Support method and support device

Abstract

To provide a support method and a support device that consider reduction of user fatigue, present a plurality of route candidates from a departure place to a destination by using a plurality of moving means, and allow a user to compare advantages of the route candidates.SOLUTION: In a support method, a support device 10 searches for a plurality of route candidates from a departure place to a destination by using a plurality of moving means. When an item relating to fatigue is set as a criterion for sorting the plurality of route candidates, the support device 10 outputs, among the plurality of route candidates, a route candidate having a minimum fatigue-related score and a route candidate having a minimum travel time or a minimum travel distance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an assistance method and an assistance device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a technique for searching for a vehicle's travel route to a destination.

[0003] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 presents a vehicle route to a destination, taking into consideration the driver's skill and fatigue level. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-132811 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In order to reduce fatigue, some users have a need to travel by other means of transportation, such as rail, along the route from their departure point to their destination, rather than driving a vehicle the entire way.

[0006] In this case, some users may have a need to compare the advantages of multiple route candidates and determine the route that will take them from the departure point to the destination.

[0007] To meet these needs, it is necessary to present multiple route candidates that use multiple means of transportation to reach a destination from a departure point while taking into consideration reducing the user's fatigue, and to allow the user to compare the advantages of each route candidate.

[0008] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is based on the premise that the user drives the vehicle along the entire route to the destination, and therefore cannot meet these needs.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a support method and support device that presents multiple route candidates for reaching a destination from a departure point using multiple means of transportation while taking into consideration reducing the user's fatigue, and allows the user to compare the advantages of each route candidate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] An assistance method and assistance device according to one aspect of the present invention searches for multiple route candidates that use multiple means of transportation to reach a destination from a departure point, and when a fatigue-related item is set as a criterion for sorting the multiple route candidates, outputs the route candidate with the smallest fatigue score and the route candidate with the shortest travel time or travel distance from among the multiple route candidates. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, a plurality of route candidates for reaching a destination from a departure point using a plurality of means of transportation while taking into consideration reduction of fatigue of the user is presented, and the user can compare the advantages of each route candidate. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a support system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the support device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of search conditions in a route search according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of search conditions in a route search according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the support device according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the support method according to this embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the support device in the support method of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0014] [Configuration of Support System 1] The configuration of the support system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The support system 1 includes a support device 10, a map server 50, a car rental agency server 60, a car sharing agency server 70, and a taxi agency server 80.

[0015] The assistance device 10 is a device that assists a user in selecting a desired route from among multiple route candidates that can be used to reach a destination from a departure point using multiple means of transportation. When a user uses the assistance device 10, the user starts a route search application using a mobile device 5 such as a smartphone. When the user inputs search conditions for a route search on the route search application, the mobile device 5 transmits the search conditions to the assistance device 10. As a result, the assistance device 10 acquires the search conditions for the route search.

[0016] The assistance device 10 executes a route search process and a sort process based on the acquired search conditions, and outputs a plurality of route candidates to the mobile device 5. The mobile device 5 displays the outputted plurality of route candidates on the display screen 6. If the user can directly operate the assistance device 10, the user may directly input the search conditions to an input device 109 (described later) (see FIG. 5). In this case, the assistance device 10 outputs a plurality of route candidates to a display device 111 (described later) (see FIG. 5).

[0017] The support device 10 is communicably connected to a map server 50, a car rental agency server 60, a car sharing agency server 70, and a taxi agency server 80 via a communication network 3.

[0018] The map server 50 stores road network data and public transportation network data. The road network data covers roads throughout the country and is composed of multiple road nodes (intersections, dead ends of roads, entrances and exits to expressways, etc.) and multiple road links (road sections between road nodes).

[0019] Each road node is associated with, for example, location information, transit information, and parking information. The location information includes information about the location of the road node. The transit information includes information about nodes (railroad nodes, route bus nodes, etc.) of the public transportation network data, which will be described later, that connect to the road node. The parking information includes information about parking lots that exist around the road node.

[0020] Each road link is associated with, for example, distance information, fare information, regulation information, shape information, gradient information, and transit information. The distance information includes information about the distance of the road link. The fare information includes information about the fare charged for traveling on the road link. The regulation information includes information about regulations on the road link (one-way streets, etc.). The shape information includes information about the shape of the road link (width, switchbacks, etc.). The gradient information includes information about the gradient of the road link. The transit information includes information about nodes (railroad nodes, route bus nodes, etc.) of the public transportation network data, which will be described later, that connect to the road link. The time required to travel on a road link is calculated, for example, by dividing the distance of the road link included in the distance information by a preset average vehicle speed (for example, 35 km / h on ordinary roads, 80 km / h on expressways).

[0021] Public transportation network data includes, for example, railway network data and route bus network data. The railway network data covers the nationwide railway network and is composed of multiple railway nodes (railway stations) and multiple railway links (railway sections between railway nodes). Each railway node is linked to, for example, name information, location information, timetable information, transfer information, etc. Name information includes information related to the name of the railway station. Location information includes information related to the location of the railway station. Timetable information includes information summarizing train departure times at railway stations in chronological order. Transfer information includes information related to road nodes or road links in the road network data that connect to the railway station, and route bus nodes in the route bus network, described below. Each railway link is linked to, for example, distance information, fare information, etc. Distance information includes information related to the distance of the railway link. Fare information includes information related to the fare required to travel along the railway link.

[0022] The route bus network data covers the nationwide route bus network and consists of multiple route bus nodes (route bus stops) and multiple route bus links (route bus sections between route bus nodes). Each route bus node is linked to information such as name information, location information, timetable information, and transfer information, just like a railroad node. Each route bus link is linked to information such as distance information and fare information, just like a railroad link.

[0023] The rental car company server 60 stores, for example, location information, transfer information, fare information, reservation information, etc. The location information includes information about the location of affiliated rental car company stores. The transfer information includes information about road nodes, road links, railroad nodes, and route bus nodes that connect to affiliated rental car company stores. The fare information includes information about the usage fees for rental cars held by affiliated rental car company stores. The reservation information includes information about reservations for rental cars held by affiliated rental car company stores.

[0024] Like the rental car company server 60, each of the car sharing company server 70 and the taxi company server 80 stores, for example, location information, transfer information, fare information, reservation information, and the like.

[0025] [Functional configuration of the support device 10] 2 to 4, the functional configuration of the support device 10 will be described. The support device 10 includes a communication unit 21, a control unit 23, a storage unit 25, an acquisition unit 27, an output unit 29, a setting unit 31, a search unit 33, a calculation unit 35, an extraction unit 37, and a reservation unit 39.

[0026] The communication unit 21 performs wired or wireless communication with the mobile device 5, the map server 50, the car rental agency server 60, the car sharing agency server 70, and the taxi agency server 80.

[0027] The control unit 23 controls the overall processing in the support device 10. Specifically, the control unit 23 controls the operations of the communication unit 21, the storage unit 25, the acquisition unit 27, the output unit 29, the setting unit 31, the search unit 33, the calculation unit 35, the extraction unit 37, and the reservation unit 39.

[0028] The storage unit 25 stores various types of information necessary for the operation of the assistance device 10. For example, the storage unit 25 stores information on the departure point, destination, and multiple means of transportation acquired by the acquisition unit 27. The storage unit 25 stores information on criteria for sorting multiple route candidates set by the setting unit 31. The storage unit 25 stores various types of route information received by the search unit 33.

[0029] The memory unit 25 stores the composite network (graph structure) generated by the search unit 33. The memory unit 25 stores a route search algorithm used by the search unit 33. The memory unit 25 stores a plurality of route candidates searched by the search unit 33. The memory unit 25 stores the amount of money required to travel from the departure point to the destination for each route candidate, calculated by the calculation unit 35. The memory unit 25 stores the travel time or travel distance from the departure point to the destination for each route candidate, calculated by the calculation unit 35. The memory unit 25 stores the fatigue score calculated by the calculation unit 35. The memory unit 25 stores the route candidates extracted by the extraction unit 37.

[0030] When the assistance device 10 is notified by the mobile device 5 that a route search application has been launched, it displays input items for search conditions for route search in the input area 6a of the display screen 6 of the mobile device 5 (see FIG. 3). The input items include the items "Departure point," "Destination point," "Transportation mode selection," and "Sorting criteria." When the user selects the item "Transportation mode selection," the screen switches to one for inputting the order in which multiple transportation modes will be used (see FIG. 4). In this embodiment, the transportation modes that can be input are private car, train, route bus, rental car, shared car, and taxi.

[0031] The acquisition unit 27 acquires search conditions for a route search from the mobile device 5 via the communication unit 21. Specifically, the acquisition unit 27 acquires information on the departure point, information on the destination, information on multiple means of transportation to be used to travel from the departure point to the destination, and information on sorting criteria. Note that means of transportation are also called means of transportation.

[0032] Specifically, the acquisition unit 27 receives the input contents of "departure point" and "arrival point" from the mobile device 5 and acquires information on the departure point and destination. The acquisition unit 27 receives the input contents of "transportation means selection" from the mobile device 5 and acquires information on multiple transportation means. The acquisition unit 27 receives the input contents of "sorting criteria" from the mobile device 5 and acquires information on the sorting criteria. Note that the information on multiple transportation means also includes the order in which the multiple transportation means are to be used.

[0033] The output unit 29 outputs the route candidates extracted by the extraction unit 37 to the mobile device 5 via the communication unit 21, as will be described later. The mobile device 5 displays the output route candidates in output areas 6b and 6c of the display screen 6 (see FIG. 3). In the output area 6b, for example, the route of the extracted route candidate is displayed on a map. In the output area 6c, for example, the route of the extracted route candidate is displayed in text.

[0034] The setting unit 31 sets criteria for sorting the multiple route candidates based on the acquired information on the sorting criteria. In this embodiment, the criteria for sorting the multiple route candidates can be set to be in order of price, time, fatigue level, and car sickness level. Note that fatigue level is also referred to as "fatigue caused when driving a vehicle." Furthermore, car sickness level is also referred to as "fatigue caused when riding in a vehicle."

[0035] The search unit 33 searches for multiple route candidates that can reach the destination from the departure point using multiple means of transportation. Specifically, the search unit 33 sends a request message requesting route information to the map server 50 via the communication unit 21. The request message includes information specifying a search area on a map that includes the departure point and the destination.

[0036] The search unit 33 receives route information from the map server 50 as a response to the request message via the communication unit 21. The route information includes road nodes, road links, railroad nodes, railroad links, route bus nodes, route bus links, and information associated with these, which are included in the specified search area.

[0037] If a rental car is included among the multiple means of transportation, the search unit 33 sends a request message requesting route information to the rental car company server 60 via the communication unit 21. The request message includes information specifying a search area on a map that includes the departure point and destination. The search unit 33 receives route information from the rental car company server 60 via the communication unit 21 as a response to the request message. The route information includes transfer information, fare information, and reservation information for shops included in the specified search area.

[0038] Similarly, when the multiple means of transportation include a shared car and / or a taxi, the search unit 33 receives route information, such as transfer information, fare information, and reservation information for stores included in the specified search area, from the car sharing company server 70 and / or the taxi company server 80.

[0039] The search unit 33 generates a composite network (graph structure) consisting of a road network and a public transportation network based on the received various route information. Using a route search algorithm, the search unit 33 searches the generated composite network (graph structure) for multiple route candidates that can reach the destination from the departure point in the order in which multiple means of transportation are used.

[0040] When the multiple means of transportation include rental cars, car sharing services, or taxis, the search unit 33 may select, as the starting node of the section where rental cars, car sharing services, or taxis are used, a point where there are a predetermined number or more rental car companies, car sharing services, or taxi companies within a predetermined range centered on the starting node.

[0041] When a private car is included among the multiple means of transportation, the search unit 33 may select a point where there are a predetermined number of parking lots within a predetermined range centered on the end node as the end node of the section where the private car is used.

[0042] The calculation unit 35 sorts the multiple route candidates based on the sorting criterion. Specifically, when price order is set as the sorting criterion, the calculation unit 35 calculates the amount of money required to travel from the departure point to the destination for each route candidate based on the various route information received. When time order is set as the sorting criterion, the calculation unit 35 calculates the travel time from the departure point to the destination for each route candidate based on the various route information received.

[0043] When fatigue level order is set as the sorting criterion, the calculation unit 35 calculates the usage time or distance of the vehicle (private car, rental car, and / or shared car) driven by the user for each route candidate based on the various route information received. The calculation unit 35 calculates a score related to fatigue (fatigue score) based on the calculated usage time or usage distance. The vehicle driven by the user is also referred to as a "transportation means related to fatigue."

[0044] Specifically, the calculation unit 35 multiplies the calculated usage time or usage distance by the fatigue score coefficient per unit time or unit distance by the correction coefficient to obtain the fatigue score. Therefore, if the route candidate is made up of only transportation means other than the vehicle driven by the user (e.g., a personal car, a rental car, and / or a shared car), the fatigue score will be 0.

[0045] The fatigue score coefficient per unit time or unit distance is determined based on the user's physical constitution, the user's health condition, and the type of vehicle driven by the user. When the user launches the route search application, they input their physical constitution, their health condition, and the type of vehicle according to the fatigue score coefficient setting screen. The calculation unit 35 acquires the input user's physical constitution, the user's health condition, and the type of vehicle from the mobile device 5 via the communication unit 21. The fatigue score coefficient per unit time or unit distance is a value obtained by multiplying a value related to the user's physical constitution, a value related to the user's health condition, and a value related to the type of vehicle. Note that the fatigue score coefficient may also be a value obtained by adding these values ​​together.

[0046] When inputting their own physical constitution, the user inputs, for example, one of "does not get tired easily when driving," "normal," and "gets tired easily when driving." In the memory unit 25, for example, the numerical values ​​"0.5," "1.0," and "1.5" are pre-assigned to "does not get tired easily when driving," "normal," and "gets tired easily when driving," respectively. When inputting their own health condition, the user inputs, for example, one of "good," "normal," and "poor." In the memory unit 25, for example, the numerical values ​​"0.5," "1.0," and "1.5" are pre-assigned to "good," "normal," and "poor," respectively. Each car model is pre-categorized as "does not get tired easily when driving," "normal," and "gets tired easily when driving." When the user inputs the car model, one of "does not get tired easily when driving," "normal," and "gets tired easily when driving" is set according to the car model. In the storage unit 25, for example, numerical values ​​"0.5", "1.0", and "1.5" are pre-assigned to "not easily tired from driving", "normal", and "easily tired from driving", respectively.

[0047] The correction coefficient is determined based on the shape of the road section included in each route candidate, the time the user drives the vehicle continuously (continuous driving time), and whether or not the vehicle driven by the user has a driving assistance function. The shape of the road section is also referred to as the road aspect of the road section. The correction coefficient is a value obtained by multiplying a value related to the shape of the road section, a value related to the continuous driving time, and a value related to the driving assistance function. The correction coefficient may also be a value obtained by adding these values ​​together. Furthermore, when the driving assistance function is available, the correction coefficient may be a value obtained by subtracting the value related to the driving assistance function from the value obtained by adding the value related to the shape of the road section and the value related to the continuous driving time. On the other hand, when the driving assistance function is not available, the correction coefficient may be a value obtained by adding the value related to the shape of the road section and the value related to the continuous driving time.

[0048] For example, in the memory unit 25, as a value relating to the shape of a road section, if the road section is narrow or has zigzag turns, the numerical value "2" is pre-assigned, and in other cases, the numerical value "1" is pre-assigned. In the memory unit 25, as a value relating to continuous driving time, if the continuous driving time exceeds a certain time (for example, 90 minutes), the numerical value "2" is pre-assigned, and if the continuous driving time does not exceed the certain time, the numerical value "1" is pre-assigned. In the memory unit 25, as a value relating to a driving assistance function, if the vehicle has a driving assistance function, the numerical value "0.5" is pre-assigned, and if the vehicle does not have a driving assistance function, the numerical value "1" is pre-assigned.

[0049] When the order of fatigue level is set as the sorting criterion, the calculation unit 35 further calculates the travel time or travel distance from the departure point to the destination for each route candidate based on the various route information received.

[0050] When the order of car sickness severity is set as the sorting criterion, the calculation unit 35 calculates the usage time or distance of the vehicle (routed bus, rental car, and / or shared car) in which the user rides for each route candidate based on the various route information received. The calculation unit 35 calculates a fatigue score (fatigue score) based on the calculated usage time or usage distance. The vehicle in which the user rides is also referred to as the "transportation means related to fatigue."

[0051] Specifically, the calculation unit 35 multiplies the calculated usage time or usage distance by the fatigue score coefficient per unit time or unit distance by the correction coefficient to obtain the fatigue score. Therefore, if the route candidate is made up of only transportation means other than the vehicle in which the user is riding (for example, a route bus, a rental car, and / or a shared car), the fatigue score will be 0.

[0052] The fatigue score coefficient per unit time or unit distance is determined according to the user's constitution, health condition, or the type of vehicle driven by the user, just as when fatigue level is set as the sorting criterion, and therefore will not be described further.

[0053] The correction coefficient is determined according to the shape of the road section included in each route candidate. The shape of the road section is also called the road aspect of the road section. The correction coefficient is a value obtained by multiplying multiple values ​​related to the shape of the road section. The correction coefficient may also be a value obtained by adding these values ​​together.

[0054] For example, in the memory unit 25, as a first value relating to the shape of a road section, if the road section is narrow or has zigzag turns, the numerical value "2" is pre-assigned, and in other cases, the numerical value "1" is pre-assigned. In the memory unit 25, as a second value relating to the shape of a road section, if the gradient of an adjacent road section exceeds a certain value (e.g., 5%), the numerical value "1.5" is pre-assigned, and in cases where the gradient does not exceed the certain value, the numerical value "1" is pre-assigned. In the memory unit 25, as a third value relating to the shape of a road section, if the estimated speed change in an adjacent road section exceeds a certain value (e.g., 10 km / h), the numerical value "1" is pre-assigned, and in cases where the speed change does not exceed the certain value, the numerical value "1.5" is pre-assigned.

[0055] When the order of fatigue level is set as the sorting criterion, the calculation unit 35 further calculates the travel time or travel distance from the departure point to the destination for each route candidate based on the various route information received.

[0056] When the sorting criterion is set to be in order of price, the extraction unit 37 extracts a predetermined number of route candidates from the plurality of route candidates in order of price, starting with the route candidate with the smallest price.When the sorting criterion is set to be in order of time, the extraction unit 37 extracts a predetermined number of route candidates from the plurality of route candidates in order of travel time, starting with the route candidate with the smallest travel time.

[0057] When the order of fatigue level or car sickness level is set as the sorting criterion, the extraction unit 37 extracts, from the multiple route candidates, a route candidate with the smallest fatigue score and a route candidate with the smallest travel time or travel distance. Note that the extraction unit 37 may extract a predetermined number of route candidates in order from the route candidate with the smallest fatigue score.

[0058] The reservation unit 39 acquires from the mobile device 5 a route selected by the user from among the route candidates output by the output unit 29. Upon acquiring the selected route, the reservation unit 39 inquires of the user whether or not to make a reservation for a means of transportation included in multiple means of transportation that can reach the destination from the departure point. For example, if a rental car is included in the multiple means of transportation, the reservation unit 39 transmits to the mobile device 5 information regarding the reservation of a rental car held by a store of an affiliated rental car company that is linked to the start node of the section of the selected route in which the rental car will be used. Upon acquiring from the mobile device 5 information (including the reservation date and time) indicating that a rental car reservation will be made, the reservation unit 39 reserves the rental car with the server of the affiliated rental car company based on the information.

[0059] [Hardware configuration of the support device 10] 5, the hardware configuration of the assistance device 10 will be described. The assistance device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 105, a storage 107, an input device 109, a display device 111, and a communication interface 113.

[0060] The CPU 101 executes algorithms and programs stored in the ROM 103. The CPU 101 performs arithmetic processing on data loaded into the RAM 105 in accordance with the algorithms and programs, and comprehensively controls each part of the assistance device 10. The CPU is also called a processor.

[0061] The ROM 103 stores algorithms, programs, etc. executed by the CPU 101. In this embodiment, the ROM 103 stores algorithms and programs for controlling a support method described below. The RAM 105 temporarily stores calculation data when the CPU 101 executes the algorithms and programs stored in the ROM 103. The ROM and RAM are also referred to as non-volatile memory and volatile memory, respectively.

[0062] The storage 107 stores various types of information. The CPU 101 controls reading and writing of data from and to the storage 107 in accordance with algorithms and programs stored in the ROM 103. The input device 109 accepts input from outside. The display device 111 displays information output from the CPU 101. The communication interface 113 is connected to the communication network 3. The CPU 101 transmits and receives data to and from the map server 50, rental car company server 60, car sharing company server 70, and taxi company server 80, which are connected to the communication network 3, via the communication interface 113.

[0063] When the support device 10 performs wireless communication, the support device 10 further includes an antenna, a transmitting / receiving circuit, and the like.

[0064] [Support method] 6, the assistance method executed by the assistance device 10 will be described. The assistance device 10 acquires search conditions for route search (step S1). Specifically, the assistance device 10 acquires information on a departure point, information on a destination, information on a plurality of means of transportation to be used to travel from the departure point to the destination, and information on sorting criteria.

[0065] When the support device 10 acquires the search conditions, it transmits a request message requesting route information to the map server 50 (step S3). The request message includes information specifying a search area on the map including the departure point and destination. In response to the request message, the support device 10 receives route information from the map server 50 (step S5). The route information includes road nodes, road links, railroad nodes, railroad links, route bus nodes, route bus links, and information associated with these, which are included in the specified search area.

[0066] If a rental car is included in the multiple means of transportation acquired in step S1, the support device 10 sends a request message requesting route information to the car rental agency server 60 (step S3a). The request message includes information specifying a search area on a map including the departure point and destination. The support device 10 receives route information from the car rental agency server 60 in response to the request message (step S5a). The route information includes transfer information, fare information, and reservation information for shops included in the specified search area.

[0067] Similarly, if a car sharing service and / or a taxi is included in the plurality of transportation modes acquired in step S1, the support device 10 transmits a request message requesting route information to the car sharing service provider server 70 and / or the taxi service provider server 80 (steps S3b and S3c). In response to the request message, the support device 10 receives route information from the car sharing service provider server 70 and / or the taxi service provider server 80 (steps S5b and S5c).

[0068] Upon receiving various types of route information, the support device 10 executes a route search process (step S7), a sorting process (step S9), and an output of route candidates (step S11), which will be described later.

[0069] [Example of operation of the support device 10] An example of the operation of the support device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Specifically, the route search process (step S7 in Fig. 6), the sorting process (step S9 in Fig. 6), and the output of route candidates (step S11 in Fig. 6) executed by the support device 10 will be described in detail.

[0070] The support device 10 determines whether the order of fatigue level or car sickness level is set as a criterion for sorting a plurality of route candidates (step S21). If the support device 10 determines that the order of fatigue level or car sickness level is set, it executes a search for route candidates (step S23). After executing the search for route candidates, the support device 10 calculates a fatigue score and a travel time or travel distance from the departure point to the destination for each route candidate (step S25).

[0071] After performing the calculation, the support device 10 extracts, from the plurality of route candidates, a route candidate with the smallest fatigue score and a route candidate with the smallest travel time or travel distance from the departure point to the destination (step S27). Note that the support device 10 may extract a predetermined number of route candidates in order from the route candidate with the smallest fatigue score. The support device 10 outputs the extracted route candidates (step S29).

[0072] When the order of fatigue level is set as the sorting criterion, in steps S23 to S27, the assistance device 10 may first search for route candidates for sections that use only means of transportation that the user does not drive, and extract route candidates that minimize the travel time or travel distance.

[0073] When there is a section where the destination cannot be reached using only a means of transportation that the user is not driving, the support device 10 sets the store of an affiliated rental car business or affiliated car sharing business that is located at a point closest to the start point of the section as a transfer point based on various route information. The support device 10 searches for route candidates for the section using a rental car or a shared car (from the transfer point to the destination). The support device 10 extracts the route candidate that minimizes the travel time or travel distance from the route candidates for the section using a rental car or a shared car.

[0074] In this way, the support device 10 may calculate route candidates that minimize travel time or travel distance for each of multiple means of transportation from the generated composite network (graph structure), and combine these to extract route candidates that minimize travel time or travel distance from among route candidates that can reach the destination from the departure point.

[0075] When the order of car sickness severity is set as the sorting criterion, in steps S23 to S27, the support device 10 may search for route candidates that do not use rental cars, shared cars, or route buses based on various route information, and extract route candidates that minimize travel time or travel distance.

[0076] If there is a section where the destination cannot be reached without using a rental car, a shared car, or a route bus, the support device 10 sets the closest affiliated rental car business or car sharing business store or route bus stop to the starting point of the section as a transfer point based on various route information. The support device 10 searches for route candidates for the section using a rental car, a shared car, or a route bus (from the transfer point to the destination). The support device 10 extracts the route candidate that minimizes the travel time or travel distance from among the route candidates for the section using a rental car, a shared car, or a route bus.

[0077] Note that when the sorting criteria are set to order by fatigue level or order by car sickness level, if the distance or time of a section of each route candidate where the road section has a zigzag shape exceeds a predetermined value, the assistance device 10 may search for a route that bypasses the section. In this case, the assistance device 10 extracts, from among multiple routes that bypass the section, a route that bypasses the section with the shortest travel time or travel distance. If the difference in travel time or travel distance between the extracted route that bypasses the section and a route that does not bypass the section is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the assistance device 10 adopts the route that bypasses the section.

[0078] If the support device 10 does not determine that the order of fatigue level or the order of car sickness level is set, it determines whether the order of price is set as a criterion for sorting the multiple route candidates (step S31). If the support device 10 determines that the order of price is set, it executes a search for route candidates (step S33). After executing the search for route candidates, the support device 10 executes a calculation of the price for travel from the departure point to the destination for each route candidate (step S35). After executing the calculation, the support device 10 extracts a predetermined number of route candidates from the multiple route candidates in order of the route candidate that minimizes the price for travel from the departure point to the destination (step S37). The support device 10 outputs the extracted route candidates (step S29).

[0079] If the support device 10 does not determine that the order by price is set, it determines that the order by time is set as the criterion for sorting the multiple route candidates, and executes a search for route candidates (step S39). After executing the search for route candidates, the support device 10 executes a calculation of the travel time from the departure point to the destination for each route candidate (step S41). After executing the calculation, the support device 10 extracts a predetermined number of route candidates from the multiple route candidates in order of the route candidate that minimizes the travel time from the departure point to the destination (step S43). The support device 10 outputs the extracted route candidates (step S29).

[0080] [Actions and Effects] According to this embodiment, the assistance method executed by the assistance device 10 searches for multiple route candidates that use multiple means of transportation to reach the destination from the departure point, and if a fatigue-related item is set as a criterion for sorting the multiple route candidates, outputs the route candidate with the smallest fatigue score and the route candidate with the smallest travel time or travel distance from the multiple route candidates.

[0081] Therefore, according to this embodiment, multiple route candidates for reaching a destination from a departure point using multiple means of transportation are presented while taking into consideration the reduction of fatigue of the user, and the user can compare the advantages of each route candidate, thereby improving user convenience.

[0082] According to this embodiment, the fatigue item includes at least one of fatigue that occurs when driving a vehicle and fatigue that occurs when riding in a vehicle.

[0083] This allows the user to search for route candidates to reach the destination from the departure point, distinguishing between fatigue caused by driving a vehicle and fatigue caused by riding in a vehicle. This allows the user to compare the advantages of each route candidate according to the user's needs, further improving user convenience.

[0084] According to this embodiment, when an item related to fatigue caused when driving a vehicle is set as a criterion for sorting multiple route candidates, the support method calculates a score related to the fatigue for each route candidate based on the time or distance spent driving the means of transportation that is involved in the fatigue caused when driving the vehicle.

[0085] This allows the fatigue score to be calculated easily when the user drives a vehicle, thereby preventing an increase in the load that occurs when calculating the fatigue score.

[0086] According to this embodiment, the assistance method corrects the score related to fatigue that occurs when driving a vehicle based on the road conditions on which the means of transportation that is involved in the fatigue travels, the amount of time that the means of transportation that is involved in the fatigue is continuously driven, and whether or not the means of transportation that is involved in the fatigue has a driving assistance function.

[0087] This allows the fatigue score for the user when driving a vehicle to be appropriately corrected according to the characteristics of each route candidate, making it possible to appropriately compare the advantages of each route candidate in line with the user's needs, thereby further improving user convenience.

[0088] According to this embodiment, when an item related to fatigue caused when riding in a vehicle is set as a criterion for sorting multiple route candidates, the support method calculates a score related to the fatigue for each route candidate based on the time or distance spent riding in the means of transportation that is involved in the fatigue caused when riding in a vehicle.

[0089] This allows the fatigue score to be calculated easily when the user is riding in a vehicle, thereby preventing an increase in the load that occurs when calculating the fatigue score.

[0090] According to this embodiment, the assistance method corrects the score related to fatigue that occurs when riding in a vehicle based on the road conditions on which the means of transportation travels, which are related to the fatigue.

[0091] This allows the fatigue score for the user when riding in a vehicle to be appropriately corrected according to the characteristics of each route candidate, making it possible to appropriately compare the advantages of each route candidate in line with the user's needs, further improving user convenience.

[0092] According to this embodiment, the support method extracts a predetermined number of route candidates from among a plurality of route candidates in order from the route candidate with the smallest fatigue score.

[0093] This allows the user to select a desired route from a larger number of route candidates, and thus allows the user to compare the advantages of each route candidate according to the user's needs, further improving user convenience.

[0094] According to this embodiment, the support method acquires information on a plurality of means of transportation in the order in which they are to be used.

[0095] This allows multiple route candidates to be output based on the order in which multiple means of transportation will be used, eliminating the need for the user to sort the multiple route candidates by themselves in the order in which multiple means of transportation will be used, thereby reducing the burden on the user when selecting a desired route.

[0096] According to this embodiment, when a cost-related item is set as a criterion for sorting multiple route candidates, the support method calculates the cost of traveling from the departure point to the destination for each route candidate, and extracts a predetermined number of route candidates from the multiple route candidates in order of the route candidate with the smallest cost.

[0097] This allows the user to sort multiple route candidates based on the cost of travelling along the route candidates within the same application, further improving user convenience.

[0098] According to this embodiment, when a time-related item is selected as a criterion for sorting multiple route candidates, the support method calculates the travel time from the departure point to the destination for each route candidate, and extracts a predetermined number of route candidates from the multiple route candidates in order of the route candidate with the shortest travel time.

[0099] This allows the user to sort multiple route candidates based on the travel time of the route candidates within the same application, further improving user convenience.

[0100] According to this embodiment, when the multiple means of transportation include rental cars, car sharing services, or taxis, the support method selects, as the starting point of the section where rental cars, car sharing services, or taxis will be used, a point where there are a predetermined number or more rental car companies, car sharing services, or taxi companies within a predetermined range centered on the starting point.

[0101] This allows users to select their desired rental car company, car sharing company, or taxi company from multiple rental car companies, car sharing companies, or taxi companies. Also, even if the reservation slots for rental cars, shared cars, or taxis owned by one rental car company, car sharing company, or taxi company are full, users can reserve a rental car, shared car, or taxi owned by another rental car company, car sharing company, or taxi company. This further improves user convenience.

[0102] According to this embodiment, when the multiple means of transportation include a private car, the support method selects, as the end point of the section where the private car is used, a point where there are a specified number or more of parking lots within a specified range centered on the end point.

[0103] This allows the user to select the desired parking lot from among multiple parking lots. Also, even if one parking lot is full, the user can use another parking lot. This further improves user convenience.

[0104] According to this embodiment, when the support method acquires a route candidate selected by the user from among the output route candidates, it inquires the user as to whether or not to make a reservation for a means of transportation included in the plurality of means of transportation.

[0105] This eliminates the need for the user to launch another application to make a reservation for a means of transportation included in the plurality of means of transportation, thereby further improving user convenience.

[0106] According to this embodiment, the assistance device 10 includes an output unit 29, a search unit 33, and an extraction unit 37. The search unit 33 searches for multiple route candidates that use multiple means of transportation to reach the destination from the departure point. When a fatigue-related item is set as a criterion for sorting the multiple route candidates, the extraction unit 37 extracts, from the multiple route candidates, a route candidate with the smallest fatigue score and a route candidate with the smallest travel time or travel distance. The output unit 29 outputs the route candidate with the smallest fatigue score and the route candidate with the smallest travel time or travel distance.

[0107] Therefore, according to this embodiment, multiple route candidates for reaching a destination from a departure point using multiple means of transportation are presented while taking into consideration the reduction of fatigue of the user, and the user can compare the advantages of each route candidate, thereby improving user convenience.

[0108] [Variations] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the descriptions and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be understood to limit the present invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operating techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0109] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the public transportation network data includes railroad network data and route bus network data, but is not limited to this. The public transportation network data may also include aviation network data, shipping network data, etc. In this case, the user can set airplanes, ships, etc. as means of transportation.

[0110] In the above-described embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, multiple means of transportation are input in the order in which they are to be used, but this is not limiting. For example, multiple means of transportation may be input without specifying the order in which they are to be used.

[0111] In the above-described embodiment, the correction coefficient for correcting the fatigue score is determined based on the shape of the road sections included in each route candidate, the continuous driving time of the vehicle driven by the user (continuous driving time), and / or the presence or absence of a driving assistance function in the vehicle driven by the user, but is not limited thereto. For example, the correction coefficient for correcting the fatigue score may be determined based on traffic volume. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 10 Support equipment 27 Acquisition Department 29 Output section 31 Setting section 33 Search Section 35 Calculation section 37 Extraction part

Claims

1. An assistance method executed by an assistance device, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring information on a departure point, information on a destination, and information on a plurality of means of transportation to be used to travel from the departure point to the destination; a setting step of setting criteria for sorting the plurality of route candidates; a search step of searching for the plurality of route candidates that can reach the destination from the departure point using the plurality of transportation means; a calculation step of calculating, for each route candidate, a score related to fatigue based on a usage time or a usage distance of a means of transportation that is included in the plurality of means of transportation and that is involved in the fatigue, and calculating a travel time or a travel distance from the departure point to the destination, when a fatigue-related item is set as the criterion; an extraction step of extracting, from the plurality of route candidates, a route candidate that minimizes the fatigue score and a route candidate that minimizes the travel time or travel distance; an output step of outputting the route candidates extracted in the extraction step; A support method that includes:

2. The assistance method according to claim 1 , wherein the fatigue-related items include at least one of fatigue that occurs while driving a vehicle and fatigue that occurs while riding in a vehicle.

3. 3. The assistance method according to claim 2, wherein, when an item related to fatigue occurring when driving the vehicle is set as the criterion in the setting step, the score related to fatigue is calculated in the calculation step for each route candidate based on the time or distance spent driving a means of transportation that contributes to the fatigue.

4. 4. The assistance method according to claim 3, wherein in the calculation step, the fatigue score is corrected based on road conditions on which the means of transportation involved in the fatigue travels, a time for continuously driving the means of transportation involved in the fatigue, and whether or not the means of transportation involved in the fatigue has a driving assistance function.

5. 3. The support method according to claim 2, wherein, when the setting step sets as the criterion an item related to fatigue that occurs when riding in the vehicle, the calculation step calculates a score related to the fatigue for each candidate route based on the time or distance spent riding in the means of transportation that contributes to the fatigue.

6. The support method according to claim 5 , wherein the calculation step corrects the score relating to fatigue based on a road condition on which the means of transportation involved in the fatigue travels.

7. The support method according to claim 1 , wherein the extracting step extracts a predetermined number of route candidates from the plurality of route candidates in descending order of the fatigue-related score.

8. The support method according to claim 1 , wherein the acquiring step acquires information on the plurality of transportation modes in the order in which they will be used.

9. If an item related to a price is set as the criterion in the setting step, the calculation step calculates a price for traveling from the departure point to the destination for each route candidate; 2. The support method according to claim 1, wherein the extracting step extracts a predetermined number of route candidates from the plurality of route candidates in descending order of the amount of money.

10. If a time-related item is selected as the criterion in the setting step, a travel time from the departure point to the destination is calculated for each route candidate in the calculation step; The support method according to claim 1 , wherein the extracting step extracts a predetermined number of route candidates from the plurality of route candidates in descending order of the travel time.

11. 2. The support method according to claim 1, wherein, in the search step, if the plurality of transportation means include rental cars, car sharing services, or taxis, a point where a predetermined number or more rental car companies, car sharing services, or taxi companies are present within a predetermined range centered on the starting point is selected as the starting point of the section in which the rental car, car sharing service, or taxi will be used.

12. 2. The support method according to claim 1, wherein, in the search step, if the plurality of means of transportation includes a private car, a point having a predetermined number or more of parking lots within a predetermined range centered on the end point is selected as the end point of the section in which the private car is used.

13. 2. The support method according to claim 1, further comprising a reservation step of, when a route candidate selected by the user from the route candidates output in the output step is acquired, inquiring of the user as to whether or not to make a reservation for a means of transportation included in the plurality of means of transportation.

14. an acquisition unit that acquires information on a departure point, information on a destination, and information on a plurality of means of transportation to be used to travel from the departure point to the destination; a search unit that searches for a plurality of route candidates that can reach the destination from the departure point using the plurality of means of transportation; a setting unit for setting criteria for sorting the plurality of route candidates; a calculation unit that calculates a score related to fatigue based on a usage time or a usage distance of a means of transportation that is included in the plurality of means of transportation and that contributes to the fatigue, for each route candidate, when a fatigue-related item is set as the criterion, and calculates a travel time or a travel distance from the departure point to the destination; an extraction unit that extracts, from the plurality of route candidates, a route candidate that minimizes the fatigue score and a route candidate that minimizes the travel time or travel distance; an output unit that outputs the route candidates extracted by the extraction unit; An assistance device comprising:

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