Railway information generation device, railway information generation method, and program

Abstract

This will allow raw data to be used for generating and utilizing AI models without having to worry about the different formats of raw data used by each railway company. [Solution] The acquisition unit acquires raw railway-related data, including at least route maps, train formation lists, and train operation diagrams. The extraction unit extracts some data from at least predetermined items among the items included in the raw data. The generation unit generates usable data by inputting the extracted data into designated positions in a predetermined format.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a railway information generation device, a railway information generation method, and a program, and particularly to a railway information generation device, a railway information generation method, and a program for generating an operation plan of a railway operator.

Background Art

[0002] There have been attempts to use AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology to formulate an operation plan of a railway operator, such as a train operation schedule and a crew work schedule. Various technologies for automating the creation of a train operation schedule and a crew work schedule have been proposed.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a device for determining a crew work schedule. Specifically, for each of a plurality of travel candidates whose starting and ending points coincide, the device described in Patent Document 1 calculates a cost using a predetermined evaluation function, and determines an optimal arrangement of crew members and an optimal travel route so that the calculated cost is minimized.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] For the generation and utilization of an AI model, a variety of data related to train operations and crew routes are used. However, such data often has a data format tailored to the convenience of each railway operator. Therefore, in order to use the original data provided by each railway operator for the generation and utilization of an AI model, it is necessary to organize the format of the input data.

[0006] This disclosure was made in view of the above-mentioned issues, and its purpose is to enable the use of railway-related raw data for generating and utilizing AI models, without having to worry about the different raw data formats used by each railway operator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A railway information generating device according to one aspect of this disclosure includes: acquisition means for acquiring railway-related raw data, which includes at least a route map, a train formation list, and a train operation diagram; extraction means for extracting some data for at least predetermined items from the items included in the raw data; and generation means for generating usable data by inputting the extracted some data into designated positions in a predetermined format.

[0008] In a railway information generation method according to one aspect of this disclosure, a computer acquires railway-related raw data, including at least a route map, a train formation list, and a train operation diagram; extracts some data from at least predetermined items among the items included in the raw data; and generates usable data by inputting the extracted some data into designated positions in a predetermined format.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of this disclosure causes a computer to perform the following processes: acquiring raw data related to railways, including at least route maps, train formation lists, and train operation diagrams; extracting some data for at least predetermined items from the items included in the raw data; and generating usable data by inputting the extracted data into designated positions in a predetermined format. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one aspect of this disclosure, raw data can be used to generate and utilize AI models without having to worry about the different formats of raw data used by each railway operator. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a railway information generation system equipped with a railway information generation device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows the configuration of a railway information generation device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the operation of a railway information generation device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This block diagram shows the configuration of a railway information generation device according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the operation of a railway information generation device according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a train operation schedule created by a railway information generation device according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a crew member's work schedule created by a railway information generation device according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of a railway information generation device according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] (Information generation system 1) Figure 1 shows an example of an information generation system 1 equipped with either a railway information generation device 10 or 20 according to Embodiments 1 or 2 described later. As shown in Figure 1, the information generation system 1 acquires railway-related raw data, including at least route maps, train formation lists, and train operation diagrams provided by railway operators. In Figure 1, "railway information generation device 10 (20)" means either a railway information generation device 10 or 20 according to Embodiments 1 or 2 described later.

[0013] As mentioned above, the raw data related to railways includes route maps, train formation lists, train operation diagrams, and passenger boarding and alighting data. Route maps show connections between different lines and the order of stations on each line. Train formation lists indicate the number of cars that make up a train and the formation number used to identify the train. Train operation diagrams show the travel time from any railway station on a line to any other railway station, the stopping time of trains at each railway station, and when each train departs from or arrives at each railway station; these are sometimes called railway timetables. Passenger boarding and alighting data is a compilation of the number of passengers boarding and alighting at each railway station, organized by time of day.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the railway information generation device 10(20) acquires railway-related raw data, including at least route maps, train formation lists, and train operation diagrams. The railway information generation device 10(20) extracts some data from at least predetermined items among the items included in the raw data. The railway information generation device 10(20) generates usable data by inputting the extracted data into designated positions in a predetermined format.

[0015] The railway information generation device 10(20) inputs the generated utilization data into an AI model. The utilization data is used as training data for the AI ​​model to learn. Alternatively, the utilization data is used by the trained AI model to generate information related to train operations.

[0016] The railway information generator 10(20) receives information related to train operations as output data from the AI ​​model. The railway information generator 10(20) then outputs either the information related to train operations output by the AI ​​model itself, or information created by the railway information generator 10(20) based on the information related to train operations (Embodiment 2). The information output by the railway information generator 10(20) is, for example, a train operation schedule (Figure 6) or a crew work schedule (Figure 7).

[0017] The details of the configuration and operation of the railway information generation device 10 (20) will be described in the following Embodiments 1 to 2.

[0018] [Embodiment 1] Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 3.

[0019] (Configuration of the railway information generation device 10) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the railway information generation device 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the railway information generation device 10 includes an acquisition unit 11, an extraction unit 12, and a generation unit 13.

[0020] The acquisition unit 11 acquires original data related to railways (FIG. 1). The acquisition unit 11 is an example of acquisition means.

[0021] For example, the acquisition unit 11 receives original data related to railways from a server of a railway operator (not shown). The original data acquired by the acquisition unit 11 at least includes a route map, a train formation list, and a train operation schedule. The original data related to railways may further include boarding and alighting data indicating the number of passengers boarding and alighting at each railway station on the route. The acquisition unit 11 outputs the acquired original data related to railways to the extraction unit 12.

[0022] The extraction unit 12 extracts partial data for at least predetermined items among the items included in the original data related to railways. The extraction unit 12 is an example of extraction means.

[0023] For example, the extraction unit 12 receives original data related to railways from the acquisition unit 11. The extraction unit 12 extracts a route map, a train formation list, a train operation schedule, or their equivalents from the original data related to railways. In one example, the extraction unit 12 extracts text data included in chart data such as a route map. The text data included in the chart data is, for example, the description of "station" in the route map, the "scheduled time" of arrival / departure of a train in the timetable, or the "seating capacity of each vehicle" in the train formation list. The extraction unit 12 may further extract boarding and alighting data indicating the number of passengers boarding and alighting at each railway station on one route from the original data related to railways.

[0024] The extraction unit 12 outputs some of the data extracted from the original railway-related data to the generation unit 13.

[0025] The generation unit 13 generates usable data by inputting a portion of the data extracted by the extraction unit 12 from the original data into designated positions in a predetermined format. The generation unit 13 is an example of a generation means.

[0026] For example, the generation unit 13 receives some data extracted from the railway-related source data from the extraction unit 12. The generation unit 13 converts the received data into usable data for use in generating and utilizing an AI model (Figure 1). Specifically, the generation unit 13 generates usable data by inputting some of the data into designated positions in a predetermined format suitable for input to the AI ​​model.

[0027] The generation unit 13 then inputs the generated utilization data into the AI ​​model. The utilization data is used as training data for the AI ​​model to learn. Alternatively, the utilization data is used by the trained AI model to generate information related to train operations (for example, train operation schedules or crew work schedules).

[0028] (Operation of the railway information generation device 10) Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the railway information generation device 10 according to this embodiment 1.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the raw railway-related data (Figure 1) (S101). The raw railway-related data includes at least some of the data to be extracted, namely, route maps, train formation lists, and train operation diagrams.

[0030] The extraction unit 12 extracts some data for at least predetermined items from the items included in the original data (S102). The extraction unit 12 may further extract boarding and alighting data showing the number of passengers getting on and off at each railway station along the line.

[0031] The generation unit 13 generates usable data by inputting a portion of the data extracted from the original data into designated positions in a predetermined format (S103).

[0032] Subsequently, the generation unit 13 inputs the generated utilization data into the AI ​​model (Figure 1).

[0033] This concludes the operation of the railway information generation device 10 according to this embodiment 1. (modified version) In one modified example of this embodiment 1, the generation unit 13 may instruct the AI ​​model to consider constraints (essential conditions) and important conditions (non-essential conditions) when inputting utilization data into the AI ​​model. For example, the generation unit 13 may input information indicating locations and times where accidents are likely to occur, such as level crossings and crowded stations, into the AI ​​model, and then instruct the AI ​​model to take the input information into consideration when outputting data. This is expected to generate information related to train operations that helps to suppress the occurrence of accidents.

[0034] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the configuration of this embodiment, the acquisition unit 11 acquires railway-related raw data, including at least route maps, train formation lists, and train operation diagrams. The extraction unit 12 extracts some data from at least predetermined items among the items included in the raw data. The generation unit 13 generates usable data by inputting the extracted data into designated positions in a predetermined format. Regardless of the format of the raw data, the usable data is generated according to a predetermined format. This makes it possible to use the raw data for generating and utilizing AI models without having to worry about the format of the raw data which differs for each railway operator.

[0035] [Embodiment 2] Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 7. In Embodiment 2, a configuration will be described in which information related to train operation (Figures 6 and 7) is created using output data from an AI model (Figure 1).

[0036] In this second embodiment, components common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0037] (Configuration of the railway information generation device 20) Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the railway information generation device 20. As shown in Figure 4, the railway information generation device 20 includes an acquisition unit 11, an extraction unit 12, and a generation unit 13. The railway information generation device 20 further includes a creation unit 24.

[0038] The creation unit 24 uses output data generated by the AI ​​model based on utilization data to create information related to train operations. The creation unit 24 is an example of a creation method.

[0039] For example, the creation unit 24 receives output data generated by the AI ​​model based on utilization data. The creation unit 24 uses the output data received from the AI ​​model to create information related to train operations.

[0040] In one example, the creation unit 24 uses the output data generated by the AI ​​model to create a train operation schedule (Figure 6). Alternatively, the creation unit 24 may use the output data generated by the AI ​​model to create a crew work schedule (Figure 7).

[0041] The creation unit 24 outputs the created train operation schedule and crew work schedule to external devices such as user terminals.

[0042] (Operation of the railway information generation device 20) Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the railway information generation device 20 according to this second embodiment.

[0043] As shown in Figure 5, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the raw data related to railways (Figure 1) (S201). The raw data related to railways includes at least some of the data to be extracted, namely, route maps, train formation lists, and train operation diagrams.

[0044] The extraction unit 12 extracts some data from the original data for at least predetermined items (S202). The extraction unit 12 may further extract boarding and alighting data showing the number of passengers getting on and off at each railway station along the line.

[0045] The generation unit 13 generates usable data by inputting a portion of the data extracted from the original data into designated positions in a predetermined format (S203).

[0046] Subsequently, the generation unit 13 inputs the generated utilization data into the AI ​​model (Figure 1). Based on the utilization data, the AI ​​model outputs output data that includes information related to train operations.

[0047] The creation unit 24 uses the output data from the AI ​​model to create information related to train operations (S204).

[0048] This concludes the operation of the railway information generation device 20 according to this second embodiment.

[0049] (Examples of information related to train operations) Figure 6 shows an example of a train schedule. A train schedule shows the time schedule for each train on a particular line. As shown in Figure 6, in a train schedule, each line represents one train. The vertical axis of the train schedule shows the order of railway stations on a particular line, and the horizontal axis shows time.

[0050] Figure 7 shows an example of a crew member's work schedule. The crew member's work schedule shows the work schedule of a crew member on a given day. Routes 1 to 6 in Figure 7 each correspond to one crew member. In other words, Figure 7 shows the time schedule of six crew members working and taking breaks on a given day.

[0051] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the configuration of this embodiment, the acquisition unit 11 acquires railway-related raw data, including at least route maps, train formation lists, and train operation diagrams. The extraction unit 12 extracts some data from at least predetermined items among the items included in the raw data. The generation unit 13 generates usable data by inputting the extracted data into designated positions in a predetermined format. Regardless of the format of the raw data, the usable data is generated according to a predetermined format. This makes it possible to use the raw data for generating and utilizing AI models without having to worry about the format of the raw data which differs for each railway operator.

[0052] Furthermore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the creation unit 24 uses output data generated by the AI ​​model based on utilization data to create information related to train operations. In this way, information related to train operations can be created from source data that differs for each railway operator. This makes it possible to shorten the time required to plan train operation-related schedules, including vehicle operation schedules and crew work schedules.

[0053] (Hardware configuration of railway information generation devices 10 and 20) Each component of the railway information generation devices 10 and 20 described in Embodiments 1 and 2 above represents a functional unit block. Some or all of these components are realized by an information processing device, such as the one shown in Figure 8. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device.

[0054] As shown in Figure 8, the computer 110 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, main memory 112, storage device 113, input interface 114, display controller 115, data reader / writer 116, and communication interface 117. Each of these components is connected to each other via a bus 121 to enable data communication. In addition to the CPU 111, or in place of the CPU 111, the computer 110 may also include a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0055] The CPU 111 loads the program (code) in this embodiment, stored in the storage device 113, into the main memory 112 and performs various calculations by executing them in a predetermined order. The main memory 112 is typically a volatile storage device such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The program in this embodiment is provided stored on a computer-readable recording medium 120. The program in this embodiment may also be distributed over the internet connected via the communication interface 117.

[0056] Specific examples of the storage device 113 include hard disk drives and semiconductor storage devices such as flash memory. The input interface 114 mediates data transmission between the CPU 111 and input devices 118 such as a keyboard and mouse. The display controller 115 is connected to the display device 119 and controls the display on the display device 119.

[0057] The data reader / writer 116 mediates data transmission between the CPU 111 and the recording medium 120, reads programs from the recording medium 120, and writes processing results from the computer 110 to the recording medium 120. The communication interface 117 mediates data transmission between the CPU 111 and other computers.

[0058] Specific examples of the recording medium 120 include general-purpose semiconductor memory devices such as CF (Compact Flash®) and SD (Secure Digital), magnetic recording media such as Flexible Disks, and optical recording media such as CD-ROMs (Compact Disk Read Only Memory).

[0059] (Note) Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following:

[0060] (Note 1) A means for acquiring raw data related to railways, including at least route maps, train formation lists, and train operation diagrams, An extraction means for extracting some data for at least a predetermined item from the items included in the aforementioned original data, A generation means that generates usable data by inputting the portion of the data extracted from the original data into a designated position in a predetermined format, A railway information generation device.

[0061] (Note 2) The acquisition means acquires the raw data provided by the railway operator. A railway information generation device as described in Appendix 1, characterized by the features described herein.

[0062] (Note 3) The extraction means extracts the partial data from the original data, which includes at least a route map, a list of train formations, and a train operation diagram. A railway information generating device as described in Appendix 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

[0063] (Note 4) The extraction means extracts from the original data a subset of data that further includes boarding and alighting data showing the number of passengers getting on and off at each railway station within the line. A railway information generation device as described in Appendix 3, characterized by the features described herein.

[0064] (Note 5) The generation means inputs the utilization data into an AI (Artificial Intelligence) model. A railway information generating device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 4, characterized by the features described herein.

[0065] (Note 6) The system further includes a means for creating information related to train operations using output data generated by the AI ​​model based on the utilization data. A railway information generating device as described in Appendix 5, characterized by the features described herein.

[0066] (Note 7) The creation means uses the output data generated by the AI ​​to create a train operation schedule. A railway information generating device as described in Appendix 6, characterized by the features described herein.

[0067] (Note 8) The creation means uses the output data generated by the AI ​​to create a work schedule for the crew. A railway information generating device as described in Appendix 6, characterized by the features described herein.

[0068] (Note 9) Computers We obtain raw railway-related data, including at least route maps, train formation lists, and train operation diagrams. From the items included in the aforementioned source data, extract some data for at least a predetermined item, By inputting the portion of the data extracted from the original data into a designated position in a predetermined format, usable data is generated. Method for generating railway information.

[0069] (Note 10) The process involves obtaining raw railway-related data, including at least route maps, train formation lists, and train operation diagrams. A process to extract some data for at least a predetermined item from the items included in the aforementioned original data, A process to generate usable data by inputting the portion of the data extracted from the original data into a designated position in a predetermined format, A program that causes a computer to execute something.

[0070] Furthermore, some or all of the configurations described in Appendices 2 to 8, which are dependent on Appendice 1 (e.g., device) as described above, may also be dependent on Appendice 9 (e.g., method) and Appendice 10 (e.g., program) in the same dependent relationship as in Appendices 2 to 8. Moreover, within the scope that does not deviate from each of the embodiments described above, some or all of the configurations described as appendices may also be dependent on various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems.

[0071] The present disclosure has been described above with reference to several embodiments. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate. Furthermore, various modifications to the configuration and details of the above embodiments can be made that will be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure. [Industrial applicability]

[0072] This disclosure can be used, for example, to create operational plans for railway operators, such as train schedules and crew work schedules. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 1. Information Generation System 10 Railway Information Generation Device 11 Acquisition Department 12 Extraction part 13 Generation part 20 Railway Information Generator 24 Creation Department

Claims

1. A means for acquiring raw data related to railways, including at least route maps, train formation lists, and train operation diagrams, An extraction means for extracting some data for at least a predetermined item from the items included in the aforementioned original data, A generation means that generates usable data by inputting the portion of the data extracted from the original data into a designated position in a predetermined format, A railway information generation device.

2. The acquisition means acquires the raw data provided by the railway operator. The railway information generation device according to feature 1.

3. The extraction means extracts the partial data from the original data, which includes at least a route map, a list of train formations, and a train operation diagram. The railway information generation device according to feature 1.

4. The extraction means extracts from the original data a subset of data that further includes boarding and alighting data showing the number of passengers getting on and off at each railway station within the line. The railway information generation device according to feature 3.

5. The generation means inputs the utilization data into an AI (Artificial Intelligence) model. The railway information generation device according to feature 1.

6. The system further includes a means for creating information related to train operations using output data generated by the AI ​​model based on the utilization data. The railway information generation device according to feature 5.

7. The creation means uses the output data generated by the AI ​​to create a train operation schedule. The railway information generation device according to feature 6.

8. The creation means uses the output data generated by the AI ​​to create a work schedule for the crew. The railway information generation device according to feature 6.

9. Computers We obtain raw railway-related data, including at least route maps, train formation lists, and train operation diagrams. From the items included in the aforementioned source data, extract some data for at least a predetermined item, By inputting the portion of the data extracted from the original data into a designated position in a predetermined format, usable data is generated. Method for generating railway information.

10. The process involves obtaining raw railway-related data, including at least route maps, train formation lists, and train operation diagrams. A process to extract some data for at least a predetermined item from the items included in the aforementioned original data, A process to generate usable data by inputting the portion of the data extracted from the original data into a designated position in a predetermined format, A program that causes a computer to execute something.

Images