Route guidance device and program

Abstract

To provide a route guidance device and a program which can provide optimum route guidance responding to a change of state.SOLUTION: A data analysis server 1 which is a route guidance device, acquires route guidance request information D7 from a user terminal 7 that includes the place of departure and a destination, searches for route information using transport means including a public transportation on the basis of the acquired route guidance request information D7 and identifies first route information D8, transmits the identified first route information D8 to the user terminal 7 by a communication unit 13, acquires route change trigger information related to the operation of the transport means, re-searching for route information on the basis of the acquired route change trigger information, and when an expected arrival time by the first route information D8 is delayed a prescribed time or more and a second route information D10 earlier than the expected arrival time by the first route information D8 is identified, causes the communication unit 13 to transmit the second route information D10 to the user terminal 7 at a prescribed timing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a route guidance device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a route guidance system that, when a current location and a destination are input, searches for a route using public transportation and presents a recommended route.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that waiting times at taxi stands at stations and the like are estimated, and the waiting times at the destination station are added to route guidance and provided. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-90212 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, the operation status of public transportation and waiting times at taxi stands change from moment to moment. However, conventional route guidance only provides information at the time of a user's search, and does not provide optimal route guidance that responds to subsequent changes in the situation.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a route guidance device and a program that can provide optimal route guidance in response to changes in circumstances. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 1 is a route guidance device, a first acquisition unit that acquires route guidance request information including a departure point and a destination from a user terminal; an identification unit that searches for route information using means of transportation including public transportation based on the acquired route guidance request information and identifies first route information; a transmitter that transmits the first route information identified by the identifier to the user terminal; a second acquisition unit that acquires route change trigger information that affects an estimated arrival time according to the first route information; and a control unit; the control unit causes the identification unit to re-search for route information based on the route change trigger information acquired by the second acquisition unit, and when the estimated arrival time according to the first route information is delayed by a predetermined time or more, causes the identification unit to identify second route information that has an earlier estimated arrival time than the estimated arrival time according to the first route information; When the identification unit identifies the second route information, the control unit causes the transmission unit to transmit the second route information to the user terminal at a predetermined timing.

[0008] The invention described in claim 2 is the route guidance device described in claim 1, The means of transportation include trains and taxis; The route information includes information on taxi stands, the route change trigger information includes a waiting time at the taxi stand; The specifying unit searches for route information that takes into account waiting times at the taxi stand.

[0009] The invention described in claim 3 is the route guidance device described in claim 2, The route guidance request information includes a desired arrival time at the destination, The control unit causes the user terminal to transmit the second route information when the desired arrival time has passed using the first route information.

[0010] The invention described in claim 4 is the route guidance device described in claim 2, The predetermined timing is a timing that is a predetermined time before the estimated arrival time of the vehicle at the point where the first route information and the second route information branch off.

[0011] The invention described in claim 5 is the route guidance device described in claim 2, a calculation unit that calculates a fare for traveling according to the route information identified by the identification unit, The control unit causes the difference between the fee for the first route information and the fee for the second route information, calculated by the calculation unit, to be transmitted to the user terminal.

[0012] The invention described in claim 6 is the route guidance device described in claim 2, the route change trigger information includes road congestion information; The specifying unit estimates a travel time by taxi based on the congestion information, and searches for route information that takes the estimated travel time into consideration.

[0013] The invention described in claim 7 is the route guidance device described in claim 2, The route change trigger information includes train accident information, The identification unit acquires or estimates a restoration time based on the accident information, and searches for route information that takes the restoration time into consideration.

[0014] The invention described in claim 8 is a program The route guidance device's computer, a first acquisition unit that acquires route guidance request information including a departure point and a destination from a user terminal; an identification unit that searches for route information using transportation means including public transportation based on the acquired route guidance request information and identifies first route information; a transmission unit that transmits the first route information identified by the identification unit to the user terminal; a second acquisition unit that acquires route change trigger information related to the operation of the transportation means; The identification unit is caused to re-search for route information based on the route change trigger information acquired by the second acquisition unit, and if the estimated arrival time according to the first route information is delayed by a predetermined time or more, the identification unit is caused to identify second route information that is earlier than the estimated arrival time according to the first route information, and if the identification unit has identified the second route information, the transmission unit is caused to function as a control unit that transmits the second route information to the user terminal at a predetermined timing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide optimal route guidance in response to changes in circumstances. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a route search system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 4 is a flowchart of a first step of a route guidance operation of the route search system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart of a second step of the route guidance operation of the route search system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart of a third step of the route guidance operation of the route search system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart of a fourth step of the route guidance operation of the route search system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of a fifth step of the route guidance operation of the route search system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart of a fifth step of the route guidance operation of the route search system according to the modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] A route search system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example.

[0018] [First Configuration Explanation] The route search system 100 searches for a route from a specified departure point to a destination according to the user's purpose, and provides the user with the route identified as a result of the search. As shown in Fig. 1, the route search system 100 is configured with various servers owned by a specific business operator that manages and operates the system, namely, a data analysis server 1 as a route guidance device, a train operation data server 2, a train schedule data server 3, a station status data server 4, a taxi stand status data server 5, and a road traffic status data server 6, and each device is connected via a communication network N as shown in Fig. 1.

[0019] In addition, in the route search system 100, the data analysis server 1 is connected via a communication network N to a user terminal 7 carried by each user who uses the route search system 100 to receive information.

[0020] It should be noted that the above-mentioned servers do not necessarily have to be provided separately, and a single information device such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a WS (Work Station) may also function as multiple servers. Conversely, each of the above servers does not necessarily have to be realized by a single information device such as a PC or WS, and the functions of each server may be realized by multiple information devices such as multiple PCs or WSs connected via a communication network N.

[0021] [1 Data Analysis Server] The data analysis server 1 is, for example, an information device such as a PC or a workstation owned by a company or the like that manages and operates the route search system 100, and performs processes such as searching for route information based on information acquired from other servers, user terminals 7, etc., as described below. However, the owner of the data analysis server 1 is not particularly limited as long as it can realize the functions of this system. This also applies to the other servers that make up this system. As shown in FIG. 1, the data analysis server 1 includes, for example, a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0022] [(1) Control Unit] The control unit 11 is the part that controls the operation of the data analysis server 1, and is configured with, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and controls each part of the data analysis server 1 in cooperation with the program data stored in the memory unit 12 and the CPU.

[0023] [(2) Storage section] The memory unit 12 is a part where various information required for the operation of the data analysis server 1 is stored, and is composed of, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), semiconductor memory, etc., and stores data required for the operation of the data analysis server 1, such as program data, in a manner that allows it to be read and written by the control unit 11.

[0024] [(3) Communications Department] The communication unit 13 is a part used for communication between the data analysis server 1 and other servers and user terminals 7 that constitute the route search system 100, and is, for example, a communication interface having a communication IC (Integrated Circuit) and a communication connector, and performs data communication via the communication network N using a predetermined communication protocol under the control of the control unit 11.

[0025] [2 Train operation data server] The train operation data server 2 is, for example, an information device such as a PC or WS owned by a company that manages and operates the route search system 100, and communicates with a specified external system to acquire delay time data D2 (route change trigger information), which is data related to the delay time for each train on each line currently in operation, accumulates the data, and then transmits it to the data analysis server 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the train operation data server 2 is configured to include, for example, a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23, similar to the data analysis server 1.

[0026] The configurations of the control unit 21 and the communication unit 23 are the same as those of the control unit 11 and the communication unit 13 in the data analysis server 1, respectively. The storage unit 22 is configured, for example, by a HDD, a semiconductor memory, etc., similar to the storage unit 12 in the data analysis server 1, and stores the delay time data D2.

[0027] [3 Train schedule data server] The train schedule data server 3 is, for example, an information device such as a PC or WS owned by a company that manages and operates the route search system 100, and communicates with a specified external system to acquire train schedule data D3, which is data related to train operation plans (schedules) for each line currently in operation, store the data, and then send it to the data analysis server 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the train schedule data server 3 is configured to include, for example, a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a communication unit 33, similar to the data analysis server 1.

[0028] The configurations of the control unit 31 and the communication unit 33 are the same as those of the control unit 11 and the communication unit 13 in the data analysis server 1, respectively. The storage unit 32, like the storage unit 12 in the data analysis server 1, is configured with, for example, an HDD, a semiconductor memory, etc., and stores train schedule data D3.

[0029] [4 Station Status Data Server] The station status data server 4 is, for example, an information device such as a PC or WS owned by a company that manages and operates the route search system 100, and communicates with a specified external system to acquire station status data D4 (route change trigger information), which is data related to the status of stations on each line (for example, station congestion status), accumulates the data, and then transmits it to the data analysis server 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the station situation data server 4 is configured to include, for example, a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, and a communication unit 43, similar to the data analysis server 1.

[0030] The configurations of the control unit 41 and the communication unit 43 are the same as those of the control unit 11 and the communication unit 13 in the data analysis server 1, respectively. The storage unit 42 is configured, for example, by a HDD, a semiconductor memory, etc., similar to the storage unit 12 in the data analysis server 1, and stores the station situation data D4.

[0031] [5 Taxi Stand Status Data Server] The taxi stand status data server 5 is, for example, an information device such as a PC or a workstation owned by a company that manages and operates the route search system 100. The taxi stand status data server 5 communicates with a predetermined external system to acquire taxi stand status data D5 (route change trigger information), which is data relating to the status of taxi stands near stations on each route, and stores the data before transmitting it to the data analysis server 1. The taxi stand status data D5 includes data on the number of people waiting for taxis and the number of taxis photographed by a camera installed at the taxi stand, as well as data on reserved seat sales information for express trains, etc. The taxi stand status data server 5 may also obtain data such as ticket gate passage information and past statistics from the station status data D4, and analyze data related to the status of the taxi stand based on this data.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the taxi stand situation data server 5 is configured to include, for example, a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, and a communication unit 53, similar to the data analysis server 1.

[0033] The configurations of the control unit 51 and the communication unit 53 are the same as those of the control unit 11 and the communication unit 13 in the data analysis server 1, respectively. The storage unit 52, like the storage unit 12 in the data analysis server 1, is configured with, for example, an HDD, a semiconductor memory, etc., and stores the taxi stand situation data D5.

[0034] [6 Road Traffic Condition Data Server] The road traffic condition data server 6 is, for example, an information device such as a PC or WS owned by a company that manages and operates the route search system 100, and communicates with a specified external system to acquire road traffic condition data D6 (route change trigger information), which is data related to traffic conditions such as congestion on each road, accumulates it, and then transmits it to the data analysis server 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the road traffic condition data server 6 is configured to include, for example, a control unit 61, a storage unit 62, and a communication unit 63, similar to the data analysis server 1.

[0035] The configurations of the control unit 61 and the communication unit 63 are the same as those of the control unit 11 and the communication unit 13 in the data analysis server 1, respectively. The storage unit 62, like the storage unit 12 in the data analysis server 1, is configured with, for example, an HDD, a semiconductor memory, etc., and stores road traffic condition data D6.

[0036] [7 User Terminals] The user terminal 7 is, for example, an information device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal carried by a user who receives information using the route search system 100, and is used by the user to input route guidance request information D7 and to display search results related to the first route information D9 to the user, as described below. As shown in Figure 1, the user terminal 7 is configured to include, for example, a control unit 71, a memory unit 72, and a communication unit 73, similar to the data analysis server 1, and further includes a display unit 74 and an operation unit 75.

[0037] The configurations of the control unit 71, storage unit 72, and communication unit 73 are the same as those of the control unit 11, storage unit 12, and communication unit 13 in the data analysis server 1, respectively.

[0038] The display unit 74 includes a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays an image based on the display control signal output from the control unit 71 on the display screen.

[0039] The operation unit 75 includes, for example, a keyboard having character input keys, number input keys, and other keys associated with various functions, and receives operation input from the user who uses the user terminal 7 and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation input to the control unit 71. The operation unit 75 may be, for example, a touch panel formed integrally with the display unit 74, and is not particularly limited as long as it can receive operation input from the user.

[0040] [8 Communication Networks] The communication network N is, for example, the Internet, a telephone line network, a mobile phone communication network, a wireless LAN communication network, etc., and connects each device constituting the route search system 100 with a user terminal 7 as shown in FIG. The communication network N is not particularly limited as long as it can connect the devices constituting the route search system 100 and the user terminal 7 as described above and can transmit and receive data.

[0041] [Second operation explanation] The route guidance operation of the route search system 100 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The route guidance operation of the route search system 100 is roughly divided into five steps, the first step to the fifth step.

[0042] [1 First step: Obtaining search criteria data] When a user wishes to receive information using this system, the user first uses the operation unit 75 of the user terminal 7 to input route guidance request information D7, which is data related to the search conditions desired by the user (step S1-1).

[0043] The route guidance request information D7 is data that includes, for example, information regarding the user's departure point, destination, departure time, and desired arrival time, as well as information regarding priorities during a search (for example, which of fare or time is given more importance).

[0044] When the user inputs route guidance request information D7, the control unit 71 transmits the input route guidance request information D7 from the communication unit 73 to the data analysis server 1 via the communication network N (step S1-2). By receiving the data transmitted from the user terminal 7 via the communication unit 13, the data analysis server 1 can acquire the route guidance request information D7.

[0045] [2. Second step: Search for first route information] Upon receiving the route guidance request information D7 from the user terminal 7, the data analysis server 1 then searches for route information for the user based on the route guidance request information D7.

[0046] Specifically, first, the data analysis server 1 acquires the train schedule data D3 stored in the memory unit 32 from the train schedule data server 3 (step S2-1). Specifically, in the train schedule data server 3, which receives a predetermined request transmitted from the data analysis server 1 via the communication unit 33, the control unit 31 transmits the train schedule data D3 stored in the memory unit 32 in a lump sum from the communication unit 33 to the data analysis server 1 via the communication network N. In this way, by receiving the information transmitted from the train schedule data server 3 via the communication unit 33, the data analysis server 1 can acquire the train schedule data D3 in a lump sum.

[0047] In the data analysis server 1, when the train schedule data D3 is acquired from the train schedule data server 3, the control unit 11 appropriately formats the data into a data format that can be used in the data analysis server 1 (step S2-2). There is no particular restriction on the format of the data after formatting, and it is sufficient to use an appropriate format that is easy to use in the processing described below.

[0048] Next, the data analysis server 1 acquires the delay time data D2 stored in the memory unit 22 from the train operation data server 2 (step S2-3). Specifically, in the train operation data server 2 that receives the predetermined request transmitted from the data analysis server 1 via the communication unit 23, the control unit 21 transmits the delay time data D2 stored in the memory unit 22 all at once from the communication unit 23 to the data analysis server 1 via the communication network N. In this way, by receiving the information transmitted from the train operation data server 2 via the communication unit 13, the data analysis server 1 can acquire the delay time data D2 all at once.

[0049] Next, in the data analysis server 1, the control unit 11 reflects the delay time data D2 acquired in step S2-3 in the train schedule data D3 created in step S2-2 (step S2-4). Specifically, if the delay time data D2 for a running train related to the train schedule data D3 contains information related to a delay time, the delay time is added to change the data related to the arrival time at each station, thereby reflecting the delay time data D2 in the train schedule data D3.

[0050] Next, the data analysis server 1 acquires the station situation data D4 stored in the memory unit 42 from the station situation data server 4 (step S2-5). Specifically, in the station situation data server 4 that receives the predetermined request transmitted from the data analysis server 1 via the communication unit 43, the control unit 41 transmits the station situation data D4 stored in the memory unit 42 in a lump sum from the communication unit 43 to the data analysis server 1 via the communication network N. In this way, by receiving the information transmitted from the station situation data server 4 via the communication unit 13, the data analysis server 1 can acquire the station situation data D4 in a lump sum.

[0051] Next, the data analysis server 1 predicts the congestion rate and transfer time at each station based on the station status data D4 acquired from the station status data server 4 (step S2-6). Specifically, the station status data server 4 acquires images captured by cameras mounted at each station and measurement results from sensors as the station status data D4. The data analysis server 1 also predicts the congestion rate at each station by analyzing these images. The data analysis server 1 also predicts transfer times based on the train schedule data D3 reflecting the delay time data D2 acquired in step S2-4 and the congestion rate at each station.

[0052] Next, the data analysis server 1 acquires the taxi stand situation data D5 stored in the memory unit 52 from the taxi stand situation data server 5 (step S2-7). Specifically, in the taxi stand situation data server 5 that receives the predetermined request transmitted from the data analysis server 1 via the communication unit 53, the control unit 51 transmits the taxi stand situation data D5 stored in the memory unit 52 all at once from the communication unit 53 to the data analysis server 1 via the communication network N. In this way, by receiving the information transmitted from the taxi stand situation data server 5 via the communication unit 13, the data analysis server 1 can acquire the taxi stand situation data D5 all at once.

[0053] Next, the data analysis server 1 predicts the congestion rate and taxi waiting time at each taxi stand at each station based on the taxi stand situation data D5 acquired from the taxi stand situation data server 5 (step S2-8). Specifically, the taxi stand situation data server 5 acquires, as the taxi stand situation data D5, images captured by cameras mounted at each taxi stand at each station and measurement results from sensors. Furthermore, the data analysis server 1 analyzes these images to predict the congestion rate and taxi waiting time at each taxi stand at each station.

[0054] Next, the data analysis server 1 acquires the road traffic condition data D6 stored in the storage unit 62 from the road traffic condition data server 6 (step S2-9). Specifically, in the road traffic condition data server 6 that receives the predetermined request transmitted from the data analysis server 1 via the communication unit 63, the control unit 61 transmits the road traffic condition data D6 stored in the storage unit 62 in a lump sum from the communication unit 63 to the data analysis server 1 via the communication network N. In this way, by receiving the information transmitted from the road traffic condition data server 6 via the communication unit 13, the data analysis server 1 can acquire the road traffic condition data D6 in a lump sum.

[0055] Next, in the data analysis server 1, the control unit 11 searches for a route from the user's departure point related to the route guidance request information D7 to the destination related to the route guidance request information D7, and obtains route information from the user's departure point related to the route guidance request information D7 to the destination related to the route guidance request information D7 (step S2-10).

[0056] Specifically, based on the train schedule data D3 reflecting the delay time data D2 in step S2-4, and the station status data D4, taxi stand status data D5, and road traffic status data D6 acquired in steps S2-5 to S2-9, a predetermined number of route information items acquired in a predetermined order of priority from among route information items that depart from the user's departure point associated with the route guidance request information D7 at the current time or the user's desired departure time associated with the route guidance request information D7 and arrive at the user's destination associated with the route guidance request information D7, or route information items that arrive at the user's destination associated with the route guidance request information D7 by the user's desired arrival time associated with the route guidance request information D7, are identified as the first route information D9. Note that various known algorithms can be used for the specific route search, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0057] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may access a predetermined website related to route searches from the communication unit 13 via the communication network N to obtain route information, without searching for a route by itself. In this case as well, the route search is performed in accordance with the transmission of information to a website by the control unit 11, and therefore the control unit 11 functions as the route search means of the present invention.

[0058] [3 Third step: Present the first route information to the user] Once the search for route information is completed, the control unit 11 in the data analysis server 1 then transmits information related to the search results, i.e., the first route information D8 identified in step S2, from the communication unit 13 via the communication network N to the user terminal 7 that transmitted the route guidance request information D7 in step S1-2 (step S3-1).

[0059] In this case, the control unit 11 determines the display order on the user terminal 7 according to information relating to the priority order at the time of search included in the route guidance request information D7, and then transmits the information relating to the display order to the user terminal 7. The display order may be, for example, in the order of lowest total travel costs for the route to the destination if priority is given to cost in the route guidance request information D7, or in the order of shortest required time for the route to the destination if priority is given to time in the route guidance request information D7.

[0060] Furthermore, if the route guidance request information D7 acquired in step S1 includes information regarding the maximum fare and / or the maximum travel time for the route to the destination, the control unit 11 extracts only those routes that are below the maximum fare from the route information searched in step S2, and transmits them from the communication unit 13 to the user terminal 7 via the communication network N.

[0061] In the user terminal 7 that receives the first route information D8 sent from the data analysis server 1 via the communication unit 73, the control unit 71 causes the display unit 74 to display the first route information D8 searched for in step S2 (step S3-2).

[0062] At this time, the control unit 71 displays the route information received from the data analysis server 1 in descending order of priority, in accordance with the information relating to the display order received from the data analysis server 1. That is, for example, if the route guidance request information D7 prioritizes cost, the routes are displayed in ascending order of total travel costs, and if the route guidance request information D7 prioritizes time, the routes are displayed in ascending order of required time.

[0063] [4. Fourth Step: Obtaining the First Route] When the display of the route information is completed, the user uses the operation unit 75 of the user terminal 7 to select one of the routes to use from the first route information D8 displayed on the display unit 74 (step S4-1).

[0064] Once the route is selected, the control unit 71 of the user terminal 7 then transmits selected first route information D9, which is data related to the route selected in step S4-1, from the communication unit 73 to the data analysis server 1 via the communication network N (step S4-2).

[0065] In the data analysis server 1, which has received the selected first route information D9 transmitted from the user terminal 7 via the communication unit 13, the control unit 11 stores the selected first route information D9 in the storage unit 12 (step S4-3).

[0066] [5. Fifth Step: Obtaining Second Route Information] Upon receiving the selected first route information D9 from the user terminal 7, the control unit 11 of the data analysis server 1 then determines whether the current time has passed the estimated arrival time associated with the selected first route information D9 (step S5-1). If the current time has passed the estimated arrival time associated with the selected first route information D9 (step S5-1; Yes), the route search system 100 terminates the route guidance operation.

[0067] If the current time does not exceed the estimated arrival time related to the selected first route information D9 (step S5-1; No), the control unit 11 in the data analysis server 1 determines whether a route change trigger has occurred (step S5-2).

[0068] The route change trigger is a factor that may delay the estimated arrival time included in the route guidance request information D7 for the route from the user's current location to the destination after receiving the selected first route information D9. For example, if the route from the user's current location to the destination includes a route that uses a train, when there is a change in the delay time data D2 for that route, the control unit 11 can determine whether a route change trigger has occurred by causing the train operation data server 2 to transmit the changed delay time data D2 all at once from the communication unit 23 to the data analysis server 1 via the communication network N.

[0069] Furthermore, for example, if the route from the user's current location to the destination includes a route that involves taking a taxi, when there is a change in the taxi stand situation data D5 related to that route, the taxi stand situation data server 5 can be configured to transmit the changed taxi stand situation data D5 in a lump from the communication unit 23 to the data analysis server 1 via the communication network N. Furthermore, when there is a change in the road traffic situation data D6 related to that route, the road traffic situation data server 6 can be configured to transmit the changed road traffic situation data D6 in a lump from the communication unit 53 to the data analysis server 1 via the communication network N, thereby enabling the control unit 11 to determine whether a route change trigger has occurred.

[0070] Furthermore, for example, if the route from the user's current location to the destination includes changing train cars, or changing from a train to a taxi, or from a taxi to a train, if there is a change in the station status data D4 related to that route in the station status data server 4, the control unit 11 can determine whether a route change trigger has occurred by having the communication unit 43 send the changed station status data D4 all at once to the data analysis server 1 via the communication network N.

[0071] If a route change trigger has not occurred (step S5-2; No), the control unit 11 in the data analysis server 1 transitions to step S5-1 and waits for the occurrence of a route change trigger until the estimated arrival time arrives. If a route change trigger has occurred (step S5-2; Yes), the control unit 11 in the data analysis server 1 determines whether the route change trigger has caused the estimated arrival time related to the selected first route information D9 to be delayed by a predetermined time or more (step S5-3). The predetermined time is, for example, 10 minutes, but is not limited to this. In other words, the predetermined time may be set arbitrarily by the user.

[0072] For example, if the route change trigger includes road congestion information related to the road traffic condition data D6, the control unit 11 in the data analysis server 1 calculates (estimates) the travel time by taxi that reflects the congestion information, and recalculates the estimated arrival time related to the selected first route information D9. Also, if the route change trigger includes railway accident information related to the delay time data D2, the control unit 11 in the data analysis server 1 acquires the recovery time included in the accident information, or calculates (estimates) the recovery time that reflects past recovery times from the accident information, and recalculates the estimated arrival time related to the selected first route information D9. Note that the accident information also includes equipment failures such as vehicles.

[0073] If the estimated arrival time related to the selected first route information D9 is delayed by more than a predetermined time (step S5-3; Yes), the control unit 11 in the data analysis server 1 performs a route re-search based on the data related to the route change trigger that occurred and the route guidance request information D7, and acquires second route information D10 having an earlier estimated arrival time than the selected first route information D9 (step S5-4). The route re-search method is substantially the same as step S2, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0074] After acquiring the second route information D10, the control unit 11 in the data analysis server 1 then determines whether the current time is a predetermined time before the estimated arrival time at the point where the selected first route information D9 and the second route information D10 branch off (step S5-5). If the current time is not the predetermined time before the estimated arrival time at the point where the selected first route information D9 and the second route information D10 branch off (step S5-5; No), the control unit 11 in the data analysis server 1 waits until the predetermined time before the estimated arrival time at the point where the selected first route information D9 and the second route information D10 branch off.

[0075] If the current time is a predetermined time before the estimated arrival time at the point where the selected first route information D9 and the second route information D10 branch off (step S5-5; Yes), the control unit 11 in the data analysis server 1 transmits the second route information D10 from the communication unit 13 to the user terminal 7 via the communication network N (step S5-6). Then, the control unit 11 transitions to step S5-1 and waits for the occurrence of a route change trigger until the estimated arrival time related to the second route information D10.

[0076] If the delay in the estimated arrival time of the first route due to the route change trigger is within a predetermined time (step S5-3; No), there is no need for the user to change the route. Therefore, in the data analysis server 1, the control unit 11 does not acquire the second route information D10, but transitions to step S5-1, and waits for the occurrence of a route change trigger again until the estimated arrival time related to the selected first route information D9.

[0077] [First Example] The following description will be given based on a first specific example. For example, suppose that a user operates the operation unit 75 of the user terminal 7 to input point A, which has Sendai Station as the departure point and Kanda Station as the nearest station as the destination, and route guidance request information D7, and the selected first route information D9 selected by the user is as follows:

[0078] (Selection 1st Route Information) Sendai Station - Tokyo Station (Shinkansen), Tokyo Station - Point A (Taxi)

[0079] Then, suppose that the user is on a Shinkansen train traveling between Sendai Station and Tokyo Station, and the current traveling location is 5 minutes before Omiya Station, and the control unit 11 of the data analysis server 1 determines that a route change trigger such as the following has occurred.

[0080] (Route change trigger) Delay time data D2: An accident occurs between Ueno Station and Tokyo Station. Arrival at Tokyo Station is expected to be delayed by more than 10 minutes. Station status data D4: Congestion at the Tokyo Station ticket gates. Taxi wait times are expected to increase by 10 minutes in 30 minutes. Road traffic condition data D6: Traffic congestion occurs between Tokyo Station and point A. The travel time from Tokyo Station to point A is expected to increase by 5 minutes.

[0081] Based on these route change triggers, the control unit 11 of the data analysis server 1 determines whether the user can arrive at point A within a predetermined time from the estimated arrival time of the selected first route information D9. If it is determined that the delay is longer than the predetermined time and the user cannot arrive at point A within the predetermined time from the estimated arrival time, the control unit 11 searches for the route again. Then, it is assumed that the control unit 11 has acquired the following second route information D10 as a result of the route re-search.

[0082] (Second route information) Sendai Station - Omiya Station (Shinkansen), Omiya Station - Kanda Station (Keihin Tohoku Line), Kanda Station - Point A (Taxi)

[0083] The control unit 11 of the data analysis server 1 determines whether it is a predetermined time before the estimated arrival time at the point where the selected first route information D9 and the second route information D10 branch off. In the above example, the point where the selected first route information D9 and the second route information D10 branch off is Omiya Station. Therefore, the control unit 11 of the data analysis server 1 transmits the second route information D10 to the user terminal 7 when the current time becomes a predetermined time before (e.g., 10 minutes before) the estimated arrival time at Omiya Station for the user, and causes the control unit 71 of the user terminal 7 to display the second route information D10 on the display unit 74.

[0084] [Second Example] Next, a second specific example will be described. For example, suppose that a user operates the operation unit 75 of the user terminal 7 to input route guidance request information D7 stating that the departure point is Tachikawa Station and the destination is Shinjuku Metropolitan Government Building, and the selected first route information D9 selected by the user is as follows:

[0085] (Selection 1st Route Information) Tachikawa Station - Shinjuku Station (Chuo Line), Shinjuku Station - Shinjuku Metropolitan Government Building (Taxi)

[0086] Then, suppose that when the user is riding on a Chuo Line train and the current traveling location is near Mitaka Station, the control unit 11 of the data analysis server 1 determines that a route change trigger such as the following has occurred.

[0087] (Route change trigger) Delay time data D2: An accident occurs between Yotsuya Station and Shinjuku Station. Arrival at Shinjuku Station is expected to be delayed by more than 10 minutes. Station status data D4: Congestion is occurring at the west and east ticket gates of Shinjuku Station. Taxi wait times are expected to increase by 10 minutes in 15 minutes. Taxi stand situation data D5: Congestion at the taxi stand. Taxi waiting time is expected to increase by 10 minutes in 15 minutes.

[0088] Based on these route change triggers, the control unit 11 of the data analysis server 1 determines whether the user can arrive at Shinjuku Metropolitan Government Building within a predetermined time from the estimated arrival time of the selected first route information D9. If it is determined that the delay is longer than the predetermined time and the user will not be able to arrive at Shinjuku Metropolitan Government Building within the predetermined time from the estimated arrival time, the control unit 11 searches for the route again. Then, it is assumed that the control unit 11 has acquired the following second route information D10 as a result of the route re-search.

[0089] (Second route information) Tachikawa Station - Nakano Station (Chuo Line), Nakano Station - Okubo Station (Sobu Line), Okubo Station - Shinjuku Metropolitan Government Building (Taxi)

[0090] The control unit 11 of the data analysis server 1 determines whether the current time is a predetermined time before the estimated arrival time at the point where the selected first route information D9 and the second route information D10 branch off. In the above example, the point where the selected first route information D9 and the second route information D10 branch off is Nakano Station. Therefore, the control unit 11 of the data analysis server 1 transmits the second route information D10 to the user terminal 7 when the current time is a predetermined time before the estimated arrival time at Nakano Station for the user, and causes the control unit 71 of the user terminal 7 to display the second route information D10 on the display unit 74.

[0091] [Third effect explanation] Next, the effects of the route search system 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0092] According to the route search system 100 of this embodiment, in the data analysis server 1, the control unit 11 acquires route guidance request information D7 including the departure point and destination from the user terminal 7, searches for route information using transportation means including public transportation based on the acquired route guidance request information D7, identifies first route information D8, transmits the identified first route information D8 to the user terminal 7 via the communication unit 13, acquires route change trigger information related to the operation of the transportation means, searches again for route information based on the acquired route change trigger information, and if the estimated arrival time based on the first route information D8 is delayed by more than a predetermined time, identifies second route information D10 that is earlier than the estimated arrival time based on the first route information D8, and causes the communication unit 13 to transmit the second route information D10 to the user terminal 7 at a predetermined timing. As a result, if a route change trigger such as an accident or congestion occurs and the first route information D8 previously presented to the user of the user terminal 7 causes a delay of more than a predetermined time, the second route information D10, which is expected to arrive at the destination earlier, can be presented to the user. In other words, if the delay is within the predetermined time, the second route information D10 is not sent to the user terminal 7, and only if the delay is more than the predetermined time, the second route information D10 is sent to the user terminal 7, thereby reducing the annoyance of notifications. Furthermore, since users using taxis are efficiently dispersed from taxi stands near stations on each line, congestion at taxi stands is alleviated, and taxi dispatch and demand become more efficient.

[0093] Furthermore, according to the route search system 100 of this embodiment, the communication unit 13 transmits the second route information to the user terminal 7 at a timing a predetermined time before the estimated arrival time at the point where the first route information and the second route information branch off, so that the user can branch off to the second route from the branching point with ample time to spare.

[0094] [Fourth Modification] Next, a modified example of the route search system 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0095] [1 Variation 1: When the route guidance request information includes a desired arrival time] In the above example, the second route information D10 is searched when the expected arrival time of the selected first route information D9 is delayed by a predetermined time or more, but this is not limiting. For example, if the route guidance request information D7 includes a desired arrival time, a route change trigger is required to change the route when the expected arrival time passes the desired arrival time.

[0096] 7, when the desired arrival time is included in the route guidance request information D7, the control unit 11 determines in step S5-7 whether the estimated arrival time of the selected first route information D9 is past the desired arrival time of the route guidance request information D7 after a route change trigger occurs in step S5-2. If the estimated arrival time is past the desired arrival time, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S5-4. If the estimated arrival time is not past the desired arrival time, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S5-1. This configuration satisfies the needs of users who prioritize arriving at the desired arrival time. [2 Variation 2: Change of vehicle] In the above, as an example, the route search system 100 is provided with a train operation data server 2 and a train schedule data server 3, and the user uses a train or a taxi. However, this is not limited to this, and the present invention can be widely applied to any case where public transportation is used.

[0097] For example, in order to enable routes using buses to be searched as route information, the route search system 100 may be equipped with a bus operation data server that communicates with a specified external system to acquire and store delay time data, which is data relating to the delay time for each bus on each route currently in operation, and then transmit the data to the data analysis server 1, and a bus schedule server that communicates with a specified external system to acquire and store bus schedule data, which is data relating to the bus operation plan (schedule) for each route currently in operation, and then transmit the bus schedule data to the data analysis server 1, and based on these, the selected first route information D9 and second route information D10 may be acquired.

[0098] [3 Variation 3: Display of fee difference] In the above, in step S5-6, the control unit 11 transmits only the second route information D10 to the user terminal 7, but this is not limiting, and the difference in fees between the selected first route information D9 and the second route information D10 may also be transmitted. This configuration is preferable because it makes the difference between the selected first route information D9 and the second route information D10 clear when the user considers the fee.

[0099] [4 Variation 4: Acquisition of second route information] Furthermore, in the above, it was explained that in step S5-3, if the estimated arrival time related to the selected first route information D9 becomes delayed by more than a predetermined time, the control unit 11 in the data analysis server 1 acquires second route information (second route information) D10. However, this is not limited to this, and the configuration may also be such that, if a route change trigger occurs, a route re-search is always performed and second route information D10 is acquired that allows the user to arrive at their destination earlier than the estimated arrival time of the first route.

[0100] [5 Variation 5: Linking with ticket purchasing systems] In the above description, the selected first route information D9 is acquired based on the user's selection in the fourth step, but this is not limiting. That is, the route search system 100 may be linked to a ticket purchasing system to acquire the selected first route information D9 from the user's reserved seat ticket purchase information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1. Data analysis server (route guidance device) 11 control unit (first acquisition unit, identification unit, second acquisition unit, calculation unit) 13 Communication unit (transmitter) 7 User terminal D7 Route guidance request information D8 Route 1 Information D10 Second Route Information

Claims

1. a first acquisition unit that acquires route guidance request information including a departure point and a destination from a user terminal; an identification unit that searches for route information using transportation means including public transportation based on the acquired route guidance request information and identifies first route information; a transmitter that transmits the first route information identified by the identifier to the user terminal; a second acquisition unit that acquires route change trigger information that affects an estimated arrival time according to the first route information; and a control unit; the control unit causes the identification unit to re-search for route information based on the route change trigger information acquired by the second acquisition unit, and when the estimated arrival time according to the first route information is delayed by a predetermined time or more, causes the identification unit to identify second route information that has an earlier estimated arrival time than the estimated arrival time according to the first route information; The control unit, when the identification unit identifies the second route information, causes the transmission unit to transmit the second route information to the user terminal at a predetermined timing.

2. The means of transportation include trains and taxis; The route information includes information on taxi stands, the route change trigger information includes a waiting time at the taxi stand; The route guidance device according to claim 1 , wherein the specifying unit searches for route information that takes into account waiting times at the taxi stands.

3. The route guidance request information includes a desired arrival time at the destination, The route guidance device according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit causes the second route information to be transmitted to the user terminal when the desired arrival time has passed based on the first route information.

4. 3. The route guidance device according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined timing is a timing a predetermined time before a scheduled arrival time of the vehicle at a point where the first route information and the second route information branch off.

5. a calculation unit that calculates a fare for traveling according to the route information identified by the identification unit, The route guidance device according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit causes the difference between the toll of the first route information and the toll of the second route information, calculated by the calculation unit, to be transmitted to the user terminal.

6. the route change trigger information includes road congestion information; The route guidance device according to claim 2 , wherein the specifying unit estimates a travel time by taxi based on the congestion information, and searches for route information that takes the estimated travel time into consideration.

7. The route change trigger information includes train accident information, The route guidance device according to claim 2 , wherein the specifying unit acquires or estimates a restoration time based on the accident information, and searches for route information that takes the restoration time into consideration.

8. The route guidance device's computer, a first acquisition unit that acquires route guidance request information including a departure point and a destination from a user terminal; an identification unit that searches for route information using transportation means including public transportation based on the acquired route guidance request information and identifies first route information; a transmitting unit that transmits the first route information identified by the identifying unit to the user terminal; a second acquisition unit that acquires route change trigger information related to the operation of the transportation means; a program that causes the identification unit to re-search for route information based on the route change trigger information acquired by the second acquisition unit, and if the estimated arrival time according to the first route information is delayed by a predetermined time or more, causes the identification unit to identify second route information that is earlier than the estimated arrival time according to the first route information, and if the identification unit has identified the second route information, causes the transmission unit to function as a control unit that transmits the second route information to the user terminal at a predetermined timing.

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