Power display system, power display method, and power display program

Abstract

This invention provides a power display system, a power display method, and a power display program that enable easy determination of power consumption according to the operating status of railway vehicles. [Solution] The power display system 10 includes an acquisition processing unit 111 that acquires the amount of power consumed according to the position of the railway vehicle, and a display processing unit 112 that displays an object image with a shape corresponding to the magnitude of the power consumption overlaid on a diagram showing the railway vehicle's operating schedule, and displays the object image in a different manner from other object images when the shape of the object image corresponding to the magnitude of the power consumption differs from the shape of the reference object image corresponding to a preset reference power consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for displaying the power consumption of railway vehicles (trains).

Background Art

[0002] A system for managing the power consumption in railways is known. For example, a system that calculates the power consumption based on the number of passengers on a railway vehicle and the train schedule, and displays the calculation result on a display is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since the conventional technology displays the power consumption corresponding to the number of passengers on a railway vehicle and the train schedule as numerical data, it is possible to grasp the power consumption for each railway vehicle, but it is difficult to grasp at a glance the relationship between the operation status of the railway vehicle and the power consumption.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a power display system, a power display method, and a power display program that can easily grasp the power consumption according to the operation status of a railway vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A power display system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: an acquisition processing unit that acquires the amount of power consumed according to the running position of a railway vehicle; a first display processing unit that overlays an object image having a shape corresponding to the magnitude of the power consumed onto a diagram showing the operating schedule of the railway vehicle; and a second display processing unit that displays the object image in a different manner from other object images when the shape of the object image corresponding to the magnitude of the power consumed differs from the shape of a reference object image corresponding to a preset reference power consumed.

[0007] A power display system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: an acquisition processing unit that acquires a regenerative power amount corresponding to the running position of a railway vehicle; a first display processing unit that overlays an object image having a shape corresponding to the magnitude of the regenerative power amount onto a diagram showing the operating schedule of the railway vehicle; and a second display processing unit that displays the object image in a different manner from other object images when the shape of the object image corresponding to the magnitude of the regenerative power amount differs from the shape of a reference object image corresponding to a preset reference regenerative power amount.

[0008] A power display method according to another aspect of the present invention is a method in which one or more processors perform the following actions: acquiring the amount of power consumed according to the running position of a railway vehicle; displaying an object image having a shape corresponding to the magnitude of the power consumed, superimposed on a diagram showing the operating schedule of the railway vehicle; and, when the shape of the object image corresponding to the magnitude of the power consumed differs from the shape of a reference object image corresponding to a preset reference amount of power consumed, displaying the object image in a different manner from other object images.

[0009] A power display program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes one or more processors to perform the following actions: acquire the amount of power consumed according to the running position of a railway vehicle; overlay an object image having a shape corresponding to the magnitude of the power consumed onto a diagram showing the operating schedule of the railway vehicle; and, if the shape of the object image corresponding to the magnitude of the power consumed differs from the shape of a reference object image corresponding to a preset reference amount of power consumed, display the object image in a different manner from other object images. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a power display system, a power display method, and a power display program that can easily grasp the amount of power consumed according to the operating status of a railway vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a power display system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of vehicle information used in a power display system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of vehicle information used in a power display system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of user information used in a power display system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a diagram display page shown on an operating terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a power consumption display page displayed on an operating terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a power consumption display page displayed on an operating terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]Figure 8 shows an example of a power consumption display page displayed on an operating terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a power consumption display page displayed on an operating terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a power consumption display page displayed on an operating terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of a power consumption display page displayed on an operating terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for power display processing performed in a power display system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings to facilitate understanding of the invention. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the invention.

[0013] [Power display system 10] As shown in Figure 1, the power display system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a management server 1, an operating terminal 2, and a railway vehicle. The management server 1, the operating terminal 2, and the railway vehicle can communicate with each other via a communication network N such as the Internet, LAN, WAN, or public telephone line. Alternatively, the management server 1 and the operating terminal 2 may be connected in a communication-enabled manner, or the management server 1 and the railway vehicle may be connected in a communication-enabled manner. In other words, the operating terminal 2 and the railway vehicle do not necessarily need to be able to communicate with each other.

[0014] The management server 1 acquires various information regarding the operation status (such as the running position according to the train schedule, running speed, etc.) from the railway vehicle and manages the operation status. Specifically, the management server 1 acquires information such as the power consumption amount, the running position of the railway vehicle, and the running speed of the railway vehicle from the railway vehicle. Further, the management server 1 may acquire information on the operation content (notch position) of the master controller handle by the driver. The management server 1 may acquire the above information from the railway vehicle in real time, or may acquire the above information at a preset time (cycle).

[0015] The management server 1 acquires the power consumption amount (consumed energy) of the railway vehicle from, for example, a sensor (not shown) mounted on the railway vehicle. A well-known technique can be applied to the method of acquiring the power consumption amount from the railway vehicle. Note that the power consumption amount may be the amount of power considering regenerative power.

[0016] The operation terminal 2 is an operation terminal for a user to check the operation status of the railway vehicle. The user is, for example, an administrator of a railway company, a driver of a railway vehicle, a conductor, etc. For example, the user can log in to the power display site on the operation terminal 2 and check the train schedule and power consumption amount of the railway vehicle.

[0017] In this embodiment, the management server 1 alone corresponds to the power display system according to the present invention. However, the power display system according to the present invention may include one or more components among the management server 1, the operation terminal 2, and the railway vehicle. For example, when the components of the management server 1, the operation terminal 2, and the railway vehicle cooperate to share and execute the power display process (see FIG. 12) described later, a system including a plurality of components that execute the process can be regarded as the power display system according to the present invention. That is, the management server 1, the operation terminal 2, and the railway vehicle may constitute the power display system according to the present invention. Further, the management server 1 and the operation terminal 2 may constitute the power display system according to the present invention.

[0018] [Management Server 1] As shown in Figure 1, the management server 1 is a server (e.g., a cloud server) equipped with a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, an operation display unit 13, and a communication unit 14. The management server 1 is not limited to a single computer; it may be a computer system in which multiple computers work together. Furthermore, the various processes performed by the management server 1 may be distributed and executed by one or more processors.

[0019] The communication unit 14 is a communication interface that connects the management server 1 to the communication network N by wire or wireless connection and performs data communication with external devices such as the operating terminal 2 and railway vehicles via the communication network N in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0020] The operation display unit 13 is a user interface comprising a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display that displays various types of information, and an operation unit such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch panel that accepts input.

[0021] The storage unit 12 is a non-volatile storage unit such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory that stores various types of information. Specifically, the storage unit 12 stores data such as vehicle information D1 and user information D2. Figure 2 shows an example of vehicle information D1, and Figure 3 shows an example of driving information included in vehicle information D1. Figure 4 shows an example of user information D2.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the vehicle information D1 contains information such as the corresponding "vehicle number," "running information," "driver," and "conductor" for each railway vehicle. The vehicle number is the identification information of the railway vehicle. The running information is information that shows the running status of the railway vehicle, including power consumption and running conditions (running speed, running position). Figure 3 shows a specific example of the running information ("running information N1") for vehicle number "101." The running information is registered with the time, power consumption, running speed, and running position associated with it. The control unit 11 acquires power consumption, running speed, and running position information from the railway vehicle and registers it in the vehicle information D1.

[0023] The driver refers to the information (name, ID, etc.) of the train driver, and the conductor refers to the information (name, ID, etc.) of the train conductor.

[0024] The control unit 11 acquires information such as the vehicle number, running information, driver, and conductor for each railway vehicle and registers it in the vehicle information D1.

[0025] As shown in Figure 4, user information D2 contains information such as the corresponding "User ID," "Username," and "Password" for each user. These users could be, for example, railway company administrators, drivers, or conductors. The User ID and password are used as login information for logging into the power display website.

[0026] In another embodiment, some or all of the vehicle information D1 and user information D2 may be stored on another server (such as a data server) accessible from the management server 1 via the communication network N. In this case, the control unit 11 of the management server 1 may acquire the information from the other server and execute various processes such as the power display processing (see Figure 12) described later.

[0027] Furthermore, the storage unit 12 also stores layout data and image data for generating the web pages of the power display site (Website) that are displayed on the operation terminal 2. The web pages include, for example, a diagram display page W1 (see Figure 5) that displays a diagram, and a power consumption display page W2 (see Figure 6) that displays the amount of power consumed on the diagram. In this embodiment, the control unit 11 of the management server 1 can generate the various web pages and transmit the information of the web pages to the operation terminal 2, thereby causing the operation terminal 2 to display the various web pages. In another embodiment, the control unit 11 of the management server 1 may transmit the data necessary to display the various web pages to the operation terminal 2, thereby causing the control unit 21 of the operation terminal 2 to display the various web pages.

[0028] Furthermore, the power display site may be a collection of web pages belonging to a single pre-configured domain, or it may be a collection of web pages belonging to multiple domains stored in the storage unit 12 of the same management server 1. In addition, the various pages included in the website may be stored in a distributed manner across multiple servers.

[0029] Furthermore, the storage unit 12 stores control programs, such as a power display program, which causes the control unit 11 to execute the power display processing described later (see Figure 12). For example, the power display program is non-temporarily recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD or DVD, and is read by a reading device (not shown), such as a CD drive or DVD drive, provided by the management server 1 and stored in the storage unit 12.

[0030] The control unit 11 has control devices such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM (or maintains equivalent functions on the cloud). The CPU is a processor that performs various arithmetic operations. The ROM is a non-volatile memory unit in which control programs such as an OS for causing the CPU to perform various arithmetic operations are pre-stored. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile memory unit that stores various information and is used as a temporary memory (work area) for the various processes performed by the CPU. The control unit 21 controls the management server 1 by executing various control programs pre-stored in the ROM or memory unit 12 using the CPU.

[0031] Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the control unit 11 includes various processing units such as an acquisition processing unit 111, a display processing unit 112, and an estimation processing unit 113. The control unit 11 functions as these various processing units by executing various processes according to the power display program using the CPU. Some or all of these processing units may be composed of electronic circuits. The power display program may be a program that causes multiple processors to function as processing units.

[0032] The acquisition processing unit 111 acquires the amount of power consumed according to the position of the railway vehicle. Specifically, the acquisition processing unit 111 acquires the amount of power consumed from the railway vehicle as detected by sensors installed on the railway vehicle. For example, the acquisition processing unit 111 acquires detection data (power consumption) from sensors installed on the motor, inverter, pantograph, air conditioning equipment (heating and cooling equipment), etc. Alternatively, the acquisition processing unit 111 may calculate the amount of power consumed based on the detection data from the sensors.

[0033] Furthermore, the acquisition processing unit 111 acquires information on the running speed and running position from the railway vehicle.

[0034] The acquisition processing unit 111 registers the information (power consumption, running speed, running position) acquired from the railway vehicle into vehicle information D1 (see Figures 2 and 3). The acquisition processing unit 111 may acquire the information from the railway vehicle in real time while the railway vehicle is running and register it in vehicle information D1, or it may acquire the information from the railway vehicle at predetermined intervals while the railway vehicle is running and register it in vehicle information D1, or it may acquire the information from the railway vehicle at the time the railway vehicle finishes running (arrives at the terminal station) and register it in vehicle information D1. Alternatively, the acquisition processing unit 111 may acquire the information from each railway vehicle at the time all operations for the day have finished and register it in vehicle information D1. The acquisition processing unit 111 acquires the information for each railway vehicle and registers it in vehicle information D1. The acquisition processing unit 111 is an example of the acquisition processing unit of the present invention.

[0035] In another embodiment, the acquisition processing unit 111 may acquire information regarding the operating status (operation) (operation information) from the railway vehicle. Specifically, the acquisition processing unit 111 may acquire information from each of a plurality of railway vehicles regarding the operating position (notch position) of the master controller handle that allows for switching between multiple stages of acceleration and deceleration of the railway vehicle. For example, the acquisition processing unit 111 may acquire notch information (notch position) detected by a sensor installed on the railway vehicle from the railway vehicle.

[0036] The display processing unit 112 displays various information on a web page. Specifically, the display processing unit 112 displays a diagram showing the operating schedule of railway vehicles on the operation terminal 2. Figure 5 shows an example of a web page for the diagram (diagram display page W1). Here, a diagram is shown showing railway vehicles numbered "101" to "107" traveling between stations A1 and A11. Note that the diagram shown in Figure 5 corresponds to the actual travel history of the railway vehicles. In another embodiment, the display processing unit 112 may display a diagram of a pre-registered operating schedule.

[0037] Furthermore, the display processing unit 112 displays information on multiple power consumption amounts corresponding to each of the multiple railway vehicles acquired by the acquisition processing unit 111 on the diagram. Specifically, the display processing unit 112 overlays object images with shapes corresponding to the magnitude of the power consumption onto the diagram. The object images are graphic images that mimic the magnitude of the power consumption. The display processing unit 112 displays larger object images for larger power consumption and smaller object images for smaller power consumption. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the display processing unit 112 overlays object images with shapes corresponding to the magnitude of the power consumption onto the diagram on the power consumption display page W2. For example, when the display processing unit 112 receives a power consumption display instruction (page switching operation) from the user on the diagram display page W1, it displays the power consumption display page W2 (see Figure 6) on the operation terminal 2.

[0038] When a train is traveling at high speed, the change in its position over time becomes significant, causing object images to appear as straight lines. Furthermore, the higher the power consumption, the thicker the lines appear, and the lower the power consumption, the thinner the lines appear.

[0039] In contrast, when a railway vehicle is traveling at a low speed or is stopped, the change in its position over time is small or nonexistent, so the object image is more likely to be displayed as a circle (or ellipse), and the larger the power consumption, the larger the size of the circle or ellipse displayed, and the smaller the power consumption, the smaller the size of the circle or ellipse displayed.

[0040] As a result, multiple object images are displayed in each section of the route, depending on the train's position. By overlaying object images with shapes corresponding to the amount of power consumed onto the diagram (see Figure 6), users can quickly grasp how the power consumption of a train changes along its route. Furthermore, users can quickly grasp the power consumption corresponding to the train's position within the route. Therefore, users can intuitively understand the locations and times where power consumption is high (or low) for each train.

[0041] Furthermore, the display processing unit 112 displays the object image in a different manner from other object images when the shape of the object image corresponding to the amount of power consumption differs from the shape of the reference object image corresponding to a preset reference amount of power consumption.

[0042] Here, the display processing unit 112 generates a reference object image based on the power consumption history data corresponding to each of the multiple railway vehicles. For example, the display processing unit 112 calculates the average power consumption for each travel position (location) based on the travel history data (vehicle information D1) of the multiple railway vehicles, sets this average value as the reference power consumption, and generates a reference object image with a shape corresponding to the magnitude of the reference power consumption. The display processing unit 112 may also generate the reference object image based on the travel history data corresponding to multiple railway vehicles in the same section and at the same station. Alternatively, the display processing unit 112 may generate the reference object image for each section.

[0043] In other embodiments, the display processing unit 112 may generate the reference object image based on running history data corresponding to railway vehicles with the same vehicle number. Alternatively, the display processing unit 112 may generate the reference object image for each vehicle number. Furthermore, the display processing unit 112 may generate the reference object image for each driver. Additionally, the display processing unit 112 may generate the reference object image based on running history data of railway vehicles driven by drivers whose driving experience exceeds a predetermined number of years or whose driving skill evaluation value exceeds a predetermined value. Furthermore, the display processing unit 112 may generate the reference object image based on a driving operation pattern calculated in advance to minimize power consumption.

[0044] Figure 7 shows an example of a reference object image. In Figure 7, the timetable and reference object images for some of the stations A1 to A11 (stations A8 to A11) are shown as examples. Here, we will focus on the reference object images "a1", "a2", and "a3". For example, "a1" shows the reference object image corresponding to the average power consumption (reference power consumption) immediately after the train departs from station A9, "a2" shows the reference object image corresponding to the average power consumption (reference power consumption) immediately before the train arrives at station A10, and "a3" shows the reference object image corresponding to the average power consumption (reference power consumption) immediately before the train arrives at station A11.

[0045] The display processing unit 112 calculates the difference between the shape of the object image corresponding to the amount of power consumed and the shape of the reference object image. Specifically, the display processing unit 112 calculates the difference between the shape of the object image at the same position on the railway vehicle and the shape of the reference object image. For example, the display processing unit 112 calculates the difference (degree of mismatch, degree of dissimilarity) based on the degree of agreement and similarity of the object image shapes. The degree of agreement and similarity of the image shapes can be calculated by well-known image processing methods.

[0046] Figure 8 shows the timetable and changes in power consumption (travel history) when a railway vehicle with a specific vehicle number actually travels from station A8 to station A11.

[0047] For example, the display processing unit 112 calculates the difference between the shape of object image b1 (see Figure 8) corresponding to the amount of power consumed when the train departs from station A9 (the position immediately after departure) and the shape of the reference object image a1 (see Figure 7). The display processing unit 112 also calculates the difference between the shape of object image b2 (see Figure 8) corresponding to the amount of power consumed when the train departs from station A10 and the shape of the reference object image a2 (see Figure 7). Furthermore, the display processing unit 112 calculates the difference between the shape of object image b3 (see Figure 8) corresponding to the amount of power consumed when the train departs from station A11 and the shape of the reference object image a3 (see Figure 7). In this way, the display processing unit 112 compares object images corresponding to the same travel position and calculates the difference (degree of mismatch).

[0048] The display processing unit 112 displays the object image in a different manner from the other object images when the difference is greater than or equal to a threshold. In the example shown in Figure 8, the difference between the shape of object image b1 and the shape of reference object image a1 is less than the threshold, the difference between the shape of object image b3 and the shape of reference object image a3 is less than the threshold, and the difference between the shape of object image b2 and the shape of reference object image a2 is greater than or equal to the threshold. In this case, the display processing unit 112 displays object image b2 in a different manner from object images b1 and b3. Specifically, the display processing unit 112 highlights object image b2 in a way that makes it identifiable. For example, the display processing unit 112 displays the color of object image b2 in a different color from the colors of the other object images b1 and b3. The display processing unit 112 may also light up or blink object image b2.

[0049] In another embodiment, the display processing unit 112 may display the difference as a numerical value (e.g., a percentage). For example, if the degree of agreement between the shape of object image b2 and the shape of reference object image a2 is 30%, the display processing unit 112 may display information indicating a "70% difference" in association with object image b2.

[0050] In the above-described embodiment, the display processing unit 112 calculates the difference between the shape of the object image and the shape of the reference object image. However, in another embodiment, the display processing unit 112 may calculate the difference (power consumption difference) between the power consumption corresponding to the object image and the power consumption corresponding to the reference object image (reference power consumption). The display processing unit 112 may then display the object image in a different manner from other object images if the power consumption difference is greater than or equal to a threshold. In other words, the difference in the present invention may be a difference in the shape of the object image, or a difference in power consumption. Furthermore, the difference may be a difference in the area of ​​the object image.

[0051] Furthermore, the display processing unit 112 may display error information if the shape of the object image differs from the shape of the reference object image (i.e., if the difference is greater than or equal to a threshold). For example, the display processing unit 112 may display an error message (such as "Power consumption exceeds the standard value") on the power consumption display page W2 shown in Figure 6. The display processing unit 112 may also display the error message in association with the object image whose difference is greater than or equal to the threshold.

[0052] Furthermore, the display processing unit 112 may, for example, display the difference or the error message (pop-up display) when the user selects an object image (mouse click operation or mouse hover operation) on the power consumption display page W2 shown in Figure 6. The display processing unit 112 is an example of the first and second display processing units of the present invention.

[0053] The estimation processing unit 113 estimates the reason why the power consumption differs from the reference power consumption when the shape of the object image differs from the shape of the reference object image. Figure 7 shows an example of a diagram (reference diagram) in which the reference object image is placed. For example, if the shape of object image b2 shown in Figure 8 differs from the shape of reference object image a2 shown in Figure 7, the estimation processing unit 113 estimates the reason why the power consumption corresponding to object image b2 differs from the reference power consumption corresponding to reference object image a2. A specific example of the estimation method will be explained below.

[0054] For example, in the diagram shown in Figure 9, the shape of object image c1 at the position when the train departs from station A9 (the position immediately after departure) is larger than the shape of the reference object image a1 (see Figure 7). Also, two object images c2 and c3 are displayed at the position just before the train arrives at station A10, which is more than the number of object images displayed compared to the reference object image a2. Furthermore, the shape of object image c4 at the position just before the train arrives at station A11 is larger than the shape of the reference object image a3.

[0055] If the object image is larger than the reference object image, the estimation processing unit 113 determines that the sudden acceleration / deceleration operation (degree of change in acceleration / deceleration) in the driving operation is greater than the reference value, and estimates that the reason why the power consumption differs from the reference power consumption is due to abnormal driving operation by the driver (driving abnormality). Alternatively, the estimation processing unit 113 may generate a reference operation pattern by calculating the average value of the driving operation patterns, i.e., the average value of the notch change (switching) timing, based on the history information of multiple driving operation patterns, and set the degree of change in acceleration / deceleration in the reference operation pattern to the reference value.

[0056] Figure 10 shows a diagram of a railway vehicle different from the one shown in Figure 9. In the diagram shown in Figure 10, many object images smaller in size are displayed compared to the reference object image. When the number of object images is greater than the number of reference object images in the reference diagram, the estimation processing unit 113 determines that the frequency of fine acceleration and deceleration in the driving operation is greater than the reference frequency, and estimates that the reason why the power consumption differs from the reference power consumption is an abnormal driving condition. The estimation processing unit 113 may also set the frequency of acceleration and deceleration in the reference operation pattern to the reference frequency.

[0057] Figure 11 shows a timetable for a railway vehicle different from the railway vehicles shown in Figures 9 and 10. In the timetable shown in Figure 11, object images d1 to d3 are displayed in the same positions as the reference object images a1 to a3 (see Figure 7) in the reference timetable. Also, the size of each object image d1 to d3 is larger than the size of each reference object image a1 to a3. In this case, the estimation processing unit 113 determines that the power consumption during acceleration and deceleration is consistently larger than the reference power consumption, and estimates that the reason for the difference in power consumption from the reference power consumption is a vehicle malfunction. For example, the estimation processing unit 113 estimates that the malfunction is due to a malfunction in the motor, inverter, pantograph, air conditioning equipment, etc., installed in the railway vehicle.

[0058] Furthermore, if, for example, a larger object image is displayed at a location different from the location where the reference object image appears, the estimation processing unit 113 determines that the railway vehicle has decelerated or stopped in an emergency and estimates that the reason the power consumption differs from the reference power consumption is a track abnormality.

[0059] In this way, the estimation processing unit 113 estimates the reason why the power consumption differs from the reference power consumption based on the position, frequency (number of occurrences), and shape (size) of the object image in the diagram (see Figure 6). The estimation processing unit 113 also notifies the user of the estimation result. For example, the estimation processing unit 113 displays the estimation result on the power consumption display page W2 of the operation terminal 2. Alternatively, the estimation processing unit 113 may send the estimation result by email to the operation terminal 2 or the user terminal. The estimation processing unit 113 is an example of the estimation processing unit of the present invention.

[0060] [Operating terminal 2] As shown in Figure 1, the operating terminal 2 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, an operation display unit 23, and a communication unit 24, etc. The operating terminal 2 is an information processing device such as a smartphone, mobile phone, or tablet terminal.

[0061] The communication unit 24 is a communication interface for connecting the operating terminal 2 to the communication network N by wire or wireless connection and for performing data communication with external devices such as the management server 1 via the communication network N in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0062] The operation display unit 23 is a user interface comprising a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display that displays information such as various web pages, and an operation unit such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch panel that accepts operations.

[0063] The storage unit 22 is a non-volatile storage unit such as an HDD, SSD, or flash memory that stores various types of information. For example, the storage unit 22 stores a control program such as a browser program. Specifically, the browser program is a control program that causes the control unit 21 to execute communication processing with an external device such as the management server 1 in accordance with a communication protocol such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). Alternatively, the browser program may be a dedicated application (power display application) for executing communication processing with the management server 1 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0064] The control unit 21 includes control devices such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The CPU is a processor that performs various arithmetic operations. The ROM is a non-volatile memory unit in which control programs such as a BIOS and OS are pre-stored to cause the CPU to perform various operations. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile memory unit that stores various information and is used as a temporary memory (work area) for the various operations performed by the CPU. The control unit 21 controls the operation terminal 2 by executing various control programs pre-stored in the ROM or memory unit 22 using the CPU.

[0065] Specifically, the control unit 21 functions as a browser processing unit 211 by executing various processes according to the browser program stored in the storage unit 22. The browser processing unit 211 can display a web page provided from the management server 1 via the communication network N on the operation display unit 23 and perform browser processing to input operations on the operation display unit 23 to the management server 1. In other words, the operation terminal 2 can function as an operation terminal for the management server 1 by the execution of the browser program by the control unit 21. Note that some or all of the processing units included in the control unit 21 may be composed of electronic circuits.

[0066] For example, when a user operation is performed on the operation terminal 2 to request access to a predetermined URL corresponding to the power display service website (power display site) provided by the power display system 10, the control unit 21 retrieves the web page data of the website from the management server 1 and displays the web page of the website on the operation display unit 23. For example, the request to access the predetermined URL can be made by selecting from a pre-registered list of websites, selecting from search results on an information search site, or by text input. Furthermore, if a dedicated application (power display application) corresponding to the management server 1 is installed on the operation terminal 2, the web page will be displayed on the operation display unit 23 when the user of the operation terminal 2 performs an operation to launch the dedicated application.

[0067] For example, a user who wishes to use the power display service registers their user information by operating the operation terminal 2. The control unit 11 of the management server 1 obtains the user information (username, user ID, password) and registers it in user information D2 (see Figure 4). Users registered in user information D2 can use the power display service. For example, when a user uses the power display service, they enter their login information (user ID, password) into the login page (not shown) of the website (the power display site) displayed on the operation terminal 2. If the entered login information matches the login information registered in user information D2 (see Figure 4), the control unit 21 displays the diagram display page W1 (see Figure 5) on the operation terminal 2. Also, when the control unit 21 receives a power consumption display instruction (page switching operation) from the user, it displays the power consumption display page W2 (see Figure 6).

[0068] [Power display processing] The power display processing performed in the power display system 10 will now be described with reference to Figure 12. Specifically, in this embodiment, the power display processing is performed by the control unit 11 of the management server 1. Furthermore, the control unit 11 can execute the power display processing in parallel in response to access from each of the operation terminals 2.

[0069] The present invention can be understood as an invention of a power display method that performs one or more steps included in the power display process. Furthermore, the one or more steps included in the power display process described herein may be omitted as appropriate. In addition, the execution order of each step in the power display process may differ to the extent that similar effects are produced. Furthermore, although the case in which each step in the power display process is executed by the control unit 11 is described here as an example, a power display method in which each step in the power display process is executed in a distributed manner by one or more processors can also be considered as another embodiment. The power display method described herein is an example of a power display method of the present invention.

[0070] <Step S1> In step S1, the control unit 11 obtains power consumption data from the railway vehicle according to its position. Specifically, the control unit 11 obtains detection data (power consumption) from sensors installed on the railway vehicle's motor, inverter, pantograph, air conditioning equipment (heating and cooling equipment), etc., and also obtains information on the railway vehicle's speed and position. The control unit 11 registers the aforementioned information (power consumption, speed, position) obtained from the railway vehicle into vehicle information D1 (see Figures 2 and 3). The control unit 11 obtains the aforementioned information from each railway vehicle for a predetermined operating section and registers it into vehicle information D1.

[0071] <Step S2> In step S2, the control unit 11 displays a diagram and overlays an object image with a shape corresponding to the magnitude of the power consumption onto the diagram. The object image is a graphic image that mimics the magnitude of the power consumption, and the control unit 11 displays the graphic in a larger size the greater the power consumption. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the control unit 11 displays an object image with a shape corresponding to the power consumption on a diagram of a railway vehicle traveling between stations A1 and A11. As a result, the object image is displayed in a larger size at times when power consumption is high due to the acceleration and deceleration of the railway vehicle (immediately after departing a station, immediately before arriving at a station, etc.), and in a smaller size at times when power consumption is low due to the stopping or constant speed of the railway vehicle.

[0072] <Step S3> In step S3, the control unit 11 determines whether there are any object images whose difference between the acquired power consumption and a preset reference power consumption is greater than or equal to a threshold. In another embodiment, the control unit 11 may determine whether there are any object images among the object images displayed in the diagram (see Figure 6) whose difference between the shape of the object image and a reference object image (see Figure 7) corresponding to a preset reference power consumption is greater than or equal to a threshold. For example, the control unit 11 may determine whether the difference (degree of mismatch) between the shape of the object image and the shape of the reference object image is greater than or equal to a threshold, or it may determine whether the difference (area difference) between the area of ​​the object image and the area of ​​the reference object image is greater than or equal to a threshold.

[0073] If the control unit 11 determines that there are object images whose difference is greater than or equal to the threshold (S3: Yes), it proceeds to step S4. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that there are no object images whose difference is greater than or equal to the threshold (S3: No), it proceeds to step S5.

[0074] The control unit 11 may set the threshold based on information such as the number of passengers (or occupancy rate) of the railway vehicle and the weather. For example, when there are many passengers (or a high occupancy rate) or when the weather is bad (for example, when it is raining), the degree of acceleration or deceleration may increase or the timing of acceleration or deceleration may increase. Therefore, the control unit 11 may set the threshold to a larger value when there are many passengers or when the weather is bad.

[0075] <Step S4> In step S4, the control unit 11 highlights object images on the power consumption display page W2 whose difference is greater than or equal to a threshold. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the control unit 11 displays the color of object image b2, whose difference from the reference power consumption corresponding to the reference object image a2 (see Figure 7) is greater than or equal to a threshold, in a different color from the other object images b1 and b3. The control unit 11 may also light up or blink object image b2.

[0076] <Step S5> In step S5, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it has received a selection operation from the user for an object image on the power consumption display page W2. For example, the user selects an object image on the power consumption display page W2 if they want to check the detailed information of that object image. If the control unit 11 receives the selection operation (S5: Yes), it proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 does not receive the selection operation (S5: No), it proceeds to step S7.

[0077] <Step S6> In step S6, the control unit 11 displays detailed information regarding power consumption on the operation terminal 2. For example, in the diagram shown in Figure 8, when the user selects the highlighted object image b2, the control unit 11 displays the estimated result of the reason why the shape of the object image differs from the shape of the reference object image, i.e., the reason why the power consumption differs from the reference power consumption (e.g., driving abnormality, vehicle abnormality, track abnormality, etc.).

[0078] Specifically, the control unit 11 estimates the reason why the power consumption differs from the reference power consumption based on the position, frequency (number of occurrences), and shape (size) of the object image in the diagram (see Figure 6). For example, if the size of the object image is larger than that of the reference object image (see Figure 7), the control unit 11 determines that the sudden acceleration / deceleration operation (degree of change in acceleration / deceleration) in the driving operation is greater than the reference value, and estimates that the reason why the power consumption differs from the reference power consumption is an abnormal operation.

[0079] Furthermore, if the number of object images is greater than the number of reference object images in the reference diagram (see Figure 7), the control unit 11 determines that the frequency of fine acceleration and deceleration in the driving operation is greater than the reference frequency, and estimates that the reason why the power consumption differs from the reference power consumption is an abnormal operation.

[0080] Furthermore, if the power consumption during acceleration and deceleration is consistently higher than the standard power consumption, the control unit 11 estimates that the reason for the difference in power consumption from the standard power consumption is a vehicle malfunction (malfunction of the motor, inverter, pantograph, air conditioning equipment, etc.).

[0081] Furthermore, if a larger object image is displayed at a location different from the reference object image's appearance location, the control unit 11 determines that the railway vehicle has decelerated or stopped in an emergency and estimates that the reason the power consumption differs from the reference power consumption is a track abnormality.

[0082] The control unit 11 displays the estimation result. For example, if the user selects an object image that is not highlighted in the diagram, the control unit 11 may display a message indicating that the power consumption is within the normal range.

[0083] <Step S7> In step S7, the control unit 11 determines whether it has received a termination operation from the user via the operation terminal 2 for using the power display service. For example, when a user terminates using the power display service, they perform a termination operation (logoff operation). If the control unit 11 receives the termination operation (S7: Yes), it terminates the power display process. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 does not receive the termination operation (S7: No), it returns to step S5. The control unit 11 repeatedly executes steps S5 and S6 until it receives the termination operation.

[0084] As described above, the control unit 11 executes the power display process. The control unit 11 executes the power display process individually according to requests from each operation terminal 2. The user can use the operation terminal 2 to execute the power display process at any time.

[0085] As described above, the power display system 10 according to this embodiment acquires the amount of power consumed according to the position of the railway vehicle, and displays an object image with a shape corresponding to the magnitude of the power consumed, superimposed on a diagram showing the railway vehicle's operating schedule. Furthermore, if the shape of the object image corresponding to the magnitude of the power consumed differs from the shape of the reference object image corresponding to a preset reference power consumption, the power display system 10 displays the object image in a different manner from other object images.

[0086] According to the above configuration, when the power consumption of a railway vehicle differs from the standard power consumption, the location of this difference can be identified in a timetable corresponding to the railway vehicle's operating status. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily grasp the power consumption according to the railway vehicle's operating status.

[0087] Furthermore, the power display system 10 may display the object image in a different manner from other object images when the difference between the power consumption and the reference power consumption is greater than or equal to a threshold. The power display system 10 may also display the object image in a different manner from other object images when the difference between the shape of the object image and the shape of the reference object image is greater than or equal to a threshold. Specifically, the power display system 10 may highlight the object image. For example, the power display system 10 may display the object image in a different color from other object images, or light up or blink the object image. This allows the user to intuitively understand the position in the diagram where the power consumption differs from the reference power consumption.

[0088] Furthermore, the power display system 10 may display error information if the shape of the object image differs from the shape of the reference object image.

[0089] Furthermore, the power display system 10 may display a reference object image alongside the object image. This allows the user to easily compare the power consumption and the reference power consumption in the diagram based on the shape of the object image.

[0090] Furthermore, the power display system 10 may estimate the cause of a difference in power consumption from the reference power consumption when the shape of the object image differs from the shape of the reference object image. For example, the power display system 10 estimates that the cause is an abnormal driving operation by the driver when the display position of the object image in the diagram differs from the display position of the reference object image. Also, the power display system 10 estimates that the cause is a vehicle malfunction when the display position of the object image in the diagram matches the display position of the reference object image. Also, the power display system 10 estimates that the cause is a track malfunction when a larger object image is displayed at a position different from the appearance position of the reference object image. As a result, the user can identify the cause of the difference in power consumption from the reference power consumption, and can consider and implement measures to reduce power consumption (such as improving driving skills, reviewing the timetable, inspecting and repairing vehicles and tracks, etc.).

[0091] Furthermore, the power display system 10 may generate the shape of the reference object image based on historical data of power consumption corresponding to each of multiple railway vehicles. Alternatively, the power display system 10 may generate the shape of the reference object image based on historical data of power consumption corresponding to the driving operation patterns of drivers whose driving skills are above a predetermined level.

[0092] Furthermore, the power display system 10 may aggregate and display the amount of power consumed for each station. For example, the power display system 10 may aggregate the amount of power consumed by railway vehicles when they arrive at and depart from stations and display the total amount of power consumed for each station.

[0093] In another embodiment of the present invention, the power display system 10 may overlay an object image with a shape corresponding to the magnitude of the regenerative energy acquired from the railway vehicle onto the diagram. Specifically, the acquisition processing unit 111 of the management server 1 acquires the regenerative energy according to the running position of the railway vehicle. The display processing unit 112 overlays an object image with a shape corresponding to the magnitude of the regenerative energy acquired by the acquisition processing unit 111 onto the diagram. Furthermore, if the shape of the object image corresponding to the magnitude of the regenerative energy differs from the shape of the reference object image corresponding to a preset reference regenerative energy amount, the display processing unit 112 displays the object image in a different manner from other object images.

[0094] Furthermore, the display processing unit 112 displays the object image in a different manner from the other object images when the difference between the regenerated power amount and the reference regenerated power amount is greater than or equal to a threshold. The method for displaying the object image is the same as the method for displaying the object image according to the power consumption amount described above.

[0095] Furthermore, the estimation processing unit 113 estimates the reason why the regenerated energy amount differs from the reference regenerated energy amount when the shape of the object image differs from the shape of the reference object image. The method for estimating the reason is the same as the method for estimating the reason why the power consumption amount differs from the reference power consumption amount described above.

[0096] In another embodiment, the power display system 10 may overlay an object image onto the diagram based on the power consumption obtained by subtracting the regenerated power consumption from the power consumption.

[0097] [Notes on the invention] The following is an overview of the invention extracted from this embodiment. Note that each configuration and processing function described below can be selected and combined as desired.

[0098] <Note 1> An acquisition processing unit that acquires the amount of power consumed according to the position of the railway vehicle, A first display processing unit that overlays an object image having a shape corresponding to the magnitude of the power consumption onto a diagram showing the operating schedule of the railway vehicle, A second display processing unit that displays the object image in a different manner from other object images when the shape of the object image corresponding to the magnitude of the power consumption differs from the shape of the reference object image corresponding to a preset reference power consumption, A power display system equipped with the following features.

[0099] <Note 2> The second display processing unit, when the difference between the power consumption and the reference power consumption is greater than or equal to a threshold, displays the object image in a different manner from the other object images. The power display system described in Appendix 1.

[0100] <Note 3> The second display processing unit, when the difference between the shape of the object image and the shape of the reference object image is greater than or equal to a threshold, displays the object image in a different manner from the other object images. The power display system described in Appendix 1.

[0101] <Note 4> The second display processing unit causes the object image to be highlighted. A power display system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 3.

[0102] <Note 5> The second display processing unit displays the object image in a color different from the color of the other object images, or lights up or blinks the object image. The power display system described in Appendix 4.

[0103] <Note 6> The second display processing unit displays error information when the shape of the object image differs from the shape of the reference object image. A power display system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 5.

[0104] <Note 7> The second display processing unit displays the reference object image alongside the object image. A power display system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 6.

[0105] <Note 8> The system includes an estimation processing unit that estimates the reason why the power consumption differs from the reference power consumption when the shape of the object image differs from the shape of the reference object image. A power display system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 7.

[0106] <Note 9> The estimation processing unit estimates that the cause is an abnormal driving operation by the driver when the display position of the object image in the diagram differs from the display position of the reference object image. The power display system described in Appendix 8.

[0107] <Note 10> The estimation processing unit estimates that the cause is a vehicle malfunction when the display position of the object image in the diagram matches the display position of the reference object image. The power display system described in Appendix 8 or 9.

[0108] <Note 11> The second display processing unit generates the shape of the reference object image based on historical data of power consumption corresponding to each of the multiple railway vehicles. A power display system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 10.

[0109] <Note 12> An acquisition processing unit that acquires the amount of regenerative power according to the position of the railway vehicle, A first display processing unit that overlays an object image having a shape corresponding to the magnitude of the regenerative power onto a diagram showing the operating schedule of the railway vehicle, A second display processing unit that displays the object image in a different manner from other object images when the shape of the object image corresponding to the magnitude of the regenerated power amount differs from the shape of the reference object image corresponding to a preset reference regenerated power amount, A power display system equipped with the following features.

[0110] <Note 13> To obtain the amount of power consumed according to the position of the railway vehicle, An object image with a shape corresponding to the magnitude of the aforementioned power consumption is overlaid on a diagram showing the operating schedule of the railway vehicle. When the shape of the object image corresponding to the amount of power consumption differs from the shape of the reference object image corresponding to a preset reference amount of power consumption, the object image is displayed in a different manner from other object images. A power display method performed by one or more processors.

[0111] <Note 14> To obtain the amount of power consumed according to the position of the railway vehicle, An object image with a shape corresponding to the magnitude of the aforementioned power consumption is overlaid on a diagram showing the operating schedule of the railway vehicle. When the shape of the object image corresponding to the amount of power consumption differs from the shape of the reference object image corresponding to a preset reference amount of power consumption, the object image is displayed in a different manner from other object images. A power display program to run on one or more processors. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 10: Power display system 1: Management Server 11: Control Unit 111: Acquisition Processing Unit 112: Display Processing Unit 113: Estimation Processing Unit 2: Operating terminal 21: Control Unit 211: Browser Processing Unit D1: Vehicle Information D2: User Information W1: Diagram display page W2: Power consumption display page a1~a3: Reference object images b1~b3: Object images c1~c4: Object images d1~d3: Object images

Claims

1. An acquisition processing unit that acquires the amount of power consumed according to the position of the railway vehicle, A first display processing unit that overlays an object image having a shape corresponding to the magnitude of the power consumption onto a diagram showing the operating schedule of the railway vehicle, A second display processing unit that displays the object image in a different manner from other object images when the shape of the object image corresponding to the magnitude of the power consumption differs from the shape of the reference object image corresponding to a preset reference power consumption, A power display system equipped with the following features.

2. The second display processing unit displays the object image in a different manner from the other object images when the difference between the power consumption and the reference power consumption is greater than or equal to a threshold. The power display system according to claim 1.

3. The second display processing unit highlights the object image. The power display system according to claim 1.

4. The second display processing unit displays the object image in a color different from the color of the other object images, or lights up or blinks the object image. The power display system according to claim 3.

5. The second display processing unit displays error information when the shape of the object image differs from the shape of the reference object image. The power display system according to claim 1.

6. The second display processing unit displays the reference object image alongside the object image. The power display system according to claim 1.

7. The system includes an estimation processing unit that estimates the reason why the power consumption differs from the reference power consumption when the shape of the object image differs from the shape of the reference object image. The power display system according to claim 1.

8. The estimation processing unit estimates that the cause is an abnormal driving operation by the driver when the display position of the object image in the diagram differs from the display position of the reference object image. The power display system according to claim 7.

9. The estimation processing unit estimates that the cause is a vehicle malfunction when the display position of the object image in the diagram matches the display position of the reference object image. The power display system according to claim 7.

10. The second display processing unit generates the shape of the reference object image based on historical data of power consumption corresponding to each of the multiple railway vehicles. A power display system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. An acquisition processing unit that acquires the amount of regenerative power according to the position of the railway vehicle, A first display processing unit that overlays an object image having a shape corresponding to the magnitude of the regenerative power onto a diagram showing the operating schedule of the railway vehicle, A second display processing unit that displays the object image in a different manner from other object images when the shape of the object image corresponding to the magnitude of the regenerated power amount differs from the shape of the reference object image corresponding to a preset reference regenerated power amount, A power display system equipped with the following features.

12. To obtain the amount of power consumed according to the position of the railway vehicle, An object image with a shape corresponding to the magnitude of the aforementioned power consumption is overlaid on a diagram showing the operating schedule of the railway vehicle. When the shape of the object image corresponding to the amount of power consumption differs from the shape of the reference object image corresponding to a preset reference amount of power consumption, the object image is displayed in a different manner from other object images. A power display method performed by one or more processors.

13. To obtain the amount of power consumed according to the position of the railway vehicle, An object image with a shape corresponding to the magnitude of the aforementioned power consumption is overlaid on a diagram showing the operating schedule of the railway vehicle. When the shape of the object image corresponding to the amount of power consumption differs from the shape of the reference object image corresponding to a preset reference amount of power consumption, the object image is displayed in a different manner from other object images. A power display program to run on one or more processors.

Images