Traffic information providing system, traffic control server, demand collecting device, traffic information providing method, and traffic control program

Abstract

To obtain a traffic information providing system that enables a user to check in real time an operation status of a vehicle which the user plans to board.SOLUTION: A traffic information providing system 1 comprises: a demand collecting device 10 that provides a user with information on a traffic status of a vehicle 30 which patrols around a plurality of stops; and a traffic control server 20 that transmits a traffic status of a next vehicle 30 which will arrive at the stop where the user plans to board to the demand collecting device 10, wherein: the traffic control server 20 generates image data of an image which displays the vehicle positional information of the next vehicle to be superposed on map information in a display mode different from the vehicle positional information of the vehicle 30 which arrives after the next vehicle based on user positional information, which is the positional information of the demand collecting device 10, vehicle positional information, which is the positional information of the vehicle 30, and map information including a patrol range of the vehicle 30; and the demand collecting device 10 displays a screen corresponding to the image data on a display unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an operation information providing system that provides operation information, a traffic control server, a demand collection device, an operation information providing method, and a traffic control program. [Background technology]

[0002] An on-demand autonomous driving system is a system that realizes a shared-ride transportation service in which vehicles such as autonomous vehicles transport users by stopping at bus stops on a specific route. One on-demand autonomous driving system is a system in which a traffic control server accepts vehicle dispatch requests from users and notifies the users of the results of their vehicle dispatch reservations. In such a system, a timetable, which is information on the vehicle's scheduled operation, is provided to the user, enabling the user to easily make a reservation for a vehicle.

[0003] The information processing system described in Patent Document 1 acquires reservation information for demand transportation services that run between stops according to reservations, and generates a virtual timetable that lists the departure times of demand transportation services that can be reserved for each route based on the reservation information, and provides this to users. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-182718 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology of Patent Document 1 above has a problem in that the user cannot check in real time the operating status of the vehicle in which the user plans to board.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an operation information providing system that allows a user to check in real time the operation status of a vehicle that the user plans to board. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the operation information providing system of the present disclosure includes a demand collecting device that provides a user with the operation status of a vehicle circulating through a plurality of bus stops, and an operation control server that transmits to the demand collecting device the operation status of a next vehicle that is a vehicle that will next arrive at a bus stop among a plurality of bus stops where a user is scheduled to board, based on vehicle position information that is the position information of the vehicle and user position information that is the position information of the demand collecting device. The operation control server has a vehicle position information acquisition unit that acquires vehicle position information from the vehicle, and a map information acquisition unit that acquires map information including the patrol range of the vehicle. The operation control server also has an image data generation unit that generates image data of an image that displays the vehicle position information of the next vehicle superimposed on the map information in a display mode different from that of the vehicle position information of a vehicle that arrives after the next vehicle, based on the user position information, the vehicle position information, and the map information, and a first communication unit that transmits the image data to the demand collecting device as the operation status of the next vehicle. The demand collection device has a second communication unit that receives image data from the traffic control server, and a processing unit that displays a screen corresponding to the received image data on the display unit. Effect of the Invention

[0008] The operation information providing system according to the present disclosure has an effect of allowing a user to check in real time the operation status of a vehicle that the user plans to board. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an operation information providing system according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a process executed in an operation information providing system according to an embodiment; [Diagram 3]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an operation information providing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a process executed by the operation information providing system when the demand collecting device according to the embodiment displays an operation status. [Diagram 5] 1 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a process executed in an operation information providing system when a demand collecting device according to an embodiment executes a ride reservation; [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first example of screen transition of a screen displayed by a demand collecting device according to an embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second example of screen transition of a screen displayed by the demand collecting device according to the embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for confirming whether or not a ride is to be shared, which is displayed by the demand collection device according to the embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration for implementing an operation information providing system according to an embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] An operation information providing system, a traffic control server, a demand collecting device, an operation information providing method, and a traffic control program according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Embodiment 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an operation information system according to an embodiment. The operation information system 1 is a system that provides a user with the operation status of a vehicle 30 in demand traffic. The operation information system 1 includes one or more demand collecting devices 10, a traffic control server 20, and one or more vehicles 30.

[0012] The demand collecting device 10 is a device that accepts a reservation for a ride of a vehicle 30 that travels between a plurality of bus stops from a user who is a passenger. The vehicle 30 may be an autonomous vehicle or a vehicle driven by a driver. The demand collecting device 10 transmits the reservation for a ride accepted from a user to the traffic control server 20 and receives the operation status of the vehicle 30 from the traffic control server 20. The operation status that the demand collecting device 10 receives from the traffic control server 20 is the operation status of a next vehicle that is a vehicle that will next arrive at a boarding stop (departure stop) that is a stop where the user plans to board.

[0013] The demand collecting device 10 may be realized by a device installed at each bus stop, or may be realized by a user terminal such as a smartphone or tablet terminal carried by a user. The vehicle 30 is not limited to traveling along a predetermined patrol route, and may travel along a free route in response to a request from the demand collecting device 10.

[0014] The operation control server 20 transmits to the demand collecting device 10 the operation status of the next vehicle that will arrive at the boarding stop among the multiple stops, based on the boarding reservation transmitted from the demand collecting device 10 and the position of the vehicle 30 (vehicle position information) received from the vehicle 30.

[0015] The traffic control server 20 generates the traffic status of the next vehicle as image data, which will be described later. The image data of the traffic status generated by the traffic control server 20 is image data that displays the vehicle position information of the next vehicle superimposed on the map information in a display mode different from that of the vehicle position information of a vehicle 30 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a non-target vehicle) that arrives after the next vehicle.

[0016] The traffic control server 20 generates image data of an image in which, for example, the vehicle position information of the next vehicle is superimposed on the map information, and the vehicle position information of the non-target vehicles is not displayed on the map information. Note that the traffic control server 20 may generate image data of an image in which, for example, the vehicle position information of the next vehicle and the vehicle position information of the non-target vehicles are superimposed on the map information using different colors, different icons, etc.

[0017] The traffic control server 20 generates image data corresponding to the operation status of the next vehicle based on the boarding reservation, the vehicle position information of the next vehicle, and the map information, and transmits the image data to the demand collection device 10. This enables the user to check in real time whether the next vehicle he or she is scheduled to board is being dispatched and operated as planned. In addition, the user can easily recognize where the next vehicle is stalled when a delay or congestion occurs and the next vehicle is not operating as planned.

[0018] Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining a process executed in the operation information providing system according to the embodiment. In Fig. 2, a case is explained in which the operation information providing system 1 includes a demand collecting device 10 arranged at a point PA and a demand collecting device 10 arranged at a point PB, but the number of demand collecting devices 10 may be one or three or more.

[0019] Here, a case where a user operates the demand collecting device 10 arranged at a point PA will be described. For example, if the demand collecting device 10 at the point PA is realized by a device arranged at a bus stop, the bus stop at the point PA is the boarding stop. Also, if the demand collecting device 10 at the point PA is realized by a user terminal carried by a user, the bus stop closest to the user terminal is the boarding stop.

[0020] In the operation information providing system 1, the operation control server 20 acquires vehicle position information of each vehicle 30 together with identification information of each vehicle 30 from each vehicle 30 as the position of each vehicle 30 (st1). When a request for operation status is received from the demand collecting device 10, the operation control server 20 transmits the operation status according to the demand collecting device 10 (st2). The operation control server 20 transmits image data indicating the operation status to the demand collecting device 10.

[0021] For example, when the demand collecting device 10 is placed at a bus stop, the traffic control server 20 transmits to the demand collecting device 10 an operation status corresponding to the position of the bus stop where the demand collecting device 10 is placed. The traffic control server 20 may transmit the operation status to the demand collecting device 10 at a specific period.

[0022] Furthermore, for example, when the demand collecting device 10 is realized by a user terminal such as a smartphone, the traffic control server 20 transmits to the demand collecting device 10 an operation status corresponding to information on the user's position (user position information) received from the demand collecting device 10. The operation status corresponding to the user position information is the operation status of the next vehicle heading to the bus stop closest to the user's position.

[0023] The demand collecting device 10 receives the operation status from the operation control server 20 and displays the operation status on a display device (display unit 12 described later). This allows the user to check the operation status of the next vehicle (st3). That is, the user can check the image data displayed in the map information displayed on the display screen of the display unit 12 to check the operation status of the next vehicle.

[0024] The demand collecting device 10 accepts a request (reservation information) to reserve a ride in the vehicle 30 from the user, and executes the ride reservation by transmitting the reservation information to the operation control server 20 (st4). The reservation information accepted by the demand collecting device 10 from the user includes information such as the disembarking stop (arrival stop) where the user disembarks from the vehicle 30, the number of people boarding the vehicle 30 (number of passengers), and the like.

[0025] The traffic control server 20 allocates a vehicle 30 to the user based on the reservation information (st5). That is, the traffic control server 20 determines the vehicle 30 for the user to ride based on the reservation information. The traffic control server 20 may allocate a vehicle 30 that is optimal for the user, or may allocate a vehicle 30 that is optimal for the traffic information providing system 1. Allocation of a vehicle 30 that is optimal for the user is allocation of a vehicle 30 that the user can travel in a short time. Allocation of a vehicle 30 that is optimal for the traffic information providing system 1 is allocation of a vehicle 30 that allows the traffic information providing system 1 to operate the vehicle 30 efficiently.

[0026] For example, the traffic control server 20 dispatches the next vehicle that will arrive at the boarding stop where the user plans to board. If the traffic control server 20 cannot dispatch the next vehicle because the next vehicle is full or does not meet the user's request, the traffic control server 20 dispatches the vehicle 30 that will arrive at the boarding stop after the next vehicle. In other words, the traffic control server 20 prioritizes dispatching the vehicle 30 that will arrive at the boarding stop first from among the vehicles 30 that can be dispatched.

[0027] The traffic control server 20 transmits information such as the bus number of the dispatched vehicle 30 and the departure time from the boarding stop to the demand collecting device 10 as dispatch information (st6). The departure time from the boarding stop is the departure time at the stop corresponding to the location of the demand collecting device 10. That is, if the demand collecting device 10 is located at a stop, it is the departure time at this stop. Also, if the demand collecting device 10 is realized by a smartphone or the like, it is the departure time at the stop closest to the location of the smartphone (user location information).

[0028] The traffic control server 20 transmits information such as the number of users boarding at the boarding stop as a driving instruction to the vehicle 30 (st7). Note that the traffic control server 20 may omit the process of transmitting the driving instruction to the vehicle 30.

[0029] When the operation control server 20 transmits the dispatch information to the demand collecting device 10, the demand collecting device 10 receives the dispatch information and displays the dispatch information on the display unit 12. This allows the user to check the dispatch information (st8). That is, the user can check the flight number, departure time, etc. displayed on the display screen of the display unit 12.

[0030] After that, the user boards the vehicle 30 with the flight number specified in the dispatch information (st9), and travels to the destination (alighting stop) in the vehicle 30 (st10). Note that the vehicle 30 does not need to stop at the stop if it is full or if the occupancy rate of the vehicle 30 is higher than a specific value and there are no users getting off. The occupancy rate of the vehicle 30 is the ratio of the number of passengers to the total capacity of the vehicle 30, which is the combined seating capacity and standing capacity. The traffic control server 20 specifies the stops at which each vehicle 30 will stop, based on the dispatch information, and each vehicle 30 stops at the stops specified by the traffic control server 20.

[0031] 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an operation information providing system according to an embodiment. A demand collecting device 10 of the operation information providing system 1 has a user input unit 11, a display unit 12, a terminal position measuring unit 13, a personal authentication unit 14, an operation status processing unit 15, a communication unit 16, and a reservation processing unit 17.

[0032] The user input unit 11 receives information input by a user through an operation. The information received by the user input unit 11 from the user includes a request to obtain information on the operation status, a stop for getting off the bus, the number of passengers, and the like.

[0033] The display unit 12 displays the operation status, vehicle dispatch information, and the like, which the communication unit 16 receives from the operation control server 20. The display unit 12 may be disposed inside the demand collecting device 10 or may be disposed outside the demand collecting device 10. In other words, the display unit 12 may be included in the demand collecting device 10 or may be a device separate from the demand collecting device 10.

[0034] The terminal position measurement unit 13 measures the position of the demand collecting device 10 as user position information. When the demand collecting device 10 is placed at a bus stop, the demand collecting device 10 may not have the terminal position measurement unit 13. In this case, the demand collecting device 10 stores a terminal identifier (identification information) of the demand collecting device 10 in advance and transmits it to the operation control server 20. The operation control server 20 may also store a correspondence between the user position information of the demand collecting device 10 and the terminal identifier of the demand collecting device 10 for each demand collecting device 10, and identify the user position information of the demand collecting device 10 based on the terminal identifier of the demand collecting device 10 received from the demand collecting device 10.

[0035] Furthermore, when the traffic control server 20 transmits the operation status to the demand collecting device 10 at a specific period, the traffic control server 20 stores the position information of each demand collecting device 10 and transmits the operation status according to the position of the demand collecting device 10 to the demand collecting device 10. In this case, the demand collecting device 10 does not need to store the terminal identifier of the demand collecting device 10.

[0036] The personal authentication unit 14 identifies whether or not a user who is attempting to use the operation information providing system 1 is a registered user. The personal authentication unit 14 performs user authentication based on a two-dimensional code such as a QR (Quick Response) code (registered trademark) that the demand collecting device 10 reads from a screen of a user terminal, paper, or the like. The personal authentication unit 14 may also perform user authentication based on information that the demand collecting device 10 reads from an IC (Integrated Circuit) card. The personal authentication unit 14 may also perform user authentication by performing face authentication on the face of the user read by the demand collecting device 10. The user authentication may be performed by an external device such as a cloud server based on the information read by the demand collecting device 10.

[0037] The operation status processing unit 15 controls the process of acquiring the operation status. When the user input unit 11 accepts a request to acquire the operation status from a user, the operation status processing unit 15 causes the communication unit 16 to transmit the request to acquire the operation status. In response to the instruction from the operation status processing unit 15, the communication unit 16 transmits the request to acquire the operation status to the operation control server 20. Then, the communication unit 16 receives image data indicating the operation status from the operation control server 20.

[0038] The operation status processing unit 15 may execute the acquisition control of the operation status at a specific cycle, regardless of a request from the user. In this case, the operation status processing unit 15 causes the communication unit 16 to transmit an acquisition request of the operation status to the operation control server 20 at each specific cycle. In this manner, the communication unit 16 executes communication with the operation control server 20 to transmit the acquisition request of the operation status to the operation control server 20 and receive image data indicating the operation status from the operation control server 20. The operation status processing unit 15 outputs the image data indicating the operation status received by the communication unit 16 to the display unit 12.

[0039] The reservation processing unit 17 controls the reservation processing of a ride based on information input by a user to the user input unit 11. When the user input unit 11 accepts reservation information of a ride from a user, the reservation processing unit 17 causes the communication unit 16 to transmit the reservation information. As a result, the communication unit 16 transmits the reservation information to the traffic control server 20 according to an instruction from the reservation processing unit 17. Then, the communication unit 16 receives vehicle allocation information corresponding to the reservation information from the traffic control server 20. In this way, the communication unit 16 transmits a ride reservation to the traffic control server 20 and receives vehicle allocation information from the traffic control server 20 by executing communication with the traffic control server 20. The reservation processing unit 17 outputs the vehicle allocation information received by the communication unit 16 to the display unit 12.

[0040] When the display unit 12 receives image data from the operation status processing unit 15, it displays the image data. At this time, the display unit 12 displays the image data as an operation status display screen. The operation status display screen displays map information including the patrol route of the vehicle 30 that stops at the boarding stop where the demand collecting device 10 is located, other stops included in the patrol route, and a timetable at the boarding stop. The timetable at the boarding stop shows, for example, the top N (N is a natural number) departure times in order from later than the current time to closer to the current time.

[0041] Furthermore, the operation status display screen may display the user location information (user's current location) and the congestion degree ratio of the vehicle 30 corresponding to the departure time. The congestion degree ratio of the vehicle 30 may be the number of passengers relative to the number of seats in the vehicle 30, or may be the occupancy rate of the vehicle 30. The congestion degree ratio of the vehicle 30 is calculated by the image data generating unit 233, which will be described later.

[0042] Furthermore, when the display unit 12 receives dispatch information from the reservation processing unit 17, it displays the dispatch information. At this time, the display unit 12 displays the dispatch information as a dispatch information confirmation screen. On the dispatch information confirmation screen, the flight number of the vehicle 30, the departure time, the number of passengers of the user, the fare, the name of the boarding stop which is the departure point, and the name of the disembarking stop (arrival stop) which is the stop where the user plans to disembark are displayed.

[0043] The traffic control server 20 has a display unit 21, a reservation dispatch management unit 22, an operation status management unit 23, and a communication unit 24. The communication unit 24 communicates with each demand collecting device 10 and each vehicle 30. The communication unit 24 is a first communication unit, and the communication unit 16 is a second communication unit.

[0044] The operation status management unit 23 manages the operation of one or more vehicles 30. The operation status management unit 23 includes a vehicle position information acquisition unit 231, a map information acquisition unit 232, and an image data generation unit 233.

[0045] The vehicle position information acquisition unit 231 controls a process of acquiring vehicle position information, which is position information of the vehicle 30 circulating between a plurality of bus stops. When the communication unit 24 receives a request to acquire an operation status from the demand collection device 10, the vehicle position information acquisition unit 231 causes the communication unit 24 to transmit a request to acquire vehicle position information. As a result, the communication unit 24 transmits a request to acquire vehicle position information to each vehicle 30 according to an instruction from the vehicle position information acquisition unit 231. Then, the communication unit 24 receives the vehicle position information from each vehicle 30.

[0046] The vehicle position information acquisition unit 231 may execute acquisition control of the vehicle position information at a specific period regardless of the request for acquiring the operation status from the demand collection device 10. In this case, the vehicle position information acquisition unit 231 transmits an acquisition request for the vehicle position information to each vehicle 30 from the communication unit 24 at each specific period.

[0047] The map information acquisition unit 232 acquires map information describing a route including boarding stops and disembarking stops. That is, the map information acquisition unit 232 acquires map information including the travel range of the vehicle 30. The map information may be stored in advance in the traffic control server 20, or may be acquired from an external device.

[0048] The image data generating unit 233 generates image data based on the map information, the vehicle position information, and the user position information corresponding to the terminal identifier of the demand collecting device 10.

[0049] The display unit 21 displays the operation status, the reservation status of users, etc. This allows a user of the operation control server 20 (for example, a controller) to check the operation status, the reservation status of users, etc.

[0050] The reservation allocation management unit 22 allocates the vehicle 30 to the user when accepting a ride reservation for the vehicle 30 from the demand collecting device 10. That is, when the communication unit 24 receives a ride reservation from the demand collecting device 10, the reservation allocation management unit 22 allocates the vehicle 30 to the user based on the ride reservation. The reservation allocation management unit 22 transmits allocation information of the vehicle 30 allocated to the user from the communication unit 24 to the demand collecting device 10.

[0051] The vehicle 30 has a vehicle position measuring unit 31, a communication unit 32, and a vehicle position information providing unit 33. The vehicle position measuring unit 31 measures the position of the vehicle 30. The vehicle position information providing unit 33 controls the provision of the vehicle position information to the traffic control server 20. When the communication unit 32 receives a request to obtain vehicle position information from the traffic control server 20, the vehicle position information providing unit 33 causes the vehicle position measuring unit 31 to obtain the position of the vehicle 30 and the communication unit 32 to transmit the vehicle position information.

[0052] The communication unit 32 executes communication with the traffic control server 20. The communication unit 32 receives a request to acquire vehicle position information from the traffic control server 20. In addition, the communication unit 32 transmits the position of the vehicle 30 measured by the vehicle position measurement unit 31 to the traffic control server 20 as vehicle position information in accordance with an instruction from the vehicle position information provision unit 33.

[0053] Next, a description will be given of the procedure of processing executed in the operation information providing system 1. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing executed in the operation information providing system when the demand collecting device according to the embodiment displays the operation status.

[0054] In the operation information providing system 1, the operation control server 20 performs terminal authentication of the demand collecting device 10 (step S10). Specifically, communication is performed between the demand collecting device 10 and the operation control server 20, and the operation control server 20 executes process authentication to determine whether the demand collecting device 10 is a registered terminal or not. In this case, the demand collecting device 10 and the operation control server 20 store a terminal identifier for identifying the demand collecting device 10 in advance. The demand collecting device 10 transmits the terminal identifier to the operation control server 20 when asking the operation control server 20 to execute terminal authentication. As a result, the operation control server 20 determines whether the demand collecting device 10 is a terminal that has been registered in advance in the operation control server 20.

[0055] When the terminal authentication is successful, the traffic control server 20 generates image data (travel status) corresponding to the position of the successfully authenticated demand collecting device 10 and transmits it to the successfully authenticated demand collecting device 10. This image data includes map information, which is fixed information, and vehicle information, which is variable information. The vehicle information includes information such as the vehicle position information of the next vehicle, the departure times of the upcoming vehicles 30 including the next vehicle, and the reservation status of each vehicle 30.

[0056] The demand collecting device 10 acquires image data from the traffic control server 20 (step S20). Specifically, the communication unit 16 receives the image data from the traffic control server 20.

[0057] The operation status processing unit 15 determines whether image data has been acquired (step S30). If image data has been acquired (step S30, Yes), the operation status processing unit 15 outputs image data including map information and vehicle information to the display unit 12. As a result, the display unit 12 displays the image data indicating the operation status as an operation status display screen (step S40).

[0058] On the other hand, if the image data cannot be acquired (step S30, No), the operation status processing unit 15 outputs a message indicating an error to the display unit 12. As a result, the display unit 12 displays the message indicating the error.

[0059] 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a process executed in the operation information providing system when the demand collecting device according to the embodiment executes a ride reservation. When the user input unit 11 accepts an instruction from the user requesting to start a reservation, the personal authentication unit 14 of the demand collecting device 10 executes user authentication (step S110).

[0060] When the personal authentication unit 14 succeeds in the user authentication, the user input unit 11 accepts reservation information from the user (step S120), which causes the reservation processing unit 17 to transmit the reservation information from the communication unit 16 to the operation control server 20 (step S130).

[0061] The traffic control server 20 generates vehicle allocation information corresponding to the reservation information and transmits it to the demand collecting device 10. The demand collecting device 10 acquires the vehicle allocation information from the traffic control server 20 (step S140). That is, the communication unit 16 receives the vehicle allocation information from the traffic control server 20. When the demand collecting device 10 receives the vehicle allocation information, the reservation processing unit 17 outputs the vehicle allocation information to the display unit 12. As a result, the display unit 12 displays the vehicle allocation information as a vehicle allocation information confirmation screen (step S150).

[0062] Next, a description will be given of an example of screen transition of a screen displayed by the demand collecting device 10. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a first example of screen transition of a screen displayed by the demand collecting device according to the embodiment.

[0063] When the demand collecting device 10 receives the image data from the operation control server 20, the demand collecting device 10 displays a screen V1 for starting a ride reservation as a screen corresponding to the image data on the display unit 12. The screen V1 is an operation status display screen.

[0064] Screen V1 displays the driving route, a map of the area around the driving route, bus stops, the user's current location, the upcoming departure time of vehicle 30, the flight number corresponding to the departure time of vehicle 30, the reservation status (congestion ratio) corresponding to the departure time of vehicle 30, and the like.

[0065] When the screen V1 is touched by a user, the reservation processing unit 17 of the demand collecting device 10 starts processing the ride reservation and displays the screen V2 on the display unit 12. On the screen V2, a button for selecting a new ride reservation and a button for selecting confirmation of the reservation contents or cancellation are displayed.

[0066] When the user presses a button for selecting a new ride reservation on screen V2, the reservation processing unit 17 causes screen V3 for selecting a reservation method to be displayed on the display unit 12. On screen V3, for example, a button for selecting a two-dimensional code, a button for selecting an IC card, and a button for selecting face authentication are displayed.

[0067] When the user presses any button on screen V3, the personal authentication unit 14 executes user authentication. This process corresponds to the process of step S110 described above.

[0068] When the user authentication is successful, the reservation processing unit 17 displays a screen V4 for inputting the number of passengers on the display unit 12. The screen V4 displays an input field for inputting the number of adults who will be riding, an input field for inputting the number of children (elementary school students) who will be riding, a button for requesting to ride with a pet, and a button for transitioning to the next screen. The screen V4 may also display a button for requesting to bring a stroller.

[0069] When the user presses a button to transition to the next screen after entering information into at least one of the input fields for entering the number of adults riding and the number of children riding, the reservation processing unit 17 causes the display unit 12 to display a screen V5 for selecting a destination area. On the screen V5, buttons for selecting bus stops that are candidates for the destination are displayed. The bus stops that are candidates for the destination are stops that are included in the circular route.

[0070] After a bus stop that is a candidate for the destination is selected, when the user presses a button for transitioning to the next screen, the communication unit 16 transmits the information input on the screens V4 and V5 to the traffic control server 20. That is, the communication unit 16 transmits the number of adults who will board and the number of children who will board to the traffic control server 20 as information input on the screen V4. When a button for requesting to board with a pet is pressed, the communication unit 16 transmits information indicating that a pet will board (first information) to the traffic control server 20 as information input on the screen V4. When a button for requesting to bring a stroller is pressed, the communication unit 16 transmits information indicating that a stroller will be brought (second information) to the traffic control server 20 as information input on the screen V4. The demand collecting device 10 transmits information on the selected bus stop to the traffic control server 20 as information input on the screen V5.

[0071] When the demand collecting device 10 receives the dispatch information from the traffic control server 20, the reservation processing unit 17 displays a screen V6 for confirming the dispatch information on the display unit 12. The screen V6 displays the dispatch information acquired from the traffic control server 20. The screen V6 is the above-mentioned dispatch information confirmation screen.

[0072] In addition, when a button for transitioning to the next screen is pressed by the user after information is input on the screen V4, the demand collecting device 10 may transmit the information input on the screen V4 to the traffic control server 20. In this case, when a button for transitioning to the next screen is pressed by the user after a bus stop is selected on the screen V5, the demand collecting device 10 transmits the information input on the screen V5 to the traffic control server 20.

[0073] The screen V6 displays the bus number of the vehicle 30 assigned to the traffic control server 20, the departure time of the vehicle, the number of passengers designated by the user, the fare, the name of the boarding stop, and the name of the disembarking stop. The screen V6 also displays a button for completing the boarding reservation and a button for canceling the boarding reservation.

[0074] When the user presses a button to complete the ride reservation, the operation information system 1 ends the ride reservation process. When the user presses a button to cancel the ride reservation, the operation information system 1 cancels the ride reservation process.

[0075] The demand collecting device 10 does not have to display, on the screen V1, the departure times of the vehicles 30 that cannot be reserved. In this case, the demand collecting device 10 displays, on the screen V1, only the future departure times of the vehicles 30 that can be reserved.

[0076] Furthermore, when displaying a plurality of travel routes on the screen V1, the demand collecting device 10 may systematically display each travel route in a different color. For example, the travel route described on the screen V1 is displayed in red, and if there is a travel route consisting only of "PA Outbound Store Front" and "PA Inbound Parking Lot" excluding "Zoo Entrance", it is displayed in blue. Furthermore, the demand collecting device 10 may display the vehicles 30 on the screen V1 with different icons for each type of vehicle 30. For example, the demand collecting device 10 displays the icons of the vehicles 30 by distinguishing between cart type, bus type, and PMV (Personal Mobility Vehicle) type.

[0077] The screen V1 displayed by the demand collecting device 10 corresponds to image data transmitted from the traffic control server 20. Therefore, the information to be displayed on the screen V1 and the information not to be displayed are determined by the traffic control server 20. For example, the color of the travel route, the icon of the vehicle 30, and the like are determined by the traffic control server 20.

[0078] 7 is a diagram showing a second example of screen transition of a screen displayed by the demand collecting device according to the embodiment. In the second example of the screen transition, the user is prompted to select a departure time. Specifically, the demand collecting device 10 displays a screen V1X for starting a ride reservation on the display unit 12. On this screen V1X, a plurality of buttons for selecting a departure time of the vehicle 30 are displayed.

[0079] When the user presses a button on this screen V1X for selecting a departure time, the reservation processing unit 17 starts processing the ride reservation and causes the display unit 12 to display the screen V2. Thereafter, the demand collecting device 10 executes screen transitions similar to the first example of the screen transition. In the second example of the screen transition, the departure time displayed on the screen V6 is the departure time selected by the user on the screen V1X.

[0080] The demand collecting device 10 may display a screen for confirming whether or not to share a ride in the vehicle 30. The screen for confirming whether or not to share a ride may be displayed at any time before the screen V6 is displayed.

[0081] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a ride-sharing confirmation screen displayed by the demand collecting device according to the embodiment. The ride-sharing confirmation screen V7 is a screen for confirming ride-sharing in the vehicle 30. On the screen V7, a button for allowing ride-sharing with another group, a button for not allowing ride-sharing with another group, and a button for transitioning to the next screen are displayed.

[0082] When the user presses a button for transitioning to the next screen after pressing a button for permitting or not permitting ride-sharing on the screen V7, the reservation processing unit 17 transitions to the next screen. In this case, the next screen is one of the screens V3 to V6. In this case, the screen V6 is also displayed after the demand collecting device 10 receives the dispatch information from the operation control server 20.

[0083] The demand collecting device 10 transmits information on whether or not the user selects whether or not to allow carpooling to the traffic control server 20. That is, when a button for permitting carpooling is pressed, the demand collecting device 10 transmits information indicating that the user will ride-pool to the traffic control server 20, and when a button for not permitting carpooling is pressed, the demand collecting device 10 transmits information indicating that the user will not ride-pool to the traffic control server 20. The traffic control server 20 dispatches a vehicle 30 to the user based on the information on whether or not to allow carpooling.

[0084] In this way, the convenience of the service is improved because the user, who is a passenger, can quickly check in real time whether the next vehicle he or she plans to board is being dispatched and operated as planned by checking the vehicle position information and map information of the next vehicle using the demand collection device 10. In addition, when a change occurs in the vehicle dispatch plan due to a delay, traffic congestion, etc., the user can visually confirm the change in the vehicle dispatch plan by checking the vehicle position information of the next vehicle, thereby providing a sense of security.

[0085] In addition, when reserving vehicle 30, the user can check the departure time of vehicle 30 as well as user location information, which is the user's current location, the congestion level of vehicle 30, and the like, on a single screen, thereby improving the convenience of the service.

[0086] Here, a description will be given of the hardware configuration of the operation information providing system 1. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration for realizing the operation information providing system according to the embodiment. The demand collecting device 10 can be realized by a recording unit 51, a memory unit 52, a processing unit 53 which is a processor, a display unit 54, a communication unit 55, and a positioning unit 56.

[0087] The traffic control server 20 can be realized by a recording unit 61, a memory unit 62, a processing unit 63 which is a processor, a display unit 64, and a communication unit 65. The vehicle 30 can be realized by a recording unit 71, a memory unit 72, a processing unit 73 which is a processor, a communication unit 75, and a positioning unit 76.

[0088] Processing unit 53 reads the program stored in memory unit 52 and executes processing according to the instructions of the program. Processing unit 63 reads the program stored in memory unit 62 and executes processing according to the instructions of the program. Processing unit 73 reads the program stored in memory unit 72 and executes processing according to the instructions of the program.

[0089] Examples of the processing units 53, 63, and 73 are a CPU (Central Processing Unit, also called a central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP (Digital Signal Processor)) or a system LSI (Large Scale Integration).

[0090] An example of the memory units 52, 62, and 72 is a device such as a random access memory (RAM) that temporarily loads a program when the program is executed. That is, the memory units 52, 62, and 72 are used as temporary memories when the processing units 53, 63, and 73, respectively, execute various processes.

[0091] Examples of the recording units 51, 61, and 71 are devices that record programs, data, and the like, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a read only memory (ROM).

[0092] An example of the display unit 54, 64 is a device such as a display that displays characters, figures, images, and videos. The communication units 55, 65, 75 are configured to include a communication interface. The communication units 55, 75 are devices that communicate with the traffic control server 20, and the communication unit 65 is a device that communicates with the demand collecting device 10 and the vehicle 30. Note that the communication means of the communication units 55, 65, 75 may be wired or wireless, and any communication method may be used.

[0093] The demand collecting device 10 is realized by the processing unit 53 reading and executing a demand collecting program that is executable by a computer and is for executing the operation of the demand collecting device 10 stored in the recording unit 51. The demand collecting program, which is a program for executing the operation of the demand collecting device 10, can also be said to be a program that causes a computer to execute the procedure or method of the demand collecting device 10.

[0094] The traffic control server 20 is realized by the processing unit 63 reading and executing a traffic control program executable by a computer for executing the operations of the traffic control server 20 stored in the recording unit 61. The traffic control program, which is a program for executing the operations of the traffic control server 20, can also be said to be a program that causes a computer to execute the procedures or methods of the traffic control server 20.

[0095] The vehicle 30 is realized by the processing unit 73 reading and executing a processing program executable by a computer for executing the operation of the vehicle 30 stored in the recording unit 71. The processing program, which is a program for executing the operation of the vehicle 30, can also be said to be a program that causes a computer to execute a procedure or method of the vehicle 30.

[0096] The demand collection program executed by the processing unit 53 has a modular configuration including a personal authentication unit 14, an operation status processing unit 15, and a reservation processing unit 17, and these components are loaded onto the main memory device and generated on the main memory device.

[0097] The operation control program executed by the processing unit 63 has a modular configuration including a reservation dispatch management unit 22 and an operation status management unit 23, and these components are loaded into the main storage device and generated on the main storage device.

[0098] The processing program executed by the processing unit 73 has a modular configuration including the vehicle position information providing unit 33, and these components are loaded onto the main storage device and generated on the main storage device.

[0099] The recording unit 51 stores a demand collecting program, a terminal identifier, etc. The recording unit 61 stores a traffic control program, a correspondence between a terminal identifier and the position of the demand collecting device 10, etc. The recording unit 71 stores identifier information of the vehicle 30, etc.

[0100] The demand collection program, the traffic control program, and the processing program may be provided as a computer program product by being stored in a computer-readable storage medium in the form of an installable or executable file. The demand collection program, the traffic control program, and the processing program may be provided to the traffic information providing system 1 via a network such as the Internet. Some of the functions of the demand collection device 10, the traffic control server 20, and the vehicle 30 may be realized by dedicated hardware such as a dedicated circuit, and some of the functions may be realized by software or firmware. Some of the hardware configurations of the functions of the demand collection device 10, the traffic control server 20, and the vehicle 30 may be the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 9.

[0101] In this embodiment, the traffic control server 20 generates image data of an image for superimposing the vehicle position information of the next vehicle on the map information in a display mode different from that of the vehicle position information of a vehicle that arrives after the next vehicle, based on the user position information, the vehicle position information, and the map information. Then, the demand collection device 10 displays the image data as an operation status display screen. This enables the user to check in real time the operation status of the vehicle 30 that the user plans to board.

[0102] The configurations shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and may be combined with other known technologies. Parts of the configurations may be omitted or modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0103] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0104] (Appendix 1) A demand collection device that provides a user with information about the operation status of a vehicle that travels between a plurality of bus stops; a traffic control server that transmits to the demand collecting device a traffic status of a next vehicle that is a vehicle that will next arrive at a bus stop where the user plans to board among the plurality of bus stops, based on vehicle position information that is position information of the vehicle and user position information that is position information of the demand collecting device; Equipped with The traffic control server includes: a vehicle position information acquisition unit that acquires the vehicle position information from the vehicle; A map information acquisition unit that acquires map information including a travel range of the vehicle; an image data generation unit that generates image data of an image that displays the vehicle position information of the next vehicle in a display manner different from that of vehicle position information of a vehicle that arrives after the next vehicle, based on the user position information, the vehicle position information, and the map information, so as to be superimposed on the map information; a first communication unit that transmits the image data to the demand collection device as a running status of the next vehicle; having The demand collection device is A second communication unit that receives the image data from the traffic control server; A processing unit that displays a screen corresponding to the received image data on a display unit; having An operation information providing system comprising: (Appendix 2) The image data generation unit calculates a congestion degree ratio of the next vehicle, The first communication unit transmits the congestion degree ratio together with the image data to the demand collecting device, The processing unit causes the screen including the congestion degree ratio to be displayed on the display unit. 2. An operation information system according to claim 1, (Appendix 3) The second communication unit transmits the user position information to the traffic control server, The image data generation unit generates the image data by including the user position information in the image data, The processing unit causes the screen including the user position information to be displayed on the display unit. 3. An operation information system according to claim 1 or 2. (Appendix 4) The demand collection device further includes a terminal position measurement unit that measures a position of the user and generates the user position information. 4. An operation information providing system according to claim 3. (Appendix 5) The demand collecting device further includes the display unit. 5. An operation information system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, (Appendix 6) the image data generation unit generates the image data including information on a departure time, which is a time when the vehicle departs from a bus stop corresponding to the user position information; The processing unit causes the display unit to display the screen including the information on the departure time. 6. An operation information system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, (Appendix 7) the image data generation unit generates the image data of an image that displays the travel route of the vehicle in a different color for each travel route of the vehicle; The processing unit causes the display unit to display the screen by color-coding the travel route for each travel route of the vehicle. 7. An operation information system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, (Appendix 8) the image data generation unit generates the image data of an image in which an icon representing the vehicle is changed depending on the type of the vehicle; The processing unit causes the display unit to display the screen on which the icon representing the vehicle is changed depending on the type of the vehicle. 8. An operation information system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, (Appendix 9) the demand collection device includes a user input unit configured to receive a ride reservation from the user, the ride reservation including a destination and a number of passengers of the vehicle, on a screen corresponding to the image data; a reservation processing unit that controls a reservation process for a ride corresponding to the ride reservation; and When the user input unit accepts the ride reservation from the user, the second communication unit transmits the ride reservation to the operation control server in accordance with an instruction from the reservation processing unit; the operation control server generates vehicle dispatch information, which is information on dispatching a vehicle corresponding to the ride reservation, based on the ride reservation, the user position information, the vehicle position information, and the map information, and transmits the vehicle dispatch information to the demand collection device; The demand collection device receives the vehicle dispatch information and displays it on the display unit. 9. An operation information system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, (Appendix 10) The ride reservation includes information indicating whether or not the vehicle can be shared, The operation control server generates the vehicle dispatch information based on the information indicating whether or not the vehicle can be shared. 10. An operation information system according to claim 9, (Appendix 11) The ride reservation includes first information indicating that a pet will be riding in the vehicle, or second information indicating that a stroller will be brought in the vehicle, the operation control server, when receiving the ride reservation including the first information, generates the vehicle dispatch information based on the first information, and, when receiving the ride reservation including the second information, generates the vehicle dispatch information based on the second information. 11. The operation information system according to claim 9 or 10, (Appendix 12) The ride reservation includes information specifying a departure time, which is a time when the vehicle departs from a bus stop corresponding to the user location information, The operation control server generates the vehicle dispatch information based on information specifying the departure time. 12. An operation information system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, (Appendix 13) a vehicle position information acquisition unit that acquires vehicle position information, which is position information of a vehicle traveling around a plurality of bus stops, from the vehicle; A map information acquisition unit that acquires map information including a travel range of the vehicle; an image data generating unit that generates image data for an image in which vehicle position information of a next vehicle that is a vehicle that will next arrive at a bus stop where the user plans to board among the plurality of bus stops is superimposed on the map information in a display mode different from that of vehicle position information of a vehicle that will arrive after the next vehicle, based on user position information that is position information of a demand collecting device that provides a user with the operation status of the vehicle, the vehicle position information, and the map information; a communication unit that transmits the image data to the demand collection device as the operation status of the next vehicle; having A traffic control server comprising: (Appendix 14) A communication unit that receives image data of an image showing an operation status of a vehicle circulating between a plurality of bus stops from a traffic control server that controls the operation of the vehicle; A processing unit that displays a screen corresponding to the received image data on a display unit; having The image data is data of an image in which vehicle position information of a next vehicle that is a vehicle that will next arrive at a bus stop where the user plans to board among the plurality of bus stops is superimposed on map information including the travel range of the vehicle in a display mode different from vehicle position information of a vehicle that will arrive after the next vehicle. A demand collection device comprising: (Appendix 15) A vehicle position information acquisition step in which a traffic control server that controls the operation of a vehicle circulating between a plurality of bus stops acquires vehicle position information, which is position information of the vehicle, from the vehicle; a map information acquisition step in which the traffic control server acquires map information including a patrol range of the vehicle; an image data generation step in which the operation control server generates image data for an image in which vehicle position information of a next vehicle that is a vehicle that will next arrive at a bus stop where the user plans to board among the plurality of bus stops is superimposed on the map information in a display mode different from that of vehicle position information of a vehicle that will arrive after the next vehicle, based on user position information, which is position information of a demand collecting device that provides a user with the operation status of the vehicle, the vehicle position information, and the map information; a communication step in which the traffic control server transmits the image data to the demand collecting device as the traffic status of the next vehicle; Including, A method for providing operation information comprising the steps of: (Appendix 16) a vehicle position information acquisition step of acquiring vehicle position information, which is position information of a vehicle traveling around a plurality of bus stops, from the vehicle; a map information acquisition step of acquiring map information including a travel range of the vehicle; an image data generating step of generating image data of an image for superimposing and displaying vehicle position information of a next vehicle, which is a vehicle that will next arrive at a bus stop where the user plans to board among the plurality of bus stops, on the map information in a display mode different from that of vehicle position information of a vehicle that will arrive after the next vehicle, based on user position information, which is position information of a demand collecting device that provides a user with the operation status of the vehicle, the vehicle position information, and the map information; a communication step of transmitting the image data to the demand collecting device as the operation status of the next vehicle; A traffic control program characterized by causing a computer to execute the above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1 Operation information providing system, 10 Demand collecting device, 11 User input section, 12, 21, 54, 64 Display section, 13 Terminal position measuring section, 14 Personal authentication section, 15 Operation status processing section, 16, 24, 32, 55, 65, 75 Communication section, 17 Reservation processing section, 20 Traffic control server, 22 Reservation dispatch management section, 23 Operation status management section, 30 Vehicle, 31 Vehicle position measuring section, 33 Vehicle position information providing section, 51, 61, 71 Recording section, 52, 62, 72 Memory section, 53, 63, 73 Processing section, 56, 76 Positioning section, 231 Vehicle position information acquisition section, 232 Map information acquisition section, 233 Image data generating section, PA, PB Location, V1, V1X, V2 to V7 Screen.

Claims

1. A demand collection device that provides a user with information about the operation status of a vehicle that travels between a plurality of bus stops; a traffic control server that transmits to the demand collecting device a traffic status of a next vehicle that is a vehicle that will next arrive at a bus stop where the user plans to board among the plurality of bus stops, based on vehicle position information that is position information of the vehicle and user position information that is position information of the demand collecting device; Equipped with The traffic control server includes: a vehicle position information acquisition unit that acquires the vehicle position information from the vehicle; A map information acquisition unit that acquires map information including a travel range of the vehicle; an image data generation unit that generates image data of an image that displays the vehicle position information of the next vehicle in a display manner different from that of vehicle position information of a vehicle that arrives after the next vehicle, based on the user position information, the vehicle position information, and the map information, so as to be superimposed on the map information; a first communication unit that transmits the image data to the demand collection device as a running status of the next vehicle; having The demand collection device is A second communication unit that receives the image data from the traffic control server; A processing unit that displays a screen corresponding to the received image data on a display unit; having An operation information providing system comprising:

2. The image data generation unit calculates a congestion degree ratio of the next vehicle, The first communication unit transmits the congestion degree ratio together with the image data to the demand collecting device, The processing unit causes the screen including the congestion degree ratio to be displayed on the display unit.

2. The operation information providing system according to claim 1 .

3. The second communication unit transmits the user position information to the traffic control server, The image data generation unit generates the image data by including the user position information in the image data, The processing unit causes the screen including the user position information to be displayed on the display unit.

2. The operation information providing system according to claim 1 .

4. The demand collection device further includes a terminal position measurement unit that measures a position of the user and generates the user position information.

4. The operation information providing system according to claim 3.

5. The demand collecting device further includes the display unit.

2. The operation information providing system according to claim 1 .

6. the image data generation unit generates the image data including information on a departure time, which is a time when the vehicle departs from a bus stop corresponding to the user position information; The processing unit causes the display unit to display the screen including the information on the departure time.

2. The operation information providing system according to claim 1 .

7. the image data generation unit generates the image data of an image that displays the travel route of the vehicle in a different color for each travel route of the vehicle; The processing unit causes the display unit to display the screen by color-coding the travel route for each travel route of the vehicle.

2. The operation information providing system according to claim 1 .

8. the image data generation unit generates the image data of an image in which an icon representing the vehicle is changed depending on the type of the vehicle; The processing unit causes the display unit to display the screen on which the icon representing the vehicle is changed depending on the type of the vehicle.

2. The operation information providing system according to claim 1 .

9. the demand collection device includes a user input unit configured to receive a ride reservation from the user, the ride reservation including a destination and a number of passengers of the vehicle, on a screen corresponding to the image data; a reservation processing unit that controls a reservation process for a ride corresponding to the ride reservation; and When the user input unit accepts the ride reservation from the user, the second communication unit transmits the ride reservation to the operation control server in accordance with an instruction from the reservation processing unit; the operation control server generates vehicle dispatch information, which is information on dispatching a vehicle corresponding to the ride reservation, based on the ride reservation, the user position information, the vehicle position information, and the map information, and transmits the vehicle dispatch information to the demand collection device; The demand collection device receives the vehicle dispatch information and displays it on the display unit.

9. The operation information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the operation information providing system is a system for providing information on a vehicle operation.

10. The ride reservation includes information indicating whether or not the vehicle can be shared, The operation control server generates the vehicle dispatch information based on the information indicating whether or not the vehicle can be shared.

10. The operation information providing system according to claim 9.

11. The ride reservation includes first information indicating that a pet will be boarded in the vehicle, or second information indicating that a stroller will be boarded in the vehicle, the operation control server, when receiving the ride reservation including the first information, generates the vehicle dispatch information based on the first information, and, when receiving the ride reservation including the second information, generates the vehicle dispatch information based on the second information.

10. The operation information providing system according to claim 9.

12. The ride reservation includes information specifying a departure time, which is a time when the vehicle departs from a bus stop corresponding to the user location information, The operation control server generates the vehicle dispatch information based on information specifying the departure time.

10. The operation information providing system according to claim 9.

13. a vehicle position information acquisition unit that acquires vehicle position information, which is position information of a vehicle traveling around a plurality of bus stops, from the vehicle; A map information acquisition unit that acquires map information including a travel range of the vehicle; an image data generating unit that generates image data for an image in which vehicle position information of a next vehicle that is a vehicle that will next arrive at a bus stop where the user plans to board among the plurality of bus stops is superimposed on the map information in a display mode different from that of vehicle position information of a vehicle that will arrive after the next vehicle, based on user position information that is position information of a demand collecting device that provides a user with the operation status of the vehicle, the vehicle position information, and the map information; a communication unit that transmits the image data to the demand collection device as the operation status of the next vehicle; having A traffic control server comprising:

14. A communication unit that receives image data of an image showing an operation status of a vehicle circulating between a plurality of bus stops from a traffic control server that controls the operation of the vehicle; A processing unit that displays a screen corresponding to the received image data on a display unit; having The image data is data of an image in which vehicle position information of a next vehicle that is a vehicle that will next arrive at a bus stop where the user plans to board among the plurality of bus stops is superimposed on map information including the travel range of the vehicle in a display mode different from vehicle position information of a vehicle that will arrive after the next vehicle. A demand collection device comprising:

15. A vehicle position information acquisition step in which a traffic control server that controls the operation of a vehicle circulating between a plurality of bus stops acquires vehicle position information, which is position information of the vehicle, from the vehicle; a map information acquisition step in which the traffic control server acquires map information including a patrol range of the vehicle; an image data generation step in which the operation control server generates image data for an image in which vehicle position information of a next vehicle that is a vehicle that will next arrive at a bus stop where the user plans to board among the plurality of bus stops is superimposed on the map information in a display mode different from that of vehicle position information of a vehicle that will arrive after the next vehicle, based on user position information, which is position information of a demand collecting device that provides a user with the operation status of the vehicle, the vehicle position information, and the map information; a communication step in which the traffic control server transmits the image data to the demand collecting device as the traffic status of the next vehicle; Including, A method for providing operation information comprising the steps of:

16. a vehicle position information acquisition step of acquiring vehicle position information, which is position information of a vehicle traveling around a plurality of bus stops, from the vehicle; a map information acquisition step of acquiring map information including a travel range of the vehicle; an image data generating step of generating image data of an image for superimposing and displaying vehicle position information of a next vehicle, which is a vehicle that will next arrive at a bus stop where the user plans to board among the plurality of bus stops, on the map information in a display mode different from that of vehicle position information of a vehicle that will arrive after the next vehicle, based on user position information, which is position information of a demand collecting device that provides a user with the operation status of the vehicle, the vehicle position information, and the map information; a communication step of transmitting the image data to the demand collecting device as the operation status of the next vehicle; A traffic control program characterized by causing a computer to execute the above.

Images