Route map lighting control system, route map lighting control method, and route map lighting control program

Abstract

To provide a route map lighting control system that can enhance the entertainment value of route maps. [Solution] The route map lighting control system 1 comprises a plurality of light-emitting units 5, each of which is arranged to correspond to one of a plurality of points on a plurality of routes included in a route map of a public transportation system and configured to emit light, a lighting control device 4 configured to control the lighting of the plurality of light-emitting units 5, and a user terminal 3 communicatively connected to the lighting control device 4 and to an external server 2 via a communication network 7. The route map lighting control system 1 receives operation information from the external server 2, including the current positions of mobile objects traveling on each route, identifies one or more of the plurality of light-emitting units 5 that should be turned on based on the operation information, and turns on the one or more light-emitting units 5 based on information related to the identified one or more light-emitting units 5.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a route map lighting control system, a route map lighting control method, and a route map lighting control program. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a route map lighting control system that controls the lighting of multiple light-emitting elements arranged to correspond to a route map of a public transportation system such as a train. [Background technology]

[0002] In route maps of public transportation such as trains, various measures have been taken to enable users to intuitively understand each piece of information in the route map. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a route map drawing method for improving both the geographical accuracy and visibility of the route map on a map. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-042245 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Meanwhile, route maps with artistic or entertainment elements (hereinafter referred to as route map art) are known. Owners of route map art boards that display route map art that is both highly visible and stylish can intuitively understand each piece of information on the route map and enjoy appreciating the route map art.

[0005] On the other hand, if the visual aspect of the route map does not change, there is a problem that the owner will easily tire of viewing the route map art. In other words, if the route map art lacks entertainment value, it is difficult to say that the route map art is suitable for long-term viewing. In this regard, if the visual aspect of the route map changes to reflect the situation in the real world, the owner will be able to enjoy viewing the route map art for a long period of time. As such, there is room for further consideration of ways to further enhance the entertainment value of route maps.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide a route map lighting control system, a route map lighting control method, and a route map lighting control program that can enhance the entertainment value of route maps. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A route map lighting control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of light-emitting units each arranged to correspond to one of a plurality of points on a plurality of routes included in a route map of a public transportation system and configured to emit light, a lighting control device configured to control the lighting of the plurality of light-emitting units, and a user terminal communicatively connected to the lighting control device and to an external server via a communication network. The route map lighting control system receives operation information from the external server including a current position of a mobile object traveling on each of the routes, identifies one or more of the plurality of light-emitting units to be turned on based on the operation information, and turns on the one or more light-emitting units based on information related to the identified one or more light-emitting units.

[0008] According to the above configuration, one or more light-emitting units to be turned on are identified from among a plurality of light-emitting units arranged at a plurality of points on a plurality of routes based on operation information received from an external server. The identified one or more light-emitting units are then turned on. In this manner, the visual appearance (lighting state) of the light-emitting units arranged at a plurality of points on a plurality of routes changes in conjunction with the operation status of the mobile object moving on each route (particularly, the real-time operation status of the mobile object). This makes it possible to enhance the entertainment value of the route map through the dramatic lighting effects of the light-emitting units according to the operation status of the mobile object. As a result, users can enjoy viewing the route map for a long time. Furthermore, by visually checking the lighting state of the light-emitting units, users can grasp the current location of the mobile object moving on each route in real time.

[0009] The multiple routes may include a first route and a second route different from the first route. The multiple light-emitting units may include a plurality of first light-emitting units arranged to correspond to the first route and a plurality of second light-emitting units arranged to correspond to the second route. The operation information may include first operation information including a current position of a mobile object traveling on the first route and second operation information including a current position of a mobile object traveling on the second route. The route map illumination control system may receive the first operation information and the second operation information from the external server, identify a first light-emitting unit to be turned on among the multiple first light-emitting units based on the first operation information, and turn on the identified first light-emitting unit, and identify a second light-emitting unit to be turned on among the multiple second light-emitting units based on the second operation information, and turn on the identified second light-emitting unit.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the first light-emitting unit to be turned on is identified based on the first operation information received from the external server, and the identified first light-emitting unit is then turned on. Similarly, the second light-emitting unit to be turned on is identified based on the second operation information received from the external server, and the identified second light-emitting unit is then turned on. In this way, the visual appearance (lighting state) of the first and second light-emitting units changes in conjunction with the operation status (particularly, the real-time operation status) of the mobile object moving on the first and second routes. Therefore, the entertainment value of the route map can be enhanced through the dramatic lighting effect of the light-emitting units according to the operation status of the mobile object. Furthermore, by visually checking the lighting state of the first and second light-emitting units, the user can grasp the current location of the mobile object moving on the first route and the current location of the mobile object moving on the second route in real time.

[0011] Furthermore, at least some of the plurality of first light-emitting units may be arranged to correspond to one of a plurality of stations on the first line, and at least some of the plurality of second light-emitting units may be arranged to correspond to one of a plurality of stations on the second line.

[0012] Furthermore, at least some of the plurality of first light-emitting units may be arranged between two adjacent stations among a plurality of stations on the first line, and at least some of the plurality of second light-emitting units may be arranged between two adjacent stations among a plurality of stations on the second line.

[0013] Furthermore, the route map lighting control system may turn off the currently lit first light-emitting unit and turn on the specified first light-emitting unit based on the first operation information, and may turn off the currently lit second light-emitting unit and turn on the specified second light-emitting unit based on the second operation information. The lighting states of the plurality of first light-emitting units may be switched continuously along the first route in conjunction with the operation status of a mobile object moving on the first route. The lighting states of the plurality of second light-emitting units may be switched continuously along the second route in conjunction with the operation status of a mobile object moving on the second route.

[0014] According to the above configuration, the entertainment value of the route map can be enhanced through the dramatic effect of the light from the light-emitting section according to the operating status of the moving object.

[0015] Furthermore, the user terminal may receive operation information including current positions of mobile objects traveling on each of the routes from the external server, and identify one or more of the plurality of light-emitting units to be turned on based on the operation information. The lighting control device may receive information related to the identified one or more light-emitting units from the user terminal, and control the lighting of the one or more light-emitting units based on the information related to the identified one or more light-emitting units. The operation information may be transmitted from the external server to the user terminal at predetermined time intervals.

[0016] According to the above configuration, since operation information is transmitted from an external server to a user terminal at predetermined time intervals, the visual appearance of the light-emitting elements disposed at multiple points on multiple routes can be changed in conjunction with the operational status of the mobile objects moving on each route. Therefore, the entertainment value of the route map can be further enhanced by the visual appearance of the light-emitting elements that is linked to changes in the operational status of the mobile objects.

[0017] The public transportation means is any one of trains, buses, airplanes, and ships. That is, the system according to this embodiment makes it possible to enhance the entertainment value of route maps for trains, buses, airplanes, ships, etc. In the following description of this embodiment, a train route map among public transportation means will be described in detail.

[0018] A route map lighting control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is executed by a user terminal included in a route map lighting control system. The route map lighting control system includes a plurality of light-emitting units, each of which is arranged to correspond to one of a plurality of points on a plurality of routes included in a public transportation route map and configured to emit light; a lighting control device configured to control the lighting of the plurality of light-emitting units; and the user terminal, which is communicatively connected to the lighting control device and to an external server via a communication network. The route map lighting control method includes the steps of receiving operation information from the external server, including current positions of mobile objects traveling on each of the routes; identifying one or more of the plurality of light-emitting units to be illuminated based on the operation information; and lighting up the one or more light-emitting units by transmitting information about the identified one or more light-emitting units to the lighting control device.

[0019] According to the above method, one or more light-emitting units to be turned on are identified from among a plurality of light-emitting units arranged at a plurality of points on a plurality of routes based on operation information received from an external server. The identified one or more light-emitting units are then turned on. In this manner, the visual appearance (lighting state) of the light-emitting units arranged at a plurality of points on a plurality of routes changes in conjunction with the operation status of the mobile object moving on each route (particularly, the real-time operation status of the mobile object). Therefore, the entertainment value of the route map can be enhanced through the dramatic lighting effect of the light-emitting units according to the operation status of the mobile object. Furthermore, by visually checking the lighting state of the light-emitting units, a user can grasp the current location of the mobile object moving on each route in real time.

[0020] Also, a route map lighting control program may be provided that causes a user terminal to execute the route map lighting control method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a route map lighting control system, a route map lighting control method, and a route map lighting control program that can enhance the entertainment value of route maps. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a route map lighting control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as the present embodiment). [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a lighting control device. [Figure 4] 10 is a photograph showing an example of a route map display board. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing two of the multiple routes included in the route map. [Figure 6] 3 is a flowchart for explaining a series of processes executed by the route map lighting control system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation information provided from an external server. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for identifying light-emitting units to be turned on on subway line 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a light-emitting unit identification table. [Figure 10] (a) is a diagram showing a state in which one of the multiple light-emitting units arranged between stations A and B is lit, and (b) is a diagram showing a state in which four of the multiple light-emitting units arranged between stations A and B are lit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] (Configuration of Route Map Lighting Control System 1) Hereinafter, a route map lighting control system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the route map lighting control system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the route map lighting control system 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "control system 1") includes a user terminal 3, a lighting control device 4, and a plurality of light-emitting units 5. The user terminal 3 is connected to a communication network 7 via a router 8. The communication network 7 is configured by at least one of a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, and a wireless core network. The router 8 is, for example, a wireless LAN router.

[0024] The user terminal 3 is communicatively connected to an external server 2 via a communication network 7. The external server 2 is a server that publishes an API (Application Programming Interface), and is configured to distribute operation information for each line of public transportation in response to a transmission request from the user terminal 3. Public transportation includes railroad cars (trains), buses, airplanes, ships, etc. In this example, the external server 2 is configured to distribute operation information for each line of trains (including subways), which are one type of public transportation.

[0025] (Configuration of user terminal 3) The hardware configuration of the user terminal 3 will be described below with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the user terminal 3. The user terminal 3 is a terminal operated by a user U who views a route map display board 6 (an example of a route map display body). The user terminal 3 may be, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet, or a wearable device (for example, AR / VR / MR glasses, etc.) worn by the user U.

[0026] 2, the user terminal 3 includes a control unit 31, a storage device 32, an input / output interface 33, a communication unit 34, an input operation unit 35, a display unit 36, an audio input unit 37, and an audio output unit 38. These elements are connected to a bus 30.

[0027] The control unit 31 includes a memory and a processor. The memory is configured to store computer-readable instructions. In particular, the memory may store a program that causes the processor to execute a series of processes executed by the user terminal 3. The memory is configured to store computer-readable instructions (for example, a route map lighting control program).

[0028] For example, the memory may be configured with a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing various programs, a RAM (Random Access Memory) having multiple work areas storing various programs executed by the processor, etc. The processor may be configured with at least one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), for example. The processor may be configured to load a specified program from the various programs stored in the ROM onto the RAM and execute various processes in cooperation with the RAM.

[0029] The storage device 32 is, for example, a storage device such as an HDD, SSD, or flash memory, and is configured to store programs and various data. The input / output interface 33 is an interface (for example, an interface conforming to the HDMI (registered trademark) standard or the USB standard) that enables connection between an external device and the user terminal 3.

[0030] The communication unit 34 is configured to connect the user terminal 3 to the communication network 7. The communication unit 34 includes, for example, a wireless communication module and / or a wired communication module. The wireless communication module is configured to perform wireless communication with, for example, a wireless base station or a router 8. The wireless communication module includes a transmitting / receiving antenna and a signal processing circuit. The wireless communication module may include a wireless communication module compatible with a short-range wireless communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark), and / or a wireless communication module compatible with a mobile communication system using a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module).

[0031] The input operation unit 35 is, for example, a touch panel, a mouse, and / or a keyboard, and is configured to accept input operations by the user U and generate operation signals in response to the input operations. The display unit 36 ​​is, for example, configured with a video display and a video display circuit that drives and controls the video display. The audio input unit 37 includes a signal processing circuit, an AD conversion circuit, and a microphone. The audio output unit 38 includes a signal processing circuit, an amplifier, and a speaker.

[0032] (Configuration of lighting control device 4) Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the lighting control device 4 will be described below with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the lighting control device 4. The lighting control device 4 is communicably connected to a user terminal 3 via short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The lighting control device 4 is configured to control the turning on and off of a plurality of light-emitting units 5. As shown in Fig. 4, the lighting control device 4 includes a control unit 41, a PWM circuit 42, a light-emitting unit drive circuit 43, a communication unit 44, and a power supply circuit 45.

[0033] The control unit 41 is, for example, a microcontroller having a processor, a memory, and peripheral circuits. The PWM circuit 42 generates a PWM signal for controlling the lighting state of the light-emitting unit 5 to be lit in response to a control signal from the control unit 41. The light-emitting unit drive circuit 43 controls the current flowing through the light-emitting unit 5 in response to the PWM signal from the PWM circuit 42. The communication unit 44 is configured to connect the lighting control device 4 to an external device (in this example, the user terminal 3) and includes a wireless communication module and / or a wired communication module. The power supply circuit 45 is configured to convert an input voltage supplied from an external power source to a desired output voltage and then supply the voltage to the control unit 41, the PWM circuit 42, and the light-emitting unit drive circuit 43.

[0034] A plurality of light-emitting units 5 are arranged on the route map display board 6. Each light-emitting unit 5 is configured to emit light. In particular, each light-emitting unit 5 is configured to turn on and off in response to a command from the lighting control device 4. The light-emitting units 5 are, for example, LEDs (light-emitting diodes), OLEDs (organic electroluminescent devices), LDs (laser diodes), incandescent bulbs, halogen bulbs, etc. Optical components such as light guides may be attached to the light-emitting units 5. A route map including each line of public transportation such as a train is drawn on the surface of the route map display board 6. FIG. 4 is a photograph showing an example of the route map display board 6. A route map including each line of the metropolitan area subway is drawn on the surface of the route map display board 6 shown in FIG. 6. The route map display board may be attached to a wall, for example, like a painting.

[0035] Each of the plurality of light-emitting units 5 is arranged to correspond to one of a plurality of points on a plurality of routes included in a route map drawn on the surface of the route map display board 6. In this regard, each of some of the plurality of light-emitting units 5 may be arranged to correspond to one of a plurality of stations on the plurality of routes. Also, each of some of the plurality of light-emitting units 5 may be arranged between two adjacent stations among a plurality of stations on the plurality of routes.

[0036] In this regard, the arrangement of the light-emitting units 5 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing two lines (Subway Line 1 and Subway Line 3) among multiple lines included in a route map. For convenience of explanation, only two of the multiple lines are shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, multiple light-emitting units 5 are arranged along Subway Line 1 and Subway Line 3. In particular, the light-emitting units 5 are arranged to correspond to each station on Subway Line 1 and each station on Subway Line 3. Furthermore, the light-emitting units 5 are arranged between two adjacent stations on Subway Line 1 and between two adjacent stations on Subway Line 3. For example, the light-emitting units 5 are arranged to correspond to Stations A and B on Subway Line 1, and are also arranged between Stations A and B, which are two adjacent stations. Similarly, light-emitting units 5 are arranged at each station on each line and between two adjacent stations on each line on the remaining lines other than Subway Line 1 and Subway Line 3.

[0037] (A series of processes executed by the control system 1) Next, a series of processes executed by the control system 1 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a series of processes executed by the control system 1 according to this embodiment. The series of processes in Fig. 6 are executed by the external server 2, the user terminal 3, and the lighting control device 4.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 6, in step S1, the user terminal 3 transmits a transmission request for operation information of each line constituting the route map to the external server 2, whose API is publicly available. In step S2, the external server 2 transmits the operation information of each line to the user terminal 3 in response to the transmission request from the user terminal 3. Here, the operation information of each line is information including the current positions of mobile objects traveling on each line. In this example, the operation information is information including the current positions of trains (an example of mobile objects) traveling on each line. The operation information may be distributed in, for example, JSON format. The operation information may be distributed from the external server 2 to the user terminal 3 at predetermined time intervals.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 7, the operation information for each line may include train identification information (train ID), line name, departure station, scheduled arrival station, direction of travel (terminus station), train type, and time.

[0040] Returning to FIG. 6, after receiving operation information for each line from the external server 2, the user terminal 3 identifies the light-emitting unit 5 that should be turned on from among the multiple light-emitting units 5 based on the operation information and the light-emitting unit identification table (step S3). Here, the light-emitting unit identification table is stored in the user terminal 3. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the light-emitting unit identification table. As shown in FIG. 9, in the light-emitting unit identification table, points on the line and light-emitting unit identification information (light-emitting unit ID) are associated with each other. For example, if the operation information indicates that the current position of the train is Station A, the user terminal 3 identifies light-emitting unit ID: 101 that corresponds to Station A by referring to the light-emitting unit identification table. In this way, the light-emitting unit 5 with light-emitting unit ID: 101 is identified as the light-emitting unit 5 that should be turned on.

[0041] (Process for identifying the light-emitting unit 5 to be lit on subway line 1) Next, as a specific example of the processing in step S3, processing for identifying light-emitting units 5 that should be turned on on subway line 1 will be described below with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing for identifying light-emitting units 5 that should be turned on on subway line 1.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 8, in step S10, the user terminal 3 acquires operation information (an example of first operation information) associated with Subway Line 1 (an example of a first line) from the operation information of each line acquired from the external server 2. Here, if multiple trains are running on Subway Line 1 in the same time period, operation information associated with a specific train among the multiple trains may be acquired. Furthermore, operation information associated with a train running in one of two directions (the uphill direction traveling from Station A to Station Z and the downhill direction traveling from Station Z to Station A) may be acquired. For example, if two trains are running on Subway Line 1 in the uphill direction and two trains are running on Subway Line 1 in the same time period, the user terminal 3 acquires four pieces of operation information for Subway Line 1. In this case, the user terminal 3 may select operation information associated with a specific train among the two trains running in the uphill direction. Alternatively, the user terminal 3 may select two pieces of operation information associated with two trains running in the uphill direction. In this regard, if a single light-emitting unit 5 is lit on a specific line, one piece of operation information associated with the specific line may be selected. On the other hand, when a plurality of light emitting units 5 are lit on a predetermined route, a plurality of pieces of operation information associated with the predetermined route may be selected.

[0043] Moreover, which of the upbound direction and the downbound direction should be prioritized may be set in advance according to an input operation of the user U on the user terminal 3. For example, if the downbound direction is prioritized according to an input operation of the user U, the user terminal 3 may select operation information associated with a train traveling in the downbound direction on subway line 1. Furthermore, which of the upbound direction and the downbound direction should be prioritized for each line may be set in advance by the user U. For example, the downbound direction may be prioritized on subway line 1, while the upbound direction may be prioritized on subway line 3. In this case, operation information associated with a train traveling in the downbound direction on subway line 1 is selected, while operation information associated with a train traveling in the upbound direction on subway line 3 is selected.

[0044] Next, in step S11, the user terminal 3 acquires information about the departure station and the scheduled arrival station based on the acquired operation information for subway line 1. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the departure station is station B, and the scheduled arrival station is station C. In this way, it is known that the train is running between stations B and C. On the other hand, if both the departure station and the scheduled arrival station are station B, it is known that the train is stopped at station B. In this way, the current location of the train is identified from the departure station and the scheduled arrival station included in the operation information.

[0045] In step S12, the user terminal 3 identifies the light-emitting unit 5 (an example of a first light-emitting unit) that corresponds to the current position of the train, based on the departure station, the scheduled arrival station, and the light-emitting unit identification table. In the example of the light-emitting unit identification table shown in FIG. 9, when the train is traveling between stations B and C, the light-emitting unit ID that corresponds to the current position of the train (between stations B and C) is 104. As a result, the light-emitting unit 5 with light-emitting unit ID: 104 is identified as the light-emitting unit 5 that should be turned on. In this way, the light-emitting unit 5 that should be turned on is identified from the multiple light-emitting units 5 arranged to correspond to subway line 1. In this example, the light-emitting unit identification table may associate each point on each line with the light-emitting unit ID. Furthermore, a light-emitting unit identification table for each line may be stored in the user terminal 3.

[0046] FIG. 8 illustrates the process of identifying the light-emitting units 5 that should be turned on on subway Line 1. A similar method is used to identify the light-emitting units 5 that should be turned on on each line. For example, in the process of identifying the light-emitting units 5 (an example of a second light-emitting unit) that should be turned on on subway Line 3 (an example of a second line), the user terminal 3 acquires operation information (an example of second operation information) associated with subway Line 3 from the external server 2. Next, the user terminal 3 acquires information related to the departure station and the scheduled arrival station based on the operation information for subway Line 3. Thereafter, the user terminal 3 identifies the light-emitting unit ID corresponding to the current position of the train from the light-emitting unit identification table. In this way, the light-emitting units 5 that should be turned on are identified from among the multiple light-emitting units 5 arranged to correspond to subway Line 3.

[0047] Returning to FIG. 6 , in step S4, the user terminal 3 transmits information (command signals) regarding the light-emitting units 5 that should be turned on for each line to the lighting control device 4. The lighting control device 4 receives the information regarding the light-emitting units 5 that should be turned on for each line from the user terminal 3, and then turns off the light-emitting units 5 that are currently turned on and turns on the light-emitting units 5 that should be turned on based on the received information. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , the user terminal 3 transmits information regarding the IDs of the light-emitting units 5 that correspond to positions between stations B and C on subway line 1 to the lighting control device 4. Thereafter, the lighting control device 4 turns off the light-emitting units 5 that are currently turned on and correspond to the position of station B, and turns on the light-emitting units 5 that correspond to the position between stations B and C. Similarly, the user terminal 3 transmits information regarding the IDs of the light-emitting units 5 that correspond to the position of station E on subway line 3 to the lighting control device 4. Thereafter, the lighting control device 4 turns off the light-emitting units 5 that are currently turned on and correspond to the position of station E between stations D and E, and turns on the light-emitting units 5 that correspond to the position of station E.

[0048] In this embodiment, the processes of steps S1 to S3 shown in FIG. 6 are repeatedly executed. In this regard, in the process of step S3, when the light-emitting units 5 to be turned on on each line are changed, the user terminal 3 transmits information about the light-emitting units 5 to be turned on to the lighting control device 4. For example, when the current location of a train is changed from between stations B and C to station C in the operation information of subway line 1, the user terminal 3 transmits information about the IDs of the light-emitting units 5 corresponding to the location of station C to the lighting control device 4. Thereafter, the lighting control device 4 turns off the light-emitting units 5 corresponding to the location between stations B and C and turns on the light-emitting units 5 corresponding to the location of station C. In this way, the operation information is transmitted from the external server 2 to the user terminal 3 at predetermined time intervals, while the processes of steps S4 and S5 are executed when the current location of the train is changed. In this embodiment, the visual appearance of the light-emitting units 5 arranged at multiple points on multiple lines can be changed in conjunction with the operation status of trains running on each line.

[0049] According to this embodiment, one or more light-emitting units 5 to be turned on are identified from among the light-emitting units 5 arranged at multiple points on multiple routes based on operation information received from the external server 2. The identified one or more light-emitting units 5 are then turned on. In this manner, the visual appearance (lighting state) of the light-emitting units 5 arranged at multiple points on multiple routes changes in conjunction with the operation status of trains running on each route (particularly, the real-time operation status of trains). This makes it possible to enhance the entertainment value of the route map through the dramatic lighting effects of the light-emitting units 5 according to the operation status of trains on each route. As a result, the user U can enjoy viewing the route map displayed on the route map display board 6 for a long time. Furthermore, by visually checking the lighting state of the light-emitting units 5, the user U can grasp the current location of trains running on each route in real time.

[0050] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the lighting states of the plurality of light-emitting units 5 are switched continuously along a route in conjunction with the operational status of trains traveling on the route. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , the lighting states of the plurality of light-emitting units 5 are switched continuously along Subway Line 1 in conjunction with the operational status of trains traveling on Subway Line 3, and the lighting states of the plurality of light-emitting units 5 are switched continuously along Subway Line 3 in conjunction with the operational status of trains traveling on Subway Line 3. In this way, the entertainment value of the route map can be further enhanced through the visual aspects (lighting states) of the light-emitting units 5 that are switched in conjunction with changes in the operational status of trains.

[0051] In the present embodiment, one light-emitting unit 5 is disposed at each station on each line, and one light-emitting unit 5 is disposed between two adjacent stations on each line. However, the layout of the light-emitting units 5 according to the present embodiment is not limited to this. In this regard, for example, one light-emitting unit 5 may be disposed at each station on each line, but no light-emitting unit 5 may be disposed between two adjacent stations on each line. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10 , one light-emitting unit 5 may be disposed at each station on each line, and two or more light-emitting units 5 may be disposed between two adjacent stations on each line. Here, multiple light-emitting units 5 may be disposed at regular intervals between stations A and B. FIG. 10(a) is a diagram illustrating a state in which one light-emitting unit 5a of multiple light-emitting units 5 disposed between stations A and B is lit. FIG. 10(b) is a diagram illustrating a state in which four light-emitting units 5 of multiple light-emitting units 5 disposed between stations A and B are lit.

[0052] In FIG. 10(a), only the light-emitting unit 5a corresponding to the current position of the train traveling on Subway Line 1 is lit. On the other hand, in FIG. 10(b), the light-emitting unit 5a corresponding to the current position of the train traveling on Subway Line 1 and three light-emitting units 5 arranged between the light-emitting unit 5a and Station A are lit. In the example shown in FIG. 10(a), the lit light-emitting units 5 are continuously switched depending on the real-time operating status of the train traveling from Station A to Station B. On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 10(b), the number of lit light-emitting units 5 is continuously increased depending on the real-time operating status of the train traveling from Station A to Station B. That is, in the example of FIG. 10(b), the number of lit light-emitting units 5 is continuously increased along the traveling direction of the traveling train, making it possible to create a flowing lighting state that follows the movement of the train. In the example shown in FIG. 10, multiple light-emitting units 5 are arranged between two adjacent stations (Station A and Station B in this example) on Subway Line 1, and the current location of a train traveling on Subway Line 1 can be more accurately determined based on the lighting status of the light-emitting units 5. In this way, by arranging multiple light-emitting units 5 between two adjacent stations on each line, the current location of a train traveling on each line can be more accurately determined. In particular, in the example of FIG. 10(b), the lighting status of the light-emitting units changes in a flowing manner in accordance with the movement of the train. As a result, the entertainment value of the route map drawn on the route map display board 6 is further improved, and it becomes possible to enjoy viewing the route map for a long period of time.

[0053] 10, multiple light-emitting units 5 are arranged between stations A and B, but one or more light guides may be arranged between stations A and B. In this case as well, the visual appearance of one or more light guides changes in accordance with the real-time operating status of the train traveling from station A to station B, making it possible to grasp the current position of the train more accurately. In this case, multiple light-emitting units 5 may be provided between stations A and B as light sources for each light guide.

[0054] Furthermore, when multiple light-emitting units 5 are arranged between two adjacent stations, it is preferable to increase the resolution (position accuracy) of the current position of trains on each line. In this case, the external server 2 may transmit operation information further including the current positions (latitude and longitude) of trains on each line to the user terminal 3. That is, information on the current positions (latitude and longitude) of the trains is added to the operation information in addition to the information shown in FIG. 7. The user terminal 3 may identify the light-emitting units 5a to be turned on based on the current positions (latitude and longitude) of the trains on each line and the light-emitting unit identification table. Here, the light-emitting unit identification table stores information on light-emitting unit IDs corresponding to seven points between Station A and Station B. Each of the seven points between Station A and Station B may have latitude and longitude location information. The user terminal 3 identifies the light-emitting unit 5a having the light-emitting unit ID corresponding to the point closest to the current position (latitude and longitude) of the train. The identified light-emitting unit 5a then lights up. In this way, the light-emitting unit identification table stores light-emitting unit IDs corresponding to each point between two adjacent stations, and each point between two adjacent stations may have latitude and longitude position information.

[0055] Furthermore, in the case where the operation information shown in FIG. 7 is transmitted from the external server 2 to the user terminal 3, the user terminal 3 may determine the elapsed time since departure from Station A, which corresponds to the time interval between the time indicated in the operation information and the time of departure from Station A. The user terminal 3 may estimate the precise current location of the train between Station A and Station B based on a comparison between the determined elapsed time and the average travel time from Station A to Station B. In this case, the user terminal 3 can identify the light-emitting unit 5a having the light-emitting unit ID corresponding to the point closest to the estimated current location of the train by referring to the light-emitting unit identification table. The identified light-emitting unit 5a then lights up. In this case, the light-emitting unit identification table also stores information about the light-emitting unit IDs corresponding to each point between two adjacent stations, and each point between the two adjacent stations has latitude and longitude position information.

[0056] Furthermore, even when the operation information shown in FIG. 7 is used, multiple light-emitting units 5 may be arranged between two adjacent stations. In this case, when a train is present between two adjacent stations, the multiple light-emitting units 5 arranged between the two adjacent stations may emit light in a predetermined lighting pattern. For example, while a train is present between the two adjacent stations, the multiple light-emitting units 5 present between the two adjacent stations may be lit in a repeating, flowing pattern. In particular, a lighting state in which the number of lit light-emitting units 5 continuously increases and then the number of lit light-emitting units 5 continuously decreases may be repeated.

[0057] Furthermore, in the description of this embodiment, the processing of step S3 is executed by the user terminal 3, but this processing may also be executed by the lighting control device 4. In this case, the user terminal 3 transmits operation information transmitted from the external server 2 to the lighting control device 4. Thereafter, the lighting control device 4 identifies the light-emitting units 5 that should be turned on based on the operation information and the light-emitting unit identification table, and then turns on the light-emitting units 5 that should be turned on. In this case, the light-emitting unit identification table may be stored in the lighting control device 4.

[0058] Furthermore, in the description of the present embodiment, the route map display board 6 is described, which depicts a route map of a train (railroad vehicle), which is an example of public transportation. However, the present embodiment is not limited to a train route map. In this respect, the public transportation may be a bus, an airplane, or a ship. That is, the route map lighting control system 1 according to the present embodiment can improve the entertainment value of the route map display board 6 depicting a route map (or a route map) of a bus, an airplane, or a ship. In this case, the external server 2 may transmit operation information of each bus, airplane, or ship route to the user terminal 3 at predetermined time intervals. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the public transportation route map is a two-dimensional diagram depicted on the route map display board, but the route map may be formed three-dimensionally.

[0059] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the description of the present embodiments. The present embodiments are merely examples, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications of the embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims. The technical scope of the present invention should be determined based on the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1: Route map lighting control system (control system) 2: External server 3: User terminal 4: Lighting control device 5: Light-emitting part 5a: Light-emitting part 6: Route map display board 7: Communication Network 8: Router 30: Bus 31: Control unit 32: Storage device 33: Input / output interface 34: Communications Department 35: Input operation section 36:Display section 37: Audio input section 38: Audio output section 41: Control unit 42:PWM circuit 43: Light emitting unit drive circuit 44: Communications Department 45: Power supply circuit U: User

Claims

1. a plurality of light-emitting units each arranged to correspond to one of a plurality of points on a plurality of routes included in a route map of the public transportation system and configured to emit light; a lighting control device configured to control lighting of the plurality of light-emitting units; A user terminal communicatively connected to the lighting control device and communicatively connected to an external server via a communication network; A route map lighting control system comprising: the plurality of light-emitting units are arranged on an ornamental route map display board on which the route map is drawn, The user terminal receiving operation information including the current position of a mobile object moving on each of the routes from the external server; Identifying one or more light-emitting units to be turned on among the plurality of light-emitting units based on the operation information; transmitting information about the one or more specified light-emitting units to the lighting control device; The lighting control device includes: receiving information about the one or more identified light-emitting units; controlling lighting of the one or more light-emitting units based on information about the one or more identified light-emitting units; Route map lighting control system.

2. The plurality of routes include: The first route and a second route different from the first route; Including, The plurality of light-emitting units include: a plurality of first light-emitting units arranged to correspond to the first route; a plurality of second light-emitting units arranged to correspond to the second route; Including, The operation information is First operation information including a current position of a mobile object moving on the first route; second operation information including a current position of a moving object traveling on the second route; Including, The route map lighting control system includes: receiving the first operation information and the second operation information from the external server; Identifying a first light-emitting element to be turned on among the plurality of first light-emitting elements based on the first operation information; turning on the specified first light-emitting unit; Identifying a second light-emitting element to be turned on among the plurality of second light-emitting elements based on the second operation information; turning on the specified second light-emitting unit; The route map lighting control system according to claim 1 .

3. at least some of the plurality of first light-emitting units are arranged to correspond to one of a plurality of stations on the first line; each of at least some of the plurality of second light-emitting units is arranged to correspond to one of a plurality of stations on the second line; The route map lighting control system according to claim 2.

4. each of at least some of the plurality of first light-emitting units is disposed between two adjacent stations among the plurality of stations on the first line; each of at least some of the plurality of second light-emitting units is disposed between two adjacent stations among the plurality of stations on the second line; The route map lighting control system according to claim 3.

5. The route map lighting control system includes: turning off the currently lit first light-emitting unit and turning on the specified first light-emitting unit based on the first operation information; turning off the currently lit second light-emitting unit and turning on the specified second light-emitting unit based on the second operation information; the lighting states of the plurality of first light-emitting units are switched continuously along the first route in conjunction with the operation status of a moving object moving along the first route; The lighting states of the plurality of second light-emitting units are switched continuously along the second route in conjunction with the operation status of a moving object moving on the second route. The route map lighting control system according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The public transportation is one of a train, a bus, an airplane, and a ship. The route map lighting control system according to claim 1 .

7. Depending on the input operation of the user on the user terminal, it is set which of the first operation information regarding the moving body moving in a first direction on a predetermined route and the second operation information regarding the moving body moving in a second direction opposite to the first direction on the predetermined route should be given priority; The user terminal selecting one of the first operation information and the second operation information when the first operation information and the second operation information are received from the external server; The route map lighting control system according to claim 1 .

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