Operation management system and method

Abstract

To determine the arrival at a bus stop preceding to a target bus stop, even when positional information from a bus cannot be acquired at around a prescribed bus stop, but when the positional information from the bus can be acquired at around a subsequent bus stop.SOLUTION: A system performs operation management by determining the arrival at a target bus stop based on positional information of a bus by setting the foremost bus stop where the bus has not arrived as the target bus stop by using the positional information of the bus. When the positional information showing that the bus has arrived at the target bus stop cannot be acquired, but when the positional information showing that the bus is at a position which is determined relative to a bus stop subsequent to the target bus stop can be acquired, the target bus stop is regarded as that the bus has already arrived so as to perform the operation management.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for managing the operation status of buses operating along routes. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a technology for determining arrival and departure of a bus at a bus stop using a positioning system such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) installed on the bus. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a method and system for monitoring the position of a running bus, which stores the latitude and longitude of a plurality of bus stops in advance and monitors the position of a running bus based on bus stop arrival position information transmitted from the running bus, which indicates that the bus has entered a predetermined area of ​​a predetermined bus stop. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-44986 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in conventional technology, the method of monitoring buses relies on bus location information, so if location information cannot be obtained, the bus's arrival at the bus stop cannot be determined, and even if the bus has actually arrived at the bus stop, the system will still show that it has not yet arrived at that bus stop.

[0005] To provide a technology for determining whether a bus has arrived at a bus stop before a predetermined bus stop when position information from the bus cannot be acquired near the predetermined bus stop and position information from the bus can be acquired near the subsequent bus stop. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One embodiment of the system uses bus location information to determine the bus's arrival at the target bus stop, which is the earliest bus stop where the bus has not yet arrived, based on the bus's location information, and manages operations.Even if location information indicating that the bus has arrived at the target bus stop has not been obtained, if location information indicating that the bus is at a specified position relative to the bus stop after the target bus stop has been obtained, the system will manage the bus as having arrived at the target bus stop.

[0007] In addition, in the bus schedule, if the current time is after the departure time of the target bus stop and location information is obtained that the bus is at a predetermined position relative to the bus stop after the target bus stop, the bus is managed as having already arrived at the target bus stop.

[0008] In addition, when location information is obtained indicating that the bus is at a predetermined position relative to a bus stop after the target bus stop, all bus stops before the target bus stop that have not yet arrived are managed as having already arrived.

[0009] The determined position is a reference position determined for one detour route identified based on the bus position information, among the reference positions determined for each of the plurality of detour route candidates.

[0010] One embodiment of the method is a method of managing operations by using bus location information to determine the bus's arrival at the target bus stop, which is the earliest bus stop where the bus has not yet arrived, based on the bus's location information.Even if location information indicating that the bus has arrived at the target bus stop has not been obtained, if location information indicating that the bus is at a specified position relative to the bus stop after the target bus stop has been obtained, the bus is managed as having arrived at the target bus stop. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, even if location information cannot be obtained from a bus near a specified bus stop, if location information can be obtained from the bus near a subsequent bus stop, it is possible to determine whether the bus has arrived at a bus stop before that bus stop. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a traffic management system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an entire bus route. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a traffic management system. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a traffic management system. [Figure 5] 10 is a flow chart showing a determination process performed by the traffic management system. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a first database relating to correspondence between flight IDs and vehicle IDs. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a second database relating to operation information of each bus. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the second database after the determination process for the target bus stop. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the second database after the determination process for the second target bus stop. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the entire route of a bus in a modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a third database relating to detours. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] 1. Configuration FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a traffic control system 1. The traffic control system 1 is a system (hereinafter referred to as the "traffic control system") that uses location information of a bus 2 to determine and manage whether the bus 2 has arrived at the nearest bus stop where the bus 2 has not yet arrived (i.e., the next bus stop where the bus is due to arrive). The traffic control system 1 has a management server 100. The management server 100 is a server that manages data used in the processing of the traffic control system 1. The management server 100 also functions as a web server that provides an application (hereinafter referred to as the "traffic information app") related to the traffic control system 1 that is accessed by a user 3 (user terminal 300). The traffic information app is an application (e.g., a mobile application) that provides traffic information such as the operation status, timetables, delay information, route search, and transfer information for public transportation such as the bus 2.

[0014] Bus 2 is a vehicle that travels along a planned route according to a travel schedule. Bus 2 has a bus terminal 200. Bus terminal 200 notifies management server 100 of its own location using location information acquisition technology based on GPS or GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). Bus terminal 200 is a device installed on bus 2. Bus terminal 200 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, or a PC (Personal Computer). Bus terminal 200 may be operated by the conductor (manager) of bus 2.

[0015] User 3 is a person who uses bus 2. User 3 has a user terminal 300. Unless otherwise specified, software for using the operation information app is installed on the user terminal 300 of each user 3. For example, user 3 uses the operation information app from the user terminal 300 to check the operation status, such as the current location, of the bus 2 that the user plans to board. User terminal 300 is a device operated by user 3. User terminal 300 is, for example, a smartphone, tablet, or PC. User terminal 300 communicates with management server 100 to display the operation information app (user screen), for example. Note that, in FIG. 1, for simplicity's sake, one bus 2 and one user 3 are shown, but there may be multiple of these.

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an entire bus route. For example, bus 2 starts from garage P and travels along route R1 to bus stops A (starting point), B, C, D, and X (end point) according to a predetermined schedule. For example, user 3 waits for bus 2 at a predetermined bus stop (e.g., bus stop C), boards bus 2 when it arrives, and disembarks at a desired bus stop (e.g., bus stop D). Furthermore, tunnel T exists between bus stops A and B on route R1 (near bus stop B). If bus 2 is in or near tunnel T, the GPS signal may be blocked by tunnel T, preventing bus terminal 200 from receiving the GPS signal. In this case, management server 100 cannot determine the current location of bus 2 and therefore cannot determine whether bus 2 has arrived at a predetermined bus stop. Similar problems may occur if there are buildings, facilities, or equipment other than tunnel T that block or obstruct GPS signals. Alternatively, location information notification may not function properly due to a malfunction of bus terminal 200.

[0017] 3 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the traffic management system 1. The management server 100 includes a communication unit 101, a storage unit 102, a current time acquisition unit 103, a determination unit 104, and an update unit 105.

[0018] The communication means 101 communicates with other devices such as the bus terminal 200 and the user terminal 300. The communication means 101 acquires, for example, information about buses (hereinafter referred to as "bus information") from the bus terminal 200. The bus information is information about each bus 2. The bus information includes, for example, at least a vehicle ID and location information. The vehicle ID is a serial code assigned to each bus 2. The vehicle ID is used, for example, by the traffic control system 1 to identify each bus 2. The location information is information about the current location of each bus 2. The location information is used, for example, by the traffic control system 1 to determine whether or not the bus 2 has arrived at a target bus stop (hereinafter referred to as "arrival determination").

[0019] The storage means 102 stores various information and programs. The storage means 102 stores, for example, bus information, a first database 1021, a second database 1022, and a third database 1023. The first database 1021 is a database that stores information relating to the correspondence between flight IDs and vehicle IDs. The second database 1022 is a database that stores operation information for each flight. The third database 1023 is a database that stores information relating to detour routes.

[0020] The flight ID is a serial code assigned to each flight (operation schedule) on a specific route. The flight ID is used, for example, by the traffic management system 1 to identify which flight on that route. A detour is a backup route that is used instead when the scheduled route becomes impassable for some reason (for example, road construction, traffic accident, or weather). Detours (candidates for detours) are defined in a database such as the second database 1022. Information regarding detours is used, for example, by the traffic management system 1 to determine the arrival of a bus 2 that uses the detour.

[0021] The current time acquiring means 103 acquires information about the current time from other devices such as a GPS satellite, an NPT (Network Time Protocol) server, etc. The current time acquiring means 103 acquires the current time, for example, when storing the results or when making an arrival determination.

[0022] The determination means 104 determines the arrival of each bus 2. For example, the determination means 104 uses the location information of the bus 2 to determine whether the bus 2 has arrived at the nearest bus stop that the bus 2 has not yet arrived at. Furthermore, even if location information indicating that the bus 2 has arrived at a predetermined bus stop has not been obtained, for example, the determination means 104 determines that the bus 2 has already arrived at the bus stop when location information indicating that the bus 2 is at a position determined for the bus stop after that bus stop has been obtained.

[0023] The update means 105 updates various information stored in the storage means 102. The update means 105 updates, for example, arrival record information. The arrival record information is information about the time when the bus 2 arrives at a predetermined bus stop. The arrival record information is used, for example, by the operation control system 1 to determine arrival.

[0024] The bus terminal 200 has a communication means 201, a storage means 202, and a location information acquisition means 203. The communication means 201 communicates with other devices such as the management server 100. The communication means 201 transmits, for example, bus information about the bus to the management server 100. The storage means 202 stores various information. For example, the storage means 202 stores the vehicle ID of the bus. The location information acquisition means 203 acquires location information about the bus. The location information acquisition means 203 uses, for example, a location information acquisition technology based on GPS or the like.

[0025] The user terminal 300 includes a communication unit 301, a storage unit 302, and a display unit 303. The communication unit 301 communicates with other devices such as the management server 100. For example, the communication unit 301 communicates with the management server 100 to obtain information for displaying the operation information app.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the traffic management system 1. The management server 100 is a computer including a processor 151, a communication IF (Interface) 152, and a memory 153. The processor 151 controls the operation of the other components of the management server 100 by executing a predetermined program stored in the memory 153. The communication IF 152 wirelessly communicates with a communication partner device. The memory 153 stores a program (hereinafter referred to as a "server program") for causing the computer to function as the management server 100 of the traffic management system 1. When the processor 151 is executing the server program, the communication IF 152 is an example of communication means 101, the processor 151 is an example of current time acquisition means 103, determination means 104, and update means 105, and the memory 153 is an example of storage means 102.

[0027] The bus terminal 200 is a computer including a processor 251, a communication IF 252, and a memory 253. The processor 251 controls the operation of the other components of the bus terminal 200 by executing a predetermined program stored in the memory 253. The communication IF 252 wirelessly communicates with a communication partner device. The memory 253 stores a program (hereinafter referred to as a "client program") for causing the computer to function as the bus terminal 200 of the traffic control system 1. The client program is, for example, a general-purpose web browser program or a dedicated application program. When the processor 251 is executing the client program, the communication IF 252 is an example of the communication means 101, the processor 251 is an example of the location information acquisition means 203, and the memory 253 is an example of the storage means 202.

[0028] The user terminal 300 is a computer including a processor 351, a communication IF 352, a memory 353, and a display 354. The processor 351 controls the operation of other components of the user terminal 300 by executing a predetermined program stored in the memory 353. The communication IF 352 wirelessly communicates with a communication partner device. The memory 353 stores a program (hereinafter referred to as an "application program") that causes the computer to function as the user terminal 300 of the traffic management system 1 (here, a traffic information application). The application program is, for example, a general-purpose web browser program or a dedicated application program. When the processor 351 is executing the application program, the communication IF 352 is an example of communication means 301, the processor 351 and the display 354 are examples of display means 303, and the memory 353 is an example of storage means 302.

[0029] 2.Operation FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing the determination process performed by the traffic management system 1. The process shown in FIG. 5 is initiated, for example, when the operator of bus 2 begins business for the day. In the following, functional elements such as communication means 101 are described as the subject of the process, which means that hardware elements such as processor 151 executing a program such as a server program execute the process in cooperation with other hardware elements. In the following example, the process performed by the traffic management system 1 at the current time (8:00) to determine the arrival of bus 2 (vehicle ID: x1) on route R1 departing from bus stop A and heading for bus stop B will be described.

[0030] First, the traffic control system 1 acquires bus information from the bus terminal 200 (step S101). Specifically, the management server 100 (communication means 101) acquires the vehicle ID and location information from the bus terminal 200 (communication means 201) and stores them in the storage means 102. In this example, the bus terminal 200 continues to send bus information to the traffic control system 1 periodically (for example, every 30 seconds) while the bus is in operation. In other words, the traffic control system 1 periodically acquires bus information independently of the processing from step S102 onwards. However, to simplify the diagram, this is shown here as one step in a series of flows.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the first database 1021 relating to the correspondence between flight IDs and vehicle IDs. The first database 1021 includes a plurality of records. Each record includes information relating to the correspondence between flight IDs and vehicle IDs. The first database 1021 is stored, for example, for each route (route R1, R2, R3, etc.). The first database 1021 includes a "flight ID" and a "vehicle ID." In the example of FIG. 6, the top record of the first database 1021 includes "flight ID: R101" and "vehicle ID: x1." This indicates that on route R1, the bus 2 assigned to the flight with flight ID R101 is the bus 2 with vehicle ID x1. Note that the first database 1021 may include other records. Also, to simplify the drawing, only information relating to "route R1" is shown in FIG. 6.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the second database 1022 related to the operation information of each bus. The second database 1022 includes multiple records. Each record includes information related to a bus on a route. The second database 1022 stores information for each "flight ID," for example. That is, if, for example, 10 buses operate on a certain route per day, a table for each of the 10 buses is stored. The second database 1022 includes bus stop attribute information and operation-related information for each of multiple bus stops at which the bus stops. The attribute information is information indicating the attributes of the bus stop, and in this example, includes the items "bus stop" and "location." The operation-related information is information indicating the operation status of the bus at that bus stop, and in this example, includes the items "scheduled departure time," "actual performance," "arrival," and "determination result."

[0033] "Location" is information about the location of each bus stop. "Location" is expressed, for example, by geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude). "Scheduled departure time" is information (timetable) about the time (departure time) when bus 2 departs from each bus stop. "Scheduled departure time" is expressed, for example, in 24-hour notation, such as "8:00" or "20:00." "Actual result" is information about the time when bus 2 actually arrived at the bus stop. For example, if bus 2 has already arrived, "Actual result" is expressed in 24-hour notation, such as "8:00" or "20:00." On the other hand, if bus 2 has not yet arrived, it is indicated by a null value ("-" in the figure). "Arrival" is information about whether bus 2 has already arrived at the bus stop. For example, if bus 2 has already arrived, "Arrival" is indicated as "Arrived," while if bus 2 has not yet arrived, it is indicated by a null value. "Determination result" is information indicating the result of the determination made by the traffic management system 1 (determination means 104). For example, if the "actual result" is a time before the "scheduled departure time," the "determination result" will be displayed as "on time." On the other hand, if the "actual result" is a time after the "scheduled departure time" (i.e., if Bus 2 is delayed), the "determination result" will show the amount of delay. Specifically, if the "scheduled departure time: 8:00" and the "actual result: 8:03" are displayed as "3 minutes (= 8:03 - 8:00) delayed." If no determination has been made, a null value will be displayed.

[0034] In the example of FIG. 7 , the top record of the second database 1022 includes "Bus Stop: A," "Location: 35.7305, 139.7476," "Scheduled Departure Time: 8:00," "Actual: 8:00," "Arrival: Completed," and "Determination Result: On Time." This indicates that bus stop A is a bus stop that bus R101 on route R1 should stop at, that bus stop A is located at 35.7305 degrees north latitude and 139.7476 degrees east longitude, that the scheduled departure time from bus stop A is 8:00, that bus 2 actually arrived at bus stop A at 8:00, that bus 2 has already arrived at bus stop A, and that bus 2 departed bus stop A on time. Note that the second database 1022 may also include other records. Also, to simplify the drawing, only information related to "Trip ID: R101" is shown in FIG. 7 .

[0035] Let us return to the flow in Figure 5 for further explanation. Prior to the following processing, the traffic management system 1 identifies the bus 2 that is the subject of the judgment. In one example, the traffic management system 1 identifies the subject bus 2 one by one from all the buses 2 under management in a predetermined order (for example, the order defined by the bus ID). In the explanation of the flow in Figure 5, "bus 2" refers to one specific bus 2 that is the subject of this judgment.

[0036] The traffic management system 1 uses the bus information and information stored in the storage means 102 to identify the earliest bus stop where bus 2 has not yet arrived (step S102). The traffic management system 1 identifies the earliest bus stop where bus 2 has not yet arrived (hereinafter referred to as the "target bus stop") from the location information and the "arrival" stored in the second database 1022. Furthermore, since "bus stop: A" in the second database 1022 has "arrival: completed" and the next "bus stop: B" has "arrival: -", the target bus stop is identified as bus stop B.

[0037] Once the target bus stop is identified, the traffic control system 1 performs an arrival determination for the target bus stop using the location information of bus 2 (step S103). In this example, the condition for the arrival determination is that the location information indicates that bus 2 is within a predetermined range (an example of a "determined location") from the target bus stop. The predetermined range is, for example, a location within a predetermined distance (e.g., a 3-meter radius) from the bus stop. That is, if the location information of bus 2 indicates a location within a 3-meter radius from the target bus stop, the management server 100 (determination means 104) determines that bus 2 has arrived at the target bus stop (step S103: YES). If it is determined that bus 2 has arrived at the target bus stop, the traffic control system 1 proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if the location information of bus 2 indicates that the location is more than a 3-meter radius from the target bus stop, the determination means 104 determines that bus 2 has not arrived at the target bus stop (step S103: NO). If it is determined that bus 2 has not arrived at the target bus stop, the traffic control system 1 proceeds to step S105.

[0038] In step S104, the traffic control system 1 updates the information in the storage means 102. Specifically, the management server 100 (update means 105) updates the value of the item "Arrival" in the row of the target bus stop in the second database 1022 from "-" to "Completed." The management server 100 (update means 105) also obtains the time at that time, and writes the obtained time in the item "Results" in the row of the target bus stop in the second database 1022. In other words, the value of the item "Results" can be said to indicate the time when bus 2 arrived at the target bus stop. The management server 100 (update means 105) also writes the determination result in the item "Determination result."

[0039] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the second database 1022 after the determination process for the target bus stop. Fig. 8 shows an example in which it is determined that bus 2 (vehicle ID: x1) has arrived at bus stop B. If the time at that time is 8:20, "Actual: 8:20", "Arrived: Completed", and "Determination result: On time" are written in the row for bus stop B in the second database 1022. In other words, the gray parts in Fig. 8 indicate data that has been updated from the state in Fig. 7.

[0040] In step S105, the traffic control system 1 determines whether the current time is later than the scheduled departure time. Specifically, the management server 100 (current time acquisition means 103) acquires the current time. The management server 100 (determination means 104) compares the acquired time with the "scheduled departure time" in the row of the target bus stop in the second database 1022 to determine whether the current time is later than the scheduled departure time. If it is determined that the current time is later than the scheduled departure time (step S105: YES), the traffic control system 1 proceeds to step S106. If it is determined that the current time is not later than (before) the scheduled departure time (step S105: NO), the traffic control system 1 returns the process to step S101 (updates the target bus 2 to the next bus 2, and repeats the same process).

[0041] In step S106, the traffic control system 1 performs an arrival determination for the bus stop after the target bus stop (hereinafter referred to as the "second target bus stop"). In this example, the condition for the arrival determination is that the location information indicates that bus 2 is within a predetermined range from the second target bus stop. The determination method is the same as that in step S103. If it is determined that bus 2 has arrived at the second target bus stop (step S106: YES), the traffic control system 1 proceeds to step S107. If it is determined that bus 2 has not arrived at the second target bus stop (step S106: NO), the traffic control system 1 returns the process to step S101 (updating the target bus 2 to the next bus 2 and repeating the same process).

[0042] In step S107, the traffic management system 1 updates the information in the storage means 102. Specifically, the management server 100 (update means 105) updates the value of the item "Arrival" in the rows for the target bus stop and the second target bus stop in the second database 1022 from "-" to "Completed." The management server 100 (update means 105) also acquires the time at that time and writes the acquired time in the item "Results" in the row for the second target bus stop in the second database 1022. In other words, the value of the item "Results" can be said to indicate the time when Bus 2 arrived at the second target bus stop. The management server 100 (update means 105) also writes the determination result in the item "Determination result."

[0043] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the second database 1022 after the determination process for the second target bus stop. FIG. 9 shows an example in which it is determined that bus 2 (vehicle ID: x1) has arrived at bus stop C. If the time at that time is 8:45, the row for bus stop B in the second database 1022 stores "Actual: -", "Arrived: Completed", and "Determination result: Unknown", while the row for bus stop C stores "Actual: 8:45", "Arrived: Completed", and "Determination result: 5 minutes delayed". In other words, the gray parts in FIG. 9 indicate data that has been updated from the state in FIG. 7.

[0044] When the processing of step S104 or step S107 is completed, the traffic control system 1 updates the target bus 2 to the next bus 2 and repeats the processing of steps S102 to S107. Here, for simplicity of the drawing, the flow is described as ending at step S104 or step S107.

[0045] According to this embodiment, even if location information cannot be obtained from a bus near a certain bus stop, if location information can be obtained from that bus near a subsequent bus stop, arrival determination can be performed at a bus stop before that bus stop, thereby improving the accuracy of operation management. Also, by providing more accurate information on the arrival time and current location of bus 2, it is possible to improve service to users (passengers).

[0046] 3. Variations The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. Two or more of the features described in the following modifications may be combined.

[0047] (1) Bulk update In the above embodiment, the bus stop (bus stop C) immediately after the target bus stop (bus stop B) was used as the second target bus stop to determine whether the bus has arrived, and the second database 1022 was updated, but the bus stops that can be updated are not limited to this. For example, when location information is obtained that indicates that bus 2 is within a predetermined range of a bus stop immediately after the target bus stop, the traffic control system 1 may manage all bus stops before the subsequent bus stop that the bus has not yet arrived at as having already arrived.

[0048] Specifically, the traffic management system 1 performs an arrival determination for the second target bus stop, and if it is determined that bus 2 has not arrived at the second target bus stop, the traffic management system 1 determines whether the current time is later than the scheduled departure time for the second target bus stop. If it is determined that the current time is later than the scheduled departure time for the second target bus stop, the traffic management system 1 performs an arrival determination for the bus stop after the second target bus stop (hereinafter referred to as the "third target bus stop"). If it is determined that bus 2 has arrived at the third target bus stop, the traffic management system 1 collectively updates the value of the "Arrival" item in the rows for the target bus stop, the second target bus stop, and the third target bus stop in the second database 1022 from "-" to "Done."

[0049] (2) Detour In the above embodiment, the determined range is a position within a predetermined distance from the target bus stop, but is not limited to this. For example, the determined position may be a reference position (or a position within a predetermined distance from the reference position) determined for one detour route identified based on the position information of bus 2, among the reference positions determined for each of multiple detour route candidates. The reference position is a position on the detour route where the arrival of bus 2 is determined. For example, the reference position is within a predetermined distance (e.g., a 3-meter radius) from a bus stop that serves as a substitute for the bus stop (hereinafter referred to as a "detour bus stop"). Specifically, if the position information of bus 2 is within a 3-meter radius from the detour bus stop, the determination means 104 determines that bus 2 has arrived at the detour bus stop. Alternatively, the reference position is not limited to being near a bus stop, but may be set to a position corresponding to a branch point of the detour route.

[0050] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of an entire route of a bus in operation in a modified example. The route ID: R101 in Figure 10 is the same as that in Figure 2, but route R1* in Figure 10 differs from route R1 in Figure 2 in that there are multiple detour routes D1-2 between bus stops A and B. Specifically, when there are multiple detour route candidates on route R1*, the determination means 104 determines which detour route bus 2 is traveling on based on the position information of bus 2.

[0051] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a third database 1023 related to detours. The third database 1023 includes multiple records. Each record includes information about the detour for each bus stop. The third database 1023 includes bus stop attribute information for each of the multiple bus stops at which the bus stops. In this example, the attribute information includes the items "Detour Target," "Detour Bus Stop," and "Location." In the example of FIG. 10, the top record of the third database 1023 includes "Detour Target: B," "Detour Bus Stop: B1," and "35.7335 139.7668." This indicates that the detour bus stop for bus stop B on the detour is B1, and that detour bus stop B1 is located at 35.7335 degrees north latitude and 139.7668 degrees east longitude. In other words, a reference position is set for each detour. Information about the detour is entered, for example, by the conductor (manager) of bus 2. In Fig. 11, for simplicity, a detour route for bus stop B is illustrated, but these may be stored for multiple bus stops. If no detour route is set, for example, a null value is used. The third database 1023 may also include other records.

[0052] (3) Signage In the above embodiment, the user 3 uses the operation information app on the user terminal 300 to check the operation status of the bus 2 that the user 3 plans to board, such as the current location, but the method by which the operation management system 1 presents operation information to the user 3 is not limited to this. For example, the operation management system 1 may display operation information on signage installed at bus stops.

[0053] The signage 400 includes a communication unit 401, a storage unit 402, and a display unit 403. The communication unit 401 communicates with other devices such as the management server 100. For example, the communication unit 401 communicates with the management server 100 to obtain information for displaying operation information.

[0054] (4) Transmission interval In the above embodiment, the bus terminal 200 continuously transmits bus information to the traffic management system 1 at regular intervals (for example, every 30 seconds) while the bus is in operation, but the timing at which the bus terminal 200 transmits the bus information is not limited to this. The bus terminal 200 may continuously transmit bus information to the traffic management system 1 at regular intervals of less than 30 seconds, longer than 30 seconds, or all the time.

[0055] (5) Notice of departure In the above embodiment, if the location information of bus 2 indicates that it is within a predetermined distance from the target bus stop, it is determined that bus 2 has arrived at the target bus stop. However, this is not limited to this. For example, a notification indicating that bus 2 has arrived at the target bus stop may be obtained from bus terminal 200 (communication means 201), and management server 100 (current time acquisition means 103) may acquire the time at which the notification was sent. In this case, management server 100 (update means 105) may, for example, store the time at which bus 2 arrived at the target bus stop in "Actual Results" in the row for the target bus stop in second database 1022, and also store and update the determination result in "Determination Result."

[0056] (6) Achievements In the above embodiment, the "actual result" is information about the time when Bus 2 actually arrived at the bus stop, but is not limited to this. For example, the "actual result" may be information about the time when Bus 2 actually departed from the bus stop, or information about both the time when Bus 2 actually arrived at the bus stop and the time when Bus 2 actually departed from the bus stop.

[0057] (7) Other In the above embodiment, the traffic control system 1 is a system for managing the traffic of buses, but the objects of management are not limited to this. For example, the system may be used for other public transportation such as trains.

[0058] The correspondence between the functions and hardware in the traffic management system 1 is not limited to that exemplified in the embodiment. For example, multiple physical devices may cooperate to have the functions of the management server 100. Furthermore, some of the functions of the traffic management system 1 exemplified in the embodiment may be omitted.

[0059] The hardware configuration of the traffic management system 1 is not limited to that exemplified in the embodiment. In particular, the hardware configuration of the management server 100 may be different from that exemplified in the embodiment. For example, the management server 100 may be a server on a computer network. This server may be a physical server or a virtual server (so-called cloud).

[0060] The program executed by processor 151 may be provided in a state recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a DVD-ROM, or may be provided by downloading via a network such as the Internet. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1...operation management system, 100...management server, 101...communication means, 102...storage means, 1021...first database, 1022...second database, 1023...third database, 103...current time acquisition means, 104...determination means, 105...update means, 2...bus, 200...bus terminal, 201...communication means, 202...storage means, 203...location information acquisition means, 3...user, 300...user terminal, 301...communication means, 302...storage means, 303...display means

Claims

1. This system uses bus location information to determine the bus's arrival at the target bus stop, which is the nearest bus stop to which the bus has not yet arrived, based on the bus's location information, and manages operations by determining that the bus has arrived at the target bus stop based on the bus's location information.Even if location information indicating that the bus has arrived at the target bus stop is not obtained, if location information is obtained that the bus is at a specified position relative to the bus stop after the target bus stop, the system manages the bus as having arrived at the target bus stop.

2. In the bus schedule, if the current time is after the departure time of the target bus stop, and location information is obtained showing that the bus is at a predetermined position relative to a bus stop after the target bus stop, the bus is managed as having already arrived at the target bus stop. The system of claim 1 .

3. The system described in claim 1, wherein when location information is obtained indicating that the bus is at a predetermined position relative to a bus stop after the target bus stop, all bus stops before the target bus stop that have not yet arrived are managed as having already arrived.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the determined position is a reference position determined for one of a plurality of detour route candidates that is identified based on the bus position information, among the reference positions determined for each of a plurality of detour route candidates.

5. This is a method of managing operations by using bus location information to determine whether the bus has arrived at the target bus stop based on the bus's location information, with the nearest bus stop to which the bus has not yet arrived being the target bus stop, and by managing the bus as having arrived at the target bus stop if location information is obtained that shows the bus is at a predetermined position relative to the bus stop after the target bus stop, even if location information indicating that the bus has arrived at the target bus stop has not been obtained.

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