Information provision system, information provision method and program

Abstract

This information provision system comprises: a detection means that detects, on the basis of an image input from a camera, a subject under evaluation that has the possibility of using public transport; an evaluation means that calculates, on the basis of a timetable of the public transport that is geographically nearest to the current location of the subject under evaluation, at least one among a first evaluation value indicating the possibility that the subject under evaluation will use the public transport and a second evaluation value indicating the possibility that the subject under evaluation will use an alternate transportation means; and a transmission means that transmits, to a predetermined terminal, the at least one among the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information providing system, an information providing method, and program Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system for verifying whether a person determined to be a potential customer and a person who actually boarded a taxi are the same person, in order to optimally dispatch a taxi. The document also lists, for example, a person who raises his / her hand or a person who looks into the taxi as a customer who is likely to board a taxi (paragraph 0043). Paragraph 0045 of the document also describes that when a person who raises his / her hand is more likely to board a taxi than a person who looks into the taxi, the boarding probability of the person who raises his / her hand is set higher. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-218895 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The following analysis is provided by the inventor: In order to more efficiently dispatch taxis and the like, it is necessary to further improve the accuracy of determining the above-mentioned potential customers, but it is difficult to further improve it using only images obtained from a camera.

[0005] The present invention relates to an information provision system, an information provision method, and program The purpose is to provide. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect, an information provision system is provided which includes a detection means for detecting a subject who may be able to use public transportation based on an image input from a camera, an evaluation means for calculating at least one of a first evaluation value indicating the possibility that the subject may use public transportation based on the timetable of the public transportation means geographically closest to the current location of the subject, and a second evaluation value indicating the possibility that the subject may use an alternative means of transportation, and a transmission means for transmitting at least one of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value to a specified terminal.

[0007] According to a second aspect, there is provided an information provision method in which an information provision system detects an evaluation subject who may be able to use public transportation based on an image input from a camera, calculates at least one of a first evaluation value indicating the possibility that the evaluation subject will use public transportation and a second evaluation value indicating the possibility that the evaluation subject will use an alternative means of transportation based on a timetable of the public transportation geographically closest to the current location of the evaluation subject, and transmits at least one of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value to a predetermined terminal. This method is tied to a specific machine, namely, an information provision system that analyzes the evaluation subject based on an image input from a camera.

[0008] According to a third aspect, a computer program (hereinafter, a program) for realizing the functions of the control device described above is provided. The computer program is input to the computer device from an input device or from the outside via a communication interface, stored in a storage device, and drives the processor according to a predetermined step or process. The program can display the processing result including an intermediate state at each stage via a display device as necessary, or can communicate with the outside via the communication interface. For example, the computer device for this purpose typically includes a processor, a storage device, an input device, a communication interface, and a display device as necessary, which are connectable to each other via a bus. The program can be recorded on a computer-readable (non-transitive) storage medium. That is, the present invention can also be embodied as a computer program product. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide more accurate information regarding what transportation means a person captured by a camera (evaluation subject) will select. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information providing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a timetable to which the information providing system of the first embodiment of the present invention refers. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of a timetable to which the information provision system of the first embodiment of the present invention refers. [Diagram 5] 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information providing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information providing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information providing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a computer capable of functioning as an information providing system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] First, an overview of one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the reference numerals in the drawings are added to each element for convenience as an example to aid in understanding, and are not intended to limit the present invention to the illustrated embodiment. Also, the connection lines between blocks in the drawings and the like referred to in the following description include both bidirectional and unidirectional. One-way arrows are used to diagrammatically indicate the flow of main signals (data), and do not exclude bidirectionality. Also, although there are ports or interfaces at the connection points of input and output of each block in the drawings, they are not shown. A program is executed via a computer device, and the computer device includes, for example, a processor, a storage device, an input device, a communication interface, and a display device as necessary. Also, the computer device is configured to be able to communicate with devices (including computers) inside or outside the device via the communication interface, regardless of whether it is wired or wireless. Also, there are ports or interfaces at the connection points of input and output of each block in the drawings, but they are not shown.

[0012] In one embodiment, the present invention can be realized in an information providing system 10 including a detection unit 11, an evaluation unit 12, and a transmission unit 13, as shown in FIG.

[0013] More specifically, the detection means 11 detects, based on the image input from the camera 30, an evaluation target person P who has the possibility of using public transportation.

[0014] The evaluation means 12 calculates at least one of a first evaluation value and a second evaluation value based on the timetable 14 of the public transportation facility geographically closest to the current location of the evaluation subject P. Here, the first evaluation value is an evaluation value indicating the possibility that the evaluation subject P will use the public transportation facility. Also, the second evaluation value is an evaluation value indicating the possibility that the evaluation subject P will use an alternative transportation means. Note that, as the timetable 14 of the public transportation facility geographically closest to the current location of the evaluation subject P, a timetable of a bus stop, a train station, etc. near the installation position of the camera 30 can be used. When there are multiple cameras 30, it is sufficient to select in advance a timetable of a bus stop, a train station, etc. according to the position of each camera 30.

[0015] The first evaluation value indicating the possibility that the evaluation subject P will use the public transportation facility can be calculated based on, for example, the period until the next vehicle of the public transportation facility arrives, as listed in the timetable 14. For example, when the period until the next vehicle of the public transportation facility arrives is relatively short, the first evaluation value is calculated to be a high value.

[0016] On the other hand, the second evaluation value is the possibility that the subject P will use an alternative means of transportation, so if the first evaluation value is low, the second evaluation value takes a high value, and if the first evaluation value is high, the second evaluation value takes a low value. In addition, if the first evaluation value is expressed as a probability p, the second evaluation value will be a value equal to or less than (1-p) (it is not necessarily (1-p) because there may be further alternative means of transportation).

[0017] The transmitting means 13 transmits at least one of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value to a predetermined terminal 20 .

[0018] As described above, the information providing system 10 of this embodiment provides either the first evaluation value or the second evaluation value to the specified terminal 20. This allows the user of the specified terminal 20 to obtain information on whether or not the person to be evaluated P can be a potential customer. For example, if the user of the specified terminal 20 is a taxi company, it is possible to determine whether or not to issue a dispatch instruction to a taxi located near the person to be evaluated P. The user of the specified terminal 20 may also be a general traveler, etc. In this case, the general traveler, etc. can learn the tendency of the means of transportation used by the person to be evaluated P who is in the vicinity of the destination of his / her interest.

[0019] [First embodiment] Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a vehicle dispatch support system that dispatches passenger vehicles such as taxis and hire cars (including self-driving vehicles). Referring to Fig. 2, a vehicle dispatch support system 100 is shown that is connected to a camera 300 and includes a detection unit 101, an evaluation unit 102, a transmission unit 103, and a timetable storage unit 104.

[0020] The camera 300 may be a camera installed in a traffic infrastructure such as a traffic signal (hereinafter, referred to as "traffic infrastructure"), a bus stop, a taxi stand, or the like.

[0021] The detection unit 101 detects an evaluation target person P who may be able to use public transportation, based on an image input from the camera 300. The detection of the evaluation target person P can use a technique for detecting a person area from an image.

[0022] When the person to be evaluated P is detected, the evaluation unit 102 selects a timetable of a public transportation facility that is geographically closest to the current location of the person to be evaluated P from the timetable storage unit 104. Then, the evaluation unit 102 refers to the selected timetable and calculates a first evaluation value indicating the possibility that the person to be evaluated P will use the public transportation facility and a second evaluation value indicating the possibility that the person to be evaluated P will use an alternative transportation facility.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a timetable stored in the timetable storage unit 104. The first evaluation value can be calculated based on the length of time until the next bus in the timetable arrives. For example, when the current time is 5:10 a.m., the time until the next bus arrives is 55 minutes, until 6:05 a.m. In this case, the possibility that the evaluation target P uses the public transportation system is low, and the possibility that the evaluation target P uses an alternative transportation system is high. On the other hand, when the current time is 6:00 a.m., the time until the next bus arrives is 5 minutes, until 6:05 a.m. In this case, the possibility that the evaluation target P uses the public transportation system is high, and the possibility that the evaluation target P uses an alternative transportation system is low. For example, when the current time is 5:10 a.m., the first evaluation value can be (60-55) / 60=8.3%. When the current time is 6:00 a.m., the first evaluation value can be (60-5) / 60=91.6%.

[0024] In addition, when selecting the timetable, the traffic classification of the lane of the road where the evaluation subject P is located may be taken into consideration. For example, if the lane of the road where the evaluation subject P is located is a lane of a bus route heading to Station B, the first evaluation value can be made more accurate by selecting the timetable on the right side of FIG. 4. Similarly, if the lane of the road where the evaluation subject P is located is a lane of a bus route heading to Station A, the first evaluation value can be made more accurate by selecting the timetable on the left side of FIG. 4.

[0025] On the other hand, the second evaluation value, which indicates the possibility that the person to be evaluated P will use an alternative means of transportation, takes a high value if the first evaluation value is low, and takes a low value if the first evaluation value is high. Simply put, when the first evaluation value is expressed as a probability p, the second evaluation value is calculated as (1-p). Furthermore, at that time, the behavior of the person to be evaluated P, the estimated age of the person to be evaluated P, the size of the person to be evaluated P's luggage, etc. may be taken into consideration.

[0026] For example, if the evaluation subject P raises his / her hand toward the road, looks into the road, or performs other actions, the evaluation subject P is more likely to select a taxi as an alternative means of transportation. In this case, a predetermined point may be added to the second evaluation value.

[0027] Similarly, for example, if the evaluation subject P is elderly or carrying large luggage, the possibility of selecting a taxi as an alternative means of transportation increases. In these cases, a predetermined point may be added to the second evaluation value.

[0028] The transmission unit 103 transmits at least one or both of the first and second evaluation values ​​calculated as described above to the terminal 200 of the taxi company.

[0029] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing the operation of the vehicle dispatch support system 100 of the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 5, first, the vehicle dispatch support system 100 detects an evaluation target P who may be able to use public transportation from an image captured by the camera 300 (step S001). Note that, as a method for detecting the evaluation target P who may be able to use public transportation, a method of determining from the movement of the person image captured by the camera 300, the estimated age, the presence or absence of baggage, etc. can be used.

[0030] The vehicle dispatch support system 100 acquires the position of the person to be evaluated P and the current time (step S002). Note that the position of the person to be evaluated P may be the position of the place where the camera 300 is set. Of course, the detailed position may be calculated from the position of the person to be evaluated P in the image captured by the camera 300.

[0031] Next, the vehicle dispatch support system 100 acquires the timetable of the bus stop closest to the location of the person to be evaluated P from the timetable storage unit 104 (step S003). For example, such timetable data may be prepared by preparing a timetable of a bus stop near the camera 300 and storing it in the timetable storage unit 104.

[0032] Next, the vehicle dispatch support system 100 refers to the acquired bus stop timetable and calculates the time until the next bus arrives if the evaluation target P uses a bus. Furthermore, the vehicle dispatch support system 100 calculates a first evaluation value indicating the possibility that the evaluation target P will use a bus based on the calculated time until the next bus arrives (step S004).

[0033] Next, the vehicle dispatch support system 100 calculates a second evaluation value indicating the possibility that the evaluation subject P will use an alternative means of transportation (step S005).

[0034] Finally, the vehicle dispatch support system 100 transmits the calculated first evaluation value and second evaluation value to the terminal 200 of the taxi company (step S006).

[0035] The taxi company uses the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value to decide whether or not to dispatch an empty taxi to the evaluation target P. For example, if the first evaluation value is higher than a predetermined threshold value (first threshold value), it can be said that the evaluation target P is likely to use a bus, so the taxi company refrains from dispatching a taxi. This makes it possible to reduce unnecessary dispatches. On the other hand, if the second evaluation value is higher than a predetermined threshold value (second threshold value), it can be said that the evaluation target P is likely to use a taxi rather than a bus, so the taxi company dispatches a taxi.

[0036] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide taxi companies with more accurate information about what mode of transportation the person captured on camera (evaluation subject P) will choose, thereby making vehicle dispatch more efficient.

[0037] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described, which can further improve the accuracy of the above-mentioned second evaluation value using the background image of the evaluation target P. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle dispatch support system 100a of the second embodiment of the present invention. The difference from the vehicle dispatch support system 100 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is that the functions of the detection unit 101a and the evaluation unit 102a have been modified. Since the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the following description will focus on the differences.

[0038] The detection unit 101a has a function of detecting the person to be evaluated P, as well as a function of cutting out a background image of the person to be evaluated P from an image obtained by the camera 300 and sending it to the evaluation unit 102a.

[0039] The evaluation unit 102a has a function of estimating the weather of the location of the evaluation target P from the background image of the evaluation target P and correcting the second evaluation value, in addition to the function of calculating the first and second evaluation values. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the evaluation unit 102a determines that it is starting to rain when the color of the road surface in the background image of the evaluation target P is darker than the reference image in a sunny day. Then, the evaluation unit 102a increases the value of the second evaluation value indicating the possibility that the evaluation target P will use an alternative means of transportation. This is based on an empirical rule that when it starts to rain, the possibility of using a taxi rather than a bus increases. Therefore, when the intensity of the rain can be obtained from the image obtained by the camera 300, the amount of increase and correction of the value of the second evaluation value may be changed.

[0040] The method of estimating the weather at the location of the evaluation subject P from the background image of the evaluation subject P is not limited to using the road surface color described above. For example, if an open umbrella is shown in the image or if the windshield wipers of a vehicle in the image are operating, it may be determined that it is starting to rain.

[0041] In addition, if the entire background image is brighter than a predetermined reference image, or if the shadows in the background image are darker, it may be determined that the sunlight is strong. Since it is an empirical rule that when the temperature is high and the sunlight is strong, the likelihood of using a taxi rather than a bus is high, the value of the second evaluation value can be increased in this case as well.

[0042] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 7 is a flow chart showing the operation of the vehicle dispatch support system 100a of the second embodiment of the present invention. The operation from step S001 to S005 in Fig. 7 is the same as that of the first embodiment, so the description will be omitted.

[0043] When the calculation of the first and second evaluation values ​​is completed in steps S004 and S005, the vehicle dispatch support system 100a estimates the weather based on the background image of the evaluation target P, and corrects the second evaluation value (step S010).

[0044] Finally, the vehicle dispatch support system 100a transmits the calculated first evaluation value and the corrected second evaluation value to the terminal 200 of the taxi company (step S006).

[0045] As described above, according to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, it is possible to provide highly accurate information that takes into account the weather at the current location of the person to be evaluated P, thereby making vehicle dispatch more efficient.

[0046] In the above-mentioned second embodiment, the weather is estimated based on the background image of the subject P, and the second evaluation value is corrected. However, depending on the content of the estimated weather, the first evaluation value may also be corrected as necessary.

[0047] Although each embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and further modifications, substitutions, and adjustments can be made without departing from the basic technical idea of ​​the present invention. For example, the device configuration, the configuration of each element, and the representation form of data, etc. shown in each drawing are examples to help understand the present invention, and are not limited to the configurations shown in these drawings. For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the public transportation is a bus, and the first evaluation value is a value indicating the possibility that the evaluation subject P will use the bus, but the public transportation may be something other than a bus. For example, the public transportation may be a railway, a streetcar, a monorail, etc.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the alternative transportation means to public transportation is described as being only taxis, but the second evaluation value may be calculated taking into account the existence of alternative transportation means other than taxis. If the number of alternative transportation options increases, the second evaluation value decreases according to the number and availability of the alternative transportation means. Examples of such alternative transportation means include walking, cycling, and rental cars. When considering these options, the weather at the location of the person to be evaluated P may be taken into account, as in the second embodiment. For example, when it is raining, the availability of walking and cycling among the alternative transportation means decreases, while the availability of taxis and rental cars increases, so the second evaluation value may be corrected taking these into account.

[0049] In the above embodiment, the vehicle dispatch support system 100, 100a is described as including the timetable storage unit 104, but a configuration in which the timetable is acquired from the Internet or the like can also be adopted.

[0050] Furthermore, the procedures shown in each of the above-described embodiments can be realized by a program that causes a computer (9000 in FIG. 8) functioning as the vehicle dispatch assistance system 100, 100a to realize the functions of these devices. Such a computer is exemplified by a configuration including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 9010, a communication interface 9020, a memory 9030, and an auxiliary storage device 9040 in FIG. 8. That is, an evaluation target person detection program and an evaluation value calculation program may be executed by the CPU 9010 in FIG. 8.

[0051] In other words, each part (processing means, function) of the above-mentioned vehicle dispatch support systems 100, 100a can be realized by a computer program that causes a processor installed in these devices to execute each of the above-mentioned processes using its hardware.

[0052] Finally, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be summarized. [First form] (See the information provision system from the first perspective above) [Second Form] The evaluation means of the above-mentioned information provision system may be configured to calculate the availability of the public transportation facility for the person to be evaluated based on the length of time from the current time to the arrival time of the next vehicle of the public transportation facility in the timetable. [Third Form] The evaluation means of the above-mentioned information provision system can be configured to estimate the weather at the location of the person to be evaluated based on a background image of the person to be evaluated captured by the camera, and to correct the second evaluation value based on the estimated weather. [Fourth Form] The evaluation means of the above-mentioned information provision system can be configured to determine that it has started to rain when the road surface in the image captured by the camera is dark, when an open umbrella is captured in the image, or when the windshield wipers of a vehicle in the image are operating, and to correct the second evaluation value so that it is higher. [Fifth Form] The above-mentioned information providing system is The first evaluation value and the second evaluation value may be calculated assuming that the public transportation means is a bus and the alternative transportation means is a taxi. [Sixth Form] (See the second point of view above.) [7th form] (See the program for the third perspective above) The sixth to seventh embodiments can be expanded to the second to fifth embodiments in the same manner as the first embodiment.

[0053] The disclosures of the above patent documents are incorporated herein by reference and may be used as the basis or part of the present invention as necessary. Within the framework of the entire disclosure of the present invention (including the scope of claims), modifications and adjustments of the embodiments and examples are possible based on the basic technical ideas. Furthermore, within the framework of the disclosure of the present invention, various combinations or selections (including partial deletions) of various disclosed elements (including each element of each claim, each element of each embodiment or example, each element of each drawing, etc.) are possible. In other words, the present invention naturally includes various modifications and corrections that a person skilled in the art would be able to make in accordance with the entire disclosure including the scope of claims and the technical ideas. In particular, with regard to the numerical ranges described in this document, any numerical value or small range included within the range should be interpreted as being specifically described even if not otherwise specified. Furthermore, the disclosures of the above cited documents may be used in part or in whole in combination with the disclosures of this document as part of the disclosure of the present invention in accordance with the spirit of the present invention as necessary, and are deemed to be included in the disclosures of this application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 10 Information provision system 11 Detection methods 12 Evaluation methods 13 Transmission Method 14 Timetable 20,200 terminals 30, 300 cameras 100, 100a Vehicle Dispatch Support System 101, 101a Detector 102, 102a Evaluation section 103 Transmitter 104 Timetable storage section 9000 Computers 9010 CPU 9020 Communication Interface 9030 Memory 9040 Auxiliary storage device P. Evaluated person

Claims

1. A detection means for detecting an evaluation subject who may be able to use public transportation based on an image input from a camera; an evaluation means for calculating at least one of a first evaluation value indicating the possibility that the subject of evaluation will use the public transportation facility based on a timetable of the public transportation facility geographically closest to the subject of evaluation's current location and a second evaluation value indicating the possibility that the subject of evaluation will use an alternative transportation facility; a transmitting means for transmitting at least one of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value to a predetermined terminal; An information provision system comprising:

2. 2. The information provision system of claim 1, wherein the evaluation means calculates the availability of the public transportation facility for the person to be evaluated based on the length of time from the current time to the arrival time of the next vehicle of the public transportation facility in the timetable.

3. 3. The information provision system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the evaluation means estimates the weather at the location of the person to be evaluated based on a background image of the person to be evaluated captured by the camera, and corrects the second evaluation value based on the estimated weather.

4. 4. The information providing system of claim 3, wherein the evaluation means determines that it has started to rain when the road surface in the image from the camera is dark, when an open umbrella is seen in the image, or when the windshield wipers of a vehicle in the image are operating, and corrects the second evaluation value to be higher.

5. 5. The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the public transportation is a bus and the alternative transportation is a taxi.

6. The information system is Detecting a subject who may be eligible to use public transportation based on an image input from a camera; Calculating at least one of a first evaluation value indicating the likelihood that the subject will use the public transportation facility and a second evaluation value indicating the likelihood that the subject will use an alternative means of transportation, based on a timetable of the public transportation facility geographically closest to the current location of the subject; transmitting at least one of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value to a predetermined terminal; Information provision method.

7. The computers that make up the information provision system include: A process of detecting an evaluation subject who may be able to use public transportation based on an image input from a camera; A process of calculating at least one of a first evaluation value indicating the possibility that the subject of evaluation will use the public transportation facility based on a timetable of the public transportation facility geographically closest to the subject's current location and a second evaluation value indicating the possibility that the subject of evaluation will use an alternative transportation facility; a process of transmitting at least one of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value to a predetermined terminal; A program that executes the following.

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