Travel planning navigation system, travel route generation method, travel route generation program, and travel route display program

Abstract

To suggest better travel routes to users. [Solution] The travel planning navigation system includes an acquisition unit that acquires travel information including the time of arrival at the destination and the time of stay at the destination, taking into account the business hours of the destination, and a first generation unit that generates a travel route based on the travel information acquired by the acquisition unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a travel planning navigation system, a travel route generation method, a travel route generation program, and a travel route display program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been disclosed a technique for determining a destination based on a selection result of an image by a user and generating a travel plan to the destination. For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-8696) discloses a travel plan generation device as follows. That is, the travel plan generation device includes an acquisition unit that acquires image information from a server device, a specification unit that specifies a shooting location of an image corresponding to the image information, and a generation unit that generates a travel plan having the shooting location as a destination.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A technique capable of proposing a more excellent travel route to a user beyond the technique described in Patent Document 1 is desired.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a travel planning navigation system, a travel route generation method, a travel route generation program, and a travel route display program capable of proposing a more excellent travel route to a user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The travel planning navigation system of this disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires travel information including the time of arrival at a destination and the time of stay at the destination, taking into account the operating hours of the destination, and a first generation unit that generates a travel route based on the travel information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0007] One aspect of this disclosure can be implemented not only as a travel planning navigation system equipped with such characteristic processing, but also as a method in which such characteristic processing is performed in steps, or as a program for causing a computer to perform such steps. Furthermore, one aspect of this disclosure can be implemented as a semiconductor integrated circuit that implements part or all of the travel planning navigation system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to suggest better travel routes to users. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a travel planning navigation system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a user terminal and a route distribution server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a user information setting screen displayed by the display processing unit in a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a basic information setting screen displayed by the display processing unit in a user terminal according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a basic information setting screen displayed by the display processing unit in a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a basic information setting screen displayed by the display processing unit in a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a destination setting screen displayed by the display processing unit in a user terminal according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a destination setting screen displayed by the display processing unit in a user terminal according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a destination confirmation screen displayed by the display processing unit in a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a plan selection screen displayed by the display processing unit in a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of a plan confirmation screen displayed by the display processing unit in a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation procedure when a user terminal according to the embodiment of this disclosure performs the process of displaying a travel route. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation procedure when a route distribution server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure performs the process of generating a travel route. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] First, the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and explained. (1) The travel planning navigation system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires travel information including the time of arrival at a destination and the time of stay at the destination, with the time of arrival and the time of stay taking into account the business hours of the destination, and a first generation unit that generates a travel route based on the travel information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0011] In this way, by obtaining travel information including the arrival time and stay time considering the business hours of the destination, and generating a travel route based on the obtained travel information, it is possible to generate a travel route that allows access to and stay at the destination during business hours. Therefore, a more excellent travel route can be proposed to the user.

[0012] (2) In the above (1), the acquisition unit may further acquire the travel information including the departure place, the departure date and time from the departure place, the destination place, and the arrival date and time at the destination place. The travel planning navigation system may further include a determination unit that determines whether it is possible to add a recommended transit point to the travel route based on the travel route and the travel information generated by the first generation unit, and a second generation unit that generates a recommended route in which the recommended transit point is added to the travel route when it is determined by the determination unit that the recommended transit point can be added.

[0013] With such a configuration, for example, when there is time margin in the travel route, in addition to the destination selected by the user, a more substantial recommended route with recommended transit points such as recommended spots added can be proposed to the user.

[0014] (3) In the above (2), the second generation unit may generate the recommended route based on the business hours of the recommended transit point.

[0015] With such a configuration, it is possible to generate a recommended route that allows access to and stay at the recommended transit point during business hours.

[0016] (4) In the above (2) or (3), the second generation unit may generate the recommended route based on the user evaluation of the recommended transit point.

[0017] With such a configuration, it is possible to generate a recommended route with popular spots added as recommended transit points.

[0018] (5) In any of (2) to (4) above, the second generation unit may generate the recommended route based on the distance between the travel route and the recommended waypoint.

[0019] This configuration makes it possible to generate recommended routes that minimize the increased travel burden on users due to the inclusion of recommended waypoints, while also efficiently utilizing those waypoints.

[0020] (6) In any of (2) to (5) above, the second generation unit may generate the recommended route based on at least one of the user preferences of the travel planning navigation system and the user's travel purpose.

[0021] This configuration makes it possible to generate user-friendly recommended routes that are tailored to at least one of the user's preferences and travel purposes.

[0022] (7) In any of (1) to (6) above, the first generation unit may generate the travel route which is the fastest route that passes through the destination.

[0023] This configuration makes it possible to generate travel routes that have ample time for arrival at the destination and for staying at the destination, and that allow for the addition of recommended waypoints.

[0024] (8) A travel route generation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a travel route generation method in a travel planning navigation system, comprising the steps of: acquiring travel information including the time of arrival at a destination and the time of stay at the destination, the time of arrival and the time of stay taking into account the business hours of the destination; and generating a travel route based on the acquired travel information.

[0025] In this way, by acquiring travel information including arrival time and stay duration that take into account the destination's operating hours, and generating a travel route based on the acquired travel information, it is possible to generate a travel route that allows for a visit to and stay at the destination within its operating hours. Therefore, a better travel route can be suggested to the user.

[0026] (9) The travel route generation program according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is a travel route generation program used in a travel planning navigation system, and is a program that causes a computer to function as an acquisition unit that acquires travel information including the time of arrival at the destination and the time of stay at the destination, with the time of arrival and the time of stay taking into account the business hours of the destination, and a first generation unit that generates a travel route based on the travel information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0027] In this way, by acquiring travel information including arrival time and stay duration that take into account the destination's operating hours, and generating a travel route based on the acquired travel information, it is possible to generate a travel route that allows for a visit to and stay at the destination within its operating hours. Therefore, a better travel route can be suggested to the user.

[0028] (10) The travel route display program according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is a travel route display program used in a user terminal, and is a program for causing a computer to function as: a reception unit that receives user operations to input travel information including the time of arrival at the destination and the time of stay at the destination; a transmission unit that transmits the travel information received by the reception unit, including the time of arrival and the time of stay, which take into account the business hours of the destination, to an external device outside the user terminal; a receiving unit that receives a travel route based on the travel information transmitted by the transmission unit; and a display processing unit that performs processing to display the travel route received by the receiving unit.

[0029] In this configuration, travel information including arrival time and stay duration, taking into account the destination's operating hours, is transmitted to an external device. The external device receives a travel route based on this travel information and displays the received travel route. This allows the external device to display a travel route generated based on the travel information that allows for a visit to and stay at the destination within its operating hours. Therefore, a better travel route can be suggested to the user.

[0030] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated. Furthermore, at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any way.

[0031] [Configuration and Basic Operation] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a travel planning navigation system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 1, the travel planning navigation system 401 comprises a user terminal 101, a route distribution server 201, and a traffic information server 301. For example, the user terminal 101 is a smartphone and is equipped with a touch panel display Td. The route distribution server 201 is an example of an external device. The user terminal 101 can communicate with the route distribution server 201 via a network 151. The network 151 is the internet. Note that the network 151 may be a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0032] User terminal 101 accepts user input for travel information Tf1 related to destination Ds. User terminal 101 transmits the received travel information Tf1 to route distribution server 201 via network 151. Travel information Tf1 is an example of travel information Tf.

[0033] The traffic information server 301 receives traffic information, including railway operation information, aircraft operation information, ship operation information, and road information, from a traffic information center (not shown). The traffic information server 301 transmits the traffic information to the route distribution server 201.

[0034] The route distribution server 201 generates a travel route Rt1 that passes through destination Ds based on the travel information Tf1 received from the user terminal 101 and the traffic information received from the traffic information server 301. The route distribution server 201 transmits the generated travel route Rt1 to the user terminal 101 via the network 151.

[0035] The user terminal 101 receives the travel route Rt1 based on the transmitted travel information Tf1 and performs processing to display the received travel route Rt1.

[0036] <Configuration of user terminals and routing servers> Figure 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a user terminal and a route distribution server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 2, the user terminal 101 comprises a communication unit 11, a reception unit 12, a display processing unit 13, a location detection unit 14, and a storage unit 15. The communication unit 11 is an example of a transmission unit and an example of a reception unit. Some or all of the communication unit 11, reception unit 12, display processing unit 13, and location detection unit 14 are implemented, for example, by a processing circuit (Circuitry) including one or more processors. The storage unit 15 is, for example, a non-volatile memory included in the above-mentioned processing circuit.

[0037] The communication unit 11 communicates with the route distribution server 201 via the network 151. The location detection unit 14 periodically or irregularly detects the current location of the user terminal 101 and outputs location information indicating the detected current location to the display processing unit 13. More specifically, the location detection unit 14 receives GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) signals from one or more satellites and detects the current location of the user terminal 101 based on the received GNSS signals. Specifically, the location detection unit 14 receives GPS (Global Positioning System) signals, which are an example of GNSS signals, and detects the current location of the user terminal 101 based on the received GPS signals.

[0038] The route distribution server 201 comprises a communication unit 21, an acquisition unit 22, a generation unit 23, a determination unit 24, a map information transmission unit 25, and a storage unit 26. The generation unit 23 is an example of a first generation unit and an example of a second generation unit. Some or all of the communication unit 21, acquisition unit 22, generation unit 23, determination unit 24, and map information transmission unit 25 are implemented, for example, by a processing circuit (Circuitry) including one or more processors. The storage unit 26 is, for example, a non-volatile memory included in the above processing circuit.

[0039] The communication unit 21 communicates with the traffic information server 301. The communication unit 21 also communicates with the user terminal 101 via the network 151. The storage unit 26 stores map data. The map information transmission unit 25 periodically or irregularly transmits the map data from the storage unit 26 to the user terminal 101 via the communication unit 21 and the network 151.

[0040] (Retrieving user information Py) The reception unit 12 receives user inputs, including user preferences and travel purposes (Py). For example, the reception unit 12 receives user inputs, including user information (Py), via a touch panel display (Td).

[0041] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a user information setting screen displayed by the display processing unit in a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 3, the display processing unit 13 performs the process of displaying the user information setting screen Gy on the touch panel display Td.

[0042] The user information settings screen Gy includes checkboxes C1-C19 and a button Bt1 as widgets in the GUI (Graphical User Interface) for entering user preferences and travel purposes.

[0043] The user enters the travel companions by tapping at least one of the checkboxes C1-C4. The user also enters the purpose of the trip by tapping at least one of the checkboxes C5-C11. Furthermore, the user enters the experiences they hope to gain from the trip by tapping at least one of the checkboxes C12-C19. Finally, the user taps button Bt1.

[0044] When the user taps button Bt1, the reception unit 12 generates user information Py, which includes travel companions, purpose of travel, and desired travel experiences, as entered on the user information setting screen Gy. The reception unit 12 then stores the generated user information Py in the storage unit 15.

[0045] (Obtaining travel information Tf2) The reception unit 12 receives user input for travel information Tf2, which includes the departure point, departure date and time, destination, arrival date and time, and mode of transport. The arrival date and time is the date and time of arrival at the destination. Travel information Tf2 is an example of travel information Tf. For example, the reception unit 12 receives user input for travel information Tf2 via a touch panel display Td.

[0046] Figures 4 and 5 show examples of basic information setting screens displayed by the display processing unit in a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 4 and 5 show a portion of the basic information setting screen G1 that is displayed by scrolling the basic information setting screen G1 vertically, respectively. Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the display processing unit 13 performs the process of displaying the basic information setting screen G1 on the touch panel display Td when the user taps the button Bt1 on the user information setting screen Gy.

[0047] The basic information settings screen G1 includes, as GUI widgets, dropdown lists Ls1, Ls2, Ls3, Ls4 for entering departure and arrival dates and times; checkboxes Cb1, Cb2 for entering the number of nights of stay; checkboxes Cb3, Cb4 and text box Tx1 for entering the departure location; checkboxes Cb5, Cb6, Cb7 and text box Tx2 for entering the destination location; toggle switches Sw1-Sw11 and button Bt2 for setting the mode of transport to be used. Dropdown lists Ls1 and Ls3 have dates as list items. Dropdown lists Ls2 and Ls4 have times as list items.

[0048] The user taps dropdown lists Ls1 and Ls2 to enter the departure date and time. The user then taps dropdown lists Ls3 and Ls4 to enter the arrival date and time.

[0049] Additionally, users can input whether or not they are staying overnight by tapping either checkbox Cb1 or Cb2.

[0050] Figure 6 shows an example of a basic information setting screen displayed by the display processing unit in a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 6, when the user taps the checkbox Cb2, the display processing unit 13 performs the process of displaying the basic information setting screen G2, which is a pop-up screen, on the touch panel display Td.

[0051] The basic information settings screen G2 includes, as GUI widgets, a dropdown list Ls5 and text box Tx3 for entering the number of nights of stay, a dropdown list Ls6 and text box Tx4 for entering the accommodation location, and a button Bt3. The dropdown lists Ls5 and Ls6 have the text "Decided" and "Not Decided" as list items.

[0052] The user taps dropdown lists Ls5 and Ls6 to indicate whether the number of nights and the accommodation location are decided. If the number of nights are decided, the user enters the number of nights into text box Tx3. If the accommodation location is decided, the user enters the accommodation location into text box Tx4. After that, the user taps button Bt3.

[0053] Referring again to Figures 4 and 5, the display processing unit 13 performs the process of displaying the basic information setting screen G1 on the touch panel display Td again when the user taps button Bt3 on the basic information setting screen G2.

[0054] The user enters the departure location by tapping either checkbox Cb3 or Cb4. If the user taps checkbox Cb4, they enter the departure location into text box Tx1.

[0055] Additionally, the user can input the destination by tapping one of the checkboxes Cb5, Cb6, or Cb7. If the user taps checkbox Cb7, they will input the destination into text box Tx2.

[0056] The user sets whether or not to use each mode of transport by tapping the toggle switches Sw1-Sw11. After that, the user taps button Bt2.

[0057] When the user taps button Bt2, the reception unit 12 generates travel information Tf2, which includes the departure location, departure date and time, number of nights, destination, destination date and time, and mode of transportation, as entered on the basic information setting screens G1 and G2. The reception unit 12 then stores the generated travel information Tf2 in the storage unit 15.

[0058] (Retrieving travel information Tf1) The reception unit 12 receives user input for travel information Tf1, which includes the time of arrival at destination Ds and the duration of stay at destination Ds. For example, the reception unit 12 receives user input for travel information Tf1 via a touch panel display Td. The communication unit 11 transmits the travel information Tf1 received by the reception unit 12, which includes the time of arrival and duration of stay, taking into account the business hours of destination Ds, to the route distribution server 201.

[0059] Figure 7 shows an example of a destination setting screen displayed by the display processing unit in a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 7, when the user taps button Bt2 on the basic information setting screen G1, the display processing unit 13 displays the destination setting screen G4, which is a screen for selecting a destination Ds, on the touch panel display Td. The destination setting screen G4 includes a search bar Sb and a button Bt6.

[0060] The user enters search terms related to the place they want to visit into the search bar Sb and performs the search operation.

[0061] The display processing unit 13 performs a search process according to the search operation and displays the search results. For example, on the destination setting screen G4, the display processing unit 13 displays images P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6, which are images P related to the search word, as search results. The display processing unit 13 may obtain images P related to the search word from among multiple images stored in the storage unit 15, or it may obtain images P related to the search word from among multiple images on a website.

[0062] The user selects the image P they want to set as the destination Ds from among the six images P on the destination setting screen G4. For example, the user selects images P1 and P2 and taps images P1 and P2.

[0063] When images P1 and P2 are selected and the user taps button Bt6, the reception unit 12 obtains information about the location where the images P1 and P2 were taken. More specifically, for example, the reception unit 12 identifies the latitude, longitude, and operating hours of the location where images P1 and P2 were taken by feeding the features and metadata of images P1 and P2 to a pre-generated machine learning model.

[0064] The reception unit 12 identifies the latitude and longitude of the locations where images P1 and P2 were taken, as well as their operating hours, and sets these locations as destinations Ds, namely destinations Ds1 and Ds2. The reception unit 12 then generates business information indicating the operating hours of destination Ds1 and destination Ds2, and stores the generated business information in the storage unit 15.

[0065] For example, if the reception unit 12 cannot determine the latitude, longitude, and operating hours of the location where images P1 and P2 were taken, it prompts the user to select another image P, and then determines the latitude, longitude, and operating hours of the location where the newly selected image P was taken.

[0066] Figure 8 shows an example of a destination setting screen displayed by the display processing unit in a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 8, for example, the user enters the name of a hotel of interest into the search bar Sb and performs a search operation to execute the search.

[0067] The display processing unit 13 performs a search using a search engine according to the search operation and displays the search results. For example, on the destination setting screen G4, the display processing unit 13 displays the names of three hotels related to the search word as search results.

[0068] The user taps the name of the hotel they want to visit from the three hotel names on the destination setting screen G4.

[0069] The display processing unit 13, when a user taps a hotel name, performs the process of displaying hotel information and image P7 corresponding to the tapped hotel name.

[0070] If the user refers to the hotel information and image P7 on the destination setting screen G4 and wishes to set that hotel as destination Ds, they tap image P7. Then, for example, the user taps button Bt6 to finish selecting destination Ds.

[0071] When the user taps button Bt6, the reception unit 12 identifies the latitude, longitude, and operating hours of the hotel selected by the user. Once the reception unit 12 identifies the hotel's latitude, longitude, and operating hours, it sets the hotel as destination Ds3, which is destination Ds. The reception unit 12 then generates business information indicating the operating hours of destination Ds3 and stores the generated business information in the storage unit 15.

[0072] For example, the reception unit 12 adds the search word entered in the search bar Sb to the user information Py in the storage unit 15.

[0073] Furthermore, if the user taps images P1 and P2 on the destination setting screen G4 and does not select any further destinations Ds, they will tap button Bt6 without searching for the hotel name. Also, if the user taps image P7 on the destination setting screen G4 and then selects any further destinations Ds, they will perform a further search using the search bar Sb before tapping button Bt6.

[0074] Figure 9 shows an example of a destination confirmation screen displayed by the display processing unit in a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 9, when the user taps the button Bt6 on the destination setting screen G4, the display processing unit 13 performs the process of displaying the destination confirmation screen G5, which is a screen for confirming the set destination Ds, on the touch panel display Td.

[0075] The destination confirmation screen G5 includes images P1, P2, P7 and names for each of the destinations Ds1, Ds2, and Ds3 set by the user.

[0076] Furthermore, the destination confirmation screen G5 includes, as GUI widgets, dropdown lists Ls7 and Ls8 for inputting arrival time ta1, which is the arrival time ta for destination Ds1; dropdown list Ls9 for inputting the duration of stay at destination Ds1; dropdown lists Ls10 and Ls11 for inputting arrival time ta2, which is the arrival time ta for destination Ds2; dropdown list Ls12 for inputting the duration of stay at destination Ds2; dropdown lists Ls13 and Ls14 for inputting arrival time ta3, which is the arrival time ta for destination Ds3; dropdown list Ls15 for inputting the duration of stay at destination Ds3; and buttons Bt7 and Bt8.

[0077] Drop-down lists Ls7, Ls10, and Ls13 have "Date" as a list item. Drop-down lists Ls8, Ls11, and Ls14 have "Time" as a list item. Drop-down lists Ls9, Ls12, and Ls15 have "Time" as a list item.

[0078] The user taps the dropdown lists Ls7-Ls15 to enter the arrival time ta for each destination Ds and the length of stay at each destination Ds. After setting the arrival time ta and length of stay and confirming that there are no problems with the settings for each destination Ds, the user taps button Bt8.

[0079] Furthermore, if the user returns to the destination setting screen G4 to add a destination Ds, they tap button Bt7. The destination confirmation screen G5 may also include buttons for deleting a destination Ds and for changing the route order of destinations Ds.

[0080] When the user taps button Bt8, the reception unit 12 compares the arrival time ta and stay duration set on the destination confirmation screen G5 with the business hours indicated in the store information 15 for each destination Ds.

[0081] If the reception unit 12 finds that at least part of the planned stay period indicated by the arrival time ta and stay duration of destination Ds falls outside of the business hours of destination Ds, it prompts the user to change the arrival time ta and stay duration.

[0082] Meanwhile, the reception unit 12 generates travel information Tf1 indicating the longitude and latitude of each destination Ds, the arrival time ta at each destination Ds, and the length of stay at each destination Ds, if the planned stay period indicated by the arrival time ta at each destination Ds falls within the business hours of that destination Ds. The reception unit 12 stores the generated travel information Tf1 in the storage unit 15.

[0083] Referring again to Figure 2, the communication unit 11 obtains travel information Tf1, Tf2 and user information Py from the storage unit 15, and sends a route generation request containing the obtained travel information Tf1, Tf2 and user information Py to the route distribution server 201 via the network 151.

[0084] (Generating travel route Rt1) The acquisition unit 22 in the route distribution server 201 acquires travel information Tf, which includes the arrival time and stay time at destination Ds, taking into account the business hours of destination Ds. For example, the acquisition unit 22 acquires travel information Tf which further includes the departure point, the date and time of departure from the departure point, the destination, and the date and time of arrival at the destination. More specifically, the acquisition unit 22 receives a route generation request from the user terminal 101 via the network 151 and the communication unit 21.

[0085] When the acquisition unit 22 receives a route generation request, it obtains the means of transportation from the travel information Tf2 included in the received route generation request. The acquisition unit 22 then transmits the traffic information request, including the obtained means of transportation, to the traffic information server 301 via the communication unit 21.

[0086] When the traffic information server 301 receives a traffic information request from the route distribution server 201, it sends the traffic information regarding the mode of transport included in the traffic information request to the route distribution server 201 as a response to the received traffic information request.

[0087] The acquisition unit 22 receives traffic information from the traffic information server 301 via the communication unit 21. The acquisition unit 22 outputs the route generation request received from the user terminal 101 and the traffic information received from the traffic information server 301 to the generation unit 23.

[0088] The generation unit 23 generates a travel route Rt1 based on the travel information Tf1 and Tf2 acquired by the acquisition unit 22. For example, the generation unit 23 generates a travel route Rt1 that is the fastest route via destination Ds.

[0089] More specifically, the generation unit 23 receives a route generation request from the acquisition unit 22 and attempts to generate a travel route Rt1 that passes through the destination Ds using the means of transport included in the travel information Tf2 by performing route calculations based on the travel information Tf1, Tf2 and traffic information included in the received route generation request.

[0090] Specifically, the generation unit 23 attempts to generate a travel route Rt1 for traveling via the fastest route, based on the departure date and time and arrival date and time included in the travel information Tf2, and the arrival time ta and length of stay included in the travel information Tf1.

[0091] If the generation unit 23 determines, after performing route calculations, that no travel route Rt1 exists for traveling according to the time schedule, such as the departure date and time, included in the travel information Tf1 and Tf2, it sends a failure notification to the user terminal 101 via the communication unit 21 and network 151, indicating that it failed to generate the travel route Rt1.

[0092] When the display processing unit 13 in the user terminal 101 receives a failure notification via the network 151 and the communication unit 11, it performs the process of displaying a screen on the touch panel display Td to prompt the user to reset the destination Ds, etc.

[0093] On the other hand, if the generation unit 23 is able to generate a travel route Rt1 as a result of the route calculation, it outputs the generated travel route Rt1 to the determination unit 24.

[0094] (Determination of whether to add recommended transit points) The determination unit 24 performs a determination process to determine whether or not to add recommended waypoints Dr to the travel route Rt1, based on the travel route Rt1 and travel information Tf generated by the generation unit 23.

[0095] For example, the determination unit 24 compares the arrival time tb at destination Ds on the travel route Rt1 with the arrival time ta at destination Ds indicated by the travel information Tf1 for each destination Ds, and determines that if there is sufficient time on the travel route Rt1, it is possible to add a recommended waypoint Dr before destination Ds on the travel route Rt1.

[0096] More specifically, the determination unit 24 determines that if the difference between the arrival time tb1 at destination Ds1 on travel route Rt1 and the arrival time ta1 at destination Ds1 indicated by travel information Tf1 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, it is possible to add a recommended waypoint Dr before destination Ds1 on travel route Rt1. On the other hand, if the difference between the arrival time tb1 and the arrival time ta1 is less than a predetermined value, the determination unit 24 determines that it is not possible to add a recommended waypoint Dr before destination Ds1.

[0097] Furthermore, the determination unit 24 determines that if the difference between the arrival time tb2 at destination Ds2 on travel route Rt1 and the arrival time ta2 at destination Ds2 indicated by travel information Tf1 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, it is possible to add a recommended waypoint Dr before destination Ds2 on travel route Rt1. On the other hand, if the difference between the arrival time tb2 and the arrival time ta2 is less than a predetermined value, the determination unit 24 determines that it is not possible to add a recommended waypoint Dr before destination Ds2.

[0098] Furthermore, the determination unit 24 determines that if the difference between the arrival time tb3 at destination Ds3 on travel route Rt1 and the arrival time ta3 at destination Ds3 indicated by travel information Tf1 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, it is possible to add a recommended waypoint Dr before destination Ds3 on travel route Rt1. On the other hand, if the difference between the arrival time tb3 and the arrival time ta3 is less than a predetermined value, the determination unit 24 determines that it is not possible to add a recommended waypoint Dr before destination Ds3.

[0099] If the determination unit 24 determines during the determination process that it is not possible to add a recommended waypoint Dr before the destinations Ds1, Ds2, and Ds3, it outputs an "addition not possible" notification to the generation unit 23 indicating that the recommended waypoint Dr will not be added.

[0100] If the generation unit 23 receives a notification from the determination unit 24 that it is not possible to add the route, it transmits the generated travel route Rt1 and route information, including traffic information, to the user terminal 101 via the communication unit 21 and the network 151.

[0101] On the other hand, if the determination unit 24 determines in the determination process that it is possible to add a recommended waypoint Dr before at least one destination Ds, it outputs an additional instruction to the generation unit 23 indicating that the recommended waypoint Dr should be added before the destination Ds.

[0102] (Generating the recommended route Rt2) If the determination unit 24 determines that it is possible to add a recommended waypoint Dr, the generation unit 23 generates a recommended route Rt2 in which the recommended waypoint Dr is added to the travel route Rt1. The generation unit 23 may generate one recommended route Rt2 or multiple recommended route Rt2s.

[0103] More specifically, when the generation unit 23 receives additional instructions from the determination unit 24, it searches for restaurants, tourist spots, and other locations that can be set as recommended waypoints (Dr).

[0104] For example, the generation unit 23 generates a recommended route Rt2 based on the business hours of the recommended waypoint Dr, the user's rating of the recommended waypoint Dr, the distance between the travel route Rt1 and the recommended waypoint Dr, and at least one of the user's preferences and the user's travel purpose in the travel planning navigation system 401.

[0105] As an example, the generation unit 23 performs a spot search process using a search engine to find spots that are, for example, within 10km of the destination Ds indicated by the additional instruction, have 500 or more reviews on their website, and have a user rating of 4 stars or higher.

[0106] When the generation unit 23 detects one or more spots through the spot search process, it assigns an evaluation value to the detected spots that indicates the degree of match with the preferences and travel purpose shown in the user information Py. The generation unit 23 extracts spots from the spots detected through the spot search process that have an evaluation value equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The generation unit 23 sets the extracted spots as recommended waypoints Dr. Then, the generation unit 23 obtains the latitude, longitude, and operating hours of the extracted spots, i.e., recommended waypoints Dr, from the website.

[0107] When the generation unit 23 obtains the latitude and longitude and business hours of the recommended waypoint Dr, it attempts to generate a recommended route Rt2 that passes through the destination Ds and the recommended waypoint Dr using the means of transport included in the travel information Tf2 by performing route calculations based on the obtained latitude and longitude and business hours, travel information Tf1 and Tf2, and traffic information.

[0108] If the generation unit 23 is able to generate a recommended route Rt2 as a result of route calculation, it transmits the generated recommended route Rt2, travel route Rt1, and route information including traffic information to the user terminal 101 via the communication unit 21 and network 151.

[0109] Furthermore, if the generation unit 23 calculates the route and finds that no recommended route Rt2 exists for traveling according to the time schedule, such as the departure date and time, included in the travel information Tf1 and Tf2, it sends the travel route Rt1 and traffic information to the user terminal 101. Also, if the generation unit 23 is unable to obtain the latitude, longitude, and operating hours of the recommended waypoint Dr, it sends the travel route Rt1 and traffic information to the user terminal 101 without performing a route calculation to generate the recommended route Rt2.

[0110] (Displaying travel route Rt1) Referring again to Figure 2, the communication unit 11 in the user terminal 101 receives the travel route Rt1 based on the transmitted travel information Tf1. More specifically, the communication unit 11 receives route information from the route distribution server 201 via the network 151 and stores the received route information in the storage unit 15.

[0111] Figure 10 shows an example of a plan selection screen displayed by the display processing unit in a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 10, the display processing unit 13 performs the process of displaying the plan selection screen G6 on the touch panel display Td using the route information in the storage unit 16, in accordance with user operations to display an overview of the travel plan.

[0112] The plan selection screen G6 includes a route overview Sm1 showing an overview of travel route Rt1, and a route overview Sm2 showing an overview of recommended route Rt2.

[0113] Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of a plan confirmation screen displayed by the display processing unit in a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 11, the display processing unit 13 performs the process of displaying the travel route Rt1 received by the communication unit 11. More specifically, when the route overview Sm1 on the plan selection screen G6 is tapped, the display processing unit 13 performs the process of displaying a plan confirmation screen G7 showing the details of the travel route Rt1 on the touch panel display Td. In addition, when the route overview Sm2 on the plan selection screen G6 is tapped, the display processing unit 13 performs the process of displaying a plan confirmation screen G7 showing the details of the recommended route Rt2 instead of the travel route Rt1 on the touch panel display Td.

[0114] The plan confirmation screen G7 includes buttons Bt9, Bt10, and Bt11 as widgets in the GUI.

[0115] When a user wants to add travel route Rt1 to their favorites, they tap button Bt9. The reception unit 12 adds travel route Rt1 to their favorites when button Bt9 is tapped by the user.

[0116] Additionally, if the user wishes to edit the travel route Rt1, they tap button Bt10. When button Bt10 is tapped by the user, the display processing unit 13 performs the process of displaying an editing screen for editing the travel route Rt1.

[0117] Additionally, when the user is traveling while checking the route guidance screen, they tap button Bt11. When button Bt11 is tapped by the user, the display processing unit 13 performs the process of displaying the route guidance screen.

[0118] For more details, referring again to Figure 2, the display processing unit 13 confirms the current location of the user terminal 101 based on the location information received from the location detection unit 14. The display processing unit 13 sends a map request to the route distribution server 201 via the communication unit 11 and network 151 to request map data for a predetermined size area including the current location.

[0119] The map information transmission unit 25 receives a map request from the user terminal 101 via the network 151 and the communication unit 21. The map information transmission unit 25 retrieves map data from the storage unit 26 according to the received map request and transmits the retrieved map data to the user terminal 101 via the communication unit 21 and the network 151.

[0120] The display processing unit 13 receives map data from the route distribution server 201 via the network 151 and the communication unit 11, and uses the received map data and traffic information in the storage unit 15 to display a route guidance screen, including the map and the current location of the user terminal 101, on the touch panel display Td.

[0121] For example, the display processing unit 13 performs the process of displaying a route guidance screen that further includes information corresponding to the mode of transportation used on the travel route Rt1. More specifically, if a car is used as the mode of transportation, the display processing unit 13 performs the process of displaying a route guidance screen that further includes information such as parking lots and service areas around the travel route Rt1.

[0122] [Operation Flow] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation procedure when a user terminal according to the embodiment of this disclosure performs the process of displaying a travel route.

[0123] Referring to Figure 12, first, the user terminal 101 accepts a user input, which includes user information Py, including the user's preferences and travel purpose (step S11).

[0124] The user terminal 101 accepts a user input for travel information Tf2, which includes the departure point, departure date and time, destination, arrival date and time, and mode of transport (step S12).

[0125] Next, the user terminal 101 accepts a user input, which includes the time of arrival at destination Ds and the duration of stay at destination Ds (step S13).

[0126] Next, the user terminal 101 sends a route generation request to the route distribution server 201 via the network 151, which includes travel information Tf1, travel information Tf2, and user information Py, including the arrival time and length of stay, taking into account the business hours of the destination Ds (step S14).

[0127] Next, the user terminal 101 receives route information, including the recommended route Rt2, travel route Rt1, and traffic information, from the route distribution server 201 via the network 151 (step S15).

[0128] Next, the user terminal 101 performs the process of displaying the plan selection screen G6 (step S16).

[0129] Next, the user terminal 101 performs a process to display a plan confirmation screen G7 showing the details of the travel route Rt1, in accordance with a user operation such as tapping a route overview Sm1 which shows an overview of the travel route Rt1 (step S17).

[0130] Next, the user terminal 101 performs a process to display the route guidance screen in accordance with a user operation, for example, tapping button Bt11 on the plan confirmation screen G7 (step S18).

[0131] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation procedure when a route distribution server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure performs the process of generating a travel route.

[0132] Referring to Figure 13, first, the route distribution server 201 waits for a route generation request (NO in step S21), and when it receives a route generation request from the user terminal 101 via the network 151 (YES in step S21), it sends a traffic information request to the traffic information server 301 and receives traffic information from the route distribution server 201 (step S22).

[0133] Next, the route distribution server 201 calculates the route based on the travel information Tf1, Tf2 and traffic information included in the route generation request (step S23).

[0134] Next, if the route distribution server 201 fails to generate the travel route Rt1 as a result of the route calculation (NO in step S24), it sends a failure notification to the user terminal 101 via the network 151 indicating that it failed to generate the travel route Rt1 (step S25), and waits for a new route generation request to arrive (NO in step S21).

[0135] On the other hand, if the route distribution server 201 has been able to generate a travel route Rt1 as a result of the route calculation (YES in step S24), it performs a determination process to determine whether or not to add recommended waypoints Dr to the travel route Rt1 (step S26).

[0136] Next, if the route distribution server 201 determines in the determination process that it cannot add the recommended waypoint Dr (NO in step S27), it sends route information including the travel route Rt1 and traffic information to the user terminal 101 via the network 151 (step S28) and waits for a new route generation request to arrive (NO in step S21).

[0137] Meanwhile, if the route distribution server 201 determines in its decision-making process that it can add a recommended waypoint Dr (YES in step S27), it attempts to generate a recommended route Rt2 based on the recommended waypoint Dr's business hours, the user's evaluation of the recommended waypoint Dr, the distance between the travel route Rt1 and the recommended waypoint Dr, and the user's preferences and travel purpose in the travel planning navigation system 401. More specifically, the route distribution server 201 calculates the route based on the recommended waypoint Dr's latitude and longitude and business hours, travel information Tf1, Tf2, and traffic information (step S29).

[0138] Next, if the route distribution server 201 fails to generate the recommended route Rt2 as a result of the route calculation (NO in step S30), it sends route information including travel route Rt1 and traffic information to the user terminal 101 via the network 151 (step S31) and waits for a new route generation request to arrive (NO in step S21).

[0139] Meanwhile, if the route distribution server 201 has calculated a route and is able to generate a recommended route Rt2 (YES in step S30), it sends route information including the recommended route Rt2, travel route Rt1, and traffic information to the user terminal 101 via the network 151 (step S32), and waits for a new route generation request to arrive (NO in step S21).

[0140] Although the route distribution server 201 in the embodiment of this disclosure is configured to include a determination unit 24, it is not limited to this configuration. The route distribution server 201 may also be configured without a determination unit 24. In this case, the generation unit 23 does not generate the recommended route Rt2.

[0141] Furthermore, while the route distribution server 201 according to the embodiment of this disclosure is configured such that the generation unit 23 generates the recommended route Rt2 based on the business hours of the recommended waypoint Dr, it is not limited to this configuration. The generation unit 23 may also be configured to generate the recommended route Rt2 without considering the business hours of the recommended waypoint Dr.

[0142] Furthermore, while the route distribution server 201 according to the embodiment of this disclosure is configured such that the generation unit 23 generates the recommended route Rt2 based on the user evaluation of the recommended waypoint Dr, it is not limited to this configuration. The generation unit 23 may also be configured to generate the recommended route Rt2 without considering the user evaluation of the recommended waypoint Dr.

[0143] Furthermore, while the route distribution server 201 according to the embodiment of this disclosure is configured such that the generation unit 23 generates a recommended route Rt2 based on the distance between the travel route Rt1 and the recommended waypoint Dr, it is not limited to this configuration. The generation unit 23 may also be configured to generate a recommended route Rt2 without considering the distance between the travel route Rt1 and the recommended waypoint Dr.

[0144] Furthermore, in the route distribution server 201 according to the embodiment of this disclosure, the generation unit 23 is configured to generate recommended route Rt2 based on the user's preferences indicated by the user information Py, but the invention is not limited to this configuration. The generation unit 23 may be configured to generate recommended route Rt2 without considering the user's preferences.

[0145] Furthermore, while the route distribution server 201 according to the embodiment of this disclosure is configured such that the generation unit 23 generates a recommended route Rt2 based on the user's travel purpose indicated by the user information Py, it is not limited to this configuration. The generation unit 23 may also be configured to generate a recommended route Rt2 without considering the user's travel purpose.

[0146] Furthermore, while the route distribution server 201 according to the embodiment of this disclosure is configured such that the generation unit 23 generates the fastest route Rt1 that passes through the destination Ds, it is not limited to this configuration. Instead of generating the fastest route Rt1, the generation unit 23 may be configured to generate the route Rt1 with the shortest travel distance, or the route Rt1 with the lowest travel cost, or the route Rt1 with the fewest transfers using public transportation.

[0147] Furthermore, in the user terminal 101 according to the embodiment of this disclosure, the communication unit 11 is configured to send a route generation request including travel information Tf1, Tf2 and user information Py to the route distribution server 201 via the network 151, but the invention is not limited to this configuration. The communication unit 11 may also be configured to send a route generation request that does not include user information Py but includes travel information Tf1, Tf2 to the route distribution server 201 via the network 151.

[0148] Furthermore, in the user terminal 101 according to the embodiment of this disclosure, the reception unit 12 is configured to receive user input for the duration of stay at the destination Ds, but it is not limited to this. Instead of receiving user input for the duration of stay at the destination Ds, the reception unit 12 may be configured to obtain a standard duration of stay at the destination Ds from a website. In this case, the communication unit 11 transmits the travel information Tf1, including the standard duration of stay at the destination Ds, obtained by the reception unit 12, to the route distribution server 201.

[0149] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the route distribution server 201 according to the embodiment of this disclosure may be provided by cloud computing. That is, the route distribution server 201 according to the embodiment of this disclosure may be a cloud server composed of multiple servers.

[0150] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the traffic information server 301 according to the embodiment of this disclosure may be provided by cloud computing. That is, the traffic information server 301 according to the embodiment of this disclosure may be a cloud server composed of multiple servers.

[0151] The embodiments described above should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the above description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included.

[0152] Each process (each function) of the above-described embodiment is implemented by a processing circuit (Circuitry) including one or more processors. The processing circuit may consist of one or more memories, various analog circuits, various digital circuits, etc., in addition to the one or more processors, as well as an integrated circuit. The one or more memories store programs (instructions) that cause the one or more processors to execute each of the above processes. The one or more processors may execute each of the above processes according to the programs read from the one or more memories, or they may execute each of the above processes according to logic circuits that have been pre-designed to execute each of the above processes. The processors may be various processors suitable for computer control, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Furthermore, the physically separated multiple processors may cooperate with each other to execute each of the above processes. For example, the processors installed in each of several physically separated computers may cooperate with each other via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), and the Internet to perform the above processes. The program may be installed in the memory via the network from an external server device, or it may be distributed on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), and semiconductor memory, and then installed in the memory from the recording medium.

[0153] The above description includes the following features. [Note 1] It is a travel planning navigation system. An acquisition unit that acquires travel information including the time of arrival at the destination and the duration of stay at the destination, taking into account the operating hours of the destination; The system includes a first generation unit that generates a travel route based on the travel information acquired by the acquisition unit, The acquisition unit acquires the travel information which further includes the departure point, the date and time of departure from the departure point, the destination, and the date and time of arrival at the destination. The aforementioned travel planning navigation system further, A determination unit determines whether or not to add recommended waypoints to the travel route based on the travel route and travel information generated by the first generation unit, If the determination unit determines that the recommended waypoint can be added, the system includes a second generation unit that generates a recommended route to which the recommended waypoint has been added to the travel route. The determination unit compares the arrival time to the destination on the travel route with the arrival time to the destination indicated in the travel information for each destination, and determines whether or not to add the recommended waypoint to the travel route based on the comparison result, in a travel planning navigation system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0154] 11 Communications Department 12 Reception Department 13 Display Processing Unit 14 Position detection unit 15 Storage section 21 Communications Department 22 Acquisition Department 23 Generation part 24 Judgment section 25 Map Information Transmission Unit 26 Memory section 101 User terminal 151 Network 201 Route Distribution Server 301 Traffic Information Server 401 Travel Planning Navigation System Gy User Information Settings Screen G1, G2 Basic Information Settings Screen G4 destination setting screen G5 destination confirmation screen G6 Plan Selection Screen G7 Plan Confirmation Screen C1-C19 Checkboxes Cb1-Cb7 Checkboxes Tx1-Tx4 Text Boxes Ls1-Ls15 dropdown list Bt1-Bt11 buttons Sw1-Sw11 Toggle Switch SB Search Bar P,P1-P7 Images Sm1, Sm2 Route Overview Rt1 Travel Route

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires travel information including the time of arrival at the destination and the time of stay at the destination, taking into account the operating hours of the destination, A travel planning navigation system comprising: a first generation unit that generates a travel route based on the travel information acquired by the acquisition unit; and a first generation unit that generates a travel route based on the travel information acquired by the acquisition unit.

2. The acquisition unit acquires the travel information which further includes the departure point, the date and time of departure from the departure point, the destination, and the date and time of arrival at the destination. The aforementioned travel planning navigation system further, A determination unit determines whether or not to add recommended waypoints to the travel route based on the travel route and travel information generated by the first generation unit, The travel planning navigation system according to claim 1, further comprising: a determination unit that determines that the recommended waypoint can be added, and a second generation unit that generates a recommended route to which the recommended waypoint has been added to the travel route.

3. The travel planning navigation system according to claim 2, wherein the second generation unit generates the recommended route based on the operating hours of the recommended waypoints.

4. The travel planning navigation system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second generation unit generates the recommended route based on the user's evaluation of the recommended waypoints.

5. The travel planning navigation system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second generation unit generates the recommended route based on the distance between the travel route and the recommended waypoints.

6. The travel planning navigation system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second generation unit generates the recommended route based on at least one of the user's preferences and the user's travel purpose.

7. The travel planning navigation system according to claim 1, wherein the first generation unit generates the travel route, which is the fastest route that passes through the destination.

8. A method for generating travel routes in a travel planning navigation system, A step of obtaining travel information including the time of arrival at the destination and the duration of stay at the destination, taking into account the operating hours of the destination; A method for generating a travel route, comprising the step of generating a travel route based on the acquired travel information.

9. A travel route generation program used in a travel planning navigation system, Computers, An acquisition unit that acquires travel information including the time of arrival at the destination and the time of stay at the destination, taking into account the operating hours of the destination, A first generation unit generates a travel route based on the travel information acquired by the acquisition unit. A travel route generation program designed to function as such.

10. A travel route display program used on a user terminal, Computers, A reception unit that accepts user inputs including the time of arrival at the destination and the duration of stay at the destination, A transmission unit transmits the travel information received by the reception unit, including the arrival time and stay time, which take into account the operating hours of the destination, to an external device outside the user terminal. A receiving unit that receives a travel route based on the travel information transmitted by the transmitting unit, A display processing unit that performs processing to display the travel route received by the receiving unit. A travel route display program designed to function as such.

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