Information processor and method for processing information

Abstract

To provide an information processor and a method for processing information capable of improving user convenience in searching for travel information.SOLUTION: The information processor includes: an input reception unit for receiving input of a departure point, a destination point, a departure time, and break information including at least one of a break time and a break interval; and a calculation unit for calculating, using operation schedules of transportation means, movement information including a movement route and a movement time from the departure point to the destination point, the movement information including a movement route and a movement time for boarding and alighting of the transportation means at an intermediate point located between the departure point and the destination point and satisfying the break information, the movement route and the movement time being from departing from the departure point at the departure time to arriving at the destination point.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device and an information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a transfer guidance system that searches for a route from a departure point to a destination point and presents the route to a user. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a transfer guidance system that outputs transfer guidance information including a route and a required time based on road traffic information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-188247 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Some transportation users have difficulty staying on transportation for long periods of time. Such users may wish to temporarily get off the transportation system along the way, rather than continuing to ride the system from their departure point to their destination. In such cases, however, the user must search for travel information, including travel routes and travel times, taking into account a location where the user will temporarily get off the transportation system between the departure point and the destination. Therefore, the user must search for travel information from the departure point to the location where the user will temporarily get off the transportation system, and then search for travel information from the location where the user gets off the transportation system to the destination. However, such a search method is time-consuming and cumbersome for users.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing device and an information processing method that can improve user convenience in searching for mobility information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an input receiving unit that receives input of a departure point, a destination point, a departure time, and rest information including at least one of a rest period and a rest interval, and a calculation unit that uses a transportation operation schedule to board and disembark the transportation at an intermediate point located between the departure point and the destination point that satisfies the rest information, and calculates travel information including a travel route and travel time from the departure point at the departure time to arriving at the destination point.

[0007] An information processing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing method executed by an information processing device, which accepts input of a departure point, a destination point, a departure time, and rest information including at least one of a rest time and a rest interval, and uses a transportation schedule to board and disembark the transportation at an intermediate point located between the departure point and the destination point that satisfies the rest information, and calculates travel information including a travel route and travel time from the departure point at the departure time to arriving at the destination point. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing device and an information processing method that can improve the convenience of users in searching for travel information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the terminal device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a server device illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control unit in FIG. 3. [Figure 5]10 is a flowchart showing an example of a search process executed in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a search condition input screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 7A] 10 is a parameter table showing the process of search processing by a control unit of the server device. [Figure 7B] 10 is a parameter table showing the process of search processing by a control unit of the server device. [Figure 7C] 10 is a parameter table showing the process of search processing by a control unit of the server device. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of movement information in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a search process executed in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a parameter table showing the process of search processing by a control unit of the server device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of movement information in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a search process executed in the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a search condition input screen in the third embodiment. [Figure 14A] 10 is a parameter table showing the process of search processing by a control unit of the server device. [Figure 14B] 10 is a parameter table showing the process of search processing by a control unit of the server device. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a search process executed in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a search condition input screen in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 17A] 10 is a parameter table showing the process of search processing by the control unit of the server device when the priority of the rest time is higher than the priority of the rest interval. [Figure 17B]10 is a parameter table showing the process of search processing by the control unit of the server device when the priority of the rest interval is higher than the priority of the rest time. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, identical or equivalent components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions of identical or equivalent components will be omitted as appropriate.

[0011] [Overall configuration] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the information processing system 1 includes a terminal device 10 and a server device 20. The terminal device 10 and the server device 20 are connected to each other via a network such as the Internet so as to be able to communicate information with each other.

[0012] The terminal device 10 is a device used by a user to search for travel information from a departure point to a destination point. The terminal device 10 may be configured as, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a computer. Although only one terminal device 10 is shown in FIG. 1 for the sake of simplicity, the information processing system 1 may include multiple terminal devices 10. For example, the server device 20 may communicate information with terminal devices 10 used by multiple users.

[0013] The server device 20 is a device that executes a predetermined process based on a signal received from a terminal device. The server device 20 may be a so-called physical server device, or may be a virtual server device provided in the cloud.

[0014] Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the terminal device 10 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the terminal device 10 includes, as functional units, a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, a display unit 14, and an input unit 15.

[0015] The control unit 11 controls and manages the entire terminal device 10, including each functional unit of the terminal device 10. The control unit 11 performs various controls, for example, by running a control program stored in the storage unit 12. For example, the control unit 11 can be configured by a control device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit).

[0016] The storage unit 12 is a storage medium capable of storing programs and data. The storage unit 12 can be configured, for example, with a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. Specifically, the storage unit 12 can be configured, for example, with an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The storage unit 12 may store, for example, a program for operating the control unit 11.

[0017] The communication unit 13 executes information communication with an external device. In this embodiment, the communication unit 13 executes information communication with the server device 20. The communication unit 13 executes information communication, for example, wirelessly. The communication unit 13 transmits and receives various information through information communication.

[0018] The display unit 14 is a device that displays images. The display unit 14 is configured with a well-known display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electro-luminescence display (ELD), or an inorganic electro-luminescence display (IELD). The display unit 14 displays various information under the control of the control unit 11. For example, the display unit 14 displays a screen showing the search results for travel information.

[0019] The input unit 15 is a mechanism capable of receiving operation input from a user to the terminal device 10. The input unit 15 is configured by, for example, a group of operation buttons provided on the main body of the terminal device 10, a keyboard, etc. Furthermore, if the display unit 14 is provided with a touch sensor, the touch sensor provided on the display unit 14 may function as the input unit 15.

[0020] Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the server device 20 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the server device 20 includes, as functional units, a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23.

[0021] The control unit 21 controls and manages the entire server device 20, including each functional unit of the server device 20. The control unit 21 performs various controls, for example, by running a control program stored in the storage unit 22. For example, the control unit 21 can be configured with a control device such as a CPU or MPU. The control unit 21 executes a search process for movement information based on information received from the terminal device 10, for example. Details of the search process will be described later.

[0022] The storage unit 22 is a storage medium capable of storing programs and data. The storage unit 22 can be configured, for example, with a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. Specifically, the storage unit 22 can be configured, for example, with an EEPROM. The storage unit 22 may store, for example, a program for operating the control unit 21.

[0023] The communication unit 23 executes information communication with an external device. In this embodiment, the communication unit 23 executes information communication with the terminal device 10. The communication unit 23 executes information communication, for example, wirelessly. The communication unit 23 transmits and receives various information through information communication.

[0024] Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the control unit 21 of Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 4, the control unit 21 includes, as functional units, an input receiving unit 24, a calculation unit 25, a rest information determination unit 26, a determination unit 27, and a display control unit 28. The control unit 21 is configured to have, for example, the functions of these functional units. In other words, the functions of these functional units are executed as part of the functions of the control unit 21.

[0025] The input accepting unit 24 accepts input of information required to search for travel information. For example, the input accepting unit 24 accepts input of a departure point, a destination point, a departure time, and rest information including at least one of a rest period and a rest interval. Details of the departure point, destination point, departure time, and rest information will be described later. Depending on the content of the travel information search process, the input accepting unit 24 accepts input of both the rest period and the rest interval as rest information (first and fourth embodiments described later). Depending on the content of the travel information search process, the input accepting unit 24 accepts input of either the rest period or the rest interval as rest information (second and third embodiments described later). Depending on the content of the travel information search process, the input accepting unit 24 accepts input of the rest period and the rest point as rest information (third embodiment described later). Depending on the content of the travel information search process, the input accepting unit 24 further accepts input of a desired arrival time and priorities related to the rest period, the rest interval, and the desired arrival time (fourth embodiment described later). Details of the desired arrival time and priorities will also be described later.

[0026] The calculation unit 25 uses the transportation schedule to calculate travel information for boarding and disembarking the transportation at intermediate points, departing from the departure point at the departure time, and arriving at the destination point. Here, the transportation schedule is, for example, a diagram. The travel information includes travel routes and travel times.

[0027] An intermediate point is a point located between the departure point and the destination point, such as a station where a user can get off. The intermediate point is determined as a point that satisfies the rest information. For example, the calculation unit 25 determines, as the intermediate point, one point from among one or more points located between the departure point and the destination point, where the continuous time spent on the transportation system is equal to or less than the rest interval.

[0028] When the input receiving unit 24 receives an input of a rest point, the calculation unit 25 uses the operation schedule to calculate the travel information from getting on and off the transportation at the input rest point, departing from the departure point at the departure time, to arriving at the destination point. Details of this process will be described later in the third embodiment.

[0029] When the input receiving unit 24 receives an input of either a break time or a break interval as break information, the break information determination unit 26 determines the other of the break time and the break interval, which is different from the one input received, based on user data that accumulates a history of past break information from one or more users. In other words, when the input receiving unit 24 receives a break time, the break information determination unit 26 determines the break interval. Similarly, when the input receiving unit 24 receives a break interval, the break information determination unit 26 determines the break time. Details of this process will be described later in the second embodiment. User data will also be described later in the second embodiment.

[0030] When a priority is input to the input receiving unit 24, the determining unit 27 determines whether the arrival time at the destination point indicated by the travel information calculated by the calculating unit 25 is before the desired arrival time. Details of this process will be described in the fourth embodiment below.

[0031] The display control unit 28 displays the movement information calculated by the calculation unit 25 on a display screen. For example, the display control unit 28 transmits the calculated movement information to the terminal device 10, thereby displaying the movement information on the display unit 14 of the terminal device 10. The display control unit 28 may be provided in the terminal device 10.

[0032] A user searches for travel information using the information processing system 1. The search for travel information can be performed for any transportation means with a predetermined operating schedule, for example, for vehicles such as trains or buses. The search for travel information is not limited to vehicles, but can also be performed for, for example, regular ferries. Specifically, the user uses the terminal device 10 to perform an operation input to calculate travel information from a departure point to a destination point. Based on the operation input by the user, the terminal device 10 causes the server device 20 to perform a search process for travel information. The server device 20 transmits travel information as a result of the search process to the terminal device 10, and the terminal device 10 displays the travel information received from the server device 20 on the display unit 14. Below, several embodiments related to the calculation of travel information using the information processing system 1 will be described.

[0033] [First embodiment] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a search process executed in the first embodiment. The flow in Fig. 5 is executed, for example, by the control unit 21 of the server device 20. In this embodiment, the storage unit 22 of the server device 20 stores the operation schedule of a transportation facility. The server device 20 calculates travel information by referring to the operation schedule. That is, in this embodiment, the server device 20 functions as the information processing device in the present disclosure.

[0034] When calculating movement information, the user inputs conditions for calculation (hereinafter also referred to as "search conditions") into the terminal device 10. The user inputs the search conditions using the input unit 15 of the terminal device 10, for example.

[0035] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a search condition input screen in the first embodiment. The input screen displays fields for the user to input search conditions, and the user inputs search conditions by inputting information into the fields. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the user inputs a departure point, a destination point, a departure time, and rest information as search conditions.

[0036] The departure point and destination point are the departure point and destination point (arrival point) of the travel route in the travel information to be searched, respectively. The departure time is the time to depart from the departure point. The rest information is information regarding the rest the user needs between departing from the departure point and arriving at the destination point. Here, a rest refers to a state in which the user is not riding on public transportation. The rest information includes at least one of a rest time and a rest interval. The rest time is the time required for one break. The rest interval is the time between breaks. In other words, the rest interval is the longest time the user is continuously riding on public transportation. In this embodiment, the user inputs both the rest time and the rest interval as the rest information. The user inputs the rest interval and rest time, taking into consideration how often the user takes breaks and how long each break will be.

[0037] In the example shown in FIG. 6, Station A is input as the departure point, Station B as the destination, 12:00 as the departure time, 15 minutes as the break time, and 10 minutes as the break interval. When a user executes a search using the input conditions, the user performs an operation of selecting a search button displayed on the input screen, for example. By this operation, the terminal device 10 transmits the input search conditions to the server device 20, and the server device 20 performs search processing. In this example, the search calculates travel information from departure from Station A at 12:00, breaks of 15 minutes or more at least once every 10 minutes, to arrival at Station B. The specific search processing procedure is as shown in the flow of FIG. 5.

[0038] First, the control unit 21 receives input of search conditions in the input receiving unit 24 (step S11). Here, the server device 20 receives the departure point, destination point, departure time, and rest information input to the terminal device 10, and the input receiving unit 24 receives the input of the search conditions.

[0039] Next, the control unit 21, using the calculation unit 25, acquires the ride time from the departure point to the destination point (step S12). The ride time is the time spent riding on a public transport facility. For example, the calculation unit 25 refers to the operation schedule stored in the memory unit 22 and acquires the arrival time at Station B, the destination point, when riding on a public transport facility that departs from Station A, the departure point, after the departure time of 12:00. The acquired arrival time in this case is the arrival time when traveling most efficiently, and therefore, for example, is the arrival time when no intermediate stops or detour routes are used. The calculation unit 25 can acquire the ride time from the difference between the acquired arrival time and the time when the public transport facility is boarded at Station A. Here, it is assumed that there is a public transport facility that departs from Station A at 12:00.

[0040] 7A to 7C are parameter tables showing the process of search processing by the calculation unit 25 of the server device 20. Here, as shown in the "Travel Time" column in Fig. 7A, it is assumed that the travel time from station A to station B is 20 minutes.

[0041] The calculation unit 25 determines whether the riding time is equal to or shorter than the rest interval (step S13). The calculation unit 25 can execute the determination of step S13 by comparing the riding time acquired in step S12 with the length of the rest interval included in the search criteria acquired in step S11.

[0042] In this example, the riding time is 20 minutes and the rest interval is 10 minutes, so the riding time is longer than the rest interval. Therefore, as shown by "no" in the column "Is the riding time less than or equal to the rest interval?" in Fig. 7A, the calculation unit 25 determines that the riding time is not less than or equal to the rest interval (No in step S13).

[0043] When the calculation unit 25 determines that the riding time is not equal to or less than the rest interval (No in step S13), it acquires the intermediate point and the disembarking time (step S14). In step S14, the calculation unit 25 acquires intermediate points, among points located between the departure point and the destination point, where the riding time is equal to or less than the rest interval. The calculation unit 25 acquires intermediate points, among points located between the departure point and the destination point, where the riding time is equal to or less than the rest interval, by, for example, referring to a route map of the transportation facility included in the operation schedule. When there are multiple intermediate points where the riding time is equal to or less than the rest interval, the calculation unit 25 may particularly acquire one intermediate point where the riding time is the longest, among the intermediate points where the riding time is equal to or less than the rest interval. The disembarking time is the time of disembarking at the intermediate point.

[0044] For example, when a user boards a transportation facility that departs from Station A at 12:00, the transportation facility arrives at Station C, which is located between Station A and Station B, at 12:08. In this case, the calculation unit 25 acquires, in step S14, information that Station C is the intermediate point and that 12:08 is the alighting time when traveling from Station A to Station B, as shown in the "Intermediate Point" and "Alighting Time" columns in FIG. 7B, respectively.

[0045] Next, the calculation unit 25 acquires the boarding time from the intermediate point after the break time has elapsed (step S15). Specifically, the calculation unit 25 adds the break time included in the search criteria acquired in step S11 to the disembarking time acquired in step S14. In this example, the calculation unit 25 adds 15 minutes, which is the break time, to the disembarking time of 12:08 to calculate 12:23. Then, the calculation unit 25 refers to the operation schedule stored in the storage unit 22 and acquires the boarding time for boarding a transportation facility that departs from Station C, which is the intermediate point, after the calculated 12:23. Here, it is assumed that there is a transportation facility that departs Station C at 12:24. In this case, the calculation unit 25 acquires information that 12:24 is the boarding time from Station C, which is the intermediate point, when traveling from Station A to Station B, for example, as shown in the "Boarding Time" column in FIG. 7B.

[0046] The calculation unit 25 acquires the travel time from the intermediate point to the destination point (step S16). Specifically, the calculation unit 25 refers to the operation schedule stored in the storage unit 22, and acquires the arrival time at the destination point, Station B, when riding a public transportation that departs from the intermediate point, Station C, at the departure time, 12:24. Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 7B, it is assumed that the travel time from Station C to Station B is 12 minutes. Thereafter, the calculation unit 25 proceeds to step S13.

[0047] That is, the calculation unit 25 determines whether the riding time is equal to or shorter than the rest interval (step S13). In this case, the calculation unit 25 executes the process by regarding the midpoint as a new departure point. That is, the calculation unit 25 compares the riding time acquired in step S16 with the length of the rest interval included in the search conditions acquired in step S11. In this case, the riding time is 12 minutes and the rest interval is 10 minutes, so the calculation unit 25 determines that the riding time is not equal to or shorter than the rest interval (No in step S13).

[0048] In this case, the calculation unit 25 again acquires the intermediate point and the disembarking time (step S14). In this case, the intermediate point is a point located between the new departure point (here, station C) and the destination point, for example, a station where the user can disembark. Here, as shown in FIG. 7C, the calculation unit 25 acquires information that station D is the intermediate point and 12:31 is the disembarking time in step S14.

[0049] Next, the calculation unit 25 acquires the boarding time from the intermediate point after the break time has elapsed (step S15). Here, the calculation unit 25 adds 15 minutes, which is the break time, to 12:31, which is the disembarking time, to calculate 12:46. The calculation unit 25 refers to the operation schedule stored in the storage unit 22 and acquires the boarding time for boarding a transportation facility that departs from Station D, which is the intermediate point, after the calculated 12:46. Here, it is assumed that there is a transportation facility that departs Station C at 12:47. In this case, as shown in the "Boarding Time" column in FIG. 7C, for example, when heading from Station C to Station B, the calculation unit 25 acquires information that 12:47 is the boarding time from Station D, which is the intermediate point.

[0050] The calculation unit 25 acquires the travel time from the midpoint to the destination point (step S16). Here, for example, as shown in Fig. 7C, it is assumed that the travel time from station D to station B is 5 minutes. Thereafter, the calculation unit 25 proceeds to step S13.

[0051] The calculation unit 25 determines whether the riding time is equal to or shorter than the rest interval (step S13). Here, the calculation unit 25 compares the riding time acquired in step S16 with the length of the rest interval included in the search conditions acquired in step S11. Here, the riding time is 5 minutes and the rest interval is 10 minutes, so the calculation unit 25 determines that the riding time is equal to or shorter than the rest interval (Yes in step S13).

[0052] When the calculation unit 25 determines that the ride time is equal to or shorter than the rest interval (Yes in step S13), it generates travel information based on the search process up to this point (hereinafter also referred to as the "processing process") (step S17). The travel route includes, for example, information on the departure point, destination point, and intermediate points. That is, in this example, the travel route indicates a route that starts from station A, temporarily gets off at stations C and D to take a rest, and heads to station B. The travel time includes information on appropriate time related to travel, for example, the boarding time and / or disembarking time at each station included in the travel route. When a parameter table is used in the processing process, the calculation unit 25 may generate the travel information by referring to the parameter table shown in FIG. 7C, which is the final parameter table. The travel information generated in step S17 is the travel information calculated by the server device 20.

[0053] The control unit 21 transmits the travel information generated in step S17 to the terminal device 10 via the display control unit 28. The terminal device 10 displays the received travel information on the display unit 14. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a travel information display screen in the first embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the departure time from Station A, which is the departure point, the arrival times and departure times from Stations C and D, which are intermediate points, and the arrival time at Station B, which is the destination point, are displayed in chronological order. Note that the display format of the travel information is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 8, and any appropriate display format can be used.

[0054] [Second embodiment] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a search process executed in the second embodiment. The flow of FIG. 9 is executed, for example, by the control unit 21 of the server device 20. In this embodiment, the storage unit 22 of the server device 20 stores user data in addition to transportation schedules. The user data is data related to the history of search processes executed based on operational inputs from one or more users. In this embodiment, the user data includes a history of break information entered as a search condition. That is, the user data includes a history of at least one of break times and break intervals. The user data may include the histories of multiple users, and therefore, for example, the histories of all users who have executed the search process are accumulated as user data.

[0055] In the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the user inputs search conditions into the terminal device 10 to calculate travel information. However, in the second embodiment, the user inputs only either the rest time or the rest interval as the rest information of the search conditions. For example, the user inputs items excluding the rest interval on the input screen shown in FIG. 6 and performs an operation to select the search button. Alternatively, in the second embodiment, for example, the input screen may not be provided with an input field for the rest interval for the rest information, and only an input field for the rest time may be provided. When the rest interval is input instead of the rest time, the search conditions can be input in the same way. When the user performs an operation to select the search button, for example, the terminal device 10 transmits the input search conditions to the server device 20.

[0056] In the search process, the control unit 21 receives input of search conditions through the input receiving unit 24 (step S11). Here, it is assumed that the server device 20 receives the departure point, destination point, departure time, and rest period. That is, in the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the rest period is not received as a search condition.

[0057] Next, the control unit 21 determines a rest interval by using the rest information determination unit 26 to refer to the user data stored in the storage unit 22 and acquire one or more rest intervals from the user data (step S21). At this time, the rest information determination unit 26 can determine one or more rest intervals in a predetermined procedure.

[0058] For example, the rest information determination unit 26 acquires one or more of the top rest intervals from the history of rest intervals stored in the user data. The top rest intervals are the rest intervals that more users have input as search conditions in past search processes in the user data history. In other words, the top rest intervals are the top one or more rest intervals from the ranking of rest intervals stored in the user data. By acquiring the rest intervals in this way, the rest information determination unit 26 can determine the rest interval.

[0059] The rest information determination unit 26 may determine the rest interval by narrowing down the rest intervals stored in the user data in a specific manner. For example, the rest information determination unit 26 narrows down the user data based on the gender, age, or other attributes of the user, and determines the rest interval from the narrowed down data.

[0060] The number of rest intervals determined by the rest information determination unit 26 may be predetermined, for example. Alternatively, the number of rest intervals determined by the rest information determination unit 26 may be specified by the user as a search condition. Here, the number of rest intervals determined by the rest information determination unit 26 is described as three. Specifically, it is assumed that the rest information determination unit 26 has determined three rest intervals of 10 minutes, 15 minutes, and 20 minutes.

[0061] The control unit 21 selects one rest interval from the one or more rest intervals acquired in step S21 using the calculation unit 25 (step S22). For example, it is assumed that the calculation unit 25 selects "10 minutes" as one rest interval.

[0062] Next, the calculation unit 25 executes steps S12 to S16. The specific processes of steps S12 to S16 are the same as those in the first embodiment. However, in the second embodiment, the calculation unit 25 executes the processes of steps S12 to S16 using the search conditions input in step S11 and the rest interval selected in step S22.

[0063] Therefore, in step S13, the calculation unit 25 determines whether the riding time acquired in step S12 is equal to or shorter than the rest interval selected in step S22 (step S13). If the calculation unit 25 determines that the riding time is not equal to or shorter than the rest interval (No in step S13), it executes steps S14 to S16.

[0064] If the calculation unit 25 determines that the riding time is equal to or shorter than the rest interval (Yes in step S13), it saves the process of the search process (step S23). The calculation unit 25 saves the process executed from step S12 to step S16, for example, in the storage unit 22 or another storage medium. If "10 minutes" is selected as the rest interval in step S22, the calculation unit 25 generates the parameter table shown in FIG. 7C as the process of steps S12 to S16. Therefore, the calculation unit 25 saves, for example, the data of the parameter table shown in FIG. 7C in the storage unit 22.

[0065] Then, the calculation unit 25 determines whether or not the search process is completed for all the rest intervals determined in step S21 (step S24). In this example, the calculation unit 25 determines whether or not the search process is completed for all the cases where the rest interval is 10 minutes, 15 minutes, and 20 minutes.

[0066] If the calculation unit 25 determines that the search process has not been completed for all the rest intervals determined in step S21 (No in step S24), the calculation unit 25 proceeds to step S22. In this case, in step S22, the calculation unit 25 selects one rest interval for which the search process has not been performed, and executes the processes from step S12 to step S16. For example, the calculation unit 25 executes the processes from step S12 to step S16 when the rest interval is "15 minutes."

[0067] After performing the processes of steps S12 to S16 for the case where the rest interval is "15 minutes", the calculation unit 25 stores the process for the case where the rest interval is "15 minutes" (step S23). Then, the calculation unit 25 determines whether the search process has been completed for all the rest intervals acquired in step S21 (step S24).

[0068] In this example, the calculation unit 25 determines that the search process has not been completed for all the rest intervals determined in step S21 (No in step S24), and proceeds to step S22. Then, in step S22, the calculation unit 25 selects one rest interval for which the search process has not been performed, i.e., "20 minutes," as the rest interval, and executes the processes from step S12 to step S16.

[0069] Similarly, for the case where the rest interval is "20 minutes", the calculation unit 25 executes the processes of steps S12 to S16, and then stores the process for the case where the rest interval is "20 minutes" (step S23). Then, the calculation unit 25 determines whether the search process is completed for all the rest intervals acquired in step S21 (step S24).

[0070] If it is determined that the search process has been completed for all the rest intervals acquired in step S21 (Yes in step S24), the calculation unit 25 generates movement information based on the process up to this point (step S17).

[0071] 10 is a parameter table showing the process of the search process by the control unit 21 of the server device 20, specifically, the parameter table when the search process is completed for all rest intervals acquired in step S21. As shown in FIG. 10, in the second embodiment, as the process, information such as the waypoint and the disembarking time is recorded for each of the cases where the rest interval is 10 minutes, 15 minutes, and 20 minutes. The calculation unit 25 generates travel information by referring to the parameter table shown in FIG. 10, for example.

[0072] The control unit 21 transmits the travel information generated in step S17 to the terminal device 10 via the display control unit 28. The terminal device 10 displays the received travel information on the display unit 14. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a travel information display screen in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, travel information for three cases in which the search process was performed and the rest intervals are 10 minutes, 15 minutes, and 20 minutes is displayed as route 1, route 2, and route 3, respectively. The user can refer to the three routes and travel along the route of their choice.

[0073] In the second embodiment, a case where a rest time is input as rest information and movement information is calculated using the rest interval of the user data has been described. However, the second embodiment can also be applied to a case where a rest interval is input as rest information and movement information is calculated using the rest time of the user data.

[0074] [Third embodiment] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a search process executed in the third embodiment. The flow in Fig. 12 is executed, for example, by the control unit 21 of the server device 20. In the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the user inputs search conditions to the terminal device 10 when calculating travel information. In the third embodiment, the user inputs rest times and rest points as rest information, which is a search condition.

[0075] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a search condition input screen in the third embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the user inputs a departure point, a destination point, a departure time, and rest information as search conditions. The rest information here is rest points and rest times. The user can input one or more rest points. In the example shown in FIG. 13, stations C and D are input as rest points. When the user inputs this information and performs an operation to select the search button, the terminal device 10 transmits the input search conditions to the server device 20.

[0076] In the search process, the control unit 21 receives input of search conditions via the input receiving unit 24 (step S11). Here, the server device 20 receives the departure point, destination point, departure time, and rest information. The rest information includes rest times and rest locations.

[0077] Next, the control unit 21 acquires the waypoint and the disembarking time by the calculation unit 25 (step S14). In this embodiment, the waypoint is the rest point closest to the departure point. The calculation unit 25 refers to the rest points acquired in step S11 and the operation schedule stored in the memory unit 22, identifies the rest point closest to the departure point among the rest points, and determines the rest point as the waypoint, thereby acquiring the waypoint. The calculation unit 25 also acquires the disembarking time at the waypoint by referring to the operation schedule stored in the memory unit 22. In this case, the calculation unit 25 records the acquired disembarking time, for example, as shown in the parameter table of FIG. 14A.

[0078] Then, the calculation unit 25 acquires the boarding time from the midpoint after the rest period has elapsed (step S15). The details of step S15 are the same as those in the first embodiment. In this case, the calculation unit 25 records the acquired boarding time, for example, as shown in the parameter table of FIG. 14A.

[0079] The calculation unit 25 determines whether or not processing has been completed for all rest points (step S31). For example, the calculation unit 25 determines whether or not the disembarking times and boarding times have been acquired for all rest points acquired as search conditions in the search process. As an example, the calculation unit 25 can determine whether or not processing has been completed for all rest points based on whether or not there are any entries for the rest points remaining in the "remaining rest points" column in the parameter table shown in FIG. 14A, for example. If there are any entries for the rest points remaining in the "remaining rest points" column in the parameter table as shown in FIG. 14A, for example, the calculation unit 25 determines that processing has not been completed for all rest points (No in step S31).

[0080] If the calculation unit 25 determines that processing has not been completed for all rest points (No in step S31), the calculation unit 25 proceeds to step S14. In this case, the calculation unit 25 executes processing by regarding the intermediate point as a new departure point. That is, the calculation unit 25 identifies the intermediate point that is closest to the new departure point among the rest points, and determines the intermediate point as the intermediate point, thereby acquiring the intermediate point. Furthermore, the calculation unit 25 acquires the disembarking time at the intermediate point by referring to the operation schedule. Next, the calculation unit 25 acquires the boarding time at the intermediate point (step S15).

[0081] 14B, for example, when there are no rest points remaining in the "remaining rest points" column of the parameter table, the calculation unit 25 determines that processing for all rest points has been completed (Yes in step S31). In the example shown in FIG. 14B, when there are no rest points remaining in the "remaining rest points" column of the parameter table, the case where there are no rest points remaining in the "remaining rest points" column is when data "none" indicating that there are no remaining rest points is recorded in the "remaining rest points" column.

[0082] When the calculation unit 25 determines that the processing has been completed for all rest points (Yes in step S31), it acquires the travel time from the midpoint to the destination point (step S16). Then, the calculation unit 25 generates travel information based on the processing steps up to this point (step S17). The specific processing in steps S16 and S17 is the same as in the first embodiment. For example, when a parameter table is used in the processing steps, the calculation unit 25 may generate travel information by referring to the parameter table shown in FIG. 14B, which is the final parameter table.

[0083] The control unit 21 causes the display control unit 28 to transmit the movement information generated in step S17 to the terminal device 10. The terminal device 10 displays the received movement information on the display unit 14. The terminal device 10 displays, for example, a display screen shown in FIG.

[0084] In this way, in the third embodiment, the user can specify a rest point. For example, if the user wants to take a rest at an intermediate point between the departure point and the destination and also do other business such as shopping, the user can specify the place where the business can be done as the rest point, and search for a route to take a rest at the specified rest point.

[0085] [Fourth embodiment] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a search process executed in the fourth embodiment. The flow in Fig. 15 is executed, for example, by the control unit 21 of the server device 20. In this embodiment, the storage unit 22 of the server device 20 stores operation schedules of transportation facilities and user data.

[0086] In the fourth embodiment, the user also inputs search conditions into the terminal device 10 to calculate travel information. However, in the fourth embodiment, the user inputs both rest times and rest intervals as rest information in the search conditions. Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the user inputs a desired arrival time, which is the time the user wishes to arrive at the destination, and a priority indicating the priority of the input items. In this example, the user inputs priorities regarding rest times, rest intervals, and desired arrival times as priorities. For example, the priority can be expressed by the priority of rest times, rest intervals, and desired arrival times.

[0087] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a search condition input screen in the fourth embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 16, the user inputs the departure point, destination point, departure time, desired arrival time, rest information, and priority as search conditions. The rest information here is rest duration and rest interval. In the example shown in FIG. 16, 12:45 is input as the desired arrival time. In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 16, the priority is indicated by an inequality sign. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 16, the desired arrival time is input with the highest priority, the rest duration is input with the next lowest priority, and the rest interval is input with the lowest priority. When the user inputs this information and performs an operation to select the search button, the terminal device 10 transmits the input search conditions to the server device 20.

[0088] In the search process, the control unit 21 receives input of search conditions via the input receiving unit 24 (step S11). Here, the server device 20 receives the departure point, destination point, departure time, desired arrival time, rest information, and priority.

[0089] Next, the calculation unit 25 executes steps S12 to S16. The specific processes of steps S12 to S16 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0090] In step S13, if the calculation unit 25 determines that the ride time is equal to or less than the rest interval (Yes in step S13), the determination unit 27 determines whether or not the desired arrival time is the highest priority (step S41). Specifically, the determination unit 27 determines whether or not the desired arrival time is the highest priority by referring to the priority included in the search conditions input and accepted in step S11.

[0091] If the determination unit 27 determines that the desired arrival time is not the highest priority (No in step S41), the calculation unit 25 generates travel information based on the processing steps from step S12 to step S16 (step S17). If the desired arrival time is not the highest priority, the rest time and rest interval input by the user are given priority, but in steps S12 to S16, the processing is performed based on the rest time and rest interval input by the user, and therefore the conditions for the rest time and rest interval desired by the user are met.

[0092] On the other hand, if it is determined that the desired arrival time is the highest priority (Yes in step S41), the determination unit 27 determines whether the arrival time at the destination calculated in the processing of steps S12 to S16 is before the desired arrival time included in the search conditions input and accepted in step S11 (step S42). In this example, since the priority is set with respect to the break time, the break interval, and the desired arrival time, the case where the desired arrival time is not the highest priority corresponds to the case where the break time or the break interval has the highest priority.

[0093] For example, as shown in FIG. 16, when the priority of the break time is set to be the highest, the determination unit 27 determines that the desired arrival time is not the highest priority. In this case, the determination unit 27 compares the calculated arrival time at the destination with the desired arrival time. For example, when the determination unit 27 generates the parameter table shown in FIG. 7C by the processes of steps S12 to S16, the arrival time at station B, which is the destination, is 12:52. Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 16, 12:45 is input as the desired arrival time. Therefore, in this example, the determination unit 27 determines whether the calculated arrival time of 12:52 is before the desired arrival time of 12:45.

[0094] If the determination unit 27 determines that the arrival time at the destination point is before the desired arrival time (Yes in step S42), the calculation unit 25 generates travel information based on the processing of steps S12 to S16 (step S17). This is because if the arrival time is before the desired arrival time, the condition of the desired arrival time, which is the highest priority, is satisfied.

[0095] On the other hand, if the determination unit 27 determines that the arrival time at the destination point is not before the desired arrival time (No in step S42), the condition of the desired arrival time, which has the highest priority, is not satisfied. Therefore, the calculation unit 25 needs to change other conditions and calculate the travel information. In this example, the other conditions that can be changed are the rest time and the rest interval. That is, the calculation unit 25 changes the condition with the lower priority out of the rest time and the rest interval, and recalculates the travel information using the changed condition.

[0096] The determination unit 27 compares the priority of the rest time with the priority of the rest interval in order to determine which of the rest time and the rest interval conditions should be changed. For example, the determination unit 27 determines whether the priority of the rest time is higher than the priority of the rest interval (step S43).

[0097] In this example, the calculated arrival time is 12:52 and the desired arrival time is 12:45, so the arrival time at the destination is not before the desired arrival time. Therefore, in this case, the determination unit 27 determines whether the priority of the break time is higher than the priority of the break interval. In the example shown in FIG. 16, the priority of the break time is set higher than the priority of the break interval. Therefore, in this case, the determination unit 27 determines that the priority of the break time is higher than the priority of the break interval.

[0098] If the determination unit 27 determines that the priority of the rest time is higher than the priority of the rest interval (Yes in step S43), the calculation unit 25 changes the condition of the rest interval. When changing the condition of the rest interval, the calculation unit 25 lengthens the rest interval from the rest interval used in the processes of steps S12 to S16 (step S44). In other words, if the priority of the rest time is higher than the priority of the rest interval, the calculation unit 25 does not change the rest time but changes the rest interval. This is because lengthening the rest interval can reduce the number of breaks during travel and shorten the arrival time at the destination. The extent to which the rest interval should be lengthened may be determined by an appropriate method. For example, the calculation unit 25 may lengthen the rest interval by a predetermined amount or a predetermined percentage. Alternatively, the calculation unit 25 may lengthen the rest time by referring to user data. In this case, the calculation unit 25 may use user data in a manner similar to that described in the second embodiment, for example. As an example, the calculation unit 25 can lengthen the rest interval by changing the rest interval to a rest interval that is longer than the rest interval and is one higher in the history of rest intervals stored in the user data.

[0099] After lengthening the rest interval in step S43, the calculation unit 25 proceeds to step S13 and executes the processes of steps S13 to S16. In this case, the calculation unit 25 executes the processes using the rest interval changed in step S44 as the rest interval. For example, in step S13, the calculation unit 25 determines whether the ride time is equal to or shorter than the changed rest interval. In this way, the calculation unit 25 executes the search process based on the changed rest interval through the processes of steps S13 to S16. When the search process is completed by determining Yes in step S13, the determination unit 27 again determines whether the arrival time is before the desired arrival time in step S42. If the determination unit 27 determines that the arrival time is not before the desired arrival time, the determination unit 27 again lengthens the rest interval in step S44 and proceeds to step S13. The control unit 21 repeats this loop until it determines in step S42 that the arrival time is before the desired arrival time.

[0100] 17A is a parameter table showing the process of search processing by the control unit 21 of the server device 20 when the priority of the rest time is higher than the priority of the rest interval. By changing the rest interval and performing processing using the method described above, the control unit 21 can obtain a parameter table such as that shown in FIG. 17A, in which the arrival time is before the desired arrival time.

[0101] On the other hand, if the determination unit 27 determines that the priority of the rest time is lower than the priority of the rest interval (No in step S43), the calculation unit 25 changes the conditions for the rest time. When changing the conditions for the rest time, the calculation unit 25 shortens the rest time from the rest time used in the processes of steps S12 to S16 (step S45). In other words, if the priority of the rest interval is higher than the priority of the rest time, the rest interval is not changed, but the rest time is changed. This is because shortening the rest time reduces the time required for resting during travel and can shorten the time to arrive at the destination. The extent to which the rest time is shortened may be determined by any appropriate method, and may be determined by the same method as that for lengthening the rest interval described above, for example.

[0102] After shortening the break time in step S45, the calculation unit 25 proceeds to step S13 and executes the processes from step S13 to step S16. In this case, the calculation unit 25 executes the process using the break time changed in step S45 as the break time. For example, in step S15, the calculation unit 25 acquires the boarding time at the midpoint after the changed break time has elapsed. In this way, the calculation unit 25 executes the search process based on the changed break time through the processes from step S13 to step S16. When the search process is completed by determining Yes in step S13, the determination unit 27 again determines in step S42 whether the arrival time is before the desired arrival time. If the determination unit 27 determines that the arrival time is not before the desired arrival time, the determination unit 27 shortens the break time again in step S45 and proceeds to step S13. The control unit 21 repeats this loop until it determines in step S42 that the arrival time is before the desired arrival time.

[0103] 17B is a parameter table showing the process of search processing by the control unit 21 of the server device 20 when the priority of the rest interval is higher than the priority of the rest time. By changing the rest time and performing processing using the method described above, the control unit 21 can obtain a parameter table in which the arrival time is before the desired arrival time, for example, as shown in FIG. 17B.

[0104] The control unit 21 causes the display control unit 28 to transmit the movement information generated in step S17 to the terminal device 10. In the present embodiment, for example, a parameter table shown in FIG. 7C, FIG. 17A, or FIG. 17B is generated according to the priority, and movement information is generated based on the parameter table and transmitted to the terminal device 10. The terminal device 10 displays the received movement information on the display unit 14.

[0105] In this way, in the fourth embodiment, travel information that satisfies as many of the conditions desired by the user as possible can be calculated according to the priority set by the user.

[0106] [Variations] In the above embodiment, the case where the server device 20 that communicates with the terminal device 10 performs the search process has been described. However, the search process does not necessarily have to be performed by the server device 20. For example, the terminal device 10 may perform the search process. For example, a train schedule may be stored in the server device 20, and the terminal device 10 may perform information communication with the server device 20 to acquire necessary data included in the train schedule from the server device 20, thereby allowing the terminal device 10 itself to perform the search process described in the first to fourth embodiments. The necessary data may include, for example, route map information and diagrams of departure points and / or intermediate points. In this case, for example, dedicated software (application) for performing the search process is installed in the terminal device 10, and the terminal device 10 can perform the search process using the software.

[0107] Alternatively, the information processing system 1 may not include the server device 20. In this case, the information processing system 1 is configured by a terminal device 10. The terminal device 10 stores an operation schedule in a storage unit 12. The terminal device 10 refers to the operation schedule stored in the storage unit 12 and executes the search processing described in the first to fourth embodiments.

[0108] Although the present disclosure has been described based on the drawings and embodiments, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various modifications and alterations based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, functions included in each functional unit or step can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and multiple functional units or steps can be combined or divided into one. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1. Information Processing Systems 10 Terminal Equipment 11,21 Control unit 12,22 Storage section 13,23 Communications Department 14 Display section 15 Input section 20 Server device 24 Input reception section 25 Calculation section 26 Break Information Decision Unit 27 Judgment section 28 Display control unit

Claims

1. an input receiving unit that receives input of a departure point, a destination point, a departure time, and rest information including at least one of a rest period and a rest interval; a calculation unit that uses an operation schedule of a transportation facility to get on and off the transportation facility at an intermediate point located between the departure point and the destination point that satisfies the rest information, and calculates travel information including a travel route and a travel time from departing from the departure point at the departure time to arriving at the destination point; An information processing device comprising:

2. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the input receiving unit receives input of both the rest time and the rest interval as the rest information.

3. the input receiving unit receives an input of either the rest time or the rest interval as the rest information; a rest information determination unit that determines one of the rest time and the rest interval different from the other based on user data that accumulates a history of past rest information by one or more users; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. 4. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the calculation unit determines, as the intermediate point, one point among one or more points located between the departure point and the destination point, at which the continuous time spent riding the transportation means is equal to or less than the rest interval.

5. the input receiving unit receives input of the rest time and the rest point as the rest information; The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the calculation unit uses the operation schedule to calculate the travel information from boarding and disembarking the transportation means at the rest points, departing from the departure point at the departure time, to arriving at the destination point.

6. the input receiving unit receives input of both the rest time and the rest interval as the rest information, a desired arrival time, and priorities for the rest time, the rest interval, and the desired arrival time; a determination unit that determines whether or not the arrival time at the destination point indicated by the calculated movement information is before the desired arrival time; When the arrival time is not before the desired arrival time, the calculation unit changes the condition with the lower priority among the rest time and the rest interval, and re-calculates the movement information using the changed condition. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

7. The information processing device according to claim 6 , wherein the calculation unit shortens the rest time when changing the condition of the rest time, and lengthens the rest interval when changing the condition of the rest interval.

8. The information processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising a display control unit that displays the calculated movement information on a display screen.

9. An information processing method executed by an information processing device, Accepting input of a departure point, a destination point, a departure time, and rest information including at least one of a rest period and a rest interval; using an operation schedule of a transportation facility, getting on and off the transportation facility at an intermediate point located between the departure point and the destination point that satisfies the rest information, and calculating travel information including a travel route and travel time from the departure point at the departure time to the destination point; Information processing methods.

Images