Information processing device, information processing system, and signage device

Abstract

To enhance the convenience of an on-demand bus user.SOLUTION: A first image that is obtained by photographing the appearance of a first vehicle which is operated as an on-demand bus is obtained; and the first image is provided to a first user who gets on the first vehicle. The provision of the first image can be performed through, for example, a signage device provided at a stop.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a passenger vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] On-demand buses that operate in response to requests from users are known. On-demand buses can board and disembark users at designated locations based on the requests. In this regard, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that notifies a user device when a vehicle that the user plans to board approaches. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-091574 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to improve convenience for on-demand bus users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing device having a control unit that acquires a first image obtained by photographing the exterior of a first vehicle operated as an on-demand bus, and provides the first image to a first user riding in the first vehicle.

[0006] One aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing system including one or more signage devices installed at one or more bus stops via which an on-demand bus passes, and an information processing device that provides information regarding the on-demand bus via the one or more signage devices, wherein the information processing device has a first control unit that performs the following operations: acquiring a first image obtained by photographing the exterior of a first vehicle, and providing the first image to a first user riding in the first vehicle via one of the one or more signage devices.

[0007] One aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure is a signage device that is communicatively connected to an information processing device that manages the operation of an on-demand bus and is installed at a bus stop at which the on-demand bus arrives, the signage device having a control unit that performs the following operations: photographing a first vehicle that has arrived at the bus stop and transmitting the obtained first image data to the information processing device; and receiving and outputting second image data obtained by photographing a second vehicle that is scheduled to arrive at the bus stop from the information processing device.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the method executed by the above-mentioned device, or a computer-readable storage medium non-transitoryly storing the program. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to increase convenience for on-demand bus users. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an on-demand transportation system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing components of an in-vehicle device 100. [Diagram 3] 4 shows an example of vehicle data transmitted from the in-vehicle device 100. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 shows components of a server device 200. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a process for generating guidance data. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram for explaining how a bus is photographed by a signage 300. FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is an example of guidance data distributed to the signage 300. [Figure 8A] 3 shows an example of signage data stored in storage unit 202. [Figure 8B] 3 shows an example of route data stored in the storage unit 202. [Figure 9] 3 shows an example of user data stored in the storage unit 202. [Figure 10] 4 shows an example of request data stored in the storage unit 202. [Figure 11] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing components of the signage 300. [Figure 12] 13 is an example of a screen output to the signage 300. [Figure 13] 13 is an example of a screen output to the signage 300. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of a process in which the in-vehicle device 100 transmits vehicle data. [Figure 15] 11 is a sequence diagram of a process in which the signage 300 transmits image data. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of a process in which the server device 200 transmits guidance data. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] On-demand buses are public vehicles whose routes and schedules are determined based on requests from users.

[0012] On the other hand, on-demand buses may operate with different vehicles each time depending on the number of passengers, etc. In other words, on-demand buses may not operate with fixed vehicles like route buses. Also, if there are multiple operators in charge of operation, the design and coloring of the vehicles may be different each time. That is, in an on-demand transportation system, there is a problem that it is difficult for users to know in advance what design of vehicle will arrive. Also, on-demand buses may not have specific destinations or route numbers posted like route buses, so it is difficult for users to know which vehicle to board. The information processing device according to the present disclosure solves such a problem.

[0013] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has a control unit that acquires a first image obtained by photographing the exterior of a first vehicle operated as an on-demand bus, and provides the first image to a first user riding in the first vehicle.

[0014] The information processing device according to the first aspect is typically a server device that manages the operation of an on-demand bus. An on-demand bus is a public bus that is operated in response to a request from a user. In this embodiment, the on-demand bus picks up a user in response to a boarding request from the user.

[0015] The first image is an image obtained by photographing the exterior of a first vehicle operated as an on-demand bus. The first image may be an image photographed in advance (for example, at an operating base) or may be an image photographed during operation.

[0016] The first image may be output, for example, via a signage device provided at the bus stop where the first vehicle arrives (the first bus stop). As a result, for example, the first user can check the appearance of the bus he or she is going to board at a bus stop. The first bus stop for which the first image should be provided can be identified based on operation information of the on-demand bus, position information of the first vehicle, and the like.

[0017] The first image may be taken by a camera of a second signage device provided at a second bus stop where the first vehicle arrives before the first bus stop. When the signage device has a built-in camera or the like, this configuration makes it possible to obtain the latest image of the first vehicle.

[0018] The information processing device may have a storage unit that stores a plurality of images obtained by capturing images of the exteriors of a plurality of vehicles. The storage unit may store images of multiple on-demand buses captured by multiple signage devices. These images may also be associated with location information and operation information of the corresponding vehicles. This makes it possible to determine which vehicle's image should be sent to which signage device installed at which bus stop.

[0019] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the hardware configuration, module configuration, functional configuration, and the like described in each embodiment are not intended to limit the technical scope of the disclosure to only those.

[0020] First Embodiment An overview of an on-demand transportation system according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The on-demand transportation system according to this embodiment includes a vehicle 10 equipped with an on-vehicle device 100, a server device 200, and multiple signages 300. The system may include multiple vehicles 10 (on-vehicle devices 100) and multiple signages 300.

[0021] The vehicle 10 is a passenger vehicle that is equipped with an on-board device 100 and operates on demand. The on-board device 100 is configured to be capable of wireless communication with a server device 200, and the vehicle 10 travels based on instructions received from the server device 200. The vehicle 10 may be a vehicle driven by a driver, or may be an autonomous vehicle. Hereinafter, the vehicle 10 will be referred to as an on-demand bus, or simply as a bus.

[0022] The signage 300 is installed at bus stops where on-demand buses pass, and is a device that displays images using a display, projector, etc. By using the signage 300, it is possible to inform users waiting for the arrival of the bus of the bus arrival time and operation information. The signage 300 may have a function of outputting sound and a function of acquiring input. In this embodiment, the signage 300 has a camera and is configured to be able to capture an image of the exterior of a passing bus. The signage 300 transmits image data obtained by capturing an image of the bus to the server device 200.

[0023] The server device 200 is a device that controls the operation of the on-demand bus. The server device 200 first receives boarding requests from a wide area network (e.g., the Internet), and determines operation routes and operation schedules of the multiple vehicles 10 under its management based on the boarding requests from multiple users. It also transmits information instructing the determined operation routes and operation schedules to the in-vehicle device 100 mounted on the vehicle 10.

[0024] Secondly, the server device 200 receives data on operation from the vehicle 10 (the in-vehicle device 100) and, based on the data, displays data for guiding bus operations. It will be distributed to The 300.

[0025] Specifically, the server device 200 receives data on bus operation from a plurality of vehicles 10 (on-board devices 100) under its management, and stores the data in a database. Furthermore, the server device 200 acquires images of buses passing nearby from the signage 300, and stores the images in the database.

[0026] Furthermore, the server device 200 generates data to be provided to each of the multiple signages 300 based on the data stored in the database, and distributes the data to each signage 300 at a predetermined timing. The data includes both bus operation information and image data showing the exterior of the bus. The signage 300 also provides information based on the received data. This makes it possible to provide information about buses in operation to users waiting at bus stops. It also makes it possible to present to users what the exterior of a bus heading to the bus stop looks like.

[0027] Each element that makes up the system will be explained. The vehicle 10 is a vehicle operated as an on-demand bus, and is a connected car having a communication function with an external network. The vehicle 10 is equipped with an in-vehicle device 100.

[0028] The in-vehicle device 100 is a computer mounted on the vehicle 10. The in-vehicle device 100 transmits various information related to operation, including location information, to the server device 200 via a wireless network. The in-vehicle device 100 also receives instructions related to operation (operation route, operation schedule, presence or absence of boarding reservations, etc.) from the server device 200 and provides these to the driver (or a device that controls autonomous driving). The vehicle-mounted device 100 may also serve as a device that provides information to the bus crew or passengers. For example, the vehicle-mounted device 100 may be a device that provides passengers with guidance regarding operation (hereinafter, operation-related device). Examples of the operation-related device include devices that control destination displays and broadcasting devices that the vehicle 10 has.

[0029] The in-vehicle device 100 can be configured as a computer having a processor such as a CPU or a GPU, a main storage device such as a RAM or a ROM, and an auxiliary storage device such as an EPROM, a hard disk drive, or a removable medium. The auxiliary storage device stores an operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc., and by executing the programs stored therein, various functions that match a predetermined purpose, as described below, can be realized. However, some or all of the functions may be realized by a hardware circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the components of the in-vehicle device 100 in detail. The in-vehicle device 100 includes a control unit 101 , a storage unit 102 , a communication unit 103 , a position information acquisition unit 104 , and an output unit 105 .

[0031] The control unit 101 is a calculation unit that executes a predetermined program to realize various functions of the in-vehicle device 100. The control unit 101 may be realized by, for example, a CPU. The control unit 101 is configured to have, as functional modules, a transmission unit 1011 and a reception unit 1012. Each functional module may be realized by executing a stored program by a CPU.

[0032] The transmission unit 1011 acquires or generates data related to the operation of the vehicle 10 and transmits the data at a predetermined timing. The transmitting unit 1011 periodically generates and transmits the vehicle data to the server device 200. Data related to the operation of the vehicle 10 (hereinafter, vehicle data) includes, for example, the operation route, the destination, and the current running position (between stops the vehicle is running). This information can be acquired, for example, from operation-related devices mounted on the vehicle (for example, devices that control announcements, destination displays, etc.). The transmitting unit 1011 periodically generates and transmits the vehicle data to the server device 200.

[0033] FIG. 3 is an example of vehicle data. The vehicle data includes fields for a vehicle ID, date and time information, route information, location information, and vehicle information. The vehicle ID field stores an identifier that uniquely identifies the vehicle 10. The date and time information field stores the date and time when the vehicle data was generated. In the route information field, information regarding the travel route of the vehicle 10 is stored. The location information field stores the section in which the vehicle 10 is currently traveling. The location information may be represented by, for example, latitude and longitude, or by a bus stop ID. The location information may be, for example, information such as "traveling between bus stops X1 and X2." The location information can be acquired via the location information acquisition unit 104 described later. Alternatively, the location information may be acquired from the operation-related device described above. For example, the section in which the vehicle is traveling may be determined based on data acquired from the operation-related device. The vehicle data may include other information (vehicle information) related to the vehicle 10. Examples of such information include information related to the type of the vehicle 10 (e.g., low-floor bus) and facilities of the vehicle 10 (e.g., wheelchair spaces, wheelchair ramps, etc.).

[0034] The storage unit 102 is a means for storing information, and is configured with a storage medium such as a RAM, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, etc. The storage unit 102 stores various programs executed by the control unit 101, data used by the programs, etc.

[0035] The communication unit 103 includes an antenna and a communication module for wireless communication. The antenna is an antenna element for inputting and outputting wireless signals. In this embodiment, the antenna is suitable for mobile communication (e.g., mobile communication such as 3G, LTE, and 5G). The antenna may be configured to include multiple physical antennas. For example, when performing mobile communication using radio waves in a high frequency band such as microwaves and millimeter waves, multiple antennas may be distributed and arranged to stabilize communication. The communication module is a module for performing mobile communication.

[0036] The location information acquisition unit 104 includes a GPS antenna and a positioning module for measuring location information. The GPS antenna is an antenna that receives a positioning signal transmitted from a positioning satellite (also called a GNSS satellite). The positioning module is a module that calculates location information based on the signal received by the GPS antenna. The output unit 105 is a unit that outputs information, and includes, for example, a display device, an audio output device, etc. When a driving-related device is mounted on the vehicle 10, the output unit 105 may output images, sounds, etc. in cooperation with the device.

[0037] Next, the server device 200 will be described. First, the server device 200 receives data requesting boarding of an on-demand bus from the wide area network, and executes a process of transmitting data instructing the target bus (vehicle 10) to operate. Secondly, the server device 200 generates data for providing guidance to users based on vehicle data collected from multiple vehicles 10 (in-vehicle devices 100) and image data collected from multiple signages 300, and performs a process of transmitting the data to the signage 300.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing in detail the components of the server device 200 included in the on-demand transportation system according to this embodiment.

[0039] The server device 200 can be configured as a computer having a processor such as a CPU or GPU, a main storage device such as a RAM or ROM, and an auxiliary storage device such as an EPROM, a hard disk drive, or a removable medium. The auxiliary storage device stores an operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc., and the programs stored therein are loaded into a working area of ​​the main storage device and executed. Each component is controlled through the execution of the programs, thereby realizing each function that matches a predetermined purpose, as described below. However, some or all of the functions may be realized by a hardware circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0040] The server device 200 includes a control unit 201 , a storage unit 202 , and a communication unit 203 . The control unit 201 is a calculation device that manages the control performed by the server device 200. The control unit 201 can be realized by a calculation processing device such as a CPU. The control unit 201 is configured to have, as functional modules, an information providing unit 2011 and an operation command unit 2012. Each functional module may be realized by executing a stored program by a CPU.

[0041] The information providing unit 2011 generates guidance data based on vehicle data collected from the vehicle 10, image data collected from the signage 300, and pre-stored data related to bus stops and signage. The guidance data is data transmitted to the signage 300 installed at each bus stop, and is data for providing guidance to users.

[0042] 5 is a diagram for explaining the process of generating guidance data. Here, the signage installed at bus stop X1 is labeled 300A, the signage installed at bus stop X2 is labeled 300B, and the signage installed at bus stop X3 is labeled 300C to distinguish them from one another.

[0043] In the illustrated example, bus A and bus B are approaching bus stops X1 and X2. Bus B is approaching bus stop X3. The stops that a traveling bus passes through can be determined by referring to pre-stored data on the route (described later). Vehicle data is periodically transmitted from bus A and bus B to server device 200. Server device 200 can ascertain which bus is currently traveling where, based on the vehicle data.

[0044] Furthermore, the server device 200 receives, from each signage 300, image data obtained by capturing an image of a bus passing nearby. 6 is a diagram illustrating the photographing of buses by signage 300. In the illustrated example, bus A arrives at bus stop X2, and bus B arrives at bus stop X3. At this timing, signage 300B photographs the exterior of bus A, and signage 300C photographs the exterior of bus B. The obtained image data is transmitted to server device 200 together with a timestamp. The server device 200 uses the time stamp to associate the image data with the vehicle data.

[0045] In this case, if there is a rule that "information about the bus that departed from the bus stop three stops before is displayed on the signage 300", the information providing unit 2011 determines that information about buses A and B is to be output on the signage 300A installed at the bus stop X1. The information providing unit 2011 determines to cause the signage 300B installed at the bus stop X2 to output information about buses A and B. The information providing unit 2011 also determines to cause the signage 300C installed at the bus stop X3 to output information about bus B.

[0046] Then, the information providing unit 2011 generates data to be transmitted to each signage 300. That is, the information providing unit 2011 (1) Based on the vehicle data (and corresponding image data) transmitted from bus A and bus B, guidance data to be transmitted to signage 300A and 300B is generated. (2) Based on the vehicle data (and corresponding image data) transmitted from bus B, generate guidance data to be transmitted to signage 300B and 300C. The following process is executed.

[0047] The guidance data includes information to be output by each signage 300. 7 is an example of guidance data transmitted from server device 200 to signage 300. The guidance data includes an identifier of signage 300 to which the data is transmitted, and date and time information. The guidance data also includes bus route information, expected time to arrival, vehicle information, and a set of image data. Such data is defined for each vehicle. For example, in the illustrated example, data for two vehicles, the next arriving vehicle and the vehicle following that, is included.

[0048] Returning to FIG. 4, the traffic control unit 2012 will be described. The operation command unit 2012 commands the operation of the vehicle 10 based on a boarding request transmitted from a wide area network (eg, the Internet). The operation command unit 2012 determines the number of vehicles 10 to be operated, the operation route, operation schedule, etc., based on a plurality of boarding requests collected during a predetermined period. The operation command unit 2012 also generates data (operation commands) for instructing the vehicles 10 on the operation route and operation schedule. The generated operation commands are transmitted to the in-vehicle devices 100 corresponding to the corresponding vehicles 10.

[0049] The storage unit 202 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device is a memory in which the programs executed by the control unit 201 and data used by the control programs are expanded. The auxiliary storage device is a device in which the programs executed by the control unit 201 and data used by the control programs are stored.

[0050] Furthermore, the storage unit 202 stores vehicle data 202A, signage data 202B, route data 202C, user data 202D, and request data 202E.

[0051] The vehicle data 202A is a collection of a plurality of vehicle data transmitted from the in-vehicle device 100. The vehicle data 202A stores the plurality of vehicle data described with reference to Fig. 3. The stored vehicle data 202A may be deleted at a predetermined timing (for example, at a timing when a predetermined time has elapsed since the data was received).

[0052] The signage data 202B is data related to the signage 300 installed at multiple bus stops. The route data 202C is data related to the routes on which buses under the management of the device run. In the on-demand transportation system according to this embodiment, the server device 200 dynamically determines the bus routes.

[0053] FIG. 8A shows an example of signage data 202B. The signage data 202B includes an identifier of the signage 300, an identifier of the bus stop where the signage is installed, a network address of the signage, etc. 0 can specify the destination of the guidance data by referring to signage data 202B.

[0054] FIG. 8B shows an example of the route data 202C. The route data 202C includes a route identifier, an identifier of a bus stop as a starting point, an identifier of a bus stop along a route, an identifier of a bus stop as a destination, etc. The server device 200 can identify a bus stop along a route of a given bus by referring to the route data 202C. When a bus route is dynamically determined, the route data 202C may be updated each time a bus operation is determined.

[0055] The user data 202D is data related to users of the on-demand bus transportation service, and stores pre-registered user information.

[0056] FIG. 9 is an example of the user data 202D. User data 202D includes fields for user ID, user information, and payment information. The user ID field stores an identifier that uniquely identifies a user in the transportation service. The user information field stores personal information of the user. The payment information field stores information for paying the fare for the on-demand bus. Examples of payment information include credit card information and electronic money information.

[0057] The request data 202E is a collection of ride requests submitted by users. FIG. 10 is an example of the request data 202E. The ride request includes fields for a user ID, reservation date and time, boarding date and time, boarding location, and disembarking location. By matching multiple pieces of request data 202E, the operation command unit 2012 can determine the operation route and operation schedule of the vehicle 10.

[0058] The communication unit 203 is a communication interface for connecting the server device 200 to a network. The communication unit 203 includes, for example, a network interface board and a wireless communication interface for wireless communication.

[0059] Next, the signage 300 will be described. The signage 300 is a device that provides guidance to users waiting at bus stops based on guidance data transmitted from the server device 200.

[0060] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing in detail the components of the signage 300 included in the on-demand transportation system according to this embodiment.

[0061] The signage 300 can be configured as a computer having a processor such as a CPU or a GPU, a main memory such as a RAM or a ROM, and an auxiliary memory such as an EPROM, a hard disk drive, a removable medium, etc. However, some or all of the functions may be realized by a hardware circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0062] The signage 300 includes a control unit 301 , a storage unit 302 , a communication unit 303 , an input / output unit 304 , and a camera 305 . The control unit 301 is a calculation device that manages the control performed by the signage 300. The control unit 301 can be realized by a calculation processing device such as a CPU. The control unit 301 is configured to have, as functional modules, an image capturing unit 3011 and a guide unit 3012. Each functional module may be realized by executing a stored program by a CPU.

[0063] The photographing unit 3011 photographs a bus arriving at or passing through a bus stop via the camera 305 described below, and acquires image data. The photographing unit 3011 may detect the arrival of an on-demand bus, for example, by performing road-to-vehicle communication with the in-vehicle device 100. The photographing unit 3011 transmits the acquired image data to the server device 200 together with a timestamp.

[0064] The guidance unit 3012 generates a user interface screen based on the guidance data received from the server device 200 , and outputs it via the input / output unit 304 .

[0065] Fig. 12 is an example of a user interface screen generated by guidance unit 3012 based on the guidance data shown in Fig. 7 and output via input / output unit 304. If the guidance data includes data on multiple buses, guidance unit 3012 may generate a user interface screen including information for multiple buses. If the arrival time is represented by the remaining time, guidance unit 3012 may keep time and update the time display.

[0066] When a user selects a bus via the input / output unit 304, the guidance unit 3012 outputs detailed information about the selected bus based on the guidance data. Fig. 13 is an example of a user interface screen including detailed information about the bus. As shown in the figure, the user interface screen includes information about the operation of the bus as well as an image obtained by photographing the exterior of the bus.

[0067] The storage unit 302 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device is a memory in which the programs executed by the control unit 301 and data used by the control programs are expanded. The auxiliary storage device is a device in which the programs executed by the control unit 301 and data used by the control programs are stored.

[0068] The communication unit 303 is a communication interface for connecting the signage 300 to a network. The communication unit 303 includes, for example, a network interface board and a wireless communication interface for wireless communication.

[0069] The input / output unit 304 is a device for inputting and outputting information. Specifically, the input / output unit 304 is composed of a display 304A and a touch panel 304B. In this embodiment, the touch panel and the display are composed of one touch panel display. The input / output unit 304 may include a unit for outputting sound (an amplifier and a speaker), etc. The input / output unit 304 can output images through a display 304A, and can also receive input through a touch panel 304B.

[0070] The camera 305 is an image sensor installed in the housing of the signage 300. The camera 305 is installed facing the roadway and can capture the exterior of a vehicle arriving at or passing through a bus stop.

[0071] 2, 4, and 11 are merely examples, and all or part of the functions shown in the figures may be executed using specially designed circuits. Furthermore, programs may be stored or executed using a combination of a main memory device and an auxiliary memory device other than those shown in the figures.

[0072] Next, the processes executed by each device will be described. 14 is a sequence diagram of a process for transmitting vehicle data from the in-vehicle device 100 to the server device 200. The process shown in the figure is repeatedly executed at a predetermined interval while the vehicle 10 is traveling. will be done.

[0073] First, in step S11, the transmission unit 1011 determines whether a predetermined transmission period has arrived. If the predetermined period (for example, every minute) has arrived, the process proceeds to step S12. If the predetermined period has not arrived, the process waits for a predetermined time and repeats the process. In step S12, the transmission unit 1011 generates vehicle data. As described above, the vehicle data can be acquired via operation-related devices mounted on the vehicle 10 or the position information acquisition unit 104.

[0074] The generated vehicle data is transmitted to the server device 200 in step S13. In step S14, the server device 200 (the information providing unit 2011) receives the vehicle data transmitted from the in-vehicle device 100, and stores it in the storage unit 202. As a result, the storage unit 202 of the server device 200 accumulates the vehicle data received from the multiple vehicles 10 as needed.

[0075] 15 is a sequence diagram of a process for transmitting image data from signage 300 to server device 200. The illustrated process is repeatedly executed for each of the multiple signages 300 at a predetermined cycle.

[0076] First, in the signage 300, the photographing unit 3011 determines whether or not an on-demand bus has passed a target bus stop (step S21). The passing of an on-demand bus can be determined, for example, by using the camera 305. The photographing unit 3011 may also detect the presence of an on-demand bus by wirelessly communicating with the in-vehicle device 100. If an on-demand bus has passed a target bus stop, the process proceeds to step S22, where the camera 305 is used to photograph the exterior of the target bus and acquire image data. The acquired image data is associated with a timestamp and temporarily stored.

[0077] In step S23, the stored image data, together with a time stamp, is transmitted to the server device 200. In step S24, the server device 200 stores the received image data. In step S24, server device 200 identifies the bus service included in the received image data. In this step, the bus service that passed the bus stop where signage 300 that transmitted the image data is installed at the time indicated by the time stamp is identified. A bus that passed a certain bus stop at a certain time can be identified based on multiple accumulated vehicle data. Once the bus trip is identified, the process proceeds to step S25 where the corresponding vehicle data is updated and image data is added.

[0078] Next, a process of transmitting guidance data from server device 200 to multiple signages 300 will be described. 16 is a sequence diagram of a process in which server device 200 transmits guide data to signage 300. The illustrated process is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle.

[0079] First, in step S31, the information providing unit 2011 determines whether a predetermined transmission period has arrived. If the predetermined period (for example, every minute) has arrived, the process proceeds to step S32. If the predetermined period has not arrived, the process waits for a predetermined time and repeats the process.

[0080] Steps S32 and S33 are steps in which the information providing unit 2011 generates guidance data for each signage 300. First, in step S32, the vehicle data corresponding to the bus in operation is used to determine whether the bus is approaching the target bus stop. The extraction can be performed based on the vehicle data 202A, the signage data 202B, and the route data 202C. Specifically, the route to which the target bus stop belongs is identified, and among the buses running on the route, those that are within a predetermined distance (e.g., within three bus stops) or within a predetermined time (e.g., three minutes) from the target bus stop are extracted. Next, in step S33, based on the extracted vehicle data corresponding to one or more buses, guidance data is generated as shown in Fig. 7. The guidance data includes image data. The processes of steps S32 and S33 are executed for each of the plurality of signages 300.

[0081] In step S34, the generated guidance data is transmitted to the target signage 300. If there are multiple target signages 300, the information providing unit 2011 transmits the guidance data to each of the target signages 300.

[0082] In steps S35 and S36, the control unit 301 (image capture unit 3011) of each signage 300 generates a user interface screen based on the received guidance data and provides guidance. Specifically, in step S35, the selection of a boarding service is accepted from the user, and in step S36, information corresponding to the selected boarding service is output. This makes it possible to provide the user with an image showing the exterior of the specified bus.

[0083] In this example, the signage 300 outputs information about a bus in motion, but the signage 300 may generate and output a user interface screen for requesting the operation of the bus itself. The user interface screen may be, for example, a screen for specifying a desired boarding date and time, a desired disembarking point, and the like.

[0084] As described above, the system according to the first embodiment uses signage devices installed at bus stops to capture images of the exterior of passing buses and collect image data. In addition, guidance data including the image data is distributed to multiple signage devices. With this configuration, on-demand bus users can check the exterior of the bus they are boarding at the bus stop, enabling them to board the bus they want smoothly.

[0085] (Modification 1 of the first embodiment) In the first embodiment, the signage 300 installed at a plurality of bus stops photographed the exterior of a passing bus. However, the exterior of the bus does not have to be photographed on the same day. For example, the server device 200 may associate information specific to the vehicle 10 (e.g., license plate information) with image data of the exterior of the vehicle 10 and store it in advance. In addition, the exterior of the bus may be photographed when the bus leaves the depot. In this case, by including license plate information or the like in the vehicle data transmitted from the in-vehicle device 100, it becomes possible to obtain image data corresponding to a specific vehicle 10.

[0086] (Modification 2 of the first embodiment) In the first embodiment, the signage 300 installed at a plurality of bus stops photographed the exterior of a passing bus, but it is also possible to obtain information specific to the vehicle 10 other than the exterior. For example, in step S22, the signage 300 may read the license plate information of the target bus, associate it with the image data, and transmit it to the server device 200. Furthermore, the information specific to the vehicle 10 may be obtained via a means other than a camera (for example, road-to-vehicle communication). Note that the server device 200 may recognize the license plate information based on the image data.

[0087] In addition, the information obtained in this way can be associated with vehicle data and used to generate guidance data. may be used. Furthermore, the signage 300 installed at the bus stop where the target bus arrives may provide bus arrival information based on the information unique to the vehicle 10 as described above. For example, if the information data includes license plate information of the target bus, a bus with the same license plate may be detected via the camera 305 and arrival information may be provided.

[0088] (Modification) The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and the present disclosure can be modified and implemented as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, the processes and means described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0089] For example, in the description of the embodiment, the server device 200 pushes guidance data regarding the approaching vehicle 10 to the signage 300 installed at each bus stop, and the signage 300 outputs the information based on the user's operation. However, the server device 200 may provide the guidance data based on a request from the signage 300. For example, the server device 200 may identify the bus that the user plans to board based on a request transmitted from the signage 300, and transmit information (including an image) regarding the bus to the signage 300. The request may include any data for identifying the bus that the user plans to board (for example, a user identifier, a boarding reservation identifier, a bus destination or route, etc.).

[0090] In addition, in the description of the embodiment, the signage 300 installed at each bus stop provides information, but other devices can also be used to provide information. For example, guidance data can be sent to a mobile terminal carried by a user, and the mobile terminal can output guidance based on the data. In this case, data that associates a bus stop with a mobile terminal carried by a user who boards an on-demand bus from the bus stop can be stored in the server device 200, and the data can be used to determine the destination to which the guidance data is sent.

[0091] Furthermore, a process described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, a process described as being performed by different devices may be executed by one device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration (server configuration) by which each function is realized can be flexibly changed.

[0092] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program implementing the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and having one or more processors of the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer by a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium connectable to the system bus of the computer, or may be provided to the computer via a network. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media include, for example, any type of disk, such as a magnetic disk (floppy disk, hard disk drive (HDD), etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD disk, Blu-ray disk, etc.), a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an EPROM, an EEPROM, a magnetic card, a flash memory, an optical card, and any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 100...In-vehicle equipment 200 Server device 300··Signage 101, 201, 301...Control unit 102,202,302...Storage section 103, 203, 303... Communications Department 104...Location information acquisition unit 105 Output section 304...Input / output section 305···Camera

Claims

1. Obtaining a first image obtained by photographing an exterior of a first vehicle operated as an on-demand bus; providing the first image to a first user who is in the first vehicle; A control unit that executes The control unit outputs the first image via a signage device provided at a first bus stop where the first vehicle is scheduled to arrive; The control unit of the information processing device acquires the first image captured by a camera of a second signage device installed at a second bus stop where the first vehicle arrives before the first bus stop from a second signage device.

2. The control unit acquires position information of the first vehicle, and identifies the first stop at which the first vehicle is scheduled to arrive based on the position information. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The on-demand bus system further includes a storage unit configured to store a plurality of images obtained by photographing the exteriors of a plurality of vehicles operated as the on-demand buses, The control unit acquires the first image from the storage unit. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. The plurality of images are images taken by cameras of signage devices installed at each of a plurality of bus stops through which the on-demand bus passes. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. The storage unit stores each of the plurality of images in association with position information of a corresponding vehicle. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

6. the control unit outputs the first image via a signage device provided at a first bus stop where the first vehicle is scheduled to arrive. The information processing device according to claim 5 .

7. The control unit identifies the first stop at which the first vehicle is scheduled to arrive based on the location information. The information processing device according to claim 6.

8. Obtaining a first image obtained by photographing an exterior of a first vehicle operated as an on-demand bus; providing the first image to a first user who is in the first vehicle; A control unit that executes The on-demand bus system further includes a storage unit configured to store a plurality of images obtained by photographing the exteriors of a plurality of vehicles operated as the on-demand buses, The control unit acquires the first image from the storage unit, The information processing device, wherein the plurality of images are images captured by cameras provided on signage devices installed at each of a plurality of bus stops that the on-demand bus passes through.

9. Obtaining a first image obtained by photographing an exterior of a first vehicle operated as an on-demand bus; providing the first image to a first user who is in the first vehicle; A control unit that executes The on-demand bus system further includes a storage unit configured to store a plurality of images obtained by photographing the exteriors of a plurality of vehicles operated as the on-demand buses, The control unit acquires the first image from the storage unit, The storage unit stores each of the plurality of images in association with position information of a corresponding vehicle.

10. An information processing system including one or more signage devices provided at one or more bus stops through which an on-demand bus passes, and an information processing device that provides information about the on-demand bus via the one or more signage devices, The information processing device includes: Obtaining a first image obtained by photographing an exterior of a first vehicle operated as the on-demand bus; providing the first image to a first user riding in the first vehicle via any of the one or more signage devices; A first control unit that executes The first control unit outputs the first image via the signage device provided at a first bus stop where the first vehicle is scheduled to arrive; The first control unit of the information processing system acquires the first image captured by a camera of a second signage device installed at a second bus stop where the first vehicle arrives before the first bus stop.

11. The first control unit acquires position information of the first vehicle, and identifies the first stop at which the first vehicle is scheduled to arrive based on the position information. The information processing system according to claim 10.

12. the signage device captures an image of the exterior of the arriving vehicle with a camera and transmits the captured image to the information processing device; The information processing system according to claim 10.

13. the information processing device further includes a storage unit configured to store the images received from the signage devices; The first control unit acquires the first image from the storage unit. The information processing system according to claim 12.

14. The storage unit stores each of the received images in association with position information of the corresponding vehicle. The information processing system according to claim 13.

15. the first control unit outputs the first image via the signage device provided at a first bus stop where the first vehicle is scheduled to arrive; 15. The information processing system according to claim 14.

16. The first control unit identifies the first stop at which the first vehicle is scheduled to arrive based on the location information.

16. The information processing system according to claim 15.

17. An information processing system including one or more signage devices provided at one or more bus stops through which an on-demand bus passes, and an information processing device that provides information about the on-demand bus via the one or more signage devices, The information processing device includes: Obtaining a first image obtained by photographing an exterior of a first vehicle operated as the on-demand bus; providing the first image to a first user riding in the first vehicle via any of the one or more signage devices; A first control unit that executes The signage device captures an image of the exterior of an arriving vehicle with a camera and transmits the captured image to the information processing device.

18. A signage device that is communicably connected to an information processing device that manages operation of an on-demand bus and is provided at a bus stop at which the on-demand bus arrives, taking an image of a first vehicle that has arrived at the bus stop using a camera and transmitting the obtained first image data to the information processing device; receiving, from the information processing device, second image data obtained by photographing a second vehicle scheduled to arrive at the bus stop, and outputting the second image data; A control unit that executes Signage device.

19. the control unit further acquires operation information of the second vehicle from the information processing device, and outputs the operation information and the second image data. The signage device of claim 18.

Images