WO2016104044A1

WO2016104044A1 - Information display device

Info

Publication number: WO2016104044A1
Application number: PCT/JP2015/083314
Authority: WO
Inventors: 孝介八木; 望中川
Original assignee: 三菱電機株式会社
Priority date: 2014-12-25
Filing date: 2015-11-27
Publication date: 2016-06-30
Also published as: JP6000502B1; JPWO2016104044A1; SG11201705149QA

Abstract

Information display devices (100) that transmit and receive data (D₀) to and from each other are characterized in that each of the display devices is provided with a display panel (11) that displays information, and a plurality of optical communication modules (16) that transmit and receive the data (D₀) in a wireless manner using light, said data including the information to be displayed on the display panel (11). The information display device is also characterized in that the optical communication modules (16) include a first optical communication module (16) facing the first direction, and a second optical communication module (16) facing the direction different from the first direction, and the data (D₀) received by the first optical communication module (16) is transmitted from the second optical communication module (16).

Description

Information display device

The present invention relates to an information display device that provides various types of information to passengers in vehicles such as railways.

As a service for passengers such as railways, various information such as operation status or current position is provided using an information display device installed in the vehicle. The information display device is installed in the upper part of the passenger door or the passage, and displays information using a display device such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The display content and the switching timing thereof are separately provided from a control device installed in the train and distributed to each information display device.

Conventionally, distribution from this control device is performed over a network using wiring. For this reason, when installing an information display device in an existing vehicle, complicated wiring work is required. In addition, it was necessary to install network equipment.

In order to simplify the installation work on the existing vehicle, for example, the system described in Patent Document 1 uses a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). This system facilitates installation by partially replacing the distribution to the information display device with a wireless LAN.

Japanese Patent No. 5480771 (paragraphs 0012 to 0035, FIG. 1)

However, since wireless communication using radio waves makes it difficult to communicate between vehicles, wiring work is still required for the basic LAN portion connecting the vehicles. In addition, it is necessary to construct a network control facility such as a wireless LAN access point or a DHCP server. In addition, it is necessary to install an RFID tag in the vehicle in order to identify the installation position, which requires time and labor for RFID tag installation work, RFID tag issuance and management, and the like. For this reason, simplification using a method using a wireless LAN can provide only a partial effect when viewed from the whole installation work.

Also, the wireless LAN system that is currently popular uses radio waves in the ISM band. The ISM band is originally a band for a radio source for non-communication use. Therefore, when the wireless LAN method is used for communication, it must be premised that stable communication cannot be performed due to interference from other radio wave sources.

Moreover, since radio waves can be used without a license if the conditions are met, the ISM band is also used for various communication purposes. In particular, due to the spread of smart phones or tablet terminals having a plurality of wireless communication functions in addition to the original wireless function for telephone communication, there are many radio waves such as a wireless LAN or Bluetooth in the train. These may interfere with wireless LAN communication and make the communication unstable.

In addition, when considering along the train tracks, the train itself or the vehicle of the passing train itself is a source of radio interference, and overhead lines or power transmission lines are also sources of radio interference. For this reason, it is difficult to stably use a wireless LAN that uses radio waves.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an information display device that is easy to install and is less susceptible to radio wave interference.

An information display device according to an aspect of the present invention is an information display device that mutually transmits and receives data, and includes the display panel that displays information and the information that is displayed on the display panel wirelessly using light. A plurality of optical communication modules that transmit and receive data, and the plurality of optical communication modules are directed to a first optical communication module directed in a first direction and a direction different from the first direction. The second optical communication module is included, and the data received by the first optical communication module is transmitted from the second optical communication module.

According to the present invention, since optical communication is used, it is possible to provide an information display device that is easy to install and is less susceptible to radio wave interference.

1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of an information display device according to Embodiments 1 and 2. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information display device according to Embodiments 1 and 2. FIG. It is the schematic which shows an example of the external structure in the case of setting it as what is called a hanging type which installs the information display apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 in the upper part of a channel | path. It is the schematic which shows an example which installs the information display apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 in a vehicle. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a communicable angle of an optical communication unit in the information display device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a communicable angle of an optical communication unit in the information display device according to Embodiment 1. 4 is a flowchart showing data transmission / reception control of the information display apparatus according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating data transmission / reception control of the information display device according to the second embodiment. 7 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of an information display device according to Embodiments 3 to 5. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information display device according to Embodiments 3 to 5. FIG. It is the schematic which shows an example of the external structure in the case of setting it as what is called an entrance / exit door upper installation type which installs the information display apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 in the upper part of an entrance / exit door. It is the schematic which shows an example which installs the information display apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 in a vehicle. 10 is a flowchart illustrating data transmission / reception control of the information display device according to the third embodiment. 10 is a schematic diagram shown as an example of connection information in Embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of updating connection information in the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing connection information transmission / reception control for detecting an installation position in the third embodiment. It is the schematic which shows an example of the external structure of the information display apparatus at the time of setting it as what is called a through-passage top installation type which installs the information display apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4 on the upper part of the throughway between vehicles. It is the schematic explaining the arrangement | positioning in the train of the information display apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4. FIG.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of an information display device 100 as an information display device according to the first embodiment. The reference numerals in parentheses in FIG. 1 indicate the configuration in the second embodiment.

The information display device 100 includes one or more display units 101, a display data switching unit 104, a control unit 105, one or more optical communication units 106, and a storage unit 107.
The storage unit 107 includes a data storage unit 102 and a data storage unit 103.
A plurality of information display devices 100 are installed in the vehicle.
The display data switching unit 104 is an example of a display control unit.

Display unit 101 displays various information. The information includes character information or video information.

The data storage unit 102 stores data for displaying information on the display unit 101, data for identifying the position of the information display device 100, and the like.

The data storage unit 103 stores data for processing by the information display device 100. For example, the data stored in the data storage unit 103 is information such as temporary data used by the control unit 105, data transmitted / received by the information display apparatus 100, or an intermediate value of calculation.

The display data switching unit 104 displays information on the display unit 101 based on the data stored in the data storage unit 102. The display data switching unit 104 switches information displayed on the display unit 101.

The control unit 105 controls processing in the information display device 100. For example, the control unit 105 performs control such as communication with another information display device 100 performed by the optical communication unit 106 or data storage performed by the storage unit 107. The control unit 105 also performs control such as display of information by the display unit 101 performed by the display data switching unit 104 or switching of display according to the position and state of the train.

The optical communication unit 106 performs wireless communication using light. For example, the optical communication unit 106 is installed facing the other information display device 100. The optical communication unit 106 performs optical space communication or optical wireless communication. “Optical space communication” is optical communication using spatial propagation. “Optical wireless communication” is communication using light rays and is a type of wireless communication. That is, the optical communication unit 106 performs communication without using a communication path such as an optical fiber. A “communication path” refers to a medium for transmitting information from a sender of information to a receiver.

Typically, the optical communication unit 106 includes a light emitting element and a light receiving element. The pair of optical communication units 106 installed facing each other performs one-to-one communication. However, many other variations are possible.

The storage unit 107 includes a data storage unit 102 and a data storage unit 103 as components.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information display apparatus 100.

The information display device 100 includes one or more display panels 11, a CPU 15, one or more optical communication modules 16, and a memory 17.
The memory 17 includes a nonvolatile memory 12 and a volatile memory 13.
Reference numerals in parentheses in FIG. 2 indicate configurations in the second embodiment.

CPU 15 functions as a processor. The processor is hardware for executing an instruction set described in a software program. In addition, although one CPU is used in FIG. 2, processing may be performed by a plurality of CPUs 15.

For example, the display unit 101 in FIG. 1 can be realized by the CPU 15 using the display panel 11. For example, the display unit 101 is realized by the CPU 15 taking out the video data from the nonvolatile memory 12 and drawing it on the display panel 11.

The data storage unit 102 in FIG. 1 can be realized by the CPU 15 using the nonvolatile memory 12. That is, when the CPU 15 records or reads data in the nonvolatile memory 12, the data storage unit 102 can record or read information such as display data, installation information, or data transfer order.

1 can be realized by the CPU 15 using the volatile memory 13. That is, when the CPU 15 records or reads data in or from the volatile memory 13, the data storage unit 103 can store information such as communication data or intermediate values of operations.

1 can be realized by the CPU 15 reading the program stored in the nonvolatile memory 12 into the volatile memory 13 and executing it. That is, the CPU 15 selects video data to be displayed on the display panel 11 and draws it on the display panel 11 according to the passage of time, the traveling position of the vehicle, or the state of the vehicle. That is, the CPU 15 in FIG. 2 has the functions of the display data switching unit 104 and the control unit 105 in FIG.

The optical communication unit 106 in FIG. 1 can be realized by the CPU 15 using the optical communication module 16. That is, the CPU 15 sends data to be transmitted to the optical communication module 16. Further, the CPU 15 receives data received by the optical communication module 16. As a result, the optical communication unit 106 can perform wireless communication using light. At this time, depending on the type of the optical communication module 16, the CPU 15 may exchange data with the optical communication module 16 as data, or may directly control the optical communication module 16 by converting it to the level of the blinking signal.

When the CPU 15 exchanges data with the optical communication module 16 as data, the CPU 15 transmits the data to be transmitted to the optical communication module 16 as character or numerical data. Then, the optical communication module 16 converts the light into a predetermined type of flashing light and transmits the data. At the time of data reception, the optical communication module 16 receives the blinking light and measures the blinking pattern. When the received blinking signal matches the blinking signal of a predetermined format, the received data is interpreted as character or numerical data. Then, the CPU 15 receives data that has been interpreted by the optical communication module 16.

Further, when the optical communication module 16 is directly controlled by converting it to the level of the blinking signal, the optical communication module 16 often includes a simple light emitting element and a light receiving element. The CPU 15 converts the data to be transmitted into an on signal or an off signal in a predetermined format. Further, the CPU 15 adds a control signal for the optical communication module 16 and outputs a signal to the control terminal of the light emitting element to cause the light emitting element to blink directly.

Also, when data is received, for example, an electric signal output from the light receiving element is measured, and the time when the received light is turned on and the time when the received light is turned off are recorded. The CPU 15 finds the pattern of the ON signal or OFF signal in a predetermined format from the recorded flashing time and interprets it as data. Such a system is often used in the case of a relatively simple optical signal format such as an infrared remote controller for home appliances.

In addition, although it demonstrated as a flashing signal of light, using other systems, such as a change of a color, the number of light emission points, or the change of arrangement | positioning of a light emission point, is also considered.

In addition, in FIG. 2, it demonstrated as what implement | achieves the display data switching part 104 and the control part 105 because CPU15 runs a program. However, it is not limited to such an example.

For example, all or part of the functions of the display data switching unit 104 and the control unit 105 are implemented by an integrated logic IC such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) based on an instruction from the CPU 15. May be realized. Alternatively, all or a part of the functions of the display data switching unit 104 and the control unit 105 may be realized in software by a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or the like based on an instruction from the CPU 15.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an external configuration of the information display apparatus 100.
In FIG. 3, a suspended information display device 100 is shown. “Changing” refers to hanging a poster or the like on the upper part of a passage in a train or bus.
In FIG. 3, the direction Df is the front side of the vehicle, and the direction Db is the rear side of the vehicle.

In this example, the information display device 100 is installed in the upper part of the passage of the vehicle. The information display device 100 includes a display unit 101a and a display unit 101b on the front surface and the rear surface, respectively, so that the information display device 100 can be easily viewed from the front-rear direction.

Further, the other information display device 100 is arranged in the front-rear direction of the information display device 100. For this reason, the optical communication unit 106a and the optical communication unit 106b are also arranged in the front-rear direction. In other words, the optical communication unit 106a and the optical communication unit 106b are arranged in different directions. Here, the optical communication unit 106a and the optical communication unit 106b are arranged in opposite directions. That is, the optical communication unit 106a faces the direction Df. Further, the optical communication unit 106b faces the direction Db.

In FIG. 3, the optical communication unit 106 a and the optical communication unit 106 b are arranged on the upper part of the information display device 100. This is because the optical communication path is set near the ceiling so that communication is not hindered by passengers or their luggage. Here, the “optical communication path” means a space through which light used for optical communication passes.

When a structure or the like is present on the ceiling and hinders or when optical communication is performed through a through path connecting between vehicles, the optical communication unit 106 may be disposed below the information display device 100. Further, the optical communication unit 106 may be arranged so as to protrude from the information display device 100. The “penetration path” is a passage in a connecting portion provided for moving between vehicles on a train.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a configuration in which the information display device 100 shown in FIG. 3 is installed in the

vehicles

901a and 901b. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram when the train 900 is viewed from the lateral direction.

The train 900 is usually operated by combining a plurality of vehicles. For example, in FIG. 4, a train 900 is configured by connecting a vehicle 901a and a vehicle 901b with a coupler (not shown). Note that the vehicle 901a and the vehicle 901b are referred to as the vehicle 901 when it is not necessary to distinguish between them. The train 900 ranges from a small one composed of only one vehicle 901 to a large one composed of several tens of vehicles 901.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a train 900 including two vehicles 901 for the sake of explanation. The reference numerals in parentheses in FIG. 4 indicate examples in the second embodiment.

The information display device 100 is arranged along the path of the vehicle 901. The information display device 100 is arranged in a distributed manner in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 901. That is, the information display device 100 is arranged with a space in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 901.

Also, the information display device 100 is installed so that the display surfaces of the display unit 101 face each other, for example. Here, three information display devices 100 are installed in each vehicle 901. In the entire train 900, six information display devices 100a, an information display device 100b, an information display device 100c, an information display device 100d, an information display device 100e, and an information display device 100f are installed.

Also, a train operation system 910 is arranged at the head or tail of the train 900. The train operation system 910 has a function as an information processing device.

The train operation system 910 transmits data to the information display device 100a installed in the vicinity using optical communication or another interface (not shown). Alternatively, the operator 930 carries a terminal device 920 as an information processing device, and the operator 930 performs data communication from the terminal device 920 to the information display device 100a using optical communication or another interface (not shown). Can also be transmitted.

"Interface" defines the connection format for connecting and communicating with multiple devices. Here, it is a communication format between the information display device 100a and the train operation system 910 or the terminal device 920. “Another interface” is, for example, wired or wireless communication.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the information display device 100c and the information display device 100d communicate with each other through a connecting portion of the vehicle. In this case, the optical communication unit 106 of the information display device 100c and the optical communication unit 106 of the information display device 100d are installed at positions where they can see each other. That is, there is no object that blocks light used for communication between the optical communication unit 106 of the information display device 100c and the optical communication unit 106 of the information display device 100d. Therefore, the light emitted from the optical communication unit 106 of the information display device 100c can reach the optical communication unit 106 of the information display device 100d. Optical communication is possible.

The optical communication through the vehicle connection is also affected by the state of the train 900. 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams for explaining the communicable angle of the optical communication unit 106 in the information display apparatus 100. FIG. 5 and 6 are both schematic views of the vehicle 901 as viewed from above. This will be described with reference to FIGS.

The information display device 100c is attached to a region at the end of the vehicle 901a in the front-rear direction. The information display device 100c includes an optical communication unit 106b. The optical communication unit 106b faces the direction of the adjacent vehicle 901b.

Further, the information display device 100d is attached to a region at the end portion in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 901b. The information display device 100d includes an optical communication unit 106a. The optical communication unit 106a faces the direction of the adjacent vehicle 901a.

The optical communication unit 106b can emit light used for communication within the effective angle ANG. That is, the effective angle ANG is an angle at which the optical communication unit 106b can communicate.

As shown in FIG. 6, the optical communication unit 106b of the information display device 100c emits light toward the optical communication unit 106a of the information display device 100d. The optical communication unit 106a of the information display device 100d emits light toward the optical communication unit 106b of the information display device 100c.

If the optical communication unit 106a of the information display device 100d facing the optical communication unit 106b of the information display device 100c is out of this range (effective angle ANG), communication is interrupted. Therefore, for example, when communication is performed while the train 900 is operating, even if the angle of the vehicle 901b with respect to the vehicle 901a becomes the maximum value during operation, the communication range is set. In addition, it is necessary to set the effective angle ANG.

When the train 900 is on the curved portion of the track, the vehicles 901 adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction of the train 900 are not arranged in a straight line but have a positional relationship with an angle.

The angle between the vehicles 901 when the train 900 is on the curved portion of the track is determined from the vehicle length, the radius of curvature of the track, the cant, and the amount of inclination of the vehicle 901 itself.
The vehicle length is the length of the vehicle and represents the distance between the connecting surfaces of one vehicle 901. The radius of curvature represents the degree of curve of the track. Kant represents the inward inclination of the track surface.

Actually, the maximum angle in the service section is a low speed section with a small curvature radius. The inclination of the cant and the vehicle itself is small. Therefore, the angle between the vehicles 901 can be calculated approximately from the vehicle length and the radius of curvature.

The reference vehicle length and the minimum radius of curvature are determined for each railway company or route. For this reason, the maximum value (maximum inter-vehicle angle) formed between the vehicles 901 in the train 900 traveling on a specific route is approximated by equation (1).

The angle between the vehicles 901 may swing in the left-right direction. That is, the train 900 may turn to the right and may turn to the left. For this reason, the optical communication unit 106b requires an effective angle ANG for optical communication that is at least twice the maximum value of the angle between vehicles.

That is, by making the effective angle ANG of the optical communication of the optical communication unit 106b satisfy the expression (2), the optical communication unit 106b performs communication even when the train 900 passes through a curved line. Will be able to. In the equation (2), the optical communication effective angle is an optical communication effective angle ANG.

For example, when the reference route is a vehicle length of 20 m, a minimum radius of curvature of 400 m in a high-speed traveling section, and a minimum curvature radius of 100 m in a low-speed traveling section, the minimum curvature radius of 100 m in a low-speed traveling section having a large curvature is used. Is used to calculate the effective angle ANG of optical communication. It can be seen that application of equation (2) requires 28 degrees or more as the effective angle ANG of optical communication. Note that, for example, depending on the situation, the connection between the information display devices 100 may partially use wired communication or a wireless system. Wired communication is, for example, an optical fiber or an electric wire. The wireless system is, for example, radio waves.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing data transmission / reception control of the information display apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

First, in step S10, the information display device 100 is in a reception standby state. When any of the optical communication units 106 receives data, the process proceeds to step S11. For example, the information display apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 3 includes two

optical communication units

106a and 106b.

In step S11, the control unit 105, the optical communication unit identification information _{D 1} identifies the optical communication unit 106 receives the data _{D 0,} is stored in the data storage unit 103. Here, as the optical communication unit identification information D _1, it is possible to use information on the position where the optical communication unit 106 is arranged in the information display device 100.

Next, in step S <b> 12, the control unit 105 stores the received data D ₀ in the data storage unit 102.

Next, in step S13, the control unit 105 performs selection of the optical communication unit 106 (the destination) for transmitting data _{D 0} received. Here, the control unit 105 performs, for example, transmitted from all of the optical communication unit 106 has not been used to receive data D _0. Taking the information display device 100 shown in FIG. 3 as an example, when the information display device 100 receives the information from the optical communication unit 106a, the information display device 100 transmits the information from the optical communication unit 106b.

In step S14, the control unit 105 sends to the optical communication unit 106 is selected data _{D 0} received, to transmit the data _{D 0} to the selected the optical communication unit 106.

Then, the control unit 105 returns to the state of the reception standby again after completion of transmission of data _{D 0} (S10).

7 will be described by applying the control shown in FIG. 7 to the information display device 100 of FIGS.

The information display apparatus 100 in the reception standby state (S10) receives the data _{D 0} in the optical communication unit 106a.

When receiving the data _{D 0,} the control unit 105 stores the optical communication unit identification information _{D 1} of the received optical communication section 106a to the data storage unit 103 (S11).

Then, the control unit 105 causes the accumulated data _{D 0} received in the data storage unit 102 (S12).

The control unit 105 refers to the optical communication unit identification information _{D 1} stored in the data storage unit 103, selects the optical communication section 106b that did not receive the data _{D 0} (S13).

Then, the control unit 105 to transmit the data _{D 0} received in optical communication section 106b that is attached to the rear side (S14).

In other words, the information display apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, to accumulate received data D _0. Then, the information display apparatus 100 transfers the data _{D 0} received. “Transfer” means sending what has been sent to another. Here, the data D ₀ received by the optical communication unit 106 a is further sent from the optical communication unit 106 b to another information display device 100.

For example, the information display apparatus 100, the data D ₀ received, and transmits in a direction different from the received direction. In Figure 4, the received data D _0, sending the received direction (direction Df) opposite (direction Db).

The description so far has been control inside the information display apparatus 100.
Next, control when a plurality of information display devices 100 are installed in the train 900 will be described.

For example, the information display apparatus 100 is installed as shown in FIG. Then, the transmission of the first data D ₀ is started from the operator's terminal device 920 or the train operation system 910.

In the case of data D ₀₁ stored in each information display device 100 before the start of operation, the operator 930 operates the terminal device 920 and first uses the optical communication or the dedicated interface to end the train 900. The data _D01 is transmitted to the information display device 100a installed in the section. The data D _{01 in} this case is data set at the initial _stage , for example, a station name display, a door opening / closing guidance message or an advertisement.

In the case of data D ₀₂ corresponding to the travel position of the train 900, the data D ₀₂ is transmitted from the train operation system 910 to the information display device 100a installed at the end of the train 900 using optical communication or a dedicated interface. Sent to. The data D _{02 in} this case is data such as a display content switching instruction or a display switching instruction in accordance with door opening / closing guidance.

Data D ₀₁ and data D ₀₂ are examples of data D ₀ .

Information display device 100a stores the received data _{D 0} in the data storage unit 102. The information display apparatus 100a, the received data _{D 0,} for example, be transferred to the information display device 100b adjacent from the optical communication unit 106.

Information display device 100b that has received the transfer stores data D ₀ received. Then, the information display device 100b transfers the data _{D 0} in the information display apparatus 100c further adjacent.

As described above, transfer and storage are sequentially repeated in the information display device 100. And finally data D ₀ to all the six information display device 100a installed in the train 900 to the information display device 100f is stored. As described above, the data D ₀ can be transmitted to all the information display devices 100 only by transmitting the data D ₀ to one information display device 100.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, it has been described that all the information display devices 100 accumulate the same data. However, it may be more convenient for the information display device 100 to have different data. For example, the display content is changed according to the vehicle number or the door position.

Examples of the case where the display content is changed according to the vehicle number include a case where the display content is changed between a free seat vehicle and a reserved seat vehicle. Moreover, as a case where display content is changed according to the door position or the like, for example, a display such as “This door will open at the next station” is displayed at the door on the exit side at the next station.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the information display device 200 according to the second embodiment includes one or more display units 101, a display data switching unit 204, a control unit 205, and one or more optical communication units 106. And a storage unit 107. The storage unit 107 includes a data storage unit 102 and a data storage unit 103.

In the information display device 200 according to the second embodiment, the display unit 101, the data storage unit 102, the data storage unit 103, and the optical communication unit 106 are the same as those of the information display device 100 according to the first embodiment. The description of these components is substituted for the description of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the display data switching unit 204 and the control unit 205 different from the information display device 100 according to Embodiment 1 will be mainly described.

The control unit 205 performs the same processing as the control unit 105 in the first embodiment. In addition, the control unit 205 performs processing for specifying the position of its own device in the train 900.

For example, the control unit 205 specifies the position of its own device based on the value of the position counter (count value) included in the data D ₀ received by the optical communication unit 106. In other words, the value of the position counter functions as position identification information D ₂ that can identify the position of the information display device 100.

The display data switching unit 204 switches information displayed on the display unit 101 according to the position specified by the control unit 205.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing data transmission / reception control of the information display apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment.
In the flow shown in FIG. 8, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same processes as those in the first embodiment shown in FIG.
The processing from step S10 to step S13 in FIG. 8 is the same as the processing from step S10 to step S13 in FIG. However, after step S13, the process proceeds to step S20. The processing from step S10 to step S13 is substituted by the description in the first embodiment.

In step S20, the control unit 205 confirms whether it contains a position counter D ₂ in the received data D _0.

If the position counter D ₂ were included, the process proceeds to step S21. In FIG. 8, “YES” is selected in step S20. If the position counter D ₂ is not included, the process proceeds to step S22. In FIG. 8, “NO” is selected in step S20.

In step S21, the control unit 205 stores the value of the position counter D ₂ that was included in the received data D ₀ in the data storage unit 102. The control unit 205 increases the value of the position counter _{D 2.} For example, the control unit 205 adds "1" to the value of the position counter _{D 2.} “1” added to the value of the position counter D ₂ is, for example, a predetermined value.

In step S22, the control unit 205 to transmit the data _{D 0} received in the optical communication unit 106 is selected at step S13. At this time, if the position counter D ₂ in the received data D ₀ contained may include the value of the position counter D ₂ increased in step S21 the data to be transmitted.

Then, the control unit 205 returns to the state of the reception standby again after completion of transmission of data _{D 0} (S10).

Incidentally, the optical communication unit 106 which is used to receive the not transmitting, is to prevent the same data D ₀ continues to be transferred endlessly.

Here will be described the position counter _{D 2.}

In description here, the data _{D 0} to be sent to the information display device 200a to _{D 0a.} Also, data _{D 0} to be sent to the information display device 200b and _{D 0b.} Also, the position counter _{D 2} sent to the information display device 200a to _{D 2a.} The position counter _{D 2} sent to the information display device 200b and _{D 2b.} The same applies to the other information display devices 200c to 200f.

For example, a case where data D _0a in which “1” is set as the value of the position counter D _2a at the time of initial setting before the start of operation is transmitted to the information display device 200a (see FIG. 4) is taken as an example. The data D _0a is transmitted from the terminal device 920 of the operator 930 or the train operation system 910 to the information display device 200a using optical communication or a dedicated interface. The information display device 200a is the information display device 200 installed at the end of the train 900.

The information display device 200a records, for example, the value “1” of the position counter _D2a at the time of initial setting in the data storage unit 102 in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. Then, the information display device 200a adds “1” to the value of the position counter D _{2a and} sets the value (value of the position counter D _2a ) to “2”. Then, the information display device 200a, the data _{D 0b} including position counter _{D 2b,} which has been changed to "2" is transferred to the adjacent information display device 200b.

By sequentially repeating such processing, each of the information display device 200a to the information display device 200f is finally changed from the value “1” of the position counter D _2a to the value “6” of the position counter D _2f. Is set.

And, the data D _0a , D _0b , D _0c , D _0d , D _0e , D _0f to be transferred, and position identification information (position counters D _2a , D _2b , D _2c , D _2d , D _2e , D _2f ), Include origin information. The position identification information (position counters D _2a , D _2b , D _2c , D _2d , D _2e , D _2f ) indicates the position of the information display device 100 in the train 900. The starting point information is the value of the position counter _D2a that is the starting point. Here, the starting point is the position of the information display device 200a.

Based on the value of the position counter D _2, each of the information display apparatus 200 is able to know the position to which it is installed.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, three information display devices 200 are arranged per vehicle. The information display device 200 is distributed in the front-rear direction of the train 900. That is, the information display device 200 is arranged at an interval in the front-rear direction of the train 900.

The position identification information of these information display devices 200 is position counters D _2a , D _2b , D _2c , D _2d , D _2e , D _2f .

Further, the value “1” of the position counter D _2a is assigned to the first information display device 200a at the forefront of the first car (vehicle 901a). The value of the position counter _D2a indicates starting point information.

Data including the position identification information D _2a , D _2b , D _2c , D _2d , D _2e , D _2f and starting point information (position counter D _2a ) is transmitted in advance, for example, before the train 900 is operated.

Based on these information, the information display device 200e, by holding the value "5" of the position counter D _2e, it is possible to recognize that it is the second from the front direction Df of Car 2 of the vehicle 901b . In other words, the information display device 200e can recognize its installation position in the train 900.

The data D ₀ includes data for displaying information on the display unit 101. Data D ₀ is stored in the data storage unit 102. Data D ₀ is associated with an installation position in the train 900.

The display data switching unit 204 selects data to be displayed from the data D ₀ stored in the data storage unit 102 from the installation position of the information display device 200 specified as described above. The display data switching unit 204 causes the display unit 101 to display information based on the selected data.

In this way, the information display device 200 can add the display of the vehicle number of the vehicle 901 or the display according to the position of the door to the guidance (information) to be displayed.

For example, a wireless LAN communicates equally to all terminals within an effective communication range. On the other hand, the information display apparatus 200 uses the function of transmitting and receiving data D _0, can be obtained own installation location. It is difficult for the wireless LAN to realize such a function.

In the second embodiment described above, the position counter D ₂ included in the data D ₀ to be transmitted. However, it is not limited to such an example. For example, the information display device 200 can be included in the data D ₀ for transmitting the vehicle number counter D ₃ (vehicle number identification information) in addition to the position counter D ₂ .

In this case, the information display device 200 can identify the optical communication unit 106 that performs communication across vehicles. In FIG. 4, the optical communication part 106 which communicates between vehicles is the optical communication part 106b of the information display apparatus 200c, and the optical communication part 106a of the information display apparatus 200d.

Information display device 200c shown in FIG. 4, when transmitting the information display device 200d increases the value of the vehicle number counter D _3. Then, the information display device 200d is the value of the position counter _{D 2d,} and transmits the set to the same for "1" and the value of the position counter _{D 2a.} That is, the position counter _{D 2} performs counting in the one vehicle 901. Then, when the vehicle 901 is changed, the value of the position counter D ₂ is returned to "1". The information display device 200c is installed in the vehicle 901a. The information display device 200d is installed in a vehicle 901b next to the vehicle 901a.

For example, when the maximum value of the position counter D ₂ is predetermined, the control unit 205 can perform such a process. For example, in the case of FIG. 4, the maximum value of the position counter D ₂ is "3".

In this way, the information display device 200 can directly identify the vehicle number and the position in the vehicle 901. For this reason, the information display apparatus 200 can respond flexibly to a change in train organization or the like.

In the first and second embodiments described above, the optical communication unit 106 has been described as being realized by the optical communication module (optical transceiver) 16 having the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. However, it is not limited to such an example. The example shown below can also be applied to the information display apparatus 100 of the first embodiment.

For example, as in the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the display direction of the display unit 101 matches the direction of transmission / reception of the data D ₀ , the display unit 101 and an image of a camera or the like are captured. Data transfer using the unit 206 can also be performed.

The

information display devices

100 and 200 on the transmission side of the data D ₀ display a light emission pattern, a barcode, a two-dimensional code, characters, or the like on the display surface of the display unit 101. The

information display devices

100 and 200 on the receiving side of the data D ₀ image the display surfaces of the adjacent

information display devices

100 and 200 with the imaging unit 206. Then, the

information display apparatus

100 and 200 of the receiving side decodes the data _{D 0} from the captured image. The imaging unit 206 is provided, for example, at the position of the optical communication unit 106 in FIG.

For security reasons, when a camera is installed in the train 900, the configuration of the

information display devices

100 and 200 can be simplified and the cost can be reduced by using the camera as the optical communication unit 106. It is.

In the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, there is only one path for optical communication. Therefore, when the optical communication path is blocked by a baggage or the like held by the passenger, the data D ₀ is not transferred to the subsequent

information display devices

100 and 200. Therefore, it is desirable to provide redundancy by providing a plurality of optical communication paths.

“Redundancy” means that a spare device is placed as a backup from normal so that the function of the entire system can be maintained even after a failure occurs in the event of a failure in a part of the system. That is. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 12 to be described later, there are a plurality of communication paths between the information display devices 300, and information can be transferred using a detour path even when one place is blocked. it can.

Thus, by sequentially transferring data between the

information display devices

100 and 200 using optical communication, it is not necessary to install a cable such as a network cable or a video cable. And the

information display apparatuses

100 and 200 suitable for retrofit to the existing vehicle 901 can be provided.

Also, because the cause of communication failure can be confirmed visually, it is easy to check the communication path during installation and to take measures against failure during operation. And maintenance can be simplified.

Furthermore, since no radio wave is used, the

information display devices

100 and 200 are not affected by the radio wave condition inside the vehicle 901 or the radio wave condition outside the vehicle 901. In addition, the

information display devices

100 and 200 do not affect the use of radio waves inside the vehicle 901.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the information display apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment.

The information display device 300 includes one or more display units 101, a display data switching unit 304, a control unit 305, one or more optical communication units 106, an installation position estimation unit 308, and a storage unit 317. . The storage unit 317 includes a data storage unit 102, a data storage unit 103, and an identifier storage unit 307. The installation position estimation unit 308 has a function as a communication control unit. A plurality of information display devices 300 are installed in the vehicle.

In the information display device 300 according to the third embodiment, the display unit 101, the data storage unit 102, the data storage unit 103, and the optical communication unit 106 are the same as those of the information display device 100 according to the first embodiment. The description of these components is substituted for the description of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the display data switching unit 304, the control unit 305, the identifier storage unit 307, and the installation position estimation unit 308, which are different from the information display device 100 according to Embodiment 1, will be described.
In addition, the code | symbol in the parenthesis of FIG. 9 shows the structure in Embodiment 4 or 5. FIG.

The display data switching unit 304 displays information on the display unit 101 according to the installation position estimated by the installation position estimation unit 308. In addition, the display data switching unit 304 switches information to be displayed on the display unit 101 according to the installation position estimated by the installation position estimation unit 308.

The control unit 305 controls processing in the information display device 300. For example, the control unit 305 performs the same control as the process control described in the control unit 105 of the first embodiment. Further, the control unit 305 instructs the display data switching unit 304 to display an appropriate guidance screen on the display unit 101 according to the combination of the installation position of the information display device 300 and the operation status of the train 900.

For example, the control unit 305 can select different guidance displays depending on the position of the vehicle 901 with respect to the train 900 or the door position based on the estimation result of the installation position of the information display device 300 and the operation state of the train 900. That is, the control unit 305 can switch the guidance display by identifying the door to be opened and the door on the opposite side.

Further, for example, when the train 900 is running, the control unit 305 displays guidance for the next station, and when the train 900 is stopped at the station, the control unit 305 displays guidance for the stopped station. Can do.

In the third embodiment, when the data D ₀ received by the optical communication unit 106 is already stored in the data storage unit 102, the control unit 305 does not store and transfer such data D ₀ .

Note that the control unit 305 acquires arrangement information via the optical communication unit 106 before the installation position estimation unit 308 estimates the installation position of its own device. Then, the control unit 305 stores the acquired arrangement information in the data storage unit 102. The arrangement information is map-like information indicating the arrangement positions of the plurality of information display devices 300 in the train 900. The arrangement information may be simple information such as “each vehicle has three entry / exit door upper mounting types on one side and a total of six on the left and right”.

Identifier storage unit 307 stores the individual identifier _{D 4} and type identifier _{D 5.}

The individual identifier D ₄ is identification information for identifying the information display device 300. For example, individual identifier _{D 4} is the serial number or UUID (Universally Unique Identifier) or the like. The individual identifier D ₄ is determined so as not to overlap between the plurality of information display devices 300. The individual identifier D ₄ does not change within a service period of at least one.

Type identifier D ₅ is identification information for identifying the type of information display device 300 (model number). For example, type identifier _{D 5} shows a mounting position of the information display device 300. In addition, the type identifier D ₅ shows the type of equipment.

In the vehicle 901, a plurality of types of information display devices 300 are attached depending on the attachment position. For example, the information display device 300 installed on the passage and the information display device 300 installed on the door are of different types (models). Different types of information display devices 300 differ, for example, in the number or mounting direction of the optical communication units 106.

In the third embodiment, as a type identifier D _5, for example, type suspension in shown in Figure 3, the door-mounted as shown in Figure 11, and, through-passage type or the like shown in FIG. 17 Can be mentioned.
The suspended information display apparatus 300 is installed on the passage of the vehicle 901. The door installation type information display device 300 is installed on the upper part of the door for getting on and off. The through passage type information display device 300 is installed above the entrance of the through passage.

The installation position estimation unit 308 estimates the installation position of the information display device 300 based on the connection status with other information display devices 300. The connection status with other information display devices 300 is confirmed by optical communication using the optical communication unit 106.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information display apparatus 300.

The information display device 300 includes one or more display panels 11, a first nonvolatile memory 12A, a second nonvolatile memory 12B, a volatile memory 13, a CPU 15 as a processor, and one or more light. And a communication module 16. The memory 17 includes a first nonvolatile memory 12A, a second nonvolatile memory 12B, and a volatile memory 13. Note that although one CPU 15 is shown in FIG. 10, processing may be performed by a plurality of CPUs 15.

In the information display device 300 according to the third embodiment, the display panel 11, the volatile memory 13, the CPU 15, and the one or more optical communication modules 16 are the same as those of the information display device 100 according to the first embodiment. The description of these components is substituted for the description of the first embodiment.

Hereinafter, the display data switching unit 304, the control unit 305, the identifier storage unit 307, and the installation position estimation unit 308, which are different from the information display device 100 according to Embodiment 1, will be described.
In addition, the code | symbol in the parenthesis of FIG. 9 shows the structure in Embodiment 4 or 5. FIG.

As in the first embodiment, for example, the display unit 101 of FIG. 9 can be realized by the CPU 15 using the display panel 11. The data storage unit 102 in FIG. 9 can be realized by the CPU 15 using the first nonvolatile memory 12A. The data storage unit 103 in FIG. 9 can be realized by the CPU 15 using the volatile memory 13. The optical communication unit 106 in FIG. 9 can be realized by the CPU 105 using the optical communication module 16.

In the display data switching unit 304, the control unit 305, and the installation position estimation unit 308 in FIG. 9, the CPU 15 stores the program stored in the first nonvolatile memory 12A or the second nonvolatile memory 12B in the volatile memory 13. This can be realized by reading and executing.

That is, for example, a program for switching display data is stored in the first nonvolatile memory 12A or the second nonvolatile memory 12B. This program is stored as execution format data or data obtained by compressing the execution format.

The CPU 15 reads out these data and places them in an executable area on the volatile memory 13. Then, the CPU 15 allocates a work memory area, permits execution of the program, and sets read / write availability in the memory area.

Thereafter, the CPU 15 gives a control right to a program for switching display data arranged in the volatile memory 13. Then, the CPU 15 starts an operation as the display data switching unit 304 by executing a program for switching display data.

The same applies to the control unit 305 or the installation position estimation unit 308. When an executable area can be set in the first nonvolatile memory 12A or the second nonvolatile memory 12B, the reading and arrangement of the program by the CPU 15 can be omitted. In this case, after assigning a work area on the volatile memory 13, the execution right data is given to the execution format data on the first nonvolatile memory 12A or the second nonvolatile memory 12B, and the program is executed. Each function will be realized.

The identifier storage unit 307 in FIG. 9 can be realized by the CPU 15 using the second nonvolatile memory 12B.

In other words, recording the individual identifier _{D 4} and Format Identifier _{D 5} to the second non-volatile memory 12B. Then, the CPU 15 reads out these data. For such applications, EPROM or mask ROM is often used. These are memory elements that cannot be rewritten from the CPU. In this case, the individual identifier D ₄ and the format identifier D ₅ are written in the second nonvolatile memory 12B in advance when the information display device 300 is manufactured.

Recently, with the increase in capacity of memory elements, information that has been conventionally stored in a non-rewritable memory element such as an EPROM may be stored on a rewritable memory element such as a flash memory. The CPU rewrites information on the rewritable memory element. In this case, the second nonvolatile memory 12B is a section on the same memory element as the first nonvolatile memory 12A. Individual identifier _{D 4} and Format Identifier _{D 5} are written from the CPU15 in the second nonvolatile memory 12B. Here, the second nonvolatile memory 12B is a rewritable memory element such as a flash memory, for example.

In FIG. 10, it has been described that the display data switching unit 304, the control unit 305, and the installation position estimation unit 308 are realized by the CPU 15 executing the program. However, it is not limited to such an example.

For example, all or some of the functions of the display data switching unit 304, the control unit 305, and the installation position estimation unit 308 may be realized in hardware by an integrated logic IC such as an ASIC or FPGA. Alternatively, all or some of the functions of the display data switching unit 304, the control unit 305, and the installation position estimation unit 308 may be realized by software using a DSP.
In addition, the code | symbol in the parenthesis of FIG. 10 shows the structure in Embodiment 4 or 5. FIG.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an external configuration of the door-installed information display device 300 according to the third embodiment.
The door installation type information display device 300 is installed on the upper part of the door for getting on and off. In FIG. 11, the information display device 300 is attached on the right door with respect to the traveling direction (direction Df) of the vehicle 901.
In FIG. 11, the direction Df is the front of the vehicle 901, and the direction Db is the rear of the vehicle 901.

The information display device 300 shown in FIG. 11 is assumed to be attached to the upper part of the entrance / exit door.

The information display device 300 includes one display unit 101 and three

optical communication units

106a, 106b, and 106c.

The optical communication unit 106a and the optical communication unit 106b are attached to the vehicle 901 so as to face in the front-rear direction. In FIG. 11, the optical communication unit 106 a is attached to the right side (direction Db side) toward the display unit 101. The optical communication unit 106b is attached to the left side (direction Df side) toward the display unit 101.

The optical communication unit 106c is attached to face the vehicle 901 in the lateral direction. That is, the optical communication unit 106c is attached in the same direction as the display direction of the display unit 101. In FIG. 11, the optical communication unit 106c is attached to the same surface as the surface to which the display unit 101 is attached.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which the information display device 300 shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram when the train 900 is viewed from above.
In FIG. 12, the left side in the figure is the direction Df. Further, the right side in the figure is the direction Db.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, the information display device 300 is attached on a door in the left-right direction with respect to the traveling direction of the

vehicles

901a and 901b. The information display device 300 is attached to one of the

vehicles

901a and 901b at three places on one side of the right side or the left side. That is, the information display apparatus 300 is attached to six places on both sides of one of the

vehicles

901a and 901b.

Further, the information display devices 300 attached to both sides of the

vehicles

901a and 901b are attached so as to face each other.

The

information display devices

300a, 300b, and 300c are attached to the right side with respect to the traveling direction of the vehicle 901a. The

information display devices

300g, 300h, and 300i are attached on the left side with respect to the traveling direction of the vehicle 901a. The

information display devices

300d, 300e, and 300f are attached to the right side with respect to the traveling direction of the vehicle 901b. The

information display devices

300j, 300k, and 300l are attached on the left side with respect to the traveling direction of the vehicle 901b. The traveling direction of the

vehicles

901a and 901b is a direction Df.

On the right side of the vehicle 901a, the information display device 300a, the information display device 300b, and the information display device 300c are arranged in this order from the traveling direction. On the left side of the vehicle 901a, the information display device 300g, the information display device 300h, and the information display device 300i are arranged in this order from the traveling direction.

On the right side of the vehicle 901b, the information display device 300d, the information display device 300e, and the information display device 300f are arranged in this order from the traveling direction. On the left side of the vehicle 901b, the information display device 300j, the information display device 300k, and the information display device 300l are arranged in this order from the traveling direction.

The optical communication path through which each information display device 300 communicates is formed in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction (opposite direction) of the

vehicles

901a, 901b. When installing the information display device 300, it is necessary that there are no obstacles blocking the optical communication path.

Information display device 300a receives the data _{D 0} from the mobile to the terminal device 920 of the train operation system 910 or the operator 930. Information display device 300a transmits the data _{D 0,} which received the information display device 300g and the information display device 300b. Information display device 300g transmits the data _{D 0} received the information display device 300h. Information display device 300b transmits the data _{D 0,} which received the information display device 300c and the information display device 300h. Information display device 300h transmits the data _{D 0,} which received the information display device 300i and the information display device 300b. Information display device 300c transmits the data _{D 0,} which received the information display device 300i and the information display device 300j. Information display device 300i transmits the data _{D 0,} which received the information display device 300c and the information display device 300d.

Information display device 300d transmits the data _{D 0,} which received the information display device 300e and the information display device 300j. Information display device 300j transmits the data _{D 0,} which received the information display device 300k and the information display device 300d. Information display device 300e transmits the data _{D 0,} which received the information display device 300f and the information display apparatus 300k. Information display device 300k transmits data _{D 0} received in the information display apparatus 300l and information display device 300e. Information display device 300f transmits the data _{D 0} received the information display device 300 l. Information display device 300l transmits data _{D 0} received the information display device 300f.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, the information display device 300 communicates between the vehicle 901a and the vehicle 901b through the through-passage 902. The

information display devices

300c, 300d, 300i, and 300j arranged at the front and rear ends of the vehicle 901a or the vehicle 901b adjust the direction of the optical communication unit 106 so that the communication direction is directed obliquely. The

information display devices

300c, 300d, 300i, and 300j communicate with the information display device 300 on the diagonally opposite side through the through passage 902.

In the example of FIG. 12, the information display device 300c is in communication with the information display device 300j. The information display device 300i is in communication with the information display device 300d.

In addition, instead of adjusting the direction of the communication direction of the optical communication unit 106, the optical communication unit 106 having a sufficiently wide effective angle ANG of optical communication may be employed.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing data transmission / reception control of the information display apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment.

First, in step S30, the information display device 300 is in a reception standby state. When any of the optical communication units 106 receives data, the process proceeds to step S31.

In step S31, the control unit 305, the optical communication unit identification information _{D 1,} it is stored in the data storage unit 103. The optical communication unit identification information _{D 1} _is information for identifying the optical communication unit 106 receives the data _{D 0.} Here, as the optical communication unit identification information D _1, it is possible to use information on the position which is located in the optical communication unit 106 in the information display device 300.

The optical communication unit identification information D ₁ are, for example, can be represented by the character corresponding to the position where the optical communication unit 106 is attached. Taking FIG. 11 as an example, the position information of the optical communication unit 106a can be “L”, the position information of the optical communication unit 106b can be “R”, and the position information of the optical communication unit 106c can be “F”.

Furthermore, it is possible to optical communication section 106 is also added to the optical communication unit identification information D ₁ information indicating the angle of the direction of communication. For example, the direction in which the display unit 101 displays can be represented by 0 degree, and the direction in which the optical communication unit 106 communicates can be represented by 0 degree to 360 degrees.

When Example information display device 300 in FIG. 11, the optical communication unit identification information _{D 1} is the optical communication unit 106c and F000, the optical communication unit 106a and L090, the optical communication unit 106b may be R270. Moreover, when communicating in the oblique direction, when the FIG. 12 as an example, the optical communication unit identification information _{D 1,} the information display device 300c, the optical communication unit 106a of 300j and L045, the information display device 300d, the light of 300i The communication unit 106b can be R270. Taking the information display device 400 of FIG. 17 as an example, the same notation is also possible for the

optical communication units

106d and 106e projecting outside. For example, the optical communication unit 106d can be UR000, and the optical communication unit 106e can be UL000. Moreover, it is also possible to replace with numerical values instead of letters.

Next, in step S <b> 32, the control unit 305 confirms whether or not the received data D ₀ is already stored in the data storage unit 102.

For example, data identification information that can identify each data D ₀ is added to the received data D ₀ . The data identification information is, for example, a sequence number. The “sequence number” is a serial number assigned to a packet to be transmitted. By referring to the sequence number, the receiving side can know the correct order of the packets or packet loss during the communication.
Based on such data identification information, the control unit 305 determines whether it has already been accumulated.

Also, if the data identification information to the data D ₀ is not added, it may compare all the data D _0. Or, it may be compared by calculating the hash value of the data D _0. The “hash value” is a fixed-length value without regularity obtained from the original data by a certain calculation procedure. By using the hash value, the time for searching for data can be shortened.

In Figure 12, for example, the information display device 300b has received the data _{D 0} from the information display device 300a and the information display device 300h. When the previously received data D ₀ in from the information display device 300a, the data D ₀ received from the information display device 300h is determined that the data D ₀ already accumulated.

If the received data D ₀ has not yet been accumulated, the process proceeds to step S33. In FIG. 13, “NO” is selected in step S32.
In a case where the received data _{D 0} is already accumulated (Yes in step S32), the process returns to step S30. In FIG. 13, “YES” is selected in step S32.

In step S33, the control unit 305 causes the accumulated received data _{D 0} in the data storage unit 102.

Next, in step S34, the control unit 305 selects a transmission destination. Here, the control unit 305 performs transmission from all of the optical communication unit 106 has not been used to receive data D _0.

In Figure 12, for example, the information display device 300b is sending data _{D 0} in the information display device 300c and the information display device 300h. When receiving the data _{D 0} from only the information display device 300a, the information display device 300b sends data _{D 0} in the information display device 300c and the information display device 300h. When receiving the data _{D 0} from the information display device 300a and the information display device 300h, the information display device 300b sends data _{D 0} only the information display device 300c.

In Figure 12, between the information display device 300b and the information display device 300h, although arrows, for both are described, depending on the reception state as described above, the data D ₀ is transmitted.

In step S35, the control unit 305 to transmit the optical communication section 106 selects data _{D 0} received.

Then, the control unit 305 returns to the reception standby state again after completion transmission data D _0.

As described above, in the third embodiment, a plurality of optical communication paths are formed. For this reason, even when some optical communication paths become unusable, such as when the optical communication path is blocked by an obstacle, the resistance to communication can be increased. “Tolerance” is the ability to adapt to environmental changes. That is, the optical communication shown in the third embodiment is made redundant.

On the other hand, when the data D ₀ has already been accumulated, such data D ₀ is not accumulated and transferred, so that duplicate transfer of the data D ₀ can be avoided.

In the third embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, the case where data D ₀ is received from one optical communication unit 106 has been described. However, in practice, there are cases where a plurality of optical communication unit 106 transmits and receives data D ₀ is performed. For this reason, it is necessary to perform processing in consideration of a plurality of operations in order to determine whether or not data has been accumulated or to select a transmission destination. For example, it is necessary to prevent the data D ₀ being transferred from being overwritten with new data D ₀ received from another information display device 300.

Next, processing in the installation position estimation unit 308 will be described.

In the description so far, communication in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 901 has been described as only one direction. In other words, data _{D 0} is transmitted in a direction Db.

However, when it is desired to increase redundancy, or when estimating the installation position of the information display device 300 arranged in a complicated configuration, it is often better to perform communication in the reverse direction (direction Df). In FIG. 12, the arrow indicating the communication in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 901 is written in only one direction (direction Db). However, in the following description of the estimation of the installation position, it is assumed that bidirectional communication is performed.

The installation position estimation unit 308 generates connection information 120 that links its own information display device 300 to another information display device 300 that has performed communication. Then, the information display device 300 gives the generated connection information 120 to another information display device 300. At the same time, the information display device 300 acquires the connection information 120 generated by the other information display device 300.

Based on the connection information 120, the information display device 300 creates a graph indicating the connection status of the plurality of information display devices 300.

Here, the graph is information expressed by, for example, nodes (nodes) and links (branches). The relationship between the information display devices 300 can be expressed using the individual information display devices 300 as nodes and the optical communication path between the information display devices 300 as a link.

The information expressing the relationship between the information display devices 300 is referred to herein as connection information.

Then, the installation position estimation unit 308 examines the created graph indicating the connection status against the arrangement information stored in the data storage unit 102. And the installation position estimation part 308 specifies the installation position in the train 900 of each information display apparatus 300. FIG.

The arrangement information indicates the positions where a plurality of information display devices 300 are arranged on the train 900. The arrangement information functions as an arrangement diagram in the actual train 900.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the connection information 120.

The connection information 120 includes an individual identifier column 121, a type identifier column 122, and a communication unit column 123.

Individual identifier field 121 stores an individual identifier _{D 4} of the information display device 300.
Type identifier field 122 stores the type identifier _{D 5} of the information display device 300.
The communication unit field 123 stores the connection destination of the optical communication unit 106 and the direction in which the optical communication unit 106 performs communication for each optical communication unit 106 provided in the information display device 300.

In the communication unit column 123 shown in FIG. 14, columns of a communication unit a, a communication unit b, and a communication unit c are provided. Information of the optical communication unit 106a shown in FIG. 11 is written in the communication unit a. Information of the optical communication unit 106b illustrated in FIG. 11 is written in the communication unit b. In the communication unit c, information of the optical communication unit 106c illustrated in FIG. 11 is described.

In each column, a column describing the connection destination and a column describing the position of the optical communication unit 106 are provided. For example, “communication unit a connection destination” is a column in which the connection destination of the optical communication unit 106 a is described. “Communication unit a-right” indicates that the optical communication unit 106 a is attached to the right side (direction Db side) of the information display device 300. Here, “right” is the right side when facing the information display device 300 as shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 shows an example of the door installation type information display device 300 shown in FIG. The direction and connection destination of each of the three

optical communication units

106a, 106b, and 106c are stored in the communication unit column 123.

Here, the initial state of the connection information 120 will be described.

The installation position estimation unit 308 of the information display device 300 creates connection information 120 indicating the connection status of the information display device 300 of its own. The information display device 300 stores the connection information 120 in the data storage unit 102.

The installation position estimation unit 308 stores the individual identifier D ₄ and the type identifier D ₅ of its own information display device 300 stored in the identifier storage unit 307 in the connection information 120 of its own information display device 300. Further, the installation position estimation unit 308 stores the communication direction and connection destination of the optical communication unit 106 attached to its own information display device 300 in the connection information 120 of its own information display device 300.

Information on the communication direction of the optical communication unit 106 is stored in advance in the identifier storage unit 307 or the data storage unit 102 for each information display device 300. In the case where the type identifier D ₅ can be identified communication direction, the installation position estimation unit 308 may identify the communication direction from the type identifier D _5. In the connection destination of the optical communication unit 106, a value indicating that there is no connection or no connection is set as an initial value. “Empty” means that there is no initial value. As a value meaning that there is no connection, for example, “0 (zero)” can be considered.

Next, update of the connection information 120 and communication of the connection information 120 will be described.

For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the information display apparatus 300a serving as a starting point for the transfer of data _{D 0} performs the transmission of connection information 120 from the optical communication unit 106 of the own information display device 300a. At this time, in the connection information 120 to be transmitted, a value (transmission source identification information) indicating the transmission source is entered in the connection destination column of the optical communication unit 106 used for transmission. This transmission source identification information is also called a transmission mark.

“Sending” means sending data or the like as an electrical signal through a line. Here, data is sent out as an optical signal using an optical communication path.

Here, a case where communication is performed from the optical communication unit 106 on the right side (direction Db side) of the information display device 300a in FIG. 12 to the optical communication unit 106 on the left side (direction Df side) of the information display device 300b will be described. The optical communication unit 106 on the right side (direction Db side) shown in FIG. 11 is an optical communication unit 106a. The optical communication unit 106 on the left side (direction Df side) illustrated in FIG. 11 is the optical communication unit 106b.

The connection information 120 sent from the information display device 300a, an individual identifier D ₄ representing the information display device 300a, and the type identifier D _5, it is described that has transmitted using the optical communication section 106a Yes.

For example, “communication part a” of the connection information 120 shown in FIG. 14 indicates the optical communication part 106a. A value indicating the transmission source is stored in the “communication unit a connection destination” column of the communication unit column 123. The value indicating the transmission source functions as transmission source identification information (transmission mark) that can identify the optical communication unit 106a that is the transmission source.

When the information display device 300b receives the connection information 120 transmitted from the information display device 300a, the installation position estimation unit 308 receives the connection information 120 of its own information display device 300b stored in the data storage unit 102, and receives it. The connection information 120 is compared. Then, the installation position estimation unit 308 determines whether or not the connection information 120 transmitted from the information display device 300a is already recorded in the connection information 120 of its own information display device 300b.

When the connection information 120 transmitted from the information display device 300a has not yet been recorded, the installation position estimation unit 308 causes the data storage unit 102 to record the received connection information 120.

For example, FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of

connection information

120a and 120b stored in the data storage unit 102 of the information display device 300b.

The connection information 120a indicates connection information transmitted from the information display device 300a. The connection information 120b is connection information of its own information display device 300b generated by the information display device 300b.

In the information display device 300b, the optical communication unit 106b receives the connection information 120a transmitted from the information display device 300a. Therefore, the installation position estimation unit 308 of the information display device 300b has a column of "communication section _{b 2} destination" connection information 120b of its information display device 300b, and stores the connection destination identification information _{D 6.}

The column “communication unit b ₂ connection destination” is a column in which information on the connection destination of the optical communication unit 106 b (connection destination identification information D ₆ ) is written. The destination identification information _{D 6} is information to identify the source of the connection information 120a to the optical communication unit 106b receives (connection destination identification information _{D 62).} For example, connection destination identification information _{D 62} here may be "individual identifier _{D 41"} and "communication unit _{a 1"} of the information display device 300a.

Also, the installation position estimation unit 308 of the information display device 300a is in the column of "communication unit _{a 1} destination" connection information 120a of its information display device 300a, and stores the connection destination identification information _{D 6.} The destination identification information _{D 6} is information for identifying the optical communication section 106b which has received the transmitted connection information 120a from the information display device 300a (connection destination identification information _{D 61).} The connection destination identification information D ₆₁ is information (connection destination identification information D ₆₁ ) that can identify the reception destination of the connection information 120a transmitted by the optical communication unit 106a. For example, the connection destination identification information D ₆₁ here may be “individual identifier D ₄₂ ” and “communication unit b ₂ ” of the information display device 300b.

In this way, a communication unit _{a 1} of the connection information 120a, a communication unit _{b 2} connection information 120b is bound. Thereby, the installation position estimation unit 308 can link the optical communication unit 106a of the information display device 300a and the optical communication unit 106b of the information display device 300b.

Here, “link” is information (connection) indicating that “the optical communication unit 106a of the information display device 300a” and “the optical communication unit 106b of the information display device 300b” are in a positional relationship capable of direct communication. The destination identification information D ₆ ) is stored on each connection information 120.

For example, in FIG. 15, the link is represented as a line 124 connecting the connection information 120a and the connection information 120b on the right side of the

connection information

120a and 120b. Specifically, the connection information 120a communicating section _{a 1} destination to record the "connection information communicating section _{b 2} of 120b" of connection information communication unit of the communication section _{b 2} connected party "

connection information

120a and 120b _{a 1} ". This indicates that the information display device 300a and the information display device 300b can directly communicate with each other.

Then, the installation position estimation unit 308 of the information display device 300b updates the received connection information 120a and the connection information 120b stored therein. After updating the connection information 120b, the installation position estimation unit 308 transmits all the connection information 120 to all the

optical communication units

106a, 106b, and 106c. The connection information 120 is stored in the data storage unit 102. The connection information 120 includes updated

connection information

120a and 120b.

Thus, each information display device 300 can acquire connection information 120 of all the information display devices 300 installed in the train 900 by bidirectional transmission / reception. The information display device 300 holds connection information 120 of all the information display devices 300 installed in the train 900.

By repeating the above processing, all the information display devices 300 attached in the train 900 can share the connection information 120 of all the information display devices 300. Thereby, all the information display apparatuses 300 can create the graph which shows the connection condition of all the information display apparatuses 300 attached to the train 900. FIG.

The installation position estimation unit 308 refers to the graph showing the connection status created in this way and the arrangement information stored in the data storage unit 102. Thereby, the installation position estimation part 308 can estimate the installation position of the own information display apparatus 300 in the train 900.

Based on the connection status, for example, the order and direction in which the information display apparatus 300 is connected are specified.

That is, the installation position estimation unit 308 can obtain graph information and arrangement information. The graph information indicates the connection relationship of each information display device 300. The arrangement information is a map showing the mounting location of the information display device 300.

In the graph information, it is possible to specify how each individual information display device 300 is connected. However, the actual installation position of the information display device 300 cannot be known using the graph information.

In the arrangement information, the position where the information display device 300 is attached on the train 900 can be specified. However, it is impossible to know where each individual of the information display device 300 is installed using the arrangement information.

Therefore, the installation position estimation unit 308 searches for a combination having no contradiction by sequentially applying the connection information to the information on the installation position from the graph information and the arrangement information starting from the information display device 300 that can identify the position. Information display device 300 located identifiable, for example, in FIG. 12, a first receiving data _{D 0} information display device 300a. Then, when the number of combinations having no contradiction becomes one, the installation position of the information display device 300 is specified.

Further, when the type of information in the data storage unit 102 the information display device 300 in the arrangement information stored in the (type identifier D ₅₎ is included, by leaving including type identifier D ₅ to the connection status Thus, the installation position of the information display device 300 can be specified more reliably.

In the above process, the transfer of data D ₀ will be carried out indefinitely. Therefore, in practice, the end condition of the transfer of data D ₀ is required. The termination conditions include transfer count such time or data D _0. For example, after turning on the power, if more than 10 minutes have passed since the information specifying the position was received for the first time, even if the information specifying the position is received, no further transfer is performed. Can be taken. In addition, the same information as the received information (data D ₀ ) is not transferred to the transmission source, so that the transfer of duplicate information can be suppressed.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing transmission / reception control of the connection information 120 in the third embodiment. The connection information 120 is information for detecting the installation position of the information display device 300.

First, in step S40, the information display device 300 is in a reception standby state. When any of the optical communication units 106 receives the connection information 120, the control unit 305 causes the process to proceed to step S41.

In step S 41, the installation position estimation unit 308 temporarily stores the optical communication unit identification information D ₁ in the data storage unit 103. This is because when the information is updated in step S43, it is added to the accumulated connection information at the same time. The optical communication unit identification information D ₁ is information for identifying the optical communication unit 106 that has received the connection information 120.

Here, as the optical communication unit identification information D _1, it is possible to use information on the position where the optical communication unit 106 is arranged on the information display device 300. Information of the position of the optical communication unit 106, for example, be identified by using a model identifier D _5.

Next, in step S42, the installation position estimation unit 308 compares the received connection information 120 with the connection information 120 stored in the data storage unit 102, and determines whether there is new information. To do.

15, the received connection information 120a is compared with the connection information 120a stored in the data storage unit 102 to determine whether there is new information. Further, the received connection information 120a is compared with information related to the connection information 120a of the connection information 120b stored in the data storage unit 102 to determine whether there is new information.

For example, when the information stored in the individual identifier column 121a or the communication unit column 123a of the received connection information 120a is different from the information corresponding to the connection information 120a already stored in the data storage unit 102 The installation position estimation unit 308 determines that there is new information.

If there is new information, the process proceeds to step S43. In FIG. 16, “YES” is selected in step S42. If there is no new information, the process returns to step S40. In FIG. 16, “NO” is selected in step S42.

In step S <b> 43, the installation position estimation unit 308 updates the communication unit field 123 of the connection information 120 stored in the data storage unit 102 based on the received connection information 120. When the individual identifier D _{4 of the} received connection information 120 is different from the individual identifier D ₄ of the connection information 120 stored in the data storage unit 102, the installation position estimation unit 308 The connection information 120 is stored in the data storage unit 102.

For example, when the received connection information 120a is different from the already stored connection information 120a, the stored connection information 120a is rewritten based on the new connection information 120a. When the received connection information 120a and the corresponding information in the connection information 120b are different, the connection information 120b is rewritten.

In step S44, the installation position estimation unit 308 selects a transmission destination. Here, the transmission destination may be all the optical communication units 106. When the connection information 120 to be transmitted is the same as the received connection information 120, the installation position estimation unit 308 may omit transmission to the transmission source.

In step S45, the installation position estimation unit 308 causes the selected optical communication unit 106 to transmit all connection information 120 stored in the data storage unit 102.

Referring to FIG. 12, for example, when the connection information 120a is received from the information display device 300a, the updated connection information 120a and connection information 120b are sent to the

information display devices

300a, 300c, and 300h.

In the connection information 120 to be transmitted, a value indicating the transmission source is stored in the column corresponding to the optical communication unit 106 that is the transmission source.

For example, the case where the connection information 120 is sent in the order of the information display device 300b, the information display device 300c, and the information display device 300j from the information display device 300a in FIG. 12 will be described.

The information display device 300a creates its own connection information 120a and sends it to the information display device 300b. The information display device 300b adds and stores the information of its connection information 120b to the received connection information 120a, and sends both the connection information 120a and the connection information 120b to the information display device 300c. The information display device 300c adds and stores the information of its own connection information 120c to the received

connection information

120a and 120b, and also stores all three of the connection information 120a, connection information 120b, and connection information 120c in the information display device 300j. send.

As described above, the information display device 300j has four pieces of

connection information

120a, 120b, 120c, and 120j. These are the connection information 120 stored in the information display device 300j at this time.

Suppose that the information display device 300j receives five pieces of

connection information

120a, 120b, 120c #, 120i, and 120d from the information display device 300d in this state. The connection information 120c # includes information added to the connection information 120c. For example, when information is transmitted from the information display device 300c to the information display device 300j via the information display device 300i and the information display device 300d, the information of the

information display devices

300i and 300d is added to the connection information 120c #. ing.

The connection information 120i, 120d that was not included in the connection information 120 received from the information display device 300c is newly stored. Further, since the connection information 120c has been updated to the connection information 120c #, the information difference is newly stored. That is, the information added with the connection information 120c # is newly stored.

Also, the information of the information display device 300d, which is a new connection destination, is added to the connection information 120j of the user, and the connection information 120j # is obtained. Then, the information of the user (information display device 300j) is added to the connection information 120d as a new connection destination to obtain connection information 120d #.

At this time, the information display device 300j has six pieces of

connection information

120a, 120b, 120c #, 120d #, 120i, and 120j #.

The information display device 300j sends all of the

connection information

120a, 120b, 120c #, 120d #, 120i, and 120j # to the

information display devices

300c, 300d, and 300k with which the information display device 300j is communicating. The destination of the connection information 120 also includes the information display device 300d that is the reception source.

The installation position estimation unit 308 returns to the reception standby state after completion of transmission of data _{D 0} (S30).

In this way, the information display device 300 can obtain a graph from the connection information 120 in the train 900. And the information display apparatus 300 can specify the connection status of the information display apparatus 300 in the train 900 by this graph.

The installation position of each information display device 300 is specified by sequentially applying to the arrangement of the information display devices 300 specified by the arrangement information stored in the data storage unit 102 based on the specified connection status. Can continue. That is, the installation position of the information display device 300 can be specified by applying the graph obtained from the connection information 120 to the arrangement information of the information display device 300. Note that the same arrangement information is accumulated from the data accumulation unit 102a to the data accumulation unit 102l.

However, there may be a plurality of combinations of arrangements depending on the shape of the information display device 300 and the like.

For example, in FIG. 12, the information display device 300 is made so as not to distinguish the left and right directions by communication, and the train operation system 910 or the terminal device 920 sends information to both the information display device 300a and the information display device 300g. The case of sending is considered. The train operation system 910 and the terminal device 920 are communication starting points.

In this case, the combination of the graph and the arrangement information cannot be specified in the left-right direction of the vehicle 901, and even when all of the information display devices 300 installed at opposite positions in the left-right direction of the vehicle 901 are switched. The graph information and the arrangement information will be a consistent combination. For example, the information display device 300a and the information display device 300g are interchanged.
In addition, the information display device 300b and the information display device 300h are interchanged.

For such a case, the installation position estimation unit 308 obtains information on the installation position in the left-right direction of the vehicle 901 or information on the positional relationship with other in-vehicle equipment using the sensor, and the information display device 300 It can also be used to specify the installation position. As a sensor to be used, an acceleration sensor, a position sensor such as GPS (Global Positioning System), a door open / close detection sensor, a camera, or the like can be considered.

For example, if acceleration leftward toward the display unit 101 is detected when the train 900 departs using an acceleration sensor, it can be determined that the vehicle is installed on the right side of the vehicle 901. In addition, if a rightward acceleration toward the display unit 101 is detected, it is found that the vehicle is installed on the left side of the vehicle 901.

Note that the installation position of the information display device 300 does not change at least during the operation of the train 900, except at the time of addition or disassembly. For this reason, the communication for detecting the position of the information display device 300 may be performed once at the beginning before the operation of the train 900 starts. Therefore, the information display device 300 can perform communication for position detection in a state where there are no obstacles such as passengers or luggage before the operation of the train 900 starts.

“Addition” means increasing the number of trains connected to the train. To connect to the train from the middle or extra time. “Disconnecting” is to reduce the transportation capacity per train by reducing the number of vehicles during weekday daytime and other times when there are few people.

In the first to third embodiments described above, the timing information for switching the display of information has been described as being transmitted from the train operation system 910.

However, data transmission using optical communication in a passenger car may be blocked by passengers or passengers' luggage during operation.

Therefore, the display contents and the display timing thereof are transmitted to all the

information display devices

100, 200, and 300 before starting the operation of the train 900, together with the geographical information of the railway line. The display

data switching units

104, 204, and 304 estimate the travel position using sensors such as a GPS, a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, or a door sensor, and geographical information on the railway line. Thereby, the

information display apparatuses

100, 200, and 300 can autonomously switch the display. In this case, it is not necessary to communicate during operation of the train 900, and there is no problem even if the communication is interrupted.

In the third embodiment described above includes a type identifier D ₅ in the connection information. However, such information (type identifier D ₅ ) may not be included when the information display devices 300 arranged in the train 900 are all the same type.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the information display device 400 according to the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as the information display device 300 according to the third embodiment.

Display unit 101, data storage unit 102, data storage unit 103, optical communication unit 106, display data switching unit 304, control unit 305, identifier storage unit 307, installation position estimation unit, with the same reference numerals as those in the third embodiment The description of 308, the storage unit 317, the display panel 11, the

nonvolatile memories

12A and 12B, the volatile memory 13, the CPU 15, the optical communication module 16, and the memory 17 is substituted with the description of the third embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an external configuration of the information display device 400 according to the fourth embodiment.

The information display device 400 is a through-pass type. The information display device 400 is for communication in a through-passage 902 that connects the vehicle 901a and the vehicle 901b.

This assumes the case where the opening (entrance / exit) of the through passage 902 is not sufficiently wide. That is, it is assumed that the entrance to the through passage 902 is narrow for optical communication between the

vehicles

901a and 901b. The through passage 902 connects the

vehicles

901a and 901b.

The information display device 400 is installed at the upper part of the entrance / exit leading to the through passage 902 between the

vehicles

901a and 901b.

The

optical communication units

106d and 106e of the information display device 400 project downward from the main body of the information display device 400. That is, the

optical communication units

106 d and 106 e protrude downward from the main body of the information display device 400. Further, for example, the

optical communication units

106 d and 106 e can be installed separately from the main body of the information display device 400.

By doing in this way, even when the penetration path 902 is not widely taken, the

optical communication sections

106d and 106e protrude from the entrance and exit of the penetration path 902, so that an optical path (optical communication path) for optical communication is secured. can do. Here, “hanging out” means protruding.

Here, the

optical communication units

106d and 106e are installed so as to protrude from the entrance / exit of the through passage 902. However, it is not limited to such an example.

For example, communication between vehicles can be performed through the end windows (not shown) of the

vehicles

901a and 901b.

Optical communication units

106e and 106d may be provided at the position of the wife window. The “wife window” is a window installed on the front-rear surface of the vehicle. Usually, it is provided beside the entrance / exit of the through passage 902.

Further, the

optical communication units

106d and 106e may be installed outside the

vehicles

901a and 901b. You may make it perform optical communication outside the

vehicles

901a and 901b. By doing in this way, it can respond also to the train 900 which does not have the through-passage 902.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram for explaining the arrangement of the

information display devices

300 and 400 in the train 900.

The information display device 300a is installed at the end of the vehicle 901a on the direction Df side. The information display device 300f is installed at the end of the vehicle 901b on the direction Db side. Unlike FIG. 12, the

information display devices

300 a and 300 f are arranged to face the through path 902. That is, the

information display devices

300a and 300f are installed at the ends of the passages of the

vehicles

901a and 901b.

When the direction Df is the traveling direction of the vehicle 901a, the

information display devices

300b and 300c are installed on the right side of the door for getting on and off the traveling direction of the vehicle 901a. The

information display devices

300g and 300h are installed on the left side of the entrance door for the vehicle 901a in the traveling direction.

The

information display devices

300d and 300e are installed on the right side of the door for getting on and off the vehicle 901b in the traveling direction. The

information display devices

300i and 300j are installed on the left side of the entrance door for the vehicle 901b.

The information display device 400 shown in FIG. 17 can be used in combination with the information display device 300 shown in FIG. 11, for example. The

information display devices

300 and 400 can be arranged as shown in FIG.

18, the information display device 300a to the information display device 300j are the information display device 300 shown in FIG. The

information display devices

400a and 400b are the information display device 400 shown in FIG.

However, for the

information display devices

300a and 300f, it is necessary to change the

optical communication units

106a and 106b arranged in the left-right direction to the positions of the

optical communication units

106a and 106b shown in FIG. The

information display devices

300a and 300f are installed at the ends of the

vehicles

901a and 901b.

The

optical communication units

106a and 106b shown in FIG. 17 are installed on the same surface as the display unit 101 is installed. The optical communication unit 106 a is installed on the right side toward the display unit 101. The optical communication unit 106 b is installed on the left side toward the display unit 101. The

optical communication units

106 a and 106 b are installed on the upper side of the display unit 101.

The optical communication unit 106c is installed on the same surface as the display unit 101 is installed. The optical communication unit 106 c is disposed at the center portion of the display unit 101 in the left-right direction. The optical communication unit 106 c is installed on the upper side of the display unit 101.

The transmission of the first data D ₀ is sent from the terminal device 920 or the train operation system 910 of the operator 930 to the information display device 300a. Information display device 300a, the information display device 300b, and sends the data _{D 0} to 300 g.

Information display device 300b, the information display device 300c, and sends the data _{D 0} to 300 g. Information display device 300g includes information display device 300b, and sends the data _{D 0} to 300h. Information display device 300c, the information display device 300h, the 400a sends the data _{D 0.} Information display device 300h, the information display device 300c, the 400a sends the data _{D 0.}

Information display device 400a sends data _{D 0} in the information display device 400b. Optical communication unit 106d of the information display device 400a sends data _{D 0} in the optical communication unit 106e of the information display device 400b. Optical communication unit 106e of the information display device 400a sends data _{D 0} in the optical communication unit 106d of the information display device 400b. Information display device 400b, the information display device 300d, and sends the data _{D 0} to 300i.

Information display device 300d, the information display device 300e, and sends data _{D 0} to 300i. Information display device 300i, the information display device 300d, and sends the data _{D 0} to 300j. Information display device 300e, the information display device 300j, sends the data _{D 0} to 300f. Information display device 300j includes information display device 300e, and sends data _{D 0} to 300f.

Further, communication in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 901 may be bidirectional as described above.

In this way, optical communication can be ensured between

different vehicles

901a and 901b.

Embodiment 5 FIG.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the information display apparatus 500 according to the fifth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9, the information display apparatus 500 according to the fifth embodiment includes one or more display units 101, a display data switching unit 304, a control unit 505, and a plurality of optical communication units 106. The installation position estimation unit 508 and the storage unit 317 are provided. The storage unit 317 includes a data storage unit 102, a data storage unit 103, and an identifier storage unit 307. The installation position estimation unit 508 has a function as a communication control unit. A plurality of information display devices 500 are installed in the vehicle.

In the information display device 500 according to the fifth embodiment, the display unit 101, the data storage unit 102, the data storage unit 103, the display data switching unit 304, the control unit 305, the optical communication unit 106, and the identifier storage unit 307 This is the same as the information display device 300 according to the third embodiment. The description of the same components as in the third embodiment is substituted for the description in the third embodiment. Hereinafter, an installation position estimation unit 508 that is different from the information display apparatus 300 according to Embodiment 3 will be described.

In Embodiments 3 and 4 described above, an example in which communication between

different vehicles

901a and 901b is not particularly distinguished from communication in the same vehicle 901 is shown. Alternatively, the

information display devices

300 and 400 have been described as being able to recognize the optical communication unit 106 used for communication between

different vehicles

901a and 901b.

However, it is convenient if the information display device 500 can automatically distinguish between communication within the

same vehicle

901a, 901b and communication between

different vehicles

901a, 901b.

Therefore, the installation position estimation unit 508 according to the fifth embodiment, in addition to the processing performed by the installation position estimation unit 308 according to the third embodiment, performs communication between the

same vehicles

901a and 901b and between

different vehicles

901a and 901b. The process of distinguishing the communication is performed.

For example, a camera or a sensor capable of determining the incident angle is used for the light receiving unit of the optical communication unit 106. Thereby, the installation position estimation unit 508 can automatically determine communication within the

same vehicle

901a, 901b and communication between

different vehicles

901a, 901b.

Optical communication unit 106b of the information display device 300d shown in FIG. 12, the data _{D 0} generated by the optical communication unit 106a of the information display device 300i, received from an oblique direction. Similarly, the optical communication unit 106b of the information display device 300j the data _{D 0} generated by the optical communication unit 106a of the information display device 300c, it receives from an oblique direction. On the other hand, for example, the optical communication unit 106b of the information display device 300b has data _{D 0} generated by the optical communication unit 106a of the information display device 300a, it receives from the lateral direction.

The information display device 300 includes a sensor capable of determining the incident angle in the light receiving unit of the optical communication unit 106, whereby communication between

different vehicles

901a and 901b can be automatically determined.

In addition, when the light receiving unit of the optical communication unit 106 is provided with a camera, the information display device 300 can recognize the through path 902 as an image. For this reason, the information display apparatus 300 can automatically determine communication between

different vehicles

901a and 901b.

As described with reference to FIG. 6, in communication between

different vehicles

901 a and 901 b, the angle between the optical communication units 106 changes during operation of the curved portion of the track. This change generally changes in the lateral direction of the vehicle 901 at a relatively large angle over several seconds to several tens of seconds.

On the other hand, the angle between the optical communication units 106 also changes in communication between the information display devices 300 installed adjacent to each other in the

same vehicle

901a, 901b. This is caused by vibration during operation or distortion of the vehicle body, and changes mainly at a small angle of 1 second or less.

Therefore, the installation position estimation unit 508 determines whether the communication partner is installed in the

same vehicle

901a, 901b or in

different vehicles

901a, 901b from the change in the communication angle.

Then, by adding this determination result to the connection information 120, it is possible to identify the information display devices 500 installed in the

same vehicle

901a, 901b. And the installation position of the information display apparatus 500 can be easily estimated.

100, 200, 300, 400, 500 Information display device, 11 Display panel, 12 Non-volatile memory, 13 Volatile memory, 15 CPU, 16 Optical communication module, 17 Memory, 101 Display unit, 102 Data storage unit, 103 Data storage Unit, 104, 204, 304 display data switching unit, 105, 205, 305 control unit, 106 optical communication unit, 107, 317 storage unit, 206 imaging unit, 120 connection information, 121 individual identifier column, 122 type identifier column, 123 Communication section, 307 identifier storage section, 308,508 installation position estimation section, 900, 901a, 901b train, 901 vehicle, 902 throughway, 910 train operation system, 920 terminal device, 930 operator, Df, Db direction, ANG effective _{_{_{angle, D 0, D 01, D}}} 02, D 0a, _{_{_{_{0b, D 0c, D 0d,}}}} D 0e, D 0f, D 2a, D 2b, D 2c, D 2d, D 2e, D 2f data, _{D 1} the optical communication unit identification information, _{D 2} position identification information, _{D 3} vehicle Number identification information, D ₄ , D ₄₁ , D ₄₂ individual identifier, D ₅ type identifier, D ₆ , D ₆₁ , D ₆₂ connection destination identification information.

Claims

An information display device that mutually transmits and receives data,
A display panel for displaying information;
A plurality of optical communication modules that transmit and receive the data including the information displayed on the display panel wirelessly using light, and
The plurality of optical communication modules include a first optical communication module oriented in a first direction and a second optical communication module oriented in a direction different from the first direction,
An information display device, wherein the data received by the first optical communication module is transmitted from the second optical communication module.
The information display device according to claim 1, wherein the optical communication module has an effective angle satisfying the following expression (1).
If the received data includes the first position identification information that can identify its own position, the second position identification information that can identify the position of another information display device is included in the received data. The information display device according to claim 1, wherein the information display device transmits the information.
The first position identification information is a first count value, and the second position identification information is a second count value obtained by changing the first count value by a predetermined value. The information display device according to claim 3, wherein
The information display device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein information corresponding to the first position identification information included in the received data is displayed on the display panel.
The connection information is used to identify the individual identifier for identifying the information display device of itself, the direction of the optical communication module used for data transmission, the connection destination of the optical communication module used for data transmission, or the model of the device itself. Including a model identifier,
When the optical communication module receives connection information of another information display device, the optical communication module transmits its own connection information and connection information of the other information display device from the optical communication module. 3. The information display device according to 1 or 2.
The information display device according to claim 6, wherein the installation position of the device is specified based on the connection information of the device and the connection information of the other information display device.
The optical communication module identifies a light source including the data;
The information display device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the information display device identifies whether the vehicle is in the same vehicle or a different vehicle based on the incident direction of the light.