Information providing device and information providing method

Abstract

To provide information that will increase convenience for passengers of public transport vehicles. [Solution] An information providing device according to an embodiment includes an acquisition unit, a generation unit, and a provision unit. The acquisition unit acquires operation information related to the operation of a public vehicle based on information from each onboard device of the public vehicle from a center system that collects information from each onboard device. The generation unit generates display information in which at least the operation information is superimposed on map information related to boarding and disembarking locations of the public vehicle. The provision unit provides the display information to an information display device located at the boarding and disembarking location.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to an information providing device and an information providing method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a bus location system is known that provides passengers with information about bus operations, such as information about the approach of a bus at each bus stop, based on current location information collected from onboard devices installed on each route bus (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-238636 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology has room for further improvement in terms of making it easier for bus passengers to understand the operating status of the bus they want to use, that is, in terms of providing information that increases convenience for bus passengers.

[0005] For example, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, the information on the arrival of each bus at a bus stop is simply displayed on a display device installed at each bus stop. This makes it difficult for passengers to grasp at a glance the operating status of the bus they want to use. This problem is particularly noticeable at boarding and alighting locations where multiple bus stops are mixed, such as bus terminals.

[0006] This issue is not limited to bus stops, but is a common issue at all boarding and disembarking locations for public transport, including train stops and other public transport.

[0007] One aspect of the embodiment has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an information providing device and an information providing method that can provide information that further increases the convenience of passengers using public vehicles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to an embodiment, an information providing device includes an acquisition unit, a generation unit, and a provision unit. The acquisition unit acquires operation information related to the operation of the public transport vehicle based on information from each on-board device of the public transport vehicle from a center system that collects information from the on-board devices of the public transport vehicle. The generation unit: A layout of the plurality of boarding and alighting points for the bus having the plurality of boarding and alighting points. For map information, The operation information for each of the plurality of boarding and alighting points is based on the layout. The providing unit provides the display information to an information display device located at the boarding and alighting location. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of the embodiment, information can be provided that further increases convenience for passengers of public vehicles. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of display information provided by an information providing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a guide information frame. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the first information displayed in the first information display area. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the second information displayed in the second information display area. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information providing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information providing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram (part 1) showing a specific example of display information generated by the generating unit. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a diagram (part 2) illustrating a specific example of the display information generated by the generating unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram (part 3) illustrating a specific example of the display information generated by the generating unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram (part 4) illustrating a specific example of display information generated by the generating unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram (part 5) illustrating a specific example of display information generated by the generating unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram (part 6) illustrating a specific example of display information generated by the generating unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram (part 7) illustrating a specific example of display information generated by the generating unit. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram (part 8) illustrating a specific example of display information generated by the generating unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram (part 9) illustrating a specific example of display information generated by the generating unit. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure executed by the information providing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a modified example of display information provided by the information providing device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of an information providing device and an information providing method disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0012] In the following, a bus will be used as an example of a public vehicle, and a bus terminal will be used as an example of a bus boarding and disembarking location. A bus terminal is an example of a large-scale bus stop facility that has multiple boarding and disembarking points (hereinafter referred to as "boarding points" as appropriate). "Boarding points" may be written in hiragana as "noriba" in the attached drawings. Large-scale bus stop facilities also include bus rotary etc.

[0013] In the following, a display device 10 and a mobile information terminal 20 are given as examples of information display devices located in a bus terminal (see FIG. 5). The display device 10 is a digital signage or the like installed in the bus terminal. The mobile information terminal 20 is a smartphone or the like used by bus passengers.

[0014] In the following description, the information providing method according to the embodiment is assumed to be executed by a control unit 103 (see FIG. 6) included in the information providing device 100. The control unit 103 corresponds to a so-called processor or controller, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit).

[0015] First, an overview of an information providing method according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of display information provided by an information providing device 100 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a guide information frame G1. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of first information displayed in a first information display area R2. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of second information displayed in a second information display area R5.

[0016] In the information provision method according to the embodiment, the control unit 103 of the information provision device 100 acquires bus operation information based on information from each onboard device of a bus from a bus location system that collects information from each onboard device of the bus. The control unit 103 then generates display information in which at least the operation information is superimposed on map information related to bus boarding and alighting locations, such as bus terminals. The control unit 103 then provides the generated display information to information display devices, such as the display device 10 and the mobile information terminal 20, located at the boarding and alighting locations.

[0017] Specifically, the information providing device 100 provides and displays display information such as that shown in FIG. 1 on a display device 10 provided near an information desk of a bus terminal at the east exit of a certain station, for example.

[0018] 1, for example, the information providing device 100 displays map information M1 of the bus terminal at the east exit as "East Exit Bus Stop Arrival and Departure Guide" on the display device 10. The map information M1 includes the layout of multiple bus stops at the bus terminal.

[0019] For example, the bus terminal at the east exit shown in Figure 1 has a layout in which bus stops 1 to 13 are arranged on a horizontal U-shaped floor, and the information providing device 100 displays map information M1 including this layout.

[0020] Then, the information providing device 100 generates display information in which the operation information for each of these bus stops 1 to 13 is superimposed according to the layout of each bus stop, and displays the display information on the display device 10. As shown in Fig. 1, the information providing device 100 causes, for example, a guide information frame G1 indicating each bus stop to be overlapped (this can also be called "superimposed display") on the map information M1 according to the layout of each bus stop.

[0021] In FIG. 1, each guide information frame G1 is numbered in the format "-i", where i corresponds to the number of each platform (i.e., i is a natural number between 1 and 13). In the following explanation, when it is necessary to identify each platform, the guide information frame G1 will be identified by this numbering. On the other hand, when it is not necessary to identify each platform, this numbering will be omitted.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the guide information frame G1 has, for example, a departure time display area R1, a first information display area R2, a destination number display area R3, a destination name display area R4, and a second information display area R5.

[0023] The information providing device 100 displays the departure times (scheduled departure times) of buses from each bus stop on the bus schedule in the departure time display area R1. The information providing device 100 also displays the first information shown in FIG. 3 in the first information display area R2.

[0024] 3, the first information includes approach information, delay information, alert information, coordinated operation information, etc. The approach information or delay information is information about the approach or delay of buses at each bus stop. The operation information acquired by the information providing device 100 from the bus location system includes at least the current location information of each bus, and the information providing device 100 generates the approach information or delay information based on the current location information.

[0025] The alert information is, for example, information about a change in a bus schedule, and is appropriately included in the operation information that the information providing device 100 acquires from the bus location system.

[0026] The linked operation information is operation information linked to various information acquired from external devices by the information providing device 100. The various information acquired from external devices includes, for example, weather information, event information, and tourist spot information related to the bus route.

[0027] Returning to the explanation of Figure 2, the information providing device 100 displays the destination number of each bus in the destination number display area R3. The destination number is a number for identifying the bus route and is also called a route number. The destination number is displayed on the bus itself, for example, on the upper front of the bus.

[0028] Furthermore, the information providing device 100 displays the destination name in the destination name display area R4. The destination name is displayed on the bus body, for example, at the top of the front of the bus together with the destination number.

[0029] Furthermore, the information providing device 100 displays the second information shown in Fig. 4 in the second information display region R5. As shown in Fig. 4, the second information includes facility information and the like. The facility information is, for example, information about barrier-free facilities and information about payment facilities. The barrier-free facilities are, for example, non-step entrances and exits, wheelchair ramps, and wheelchair boarding spaces. The payment facilities are, for example, payment facilities for credit cards and payment facilities for electronic money.

[0030] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1, for example, Figure 1 shows an example in which the information providing device 100 displays a guide information frame G1-1 overlapping with the map information M1, indicating that the bus departing at "10:54" with destination number "3" bound for "A High School" will "arrive shortly" for bus stop 1.

[0031] The information providing device 100 can highlight, for example, approaching information indicating "arriving soon." In the example of Fig. 1, the approaching information is highlighted by using white characters. This makes it easier for passengers to know at a glance that the bus will soon arrive.

[0032] Also, for example, for bus stop number 2, the information providing device 100 displays a guide information frame G1-2 overlapping the map information M1, which includes approach information that the bus bound for "B Danchi" with destination number "5" departing at "11:01" has passed in front of the city hall, three stops before.

[0033] Also, for example, for bus stop number 3, the information providing device 100 displays a guide information frame G1-3 overlapping the map information M1, which includes delay information that the bus departing at 11:05 and bound for "Office C" with destination number "11" is delayed by approximately 5 minutes.

[0034] Also, for example, for bus stop number 4, the information providing device 100 displays a guide information frame G1-4 overlapping the map information M1, which includes delay information (no delay) indicating that the bus departing at 11:05 and bound for "Airport D" with destination number "24" is operating normally.

[0035] Although the guide information frames G1-5 to G1-13 corresponding to bus stops 5 to 13 are not shown, the same approaching information and delay information as in guide information frames G1-1 to G1-4 will be displayed in these guide information frames G1-5 to G1-13. Of course, each guide information frame G1 can display not only approaching information and delay information, but also various other information other than the approaching information and delay information described using Figures 3 and 4. Specific examples of this will be described later using Figures 9 to 15.

[0036] 1 shows an example in which the display information generated by the information providing device 100 is provided to the display device 10, the information providing device 100 can also provide the generated display information to a mobile information terminal 20 used by a bus passenger. In this case, the information providing device 100 provides the generated display information via, for example, a web browser running on the mobile information terminal 20 or dedicated application software (hereinafter referred to as "app" as appropriate) that enables the use of the services of the information providing device 100.

[0037] As described above, in the information provision method according to the embodiment, the control unit 103 of the information provision device 100 acquires bus operation information based on information from each onboard device of a bus from a bus location system that collects information from each onboard device of the bus. The control unit 103 also generates display information in which at least the operation information is superimposed on map information M1 related to bus boarding and alighting locations, such as bus terminals. The control unit 103 also provides the generated display information to the display device 10 or mobile information terminal 20 located at the boarding and alighting locations.

[0038] Therefore, according to the information provision method of the embodiment, it is possible to provide information that further enhances convenience for bus passengers. Below, a configuration example of the information provision system 1 to which the information provision method according to the above-described embodiment is applied will be described in more detail.

[0039] 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information providing system 1 according to an embodiment. In the following, when it is necessary to distinguish between multiple identical components, a number in the form of "-k" (k is a natural number) may be added after the symbol indicating the component. When there is no particular need to distinguish between them, this numbering will not be used.

[0040] 5, the information providing system 1 includes display devices 10-1, 10-2, ..., 10-m (m is a natural number equal to or greater than 3), mobile information terminals 20-1, 20-2, ..., 10-n (n is a natural number equal to or greater than 3), and an information providing device 100. The information providing system 1 further includes an external information server 200 and a bus location system 300.

[0041] The display device 10, the mobile information terminal 20, the information providing device 100, and the external information server 200 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network N1 such as the Internet or a mobile phone network.

[0042] The information providing device 100 and the bus location system 300 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via an intranet, a dedicated line, a VPN (Virtual Private Network), etc. The bus location system 300 and each company's bus B are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a C-V2X (Cellular Vehicle to Everything) communication network, etc.

[0043] The bus location system 300 and the bus B may also be connected to the display device 10, the mobile information terminal 20, the information providing device 100, and the external information server 200 via the network N1 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0044] As described above, the display device 10 is a component equivalent to an example of an information display device, such as a digital signage installed in a bus terminal. The mobile information terminal 20 is also a component equivalent to an example of an information display device, such as a smartphone used by passengers of bus B. Note that the mobile information terminal 20 may be realized by a device other than a smartphone, such as a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet, or a wearable device.

[0045] The information providing device 100 is a computer that executes an information providing method according to an embodiment. The external information server 200 is a group of servers that provide various external information to the information providing device 100. The external information server 200 corresponds to an example of an "external device."

[0046] The external information server 200 includes, for example, a weather information server 201, an event information server 202, and a tourist attraction information server 203. The weather information server 201 provides weather information related to the route of each bus B to the information providing device 100. The event information server 202 provides event information related to the route of each bus B to the information providing device 100. The tourist attraction information server 203 provides tourist attraction information related to the route of each bus B to the information providing device 100.

[0047] The bus location system 300 includes systems managed and operated by multiple bus operators, such as company A's system 301-1, company B's system 301-2, ... Company A's system 301-1 constantly collects information on the on-board units installed on each bus B operated by company A. Company B's system 301-2 constantly collects information on the on-board units installed on each bus B operated by company B.

[0048] In addition, the bus location system 300 provides the information providing device 100 with operation information regarding the operation of bus B based on the collected information of each on-board device of each bus B. The operation information includes current location information and alert information of each bus B, etc.

[0049] Next, a configuration example of the information providing device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the information providing device 100 according to the embodiment. Note that in Fig. 6, components necessary for explaining the features of this embodiment are represented by functional blocks, and descriptions of general components are omitted.

[0050] In other words, each component shown in Figure 6 is a functional concept and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. For example, the specific form of distribution and integration of each functional block is not limited to that shown, and all or part of it can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc. In the explanation using Figure 6, the explanation of the components already described so far will be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 6, the information providing device 100 includes a communication unit 101, a storage unit 102, and a control unit 103.

[0052] The communication unit 101 is realized by, for example, a network adapter, etc. The communication unit 101 is connected to the above-mentioned network N1 and bus location system 300 by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the display device 10, the mobile information terminal 20, the external information server 200, and the bus location system 300.

[0053] The storage unit 102 is realized by a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), etc. In the example of Fig. 6, the storage unit 102 stores an operation information DB (DataBase) 102a, a map information DB 102b, a destination information DB 102c, a weather information DB 102d, an event information DB 102e, a tourist destination information DB 102f, and analysis AI model information 102g.

[0054] The operation information DB 102a is a database that stores operation information from the bus location system 300 acquired by an acquisition unit 103a (described later). The map information DB 102b is a database of map information to be included in display information generated by a generation unit 103b (described later).

[0055] The destination information DB 102c is a database of identification information of each information display device to which the display information generated by the generation unit 103b is provided (sent) by the providing unit 103c (described later). The weather information DB 102d is a database of weather information acquired from the weather information server 201 by the acquiring unit 103a.

[0056] The event information DB 102e is a database of event information acquired by the acquisition unit 103a from the event information server 202. The tourist destination information DB 102f is a database of tourist destination information acquired by the acquisition unit 103a from the tourist destination information server 203.

[0057] The analytical AI model information 102g is information including an AI model for AI analysis based on operation information, weather information, event information, and tourist destination information. The AI ​​model is, for example, a DNN (Deep Neural Network) model trained using a deep learning algorithm. This AI model is trained in advance so that it can predict the operation of each bus B from the operation information, weather information, event information, and tourist destination information acquired by the acquisition unit 103a. After being loaded into the control unit 103, the AI ​​model functions as an analytical AI that performs AI analysis when real-time operation information, weather information, event information, and tourist destination information are input via the acquisition unit 103a.

[0058] As described above, the control unit 103 corresponds to a so-called processor or controller. The control unit 103 executes a program according to an embodiment (not shown) stored in the storage unit 102, using RAM as a work area. The control unit 103 can also be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0059] The control unit 103 performs overall control of the information providing device 100. The control unit 103 has an acquisition unit 103a, a generation unit 103b, and a provision unit 103c, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of information processing described below.

[0060] The acquisition unit 103a acquires operation information about the operation of the bus B based on the information of each on-board device from the bus location system 300 that collects information of each on-board device of the bus B.

[0061] The generating unit 103b generates display information in which a guide information frame G1 including at least the operation information acquired by the acquiring unit 103a is superimposed on map information M1 relating to the boarding and alighting location of the bus B, for example, a bus terminal.

[0062] Here, various specific examples of the display information generated by the generation unit 103b will be described with reference to Fig. 7 to Fig. 15. Fig. 7 to Fig. 15 are diagrams (No. 1) to (No. 9) showing specific examples of the display information generated by the generation unit 103b.

[0063] For example, when the approaching information indicates that bus B will soon arrive at the bus stop, the generating unit 103b generates display information that highlights the approaching information. For example, Fig. 1 shows an example of this highlighting, in which the approaching information is displayed in outline characters. However, this highlighting is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 1.

[0064] For example, as shown in Fig. 7, the generation unit 103b may generate display information so that the display of approach information in the first information display area R2 of the guide information frame G1 is enlarged when bus B is about to arrive. Fig. 7 shows an example in which, when changing the approach information of "Passing 1 stop before (in front of E Park)" to "Arriving soon," the generation unit 103b enlarges the display of "Arriving soon."

[0065] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 8, for example, the generation unit 103b may generate display information so that the approach information display in the first information display area R2 of the guide information frame G1 flashes when bus B is about to arrive. Fig. 8 shows an example in which "Arriving soon" is flashed by alternately switching between the display of the approach information "Arriving soon" and the display of the delay information "Normal operation" (no delay). Note that instead of alternately switching the display, the approach information "Arriving soon" may be flashed on its own.

[0066] 9, for example, the generation unit 103b can generate display information that displays the above-mentioned alert information in the first information display area R2 of the guide information frame G1. Fig. 9 shows an example in which the generation unit 103b displays alert information such as "Service suspended due to a collapse on National Route F" in the first information display area R2 based on alert information from the bus location system 300. This makes it easier for passengers to grasp at a glance the alert information related to changes in the timetable of the bus B that they want to use.

[0067] 10, for example, the generation unit 103b can generate display information that displays linked operation information linked to the above-mentioned weather information in the first information display area R2 of the guide information frame G1. FIG. 10 shows an example in which the generation unit 103b displays linked operation information such as "Heavy rain warning issued along route" in the first information display area R2 based on weather information from the weather information server 201. This makes it easier for passengers to grasp at a glance the weather information along the route of bus B that they wish to use. Furthermore, such weather information makes it easier for passengers to recognize the conditions on their way home.

[0068] 11, the generation unit 103b can generate display information that displays linked operation information linked to the above-mentioned event information in the first information display area R2 of the guide information frame G1. FIG. 11 shows an example in which the generation unit 103b displays linked operation information for "Towards the live venue of artist G" in the first information display area R2 based on event information from the event information server 202. This makes it easier for passengers attending an event, for example, to know at a glance which bus B they should take. Note that the examples shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 may be highlighted in the same way as those shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0069] 12, for example, the generation unit 103b can generate display information that displays linked operation information linked to the tourist attraction information described above in the first information display area R2 of the guide information frame G1. Fig. 12 shows an example in which the generation unit 103b displays linked operation information with an image of the "H Castle / Otemon direction," a tourist attraction near the route, in the first information display area R2 based on tourist attraction information from the tourist attraction information server 203. This makes it easier for tourists coming from afar to know at a glance which bus B they should take, for example.

[0070] 13, for example, the generation unit 103b can generate display information in the first information display area R2 of the guide information frame G1 that displays predicted information as the event progresses as linked operation information linked to the event information. FIG. 13 shows an example in which the generation unit 103b displays predicted information such as "high probability of congestion en route due to the end of a night game" in the first information display area R2 based on event information from the event information server 202. In this example, the generation unit 103b may generate display information by performing AI analysis using the AI ​​model described above based on, for example, progress information about a sporting event near the route of bus B. This makes it easier for passengers to grasp at a glance the congestion situation en route for bus B they wish to board.

[0071] 14, for example, the generation unit 103b can generate display information that displays information about barrier-free facilities from the above-mentioned facility information in the second information display area R5 of the guide information frame G1. Fig. 14 shows an example in which the generation unit 103b displays an image indicating that bus B is equipped with barrier-free facilities for wheelchairs in the second information display area R5 based on facility information from the bus location system 300. This makes it easier for a passenger using a wheelchair, for example, to know at a glance which bus B is easy for him or her to board.

[0072] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 15, for example, the generation unit 103b can generate display information in the second information display area R5 of the guide information frame G1 that displays information about payment facilities among the above-mentioned facility information. FIG. 15 shows an example in which the generation unit 103b displays an image in the second information display area R5 based on facility information from the bus location system 300, indicating that bus B is equipped with payment facilities that can accept payments using credit cards such as "AA" and "BB" and electronic money brands such as "CC" and "DD." This makes it easy for passengers who wish to make cashless payments to easily identify at a glance which bus B is equipped with the payment facilities they want to use. The example in FIG. 15 is particularly useful when passengers are foreign tourists, for example.

[0073] In addition to the specific examples shown in FIGS. 7 to 15, the generation unit 103b may, for example, switch Japanese notation to a foreign language notation as appropriate for foreigners. Furthermore, the generation unit 103b may also use audio information in combination with the display information. When audio information is used in combination, Japanese audio may be switched to foreign language audio as appropriate. Furthermore, when dealing with foreign languages, the generation unit 103b may, for example, take measures such as increasing the frequency of switching to the language used by a race that is expected to be prevalent in a region, facility, etc., depending on the region, facility, etc., along the route of bus B, relatively more than in other regions, facilities, etc.

[0074] Returning to the description of Fig. 6, the providing unit 103c provides the display information generated by the generating unit 103b to the display device 10 and the mobile information terminal 20 via the communication unit 101, and causes the display device 10 and the mobile information terminal 20 to display the display information.

[0075] Next, a processing procedure executed by the information providing device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure executed by the information providing device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0076] 16, the control unit 103 of the information providing device 100 acquires operation information from the bus location system 300 (step S101). Then, the control unit 103 generates display information in which at least the operation information is superimposed on the map information M1 (step S102).

[0077] Then, the control unit 103 provides the display information to the display device 10 or the mobile information terminal 20 (step S103). After providing the display information, the control unit 103 determines whether the system is to be terminated (step S104). The system termination refers to the end of the operating hours of the bus location system 300, for example, when the operating hours of bus B end.

[0078] If the system is not shut down (step S104, No), the control unit 103 repeats the process from step S101. On the other hand, if the system is shut down (step S104, Yes), the control unit 103 ends the process.

[0079] As described above, the information providing device 100 according to the embodiment includes an acquisition unit 103a, a generation unit 103b, and a provision unit 103c. The acquisition unit 103a acquires operation information related to the operation of bus B (corresponding to an example of a "public vehicle") based on information from each on-board unit of bus B from a bus location system 300 (corresponding to an example of a "center system") that collects information on each on-board unit of bus B. The generation unit 103b generates display information in which at least the operation information is superimposed on map information M1 related to a boarding and alighting location of bus B, for example, a bus terminal. The provision unit 103c provides the generated display information to a display device 10 or a mobile information terminal 20 (corresponding to an example of an "information display device") located at the boarding and alighting location.

[0080] Therefore, according to the information provision system 1 according to the embodiment, it is possible to provide information that further enhances convenience for passengers of public vehicles including the bus B.

[0081] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the boarding and disembarking location of bus B is a large bus stop facility such as a bus terminal having multiple bus stops has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the information providing device 100 can also apply the information providing method according to the above-described embodiment to a small bus stop facility, for example, a single bus stop.

[0082] Such a modification will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a modification of the display information provided by the information providing device 100 according to the embodiment. Here, a scene is assumed in which a passenger of bus B receives a service from the information providing device 100 via a mobile information terminal 20 at a single bus stop BS1.

[0083] In this case, the information providing device 100 provides the mobile information terminal 20 with display information such as that shown in Fig. 17. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 17, the information providing device 100 causes the mobile information terminal 20 to display, for example, map information M1 centered on bus stop BS1.

[0084] The information providing device 100 further displays a mark BM1 indicating a bus B that can be boarded or disembarked at the bus stop BS1, superimposed on the map information M1. The position of the mark BM1 changes, for example, in real time, according to the current position information of the corresponding bus B.

[0085] Furthermore, the information providing device 100 further displays a guide information frame G1 similar to that shown in Fig. 1 superimposed on the map information M1. At this time, the information providing device 100 may superimpose the guide information frame G1 so that it points to, for example, a mark BM1 as shown in Fig. 17, rather than pointing to the bus stop BS1. Furthermore, the information providing device 100 may move the guide information frame G1 in accordance with a change in the position of the mark BM1.

[0086] This makes it easier for passengers near a single bus stop BS1 to grasp at a glance information about the approach and delay of bus B that they wish to use from bus stop BS1. In this modified example, the information providing device 100 may provide display information such as that shown in Fig. 17 to a display device 10 such as a digital signage installed at bus stop BS1, instead of to a mobile information terminal 20.

[0087] Further advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1 Information provision system 10 Display device 20. Mobile Information Terminals 100 Information provision device 101 Communications Department 102 Storage section 102a Operation information DB 102b Map information DB 102c Provided information DB 102d Weather Information DB 102e Event Information DB 102f Tourist Information Database 102g Analysis AI Model Information 103 Control Unit 103a Acquisition Department 103b Generator 103c Providing Department 200 External Information Server 300 Bus Location System

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires operation information related to the operation of the public transport vehicle based on the information of each on-board device from a center system that collects information of each on-board device of the public transport vehicle; a generation unit that generates display information in which the operation information for each of the plurality of boarding and alighting points is superimposed on map information including a layout of the plurality of boarding and alighting points, the display information being related to boarding and alighting locations of the public vehicle having the plurality of boarding and alighting points, in accordance with the layout; a providing unit that provides the display information to an information display device located at the boarding and alighting location; An information providing device comprising:

2. The operation information includes at least current location information of the public vehicle, The generation unit generating the display information on which approach information or delay information of the public vehicle with respect to the boarding and alighting location based on the current location information is superimposed; The information providing device according to claim 1 .

3. The generation unit When the approach information indicates that the public vehicle will soon arrive at the boarding and disembarking location, the display information is generated to highlight the approach information. The information providing device according to claim 2 .

4. The generation unit highlighting the approach information by enlarging or flashing the approach information; The information providing device according to claim 3 .

5. The operation information further includes alert information regarding a change in the schedule of the public vehicle, The generation unit generating the display information on which the alert information is superimposed; The information providing device according to claim 2 .

6. The acquisition unit further Obtaining weather information, event information, and tourist spot information related to the route of the public bus from an external device; The generation unit generating the display information so that linked operation information, which is at least one of a weather warning on the route based on the weather information, information on access to an event venue on the route based on the event information, and information on access to a tourist spot on the route based on the tourist spot information, is superimposed on the display information; The information providing device according to claim 1 .

7. The generation unit Execute AI analysis based on the operation information, the weather information, the event information, and the tourist destination information; generating the display information based on a prediction by the AI ​​analysis regarding the possibility of congestion along the travel route; The information providing device according to claim 6.

8. The acquisition unit further Acquires information about facilities provided in the passenger vehicle from the center system; The generation unit generating the display information so that the facility information for each of the passenger vehicles is superimposed; The information providing device according to claim 1 .

9. The facility information includes at least information on barrier-free facilities or cashless payment facilities. The information providing device according to claim 8.

10. The information display device includes: A display device provided at the boarding and disembarking location or a mobile information terminal used by passengers of the public vehicle, 10. The information providing device according to claim 1.

11. 1. A computer-implemented information providing method, comprising: Acquiring operation information regarding the operation of the public transport vehicle based on the information of each on-board device from a center system that collects information of each on-board device of the public transport vehicle; generating display information in which the operation information for each of the plurality of boarding and alighting points is superimposed on map information including a layout of the plurality of boarding and alighting points, the display information being related to boarding and alighting locations of the public vehicle having the plurality of boarding and alighting points, in accordance with the layout; providing the display information to an information display device located at the boarding and alighting location; Methods of providing information, including:

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