Information Processing Apparatus and Information Processing System

Abstract

To enhance the convenience of an on-demand bus user.SOLUTION: First data for identifying a first user who uses an on-demand bus which is operated on demand, the first data being read by a signage device placed at a boarding / drop-off point of the on-demand bus is obtained; and a boarding reservation of the on-demand bus is made based on the first data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to on-demand buses.

Background Art

[0002] An on-demand bus that operates in response to a request from a user is known. The on-demand bus can pick up and drop off a user at a specified location based on the request. Regarding this, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system for making an online reservation for riding an on-demand bus.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to improve the convenience of users of on-demand buses.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to acquire first data for identifying a first user who is a user of the on-demand bus, which is read by a signage device installed at a boarding / alighting point of the on-demand bus that operates on demand, and to make a reservation for boarding the on-demand bus based on the first data. An information processing device having a control unit that executes the above.

[0006] One aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing system including one or more signage devices installed at boarding and alighting points of an on-demand bus that operates on demand, and an information processing device. The signage device has a first control unit that reads first data for identifying a first user who is a user of the on-demand bus and transmits the first data to the information processing device. The information processing device is an information processing system having a second control unit that makes a reservation for boarding the on-demand bus based on the first data.

[0007] Further, as another aspect, there is provided a program for causing a computer to execute a method executed by the above-described device, or a computer-readable storage medium storing the program non-temporarily.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the convenience of users of the on-demand bus can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] An on-demand bus that operates based on a request from a user is known. An on-demand bus is a shared automobile in which an operation route, an operation schedule, etc. are determined based on a request from a user.

[0011] The boarding reservation for an on-demand bus can be made, for example, via the Internet. However, there is a certain number of users, mainly the elderly, who have difficulty making a reservation via the Internet. Therefore, a method of installing digital signage at a bus stop where an on-demand bus stops and making a boarding reservation using the digital signage as an interface can be considered. However, this method also has a problem. That is, the problem is that the digital signage does not have a means for identifying an individual. In order to surely receive payment of the fare and accept only necessary reservations, it is preferable that an individual can be identified. The information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure solves such problems.

[0012] An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure acquires first data for identifying a first user who is a user of the on-demand bus, the first data being read by a signage device installed at a boarding / alighting point of a bus operated on demand, and makes a reservation for boarding the bus based on the first data, and includes a control unit that executes the above.

[0013] The information processing apparatus according to the first aspect is typically a server device that manages the operation of on-demand buses. An on-demand bus is a shared automobile that is operated in response to a request from a user. In the present embodiment, the on-demand bus picks up the user in response to the user's boarding request.

[0014] A system that provides operation information of a regular bus or the like using a signage device installed at a bus stop is known. A signage device is an information terminal installed at a bus stop. By using the signage device, information such as the destination, via points, arrival time, etc. of the bus can be provided in real time.

[0015] The information processing apparatus receives first data for identifying a user (first user) of the on-demand bus from the signage device. The first data may be, for example, data obtained by the signage device reading an IC card or tag for identifying the user. For example, identification of the user can be performed using an IC card capable of short-range wireless communication, an NFC tag, an RFID tag, or the like.

[0016] Such an IC card or tag does not have to be issued for on-demand bus transportation services. The IC card may be issued for other services (second services), such as, for example, a health insurance card, a driver's license, a My Number card, or other IC cards. As long as it can be used for personal identification in other services, it can be used for personal identification in on-demand bus transportation services.

[0017] For example, when the aforementioned IC card, etc. can provide an identifier for the second service and a unique user ID, etc. within the second service, these combinations can uniquely identify the users of the on-demand bus. Therefore, the information processing device may store data (user data) for associating the first data (i.e., data for identifying an individual within the second service) with user information in on-demand bus transportation services.

[0018] In addition, the information processing device may further receive data (second data) for specifying the bus ride and the boarding section, etc. from the signage device. The bus ride and the boarding section, etc. may be specified by the first user, for example, using a touch panel provided in the signage device. This makes it possible to know who boards which section.

[0019] Furthermore, the information processing device may store the history of the ride reservations made by the user and estimate the boarding section of the first user based on past ride reservations. The estimation result may be transmitted to the signage device. This makes it possible for the signage side to suggest the boarding section.

[0020] In addition, the information processing apparatus may store data that associates the first data with payment-related information. The payment-related information may relate to a payment method (e.g., credit card, electronic money, etc.), or may relate to past payment results or credit information (such as payment history). According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to determine whether to accept a new ride reservation based on past payment history and the like.

[0021] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The hardware configuration, module configuration, functional configuration, etc. described in each embodiment are not intended to limit the technical scope of the disclosure only to those, unless otherwise specified.

[0022] (First Embodiment) The outline of the vehicle system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The vehicle system according to this embodiment includes a vehicle 10 equipped with an in-vehicle device 100, a server device 200, and a plurality of signages 300. The number of vehicles 10 (in-vehicle devices 100) and signages 300 included in the system may be plural.

[0023] The vehicle 10 is an on-demand operated route bus vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle device 100. The in-vehicle device 100 is configured to be wirelessly communicable with the server device 200, and the vehicle 10 travels based on an instruction received from the server device 200. The vehicle 10 may be a vehicle driven by a crew member or an autonomous driving vehicle. Hereinafter, the vehicle 10 will also be referred to as an on-demand bus or simply a bus.

[0024] The signage 300 is a device installed at a bus stop through which the on-demand bus passes and displays images using a display, a projector, or the like. By using the signage 300, it becomes possible to provide the arrival time and operation information of the bus to users waiting for the arrival of the bus. Note that the signage 300 may have a function of outputting sound and a function of acquiring input. In this embodiment, the signage 300 can generate a ride request for an on-demand bus by interacting with a user. The generated ride request is transmitted to the server device 200, and the server device 200 makes a ride reservation.

[0025] The server device 200 is a device that makes a ride reservation for an on-demand bus based on the ride request transmitted from the signage 300. The server device 200 has a reservation database for recording a reservation ledger, updates the reservation ledger based on the ride request, and transmits information about the user to the in-vehicle device 100 mounted on the vehicle 10.

[0026] In addition, the server device 200 also has the role of receiving data related to the operation of the bus from the vehicle 10 (in-vehicle device 100) and distributing data for guiding the operation of the bus to the signage 300 based on the data. The server device 200 receives data from a plurality of vehicles 10 (in-vehicle devices 100) under its management, stores the data in a database, generates data to be provided to each of the plurality of signages 300 based on the stored data, and distributes the data to each signage at a predetermined timing. The signage 300 provides information based on the received data. Thereby, the situation regarding the bus in operation can be provided to the users waiting at the bus stop.

[0027] Each element constituting the system will be described. The vehicle 10 is a vehicle that runs 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 types of information including position information to the server device 200 via a wireless network. Also, it receives instructions regarding operation (such as operation route, operation schedule, presence or absence of a ride reservation, etc.) from the server device 200 and provides these to the crew (or a device that controls autonomous driving). The in-vehicle device 100 may also serve as a device that provides information to the bus crew or passengers. For example, the in-vehicle device 100 may be a device that provides guidance regarding operation to the passengers (hereinafter referred to as an operation-related device). Examples of the operation-related device include a device that controls a destination display device or a broadcast device 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 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 by executing the programs stored therein, various functions that match a predetermined purpose as described later can be realized. However, some or all of the functions may be realized by a hardware circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA.

[0030] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the components of the in-vehicle device 100 in detail. The in-vehicle device 100 is configured to include 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 an arithmetic unit that realizes various functions of the in-vehicle device 100 by executing a predetermined program. The control unit 101 may be realized by, for example, a CPU or the like. The control unit 101 is configured to include a transmission unit 1011 and a reception unit 1012 as functional modules. Each functional module may be realized by executing a stored program by a CPU.

[0032] The transmitting unit 1011 acquires or generates data related to the operation of the vehicle 10 and transmits it to the server device 200 at a predetermined timing. The data related to the operation of the vehicle 10 (hereinafter referred to as vehicle data) is, for example, the operation route, the destination, the current driving position (which section between stops is being driven), and the like. Such information can be acquired, for example, from in-vehicle operation-related devices (for example, devices that control guidance broadcasts, destination display devices, etc.). The transmitting unit 1011 periodically generates vehicle data and transmits it to the server device 200.

[0033] Figure 3 is an example of vehicle data. The vehicle data includes fields for vehicle ID, date and time information, route information, position 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. The route information field stores information related to the operation route of the vehicle 10. The position information field stores the section in which the vehicle 10 is currently traveling. The position information may be represented, for example, by latitude and longitude, or by the ID of a stop. The position information may be information such as "traveling between stops X1 and X2", for example. The position information can be acquired via the position information acquisition unit 104 described later. Also, the position information may be acquired from the above-described operation-related devices. For example, based on the data acquired from the operation-related devices, the section being traveled may be determined. 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 (non-stop bus, etc.) and the facilities of the vehicle 10 (wheelchair space, wheelchair slope, etc.).

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

[0035] The communication unit 103 includes an antenna and a communication module for performing wireless communication. The antenna is an antenna element that inputs and outputs wireless signals. In this embodiment, the antenna is compatible with mobile communication (for example, mobile communication such as 3G, LTE, 5G, etc.). Note that the antenna may be configured to include a plurality of physical antennas. For example, when performing mobile communication using radio waves in a high frequency band such as microwaves or millimeter waves, a plurality of antennas may be distributed and arranged to achieve communication stabilization. The communication module is a module for performing mobile communication.

[0036] The position information acquisition unit 104 includes a GPS antenna and a positioning module for positioning position information. The GPS antenna is an antenna that receives a positioning signal transmitted from a positioning satellite (also referred to as a GNSS satellite). The positioning module is a module that calculates position 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 operation-related devices are mounted on the vehicle 10, the output unit 105 may cooperate with the devices to output images, sounds, etc.

[0037] Next, the server device 200 will be described. First, the server device 200 executes a process of generating data for guiding a user based on vehicle data collected from a plurality of vehicles 10 (in-vehicle devices 100) and transmitting the data to the signage 300. Second, the server device 200 receives data for requesting boarding on an on-demand bus from the signage 300 and executes a process of making a boarding reservation for the target bus (vehicle 10). to perform.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing in detail the components of the server device 200 included in the vehicle 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. The programs stored therein are loaded into the working area of the main storage device and executed, and by controlling each component etc. through the execution of the programs, various functions that meet a predetermined purpose as described later can be realized. However, some or all of the functions may be realized by a hardware circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA.

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

[0041] The information providing unit 2011 collects vehicle data from a plurality of vehicles 10 (in-vehicle devices 100), and based on the collected data, outputs guidance to a plurality of signages 300 installed at a plurality of stops. The information providing unit 2011 controls a plurality of signages 300 based on the collected vehicle data and data on stops and signages stored in advance. The information providing unit 2011 determines, based on these data, the vehicles approaching each stop, and transmits data (hereinafter, guidance data) to the signages 300 installed at each stop so as to output information regarding the corresponding vehicles.

[0042] FIG. 5 is an example in which the signage 300 installed at each stop outputs information. Here, the signage installed at stop X1 is labeled 300A, the signage installed at stop X2 is labeled 300B, and the signage installed at stop X3 is labeled 300C to distinguish each of them.

[0043] In the illustrated example, buses A and B are approaching stop X1. Also, bus B is approaching stops X2 and X3. The stops through which a bus in motion passes can be determined by referring to pre-stored data regarding the route (described later).

[0044] Here, when there is a rule of "displaying information regarding the bus that departed from the stop three stops ahead on the signage 300", the information providing unit 2011 determines to output information regarding buses A and B to the signage 300A installed at stop X1. Also, the information providing unit 2011 determines to output information regarding bus B to the signages 300B and 300C installed at stops X2 and X3.

[0045] Then, the information providing unit 2011 generates data to be transmitted to each signage 300. That is, the information providing unit 2011 (1) Generates guidance data to be transmitted to the signage 300A based on the vehicle data transmitted from buses A and B (2) Generates guidance data to be transmitted to the signage 300B based on the vehicle data transmitted from bus B (3) Generates guidance data to be transmitted to the signage 300C based on the vehicle data transmitted from bus B executes the following processing.

[0046] The guidance data includes the information output by each signage 300. In the present embodiment, the guidance data is data for generating image data on the signage 300. In the present embodiment, the signage 300 generates and outputs image data based on the guidance data.

[0047] FIG. 6 is an example of guidance data transmitted from the server device 200 to the signage 300. The guidance data includes an identifier of the signage 300 which is the destination of the data, and date and time information. Further, the guidance data includes a set of route information, an estimated time until arrival, and vehicle information. Such data is defined for each vehicle. For example, in the illustrated example, data for two vehicles, the next arriving vehicle and the vehicle arriving after that, is included.

[0048] Next, the reservation unit 2012 will be described. The reservation unit 2012 makes a boarding reservation for the vehicle 10 based on a boarding request transmitted from the signage 300. Here, with reference to FIG. 7, a method of making a boarding reservation using the signage 300 will be described. In the vehicle system according to the present embodiment, a user boarding the vehicle 10 performs personal authentication using an IC card. The IC card does not necessarily have to be provided for the transportation service by the on-demand bus as long as it can provide data for identifying an individual. Examples of such an IC card include a driver's license, a health insurance card, or a my number card. The IC card preferably can provide an identifier corresponding to the owner (personal identifier) and an identifier of the service (service identifier). For example, when the IC card is a driver's license, the service identifier is "driver's license" and the personal identifier is "driver's license number". Although there are various types of IC cards, these combinations are unique. Therefore, even if the IC card is not provided for the transportation service by the on-demand bus, the server device 200 can identify an individual attempting to board the on-demand bus.

[0049] In this embodiment, the signage 300 performs short-range wireless communication with the IC card held by the user and acquires the personal identifier and the service identifier (hereinafter, this combination is referred to as IC card information). Further, the signage 300 transmits a boarding request including the personal identifier and the service identifier to the server device 200. The boarding request may include information specifying the boarding bus, the boarding section, and the like. The server device 200 stores data (user data) for associating the combination of the personal identifier and the service identifier with the user, and executes a boarding reservation after identifying the user based on the user data. The boarding reservation may be made by referring to reservation ledger data for managing a plurality of vehicles 10.

[0050] The storage unit 202 is configured to include a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device is a memory in which a program executed by the control unit 201 and data used by the control program are developed. The auxiliary storage device is a device in which a program executed by the control unit 201 and data used by the control program are stored.

[0051] In addition, vehicle data 202A, signage data 202B, route data 202C, user data 202D, and boarding data 202E are stored in the storage unit 202.

[0052] The vehicle data 202A is a set 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. Note that the stored vehicle data 202A may be deleted at a predetermined timing (for example, the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed since reception).

[0053] The signage data 202B is data related to the signage 300 installed at a plurality of stops. Further, the route data 202C is data related to the route on which the route bus under the management of the device travels.

[0054] An example of the signage data 202B is shown in FIG. 8A. The signage data 202B includes an identifier of the signage 300, an identifier of the stop where the signage is installed, a network address of the signage, and the like. The server device 200 can specify the transmission destination of the guidance data by referring to the signage data 202B.

[0055] FIG. 8B shows an example of the route data 202C. The route data 202C includes an identifier of the route, an identifier of the starting stop, identifiers of the stops to pass through, an identifier of the ending stop, and the like. The server device 200 can identify the stops through which an arbitrary bus passes by referring to the route data 202C. When the operating route of the bus is determined dynamically, the route data 202C may be updated each time the operation of the bus is determined.

[0056] The user data 202D is data related to users of the transportation service provided by the on-demand bus. The user data stores pre-registered user information. Furthermore, the user data is also data that associates user information with IC card information.

[0057] FIG. 9 is an example of the user data 202D. The user data 202D includes fields for a user ID, user information, IC card information, and payment information. In the user ID field, an identifier that uniquely identifies a user in the transportation service is stored. In the user information field, personal information of the user and the like are stored. In the IC card information field, information related to the IC card used when a user boards the vehicle 10 is stored. The IC card information includes the personal identifier and the service identifier described above. In the payment information field, information for settling the fare of the on-demand bus is stored. Examples of the payment information include credit card information and electronic money information.

[0058] The boarding data 202E is data related to the boarding of users. FIG. 10 is an example of the boarding data 202E. The boarding data includes each field of user ID, reservation date and time, boarding date and time, boarding location, alighting location, and status. The boarding data 202E is generated by the reservation unit 2012 at the timing when the user makes a boarding reservation. Also, the boarding data is updated as needed according to the usage status of the bus for each user. For example, the status is, for example, "reserved" at the stage of making a boarding reservation, but when the user boards the bus, it is updated to a value such as "boarded" or "settlement completed".

[0059] The communication unit 203 is a communication interface for connecting the server device 200 to the network. The communication unit 203 is configured to include, for example, a network interface board and a wireless communication interface for wireless communication.

[0060] Next, the signage 300 will be described. The signage 300 is a device that provides guidance to users waiting at a bus stop based on the guidance data transmitted from the server device 200. Also, the signage 300 functions as an interface for users to make a boarding reservation for the vehicle 10.

[0061] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing in detail the components of the signage 300 included in the vehicle system according to the present embodiment.

[0062] The signage 300 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, and a removable medium. However, some or all of the functions may be realized by a hardware circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0063] The signage 300 is configured to include a control unit 301, a storage unit 302, a communication unit 303, and an input / output unit 304. The control unit 301 is an arithmetic unit that controls the control performed by the signage 300. The control unit 201 can be realized by an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU. The control unit 301 is configured to include a guidance unit 3011 and a boarding request unit 3012 as functional modules. Each functional module may be realized by executing a stored program by a CPU.

[0064] The guidance unit 3011 outputs an image based on the guidance data received from the server device 200. In the present embodiment, the guidance unit 3011 generates image data based on the guidance data and outputs it via the input / output unit 304. Therefore, the guidance unit 3011 may execute a process of generating image data according to a predetermined rule.

[0065] FIG. 12 is an example of an image generated by the guidance unit 3011 based on the guidance data shown in FIG. 6. The guidance unit 3011 generates an image as illustrated based on the guidance data and outputs it via the input / output unit 304. When the guidance data includes data for a plurality of buses, the guidance unit 3011 generates an image including information for the plurality of buses. Also, when the arrival time is represented by the remaining time, the guidance unit 3011 may perform timing and update the time display.

[0066] When a user selects a vehicle (for example, taps inside the dotted line) via the input / output unit 304, the boarding request unit 3012 generates a request (boarding request) to board the selected vehicle. The boarding request unit 3012 performs the following processes to interact with the user and collect information necessary for generating the boarding request.

[0067] Specifically, first, information (personal identifier and service identifier) is obtained from the IC card possessed by the user via a card reader 304C described later. Next, the boarding trip and the boarding section are obtained via a touch panel 304B described later. FIGS. 13A and 13B are examples of screens for designating the boarding trip and the boarding section. Then, a ride request including IC card information, the ride schedule, and the ride section is generated and transmitted to the server device 200.

[0068] The storage unit 302 is configured to include a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device is a memory in which a program executed by the control unit 301 and data used by the control program are expanded. The auxiliary storage device is a device in which a program executed by the control unit 301 and data used by the control program are stored.

[0069] The communication unit 303 is a communication interface for connecting the signage 300 to a network. The communication unit 303 is configured to include, for example, a network interface board and a wireless communication interface for wireless communication.

[0070] 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, a touch panel 304B, and a card reader 304C. In this embodiment, the touch panel and the display are composed of a single touch panel display. The input / output unit 304 may include a unit (such as an amplifier and a speaker) for outputting sound. The input / output unit 304 can output an image by the display 304A and can receive an input by the touch panel 304B. The card reader 304C is an interface for performing short-range wireless communication with an IC card. The card reader 304C is configured to be able to communicate with an IC card using a standard such as NFC.

[0071] Note that the configurations shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 11 are examples, and all or part of the illustrated functions may be executed using a dedicatedly designed circuit. Also, storage or execution of a program may be performed by a combination of a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device other than those illustrated.

[0072] Next, the processing executed by each device will be described. FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram of the process in which in-vehicle device 100 and server device 200 transmit and receive vehicle data. The illustrated process is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle while vehicle 10 is running.

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

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

[0075] FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram of the process in which server device 200 transmits guidance data to signage 300. The illustrated process is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle while the route bus is running.

[0076] First, in step S21, information providing unit 2011 determines whether a predetermined transmission cycle has arrived. If the predetermined cycle (for example, every minute) has arrived, the process proceeds to step S22. If the predetermined cycle has not arrived, it waits for a predetermined time and repeats the process. In step S22, information providing unit 2011 generates guidance data for each signage 300.

[0077] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the process executed by the information providing unit 2011 in step S22. The illustrated process is executed for each of the plurality of signages 300. First, in step S221, from the vehicle data corresponding to the buses in operation, those approaching the target stop are extracted. 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 stop belongs is specified, and among the buses running on the route, those approaching within a predetermined distance (for example, within 3 stops) or within a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) from the target stop are extracted. Next, in step S222, based on the vehicle data corresponding to the one or more buses extracted, guidance data as shown in FIG. 6 is generated.

[0078] The generated guidance data is transmitted to the target signage 300 in step S23. When there are a plurality of target signages 300, the information providing unit 2011 transmits the guidance data to each of the target signages 300.

[0079] In step S24, the control unit 301 (the guidance unit 3011) of each signage 300 generates image data based on the received guidance data and outputs it to the input / output unit 304.

[0080] Note that in this example, an example of outputting information regarding buses in operation has been given, but the signage 300 may generate and output a screen for requesting the bus operation itself. The screen can be, for example, a screen for specifying the desired boarding date and time, the desired alighting point, etc.

[0081] Next, the process of the user making a reservation to board the vehicle 10 using the signage 300 will be described. FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram in this process. First, the signage 300 (boarding request unit 3012) reads the IC card via the card reader 304C (step S31). As a result, the personal identifier and service identifier are acquired by the signage 300. Next, the boarding request unit 3012 acquires the designation of the boarding bus and boarding section via the touch panel 304B (step S32). Then, the boarding request unit 3012 generates a boarding request including the IC card information, the boarding bus, and the boarding section, and transmits it to the server device 200 (reservation unit 2012).

[0082] The server device 200 (reservation unit 2012) makes a reservation for the vehicle 10 based on the boarding request (step S33). The reservation of the vehicle may be made, for example, by referring to the reservation ledger data. When the reservation is completed, the reservation unit 2012 newly adds a corresponding record to the boarding data 202E. In addition, the reservation unit 2012 transmits the boarding request to the in-vehicle device 100 mounted on the corresponding vehicle 10. The transmitted boarding request is received by the in-vehicle device 100 (reception unit 1012).

[0083] Based on the boarding request transmitted from the server device 200, the reception unit 1012 notifies the bus crew of "the stop where the target passenger is scheduled to board" via the output unit 105 (step S34). The notification may be made visually or by voice or the like. As a result, the bus crew can recognize that a passenger will board at a predetermined stop.

[0084] Note that in this example, an example of making a boarding reservation for a bus that has already started operating has been given, but it is also possible to request the operation of the bus by specifying a future date or time, a boarding section, etc. In this case, data instructing the operation itself may be transmitted from the server device 200 to the in-vehicle device 100. The data may specify an operation route or an operation schedule. Also, the result of the request may be presented to the user via the signage 300.

[0085] The server device 200 performs fare settlement processing at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing can be, for example, after the user gets off the bus. Fare settlement can be performed using the settlement information stored in the user data. For this reason, the server device 200 may receive data for determining that the target user has gotten off the bus from the in-vehicle device 100.

[0086] As described above, in the system according to the first embodiment, it is possible to make a reservation for an on-demand bus using the signage device installed at the bus stop. Thereby, even if the user does not have a portable terminal or the like, it becomes possible to make a reservation for an on-demand bus. Further, in the system according to the first embodiment, a reservation is made using an IC card used other than for the transportation service by the on-demand bus. According to such a configuration, it is possible to perform personal identification at low cost.

[0087] (Modification Example 1 of the First Embodiment) In the first embodiment, when making a ride request, the user is made to input a usage section or the like. However, if the user has used a bus transportation service in the past, the usage section or the like may be suggested based on the ride data.

[0088] FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram of the reservation process in this modification example. In this modification example, after the signage 300 reads the IC card information, the IC card information is transmitted to the server device 200. Then, the server device 200 identifies the user based on the IC card information, searches for the past ride data of the user, and acquires information regarding the ride or the ride section (step S41).

[0089] Here, when there is a certain tendency in the boarding opportunity or the usage section, the server device 200 generates data (suggestion data) for making a suggestion along with the tendency, and transmits it to the signage 300. The suggestion data may, for example, suggest a boarding section, a getting-off point, etc., or may suggest a time zone to board. The signage 300 provides the content of the suggestion to the user and accepts an input on the screen shown in FIG. 13B, for example.

[0090] (Modification Example 2 of the First Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the reservation for boarding was executed based only on the IC card information. On the other hand, even if the IC card information is valid, there are cases where new reservations should be restricted. Such cases include, for example, when the settlement of the fare for past boarding has not been completed, or when the user did not board the bus reserved without a legitimate reason.

[0091] To cope with this, data related to the boarding record or the settlement record may be stored in the boarding data, and based on the data, it may be determined whether to accept a new reservation. For example, when the user did not board the bus after making a reservation for boarding, or when the settlement of the fare was not normally made, that fact may be recorded in the boarding data (for example, the status field) shown in FIG. 10.

[0092] Also, when the past boarding data corresponding to the user includes data indicating that the boarding or settlement has not been completed normally, in step S33, the reservation unit 2012 may restrict new reservations. In this case, the corresponding IC card information and user data may be invalidated. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the use of an inappropriate system.

[0093] (Modification Example) The above embodiments are merely examples, and the present disclosure can be appropriately modified and implemented without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the processes and means described in the present disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradictions occur.

[0094] Also, in the description of the embodiment, user data is used to make a ride reservation. However, even in a state where there is no valid user data (that is, a state where user registration has not been performed), it may be possible to make a ride reservation. In this case, provisional user data corresponding to the IC card information may be generated, and a ride reservation may be accepted on the condition that user registration and payment information registration are performed within a predetermined period. Also, if the registration is not fulfilled within the predetermined period, the provisionally generated user data may be invalidated.

[0095] Also, in the description of the embodiment, the identification of the user is performed using the IC card information. However, as long as the data that can be acquired by the signage 300 is used, the identification of the user may be performed using other data. For example, information wirelessly transmitted by an RFID tag, an NFC tag, or the like can also be used. Also, the result of reading a two-dimensional code or the like by a camera may be used.

[0096] Also, the processes described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by a plurality of devices. Alternatively, the processes described as being performed by different devices may be executed by one device. In a computer system, how each function is realized by a hardware configuration (server configuration) can be flexibly changed.

[0097] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program that implements the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer and causing one or more processors included in the computer to 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. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes, for example, any type of disk such as a magnetic disk (e.g., a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk drive (HDD), etc.), an optical disk (e.g., a CD-ROM, a DVD disk, a 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 Signs

[0098] 100... In-vehicle device 200... Server device 300... Signage 101, 201, 301... Control unit 102, 202, 302... Storage unit 103, 203, 303... Communication unit 104... Position information acquisition unit 105... Output unit 304... Input / output unit

Claims

A storage unit that stores user data for associating first data for identifying a first user who is a user of the on-demand bus, read by a signage device installed at a pick-up / drop-off point of the on-demand bus operating on demand, with user information corresponding to a user of the transportation service provided by the on-demand bus Obtaining the first data Making a reservation for boarding the on-demand bus based on the first data and the user data A control unit that executes the above The user information includes a user ID that is an identifier of the user, personal information of the user, IC card information that is information regarding an IC card used by the user, and settlement information that is information for the user to settle the fare of the on-demand bus The control unit When the user data corresponding to the first user is stored in the storage unit, makes a reservation for boarding the on-demand bus based on the user data corresponding to the first user and the first data When the user data corresponding to the first user is not stored in the storage unit, generates a temporary user ID corresponding to the IC card of the first user, and makes a reservation for boarding the on-demand bus based on the user data corresponding to the temporary user ID and the first data, on the condition that the personal information and the settlement information of the first user corresponding to the temporary user ID are registered within a predetermined period An information processing apparatus

2. The first data is data obtained by the signage device reading an IC card associated with the first user through short-range wireless communication The information processing apparatus according to claim 1

3. The IC card is associated with a second service different from the transportation service provided by the on-demand bus, and the first data is data that can uniquely identify the user within the second service The information processing apparatus according to claim 2

4. The first data further includes an identifier of the second service The information processing apparatus according to claim 3

5. When the boarding reservation is established, the control unit transmits data regarding the boarding reservation to an in-vehicle device mounted on the on-demand bus The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4

6. The control unit converts the first data into the user information based on the user data. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The control unit receives second data for designating a boarding section from the signage device, and makes the boarding reservation based on the first and second data. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The storage unit further stores a history of the boarding reservation. When the control unit receives the first data from the signage device, it estimates the boarding section of the first user based on the past boarding reservation corresponding to the first user, and transmits third data for suggesting the estimated boarding section to the first user to the signage device. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. The storage unit stores the user data that associates the first data with settlement-related information. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

10. The settlement-related information includes at least a payment record of the fare by the first user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9.

11. The control unit makes the boarding reservation when there is no outstanding payment for the fare by the first user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10.

12. An information processing system including one or more signage devices installed at the boarding and alighting points of an on-demand bus operating on demand, and an information processing apparatus, The signage device, has a first control unit that reads first data for identifying a first user who is a user of the on-demand bus and transmits it to the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus, a storage unit that stores user data that associates the first data with user information corresponding to a user of the transportation service by the on-demand bus, has a second control unit that makes a boarding reservation for the on-demand bus based on the first data and the user data, The user information includes a user ID that is an identifier of the user, personal information of the user, IC card information that is information about an IC card used by the user, and settlement information that is information for the user to settle the fare of the on-demand bus. The second control unit, when the user data corresponding to the first user is stored in the storage unit, Make a reservation for a ride on the on-demand bus based on the user data corresponding to the first user and the first data. When the user data corresponding to the first user is not stored in the storage unit, generate a temporary user ID corresponding to the IC card of the first user, and make a reservation for a ride on the on-demand bus based on the user data corresponding to the temporary user ID and the first data, provided that the personal information and payment information of the first user corresponding to the temporary user ID are registered within a predetermined period. An information processing system.

13. The signage device further includes a communication unit that reads the first data from an IC card associated with the first user by short-range wireless communication. The information processing system according to claim 12.

14. The IC card is associated with a second service different from the transportation service provided by the on-demand bus, and the first data is data that can uniquely identify the user within the second service. The information processing system according to claim 13.

15. The first data further includes an identifier of the second service. The information processing system according to claim 14.

16. The second control unit converts the first data into user information based on the user data. The information processing system according to claim 12.

17. The first control unit generates second data specifying a boarding section based on an operation of the first user and transmits the second data to the information processing device. The second control unit makes the reservation for the ride based on the first and second data. The information processing system according to any one of claims 12 to 15.

18. The information processing device further stores a history of the ride reservation in the storage unit. When the second control unit receives the first data from the signage device, it estimates the boarding section of the first user based on past ride reservations corresponding to the first user, and transmits third data for suggesting the estimated boarding section to the first user to the signage device. The information processing system according to any one of claims 12 to 15.

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