Path Search Device and Computer Program

Abstract

The present invention provides a route search device and a computer program. After searching for a route to a destination, the device guides a user to confirm route information of the searched route, selects an arbitrary section included in the searched route as a change section based on subsequent user operations, selects a new means of transportation for traveling within the change section, and then searches again for a route to the destination, using the selected new means of transportation for traveling within the change section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a route search device and a computer program for searching for a route to a destination. Background Art

[0002] Various devices are known that have a route search function that uses map information, etc., to search for recommended travel routes to the specified destination after a user specifies a destination. Examples of such devices include vehicle-mounted navigation devices, mobile phones, smartphones, tablet computers, and personal computers. Furthermore, in this route search, the optimal travel method is appropriately selected from multiple travel methods (e.g., walking, car, bus, rail, etc.), and a route is searched that combines the selected travel methods to reach the destination.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-296071 discloses a technology that searches for routes to the destination by combining multiple means of transportation, such as walking, taxi, and train, and guides the user when search conditions such as departure time and arrival time are inputted along with the destination on a mobile phone. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In the search for routes using multiple means of transportation described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-296071, the decision about which means of transportation to use for each section is essentially determined by the device performing the search. While users can set search conditions such as departure and arrival times, there's a problem with finding a route based on these conditions not necessarily matching the user's desired route. Furthermore, multiple candidate routes to the destination are searched for and presented to the user. However, even if multiple candidates are found, they may not necessarily match the user's desired route.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and its object is to provide a route search device and a computer program that can easily search for a route that meets the user's requirements when searching for a route by selecting a means of transportation for travel from a plurality of types of means of transportation.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned object, the route search device of the present invention comprises: a route search unit for searching, as a route to a destination, a route divided into one or more sections and specifying, for each section, a recommended means of transportation for traveling in the section from a plurality of types of means of transportation; a route guidance unit for guiding a user with route information of a searched route determined as a route searched by the route search unit; a section selection unit for selecting, in response to a user operation, any section included in the searched route as a change target section; a means of transportation selection unit for selecting, in response to a user operation, a new means of transportation for traveling in the change target section; and a route re-search unit for searching again for a route to the destination, on the condition that the user travels in the change target section using the new means of transportation selected by the means of transportation selection unit.

[0007] In addition, "moving in the change object interval using the new moving means selected by the moving means selection unit" can be a condition for moving in the entire change object interval using the new moving means, or a condition for moving in at least a part of the change object interval using the new moving means.

[0008] Furthermore, the computer program of the present invention is a computer program for searching for a route to a destination. Specifically, the computer program is configured to cause a computer to function as: a route search unit that searches for a route to the destination by dividing the route into one or more sections and, for each section, designating a recommended means of transportation for traveling in the section from a plurality of types of means of transportation; a route guidance unit that guides a user to route information identifying a searched route as the route found by the route search unit; a section selection unit that selects any section included in the searched route as a change section based on a user operation; a means of transportation selection unit that selects a new means of transportation for traveling in the change section based on a user operation; and a route re-search unit that searches for a route to the destination again, subject to the condition that the user travels in the change section using the new means of transportation selected by the means of transportation selection unit.

[0009] According to the route search device and computer program of the present invention having the above-described structure, when searching for a route by selecting a means of transportation from a plurality of types of means of transportation, the temporarily searched route can be edited to a route that uses the means of transportation specified by the user for any section. This makes it possible to easily search for a route that meets the user's expectations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like symbols represent like elements, and in which:

[0011] Figure 1 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a route search system according to this embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the route search system according to this embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the information terminal according to this embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the route search processing program of this embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing a display example of route information.

[0016] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing a display example of a route editing screen.

[0017] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing a display example of a route editing screen.

[0018] Figure 8 2 is a diagram showing a display example of new route information after editing.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a sub-processing program of the route search process.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating a method of searching for a route to a destination when traveling using a station-type transportation means.

[0021] Figure 11 This is a diagram explaining a method of searching for a route to a destination when traveling by transferring between multiple station-type transportation means.

[0022] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of the sub-processor of the route re-search process.

[0023] Figure 13 This figure shows an example of editing a route when the means of transportation for traveling in a change target section is changed to a means of transportation other than a station-based means.

[0024] Figure 14 This figure shows an example of editing a route when the means of transportation for traveling in a change target section is changed to a means of transportation other than a station-based means.

[0025] Figure 15This figure shows an example of route editing when the means of transportation for moving in the change target section is changed to a station-type means of transportation.

[0026] Figure 16 This figure shows an example of route editing when the means of transportation for moving in the change target section is changed to a station-type means of transportation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Hereinafter, referring to the accompanying drawings, an embodiment of the route search device of the present invention embodied as a server device 1 will be described in detail. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 , a schematic configuration of a route search system 2 including a server device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a route search system 2 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the route search system 2 according to the present embodiment.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the route search system 2 of this embodiment basically comprises a server device 1 provided by an information transmission center 3 and an information terminal 5 carried by a user 4. Furthermore, the server device 1 and the information terminal 5 are configured to be able to transmit and receive electronic data to and from each other via a communication network 6. Examples of the information terminal 5 include a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, and a vehicle-mounted navigation device. Furthermore, the user 4 may be in or out of the vehicle.

[0029] Here, server device 1 performs a route search in response to a request from information terminal 5. Specifically, when a destination is set in information terminal 5 or a route is being re-searched (re-routed), information necessary for the route search, such as the departure point and destination, is transmitted from information terminal 5 to server device 1 along with the route search request. (However, in the case of a re-search, destination information need not necessarily be transmitted.) Upon receiving the route search request, server device 1 then uses its map information to perform a route search and determine a recommended route from the departure point to the destination. It then transmits the determined recommended route to information terminal 5, the source of the request. Information terminal 5 then provides the user with the received recommended route information or sets the recommended route as a guidance route and provides travel guidance based on the guidance route. This allows, even if the map information stored on information terminal 5 at the time of the route search is an outdated version or the information terminal 5 lacks the map information itself, to provide an appropriate recommended route to the destination based on the latest version of the map information stored on server device 1. In addition, particularly in this embodiment, when searching for a route from a departure point to a destination, a search is performed for a recommended route that takes into account situations (multimodality) of moving by switching between multiple means of transportation, such as walking, private cars, rental cars, shared cars, shared bicycles, railways, buses, ferries, and airplanes.

[0030] Furthermore, the server device 1 is communicatively connected to a vehicle allocation management server 7 that manages taxis, rental cars, shared cars, shared bicycles, etc. throughout the country. Furthermore, the vehicle allocation management server 7 may be a separate server for managing taxis, rental cars, shared cars, and shared bicycles.

[0031] Here, the vehicle allocation management server 7 monitors changes in the availability of taxis, rental cars, shared cars, and shared bicycles. It also manages reservations for taxis, rental cars, shared cars, and shared bicycles. When performing the aforementioned route search on server device 1, the vehicle allocation management server 7 provides information on the availability of taxis, rental cars, shared cars, and shared bicycles to server device 1. Furthermore, based on requests from server device 1, it also makes reservations for taxis and rental cars, shared cars, and shared bicycles.

[0032] However, route search processing does not necessarily need to be performed on server device 1; it can also be performed on information terminal 5 as long as it has map information. Furthermore, acquisition of availability and reservation of taxis, rental cars, shared cars, and shared bicycles can be performed directly on information terminal 5 via vehicle allocation management server 7, rather than via server device 1.

[0033] On the other hand, the information terminal 5 used is an information terminal carried by the user 4 and having a navigation function, such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, or a car-mounted navigation device.

[0034] Here, the navigation function corresponds to a function of displaying route information identifying a route searched by the server device 1, or displaying a map image of the vicinity of the user 4's current location based on map data obtained from the server or stored in memory, or displaying the user 4's current location within the displayed map image, or providing movement guidance along a set guidance route. Furthermore, the information terminal 5 need not possess all of the aforementioned navigation functions; as long as it at least has the function of displaying route information, it can constitute the present invention.

[0035] Furthermore, the communication network 6 comprises a large number of base stations deployed throughout the country and communication companies that manage and control each base station. The base stations and communication companies are interconnected via wired (optical fiber, ISDN, etc.) or wireless connections. The base stations include transceivers and antennas for communicating with the information terminals 5. Furthermore, the base stations function to conduct wireless communications between communication companies and, on the other hand, relay communications with the server device 1 for information terminals 5 located at the end of the communication network 6 and within the range (cell) of the base station's radio waves.

[0036] Next, use Figure 2 , the structure of the server device 1 in the route search system 2 is described in more detail. Figure 2 As shown, the server device 1 includes a server control unit 11 , a user information DB 12 as information recording means connected to the server control unit 11 , a server-side map DB 13 , and a server-side communication device 14 .

[0037] The server control unit 11 is a control unit (MCU, MPU, etc.) that controls the entire server device 1. It includes a CPU 21 that serves as a computing device and a control device, and a RAM 22 that is used as a working memory when the CPU 21 performs various computing processes. In addition to recording control programs, the server control unit 11 also records a path search processing program (described later). Figure 4) and other internal storage devices such as a ROM 23, and a flash memory 24 that stores programs read from the ROM 23. In addition, the server control unit 11 has various units as processing algorithms together with the control unit of the information terminal 5 described later. For example, the route search unit searches for a route to the destination in which the route is divided into one or more sections and, for each section, a recommended means of transportation for traveling in the section is specified from a plurality of types of means of transportation. The route guidance unit guides the user with the route information of the searched route determined as the route searched by the route search unit. The section selection unit selects any section included in the searched route as a change target section based on the user's operation. The means of transportation selection unit selects a new means of transportation for traveling in the change target section based on the user's operation. The route re-search unit searches for a route to the destination again, on the condition that the new means of transportation selected by the means of transportation selection unit is used to travel in the change target section.

[0038] In addition, the user information DB 12 is a storage unit that stores registration information related to users who have registered for use. In addition, the registration information stored in the user information DB 12 includes the user's ID, address, name, telephone number, email address, and card information used for paying for rental cars and shared cars. Furthermore, as an ID for identifying a user, it is preferable to use an ID shared with the vehicle allocation management server 7 (e.g., OpenID (registered trademark)). By using an ID shared with the vehicle allocation management server 7, the server device 1 can make reservations for taxi allocation, rental cars, shared cars, and shared bicycles through the vehicle allocation management server 7.

[0039] On the other hand, the server-side map DB 13 is a storage unit that stores the latest version of server-side map information, which is registered based on external input data and input operations. Here, the server-side map information includes various information required for route search, route guidance, and map display, mainly the road network. For example, it includes network data containing nodes and links representing the road network, link data related to roads (links), node data related to nodes, intersection data related to each intersection, location data related to facilities and other locations, map display data for displaying maps, search data for searching for routes, and search data for searching for locations.

[0040] Furthermore, the server-side map DB 13 also stores various information about the paths of means of transportation (hereinafter referred to as station-type transportation means) that start and end at specific locations (hereinafter referred to as stations) such as rental cars, shared cars, shared bicycles, railways, buses, ferries, and airplanes. Specifically, it includes information about the locations of the stations of each station-type transportation means (bus stations, bus stations, ferry stations, airports, car rental shops, places where shared cars or shared bicycles are borrowed and returned), and information about the routes of the station-type transportation means (railway routes, bus routes, airplane routes, and ferry routes). Furthermore, for transportation means with timetables, information about the timetable for each station is also included. However, the information related to the above-mentioned station-type transportation means may not be stored in the server-side map DB 13, but may be obtained from an external server.

[0041] Meanwhile, the server-side communication device 14 is a communication device for communicating with the information terminal 5 and the vehicle allocation management server 7 via the communication network 6. Furthermore, the server-side communication device 14 is capable of receiving traffic information, including congestion information, traffic restriction information, traffic accident information, and other information, transmitted from the information terminal 5 and the vehicle allocation management server 7, as well as from the Internet and traffic information centers such as the VICS (registered trademark: Vehicle Information and Communication System) center.

[0042] Next, use Figure 3 , describing the schematic structure of the information terminal 5. Figure 3 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of the information terminal 5 according to this embodiment. In the following description, a case where the information terminal 5 is a smartphone is particularly taken as an example.

[0043] like Figure 4 The information terminal 5 shown is constructed as follows: a CPU 31 connected to a data bus BUS, a memory 32 storing user information (user ID, name, etc.) related to the user 4 carrying the information terminal 5, a transceiver circuit unit (RF) 33 for transmitting and receiving signals between the base station of the communication network 6, a baseband processing unit 34 that converts the RF (Radio Frequency) signal received in the transceiver circuit unit 33 into a baseband signal and converts the baseband signal into an RF signal, an input and output unit 37 serving as an interface for a microphone 35 and a speaker 36, a display 38 composed of a liquid crystal display panel, an input operation unit 39 composed of a touch panel, hard buttons, etc., a GPS 40, and a camera 41.

[0044] Here, the CPU 31 built into the information terminal 5 is a control unit of the information terminal 5 that executes various operations according to the operation program stored in the memory 32, and together with the memory 32 constitutes the information terminal control unit 42. In addition, the various processing contents of the information terminal control unit 42 are displayed on the display 38 as needed.

[0045] The memory 32 is a storage medium that stores user information (user ID, name, etc.) related to the user 4 carrying the information terminal 5. In addition, the memory 32 also stores a program including a route search processing program ( Figure 4 ) various applications. Furthermore, map information may be stored in the memory 32. As long as the map information is stored in the memory 32, processing related to route search can be performed not in the server device 1 but in the information terminal 5. Furthermore, the memory 32 may include a hard disk, a memory card, or the like.

[0046] The display 38 is provided on one side of the housing and is formed using a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like. It displays various information, including a top screen for executing various applications installed on the information terminal 5, screens related to the executed applications (such as Internet screens and mail screens), images, and moving images. Furthermore, when performing a route search, it also displays route information identifying the searched route.

[0047] The input operation unit 39 includes a touch panel provided on the front surface of the display 38 and hard buttons arranged on the housing. The information terminal control unit 42 then controls various actions corresponding to the electrical signals output by the touch panel and hard buttons, etc. In this embodiment, the user operates the unit to edit the path information displayed on the display 38. Furthermore, the input operation unit 39 may include various keys, such as number / character input keys, cursor keys for moving a cursor to select displayed content, and an enter key for confirming a selection.

[0048] Furthermore, the GPS 40 can detect the current location and current date and time of the information terminal 5 (i.e., the user 4) by receiving radio waves generated by artificial satellites. Furthermore, the system may be configured to include, in addition to the GPS 40, another device for detecting the current location and orientation of the information terminal 5 (e.g., a gyro sensor).

[0049] The camera 41 is a small imaging device, for example, a camera using a solid-state imaging element such as a CCD, and is built into the back side of the information terminal 5. With a dedicated application program activated, the user can capture images of the surrounding area by operating the input operation unit 39. Images captured by the camera 41 are stored in the memory 32.

[0050] Then, according to Figure 4 , a route search processing program executed in the server device 1 and the information terminal 5 having the above-described configuration will be described. Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the route search processing program of this embodiment. Here, the route search processing program is executed after the navigation application is started in the information terminal 5, searches for a route to the destination according to the user's operation, and provides route information that specifies the searched route. In addition, in the following Figure 4 、 Figure 9 as well as Figure 12 The program shown in the flowchart is stored in the memory 32 included in the information terminal 5 or the RAM 22 , ROM 23 , etc. included in the server device 1 , and is executed by the CPU 31 or the CPU 21 .

[0051] First, the route search processing program executed in the information terminal 5 will be described.

[0052] In step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 1, CPU 31 transmits a route search request to server device 1. The route search request includes the terminal ID of the information terminal 5 that is sending the route search request, the user ID that identifies the user, information that identifies the departure point (e.g., the user's current location) and destination, and the route search conditions set by the user on the sending information terminal 5. Examples of "route search conditions" include expected departure time and expected arrival time. The "departure point," "destination," and "route search conditions" can be input by the user on a search condition input screen (not shown) displayed on the information terminal 5.

[0053] Next, in S2, the CPU 31 receives information regarding a recommended route from the departure point to the destination (hereinafter referred to as a central route) searched by the server device 1 in response to the route search request. The central route received in S2 is the recommended route from the departure point to the destination searched using the latest version of map information held by the server device 1 in response to the route search request transmitted from the information terminal 5. Details of the central route search by the server device 1 will be described later.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when searching for a central route, a recommended route is searched that takes into account multiple modes of transportation (multimodality), such as walking, private cars, rental cars, shared cars, shared bicycles, trains, buses, ferries, and airplanes. Therefore, the information regarding the central route transmitted from server device 1 includes information that divides the central route into one or more sections and specifies, for each section, the recommended means of transportation for traveling in that section.

[0055] Furthermore, in S2, when there is a location on the central route where a means of transportation is switched (hereinafter referred to as a connection point), the CPU 31 also receives information related to the connection point from the server device 1. Examples of the connection point include train stations, bus stops, parking lots, car rental shops, ferry terminals, and airports. Information related to the connection point includes, for example, the location of the connection point, the name of the connection point (station name, bus stop name, parking lot name), and, in the case of a parking lot, information on the usage fee and availability.

[0056] Then, in S3, the CPU 31 displays the route information of the central route received in S2 on the display 38. Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing an example of the route information displayed on the display 38 in the above-mentioned S3.

[0057] like Figure 5 As shown, the route guidance screen 51 divides the route from the departure point to the destination into multiple sections as route information that defines the central route. Information regarding the connection points that serve as the boundaries of the sections and information regarding the means of transportation for each section are displayed in chronological order. Information such as the scheduled departure time, scheduled arrival time, required time, total route length, and travel fare are also displayed.

[0058] For example Figure 5 This is an example of route information displayed when a route search is performed with the user's home as the departure point, Company X set as the destination, and 10:00 set as the expected departure time. Figure 5 In the central route shown, the connection points are three locations: "Station A", "Station B", and "Station C". The means of transportation from the departure point to "Station A" is designated to be walking, the means of transportation from "Station A" to "Station B" is designated to be the tram on line 00 and line 00, the means of transportation from "Station B" to "Station C" is designated to be the tram on line ×× and line ××, and the means of transportation from "Station C" to the destination is designated to be walking.

[0059] By referring to the route guidance screen 51, the user can understand which means of transportation and how to reach the destination are appropriate. Alternatively, an image showing the central route on a map may also be displayed. Furthermore, a route edit button 52 and an end button 53 are located below the route guidance screen 51. After visually viewing the displayed central route route information, the user presses the route edit button 52 if they wish to edit the central route. As described below, the user can specify and edit any section, specifically, changing the currently specified means of transportation for that section to another. Conversely, the user presses the end button 53 if they wish to end the route information.

[0060] At S4, the CPU 31 determines whether the route edit button 52 has been pressed, that is, whether the user desires to edit the guided center route. If the route edit button 52 has been pressed, that is, the user desires to edit the guided center route (S4: Yes), the process shifts to S5. On the other hand, if the route edit button 52 has not been pressed, that is, the user does not desire to edit the guided center route (S4: No), the route search processing program ends.

[0061] In S5, the CPU 31 updates the route guidance screen 51 and displays the route editing screen 55. The route editing screen 55 accepts an operation of selecting any section included in the central route guided in S3 as a change target section and an operation of selecting a new means of transportation that the user desires to use in the change target section.

[0062] Here, Figure 6 FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a line editing screen 55 displayed on the display 38. Figure 6 As shown, in the route editing screen 55, similarly to the route guidance screen 51, information about the connection points included in the central route and information about the means of transportation for each section are displayed in a time series. Furthermore, selection icons 56 are displayed for each of the departure point, destination, and connection points included in the central route. Then, the user first selects the selection icon 56 corresponding to the departure point, destination, or connection point corresponding to the starting point of the change object section to be edited. Next, the user selects the selection icon 56 corresponding to the departure point, destination, or connection point corresponding to the end point of the change object section. Then, the CPU 31 determines the section between the two selection icons 56 in the selected state as the change object section. For example, in Figure 5 In the example shown, the selection icon 56 corresponding to the home as the departure point and the selection icon 56 corresponding to Station A as the connection point are selected, and "home to Station A" is determined as the change target section.

[0063] Furthermore, when in the line editing screen 55, as shown Figure 6 As shown, when the two selection icons 56 are selected to determine the change target section, an operation window 57 is displayed for selecting the new means of transportation that the user wishes to use for travel within the change target section. Operation window 57 lists all available means of transportation that can travel within the change target section, allowing the user to select the desired means of transportation. The CPU 31 then determines the means of transportation selected in operation window 57 as the new means of transportation that the user wishes to use for travel within the change target section. If there are multiple sections to be edited, the user repeats the operations related to specifying the change target section and selecting the means of transportation. After the user completes the operations related to specifying the change target section and selecting the means of transportation on the route editing screen 55, and then presses the re-search button 58 located at the bottom of the route editing screen 55, the CPU 31 terminates the processing of the center route editing operation and moves to S6.

[0064] Furthermore, as the change target section, not only one section can be selected as the change target section, but multiple adjacent sections can also be selected as the change target sections at once (collectively). In this case, multiple adjacent sections selected as the change target sections can be collectively moved using one means of transportation, that is, the number of transfers of means of transportation can be reduced. For example, in Figure 7 In the example shown, the selection icon 56 corresponding to the home as the departure point and the selection icon 56 corresponding to Station B as the connection point are selected, and the "home to Station B" section, which includes the two sections "home to Station A" and "Station A to Station B", is determined. In this case, on the route editing screen 55, as shown in Figure 7 As shown, an operation window 57 is newly displayed for selecting the new means of transportation that the user desires to use for travel within the change target section. Operation window 57 displays a list of all possible means of transportation that can travel within the change target section, allowing the user to select the desired means of transportation. CPU 31 then determines the means of transportation selected in operation window 57 as the user's desired new means of transportation for travel from "home to Station B."

[0065] Next, in S6, the CPU 31 transmits a route re-search request to the server device 1. The route re-search request includes the change target section determined in S5 and the new means of travel that the user desires to use in the change target section.

[0066] Next, at S7, the CPU 31 receives information regarding a newly found recommended route from the departure point to the destination (hereinafter referred to as a new central route) from the server device 1 in response to the route re-search request. Similar to the central route received at S2, the new central route received at S7 is a recommended route from the departure point to the destination found using the latest version of map information held by the server device 1. However, the search is performed under the condition that the change target section determined at S5 is traveled using the new means of transportation determined in the same manner. Details of the search for a new central route by the server device 1 will be described later.

[0067] Then, in S8, the CPU 31 displays the route information of the new central route received in S7 on the display 38. Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing an example of the route information displayed on the display 38 in the above-mentioned S8 .

[0068] like Figure 8 As shown, the route guidance screen 61 divides the route from the departure point to the destination into multiple sections as route information for determining the new central route. Information regarding the connection points that serve as section boundaries and information regarding travel methods for each section are displayed in chronological order. Information such as the scheduled departure time, scheduled arrival time, required travel time, total route length, and travel fare is also displayed.

[0069] Here, Figure 8 Therefore Figure 5 The new central route is a new central route when the central route shown is changed in such a way that taxis move in the section "from home to station A". Figure 8 In the new center line shown, Figure 5 Compared to the central route shown, the means of transportation from the departure point to "Station A" has been changed to a taxi, and the arrival times at each connection point and the destination after Station A have also been changed. In addition, the required time and travel costs have also been changed.

[0070] Furthermore, when a means of transportation that requires reservation, such as a taxi, rental car, shared car, or shared bicycle, is specified as a means of transportation, a reservation window 62 is displayed. In the reservation window 62, a reservation button 63 is configured together with the detailed content of the means of transportation that can be reserved. When the user makes a reservation for the means of transportation according to the displayed content, he operates the reservation button 63. When the reservation button 63 is operated, the reservation instruction is sent to the vehicle allocation management server 7 via the server device 1, and a reservation for the allocation of a taxi, a rental car, a shared car, or a shared bicycle can be made. In addition, when Figure 5When a means of transportation that requires reservation is also specified on the route guidance screen 51 of the central route, a reservation window 62 is displayed in the same manner.

[0071] By referring to the route guidance screen 61, the user can understand the appropriate means of transportation and method for reaching the destination regarding the edited new central route. Alternatively, an image showing the new central route on a map may also be displayed. Furthermore, if a route edit button 64 and an end button 65 are provided at the bottom of the route guidance screen 61, the user, after visually viewing the displayed route information for the new central route, presses the route edit button 64 if he or she wishes to edit the new central route. In this case, the process returns to S5, where the route is edited again for the new central route. Alternatively, if the user wishes to end the route information guidance, they press the end button 65.

[0072] Next, the route search processing program executed in the server device 1 will be described.

[0073] First, in S11, the CPU 21 receives a route search request transmitted from the information terminal 5. The route search request includes the terminal ID of the information terminal 5 that transmits the route search request, information that identifies the departure point (e.g., the user's current location) and the destination, and route search conditions.

[0074] Then, in S12, the CPU 21 executes a route search process (described later) based on the route search request received in S11 and the map information held by the server device 1. Figure 9 In the route search process, based on the route search request received from the information terminal 5, the server device 1 uses the latest version of map information to search for a recommended route (central route) from the departure point to the destination. In particular, when searching for a central route, the recommended route search is performed taking into account the situation of switching between multiple means of transportation (multimodality), such as walking, private car, rental car, shared car, shared bicycle, rail, bus, ferry, and airplane.

[0075] Next, in S13, CPU 21 transmits information regarding the central route searched in S12 to information terminal 5 that requested the route search. The information regarding the central route includes information that divides the central route into one or more sections and specifies, for each section, the recommended means of transportation for traveling within that section. Furthermore, if there are connection points on the central route where the means of transportation are switched, information regarding those connection points is also included.

[0076] Then, in the information terminal 5 to which the information on the center line is transmitted, the information on the center line transmitted as described above is guided to the user via the display 38 or the like (S3).

[0077] Then, in S14, the CPU 21 receives a route re-search request transmitted from the information terminal 5. The route re-search request includes the change target section determined in S5 and the new means of travel that the user desires to use in the change target section.

[0078] Then, in S15, the CPU 21 executes a route re-search process (described later) based on the route re-search request received in S14 and the map information held by the server device 1. Figure 12 In the route re-search process, a recommended route (new central route) from the departure point to the destination point is searched using the latest version of map information held by the server device 1 in response to the route re-search request received from the information terminal 5. The new central route is searched under the condition that the change target section determined in S5 is moved using the new means of transportation determined in the same manner.

[0079] Next, in S16, CPU 21 transmits information regarding the new central route found in S15 to information terminal 5 that has requested a new route search. The information regarding the new central route includes information that divides the new central route into one or more sections, and specifies, for each section, a recommended means of transportation for traveling within that section. Furthermore, if there are connection points on the new central route where the means of transportation needs to be switched, information regarding those connection points is also included.

[0080] Then, in the information terminal 5 to which the information on the new central line is transmitted, the information on the new central line transmitted as described above is guided to the user via the display 38 or the like ( S8 ).

[0081] Next, according to Figure 9 , describing the sub-processes of the route search process executed in S12. Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a sub-processing program of the route search process.

[0082] First, in S21, CPU21 determines whether to search for a path to the destination using a station-type mobile means. In addition, as mentioned above, a station-type mobile means refers to a mobile means such as a rental car, a shared car, a shared bicycle, a railway, a bus, a ferry, an airplane, etc. that can only start and end movement at a specific location (station). Then, when the distance from the departure point to the destination is more than a certain distance (the upper limit distance that can be moved on foot, for example, more than 3km) and there is any station near the destination, it is determined to search for a path to the destination using a station-type mobile means. In cases other than the above, it is determined to search for a path to the destination using a mobile means other than the station-type. However, in the case where the user's intention to move to the destination by a mobile means other than the station-type, such as his own car or taxi, is pre-indicated, it can also be determined to search for a path to the destination using a mobile means other than the station-type, even if it is assumed that the above conditions are equivalent.

[0083] If it is determined that a route to the destination using a station-based means of transportation is to be searched (S21: Yes), the process proceeds to S23. On the other hand, if it is determined that a route to the destination using a means of transportation other than a station-based means of transportation is to be searched (S21: No), the process proceeds to S22.

[0084] In S22, CPU21 searches for a recommended route to the destination. First, CPU21 selects a means of transport to the destination. In selecting the means of transport, for example, when the home is the starting point and the distance to the destination is above an upper limit (e.g., 3 km), the family car is selected as the means of transport. On the other hand, when the distance to the destination is less than the upper limit, walking is selected as the means of transport. In other cases, a taxi is selected as the means of transport. In addition, in said S22, it is set to basically use the selected means of transport to move from the starting point to the destination, and the search for the recommended route is performed. However, when the family car is the means of transport, a parking lot near the destination is used as a connection point, and it is set to move from the parking lot to the destination on foot, and the search for the recommended route is performed. In addition, the well-known Dijkstra method is used as the search for the recommended route, and the path with the smallest total cost value is used as the recommended route. In addition, in the search for the recommended route, a cost calculation corresponding to the means of transport is performed. For example, if the means of transportation is a private car, the cost value of wide roads such as national and provincial highways is lowered. If the means of transportation is on foot, the cost value of roads with sidewalks is lowered. In addition, especially when a taxi is used as a means of transportation, the availability of taxis is obtained from the vehicle allocation management server 7, and the route search is also performed taking the availability into consideration.

[0085] Thereafter, information on the searched central link is transmitted to the information terminal 5 that has made the route search request (S13).

[0086] On the other hand, in S23, CPU21 first searches for stations in the vicinity of the departure point and selects them as the departure point. Similarly, it searches for stations in the vicinity of the destination and selects them as the destination point. In addition, a station is a place where movement can start and end in a station-type mobility method, such as a bus station, a ferry station, an airport, a car rental shop, a place where shared cars or shared bicycles are borrowed and returned, etc. In addition, basically, the station that is closest to the departure point is selected as the departure point, and the station that is closest to the destination is selected as the destination point, but priority can also be set according to the type of station. For example, if there is a station, the station can also be preferentially selected as the departure point and the destination point.

[0087] Next, in S24, the CPU 21 selects a means of transport from the departure station selected in S23 to the destination station, and searches for a recommended route from the departure station to the destination station using the selected means of transport. Here, if the departure station and the destination station are stations corresponding to the same means of transport, the same means of transport is selected as the means of transport from the departure station to the destination station. For example, if Figure 10 If both the departure and destination stations are stations, the means of transportation for route L2 from Station A, the departure station, to Station B, the destination station, is the railway connecting Stations A and B. Alternatively, if both the departure and destination stations are bus stations, the means of transportation is the bus connecting the bus stations. The search for recommended routes from the departure station to the destination station is performed using the route map and timetable for transportation methods stored in the server-side map DB 13, essentially searching for the route that minimizes travel time. Furthermore, particularly when using rental cars, shared cars, or shared bicycles as transportation methods, the availability of these transportation methods is obtained from the vehicle allocation management server 7, and the route search also takes this availability into account.

[0088] On the other hand, when the departure station and the destination station are stations corresponding to different means of transportation (for example, the departure station is a train station and the destination station is a bus stop), a station for ending the movement of the first means of transportation starting from the departure station (the first relay station) and a station for starting the movement to the destination station using the second means of transportation (the second relay station) are additionally selected. Figure 11As shown, if the departure point is a train station and the destination point is a bus stop, Station B, where you get off the train, is first selected as the first relay stop. Furthermore, Bus Stop C, which is near Station B and allows you to board a bus, is selected as the second relay stop. Next, a search is performed for recommended rail routes for route L2, which runs from Station A, the departure point, to Station B, the first relay stop. Furthermore, a search is performed for recommended bus routes for route L4, which runs from Bus Stop C, the second relay stop, to Bus Stop D, the destination point. Furthermore, a search is performed for recommended routes (essentially on foot) for route L3, which runs from Station B, the first relay stop, to Bus Stop C, the second relay stop.

[0089] Next, in S25, the CPU 21 selects a means of transportation from the departure point to the departure station selected in S23, and then searches for a recommended route from the departure point to the departure station using the selected means of transportation. For example, when the departure point is the home and the distance to the departure station is at least an upper limit (e.g., 3 km), the family car is selected as the means of transportation. On the other hand, when the distance to the departure station is less than the upper limit, walking is selected as the means of transportation. In other cases, a taxi is selected as the means of transportation. Furthermore, in S25, the search for recommended routes is performed primarily based on traveling from the departure point to the departure station using the selected means of transportation. However, when the family car is the means of transportation, the search for recommended routes is performed based on walking from the parking lot to the departure station using a connection point. Furthermore, the well-known Dijkstra method is used to search for recommended routes, and the route with the lowest total cost is selected as the recommended route. Furthermore, the search for recommended routes includes a cost calculation corresponding to the means of transportation. For example, if the means of transportation is a private car, the cost value of wide roads such as national and provincial highways is lowered. If the means of transportation is on foot, the cost value of roads with sidewalks is lowered. In addition, especially when a taxi is used as a means of transportation, the availability of taxis is obtained from the vehicle allocation management server 7, and the route search is also performed taking the availability into consideration.

[0090] Next, in S26, the CPU 21 selects a means of transportation from the destination station selected in S23 to the destination, and then searches for a recommended route from the destination station to the destination using the selected means of transportation. Regarding the selection of the means of transportation, if the distance to the destination is less than an upper limit (e.g., 3 km), walking is selected as the means of transportation; otherwise, a taxi is selected as the means of transportation. Furthermore, in S26, the search for a recommended route is performed primarily for traveling from the destination station to the destination using the selected means of transportation. Furthermore, the well-known Dijkstra method is used to search for the recommended route, and the route with the lowest total cost is selected as the recommended route. The details are the same as in S25.

[0091] Then, in S27, the CPU 21 connects the recommended routes found in S24 to S26 to form a recommended route (central route) from the departure point to the destination. Information about the found central route is then transmitted to the information terminal 5 that requested the route search (S13).

[0092] Furthermore, information related to the central route includes information that divides the central route into one or more sections and specifies, for each section, the recommended means of transportation for traveling within that section. Furthermore, if a connection point exists on the central route where transportation methods are switched, information related to the connection point is read from the server-side map DB 13 and added. Examples of connection points include train stations, bus stops, parking lots, car rental shops, ferry terminals, and airports. Information related to the connection point includes, for example, its location, its name (station name, bus stop name, parking lot name), and, in the case of parking lots, its usage fee and availability. Furthermore, in addition to the departure station, destination station, first relay station, and second relay station selected in S23 and S24, train stations and bus stops used for transfers between stations also serve as connection points. When traveling by car, parking lots where one's own car is parked also serve as connection points.

[0093] Next, according to Figure 12 , explaining the sub-process of the path re-search process executed in the above S15. Figure 12 This is a flowchart of the sub-processor of the route re-search process.

[0094] First, in S31, the CPU 21 selects a change target section, which is the section that the user wishes to edit, in the central route searched in S12, in response to the route re-search request received from the information terminal 5 in S14. Similarly, in response to the route re-search request received from the information terminal 5 in S14, the CPU 21 also selects a new means of transportation that the user wishes to use within the change target section.

[0095] Next, in S32 , the CPU 21 determines whether the new means of transportation desired by the user selected in S31 is a station-type means of transportation.

[0096] If it is determined that the new means of transportation desired by the user is a station-based means of transportation (S32: Yes), the process proceeds to S34. On the other hand, if it is determined that the new means of transportation desired by the user is a means of transportation other than a station-based means of transportation (S32: No), the process proceeds to S33.

[0097] In S33, the CPU 21 re-performs the route search process from S21 to S27, using the user's desired new means of transportation between the start and end points of the change target section that the user wishes to edit as a search condition. However, in the exceptional case where the new means of transportation is a family car, a parking lot near the end point of the change target section is added to the search condition, with the new connection point being a parking lot, and walking from the parking lot to the end point of the change target section. Information regarding the newly found recommended route (new center route) from the departure point to the destination is then transmitted to the information terminal 5 that has requested a new route search (S16).

[0098] The new central route searched for in S33 is a route that uses the user's desired new means of transportation to travel between the start and end points of the change target section that the user wishes to edit. Furthermore, while the new central route may simply have the means of transportation in the change target section simply swapped with the central route searched in S12, there are also cases where the means of transportation in other sections of the change target section are also changed, significantly altering the route itself. Furthermore, the arrival times at each connection point and the destination are also altered, as are the required time and travel costs.

[0099] For example, Figure 13 This diagram shows the changes in the route when a car is newly selected as a means of transportation between the departure point and Station A, the initial connection point, as the change target section. Since cars are a non-station-based means of transportation, adding stations as connection points is unnecessary, but parking lots for cars are necessary. Therefore, in the new central route, the Station A parking lot, located near Station A, the end point of the change target section, is added as a new connection point. The route involves traveling from the departure point to the Station A parking lot by car, and then walking from the Station A parking lot to Station A.

[0100] in addition, Figure 14This diagram shows the route changes when "Departure Point to Station B," consisting of two adjacent sections, "Departure Point to Station A" and "Station A to Station B," is selected as the change target section, and a taxi is newly selected as the means of transportation between them. Taxis are not a station-based means of transportation, so there are no additional stations as connection points. Unlike private cars, there are no parking lots required for parking. Therefore, the new central route uses a taxi to travel from the departure point, the starting point of the change target section, to Station B, the terminal point of the change target section. Station A is excluded from the connection points.

[0101] Meanwhile, in S34, the CPU 21 determines whether at least one of the start and end points of the change target section that the user wishes to edit does not correspond to a station corresponding to the user's desired new means of transportation. For example, if the user's desired new means of transportation is a train, the CPU 21 determines "no" if both the start and end points of the change target section are stations. In contrast, the CPU 21 determines "yes" if at least one of the start and end points of the change target section is not a station (e.g., a home).

[0102] If it is determined that at least one of the start and end points of the change target section that the user desires to edit does not correspond to the station corresponding to the user's desired new means of transportation (S34: Yes), the process proceeds to S35. On the other hand, if it is determined that both the start and end points of the change target section that the user desires to edit correspond to the station corresponding to the user's desired new means of transportation (S34: No), the process proceeds to S33. In S33, as described above, the route search process of S21 to S27 is repeated, using the search condition of traveling between the start and end points of the change target section that the user desires to edit using the user's desired new means of transportation.

[0103] Here, in order to change the means of transport for the change section to a station-based means of transport, it is basically necessary to add the station where the movement using the changed means of transport begins and the station where the movement ends as connection points (S35, S36). However, in the exceptional case where both the start and end points of the change section correspond to stations corresponding to the changed means of transport, it is not necessary to add stations as connection points.

[0104] In S35, the CPU 21 searches for a station corresponding to the new means of transportation desired by the user in the vicinity of the starting point of the change target section (for example, a station if the new means of transportation is a train), and selects the station closest to the starting point of the change target section as the starting station. The starting station is the station used to start moving using the new means of transportation desired by the user. In addition, if the starting point of the change target section is a station corresponding to the new means of transportation desired by the user, the search and selection of the starting station in S35 is not necessary (the starting point of the change target section also serves as the starting station). Basically, the station closest to the starting point of the change target section is used as the starting station, but a criterion other than distance can also be used to select the starting station (for example, if it is a shared car, a rental location with a low utilization fee can also be selected).

[0105] Furthermore, in S36, the CPU 21 searches for a station (e.g., a train station if the new means of transportation is a train) near the end of the change section that corresponds to the user's desired new means of transportation, and selects the station closest to the end of the change section as the end station. The end station is the station at which the user's movement using the new means of transportation ends. If the end of the change section corresponds to the user's desired new means of transportation, the search and selection of the end station in S36 is unnecessary (the end of the change section also serves as the end station). While the end station is typically the closest station to the end of the change section, a criterion other than distance may be used to select the end station.

[0106] Next, in S37, CPU 21 again performs the route search process from S21 to S27, using the user's desired new means of transportation within the interval from the start station selected in S35 to the end station selected in S36 as the search condition. However, if the starting point of the change section is the station corresponding to the user's desired new means of transportation, the search condition is to use the user's desired new means of transportation to move from the start station selected in S35 to the end station selected in S36. If the end station of the change section is the station corresponding to the user's desired new means of transportation, the search condition is to use the user's desired new means of transportation to move from the start station selected in S35 to the end station selected in S36. Furthermore, if the user's desired new means of transportation is used to move from the start station to the start station, the search condition is added. Furthermore, if the user's desired new means of transportation is completed at the end station, the search condition is added to use the user's desired new means of transportation to move from the end station to the end station selected in S36. Then, information on the newly found recommended route from the departure point to the destination (new central route) is transmitted to the information terminal 5 that has requested a new route search (S16).

[0107] The new central route searched for in S37 is a route that uses the user's desired new means of transportation to travel through at least a portion of the change target section that the user desires to edit. Furthermore, while the new central route may simply have the means of transportation in the change target section simply swapped out for the central route searched in S12, there are also cases where the means of transportation in other sections of the change target section are also changed, significantly altering the route itself. Furthermore, the arrival times at each connection point and the destination are also altered, as are the required time and travel costs.

[0108] For example, Figure 15This diagram shows the route change when the route from the departure point to Station A, the initial connection point, is selected as the change target section, and the bus, a new stop-based transportation method, is selected as the transportation method between the departure point and the station. Because buses are stop-based transportation methods, the starting and ending bus stops must be added as connection points. Therefore, in the new central route, a bus stop in front of one's home near the departure point, the start point of the change target section, is added as a new connection point, and a bus stop in front of Station A, near the end point of the change target section, is added as a new connection point. The route then becomes one of walking from the departure point to the bus stop in front of one's home, taking a bus from the bus stop in front of one's home to the bus stop in front of Station A, and then walking from the bus stop in front of Station A to Station A.

[0109] in addition, Figure 16 This diagram illustrates the route changes when the "departure point to station B" section, which includes two adjacent sections, "departure point to station A" and "station A to station B," is selected as the change target section, and a rideshare, a new station-based transportation method, is selected as the means of transportation between them. Ridesshare is a station-based transportation method, so the starting and ending stations for rideshares must be added as connection points. Therefore, in the new central route, a rideshare rental parking lot near the departure point, the start point of the change target section, is added as a new connection point, and a rideshare return parking lot near station B, the end point of the change target section, is added as a new connection point. The route then becomes one of walking from the departure point to the rideshare rental parking lot, using a rideshare from the rideshare parking lot to the return parking lot, and then walking from the return parking lot to station B. Station A, however, is excluded from the connection points.

[0110] As a result of the processes S31 to S37 above, the user can confirm the temporarily searched route to the destination, specify the section they wish to edit, and then specify the travel method for that section. Server device 1 then searches for a new route based on the user's designation, ensuring that the newly searched route meets the user's expectations.

[0111] However, in the above-mentioned route re-search process, in cases where it is essentially impossible to use the new means of transportation desired by the user to move in the changed object area (for example, there is no transportation in that time period) or it is unrealistic (the arrival time is significantly delayed), there is also a situation where a route is searched for using a means of transportation other than the new means of transportation desired by the user.

[0112] As described in detail above, in the server device 1 of this embodiment and the computer program executed in the server device 1, after searching for a route to the destination, the server device 1 and the computer program executed in the server device 1 guide the user to determine the route information of the searched route (S13). Based on subsequent user operations, an arbitrary section included in the searched route is selected as a change target section, and a new means of transportation for moving within the change target section is selected (S31). Based on the condition that the selected new means of transportation is used to move within the change target section, a route to the destination is searched again (S33, S37). Therefore, with respect to the temporarily searched route, the means of transportation for the arbitrary section specified by the user can be edited to a route that moves using the means of transportation specified by the user, making it easy to search for a route that meets the user's expectations.

[0113] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0114] For example, in this embodiment, when searching for a route to a destination, in addition to searching for the means of transportation used for travel and the connection points for switching the means of transportation, the specific route between the connection points (which roads are used) is also searched. However, searching for a specific route is not necessary. In other words, only the means of transportation used for travel and information related to the connection points (e.g., station names, train departure times) may be provided to the user.

[0115] In this embodiment, when a user selects a change target section they wish to edit, they select the start and end points of the change target section from the connection points included in the center line. However, other methods may be used to select the change target section. For example, the user may select the desired section by dragging and dropping on the line editing screen 55. Furthermore, the change target section does not necessarily need to use connection points as the start and end points.

[0116] In this embodiment, server device 1 executes the route search process (S12) and the route re-search process (S15). However, the route search process and the route re-search process may be executed partially or entirely by the information terminal 5. In this case, the information terminal 5 stores map information in its memory, or obtains map information from a server, and uses this map information to perform the route search and route re-search processes. In other words, the route search device of the present invention may be either server device 1 or information terminal 5.

[0117] In addition, although this embodiment describes an example in which the information terminal 5 is applied to a smartphone, the information terminal 5 can also be applied to other types of information terminals as long as it has the function of guiding the user along the searched route. For example, it can be applied to mobile phones, tablet terminals, personal computers, and car-mounted navigation devices.

[0118] Furthermore, while the embodiments embodying the route search device of the present invention have been described above, the route search device may also have the following configuration. In this case, the following effects are achieved.

[0119] For example, the first structure is as follows.

[0120] The invention comprises: a route search unit (21) for searching for a route to a destination, wherein the route is divided into one or more sections and a recommended means of transport for moving in the section is specified for each section from a plurality of types of means of transport; a route guidance unit (21) for guiding a user to determine route information of a searched route as a route searched by the route search unit; a section selection unit (21) for selecting an arbitrary section included in the searched route as a change target section according to a user operation; a means of transport selection unit (21) for selecting a new means of transport for moving in the change target section according to a user operation; and a route re-search unit (21) for searching for a route to the destination again on the condition that the user moves in the change target section using the new means of transport selected by the means of transport selection unit.

[0121] According to the route search device having the above-described structure, when searching for a route by selecting a means of transportation from a plurality of types of means of transportation, the temporarily searched route can be edited to a route using the means of transportation specified by the user for an arbitrary section, thereby easily searching for a route that meets the user's expectations.

[0122] In addition, the second structure is as follows.

[0123] The section selection unit (21) selects a plurality of adjacent sections as the change target sections, and the movement means selection unit (21) selects a new movement means for moving in the plurality of adjacent sections selected as the change target sections.

[0124] According to the route search device having the above-described structure, it is possible to easily search for a route that meets the user's expectations when the user wants to change the connection points for switching the means of transportation for a temporarily guided route or wants to reduce the number of connection points (for example, when the user wants to change the boarding station or the alighting station, etc.).

[0125] In addition, the third structure is as follows.

[0126] The moving means selecting unit (21) selects a moving means for a plurality of adjacent sections selected as the change target section, and the path re-searching unit (21) searches again for a path to the destination on the condition that the moving means selected by the moving means selecting unit moves from the starting point to the end point of the plurality of adjacent sections selected as the change target section.

[0127] The route search device having the above configuration can easily search for a route that meets the user's desire when the user wants to reduce the number of connection points at which the user switches transportation means (for example, when the user wants to reduce the number of transfers) for the temporarily guided route.

[0128] In addition, the fourth structure is as follows.

[0129] The search path is divided into a plurality of sections using connection points for switching movement means.

[0130] According to the route search device having the above configuration, the user is guided along a route divided by connection points for switching between means of transportation. Therefore, even a route that requires switching between multiple means of transportation can be guided in a manner that is easy for the user to understand.

[0131] In addition, the fifth structure is as follows.

[0132] The route guidance unit (21) guides the connection points, the starting point of the search path, and the end point of the search path as the route information, and selects the section between the first location specified by the user and the second location specified by the user among the connection points, the starting point of the search path, and the end point of the search path guided by the route guidance unit (21) as the change target section.

[0133] According to the route search device having the above configuration, the user is guided to a route divided by connection points for switching travel means, and the user can easily specify a section of the route that he or she desires to edit using the guided connection points.

[0134] In addition, the sixth structure is as follows.

[0135] The connection point is any one of a train station, a bus station, a parking lot, a car rental store, a ferry station, and an airport.

[0136] According to the route search device having the above-described structure, the user is guided along a route divided by connection points for switching between means of transportation. Therefore, even if the route involves changing between multiple means of transportation, such as trains, buses, private cars, rental cars, ferries, and airplanes, the user can be guided in an easily understandable manner.

Claims

1. A route search device comprising: a route search unit that searches for a route to a destination by dividing the route into one or more sections and specifying, for each section, a recommended means of transportation for traveling in the section from a plurality of types of means of transportation; a route guidance unit for guiding a user to determine route information of a searched route as the route searched by the route search unit; a section selection unit for selecting, based on a user operation after the guidance, any section included in the search route as a change target section; a moving means selecting unit for selecting a new moving means for moving in the change target section based on a user operation after the guidance; as well as a route re-search unit for searching for a route to the destination again on the condition that the new means of transport selected by the means of transport selection unit is used to move in the change target section; The section selection unit selects a plurality of adjacent sections as the change target sections. The moving means selecting unit selects a new moving means for moving between a plurality of adjacent sections selected as the change target section. The moving means selecting unit selects a moving means for a plurality of adjacent sections selected as the change target section. When the one means of transport is a means of transport other than a station-type means of transport, or when the one means of transport is a station-type means of transport and both the start point and the end point of the change target section correspond to the station corresponding to the one means of transport, the route re-search unit searches again for a route to the destination on the condition that the means of transport selected by the means of transport selection unit is used to move from the start points to the end points of the plurality of adjacent sections selected as the change target section. In a case where the one means of transport is a station-type means of transport and at least one of the starting point and the end point of the change object interval does not correspond to the station corresponding to the one means of transport, the path re-search unit adds the station at which movement using the one means of transport is started and the station at which movement using the one means of transport is ended as connection points for switching the means of transport, and searches again for a path to the destination.

2. The route search device according to claim 1, wherein: The search path is divided into a plurality of sections using the connection points.

3. The route search device according to claim 2, wherein: The route guidance unit provides guidance of connection points included in the searched route, a starting point of the searched route, and an end point of the searched route as the route information. A section between a first point designated by a user and a second point designated by a user among the connection point guided by the route guidance unit, a starting point of the searched route, and an end point of the searched route is selected as the change target section.

4. The route search device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The connection point is any one of a train station, a bus station, a parking lot, a car rental store, a ferry station, and an airport.

5. A storage medium storing a computer program for causing a computer to function as: a route search unit that searches for a route to a destination by dividing the route into one or more sections and specifying, for each section, a recommended means of transportation for traveling in the section from a plurality of types of means of transportation; a route guidance unit for guiding a user to determine route information of a searched route as the route searched by the route search unit; a section selection unit for selecting, based on a user operation after the guidance, any section included in the search route as a change target section; a moving means selecting unit for selecting a new moving means for moving in the change target section based on a user operation after the guidance; as well as a route re-search unit for searching for a route to the destination again on the condition that the new means of transport selected by the means of transport selection unit is used to move in the change target section; The section selection unit selects a plurality of adjacent sections as the change target sections. The moving means selecting unit selects a new moving means for moving between a plurality of adjacent sections selected as the change target section. The moving means selecting unit selects a moving means for a plurality of adjacent sections selected as the change target section. When the one means of transport is a means of transport other than a station-type means of transport, or when the one means of transport is a station-type means of transport and both the start point and the end point of the change target section correspond to the station corresponding to the one means of transport, the route re-search unit searches again for a route to the destination on the condition that the means of transport selected by the means of transport selection unit is used to move from the start points to the end points of the plurality of adjacent sections selected as the change target section. In a case where the one means of transport is a station-type means of transport and at least one of the starting point and the end point of the change object interval does not correspond to the station corresponding to the one means of transport, the path re-search unit adds the station at which movement using the one means of transport is started and the station at which movement using the one means of transport is ended as connection points for switching the means of transport, and searches again for a path to the destination.

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