Operation plan creation device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide a device for creating operational plans that enables stakeholders in public transportation businesses to jointly plan a regional public transportation network. [Solution] According to one embodiment, the operation plan creation device includes a digital map generation unit that displays regional population distribution data, landmark data representing regional landmarks, and regional route data, which is data relating to the routes of public transportation throughout the region, as a digital map on map data. Furthermore, the operation plan creation device includes a route creation unit that receives additions, deletions, changes, or edits of route data, which is data relating to the routes of the public transportation, from the user on the digital map and updates the regional route data. Furthermore, the operation plan creation device includes an operation plan creation unit that creates an operation plan for the public transportation based on the regional route data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an operation plan creation device.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the rapid progress of the aging society with a low birthrate, public transportation has become difficult to operate due to the breakdown of economic rationality caused by a decrease in demand and a shortage of personnel due to aging. In addition, in many areas, the transportation mode has become one where people cannot live without private cars, and if the current situation is left unattended, it will become difficult to maintain the local community due to an increase in transportation refugees. Therefore, local governments are taking the lead in formulating public transportation plans for the entire region.

[0003] In recent years, Mobility as a Service (MaaS), a mechanism that enables people without private cars to obtain seamless services for traveling to their destinations, has attracted attention.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventionally, systems for creating operation plans are often introduced on a route-by-route basis that constitutes public transportation or on a business operator-by-business operator basis that operates public transportation, and do not have the function of planning, operating, and evaluating as a network service that integrates multiple public transportation systems in a region. In addition, in order to realize MaaS, integration of operation plans through cooperation between public transportation agencies is desired.

[0005] Therefore, embodiments of the present invention provide an operation plan creation device in which stakeholders in the public transportation business jointly plan the public transportation network in a region.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one embodiment, the operation plan creation device includes a digital map generation unit that displays regional population distribution data, landmark data representing regional landmarks, and regional route data, which is data relating to public transportation routes throughout the region, as a digital map on map data. Furthermore, the operation plan creation device includes a route creation unit that receives additions, deletions, changes, or edits of route data, which is data relating to public transportation routes, from a user on the digital map and updates the regional route data. Furthermore, the operation plan creation device includes an operation plan creation unit that creates an operation plan for the public transportation based on the regional route data. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is an overall configuration diagram of the operation plan creation device in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of the operation plan creation device in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an example of a layer generated by the digital map generation unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is an example of displaying pedestrian flow data in the first embodiment on map data. [Figure 5] This is an example of displaying traffic demand OD data generated by the digital map generation unit in the first embodiment on map data. [Figure 6] This is an example of displaying the traffic demand OD data after updating the regional route data in the first embodiment on the map data. [Figure 7] This is an example of displaying the traffic demand OD data in the first embodiment as a table. [Figure 8] This is an example of a flowchart for when the operation plan creation unit in the first embodiment creates a bus operation plan. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram of the operation plan creation device in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a hardware configuration diagram of the operation plan creation device in the first and second embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. These embodiments are not limiting to the present invention. The drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the proportions of each part may not necessarily be the same as those of actual objects. In the specification and drawings, elements similar to those described above with respect to previously shown drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0009] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the operation plan creation device in the first embodiment.

[0010] The operation plan creation device 1 in this embodiment enables users to view the public transportation network of an entire region, such as railways, tramways, or buses, as a digital map, and assists users in creating the plan by adding, deleting, changing, or editing route data. Users can add, delete, change, or edit route data displayed on the digital map. The operation plan creation device 1 also creates an operation plan from the created route data.

[0011] The operation plan creation device 1 is deployed, for example, on the cloud. Users of the operation plan creation device 1 are stakeholders in public transportation businesses, such as local governments and public transportation operators including railway companies, tramway operators, and bus companies. The operation plan creation device 1 is connected to user terminals 60 used by these users via a network 50. The network is, for example, an internet connection. Alternatively, the operation plan creation device 1 and the user terminals 60 may be connected via a secure line such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or a dedicated line. While this example shows five user terminals 60 connected to the network 50, the number of user terminals 60 is not limited to this. Any number of user terminals 60 can be connected to the network.

[0012] Furthermore, the operation plan creation device 1 is connected to an external server 70 that acquires external data such as map data and statistical data for creating digital maps, etc. The operation plan creation device 1 acquires external data, for example, using a Web API (Web Application Programming Interface). The external data may be open data provided by the national government or local governments, for example. Alternatively, the external data may be paid data instead of open data. In this example, three external servers 70 are shown connected to the network 50, but the number of external servers is not limited to this. The operation plan creation device 1 is connected to the number of external servers 70 necessary to acquire the statistical data described later.

[0013] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the operation plan creation device in the first embodiment.

[0014] The operation plan creation device 1 comprises an acquisition unit 2, a pedestrian flow data estimation unit 3, a traffic demand OD (Origin-Destination) data generation unit 4, a route creation unit 5, an operation plan creation unit 6, a digital map generation unit 7, an output unit 8, and a storage unit 9.

[0015] Furthermore, the operation plan creation device 1 can be realized, for example, by installing a program for the operation plan creation device 1 on a PC (Personal Computer). The CPU (Central Processing Unit) within the operation plan creation device 1 executes the program for the operation plan creation device 1, thereby realizing the functions of the acquisition unit 2, the pedestrian flow data estimation unit 3, the traffic demand OD data generation unit 4, the route creation unit 5, the operation plan creation unit 6, the digital map generation unit 7, the output unit 8, and the storage unit 9. The storage unit 9 is built on an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and various data stored in the storage unit 9 are loaded into memory when the program for the operation plan creation device 1 is executed. The operation plan creation device 1 realized by the above method is deployed on the cloud.

[0016] The user accesses the operation plan creation device 1 on the cloud via a browser using the user terminal 60. The operation plan creation device 1 receives various inputs from the user and executes calculations on the cloud. Also, the executed results are stored in an integrated database constructed in the storage unit 9 on the cloud.

[0017] The acquisition unit 2 acquires population distribution data in the target area as statistical data from the external server 70. This area is the unit for creating the operation plan of public transportation. For example, the range determined by the user, such as a single municipality, multiple municipalities, or the entire area within a prefecture, etc., is the target area.

[0018] Also, the acquisition unit 2 acquires statistical data for estimating population flow data, such as location data of tourist spots, complex commercial facilities, schools, hospitals, large-scale business establishments, and public facilities, etc., which are landmarks of the area, and the number of visitors to these facilities. Also, the statistical data to be acquired is set by the user in advance. In this example, the acquisition unit 2 will take up and explain an example of acquiring location data of landmarks in the area and the number of visitors to those landmarks by time zone as statistical data.

[0019] Also, the acquisition unit 2 acquires route data of railways, railways, buses, etc., owned by users who are public transportation operators such as railway operators, tram operators, and bus operators. The acquisition unit 2 acquires these data, for example, by the user uploading a CSV file through the user interface displayed on the user terminal 60. Also, these data may be acquired by the acquisition unit 2 from the external server 70. In the following, for the sake of explanation, mainly railways and buses will be taken up as public transportation, but the public transportation network is not limited to this. For example, it may include various public transportation such as trams, ships, airplanes, or taxis.

[0020] The digital map generation unit 7 generates a digital map from various data created and updated by the pedestrian flow data estimation unit 3, the traffic demand OD data generation unit 4, and the route creation unit 5, which will be described later. For example, these data are generated as layers on the map data. The digital map generation unit 7 generates a digital map by overlapping and displaying each layer on the map data. Further, the digital map generation unit 7 outputs the created digital map to the output unit 8.

[0021] The pedestrian flow data estimation unit 3 estimates the pedestrian flow in a region based on the statistical data acquired by the acquisition unit 2 and creates pedestrian flow data. The estimation of the pedestrian flow is performed using statistical analysis methods and the like. In this example, the pedestrian flow data estimation unit 3 estimates an approximate value of the pedestrian flow from the population distribution data of the region, the position data of the landmarks in the region, and the number of visitors for each time period of these. In addition, for the creation of pedestrian flow data, data such as the person trip survey results of public transportation, the road traffic census survey results, the commuting and commuting trends, and the number of students / employees in schools / large-scale business establishments may also be used. In this example, the pedestrian flow data estimation unit 3 estimates an approximate value of the pedestrian flow for each time period starting from a settlement in the region and ending at a landmark in the region.

[0022] The pedestrian flow data may be represented as OD data indicating the starting point and the ending point of the pedestrian flow between mesh elements when represented by a mesh map of the region. For example, when representing the pedestrian flow data as OD data between mesh elements, the region is represented as a mesh map, and it is conceivable to represent for each time period how many people visited from one mesh to another mesh.

[0023] Also, in this embodiment, the operation plan creation device 1 is configured such that the pedestrian flow data estimation unit 3 estimates the pedestrian flow based on the statistical data acquired by the acquisition unit 2, but the acquisition unit 2 may directly acquire the pedestrian flow data from the external server 70. For example, it is conceivable that the acquisition unit 2 acquires the pedestrian flow data generated by GPS information installed in a smartphone or communication information between the smartphone and the base station from the external server 70.

[0024] The traffic demand OD data generation unit 4 creates traffic demand OD data, which represents the transportation demand for public transport, based on pedestrian flow data and regional route data described later. The traffic demand OD data is created using statistical analysis processing. In this example, the traffic demand OD data for the public transport network is represented as the occupancy rate from one station or departure point to another. Furthermore, the traffic demand OD data is generated separately for different time periods, such as early morning, rush hour (morning), daytime, rush hour (evening), and nighttime.

[0025] The route creation unit 5 receives input when a user adds, deletes (discontinues), changes, or edits a route on the digital map, and updates the regional route data. Users can add, delete, change, or edit route data, for example, via the user terminal 60. Hereinafter, data relating to a single route in public transport will be referred to as route data, and route data for the entire region will be referred to as regional route data. Individual route data also includes location data for stations or departure / arrival points, and route information, which is information about the route the public transport takes.

[0026] Furthermore, the traffic demand OD data generation unit 4 updates the traffic demand OD data from the updated regional route data. The traffic demand OD data generation unit 4 updates the traffic demand OD data based on the pedestrian flow data and the updated regional route data.

[0027] The digital map generation unit 7 updates the digital map using updated regional route data and updated traffic demand OD data. For example, if a user adds a route, the added route data is reflected on the digital map.

[0028] The operation plan creation unit 6 creates a new operation plan based on the regional route data updated by the route creation unit 5 and the traffic demand OD data updated by the traffic demand OD data generation unit 4. The operation plan is created, for example, as a timetable and output to the output unit 8.

[0029] Furthermore, the operation plan creation unit 6 may create a resource utilization plan for vehicles or crew members as part of the operation plan. For example, the operation plan creation unit 6 allocates the resources necessary for the operation of the created timetable.

[0030] The output unit 8 outputs a digital map to the user terminal 60. The output unit 8 also outputs the timetable created by the operation plan creation unit 6 to the user terminal 60. Furthermore, the user can download the data created by the output unit 8 in a predetermined file format via the user terminal 60.

[0031] In addition to the statistical data acquired by the acquisition unit 2, various data created by the pedestrian flow data estimation unit 3, the traffic demand OD data generation unit 4, the route creation unit 5, and the operation plan creation unit 6 are stored in the integrated database within the storage unit 9. By storing this data in the storage unit 9, the operation plan creation device 1 can omit the process of acquiring statistical data previously acquired by the acquisition unit 2 from the external server 70, and the process of each functional block recreating data previously created.

[0032] Furthermore, the administrator of the operation plan creation device 1 may group users from the settings unit (not shown). Each user shares various tasks within the created group, such as data sharing, operation plan creation, resource operation plan creation, and fare system consideration. For example, a group may be created among public transport operators, or multiple public transport operators may create one group. The administrator may also set access permissions for each user within a group, and users can perform tasks according to their access permissions. Users may also share work among users with the same access permissions. The administrator may also set access permissions so that users can only view data corresponding to their access permissions.

[0033] Furthermore, the operation plan creation device 1 may record and store various processes in the storage unit 9, such as the history of operation plan review and the history of data creation and modification. This information can be inherited even if the user changes.

[0034] Figure 3 shows an example of a layer generated by the digital map generation unit in the first embodiment.

[0035] Figure 3A shows an example in which the digital map generation unit 7 generates a population distribution data layer 110, a landmark location data layer 120, and a station or station regional route data layer 130 based on the population distribution data acquired by the acquisition unit 2, landmark location data, and regional route data of stations or departure / arrival points.

[0036] In this example, the digital map generation unit 7 generates layers by associating each data point with color coding or icons. When generating the population distribution data layer 110, the digital map generation unit 7 displays densely populated areas with darker colored ovals, representing the data through color coding. In this example, densely populated areas are represented by darker gray colors. Alternatively, when generating layers, the digital map generation unit 7 may represent densely populated areas not by associating population distribution with color coding, but by, for example, displaying more house icons in densely populated areas.

[0037] Figure 3B shows an example of each layer generated by the digital map generation unit 7 being overlaid on the map data 100. As shown in the example in Figure 3B, each layer is displayed overlaid on the corresponding position on the map data 100. Users can centrally check the status of the public transportation network of the entire region, including railways, trams, or buses, through the user terminal 60.

[0038] In the example shown in Figure 3B, the digital map generation unit 7 overlays densely populated areas 113 onto the map data 100 using a layer 110 of population distribution data. The digital map generation unit 7 also overlays schools 111 and large businesses 112 onto the map data 100 using a layer 120 of landmark location data. Furthermore, the digital map generation unit 7 overlays stations A-D and bus stops E-H onto the map data 100 using a layer 130 of regional route data for stations or departure / arrival points.

[0039] Furthermore, the digital map generation unit 7 may overlay and display other layers, such as layers relating to regional structure, including urbanized areas, urbanization control areas, or land use zones. The digital map generation unit 7 may also overlay and display layers relating to the results of statistical data surveys. Furthermore, the digital map generation unit 7 may overlay and display layers relating to census results, such as population by town, population by age, or elderly population.

[0040] Figure 4 shows an example of pedestrian flow data in the first embodiment displayed on map data.

[0041] Figure 4 shows an example where the digital map generation unit 7 overlays a layer of pedestrian flow data onto the map data 100. In this example, the region is divided into meshes, and the pedestrian flow data between mesh elements is displayed for each mesh, from the mesh containing two densely populated areas 113 within the region to the mesh containing the landmark school 111 and the large business establishment 112 within the region. This example also shows the OD data between mesh elements during rush hour (morning). In this OD data between meshes, meshes with higher inflow have lower transparency and are represented in darker gray.

[0042] Figure 5 shows an example of displaying traffic demand OD data generated by the digital map generation unit in the first embodiment on map data.

[0043] In this example, for railways, only the OD data for traffic demand on the inbound line is shown, and for buses, only the OD data for traffic demand on the outbound line is shown.

[0044] Figure 5 shows an example where the digital map generation unit 7 generates a layer of traffic demand OD data and displays this layer on top of the map data 100 in Figure 3B. In this example, the traffic demand OD data is represented as the occupancy rate from one station or departure point to another. For example, the occupancy rate can be calculated by the number of users relative to the number of passengers. In this example, the digital map generation unit 7 displays the traffic demand OD data for rush hour (morning) by color-coding the occupancy rate for each section from one station or departure point to another. Sections with high occupancy rates are shown in solid gray, and sections with low occupancy rates are shown with diagonal hatching. The type of color coding for this occupancy rate can be changed by, for example, setting a threshold. For example, the digital map generation unit 7 could display the traffic demand OD data with diagonal hatching when the occupancy rate is less than 100%, and display the traffic demand OD data in solid gray when it exceeds 100%.

[0045] In addition to this example, the digital map generation unit 7 may also represent the sum of data regarding the number of users from one station or departure point to another station or departure point using the thickness and color of the lines in the traffic demand OD data.

[0046] Furthermore, the thickness of the lines in the color-coded sections represents the transport capacity of each public transport system. In this example, the thicker the line, the greater the transport capacity of the public transport system. The size of the circles at each station or departure point represents the number of passengers boarding or alighting. The number of passengers boarding or alighting can be displayed separately, and in this example, the circles at each station or departure point represent the number of alighting passengers, with larger circles indicating a larger number of alighting passengers.

[0047] Figure 6 shows an example of displaying the traffic demand OD data after updating the regional route data in the first embodiment on the map data.

[0048] The user checks the traffic demand OD data generated by the digital map generation unit 7 and adds, deletes, changes, or edits route data on the digital map. The route creation unit 5 accepts the route data added, deleted, changed, or edited by the user and updates the regional route data. The traffic demand OD data generation unit 4 can update the traffic demand OD data, for example, by performing statistical analysis processing again using the updated regional route data and pedestrian flow data. The digital map generation unit 7 reflects the updated regional route data and traffic demand OD data as a digital map.

[0049] In this example, the user, after reviewing the traffic demand OD data, discontinues the train line between stations A and B due to low passenger occupancy rates, and adds a new bus route passing through bus stops J, I, and E. When adding a bus route, the user draws the locations of the departure and arrival points, which form the basis of the location data for the departure and arrival points, and the route, which forms the basis of the route information. The user also represents the transport capacity, for example, by the thickness of the line.

[0050] The traffic demand OD data generation unit 4 updates the traffic demand OD data of the public transport network based on pedestrian flow data and updated regional route data. The digital map generation unit 7 updates the digital map from the updated regional route data and traffic demand OD data.

[0051] Users can check occupancy rates from the updated digital map and verify whether adding, deleting, changing, or editing route data was appropriate. Users can consider the optimal route by repeatedly adding routes and checking the updated traffic demand OD data. Users may also add, delete, change, or edit route data to cover OD data between mesh elements or to increase population coverage.

[0052] Furthermore, the route creation unit 5 may propose route data to the user based on current route information and existing traffic demand OD data. For example, when the route creation unit 5 proposes bus route data, it may propose routes that connect existing roads to the location of landmarks.

[0053] Furthermore, the route creation unit 5 may propose route data to the user based on statistical data. For example, the route creation unit 5 predicts the number of users by time of day using residential data and age-specific data as statistical data. When proposing a route for commuting to school, the route creation unit 5 sets the time slots to 6:00-9:00 and 17:00-20:00, and the target age group to 12-18 years old. The route creation unit 5 predicts an approximate number of users by time of day, assuming that all residents in the target age group commute to school during these time slots. The route creation unit 5 sets stations or departure / arrival points at a certain distance from the residences of residents corresponding to the time of day users, and connects each station or departure / arrival point to create route data. The route creation unit 5 proposes the created route data to the user. Furthermore, the route creation unit 5 may use actual data on the usage time and number of people at stations or departure / arrival points by users to create route data by connecting stations or departure / arrival points with high usage frequency. In this case, the frequently used stations or departure / arrival points and the number of users will fluctuate depending on the time of day, so route data may change depending on the time of day.

[0054] The operation planning unit 6 may propose to the user a timetable that optimizes the passenger load factor. For example, the operation planning unit 6 calculates the passenger capacity for each unit of time in the existing operation plan, and then calculates this for the entire day. Taking the calculated passenger capacity as 100%, it calculates the passenger load factor for each unit of time for the entire day based on the actual number of users. The operation planning unit 6 may propose to abolish operations during times when the passenger load factor is low, or to combine them with other times. For example, if there are two trains running per hour during the daytime and both have a passenger load factor of 50%, the operation planning unit 6 may propose to abolish one train so that the passenger load factor becomes 100%. In this way, the operation planning unit 6 modifies the traffic demand OD data based on the actual passenger load factor and proposes a corresponding number of trains to the user.

[0055] Furthermore, the operation plan creation unit 6 may propose an operation plan to the user that takes into account transfers between public transportation. For example, the operation plan creation unit 6 proposes a draft operation timetable to the user such that the waiting time for other public transportation at the starting, ending, or connecting stations becomes a target value.

[0056] The target waiting time is determined, for example, to minimize waiting times for other public transportation at the starting, ending, or connecting stations, and also takes into account the time users spend shopping or doing other activities. This target value may be calculated by the operation plan creation unit 6, or it may be set by the user via the setting unit.

[0057] Figure 7 shows an example of traffic demand OD data in the first embodiment displayed as a table.

[0058] When a user adds route data, they draw the route on a digital map. The route may also be drawn using an input device such as a mouse (not shown). When a user draws a route, the route creation unit 5 accepts the route drawn by the user. The route creation unit 5 updates the regional route data from the received route data.

[0059] The traffic demand OD data generation unit 4 updates the traffic demand OD data based on the drawn routes. The traffic demand OD data generation unit 4 updates the traffic demand OD data based on the passenger flow data and the updated regional route data. For example, the traffic demand OD data generation unit 4 updates the table shown in Figure 7. In this example, the traffic demand OD data generation unit 4 updates the number of users from the departure station or arrival point to the destination station or arrival point, divided into early morning, rush hour (morning), daytime, rush hour (evening), and nighttime, as traffic demand OD data. The number of users is, for example, the average number per train during the relevant time period. In the example in Figure 7, it shows that the number of users from Station A to Station XXX during rush hour (morning) is 40.

[0060] Furthermore, the table shown in Figure 7 may be updated based on user input.

[0061] Alternatively, the traffic demand OD data generation unit 4 may compare the number of users entered in the table with the passenger capacity to calculate the occupancy rate for each time period.

[0062] The digital map generation unit 7 generates layers from the updated traffic demand OD data and generates a digital map. The operation plan creation unit 6 creates operation plans for each route of each public transportation system, such as railways, trams, or buses, from the updated traffic demand OD data.

[0063] When changing, deleting, or editing route data, just as with adding routes, the user changes or deletes routes on the digital map. The traffic demand OD data generation unit 4 updates the traffic demand OD data based on the changed or deleted routes. The digital map generation unit 7 also updates the digital map from the updated traffic demand OD data.

[0064] In the example described above, the operation plan creation device 1 was configured to estimate pedestrian flow data and traffic demand OD data based on regional population distribution data and location data of regional landmarks. However, the operation plan creation device 1 may also be configured to estimate traffic demand OD data using pedestrian flow data acquired by the acquisition unit 2 from an external server 70, without using regional population distribution data. In this case, the digital map generation unit 7 may display a layer of pedestrian flow data, a layer 120 of landmark location data, and a layer 130 of regional route data for stations or departure / arrival points. Similar to the example above, the user can check the traffic demand OD data etc. generated by the digital map generation unit 7 and add route data, etc.

[0065] Users can check the updated digital map of traffic demand OD data, including the addition of routes, and visually confirm the effect of the added routes. In this way, users can consider the optimal route by repeatedly adding routes and checking the updated traffic demand OD data.

[0066] Furthermore, by sharing resources such as vehicles and crew used by one public transport operator with other public transport operators, the operation plan creation unit 6 may create resource utilization plans between public transport operators in addition to timetables. For example, if the timetable created by the operation plan creation unit 6 cannot be covered by one public transport operator, it is conceivable that the timetable could be supplemented with resources from other public transport operators (e.g., bus vehicles and crew). By storing route data, the route creation unit 5, along with the names of public transport operators, bus vehicle numbers, and drivers operating on those routes, as regional route data in the operation plan database, the operation plan creation unit 6 can create resource utilization plans between public transport operators.

[0067] Furthermore, the operation plan creation device 1 may create an operation plan based on the upper limit of resources. Instead of creating an operation plan to match the peak of traffic demand, the operation plan creation device 1 may create an operation plan for the public transport operator based on the upper limit of resources.

[0068] Figure 8 is an example of a flowchart showing how the operation plan creation unit creates a bus operation plan in the first embodiment.

[0069] This example describes how the operation planning unit 6 generates a draft timetable when a user adds bus route data. Furthermore, the explanation assumes that the user has drawn the routes on a digital map, and that the traffic demand OD data, including the added and updated route data, is reflected on the digital map.

[0070] In step S21, the operation plan creation unit 6 reads the location data and route information of the bus stops for the target route data from the regional route data updated by the route creation unit 5. For example, if the user adds bus stops J, I, and E as new bus stops, the operation plan creation unit 6 reads their location data and route information. In step S22, the operation plan creation unit 6 calculates the travel distance between bus stops based on the read location data and route information of the bus stops. The operation plan creation unit 6 can calculate the travel distance between bus stops by converting the route passing through the location data of the bus stops between two points into actual travel distance using, for example, the map data 100 in Figure 3B.

[0071] In step S23, the operation plan creation unit 6 calculates the time required between stops. The time required between stops is calculated based on the distance traveled between stops calculated in step S22, and is calculated as the time required if the bus travels at a predetermined speed, for example, the legal speed limit. This predetermined speed information may be stored in the storage unit 9 in advance, or the value may be obtained from map data 100 or a layer related to the legal speed limit of the road. In addition, arbitrary buffer times, such as waiting time at traffic lights or stopping time at stops, may be added to the time required between stops. In step S24, the operation plan creation unit 6 creates a draft timetable based on the time required between stops calculated in step S23. When creating the draft timetable, the number of buses may be quantitatively determined, such as two buses per hour in the early morning and one bus every 10 minutes during rush hour, or it may be determined so that the occupancy rate decreases according to the average occupancy rate. For example, the operation plan creation unit 6 may determine the number of buses so that the occupancy rate falls below a predetermined threshold, such as by setting the number of buses so that the occupancy rate is 100% or less, in order to alleviate congestion.

[0072] Furthermore, the operation plan creation unit 6 may create an operational plan for resources such as vehicles or crew members, in addition to the draft timetable. For example, the operation plan creation unit 6 may create an operational plan for vehicles or crew members by allocating the necessary vehicles or crew members based on the created draft timetable.

[0073] Furthermore, the travel time may be changed depending on the date and time, season, weather, or whether or not there is an event. For example, if there is an event, it is expected that the travel time will be longer than usual due to road congestion. In addition, by storing the actual travel time in the operation plan database in the memory unit 9, the operation plan creation unit 6 can utilize this information when creating future operation plans.

[0074] Furthermore, the operation plan creation device 1 may evaluate the operation plan created using predetermined evaluation indicators, such as the balance between supply and demand, population coverage rate, speed, profitability, or evaluation from the perspective of local administration, as an evaluation of the operation plan of local public transportation, and display the results in a list using numerical values ​​or graphs.

[0075] Furthermore, the operation plan creation device 1 may evaluate the performance of public transportation using predetermined evaluation indicators, such as driving performance, changes in regional population distribution, changes in the population coverage rate of public transportation, the number of public transportation users, route occupancy rates, fare profitability, or requests from users, etc., as part of the performance evaluation of regional public transportation.

[0076] According to this embodiment, since the operation plan creation device 1 generates a digital map of the local public transportation network, each user, such as local governments and public transportation operators, can centrally check the status of the entire local public transportation network, including railways, trams, or buses, through the user terminal 60.

[0077] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, each user, such as local governments and public transport operators, can modify or add route data according to the usage status of the public transport network, thus enabling them to jointly plan the regional public transport network.

[0078] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, each user, such as a local government or public transport operator, can operate public transport using the operation plan and resource utilization plan created by the operation plan creation device 1. In addition, users can continuously improve the operation plan of local public transport by evaluating the operation plan using the operation plan and actual results, and by executing the PDCA cycle.

[0079] (Second Embodiment) Figure 9 is a block diagram of the operation plan creation device in the second embodiment.

[0080] In this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the operation plan creation device 1 includes a fare calculation unit 10. The other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment, so their description is omitted.

[0081] The fare calculation unit 10 creates a fare table for public transport from the departure point to the destination. The fare table includes regional unified fares, such as fares per public transport operator and transfer fares between operators. For example, the fare calculation unit 10 calculates the public transport fare from the departure point to the destination by multiplying the distance traveled by public transport by the fare per unit distance. The fare calculation unit 10 calculates the distance between stations or between departure points (i.e., the distance from the departure point to the destination) based on the location data and route information of stations or departure points in the regional route data, and uses this value as the distance traveled by public transport users. For example, the fare calculation unit 10 creates a fare table by substituting the calculated fares into a matrix table of departure points and destinations.

[0082] The fare per unit distance may be set by the user as an arbitrary value. For example, the user can input the fare per unit distance through the user interface displayed on the user terminal 60, and the fare calculation unit 10 accepts this input.

[0083] The fare table may also implement dynamic pricing. For example, users can set multiple fares per unit distance, and the fare for public transport from the origin to the destination can be made variable to accommodate dynamic pricing.

[0084] The output unit 8 outputs the created fare table to the user terminal 60.

[0085] According to this embodiment, the operation plan creation device 1 can calculate the fare based on the fare per unit distance and the distance traveled by the user by public transport, using a uniform fare within the region, etc.

[0086] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, local government users can consider cross-sector effects based on projected fare revenue and use this as a basis for policy formulation based on cross-sector effects.

[0087] Figure 10 is a hardware configuration diagram of the operation plan creation device in the first and second embodiments.

[0088] The operation plan creation device 1 in Figure 10 comprises a processor 52 such as a CPU, a main memory 53 such as RAM, an auxiliary storage device 54 such as an HDD, a network interface 55 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) board, a device interface 56 such as memory slots and memory ports, and a bus 57 that connects these devices to each other. The operation plan creation device 1 is, for example, a computer such as a PC, and is equipped with external input devices such as a keyboard and mouse, and output devices such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitor.

[0089] In this embodiment, a program for causing a computer to perform information processing on the operation plan creation device 1 is installed in the auxiliary storage device 54. The operation plan creation device 1 loads this program into the main storage device 53 and executes it using the processor 52. This enables the operation plan creation device 1 to realize the functions of the acquisition unit 2, the pedestrian flow data estimation unit 3, the traffic demand OD data generation unit 4, the route creation unit 5, the operation plan creation unit 6, the digital map generation unit 7, the output unit 8, the storage unit 9, and the fare calculation unit 10 shown in Figures 2 and 9, making it possible to create the operation plan described in the first embodiment. The data generated by this information processing is temporarily held in the main storage device 453 or stored in the auxiliary storage device 54.

[0090] Furthermore, the memory unit 9 is built on the auxiliary storage device 54. The threshold values ​​mentioned above are stored in the auxiliary storage device 54. The threshold values ​​are loaded into the main memory device 53 when this program is executed.

[0091] Furthermore, the operation plan creation device 1 is connected to the network 50 via a network interface 55. The operation plan creation device 1 also controls the network interface 55 via an acquisition unit 2 to acquire external data. In addition, the operation plan creation device 1 controls the network interface 55 via a route creation unit 5, etc., and acts as a cloud server to accept various inputs from the user via the user terminal 60.

[0092] The user accesses the operation plan creation device 1 on the cloud via a browser using the user terminal 60. The operation plan creation device 1 accepts various inputs from the user and performs calculations on the cloud. The results of the calculations are then stored in an integrated database built on the storage unit 9 on the cloud.

[0093] The program for the operation plan creation device 1 can be installed, for example, by attaching an external device 58 containing the program to the device interface 56 and storing the program from the external device 58 to the auxiliary storage device 54. An example of the external device 58 is a computer-readable recording medium or a recording device that incorporates such a recording medium. Examples of recording media include CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), CD-R (Compact Disk Recordable), flexible disk, DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), and DVD-R (Digital Versatile Disk Recordable), while an example of a recording device is an HDD. The program can also be installed, for example, by downloading it via the network interface 55.

[0094] According to this embodiment, the functions of the operation plan creation device 1 in the first and second embodiments can be realized by software.

[0095] Although several embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel operation planning device described herein can be implemented in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the forms of the operation planning device described herein without departing from the spirit of the invention. The appended claims and equivalents are intended to include such forms and modifications included in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 1: Operation plan creation device, 2: Acquisition unit, 3: People flow data estimation unit, 4: Traffic demand OD data generation unit, 5: Route creation unit, 6: Operation plan creation unit, 7: Digital map generation unit, 8: Output unit, 9: Storage unit, 10: Price calculation unit, 50: Network, 52: Processor, 53: Main memory, 54: Secondary memory, 55: Network interface, 56: Device interface, 57: Bus, 58: External device, 60: User terminal, 70: External server, 80: User terminal, 100: Map data, 110: Population distribution data layer, 111: Schools, 112: Large businesses, 113: Densely populated areas, 120: Layer of location data for landmarks, 130: Layer of regional route data for stations or departure / arrival points

Claims

1. A digital map generation unit that displays regional population distribution data, regional landmark data, and regional route data, which is data on public transportation routes throughout the region, as a digital map on map data, A route creation unit that receives requests from users to add, delete, change, or edit route data, which is data relating to the routes of the public transportation, on the aforementioned digital map, and updates the aforementioned regional route data, The system includes a route planning unit that creates a route plan for public transportation based on the aforementioned regional route data. Operation plan creation device.

2. The aforementioned operation plan creation unit, From the location data of departure and arrival points and route information included in the aforementioned route data, the travel distance of the public transport is calculated. The travel time is calculated from the aforementioned travel distance and the speed information of the public transport, Based on the aforementioned required time, create a travel plan. The operation plan creation device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned route creation unit, Based on residential data and age-specific data, the number of users of the aforementioned public transportation by time of day is predicted. A departure and arrival point will be set up at a predetermined distance from the residence of residents corresponding to the predicted number of users per hour. The system proposes routes connecting each departure and arrival point to the user as route data. The operation plan creation device according to claim 1.

4. The operation plan creation device according to claim 1, wherein the operation plan creation unit proposes the operation plan to the user such that the waiting time for other public transportation at the starting or ending departure / arrival stations becomes a target value.

5. The operation plan creation device according to claim 1, wherein the operation plan creation unit proposes the operation plan to the user in accordance with the passenger occupancy rate per unit time in the operation plan.

6. It further includes a traffic demand OD data generation unit that generates traffic demand OD data, which represents the transportation demand for public transport in a region. The traffic demand OD data generation unit generates the traffic demand OD data based on the updated regional route data. The aforementioned operation plan creation unit creates the operation plan based on the generated traffic demand OD data. The operation plan creation device according to claim 1.

7. A digital map generation unit that displays pedestrian flow data, landmark data representing local landmarks, and regional route data, which is data on public transportation routes throughout the region, as a digital map on map data. A route creation unit that receives requests from users to add, delete, change, or edit route data, which is data relating to the routes of the public transportation, on the aforementioned digital map, and updates the aforementioned regional route data, The system includes a route planning unit that creates a route plan for public transportation based on the aforementioned regional route data. Operation plan creation device.

8. The system further includes a fare calculation unit that calculates the fare for public transportation from the departure point to the destination by multiplying the distance traveled by public transportation by the fare per unit distance. The fare calculation unit calculates the distance traveled by public transport from the location data of departure and arrival points and route information in the route data. The operation plan creation device according to claim 1.

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