JP2008225880A - Traffic information provision system - Google Patents

Abstract

A traffic information providing system capable of presenting information meeting a user's needs in a timely manner is provided.
A traffic information management database 21 storing traffic information collected from a computer of a road traffic information center 11 and a plurality of types of manager information collected from computers of information managers 12 to 16 and a predetermined distribution condition. Priorities are assigned to a plurality of types of administrator information stored in the traffic information management database, and priorities are assigned to the traffic information stored in the traffic information management database within a predetermined transmission capacity. The road traffic information distribution center 17 includes a computer that adds and distributes at least one type of administrator information in order from the highest administrator information.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a traffic information providing system that provides additional information together with traffic information to a user, and more particularly to a technique for controlling the amount of information provided to a user.

  Conventionally, VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) is known as one of traffic information providing systems. In this VICS, text display type traffic information called level 1, graphic display type traffic information called level 2, and map display type called level 3 are used by using communication media such as radio wave beacons, optical beacons and FM multiplex broadcasting. Three types of traffic information, such as the traffic information of, is provided in a 5-minute cycle (twice every 5 minutes in one cycle of 2.5 minutes) in principle.

  By the way, in FM multiplex broadcasting, text information or the like is broadcast using a free frequency in an assigned channel or a high frequency of a subcarrier used for stereo broadcasting. When these broadcasts are stopped, It is conceivable to broadcast information for the convenience of the user according to conditions such as season, time, weather condition or region in addition to traffic information using the high frequency of the subcarrier. However, since there is a limit to the transmission capacity that can be transmitted within 2.5 minutes, if the type of information provided to the user is fixed, information that matches the user's needs cannot be provided.

  As one of the techniques for solving such a problem, Patent Document 1 discloses traffic information distribution in which a general user can quickly obtain the latest traffic information representing a sudden change in traffic state as needed. A method and traffic information distribution computer are disclosed. In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the user uses a user terminal to the traffic information distribution computer, and the distribution condition (location, time, etc. where the traffic state has changed) related to the traffic information that the user desires to distribute and A method for distributing traffic information to the user is registered in advance. When a temporary traffic change such as an accident or traffic jam occurs, a traffic information distribution computer provides traffic information representing a change in the traffic state to the traffic information distribution computer from the traffic information provider. Of the provided traffic information, only the traffic information that matches the delivery condition specified by the user is delivered to the user by the registered delivery method.

JP 2002-260169 A

  However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, there is an annoyance that the user has to register in advance a distribution condition and a distribution method related to traffic information desired to be distributed in a traffic information distribution computer. In addition, the traffic information distribution computer needs to distribute only the traffic information that matches the distribution conditions specified by the user among the traffic information provided by the traffic information providing organization to the user by the registered distribution method. In a situation where the transmission capacity is limited, there is a problem that efficient information transmission cannot be realized.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a traffic information providing system capable of presenting information meeting a user's needs in a timely manner.

  In order to solve the above problems, a traffic information providing system according to the present invention is a traffic information management system that stores traffic information collected from a computer of a road traffic information center and a plurality of types of manager information collected from a computer of an information manager. Priorities are assigned to the traffic information stored in the traffic information management database by assigning priorities to the database and a plurality of types of administrator information stored in the traffic information management database based on predetermined distribution conditions. A road traffic information distribution center including a computer that adds and distributes at least one type of administrator information in order from the administrator information with the highest priority within the capacity.

  According to the traffic information providing system according to the present invention, priorities are given to a plurality of types of administrator information based on a predetermined distribution condition, and the priorities of traffic information are within a range that falls within a predetermined transmission capacity. Since the configuration is such that at least one type of administrator information is added and distributed in order from the highest administrator information, information meeting the user's needs can be presented in a timely manner.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a traffic information providing system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. This traffic information providing system includes a road traffic information center 11, a parking lot information manager 12, a weather information manager 13, a gas station operator information manager 14, a school zone information manager 15, an accident frequent occurrence point information manager 16, Each computer of the road traffic information distribution center 17 and the communication carrier 18 is connected by a network 19.

  The road traffic information center 11 receives information on time required for traffic on the road, traffic jam information, accident information, speed regulation information, lane regulation information, chain regulation information, and service area / parking area from the prefectural police or road manager. Information about full or empty vehicles (hereinafter referred to as “SAPA full information”) is collected and managed as traffic information. The traffic information managed by the road traffic information center 11 is transmitted to the road traffic information distribution center 17 via the network 19.

  The parking lot information manager 12 collects the full parking space information of general parking lots other than the expressway and manages them as general parking lot full information. The general parking lot availability information managed by the parking lot information manager 12 is transmitted to the road traffic information distribution center 17 via the network 19.

  The meteorological information manager 13 collects and manages meteorological information such as the situation of rainfall or snowfall, wind speed, and temperature. The weather information managed by the weather information manager 13 is transmitted to the road traffic information distribution center 17 via the network 19.

  The gas station operator information manager 14 collects and manages gas station business information representing the business situation of the gas station. The gas station business information managed by the gas station operator information manager 14 is transmitted to the road traffic information distribution center 17 via the network 19.

  The school zone information manager 15 collects and manages school zone information such as the status of a child's commuting to school or the time of returning home in the school zone. The school zone information managed by the school zone information manager 15 is transmitted to the road traffic information distribution center 17 via the network 19.

  The accident frequent occurrence point information manager 16 collects and manages the accident frequent occurrence point information indicating the accident occurrence state for each factor of the accident frequent occurrence point. The accident location information managed by the accident location information manager 16 is transmitted to the road traffic information distribution center 17 via the network 19. In the first embodiment, the above-mentioned gas station sales information, school zone information, and accident frequent occurrence point information are referred to as “manager information”.

  The road traffic information distribution center 17 includes a road traffic information center 11, a parking lot information manager 12, a weather information manager 13, a gas station operator information manager 14, a school zone information manager 15, and an accident frequent occurrence point information manager 16. Accumulate and manage information collected from each computer. That is, the computer of the road traffic information distribution center 17 includes a traffic information management database (hereinafter abbreviated as “traffic information management DB”) 21, and information collected from each information manager is stored in the traffic information management DB 21. Accumulate and manage. Details of the traffic information management DB 21 will be described later.

  In addition, the computer of the road traffic information distribution center 17 gives priority to the information stored in the traffic information management DB 21 according to predetermined distribution conditions, and the communication carrier via the network 19 as distribution information. 18 to send. The computer of the road traffic information distribution center 17 incorporates a calendar for determining the season and a clock (real time clock) for determining the time.

  The communication carrier 18 receives distribution information sent from the road traffic information distribution center 17 via the network 19, and broadcasts the received distribution information by, for example, FM multiplex broadcasting. The traffic information receiving device mounted on the vehicle can acquire various traffic information (including manager information) by receiving the FM multiplex broadcast.

  FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the traffic information management DB 21 connected to the computer of the road traffic information distribution center 17. This traffic information management DB 21 transmits a collection information database (hereinafter, abbreviated as “collection information DB”) 21 a for storing information collected from each information manager, and information distributed to users via the communication carrier 18. It is composed of a distribution information database (hereinafter abbreviated as “distribution information DB”) 21b for storing distribution information limited in capacity.

  FIG. 3 shows information stored in the collection information DB 21a. In the collection information DB 21a, a name (information name) of collection information and a distribution condition are stored in association with each other. The collected information includes travel time information collected from the road traffic information center 11, traffic jam information, accident information, speed regulation information, lane regulation information, chain regulation information and SAPA full information, and general information collected from the parking information manager 12. Parking lot availability information, gas station business information collected from the gas station operator information manager 14, school zone information collected from the school zone information manager 15, accident frequent spot information collected from the accident frequent spot information manager 16, In addition, weather information collected from the weather information manager 13 is included.

  In the eight items from the required time information to the general parking lot full information shown in FIG. In addition, “conditional”, which is a condition for distribution, is added as a distribution condition to the three items from the gas station sales information to the accident frequent occurrence point information. Furthermore, the weather information is assigned “not applicable” indicating that the distribution information with conditions is used as information for determining whether or not the distribution information with conditions is to be distributed.

  FIG. 4 shows information stored in the distribution information DB 21b. The required time information, traffic jam information, SAPA full space information and general parking lot full information shown in FIG. 3 are the roads to be distributed regardless of changes in the required time, the degree of traffic jams, or the parking lot full state. Alternatively, all the parking lots are registered in the distribution information DB 21b. On the other hand, accident information, speed regulation information, lane regulation information, and chain regulation information are registered in the distribution information DB 21b only as significant information (information when an accident occurs or when regulation is made). Furthermore, for gas station sales information, school zone information, and accident-prone location information, information with higher priority (details will be described later) is added as additional distribution information according to the distribution conditions such as season, time, weather conditions, or region. be registered.

  Next, the operation of the traffic information providing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above is executed in the computer of the road traffic information distribution center 17, and the collected information in the collected information DB 21a is distributed. A description will be given with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  In this process, first, the timer is reset and started (step ST11). Although not shown, the timer is provided in the computer of the road traffic information distribution center 17 and is used for measuring a time of 5 minutes. The timer starts from zero by the process of step ST11.

  Next, it is checked whether or not the timer has counted 5 minutes (step ST12). If it is determined in step ST12 that 5 minutes have elapsed, the distribution information stored in the distribution information DB 21b is transmitted to the communication carrier 18 (step ST13). Next, the timer is reset and started (step ST14). The process in step ST14 is the same as the process in step ST11 described above. Thereafter, the sequence returns to step ST12, and the above-described processing is repeated.

  If it is determined in step ST12 that five minutes have not elapsed, then the contents of the distribution information DB 21b are cleared (step ST15). Next, the required time information stored in the collection information DB 21a is registered in the distribution information DB 21b (step ST16). Next, the traffic jam information stored in the collection information DB 21a is registered in the distribution information DB 21b (step ST17). Subsequently, significant accident information among the accident information stored in the collection information DB 21a is registered in the distribution information DB 21b (step ST18).

  Next, significant speed regulation information among the speed regulation information stored in the collection information DB 21a is registered in the distribution information DB 21b (step ST19). Next, significant lane restriction information among the lane restriction information stored in the collection information DB 21a is registered in the distribution information DB 21b (step ST20). Next, significant chain regulation information among the chain regulation information stored in the collection information DB 21a is registered in the distribution information DB 21b (step ST21).

  Next, the SAPA full information stored in the collection information DB 21a is registered in the distribution information DB 21b (step ST22). Next, the general parking lot availability information stored in the collection information DB 21a is registered in the distribution information DB 21b (step ST23). The registration of information from step ST16 to step ST23 is always performed regardless of distribution conditions.

  Next, it is examined whether there is a possibility of road surface freezing (step ST24). This is performed by examining whether or not the season indicated by the calendar provided in the computer of the road traffic information distribution center 17 is winter. If it is determined in this step ST24 that there is no risk of road surface freezing, the priority order of all accident frequent occurrence point information due to road surface freezing is changed to “5” (step ST25). Thereafter, the sequence proceeds to step ST27. On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST24 that there is a risk of road surface freezing, the priority of the accident frequent spot information due to the road freezing is changed to “2”, and other accident frequent spot information due to road freezing is changed. The priority is changed to “5” (step ST26). Thereafter, the sequence proceeds to step ST27. By the processing of these steps ST24 to ST26, in winter mornings or evenings where the temperature is likely to drop, the information on the road surface freezing point is presented with priority, so it is possible to prevent an accident due to road surface freezing in the commuting time zone.

  In step ST27, it is checked whether or not there is a heavy rain area. This is determined based on weather information collected from the weather information manager 13. If it is determined in this step ST27 that there is no heavy rain area, the priority of the accident frequent occurrence point information due to all road slips is changed to “5” (step ST28). Thereafter, the sequence proceeds to step ST30. On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST27 that there is a heavy rain area, the priority of the accident frequent occurrence point information due to the corresponding road slip is changed to “2”, and the priority of the accident frequent occurrence point information due to other road slips is changed. The rank is changed to “5” (step ST29). Thereafter, the sequence proceeds to step ST30. By the processing of these steps ST27 to ST29, in the case of heavy rain, information on the frequent occurrence of slip accidents due to rain is preferentially presented, so that it is possible to prevent slip accidents due to rain.

  In step ST30, it is checked whether there is a strong wind area. This is determined based on weather information collected from the weather information manager 13. If it is determined in this step ST30 that there is no strong wind area, the priority order of the accident frequent occurrence point information due to all crosswinds is changed to “5” (step ST31). Thereafter, the sequence proceeds to step ST33. On the other hand, when it is determined in step ST30 that there is a crosswind area, the priority of the accident frequent occurrence spot information due to the corresponding cross wind is changed to “2”, and the priority of the other accident frequent occurrence spot information due to the cross wind is changed to “2”. It is changed to “5” (step ST32). Thereafter, the sequence proceeds to step ST33. Through the processing of these steps ST30 to ST32, on the day when the wind is strong in early spring, the information on the frequent occurrence points of the accident due to the crosswind at the tunnel exit is preferentially presented, so that the accident due to the crosswind at the tunnel exit can be prevented. .

  In step ST33, it is checked whether or not it is time for the child to go to school or to go home. This is determined by referring to a clock provided in the computer of the road traffic information distribution center 17. If it is determined in this step ST33 that it is not the time for the child to go to school or go home, the priority order of all school zone information is changed to “5” (step ST34). Thereafter, the sequence proceeds to step ST36. On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST33 that it is the time for the child to go to school or go home, the priority of the school zone information is changed to “3” (step ST35). Thereafter, the sequence proceeds to step ST36. Through the processing of these steps ST33 to ST35, the school zone point information is preferentially presented in the school attendance time zone, so accidents in the school zone can be prevented.

  In step ST36, it is checked whether the time is 22:00 to 6:00, that is, whether it is nighttime. This is determined by referring to a clock provided in the computer of the road traffic information distribution center 17. If it is determined in step ST36 that the time is not 22:00 to 6:00, the priority order of all the gas station sales information is changed to “5” (step ST37). Thereafter, the sequence proceeds to step ST39. On the other hand, when it is determined in step ST36 that the time is 22:00 to 6:00, the priority of the gas station sales information corresponding to the gas station that is in operation is changed to “4”, and the business is in operation. The priority of the gas station sales information corresponding to the non-gas station is changed to “5” (step ST38). Thereafter, the sequence proceeds to step ST39. By the processing of these steps ST36 to ST38, since the gas station that is open at midnight is preferentially presented, the trouble of searching for the gas station is reduced and the convenience is improved.

  In step ST39, the accident frequent occurrence point information due to the road surface freezing having the priority “2” is registered in the distribution information DB 21b. Subsequently, the accident frequent spot information due to the road slip having the priority “2” is registered in the distribution information DB 21b (step ST40). Subsequently, the accident frequent occurrence spot information by the crosswind having the priority “2” is registered in the distribution information DB 21b (step ST41). Next, the school zone information having the priority “3” is registered in the distribution information DB 21b (step ST42). Next, the gas station sales information with the priority “4” is registered in the distribution information DB 21b (step ST43).

  Next, it is checked whether or not the additional distribution information has exceeded the transmission capacity (step ST44). If it is determined in step ST44 that the additional distribution information does not exceed the transmission capacity, the sequence returns to step ST12 and the above-described processing is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST44 that the additional distribution information has exceeded the transmission capacity, the additional distribution information is cleared in order from the information with the lowest priority by the size exceeding the transmission capacity ( Step ST45). Thereafter, the sequence returns to step ST12, and the above-described processing is repeated.

  By performing the above-described processing in the computer of the road traffic information distribution center 17, updated information is transmitted from the road traffic information distribution center 17 to the computer of the communication carrier 18 every 5 minutes. The computer of the telecommunications carrier 18 completes one broadcast in 2.5 minutes triggered by receiving information from the road traffic information distribution center 17, and broadcasts the same data again after 2.5 minutes. After another 2.5 minutes, the updated information transmitted from the road traffic information distribution center 17 is broadcast, and the same processing is repeated thereafter.

  On the other hand, in a vehicle equipped with a traffic information receiving device, the following operation is performed in the traffic information receiving device. That is, since the broadcast from the communication carrier 18 is performed in a 5-minute cycle (twice the 2.5-minute cycle), information in the traffic information receiving apparatus is also updated in a 5-minute cycle in principle. However, since the vehicle moves, it is not guaranteed that the broadcast can always be received outside the area where FM radio waves do not reach, inside the tunnel, or in the valley of the building. In such a case, it is possible to supplement the missing information in the first reception of the 5-minute period with the second reception. Also, assuming that FM radio waves may not be received for 5 minutes or more, once received information, a predetermined time (for example, 60 minutes) can be satisfied within the user's convenience even if the information is not updated. Can be configured to hold.

  Information received by the in-vehicle traffic information receiving apparatus in this way is displayed in a level 1, level 2 or level 3 format on a display screen such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), for example. The information once displayed on the screen, that is, the information notified to the user is deleted when old information is received when more than 60 minutes have passed or newly updated information is received. As a result, traffic information such as traffic jams, regulations, accident points, accident-prone points where safety is expected to be hindered, or gas station sales information at midnight is provided in a timely manner.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the traffic information provision system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of traffic information management DB used with the traffic information provision system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the information stored in collection information DB which comprises traffic information management DB used with the traffic information provision system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the information stored in distribution information DB which comprises traffic information management DB used with the traffic information provision system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart (the 1) which shows operation | movement of the road traffic information delivery center of the traffic information provision system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart (the 2) which shows operation | movement of the road traffic information delivery center of the traffic information provision system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart (the 3) which shows operation | movement of the road traffic information delivery center of the traffic information provision system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  11 Road Traffic Information Center, 12 Parking Information Manager, 13 Weather Information Manager, 14 Gas Station Operator Information Manager, 15 School Zone Information Manager, 16 Accident Location Information Manager, 17 Road Traffic Information Distribution Center, 18 communication carrier, 21 traffic information management DB, 21a collection information DB, 21b distribution information DB.

Claims (9)

A traffic information management database for storing traffic information collected from a computer of a road traffic information center and a plurality of types of manager information collected from a computer of an information manager;
Priorities are assigned to a plurality of types of administrator information stored in the traffic information management database based on predetermined distribution conditions, and a predetermined transmission capacity is assigned to the traffic information stored in the traffic information management database. A traffic information providing system including a road traffic information distribution center including a computer that adds and distributes at least one type of manager information in order from manager information having a high priority within a range that falls within the range. The road traffic information distribution center has a clock,
The traffic information providing system according to claim 1, wherein priority given to manager information is changed according to a time zone indicated by the clock. The administrator information collected from the computer of the information manager is the gas station business information collected from the computer of the gas station operator information manager,
3. The traffic information providing system according to claim 2, wherein the road traffic information distribution center changes the priority given to the gas station business information according to whether or not the time zone indicated by the clock is nighttime. The administrator information collected from the computer of the information manager is the school zone information collected from the computer of the school zone information manager,
3. The traffic information according to claim 2, wherein the road traffic information distribution center changes the priority given to the school zone information according to whether or not the time zone indicated by the clock is a time zone for going to school or returning home. Offer system. The computer of the road traffic information distribution center has a calendar,
The traffic information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the priority given to the manager information is changed according to the season indicated by the calendar. The manager information collected from the information manager's computer is the road freezing accident frequent spot information collected from the accident frequent spot information manager's computer,
6. The traffic information provision center according to claim 5, wherein the road traffic information distribution center changes a priority given to road freezing accident frequent occurrence point information according to whether or not the season indicated by the calendar is winter. system. The computer of a road traffic information distribution center acquires weather information from a computer of a weather information manager, and changes the priority given to manager information according to the acquired weather information. Traffic information provision system. The manager information collected from the information manager's computer is the information on the frequent occurrence points of road slips collected from the accident manager's computer.
8. The traffic according to claim 7, wherein the road traffic information distribution center changes the priority given to the road slip frequent occurrence point information depending on whether the weather condition indicated by the weather information is heavy rain or not. Information provision system. The administrator information collected from the information manager's computer is the crosswind accident location information collected from the accident location information manager's computer,
8. The traffic information according to claim 7, wherein the road traffic information distribution center changes the priority given to the information on the frequent occurrence of accidents in the side wind depending on whether the weather condition indicated by the weather information is strong in the side wind. Offer system.

Images