Distribution management system

Abstract

To provide a distribution management system that manages to distribute display data to bus stop terminals without using a mobile communication network.SOLUTION: A distribution method of the present invention in a system having a server that manages bus operation information, an on-vehicle terminal installed on a bus, and a plurality of bus stop terminals that are located at each bus stop and display information, includes the steps of: acquiring display data regarding information displayed on each bus stop terminal from the server by the on-vehicle terminal; wirelessly transmitting the display data from the on-vehicle terminal to each bus stop terminal; acquiring the updated status of the display data regarding each bus stop terminal by the on-vehicle terminal; and acquiring the updated status from the on-vehicle terminal by the server.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for managing the distribution of information to multiple destinations. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a technology in which a terminal for displaying a timetable is provided at a bus stop, and this terminal communicates wirelessly with an on-board terminal mounted on a bus to update the timetable posted at the bus stop.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a system in which the transfer of update data begins several days before the date of the timetable change, and the display of all bus stops changes simultaneously on the date of the change, according to the clock on the display terminal for the bus stops. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-172028 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology of Patent Document 1 does not allow for management of the status of data transfer at each bus stop, and data transfers are often duplicated or tripled at each bus stop over the course of several days after the start of data transfer, resulting in wasted power and communication.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the present disclosure provides a technology for managing the update status of information for each bus stop. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a distribution method in a system having an on-board terminal installed on a bus, a plurality of bus stop terminals installed at each bus stop and displaying information, and a server that manages display data related to the information to be displayed at each bus stop terminal, the distribution method comprising the steps of: the on-board terminal acquiring the display data from the server; the on-board terminal wirelessly transmitting the display data from the on-board terminal to each bus stop terminal; the on-board terminal acquiring the update status of the display data for each bus stop terminal; and the server acquiring the update status from the on-board terminal.

[0008] According to the above distribution method, the display data can be distributed to the bus stop terminal and managed without using a mobile communication network.

[0009] Prior to distributing the display data to a bus stop terminal, the vehicle-mounted terminal may obtain information relating to the display data stored in the bus stop terminal from the bus stop terminal, and if the same display data as the display data to be distributed is not stored in the bus stop terminal, may perform wireless transmission of the display data.

[0010] By obtaining display data information prior to distribution, duplicate distribution of display data is prevented, contributing to power saving and reduction in communication data volume at bus stop terminals.

[0011] The display data may include timetable information indicating the scheduled time when a bus departs from a bus stop, and information indicating the timing at which the timetable information should be displayed.

[0012] Based on the display timing information, the bus stop terminal can display a timetable, for example, when the schedule is revised.

[0013] When distributing the display data to one bus stop terminal, the vehicle-mounted terminal may also wirelessly transmit additional information to be displayed on the one bus stop terminal in association with the timetable information.

[0014] The bus stop terminal can display information related to the timetable based on the additional information.

[0015] The additional information may include a notice of a revision of the timetable information.

[0016] Bus stop terminals can provide advance notice of timetable changes based on the additional information.

[0017] The server may notify the vehicle-mounted terminal of a distribution priority for the display data and the additional information, and the vehicle-mounted terminal may execute distribution in accordance with the priority.

[0018] The display data can be distributed more reliably or earlier than the additional information and managed more strictly, while the additional information can be managed more loosely than the display data.

[0019] The vehicle-mounted terminal may determine whether or not the display data needs to be distributed to the bus stop terminal by communication using a first wireless communication method, and if distribution is necessary, may perform the distribution using a second wireless communication method that consumes more power than the first wireless communication method.

[0020] If the delivery of the display data to a bus stop terminal is not completed through communication using a first wireless communication method, the vehicle-mounted terminal may transmit the display data to the bus stop terminal using a second wireless communication method having a different radio wave reachability range.

[0021] This increases the reliability of delivery even when the bus is approaching the bus stop for a short period of time or when the amount of data is large.

[0022] The display data includes information indicating the timing at which the timetable indicated by the display data should be displayed on the bus stop terminal, and if distribution of the display data to a bus stop terminal has not been completed a predetermined period of time before the timing, the display data may be transmitted to the bus stop terminal using the second wireless communication method.

[0023] When the time to display the timetable is approaching, the reliability of delivery can be increased.

[0024] When a first bus and a second bus are located within a predetermined distance, the update status acquired by a first vehicle-mounted terminal installed on the first bus may be wirelessly transmitted to a second vehicle-mounted terminal installed on the second bus.

[0025] Since buses will be able to share information with each other, on-board terminals will be able to obtain updated information without going through a server, reducing duplicate distribution.

[0026] When the in-vehicle terminal acquires the update status of the display data for a bus stop terminal, the in-vehicle terminal may further acquire the operating status of the bus stop terminal, and the server may further acquire the acquired operating status.

[0027] The status of bus stops, such as breakdowns and malfunctions, can be managed without using a mobile communication network.

[0028] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a system for realizing the above method, and a server and an in-vehicle terminal that constitute the system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to appropriately manage the distribution of display data to bus stop terminals without using a mobile communication network. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a timetable distribution system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a sales office terminal. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a method of transmitting information between a sales office terminal and an in-vehicle terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an in-vehicle terminal. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a bus stop terminal. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a sales office terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an in-vehicle terminal. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a bus stop terminal. [Figure 9] 3 is a sequence chart illustrating a timetable distribution method in a timetable distribution system. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of distribution data. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a bus stop terminal, such as a timetable. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a revised timetable on a bus stop terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] 1. Configuration FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a timetable distribution system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A timetable distribution system 10 executes a timetable distribution method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The timetable distribution system 10 includes a cloud server 11, a business office terminal 12, an in-vehicle terminal 13, and a bus stop terminal 14. The business office terminal 12 is installed at a bus business office, the in-vehicle terminal 13 is mounted on a bus, and the bus stop terminal 14 is installed at a bus stop (bus stop). In this example, multiple business office terminals 12 are provided for one cloud server 11. Also, in this example, multiple in-vehicle terminals 13 and multiple bus stop terminals 14 are provided for one business office terminal 12.

[0032] The bus stop terminal 14 displays timetables and the like at bus stops. When the bus passes through each stop, each on-board terminal 13 distributes timetable data showing the timetable (operation plan) to the bus stop terminal 14 at each stop. Each on-board terminal 13 also collects the update status of the timetable data at each bus stop terminal 14. In this example, each on-board terminal 13 also collects the operating status of each bus stop terminal 14. Note that the "update status" is a concept that also includes the distribution status when information is distributed for the first time.

[0033] In this example, the business office terminal 12 is functionally integrated with the cloud server 11 and functions as an example of a server in the present disclosure. That is, the business office terminal 12 and the cloud server 11 manage bus operation information. Specifically, they manage the distribution of display data related to information to be displayed on each bus stop terminal 14. The display data may include information (timetable data) on the arrival and departure times of buses at and from bus stops where each bus stop terminal 14 is located, as well as various information to be presented to users using the bus stop. Note that the business office terminal 12 and the cloud server 11 may manage not only information for the bus stop terminal 14, but also information related to bus operation (destinations and routes) to be sent to the vehicle-mounted terminal 13, and information on the bus's travel history (such as the time of stopping at each bus stop and the number of passengers boarding and alighting) received from the vehicle-mounted terminal 13. For example, the business office terminal 12 is responsible for management on a business office basis, and the cloud server 11 is responsible for management across multiple business offices. In this example, the business office terminal 12 and the cloud server 11 also manage the operating status of each bus stop terminal 14 (for example, whether or not a malfunction or problem has occurred).

[0034] The cloud server 11 and each business office terminal 12 communicate with each other via a communication network such as the Internet. In this example, the business office terminal 12 and each in-vehicle terminal 13 can communicate information with each other via both a direct communication path via wireless communication and an indirect communication path described below. Each in-vehicle terminal 13 and each bus stop terminal 14 can communicate with each other wirelessly. In this example, the in-vehicle terminal 13 and the bus stop terminal 14 can communicate with each other wirelessly using a first wireless communication method in which the radio wave has a relatively short reach and a second wireless communication method in which the radio wave has a relatively long reach. In this example, the in-vehicle terminals 13 can communicate with each other wirelessly.

[0035] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the business office terminal 12. The functional configuration described below is a functional configuration in which the business office terminal 12 and the cloud server 11 are functionally integrated, but for convenience of explanation, it will be described here as the functional configuration of the business office terminal 12. In this example, the business office terminal 12 has a memory unit 210, an output unit 220, an acquisition unit 230, a display unit 240, and an input unit 250.

[0036] In this example, the storage unit 210 stores distribution data 211, a distribution list 212, update status data 213, and bus stop status data 214. The distribution data 211 is distributed to each bus stop terminal 14 and is data related to the content of information displayed on the bus stop terminal 14 and other display-related data at the bus stop terminal, including timetable data. The distribution list 212 is a list of bus stop terminals 14 to which the distribution data 211 should be distributed (i.e., a list of bus stops). In the following explanation, there are cases where no distinction is made between a bus stop and the bus stop terminal 14 installed at that bus stop. The update status data 213 is data that indicates the update status of the distribution data 211 by the update status of the distribution data at each bus stop terminal 14. The update status includes, for example, version information of the distribution data stored in each bus stop terminal 14, and information on the success or failure of the process of updating the distribution data. In short, this data may be generated based on a log of communication (including records of communication not being (normally) performed) between the in-vehicle terminal 13 and each bus stop terminal 14. The bus stop status data 214 indicates the operating status of each bus stop terminal 14.

[0037] The output unit 220 has a function of outputting the distribution data 211 and the distribution list 212 to the bus onboard terminal 13. The acquisition unit 230 has a function of acquiring the update status data 213 and the bus stop status data 214 from the bus onboard terminal 13.

[0038] 3 is a diagram showing a method of transmitting information between the office terminal 12 and the in-vehicle terminal 13. In this example, the office terminal 12 and the in-vehicle terminal 13 can use both a direct information transmission method via wireless communication and an indirect information transmission method via the safe 32 of the fare box 31 for transmitting information. For the direct information transmission method via wireless communication, for example, a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) communication method is used.

[0039] A detachable safe 32 is attached to the fare box 31 installed on the bus. This safe 32 is equipped with a memory that can read and write information, and the fare box 31 is provided with an access terminal for accessing the memory of the safe 32. By attaching the safe 32 to the fare box 31, the bus's on-board terminal 13 can access the memory of the safe 32 via the fare box 31. In addition, a storage shelf is installed at the business office where the safe 32 is placed to unlock the safe 32, and this storage shelf is also provided with an access terminal. By placing the safe 32 on the storage shelf, the business office terminal 12 can access the memory of the safe 32 via the storage shelf. Therefore, the business office terminal 12 and the on-board terminal 13 can indirectly communicate information with each other via the memory of the safe 32. Specifically, as will be described later, the on-board terminal 13 outputs update status data 313 and bus stop status data 314 to the business office terminal 12.

[0040] Returning to Figure 2, the output unit 220 and acquisition unit 230 of the business office terminal 12 can use both a direct information transmission method via wireless communication and an indirect information transmission method via the memory of the safe 32 for output and acquisition. The display unit 240 of the business office terminal 12 can display a list of the update status of the distribution data at each bus stop terminal 14, a list of the operating status of each bus stop terminal 14, etc., based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 230. Users at the business office can check and manage the status of each bus stop terminal 14 using these lists. The input unit 250 receives input of distribution data 211 and the like and stores it in the memory unit 210. In this example, the input unit 250 also has the function of receiving input of an editing operation for editing a timetable, etc., included in the distribution data 211, and editing the timetable.

[0041] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the in-vehicle terminal 13. In this example, the in-vehicle terminal 13 has a storage unit 310, an output unit 320, and an acquisition unit 330. Similar to the storage unit 210 of the office terminal 12, the storage unit 310 stores distribution data 311, a distribution list 312, update status data 313, and bus stop status data 314. The update status indicated by the update status data 313 stored in the storage unit 310 of the in-vehicle terminal 13 includes, for example, "success" indicating that the update of the distribution data was successful, "failure" indicating that the update of the distribution data was unsuccessful, and "no update" indicating that the update process of the distribution data was not performed. The update status of "no update" indicates, for example, a situation in which the latest distribution data has already been distributed to the bus stop terminal 14 and no duplicate distribution was performed.

[0042] The output unit 320 of the on-board terminal 13 has a function to output information to the outside. In this example, the output unit 320 includes a function to output distribution data 311 to the bus stop terminal 14, a function to output update status data 313 and bus stop status data 314 to the business office terminal 12, and a function to output the update status data 313 and bus stop status data 314 to the on-board terminals 13 of other buses. The acquisition unit 330 of the on-board terminal 13 has a function to acquire information from the outside. In this example, the acquisition unit 330 includes a function to acquire update status and bus stop status information from the bus stop terminal 14, a function to acquire distribution data 311 and distribution list 312 from the business office terminal 12, and a function to acquire update status data 313 and bus stop status data 314 from the on-board terminals 13 of other buses. As will be described later, methods for acquiring information on the update status and bus stop status from the bus stop terminal 14 include acquiring the information as update status data 313 and bus stop status data 314, as well as acquiring the update status data 313 and / or bus stop status data 314 based on the results of communication (including cases where communication has been attempted but failed) between the bus stop terminal 14 and the in-vehicle terminal 13. In this case, the update status and the status of the bus stop terminal 14 are determined on the in-vehicle terminal 13 side, and the update status data 313 and / or bus stop status data 314 are generated on the in-vehicle terminal 13 side, thereby acquiring the update status data 313 and the bus stop status data 314.

[0043] 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the bus stop terminal 14. The bus stop terminal 14 has a memory unit 410, an output unit 420, an acquisition unit 430, a display unit 440, and a timer 450. The memory unit 410 stores distribution data 411. In this example, the distribution data 411 includes a timetable file 412, a notice information file 413, a reference URL file 414, and an other information file 415. The timetable file 412 is a file of timetable data that indicates a timetable, and includes schedule information 416 and revision date information 417.

[0044] The bus schedule information 416 is information indicating the scheduled departure times of buses from bus stops where the bus stop terminal 14 is installed. The bus schedule information 416 may indicate the scheduled departure times using characters or numbers, or may be displayed as an image of a timetable with the scheduled departure times written on it. The revision date information 417 is information indicating the date of revision of the timetable and indicates when the timetable will be displayed at the bus stop. The notice information file 413, the reference URL file 414, and the other information file 415 are examples of additional information attached to the timetable file 412. The notice information file 413 is a file of information indicating notices, etc., for notifying users of the bus stop in advance of timetable revisions. The reference URL file 414 is a file of information indicating, for example, the URL of a website owned by a bus operating company. The URL information may indicate the URL using, for example, a character string, or an image such as a QR (Quick Response) code (registered trademark). The other information file 415 is a file of, for example, route information.

[0045] The output unit 420 of the bus stop terminal 14 has a function of outputting information to the bus onboard terminal 13. In this example, the information output to the onboard terminal 13 includes information indicating the update results of the distribution data 411 and information indicating the status of the bus stop terminal 14. The information indicating the update results of the distribution data 411 is compiled as update status data 313 in the bus onboard terminal 13. The acquisition unit 430 has a function of acquiring the distribution data 411 from the bus onboard terminal 13. In this example, the acquisition unit 430 stores the acquired distribution data 411 in the storage unit 410. The display unit 440 has a function of displaying a timetable, a revision notice, and a URL on, for example, electronic paper, based on the distribution data 411. The display unit 440 displays the timetable at a timing based on the date and time indicated by the timer 450 and the revision date information 417.

[0046] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the business office terminal 12. In this example, the business office terminal 12 is a computer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, memory 202, storage 203, input device 204, display device 205, wireless communication IF (interface) 206, and wired communication IF 207, and includes, for example, a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer. The CPU 201 is a processor that performs various calculations according to programs. The memory 202 is a main storage device that functions as a work area when the CPU 201 executes a program, and includes, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage 203 is an auxiliary storage device that stores various data and programs, and includes, for example, an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The input device 204 is a device for inputting information to the business office terminal 12, and includes, for example, a touch screen, a keyboard, a mouse, or a pointing device. The display device 205 is a device that displays information, and includes, for example, an organic electroluminescence (EL) display or a liquid crystal display. The wireless communication IF 206 is a device that communicates with the on-board terminal 13 of the bus using, for example, a Wi-Fi communication system. The wired communication IF 207 is a device that accesses the safe 32 of the fare box 31.

[0047] In this example, the programs stored in storage 203 include a program (hereinafter referred to as a "server program") for causing a computer to function as a server in timetable distribution system 10. When CPU 201 is executing the server program, CPU 201, memory 202, storage 203, input device 204, display device 205, wireless communication IF 206, and wired communication IF 207 are examples of functions for causing a computer to operate as business office terminal 12.

[0048] 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the in-vehicle terminal 13. The in-vehicle terminal 13 is a computer having a CPU 301, memory 302, storage 303, wired communication IF 304, first wireless communication IF 305, and second wireless communication IF 306, and includes, for example, a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer. The CPU 301, memory 302, and storage 303 of the in-vehicle terminal 13 are similar to the CPU 201, memory 202, and storage 203 of the office terminal 12, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. The wired communication IF 304 is a device that accesses the safe 32 of the toll box 31. The first wireless communication IF 305 is a device that communicates with other devices using, for example, a Wi-Fi communication method, and the second wireless communication IF 306 is a device that communicates with other devices using, for example, a Wi-Fi Halo communication method. The first wireless communication IF 305 and the second wireless communication IF 306 may support any communication standard, such as modulation method, radio wave profile (such as frequency band), power consumption, etc., as long as they differ in at least one of these specifications. For example, the first wireless communication IF 305 supports a communication standard using 5 GHz or 2.4 GHz, and the second wireless communication IF 306 supports a communication standard using the 920 MHz band.

[0049] In this example, the wired communication IF 304 and the first wireless communication IF 305 are used to transmit information with the office terminal 12. In this example, the first wireless communication IF 305 and the second wireless communication IF 306 are used to communicate with the bus stop terminal 14. Communication using the first wireless communication IF 305 and the second wireless communication IF 306 is communication that does not go through mobile communication network facilities (such as base stations or exchanges) for 3G, 4G, or 5G, and one or more on-board terminals 13 directly connect to one or more bus stop terminals 14 to exchange information when they are located within radio wave reach. Note that a direct connection includes not only a case where one on-board terminal 13 is connected to only one bus stop terminal, but also a case where one on-board terminal 13 is connected to only two or more bus stop terminals simultaneously. Furthermore, the Wi-Fi communication method is an example of a first wireless communication method, and the Wi-Fi Halow communication method is an example of a second wireless communication method having a wider radio wave reachability range than the first wireless communication method. In this example, the second wireless communication IF 306 is also used for communication with the on-board terminal 13 of another bus.

[0050] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the bus stop terminal 14. The bus stop terminal 14 is, for example, a smart bus stop, and includes a CPU 401, a memory 402, a storage 403, a power supply 404, a display device 405, a first wireless communication IF 406, and a second wireless communication IF 407. The CPU 401, the memory 402, and the storage 403 are similar to the CPU 201, the memory 202, and the storage 203 of the service center terminal 12, and therefore their description will be omitted. The power supply 404 includes, for example, a solar panel and a battery, and supplies power to each component within the bus stop terminal 14. The display device 405 includes, for example, electronic paper, and displays a timetable, etc. The first wireless communication IF 406 and the second wireless communication IF 407 are similar to the first wireless communication IF 305 and the second wireless communication IF 306 of the in-vehicle terminal 13, and are used for communication with the in-vehicle terminal 13. The configuration of the timetable distribution system 10 has been described above. Next, the operation of the timetable distribution system 10 will be described.

[0051] 2.Operation FIG. 9 is a sequence chart illustrating a timetable distribution method in the timetable distribution system 10. FIG. 9 shows the operations of the office terminal 12, the on-board terminals 13 of the multiple buses, and the bus stop terminal 14. When distinguishing between the on-board terminals 13 of the multiple buses, one will be referred to as on-board terminal 13A and the other as on-board terminal 13B, as shown in FIG. 9. In step S101, distribution data is transmitted from the office terminal 12 to the on-board terminal 13A of the bus that departs the office first among the multiple buses. A distribution list indicating the destinations of the data is attached to the transmitted distribution data. The transmission of the distribution data in step S101 may be performed either by direct wireless transmission or indirectly via the memory of the safe 32.

[0052] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of distribution data. Distribution data 500 shown in FIG. 10 is data equivalent to distribution data 211, 311, and 411 shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5. Distribution data 500 includes overall distribution data 510 distributed to all bus stops, business office distribution data 520 distributed for each business office, and bus stop data 530 distributed for each bus stop. Version information is added to each of overall distribution data 510, business office distribution data 520, and bus stop data 530, and the version information of the distributed data is managed by timetable distribution system 10. Note that in this example, there are multiple operators and they are managed by each business office, but there may be only one business office. In this case, overall distribution data 510 will be substantially the same as business office distribution data 520.

[0053] The distribution list 212 of the business office terminal 12 contains information indicating the business office distribution data 520 that is distributed in common to all bus stops under the jurisdiction of the business office of the business office terminal 12, out of the business office distribution data 520. The distribution list 212 of the business office terminal 12 also contains information indicating which bus stop data 530 is to be distributed to which bus stop under the jurisdiction of the business office. On the other hand, the distribution list 312 transmitted to and stored in the bus onboard terminal 13 together with the distribution data 500 contains information indicating which bus stop data 530 is to be distributed to which bus stop located on the bus route, and bus stops to which the latest version of stop data 530 has already been distributed are excluded from the distribution list 312.

[0054] Returning to FIG. 9, in step S102, a bus heads toward a bus stop according to a predetermined operation plan. The on-board terminal 13A checks the distribution list to see if distribution to that bus stop is necessary. If the bus is located within a predetermined distance from the bus stop and it is determined by referring to the distribution list that distribution to that bus stop is necessary, in step S103 the on-board terminal 13A requests the bus stop terminal 14 for the version of the distribution data stored in the bus stop terminal 14. In step S104, the bus stop terminal 14 transmits the ID of the bus stop terminal 14 and the version of the distribution data to the on-board terminal 13A.

[0055] In step S105, the on-board terminal 13A checks whether the version of the distribution data stored in the bus stop terminal 14 is the latest version stored in the on-board terminal 13A. If the latest version is not stored in the bus stop terminal 14, the latest version of the distribution data is transmitted from the on-board terminal 13A to the bus stop terminal 14 in step S106. Although a bus stop included in the distribution list is a bus stop to which the latest version of the distribution data has not been transmitted according to the management data, it is possible that, for example, another bus has already transmitted distribution data to the bus stop terminal 14 and updated it to the latest version. Even in such a case, duplicate distribution is prevented by checking the version of the data held by the bus stop terminal 14 as described above. As a result, power consumption in the bus stop terminal 14 is reduced. When the bus stop terminal 14 has completed receiving the distribution data, in step S107 the bus stop terminal 14 notifies the on-board terminal 13A of the completion of reception by transmitting an ACK (ACKnowledgement) signal. Upon receiving this notification, the in-vehicle terminal 13A records the update status of the distribution data at the bus stop terminal 14 as, for example, the latest "XX version" and "success" in the update status data 313. Note that the in-vehicle terminal 13A may receive the update status from the bus stop terminal 14 in the form of update status data 313. Alternatively, the vehicle-mounted terminal 13 may first use a first wireless communication method that can be executed with relatively low power to determine whether or not distribution is necessary to a bus stop terminal 14 that is within the radio wave coverage area of ​​the first wireless communication method, and if it determines that distribution is necessary based on the information received from the bus stop terminal, it may execute distribution using a second wireless communication method that requires relatively high power.

[0056] In the above description, all communications between the in-vehicle terminal 13A and the bus stop terminal 14 in steps S103 to S107 are performed using the Wi-Fi communication method, which is the first wireless communication method. However, for example, if the bus is stopped at the bus stop for a short time or if the volume of data to be distributed is large, distribution may not be completed using the Wi-Fi communication method. For this reason, if distribution using the Wi-Fi communication method is not completed by the time the bus departs, for example, the method may switch to the Wi-Fi Halow communication method, which is the second wireless communication method, and continue or restart the distribution. This increases the reliability of distribution. Alternatively, the onboard terminal 13 may first use a first wireless communication method that requires relatively low power to determine whether or not data distribution is necessary to bus stop terminals 14 within the radio wave coverage area of ​​the first wireless communication method. If it determines that data distribution is necessary based on information received from the bus stop terminal, the onboard terminal 13 may then use a second wireless communication method that requires relatively high power. That is, the onboard terminal 13 may use the first wireless communication method to check the timetable version, and then switch to the second wireless communication method if data distribution is necessary. Furthermore, for bus stops for which data distribution has not been updated by a predetermined deadline before the timetable revision date—i.e., for bus stops for which data distribution has not been completed as of a predetermined period prior to the timetable revision date (e.g., two weeks before the timetable revision date)—the onboard terminal 13 may use the Wi-Fi Halow communication method instead of the Wi-Fi communication method to check the version information and / or distribute data. This switching of communication methods increases the reliability of data distribution and reduces the power consumption of the bus stop terminal.

[0057] Alternatively, delivery may be attempted first using the Wi-Fi Halow communication method, which is the second wireless communication method, and if any delivery is missed, delivery may be performed using the Wi-Fi communication method. In this case, one in-vehicle terminal 13 may simultaneously or intermittently deliver to multiple bus stop terminals 14. For example, one or more in-vehicle terminals 13 may attempt simultaneous or sequential delivery to multiple bus stop terminals 14 using the Wi-Fi Halow communication method for each bus stop terminal 14 for a certain period (e.g., three days). Then, the business office terminal 12 may refer to the update status data 313 to check whether there are any bus stop terminals 14 that have not yet been delivered, and, as described above, may issue instructions to in-vehicle terminals 13 located within a predetermined distance from the bus stop to deliver to the bus stop terminals 14 using a communication method such as the Wi-Fi communication method or the BLE communication method. In this way, by first attempting bulk delivery and responding individually if any delivery is missed, delivery may be completed in a short period of time depending on the location of the bus stop and the number of buses (the chances of the bus stop terminals 14 approaching the bus stop terminals 14). In other words, depending on the situation, two wireless communication methods with different radio wave coverage and other characteristics may be selected in stages and distribution may be attempted.

[0058] Transmission of distribution data from the in-vehicle terminal 13A to the bus stop terminal 14 is performed separately for each of the timetable file 412, the announcement information file 413, the reference URL file 414, and the other information file 415 shown in FIG. 5. If transmission and reception of some files included in the distribution data 411 is not completed, the remaining files are transmitted and received by a subsequent bus. Transmission and reception of the timetable file 412 is prioritized over the announcement information file 413, the reference URL file 414, and the other information file 415, ensuring more reliable distribution. Note that because version management for each file is cumbersome, a possible method is for the bus stop terminal 14 to transmit information about the distributed files along with version information to the in-vehicle terminal 13A in step S104. Note that the above-mentioned distribution method is merely an example, and the priority of the information to be distributed can be set arbitrarily. For example, the information sent from the sales office terminal 12 to the vehicle-mounted terminal 13 includes information indicating the distribution priority for each piece of information contained in the distribution data 311 (in the above example, the timetable file 412 and the accompanying information, the announcement information file 413, the reference URL file 414, and the other information file 415), and the vehicle-mounted terminal 13 determines which information to distribute preferentially based on this information.

[0059] In the communication between the on-board terminal 13A and the bus stop terminal 14 in steps S103 to S107, the on-board terminal 13A also acquires the operating status of the bus stop terminal 14. That is, the on-board terminal 13A performs a health check of the bus stop terminal 14. Because the bus stop terminal 14 may be exposed to wind and rain, it is desirable to check and manage the operating status of the bus stop terminal 14 through a health check. For this reason, a health check is periodically performed even on a bus stop terminal 14 whose distribution data has been updated to the latest version. Specifically, for example, information self-checked within the bus stop terminal 14 may be wirelessly transmitted from the bus stop terminal 14 to the on-board terminal 13A in the form of bus stop status data 314. Possible self-checks within the bus stop terminal 14 include checking for defects or malfunctions in the battery, solar panel, electronic paper, or the like. Alternatively, as a specific health check, the on-board terminal 13A may determine that the bus stop terminal 14 is malfunctioning if the bus stop terminal 14 does not respond to a request from the on-board terminal 13A, and record this in the bus stop status data 314.

[0060] In step S108, the distribution data is transmitted from the office terminal 12 to the on-board terminal 13B of the bus that departs the office later among the multiple buses. When the later bus leaves the office, the distribution data has already been updated by the earlier bus in the bus stop terminal 14, but the update status has not yet reached the office terminal 12, so the distribution list attached to the distribution data also includes the bus stops to which the distribution has already been sent. Thereafter, for example, if the earlier bus and the later bus that have turned back from the terminus approach each other and are located within a predetermined distance, in step S109, the update status and operating status of the bus stop terminal 14 are shared between the on-board terminals 13 via wireless communication. The earlier bus and the later bus are examples of the first bus and the second bus in the present disclosure, and the on-board terminal 13A of the earlier bus and the on-board terminal 13B of the later bus are examples of the first on-board terminal and the second on-board terminal in the present disclosure.

[0061] In this example, wireless communication between the on-board terminals 13 is performed using the Wi-Fi Halow communication method. When sharing the update status and operating status, the on-board terminals 13 transmit and receive information to each other, and Fig. 9 shows that the update status and operating status of the bus stop terminal 14, whose distribution data has been updated by the earlier bus, are passed to the later bus in step S109. Regarding the information shared between the on-board terminals 13, for example, in the case of the update status, the newer version overwrites the older version, and in the case of the operating status, the newer version when the operating status was acquired at the bus stop overwrites the older version.

[0062] In step S110, a later bus approaches the bus stop, and the in-vehicle terminal 13B checks whether distribution is necessary based on the distribution list, etc. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the bus stop is included in the distribution list, but since it can be confirmed that the bus stop has been updated based on the update status shared with the earlier bus, it is determined that distribution is unnecessary, and the in-vehicle terminal 13B does not perform wireless communication with the bus stop terminal 14. By checking whether distribution is necessary based on the distribution list and the update status, unnecessary distribution and communication are suppressed, and power consumption at the bus stop terminal 14 is suppressed.

[0063] In step S111, the first bus returns to the office, and the update status data 313 and bus stop status data 314 are transmitted from the in-vehicle terminal 13A to the office terminal 12, and the update status and operating status are reported. In step S112, the second bus returns to the office, and the update status and operating status are similarly reported. As a result, the office terminal 12 collects the update status and operating status at each bus stop via each bus. The office terminal 12 adjusts the distribution list based on the collected update status and operating status. Furthermore, the office plans maintenance of the bus stop terminal 14 based on the collected operating status.

[0064] In step S113, the bus stop terminal 14 checks the current date and time using the timer 450 and determines whether it is time to display the latest timetable. When it is time to display the latest timetable, in step S114 the bus stop terminal 14 changes the display to display the predetermined timetable according to the set posting period.

[0065] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a display screen of a bus stop terminal 14, such as a timetable. In this example, a bus stop name 610, a QR code (registered trademark) 620, a timetable 630, a timetable excerpt 640, and a route map 650 are displayed on a display screen 600 of the bus stop terminal 14. The QR code 620 indicates, for example, a URL linking to the website of a bus operating company or a URL of a site providing bus operation information, and is displayed based on a reference URL file 414 included in the distribution data 411. Bus users can easily obtain operation information by scanning the QR code 620 with a smartphone or the like. The timetable 630 lists scheduled bus departure times represented by the schedule information 416 included in the distribution data 411. Because the update status of the distribution data 411 is managed, the latest timetable 630 is displayed on the display screen 600. The timetable excerpt 640 indicates the nearest scheduled departure times among the scheduled departure times listed in the timetable 630.

[0066] Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a revised timetable on the bus stop terminal 14. When a timetable is revised, advance notice is given before the revision. That is, the display screen 700 displays the current pre-revision timetable 710, as well as the revised timetable 720, and also displays a notice 730 announcing the revision. Then, when the revision date arrives, the pre-revision timetable 710 is removed from the display, and only the latest revised timetable 720 is displayed, and information other than the timetable 720 is also displayed in the same way as the display screen 600 in Figure 11.

[0067] As described above, the timetable distribution system 10 shown in Fig. 1 can manage the timetables for each bus stop. Therefore, a predetermined timetable is displayed at each bus stop for a set posting period.

[0068] [Variations] The above-described embodiment may be modified in various ways within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Examples of such modifications are shown below. These modifications may also be combined as appropriate.

[0069] (1) Distribution from the in-vehicle terminal 13 to the bus stop terminal 14 In the above example, information delivery to each bus stop terminal 14 is performed by a single onboard terminal 13 approaching that bus stop terminal 14, and one onboard terminal 13 may simultaneously or intermittently deliver information to multiple bus stop terminals 14. For example, one or more onboard terminals 13 may attempt delivery to each bus stop terminal 14 for a certain period (e.g., three days) using a communication method with a relatively wide radio wave reach, such as WiFi-Halow. The business office terminal 12 may then refer to the update status data 313 to check whether there are any bus stop terminals 14 to which delivery has not yet been made, and, for those bus stop terminals 14 to which delivery has not yet been made, may issue instructions to onboard terminals 13 located within a predetermined distance from the bus stop, as described above, to deliver information to those bus stop terminals 13 using a communication method with a relatively short radio wave reach, such as WiFi or BLE. In this way, by first attempting to deliver information in bulk and then responding individually if any delivery is missed, delivery may be completed in a short period of time depending on the location of the bus stop and the number of buses (the chances of buses approaching the bus stop terminal 14).

[0070] (2) Server In the above-described embodiment, the business office terminal 12 is functionally integrated with the cloud server 11 and functions as an example of a server in the present disclosure, but the server in the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the business office terminal 12 may simply act as a communication intermediary, with the cloud server 11 acquiring and managing the update status from the in-vehicle terminal 13. Alternatively, the cloud server 11 may only be responsible for setting the latest distribution data in the business office terminal 12, with the acquisition and management of the update status being performed by the business office terminal 12. Furthermore, the cloud server 11 may not exist, and the timetable distribution system 10 may be configured on a business office basis, for example, by the business office terminal 12, the in-vehicle terminal 13, and the bus stop terminal 14.

[0071] (3) Information transmission between the sales office terminal 12 and the in-vehicle terminal 13 In the above-described embodiment, the business office terminal 12 and the on-board terminal 13 are capable of direct wireless information transmission and indirect information transmission via the fare box safe, but information transmission between the business office terminal 12 and the on-board terminal 13 is not limited to this. For example, only direct wireless information transmission may be possible, or only indirect information transmission via the fare box safe may be possible. In other words, the on-board terminal 13 requires wireless communication to communicate with the bus stop terminal 14, but wireless communication is not required for the business office terminal 12. Furthermore, wireless communication between the business office terminal 12 and the on-board terminal 13 is not limited to the Wi-Fi communication method. The wireless communication between the business office terminal 12 and the on-board terminal 13 may be, for example, the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication method or the Wi-Fi Halo communication method.

[0072] (4) Obtaining update status In the above-described embodiment, the on-board terminal 13 of a bus can obtain update status information directly from the bus stop terminal 14 and indirectly via the on-board terminals 13 of other buses. However, the method for determining the update status is not limited to this. For example, the on-board terminal 13 may only be able to obtain update status information directly from the bus stop terminal 14. Alternatively, the on-board terminal 13 of some buses, such as buses in transit, may only be able to obtain update status information indirectly via the on-board terminals 13 of other buses. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the specific content of the update status includes update status information indicating whether the distribution data update was successful or unsuccessful and the version of the updated distribution data. However, the update status is not limited to this. For example, the on-board terminal 13 may also include version information of the distribution data collected by the on-board terminal 13 from the bus stop terminal 14 at a timing separate from the timing of the distribution data update. In short, the on-board terminal 13 may determine the status of information distribution to the bus stop terminal 14 based on communication (including cases where communication was not performed normally) between the on-board terminal 13 and the bus stop terminal 14 and the on-board terminal 13 or an on-board terminal installed on another bus.

[0073] (5) Version information of the distribution data In the above-described embodiment, the version information of the distribution data is attached to the overall distribution data, the distribution data for each office, and the distribution data for each bus stop, but this is not limited to this. For example, only one version information may be attached to the entire distribution data, or version information may be attached to each of the timetable file 412, the notice information file 413, the reference URL file 414, and the other information file 415 shown in FIG. 5.

[0074] (6) First wireless communication system and second wireless communication system In the above-described embodiment, the first wireless communication method and the second wireless communication method are exemplified as a Wi-Fi communication method and a Wi-Fi Halow communication method, but are not limited thereto. For example, the first wireless communication method and the second wireless communication method may be a BLE communication method and a Wi-Fi communication method.

[0075] (7) In the above-described embodiment, the information that the in-vehicle terminal 13 acquires from the bus stop terminal 14 before distributing the distribution data is, for example, version information of the distribution data, but is not limited to this. The in-vehicle terminal 13 may acquire any information from the bus stop terminal 14, such as the distribution date, serial number, file size, etc., as long as it is information that can confirm the identity of the distribution data.

[0076] (8) Bus stop terminal The bus stop terminal 14 is not limited to a device implemented as an integrated hardware device, but may be configured by connecting multiple devices with some functional modules implemented as independent hardware devices. For example, a general-purpose electronic paper may be used as the display unit 440, and a single hardware device may be constructed with the remaining functional modules, namely, the memory unit 410, the output unit 420, the acquisition unit 430, and the timer 450, and a signal for controlling the display may be supplied to this electronic paper as an external display device. (9) Other The various programs executed by CPU201, CPU301, CPU401, etc. may be provided by downloading via a network such as the Internet, or may be provided in a state recorded on a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as a DVD-ROM. Note that each processor may be, for example, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) instead of a CPU. In short, the present invention provides a system having a server that manages bus operation information, an on-board terminal installed on the bus, and multiple bus stop terminals installed at bus stops that display timetables. The system performs the following steps: the on-board terminal acquires display data related to the information to be displayed on each bus stop terminal from the server; the on-board terminal wirelessly transmits the display data to each bus stop terminal; the on-board terminal acquires update status information for each bus stop terminal; and the server acquires the update status information from the on-board terminal. Here, the terms "bus" and "bus stop" do not matter in terms of the vehicle definition, specifications, mode of operation, or purpose. In other words, they may be interpreted as "means of transportation" and "bus stop" (places where passengers get on and off), respectively. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 10...timetable distribution system, 11...cloud server, 12...business office terminal, 13...in-vehicle terminal, 14...bus stop terminal, 31...fare box, 32...safe, 201, 301, 401...CPU, 202, 302, 402...memory, 203, 303, 403...storage, 204...input device, 205, 405...display device, 206...wireless communication IF, 207, 304...wired communication IF, 210, 310...storage unit, 211, 311, 411, 500...distribution data, 212, 321...distribution list, 213, 313...update status data, 214, 314...bus stop status data, 220, 320...output unit, 230, 330...acquisition unit, 240, 440...Display unit, 250...Input unit, 305, 406...First wireless communication IF, 306, 407...Second wireless communication IF, 404...Power supply, 412...Timetable file, 413...Announcement information file, 414...Reference URL file, 415...Other information files, 416...Timetable information, 417...Revision date information, 450...Timer, 510...Overall distribution data, 520...Office distribution data, 530...Stop data, 600, 700...Bus stop terminal display screen, 610...Bus stop name, 620...QR code, 630...Timetable, 640...Timetable excerpt, 650...Route map, 710...Timetable before revision, 720...Timetable after revision

Claims

1. A system having an on-board terminal installed on a bus, a plurality of bus stop terminals installed at each bus stop to display information, and a server that manages display data relating to the information displayed on each bus stop terminal, the in-vehicle terminal acquiring the display data from the server; wirelessly transmitting the display data from the in-vehicle terminal to each bus stop terminal; a step in which the in-vehicle terminal acquires an update status of display data for each bus stop terminal; the server acquiring the update status from the in-vehicle terminal; Delivery method with.

2. the in-vehicle terminal acquires, from the one bus stop terminal, information relating to the display data stored in the one bus stop terminal, before distributing the display data to the one bus stop terminal; If the same display data as the display data to be distributed is not stored in the one bus stop terminal, wireless transmission of the display data is executed. The distribution method according to claim 1 .

3. The display data includes timetable information indicating the scheduled time when a bus departs from a bus stop, and information indicating the timing at which the timetable information should be displayed. The distribution method according to claim 1 .

4. When distributing the display data to one bus stop terminal, the in-vehicle terminal further wirelessly transmits supplementary information to be displayed on the one bus stop terminal in association with the timetable information. The distribution method according to claim 3.

5. The supplementary information includes a notice of revision of the timetable information. The distribution method according to claim 4.

6. the server notifies the in-vehicle terminal of a distribution priority of the display data and the auxiliary information; The in-vehicle terminal executes distribution according to the priority. The distribution method according to claim 4.

7. The vehicle-mounted terminal determines whether or not it is necessary to distribute the display data to the one bus stop terminal through communication using a first wireless communication method, and if distribution is necessary, executes the distribution using a second wireless communication method that consumes more power than the first wireless communication method. The distribution method according to claim 1 .

8. When the delivery of the display data to the one bus stop terminal by communication using the first wireless communication method is not completed, the vehicle-mounted terminal transmits the display data to the one bus stop terminal by using a second wireless communication method having a different radio wave reachable range. The distribution method according to claim 1 .

9. the display data includes information indicating the timing at which the timetable indicated by the display data should be displayed on the bus stop terminal; If distribution of the display data to one bus stop terminal has not been completed at a time point a predetermined period before the timing, the display data is transmitted to the one bus stop terminal using the second wireless communication method. The distribution method according to claim 8.

10. When a first bus and a second bus are located within a predetermined distance, a first in-vehicle terminal provided on the first bus wirelessly transmits the update status acquired by the first in-vehicle terminal to a second in-vehicle terminal provided on the second bus. The distribution method according to claim 1 .

11. When the in-vehicle terminal acquires an update status of the display data to one bus stop terminal, the in-vehicle terminal further acquires an operating status of the one bus stop terminal; The server further acquires the acquired operating state. The distribution method according to claim 1 .

12. The system comprises a server that manages display data relating to information to be displayed on a plurality of bus stop terminals installed at each bus stop, and an on-board terminal installed on the bus, The in-vehicle terminal means for acquiring the display data from the server; means for wirelessly transmitting the display data from the in-vehicle terminal to each bus stop terminal; means for acquiring an update status of the display data for each bus stop terminal; and The server has a means for acquiring the update status from the in-vehicle terminal. Delivery system.

13. An on-board terminal provided on a bus, means for acquiring display data from a server that manages display data relating to information to be displayed on a plurality of bus stop terminals installed at each bus stop; means for wirelessly transmitting the display data from the in-vehicle terminal to each bus stop terminal; means for acquiring an update status of the display data for each bus stop terminal; means for transmitting the update status to the server; An in-vehicle terminal having the above configuration.

14. A server that manages display data related to information to be displayed on a plurality of bus stop terminals installed at each bus stop, means for transmitting display data relating to information to be displayed on a plurality of bus stop terminals to an on-board terminal provided on the bus; means for acquiring an update status of the display data for each bus stop terminal from the in-vehicle terminal; A server having:

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