Computer, Method for Supporting Generation of Operation Information, Computer System, and Program

Abstract

A computer that assists the generation of operation information for a vehicle that transports passengers and freight, said computer: generating candidate operation information including freight transportation routes; calculating, for each set of candidate operation information, a first evaluation index that indicates the degree of achievement of a passenger demand associated with the transportation of cargo, a second evaluation index indicating the degree of achievement of a demand made by a requester requesting the transportation of the cargo, and a third evaluation index that indicates the degree of achievement of a request made by a business operator that provides transportation services using a vehicle; selecting usable candidate operation information on the basis of the first evaluation index, the second evaluation index, and the third evaluation index; and transmitting the selected candidate operation information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer, a method, a system, and a program for assisting in generating operation information of a vehicle associated with mixed passenger and cargo loading.

Background Art

[0002] Mixed passenger and cargo loading has attracted attention as a measure for reducing the number of passengers and carbon dioxide emissions, and there is a need for a technology that supports the operation of vehicles that satisfies the requirements of both passengers and shippers of goods. In contrast, the technology described in Patent Document 1 is known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes that "An on-demand passenger-cargo mixed system includes a management device 2 that determines the route of an operating vehicle and transmits the determined route to the in-vehicle device 3 of the operating vehicle, a passenger terminal 4 that transmits a passenger's movement request to the management device 2, a cargo terminal 5 that transmits a cargo movement request to the management device 2, and an in-vehicle device 3 provided in the operating vehicle that receives the route from the management device 2. The management device 2 has a function of calculating a route based on the passenger's movement request and the cargo movement request and transmitting the calculated route to the in-vehicle device 3. The in-vehicle device 3 has a function of guiding the route based on the received route."

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The technology described in Patent Document 1 results in the operation of a vehicle biased towards either passengers or shippers of goods. Further, in Patent Document 1, the revenue of the transportation operator is not considered.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for quantitatively evaluating the degree of achievement of the requirements of three parties, namely passengers, shippers of goods, and transportation operators, and supporting the generation of vehicle operation information that satisfies the requirements of the three parties as much as possible.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A typical example of the invention disclosed in the present application is as follows. That is, a computer that supports the generation of operation information of a vehicle that transports passengers and goods, having a processor, a storage device connected to the processor, and a network interface connected to the processor, communicably connected to a first terminal operated by the passenger, a second terminal operated by a shipper who requests the transportation of goods, and a third terminal operated by an operator who provides a transportation service using the vehicle, receiving reservation information of the vehicle from the first terminal and the second terminal, generating candidate operation information including a transportation route of the goods, calculating a first evaluation index indicating the degree of achievement of the requirements of the passenger accompanying the transportation of the goods, a second evaluation index indicating the degree of achievement of the requirements of the shipper, and a third evaluation index indicating the degree of achievement of the requirements of the operator for each piece of the candidate operation information, selecting the adoptable candidate operation information based on the first evaluation index, the second evaluation index, and the third evaluation index, and transmitting the selected candidate operation information to the third terminal.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to quantitatively evaluate the degree of achievement of the requirements of three parties, namely passengers, shippers of goods, and transportation operators, and support the generation of vehicle operation information that satisfies the requirements of the three parties as much as possible. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the description of the following embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11A

Figure 11B

Figure 12

Figure 13

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not to be construed as being limited to the description of the embodiments shown below. It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the specific configuration can be changed without departing from the spirit or gist of the present invention.

[0011] In the configuration of the invention described below, the same or similar configurations or functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0012] The notations such as "first", "second", "third", etc. in this specification and the like are attached to identify components, and do not necessarily limit the number or order.

[0013] The positions, sizes, shapes, ranges, etc. of the respective configurations shown in the drawings and the like may not represent the actual positions, sizes, shapes, ranges, etc. in order to facilitate understanding of the invention. Therefore, in the present invention, it is not limited to the positions, sizes, shapes, ranges, etc. disclosed in the drawings and the like.

Embodiment

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the system of Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer constituting the operation information generation support system of Embodiment 1.

[0015] The system is composed of an operation information generation support system 100 and a plurality of terminals 101. The operation information generation support system 100 is connected to each terminal 101 via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and a WAN (Wide Area Network). The connection form of the network may be either wired or wireless.

[0016] In Embodiment 1, it is assumed that a transportation business operator provides a transportation service using demand buses. In a demand bus, a transportation service is provided in which passengers are picked up and dropped off at arbitrary locations and goods are collected and delivered at arbitrary locations in response to reservations made by users.

[0017] The terminal 101 is a terminal operated by a user who uses the operation information generation support system 100, and has a processor, a storage device, a network interface, an input device, and an output device (not shown). In this embodiment, there are a terminal 101-1 operated by a transportation operator, a terminal 101-2 operated by a passenger, and a terminal 101-3 operated by a shipper. Note that the shipper is an example of a person who requests the transportation of goods and is not limited thereto. For example, it may be a delivery operator.

[0018] The operation information generation support system 100 is a system that supports the generation of operation information of vehicles operated by transportation operators who provide transportation services. Here, the operation information is information including a moving route, a cargo collection location and a delivery location, and an operation schedule. The operation information generation support system 100 is composed of at least one computer 200. The computer 200 has a processor 201, a main storage device 202, a secondary storage device 203, and a network interface 204. Each hardware element is connected to each other via a bus. Note that the computer 200 may have an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel, or an output device such as a display and a printer.

[0019] The processor 201 executes a program stored in the main storage device 202. By the processor 201 executing processing according to the program, it operates as a functional unit (module) that realizes a specific function. In the following description, when explaining the processing with the functional unit as the subject, it indicates that the processor 201 is executing a program that realizes the functional unit.

[0020] The main storage device 202 is a storage device such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and stores a program executed by the processor 201 and data used by the program. The main storage device 202 is also used as a work area. The secondary storage device 203 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and an SSD (Solid State Drive), and permanently stores data.

[0021] Note that the programs and data stored in the main memory device 202 may be stored in the auxiliary memory device 203. In this case, the processor 201 reads the programs and data from the auxiliary memory device 203 and loads them into the main memory device 202.

[0022] The operation information generation support system 100 holds control information 110 and also includes a request reception unit 120, an operation information generation unit 121, an evaluation index calculation unit 122, an evaluation unit 123, and a notification unit 124.

[0023] The control information 110 is information used for generating operation information. The control information 110 in the first embodiment stores waypoint information 300 (see FIG. 3A) for managing the points through which the demand bus passes, transport schedule information 310 (see FIG. 3B) for managing the transport schedules of the demand bus, and control parameters. The transportation operator registers the control information 110 in the operation information generation support system 100 using the terminal 101-1. Note that the control parameters are weights, thresholds, etc., which will be described later.

[0024] The request reception unit 120 receives passenger boarding requests and cargo transportation requests. The operation information generation unit 121 generates candidates for operation information (candidate operation information). The evaluation index calculation unit 122 calculates evaluation indexes indicating the degree of achievement of the requests of each of the transportation operator, passengers, and shippers with respect to the candidate operation information. The evaluation unit 123 narrows down the candidate operation information using the evaluation indexes of the three parties. The notification unit 124 transmits information to the terminal 101 and receives responses to the presented information.

[0025] Note that for each functional unit included in the operation information generation support system 100, a plurality of functional units may be combined into one functional unit, or one functional unit may be divided into a plurality of functional units according to each function.

[0026] FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams showing an example of the information stored in the control information 110 of the first embodiment.

[0027] The transit point information 300 stores entries including a location ID 301, a position 302, and a name 303. There is one entry for one transit point. Note that the fields included in the entry are not limited to those described above. It may not include any of the above-described fields, or may include other fields.

[0028] The location ID 301 is a field that stores identification information for uniquely identifying a transit point. The position 302 is a field that stores a pair of latitude and longitude of the transit point. The name 303 is a field that stores the name of the transit point.

[0029] The transportation schedule information 310 stores entries including a transportation schedule ID 311, a departure location 312, and a departure time 313. There is one entry for one transportation schedule. Note that the fields included in the entry are not limited to those described above. It may not include any of the above-described fields, or may include other fields.

[0030] The transportation schedule ID 311 is a field that stores identification information for uniquely identifying a transportation schedule. The departure location 312 is a field that stores the departure point of the transportation schedule. The location ID managed by the transit point information 300 is stored in the departure location 312. The departure time 313 is a field that stores the departure time of the transportation schedule.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram for explaining the processing flow in the system of Example 1. FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing an example of a reservation screen displayed on the terminal 101 of Example 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an operation information selection screen displayed on the terminal 101 of Example 1.

[0032] The operation information generation support system 100 presents an interface for registering control information. The transportation operator registers control information in the operation information generation support system 100 using the terminal 101-1 (step S101).

[0033] The passenger makes a train reservation using terminal 101-2 (step S102). For example, the operation information generation support system 100 presents a reservation screen 500 as shown in FIG. 5A to terminal 101-2. The reservation screen 500 includes input fields 501, 502, 503, 504, and a reservation button 505.

[0034] The input field 501 is a field for entering the boarding location. The input field 502 is a field for entering the alighting location. The input field 503 is a field for entering the transportation service to be used. The input field 504 is a field for entering the passenger's identification information. The input field 504 stores the identification information issued by the transportation operator. The reservation button 505 is an operation button for transmitting reservation information including the values entered in the input fields 501, 502, 503, 504.

[0035] The shipper makes a transportation reservation using terminal 101-3 (step S103). For example, the operation information generation support system 100 presents a reservation screen 510 as shown in FIG. 5B to terminal 101-3. The reservation screen 510 includes input fields 511, 512, 513, 514, and a reservation button 515.

[0036] The input field 511 is a field for entering the loading location. The input field 512 is a field for entering the unloading location. The input field 513 is a field for entering the transportation service to be used. The input field 514 is a field for entering the shipper's identification information. The input field 514 stores the identification information issued by the transportation operator. The reservation button 515 is an operation button for transmitting reservation information including the values entered in the input fields 511, 512, 513, 514.

[0037] The operation information generation support system 100 executes candidate operation information generation processing (step S104). The details of the candidate operation information generation processing will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0038] The operation information generation support system 100 transmits the display information output as the processing result of the candidate operation information generation processing to the terminal 101-1 operated by the transportation operator (step S105).

[0039] On terminal 101-1, an operation information selection screen 600 as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed. The operation information selection screen 600 includes a table 610 and an adoption button 620. The table 610 is a table that displays candidate operation information generated and filtered by the operation information generation support system 100, and includes entries including selection 611, NO 612, operation information 613, and evaluation index 614. There is one entry for one piece of candidate operation information.

[0040] The selection 611 is a field that displays radio buttons for selecting candidate operation information to be adopted. The NO 612 is a field that stores the identification number of the candidate operation information. The operation information 613 is a field that stores the specific content of the candidate operation information. In the operation information 613 of Example 1, a transportation route, the departure time of the departure place, the arrival time of the final destination, etc. are stored. The evaluation index 614 is a group of fields that store evaluation indexes. As will be described later, the evaluation indexes of each of the passenger, the shipper, and the transportation operator are calculated, and a comprehensive evaluation index is calculated based on the evaluation indexes of the three parties. The adoption button 620 is an operation button for notifying the adoption of the candidate operation information selected in the selection 611.

[0041] When the transportation operator operates the adoption button 620, the terminal 101-1 sends an adoption notice including the identification number of the candidate operation information selected by the transportation operator to the operation information generation support system 100 (step S106).

[0042] The operation information generation support system 100 sends transportation schedule information including the arrival times of the boarding and alighting locations to the terminal 101-2 (step S107), and also sends transportation schedule information including the arrival times of the loading and unloading locations to the terminal 101-3 (step S108).

[0043] The passenger checks the content of the transportation schedule information, operates terminal 101-2, and sends a response to the operation information generation support system 100 (step S109). If the passenger agrees to the operation of the transportation schedule, the passenger sends a response to confirm the reservation. If the passenger does not agree to the operation of the transportation schedule, the passenger sends a response to cancel the reservation. When receiving a reservation cancellation, the operation information generation support system 100 may revise the operation information or add a statement indicating that the passenger does not exist in the operation information.

[0044] The shipper checks the content of the transportation schedule information, operates terminal 101-3, and sends a response to the operation information generation support system 100 (step S110). If the shipper agrees to the operation of the transportation schedule, the shipper sends a response to confirm the reservation. If the shipper does not agree to the operation of the transportation schedule, the shipper sends a response to cancel the reservation. When receiving a reservation cancellation, the operation information generation support system 100 may revise the operation information or add a statement indicating that the goods do not exist in the operation information.

[0045] Note that the operation information generation support system 100 manages the upper limit numbers of passengers and goods for each transportation schedule, and controls not to accept requests when the upper limit numbers are reached. Also, when the transportation schedule desired by the user is not available, the operation information generation support system 100 may recommend the use of other transportation schedules and generate candidate operation information for the transportation schedules.

[0046] The driver operates the vehicle with reference to the operation information. If there is information indicating that there are no passengers or goods at a transit point, the driver skips the transit point.

[0047] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of candidate operation information generation processing executed by the operation information generation support system 100 of Example 1. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a transportation route generated by the operation information generation support system 100 of Example 1. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the characteristics of explanatory variables used for calculating the evaluation index of Example 1.

[0048] The operation information generation unit 121 identifies the transportation service for which the reservation acceptance unit 120 has accepted a reservation (step S201).

[0049] The operation information generation unit 121 acquires the reservation information of the transportation service identified from the reservation acceptance unit 120 (step S202).

[0050] The operation information generation unit 121 generates candidate operation information based on the control information 110 and the reservation information (step S203). In this embodiment, candidate operation information including the transportation route and operation schedule of the demand bus is generated. For example, it is generated by the following method.

[0051] (Process 1) The operation information generation unit 121 identifies waypoints based on the reservation information, and refers to the waypoint information 300 to identify the positions of the waypoints. The operation information generation unit 121 generates a transportation route connecting the waypoints. The transportation route is generated using an existing route search algorithm such as the dynamic programming method. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the transportation route is generated based on the following generation rules. Generation rule 1: Transport passengers and goods in one round. Generation rule 2: After transporting passengers, transport goods. Note that it is possible to collect goods during the transportation of passengers.

[0052] In the case of a transportation service for which reservations have been made for passenger 1 who boards at Station A and alights at 1-chome, y-town, passenger 2 who boards at 1-chome, y-town and alights at Station A, and cargo 1 that is loaded at Distribution Center B and unloaded at 2-chome, y-town, the upper transportation route in FIG. 8 is generated from Generation rule 1, and the lower transportation route in FIG. 8 is generated from Generation rule 2.

[0053] (Process 2) The operation information generation unit 121 deletes transportation routes that do not satisfy the constraint conditions. For example, constraint conditions regarding the order of waypoints, travel time, and travel distance can be considered. Note that the transportation route may be generated taking into account the constraint conditions.

[0054] (Process 3) The operation information generation unit 121 generates an operation schedule based on the transportation flight information 310 and the transportation route. Specifically, the operation information generation unit 121 calculates the arrival time of the final destination on the transportation route based on the travel distance of the transportation route and the arrival time of the transportation flight. Further, the operation information generation unit 121 may determine the arrival time and departure time of each transit point based on the distance between the transit points and the arrival time of the transportation flight.

[0055] (Process 4) The operation information generation unit 121 generates candidate operation information including the transportation route and the operation schedule.

[0056] The above is the description of the process of step S203.

[0057] The evaluation index calculation unit 122 calculates the evaluation index of the candidate operation information (step S204). Here, the calculation methods of the evaluation indexes of the transportation operator, the passengers, and the shippers, and the comprehensive evaluation index will be described.

[0058] The evaluation index of the transportation operator is calculated using a function y1 with the travel distance x1 as the explanatory variable. Note that a discount for passengers associated with the transportation of goods may be added as an explanatory variable.

[0059] The evaluation index of the passengers is the difference in distance or travel time x between the shortest path connecting the boarding position and the alighting position and the path connecting the boarding position and the alighting position on the transportation route 21 , the number of times of loading and unloading of goods x 22 , and the width of the boarding space due to the loading of goods x 23 calculated using a function y2 with these as explanatory variables. Note that one function may be defined for each explanatory variable. In this case, the sum, weighted sum, or average of the values of each function may be used as the evaluation index of the passengers.

[0060] The evaluation index of the shipper is calculated using a function y3 with the availability x3 of using the desired transportation flight as the explanatory variable. x3 is, for example, "0" when the transportation flight can be used and "1" when the transportation flight cannot be used.

[0061] Explanatory variables x1, x 21 is expressed by a logistic function as shown in FIG. 9. By this, an index reflecting human feelings can be calculated. Note that the position and degree of curvature of the curve may be changed according to the passenger's desired arrival time, season, etc.

[0062] The comprehensive evaluation index Y is calculated using Equation (1), Equation (2), or Equation (3). Here, B1, B2, and B3 are constants representing weights.

[0063]

Number

[0064]

Number

[0065]

Number

[0066] Note that the transportation operator may include information on the explanatory variables used, the calculation methods of the individual evaluation index and the comprehensive evaluation index, and information on the constraints of the values of the explanatory variables in the control information 110. Note that the calculation method of the evaluation index described above is an example and is not limited thereto.

[0067] The above is the explanation of the process of step S204.

[0068] The evaluation unit 123 selects the candidate operation information to be presented based on the evaluation index of the candidate operation information (step S205).

[0069] The transportation operator sets the threshold value of the evaluation index as a control parameter in the control information 110, and also sets the constraint conditions of the evaluation index using the threshold value in the control information 110. The evaluation unit 123 selects candidate operation information that satisfies the constraint conditions of the evaluation index.

[0070] The evaluation unit 123 generates display information (step S206) and outputs it to the notification unit 124 (step S207). Specifically, the evaluation unit 123 sorts the candidate operation information based on the evaluation index and generates display information for displaying the sorted candidate operation information. For example, the evaluation unit 123 sorts the candidate operation information in ascending order of the comprehensive evaluation index. The notification unit 124 transmits the display information to the terminal 101-1 operated by the transportation operator.

[0071] Note that by adjusting the weights and thresholds, it is possible to generate operation information that emphasizes any one of passengers, shippers, and transportation operators. The weights and thresholds used in the candidate operation information generation process may be obtained using machine learning or the like.

[0072] According to the first embodiment, the operation information generation support system 100 can quantitatively evaluate the degree of achievement of the requirements of the three parties, namely passengers, shippers of goods, and transportation operators, using explanatory variables representing the satisfaction or dissatisfaction of passengers, shippers, and transportation operators associated with the transportation of goods. In addition, the operation information generation support system 100 can support the generation of operation information that satisfies the requirements of the three parties as much as possible by presenting candidate operation information based on the evaluation results.

Embodiment

[0073] In the second embodiment, the method for generating the transportation route included in the operation information is different from that in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described centering on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0074] The configuration of the system in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment. The configuration of the operation information generation support system 100 in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment. The processing flow of the system in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment. The candidate operation information generation process in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment. However, the method for generating the transportation route is different.

[0075] When the number of passengers and cargo is large, the number of transportation routes also becomes extremely large. Therefore, there is a problem that the computational cost (computation time and amount of computation) required for searching for transportation routes is high. Thus, in Example 2, the number of cargo that can be transported during the transportation of passengers is set in advance, and for cargo with a quantity equal to or greater than this number, transportation routes for transportation after the transportation of passengers are generated.

[0076] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the transportation route generation process executed by the operation information generation support system 100 of Example 2.

[0077] The operation information generation unit 121 sets the parameter l indicating the number of cargo to 0 (step S301).

[0078] The operation information generation unit 121 generates selection patterns for l pieces of cargo (step S302).

[0079] The operation information generation unit 121 selects one selection pattern (step S303).

[0080] The operation information generation unit 121 generates a transportation route for transporting passengers and the cargo included in the selected pattern, and then transporting the remaining cargo (step S304).

[0081] The operation information generation unit 121 determines whether processing has been completed for all selection patterns (step S305).

[0082] If processing has not been completed for all selection patterns, the operation information generation unit 121 returns to step S303 and executes the same processing.

[0083] If processing has been completed for all selection patterns, the operation information generation unit 121 determines whether the value of the variable l is greater than the upper limit value L (step S306).

[0084] If the value of the variable l is less than or equal to the upper limit value L, the operation information generation unit 121 sets the value obtained by adding 1 to the value of the variable l to the variable l (step S307), and then returns to step S302.

[0085] When the value of the variable l is greater than the upper limit value L, the operation information generation unit 121 ends the process.

[0086] In the case of a transportation route that transports goods after transporting passengers, the number of generable transportation routes decreases, the satisfaction of passengers increases, but the travel distance becomes longer, so the revenue of the transportation company decreases. Also, since the delivery time of the goods becomes late, the shipper may also suffer disadvantages. However, since passengers' dissatisfaction leads to a decrease in the number of users of the demand bus, in many cases, it is considered to prioritize the satisfaction of passengers (increase the weight value for passengers in Equation (1)).

[0087] Therefore, in the second embodiment, when the satisfaction of passengers is prioritized, by adjusting the number of goods transported during the transportation of passengers, it is possible to efficiently generate a transportation route that satisfies the requirements of all three parties as much as possible while maintaining the satisfaction of passengers. That is, by adjusting the number of goods transported during the transportation of passengers, the search range of the transportation route can be reduced, so the calculation cost can be reduced.

[0088] Specifically, when there are n passenger boarding and alighting points and m cargo unloading points in one operation of the demand bus, all combinations are (n + m)! ways. On the other hand, in the method of the second embodiment, the calculation amount is as shown in Equation (4).

[0089]

Number

[0090] Here, when setting half of all the cargo unloading points (m / 2) as the upper limit value L, the calculation amount is as shown in Equation (5).

[0091]

Number

[0092] For example, as a realistic value in the demand bus, when both the passenger boarding / alighting point n and the unloading point m are 8 locations, if all combinations are evaluated, since the evaluation of (8 + 8)! combinations is required, the computational complexity is of the order of 10 13 However, in the method of Example 2, since it is only necessary to evaluate the number of combinations given by Equation (6), the computational complexity is of the order of 10 12 .

[0093] [Number]

[0094] In this way, the computational complexity can be reduced to about one-tenth. [Example]

[0095] In Example 3, the mixed passenger and cargo transportation using a train with a fixed travel route and operation schedule will be described.

[0096] The configuration of the system in Example 3 is the same as that in Example 1. In the case of a train with only unreserved seats, reservations from passengers are not required.

[0097] The configuration of the operation information generation support system 100 in Example 3 is the same as that in Example 1. However, the information included in the control information 110 is different. The control information 110 in Example 3 includes route information 1100 and congestion information 1110.

[0098] FIG. 11A is information showing an example of the route information 1100 in Example 3. FIG. 11B is a diagram showing an example of the congestion information 1110 in Example 3.

[0099] Route information 1100 stores entries including route ID 1101, route 1102, and operation schedule 1103. There is one entry for one route. Route ID 1101 is a field that stores identification information for uniquely identifying a route. Route 1102 is a field that stores the departure location, via locations, and destination. Operation schedule 1103 is a group of fields that stores the operation schedule of a route. There is one field for one operation schedule.

[0100] Congestion information 1110 stores entries including route ID 1111, departure time 1112, and congestion level 1113. There is one entry for a combination of a route and a departure time (operation schedule). Route ID 1111 is the same field as route ID 1101. Departure time 1112 is a field that stores the departure time at the departure location. Congestion level 1113 is a field that stores the congestion level indicating the occupancy rate of seats on a train during operation along the operation schedule.

[0101] Note that the operation information generation support system 100 may hold information on an inference model that outputs a congestion level instead of the congestion information 1110. The inference model accepts, for example, a route, a departure time, a season, etc. as inputs and outputs a congestion level.

[0102] The processing flow of the system in Example 3 is the same as that in Example 1. However, when a reservation from a passenger is received, the operation information generation support system 100 notifies that the reservation has been made and does not transmit the transport service information. Also, the screen displayed on terminal 101-1 based on the display information is different from that in Example 1.

[0103] Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of a transport schedule selection screen displayed on terminal 101 in Example 3.

[0104] The transportation schedule selection screen 1200 includes a table 1210 and an adoption button 1220. The table 1210 is a table that displays the transportation schedules (candidate operation information groups) generated and filtered by the operation information generation support system 100, and includes entries containing selection 1211, NO 1212, transportation schedule 1213, and evaluation index 1214. There is one entry for one transportation schedule.

[0105] The selection 1211 is a field that displays radio buttons for selecting the transportation schedule to be adopted. The NO 1212 is a field for storing the identification number of the transportation schedule. The transportation schedule 1213 is a field for storing the specific content of the transportation schedule. Candidate operation information including route ID, operation schedule, and the transportation route of the goods is stored in the transportation schedule 1213. The evaluation index 1214 is a group of fields for storing evaluation indexes. The adoption button 1220 is an operation button for notifying the adoption of the transportation schedule selected at the selection 1211.

[0106] The candidate operation information generation process of Example 3 is different from that of Example 1. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the candidate operation information generation process executed by the operation information generation support system 100 of Example 3.

[0107] The operation information generation unit 121 acquires the reservation information of the goods received by the request reception unit 120 (step S401).

[0108] The operation information generation unit 121 selects one piece of goods (step S402).

[0109] The operation information generation unit 121 identifies the route and operation schedule to be used for transporting the selected goods (step S403). When it is necessary to transfer the goods, a combination of routes and a combination of operation schedules are identified. The operation information generation unit 121 generates the identification information of the goods, the route, and the operation schedule as transportation data.

[0110] The operation information generation unit 121 determines whether the processing for all the goods has been completed (step S404).

[0111] If the processing for all the goods has not been completed, the operation information generation unit 121 returns to step S402 and executes the same processing.

[0112] If the processing for all the goods has been completed, the operation information generation unit 121 combines the transportation data of each good to generate a transportation schedule (step S405). Note that the upper limit of the number of goods transported is set for each transportation schedule, and the operation information generation unit 121 combines the transportation data so as not to exceed the said upper limit.

[0113] The operation information generation unit 121 selects one transportation schedule (step S406).

[0114] The operation information generation unit 121 generates candidate operation information by integrating the transportation data with the same route and transportation schedule (step S407).

[0115] The evaluation index calculation unit 122 calculates the evaluation index of the candidate operation information (step S408). Here, the calculation methods of the evaluation indexes of the transportation operator, passengers, and shippers, as well as the comprehensive evaluation index, will be described.

[0116] The evaluation index of the transportation operator is calculated using a function y1 with the tolerance x for the increase in labor costs associated with the transportation of goods 11 and the satisfaction x corresponding to the increase in revenue associated with the transportation of goods 12 as explanatory variables. The tolerance x 11 is calculated using, for example, Equation (7), and the satisfaction x 12 is calculated using, for example, Equation (8). Here, C represents the labor cost when not transporting goods, ΔC represents the increase in labor cost associated with the transportation of goods. S is a constant. I represents the revenue per route, and ΔI represents the increase in revenue associated with the transportation of goods.

[0117]

Equation

[0118] [Number]

[0119] The evaluation index of passengers is calculated using the function y2 with the tolerance x for vehicle congestion 21 and the tolerance x for not being able to take a seat during cargo transportation 22 as explanatory variables. The tolerance x 21 is calculated, for example, using Equation (9), and the tolerance x 22 is calculated, for example, using Equation (10). Here, A is a constant, and R represents the degree of congestion. S sit and S stand are constants, and r sit represents the proportion of passengers who can take a seat. r sit is a function that depends on the vehicle congestion. Note that A may change its value according to the season.

[0120] [Number]

[0121] [Number]

[0122] The evaluation index of the shipper is calculated using the function y3 with the satisfaction x3 with respect to the transportation time as an explanatory variable. The satisfaction x3 is calculated, for example, using Equation (11). Here, Δt represents the difference between the desired transportation time and the actual transportation time.

[0123] [Number]

[0124] The calculation method of the comprehensive evaluation index Y is the same as that in Example 1.

[0125] Note that the transportation operator may include the information on the explanatory variables used and the information on the constraints of the values of the explanatory variables in the control information 110. Note that the above-described method for calculating the evaluation index is merely an example and is not limited thereto.

[0126] The above is the description of the process of step S408.

[0127] The evaluation index calculation unit 122 calculates the evaluation index of the transport schedule based on the evaluation index of the candidate operation information (step S409).

[0128] For example, the evaluation index calculation unit 122 calculates the maximum value, average value, or total value of the evaluation indexes of the candidate operation information included in the transport schedule as the evaluation index of the transport schedule.

[0129] The evaluation index calculation unit 122 determines whether the processing for all transport schedules has been completed (step S410).

[0130] If the processing for all transport schedules has not been completed, the evaluation index calculation unit 122 returns to step S406 and executes the same processing.

[0131] If the processing for all transport schedules has been completed, the evaluation unit 123 selects the transport schedule to be presented based on the evaluation index of the transport schedule (step S411).

[0132] The transportation operator sets the threshold value of the evaluation index as a control parameter in the control information 110, and also sets the constraint conditions of the evaluation index using the threshold value in the control information 110. The evaluation unit 123 selects a transport schedule that satisfies the constraint conditions of the evaluation index.

[0133] The evaluation unit 123 generates display information (step S412) and outputs it to the notification unit 124 (step S413). Specifically, the evaluation unit 123 sorts the transportation schedules based on the evaluation criteria and generates display information for displaying the sorted transportation schedules. For example, the evaluation unit 123 sorts the transportation schedules in ascending order of the comprehensive evaluation criteria. The notification unit 124 transmits the display information to the terminal 101-1 operated by the transportation operator.

[0134] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and includes various modifications. Also, for example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail for the purpose of clearly explaining the present invention and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Further, it is possible to add, delete, or replace a part of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations.

[0135] In addition, each of the above configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, etc. may be realized in hardware by designing a part or all of them, for example, by using an integrated circuit. Also, the present invention can be realized by a program code of software that realizes the functions of the embodiments. In this case, a storage medium recording the program code is provided to a computer, and a processor included in the computer reads the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code itself and the storage medium storing it constitute the present invention. As a storage medium for supplying such a program code, for example, a flexible disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, hard disk, SSD (Solid State Drive), optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-R, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, ROM, etc. are used.

[0136] Also, the program code for realizing the functions described in this embodiment can be implemented in a wide range of programs or script languages such as assembler, C / C++, perl, Shell, PHP, Python, Java, etc.

[0137] Furthermore, the program code of the software that realizes the functions of the embodiments may be distributed via a network, stored in a storage means such as a hard disk or memory of a computer or a storage medium such as a CD-RW or CD-R, and the processor included in the computer may read and execute the program code stored in the storage means or the storage medium.

[0138] In the above-described embodiments, the control lines and information lines show those considered necessary for explanation, and not necessarily all the control lines and information lines on the product are shown. All the components may be interconnected.

Claims

1. A computer for assisting in generating operation information of a vehicle for transporting passengers and goods, having a processor, a storage device connected to the processor, and a network interface connected to the processor, communicatively connected to a first terminal operated by the passenger, a second terminal operated by a requester who requests transportation of the goods, and a third terminal operated by an operator who provides a transportation service using the vehicle, receiving reservation information of the vehicle from the first terminal and the second terminal, generating candidate operation information including a transportation route of the goods, calculating, for each of the candidate operation information, a first evaluation index indicating a degree of achievement of the passenger's request associated with the transportation of the goods, a second evaluation index indicating a degree of achievement of the requester's request, and a third evaluation index indicating a degree of achievement of the operator's request, selecting the candidate operation information that can be adopted based on the first evaluation index, the second evaluation index, and the third evaluation index, A computer characterized by transmitting the selected candidate operation information to the third terminal.

2. The computer according to claim 1, calculating a comprehensive evaluation index using the first evaluation index, the second evaluation index, and the third evaluation index, A computer characterized by selecting the candidate operation information that can be adopted based on the comprehensive evaluation index.

3. The computer according to claim 2, wherein the comprehensive evaluation index is calculated using the first evaluation index, the second evaluation index, the third evaluation index, and a weight parameter, A computer characterized by providing an interface for setting a method of selecting the candidate operation information based on the weight parameter and the comprehensive evaluation index to the third terminal.

4. The computer according to claim 1, wherein the first evaluation index, the second evaluation index, and the third evaluation index are calculated using a function having a value expressed by a logistic function as a variable.

5. The computer according to claim 1, receiving reservation information including a boarding place and a disembarking place from the first terminal, receiving reservation information including a loading place and an unloading place of the goods from the second terminal, A computer characterized by generating a transportation route passing through the boarding place and the disembarking place of the passenger and the loading place and the unloading place of the goods.

6. The computer according to claim 5, selecting a predetermined number of the goods among the plurality of goods to be transported, A computer, characterized by generating a transportation route that passes through the boarding and alighting locations of the passengers and the loading and unloading locations of the selected cargo, and then passes through the loading and unloading locations of the remaining cargo after transporting all the passengers.

7. The computer according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle is either a railway vehicle or an automobile.

8. A method for assisting in generating operation information of a vehicle for transporting passengers and cargo, which is executed by a computer, wherein the computer has a processor, a storage device connected to the processor, and a network interface connected to the processor, is communicably connected to a first terminal operated by the passenger, a second terminal operated by a requester who requests the transportation of the cargo, and a third terminal operated by an operator who provides a transportation service using the vehicle, and the method for assisting in generating the operation information includes: a first step in which the computer receives reservation information of the vehicle from the first terminal and the second terminal and generates candidate operation information including a transportation route of the cargo; a second step in which the computer calculates, for each of the candidate operation information, a first evaluation index indicating the degree of achievement of the requirements of the passengers associated with the transportation of the cargo, a second evaluation index indicating the degree of achievement of the requirements of the requester, and a third evaluation index indicating the degree of achievement of the requirements of the operator; a third step in which the computer selects, based on the first evaluation index, the second evaluation index, and the third evaluation index, the candidate operation information that can be adopted; and a fourth step in which the computer transmits the selected candidate operation information to the third terminal.

9. The method for assisting in generating operation information according to claim 8, wherein the second step includes a step in which the computer calculates a comprehensive evaluation index using the first evaluation index, the second evaluation index, and the third evaluation index, and the third step includes a step in which the computer selects, based on the comprehensive evaluation index, the candidate operation information that can be adopted.

10. The method for assisting in generating operation information according to claim 9, wherein the second step includes a step in which the computer calculates the comprehensive evaluation index using the first evaluation index, the second evaluation index, the third evaluation index, and a weight parameter. The method for supporting the generation of operation information is characterized in that the computer includes a step of providing an interface for the third terminal to set a method for selecting the candidate operation information based on the weight parameter and the comprehensive evaluation index.

11. The method for supporting the generation of operation information according to claim 8, wherein the first evaluation index, the second evaluation index, and the third evaluation index are calculated using a function having a value expressed by a logistic function as a variable. The method for supporting the generation of operation information is characterized by this.

12. The method for supporting the generation of operation information according to claim 8, wherein the first step includes a fifth step in which the computer receives reservation information including the boarding place and the alighting place from the passenger, a sixth step in which the computer receives reservation information including the loading place and the unloading place of the cargo from the requester, and a seventh step in which the computer generates a transportation route passing through the boarding place and the alighting place of the passenger and the loading place and the unloading place of the cargo. The method for supporting the generation of operation information is characterized by this.

13. The method for supporting the generation of operation information according to claim 12, wherein the seventh step includes a step in which the computer selects a predetermined number of the plurality of cargos to be transported, and a step in which the computer generates the transportation route passing through the boarding place and the alighting place of the passenger and the loading place and the unloading place of the selected cargo and then passing through the loading place and the unloading place of the remaining cargo after transporting all the passengers. The method for supporting the generation of operation information is characterized by this.

14. The method for supporting the generation of operation information according to claim 8, wherein the vehicle is either a railway vehicle or an automobile. The method for supporting the generation of operation information is characterized by this.

15. A computer system, including a server for supporting the generation of operation information of a vehicle for transporting passengers and cargo, a first terminal operated by the passenger, a second terminal operated by a requester who requests the transportation of the cargo, and a third terminal operated by an operator of a business providing a transportation service using the vehicle, wherein the server receives reservation information of the vehicle from the first terminal and the second terminal, and generates candidate operation information including a transportation route of the cargo. Calculate a first evaluation index indicating the degree of achievement of the requests of the passengers associated with the transportation of the goods, a second evaluation index indicating the degree of achievement of the requests of the requester, and a third evaluation index indicating the degree of achievement of the requests of the operator, for each of the candidate transportation information. Select the candidate transportation information that can be adopted based on the first evaluation index, the second evaluation index, and the third evaluation index. A computer system characterized by transmitting the selected candidate transportation information to the third terminal.

16. The computer system according to claim 15, wherein The server, Calculates a comprehensive evaluation index using the first evaluation index, the second evaluation index, and the third evaluation index, A computer system characterized by selecting the candidate transportation information that can be adopted based on the comprehensive evaluation index.

17. A program for causing a computer to execute procedures for supporting the generation of operation information of a vehicle that transports passengers and goods, wherein The computer is communicably connected to a first terminal operated by the passenger, a second terminal operated by a requester who requests the transportation of the goods, and a third terminal operated by an operator who provides a transportation service using the vehicle, The program, A procedure for receiving reservation information of the vehicle from the first terminal and the second terminal and generating candidate transportation information including a transportation route of the goods, A procedure for calculating, for each of the candidate transportation information, a first evaluation index indicating the degree of achievement of the requests of the passengers associated with the transportation of the goods, a second evaluation index indicating the degree of achievement of the requests of the requester, and a third evaluation index indicating the degree of achievement of the requests of the operator, A procedure for selecting the candidate transportation information that can be adopted based on the first evaluation index, the second evaluation index, and the third evaluation index, A program characterized by causing the computer to execute a procedure for transmitting the selected candidate transportation information to the third terminal.

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