JP7849246B2 - Passenger information device, passenger information system, passenger information method, and passenger information program - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to passenger information devices, passenger information systems, passenger information methods, and passenger information programs that provide information to railway users.

Traditionally, at stations where trains stop, information such as the approach of trains is provided to passengers. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that improves passenger convenience by having a train operation management system acquire location information from each train car via wireless communication, and a passenger information system use this location information to calculate the estimated arrival time of the target train at each station, and then displaying the calculated estimated arrival time on display screens installed at each station.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-233989

However, with the conventional technology described above, the passenger information system needed to calculate the estimated arrival time for all target trains. If there was an error in the calculated estimated arrival time, it was impossible to provide timely information to users.

This disclosure is made in view of the above, and aims to provide a passenger information system that can provide timely and appropriate guidance to users waiting for trains at stations.

To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the passenger information system of this disclosure includes: a train information acquisition unit that acquires train information including train location information and speed information received from a train via wireless communication; a timetable information acquisition unit that acquires timetable information including the arrival and departure order of multiple trains at the station where the train is to arrive; and, based on the train information and the indication status of the station's home signal for the train, a determination of whether or not to start providing information to users at the station where the train is to arrive, which includes determining whether or not to provide train approach information, and if not to provide train approach information, a determination of whether or not to provide train arrival information, thereby determining whether or not to start providing information. The system comprises a guidance information processing unit that determines and identifies the train to be guided based on the timetable information, wherein the guidance information processing unit determines to start a train approach guidance if the train's location indicated by the location information is at the location for approach guidance, the running speed indicated by the speed information is at or above a specified speed, and the station signal for the train is showing a proceed indication, and if it determines that the conditions for approach guidance are not met, it determines to start a train arrival guidance if the train's location indicated by the location information is at a specified location on the station platform and the running speed indicated by the speed information is 0.

According to this disclosure, the passenger information system has the effect of providing timely and accurate information to passengers waiting for trains at stations.

A diagram showing an example configuration of the passenger information system according to Embodiment 1. This figure shows an example of the configuration of the passenger information device included in the passenger information system according to Embodiment 1. Flowchart showing the operation of the passenger information device according to Embodiment 1 A flowchart illustrating the operation of the train information management unit of the passenger information guidance system according to Embodiment 1 to determine whether or not it is the timing to start guidance. This figure shows an example of the configuration of a processing circuit when the processing circuit for realizing the passenger information device according to Embodiment 1 is composed of a processor and memory. This figure shows an example of the configuration of a processing circuit when the processing circuit for realizing the passenger information device according to Embodiment 1 is configured with dedicated hardware. A diagram showing an example configuration of the passenger information system according to Embodiment 2. This figure shows an example of the configuration of the passenger information device included in the passenger information system according to Embodiment 2. Flowchart showing the operation of the passenger information device according to Embodiment 2

The passenger guidance device, passenger guidance system, passenger guidance method, and passenger guidance program according to embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1.
Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a passenger information system 1 according to Embodiment 1. The passenger information system 1 comprises an on-board communication device 11, a ground communication device 20, a train operation management device 30, a passenger information device 40, and an output device 50.

The onboard communication device 11 is installed on the train 10. The train 10 is the target of the passenger information system 1's approach or arrival announcements to railway users, i.e., users waiting for the train 10 at stations (not shown). The onboard communication device 11 periodically transmits position information indicating the train 10's location on the track and speed information indicating the train 10's running speed via wireless communication to a ground communication device 20 installed on the ground. The method by which the train 10 detects its own position on the track and running speed is not particularly limited and can be an existing method. Also, although one train 10 is shown in the example in Figure 1, the passenger information system 1's approach or arrival announcements target multiple trains 10 arriving at a station. While the train 10 is assumed to be a multi-car formation, it may also be a single-car formation.

The ground communication device 20 receives train information, including the location and speed information of the train 10, transmitted periodically from the on-board communication device 11 via wireless communication, and outputs it to the passenger information device 40. The ground communication device 20 may also output the location and speed information of the train 10 received from the on-board communication device 11 to other devices, such as a device that manages the operation of the train 10 in a wireless train control system.

The train operation management device 30 holds timetable information. This timetable information includes information indicating the arrival and departure order at stations where train 10 arrives, and information about the train's composition, i.e., the number of cars. The train operation management device 30 uses the same timetable information during normal operation of train 10, but changes the timetable information if delays or cancellations occur due to accidents or other reasons affecting train 10.

The passenger information system 40 periodically acquires location and speed information of the train 10 from the ground communication device 20. The passenger information system 40 also acquires timetable information from the operation management device 30. Using the acquired location and speed information, the passenger information system 40 controls the information provided to passengers at the station where the train 10 is arriving.

The output device 50 is a device used when the passenger information device 40 actually provides train approach or train arrival information. That is, the output device 50 is a device that outputs information corresponding to trains 10 arriving at or departing from a station, under the control of the passenger information device 40. The output device 50 is, for example, a broadcasting device and speaker, or a display device. If the output device 50 is a broadcasting device and speaker, the broadcasting device converts the train approach or train arrival information signal acquired from the passenger information device 40 into an audio signal and outputs it from the speaker. If the output device 50 is a display device, the display device displays the content of the train approach or train arrival information on a monitor or the like, based on the train approach or train arrival information signal acquired from the passenger information device 40. The passenger information system 1 may also include a broadcasting device and speaker as the output device 50, and may further include a display device. Alternatively, the passenger information system 1 may include multiple broadcasting devices and multiple speakers as the output device 50, and may also include multiple display devices. The passenger information system 1 may have multiple output devices 50, such as broadcasting equipment, speakers, and display devices, for each platform, or it may be configured so that multiple speakers are connected to a single broadcasting equipment.

The detailed configuration and operation of the passenger information device 40 will now be described. Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the passenger information device 40 included in the passenger information system 1 according to Embodiment 1. The passenger information device 40 comprises a timetable management unit 41, a train information management unit 42, and a guidance information processing unit 43. The timetable management unit 41 comprises a timetable information acquisition unit 411 and a timetable information storage unit 412. The train information management unit 42 comprises a train information acquisition unit 421 and a train information storage unit 422. The guidance information processing unit 43 comprises a guidance start determination unit 431, a guidance start command unit 432, and a control unit 433.

In the timetable management unit 41, the timetable information acquisition unit 411 acquires timetable information from the operation management device 30. For example, the timetable information acquisition unit 411 acquires timetable information from the operation management device 30 before the first departure of train 10. Furthermore, if the timetable information is changed in the operation management device 30, the timetable information acquisition unit 411 acquires the updated timetable information from the operation management device 30 each time. The timetable information acquisition unit 411 stores the timetable information acquired from the operation management device 30 in the timetable information storage unit 412. In the passenger information device 40, the timetable information acquired by the timetable information acquisition unit 411 and stored in the timetable information storage unit 412 may be output to the information information processing unit 43, or the information information processing unit 43 may read the timetable information stored in the timetable information storage unit 412 of the timetable management unit 41 when necessary.

In the train information management unit 42, the train information acquisition unit 421 acquires train information from the ground communication device 20, including location information indicating the train 10's current position and speed information indicating the train 10's running speed, which are received wirelessly from the onboard communication device 11 of the train 10. The train information acquisition unit 421 stores the train information acquired from the ground communication device 20 in the train information storage unit 422. In the passenger information device 40, the train information acquired by the train information acquisition unit 421 and stored in the train information storage unit 422 may be output to the information information processing unit 43, or the information information processing unit 43 may read the train information stored in the train information storage unit 422 of the train information management unit 42 when necessary.

The guidance information processing unit 43 determines, based on train information, whether or not to begin providing guidance to users at the station where train 10 will arrive, and identifies the train 10 to be provided for guidance based on timetable information. Specifically, within the guidance information processing unit 43, the guidance start determination unit 431 acquires train information from the train information management unit 42. The guidance start determination unit 431 uses the position information and speed information of train 10 included in the train information to determine the timing for starting the guidance to be provided to users at the station where train 10 will arrive. The guidance start timing includes the timing for starting the train approach guidance to announce the approach of train 10, and the timing for starting the train arrival guidance to announce the arrival of train 10. The guidance start determination unit 431 also acquires timetable information from the timetable management unit 41. When the guidance start determination unit 431 determines to start guidance, it acquires the platform number of the station where train 10 will enter from the timetable information, and uses the platform number and sequence to identify the train 10 to be provided for guidance.

The guidance start determination unit 431 may notify the guidance start command unit 432 that it is currently guidance start timing, and then notify the guidance start command unit 432 of the platform number on which train 10 will enter the station. Alternatively, the guidance start determination unit 431 may notify the guidance start command unit 432 of the platform number on which train 10 will enter the station, and instruct the guidance start command unit 432 to treat the notified timing as the guidance start timing. The guidance start determination unit 431 also notifies the guidance start command unit 432 in a way that allows it to determine whether the notified guidance start timing is the timing to start train approach guidance or train arrival guidance. The specific operation of the guidance start determination unit 431 in determining the guidance start timing will be described later.

The guidance start command unit 432 instructs the control unit 433 to begin providing guidance to users, based on the guidance start timing notified by the guidance start determination unit 431, and the timetable information which includes information on the arrival and departure order of train 10 at the station. The guidance start command unit 432 also instructs the control unit 433 whether the guidance targeted by the guidance start timing is a train approach guidance or a train arrival guidance, and, based on the timetable information, specifies the platform number on which train 10 will enter the station.

The control unit 433 controls the announcements provided to passengers waiting for train 10 at the station, based on instructions from the announcement start command unit 432. Specifically, the control unit 433 uses the broadcasting device and speaker (output device 50) to provide voice announcements of approaching or arriving trains, and uses the display device (output device 50) to provide display announcements of approaching or arriving trains. The control unit 433 outputs the train approaching or arriving train announcement signals to the broadcasting device, display device, etc., of the output device 50. Depending on the station's facilities, the control unit 433 may use the broadcasting device and speaker as the output device 50 to provide only voice announcements of approaching or arriving trains, or it may use the display device as the output device 50 to provide only display announcements of approaching or arriving trains.

Next, the operation of the passenger information device 40 will be explained. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the passenger information device 40 according to Embodiment 1. In the passenger information device 40, the timetable information acquisition unit 411 of the timetable management unit 41 acquires timetable information from the operation management device 30 (step S101). The train information acquisition unit 421 of the train information management unit 42 acquires train information, including the location information and speed information of train 10, transmitted from the onboard communication device 11 of train 10 and received by the ground communication device 20 (step S102). The guidance start determination unit 431 of the guidance information processing unit 43 determines whether or not it is the guidance start timing using the train information of train 10 (step S103).

Here, we will explain in detail the operation by which the guidance start determination unit 431 determines whether or not it is the guidance start timing. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the operation by which the guidance start determination unit 431 of the passenger guidance device 40 according to Embodiment 1 determines whether or not it is the guidance start timing.

The guidance start determination unit 431 determines, based on the position information included in the train information of train 10, whether the position of train 10 indicated by the position information is at a position designated as the position for providing train approach guidance (step S201). The position designated as the position for providing train approach guidance is, for example, expressed as the distance from the end of the platform or the stopping position of the station where train 10 will arrive. If the position of train 10 is at a position designated as the position for providing train approach guidance (step S201: Yes), the guidance start determination unit 431 determines, based on the speed information of train 10, whether the running speed of train 10 indicated by the speed information is equal to or greater than a designated speed (step S202). The designated speed is, for example, expressed as ○○ km/h. The designated speed can be determined based on a run curve that shows the running speed of train 10 during normal running at the position designated as the position for providing train approach guidance mentioned above. If the train 10's speed is equal to or greater than the specified speed (Step S202: Yes), the guidance start determination unit 431 determines whether the station signal for train 10 at the station where train 10 will arrive is showing a proceed indication (Step S203).

The guidance start determination unit 431 acquires information from the station's home signal from an interlocking device (not shown). If the home signal for train 10 is showing a proceed indication (step S203: Yes), the guidance start determination unit 431 determines that it is now the timing to begin the train approach guidance for train 10 (step S204). Thus, the guidance start determination unit 431 determines to begin the train approach guidance for train 10 if the train's location, indicated by the position information, is at the designated location for train approach guidance, the train's speed, indicated by the speed information, is equal to or greater than the designated speed, and the station's home signal for train 10 is showing a proceed indication.

If the train 10's location is not at the designated location for train approach guidance (Step S201: No), the guidance start determination unit 431 determines whether the train 10's location, indicated by the location information, is at the designated position relative to the platform (Step S205). This is to prevent the train arrival guidance from being issued when the train 10 has not yet reached the platform. If the train 10's location, indicated by the location information, is at the designated position relative to the platform (Step S205: Yes), the guidance start determination unit 431 determines whether the train 10's running speed, indicated by the speed information, is 0 (Step S206). This is to confirm that the train 10 has stopped, i.e., arrived.

If the train 10's speed is 0 (Step S206: Yes), the guidance start determination unit 431 determines that it is currently time to start the train arrival guidance for train 10 (Step S207). Thus, the guidance start determination unit 431 determines that if the train 10's position, indicated by the position information, is at the position where it has entered the station platform and is at a defined position relative to the platform, and the train 10's speed, indicated by the speed information, is 0, then it should start the train 10 arrival guidance.

Furthermore, if the train 10's speed is not equal to or greater than the specified speed (Step S202: No), or if the station signal for train 10 is not showing a proceed indication (Step S203: No), or if the train 10's location, as indicated by the position information, is not entering the station platform or is not at the specified position relative to the platform (Step S205: No), or if the train 10's speed is not zero (Step S206: No), the guidance start determination unit 431 terminates its operation to determine whether or not it is the guidance start timing, as it is neither the guidance start timing for train approaching nor the guidance start timing for train arrival.

Returning to the explanation of Figure 3, if the guidance start determination unit 431 determines that it is not the guidance start timing (step S103: No), it returns to step S102. If the guidance start determination unit 431 determines that it is the guidance start timing (step S103: Yes), it notifies the guidance start command unit 432 whether the guidance content is a train approach guidance or a train arrival guidance. The guidance start command unit 432 instructs the control unit 433 to start the guidance (step S104). The control unit 433 controls the output device 50 to start the guidance (step S105).

The explanation above describes the case where the information transmitted from the onboard communication device 11 of train 10 to the ground communication device 20 consists of the train's location and speed information, but it is not limited to this. The onboard communication device 11 of train 10 may also transmit information about the train's estimated arrival time at the station. In this case, the passenger information system 40, specifically the train information acquisition unit 421 of the train information management unit 42, further acquires the information about the train's estimated arrival time at the station, which was acquired by the ground communication device 20 via wireless communication from the onboard communication device 11 of train 10. The guidance information processing unit 43, specifically the guidance start determination unit 431, acquires the information about the train's estimated arrival time at the station from the train information management unit 42. The guidance start determination unit 431 outputs the acquired information about the train's estimated arrival time at the station to the guidance start command unit 432. This allows the guidance start command unit 432 to further specify the estimated arrival time of the train 10 to be provided in the train approach guidance to users.

Next, the hardware configuration of the passenger information device 40 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. In the passenger information device 40, the timetable information acquisition unit 411 is an interface capable of acquiring timetable information from the operation management device 30. The train information acquisition unit 421 is an interface capable of acquiring train information from the ground communication device 20. The timetable information storage unit 412 and the train information storage unit 422 are memories. The information processing unit 43 is implemented by a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be a memory for storing programs and a processor for executing the programs stored in the memory, or it may be dedicated hardware. The processing circuit is also called a control circuit.

Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of a processing circuit 90 when the processing circuit for realizing the passenger information device 40 according to Embodiment 1 is composed of a processor 91 and a memory 92. The processing circuit 90 shown in Figure 5 is a control circuit and comprises a processor 91 and a memory 92. When the processing circuit 90 is composed of a processor 91 and a memory 92, each function of the processing circuit 90 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or firmware is written as a program and stored in the memory 92. In the processing circuit 90, each function is realized by the processor 91 reading and executing the program stored in the memory 92. That is, the processing circuit 90 includes a memory 92 for storing the program that will ultimately be executed as a result of the processing of the passenger information device 40. This program can also be said to be a program that causes the passenger information device 40 to execute each function realized by the processing circuit 90. This program may be provided by a storage medium on which the program is stored, or by other means such as a communication medium.

The above program can also be described as a program that causes the passenger information device 40 to execute the following steps: a train information acquisition step to acquire train information, including the location and speed information of train 10, received via wireless communication from train 10; a timetable information acquisition step to acquire timetable information, including the arrival and departure order of multiple trains 10 at the station where train 10 will arrive; a determination step to determine whether or not to start providing information to users at the station where train 10 will arrive, based on the train information; and a identification step to identify the train 10 to be provided for based on the timetable information.

Here, the processor 91 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The memory 92 is, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM® (Electrically EPROM), magnetic disk, flexible disk, optical disk, compact disk, minidisc, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc).

Figure 6 shows an example of the configuration of the processing circuit 93 when the processing circuit realizing the passenger information device 40 according to Embodiment 1 is configured with dedicated hardware. The processing circuit 93 shown in Figure 6 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. The processing circuit 93 may be partially implemented with dedicated hardware and partially implemented with software or firmware. In this way, the processing circuit 93 can realize the above-mentioned functions using dedicated hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the passenger information device 40 uses train information, including the location and speed information of the train 10, acquired from the train 10, to determine the timing for initiating train approach and train arrival announcements for passengers of the train 10 waiting at the station. Since the passenger information device 40 can determine whether to provide a train approach or train arrival announcement when the aforementioned conditions are met, it can provide accurate and timely guidance to passengers waiting for the train 10 at the station while suppressing the processing load.

Embodiment 2.
The number of cars in train 10 may vary depending on the train's configuration. If the number of cars in train 10 differs, even if the lead car of train 10 stops at the same stopping position, depending on the station's structure, train 10 may not be near the station's ticket gates, stairs, etc. For this reason, the stopping position of train 10 at stations is changed according to the train's configuration, i.e., the number of cars. Embodiment 2 describes a case in which the passenger information system corrects the timing of the announcement start according to the number of cars in train 10.

Figure 7 shows an example configuration of the passenger information system 1a according to Embodiment 2. The passenger information system 1a comprises an on-board communication device 11, a ground communication device 20, a train operation management device 30, a passenger information device 40a, and an output device 50. The passenger information system 1a is the same as the passenger information system 1 of Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 1, but with the passenger information device 40 replaced by the passenger information device 40a.

Figure 8 shows an example of the configuration of the passenger information device 40a provided in the passenger information system 1a according to Embodiment 2. The passenger information device 40a includes a timetable management unit 41, a train information management unit 42, and a guidance information processing unit 43a. The guidance information processing unit 43a is an addition of a guidance control correction unit 434 to the guidance information processing unit 43 of Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 2. In the passenger information device 40a, the guidance start determination unit 431 notifies the guidance start timing, etc., of the guidance control correction unit 434 instead of the guidance start command unit 432. The notification destination of the guidance start determination unit 431, etc., is different from that of Embodiment 1, but the operation itself is the same as in Embodiment 1. Furthermore, in the passenger information device 40a, the timetable information acquisition unit 411 of the timetable management unit 41 may output the acquired timetable information to the guidance control correction unit 434, or the guidance control correction unit 434 may read the timetable information stored in the timetable information storage unit 412 of the timetable management unit 41 when necessary.

The guidance control correction unit 434 corrects the guidance start timing determined by the guidance start determination unit 431 based on the information regarding the number of cars in the train 10 included in the timetable information and the information regarding the stopping position of the train 10 on the station platform. If the guidance start determination unit 431 determines that guidance should be started, the guidance control correction unit 434 may correct the guidance start timing based on at least one of the information regarding the number of cars in the train 10 included in the timetable information and the information regarding the stopping position of the train 10 on the station platform. The guidance control correction unit 434 notifies the guidance start command unit 432 of the corrected guidance start timing, etc. Generally, the stopping position of the train 10 on the station platform is determined by the number of cars in the train 10. Therefore, the guidance control correction unit 434 maintains information regarding the stopping position of the train 10 on the station platform for the stations to which guidance is provided. Regarding the information on the stopping position of train 10 on the station platform, the station staff at the target station may store it in the guidance control correction unit 434, or the person in charge of the railway operator operating train 10 may store it in the guidance control correction unit 434 all at once.

Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the passenger guidance device 40a according to Embodiment 2. The flowchart in Figure 9 is the same as the flowchart of Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 3, but with the addition of step S111. As mentioned above, step S111 is the operation in which the guidance control correction unit 434 corrects the guidance start timing. Other operations shown in the flowchart of Figure 9 are the same as those in the flowchart of Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 3.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the passenger information device 40a corrects the timing of the start of train approach and train arrival announcements according to the number of cars in the train 10. As a result, the passenger information device 40a can provide guidance with even greater accuracy and precise timing compared to the passenger information device 40 of Embodiment 1.

The configurations shown in the above embodiments are merely examples; they can be combined with other known technologies, combined with other embodiments, and some configurations can be omitted or modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix.

(Note 1)
A train information acquisition unit that acquires train information, including the location information and speed information of the train, received from the train via wireless communication,
A timetable information acquisition unit acquires timetable information including the arrival and departure order of multiple trains at the station where the aforementioned train arrives.
An information processing unit determines whether or not to start providing information to passengers at the station where the train will arrive, based on the aforementioned train information, and identifies the train to which the information will be provided, based on the aforementioned timetable information.
A passenger information device characterized by being equipped with the following features.
(Note 2)
When the guidance information processing unit determines that guidance should be initiated, it corrects the timing for initiating the guidance based on at least one of the following: the information on the number of cars in the train included in the timetable information and the information on the stopping position of the train on the station platform.
The passenger information device described in Appendix 1, characterized in that it is a passenger information device.
(Note 3)
The guidance information processing unit determines that it will start providing guidance for the approaching train if the train's location, as indicated by the position information, is at a location designated for providing guidance for the approaching train, the train's speed, as indicated by the speed information, is equal to or greater than the designated speed, and the station signal for the train at the station is showing a proceed indication.
A passenger information device as described in Appendix 1 or 2, characterized by the features described herein.
(Note 4)
The guidance information processing unit determines that if the train's location, as indicated by the position information, is at a position defined relative to the platform of the station, and the train's speed, as indicated by the speed information, is 0, then it will start providing the train's arrival guidance.
A passenger information device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 3, characterized in that it is a passenger information device.
(Note 5)
When the guidance information processing unit determines to start the guidance, it obtains the platform number of the station on which the train will enter from the timetable information, and uses the platform number and the sequence to identify the train that is the subject of the guidance.
A passenger information device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 4, characterized in that it is a passenger information device.
(Note 6)
The train information acquisition unit further acquires information on the scheduled arrival time of the train at the station, which has been obtained from the train via wireless communication.
The information processing unit, in providing information to the user about the approaching train, further specifies the estimated arrival time of the train that is the subject of the information.
A passenger information device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 5, characterized in that it is a passenger information device.
(Note 7)
A train information acquisition unit that acquires train information, including the location information and speed information of the train, received from the train via wireless communication,
A timetable information acquisition unit acquires timetable information including the arrival and departure order of multiple trains at the station where the aforementioned train arrives.
An information processing unit determines whether or not to start providing information to passengers at the station where the train will arrive, based on the aforementioned train information, and identifies the train to which the information will be provided, based on the aforementioned timetable information.
A passenger information system equipped with,
An output device that outputs the information corresponding to the aforementioned train,
A passenger information system characterized by having the following features.
(Note 8)
A ground communication device that receives train information from a train via wireless communication, including location information indicating the train's current position and speed information indicating the train's running speed.
A train operation management device that holds timetable information including information on the order of arrival and departure at the station where the aforementioned train arrives,
A passenger information device that controls the information provided to users at the station where the aforementioned train arrives,
An output device that outputs the information corresponding to the aforementioned train,
Equipped with,
The aforementioned passenger information device,
A train information acquisition unit that acquires the train information from the aforementioned ground communication device,
A timetable information acquisition unit that acquires the timetable information from the aforementioned operation management device,
An information processing unit that determines whether or not to start the announcement based on the train information, and identifies the train to which the announcement is to be made based on the timetable information,
A passenger information system characterized by having the following features.
(Note 9)
A train information acquisition step involves acquiring train information, including the location information and speed information of the train, which is received from the train via wireless communication.
A timetable information acquisition step involves acquiring timetable information including the arrival and departure order of multiple trains at the station where the aforementioned train arrives.
A determination step of determining whether or not to start providing information to passengers at the station where the train will arrive, based on the aforementioned train information,
Based on the aforementioned timetable information, a selection step is made to identify the train to which the announcement applies,
A passenger guidance method characterized by including the following.
(Note 10)
If the determination step determines that the guidance should be started, a guidance control correction step is performed to correct the timing of starting the guidance based on at least one of the following: the information on the number of cars of the train included in the timetable information and the information on the stopping position of the train on the station platform.
The passenger guidance method described in Appendix 9, further characterized by including the following:
(Note 11)
In the determination step, if the location of the train indicated by the position information is at the position specified as the position for providing guidance for the approaching train, the running speed of the train indicated by the speed information is equal to or greater than the specified speed, and the station signal for the train is showing a proceed indication, then it is determined that guidance for the approaching train should be initiated.
The passenger guidance method described in Appendix 9 or 10, characterized by the features described herein.
(Note 12)
In the determination step, if the position of the train indicated by the position information is the position where the train has entered the station platform and is at a defined position relative to the platform, and the running speed of the train indicated by the speed information is 0, then it is determined that the train arrival announcement should be started as the announcement.
A passenger guidance method as described in any one of the appendices 9 to 11, characterized by the above.
(Note 13)
In the determination step, when it is determined to start the guidance, the platform number of the station on which the train will enter is obtained from the timetable information,
In the aforementioned specific step, the train to be guided is identified using the platform number and the sequence.
A passenger guidance method as described in any one of the appendices 9 to 12, characterized by the features described herein.
(Note 14)
In the train information acquisition step, information on the scheduled arrival time of the train at the station, which has been acquired from the train via wireless communication, is further acquired.
In the aforementioned specific step, in providing the user with information about the approaching train, the scheduled arrival time of the train to which the information pertains is further specified.
A passenger guidance method as described in any one of the appendices 9 to 13, characterized by the features described herein.
(Note 15)
A train information acquisition step involves acquiring train information, including the location information and speed information of the train, which is received from the train via wireless communication.
A timetable information acquisition step involves acquiring timetable information including the arrival and departure order of multiple trains at the station where the aforementioned train arrives.
A determination step of determining whether or not to start providing information to passengers at the station where the train will arrive, based on the aforementioned train information,
Based on the aforementioned timetable information, a selection step is made to identify the train to which the announcement applies,
A passenger information program characterized by having a computer execute it.

1, 1a Passenger information system, 10 Train, 11 Onboard communication device, 20 Ground communication device, 30 Operation management device, 40, 40a Passenger information device, 41 Timetable management unit, 42 Train information management unit, 43, 43a Information processing unit, 50 Output device, 90, 93 Processing circuit, 91 Processor, 92 Memory, 411 Timetable information acquisition unit, 412 Timetable information storage unit, 421 Train information acquisition unit, 422 Train information storage unit, 431 Information start determination unit, 432 Information start command unit, 433 Control unit, 434 Information control correction unit.

Claims (11)

A train information acquisition unit that acquires train information, including the location information and speed information of the train, received from the train via wireless communication,
A timetable information acquisition unit acquires timetable information including the arrival and departure order of multiple trains at the station where the aforementioned train arrives.
Based on the aforementioned train information and the indication status of the station signals for the train at the station, the guidance information processing unit determines whether or not to start providing guidance to passengers at the station where the train will arrive by determining whether or not to provide an approaching train guidance, and if not to provide an approaching train guidance, by determining whether or not to provide an arrival guidance for the train, thereby determining whether or not to start the guidance, and identifies the train to which the guidance will be provided based on the timetable information,
Equipped with,
The aforementioned guidance information processing unit,
If the location of the train indicated by the aforementioned location information is at a position where approach guidance should be provided, the running speed indicated by the aforementioned speed information is equal to or greater than the specified speed, and the station signal for the train at the aforementioned station is showing a proceed indication, then it is determined that approach guidance for the train should be initiated .
If it is determined that the conditions for the aforementioned approach guidance are not met, it is determined that the train arrival guidance will be initiated on the condition that the train's location, as indicated by the location information, is at a specified position within the station platform, and the running speed, as indicated by the speed information, is 0.
A passenger information device characterized by the following features. When the guidance information processing unit determines that guidance should be initiated, it corrects the timing for initiating the guidance based on at least one of the following: the information on the number of cars in the train included in the timetable information and the information on the stopping position of the train on the station platform.
The passenger information device according to feature 1. When the guidance information processing unit determines to start the guidance, it obtains the platform number of the station on which the train will enter from the timetable information, and uses the platform number and the sequence to identify the train that is the subject of the guidance.
The passenger information device according to feature 1. The train information acquisition unit further acquires information on the scheduled arrival time of the train at the station, which has been obtained from the train via wireless communication.
The information processing unit, in providing information to the user about the approaching train, further specifies the estimated arrival time of the train to be provided for the information.
The passenger information device according to feature 1. A train information acquisition unit that acquires train information, including the location information and speed information of the train, received from the train via wireless communication,
A timetable information acquisition unit acquires timetable information including the arrival and departure order of multiple trains at the station where the aforementioned train arrives.
Based on the aforementioned train information and the indication status of the station signals for the train at the station, the guidance information processing unit determines whether or not to start providing guidance to passengers at the station where the train will arrive by determining whether or not to provide an approaching train guidance, and if not to provide an approaching train guidance, by determining whether or not to provide an arrival guidance for the train, thereby determining whether or not to start the guidance, and identifies the train to which the guidance will be provided based on the timetable information,
Equipped with,
The aforementioned guidance information processing unit,
If the location of the train indicated by the aforementioned location information is at a position where approach guidance should be provided, the running speed indicated by the aforementioned speed information is equal to or greater than the specified speed, and the station signal for the train at the aforementioned station is showing a proceed indication, then it is determined that approach guidance for the train should be initiated .
If it is determined that the conditions for the aforementioned approach guidance are not met, it is determined that the train arrival guidance will be initiated on the condition that the train's location, as indicated by the location information, is at a specified position within the station platform, and the running speed, as indicated by the speed information, is 0.
A passenger information device characterized by,
An output device that outputs the information corresponding to the aforementioned train,
A passenger information system characterized by having the following features. A ground communication device that receives train information from a train via wireless communication, including location information indicating the train's current position and speed information indicating the train's running speed.
A train operation management device that holds timetable information including information on the order of arrival and departure at the station where the aforementioned train arrives,
A passenger information device that controls the information provided to users at the station where the aforementioned train arrives,
An output device that outputs the information corresponding to the aforementioned train,
Equipped with,
The aforementioned passenger information device,
A train information acquisition unit that acquires the train information from the aforementioned ground communication device,
A timetable information acquisition unit that acquires the timetable information from the aforementioned operation management device,
Based on the aforementioned train information and the indication status of the station signals for the train, the guidance information processing unit determines whether or not to start the guidance by determining whether or not to provide guidance for the approaching train, and if not to provide guidance for the approaching train, by determining whether or not to provide guidance for the arrival of the train, and identifies the train to be guided based on the timetable information.
Equipped with,
The aforementioned guidance information processing unit,
If the location of the train indicated by the aforementioned location information is at a position where approach guidance should be provided, the running speed indicated by the aforementioned speed information is equal to or greater than the specified speed, and the station signal for the train at the aforementioned station is showing a proceed indication, then it is determined that approach guidance for the train should be initiated .
If it is determined that the conditions for the aforementioned approach guidance are not met, it is determined that the train arrival guidance will be initiated on the condition that the train's location, as indicated by the location information, is at a specified position within the station platform, and the running speed, as indicated by the speed information, is 0.
A passenger information system characterized by the following features. A train information acquisition step involves acquiring train information, including the location information and speed information of the train, which is received from the train via wireless communication.
A timetable information acquisition step involves acquiring timetable information including the arrival and departure order of multiple trains at the station where the aforementioned train arrives.
Based on the aforementioned train information and the indication status of the station signals for the train at the station, a determination step is made to determine whether or not to start providing information to passengers at the station where the train will arrive, by determining whether or not to provide an approaching train announcement, and if an approaching train announcement is not provided, by determining whether or not to provide an arrival announcement for the train, thereby determining whether or not to start providing the announcement.
Based on the aforementioned timetable information, a selection step is made to identify the train to which the announcement applies,
Includes,
The aforementioned determination step is,
If the location of the train indicated by the aforementioned location information is at a position where approach guidance should be provided, the running speed indicated by the aforementioned speed information is equal to or greater than the specified speed, and the station signal for the train at the aforementioned station is showing a proceed indication, then it is determined that approach guidance for the train should be initiated .
If it is determined that the conditions for the aforementioned approach guidance are not met, it is determined that the train arrival guidance will be initiated on the condition that the train's location, as indicated by the location information, is at a specified position within the station platform, and the running speed, as indicated by the speed information, is 0.
A passenger guidance method characterized by the following features. If the determination step determines that the guidance should be started, a guidance control correction step is performed to correct the timing of starting the guidance based on at least one of the following: the information on the number of cars of the train included in the timetable information and the information on the stopping position of the train on the station platform.
The passenger guidance method according to claim 7, further comprising the features described above. In the determination step, when it is determined to start the guidance, the platform number of the station on which the train will enter is obtained from the timetable information,
In the aforementioned specific step, the train to be guided is identified using the platform number and the sequence.
The passenger guidance method according to feature 7. In the train information acquisition step, information on the scheduled arrival time of the train at the station, which has been acquired from the train via wireless communication, is further acquired.
In the aforementioned specific step, in providing the user with information about the approaching train, the scheduled arrival time of the train to which the information pertains is further specified.
The passenger guidance method according to feature 7. A train information acquisition step involves acquiring train information, including the location information and speed information of the train, which is received from the train via wireless communication.
A timetable information acquisition step involves acquiring timetable information including the arrival and departure order of multiple trains at the station where the aforementioned train arrives.
Based on the aforementioned train information and the indication status of the station signals for the train at the station, a determination step is made to determine whether or not to start providing information to passengers at the station where the train will arrive, by determining whether or not to provide an approaching train announcement, and if an approaching train announcement is not provided, by determining whether or not to provide an arrival announcement for the train, thereby determining whether or not to start providing the announcement.
The process includes a step of identifying the train to which the announcement applies based on the timetable information,
The aforementioned determination step is,
If the location of the train indicated by the aforementioned location information is at a position where approach guidance should be provided, the running speed indicated by the aforementioned speed information is equal to or greater than the specified speed, and the station signal for the train at the aforementioned station is showing a proceed indication, then it is determined that approach guidance for the train should be initiated .
If it is determined that the conditions for the aforementioned approach guidance are not met, it is determined that the train arrival guidance will be initiated on the condition that the train's location, as indicated by the location information, is at a specified position within the station platform, and the running speed, as indicated by the speed information, is 0.
A passenger information program characterized by having a computer execute each step.