signal controller 100 of the present embodiment can also be used at an intersection where a signal controller is installed.

  The disclosed embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

7, 8 Step counter (step designation means)
9 Manual operation part (accepting means part)
10 Step control unit (manual step control means, automatic step control means)

Claims (10)

A plurality of step designating means for designating the step of the light color of one light color group and the step of the light color of the other light color group among the light color groups of the signal lamps for the roads facing each other at the intersection. A traffic signal controller that accepts a manual stepping operation for advancing, and switches the lamp color by sequentially specifying the steps by the step specifying means,
Based on the manual stepping operation received by the receiving unit, comprising a manual step control unit for stepping the step specified by the step specifying unit,
The manual step control means includes:
If the step specified by the step specifying means is precedent, the subsequent step is stepped based on the manual stepping operation;
When the step specified by the step specifying means is synchronized by a step, the traffic signal controller is configured to step each step synchronously based on the manual step operation. The manual step control means includes
2. The traffic signal controller according to claim 1, wherein when a step designated by the step designation means is precedent, the preceding step is retained. The manual step control means includes
If the step designated by the step designating means has a precedent, when the preceding step is a predetermined step, the preceding step is retained,
2. The traffic signal controller according to claim 1, further comprising automatic step control means for automatically stepping the preceding step after a lapse of a predetermined time when the preceding step is other than the predetermined step.   The traffic signal controller according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined step has a blue light color.   The traffic signal controller according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined step is variable in lamp color display time. A plurality of step designating means for designating the step of the light color of one light color group and the step of the light color of the other light color group among the light color groups of the signal lamps for the roads facing each other at the intersection. A traffic signal controller that accepts a manual stepping operation for advancing, and switches the lamp color by sequentially specifying the steps by the step specifying means,
Manual stepping control means for stepping the step specified by the step specifying means based on the manual stepping operation received by the receiving means;
Storage means for storing corresponding numbers in which the steps to be synchronized are sequentially associated, and
The manual step control means includes
If the corresponding number corresponding to the step specified by the step specifying means is precedent, the step corresponding to the subsequent corresponding number is stepped based on the manual stepping operation,
When the step specified by the step specifying means is synchronized by a step, the traffic signal controller is configured to step each step synchronously based on the manual step operation. The manual step control means includes
7. The traffic signal controller according to claim 6, wherein when the corresponding number corresponding to the step specified by the step specifying means is precedent, the step corresponding to the preceding corresponding number is held. The manual step control means includes
If the corresponding number corresponding to the step designated by the step designating means is precedent, if the step corresponding to the preceding corresponding number is a predetermined step, the step is retained.
The traffic signal control according to claim 6, further comprising automatic step control means for automatically stepping the step after a predetermined time has elapsed when the step corresponding to the preceding corresponding number is other than the predetermined step. Machine. A plurality of step designating means for designating the step of the light color of one light color group and the step of the light color of the other light color group among the light color groups of the signal lamps for the roads facing each other at the intersection. A traffic signal control method using a traffic signal controller that sequentially accepts steps by the step designating means, and that accepts a manual stepping operation for advancing.
Based on the manual step operation received by the receiving unit, including a manual step control step of stepping the step specified by the step specifying unit,
The manual step control process includes:
If the step specified by the step specifying means has an advance, based on the manual stepping operation, the subsequent step is stepped,
When the step designated by the step designating means is synchronized by a step, the step is performed in a synchronized manner based on the manual stepping operation. A plurality of step designating means for designating the step of the light color of one light color group and the step of the light color of the other light color group among the light color groups of the signal lamps for the roads facing each other at the intersection. A traffic signal control method using a traffic signal controller that sequentially accepts steps by the step designating means, and that accepts a manual stepping operation for advancing.
Store the correspondence number that sequentially associates the steps to be synchronized,
Based on the manual step operation received by the receiving unit, including a manual step control step of stepping the step specified by the step specifying unit,
The manual step control process includes:
If the corresponding number corresponding to the step specified by the step specifying means is precedent, the step corresponding to the subsequent corresponding number is stepped based on the manual stepping operation,
When the step designated by the step designating means is synchronized by a step, the step is performed in a synchronized manner based on the manual stepping operation.

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