Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To improve user convenience when using route search results. [Solution] The information processing device according to the present invention includes: a route search unit that performs a route search in response to user operations based on route information relating to a route; a determination unit that determines whether or not a special ticket separate from a regular ticket exists for a target vehicle traveling along the route included in the result of the route search; and a display control unit that, if the determination unit determines that a special ticket relating to the target vehicle exists, displays a special ticket icon relating to the reservation or purchase of the special ticket along with the result of the route search on the display unit of the terminal device, and if the determination unit determines that a special ticket relating to the target vehicle does not exist, displays the result of the route search without displaying the special ticket icon.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a technology for providing information on a route to a destination corresponding to conditions specified by a user. For example, a technology for predicting the congestion status of a route based on information indicating a search history of a route to a destination searched by a terminal device has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to improve user convenience when using route search results. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of information processing according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of display by a route search application according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of display by a route search application according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of display by a route search application according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the system configuration of an information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the configuration of the provided device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing procedure performed by the provided device according to this embodiment. [Figure 9]Figure 9 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of the device according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes in detail, with reference to the drawings, the embodiments for implementing the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program according to the present application (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments"). Note that these embodiments do not limit the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program according to the present application. Furthermore, each embodiment can be appropriately combined as long as the processing content is not inconsistent. Also, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in each of the following embodiments, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] [Embodiment] [1. An example of information processing] Hereinafter, an example of information processing according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of information processing according to the embodiment.

[0011] The information processing according to this embodiment is realized by an information processing system SYS (see, for example, Figure 5) which includes a terminal device 10 shown in Figure 1 and a providing device 100 shown in Figure 1. The terminal device 10 and the providing device 100 are connected to a network N (see, for example, Figure 5) by wired or wireless means, respectively. The terminal device 10 and the providing device 100 can communicate with other devices through the network N.

[0012] The terminal device 10 shown in Figure 1 has a route search application (hereinafter referred to as "route search application AP") pre-installed, which is equipped with various functions for using the route search service. The terminal device 10 starts the route search application AP in response to user U's operation. The terminal device 10 also sends a route search request to the service provider 100 in response to user U's operation on the route search application AP. The route search request contains information on search conditions for searching for a route.

[0013] When the providing device 100 receives a route search request from the terminal device 10, it executes a route search process according to the search conditions included in the received route search request. As a result of the route search, the providing device 100 identifies a route RT and a vehicle (target vehicle TT) that satisfy the search conditions. In addition, the providing device 100 executes a determination process to determine whether there is a special ticket other than the fare ticket for the target vehicle TT traveling on the route RT included in the result of the route search. Then, the providing device 100 transmits the result of the route search and the result of the determination to the terminal device 10.

[0014] The special ticket is, for example, a ticket that is essential for boarding the target vehicle TT (e.g., a limited express ticket for a limited express train, etc.). Also, the special ticket may be, for example, a ticket for reserving a seat on the target vehicle TT and is not essential for boarding the target vehicle TT (e.g., a reserved seat ticket, etc.).

[0015] In addition, when the providing device 100 determines in the determination process that there is a special ticket for the target vehicle TT, it may further determine whether the seat corresponding to the special ticket on the target vehicle TT is full and include it in the above-mentioned determination result and transmit it to the terminal device 10. The determination of whether the seat corresponding to the special ticket on the target vehicle TT is full is performed, for example, by obtaining information on the seat corresponding to the special ticket from an external device 30 (FIG. 5) described later.

[0016] The providing device 100 transmits the result of the route search and the result of the determination to the terminal device 10, and causes the result of the route search to be displayed as a result display screen RW of the route search application AP on the display unit of the terminal device 10.

[0017] The result of the route search on the result display screen RW shown in FIG. 1 includes route information regarding the route RT and vehicle information regarding the target vehicle TT traveling on the route RT. The route information includes, for example, the departure station name, the arrival station name, the route name, the departure time, and the arrival time. Further, when there is a transit station on the route RT included in the result of the route search, the route information may include the transit station name. The vehicle information includes, for example, the name of the target vehicle TT traveling on the route RT. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the route information may include information regarding the weather at the departure station, the transit station, and the arrival station, and the vehicle information may include the name of the operating company of the target vehicle TT and the number of the departure / arrival platform of the target vehicle TT.

[0018] Also, when the providing device 100 determines in the determination process that there is a special ticket regarding the target vehicle TT, the providing device 100 causes the result display screen RW to display a special ticket icon CI regarding reservation or purchase of the special ticket together with the result of the route search. On the other hand, when the providing device 100 determines in the determination process that there is no special ticket regarding the target vehicle TT, the providing device 100 displays the result of the route search as the result display screen RW without displaying the special ticket icon CI. On the result display screen RW shown in FIG. 1, a logo mark LG representing an enterprise or the like operating the target vehicle TT traveling on the route RT is displayed together with the special ticket icon CI. Note that when the providing device 100 determines in the determination process that there is a special ticket regarding the target vehicle TT and determines that the seat corresponding to the special ticket on the target vehicle TT is full, the providing device 100 does not necessarily need to display the special ticket icon CI corresponding to the full special ticket on the result display screen RW.

[0019] When there is a special ticket regarding the target vehicle TT, the user U can reserve or purchase the special ticket of the target vehicle TT by selecting the special ticket icon CI displayed on the result display screen RW. Thereby, the information processing system SYS can improve the convenience of the user U when using the result of the route search.

[0020] The following describes other display examples using the route search application AP, with reference to Figures 2 to 4. Figures 2 to 4 are diagrams illustrating other display examples using the route search application AP according to the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 shows the result display screen RW for a target vehicle TT traveling along route RT included in the route search results, when express tickets and reserved seat tickets exist. In the example in Figure 2, the service provider 100 displays a special ticket icon CI1 for reserving an express ticket, which is a special ticket for the target vehicle TT, on the result display screen RW. In addition, in the example in Figure 2, the service provider 100 displays a logo mark LG representing the target vehicle TT traveling along route RT on the result display screen RW along with the special ticket icon CI1. The special ticket icon CI1 also indicates the type of special ticket (express ticket). The service provider 100 also displays a special ticket icon CI2 for reserving a reserved seat ticket for the target vehicle TT traveling along route RT on the result display screen RW. The special ticket icon CI2 indicates the type of special ticket (reserved seat ticket) along with the price of the reserved seat ticket.

[0022] When user U selects a special ticket icon CI, the providing device 100 transmits information about the target vehicle TT corresponding to the selected special ticket icon CI (name of the target vehicle TT, route name of the route the target vehicle TT travels, departure station of the target vehicle TT, arrival station of the target vehicle TT, departure and arrival times, etc.) to an external device 30 (see Figure 5) that operates an EC (Electronic Commerce) site where special tickets can be reserved or purchased, causing the webpage on the EC site where special tickets can be reserved or purchased to be displayed on the display unit of the terminal device 10. At this time, the providing device 100 may, for example, display on the display unit of the terminal device 10 a webpage where multiple special tickets (for example, express train tickets and reserved seat tickets) or regular train tickets can be purchased together.

[0023] Furthermore, the providing device 100 may display a logo mark LG on the results display screen RW in a manner that allows the user U to identify the target vehicle TT, as shown in Figures 3(a) to (c). In the examples in Figures 3(a) to (c), a logo mark is shown that includes an image of the target vehicle TT and the name of the target vehicle TT.

[0024] Furthermore, if the route RT included in the route search results consists of multiple sub-routes RT1 and RT2 (see Figure 4), the providing device 100 may determine whether or not a special ticket exists for each sub-routes RT1 and RT2 related to the target vehicle TT. In this case, the providing device 100 displays the target vehicle TT (TT1, TT2) for each sub-routes RT1 and RT2 on the result display screen RW. Also, if a special ticket exists for these target vehicle TTs, the providing device 100 displays the special ticket icon CI (CI1, CI2, CI3) for each sub-routes RT1 and RT2 on the result display screen RW (see Figure 4). Here, "sub-routes" refers to parts of the route RT that have different route names, or parts that are traveled by different target vehicle TTs.

[0025] As shown in Figure 4, if user U selects the special ticket icon CI2 for reserving a seat reservation ticket on partial route RT1 on the results display screen RW, the providing device 100 may display the seat reservation screen RW0 for a different target vehicle TT3 (special train C, which can be boarded with only a regular ticket) from the target vehicle TT1 (special train A), which requires an express ticket to board.

[0026] In the example in Figure 4, the reservation screen RW0 displays special ticket information related to the special ticket corresponding to the selected special ticket icon CI2. The special ticket information includes, for example, reservation / purchase information regarding the reservation or purchase of the selected special ticket, and vehicle information regarding the target vehicle TT3 corresponding to the selected special ticket. The reservation / purchase information displays the type of special ticket (seat reservation ticket) and the price of the special ticket (seat reservation ticket price (special price)). The vehicle information displays, for example, the departure station, arrival station, ticket price (fare), and departure / arrival times of the target vehicle TT3 (special train C). In the example in Figure 4, the service provider 100 displays the special ticket icon CI4 related to the reservation of a seat reservation on the reservation screen RW0. If user U selects the special ticket icon CI4, the service provider 100 displays the web page of the EC site where the corresponding special ticket can be reserved on the display unit of the terminal device 10.

[0027] Furthermore, if, for example, user U selects a special ticket icon CI and purchases a special ticket on the web, the providing device 100 may obtain information (reservation / purchase ticket information) regarding the special ticket purchased by user U from the external device 30 (see Figure 5), and based on this information, display the special ticket as an electronic ticket (electronic ticket) such as a two-dimensional barcode on the display unit of the terminal device 10.

[0028] Furthermore, the providing device 100 may generate a My Page for each user U by linking and managing the reserved / purchased ticket information with the user U's user ID (identification), etc. This allows user U to manage the tickets they have reserved or purchased on their My Page.

[0029] Furthermore, the providing device 100 may control the display, hiding, or deactivation (displaying the special ticket icon CI in a manner that does not link to the EC site) of the special ticket icon CI depending on the operating hours of the EC site and the sales hours of special tickets on the EC site. In other words, if the providing device 100 determines that a special ticket for the target vehicle TT exists and the EC site is operational, it may display the special ticket icon CI that redirects to the EC site, and if the EC site is not operational (during maintenance hours or outside of special ticket sales hours), it may hide or deactivate the special ticket icon CI.

[0030] [2. System Configuration] The configuration of the information processing system SYS according to the embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the information processing system SYS according to the embodiment.

[0031] As shown in Figure 5, the information processing system SYS according to this embodiment includes a terminal device 10, an external device 30, and a service provider 100. The terminal device 10, the external device 30, and the service provider 100 are connected via a network N so as to be able to communicate by wire or wireless. Each of the terminal device 10, the external device 30, and the service provider 100 can communicate with other devices via the network N.

[0032] Network N includes, for example, WANs (Wide Area Networks) such as the Internet, and mobile communication networks such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), or 5G (5th Generation: 5th Generation Mobile Communication System).

[0033] Terminal device 10 is an information processing terminal used by users receiving services from service provider 100. Examples of terminal devices 10 include smartphones, tablet devices, notebook PCs (Personal Computers), desktop PCs, mobile phones, and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants). Furthermore, terminal device 10 is assumed to have an application AP (Application Programming Device) compatible with service provider 100 pre-installed.

[0034] For example, terminal device 10 accesses the service provider 100 in accordance with the control of application AP, receives the results corresponding to the access from the service provider 100, and displays them. For example, terminal device 10 displays the route search results corresponding to the search conditions entered by the user (information on the route RT that satisfies the search conditions and the target vehicle TT that travels on said route RT) in accordance with the control of application AP. Also, terminal device 10 displays a special ticket icon CI related to the reservation or purchase of a special ticket if a special ticket exists for the target vehicle TT that travels on said route RT, in accordance with the control of application AP.

[0035] The terminal device 10 connects to the network N via a mobile communication network, Bluetooth®, or wireless LAN (Local Area Network), and can communicate with other devices such as external devices 30 and providing devices 100 through the network N.

[0036] User U operates the terminal device 10 to launch the route search application AP and uses the various functions installed in the route search application AP to utilize the route search service. Alternatively, User U can also use the route search service website, which can be displayed via a web browser.

[0037] Furthermore, the terminal device 10 can display content provided by the service provider 100, for example, using a route search application AP or a web browser. When the terminal device 10 receives control information for displaying information from an external device 30 or the service provider 100, it performs the display processing according to the control information.

[0038] Control information is described using, for example, scripting languages ​​such as JavaScript (registered trademark), stylesheet languages ​​such as CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), programming languages ​​such as Java (registered trademark), or markup languages ​​such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language). Alternatively, a predetermined application distributed from an external device 30 or a providing device 100 may be considered as control information.

[0039] External device 30 is operated and managed by a service provider that provides services related to the reservation or purchase of tickets (train tickets and special tickets). Typically, external device 30 is a server device that operates an e-commerce site where tickets can be reserved or purchased, but it may also be implemented as a mainframe or workstation. Furthermore, if external device 30 is implemented as a server device, it may be implemented as a single server device, or as a cloud system in which multiple server devices and multiple storage devices work together.

[0040] The service provider 100 is operated and managed by a service provider that provides route search services. The service provider 100 is typically a server device, but may also be implemented as a mainframe or workstation. Furthermore, if the service provider 100 is implemented as a server device, it may be implemented as a single server device, or as a cloud system in which multiple server devices and multiple storage devices work together. The service provider that manages the external device 30 and the service provider that manages the service provider 100 may be the same or different.

[0041] [3. Device configuration of terminal device 10] Hereinafter, an example of the functional configuration of the terminal device 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the terminal device 10 according to the embodiment has a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13.

[0042] (Communications Section 11) The communication unit 11 is implemented, for example, by a communication module or a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 11 is connected to the network N by wire or wireless connection. The terminal device 10 transmits and receives information with other devices such as the service provider 100 via the network N.

[0043] (Storage unit 12) The storage unit 12 stores, for example, programs and data used for control and calculations by the control unit 13. For example, the storage unit 12 can be implemented using semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or flash memory, or storage devices such as hard disks or optical discs. For example, the storage unit 12 has a user information storage unit 12a and an application storage unit 12b. Note that the storage unit 12 is not particularly limited to the example shown in Figure 6, and can appropriately store data necessary for executing the information processing according to the embodiment.

[0044] (User information storage unit 12a) The user information storage unit 12a stores user information about service users (for example, user U shown in Figure 1) who use various online services such as route search services.

[0045] The user information stored in the user information storage unit 12a has multiple fields, such as "User ID," "Reservation / Purchase Ticket Information," and "Ticket History Information." These fields of user information are interconnected.

[0046] The "User ID" field stores identification information used to identify service users who use various online services such as route search services. The "Reservation / Purchase Ticket Information" field stores information about available tickets (train tickets and special tickets) that user U has reserved or purchased. The "Ticket History Information" field stores history information about used (or cancelled) tickets that user U has reserved or purchased in the past.

[0047] For example, the terminal device 10 (display processing unit 13c, described later) may automatically input search conditions in the route search application AP based on the history information stored in the "ticket history information" item. Alternatively, the terminal device 10 (display processing unit 13c, described later) may display an electronic ticket (electronic ticket) such as a two-dimensional barcode on the display unit based on the information about tickets available to user U stored in the "reserved / purchased ticket information" item.

[0048] (Application storage unit 12b) The application storage unit 12b stores information about various applications, such as the route search application AP, that are installed on the terminal device 10.

[0049] (Control Unit 13) The control unit 13 is a controller, and is realized by the execution of various programs (for example, a route search application (an example of an information processing program)) stored in the internal memory of the terminal device 10 by the CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit), using RAM as the working area.

[0050] Furthermore, the control unit 13 may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a GPGPU (General Purpose Graphic Processing Unit).

[0051] As shown in Figure 7, the control unit 13 includes a search condition receiving unit 13a, a search request unit 13b, and a display processing unit 13c. These units realize or execute the information processing functions and operations described below.

[0052] The control unit 13 may have multiple internally divided components that realize or execute the functions and operations of the information processing described below. Furthermore, the control unit 13 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 6, and may have other configurations as long as they perform the information processing described later, and may have other functional units other than those shown in Figure 6.

[0053] (Search criteria reception section 13a) The search condition receiving unit 13a receives information indicating route search conditions from the service user (for example, user U shown in Figure 1) via the route search application AP.

[0054] (Search request unit 13b) The search request unit 13b transmits a route search request based on the search conditions received by the search condition reception unit 13a to the service provider 100 via the communication unit 11.

[0055] (Display processing unit 13c) The display processing unit 13c displays the route search results of the route search application AP, which provides various route search functions, in response to the operation of the service user (for example, user U shown in Figure 1). The route search results are provided by the service provider 100 along with the result of determining whether or not a special ticket exists. If a special ticket exists for the target vehicle TT traveling along the route RT included in the route search results, the display processing unit 13c displays the special ticket icon CI on the display unit along with the route search results. On the other hand, if a special ticket does not exist for the target vehicle TT, the display processing unit 13c displays the route search results without displaying the special ticket icon CI on the display unit.

[0056] [4. Device configuration of the provided device 100] Hereinafter, an example of the functional configuration of the supplying device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the supplying device 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the supplying device 100 according to the embodiment has a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0057] (Regarding Communications Unit 110) The communication unit 110 is implemented, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 110 is connected to the network N by wire or wireless connection and performs information transmission and reception, for example, between the terminal device 10 and the external device 30.

[0058] (Regarding memory unit 120) The storage unit 120 is implemented by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or optical disc. The storage unit 120 includes a timetable information storage unit 121 and a ticket storage unit 122.

[0059] (Regarding the timetable information storage unit 121) The timetable information storage unit 121 stores information related to timetables. For example, the timetable information storage unit 121 stores, for each station included in the route, the estimated arrival time and the type of train that will arrive at that estimated arrival time, in association with each other. For example, the timetable information storage unit 121 has items such as "route ID," "route name," and "timetable information."

[0060] "Route ID" indicates identification information that identifies a route. "Route Name" indicates the name of the route identified by the corresponding "Route ID". "Timetable Information" is a timetable that associates the scheduled arrival time with the type of train arriving at each station on the route identified by the corresponding "Route ID".

[0061] (Regarding ticket memory unit 122) The ticket storage unit 122 stores information related to special tickets. For example, the ticket storage unit 122 stores a ticket table as information related to special tickets, which associates a vehicle with the name of the route on which the vehicle travels. In addition to information related to special tickets, the ticket storage unit 122 may also store information related to regular tickets (fare tickets), associating them with a vehicle with the name of the route on which the vehicle travels.

[0062] (Regarding the control unit 130) The control unit 130 is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit), which executes various programs stored in the internal memory of the supply device 100 using RAM as the working area. Alternatively, the control unit 130 can be implemented using an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0063] As shown in Figure 7, the control unit 130 includes a receiving unit 131, a route search unit 132, a determination unit 133, a display control unit 134, and a distribution unit 135, and realizes or executes the information processing functions and operations described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 7, and other configurations are also possible as long as they perform the information processing described later. Also, the connection relationships of the various processing units in the control unit 130 are not limited to the connection relationships shown in Figure 7, and other connection relationships are also possible.

[0064] (Regarding the receiving unit 131) The receiving unit 131 receives various types of information. For example, the receiving unit 131 receives search conditions for route searching from the terminal device 10. For example, the receiving unit 131 receives search conditions specifying the departure station, arrival station, and time. The receiving unit 131 also outputs the received search conditions to the route search unit 132.

[0065] Furthermore, after user U selects the special ticket icon CI, the receiving unit 131 receives information from the external device 30 regarding whether or not the user U has reserved or purchased a special ticket on the aforementioned e-commerce site. For example, if user U reserves or purchases a special ticket on the e-commerce site, the receiving unit 131 receives information regarding the reserved or purchased special ticket (reservation / purchase ticket information), outputs the received information to the communication unit 110, and has it transmitted to user U's terminal device 10. The transmitted reservation / purchase ticket information is stored in the user information storage unit 12a of the storage unit 12 of the terminal device 10.

[0066] (Regarding the route search unit 132) The route search unit 132 identifies (searches for) information that satisfies the search conditions by performing a search using the search conditions. For example, the route search unit 132 identifies a route that satisfies the search conditions by performing a route search using the search conditions. The route search unit 132 also identifies a vehicle (target vehicle TT) that satisfies the search conditions for each route included in the identified route. In the example in Figure 1, the route search unit 132 identifies the "RR Line" connecting Namba Station and Kansai Airport Station as a route that satisfies the search conditions. The route search unit 132 also identifies "Special Train A" on the RR Line, departing Namba Station at 19:30 and arriving at Kansai Airport Station at 20:10, as a target vehicle that satisfies the search conditions.

[0067] (Regarding the determination unit 133) The determination unit 133 determines whether or not a special ticket exists for the target vehicle TT traveling along the route RT identified by the route search unit 132, in addition to the regular train ticket. For example, the determination unit 133 determines whether or not a special ticket exists for the target vehicle TT traveling along the route RT identified by the route search unit 132, based on the information about special tickets stored in the ticket storage unit 122. The example in Figure 1 shows a case where the determination unit 133 determines, based on the information about special tickets, that a special ticket (express train ticket and reserved seat ticket) exists for the target vehicle TT traveling along the route RT.

[0068] For example, the determination unit 133 determines whether a special ticket exists for a target vehicle TT traveling on a route RT identified by the route search unit 132, based on the ticket table stored in the ticket storage unit 122 (information linking the target vehicle TT and the route (route name, etc.) that the target vehicle TT travels for each special ticket). In this case, if the route RT included in the route search result consists of multiple sub-routes RT1 and RT2, the determination unit 133 may determine whether a special ticket exists for each sub-routes RT1 and RT2. Furthermore, if the determination unit 133 determines that a special ticket exists for a target vehicle TT, it may further determine whether the seat corresponding to that special ticket is full. For example, the determination unit 133 determines whether the seat corresponding to that special ticket is full by obtaining information from an external device 30 via the communication unit 110 and the receiving unit 131.

[0069] (Regarding the display control unit 134) The display control unit 134 displays the route search results from the route search unit 132 on the display unit of the terminal device 10. In the example in Figure 1, the display control unit 134 displays the route RT connecting Namba Station and Kansai Airport Station, along with the target vehicle TT, "Special Train A," which runs on the route RT, on the display unit of the terminal device 10. In addition, in Figure 1, the display control unit 134 displays "Operating Company A," which is the operating company that operates Special Train A, and the route name "RR Line" on the display unit of the terminal device 10.

[0070] If the determination unit 133 determines that a special ticket exists for the target vehicle TT, the display control unit 134 displays a special ticket icon CI related to the reservation or purchase of the special ticket along with the route search results on the display unit of the terminal device 10. In the example shown in Figure 1, the display control unit 134 displays a special ticket icon CI1 that allows the reservation of an express train ticket and a special ticket icon CI2 that allows the reservation of a reserved seat ticket for the target vehicle TT on the display unit of the terminal device 10.

[0071] Furthermore, if the determination unit 133 determines that no special ticket exists for the target vehicle TT, the display control unit 134 displays the route search results on the display unit of the terminal device 10 without displaying the special ticket icon CI.

[0072] Furthermore, if the determination unit 133 determines that a special ticket exists for the target vehicle TT, and the determination unit 133 determines that the seats corresponding to the special ticket in the target vehicle TT are full, the display control unit 134 does not need to display the special ticket icon CI corresponding to the full special ticket on the display unit of the terminal device 10.

[0073] Furthermore, if the route RT included in the route search result consists of multiple sub-routes RT1 and RT2, and the determination unit 133 determines whether or not a special ticket exists for each sub-routes RT1 and RT2, the display control unit 134 displays the target vehicle TT (TT1, TT2) for each sub-routes RT1 and RT2, and if a special ticket exists, it displays a special ticket icon CI for each sub-routes RT1 and RT2.

[0074] In the example shown in Figure 4, the display control unit 134 displays the partial route RT1 between Namba Station and Izumisano Station and the partial route RT2 between Izumisano Station and Kansai Airport Station on the display unit of the terminal device 10 as a result of the route search. Partial routes RT1 and RT2 are partial routes that make up the route RT connecting Namba Station and Kansai Airport Station. The display control unit 134 also displays "Special Train A," which is the target vehicle TT running on partial route RT1, and "Special Train B," which is the target vehicle TT running on partial route RT2, on the display unit of the terminal device 10. Here, in the example shown in Figure 4, "Special Train A" is a limited express train that requires a limited express ticket to ride, so the display control unit 134 displays a special ticket icon CI1 that allows for the reservation of a limited express ticket for "Special Train A." The display control unit 134 also displays a special ticket icon CI2 that allows for the reservation of a seat on the target vehicle TT running on partial route RT1. In the example shown in Figure 4, when user U selects the special ticket icon CI2, the display control unit 134 displays the reservation screen RW0 for a reserved seat ticket for the target train TT (Special Train C), which can be boarded with only a regular ticket, unlike "Special Train A" which requires an express ticket. The reservation screen RW0 displays the reservation and purchase information for the target train TT (Special Train D), including the departure station, arrival station, departure and arrival times, the fare, and the reserved seat ticket fare, along with the special ticket icon CI4 related to the reserved seat ticket reservation.

[0075] (Regarding distribution section 135) The distribution unit 135 distributes the page, which has been displayed (generated) by the display control unit 134, to the terminal device 10. For example, the distribution unit 135 distributes the route guidance page, which has been displayed (generated) by the display control unit 134, to the terminal device 10 that sent the search conditions.

[0076] [5. Processing procedure according to the embodiment] The following describes the information processing procedure performed by the providing device 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing procedure performed by the providing device 100 according to this embodiment. The processing procedure shown in Figure 8 is performed by the control unit 13 of the providing device 100. The processing procedure shown in Figure 8 is repeatedly performed while the providing device 100 is in operation.

[0077] As shown in Figure 8, the control unit 130 of the supply device 100 performs a route search in response to the user U's operation based on route information (route search step S101).

[0078] Furthermore, the control unit 130 determines whether or not a special ticket separate from the regular passenger ticket exists for the target vehicle traveling along the route included in the route search results (determination step S102).

[0079] If the control unit 130 determines in the determination step S102 that a special ticket exists for the target vehicle TT (step S102; Yes), it displays a special ticket icon CI related to the reservation or purchase of the special ticket on the display unit of the terminal device 10 along with the route search results (display control step S103).

[0080] On the other hand, if the control unit 130 determines in the determination step S102 that no special ticket exists for the target vehicle TT (step S102; No), it displays the route search result on the display unit of the terminal device 10 without displaying the special ticket icon CI (display control step S110). After that, the control unit 130 proceeds to the processing procedure of the termination request determination step S108, which will be described later.

[0081] Furthermore, after the display control step S103, the control unit 130 determines whether or not the user U selected the special ticket icon CI displayed in the display control step S103 (selection determination step S104).

[0082] If the control unit 130 determines in the selection determination step S104 that user U has selected the special ticket icon CI displayed in the display control step S103 (step S104; Yes), it transmits route information to an external device and displays a screen related to the reservation or purchase of a special ticket (special ticket display step S105). On the other hand, if user U has not selected the special ticket icon CI displayed in the display control step S103 (step S104; No), the process proceeds to the termination request determination step S108, which will be described later.

[0083] Furthermore, after the special ticket display step S105, the control unit 130 determines whether or not the special ticket has been purchased (or reserved) (reservation / purchase determination step S106).

[0084] If the control unit 130 determines in the reservation / purchase determination step S106 that a special ticket has been reserved or purchased by user U (step S106; Yes), it obtains information regarding the reservation or purchase of the special ticket from an external device (reservation / purchase information acquisition step S107). On the other hand, if the control unit 130 determines in the reservation / purchase determination step S106 that a special ticket has not been reserved or purchased by user U (step S106; No), it proceeds to the processing procedure of the termination request determination step S108, which will be described later.

[0085] Furthermore, the control unit 130 determines whether or not user U has requested to terminate the application (termination request determination step S108). If the control unit 130 determines in the termination request determination step S108 that user U has requested to terminate the application (step S108; Yes), it terminates the application (application termination step S109) and ends the processing procedure shown in Figure 8.

[0086] On the other hand, if the control unit 130 determines in the termination request determination step S108 that user U has not requested to terminate the application (step S108; No), it waits until user U makes an operation such as requesting to terminate the application.

[0087] [6. Hardware Configuration] Furthermore, the providing device 100 according to the above embodiment is realized by a computer 1000 having a configuration such as that shown in Figure 9. Figure 9 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer 1000 that realizes the functions of the providing device 100. The computer 1000 has a CPU 1100, RAM 1200, ROM 1300, HDD 1400, communication interface (I / F) 1500, input / output interface (I / F) 1600, and media interface (I / F) 1700.

[0088] The CPU 1100 operates based on programs stored in the ROM 1300 or HDD 1400, and controls various parts. The ROM 1300 stores boot programs executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 starts up, as well as programs that depend on the computer 1000's hardware.

[0089] The HDD 1400 stores programs executed by the CPU 1100, as well as data used by such programs. The communication interface 1500 receives data from other devices via the communication network 50 and sends it to the CPU 1100, and transmits the data generated by the CPU 1100 to other devices via the communication network 50.

[0090] The CPU 1100 controls output devices such as displays and printers, and input devices such as keyboards and mice, via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 acquires data from input devices via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also outputs the generated data to output devices via the input / output interface 1600.

[0091] The media interface 1700 reads a program or data stored in the recording medium 1800 and provides it to the CPU 1100 via the RAM 1200. The CPU 1100 loads the program from the recording medium 1800 onto the RAM 1200 via the media interface 1700 and executes the loaded program. The recording medium 1800 is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0092] For example, if computer 1000 functions as the providing device 100 according to the embodiment, the CPU 1100 of computer 1000 realizes the functions of the control unit 130 by executing a program loaded on RAM 1200. The HDD 1400 stores data from the storage unit 120. The CPU 1100 of computer 1000 reads and executes these programs from the recording medium 1800, but as another example, these programs may be obtained from other devices via the communication network 50.

[0093] 7. Other Furthermore, the components of each illustrated device are functionally conceptual and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0094] Although embodiments of the present application have been described in detail above with reference to several drawings, these are illustrative examples, and the present invention can be implemented in various other forms with modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, starting with the embodiments described in the disclosure section of the invention.

[0095] Furthermore, the terms "section," "module," and "unit" mentioned above can be replaced with "means" or "circuit," etc. For example, the acquisition unit can be replaced with acquisition means or acquisition circuit.

[0096] [7. Effects] The providing device 100 included in the information processing system SYS according to the embodiment has a control unit 130. The control unit 130 includes a route search unit 132, a determination unit 133, and a display control unit 134. The route search unit 132 performs a route search in accordance with the user's operation based on route information related to route RT. The determination unit 133 determines whether or not a special ticket separate from a regular ticket exists for the target vehicle TT that travels along route RT included in the route search results. If the determination unit 133 determines that a special ticket for the target vehicle TT exists, the display control unit 134 displays a special ticket icon CI related to the reservation or purchase of the special ticket along with the route search results on the display unit of the terminal device 10. If the determination unit 133 determines that a special ticket for the target vehicle TT does not exist, the display control unit 134 displays the route search results without displaying the special ticket icon CI.

[0097] This allows user U to understand the availability of special tickets along with the route search results. Furthermore, user U can easily reserve or purchase special tickets by selecting the special ticket icon CI. Thus, the information processing system SYS according to this embodiment can improve user convenience when using route search results.

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the route RT included in the route search result consists of multiple sub-routes RT1 and RT2, the determination unit 133 determines whether or not a special ticket exists for each sub-routes RT1 and RT2 related to the target vehicle TT. This allows the user U to understand whether or not a special ticket exists for each sub-routes RT1 and RT2. The user U can also determine whether or not a special ticket is necessary for each sub-routes RT1 and RT2, and can easily reserve or purchase a special ticket by selecting the necessary special ticket icon CI. Thus, the information processing system SYS according to this embodiment can improve the convenience of the user when using the route search results.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a user U selects a special ticket icon CI, the display control unit 134 displays special ticket information relating to the special ticket corresponding to the selected special ticket icon CI on the display unit. The special ticket information includes reservation / purchase information relating to the reservation or purchase of the selected special ticket, and vehicle information relating to the target vehicle corresponding to the selected special ticket. This allows the user U to obtain more detailed information about the special ticket before reserving or purchasing it. Thus, the information processing system SYS according to this embodiment can improve user convenience when using route search results.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vehicle information includes information regarding the departure and arrival times of the target vehicle TT. This allows user U to obtain more detailed information about the special ticket, including departure and arrival times, before reserving or purchasing the special ticket. Thus, the information processing system SYS according to this embodiment can improve user convenience when using the route search results.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the special ticket may be a ticket that is essential for user U to board the target vehicle TT. This allows user U to determine, along with the route search results, whether or not a special ticket is required to board the target vehicle TT. In addition, user U can easily reserve or purchase a special ticket by selecting the special ticket icon CI. Thus, the information processing system SYS according to this embodiment can improve user convenience when using route search results.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the special ticket may be a ticket for user U to reserve a seat on the target vehicle TT. This allows user U to know whether or not a special ticket for reserving a seat on the target vehicle TT is available, along with the route search results. In addition, user U can easily reserve or purchase a special ticket by selecting the special ticket icon CI. Thus, the information processing system SYS according to this embodiment can improve user convenience when using route search results.

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the determination unit 133 determines that a special ticket exists for the target vehicle TT, and the seats corresponding to the special ticket in the target vehicle TT are full, the display control unit 134 will not display the special ticket icon CI corresponding to the full special ticket on the display unit. This allows the display control unit 134 to prevent the user U from feeling inconvenienced by the display of a full special ticket. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0104] SYS Information Processing System N Network 10 Terminal devices 11, 110 Communications Department 12, 120 storage section 12a User information storage unit 12b Application Storage Unit 13, 130 Control Unit 13a Search Criteria Reception Section 13b Search Request Section 13c Display Processing Unit 100 Providing equipment 121 Timetable information storage unit 122 Ticket Memory Section 131 Receiving Unit 132 Route Search Unit 133 Judgment section 134 Display Control Unit 135 Distribution Department

Claims

1. A route search unit that performs route searches in response to user operations based on route information, A determination unit that determines whether or not a special ticket separate from a regular train ticket exists for a vehicle traveling along the route included in the route search results, If the determination unit determines that a special ticket exists for the target vehicle, it displays a special ticket icon related to the reservation or purchase of the special ticket on the display unit of the terminal device along with the route search results. If the determination unit determines that a special ticket does not exist for the target vehicle, it displays the route search results without displaying the special ticket icon. An information processing device characterized by having the following features.

2. The determination unit determines, if the route included in the route search result consists of a plurality of sub-routes, whether or not the special ticket for the target vehicle exists for each sub-route. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

3. When the user selects a special ticket icon, the display control unit causes the special ticket information relating to the special ticket corresponding to the selected special ticket icon to be displayed on the display unit. The special ticket information includes reservation / purchase information relating to the reservation or purchase of the selected special ticket, and vehicle information relating to the target vehicle corresponding to the selected special ticket. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The vehicle information includes information regarding the departure and arrival times of the target vehicle. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned special ticket is a ticket that is required for the user to board the vehicle in question. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The aforementioned special ticket is a ticket for the user to reserve a seat in the aforementioned vehicle. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

7. If the determination unit determines that a special ticket exists for the target vehicle, and the seats corresponding to the special ticket in the target vehicle are full, the display control unit will not display the special ticket icon corresponding to the full special ticket on the display unit. The information processing apparatus according to feature 6.

8. A method of information processing performed by a computer, A route search process that performs route searches in response to user operations based on route information related to the route, A determination step to determine whether or not a special ticket separate from a regular train ticket exists for a vehicle traveling along the route included in the route search results, If the determination step determines that a special ticket exists for the target vehicle, the terminal device's display unit will display a special ticket icon related to the reservation or purchase of the special ticket along with the route search results; if the determination step determines that a special ticket does not exist for the target vehicle, the display control step will display the route search results without displaying the special ticket icon. An information processing method characterized by including

9. On the computer, A route search procedure that performs route searches based on route information related to the route, in accordance with the user's actions, A determination procedure for determining whether or not a special ticket separate from a regular train ticket exists for a vehicle traveling along the route included in the results of the route search, If the determination procedure determines that a special ticket exists for the target vehicle, the terminal device's display unit will display a special ticket icon related to the reservation or purchase of the special ticket along with the route search results. If the determination procedure determines that a special ticket does not exist for the target vehicle, the display control procedure will display the route search results without displaying the special ticket icon. An information processing program characterized by causing the execution of [a specific action].

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