Information processing system, information processing program and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an information processing system which allows an estimation requester to easily check a place changed by an estimation requestee when the estimation requester checks an itinerary received from the estimation requestee.SOLUTION: An information processing system comprises: estimation request sending means for sending a requester itinerary created by an estimation requester to an estimation requestee together with an estimation request, and displaying the same; requestee itinerary creation means for editing the requester itinerary based on instructions from the estimation requestee to create a requestee itinerary, and creating an estimation sheet corresponding to the requestee itinerary; and estimation sheet sending means for sending the requestee itinerary and the estimation sheet to the estimation requester, and displaying the same. Upon displaying the requestee itinerary to the estimation requester, the estimation sheet sending means distinguishably displays a portion different from the requester itinerary, or further displays a difference from the requester itinerary.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing program, and an information processing method.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, when presenting the price of a chartered bus in the creation of a quotation by a travel agency, a schedule is sent by email or FAX to multiple chartered bus operators to request a quotation. Based on the received schedule, the chartered bus operator reconstructs the schedule in its own format for operation management, calculates the price, and replies to the travel agency. In such a business process, the communication between the travel agency and the chartered bus operator is paper-based, and it is very laborious to change the schedule. Also, there are many corrections to the schedule before the final schedule is determined, and each time a new quotation has to be made. Therefore, requests occur frequently on the travel agency side, and each reply has to be checked separately. The workload also increases on the chartered bus operator side, and as a result, it may take a long time to submit a quotation to the travel requester.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, a travel information management system is proposed that includes a server that processes information transmitted from a travel agency and a land operator respectively, a tour management database connected to this server that includes at least information identifying the departure / arrival date, destination, applicant, and management status related to the tour, and a change history management database connected to the tour management database that manages the history of changes to the information stored in the database. However, in the system of Patent Document 1, only the change history remains on the database. For example, it is not immediately clear where the changes were made just by looking at the changed schedule. Also, until the final schedule is determined, only the status information "under adjustment" is posted on the database, and it is not known which of the travel agency and the land operator has the ball (which is in the situation to respond).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When a quotation requester (or a quotation recipient) checks the schedule received from the quotation recipient (or the quotation requester), it is desired to provide a technique that can easily identify the changed parts by the quotation recipient (or the quotation requester). Also, it is desired to provide a technique that allows a quotation requester to easily check the progress with a plurality of quotation recipients.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information processing system according to the present invention includes a requester schedule sending means for sending and displaying a requester schedule created by a quotation requester to a quotation recipient together with a quotation request; a recipient schedule creating means for editing the requester schedule based on an instruction from the quotation recipient to create a recipient schedule and creating a quotation corresponding to the recipient schedule; a recipient schedule sending means for sending and displaying the recipient schedule and the quotation to the quotation requester; and is provided with When the recipient schedule sending means displays the recipient schedule to the quotation requester, it displays the different parts from the requester schedule in an identifiable manner, or further displays the difference from the requester schedule.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, when a quotation requester checks the recipient schedule received from the quotation recipient, it is possible to easily identify the parts changed by the quotation recipient.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each figure, components having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions of components with the same reference numerals will not be repeated.

[0010] (Configuration of Information Processing System) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. In the same figure, a functional unit that performs each function can be referred to as means for performing each function.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes a first terminal device 2A, a second terminal device 2B, and a server 3. The first terminal device 2A, the second terminal device 2B, and the server 3 are communicably connected to each other via a network 4 such as the Internet. The network 4 may be either a wired line or a wireless line, and the type and form of the line are not limited. Note that at least a part of the first terminal device 2A, the second terminal device 2B, and the server 3 is realized by a computer.

[0012] First, the first terminal device 2A will be described. The first terminal device 2A is used by a first user who is a quotation requester (for example, a travel agency), and is an electronic device such as a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, a notebook computer, or a desktop computer.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the first terminal device 2A includes a first terminal communication unit 21A, a first terminal control unit 22A, a first terminal storage unit 23A, a first terminal input unit 24A, and a first terminal display unit 25A. Each of the units 21A to 25A is communicably connected to each other.

[0014] The first terminal communication unit 21A is a communication interface between the first terminal device 2A and the network 4. The first terminal communication unit 21A transmits and receives information between the first terminal device 2A and the server 3 via the network 4.

[0015] The first terminal control unit 22A is a control means for performing various processes of the first terminal device 2A. The first terminal control unit 22A may be realized by a processor in the first terminal device 2A executing a predetermined program, or may be implemented in hardware.

[0016] The first terminal storage unit 23A is a data storage such as a built-in memory or an external memory (such as an SD memory card). Various data handled by the first terminal control unit 22A are stored in the first terminal storage unit 23A. The first terminal storage unit 23A does not necessarily have to be provided inside the first terminal device 2A, and part or all of the first terminal storage unit 23A may be provided in another device (for example, on the cloud) communicably connected to the first terminal device 2A via the network 4.

[0017] The first terminal input unit 24A is an interface for the first user (the requester of the estimate) to input information to the first terminal device 2A, and is, for example, a touch panel or a microphone in a mobile terminal, a touch pad, a keyboard, or a mouse in a notebook computer.

[0018] The first terminal display unit 25A is an interface for outputting various information from the first terminal device 2A to the first user (the requester of the estimate), and is, for example, a video display means such as a liquid crystal display. Specifically, for example, the first terminal display unit 25A may display a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving an operation from the first user.

[0019] Next, the second terminal device 2B will be described. The second terminal device 2B is used by a second user who is a quotation request destination (such as a bus company), and is, for example, an electronic device such as a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, a notebook computer, or a desktop computer.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the second terminal device 2B includes a second terminal communication unit 21B, a second terminal control unit 22B, a second terminal storage unit 23B, a second terminal input unit 24B, and a second terminal display unit 25B. Each of the units 21B to 25B is communicably connected to each other.

[0021] The second terminal communication unit 21B is a communication interface between the second terminal device 2B and the network 4. The second terminal communication unit 21B transmits and receives information between the second terminal device 2B and the server 3 via the network 4.

[0022] The second terminal control unit 22B is a control means for performing various processes of the second terminal device 2B. The second terminal control unit 22B may be realized by a processor in the second terminal device 2B executing a predetermined program, or may be implemented in hardware.

[0023] The second terminal storage unit 23B is a data storage such as a built-in memory or an external memory (such as an SD memory card). Various data handled by the second terminal control unit 22B are stored in the second terminal storage unit 23B. The second terminal storage unit 23B does not necessarily have to be provided inside the second terminal device 2B, and a part or all of the second terminal storage unit 23B may be provided in another device (for example, on the cloud) communicably connected to the second terminal device 2B via the network 4.

[0024] The second terminal input unit 24B is an interface for the second user (quotation request destination) to input information to the second terminal device 2B, and is, for example, a touch panel or a microphone in a mobile terminal, a touch pad, a keyboard, or a mouse in a notebook computer.

[0025] The second terminal display unit 25B is an interface that outputs various information from the second terminal device 2B to the second user (the quotation request destination), and is, for example, a video display means such as a liquid crystal display. Specifically, for example, the second terminal display unit 25B may display a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving operations from the second user.

[0026] Next, the server 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the server 3 includes a server communication unit 31, a server control unit 32, and a server storage unit 33. Each of the units 31 to 33 is connected to be communicable with each other.

[0027] Among these, the server communication unit 31 is a communication interface between the server 3 and the network 4. The server communication unit 31 transmits and receives information between the server 3 and the first terminal device 2A and the second terminal device 2B via the network 4.

[0028] The server control unit 32 includes a requester schedule creation unit 32a, a quotation request sending unit 32b, a request destination schedule creation unit 32c, an estimate sending unit 32d, a shipping application form sending unit 32e, a shipping acceptance form sending unit 32f, an invoice issuing unit 32g, and a progress display unit 32h. Each of these units 32a to 32h may be realized by a processor in the server 3 executing a predetermined program, or may be implemented in hardware. Each of these units 32a to 32h will be described later.

[0029] The server storage unit 33 is a fixed-type data storage such as a hard disk, for example. Various data handled by the server control unit 32 are stored in the server storage unit 33. For example, the server storage unit 33 includes a route network information database 33a including traffic network information, a map information database 33b including map information, a schedule storage unit 33c, an estimate storage unit 33d, and a progress storage unit 33e.

[0030] Traffic network information is information that defines transportation networks such as railways and buses, as well as road networks. Information on transportation networks includes route information of transportation agencies, timetable information, fare information, etc. Information on road networks is represented by, for example, a combination of data of nodes which are knot points on the road network representation such as intersections, and data of links which are road sections between nodes.

[0031] Map information includes map data such as road maps of the whole country and each region, and map object information associated with the map data. Map object information refers to shape information about the shapes of facilities displayed on the map, annotation information about annotations displayed on the map, symbol information about symbols displayed on the map, etc. Also, the map information may include route map information regarding route maps of public transportation agencies.

[0032] The above-mentioned traffic network information and map information may be updated at a predetermined timing.

[0033] In the itinerary storage unit 33c, for each quotation request case, information on the requestor itinerary newly created by the first user (quotation requestor) (see, for example, FIG. 5), information on the requested destination itinerary created by the second user (quotation recipient) by editing the requestor itinerary (see, for example, FIG. 11), information on the new requestor itinerary created by the first user (quotation requestor) by editing the requested destination itinerary (see, for example, FIG. 20), information on the new requested destination itinerary created by the second user (quotation recipient) by editing the new requestor itinerary (see, for example, FIG. 27), ··· are stored in the order of creation. Information on the requestor itinerary and the requested destination itinerary may include information on the travel period, the departure point and its departure time, transit points and their arrival time and departure time (or stay time), the final arrival point and its arrival time for each day during the period, and information on the means of transportation between each point and its travel time. Information on the requestor itinerary and the requested destination itinerary may store the entire information for each itinerary, or may store only the information on the changed part from the requested destination itinerary or the requestor itinerary (i.e., the previous itinerary) which is the editing source.

[0034] In the estimate storage unit 33d, for each estimate request case, information on an estimate (see, for example, FIGS. 12 and 28) created by the second user (estimate request destination) is stored in the order of creation. The estimate information may store the entire information for each estimate, or may store only the information on the changed part from the previous estimate.

[0035] In the progress storage unit 33e, for each estimate request case, the progress status of the business flow between the first user (estimate requester) and the second user (estimate request destination) (for example, a status indicating that the estimate requester is waiting for estimate reception (the estimate request destination is creating an estimate), a status indicating that the estimate request destination is in the process of confirming the estimate (the estimate request destination has sent the estimate), etc.) is stored for each estimate request case.

[0036] Note that the server storage unit 33 does not necessarily have to be provided in the server 3. A part or all of the server storage unit 33 may be provided in another device that is communicably connected to the server 3 via the network 4.

[0037] (An example of operation) Next, an example of the operation of the information processing system 1 having such a configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 30. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing system 1.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, first, the requester itinerary creation unit 32a of the server 3 creates a requester itinerary based on an instruction from the first user (the quotation requester) (step S10). Specifically, for example, referring to FIG. 3, when the first user (the quotation requester) operates the first terminal input unit 24A and inputs information on the departure point and its departure time, the transit point, and the final arrival point on the time axis 52 indicating the schedule for each day during the travel period within the itinerary creation screen 51 displayed on the first terminal display unit 25A, the input information is transmitted from the first terminal device 2A to the server 3. The requester itinerary creation unit 32a refers to the route network information database 33a and the map information database 33b, executes a route search between each point of the departure time, the transit point, and the final arrival point, and transmits information on the means of transportation between each point and its travel time obtained by the route search to the first terminal device 2A, and adds and displays it on the time axis 52 within the itinerary creation screen 51. The requester itinerary creation unit 32a may transmit the position information of the departure point, the transit point, and the final arrival point and the information on the travel route between each point obtained by the route search to the first terminal device 2A and display it on the map 53 within the itinerary creation screen 51.

[0039] Based on the instructions from the first user (the requester for the estimate), when a certain means of transportation included in the itinerary schedule being created is selected, the requester itinerary schedule creation unit 32a may calculate the estimated cost and / or the local stay time when changing the certain means of transportation to another means of transportation and display it to the first user (the requester for the estimate). When there are multiple other means of transportation to be changed to, the requester itinerary schedule creation unit 32a may calculate the estimated cost and / or the local stay time for each means of transportation when changing to other means of transportation and display them in a list to the first user (the requester for the estimate). Specifically, for example, referring to FIG. 4, when the first user (the requester for the estimate) operates the first terminal input unit 24A to select a certain means of transportation (in the illustrated example, a large tourist bus used for traveling from the central entrance of Station A to the B Art Museum) arranged on the time axis 52 within the itinerary schedule creation screen 51, the selected information is transmitted from the first terminal device 2A to the server 3. The requester itinerary schedule creation unit 32a refers to the route network information database 33a and the map information database 33b, and executes a route search for traveling the selected section (the section from the central entrance of Station A to the B Art Museum) using other means of transportation other than the selected means of transportation (the large tourist bus). Then, based on the information obtained by the route search, the requester itinerary schedule creation unit 32a calculates the estimated cost and / or the local stay time for each means of transportation when changing to other means of transportation, transmits it to the first terminal device 2A, and displays it in a list 55 within the itinerary schedule creation screen 51. Here, when information such as the number of travelers and the number of buses has already been set (refer to FIG. 6), the requester itinerary schedule creation unit 32a may calculate the estimated cost and / or the local stay time considering such information and display it in the list 55.

[0040] Next, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, when the first user (the requestor) operates the first terminal input unit 24A and clicks (or touches) the "Output" button 54 in the itinerary creation screen 51 displayed on the first terminal display unit 25A, the requestor itinerary creation unit 32a creates a travel itinerary (requestor itinerary) as shown in FIG. 5 based on the information arranged on the time axis 52 in the itinerary creation screen 51, transmits it to the first terminal device 2A, and displays it on the first terminal display unit 25A. Further, the requestor itinerary creation unit 32a stores the information of the created requestor itinerary in the itinerary storage unit 33c.

[0041] Next, the quotation request sending unit 32b sends and displays the requestor itinerary created by the first user (the requestor) to the second user (the quote recipient) together with the quotation request (step S11). Specifically, for example, referring to FIG. 5, when the first user (the requestor) operates the first terminal input unit 24A and clicks (or touches) the "Create Quotation Request" button 57 in the itinerary display screen 56 where the requestor itinerary is displayed, the quotation request sending unit 32b displays a quotation request creation screen 58 on the first terminal display unit 25A as shown in FIG. 6.

[0042] Before sending the requestor itinerary to the second user (the quote recipient) together with the quotation request, the quotation request sending unit 32b refers to the quotation storage unit 33d, calculates an estimated cost for each second user (the quote recipient) based on the past performance of the quotes received from the second user (the quote recipient) for the requestor itinerary to be sent, and may transmit it to the first terminal device 2A and display it to the first user (the requestor) as shown in FIG. 6. For example, if there has been a past quotation request for a requestor itinerary with the same or similar content as the requestor itinerary to be sent, the quotation request sending unit 32b may extract the quote received from the second user (the quote recipient) in that case from the quotation storage unit 33d, calculate the estimated cost with reference to the extracted quote, and display it to the first user (the requestor).

[0043] Next, the first user (the quotation requester) operates the first terminal input unit 24A, enters the request details on the quotation request creation screen 58, selects the destination of the quotation request (the quotation recipient), and then clicks (or touches) the "Send" button 59. The quotation request sending unit 32b then sends the requester's itinerary to the selected quotation recipients (in the illustrated example, bus company A and bus company B) together with the quotation request. Here, "send" may mean attaching the requester's itinerary and the quotation request information to an email and sending it to the second terminal device 2B of the second user (the quotation recipient), or making the requester's itinerary and the quotation request information viewable when the second user (the quotation recipient) accesses a predetermined web page. As an example, the quotation request sending unit 32b sends a quotation request sending notification to the second terminal device 2B of the second user (the quotation recipient). When the second user (the quotation recipient) operates the second terminal input unit 24B and clicks (or touches) the link to the web page included in the quotation request sending notification, the quotation request sending unit 32b, as shown in FIG. 7, sends a screen 61A for displaying the quotation request information to the second terminal device 2B and displays it on the second terminal display unit 25B. Next, when the second user (the quotation recipient) operates the second terminal input unit 24B and clicks (or touches) the link 61B in the "Itinerary from Travel Company" column in the screen 61A for displaying the quotation request information, the quotation request sending unit 32b, as shown in FIG. 8, sends a screen 62A for displaying the information of the requester's itinerary sent from the quotation requester to the second terminal device 2B and displays it on the second terminal display unit 25B.

[0044] The estimate request sending unit 32b may send and display the estimated cost of the first user (the source of the estimate request) to the second user (the destination of the estimate request) together with the estimate request and the schedule of the source of the estimate request. Specifically, for example, referring to FIG. 6, an estimated cost input field 60 is provided in the estimate request creation screen 58. After the first user (the source of the estimate request) operates the first terminal input unit 24A to input the estimated cost into the estimated cost input field 60 and then clicks (or touches) the "Send" button 59, the estimate request sending unit 32b sends the estimated cost input into the estimated cost input field 60 together with the estimate request and the schedule of the source of the estimate request, and may display it in the screen 61A that displays the information of the estimate request as shown in FIG. 7.

[0045] Next, the destination schedule creation unit 32c creates a destination schedule by editing the source schedule based on an instruction from the second user (the destination of the estimate request) (step S12). Specifically, for example, referring to FIG. 8, in the screen 62A where the information of the source schedule is displayed, when the second user (the destination of the estimate request) operates the second terminal input unit 24B and clicks (or touches) the "Create by copying" button 62B, the estimate request sending unit 32b expands and displays the information of the source schedule on the time axis 64 and the map 65 in the schedule creation screen 63 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Next, when the second user (the destination of the estimate request) operates the second terminal input unit 24B and adds information such as the information of the garage of the second user (the destination of the estimate request) as a new departure point on the time axis 64 in the schedule creation screen 63, the information of the added point is transmitted from the second terminal device 2B to the server 3. The destination schedule creation unit 32c refers to the route network information database 33a and the map information database 33b, executes a route search for the section related to the added point, transmits the information of the means of transportation and its travel time for the section obtained by the route search to the second terminal device 2B, and adds and displays it on the time axis 64 in the screen 63 that displays the source schedule. The destination schedule creation unit 32c may transmit the position information of the added point and the information of the travel route for the section obtained by the route search to the second terminal device 2B and display it on the map 65 in the screen 63 that displays the source schedule as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 10, when the second user (the quotation recipient) is a chartered bus operator, the recipient itinerary creation unit 32c may automatically generate a bus waiting position for the assembly location based on the itinerary of the requester, transmit it to the second terminal device 2B, and display it to the second user (the quotation recipient) via the second terminal display unit 25B. Here, the recipient itinerary creation unit 32c may automatically generate the bus waiting position based on one or both of the type (large, medium, small) and number of buses set by the quotation requester or the quotation recipient, and the predetermined waiting candidate points (for example, a dedicated parking lot, parking on the roadside, etc.). As an example, when all of the set number of buses cannot wait at a single bus waiting position simultaneously, the recipient itinerary creation unit 32c may automatically generate a dispersion of the bus waiting at the bus waiting position with a time difference departure, and may also reflect the information of the time difference departure in the recipient itinerary. As another example, when all of the set number of buses cannot wait at a single bus waiting position simultaneously, the recipient itinerary creation unit 32c may determine whether the number of buses that can wait at the bus waiting position for the assembly location can wait at the bus waiting position, and for the buses that cannot wait, determine whether they can stop nearby. If they can stop nearby, it may be automatically generated to stop nearby. As yet another example, when all of the set number of buses cannot wait at a single bus waiting position simultaneously, the recipient itinerary creation unit 32c may determine whether there are multiple waiting candidate points for the assembly location. If there are multiple, it may be automatically generated so that the bus waiting positions are dispersed among the multiple waiting candidate points. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, the recipient itinerary creation unit 32c may arrange the bus model icon 100 at the bus waiting position on the map, or although not shown in the figure, may display the image of the bus superimposed on the bus waiting position on a panoramic image such as a street view. In this case, the second user can easily confirm whether there are any problems with the vehicle length, vehicle width, and vehicle height. Further, the recipient itinerary creation unit 32c may have an editing function for the second user to adjust the bus waiting position after the bus waiting position is automatically generated. For example, when the second user operates the second terminal input unit 24B to move the bus model icon 100 displayed on the map to another point, the recipient itinerary creation unit 32c may re-generate the moved point as a new bus waiting position.

[0047] Next, referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, when the second user (the estimate request destination) operates the second terminal input unit 24B to click (or touch) the "Output" button 66, the destination schedule creation unit 32c creates a travel schedule (destination schedule) based on the information arranged on the time axis 64, transmits it to the second terminal device 2B, and as shown in FIG. 11, displays the information of the created destination schedule on the second terminal display unit 25B. Further, the destination schedule creation unit 32c stores the information of the created destination schedule in the schedule storage unit 33c.

[0048] Next, the destination estimate creation unit 32c creates an estimate corresponding to the destination schedule created by the second user (the estimate request destination) (step S13). Specifically, for example, referring to FIG. 11, when the second user (the estimate request destination) operates the second terminal input unit 24B to click (or touch) the "Create Estimate" button 68 within the screen 67 where the destination schedule is displayed, the destination estimate creation unit 32c creates an estimate corresponding to the destination schedule based on the information of the destination schedule displayed within the screen 67, transmits it to the second terminal device 2B, and as shown in FIG. 12, displays the information of the created estimate on the second terminal display unit 25B. Further, the destination estimate creation unit 32c stores the information of the created estimate in the estimate storage unit 33d.

[0049] Next, the estimate sending unit 32d sends and displays the destination schedule and the estimate created by the second user (the estimate recipient) to the first user (the estimate requester) (step S14). Specifically, for example, referring to FIG. 12, when the second user (the estimate recipient) operates the second terminal input unit 24B and clicks (or touches) the "Send" button 71 in the screen 69 where the estimate is displayed, the estimate request sending unit 32d sends the created destination schedule and the estimate information to the first user (the estimate requester). Here, "send" may mean attaching the destination schedule and the estimate information to an email and sending it to the first terminal device 2A of the first user (the estimate requester), or making the destination schedule and the estimate information viewable when the first user (the estimate requester) accesses a predetermined web page. As an example, the estimate sending unit 32d sends a sending notification of the estimate to the first terminal device 2A of the first user (the estimate requester). When the first user (the estimate requester) operates the first terminal input unit 24A and clicks (or touches) the link to the web page included in the sending notification of the estimate, as shown in FIG. 13, the progress display unit 32h displays a screen 72 showing the progress status after the estimate request is sent to the first user (the estimate requester) via the first terminal display unit 25A.

[0050] When sending estimate requests to a plurality of second users (estimate recipients), the progress display unit 32h may display the progress status for each second user (estimate recipient) in an identifiable manner. In the example shown in FIG. 13, estimate requests have been sent to three companies, "Company A, Ltd.", "Company B, Ltd.", and "Company C, Ltd.", and the progress display unit 32h separately and individually displays the progress status after the estimate requests are sent to these three companies for each estimate recipient. By displaying the progress status for each second user (estimate recipient) in an identifiable manner, the first user (the estimate requester) can easily confirm the progress with a plurality of second users (estimate recipients).

[0051] The progress display unit 32h may display, for each second user (the quotation request destination), which of the first user (the quotation requester) and the second user (the quotation request destination) is in the situation to which they should respond (which has the ball). In the example shown in FIG. 13, for the quotation requests to Company A and Company B, the progress display unit 32h displays the progress status with the characters "Quotation received (please confirm the quotation)", thereby indicating that the first user (the quotation requester) is in the situation to which they should respond. On the other hand, for the quotation request to Company C, the progress display unit 32h displays the progress status with the characters "Waiting for quotation reception", thereby indicating that the second user (the quotation request destination) is in the situation to which they should respond.

[0052] When the first user (the quotation requester) is in the situation to which they should respond, the progress display unit 32h may display in a manner that enables the first user (the quotation requester) to grasp the next operation to be performed. In the example shown in FIG. 13, for the quotation requests to Company A and Company B, as described above, the first user (the quotation requester) is in the situation to which they should respond, and the progress display unit 32h displays the characters "(please confirm the quotation)", making it possible for the first user (the quotation requester) to grasp the next operation to be performed.

[0053] As a modification example, as shown in FIG. 14, the progress display unit 32h may display the progress status after sending the estimate request in chronological order. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the progress display unit 32h arranges the tile 98A of "itinerary creation", the tile 98B of "estimate request" on the side of the estimate requester (travel agency), the tile 98C of "itinerary creation", the tile 98D of "estimate creation" on the side of the estimate recipient (bus company), the tile 98E of "estimate reception", and the tile 98 of "itinerary change" on the side of the estimate requester (travel agency) in the order of time passage, connects them with arrows, and displays them, so that the progress status after sending the estimate request can be grasped in chronological order. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 14, since the tile 98E of "itinerary change" on the side of the estimate requester (travel agency) is displayed at the end of the time series, it can be seen that there is a ball on the side of the estimate requester (travel agency). Further, since the tile 98G of "estimate request" is displayed in a different manner (for example, a broken line) behind the tile displayed at the end of the time series (the tile 98E of "itinerary change" on the side of the estimate requester (travel agency)), it can be grasped that the next task to be performed by the estimate requester (travel agency) is "estimate request".

[0054] Next, referring to FIG. 13, when the first user (the requestor of the estimate) operates the first terminal input unit 24A and clicks (or touches) the link 73 of the estimate received from the second user (the recipient of the estimate) within the screen 72 that displays the progress status after the estimate request is sent, as shown in FIG. 15, the estimate sending unit 32b transmits the information of the estimate to the first terminal device 2A and displays it on the first terminal display unit 25A. Next, when the first user (the requestor of the estimate) operates the first terminal input unit 24A and clicks (or touches) the "Display Schedule" button 75 within the screen 74 where the estimate is displayed, as shown in FIG. 16, the estimate sending unit 32d transmits the information of the schedule for the recipient created by the second user (the recipient of the estimate) to the first terminal device 2A and displays it on the first terminal display unit 25A. Also, within the screen 76 where the information of the schedule for the recipient is displayed, when the first user (the requestor of the estimate) operates the first terminal input unit 24A and clicks (or touches) the "Duplicate and Edit" button 77A, as shown in FIG. 17, the estimate sending unit 32d expands and displays the information of the schedule for the recipient on the time axis 79 and on the map 80 within the schedule creation screen 78, respectively.

[0055] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, when the estimate sending unit 32d displays the destination schedule to the first user (the estimate requester), it refers to the schedule storage unit 33c to compare the source schedule (i.e., the previous schedule) with the destination schedule (i.e., the current schedule), and displays the differences between the destination schedule (the current schedule) and the source schedule (the previous schedule) in a distinguishable manner, or further displays the differences from the source schedule (the previous schedule). In the examples shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, when the destination schedule is compared with the source schedule (see FIG. 5), for the schedule on 10 / 13, "Bus Company A Garage" is added as the departure garage, and "Mikan SA" and "Apple SA" are added as rest stops. Also, for the schedule on 10 / 14, "Bus Company A Garage" is added as the return garage, and "Mikan SA" and "Apple SA" are added as rest stops. Therefore, referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the estimate sending unit 32d, within the screens 76 and 78 where the information of the destination schedule is displayed, encloses the locations that are the differences between the destination schedule and the source schedule (i.e., "Bus Company A Garage", "Mikan SA", "Apple SA") with a rectangular frame and attaches the characters "Added" or "Has been added" to display them in a distinguishable manner. Note that the distinguishable display mode is not limited to enclosing with a rectangular frame or attaching characters. For example, it may be to change the color, thickness, or size of the characters, or to change the color or pattern of the background. Also, referring to FIG. 16, the estimate sending unit 32d further displays the differences from the source schedule by writing the text "※Changed parts: Added 'Bus Company A Garage' as the departure garage on 10 / 13, added 'Mikan SA' and 'Apple SA' as rest stops, added 'Bus Company A Garage' as the return garage on 10 / 14, added 'Mikan SA' and 'Apple SA' as rest stops" in the remarks column within the screen 76 where the information of the destination schedule is displayed.

[0056] When displaying the destination schedule to the first user (the requester of the estimate), the differences between the destination schedule and the origin schedule in the destination schedule are displayed in an identifiable manner, or the differences from the origin schedule are further displayed, so that when the first user (the requester of the estimate) checks the destination schedule received from the second user (the destination of the estimate), it is possible to easily check the changed parts from the previously sent origin schedule.

[0057] When the estimate sending unit 32d displays the destination schedule and / or the estimate created by the second user (the destination of the estimate) to the first user (the requester of the estimate), it may display the variations in the approximate costs related to the destination schedule and / or the estimate. Specifically, for example, referring to FIG. 13, when "desired vehicle type" is set to "large bus" in the column of the estimate request details, the estimate sending unit 32b may also calculate the approximate costs when using a "medium bus" or a "small bus" and transmit them to the first terminal device 2A for display on the first terminal output unit 25A. Also, for example, when "desired quantity" is set to 1 in the column of the estimate request details, the request sending unit 32d may also calculate the approximate costs when using 2, 3, or 4 or more units and transmit them to the first terminal device 2A for display on the first terminal output unit 25A.

[0058] Next, the requester schedule creation unit 32a determines whether there is an instruction for modification from the first user (the quotation requester) to the requested schedule (step S15). When there is an instruction for modification from the first user (the quotation requester) (step S15: YES), the requester schedule creation unit 32a edits the requested schedule based on the instruction from the first user (the quotation requester) to create a new requester schedule (step S16). Specifically, for example, referring to FIG. 18, in a state where the information of the requested schedule is respectively expanded and displayed on the time axis 79 and the map 80 in the schedule creation screen 78, when the first user (the quotation requester) operates the first terminal input unit 24A and changes the waypoint "C Plateau Ropeway" to "F Park (Stargazing)" on the time axis 79 in the schedule creation screen 78, the information of the changed point is transmitted from the first terminal device 2A to the server 3. The requester schedule creation unit 32a refers to the route network information database 33a and the map information database 33b, executes a route search for the section related to the changed point, transmits the information of the means of transportation and its travel time for the section obtained by the route search to the first terminal device 2A, and adds and displays it on the time axis 79 in the screen 78 for displaying the requested schedule. The requester schedule creation unit 32a may transmit the position information of the changed point and the information of the travel route for the section obtained by the route search to the first terminal device 2A and display it on the map 80 in the screen 78 for displaying the requested schedule as shown in FIG. 18. Also, for example, referring to FIG. 19, when the first user (the quotation requester) operates the first terminal input unit 24A and changes the section from "Central Exit of A Station" to "B Art Museum" on the time axis 79 in the schedule creation screen 78 to a schedule where the user moves from "Central Exit of A Station" to "Y Station" by bullet train and then from "Y Station" to "B Art Museum" by bus, the information of the changed point and the means of transportation is transmitted from the first terminal device 2A to the server 3. The requester schedule creation unit 32a refers to the route network information database 33a and the map information database 33b, executes a route search for the section related to the changed point and the means of transportation, transmits the information of the travel time for the section obtained by the route search to the first terminal device 2A, and adds and displays it on the time axis 79 in the screen 78 for displaying the requested schedule.The request source schedule creation unit 32a transmits the location information of the changed point and the information on the movement route of the section obtained by route search to the first terminal device 2A, and may display it on the map 80 in the screen 78 for displaying the request destination schedule as shown in FIG. 19.

[0059] Next, referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, when the first user (the quotation request source) operates the first terminal input unit 24A and clicks (or touches) the "Output" button 81, the request source schedule creation unit 32a creates a new request source schedule based on the information arranged on the time axis 79, transmits it to the first terminal device 2A, and displays the information on the created new request source schedule on the first terminal display unit 25A as shown in FIG. 20. Further, the request source schedule creation unit 32a stores the information on the created new request source schedule in the schedule storage unit 33c.

[0060] The quotation request sending unit 32b may create a traveler's schedule and a quotation request schedule based on the schedule of the request source created by the first user (request source). Specifically, for example, when the second user (quotation request destination) is a chartered bus operator, referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, if the schedule of the request source created by the first user (request source) includes a section using a means of transportation other than a bus (in the illustrated example, the section from the central entrance of Station A to Station Y using the bullet train), and the first user (request source) operates the first terminal input unit 24A and clicks (or touches) the "Create Traveler's Schedule" button 71 in the schedule display screen 56, the quotation request sending unit 32b excludes the section not related to the traveler from the schedule of the request source (in the illustrated example, the section from the central entrance of Station A to Garage A of the bus company) to create a traveler's schedule (see FIG. 21), transmits it to the first terminal device 2A, and displays it on the first terminal display unit 25A. On the other hand, referring to FIG. 20, when the first user (request source) operates the first terminal input unit 24A and clicks (or touches) the "Create Quotation Request Schedule" button 72 in the schedule display screen 56, the quotation request sending unit 32b excludes the section using a means of transportation other than a bus from the schedule of the request source (in the illustrated example, the section from the central entrance of Station A to Station Y using the bullet train) to create a quotation request schedule (see FIG. 22), transmits it to the first terminal device 2A, and displays it on the first terminal display unit 25A. In the illustrated example, the "Create Traveler's Schedule" button 71 and the "Create Quotation Request Schedule" button 72 are provided on the schedule display screen 56 shown in FIG. 20, but it is not limited thereto. For example, they may be provided on the schedule creation screen 78 shown in FIG. 19.

[0061] Based on the instructions from the first user (the quotation requester), after editing the requested itinerary to create a new requester's itinerary, the operation of the information processing system 1 returns to step S11. That is, the quotation request sending unit 32b sends and displays the new requester's itinerary created by the first user (the quotation requester) to the second user (the quotation recipient) together with the quotation request (step S11). The quotation request sending unit 32b may send a quotation request targeting the itinerary section related to the second user (the quotation recipient) in the new requester's itinerary to the second user (the quotation recipient). Specifically, for example, referring to FIG. 22, when the first user (the quotation requester) operates the first terminal input unit 24A and clicks (or touches) the "Create Quotation Request" button 57 in the screen 56B where a new requester's itinerary (in the illustrated example, an itinerary for quotation request targeting the itinerary section related to the second user (the quotation recipient) in the new requester's itinerary) is displayed, the quotation request sending unit 32b displays a quotation request creation screen 84 on the first terminal display unit 25A as shown in FIG. 23. When the first user (the quotation requester) operates the first terminal input unit 24A and, in the quotation request creation screen 84, changes the setting of the request content as necessary and then clicks (or touches) the "Send" button 85, the quotation request sending unit 32b sends the new requester's itinerary (in the illustrated example, an itinerary for quotation request targeting the itinerary section related to the second user (the quotation recipient) in the new requester's itinerary) to the quotation recipient (the second user) together with the quotation request.As an example, the quotation request sending unit 32b transmits a sending notice of a new quotation request to the second terminal device 2B of the second user (the quotation request destination). When the second user (the quotation request destination) operates the second terminal input unit 24B and clicks (or touches) the link to the web page included in the sending notice of the new quotation request, the quotation request sending unit 32b transmits, as shown in FIG. 24, a screen 86A for displaying information of the new quotation request to the second terminal device 2B and displays it on the second terminal display unit 25B. Next, when the second user (the quotation request destination) operates the second terminal input unit 24B and clicks (or touches) the link 86B in the column of "itinerary from travel agency" in the screen 86A for displaying information of the new quotation request, the quotation request sending unit 32b transmits, as shown in FIG. 25, a screen 86 for displaying information of the new request source itinerary to the second terminal device 2B and displays it on the second terminal display unit 25B. Further, in the screen 86 in which the information of the new request source itinerary is displayed, when the second user (the quotation request source) operates the second terminal input unit 24B and clicks (or touches) the "create by copying" button 87, the quotation request sending unit 32b expands and displays the information of the new request source itinerary on the time axis 89 and on the map 90 in the itinerary creation screen 88, as shown in FIG. 26.

[0062] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, when the estimate request sending unit 32b displays a new request source schedule to the second user (estimate request destination), it refers to the schedule storage unit 33c to compare the destination schedule (i.e., the previous schedule) with the new request source schedule (i.e., the current schedule), and displays the differences between the new request source schedule (the current schedule) and the destination schedule (the previous schedule) in a distinguishable manner, or further displays the differences from the destination schedule (the previous schedule). In the examples shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, when the new request source schedule is compared with the destination schedule (see FIG. 11), in the schedule on 10 / 13, the departure point for bus travel has been changed to "Y Station", and the transit point "C Plateau Ropeway" has been changed to "F Park (Stargazing)". Therefore, referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, the estimate request sending unit 32b surrounds the points that are different from the destination schedule (i.e., "Y Station" and "F Park (Stargazing)") in the new request source schedule with a rectangular frame and attaches the characters "Changed" or "Has been changed" in the screens 86 and 88 where the information of the new request source schedule is displayed, so as to display them in a distinguishable manner. Also, referring to FIG. 25, the estimate request sending unit 32b writes the text "Changed to a large bus from Y Station. Changed from 'C Plateau Ropeway' to 'F Park (Stargazing)'." in the remarks column in the screen 86 where the information of the new request destination schedule is displayed, so as to further display the differences from the request source schedule. Furthermore, referring to FIG. 26, the estimate request sending unit 32b further displays the differences from the request source schedule by displaying the information on the movement route to the previous "B Art Museum" and the information on the movement route related to the previous transit point "C Plateau Ropeway" with a dashed line on the map 90 in the screen 88 where the information of the new request destination schedule is displayed.

[0063] When displaying the new requestor's schedule to the second user (the quotation recipient), the differences between the requestor's schedule in the new requestor's schedule and the recipient's schedule are displayed in an identifiable manner, or the difference from the recipient's schedule is further displayed, so that when the second user (the quotation recipient) checks the new requestor's schedule received from the first user (the quotation requestor), it becomes possible to easily check the changed parts from the previously sent recipient's schedule.

[0064] Next, based on the instruction from the second user (the quotation recipient), the recipient's schedule creation unit 32c edits the new requestor's schedule to create a new recipient's schedule (step S12). Specifically, for example, referring to FIG. 26, when the second user (the quotation recipient) operates the second terminal input unit 24B to add information such as the information of the garage of the second user (the quotation recipient) as a new departure point on the time axis 89 in the schedule creation screen 88, the information of the added point is transmitted from the second terminal device 2B to the server 3. The recipient's schedule creation unit 32c refers to the route network information database 33a and the map information database 33b, executes a route search for the section related to the added point, transmits the information of the means of transportation and its travel time for the section obtained by the route search to the second terminal device 2B, and adds and displays it on the time axis 64 in the screen 63 for displaying the requestor's schedule. Next, when the second user (the quotation recipient) operates the second terminal input unit 24B to click (or touch) the "output" button 91, the recipient's schedule creation unit 32c creates a new recipient's schedule based on the information arranged on the time axis 89, transmits it to the second terminal device 2B, and as shown in FIG. 27, displays the information of the created new recipient's schedule on the second terminal display unit 25B. In addition, the recipient's schedule creation unit 32c stores the information of the created new recipient's schedule in the schedule storage unit 33c.

[0065] Next, the request destination schedule creation unit 32c creates a new estimate corresponding to the new request destination schedule created by the second user (estimate request destination) (step S13). Specifically, for example, referring to FIG. 27, when the second user (estimate request destination) operates the second terminal input unit 24B and clicks (or touches) the "Create Estimate" button 93 in the screen 92 where the new request destination schedule is displayed, the request destination schedule creation unit 32c creates a new estimate corresponding to the request destination schedule based on the information of the new request destination schedule displayed in the screen 92, transmits it to the second terminal device 2B, and as shown in FIG. 28, displays the information of the created new estimate on the second terminal display unit 25B. Further, the request destination schedule creation unit 32c stores the information of the created new estimate in the estimate storage unit 33d.

[0066] Next, the estimate sending unit 32d sends and displays a new destination schedule and a new estimate created by the second user (estimate recipient) to the first user (estimate requester) (step S14). Specifically, for example, referring to FIG. 28, when the second user (estimate recipient) operates the second terminal input unit 24B and clicks (or touches) the "Send" button 94C in the screen 94A where the new estimate is displayed, the estimate request sending unit 32d sends the information of the created new destination schedule and estimate to the first user (estimate requester). As an example, the estimate sending unit 32d sends a sending notification of the estimate to the first terminal device 2A of the first user (estimate requester). When the first user (estimate requester) operates the first terminal input unit 24A and clicks (or touches) the link of the web page included in the estimate sending notification, the progress display unit 32h described later displays a screen 95A that displays the progress status of the estimate request as shown in FIG. 29. Next, when the first user (estimate requester) operates the first terminal input unit 24A and clicks (or touches) the link 95B of the new estimate received from the second user (estimate recipient) in the screen 95A, the estimate sending unit 32b sends the information of the new estimate to the first terminal device 2A and displays it on the first terminal display unit 25A as shown in FIG. 30. Next, when the first user (estimate requester) operates the first terminal input unit 24A and clicks (or touches) the "Display Schedule" button 96B in the screen 96A where the estimate is displayed, the estimate sending unit 32d sends the information of the new destination schedule created by the second user (estimate recipient) to the first terminal device 2A and displays it on the first terminal display unit 25A.

[0067] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 30, when the estimate sending unit 32d displays a new estimate to the first user (the source of the estimate request), it refers to the estimate storage unit 33d to compare the previous estimate with the new estimate (i.e., the current estimate), and displays the differences between the new estimate (the current estimate) and the previous estimate in a distinguishable manner, or further displays the differences from the previous estimate. In the example shown in FIG. 30, when comparing the new estimate with the previous estimate (see FIG. 15), the bus fare has been changed from 156,760 yen to 51,760 yen, and the toll road fare has been changed from 30,000 yen to 0 yen. Therefore, the estimate sending unit 32d refers to FIG. 30 and, within the screen 96 where the new estimate is displayed, surrounds the parts (the amounts of the bus fare and the toll road fare) that are different from the previous estimate in the new estimate with a rectangular frame and attaches the text "Changed" to display them in a distinguishable manner. Note that the distinguishable display mode is not limited to surrounding with a rectangular frame or attaching text. For example, it may be possible to change the color, thickness, or size of the text, or change the color or pattern of the background.

[0068] When displaying a new estimate to the first user (the source of the estimate request), by displaying the differences between the new estimate (the current estimate) and the previous estimate in a distinguishable manner, or further displaying the differences from the previous estimate, when the first user (the source of the estimate request) checks the new estimate received from the second user (the destination of the estimate request), it becomes possible to easily check the changed parts from the previously received estimate.

[0069] Then, the source itinerary creation unit 32a determines whether there is an instruction for correction from the first user (the source of the estimate request) for the new destination itinerary (step S15). If there is an instruction for correction from the first user (the source of the estimate request) (step S15: YES), the source itinerary creation unit 32a edits the new destination itinerary based on the instruction from the first user (the source of the estimate request) to create a new source itinerary (step S16). Then, the operations from step S11 are repeated again.

[0070] If there is no instruction for correction from the other party, the first user (the requester of the estimate) (step S15: NO), the shipping application form sending unit 32e creates a shipping application form corresponding to the requested itinerary based on the instruction from the first user (the requester of the estimate), and sends it to and displays it for the second user (the recipient of the estimate) (step S17). Specifically, for example, referring to FIG. 16, within the screen 76 where the information of the requested itinerary is displayed, when the first user (the requester of the estimate) operates the first terminal input unit 24A and clicks (or touches) the "Create Shipping Application Form" button 77B, the estimate sending unit 32d creates a shipping application form based on the displayed information of the requested itinerary, transmits it to the second terminal device 2B, and displays it on the second terminal display unit 25B.

[0071] In the present embodiment, when the shipping application form sending unit 32e creates a new shipping application form corresponding to a new requested itinerary based on the instruction from the first user (the requester of the estimate), sends it to and displays it for the second user (the recipient of the estimate), it compares the previous shipping application form with the new shipping application form (i.e., the current shipping application form), and displays the differences between the new shipping application form (the current shipping application form) and the previous shipping application form in a distinguishable manner, or further displays the differences from the previous shipping application form. Thereby, when the second user (the recipient of the estimate) confirms the new shipping application form received from the first user (the requester of the estimate), it becomes possible to easily confirm the changed parts from the previously received shipping application form.

[0072] Next, the shipping acceptance form sending unit 32f creates a shipping acceptance form corresponding to the shipping application form based on the instruction from the second user (the recipient of the estimate), and sends it to and displays it for the first user (the requester of the estimate) (step S18). Specifically, for example, within the screen where the information of the shipping application form received from the first user (the requester of the estimate) is displayed, when the second user (the recipient of the estimate) operates the second terminal input unit 24B and clicks (or touches) the "Create Shipping Acceptance Form" button, the shipping acceptance form sending unit 32f creates a shipping acceptance form based on the displayed information of the shipping application form, transmits it to the first terminal device 2A, and displays it on the first terminal display unit 25A.

[0073] In this embodiment, when the shipping receipt sending unit 32f creates a new shipping receipt corresponding to a new shipping application form based on an instruction from the second user (the quotation recipient) and sends it to and displays it for the first user (the quotation requester), it compares the previous shipping receipt with the new shipping receipt (i.e., the current shipping receipt), and displays the differences between the new shipping receipt (the current shipping receipt) and the previous shipping receipt in a distinguishable manner, or further displays the differences from the previous shipping receipt. As a result, when the first user (the quotation requester) checks the new shipping receipt received from the second user (the quotation recipient), it becomes possible to easily check the changed parts from the previously received shipping receipt.

[0074] Even after the shipping receipt is issued, the requester schedule creation unit 32a determines whether there is an instruction for correction from the first user (the quotation requester) with respect to the recipient schedule (step S19). If there is an instruction for correction from the first user (the quotation requester) (step S19: YES), the requester schedule creation unit 32a edits a new recipient schedule based on the instruction from the first user (the quotation requester) to create a new requester schedule (step S16), and the operations from step S11 are repeated again.

[0075] On the other hand, if there is no instruction for correction from the first user (the quotation requester) (step S19: NO), the invoice issuing unit 32g issues an invoice corresponding to the quotation sent to the first user (the quotation requester) based on an instruction from the second user (the quotation recipient) (step S20). Specifically, for example, referring to FIG. 12, when the second user (the quotation recipient) operates the second terminal input unit 24B and clicks (or touches) the "Download Invoice" button 70 within the screen 69 where the quotation information is displayed, the invoice issuing unit 32g creates an invoice based on the displayed quotation information and transmits it to the second terminal device 2B.

[0076] According to the present embodiment as described above, when displaying the destination schedule to the first user (the quotation requester), the differences from the source schedule in the destination schedule are displayed in an identifiable manner, or the differences from the source schedule are further displayed. Therefore, when the first user (the quotation requester) checks the destination schedule received from the second user (the quotation destination), it is possible to easily check the changed parts from the previously sent source schedule. As a result, the work efficiency and accuracy of the schedule creation and quotation work are improved.

[0077] Also, according to the present embodiment, when displaying the new source schedule to the second user (the quotation destination), the differences from the destination schedule in the new source schedule are displayed in an identifiable manner, or the differences from the destination schedule are further displayed. Therefore, when the second user (the quotation destination) checks the new source schedule received from the first user (the quotation requester), it is possible to easily check the changed parts from the previously sent destination schedule. As a result, the work efficiency and accuracy of the schedule creation and quotation work are further improved.

[0078] Also, according to the present embodiment, when displaying the new quotation to the first user (the quotation requester), the differences from the previous quotation in the new quotation (the current quotation) are displayed in an identifiable manner, or the differences from the previous quotation are further displayed. Therefore, when the first user (the quotation requester) checks the new quotation received from the second user (the quotation destination), it is possible to easily check the changed parts from the previously received quotation. As a result, the work efficiency and accuracy of the schedule creation and quotation work are further improved.

[0079] Also, according to the present embodiment, when displaying the progress status after sending the quotation request to the first user (the quotation requester), the progress status for each second user (the quotation destination) is displayed in an identifiable manner. Therefore, the first user (the quotation requester) can easily check the progress with multiple quotation destinations. This also improves the work efficiency and accuracy of the schedule creation and quotation work.

[0080] Note that at least a part of the information processing system 1 described in the above embodiments may be configured by hardware or software. When configured by hardware, a program for realizing at least a part of the functions of the information processing system 1 may be stored in a recording medium such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM, and read and executed by a computer. The recording medium is not limited to removable ones such as magnetic disks and optical disks, and may also be a fixed recording medium such as a hard disk device or a memory.

[0081] Also, a program for realizing at least a part of the functions of the information processing system 1 may be distributed via a communication line (including wireless communication) such as the Internet. Furthermore, the program may be distributed in an encrypted, modulated, or compressed state via a wired or wireless line such as the Internet, or stored in a recording medium.

[0082] Furthermore, the information processing system 1 may be made to function by one or a plurality of information processing apparatuses. When using a plurality of information processing apparatuses, one of the information processing apparatuses may be a computer, and the function may be realized as at least one means of the information processing system 1 by the computer executing a predetermined program.

[0083] Also, in the invention of a method, all steps may be automatically controlled by a computer. Also, while each step is being performed by a computer, the progress control between steps may be performed manually. Furthermore, at least a part of all the steps may be performed manually.

[0084] Based on the above description, those skilled in the art may be able to conceive of additional effects and various modifications of the present invention, but the aspects of the present invention are not limited to the individual embodiments described above. Various additions, changes, and partial deletions are possible without departing from the conceptual ideas and spirit of the present invention derived from the content defined in the claims and their equivalents.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0085] 1 Information Processing System 2A First Terminal Device 21A First Terminal Communication Unit 22A First Terminal Control Unit 23A First Terminal Memory Unit 24A First Terminal Input Unit 25A First Terminal Display Unit 2B Second Terminal Device 21B Second Terminal Communication Unit 22B Second Terminal Control Unit 23B Second Terminal Memory Unit 24B Second Terminal Input Unit 25B Second Terminal Display Unit 3 Server 31 Server Communication Unit 32 Server Control Unit 32a Requesting Party Itinerary Creation Unit 32b Quotation Request Sending Unit 32c Requested Party Itinerary Creation Unit 32d Quotation Sending Unit 32e Shipping Application Form Sending Unit 32f Shipping Acceptance Form Sending Unit 32g Invoice Issuing Unit 32h Progress Display Unit 33 Server Memory Unit 33a Route Network Information Database 33b Map Information Database 33c Itinerary Memory Unit 33d Quotation Memory Unit 33e Progress Memory Unit 4 Network

Claims

1. Estimate request sending means for sending and displaying a requestor schedule created by a requestor to a requestee together with an estimate request; Requestee schedule creation means for editing the requestor schedule based on an instruction from the requestee to create a requestee schedule and creating an estimate corresponding to the requestee schedule; Estimate sending means for sending and displaying the requestee schedule and the estimate to the estimate requestor; Comprising: When the estimate sending means displays the requestee schedule to the estimate requestor, it displays the differences from the requestor schedule in a distinguishable manner or further displays the differences from the requestor schedule. An information processing system.

2. Further comprising requestor schedule creation means for editing the requestee schedule based on an instruction from the estimate requestor to create a new requestor schedule; The estimate request sending means sends and displays the new requestor schedule to the estimate requestee together with the estimate request; When the estimate request sending means displays the new requestor schedule to the estimate requestee, it displays the differences from the requestee schedule in a distinguishable manner or further displays the differences from the requestee schedule. The information processing system according to Claim 1.

3. The requestee schedule creation means edits the new requestor schedule based on an instruction from the estimate requestee to create a new requestee schedule and creates a new estimate corresponding to the new requestee schedule; The estimate sending means sends and displays the new requestee schedule and the new estimate to the estimate requestor; When the estimate sending means displays the new estimate to the estimate requestor, it displays the differences from the previous estimate in a distinguishable manner or further displays the differences from the previous estimate. The information processing system according to Claim 2.

4. Before the estimate request sending means sends the requestor schedule to the estimate requestee together with the estimate request, based on the past performance of the estimate of the estimate requestee, it calculates an estimated cost corresponding to the requestor schedule for each estimate requestee and displays it to the estimate requestor. The information processing system according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. Based on the instructions from the orderer, when a certain means of transportation included in the orderer's itinerary being created is selected, the orderer itinerary creation means calculates the estimated cost and / or local stay time in the case of changing the certain means of transportation to another means of transportation, and displays it to the orderer who requested the estimate. The information processing system according to claim 2 or 3.

6. Based on the instructions from the orderer, when a certain means of transportation included in the orderer's itinerary being created is selected, the orderer itinerary creation means calculates the estimated cost and / or local stay time for each means of transportation in the case of changing the certain means of transportation to another means of transportation, and displays them in a list to the orderer who requested the estimate. The information processing system according to claim 5.

7. The estimate request sending means sends an estimate request targeting the itinerary section related to the estimate recipient in the orderer's itinerary to the estimate recipient. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The estimate request sending means creates an itinerary for the traveler and an itinerary for the estimate request based on the orderer's itinerary created by the orderer, and sends and displays the itinerary for the estimate request to the estimate recipient together with the estimate request. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. When the estimate sending means displays the recipient's itinerary and / or the estimate to the orderer who requested the estimate, it displays the variations of the estimated cost related to the recipient's itinerary and / or the estimate. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. The estimate request sending means sends and displays the estimated cost of the orderer who requested the estimate to the estimate recipient together with the estimate request and the orderer's itinerary. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. The estimate recipient is a chartered bus operator. Based on the orderer's itinerary, the recipient itinerary creation means automatically generates a bus waiting position for the meeting place and displays it to the estimate recipient. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

12. It further includes a transportation application form sending means that creates a transportation application form corresponding to the recipient's itinerary based on the instructions from the orderer who requested the estimate, and sends and displays it to the estimate recipient. The shipping application form sending means creates a new shipping application form corresponding to the new destination schedule based on an instruction from the quotation requester, and when sending and displaying it to the quotation destination, displays the differences from the previous shipping application form in a distinguishable manner, or further displays the differences from the previous shipping application form. The information processing system according to claim 3.

13. A claim form issuing means for issuing a claim form corresponding to the quotation form based on an instruction from the quotation destination, further comprising. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

14. A computer, A requester schedule sending means for sending and displaying the requester schedule created by the quotation requester to the quotation destination together with the quotation request. A destination schedule creating means for editing the requester schedule based on an instruction from the quotation destination to create a destination schedule, and creating a quotation form corresponding to the destination schedule. A destination schedule sending means for sending and displaying the destination schedule and the quotation form to the quotation requester, and when displaying the destination schedule to the quotation requester, displaying the differences from the requester schedule in a distinguishable manner, or further displaying the differences from the requester schedule. An information processing program for causing the computer to function as such.

15. An information processing system composed of a plurality of computers connected communicably, A requester schedule sending means for sending and displaying the requester schedule created by the quotation requester to the quotation destination together with the quotation request. A destination schedule creating means for editing the requester schedule based on an instruction from the quotation destination to create a destination schedule, and creating a quotation form corresponding to the destination schedule. A destination schedule sending means for sending and displaying the destination schedule and the quotation form to the quotation requester, and when displaying the destination schedule to the quotation requester, displaying the differences from the requester schedule in a distinguishable manner, or further displaying the differences from the requester schedule. In order to make the information processing system provided with function, An information processing program for causing at least one of the computers to function as at least one of the means.

16. By a plurality of computers connected communicably, in order to make the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 function. An information processing program for causing at least one of the computers to function as at least one of the means in the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

17. An information processing program for causing a computer to function as at least one of the means in the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

18. An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising: sending and displaying a schedule of the requester created by the requester of the estimate to the estimate recipient together with the estimate request; editing the schedule of the requester based on an instruction from the estimate recipient to create a schedule of the recipient and creating an estimate corresponding to the schedule of the recipient; sending and displaying the schedule of the recipient and the estimate to the estimate requester, and when displaying the schedule of the recipient to the estimate requester, displaying the differences from the schedule of the requester in a distinguishable manner or further displaying the differences from the schedule of the requester. An information processing method including the above steps.

19. An estimate request sending means for sending an estimate request to an estimate recipient selected by an estimate requester; A progress display means for displaying the progress status after sending the estimate request to the estimate requester; The information processing system comprising: wherein the progress display means displays the progress status for each estimate recipient in a distinguishable manner. An information processing system.

20. The progress display means displays, for each estimate recipient, which of the estimate requester and the estimate recipient should be in the corresponding status. The information processing system according to claim 19.

21. When the estimate requester should be in the corresponding status, the progress display means displays in a manner that enables understanding of the next operation to be performed by the estimate requester. The information processing system according to claim 19 or 20.

22. The progress display means displays the progress status after sending the estimate request in chronological order. The information processing system according to claim 19 or 20.

23. A computer is caused to function as: means for sending an estimate request to an estimate recipient selected by an estimate requester; progress display means for displaying the progress status after sending the estimate request to the estimate requester, the progress display means displaying the progress status for each estimate recipient in a distinguishable manner; An information processing program.

24. An information processing system constituted by a plurality of computers communicably connected, comprising: means for sending an estimate request to an estimate recipient selected by an estimate requester; Progress display means for displaying the progress status after sending a quotation request to the quotation requester, which displays the progress status for each quotation recipient in a distinguishable manner, and the progress display means; In order to make an information processing system provided with the above function; An information processing program for causing at least one of the computers to function as at least one of the above means.

25. In order to make the information processing system according to claim 19 or 20 function by a plurality of computers connected communicably; An information processing program for causing at least one of the computers to function as at least one of each means in the information processing system according to claim 19 or 20.

26. An information processing program for causing a computer to function as at least one of each means in the information processing system according to claim 19 or 20.

27. An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising: A step of sending a quotation request to a quotation recipient selected by the quotation requester; A step of displaying the progress status after sending the quotation request to the quotation requester, which displays the progress status for each quotation recipient in a distinguishable manner; An information processing method including the above steps.

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