Information processing system, information processing program, and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an information processing system that can achieve route guidance in consideration of information on a free pass carried by a user.SOLUTION: An information processing system comprises: search condition acquisition means that acquires a route search condition input by a user; route searching means that searches a route on the basis of the route search condition; free pass information acquisition means that acquires information on a free pass carried by the user; determination means that, on the basis of the information on the free pass, determines whether the user carries a free pass applicable to a means of transportation that the user uses on the route; and output control means that outputs information on the route in a mode according to a result of determination made by the determination means.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, MaaS (Mobility as a Service) has been attracting attention worldwide. Since MaaS is a new concept, its definition varies somewhat depending on companies and countries. However, according to the materials of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, it is defined as "a new concept of'mobility' that uses ICT to cloudify transportation, and regards mobility (travel) by all means of transportation other than private cars, regardless of whether it is public transportation or not and its operating entity, as one service, and seamlessly connects them" (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, National Institute for Land and Transport Policy, Journal PRI Review No. 69 (Summer 2018), Perspective). By realizing MaaS, for example, it is expected that users will be able to comprehensively search for, use, and settle fares for multiple transportation means and routes across different modes using a smartphone app or the like.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, in an automatic ticket vending machine that sells tickets, a technique is disclosed in which a route is searched based on the information of the boarding station and the alighting station input by the user, and a planned ticket is searched and selectively displayed based on the information of the boarding station, alighting station, and date and time input by the user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The inventors of the present invention have intensively studied to realize MaaS at a high level and found the importance of providing optimal route guidance in consideration of the information on the free passes held by users.

[0006] Conventionally, the purchase of free passes and the management of their valid states have been independent of the optimal route guidance system, and the latter has not been realized considering the former. For example, in the technology of Patent Document 1, the information on the free passes held by users has not been considered at all. Therefore, even though a user already holds a free pass, it is possible to display selectable planning tickets that overlap with it, causing the user to incur unnecessary (wasteful) expenses. In addition, it has not been possible to provide optimal route guidance considering the possession of a free pass (for example, route guidance sorted by the fare after applying the free pass).

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points. An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system, an information processing program, and an information processing method capable of realizing route guidance in consideration of the information on the free passes held by users.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The information processing system according to the present invention includes a search condition acquisition means for acquiring route search conditions input by a user, a route search means for searching for a route based on the route search conditions, a free pass information acquisition means for acquiring information on the free passes held by the user, a determination means for determining whether the user holds free passes applicable to the means of transportation used on the route based on the information on the free passes, and an output control means for outputting the information on the route in a manner corresponding to the determination result of the determination means.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize optimal route guidance in consideration of the information of free passes held by users.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, components having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions of the components denoted by the same reference numerals will not be repeated.

[0012] In the embodiments described below, a "free pass" refers to a pass (usage permit) that allows a user to use a given means of transportation operated by a given operator within a given effective area or section without any restrictions on the usage distance, usage time / usage time band, number of usages, and usage fee during a given effective period. If at least one of the effective period, operator, means of transportation, effective area, or section is different, the user may hold multiple free passes simultaneously. The free pass held by the user may be one purchased by the user or one whose name has been changed to the user's after being purchased by another user. To prove to the operator that the user holds a free pass when using the means of transportation, the information of the free pass may be printed on a paper medium such as a train or bus ticket or recorded magnetically, or may be electronically recorded in the memory of a terminal device 2 such as an IC card, smartphone, or wearable terminal. Also, the free pass may be mainly used for sightseeing with an effective period of several hours to several days, or may be mainly used for commuting or going to school with an effective period of one month to several months.

[0013] Also, referring to FIG. 3, within a predetermined validity period, the "free pass" allows for unrestricted free use of the first means of transportation (e.g., public transportation such as trains and buses, or on-demand mobility) within a predetermined valid area or section, including the usage distance, usage time / usage time band, usage frequency, and usage fee. Additionally, it may be a free pass with usage restrictions that allows for free use of a second means of transportation different from the first means of transportation (e.g., means of transportation other than public transportation such as taxis, carsharing, and rentals, or certain public transportation such as the Shinkansen, limited express trains, and green cars that incur special fees) up to a predetermined usage distance, usage time / usage time band, usage frequency, or usage fee. Here, when the "free pass" is composed of multiple means of transportation, it can be distinguished as unlimited rides (for the first means of transportation) or not (for the second means of transportation) under the above-mentioned predetermined restrictions (period, area, operator, etc.). Also, the first means of transportation and the second means of transportation may be distinguished as regular operation or irregular operation. In the example shown in FIG. 3, within a predetermined validity period, both trains and buses can be used without restrictions within a predetermined valid area or section, while taxis are free up to 5,000 yen per month and free for the first 5 rides per month, and shared bicycles are free for up to 15 minutes per ride, which is a free pass with usage restrictions. Note that for taxis, in the example shown in FIG. 3, they are described as the second means of transportation, but if there are no usage restrictions on taxis, they may be included in the first means of transportation.

[0014] (First Embodiment) Referring to FIG. 1, the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment. In the same figure, the functional units that perform each function can be referred to as means for performing each function.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes a terminal device 2 and a server 3. The terminal device 2 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 terminal device 2 and the server 3 is realized by a computer.

[0016] The terminal device 2 is used by a user and is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal, a notebook computer, or a desktop computer. It is an electronic device such as a top computer.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the terminal device 2 includes a terminal communication unit 21, a terminal control unit 22, a terminal storage unit 23, a terminal input unit 24, and a terminal output unit 25. Each unit is communicably connected to each other via a bus.

[0018] The terminal communication unit 21 is a communication interface between the terminal device 2 and the network 4. The terminal communication unit 21 transmits and receives information between the terminal device 2 and the server 3 via the network 4.

[0019] The terminal control unit 22 is a control means for performing various processes of the terminal device 2. The terminal control unit 22 may be realized by a processor in the terminal device 2 executing a predetermined program, or may be implemented in hardware.

[0020] The terminal storage unit 23 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 terminal control unit 22 are stored in the terminal storage unit 23. The terminal storage unit 23 does not necessarily have to be provided inside the terminal device 2, and a part or all of the terminal storage unit 23 may be provided in another device communicably connected to the terminal device 2 via the network 4.

[0021] The terminal input unit 24 is an interface for the user to input information into the terminal device 2, such as a touch panel or microphone in a mobile terminal, a touch pad, keyboard, or mouse in a notebook computer, etc.

[0022] The terminal output unit 25 is an interface for outputting various information from the terminal device 2 to the user, such as video display means like a liquid crystal display, and audio output means like a speaker. Specifically, for example, the terminal output unit 25 may display a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving operations from the user.

[0023] 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 unit is communicably connected to each other via a bus or network.

[0024] 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 terminal device 2 via the network 4.

[0025] The server storage unit 33 is a fixed - type data storage such as a hard disk, etc. 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 containing traffic network information, a map information database 33b containing map information, a free pass information database 33c, and a usage fee settlement history database 33d.

[0026] The traffic network information is information that defines traffic networks such as railway and bus networks and road networks. The information of the traffic network includes route information, timetable information, fare information, etc. of transportation agencies. The information of the road network 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.

[0027] The 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. The map object information refers to shape information about the shape of facilities displayed on the map, annotation information about annotations displayed on the map, symbol information about symbols displayed on the map, and the like. Further, the map information may include route map information regarding the route maps of public transportation agencies. The above traffic network information and map information may be updated at a predetermined timing. The traffic network information and map information are used for route search.

[0028]

[0029] In the free pass information database 33c, for each user, information about the free pass held by the user (for example, expiration date, name of the operator, name of the means of transportation, valid area or section, additional information for which preferential treatment can be received, event information, campaign information, etc.) is acquired and stored from, for example, a free pass ticket issuing server or the like. Here, the additional information for which preferential treatment can be received may be information for which preferential treatment such as discounts or free of charge can be received for spots (such as restaurants, public facilities, parking lots, etc.) or activities.

[0030] ​FIG. 2 is a table showing an example of the free pass information database 33c. In the example shown in FIG. 2, for the user with ID10001, there are two free passes linked and stored: the free pass with ID20001 that allows free use of the buses operated by Company A within ○○ City during the period from September 1st to 7th, 2009, and the free pass with ID20002 that allows free use of the trains operated by Company B within ○○ City during the period from September 1st to 3rd, 2009. Also, for the user with ID10002, the free pass with ID20003 that allows free use of both the buses operated by Company A and the trains operated by Company B within ○○ City during the period from 10:15 to 16:15 on September 1st, 2009 is linked and stored. Further, for the user with ID10003, the free pass with ID20004 (free pass with usage restrictions) that allows free use of both the buses operated by Company A and the trains operated by Company B within ○○ City during the period from September 1st to 31st, 2009, and also allows free use of the taxis of Company C or Company D within ○○ City within a predetermined usage limit is linked and stored.

[0031] In the usage fee settlement history database 33d, for each user, information such as the usage fees paid when using transportation means in the past, the date and time thereof, the name of the transportation means, the name of the operator, the usage area or section (settlement history) is acquired and stored, for example, from a management server that manages the settlement means of the usage fees. Here, the settlement means of the usage fees may be, for example, electronic money used for transactions such as IC cards, NFC (Near Field Communication; short-range wireless communication) of the terminal device 2, QR code (registered trademark) settlement, etc., or it may be a credit card, or it may be cash. In the usage fee settlement history database 33d, settlement history information (distance, time, fee, etc.) regarding how much was used by which transportation means during the valid period of the free pass held by the user may be linked and stored.

[0032] Note that the server storage unit 33 does not necessarily have to be provided within the server 3. A part or all of the server storage unit 33 may be provided within another device communicably connected to the server 3 via the network 4.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the server control unit 32 includes a search condition acquisition unit 32a, a route search unit 32b, a free pass information acquisition unit 32c, a determination unit 32d, an output control unit 32e, and a free pass information change unit 32f. Each of these units may be realized by a processor in the server 3 executing a predetermined program, or may be implemented by hardware.

[0034] The search condition acquisition unit 32a acquires, from the terminal device 2, the route search conditions (for example, departure location, destination, departure date and time, or arrival date and time, etc.) input by the user via the terminal input unit 24 of the terminal device 2, together with the identification information (user ID) of the user.

[0035] The free pass condition acquisition unit 32c identifies the user based on the identification information of the user acquired by the search condition acquisition unit 32a, and acquires the information of the free pass held by the user, for example, by referring to the free pass information database 33c. When the information of the free pass held by the user is stored in the terminal storage unit 23 of the user's terminal device 2, the free pass condition acquisition unit 32c may acquire the information of the free pass held by the user from the terminal device 2. During the valid period of the free pass held by the user, instead of acquiring the information of the free pass held by the user by referring to the free pass information database 33c or acquiring it from the user's terminal device 2 each time, the free pass condition acquisition unit 32c may automatically determine that the free pass is in an effective state and use it.

[0036] The route search unit 32b searches, based on the route search conditions acquired by the search condition acquisition unit 32a, for information on a route that satisfies the route search conditions, by referring to the route network information database 33a and the map information database 33b.

[0037] The route search unit 32b may search for route information in consideration of the free pass information acquired by the free pass condition acquisition unit 32c. For example, the route search unit 32b may search for route information that satisfies the route search conditions by limiting to (or increasing the priority of) the valid area or section of the free pass held by the user. Alternatively, for example, the route search unit 32b may search for route information that satisfies the route search conditions by regarding the usage fee as free for the valid area or section of the free pass held by the user.

[0038] When the free pass can be used free of charge without any restrictions on the usage distance, usage time / usage time zone, number of usages, and usage fee for the first means of transportation within the valid period, and can be used free of charge up to a predetermined usage distance, usage time / usage time zone, number of usages, or usage fee for the second means of transportation, which is a free pass with usage restrictions (see Fig. 3), the route search unit 32b may preferentially search for a route that uses the second means of transportation as long as it is within the usage restrictions of the second means of transportation.

[0039] The determination unit 32d determines whether the user holds a free pass applicable to the means of transportation used on the route searched by the route search unit 32b based on the free pass information acquired by the free pass condition acquisition unit 32c.

[0040] When the determination unit 32d determines that the user holds a free pass applicable to the means of transportation used on the route searched by the route search unit 32b, it may further determine whether the free pass held by the user is in a valid state at the date and time of using the means of transportation (whether it has been activated, and if it has been activated, whether it is within the expiration date).

[0041] The output control unit 32e transmits an output control signal for outputting route information in different modes according to the determination result of the determination unit 32d to the terminal device 2 and performs output via the terminal output unit 25.

[0042] As an example, when the output control unit 32e outputs a list of a plurality of paths searched by the path search unit 32b, if the determination unit 32d determines that the user has a free pass applicable to the means of movement used in each path, the output control unit 32e may output notification information 51a to 51b (for example, an icon) notifying that the free pass is applied to the means of movement used in the path, together with the information of the path, via the terminal output unit 25 (see FIG. 5A). Further, when the determination unit 32d determines that the user does not have a free pass applicable to the means of movement used in the path searched by the path search unit 32b, the output control unit 32e may output proposal information 51 proposing the purchase of the free pass, together with the information of the path, via the terminal output unit 25 (see FIGS. 5A and 5B). After determining whether the user has a free pass applicable to the means of movement used in the searched path, if it is determined that the user does not have the free pass, by outputting the proposal information 51 proposing the purchase of the free pass together with the information of the path, it is possible to prevent the user from being proposed to purchase a free pass that overlaps with the one the user already has, resulting in unnecessary (wasteful) expenses for the user. The proposal information 51 may include information (for example, "You can save 500 yen by purchasing it together with the currently held XX pass") proposing to purchase a free pass applicable to the means of movement used in the path searched by the path search unit 32b together with the free pass currently held by the user.

[0043] When outputting proposal information 51 that proposes the purchase of a free pass together with route information, the output control unit 32e may output in a comparable manner the normal fare when the free pass is not applicable to the means of transportation used on the route and the free pass fare when it is applicable, or may output the difference between the normal fare and the free pass fare (500 yen in the examples shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B). Thereby, the user can intuitively grasp the cost advantages of purchasing a free pass. Further, the proposal information 51 that proposes the purchase of a free pass may include a link for executing the purchase of the free pass on the spot, or a link leading to the free pass purchase site (the button "Purchase Free Pass" in the examples shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B). Thereby, the user can immediately purchase a free pass from the display screen, which is convenient.

[0044] As another example, when the determination unit 32d determines that the user does not possess a free pass applicable to the means of transportation used on the route searched by the route search unit 32b, with reference to FIG. 14, the output control unit 32e refers to the usage fee settlement history database 33d to obtain the past usage fee settlement history of the user for the means of transportation, and based on the settlement history, determines whether the cumulative usage fee to be paid for the means of transportation within the same time as the validity period of the free pass applicable to the means of transportation retroactively from the date and time of using the means of transportation on the route is equal to or more than the free pass purchase price. Then, when the output control unit 32e determines that it is equal to or more than the free pass purchase price, the output control unit 32e may output, together with the route information, proposal information that proposes the purchase of the free pass (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "first post-payment") applicable from the time when the usage fee for the means of transportation was first settled within the time period, via the terminal output unit 25.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 14, taking as an example the case where a free pass for a 6-hour unlimited bus ride is sold for 600 yen, the first post-payment process will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 14, when a route using the bus departing at 13:30 is searched by the route search unit 32b and it is determined by the determination unit 32d that the user does not possess a free pass applicable to the bus, the output control unit 32e refers to the usage fee settlement history database 33d to obtain the user's past settlement history regarding the usage fee for the bus (having paid usage fees of 200 yen each for using the bus at 10:00 and 11:30). Then, the output control unit 32e calculates the cumulative usage fee (600 yen) to be paid for the bus within 6 hours retroactively from 13:30, which is the date and time of using the bus on the route searched by the route search unit 32b, and determines whether the cumulative usage fee is equal to or more than the purchase price (600 yen) of the free pass for the 6-hour unlimited ride. In the example shown in FIG. 14, since it is determined that the cumulative usage fee (600 yen) is equal to or more than the purchase price of the free pass for the 6-hour unlimited ride, the output control unit 32e outputs, via the terminal output unit 25 together with the route information, proposal information proposing the purchase of the free pass applicable from the time (i.e., 10:00) when the usage fee for the bus was first settled within that time period (i.e., within 6 hours retroactively from 13:30).

[0046] By performing such a first post-payment process, when it is ultimately more beneficial for the user to have purchased a free pass at a certain point in the past, the user can effectively purchase the free pass retroactively from that point, which is convenient.

[0047] ​As an example, when it is determined by the determination unit 32d that the user has a free pass applicable to the means of transportation used on the route searched by the route search unit 32b, and it is determined by the determination unit 32d that the free pass is in an effective state at the date and time when the means of transportation is used, the output control unit 32e may output, together with the route information, notification information 52a to 52c notifying that the free pass is applied to the means of transportation used on the route searched by the route search unit 32b via the terminal output unit 25 (see FIG. 6). Thereby, since the user has a free pass, the user can notice that there is no need to pay the usage fee of the means of transportation. As shown in FIG. 6, the output control unit 32e may output, at the head of the route information output from the terminal output unit 25, notification information 52a (hereinafter sometimes referred to as first notification information) notifying that the free pass is applied to the means of transportation used on the route as a character string ("Free pass in use") or in a graphic form, or for each section to which the free pass is applied, notification information 52b and 52c (hereinafter sometimes referred to as second notification information) notifying that the free pass is applied to the means of transportation used in the section as a character string ("Since a free pass is being purchased, the fare for this section is 0 yen") or in a graphic form. When it is determined by the determination unit 32d that the user has a plurality of free passes applicable to the means of transportation used on the route searched by the route search unit 32b, and it is determined by the determination unit 32d that the plurality of free passes are in an effective state at the date and time when the means of transportation is used, the output control unit 32e may present to the user the option of selecting which free pass to apply among the plurality of free passes.

[0048] Although illustration is omitted, as the first notification information 52a, not only the free pass fare when the free pass is applied but also the normal fare when the free pass is not applied may be comparably indicated, or the difference between the free pass fare and the normal fare may be indicated. Further, as the first notification information 52a, a free pass name indicating what kind of free pass may be described. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the second notification information 52b and 52c are output for each section to which the free pass is applied, but may be output by grouping the sections to which the free pass is applied into one section. Further, as the second notification information 52b and 52c, when a plurality of free passes held by the user are applied, the name of each free pass may be indicated. Further, as the second notification information 52a and 52c, similar to the first notification information, not only the free pass fare when the free pass is applied but also the normal fare when the free pass is not applied may be comparably indicated, or the difference between the free pass fare and the normal fare may be indicated.

[0049] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the route searched by the route search unit 32b is a route that makes a transfer at a "station", but when the route searched by the route search unit 32b is a route via a "POI", the output control unit 32e may output the supplementary information of the free pass applicable to the POI together with the route information. As the supplementary information of the free pass, the free pass fare when the free pass is applied may be indicated, or the free pass fare and the normal fare when the free pass is not applied may be comparably indicated, or the difference between the free pass fare and the normal fare may be indicated.

[0050] In the example shown in FIG. 6, free paths were applicable to all sections of the path searched by the path search unit 32b. However, if there is a free-path inapplicable section in a part of the path, the output control unit 32e may output notification information notifying that the free path is not applicable to the free-path inapplicable section. Alternatively, if there is a free-path inapplicable section in a part of the path searched by the path search unit 32b, the path search unit 32b re-searches for a path in which the inapplicable section is changed to be within the applicable range, and the output control unit 32e may output information on the re-searched path, or information on the original path (the path with a free-path inapplicable section in a part) and information on the re-searched path (the path in which the inapplicable section is changed to be within the applicable range) may be output side by side.

[0051] As an example, when the output control unit 32e determines that the user has a free pass applicable to the means of transportation used on the route searched by the route search unit 32b, and when the determination unit 32d determines that the free pass is in an effective state at the date and time of using the means of transportation, the output control unit 32e may search for a preferential spot where a preferential treatment can be received with the free pass on or around the route by referring to the route network information database 33a and the map information database 33b, and output the information 53 of the preferential spot via the terminal output unit 25 (see FIG. 7). Thereby, it is convenient for the user to notice that there is a preferential spot where a preferential treatment can be received with the free pass held by the user on or near the route. The information 53 of the preferential spot may include a link (a button of "present free pass" in the example shown in FIG. 7) for outputting the information of the free pass electronically recorded in the terminal storage unit 23 of the terminal device 2 from the terminal output unit 25. Thereby, the user can immediately present the free pass from the display screen to the employees of the preferential spot or the like, which is convenient. Although not shown, the information 53 of the preferential spot may include a link for outputting a map in which the route and the preferential spot are highlighted from the terminal output unit 25. Thereby, the user using the route can easily reach the preferential spot by moving while checking the map.

[0052] As an example, when the determination unit 32d determines that the user has a free pass applicable to the means of transportation used on the route searched by the route search unit 32b, and the determination unit 32d determines that the free pass is not in an effective state at the date and time of using the means of transportation, the output control unit 32e may output, via the terminal output unit 25, notification information (for example, a character string such as "The free pass has not been activated" or "The validity period of the free pass has expired") notifying that although the user has a free pass applicable to the means of transportation used on the route searched by the route search unit 32b, it is not in an effective state at the date and time of using the means of transportation, together with the route information. Thereby, it is convenient for the user to notice that although they have a free pass, it is not in an effective state. In this case, the output control unit 32e may output, via the terminal output unit 25, proposal information (for example, a button for "Activating the free pass" or buttons for "Extending the validity period of the free pass" and "Purchasing an additional free pass") proposing to change the state of the free pass held by the user to be in an effective state at least at the date and time of using the means of transportation. Thereby, it is convenient for the user to be able to activate the free pass immediately from the display screen. Also, in this case, the output control unit 32e may output information indicating how much difference there is from the validity period and the effective period.

[0053] As an example, when the route search unit 32b determines that the user has a free pass applicable to the means of transportation used on the route searched by the route search unit 32b, and when the determination unit 32d determines that the free pass is not in an effective state at the date and time of using the means of transportation, the route search unit 32b re-searches for a route that is changed so that the date and time of using the means of transportation falls within the validity period of the free pass held by the user. The output control unit 32e may output the information of the re-searched route, or may output the information of the re-searched route together with the notification information notifying that the free pass is applied to the means of transportation used on the route, or may output the proposal information (for example, "You can apply the free pass if you board one stop earlier") for proposing the re-searched route. Specifically, for example, if the user has a free pass applicable to the means of transportation used on the searched route, but the expiration date of the free pass will exceed 5 minutes at the date and time of using the means of transportation, the route search unit 32b re-searches for a route that is 5 minutes or more earlier at the date and time of using the means of transportation, and the output control unit 32e may output the information of the re-searched route. Thereby, since the user holds the free pass it is convenient for the user to know the route for which there is no need to pay the usage fee of the means of transportation.

[0054] As an example, when the server 3 receives the timetable search conditions from the user's terminal device 2, the control unit 32 of the server 3 refers to, for example, the route network information database 33a, searches for the information of the timetable that satisfies the search conditions, and the output control unit 32e transmits an output control signal for outputting the information of the timetable in a manner corresponding to the valid state of the free pass held by the user to the terminal device 2 and outputs it via the terminal output unit 25. In this case, the output control unit 32e grasps the valid state (for example, the valid time zone) of the free pass held by the user based on the information of the free pass acquired by the free pass condition acquisition unit 32c, and may output the valid state of the free pass held by the user in a distinguishable manner on the display screen of the timetable output from the terminal output unit 25. Specifically, for example, when the user wants to change a part of the route information output from the terminal output unit 25, the timetable search conditions for the section are transmitted from the terminal device 2 to the server 3, and the output control unit 32e outputs the information of the timetable that satisfies the search conditions via the terminal output unit 25 together with a UI for allowing the user to select a desired time on the timetable. In this case, the output control unit 32e may highlight the time within the valid time of the free pass held by the user with a highlight or an icon or the like.

[0055] When the free pass can be used free of charge without any restrictions on the usage distance, usage time / usage time zone, usage frequency, and usage fee during the validity period, and can be used free of charge up to a predetermined usage distance, usage time / usage time zone, usage frequency, or usage fee for the second means of transportation in the case of a free pass with usage restrictions (see Fig. 3), the determination unit 32d determines whether the user has a free pass applicable to the second means of transportation used on the route searched by the route search unit 32b. If it is determined that the user has a free pass applicable to the second means of transportation used on the route, it may be determined whether using the second means of transportation on the route is within the usage restrictions for the second means of transportation attached to the free pass. Then, when it is determined by the determination unit 32d that the usage restriction of the second means of transportation is exceeded, the route search unit 32b re-searches for a route that does not use the second means of transportation based on the route search conditions, and the output control unit 32e may output the information of the re-searched route via the terminal output unit 25 (see Fig. 9).

[0056] In the example shown in FIG. 9, when a user who holds a free pass with a usage limit that allows the use of a taxi as the second moving means up to 5000 yen first performs a route search from the departure point to the destination, the determination unit 32d determines that using the taxi for 2000 yen from the departure point to point A and using the taxi for 1000 yen from point C to the destination is within the usage limit attached to the free pass. The output control unit 32e outputs, via the terminal output unit 25, a route in which the taxi is used for 2000 yen from the departure point to point A and the taxi is used for 1000 yen from point C to the destination. On the other hand, when the user performs the route search from the same departure point to the destination for the second time, the determination unit 32d determines that the usage limit (valid state) of the taxi attached to the free pass has been used up by 3000 yen, and using the taxi for 1000 yen from point C to the destination exceeds the usage limit attached to the free pass. The route search unit 32b re-searches a route considering the remaining 2000 yen when searching for the route after point C. For example, a route in which the taxi is not used from point C to the destination (for example, a route in which a shared bicycle is used from point C to the destination). The output control unit 32e outputs, via the terminal output unit 25, the information of the re-searched route (a route in which the taxi is not used from point C to the destination (for example, a route in which a shared bicycle is used from point C to the destination)).

[0057] In this way, when the user holds a free pass with a usage limit, by providing route guidance in consideration of the usage limit attached to the second moving means, it is possible to prevent the user from unknowingly exceeding the usage limit of the second moving means and using the guided route (the route using the second moving means), which would cause unnecessary expenses for the user. from occurring.

[0058] When the user settles the usage fee for the means of transportation (for example, when touching an NFC-compatible IC card or the terminal device 2 to the ticket gate or the reading unit of the fare box), the free pass information change unit 32f refers to the usage fee settlement history database 33d to obtain the user's past settlement history regarding the usage fee for the means of transportation, and based on the settlement history, determines whether the cumulative usage fee paid for the means of transportation within the same time period as the validity period of the free pass applicable to the means of transportation from the current time retroactively is equal to or more than the purchase price of the free pass (see FIG. 11). Then, when it is determined that the amount is equal to or more than the purchase price of the free pass, the free pass information change unit 32f changes the information on the free pass held by the user stored in the free pass information database 33c so as to be in the same state as when the free pass was purchased at the first time the usage fee for the means of transportation was settled within the time period (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "second deferred payment") (see FIG. 12). In this case, the output control unit 32e may output notification information 54 notifying that the state is the same as when the free pass was purchased at the first time the means of transportation was used within the time period, via the terminal output unit 25, for example, by push notification or incoming mail (see FIG. 11).

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, taking the case where a free pass for a 6-hour unlimited bus ride is sold for 600 yen as an example, the second post-payment process will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 11, when the user settles a usage fee of 200 yen to use the bus departing at 13:30 (hereinafter referred to as the current time), the free pass information change unit 32f refers to the usage fee settlement history database 33d to obtain the user's past settlement history regarding the usage fee of the bus (having paid a usage fee of 200 yen each to use the bus at 10:00 and 11:30). Then, the free pass information change unit 32f calculates the cumulative usage fee paid for the bus within 6 hours retroactively from the current time (600 yen), and determines whether the cumulative usage fee is equal to or more than the purchase price (600 yen) of the free pass for a 6-hour unlimited ride. In the example shown in FIG. 11, since it is determined that the cumulative usage fee (600 yen) is equal to or more than the purchase price of the free pass for a 6-hour unlimited ride, as shown in FIG. 12, the free pass information change unit 32f changes the information of the free pass held by the user stored in the free pass information database 33c so as to be in the same state as purchasing the free pass at 10:00 when the usage fee for the bus was first settled within that time (that is, within 6 hours retroactively from the current time) (adds a free pass with ID 20005 that can be used for free for the bus within 6 hours from 10:00).

[0060] By performing such a second post-payment process, when it is more advantageous for the user to purchase a free pass at a certain point in the past, the user can substantially purchase the free pass retroactively from that point, which is convenient.

[0061] (First mode of operation) Next, referring to FIGS. 4 to 7, the first mode of operation of the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the first mode of operation of the information processing system 1. FIGS. 5A to 7 are diagrams showing an example of a screen displayed by the information processing system 1.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 4, first, when a user of the terminal device 2 inputs route search conditions (for example, departure location, destination, departure date and time, arrival date and time, etc.) via the terminal input unit 24, the route search conditions are transmitted from the terminal device 2 to the server 3 together with the identification information (user ID) of the user, and the search condition acquisition unit 32a of the server 3 acquires the route search conditions together with the identification information of the user (step S10).

[0063] Next, the free pass condition acquisition unit 32c identifies the user based on the identification information of the user acquired by the search condition acquisition unit 32a, and acquires information on the free passes held by the user by referring to, for example, the free pass information database 33c (step S11).

[0064] Then, the route search unit 32b searches for information on a route that satisfies the route search conditions based on the route search conditions acquired by the search condition acquisition unit 32a, by referring to the route network information database 33a and the map information database 33b (step S12). The route search unit 32b may search for information on a route that satisfies the route search conditions in consideration of the free pass information acquired by the free pass condition acquisition unit 32c.

[0065] Next, the determination unit 32d determines whether the user has a free pass applicable to the means of transportation used on the route searched by the route search unit 32b, based on the free pass information acquired by the free pass condition acquisition unit 32c (step S13).

[0066] When the determination unit 32d determines that the user does not possess a free pass applicable to the means of transportation to be used on the route searched by the route search unit 32b (step S13: NO), as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the output control unit 32e transmits an output control signal for outputting proposal information 51 for proposing the purchase of the free pass, together with the information on the route, to the terminal device 2 and outputs it via the terminal output unit 25 (step S17). In step S17, the output control unit 32e may output the normal fare when the free pass is not applicable to the means of transportation to be used on the route and the free pass fare when it is applicable in a comparable manner, or may output the difference between the normal fare and the free pass fare (500 yen in the examples shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B). The proposal information 51 for proposing the purchase of the free pass may include a link for executing the purchase of the free pass on the spot, or a link leading to the purchase site of the free pass (a button for "purchasing the free pass" in the examples shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B).

[0067] On the other hand, when the determination unit 32d determines that the user possesses a free pass applicable to the means of transportation to be used on the route searched by the route search unit 32b (step S13: YES), the determination unit 32d further determines whether or not the free pass possessed by the user is in a valid state at the date and time of using the means of transportation (whether or not it has been activated, and if it has been activated, whether or not it is within the expiration date) (step S14).

[0068] In step S14, when the determination unit 32d determines that the free pass is in an effective state at the date and time of using the moving means (step S14: YES), as shown in FIG. 6, the output control unit 32e outputs notification information 52a to 52c notifying that the free pass is applied to the moving means used on the route searched by the route search unit 32b, together with the route information, via the terminal output unit 25 (step S15). In step S15, the output control unit 32e may output the notification information 52a notifying that the free pass is applied to the moving means used on the route at the head of the route information output from the terminal output unit 25, or may output the notification information 52b and 52c notifying that the free pass is applied to the moving means used in each section where the free pass is applied, for each section where the free pass is applied.

[0069] Then, the output control unit 32e searches for a preferential spot where preferential treatment is received with the free pass on or around the route, referring to the route network information database 33a and the map information database 33b, and outputs the information 53 of the preferential spot, as shown in FIG. 7, via the terminal output unit 25 (step S16). The information 53 of the preferential spot may include a link (a button of "present free pass" in the example shown in FIG. 7) for outputting the information of the free pass electronically recorded in the terminal storage unit 23 of the terminal device 2 from the terminal output unit 25.

[0070] In step S14, when the determination unit 32d determines that the free pass is not in an effective state at the date and time of using the moving means (step S14: NO), the output control unit 32e outputs notification information (for example, a character string such as "The free pass is not valid" or "The expiration date of the free pass has passed") notifying that although the user has a free pass applicable to the moving means used on the route acquired by the route search unit 32b, it is not in an effective state at the date and time of using the moving means, together with the route information, via the terminal output unit 25 (step S18).

[0071] In addition, the output control unit 32e proposes proposal information (for example, a button for "activating a free pass" or buttons for "extending the expiration date of a free pass" or "purchasing an additional free pass") for changing the state of the free pass held by the user to a valid state at least at the date and time of using the means of transportation, and outputs it via the terminal output unit 25 (step S19).

[0072] According to the present embodiment as described above, the free pass information acquisition unit 32c acquires information on the free pass held by the user, and the determination unit 32d determines whether the user holds a free pass applicable to the means of transportation used on the searched route based on the acquired free pass information. Then, the output control unit 32e outputs the information on the searched route in different modes according to the determination result of the determination means. Thereby, it is possible to realize optimal route guidance in consideration of the information on the free pass held by the user.

[0073] That is, according to the present embodiment, after determining whether the user holds a free pass applicable to the means of transportation used on the searched route, when it is determined that the user does not hold it, proposal information 51 for proposing the purchase of the free pass is output together with the information on the route (see FIGS. 5A and 5B). Thereby, it is possible to prevent the user from being caused to incur unnecessary (wasteful) expenses by proposing the purchase of a free pass that overlaps with the one the user already holds.

[0074] In addition, according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that the user holds a free pass applicable to the means of transportation used on the searched route and it is determined that the free pass is in a valid state at the date and time of using the means of transportation, notification information 52a to 52c for notifying that the free pass is applied to the means of transportation used on the searched route is output together with the information on the route (see FIG. 6). Thereby, the user can be aware that there is no need to pay the usage fee for the means of transportation because the user holds a free pass.

[0075] Further, according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that the user has a free pass applicable to the means of transportation used on the searched route, and when it is determined that the free pass is in an effective state at the date and time of using the means of transportation, a preferential spot where preferential treatment can be received with the free pass is searched for on or around the route, and the information 53 of the preferential spot is output (see FIG. 7). Thereby, the user can notice that there is a preferential spot where preferential treatment can be received with the free pass held by the user on or near the route, which is convenient.

[0076] Further, according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that the user has a free pass applicable to the means of transportation used on the searched route, and when it is determined that the free pass is not in an effective state at the date and time of using the means of transportation, notification information notifying that although the user has a free pass applicable to the means of transportation used on the searched route, it is not in an effective state at the date and time of using the means of transportation is output together with the route information. Thereby, the user can notice that although they have a free pass, it is not in an effective state, which is convenient. It can be noticed and is convenient.

[0077] (Second mode of operation) Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, a second mode of operation of the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the second mode of operation of the information processing system 1. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the second mode of operation of the information processing system 1. In the second mode, the steps up to the step where the route search unit 32b searches for route information based on the route search conditions (steps S10 to S12) are the same as those in the first mode described above, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0078] In the second aspect, within the valid period, the free pass can be used for free without any restrictions on the usage distance, usage time / usage time zone, usage frequency, and usage fee for the first moving means, and can be used for free up to a predetermined usage distance, usage time / usage time zone, usage frequency, or usage fee for the second moving means (see FIG. 3), which is a free pass with usage restrictions.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 8, in the second aspect, after the route search unit 32b searches for route information based on the route search conditions (after step S12), the determination unit 32d determines whether the user has a free pass applicable to the second moving means used on the route acquired by the route search unit 32b based on the free pass information acquired by the free pass condition acquisition unit 32c (step S23).

[0080] If the determination unit 32d determines that the user has a free pass applicable to the second moving means used on the route acquired by the route search unit 32b (step S23: YES), the determination unit 32d further determines whether using the second moving means on the route is within the usage restrictions for the second moving means attached to the free pass (step S24).

[0081] And as shown in the "first time" route in FIG. 9, if the determination unit 32d determines that using the second moving means on the route (using a taxi worth 1000 yen from point C to the destination) is within the usage restrictions for the second moving means attached to the free pass (step S24: YES), the output control unit 32e outputs, via the terminal output unit 25, notification information notifying that the free pass is applicable to the moving means used on the route acquired by the route search unit 32b, together with the route information (step S25).

[0082] On the other hand, as shown in the "second time" path in FIG. 9, when it is determined by the determination unit 32d that using the second moving means on the path (using a taxi worth 1000 yen from point C to the destination) exceeds the usage limit for the second moving means attached to the free pass (step S24: NO), the path search unit 32b re-searches for a path that does not use the second moving means (for example, a path that uses a shared bicycle from point C to the destination) based on the path search conditions (step S26). Then, the output control unit 32e outputs the information of the re-searched path via the terminal output unit 25 (step S27).

[0083] Also, in step S23, when it is determined by the determination unit 32d that the user does not possess a free pass applicable to the second moving means used on the path acquired by the path search unit 32b (step S23: NO), the path search unit 32b re-searches for a path that does not use the second moving means based on the path search conditions (step S26). Then, the output control unit 32e outputs the information of the re-searched path via the terminal output unit 25 (step S27).

[0084] According to the second aspect as described above, when the user possesses a free pass with usage restrictions By providing route guidance considering the usage restrictions attached to the second moving means, it is possible to prevent the user from unknowingly exceeding the usage limit of the second moving means and using the guided route (the route using the second moving means), which would cause unnecessary expenses for the user.

[0085] (The third aspect of the operation) Next, with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13, the third aspect of the operation of the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the third aspect of the operation of the information processing system 1. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the third aspect of the operation of the information processing system 1. FIG. 12 is a table showing an example of the modified free pass information database.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 10, first, when the user settles the usage fee for the means of transportation (for example, when touching an NFC-compatible IC card or the terminal device 2 to the ticket gate or the reading unit of the fare box), the free pass information changing unit 32f refers to the usage fee settlement history database 33d to obtain the user's past settlement history regarding the usage fee for the means of transportation (step S30).

[0087] Next, based on the settlement history, as shown in FIG. 11, the free pass information changing unit 32f calculates the cumulative usage fee paid for the means of transportation within the same time period as the validity period of the free pass applicable to the means of transportation (for example, 6 hours) retroactively from the current time (step S31).

[0088] Then, the free pass information changing unit 32f determines whether the cumulative usage fee is equal to or more than the purchase price of the free pass (step S32).

[0089] When it is determined that the cumulative usage fee is equal to or more than the purchase price of the free pass (step S32: YES), as shown in FIG. 12, the free pass information changing unit 32f changes the information of the free pass held by the user stored in the free pass information database 33c so as to be in the same state as when the free pass was purchased (second deferred payment) at the time when the usage fee for the means of transportation was first settled within the time period (10:00 in the illustrated example) (step S33).

[0090] In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, the output control unit 32e outputs notification information 54 notifying that the same state as when the free pass was purchased (second deferred payment) at the time when the means of transportation was first used within the time period is achieved, via the terminal output unit 25 (step S34).

[0091] According to the above-described third aspect, by performing the second deferred payment process, when it is more advantageous for the user to purchase a free pass at a certain past time point, the user can substantially purchase the free pass retroactively from that time point, which is convenient.

[0092] (Fourth mode of operation) Next, with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, a fourth mode of operation of the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the fourth mode of operation of the information processing system 1. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the fourth mode of operation of the information processing system 1.

[0093] In the fourth mode, each step other than when the determination unit 32d determines that the user does not possess a free pass applicable to the means of movement used on the route acquired by the route search unit 32b (step S13: NO) is the same as in the first mode described above, and the description thereof will be omitted. will be.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 13, in the fourth mode, when the determination unit 32d determines that the user does not possess a free pass applicable to the means of movement used on the route acquired by the route search unit 32b (step S13: NO), the output control unit 32e refers to the usage fee settlement history database 33d and acquires the user's past usage fee settlement history for the means of use (step S40).

[0095] Next, based on the settlement history, as shown in FIG. 14, the output control unit 32e calculates the cumulative usage fee to be paid for the means of movement within the same time as the validity period of the free pass applicable to the means of movement, retroactively from the date and time when the means of movement on the route is used (step S41).

[0096] Then, the output control unit 32e determines whether or not the cumulative usage fee is equal to or greater than the purchase price of the free pass (step S42).

[0097] When it is determined that the cumulative usage fee is equal to or more than the purchase price of the free pass (step S42: YES), as shown in FIG. 14, the output control unit 32e outputs, via the terminal output unit 25, proposal information for proposing the purchase (first post-payment) of the free pass that becomes applicable from the time when the usage fee for the moving means was first settled within the time period (10:00 in the illustrated example) together with the route information (step S43).

[0098] On the other hand, when it is determined that the cumulative usage fee is less than the purchase price of the free pass (step S42: NO), the output control unit 32e outputs, via the terminal output unit 25, proposal information for proposing the purchase (pre-payment) of the free pass (which becomes available for use after purchase) together with the route information (step S17).

[0099] According to the fourth aspect as described above, by performing the first post-payment process, when it is more advantageous for the user to purchase a free pass at a certain past point in time, the user can substantially purchase the free pass from that point retroactively, which is convenient.

[0100] (Second Embodiment) With reference to FIG. 15, an information processing system according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, for parts that can be configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above, the same reference numerals as those used for the corresponding parts in the first embodiment described above are used, and redundant explanations are omitted. Hereinafter, the differences will be mainly described.

[0101] In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the user of the terminal device 2 has logged in to the website or application provided by the information processing system 1 in advance in order to use the travel planning function, and the user ID of the user is specified on the server 3 side based on the login information.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 15, the free pass condition acquisition unit 32c identifies the user ID of the user based on the login information, and acquires the information of the free pass held by the user, for example, by referring to the free pass information database 33c. When the information of the free pass held by the user is stored in the terminal storage unit 23 of the user's terminal device 2, the free pass condition acquisition unit 32c may acquire the information of the free pass held by the user from the terminal device 2. During the validity period of the free pass held by the user, instead of acquiring the information of the free pass held by the user by referring to the free pass information database 33c each time or acquiring it from the user's terminal device 2 each time, the free pass condition acquisition unit 32c may automatically determine that the free pass is valid and use it. During the validity period of the free pass held by the user, instead of acquiring the information of the free pass held by the user by referring to the free pass information database 33c each time or acquiring it from the user's terminal device 2 each time, the free pass condition acquisition unit 32c may automatically determine that the free pass is valid and use it.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 18, when the output control unit 32e displays a plurality of spot candidates 70 as destinations on the left side of the screen, for each of the spot candidates 70, based on the information of the free pass acquired by the free pass condition acquisition unit 32c, it is determined whether the user holds a free pass that can receive preferential treatment. If it is determined that the user holds a free pass, for the spot candidate 70, notification information 71a, 71b indicating that the user can receive preferential treatment may be output together with the information of the spot candidate 70. Alternatively, when the output control unit 32e displays a plurality of spot candidates 70 as destinations on the left side of the screen, the output control unit 32e may sort the spot candidates 70 so that the spot candidates 70 that can receive preferential treatment are preferentially displayed, or filter the display so that only the spot candidates 70 that can receive preferential treatment are displayed. Thereby, when the user adds a spot candidate 70 to the timeline in the center of the screen to input travel planning conditions, the user can notice the spot candidate 70 that can receive preferential treatment with the free pass held, which is convenient.

[0104] Although illustration is omitted, the output control unit 32e may identify the valid area or section of the free pass held by the user based on the free pass information acquired by the free pass condition acquisition unit 32c, and highlight the valid area or section on the map displayed on the right side of the screen. Further, the output control unit 32e may identify the means of transportation applicable to the free pass held by the user based on the free pass information acquired by the free pass condition acquisition unit 32c, and display selectably or discriminably on the map displayed on the right side of the screen the spots (for example, stations, bus stops, ports for shared bicycles, etc.) related to the means of transportation. Thereby, when the user selects one of the plurality of spot candidates 70 displayed on the left side of the screen, if the location of the spot candidate 70 is highlighted on the map displayed on the right side of the screen, it becomes possible to intuitively grasp the geographical relationship between the valid area or section of the free pass held by the user, or the spots related to the means of transportation applicable to the free pass, and the selected spot candidate 70, which is convenient.

[0105] When the user inputs travel planning conditions, the output control unit 32e may identify the valid area or section of the free pass held by the user based on the free pass information acquired by the free pass condition acquisition unit 32c, and preferentially output as a template sample of the travel plan a travel plan template in which a plurality of spots located within the valid area or section are pre-arranged on the timeline.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 15, in the second embodiment, the server control unit 32 has a travel plan planning condition acquisition unit 32a' instead of the search condition acquisition unit 32a in the first embodiment.

[0107] The travel planning condition acquisition unit 32a’ acquires travel planning conditions (e.g., designated date and time, multiple spots to be visited, the visiting order of each spot, etc.) input by the user via the terminal input unit 24 of the terminal device 2 from the terminal device 2. Note that the user of the terminal device 2 may input the travel planning conditions by referring to FIG. 17 and adding a plurality of spot candidates 70 displayed on the left side of the screen in a desired order on the timeline of the designated date and time displayed in the center of the screen, or by applying a travel plan template including a plurality of spots pre-arranged on the timeline to the designated date and time.

[0108] In the second embodiment, the route search unit 32b searches for information on the route between spots that satisfies the travel planning conditions based on the travel planning conditions acquired by the travel planning acquisition unit 32a’, with reference to the route network information database 33a and the map information database 33b.

[0109] The route search unit 32b may search for information on the route between spots while considering the free pass information acquired by the free pass condition acquisition unit 32c. For example, the route search unit 32b may limit the search to the valid area or section of the free pass held by the user (or increase the priority of the valid area or section) to search for information on the route between spots that satisfies the travel planning conditions. Alternatively, for example, the route search unit 32b may consider the usage fee for the valid area or section of the free pass held by the user as free and search for information on the route between spots that satisfies the travel planning conditions.

[0110] ​When the free pass can be used for free without any restrictions on the usage distance, usage time / usage time zone, number of usages, and usage fee of the first means of transportation within the valid period, and can be used for free up to a predetermined usage distance, usage time / usage time zone, number of usages, or usage fee of the second means of transportation in the case of a free pass with usage restrictions (see FIG. 3), the route search unit 32b may preferentially search for a route using the second means of transportation as long as it is within the usage restrictions of the second means of transportation.

[0111] Based on the free pass information acquired by the free pass condition acquisition unit 32c, the determination unit 32d determines whether the user holds a free pass applicable to the means of transportation used on the route searched by the route search unit 32b.

[0112] When the determination unit 32d determines that the user holds a free pass applicable to the means of transportation used on the route searched by the route search unit 32b, it may further determine whether the free pass held by the user is in a valid state at the date and time of using the means of transportation (whether it has been activated, and if it has been activated, whether it is within the expiration date).

[0113] The output control unit 32e transmits an output control signal for outputting route information in different modes according to the determination result of the determination unit 32d to the terminal device 2 and performs the output via the terminal output unit 25. Each time the travel planning conditions are changed by the user of the terminal device 2 adding a spot on the timeline (or deleting a spot from the timeline), the output control unit 32e may update the display of the fee (such as the fee associated with the movement, the usage fee of the spot, and the fee related to the activity) based on the changed travel planning conditions.

[0114] As an example, when the determination unit 32d determines that the user does not possess a free pass applicable to the means of transportation used on the route searched by the route search unit 32b, the output control unit 32e may output proposal information 51 for proposing the purchase of the free pass, together with the information of the route, via the terminal output unit 25 (see FIG. 17). After determining whether the user possesses a free pass applicable to the means of transportation used on the searched route, when it is determined that the user does not possess it, the proposal information 51 for proposing the purchase of the free pass is output together with the information of the route, so that even though the user already possesses a free pass, it is possible to prevent the proposal of purchasing a duplicate free pass and causing the user unnecessary (wasteful) expenses.

[0115] When outputting the proposal information 51 for proposing the purchase of the free pass together with the information of the route, the output control unit 32e may output in a comparable manner the normal fare when the free pass is not applicable to the means of transportation used on the route and the free pass fare when it is applicable (in the example shown in FIG. 17, it is displayed that the fare without the free pass is 2,180 yen, while the fare of the free pass is 1,000 yen), or may output the difference between the normal fare and the free pass fare. Thereby, the user can intuitively grasp the cost advantages of purchasing the free pass. In addition, the proposal information 51 for proposing the purchase of the free pass may include a link for executing the purchase of the free pass on the spot, or a link leading to the purchase site of the free pass (in the example shown in FIG. 17, the underlined string "Purchase here"). Thereby, the user can conveniently purchase the free pass immediately from the display screen.

[0116] As another example, when the determination unit 32d determines that the user does not possess a free pass applicable to the means of transportation to be used on the route searched by the route search unit 32b, the output control unit 32e refers to the usage fee settlement history database 33d to obtain the past usage fee settlement history of the user for the means of transportation, and based on the settlement history, determines whether the cumulative usage fee to be paid for the means of transportation within the same time period as the validity period of the free pass applicable to the means of transportation, retroactively from the date and time of using the means of transportation on the route, is equal to or greater than the purchase price of the free pass. Then, when the output control unit 32e determines that it is equal to or greater than the purchase price of the free pass, the output control unit 32e may output, together with the route information, proposal information for proposing the purchase (first deferred payment) of the free pass applied from the time when the user first settles the usage fee for the means of transportation within that time period, via the terminal output unit 25.

[0117] By performing such first deferred payment processing, when it is ultimately beneficial for the user to purchase a free pass at a certain point in the past, the user can substantially purchase the free pass retroactively from that point in the past, which is convenient.

[0118] As an example, when the determination unit 32d determines that the user has a free pass applicable to the means of transportation used on the route searched by the route search unit 32b, and when the determination unit 32d determines that the free pass is in an effective state at the date and time of using the means of transportation, the output control unit 32e may output notification information 52a to 52c notifying that the free pass is applied to the means of transportation used on the route searched by the route search unit 32b, together with the route information, via the terminal output unit 25 (see FIG. 18). Thereby, the user can notice that it is not necessary to pay the usage fee of the means of transportation because the user has a free pass. As shown in FIG. 18, the output control unit 32e may output the notification information 52a notifying that the free pass is applied to the means of transportation used on the route as a character string ("Free pass in use") or a graphic at the head of the route information output from the terminal output unit 25, or for each section to which the free pass is applied, the notification information 62b to 62c notifying that the free pass is applied to the means of transportation used in the section may be output as a character string ("The fare is 0 yen because the free pass has been purchased") or a graphic.

[0119] As an example, when the determination unit 32d determines that the user has a free pass applicable to the means of transportation used on the route searched by the route search unit 32b, and when the determination unit 32d determines that the free pass is in an effective state at the date and time of using the means of transportation, the output control unit 32e may search for a preferential spot where preferential treatment can be received with the free pass on or around the route by referring to the route network information database 33a and the map information database 33b, and output the information 63a, 63b of the preferential spot via the terminal output unit 25 (see Fig. 19). Thereby, the user can notice that there is a preferential spot where preferential treatment can be received with the free pass held on or near the route, which is convenient. The information 63a of the preferential spot may include a link (a button of "present free pass" in the example shown in Fig. 19) for outputting the information of the free pass electronically recorded in the terminal storage unit 23 of the terminal device 2 from the terminal output unit 25. Thereby, the user can immediately present the free pass from the display screen to the employees of the preferential spot, etc., which is convenient. Also, as shown in Fig. 19, the output control unit 32a may display the information 63b of the preferential spot superimposed on the map displayed on the travel planning creation screen. Thereby, the user using the route can easily access the preferential spot by checking the map.

[0120] As an example, when the output control unit 32e determines that the user has a free pass applicable to the means of transportation used on the route searched by the route search unit 32b, and when the determination unit 32d determines that the free pass is not in an effective state at the date and time of using the means of transportation, the output control unit 32e outputs notification information (for example, a character string such as "The free pass has not been activated" or "The expiration date of the free pass has expired") indicating that although the user has a free pass applicable to the means of transportation used on the route searched by the route search unit 32b, the free pass is not in an effective state at the date and time of using the means of transportation, together with the route information, via the terminal output unit 25. Thereby, although the user has a free pass, the user can notice that the free pass is not in an effective state, which is convenient. In this case, the output control unit 32e may output proposal information (for example, a button for "activating the free pass" or a button for "extending the expiration date of the free pass") for proposing to change the state of the free pass held by the user to an effective state at least at the date and time of using the means of transportation, via the terminal output unit 25. Thereby, the user can immediately activate the free pass from the display screen, which is convenient.

[0121] As an example, when the route search unit 32b determines that the user has a free pass applicable to the means of transportation used on the route searched by the route search unit 32b, and when the determination unit 32d determines that the free pass is not in an effective state at the date and time of using the means of transportation, the route search unit 32b re-searches for a route in which the date and time of using the means of transportation is within the validity period of the free pass held by the user, and the output control unit 32e may output the information of the re-searched route. Specifically, for example, if the user has a free pass applicable to the means of transportation used on the searched route, but the expiration date of the free pass will exceed 5 minutes at the date and time of using the means of transportation, the route search unit 32b re-searches for a route in which the date and time of using the means of transportation is 5 minutes or earlier, and the output control unit 32e may output the information of the re-searched route. Thereby, since the user has a free pass, it is convenient for the user to know a route for which there is no need to pay the usage fee of the means of transportation.

[0122] When the free pass can be used free of charge without any restrictions on the usage distance, usage time / usage time zone, usage frequency, and usage fee for using the first means of transportation within the validity period, and can be used free of charge up to a predetermined usage distance, usage time / usage time zone, usage frequency, or usage fee for using the second means of transportation (see FIG. 3), the determination unit 32d determines whether the user has a free pass applicable to the second means of transportation used on the route searched by the route search unit 32b. When it is determined that the user has a free pass applicable to the second means of transportation used on the route, it may be determined whether using the second means of transportation on the route is within the usage restrictions for the second means of transportation attached to the free pass. When the determination unit 32d determines that the usage of the second means of transportation exceeds the usage restriction, the route search unit 32b re-searches for a route that does not use the second means of transportation based on the route search conditions, and the output control unit 32e may output the information of the re-searched route via the terminal output unit 25. Further, when it is determined that the usage exceeds the limit, information on the excess may be presented on the route search result.

[0123] In this way, when a user holds a free pass with usage restrictions, route guidance can be provided taking into account the usage restrictions on the second means of transportation, thereby preventing the user from using the guided route (a route using the second means of transportation) without realizing that the usage restrictions on the second means of transportation have been exceeded, thereby preventing the user from incurring unnecessary expenses.

[0124] The free pass information change unit 32f is configured to change the free pass information when the user makes payment for the transportation fare (for example, by touching an NFC-compatible IC card or the terminal device 2 to a reader at a ticket gate or a fare box). When the user transfers the usage fee to the means of transportation, the user's past payment history for the usage fee of the means of transportation is acquired by referring to the usage fee payment history database 33d, and based on the payment history, the cumulative total of the usage fees paid to the means of transportation from the present time back during the same time period as the validity period of the free pass applicable to the means of transportation is determined to be equal to or greater than the purchase price of the free pass (see FIG. 20). If the free pass information change unit 32f determines that the cumulative total is equal to or greater than the purchase price of the free pass, the free pass information change unit 32f changes the information of the free pass held by the user stored in the free pass information database 33c so that the free pass is in the same state as when the free pass was purchased (second postpaid) when the usage fee for the means of transportation was first paid during the time period. In this case, the output control unit 32e may output notification information 54 notifying that the free pass has been purchased when the means of transportation was first used during the time period via the terminal output unit 25, for example, by push notification or by receiving an e-mail (see FIG. 20).

[0125] Referring to FIG. 20, taking as an example the case where a 24-hour unlimited pass within Town Y is sold for 1,000 yen, the second post-payment process will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 20, when the user settles a usage fee of 200 yen for using a bus within Town Y (hereinafter referred to as the current time), the free pass information change unit 32f refers to the usage fee settlement history database 33d to obtain the user's past settlement history of the usage fees for the means of transportation used within Town Y (having paid usage fees of 250 yen for a train, 200 yen for a bus, and 350 yen for a ferry within 24 hours prior to the current time). Then, the free pass information change unit 32f calculates the total usage fees paid for the means of transportation used within Town Y within 24 hours prior to the current time (1,000 yen), and determines whether the total usage fees are equal to or more than the purchase price (1,000 yen) of the 24-hour unlimited pass. In the example shown in FIG. 20, since it is determined that the total usage fees (1,000 yen) are equal to or more than the purchase price of the 24-hour unlimited pass, the free pass information change unit 32f changes the information of the free pass held by the user stored in the free pass information database 33c so that it becomes the same state as when the free pass was purchased when the user first settled the usage fee of the means of transportation within Town Y within that time period (i.e., within 24 hours prior to the current time) (when 250 yen was paid for the train).

[0126] By performing such a second post-payment process, when it is ultimately more beneficial for the user to purchase a free pass at a certain past time point, the user can substantially purchase the free pass retroactively from that time point, which is convenient.

[0127] The information processing system 1 according to the second embodiment as described above can perform the same operations as the first to fourth aspects of the operations of the information processing system according to the first embodiment described above.

[0128] (Example of operation) Referring to FIGS. 16 to 20, an example of the operation of the information processing system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing system 1. FIGS. 17 to 19 are diagrams showing an example of the screen displayed by the information processing system 1.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 16, first, when the user of the terminal device 2 inputs travel planning conditions (for example, specified date and time, a plurality of spots to be visited, the order of visiting each spot, etc.) via the terminal input unit 24, the travel planning conditions are transmitted from the terminal device 2 to the server 3 together with the identification information (user ID) of the user, and the travel planning condition acquisition unit 32a' acquires the travel planning conditions together with the identification information of the user (step S50).

[0130] Next, the free pass condition acquisition unit 32c identifies the user based on the identification information of the user acquired by the route search unit 32b, and acquires information on the free pass held by the user, for example, by referring to the free pass information database 33c (step S51).

[0131] Then, based on the travel planning conditions acquired by the travel planning condition acquisition unit 32a, the route search unit 32b searches for information on the route between spots that satisfies the travel planning conditions by referring to the route network information database 33a and the map information database 33b (step S52). The route search unit 32b may search for information on the route between spots that satisfies the travel planning conditions in consideration of the information on the free pass acquired by the free pass condition acquisition unit 32c.

[0132] Next, based on the information on the free pass acquired by the free pass condition acquisition unit 32c, the determination unit 32d determines whether the user has a free pass applicable to the means of transportation used on the route searched by the route search unit 32b (step S53).

[0133] When the determination unit 32d determines that the user does not possess a free pass applicable to the means of transportation to be used on the route searched by the route search unit 32b (step S53: NO), as shown in FIG. 17, the output control unit 32e transmits an output control signal for outputting proposal information 61 for proposing the purchase of the free pass to the terminal device 2 together with the information on the route, and outputs it via the terminal output unit 25 (step S57). Although not shown in the figure, the output control unit 32e may output a comparison between the normal fare when the free pass is not applicable to the means of transportation to be used on the route and the free pass fare when it is applicable, or may output the difference between the normal fare and the free pass fare. The proposal information 61 for proposing the purchase of the free pass may include a link for executing the purchase of the free pass on the spot, or a link leading to the free pass purchase site (the underlined string "Purchase free pass here" in the example shown in FIG. 17).

[0134] On the other hand, when the determination unit 32d determines that the user possesses a free pass applicable to the means of transportation to be used on the route acquired by the route search unit 32b (step S53: YES), the determination unit 32d further determines whether or not the free pass possessed by the user is in a valid state at the date and time when the means of transportation is used (whether it has been activated, and if it has been activated, whether it is within the expiration date) (step S54).

[0135] In step S54, when the determination unit 32d determines that the free pass is in an effective state at the date and time when the moving means is used (step S54: YES), as shown in FIG. 18, the output control unit 32e outputs, via the terminal output unit 25, notification information 62a to 62d notifying that the free pass is applied to the moving means used on the route acquired by the route search unit 32b, together with the route information (step S55). In step S55, the output control unit 32e may output the notification information 62a notifying that the free pass is applied to the moving means used on the route at the head of the route information output from the terminal output unit 25, or may output the notification information 62b to 62d notifying that the free pass is applied to the moving means used in each section where the free pass is applied, for each section where the free pass is applied.

[0136] Then, the output control unit 32e searches for a preferential spot where preferential treatment is received with the free pass on or around the route, by referring to the route network information database 33a and the map information database 33b, and outputs, as shown in FIG. 19, the information 63a, 63b of the preferential spot via the terminal output unit 25 (step S56). The information 63a of the preferential spot may include a link (a button of "present free pass" in the example shown in FIG. 19) for outputting the information of the free pass electronically recorded in the terminal storage unit 23 of the terminal device 2 from the terminal output unit 25. As shown in FIG. 19, the output control unit 32a may superimpose and display the information 63b of the preferential spot on the map displayed on the travel plan creation screen.

[0137] In step S54, when the determination unit 32d determines that the free pass is not in an effective state at the date and time when the moving means is to be used (step S54: NO), the output control unit 32e outputs, via the terminal output unit 25, notification information (for example, a character string such as "The free pass is not valid" or "The expiration date of the free pass has expired") notifying that, although the user has a free pass applicable to the moving means to be used on the route obtained by the route search unit 32b, it is not in an effective state at the date and time when the moving means is to be used, together with the route information (step S58).

[0138] Further, the output control unit 32e outputs, via the terminal output unit 25, proposal information (for example, a button for "Activate the free pass" or a button for "Extend the expiration date of the free pass") proposing to change the state of the free pass held by the user to be in an effective state at least at the date and time when the moving means is to be used (step S59).

[0139] Also, according to the second embodiment as described above, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0140] In the second embodiment, the server control unit 32 may give an incentive to a user who holds a free pass according to a campaign or event targeting the valid area or section of the free pass. For example, when information regarding "cashback equivalent to the free pass price when spending 10,000 yen within Town Y" is stored in the event information included in the free pass information, the server control unit 32 determines whether the user has made a payment of 10,000 yen or more from the settlement history within Town Y of the user. When it is determined that the payment is 10,000 yen or more, the server control unit 32 may cash back the amount equivalent to the free pass purchase amount to the user. This can promote the consumption of the user and contribute to the attraction of the target area. Further, even if the user does not hold a free pass, as an example, when using a specific payment app to pay for the fare of the means of transportation going to Town Y and making a payment of a specified amount or more within Town Y using the payment app, the server control unit 32 may give an incentive to the user, such as cashing back the fare paid for the means of transportation, giving the same amount of points, or providing a discount, etc., based on the event information or campaign information included in the payment information. Also, the server control unit 32 may give an incentive to the user not only for the fare paid for the means of transportation but also for the amount paid for travel products such as sightseeing buses and tours.

[0141] Note that at least a part of the information processing system 1 described in the above-described embodiment 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 be a fixed-type recording medium such as a hard disk device or a memory.

[0142] Further, a program for realizing at least a part of the functions of the information processing system 1 may be distributed via a communication line such as the Internet (including wireless communication). 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.

[0143] 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 functions may be realized as at least one means of the information processing system 1 by the computer executing a predetermined program.

[0144] In the invention of a method, all steps may be automatically controlled and realized by a computer. Also, while each step is being carried out by a computer, the progress control between steps may be carried out manually by a person. Furthermore, at least a part of all the steps may be carried out manually by a person.

[0145] 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. However, 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

[0146] 1 Information processing system 2 Terminal device 21 Terminal communication unit 22 Terminal control unit 23 Terminal storage unit 24 Terminal input unit 25 Terminal output unit 3 Server 31 Server communication unit 32 Server control unit 32a Search condition acquisition unit 32a’ Travel planning condition acquisition unit 32b Route search unit 32c Free path information acquisition unit 32d Judgment unit 32e Output control unit 32f Free path information modification unit 33 Server storage unit 33a Route network information database 33b Map information database 33c Free path information database 33d Usage fee settlement history database 4 Network

Claims

1. Free pass information acquisition means for acquiring information on free passes held by a user, Route search means for searching for a route between at least two points, Judgment means for judging whether the user holds a free pass applicable to the means of movement used on the route, When it is determined that the user holds a free pass applicable to the means of movement used on the route, notify that the free pass is applicable; when it is determined that the user does not hold a free pass applicable to the means of movement used on the route, output control means for proposing the purchase of the free pass, An information processing system comprising the above.

2. The output control means outputs a notification according to whether the free pass is applicable along with the display of the route search result. The information processing system according to Claim 1.

3. The output control means outputs in a comparable manner the normal fare when the free pass is not applicable to the means of movement used on the route and the free pass fare when it is applicable, and / or outputs the difference between the normal fare and the free pass fare. The information processing system according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. When it is determined that the user holds a plurality of free passes applicable to the means of movement used on the route, the output control means presents in a selectable manner which free pass among the plurality of free passes to apply. The information processing system according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. When there is a section where the free pass is not applicable in a part of the route, the output control means notifies that the free pass is not applicable to the section where the free pass is not applicable. The information processing system according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

6. The output control means searches for a preferential spot where preferential treatment can be received with a free pass on or around the route and outputs information on the preferential spot. The information processing system according to any one of Claims 1 to 5.

7. The output control means, when it is determined that the user has a free pass applicable to the moving means used on the route, and when the free pass is not valid at the date and time of using the moving means, notifies that although the user has a free pass applicable to the moving means used on the route, the free pass is not valid at the date and time of using the moving means, and / or proposes to change the state of the free pass so as to be valid at least at the date and time of using the moving means. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A computer is a free pass information acquisition means for acquiring information on free passes held by the user, a route search means for searching for a route between at least two points, a determination means for determining whether the user has a free pass applicable to the moving means used on the route, and an output control means for notifying that the free pass is applicable when it is determined that the user has a free pass applicable to the moving means used on the route, and proposing to purchase the free pass when it is determined that the user does not have a free pass applicable to the moving means used on the route, which functions as

9. An information processing system constituted by a plurality of computers communicably connected, a free pass information acquisition means for acquiring information on free passes held by the user, a route search means for searching for a route between at least two points, a determination means for determining whether the user has a free pass applicable to the moving means used on the route, an output control means for notifying that the free pass is applicable when it is determined that the user has a free pass applicable to the moving means used on the route, and proposing to purchase the free pass when it is determined that the user does not have a free pass applicable to the moving means used on the route, and an information processing program for causing at least one of the above computers to function as at least one of the above means.

10. By a plurality of computers communicably connected, for causing the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 to function, An information processing program for causing at least one of the above computers to function as at least one of the means in the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. 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 7.

12. An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising: acquiring information on free passes held by a user; searching for a route between at least two points; determining whether the user holds a free pass applicable to the means of transportation used on the route; and when it is determined that the user holds a free pass applicable to the means of transportation used on the route, notifying that the free pass is applicable, and when it is determined that the user does not hold a free pass applicable to the means of transportation used on the route, proposing to purchase the free pass.

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