Information systems and programs

Abstract

This system provides information to support the operation management of transportation or roads using weather forecasting technology based on weather radar observation data. [Solution] The information system of the embodiment stores management points within the operation management area and their location information, and acquires current precipitation (current precipitation corresponding to the current time obtained by analyzing weather radar observation data) corresponding to the location information of the management points. It generates an operation management support screen that includes an operation status area where an operation management diagram in which multiple management points are plotted within the operation management area or an operation management map in which multiple management points are plotted on a map including the operation management area based on location information is displayed, and a precipitation data area where the current precipitation for each management point is displayed in a list. It controls the display of the operation management support screen on a predetermined display device and controls the support display for each management point in the operation status area and the precipitation data area based on the current precipitation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information providing technology using a weather prediction technology based on observation data of a weather radar.

Background Art

[0002] A weather radar emits radio waves (microwaves) and observes rain and snow existing within a predetermined range. The distance to rain and snow can be measured from the time until the emitted radio waves return, and the intensity of rain and snow can be observed from the intensity of the returned radio waves.

[0003] A dual-polarization Doppler weather radar uses radio waves vibrating in the horizontal direction (horizontal polarization) and radio waves vibrating in the vertical direction (vertical polarization), making it possible to more accurately estimate the type of precipitation particles in clouds and the intensity of precipitation.

[0004] Analysis of the observation data of a dual-polarization Doppler weather radar to grasp the current precipitation is called a radar rain gauge, and it provides analysis results that are comparable to those of a ground rain gauge (a physically installed rain gauge).

[0005] The Japan Meteorological Agency provides services such as high-resolution precipitation nowcasting and short-term precipitation forecasting using weather radars. For example, it conducts precipitation forecasting (including prediction of the movement of precipitation areas) at predetermined time intervals such as current precipitation (now), 10 minutes later, and 20 minutes later.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The objective is to provide an information system that supports the operation management of transportation or roads using weather forecasting technology based on weather radar observation data. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The information system of the embodiment supports the operation management of transportation or roads. The information system includes: a first storage unit that stores a plurality of management points within an operation management area and location information of the management points; a precipitation information acquisition unit that obtains precipitation information, including current precipitation corresponding to the current time, obtained by analyzing weather radar observation data, and acquires the current precipitation corresponding to the location information of the management points from the precipitation information; an operation status area that displays an operation management diagram in which a plurality of the management points within the operation management area are plotted, or an operation management map in which a plurality of the management points are plotted on a map including the operation management area based on the location information; a precipitation data area that displays a list of the current precipitation for each management point; and a display control unit that controls the display of the operation management support screen on a predetermined display device and controls the display of support for each management point in the operation status area and the precipitation data area based on the current precipitation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows the functional blocks and network configuration of the information system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a control point and location information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the operation management support screen of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the operation status area in the operation management support screen. [Figure 5] This figure shows another example of the operation management support screen of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the operation status area in the operation management support screen. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of threshold information in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the processing flow of the information system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows the functional blocks and network configuration of a weather management system, including the information system of the first embodiment. [Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Ground-based rain gauges, being physically installed, require considerable effort to operate and maintain. Furthermore, they have problems with inaccurate measurements if water exceeding their measurement capacity flows in or if foreign objects such as debris enter. For example, meteorological instruments such as rain gauges are required by the Meteorological Service Act to be "certified by the Japan Meteorological Agency," and the certification is valid for five years. Therefore, ground-based rain gauges must be replaced within this validity period. Additionally, because they cannot measure rainfall if foreign objects such as debris enter, they require regular cleaning.

[0012] Furthermore, ground-based rain gauges cannot measure rainfall at locations other than where they are installed. For example, they cannot measure rainfall between multiple rain gauges installed in different locations, limiting the measurement points to the installation location of the rain gauge. However, increasing the number of installation locations increases the operational and maintenance burden, as mentioned above, thus limiting the ability to understand precipitation conditions using ground-based rain gauges (installation of ground-based rain gauges).

[0013] In particular, in the operation management of transportation or roads, a plurality of ground rain gauges are installed within the operation management area, and based on the precipitation states measured by each ground rain gauge, safety management of transportation or roads is carried out by determining warnings, slowdowns, and stops. However, as described above, along with the issue of the operation and maintenance load, since the precipitation state in locations where no ground rain gauges are installed cannot be grasped, there has been a difficult problem of appropriately determining the range up to which safety management such as warnings, slowdowns, and stops should be carried out.

[0014] For example, in the operation management of railways, ground rain gauges can be installed at stations. At this time, if ground rain gauges are not installed at all stations or between stations, it is difficult to grasp the range up to which the influence of precipitation occurs. Therefore, operation managers set a wide range for train suspension to ensure more reliable safety. In particular, ground rain gauges cannot narrow down areas such as local heavy rain or torrential rain. Thus, in order to ensure more reliable safety, a wide range for train suspension has been set. The same is true for road traffic networks such as highways and general roads. Due to the limitations in the installation of ground rain gauges, it is difficult to narrow down the areas where safety should be ensured, and a wide range for traffic stoppage has been set.

[0015] Therefore, the information system according to the embodiment utilizes a technique for grasping the precipitation state by analyzing the observation data of a weather radar such as the above-described dual-polarization Doppler weather radar, and provides a mechanism for assisting the operation management of transportation or roads.

[0016] (First Embodiment) Figures 1 to 9 are diagrams for explaining the first embodiment. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the functional blocks and network configuration of the information system 100 of the present embodiment.

[0017] The information system 100 uses the analysis results based on the weather observation data observed by a weather radar provided from the weather management system 500 to provide a function for assisting the operation management of transportation or roads.

[0018] <Analysis of Meteorological Observation Data and Analysis Results> A weather radar, for example, emits radio waves (microwaves) to observe rain and snow. The distance to the rain or snow is measured from the time it takes for the emitted radio waves to return, and the intensity of the rain or snow is observed from the intensity of the returned radio waves. Also, as described above, a dual-polarization Doppler weather radar has been introduced, and by using radio waves that vibrate in the horizontal and vertical directions (horizontal polarization, vertical polarization), the type of precipitation particles in the cloud can be discriminated, and the precipitation intensity (precipitation state) pouring from the cloud to the ground can be estimated.

[0019] The dual-polarization Doppler weather radar can estimate the shape of precipitation particles based on the amplitude ratio. The larger the precipitation particles, the more they are affected by air resistance and become flattened. This is observed using horizontal polarization and vertical polarization, and the shape of the precipitation particles is estimated from the amplitude ratio of the reflected waves. Also, the intensity of rain can be estimated from the phase difference. When radio waves travel through water such as raindrops, their speed is slightly slower compared to the atmosphere where there is nothing. Utilizing the property that the speed of the horizontal polarization becomes slower with stronger rain, it is observed using horizontal polarization and vertical polarization, and the precipitation intensity (mm / h) is estimated from the difference in the intensity and phase of the reflected waves.

[0020] Each estimation method for estimating the shape of precipitation particles or the precipitation intensity may be a known method that uses other information obtained from meteorological observation data, not limited to the amplitude of the reflected wave. For example, it is also possible to estimate the shape of precipitation particles or the precipitation intensity based on the cross-correlation coefficient between horizontal polarization and vertical polarization, the intensity ratio between horizontal polarization and vertical polarization, etc. Also, an estimation method that combines the amplitude of the reflected wave with the cross-correlation coefficient between horizontal polarization and vertical polarization, or the intensity ratio between horizontal polarization and vertical polarization, may be applied.

[0021] In precipitation particle estimation that combines information such as amplitude ratios, categories (classifications) such as wet snow, dry snow, ice crystals, drizzle, rain, hail, and heavy rain are pre-defined. For example, if the combination of amplitude ratios exceeds a predetermined value, the precipitation particle is determined to be hail (categorized). The amplitude ratio of each precipitation particle is set as a classification criterion, and meteorological phenomena in the observation area are estimated based on meteorological observation data. Hail is defined as ice particles with a diameter of 5 mm or more that fall from cumulonimbus clouds, while ice particles with a diameter of less than 5 mm are defined as hail.

[0022] The weather management system 500 can perform analysis processing, including precipitation particle estimation processing and precipitation state determination processing, using weather observation data.

[0023] The weather management system 500 comprises a control device 510, a storage unit 520, and a communication device 530. The control device 510 includes an analysis unit 511 and an information provision unit 512. The analysis unit 511 classifies weather observation data based on classification criteria and outputs analysis results based on said classification criteria. As described above, precipitation particle estimation processing can be performed using amplitude ratios, and categories (classifications) such as wet snow, dry snow, ice crystals, drizzle, rain, sleet, hail, and heavy rain are provided in advance. A predetermined amplitude ratio is set as the classification criterion for each type of precipitation particle, and the analysis unit 511 estimates weather phenomena in the observation area from weather observation data based on the classification criteria.

[0024] Furthermore, the analysis unit 511 can perform precipitation state determination processing. As described above, precipitation intensity is an index for estimating the amount (intensity) of precipitation based on the strength of reflected waves; a high precipitation intensity indicates a lot of precipitation, and a low precipitation intensity indicates a little precipitation. For example, a multi-parameter phased-array weather radar can observe precipitation states in three dimensions. Vertically integrated liquid water content (VIL) can be obtained from the observation values ​​of the multi-parameter phased-array weather radar. VIL is the amount of water in the upper atmosphere at a certain point, obtained by integrating the precipitation amount in the vertical direction (VIL calculation process). Note that solids such as hail, sleet, and snow can be converted to liquid water content and integrated.

[0025] The analysis unit 511 can identify precipitation areas in the upper atmosphere above the observation area and output analysis results including the types and distribution of precipitation particles in the upper atmosphere within the precipitation area, as well as the precipitation intensity and VIL (Volatile Intensity Level) within the precipitation area. These analysis results (types of precipitation particles, precipitation intensity, and VIL) are associated with each of the multiple grids that are divided into a grid. For example, it can generate and output precipitation distribution information (precipitation distribution data), such as image data plotted on a map based on the location information of the observation area, or generate and output precipitation distribution information of precipitation particle types, precipitation intensity, and VIL associated with the location corresponding to each grid. The weather management system 500 receives continuous weather observation data in a time series from the weather radar, and the analysis unit 511 outputs continuous analysis results in a time series at predetermined time intervals (arbitrary second or minute units).

[0026] Furthermore, precipitation intensity can also be used as an indicator to determine whether or not precipitation particles in the upper atmosphere, as identified through precipitation particle estimation processing, actually fall to the ground. In other words, if the precipitation intensity is low, it can be determined that even if precipitation particles are present in the upper atmosphere, they will not fall to the ground.

[0027] The analysis unit 511 of this embodiment performs analysis processing, including precipitation particle estimation processing and precipitation state determination processing, based on predetermined criteria, and outputs precipitation particles falling on the ground surface. The predetermined criteria include the aforementioned classification criteria used in the precipitation particle estimation processing and the precipitation state determination criteria used in the precipitation state determination processing. The classification criteria and the precipitation state determination criteria are stored in the storage unit 520.

[0028] The precipitation state discrimination criteria may include a first precipitation state discrimination criterion that classifies the intensity (abundance) of precipitation particles falling to the ground surface, and a second precipitation state discrimination criterion that determines whether or not precipitation particles in the upper atmosphere will fall to the ground surface. The analysis unit 511 determines that if the precipitation intensity is greater than the second precipitation state discrimination criterion (threshold), the precipitation particles identified in the precipitation particle estimation process will fall to the ground surface. On the other hand, if the precipitation intensity is less than the second precipitation state discrimination criterion (threshold), it can determine that the precipitation particles identified in the precipitation particle estimation process will not fall to the ground surface.

[0029] The analysis process of this embodiment classifies meteorological observation data based on classification criteria, identifies the types of precipitation particles in the clouds in the upper atmosphere, and determines whether the identified precipitation particles will fall to the ground by comparing the precipitation intensity with a second precipitation state determination criterion. If it is determined that the particles will fall to the ground, the analysis unit 511 outputs the identified precipitation particles in the clouds in the upper atmosphere as precipitation particles that will fall to the ground. At this time, the intensity (amount) of the precipitation particles falling to the ground can also be output using the first precipitation state determination criterion. Meteorological observation data and the analysis results associated with said meteorological observation data can be stored in chronological order in the storage unit 520.

[0030] The weather management system 500 can grasp the current precipitation conditions (current precipitation amount) at predetermined time intervals through the analysis process described above. This analysis is performed continuously in a time series, and the analysis results for each time interval corresponding to the predetermined time interval are stored in the storage unit 520 along with the weather observation data.

[0031] The weather management system 500 can provide the information system 100 with analysis results for each observation time, and can also process and provide the analysis results based on pre-set monitoring conditions. For example, it can generate and provide precipitation information such as "10-minute rainfall," "hourly rainfall," and "cumulative rainfall."

[0032] "10-minute rainfall" is the amount of rain that fell in the 10 minutes from 10 minutes ago to the present (mm / 10min), "hourly rainfall" is the amount of rain that fell in the 1 hour from 60 minutes ago to the present (mm / h), and "cumulative rainfall" is the cumulative amount of rain that has fallen from the start of the rain to the present. After 24 hours have passed since the rain stopped, the cumulative value is reset to 0.

[0033] Furthermore, the weather management system 500 can also process precipitation forecasts from the present to the future. The analysis unit 511 makes precipitation forecasts in time units such as a few minutes or a few tens of minutes ahead, based on the current precipitation conditions. For example, the Japan Meteorological Agency's high-resolution precipitation nowcast uses a predetermined forecasting algorithm (forecasting model) to forecast (move forecast) future precipitation areas such as 10 minutes or 20 minutes ahead, and calculates the predicted precipitation amount in the precipitation area (https: / / www.jma.go.jp / jma / kishou / books / yohkens / 20 / chapter4.pdf Japan Meteorological Agency website).

[0034] The weather management system 500 of this embodiment can also perform known precipitation forecasting processing, such as high-resolution precipitation nowcasting, based on the current precipitation conditions described above, and can generate and provide forecast values ​​for "10-minute rainfall (10-minute forecast)", "hourly rainfall (10-minute forecast)", and "continuous rainfall (10-minute forecast)" 10 minutes from the current time, as well as "10-minute rainfall (20-minute forecast)", "hourly rainfall (20-minute forecast)", and "continuous rainfall (20-minute forecast)" 20 minutes from the current time.

[0035] For example, "10-minute rainfall (10-minute forecast)" is the amount of rain that will fall in the 10 minutes from now (mm / 10min), "hourly rainfall (10-minute forecast)" is the amount of rain that fell in the 50 minutes from 50 minutes ago to the present (mm / h) + "10-minute rainfall (10-minute forecast)", and "continuous rainfall (10-minute forecast)" is the cumulative amount of rain that has fallen from the start of the rain to the present + "10-minute rainfall (10-minute forecast)". After 24 hours have passed since the rain stopped, the cumulative value is reset to 0.

[0036] Similarly, "10-minute rainfall (20-minute forecast)" is the amount of rain that will fall in the 10 minutes from 10 minutes to 20 minutes from now (mm / 10min), "hourly rainfall (20-minute forecast)" is the amount of rain that fell in the 40 minutes from 40 minutes ago to the present (mm / h) + "10-minute rainfall (10-minute forecast)" + "10-minute rainfall (20-minute forecast)", and "cumulative rainfall (20-minute forecast)" is the cumulative amount of rain that has fallen from the start of the rain to the present + "10-minute rainfall (10-minute forecast)" + "10-minute rainfall (20-minute forecast)". After 24 hours have passed since the rain stopped, the cumulative value is reset to 0.

[0037] The weather management system 500 processes predictions for 10 minutes and 20 minutes ahead in the observation area as it continuously grasps the current precipitation conditions in a time series, and each predicted value is stored in the storage unit 520. The information provision unit 512 analyzes the weather observation data and provides (transmits) precipitation information, including the current precipitation corresponding to the current time and the predicted precipitation after a predetermined time has elapsed from the current time, to the information system 100 in a time series.

[0038] While the analysis results output by the weather management system 500 were explained using 10-minute rainfall, hourly rainfall, and continuous rainfall as examples, these are not the only options, and any appropriate format of current and predicted rainfall information suitable for operational management can be adopted as needed.

[0039] <Configuration of the information system> The information system 100 is a computer system that supports the operation management of transportation or roads, and as shown in Figure 1, it is composed of a communication device 110, a control device 120, and a storage device 130. The communication device 110 is a data communication interface and performs data communication with the weather management system 500 and with the user terminal 300 via an IP (Internet protocol) network or a dedicated line.

[0040] The information system 100 obtains current and predicted precipitation data from the weather management system 500 for the operational management area where operational management is performed. The information system 100 performs support functions based on the current and predicted precipitation data received from the weather management system 500 and provides operational management support information to the user terminal 300.

[0041] The user terminal 300 is a desktop computer, a portable tablet computer, or a notebook computer, and is equipped with data communication functions (wireless / wired communication) via an IP network or mobile communication network, computing functions (CPU, etc.), and storage devices (memory, auxiliary storage devices, etc.). The user terminal 300 is also equipped with display control applications such as a browser, and can control the display of screens provided by the information system 100. Furthermore, it may be appropriately equipped with a display device (or a touch panel display device) and input means such as a keyboard.

[0042] The control device 120 includes a data management unit 121, a precipitation information acquisition unit 122, an operation management unit 123, and a display control unit 124. The following explanation will use railway operation management as an example.

[0043] The data management unit 121 receives input of multiple management points included in the operation management area and location information of the management points, and stores them in the storage device (corresponding to the first storage unit) 130. Figure 2 shows an example of management points and location information. In the case of railway operation management, the management points are stations, and the location information of the management points includes the latitude and longitude of the stations. The operation management area is an area arbitrarily set by the railway operator, for example, an area included in an arbitrarily demarcated route map.

[0044] The precipitation information acquisition unit 122 acquires precipitation information corresponding to the location information of the management points from the weather management system 500. As described above, the weather management system 500 holds current precipitation information (precipitation type, precipitation intensity, etc.) within the observation area as a result of analyzing weather observation data. It also holds predicted precipitation information for future times based on the current precipitation information. Based on the location information of each management point input (registered) through the data management unit 121, the precipitation information acquisition unit 122 can acquire current precipitation and predicted precipitation corresponding to the location information from the weather management system 500.

[0045] Furthermore, management points can be set at any location other than stations, such as between stations. For example, depending on the terrain and soil conditions around the railway tracks and stations, any location can be designated as a management point from the perspective of disaster prevention and safety management in train operations.

[0046] The operations management unit 123 generates an operations management support screen that is displayed on the display device of the user terminal 300. The operations management unit 123 can generate an operations management support screen that includes an operations status area in which an operations management diagram is plotted with multiple management points within the operations management area, or an operations management map in which multiple management points are plotted on a map including the operations management area based on location information, and a precipitation data area in which current precipitation and predicted precipitation for each management point are displayed in a list.

[0047] Figure 3 is an example of an operation management support screen that includes a route map (operation management map) with multiple stations (management points) plotted within the operation management area, and a precipitation data area that displays a list of current and predicted precipitation for each station included in the route map. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the operation management map (operation status area) in Figure 3.

[0048] As shown in Figure 3, the operation management support screen has a route map (operation status area) on the right and a precipitation data area on the left. The route map has multiple linear route objects drawn, and circular geometric objects representing each station are plotted on each drawn route. The precipitation data area is a data display area that shows the current and predicted precipitation for each station included in one selected route. The "10-minute rainfall," "hourly rainfall," and "continuous rainfall" that indicate the current precipitation, as well as the predicted precipitation for 10 minutes and 20 minutes in the future, are displayed for each station. The "10-minute rainfall," "hourly rainfall," and "continuous rainfall" are also displayed for the 10 minutes and 20 minutes in the future, respectively.

[0049] Figure 5 is an example of an operation management support screen that includes an operation management map in which multiple management points are plotted on a map including the operation management area based on the location information of management points (stations), and a precipitation data area that displays a list of current and predicted precipitation for each station included in the operation management map. Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the operation management map (operation status area) in Figure 5. Note that the precipitation data area in Figure 5 is the same as in Figure 3.

[0050] The operation management support screen in Figure 5 has an operation management map on the right side, with linear route objects drawn on the map. Circular geometric objects representing each station are plotted on the drawn routes. Furthermore, precipitation distribution data (precipitation distribution image) provided by the weather management system 500 is superimposed on the operation management map. In this way, the operation management unit 123 can superimpose and display a precipitation distribution image (precipitation distribution data) based on weather observation data onto the operation management map, allowing for a visual understanding of the location of precipitation areas (including precipitation intensity) within the operation management area.

[0051] The display control unit 124 controls the display of the operation management support screen on the user terminal 300's display device, and also controls the display of support for each management point in the operation status area and precipitation data area of ​​the operation management support screen based on the current precipitation or predicted precipitation.

[0052] The operation status area of ​​the operation management support screen is provided with route map buttons and weather information buttons, and the display control unit 124 controls the switching between the operation management diagram (Figure 4) and the operation management map (Figure 6) according to the selection of these buttons. In addition, the precipitation data area is provided with a route selection field, and the display control unit 124 can display a list of current precipitation and predicted precipitation data corresponding to the station (management point) corresponding to the selected route.

[0053] Next, the support display control of the display control unit 124 will be described. The data management unit 121 stores at least a threshold for the current rainfall in the storage device 130 (corresponding to the second storage unit) and associates each station (management point) with the threshold. Then, in the support display control, the display control unit 124 can perform display control of the display effect for each management point when the current rainfall meets the threshold.

[0054] This embodiment describes operational management support using both current precipitation and predicted precipitation, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may be configured to determine whether a threshold is exceeded (met) using only current precipitation, and to control the display effects of the operational management support screen according to the category corresponding to that threshold.

[0055] In this embodiment, the data management unit 121 controls the current rainfall and the forecast rainfall to set thresholds corresponding to at least three categories: caution, slow, and stop, with the thresholds increasing in the order of caution, slow, and stop. These thresholds are stored in the storage device 130.

[0056] Furthermore, the operation management unit 123 can generate an operation unit S in the operation status area of ​​the operation management support screen to display the display mode of each management point in the support display control in chronological order.The display control unit 124 can then perform support display control for each station (management point) in the operation status area based on the amount of rainfall at the time specified by the operation unit S.For example, it can perform support display control for each management point in the operation status area of ​​the operation management support screen based on the current rainfall, or it can perform support display control for each management point in the operation status area of ​​the operation management support screen based on the predicted rainfall.

[0057] Figure 7 shows an example of threshold information. The data management unit 121 stores a group of thresholds, each containing at least three categories (caution, slow, and stop), as a single rank group (danger rank) in the storage device 130, and controls the rank group so that the thresholds corresponding to each of the three categories (caution, slow, and stop) are different from each other.

[0058] The data management unit 121 then performs a process to associate each management point within the operation management area with a threshold value. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the data management unit 121 can be controlled to set different rank groups for each station (management point), and can be controlled to associate a threshold value with each station through the rank group. It is also possible to set the same rank group (same threshold value) for each station (management point).

[0059] The display control unit 124 determines whether the current rainfall or predicted rainfall meets a threshold in the support display control for each management point in the operation status area and rainfall data area of ​​the operation management support screen, based on the current rainfall or predicted rainfall. If the threshold is met, it performs display control to display each management point with a different display effect for each corresponding category.

[0060] Thresholds can be set for both current precipitation and predicted precipitation. Therefore, the display control unit 124 in this embodiment can, as support display control, determine whether the current precipitation meets (exceeds) the threshold and perform display effect control related to the current precipitation according to the category corresponding to that threshold, and also determine whether the predicted precipitation meets (exceeds) the threshold and perform display effect control related to the predicted precipitation according to the category corresponding to that threshold.

[0061] Specifically, in the precipitation data area, if the current precipitation at a station (management point) exceeds the threshold for the warning / regulation level (see Figure 7), the display control unit 124 arbitrarily changes the color of the current precipitation (numerical value) for the corresponding station (management point). Similarly, if the current precipitation at a station (management point) exceeds the threshold for the slow-speed regulation level, the color of the current precipitation (numerical value) for the corresponding station (management point) can be changed to an arbitrary color different from the warning / regulation level. Or, if the current precipitation at a station (management point) exceeds the threshold for the stop / restriction level, the color of the current precipitation (numerical value) for the corresponding station (management point) can be changed to an arbitrary color different from both the warning / regulation level and the slow-speed regulation level.

[0062] The same applies to the predicted precipitation amount (numerical value) in the precipitation data area of ​​the operation management support screen. Based on the threshold shown in Figure 7, it is possible to determine whether the predicted precipitation amount meets (exceeds) the threshold and perform the aforementioned display effect control according to the category corresponding to that threshold.

[0063] While we have shown an example of changing the color of the numerical values ​​as a display effect for current precipitation (numerical value) and predicted precipitation (numerical value), this is not the only option. For example, you can apply any display effect, such as making the values ​​blink or changing the thickness or shading of the text to emphasize them.

[0064] In addition to displaying effects for each current precipitation value within the precipitation data area, the display control unit 124 can also display icons corresponding to the thresholds for warning restriction levels, slow restriction levels, and stop restriction levels at the corresponding stations (management points) within the precipitation data area (see Figure 3).

[0065] As described above, the display control unit 124 can also perform support display control in the operation status area. In the operation status area, the display control unit 124 can perform display effect control that changes the color and size of the station (management point) graphic objects plotted on the operation management diagram or operation management map according to the respective classifications of warning restriction level, slow restriction level, and stop restriction level (see Figures 3 and 5).

[0066] In this case, the display control unit 124 can perform support display control for each station (management point) in the operation status area based on the amount of rainfall at the time (past, present, future) specified by the operation unit S. When performing support display control for current rainfall from several hours ago, the display control unit 124 can display the current rainfall (numerical value) corresponding to the past time specified in the operation status area in the rainfall data area. In other words, the display control unit 124 can perform synchronized display control between the operation status area and the rainfall data area based on the time specified by the operation unit S.

[0067] In this embodiment, the precipitation information obtained by analyzing weather radar observation data includes the predicted precipitation amount after a predetermined time has elapsed from the current time. The precipitation information acquisition unit 122 stores the current precipitation amount acquired in the past in chronological order. The operation management unit 123 generates an operation status area on the operation management support screen that includes an operation unit S for specifying past and future times based on the current time, and the display control unit 124 can perform support display control for each station (management point) based on the current precipitation amount and / or predicted precipitation amount corresponding to the time specified by the operation unit S.

[0068] Furthermore, the operation unit S can be configured not only as an operation unit for specifying the time to be displayed, but also as a playback unit that plays back and displays the display patterns of the operation status area of ​​the operation management support screen in chronological order, from the past to the present, and from the present to the future.

[0069] As described above, the precipitation information obtained by analyzing weather radar observation data includes the predicted precipitation amount after a predetermined time has elapsed from the current time. The precipitation information acquisition unit 122 can store the current precipitation amount acquired in the past in chronological order. The operation management unit 123 generates the operation status area of ​​the operation management support screen to include an operation unit S for displaying the display mode of each station (management point) in the support display control in chronological order. When the operation unit S is operated, the display control unit 124 can perform support display control for each station based on the current precipitation amount from a predetermined time ago, based on the current precipitation amount from the past, and can also perform support display control for each station based on the predicted precipitation amount from the present time to the future.

[0070] The information system 100 of this embodiment does not require installation and associated operation and maintenance work like ground-based rain gauges, and can be set up at arbitrary management points other than stations, such as between stations, or around the railway tracks and stations, depending on the terrain and soil conditions, to grasp precipitation conditions.

[0071] Therefore, transportation managers can identify areas where safety can be ensured without unnecessarily broadening the scope of operational precautions or stops. In particular, they can narrow down areas experiencing localized heavy rain or torrential downpours, allowing them to appropriately identify areas where safety must be ensured. Furthermore, as mentioned above, by accumulating past current rainfall data in a time series, it is possible to verify the relationship between current rainfall and threshold information.

[0072] Figure 8 is a diagram showing the processing flow of the information system 100 in this embodiment.

[0073] As shown in Figure 8, the weather management system 500 analyzes weather observation data from the weather radar (S501). The analysis results are stored in the storage device 520 and transmitted to the information system 100 (S502).

[0074] The information system 100 performs the setting process for the management points and location information of the management points as illustrated in Figure 2 (S101). It also performs the setting process for threshold information as shown in Figure 7 (S102). Then, it associates the threshold information with each management point.

[0075] The information system 100 generates an operation management support screen (S103) which includes an operation status area displaying an operation management diagram in which multiple management points are plotted within the operation management area, or an operation management map in which multiple management points are plotted on a map including the operation management area based on location information, and a precipitation data area displaying a list of current precipitation and predicted precipitation for each management point.

[0076] The information system 100 obtains current and predicted precipitation corresponding to the location information of the management point from precipitation information provided by the weather management system 500, which includes current precipitation corresponding to the current time and predicted precipitation from the current time to the future (S104).

[0077] The information system 100 transmits the operation management support screen to the user terminal 300 and controls the display of the operation management support screen on the display device of the user terminal 300 (S105). Then, based on the current rainfall or predicted rainfall, it controls the display of support for each management point in the operation status area and the rainfall data area on the operation management support screen displayed on the display device (S106).

[0078] The weather management system 500 continuously provides precipitation information to the information system 100 at predetermined time intervals. The information system 100 updates the operation management support screen (precipitation data area and operation status area) using the latest received precipitation information, and stores the current precipitation amount, which was previously applied in display control, in the storage device 130 as the current precipitation amount at past time points.

[0079] The information system 100 terminates processing (S108) upon completion of the display control and support display control of the operation management support screen on the user terminal 300's display device (YES in S107).

[0080] Figure 9 shows a system configuration in which the information system 100 is configured as part of the weather management system 500. In the example in Figure 1, the information system 100 and the weather management system 500 are built separately, but as shown in Figure 9, the information system 100 may be configured to provide operation management support services as one of the weather-related services provided by the weather management system 500.

[0081] For example, the weather management system 500 is An analysis unit 511 analyzes weather radar observation data and outputs precipitation information including current precipitation (and predicted precipitation) corresponding to the current time, A storage device 130 that stores multiple management points within the operation management area and location information of the management points, A precipitation information acquisition unit 122 acquires current precipitation (and predicted precipitation) corresponding to the location information of the management point from precipitation information, An operation management unit 123 generates an operation management support screen that includes an operation status area displaying an operation management diagram in which multiple management points are plotted within the operation management area, or an operation management map in which multiple management points are plotted on a map including the operation management area based on location information, and a precipitation data area displaying a list of current precipitation (and predicted precipitation) for each management point. The system can be configured to include a display control unit 124 that controls the display of an operation management support screen on a predetermined display device and performs support display control for each management point in the operation status area and the precipitation data area based on the current precipitation (or predicted precipitation).

[0082] As described above, the embodiments are described, but each function constituting the information system 100 and the weather management system 500 can be realized by a program. Computer programs prepared in advance to realize each function are stored in an auxiliary storage device, and a control unit such as a CPU reads the program stored in the auxiliary storage device into the main memory, and the control unit executes the program read into the main memory, thereby enabling the operation of each part.

[0083] Furthermore, the above program can also be provided to a computer in a state where it is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of computer-readable recording media include optical discs such as CD-ROMs and Blu-ray® Disc Rewritables, phase-change optical discs such as DVD-ROMs, magneto-optical discs such as MO (Magneto Optical), magnetic discs such as floppy disks and hard disks, and memory cards such as SD memory cards and USB flash drives. Hardware devices such as integrated circuits (IC chips such as ROMs and RAMs) that are specially designed and configured for the purposes of the present invention are also included as recording media. Furthermore, the present invention, including the above-mentioned program, is not limited to being executed on a von Neumann computer architecture, but may also be executed on so-called non-von Neumann computer architectures, such as neurocomputers based on the mechanisms of brain neural circuits or quantum computers that apply quantum mechanics to information processing.

[0084] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 100 Information Systems 110 Communication equipment 120 Control device 121 Data Management Department 122 Precipitation information acquisition section 123 Operation Management Department 124 Display Control Unit 130 Storage device 300 user terminals 500 Weather Management Systems 510 Control device 511 Analysis Department 512 Information Provision Department 520 Storage device 530 Communication equipment

Claims

1. An information system that supports the operation management of transportation or roads, A first storage unit that stores multiple management points within the operation management area and location information of the said management points, Precipitation information obtained by analyzing weather radar observation data, including current precipitation corresponding to the current time, and a precipitation information acquisition unit that acquires the current precipitation corresponding to the location information of the management point from the precipitation information, An operation management unit that generates an operation management support screen including an operation status area in which an operation management diagram in which multiple management points are plotted within the operation management area or an operation management map in which multiple management points are plotted on a map including the operation management area based on the location information, and a precipitation data area in which the current precipitation amount for each management point is displayed in a list, A display control unit that controls the display of the operation management support screen on a predetermined display device and controls the support display for each management point in the operation status area and the precipitation data area based on the current precipitation amount, An information system characterized by including the following.

2. A second storage unit that stores a threshold value for the current rainfall, The system includes a data management unit that associates each of the aforementioned management points with the aforementioned thresholds, The information system according to claim 1, characterized in that the display control unit performs display control of a display effect for each management point when the current rainfall amount satisfies the threshold in the support display control.

3. The threshold is provided with at least three categories: caution, slow, and stop, with values ​​set in the order of caution, slow, and stop, from largest to smallest. The information system according to claim 2, characterized in that, in the support display control, when the current rainfall amount satisfies the threshold, the display control performs display control of different display effects for each corresponding category for each management point.

4. The data management unit stores a group of thresholds including at least three categories—caution, slow down, and stop—as a single rank group in the second storage unit, and controls the system to enable the setting of multiple rank groups in which the thresholds corresponding to each of the three categories—caution, slow down, and stop—are all different from each other. The information system according to claim 3, characterized in that the data management unit controls the system to enable the setting of different rank groups for each management point, and associates the threshold value with each management point through each rank group.

5. The information system according to claim 1, characterized in that the operation management unit overlays and displays a precipitation distribution image based on the observation data onto the operation management map.

6. The precipitation information obtained by analyzing weather radar observation data includes the predicted precipitation amount after a predetermined time has elapsed from the current time. The precipitation information acquisition unit acquires the current precipitation amount and the predicted precipitation amount corresponding to the location information of the management point from the precipitation information. The aforementioned operation management unit generates the operation management support screen such that the current precipitation and the predicted precipitation for each management point are displayed in a list in the precipitation data area. The display control unit performs support display control for each management point in the operation status area and the precipitation data area based on the current precipitation amount or the predicted precipitation amount in the support display control. The information system according to feature 1.

7. The precipitation information obtained by analyzing weather radar observation data includes the predicted precipitation amount after a predetermined time has elapsed from the current time. The precipitation information acquisition unit stores the current precipitation amount acquired in the past in a predetermined memory area in chronological order. The aforementioned operation management unit generates the operation status area of ​​the operation management support screen to include an operation unit for specifying past and future times based on the current time. The information system according to claim 1, characterized in that the display control unit performs the support display control for each management point based on the current rainfall and / or the predicted rainfall corresponding to the time specified by the operation unit.

8. The precipitation information obtained by analyzing weather radar observation data includes the predicted precipitation amount after a predetermined time has elapsed from the current time. The precipitation information acquisition unit stores the current precipitation amount acquired in the past in a predetermined memory area in chronological order. The aforementioned operation management unit generates the operation status area of ​​the operation management support screen to include an operation unit for displaying the display modes of each management point in the support display control in chronological order. The information system according to claim 1, characterized in that when the operation unit is operated, the display control unit performs the support display control for each management point based on the current rainfall amount from a predetermined time ago, based on the current rainfall amount from the present time to the past, and also performs the support display control for each management point based on the predicted rainfall amount from the present time to the future.

9. A program executed by a computer that assists in the operation management of transportation or roads, wherein the computer has, A first function that stores multiple management points within the operation management area and location information of said management points, Precipitation information, including current precipitation corresponding to the current time, obtained by analyzing weather radar observation data, and a second function for obtaining the current precipitation corresponding to the location information of the management point from the precipitation information, A third function that generates an operation management support screen, which includes an operation status area displaying an operation management diagram in which multiple management points are plotted within the operation management area, or an operation management map in which multiple management points are plotted on a map including the operation management area based on the location information, and a precipitation data area displaying a list of current precipitation amounts for each management point. A fourth function that controls the display of the operation management support screen on a predetermined display device and controls the support display for each management point in the operation status area and the precipitation data area based on the current precipitation amount, A program to achieve this.

10. A method for supporting the operation management of transportation or roads, wherein a computer A step of storing multiple management points within the operation management area and location information of said management points, Precipitation information, including current precipitation corresponding to the current time, obtained by analyzing observation data from weather radar, comprising the step of obtaining the current precipitation corresponding to the location information of the management point from the precipitation information, A step of generating an operation management support screen, which includes an operation status area displaying an operation management diagram in which multiple management points are plotted within the operation management area, or an operation management map in which multiple management points are plotted on a map including the operation management area based on the location information, and a precipitation data area displaying a list of current precipitation amounts for each management point. The steps include controlling the display of the operation management support screen on a predetermined display device and controlling the support display for each management point in the operation status area and the precipitation data area based on the current precipitation amount, How to do it.

11. An information system that supports railway operation management, A first storage unit that stores multiple stations within the operation management area and location information of said stations, Precipitation information including current precipitation corresponding to the current time, obtained by analyzing weather radar observation data, and a precipitation information acquisition unit that acquires the current precipitation corresponding to the location information of the station from the precipitation information, An operation management unit that generates an operation management support screen including an operation status area in which an operation management route map in which multiple stations are plotted within the operation management area or an operation management map in which multiple stations are plotted on a map including the operation management area based on the location information, and a precipitation data area in which the current precipitation amount for each station is displayed in a list, A display control unit that controls the display of the operation management support screen on a predetermined display device and controls the support display for each station in the operation status area and the precipitation data area based on the current precipitation amount, An information system characterized by including the following.

12. It is a weather management system, An analysis unit analyzes weather radar observation data and outputs precipitation information including current precipitation corresponding to the current time, A first storage unit that stores multiple management points within the operation management area and location information of the said management points, A precipitation information acquisition unit that acquires the current precipitation amount corresponding to the location information of the management point from the precipitation information, An operation management unit that generates an operation management support screen including an operation status area in which an operation management diagram in which multiple management points are plotted within the operation management area or an operation management map in which multiple management points are plotted on a map including the operation management area based on the location information, and a precipitation data area in which the current precipitation amount for each management point is displayed in a list, A display control unit that controls the display of the operation management support screen on a predetermined display device and controls the support display for each management point in the operation status area and the precipitation data area based on the current precipitation amount, A weather management system characterized by including [this].

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