Passenger information device, passenger information system, passenger information method, and passenger information program

Abstract

To provide a passenger guidance apparatus capable of guiding a user waiting for a train at a station at appropriate timing.SOLUTION: A passenger guidance apparatus includes a train information acquisition unit 421 which acquires train information including position information and speed information of a train received by radio communication from the train, a timetable information acquisition unit 411 which acquires timetable information including the order of arrival and departure of a plurality of trains at a station where the trains arrive at, and a guidance information processing unit 43 which determines whether or not to start providing guidance with respect to a user at the station where the trains arrive at based on the train information and identifies a train to be guided based on the timetable information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a passenger guidance device, a passenger guidance system, a passenger guidance method, and a passenger guidance program for guiding railway users.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, at stations where trains stop, users are guided about the approach of trains, etc. For example, in Patent Document 1, an operation management device acquires position information, etc. from each vehicle by wireless communication, and a passenger guidance information system calculates the scheduled arrival time of each station of a target vehicle using the position information, etc., and displays the calculated scheduled arrival time on a display screen installed at each station, thereby disclosing a technology for improving the convenience of users.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, according to the above conventional technology, the passenger guidance information system needs to calculate the scheduled arrival time for all target trains, and if an error occurs in the calculated scheduled arrival time, there is a problem that it is impossible to guide users at an accurate timing.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to obtain a passenger guidance device that can guide users waiting for trains at stations at an accurate timing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the passenger information system of this disclosure comprises: a train information acquisition unit that acquires train information including train location information and speed information received from a train via wireless communication; a timetable information acquisition unit that acquires timetable information including the arrival and departure order of multiple trains at a station to which the train is to arrive; and a guidance information processing unit that determines whether or not to start guidance to users at a station to which the train is to arrive, based on the train information and the indication of the station's home signal for the train, by determining whether or not to provide train approach guidance, and if train approach guidance is not provided, by determining whether or not to provide train arrival guidance, and identifies the train to be guided based on the timetable information, wherein the guidance information processing unit provides train approach guidance on the following conditions: the train's location indicated by the location information is at the position to provide approach guidance, the running speed indicated by the speed information is equal to or greater than a specified speed, and the station's home signal for the train is showing a proceed indication. When you start If the system determines that the conditions for approaching trains are not met, and the train's location, as indicated by the location information, is at a designated position within the station platform, and the train's speed, as indicated by the speed information, is 0, then the system will issue an arrival announcement for the train. When you start It is characterized by making a determination. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, the passenger information system has the effect of providing timely and accurate information to users waiting for trains at stations. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example configuration of the passenger information system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the passenger information device included in the passenger information system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] Flowchart showing the operation of the passenger information device according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 4]A flowchart illustrating the operation of the train information management unit of the passenger information guidance system according to Embodiment 1 to determine whether or not it is the timing to start guidance. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a processing circuit when the processing circuit for realizing the passenger information device according to Embodiment 1 is composed of a processor and memory. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a processing circuit when the processing circuit for realizing the passenger information device according to Embodiment 1 is configured with dedicated hardware. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example configuration of the passenger information system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the passenger information device included in the passenger information system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] Flowchart showing the operation of the passenger information device according to Embodiment 2 [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The passenger guidance device, passenger guidance system, passenger guidance method, and passenger guidance program according to embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example configuration of the passenger information system 1 according to Embodiment 1. The passenger information system 1 comprises an on-board communication device 11, a ground communication device 20, a train operation management device 30, a passenger information device 40, and an output device 50.

[0011] The onboard communication device 11 is installed on the train 10. The train 10 is the target of the passenger information system 1's approach or arrival announcements to railway users, i.e., users waiting for the train 10 at stations not shown. The onboard communication device 11 periodically transmits location information indicating the train 10's position on the track and speed information indicating the train 10's running speed via wireless communication to a ground communication device 20 installed on the ground. The method by which the train 10 detects its own position on the track and running speed can be an existing method and is not particularly limited. Although one train 10 is shown in the example in Figure 1, the target of the passenger information system 1's approach or arrival announcements is multiple trains 10 arriving at a station. The train 10 is assumed to be a formation consisting of multiple cars, but it may also be a single car.

[0012] When the ground communication device 20 receives train information, including location and speed information of the train 10, periodically transmitted from the onboard communication device 11 via wireless communication, it outputs it to the passenger information device 40. The ground communication device 20 may also output the location and speed information of the train 10 received from the onboard communication device 11 to other devices, such as a device that manages the operation of the train 10 in a wireless train control system.

[0013] The train operation management device 30 holds timetable information. This timetable information includes information indicating the arrival and departure order at stations where train 10 arrives, and information about the train's composition, i.e., the number of cars. The train operation management device 30 uses the same timetable information during normal operation of train 10, but changes the timetable information if delays or cancellations occur due to accidents or other reasons involving train 10.

[0014] The passenger information system 40 periodically acquires location and speed information of the train 10 from the ground communication device 20. The passenger information system 40 also acquires timetable information from the operation management device 30. Using the acquired location and speed information, the passenger information system 40 controls the announcements made to passengers at the station where the train 10 will arrive.

[0015] The output device 50 is a device used when the passenger guidance device 40 actually conducts train approach guidance or train arrival guidance. That is, the output device 50 is a device that outputs guidance corresponding to the train 10 arriving at or departing from the station under the control of the passenger guidance device 40. The output device 50 is, for example, a broadcasting device and a speaker, or a display device, etc. When the output device 50 is a broadcasting device and a speaker, the broadcasting device converts the signal of train approach guidance or train arrival guidance obtained from the passenger guidance device 40 into an audio signal and outputs it from the speaker. When the output device 50 is a display device, the display device displays the content of train approach guidance or train arrival guidance on a monitor or the like based on the signal of train approach guidance or train arrival guidance obtained from the passenger guidance device 40. Note that the passenger guidance system 1 may include a broadcasting device and a speaker as the output device 50, and may further include a display device. Also, the passenger guidance system 1 may include a plurality of broadcasting devices and a plurality of speakers, and a plurality of display devices as the output device 50. The passenger guidance system 1 may include, for example, a plurality of broadcasting devices, speakers, and display devices for each platform as the output device 50, or may be provided in a form in which a plurality of speakers are connected to one broadcasting device.

[0016] The detailed configuration and operation of the passenger guidance device 40 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the passenger guidance device 40 included in the passenger guidance system 1 according to Embodiment 1. The passenger guidance device 40 includes a schedule management unit 41, a train information management unit 42, and a guidance information processing unit 43. The schedule management unit 41 includes a schedule information acquisition unit 411 and a schedule information storage unit 412. The train information management unit 42 includes a train information acquisition unit 421 and a train information storage unit 422. The guidance information processing unit 43 includes a guidance start determination unit 431, a guidance start command unit 432, and a control unit 433.

[0017] In the schedule management unit 41, the schedule information acquisition unit 411 acquires schedule information from the operation management device 30. The schedule information acquisition unit 411, for example, acquires schedule information from the operation management device 30 before the departure of the train 10. In addition, when the schedule information is changed by the operation management device 30, the schedule information acquisition unit 411 acquires the changed schedule information from the operation management device 30 each time. The schedule information acquisition unit 411 stores the schedule information acquired from the operation management device 30 in the schedule information storage unit 412. In the passenger guidance device 40, the schedule information acquisition unit 411 may output the schedule information acquired and stored in the schedule information storage unit 412 to the guidance information processing unit 43, or the guidance information processing unit 43 may read the schedule information stored in the schedule information storage unit 412 of the schedule management unit 41 when necessary.

[0018] In the train information management unit 42, the train information acquisition unit 421 acquires train information including position information indicating the on-line position of the train 10 and speed information indicating the running speed of the train 10 received by wireless communication from the on-train communication device 11 of the train 10 from the ground communication device 20. The train information acquisition unit 421 stores the train information acquired from the ground communication device 20 in the train information storage unit 422. In the passenger guidance device 40, the train information acquisition unit 421 may output the train information acquired and stored in the train information storage unit 422 to the guidance information processing unit 43, or the guidance information processing unit 43 may read the train information stored in the train information storage unit 422 of the train information management unit 42 when necessary.

[0019] The guidance information processing unit 43 determines, based on train information, whether or not to start providing guidance to users at the station where train 10 will arrive, and identifies the train 10 to be provided guidance to based on timetable information. Specifically, in the guidance information processing unit 43, the guidance start determination unit 431 obtains train information from the train information management unit 42. The guidance start determination unit 431 uses the position information and speed information of train 10 included in the train information to determine the timing for starting guidance to be provided to users at the station where train 10 will arrive. The guidance start timing includes the timing for starting train approach guidance to announce the approach of train 10, and the timing for starting train arrival guidance to announce the arrival of train 10. The guidance start determination unit 431 also obtains timetable information from the timetable management unit 41. When the guidance start determination unit 431 determines to start guidance, it obtains the platform number of the station where train 10 will enter from the timetable information, and uses the platform number and sequence to identify the train 10 to be provided guidance to.

[0020] The guidance start determination unit 431 may notify the guidance start command unit 432 that it is currently guidance start timing, and then notify the guidance start command unit 432 of the platform number on which train 10 will enter the station, or it may notify the guidance start command unit 432 of the platform number on which train 10 will enter the station, and instruct the guidance start command unit 432 to treat the notified timing as guidance start timing. The guidance start determination unit 431 also notifies the guidance start command unit 432 in a way that allows it to know whether the notified guidance start timing is the timing to start train approach guidance or the timing to start train arrival guidance. The specific operation of the guidance start determination unit 431 in determining the guidance start timing will be described later.

[0021] The guidance start command unit 432 instructs the control unit 433 to start providing guidance to users based on the guidance start timing notified by the guidance start determination unit 431, and the timetable information which includes information on the arrival and departure order of train 10 at the station. The guidance start command unit 432 instructs the control unit 433 whether the guidance targeted by the guidance start timing is a train approach guidance or a train arrival guidance, and also instructs the platform number on which train 10 will enter the station based on the timetable information.

[0022] The control unit 433 controls the announcements to be made to passengers waiting for the train 10 at the station, based on instructions from the announcement start command unit 432. Specifically, the control unit 433 uses the broadcasting device and speaker, which are output devices 50, to provide voice announcements of approaching or arriving trains, and uses the display device, which is also an output device 50, to provide display announcements of approaching or arriving trains. The control unit 433 outputs the train approaching or arriving train announcement signals to the broadcasting device, display device, etc., which are output devices 50. Depending on the station's facilities, the control unit 433 may use the broadcasting device and speaker as output devices 50 to provide voice-only announcements of approaching or arriving trains, or it may use the display device as output devices 50 to provide display-only announcements of approaching or arriving trains.

[0023] Next, the operation of the passenger information device 40 will be explained. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the passenger information device 40 according to Embodiment 1. In the passenger information device 40, the timetable information acquisition unit 411 of the timetable management unit 41 acquires timetable information from the operation management device 30 (step S101). The train information acquisition unit 421 of the train information management unit 42 acquires train information, including the location information and speed information of train 10, transmitted from the onboard communication device 11 of train 10 and received by the ground communication device 20, from the ground communication device 20 (step S102). The guidance start determination unit 431 of the guidance information processing unit 43 determines whether or not it is the guidance start timing using the train information of train 10 (step S103).

[0024] Here, we will explain in detail the operation by which the guidance start determination unit 431 determines whether or not it is the guidance start timing. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the operation by which the guidance start determination unit 431 of the passenger guidance device 40 according to Embodiment 1 determines whether or not it is the guidance start timing.

[0025] The guidance start determination unit 431 determines, based on the position information included in the train information of train 10, whether the position of train 10 indicated by the position information is at a position designated as the position for providing train approach guidance, i.e., the position for providing train approach guidance (step S201). The position designated as the position for providing train approach guidance is expressed, for example, as the distance from the end of the platform or the stopping position of the station where train 10 will arrive. If the position of train 10 is at a position designated as the position for providing train approach guidance (step S201: Yes), the guidance start determination unit 431 determines, based on the speed information of train 10, whether the running speed of train 10 indicated by the speed information is equal to or greater than the designated speed (step S202). The designated speed is expressed, for example, as ○○ km / h. The designated speed can be determined based on a run curve that shows the running speed of train 10 during normal running at the position designated as the position for providing train approach guidance as described above. If the speed of train 10 is equal to or greater than the specified speed (step S202: Yes), the guidance start determination unit 431 determines whether the home signal for train 10 at the station where train 10 will arrive is showing a proceed indication (step S203).

[0026] The guidance start determination unit 431 acquires information from the station's home signal from an interlocking device (not shown). If the home signal for train 10 is showing a proceed indication (step S203: Yes), the guidance start determination unit 431 determines that it is now the start time for the guidance of approaching train 10 (step S204). Thus, the guidance start determination unit 431 determines that it will start the guidance of approaching train 10 if the location of train 10 indicated by the position information is at the position specified for providing guidance of approaching train 10, the running speed of train 10 indicated by the speed information is equal to or greater than the specified speed, and the home signal for train 10 at the station is showing a proceed indication.

[0027] If the location of train 10 is not at the location specified for issuing train approach guidance (Step S201: No), the guidance start determination unit 431 determines whether the location of train 10 indicated by the location information is the position where it has entered the station platform and is at the specified position relative to the platform (Step S205). This is to prevent issuing train arrival guidance when train 10 has not yet reached the station platform. If the location of train 10 indicated by the location information is the position where it has entered the station platform and is at the specified position relative to the platform (Step S205: Yes), the guidance start determination unit 431 determines whether the running speed of train 10 indicated by the speed information is 0, based on the speed information of train 10 (Step S206). This is to confirm that train 10 has stopped, i.e., arrived.

[0028] If the train 10's running speed is 0 (step S206: Yes), the guidance start determination unit 431 determines that it is now the timing to start the train arrival guidance for train 10 (step S207). In this way, the guidance start determination unit 431 determines that if the train 10's location, indicated by the position information, is at the position where it has entered the station platform and is at a defined position relative to the platform, and the train 10's running speed, indicated by the speed information, is 0, then it will start the train 10 arrival guidance.

[0029] Furthermore, if the speed of train 10 is not equal to or greater than the specified speed (Step S202: No), or if the station signal for train 10 is not showing a proceed indication (Step S203: No), or if the location of train 10 indicated by the location information is not that it has entered the station platform or is not at the specified position relative to the platform (Step S205: No), or if the speed of train 10 is not 0 (Step S206: No), the guidance start determination unit 431 determines that it is not currently the guidance start timing for either train approach guidance or train arrival guidance, and terminates its operation to determine whether or not it is the guidance start timing.

[0030] Returning to the explanation of Figure 3, if the guidance start determination unit 431 determines that it is not the guidance start timing (step S103: No), it returns to step S102. If the guidance start determination unit 431 determines that it is the guidance start timing (step S103: Yes), it notifies the guidance start command unit 432 whether the guidance content is a train approach guidance or a train arrival guidance. The guidance start command unit 432 instructs the control unit 433 to start the guidance (step S104). The control unit 433 controls the output device 50 to start the guidance (step S105).

[0031] The explanation above describes the case where the information transmitted from the onboard communication device 11 of train 10 to the ground communication device 20 is the location information and speed information of train 10, but it is not limited to this. The onboard communication device 11 of train 10 may also transmit information about the estimated arrival time of train 10 at the station. In this case, in the passenger information device 40, the train information acquisition unit 421 of the train information management unit 42 further acquires the information about the estimated arrival time of train 10 at the station, which has been acquired by the ground communication device 20 via wireless communication from the onboard communication device 11 of train 10. In the information information processing unit 43, the information start determination unit 431 acquires the information about the estimated arrival time of train 10 at the station from the train information management unit 42. The information start determination unit 431 outputs the acquired information about the estimated arrival time of train 10 at the station to the information start command unit 432. This allows the information start command unit 432 to further specify the estimated arrival time of train 10 that is the subject of the information when providing information about the approaching train 10 to users.

[0032] Next, the hardware configuration of the passenger information device 40 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. In the passenger information device 40, the timetable information acquisition unit 411 is an interface that can acquire timetable information from the operation management device 30. The train information acquisition unit 421 is an interface that can acquire train information from the ground communication device 20. The timetable information storage unit 412 and the train information storage unit 422 are memories. The information processing unit 43 is implemented by a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be a memory that stores programs and a processor that executes the programs stored in the memory, or it may be dedicated hardware. The processing circuit is also called a control circuit.

[0033] Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of a processing circuit 90 when the processing circuit for realizing the passenger information device 40 according to Embodiment 1 is composed of a processor 91 and a memory 92. The processing circuit 90 shown in Figure 5 is a control circuit and comprises a processor 91 and a memory 92. When the processing circuit 90 is composed of a processor 91 and a memory 92, each function of the processing circuit 90 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or firmware is written as a program and stored in the memory 92. In the processing circuit 90, each function is realized by the processor 91 reading and executing the program stored in the memory 92. That is, the processing circuit 90 includes a memory 92 for storing a program that will ultimately be executed as processing for the passenger information device 40. This program can also be said to be a program that causes the passenger information device 40 to execute each function realized by the processing circuit 90. This program may be provided by a storage medium on which the program is stored, or by other means such as a communication medium.

[0034] The above program can also be described as a program that causes the passenger information device 40 to execute the following steps: a train information acquisition step to acquire train information including location information and speed information of train 10 received by wireless communication from train 10; a timetable information acquisition step to acquire timetable information including the arrival and departure order of multiple trains 10 at the station where train 10 will arrive; a determination step to determine whether or not to start providing information to users at the station where train 10 will arrive based on the train information; and an identification step to identify the train 10 that is the target of the information based on the timetable information.

[0035] Here, the processor 91 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The memory 92 is, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Registered Trademark) (Electrically EPROM), magnetic disks, flexible disks, optical disks, compact disks, minidiscs, or DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs).

[0036] Figure 6 shows an example of the configuration of a processing circuit 93 when the processing circuit for realizing the passenger information device 40 according to Embodiment 1 is configured with dedicated hardware. The processing circuit 93 shown in Figure 6 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. The processing circuit 93 may be partially implemented with dedicated hardware and partially implemented with software or firmware. In this way, the processing circuit 93 can realize each of the above functions with dedicated hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0037] As described above, according to this embodiment, the passenger information device 40 uses train information, including the location information and speed information of the train 10, acquired from the train 10, to determine the timing for starting train approach announcements and train arrival announcements to passengers of the train 10 waiting for the train 10 at a station. The passenger information device 40 can determine whether to provide a train approach announcement or a train arrival announcement when the above-mentioned determination conditions are met, so it can provide accurate and timely guidance to passengers waiting for the train 10 at a station while suppressing the processing load.

[0038] Embodiment 2. The number of cars in train 10 may vary depending on the train's configuration. If the number of cars in train 10 differs, even if the lead car of train 10 stops at the same stopping position, depending on the station's structure, train 10 may not be near the station's ticket gates, stairs, etc. Therefore, the stopping position of train 10 at stations is changed according to the train's configuration, i.e., the number of cars. Embodiment 2 describes a case in which the passenger information system corrects the timing of the announcement start according to the number of cars in train 10.

[0039] Figure 7 shows an example of the configuration of the passenger information system 1a according to Embodiment 2. The passenger information system 1a comprises an on-board communication device 11, a ground communication device 20, a train operation management device 30, a passenger information device 40a, and an output device 50. The passenger information system 1a is the same as the passenger information system 1 of Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 1, but with the passenger information device 40 replaced by the passenger information device 40a.

[0040] Figure 8 shows an example of the configuration of a passenger information device 40a provided in the passenger information system 1a according to Embodiment 2. The passenger information device 40a includes a timetable management unit 41, a train information management unit 42, and a guidance information processing unit 43a. The guidance information processing unit 43a is an addition of a guidance control correction unit 434 to the guidance information processing unit 43 of Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 2. In the passenger information device 40a, the guidance start determination unit 431 notifies the guidance start timing, etc., of the guidance control correction unit 434 instead of the guidance start command unit 432. The guidance start determination unit 431 notifies differently from Embodiment 1, but its operation is the same as in Embodiment 1. Furthermore, in the passenger information device 40a, the timetable information acquisition unit 411 of the timetable management unit 41 may output the acquired timetable information to the guidance control correction unit 434, or the guidance control correction unit 434 may read the timetable information stored in the timetable information storage unit 412 of the timetable management unit 41 when necessary.

[0041] The guidance control correction unit 434 corrects the guidance start timing determined by the guidance start determination unit 431 based on the information on the number of cars in train 10 included in the timetable information and the information on the stopping position of train 10 on the station platform. If the guidance start determination unit 431 determines that guidance should be started, the guidance control correction unit 434 may correct the guidance start timing based on at least one of the information on the number of cars in train 10 included in the timetable information and the information on the stopping position of train 10 on the station platform. The guidance control correction unit 434 notifies the guidance start command unit 432 of the corrected guidance start timing, etc. Generally, the stopping position of train 10 on the station platform is determined by the number of cars in train 10. Therefore, the guidance control correction unit 434 maintains information on the stopping position of train 10 on the station platform for the stations to which guidance is provided. Information regarding the stopping position of train 10 on the station platform may be stored in the guidance control correction unit 434 by a station employee at the relevant station, or it may be stored in the guidance control correction unit 434 collectively by a person in charge of the railway operator operating train 10.

[0042] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the passenger guidance device 40a according to Embodiment 2. The flowchart in Figure 9 is the same as the flowchart of Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 3, with the operation of step S111 added. As described above, the operation of step S111 is the operation in which the guidance control correction unit 434 corrects the guidance start timing. The other operations shown in the flowchart of Figure 9 are the same as the operations in the flowchart of Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 3.

[0043] As described above, according to this embodiment, the passenger information device 40a corrects the timing of the start of train approaching and train arrival announcements according to the number of cars in the train 10. As a result, the passenger information device 40a can provide guidance with even greater accuracy and at a more precise timing compared to the passenger information device 40 of Embodiment 1.

[0044] The configurations shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and it is possible to combine them with other known technologies, combine different embodiments, and omit or modify parts of the configuration without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0045] The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix.

[0046] (Note 1) A train information acquisition unit that acquires train information, including the location information and speed information of the train, received from the train via wireless communication, A timetable information acquisition unit acquires timetable information including the arrival and departure order of multiple trains at the station where the aforementioned train arrives. An information processing unit determines whether or not to start providing information to passengers at the station where the train will arrive, based on the aforementioned train information, and identifies the train to which the information will be provided, based on the aforementioned timetable information. A passenger information device characterized by being equipped with the following features. (Note 2) When the guidance information processing unit determines that guidance should be initiated, it corrects the timing for initiating the guidance based on at least one of the following: the information on the number of cars in the train included in the timetable information and the information on the stopping position of the train on the station platform. The passenger information device described in Appendix 1, characterized by the features described herein. (Note 3) The guidance information processing unit determines that it will start providing guidance for the approaching train if the train's location, as indicated by the position information, is at a location designated for providing guidance for the approaching train, the train's speed, as indicated by the speed information, is equal to or greater than the designated speed, and the station signal for the train at the station is showing a proceed indication. A passenger information device as described in Appendix 1 or 2, characterized by the features described herein. (Note 4) The guidance information processing unit determines that if the train's location, as indicated by the position information, is at a position where it has entered the station platform and is at a defined position relative to the platform, and the train's speed, as indicated by the speed information, is 0, it will start providing guidance for the arrival of the train. A passenger information device characterized by any one of the appendices 1 to 3. (Note 5) When the guidance information processing unit determines to start the guidance, it obtains the platform number of the station on which the train will enter from the timetable information, and uses the platform number and the sequence to identify the train that is the subject of the guidance. A passenger information device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 4, characterized by the features described herein. (Note 6) The train information acquisition unit further acquires information on the scheduled arrival time of the train at the station, which has been obtained from the train via wireless communication. The information processing unit, in providing information to the user about the approaching train, further specifies the estimated arrival time of the train to be provided for the information. A passenger information device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 5, characterized by the above. (Note 7) A train information acquisition unit that acquires train information, including the location information and speed information of the train, received from the train via wireless communication, A timetable information acquisition unit acquires timetable information including the arrival and departure order of multiple trains at the station where the aforementioned train arrives. An information processing unit determines whether or not to start providing information to passengers at the station where the train will arrive, based on the aforementioned train information, and identifies the train to which the information will be provided, based on the aforementioned timetable information. A passenger information system equipped with, An output device that outputs the information corresponding to the aforementioned train, A passenger information system characterized by having the following features. (Note 8) A ground communication device that receives train information from a train via wireless communication, including location information indicating the train's current position and speed information indicating the train's running speed. A train operation management device that holds timetable information including information on the order of arrival and departure at the station where the aforementioned train arrives, A passenger information device that controls the information provided to users at the station where the aforementioned train arrives, An output device that outputs the information corresponding to the aforementioned train, Equipped with, The aforementioned passenger information device, A train information acquisition unit that acquires the train information from the aforementioned ground communication device, A timetable information acquisition unit that acquires the timetable information from the aforementioned operation management device, An information processing unit that determines whether or not to start the announcement based on the train information, and identifies the train to which the announcement is to be made based on the timetable information, A passenger information system characterized by having the following features. (Note 9) A train information acquisition step involves acquiring train information, including the location information and speed information of the train, which is received from the train via wireless communication. A timetable information acquisition step involves acquiring timetable information including the arrival and departure order of multiple trains at the station where the aforementioned train arrives. A determination step of determining whether or not to start providing information to passengers at the station where the train will arrive, based on the aforementioned train information, Based on the aforementioned timetable information, a selection step is made to identify the train to which the announcement applies, A passenger guidance method characterized by including the following. (Note 10) If the determination step determines that the guidance should be started, a guidance control correction step is performed to correct the timing of starting the guidance based on at least one of the following: the information on the number of cars of the train included in the timetable information and the information on the stopping position of the train on the station platform. The passenger guidance method described in Appendix 9, further characterized by including the following: (Note 11) In the determination step, if the location of the train indicated by the position information is at the position specified as the position for providing guidance for the approaching train, the running speed of the train indicated by the speed information is equal to or greater than the specified speed, and the station signal for the train is showing a proceed indication, then it is determined that guidance for the approaching train should be initiated. The passenger guidance method described in Appendix 9 or 10, characterized by the features described herein. (Note 12) In the determination step, if the position of the train indicated by the position information is the position where the train has entered the station platform and is at a defined position relative to the platform, and the running speed of the train indicated by the speed information is 0, then it is determined that the train arrival announcement should be started as the announcement. A passenger guidance method as described in any one of the appendices 9 to 11, characterized by the features described herein. (Note 13) In the determination step, when it is determined to start the guidance, the platform number of the station on which the train will enter is obtained from the timetable information, In the aforementioned specific step, the train to be guided is identified using the platform number and the sequence. A passenger guidance method as described in any one of the appendices 9 to 12, characterized by the features described herein. (Note 14) In the train information acquisition step, information on the scheduled arrival time of the train at the station, which has been acquired from the train via wireless communication, is further acquired. In the aforementioned specific step, in providing the user with information about the approaching train, the scheduled arrival time of the train to which the information pertains is further specified. A passenger guidance method characterized by any one of the appendices 9 to 13. (Note 15) A train information acquisition step involves acquiring train information, including the location information and speed information of the train, which is received from the train via wireless communication. A timetable information acquisition step involves acquiring timetable information including the arrival and departure order of multiple trains at the station where the aforementioned train arrives. A determination step of determining whether or not to start providing information to passengers at the station where the train will arrive, based on the aforementioned train information, Based on the aforementioned timetable information, a selection step is made to identify the train to which the announcement applies, A passenger information program characterized by having a computer execute it. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0047] 1,1a Passenger information system, 10 Train, 11 Onboard communication device, 20 Ground communication device, 30 Operation management device, 40,40a Passenger information device, 41 Timetable management unit, 42 Train information management unit, 43,43a Information processing unit, 50 Output device, 90,93 Processing circuit, 91 Processor, 92 Memory, 411 Timetable information acquisition unit, 412 Timetable information storage unit, 421 Train information acquisition unit, 422 Train information storage unit, 431 Information start determination unit, 432 Information start command unit, 433 Control unit, 434 Information control correction unit.

Claims

1. A train information acquisition unit that acquires train information, including the location information and speed information of the train, received from the train via wireless communication, A timetable information acquisition unit acquires timetable information including the arrival and departure order of multiple trains at the station where the aforementioned train arrives. Based on the aforementioned train information and the indication status of the station signals for the train at the station, the guidance information processing unit determines whether or not to start providing guidance to passengers at the station where the train will arrive by determining whether or not to provide an approaching train guidance, and if not to provide an approaching train guidance, by determining whether or not to provide an arrival guidance for the train, thereby determining whether or not to start the guidance, and identifies the train to which the guidance will be provided based on the timetable information, Equipped with, The aforementioned guidance information processing unit, If the location of the train indicated by the aforementioned location information is at a position where approach guidance should be provided, the running speed indicated by the aforementioned speed information is equal to or greater than the specified speed, and the station signal for the train at the aforementioned station is showing a proceed indication, then it is determined that approach guidance for the train should be initiated. If it is determined that the conditions for the aforementioned approach guidance are not met, it is determined that the train arrival guidance will be initiated on the condition that the train's location, as indicated by the location information, is at a specified position within the station platform, and the running speed, as indicated by the speed information, is 0. A passenger information device characterized by the following features.

2. When the guidance information processing unit determines that guidance should be initiated, it corrects the timing for initiating the guidance based on at least one of the following: the information on the number of cars in the train included in the timetable information and the information on the stopping position of the train on the station platform. The passenger information device according to feature 1.

3. When the guidance information processing unit determines to start the guidance, it obtains the platform number of the station on which the train will enter from the timetable information, and uses the platform number and the sequence to identify the train that is the subject of the guidance. The passenger information device according to feature 1.

4. The train information acquisition unit further acquires information on the scheduled arrival time of the train at the station, which has been obtained from the train via wireless communication. The information processing unit, in providing information to the user about the approaching train, further specifies the estimated arrival time of the train to be provided for the information. The passenger information device according to feature 1.

5. A train information acquisition unit that acquires train information, including the location information and speed information of the train, received from the train via wireless communication, A timetable information acquisition unit acquires timetable information including the arrival and departure order of multiple trains at the station where the aforementioned train arrives. Based on the aforementioned train information and the indication status of the station signals for the train at the station, the guidance information processing unit determines whether or not to start providing guidance to passengers at the station where the train will arrive by determining whether or not to provide an approaching train guidance, and if not to provide an approaching train guidance, by determining whether or not to provide an arrival guidance for the train, thereby determining whether or not to start the guidance, and identifies the train to which the guidance will be provided based on the timetable information, Equipped with, The aforementioned guidance information processing unit, If the location of the train indicated by the aforementioned location information is at a position where approach guidance should be provided, the running speed indicated by the aforementioned speed information is equal to or greater than the specified speed, and the station signal for the train at the aforementioned station is showing a proceed indication, then it is determined that approach guidance for the train should be initiated. If it is determined that the conditions for the aforementioned approach guidance are not met, it is determined that the train arrival guidance will be initiated on the condition that the train's location, as indicated by the location information, is at a specified position within the station platform, and the running speed, as indicated by the speed information, is 0. A passenger information device characterized by, An output device that outputs the information corresponding to the aforementioned train, A passenger information system characterized by having the following features.

6. A ground communication device that receives train information from a train via wireless communication, including location information indicating the train's current position and speed information indicating the train's running speed. A train operation management device that holds timetable information including information on the order of arrival and departure at the station where the aforementioned train arrives, A passenger information device that controls the information provided to users at the station where the aforementioned train arrives, An output device that outputs the information corresponding to the aforementioned train, Equipped with, The aforementioned passenger information device, A train information acquisition unit that acquires the train information from the aforementioned ground communication device, A timetable information acquisition unit that acquires the timetable information from the aforementioned operation management device, Based on the aforementioned train information and the indication status of the station signals for the train, the guidance information processing unit determines whether or not to start the guidance by determining whether or not to provide guidance for the approaching train, and if not to provide guidance for the approaching train, by determining whether or not to provide guidance for the arrival of the train, and identifies the train to be guided based on the timetable information. Equipped with, The aforementioned guidance information processing unit, If the location of the train indicated by the aforementioned location information is at a position where approach guidance should be provided, the running speed indicated by the aforementioned speed information is equal to or greater than the specified speed, and the station signal for the train at the aforementioned station is showing a proceed indication, then it is determined that approach guidance for the train should be initiated. If it is determined that the conditions for the aforementioned approach guidance are not met, it is determined that the train arrival guidance will be initiated on the condition that the train's location, as indicated by the location information, is at a specified position within the station platform, and the running speed, as indicated by the speed information, is 0. A passenger information system characterized by the following features.

7. A train information acquisition step involves acquiring train information, including the location information and speed information of the train, which is received from the train via wireless communication. A timetable information acquisition step involves acquiring timetable information including the arrival and departure order of multiple trains at the station where the aforementioned train arrives. Based on the aforementioned train information and the indication status of the station signals for the train at the station, a determination step is made to determine whether or not to start providing information to passengers at the station where the train will arrive, by determining whether or not to provide an approaching train announcement, and if an approaching train announcement is not provided, by determining whether or not to provide an arrival announcement for the train, thereby determining whether or not to start providing the announcement. Based on the aforementioned timetable information, a selection step is made to identify the train to which the announcement applies, Includes, The aforementioned determination step is, If the location of the train indicated by the aforementioned location information is at a position where approach guidance should be provided, the running speed indicated by the aforementioned speed information is equal to or greater than the specified speed, and the station signal for the train at the aforementioned station is showing a proceed indication, then it is determined that approach guidance for the train should be initiated. If it is determined that the conditions for the aforementioned approach guidance are not met, it is determined that the train arrival guidance will be initiated on the condition that the train's location, as indicated by the location information, is at a specified position within the station platform, and the running speed, as indicated by the speed information, is 0. A passenger guidance method characterized by the following features.

8. If the determination step determines that the guidance should be started, a guidance control correction step is performed to correct the timing of starting the guidance based on at least one of the following: the information on the number of cars of the train included in the timetable information and the information on the stopping position of the train on the station platform. The passenger guidance method according to claim 7, further comprising the features described above.

9. In the determination step, when it is determined to start the guidance, the platform number of the station on which the train will enter is obtained from the timetable information, In the aforementioned specific step, the train to be guided is identified using the platform number and the sequence. The passenger guidance method according to feature 7.

10. In the train information acquisition step, information on the scheduled arrival time of the train at the station, which has been acquired from the train via wireless communication, is further acquired. In the aforementioned specific step, in providing the user with information about the approaching train, the scheduled arrival time of the train to which the information pertains is further specified. The passenger guidance method according to feature 7.

11. A train information acquisition step involves acquiring train information, including the location information and speed information of the train, which is received from the train via wireless communication. A timetable information acquisition step involves acquiring timetable information including the arrival and departure order of multiple trains at the station where the aforementioned train arrives. Based on the aforementioned train information and the indication status of the station signals for the train at the station, a determination step is made to determine whether or not to start providing information to passengers at the station where the train will arrive, by determining whether or not to provide an approaching train announcement, and if an approaching train announcement is not provided, by determining whether or not to provide an arrival announcement for the train, thereby determining whether or not to start providing the announcement. The process includes a step of identifying the train to which the announcement applies based on the timetable information, The aforementioned determination step is, If the location of the train indicated by the aforementioned location information is at a position where approach guidance should be provided, the running speed indicated by the aforementioned speed information is equal to or greater than the specified speed, and the station signal for the train at the aforementioned station is showing a proceed indication, then it is determined that approach guidance for the train should be initiated. If it is determined that the conditions for the aforementioned approach guidance are not met, it is determined that the train arrival guidance will be initiated on the condition that the train's location, as indicated by the location information, is at a specified position within the station platform, and the running speed, as indicated by the speed information, is 0. A passenger information program characterized by having a computer execute each step.

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