Data display device, data display method, and railway business system

Abstract

This data display device displays a plurality of sets of railway information collectively on a virtual space by using a computer having a processor and a memory. The processor: acquires a plurality of sets of railway information from a railway business system and stores the railway information in the memory; acquires, from a user terminal, information relating to avatar operation which is performed in a virtual space by a user and stores the information in the memory; combines visualization methods for the plurality of sets of railway information that have been stored and determines a data display position in multiple dimensions in the virtual space by using the stored information relating to the avatar operation by the user and railway business system dynamic information; and depicts a virtual-space display state created on the basis of the determined data display positions.

Description

[0041] Fig. 10 shows a visualization frame (platform information visualization frame) in the example of the display of the platform information shown in Fig. 5. A platform (schematic line map) visualization rule is stored in the template, and an edge and a train network are stored as "From" and "To" in the display link, respectively. "Grab and pull a train stopped at a certain station" is stored in the display operation. Therefore, when the user grabs and pulls a train stopped at a certain station on the main train graph, the data display system 100 can display platform information (schematic line map), using the edge of the train to be operated as a starting point. In addition, station arrangement information and operation management information are reflected as the railway business system static information and the railway business system dynamic information in the visualization frame, respectively, to create the information-reflected visualization frame, which makes it possible for the data display system 100 to display the train network before and after the train to be operated on the platform information (schematic line map).

[0042] Returning to Fig. 6, then, the virtual space data constructing unit 103 generates virtual space structure data in which the value of the main train graph has been reflected (S602) . Details will be described below. The virtual space data construction unit 103 repeats Steps S604 to S609 according to the number of visualization frames to be displayed. The virtual space data construction unit 103 generates the visualization frame to be displayed (S603) . For example, as described above, the train graph visualization frame and the platform information visualization frame are generated.

[0043] The virtual space data constructing unit 103 repeats Steps S604 to S609 for each usage data item in the visualization frame. When the usage data is static data (S604; YES), the virtual space data construction unit 103 reads the railway business system static information 111 (S605) and reflects the read value in the generated visualization frame (S606) . Then, the virtual space data constructing unit 103 outputs and updates the information-reflected visualization frame 112  (S607). When static data is used, the visualization frame in which the value has been reflected is output. However, when static data is not used, the same frame as the visualization frame 112 in which the value has not been reflected is output.

[0044] Then, the virtual space data constructing unit 103 acquires an element having display link information of the information-reflected visualization frame 113 from the elements of the main train graph (S608) . For example, as described above, in the example of the display of a plurality of train graphs, the display link information of the information-reflected visualization frame shows that the station axis matched with the station information of the comparative line is required. Therefore, the virtual space data construction unit 103 acquires the station axis matched with the station information of the comparative line from the main train graph. In the example of the display of the platform information, the display link information of the information-reflected visualization frame shows that the edge where the target stations are matched with each other and the train network where the target platforms are matched with each other are required. Therefore, the virtual space data construction unit 103 acquires the corresponding edge and train network from the main train graph. In addition, at this time, the avatar operation has not been performed, and the target station and the target platform have not been determined. Therefore, the edges and the train networks for all of the stations and the platforms that can be the target station and the target platform are acquired. The virtual space data constructing unit 103 gives visualization frame reference information to the acquired elements (S609). Details will be described below.

[0045] After ending all of the processes, the virtual space data constructing unit 103 outputs the virtual space structure data 114 (S610).

[0046] Fig. 11 shows a data structure example of the virtual space structure data 114. The virtual space structure data 114 has a region of an object ID 1101, a region of an object name 1102, a region of an object type 1103, a region of a parent object 1104, a region of a reference object 1105, a region of detailed information 1106, and a region of a reference frame 1107. The virtual space structure data 114 also holds detailed information that is not stored in the visualization frame.

[0047] The same values as those in the region of the object ID 705, the region of the object name 706, the region of the object type 707, the region of the parent object 708, and the region of the reference object 709 of the visualization frame 112 are stored in the region of the object ID 1101, the region of the object name 1102, the region of the object type 1103, the region of the parent object 1104, and the region of the reference object 1105. The detailed information of the railway business system static information 111 and the railway business system dynamic information 115 is stored in the region of the detailed information 1106 according to the object.   For example, the departure time, the departure platform, and the like are stored in a sphere (node) where a train departs from a certain station. Therefore, the virtual space structure data 114 can hold various types of information required in various visualization frames based on the train graph visualization frame. A frame ID of a visualization frame that can be displayed from each element (object) of the train graph visualization frame, a display link, and target information of the visualization frame are stored in the region of the reference frame 1107. These values are stored through Steps S604 to S609.

[0048] The above-described processes in S601 to S610 make it possible for the virtual space data constructing unit 103 to create the virtual space structure data required for changing the display data in response to the operation of the avatar.

[0049] Fig. 12 shows a flow of a process of the virtual space display data creation unit 104. The virtual space display data creation unit 104 receives avatar operation information from the avatar operation information acquisition unit 102 and stores the avatar operation information in the avatar operation log 116 (S1201).

[0050] Fig. 13 shows an example of the data structure of the avatar operation log 116. The avatar operation log 116 has a region of a user ID 1301, a region of a time 1302, a region of an operation target 1303, a region of an operation content 1304, and a region of operation auxiliary information 1305. A name or an identification code for identifying a user is stored in the region of the user ID 1301. The time when an operation was performed is stored in the region of the time 1302. The object ID and object name of the object on which the operation has been performed are stored in the region of the operation target 1303. The same data items as those in the region of the object ID 1101 and the region of the object name 1101 of the virtual space structure data 114 are stored in the object ID and the object name. The operation performed by the avatar, such as "grab and pull", "grab and pull with both hands", or "move", is stored in the region of the operation content 1304. The stored value is obtained by categorizing the motions of the avatar. The user terminal 300 may distribute data obtained by classifying the motions of the avatar into operation categories, and the avatar operation information acquisition unit 102 may acquire these operation categories. The user terminal 300 may distribute the motions of the user, and the avatar operation information acquisition unit 102 may acquire the motions and classify the motions into the operation categories based on the motions of the avatar. When the operation category shown in the region of the operation content 1304 is required, auxiliary information is stored in the region of the operation auxiliary information 1305. For example, when the content of the operation is "grab and pull", the pulled length is stored as the operation auxiliary information. When the content of the operation is "move", the coordinates of a movement destination are stored as the operation auxiliary information.

[0051] Returning to Fig. 12, the virtual space display data creation unit 104 reads out the current virtual space display state from the virtual space display state data 117 (S1202) .

[0052] Fig. 14 shows a data structure example of the virtual space display state data 117. The virtual space state data 117 stores information for actually displaying the virtual space structure data and the information-reflected visualization frame. The virtual space display state data 117 includes a region of an object ID 1401, a region of an object name 1402, a region of a parent object 1403, a region of local coordinates 1404, a region of world coordinates 1405, a region of a local direction 1406, and a region of a world direction 1407.

[0053] The same data as that in the region of the object ID 1101, the region of the object name 1102, and the region of the parent object 1104 of the virtual space structure data 114 is stored in the region of the object ID 1401, the region of the object name 1402, and the region of the parent object 1403. The display position of each object with respect to the parent object as a starting point is stored in the region of the local coordinates 1404. The actual display position in the virtual space is stored in the region of the world coordinates 1405. The display direction of each object with respect to the parent object as a starting point is stored in the region of the local direction 1406. The actual display position in the virtual space is stored in the region of the world direction 1407. The definition of the virtual space display state data 117 in this way makes it possible to output information fitted to the display screen in the virtual space as the virtual space display state data 117.

[0054] Returning to Fig. 12, the virtual space display data creation unit 104 reads out all of the stored information-reflected visualization frames 113 (S1203) and reads out the currently stored virtual space structure data from the virtual space structure data 114 (S1204).

[0055] The virtual space display data creation unit 104 reads out the avatar operation information and the railway business system dynamic information (S1205) and determines the information-reflected visualization frame to be displayed (S1206). For example, in the case of the example of the display of a plurality of train graphs, when the avatar operation information indicating that the operation target is "platform P" and the content of the operation is "grab and pull with both hands", the virtual space display data creation unit 104 determines that the display target is a comparative line visualization frame having information matched with this information in the region of the display operation 803 in the information-reflected visualization frame 113. In the case of the example of the display of the platform information, when the avatar operation information indicating that the operation target is "an edge of train pa stopped at station C" and the content of the operation is "grab and pull", the virtual space display data creation unit 104 determines that the display target is the platform information visualization frame having information matched with this information in the region of the display operation 803 in the information-reflected visualization frame 113. In addition, when receiving operation information only for moving the information-reflected visualization frame included in the current virtual space display state data 117, the virtual space display data creation unit 104 determines that the display target is the information-reflected visualization frame included in the current virtual space display state. When error information is acquired from the railway business system dynamic information, the virtual space display data creation unit 104 determines that the display target is the visualization frame including the error information.

[0056] Then, the virtual space display data creation unit 104 stores the value of the railway business system dynamic information in the visualization frame to be displayed (S1207) and updates the virtual space structure data and the information reflection (S1208). In this step, the same process as that in the virtual space data construction unit 103 is performed.

[0057] The virtual space display data creation unit 104 extracts an element having the "From" reference information of the information-reflected visualization frame to be displayed from the reconstructed virtual space structure data and links the element to the information-reflected visualization frame to be displayed (S1209 and S1210) . For example, in the example of the display of a plurality of train graph, the virtual space display data creation unit 104 extracts the station axis of station A and the station axis of station D having the "From" reference information of the comparative line train graph visualization frame and links the station axis of station A and the station axis of station D in the comparative line train graph visualization frame. In the example of the display of the platform information, the virtual space display data creation unit 104 extracts the station axis of station C having the "From" reference information of the platform information visualization frame and links the station axis to the platform information of station C in the platform information visualization frame. Similarly, the virtual space display data creation unit 104 extracts an element having the "To" reference information of the information-reflected visualization frame to be displayed from the reconstructed virtual space structure data and links the element to the information-reflected visualization frame to be displayed (S1211 and S1212) . For example, in the example of the display of the platform information, the virtual space display data creation unit 104 extracts all of the train networks using each platform of station C having the "To" reference information of the platform information visualization frame and links the train networks to each platform of station C in the platform information visualization frame.

[0058] The virtual space display data creation unit 104 determines a data display position in the virtual space according to each of the linked elements and the content of each information-reflected visualization frame (S1213) . At this time, a link portion by the "From" reference information determines the display position of the information-reflected visualization frame based on the main grain graph, and a link portion by the "To" reference information determines the display position of the main train graph based on the information-reflected visualization frame. For example, in the example of the display of a plurality of train graphs, the virtual space display data creation unit 104 determines the display position by distorting the comparative line train graph visualization frame in a threedimensional direction such that the distance between the stations corresponds to the ratio of the travel time or the travel distance. In the example of the display of the platform information, the virtual space display data creation unit 104 calculates a display interval of each platform in the platform information from the length of the pulling operation of the user stored in the region of the 1305 in the avatar operation log 116 and the latitude and longitude of each platform stored in the platform information visualization frame and determines the display position such that it is perpendicular to the station axis of the main train graph. In addition, the virtual space display data creation unit 104 determines the display position by translating the train network of the main train graph that uses each platform in the three-dimensional direction so as to be matched with the display position of each platform in the three-dimensional direction.

[0059] The virtual space display data creation unit 104 updates the virtual space display state based on the determined display position (S1214).

[0060] Through the processes in Steps S1201 to S1214, the virtual space display data creation unit 104 can determine the content of display from the avatar operation and the railway business system dynamic information and create the virtual space display state based on the virtual space structure data, which enables data display according to the operation of the user.

[0061] So far, each functional module of the data display system 100 has been described based on the example of the display of a plurality of train graphs (Fig. 4) and the example of the display of the platform information (Fig. 5). However, each function module can be used to display other railway information. An example of display output will be described using Figs. 15 to 23.

[0062] Figs. 15 to 20 show examples in which information other than the information originally shown on the train graph is added to the main train graph. In Fig. 15, the people flow information system 203 distributes the actual or predicted data of the destinations of the railway users calculated based on aggregate results such as probe data of the railway users. When the user taps on a destination node of a certain station with a certain train on the main train graph, the data display system 100 displays the destinations of the railway users radially and displays the number of persons at each destination, corresponding to the thickness of an arrow pointing to each destination. Therefore, when a delay occurs in a certain section, the user, who is a dispatcher, can instantly know the impact on other lines or events.

[0063] In Fig. 16, the operation management system 201 distributes train order constraint information. When the user grabs an arrival node or a departure node of a certain station with a certain train on the main train graph and pulls it toward the user, the data display system 100 displays the arrival nodes or the departure nodes of the train network, to which the order constraints before and after the train are given, to be gathered on the axes in the three-dimensional direction. This enables the user, who is a dispatcher, to instantly recognize which trains will be affected by traffic rescheduling.

[0064] In Fig. 17, the vehicle management system 202 distributes vehicle inspection schedule information. When the user grabs and pulls a train edge between the stations, the data display system 100 displays a time axis in the three-dimensional direction from the train edge and displays the inspection time on the time axis. This enables the user, who is a dispatcher, to consider a change in the operation of the vehicle on the train graph.

[0065] In Fig. 18, the operation management system 201 distributes vehicle operation information of the train. When the user grabs an end node of a certain train in the main train graph and pulls the end node down, the data display system 100 radially displays destination candidates for the used vehicle in the train and displays the actual destination with a thick line. This enables the user, who is a dispatcher, to consider a change in the operation of the vehicle on the train graph.

[0066] In Fig. 19, the vehicle management system 202 distributes surveillance camera information in the train. When the user selects a certain train network in the main train graph, the data display system 100 displays the surveillance camera information from the train edge between the stations through which the train is currently running. This enables the user, who is a dispatcher, to seamlessly understand the aspect at the site on the train graph.

[0067] In Fig. 20, the people flow information system 203 calculates the actual or predicted congestion rate of each train and the actual or predicted number of passengers boarding and alighting at each station and distributes the calculation results. When the user moves to view the main train graph from the side, the data display system 100 displays each edge of the train network such that the edge is raised according to the degree of congestion. This enables the user, who is dispatcher, to intuitively understand a difference in congestion rate between the trains .

[0068] Fig. 21 shows an example in which the main train graph is divided. In the two-dimensional train graph, the line in which the destinations branch off is displayed under one of the destinations. The data display system 100 displays both train graphs branching off from a branch station. The two train graphs look like two pieces of paper overlapping each other such that the user can overlap the branched train graphs or view the branched train graphs separately by operating the branched train graphs like turning a page of paper. This enables the user, who is a dispatcher, to intuitively understand a relationship between a train at a branch destination and a train at a branch source .

[0069] Fig. 22 shows another pattern of the example of the display of a plurality of train graphs. The data display system 100 displays a train graph of another line to which the railway user can transfer at a certain station in the three-dimensional direction such that the transferable stations overlap each other. At this time, the display position is determined such that the travel distance or the travel time between the stations is reflected as in a line map when viewed from the side. The transferable stations may be displayed not only so as to overlap each other but also so as to slightly deviate from each other depending on the time required for transfer. In addition, the graph displayed here is not limited to the train graph, but graphs for other public transportation, such as buses, may be used. In this case, the user, who is dispatcher, can understand the outline of the relationship between a plurality of graphs.

[0070] Fig. 23 shows a derivative example of Fig. 22. In Fig. 22, the data display system 100 determines the display position based on the train graph such that the train graph looks like a line map when viewed from the side. However, in Fig. 23, the data display system 100 determines the display position of the train graph such that the train graph can be seen when viewed from the side.

[0071] With the above-described example of the visualization, the data display system 100 can display various types of railway information in response to the operation of the user. In addition, these are only examples. In practice, only the necessary example of display output is selected and used, or a new example of display output is created and used.

[0072] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to create a data display system that extracts and displays necessary information based on one train graph in response to an operation of the user.   The user, who is a dispatcher, can have reduced burden of understanding the situation, secure resources to consider optimal train operations, and provide train operation services that satisfy the railway users .

[0073] Specifically, in a railway business system (data display system 100) that collectively displays a plurality of railway information items in a virtual space using a computer having a processor and a memory, the railway business system has a data display device (UI device 512) that collectively displays the plurality of railway information items in the virtual space and that is connected to a computer (user terminal 300) provided in a railway vehicle depot, a line including stations, or a control room in a real space via a network. The railway business system acquires the plurality of railway information items from another railway business system 200, stores the plurality of railway information items in the memory, acquires information of an avatar operation performed by a user in the virtual space from the user terminal 300, and stores the avatar operation information of the user in the memory. The computer in the railway vehicle depot and the computer in the control room access the virtual space and combine visualization methods for the stored plurality of railway information items. The railway business system determines a data display position in a plurality of dimensions of the virtual space based on the stored avatar operation information of the user and railway business system dynamic information. When drawing a virtual space display state created based on the determined data display position, the railway business system reads out the railway business system dynamic information, updates information of an information-reflected visualization frame obtained by reflecting the plurality of railway information items in a visualization frame stored in advance in the memory as the visualization method for the railway information and virtual space structure data obtained by giving reference information of the information-reflected visualization frame to the main train graph, creates or updates virtual space display state data, and collectively displays the created or updated virtual space display state data on the main train graph.

[0074] That is, the display content of the plurality of railway information items is changed in real time in response to the operation of the dispatcher. Therefore, the dispatcher does not need to extract information required for instructions from a plurality of graphs or to combine the information. It is possible to reduce the burden of understanding the situation during command operations and to provide support for understanding the situation according to the level of proficiency. Therefore, the dispatcher can secure the resources to consider optimal train operations and provide train operation services that satisfy the railway users. REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0075] 100 Data display system 200 Railway business system 201 Operation management system 202 Vehicle management system 203 People flow information system Nl, N2 Network 500 Storage device 510 Memory 511 CPU 101 Railway business system information acquisition unit 102 Avatar operation information acquisition unit 103 Virtual space data construction unit 104 Virtual space display data creation unit 105 Display result output unit 111 Railway business system static information 112 Visualization frame 113 Information-reflected visualization frame 114 Virtual space structure data 115 Railway business system dynamic information 116 Avatar operation log 117 Virtual space display state data

Claims

1. A data display device for a virtual space control room that collectively displays a plurality of railway information items in a virtual space using a computer having a processor and a memory,wherein the processor acquires the plurality of railway information items, stores the plurality of railway information items in the memory, acquires information of an avatar operation performed by a user in the virtual space, stores the avatar operation information of the user in the memory, combines visualization methods for the stored plurality of railway information items, determines a data display position in a plurality of dimensions of the virtual space based on the stored avatar operation information of the user and railway business system dynamic information, and draws a virtual space display state created based on the determined data display position.

2. The data display device according to claim 1,wherein the data display device is a data display device in a virtual space that collectively displays a plurality of railway information items on a main train graph in the virtual space, andthe processor combines visualization methods for railway information including a train graph in the combination and collectively displays the railway information on the main traingraph in the drawing.

3. The data display device according to claim 2, wherein the processor creates an information-reflected visualization frame obtained by reflecting the plurality of railway information items in a visualization frame stored in advance in the memory as the visualization method for the railway information and creates virtual space structure data obtained by giving reference information of the information-reflected visualization frame to the main train graph.

4. The data display device according to claim 3,wherein the processor determines the information-reflected visualization frame to be displayed, based on the avatar operation information, creates virtual space display state data using the virtual space structure data and the information-reflected visualization frame to be displayed, and collectively displays the virtual space display state data on the main train graph.

5. The data display device according to claim 4,wherein the processor reads out the railway business system dynamic information, updates information of the information-reflected visualization frame and the virtual space structure data, creates or updates the virtual space display state data,and collectively displays the created or updated virtual space display state data on the main train graph.

6. The data display device according to claim 5,wherein the processor divides the main train graph into elements of an overall train graph network, a train network, a station axis, a time section axis, an edge, and a node and gives the reference information of the information-reflected visualization frame to these elements.

7. The data display device according to claim 5,wherein the processor links an element having the reference information of the information-reflected visualization frame to be displayed in the main train graph to the information-reflected visualization frame to be displayed, and determines the data display position in the virtual space using a visualization rule that matches data of the main train graph and the information-reflected visualization frame to be displayed with the information-reflected visualization frame to be displayed.

8. The data display device according to claim 7,wherein the processor determines the information-reflected visualization frame to be displayed, based on an error content of the railway business system dynamic information.

9. The data display device according to claim 8,wherein the processor reads out at least information for touching each element in the virtual space, moving each element, moving a position of an avatar in the virtual space, and changing a line of sight in the virtual space as the avatar operation information from the memory.

10. The data display device according to claim 9,wherein the processor reads out, from the memory, a comparative line train graph visualization frame indicating a comparative line that has the same departure and arrival stations and runs in parallel, and gives reference information of the comparative line train graph visualization frame to a station axis capable of transferring to the comparative line in the main train graph, andupon receiving avatar operation information corresponding to the comparative line train graph visualization frame, the processor acquires real-time operation information, reflects the real-time operation information in the main train graph and the comparative line train graph visualization frame, generates an aspect of the comparative line train graph visualization frame in a three-dimensional direction such that a travel distance or travel time ratio between stations is matched with a length between the stations, and determine the data display position.

11. The data display device according to claim 9,wherein the processor reads out a platform information visualization frame indicating platform information of a certain station from the memory and gives reference information of the platform information visualization frame to a station axis of the station and a train network running within a range of the platform information in the main train graph, andupon acquiring avatar operation information corresponding to the platform information visualization frame, the processor acquires real-time operation information, reflects the real-time operation information in the main train graph, determines a display position of the platform information visualization frame, and changes a display position of the train network in the train graph according to a display position of a running location in the platform information visualization frame.

12. The data display device according to claim 11,wherein the processor gives the reference information of the platform information visualization frame to an edge of a train stopped at the station and a train network in the platform information visualization frame in the main train graph, andupon acquiring avatar operation information corresponding to the platform information visualization frame, the processor acquires real-time operation information, reflects the real-timeoperation information in the main train graph, determines the display position of the platform information visualization frame, using a stop station of a train edge operated by the avatar as a starting point, and changes a display position of a train network running before and after the train operated by the avatar according to the display position of the platform information visualization frame.

13. The data display device according to claim 9, wherein the processor generates visualization frames corresponding to passenger destination information, train order constraint information, vehicle inspection information, and train operation information, and gives reference information of each of the visualization frames to nodes and edges of corresponding stations in the main train graph, andupon acquiring avatar operation information corresponding to each of the visualization frames, the processor acquires the railway business system dynamic information, reflects the information in each of the visualization frames, and determines a display position of each of the visualization frames in the three-dimensional direction from each element of the main train graph.

14. A data display method for a virtual space control room that collectively displays a plurality of railway informationitems in a virtual space using a computer having a processor and a memory, the data display method comprising:causing the processor to acquire the plurality of railway information items and to store the plurality of railway information items in the memory;causing the processor to acquire information of an avatar operation performed by a user in the virtual space and to store the avatar operation information in the memory;causing the processor to combine visualization methods for the stored plurality of railway information items;causing the processor to determine a data display position in a plurality of dimensions of the virtual space based on the stored avatar operation information of the user and railway business system dynamic information; andcausing the processor to draw a virtual space display state created based on the determined data display position.

15. A railway business system for collectively displaying a plurality of railway information items in a virtual space using a computer having a processor and a memory, the railway business system comprising:a data display device that collectively displays the plurality of railway information items in the virtual space and is connected to a computer provided in a railway vehicle depot, a line including stations, or a control room in a real space viaa network,wherein the railway business system acquires the plurality of railway information items from another railway business system, stores the plurality of railway information items in the memory, acquires information of an avatar operation performed by a user in the virtual space from the computer, and stores the avatar operation information in the memory,the computer in the railway vehicle depot and the computer in the control room access the virtual space and combine visualization methods for the stored plurality of railway information items,the railway business system determines a data display position in a plurality of dimensions of the virtual space based on the stored avatar operation information of the user and railway business system dynamic information, andwhen drawing a virtual space display state created based on the determined data display position, the railway business system reads out the railway business system dynamic information, updates information of an information-reflected visualization frame obtained by reflecting the plurality of railway information items in a visualization frame stored in advance in the memory as the visualization method for the railway information and virtual space structure data obtained by giving reference information of the information-reflected visualization frame to the main train graph, creates or updatesvirtual space display state data, and collectively displays the created or updated virtual space display state data on the main train graph.

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