Route guide program, terminal, route guide server

Abstract

To provide an itinerary guide program or the like for calculating an itinerary by taking a staying time of a visiting place into consideration.SOLUTION: An itinerary guide program executes a condition setting step, an itinerary calculation step and an output step. In the condition setting step, first information is set. The first information includes a departure area, a departure desired time, an arrival area, and an arrival desired time. The itinerary calculation step calculates a recommended departure time and a recommended visiting place departure time by using first transfer means on the basis of the information set in the condition setting step, information on the first transfer means, and information on a staying time of the visiting place. The first transfer means is public transportation for performing passenger transportation without a time schedule for moving a prescribed section at a prescribed time. The information on the first transfer means includes a movement time using the first transfer means between a getting-on / off place corresponding to the departure area and a getting-on / off place corresponding to the visiting place, and a movement time using the first transfer means between the getting-on / off place corresponding to the visiting place and a getting-on / off place corresponding to the arrival area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a route guidance program for displaying a route on a terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 and the like propose a control device for a terminal that searches for a route to reach a destination via intermediate points. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-151316 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the waypoints are merely transit points, and no consideration is given to staying at the waypoints.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a route guidance program or the like that calculates a route taking into consideration the stay time at visit places located on the route from the departure area to the arrival area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The journey guidance program according to the present invention executes a condition setting step, a journey calculation step, and an output step. In the condition setting step, at least one of the first information and the second information is set. The first information includes a departure area, a desired departure time for departing from a stop corresponding to the departure area, an arrival area, and a desired arrival time for arriving at a stop corresponding to the arrival area. The second information includes a destination located on a journey from the departure area to the arrival area, and at least one of a desired arrival time at the destination for arriving at a stop corresponding to the destination and a desired departure time from the stop corresponding to the destination. The itinerary calculation process calculates at least one of a recommended departure time departing from a boarding / alighting point corresponding to the departure area and a recommended departure time from a boarding / alighting point corresponding to the destination using at least one of the first and second transportation means based on the information set in the condition setting process, information related to the first transportation means, information related to the second transportation means, and information related to the stay time at the destination. The output step outputs the calculation results of the stroke calculation step to a terminal. The first transportation means is a public transportation facility that transports passengers without a time schedule for traveling between predetermined sections at predetermined times. The second mode of transportation is public transportation with a time schedule. The information regarding the first transportation means includes a travel time using the first transportation means between a boarding / alighting stop corresponding to the departure area and a boarding / alighting stop corresponding to the destination, and a travel time using the first transportation means between a boarding / alighting stop corresponding to the destination and a boarding / alighting stop corresponding to the arrival area. The information relating to the second transportation means includes a time schedule of the second transportation means.

[0007] Taking into account the stay time at the destination (stay time threshold), the recommended departure time for the departure area and the recommended departure time for the destination are output. Therefore, when moving from the departure area to the arrival area, it becomes possible to calculate a journey from the departure area to the arrival area, including sufficient time to stay at the destination. In addition, the itinerary is calculated including the first means of transportation that does not have a time schedule, such as taxis. This makes it possible to provide itinerary guidance even in areas such as remote islands where the number of second means of transportation with a time schedule is low.

[0008] Preferably, the information relating to the first transportation means includes reservation information for the first transportation means. The output step causes the terminal to output an operation button related to an instruction to make a reservation for the first transportation means. The itinerary calculation step calculates at least one of a recommended departure time and a recommended departure time from a destination using a first means of transportation that is reservable.

[0009] For the first means of transportation that does not have a time schedule, such as a taxi, route guidance is provided using those that can be reserved. This increases the chances of following the recommended route compared to a form of route guidance that does not take reservation availability into account.

[0010] Also, preferably, the itinerary calculation step calculates at least one of the recommended departure time and the recommended departure time from the destination using a first means of transportation that is reserved by another user and has available boarding space.

[0011] The itinerary calculation process and output process are carried out using the first transportation means that is reserved by other users and has available vacancies. This makes it possible to improve the operational efficiency of the operator of the first transportation means compared to a form in which the itinerary calculation process is carried out without considering the reservation status of other users.

[0012] Also, preferably, the itinerary calculation step calculates, after a predetermined time has elapsed since calculation of at least one of the recommended departure time and the recommended departure time from the destination, at least one of the recommended departure time and the recommended departure time from the destination, using a first means of transportation that is reserved by another user and has available boarding space. The output step causes the terminal to output the calculation result after the predetermined time has elapsed, instead of the calculation result before the predetermined time has elapsed, and an operation button for instructing to change the reservation.

[0013] This makes it possible to prepare an itinerary that is more optimal for users and businesses than the results of the first calculation.

[0014] More preferably, the condition setting step includes setting first information. When a first visiting place and a second visiting place are set as the visiting places, the itinerary calculation step includes calculating the visiting order of the first visiting place and the second visiting place.

[0015] When multiple places to be visited are set, it becomes possible to know the order in which the multiple places to be visited are to be visited, taking into account the duration of stay at the multiple places.

[0016] A journey guide program for executing a condition setting step, a journey calculation step, and an output step is installed in the terminal according to the present invention. In the condition setting step, at least one of the first information and the second information is set. The first information includes a departure area, a desired departure time for departing from a stop corresponding to the departure area, an arrival area, and a desired arrival time for arriving at a stop corresponding to the arrival area. The second information includes a destination located on a journey from the departure area to the arrival area, and at least one of a desired arrival time at the destination for arriving at a stop corresponding to the destination and a desired departure time from the stop corresponding to the destination. The itinerary calculation process calculates at least one of a recommended departure time departing from a boarding / alighting point corresponding to the departure area and a recommended departure time from a boarding / alighting point corresponding to the destination using at least one of the first and second transportation means based on the information set in the condition setting process, information related to the first transportation means, information related to the second transportation means, and information related to the stay time at the destination. The output step outputs the calculation results of the stroke calculation step to a terminal. The first transportation means is a public transportation facility that transports passengers without a time schedule for traveling between predetermined sections at predetermined times. The second mode of transportation is public transportation with a time schedule. The information regarding the first transportation means includes a travel time using the first transportation means between a boarding / alighting stop corresponding to the departure area and a boarding / alighting stop corresponding to the destination, and a travel time using the first transportation means between a boarding / alighting stop corresponding to the destination and a boarding / alighting stop corresponding to the arrival area. The information relating to the second transportation means includes a time schedule of the second transportation means.

[0017] A journey guidance program for executing a condition setting step, a journey calculation step, and an output step is installed in the journey guidance server according to the present invention. In the condition setting step, a condition setting screen for setting at least one of the first information and the second information is displayed on the terminal. The first information includes a departure area, a desired departure time for departing from a stop corresponding to the departure area, an arrival area, and a desired arrival time for arriving at a stop corresponding to the arrival area. The second information includes a destination located on a journey from the departure area to the arrival area, and at least one of a desired arrival time at the destination for arriving at a boarding / alighting station corresponding to the destination, and a desired departure time from the destination for departing from a boarding / alighting station corresponding to the destination. The itinerary calculation process calculates at least one of a recommended departure time departing from a boarding / alighting point corresponding to the departure area and a recommended departure time from a boarding / alighting point corresponding to the destination using at least one of the first and second transportation means based on the information set in the condition setting process, information related to the first means of transportation, information related to the second means of transportation, and information related to the stay time at the destination. The output step outputs the calculation results of the stroke calculation step to a terminal. The first transportation means is a public transportation facility that transports passengers without a time schedule for traveling between predetermined sections at predetermined times. The second mode of transportation is public transportation with a time schedule. The information regarding the first transportation means includes a travel time using the first transportation means between a boarding / alighting stop corresponding to the departure area and a boarding / alighting stop corresponding to the destination, and a travel time using the first transportation means between a boarding / alighting stop corresponding to the destination and a boarding / alighting stop corresponding to the arrival area. The information relating to the second transportation means includes a time schedule of the second transportation means.

[0018] The journey guidance program according to the present invention executes a condition setting step, a journey calculation step, and an output step. In the condition setting step, at least one of the first information and the second information is set. The first information includes a departure area, a desired departure time for departing from a stop corresponding to the departure area, an arrival area, and a desired arrival time for arriving at a stop corresponding to the arrival area. The second information includes a destination located on a journey from the departure area to the arrival area, and at least one of a desired arrival time at the destination for arriving at a boarding / alighting station corresponding to the destination, and a desired departure time from the destination for departing from a boarding / alighting station corresponding to the destination. The itinerary calculation process calculates, based on the information set in the condition setting process, information related to the first means of transportation, and information related to the stay time at the destination, at least one of a recommended departure time for departing from a boarding / alighting point corresponding to the departure area using the first means of transportation and a recommended departure time for the destination for departing from a boarding / alighting point corresponding to the destination. The output step outputs the calculation results of the stroke calculation step to a terminal. The first transportation means is a public transportation facility that transports passengers without a time schedule for traveling between predetermined sections at predetermined times. The information regarding the first transportation means includes a travel time using the first transportation means between a boarding / alighting stop corresponding to the departure area and a boarding / alighting stop corresponding to the destination, and a travel time using the first transportation means between a boarding / alighting stop corresponding to the destination and a boarding / alighting stop corresponding to the arrival area. Effect of the Invention

[0019] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a route guidance program that calculates a route taking into consideration the duration of stay at visit places located on the route from the departure area to the arrival area. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of a route guidance system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a target area for calculating a trip taking into account the stay time at a visit place using a trip guidance program. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the contents of a first transportation mode database. [Figure 4]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the contents of a travel time and fare database. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the contents of a first transportation reservation status database. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the contents of a second transportation mode database. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the contents of a visited place database. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a third screen in the first state. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a third screen in the second state. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a third screen in a third state. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a third screen in a fourth state. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a third screen in a fifth state. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a third screen in a sixth state. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a fourth screen. [Figure 17] This figure shows the contents of the first transportation reservation status database, in which a reservation has been added for a sea taxi of the 22nd operator for the time period from 14:00 to 16:00 on October 2, 2019, from the state shown in Figure 5. [Figure 18] This figure shows the contents of the first transportation reservation status database, in which a reservation has been added for a sea taxi of the 22nd operator for the time period from 10:00 to 12:00 on October 2, 2019, from the state of Figure 17. [Figure 19] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a fourth screen which has been switched from the state of FIG. 16 to the display of the result of the second calculation. [Figure 20] This figure shows the contents of the first transportation reservation status database, in which an additional reservation has been added for a sea taxi of the 22nd operator for the time period from 10:00 to 12:00 on October 2, 2019, from the state of Figure 18. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments are not limited to the following embodiments. In principle, the contents described in one embodiment are also applicable to other embodiments. The embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate.

[0022] (Route Guidance System 1) The route guidance system 1 in this embodiment includes a route guidance server 30, and terminals (first terminal M1 to third terminal M3) such as a computer or a mobile phone (see FIG. 1).

[0023] (Terminal, installation destination of the itinerary guide program) A journey guidance program for outputting screens (first screen Pi1 to fourth screen Pi4) used for journey guidance is installed in the terminals (first terminal M1 to third terminal M3). When the route guidance program is installed in each of the terminals (first terminal M1 to third terminal M3), the first screen Pi1 and the like are displayed on the route guidance program of the terminal.

[0024] However, the route guidance program may be installed in the storage unit 33 of the route guidance server 30. When the route guidance program is installed in the route guidance server 30, the route guidance program displays the first screen Pi1 and the like on the browsers of the terminals (first terminal M1 to third terminal M3).

[0025] (Areas where route guidance system 1 can be used) In the itinerary guidance system 1 of this embodiment, the itinerary guidance program outputs to the first terminal M1 to the third terminal M3 itinerary guidance for traveling using either a first means of transportation including a sea taxi or a second means of transportation including a ferry or a high-speed boat in an area (see Figure 2) that includes a first main island ML1, a second main island ML2, a first island L1 and a second island L2.

[0026] (1st means of transportation) The first transportation means is a public transportation facility that transports passengers under an individual contract with passengers without a time schedule (timetable) for traveling a predetermined section at a predetermined time. Possible first means of transportation include taxis using automobiles that travel on land, sea taxis using ships that travel on the sea, and air taxis that rise from the land and sea and travel in the air. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the first transportation means is a sea taxi.

[0027] (Second means of transportation) The second transportation means is public transportation that operates based on a time schedule (timetable) for traveling a predetermined section at a predetermined time. Possible secondary means of transportation include trains and buses that travel on land, ferries and high-speed boats that travel on the sea, and airplanes that rise from the land and sea and travel in the air. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the second transportation means is a ferry or a high-speed boat.

[0028] However, the target area for which the itinerary is calculated using the itinerary guidance program while taking into account the time spent at the destinations visited is not limited to the area shown in FIG. 2, and is not limited to maritime traffic. For example, the route guidance program may cause the first terminal M1 to the third terminal M3 to output a route guidance that combines land transportation, air transportation, and sea transportation. Furthermore, the number of terminals to which route guides are output is not limited to three.

[0029] (Prerequisite) In the region shown in FIG. 2, the following prerequisites are assumed: The first main island ML1 is provided with a first boarding and alighting station P1 and a second boarding and alighting station P2. The third and fourth bus stops P3 and P4 will be provided on the second main island ML2. The first island L1 is provided with the fifth and sixth bus stops P5, P6, the first destination V1, and the second destination V2. The second island L2 is provided with the seventh stop P7, the eighth stop P8, the third destination V3, the fourth destination V4, and the fifth destination V5.

[0030] In the first island L1 and the second island L2, the sections where land travel by foot or other means is possible are indicated by dotted lines. The first destination V1 can be reached by land from the fifth and sixth bus stops P5 and P6. The second destination, V2, can be reached by land from the fifth stop, P5. The third destination, V3, can be reached by land from the seventh and eighth bus stops, P7 and P8. The fourth destination, V4, can be reached by land from the seventh stop, P7. The fifth destination, V5, can be reached by land from the eighth stop, P8.

[0031] In Figure 2, dotted lines are shown for sections connecting two of the first and eighth bus stops P1 to P8 where regular ferry or high-speed boat services are provided by either the 11th operator CS1 or the 12th operator CS2. Between the first and third stop P1 and P3, there are regular ferry and high-speed boat services operated by the 11th operator CS1, and regular ferry services operated by the 12th operator CS2. A regular ferry service is operated by the 12th operator CS2 between the first and fifth stops P1 and P5. Between the first stop P1 and the seventh stop P7, an eleventh operator CS1 provides regular ferry service (not shown in the second transportation mode database DB4 in FIG. 6). A regular ferry service operated by a twelfth operator CS2 is provided between the second stop P2 and the third stop P3 (not shown in the second transportation mode database DB4 in FIG. 6).

[0032] The first bus stop P1 to the eighth bus stop P8 can be used by sea taxis S11 to S14 of the 21st operator CT1 and sea taxis S21 to S23 of the 22nd operator CT2.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if the departure area and arrival area are different locations, the section from the boarding / alighting point corresponding to the departure area to the boarding / alighting point corresponding to the destination is defined as the outbound journey, and the section from the boarding / alighting point corresponding to the destination to the boarding / alighting point corresponding to the arrival area is defined as the return journey.

[0034] (Route information server 30) Next, each unit of the route guide server 30 will be described. The route guide server 30 includes a communication unit 31, a recording unit 33, and a control unit 35 (see FIG. 1).

[0035] (Communication unit 31 of route guide server 30) The communication unit 31 of the itinerary guide server 30 communicates via the network with each of the terminals (first terminal M1 to third terminal M3), the server SS1 of the 11th operator CS1, the server SS2 of the 12th operator CS2, the server ST1 of the 21st operator CT1, and the server ST2 of the 22nd operator CT2.

[0036] In order to update the database described below, communication with server SS1 of the 11th operator CS1, server SS2 of the 12th operator CS2, server ST1 of the 21st operator CT1, and server ST2 of the 22nd operator CT2 is performed every first time T1 (for example, T1 = 1 minute).

[0037] (Recording unit 33 of route guide server 30) The recording unit 33 of the itinerary guide server 30 records a first transportation means database DB1, a travel time and fare database DB2, a first transportation means reservation status database DB3, a second transportation means database DB4, and a visiting place database DB5.

[0038] (First transportation mode database DB1) The first transportation means database DB1 indicates, for each first transportation means operator, the relationship between the identification information of the first transportation means (marine taxi) owned by the operator and the capacity (see FIG. 3). The contents of the first transportation means database DB1 may be input by a user of the itinerary guidance server 30 via an input unit (not shown) of the itinerary guidance server 30, or may be updated based on information received from the server ST1 of the 21st operator CT1 and the server ST2 of the 22nd operator CT2 via the network.

[0039] (Travel time and fare database DB2) The travel time / fare database DB2 indicates the relationship between the average travel time and fare for each section of the first transportation means and for each operator (see FIG. 4). The contents of the travel time and fare database DB2 may be input by a user of the itinerary guide server 30 through an input unit of the itinerary guide server 30, or may be updated based on information received from the server ST1 of the 21st operator CT1 and the server ST2 of the 22nd operator CT2 via the network. In addition, when the fare varies depending on the actual travel distance and travel time, the average price for that section may be set as the fare.

[0040] (First transportation reservation status database DB3) The first transportation means reservation status database DB3 indicates the reservation status and seat availability by time period for each first transportation means (see FIG. 5). The contents of the first transportation reservation status database DB3 are updated based on information received from the terminals, the server ST1 of the 21st operator CT1 and the server ST2 of the 22nd operator CT2 via the network.

[0041] (Second transportation mode database DB4) The second transportation means database DB4 is a timetable for the second transportation means, and indicates the relationship between the boarding and alighting stops corresponding to the departure area, the boarding and alighting stops corresponding to the arrival area, the departure time, the arrival time, the type of second transportation means, the operator, and the fare (see Figure 6). The contents of the second transportation means database DB4 may be input by a user of the itinerary guide server 30 via an input unit of the itinerary guide server 30, or may be updated based on information received from the server ST1 of the 21st operator CT1 and the server ST2 of the 22nd operator CT2 via the network.

[0042] (Reservation status of second transportation method) In this embodiment, the reservation status of the second transportation means is recorded in the server SS1 of the eleventh service provider CS1 and the server SS2 of the twelfth service provider CS2, and the itinerary guide server 30 accesses these to acquire the information. However, for the second transportation means, a database similar to the first transportation means reservation status database DB3, that is, a second transportation means reservation status database (not shown) may be provided. In this case, the second transportation reservation status database indicates the reservation status by date and by flight, and indicates the seat availability.

[0043] (Visited Places Database DB5) The visited place database DB5 indicates, for each visited place, the relationship between the identification information of the visited place, the nearest stop to the visited place, the travel time from the nearest stop, and the average stay time at the visited place (see Figure 7). The contents of the visiting place database DB5 are input by a user of the itinerary guide server 30 through an input unit of the itinerary guide server 30.

[0044] (Control unit 35 of route guide server 30) The control unit 35 of the route guide server 30 controls the communication unit 31 and the recording unit 33 .

[0045] Specifically, the control unit 35 updates the database (such as the first transportation means database DB1) of the recording unit 33 based on the results of communication with the terminals (first terminal M1 to third terminal M3), the server SS1 of the 11th operator CS1, the server SS2 of the 12th operator CS2, the server ST1 of the 21st operator CT1, and the server ST2 of the 22nd operator CT2. In addition, when the control unit 35 receives a reservation instruction signal among the operation instruction signals from any of the terminals (first terminal M1 to third terminal M3), it transmits information regarding the reservation corresponding to the reservation instruction signal to the server SS1 of the 11th operator CS1, etc.

[0046] (Operation procedure of the route guidance program) Next, the operation procedure of the route guidance program will be specifically described using as an example a case where the route guidance program is started up on the first terminal M1. The same applies when the operation is performed on the second terminal M2 or the third terminal M3. The journey guidance program executes a condition setting step, a journey calculation step, and an output journey step.

[0047] In the condition setting step, at least one of first information and second information, which will be described later, is set. In the itinerary calculation process, at least one of a recommended departure time for departing from a boarding / alighting point corresponding to the departure area and a recommended departure time for the destination for departing from a boarding / alighting point corresponding to the destination is calculated using at least one of the first and second transportation means based on the information set in the condition setting process, information related to the first transportation means, information related to the second transportation means, and information related to the stay time at the destination. In the itinerary calculation step, at least one of the recommended departure time and the recommended departure time from the destination is calculated using the first transportation means that is reservable. In the output step, the calculation results of the itinerary calculation step and an operation button for instructing a reservation for the first transportation means (reservation button B4) are output to the terminal.

[0048] The first information includes a departure area, a desired departure time for departing from a stop corresponding to the departure area, an arrival area, and a desired arrival time for arriving at a stop corresponding to the arrival area. The second information includes a destination and at least one of a desired arrival time at the destination for arriving at a stop corresponding to the destination and a recommended departure time from the stop corresponding to the destination. The destinations are located on a route from a departure area to an arrival area, which will be described later. In other words, the journey from the departure area to the arrival area includes a stay at the destination.

[0049] The information on the first transportation means includes a travel time using the first transportation means between a stop corresponding to the departure area and a stop corresponding to the destination, a travel time using the first transportation means between a stop corresponding to the destination and a stop corresponding to the arrival area, and reservation information for the first transportation means. Specifically, the travel time / fare database DB2 and the first transportation means reservation status database DB3 correspond to the information on the first transportation means. The information on the second transportation means includes a time schedule of the second transportation means. Specifically, the second transportation means database DB4 corresponds to the information on the second transportation means.

[0050] In the following procedure, an example in which the first information is set in the condition setting step will be described, but the second information may also be set. In this case, in the condition setting step, instead of setting a desired departure time or a desired arrival time, a desired arrival time at a destination, such as a desired time to arrive at a stop corresponding to the destination, is set.

[0051] In addition, an example will be described in which both the recommended departure time and the recommended departure time from the destination are calculated in the itinerary calculation step.

[0052] When the journey guide program is started on the first terminal M1, the first terminal M1 accesses the journey guide server 30. The control unit 35 of the itinerary guide server 30 transmits information required for displaying the first screen Pi1, such as the visited place database DB5, via the communication unit 31 to the first terminal M1. The first terminal M1 displays a first screen Pi1 based on the visited place database DB5 and the like (see FIG. 8).

[0053] (1st screen Pi1) The first screen Pi1 has a visit place thumbnail display area A1, a refinement setting area A2, and an itinerary creation instruction button B1.

[0054] The visited place thumbnail display area A1 of the first screen Pi1 displays a list of visited places recorded in the visited place database DB5. When no narrowing is performed, a list of all visited places recorded in the visited place database DB5 is displayed. When narrowing is performed, only visited places corresponding to the narrowing are displayed among the visited places recorded in the visited place database DB5. When the first screen Pi1 is displayed and an operation is performed to select one of the visited places, such as by clicking on one of the images of the visited places listed in the visited place thumbnail display area A1, the display of the first screen Pi1 is switched to the display of the second screen Pi2, which includes detailed information about the selected visited place (see Figure 9).

[0055] The refinement setting area A2 on the first screen Pi1 is an area for inputting keywords to be used for refinement. When the first screen Pi1 is displayed and a keyword narrowing operation is performed, such as by entering a keyword in the narrowing setting area A2, only visited places related to that keyword are displayed in the visited place thumbnail display area A1 of the first screen Pi1.

[0056] The itinerary creation instruction button B1 on the first screen Pi1 is used to switch the display to the third screen Pi3 for creating an itinerary for visiting the set destinations. When an operation for instructing to create an itinerary is performed, such as by clicking the itinerary creation instruction button B1, the display of the first screen Pi1 is switched to the display of the third screen Pi3 (see Figs. 10 to 15).

[0057] FIG. 8 shows an example in which images and names of a first visited place V1 to a fourth visited place V4 are displayed in the visited place thumbnail display area A1 of the first screen Pi1 without narrowing down the search using keywords.

[0058] (2nd screen Pi2) The second screen Pi2 has a name display area A3, a visited place details display area A4, and a visited place setting button B2 (see FIG. 9).

[0059] FIG. 9 shows an example in which a first visit place V1 is selected while the first screen Pi1 is being displayed, and a second screen Pi2 including detailed information about the first visit place V1 is displayed.

[0060] The name display area A3 of the second screen Pi2 is an area for displaying the name of the visited place displayed on the second screen Pi2, and is also used as a back button. When an operation for returning to the original screen is performed, such as by clicking on the name display area A3, the display is switched from the second screen Pi2 to the display of the screen before the second screen Pi2 was displayed.

[0061] The visited place details display area A4 of the second screen Pi2 displays detailed information such as an enlarged image and the address of the visited place selected on the first screen Pi1.

[0062] The visit place setting button B2 on the second screen Pi2 is used to set the visit place displayed on the second screen Pi2 to be included in the visit places for creating an itinerary, or to cancel the setting. When an operation for deciding to set a visiting place is performed, such as clicking the visiting place setting button B2, the visiting place displayed on the second screen Pi2 is set as one of the visiting places for creating an itinerary. When an operation to cancel the visit place setting is performed, such as by clicking the visit place setting button B2 again, the visit place displayed on the second screen Pi2 is deleted from the visit places for the itinerary creation.

[0063] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which only one visited place is set using the second screen Pi2, but multiple visited places may be set. By selecting a place to visit on the first screen Pi1 and then setting the place to be included in the itinerary creation on the second screen Pi2, the multiple places to visit can be set as places to visit in the itinerary creation.

[0064] (Third screen Pi3) The third screen Pi3 (condition setting screen) has a setting instruction area A5, a selection input area A6, a selection confirmation area A7, a search condition confirmation area A8, and a search instruction button B3 (see FIGS. 10 to 15). The third screen Pi3 is used for the condition setting process.

[0065] The setting instruction area A5 of the third screen Pi3 is an area for displaying a message prompting the user to set conditions for creating an itinerary. The setting instruction area A5 has a first setting instruction area A5a (see Figure 10) for prompting the setting of the means of transportation, a second setting instruction area A5b (see Figure 11) for prompting the setting of the number of people, and a third setting instruction area A5c (see Figures 12 to 15) for prompting the setting of the schedule (departure date, departure area, desired departure time, arrival area, and desired arrival time).

[0066] The selection input area A6 of the third screen Pi3 is an area for the user to set (input or select) conditions for creating an itinerary. The selection input area A6 has a first selection input area A6a (see Figure 10) for selecting or inputting a means of transportation, a second selection input area A6b (see Figure 11) for selecting or inputting the number of people, and a third selection input area A6c (see Figures 12 to 15) for selecting or inputting the departure date, departure area, desired departure time, arrival area and desired arrival time.

[0067] The selection confirmation area A7 of the third screen Pi3 is an area for displaying those conditions set using the selection input area A6 among those for creating an itinerary. The selection confirmation area A7 has a first selection confirmation area A7a (see Figure 11) for displaying the set means of transportation, a second selection confirmation area A7b (see Figure 12) for displaying the set number of people, and a third selection confirmation area A7c (see Figures 13 to 15) for displaying the set departure date, etc.

[0068] The first to third setting instruction areas A5a to A5c, the first to third selection input areas A6a to A6c, and the first to third selection confirmation areas A7a to A7c are displayed in order. Specifically, when the first setting instruction area A5a and the first selection input area A6a are displayed (first state, see Figure 10), and an operation is performed on the first selection input area A6a, the first selection confirmation area A7a is displayed instead of the first selection input area A6a (second state, see Figure 11). Furthermore, a second setting instruction area A5b and a second selection input area A6b are displayed.

[0069] FIG. 11 shows an example in which both the first transportation means and the second transportation means are selected as transportation means to be used in the journey by operating the first selection input area A6a.

[0070] When the first setting instruction area A5a, the first selection confirmation area A7a, the second setting instruction area A5b, and the second selection input area A6b are displayed and an operation is performed on the second selection input area A6b, the second selection confirmation area A7b is displayed instead of the second selection input area A6b (third state, see Figure 12). Furthermore, a third setting designation area A5c and a third selection input area A6c are displayed.

[0071] FIG. 12 shows an example in which 1 person is selected as the number of people using the transportation means indicated in the itinerary.

[0072] When the first setting instruction area A5a, the first selection confirmation area A7a, the second setting instruction area A5b, the second selection confirmation area A7b, the third setting instruction area A5c, and the third selection input area A6c are displayed and a partial operation is performed on the third selection input area A6c, the third selection confirmation area A7c is displayed instead of any selection or input that has been made in the third selection input area A6c (fourth state, see Figure 13) (fifth state, see Figure 14).

[0073] FIG. 13 shows an example in which October 2, 2019 is selected as the departure date, and the departure area, desired departure time, arrival area, and desired arrival time are not set. Figure 14 shows an example in which October 2, 2019 is selected as the departure date, the first boarding and alighting stop P1 is selected as the departure area, 10:30 am is selected as the desired departure time, and the arrival area and desired arrival time are not set.

[0074] The departure area and the arrival area may be different or may be the same.

[0075] When the first setting instruction area A5a, the first selection confirmation area A7a, the second setting instruction area A5b, the second selection confirmation area A7b, the third setting instruction area A5c, and the third selection input area A6c are displayed and all operations in the third selection input area A6c are performed, the third selection confirmation area A7c is displayed instead of the third selection input area A6c (sixth state, see Figure 15). Furthermore, a search condition confirmation area A8 and a search instruction button B3 are displayed.

[0076] Figure 15 shows an example in which October 2, 2019 is selected as the departure date, and the departure area, desired departure time, arrival area (fourth boarding / alighting point P4, not shown), and desired arrival time (2:30 p.m., not shown) are set.

[0077] That is, a display prompting the user to set conditions for creating an itinerary is displayed for each item, and after each item is set, a display prompting the user to set the next condition is displayed. Moreover, the content prompting the user to set the conditions is displayed as a message from one speaker, and the content after the setting is displayed as a message from the other speaker on the third screen Pi3. This allows the user to set all the conditions that need to be set without missing anything. However, the input method of the condition setting is not limited to a dialogue format, in which a display prompting the user to set conditions for creating a trip is displayed for each item, and after each item is set, a display prompting the user to set the next condition is displayed. For example, the items related to the condition setting may be displayed in a list.

[0078] The search condition confirmation area A8 of the third screen Pi3 is an area for displaying a confirmation that a search for creating an itinerary will be performed using the search conditions set by operating the selection input area A6.

[0079] The search instruction button B3 on the third screen Pi3 is used to instruct a search for an itinerary for visiting the places set on the second screen Pi2 under the conditions set on the third screen Pi3. When an operation to instruct a search for an itinerary is performed, such as clicking the search instruction button B3, the first terminal M1 calculates an itinerary for moving from the departure area to the visit place set on the second screen Pi2, staying at the visit place, and moving to the arrival area, using the conditions set on the third screen Pi3 (transportation means, number of people, departure date, departure area, desired departure time, arrival area, desired arrival time) (itinerary calculation process). It is desirable that the recommended departure time is calculated to be the same as or close to the desired departure time (for example, within the second time T2 described later), and the recommended arrival time is calculated to be the same as or close to the desired arrival time (for example, within the second time T2 described later). As a result of the calculation, the display of the third screen Pi3 is switched to the display of the fourth screen Pi4 (output process, see FIG. 16).

[0080] (Procedure for calculating the itinerary) Next, the procedure for calculating the travel distance will be described. The first terminal M1 accesses the itinerary guide server 30 and obtains the latest information from the first transportation means database DB1, the travel time and fare database DB2, the first transportation means reservation status database DB3, the second transportation means database DB4, and the visiting place database DB5. Based on these databases (DB1 to DB5), the first terminal M1 calculates an itinerary that travels from the departure area to the destination set on the second screen Pi2, stays at the destination, and travels to the arrival area under the conditions set on the third screen Pi3.

[0081] Specifically, the first terminal M1 identifies the first transportation means or the second transportation means that can be used in the section connecting the stop corresponding to the departure area and the stop corresponding to the destination. In addition, the first terminal M1 identifies the first transportation means or the second transportation means that can be used in the section connecting the stop corresponding to the destination and the stop corresponding to the arrival area. When multiple destinations are set, the first terminal M1 determines the order in which the multiple destinations are to be visited, and determines the first or second means of transportation that can be used in the section connecting the boarding / alighting stop corresponding to the earlier destination and the boarding / alighting stop corresponding to the later destination.

[0082] For example, in the case where the use of a second means of transportation is prioritized, if there is a second means of transportation that departs from the departure area and heads to the boarding / alighting point corresponding to the destination within a second time T2 (e.g., T2 = 45 minutes) before or after the desired departure time set by the user, it is possible to set the outbound route using the second means of transportation. In addition, when priority is given to the use of the second means of transportation, if there is a second means of transportation from a boarding / alighting point corresponding to the destination that arrives in the arrival area within a second time T2 before or after the desired arrival time set by the user, it is possible to set a return route using the second means of transportation.

[0083] In addition, when priority is given to shortening travel time, and a first means of transport is available for reservation during a time period that allows departure from the departure area within a second time T2 before or after the desired departure time set by the user, it is possible to set the outbound route using the first means of transport. In addition, when priority is given to shortening travel time, and a first means of transport is available for reservation during a time period that allows the user to arrive at the arrival area within a second time T2 before or after the desired arrival time set by the user, it is possible to set the outbound route using the first means of transport.

[0084] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the itinerary guidance program determines, based on the second transportation means database DB4, etc., to use a ferry operated by the 12th operator CS2 for the outbound journey, which departs from the first boarding and alighting point P1 at 11:00 (recommended departure time) and arrives at the fifth boarding and alighting point P5 at 11:50 (recommended arrival time at destination). Also, an example is shown in which the itinerary guidance program determines, based on the first transportation reservation status database DB3 and the like, to use a sea taxi operated by the 22nd operator CT2 for the return journey, which departs from the 6th stop P6 at 14:00 (recommended departure time from the destination) and arrives at the 4th stop P4 at 14:20 (recommended arrival time).

[0085] (Considering the time spent at the destination) The itinerary guidance program also calculates a difference time by subtracting the total travel time between the boarding / alighting point and the visiting place, which is the travel time of the transportation means, from the total travel time between the calculated recommended departure time and recommended arrival time of the itinerary. The itinerary guidance program determines whether the difference time is longer than a stay time threshold including an average stay time of the visiting place set by the user. When multiple visit locations are set, the stay time threshold includes the total average stay time at the multiple visit locations set by the user. The threshold value for the length of stay is set to a value approximately 1.2 times the average length of stay at the visited location.

[0086] If the difference in time is longer than the threshold value of the stay time, it is determined that the calculated itinerary will ensure that the user has enough time to stay at the visiting places, and the itinerary guidance program displays the fourth screen Pi4. If the difference time is equal to or less than the stay time threshold, the calculated itinerary will not allow the user to stay long enough at the visited places, and instead of displaying the fourth screen Pi4, the itinerary guidance program will display a message (not shown) indicating that at least one of the visited places set on the second screen Pi2 and the conditions set on the third screen Pi3 will be changed.

[0087] In this embodiment, the total journey time between the calculated recommended departure time (11:00) and the recommended arrival time (14:20) of the journey is 3 hours and 20 minutes. In addition, the total travel time, consisting of the outbound journey (from the first bus stop P1 to the fifth bus stop P5) of 50 minutes, the return journey (from the sixth bus stop P6 to the fourth bus stop P4) of 20 minutes, the travel time from the fifth bus stop P5 to the first destination V1 of 10 minutes, and the travel time from the first destination V1 to the sixth bus stop P6 of 15 minutes, is 1 hour and 35 minutes. The difference between the total journey time and the total travel time is 1 hour and 45 minutes. Because the difference time (1 hour 45 minutes) is significantly longer than the average stay time at the first visited location V1 (60 minutes), even if the stay time threshold including the average stay time at the first visited location V1 is set to 72 minutes, which is 1.2 times the average stay time, the difference time will be longer than the stay time threshold. Therefore, the itinerary guide program determines that the user can secure a sufficient time to stay at the first visit location V1 with the calculated itinerary, and displays the fourth screen Pi4 as shown in FIG.

[0088] In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the stay time threshold is used as information related to the stay time at the visited place. However, the information related to the stay time at the visited place may be manually set by the user.

[0089] (If multiple stops are registered for one destination) If multiple stops are registered for a single destination, one of the stops is used to identify the first or second mode of transportation. In this embodiment, the fifth and sixth bus stops P5 and P6 are registered as bus stops corresponding to the first destination V1, and an example is shown in which the fifth bus stop P5 is used as the bus stop corresponding to the first destination V1 on the outbound journey, and the sixth bus stop P6 is used as the bus stop corresponding to the first destination V1 on the return journey.

[0090] (Order of visiting multiple places) The order in which the multiple places are to be visited may be set manually by the user, or may be calculated automatically by the itinerary guidance program. For example, a calculation method may be used in which a destination location with a registered stop close to a stop in the departure area is set as the first destination location, and a destination location with a registered stop close to a stop in the arrival area is set as the next destination location.

[0091] (Itinerary guidance taking into account other reservations) In addition, even if it is possible to calculate an itinerary using the second means of transportation, if there is a reservation for the first means of transportation for the same section, during the same time period, and with space available for more than the number of people set in the second selection input area A6b, the itinerary guidance program may preferentially calculate an itinerary that includes the use of the first means of transportation corresponding to that reservation. That is, in the itinerary calculation process, at least one of the recommended departure time and the recommended departure time from the destination may be calculated using a first means of transportation that has been reserved by another user and has available boarding space or is reservable.

[0092] For example, if there is a sea taxi booked to travel from the first boarding / alighting point P1 to the fifth boarding / alighting point P5 between 10:00 and 12:00 on October 2, 2019, and there is one or more available passengers, the itinerary guidance program may calculate to use that sea taxi on the outbound journey instead of the above-mentioned ferry on the outbound journey.

[0093] (4th screen Pi4) The fourth screen Pi4 has a departure date display area A9, a travel itinerary display area A10 for each mode of transportation to be used, a visit place display area A11 for each visit place, a fare display area A12, and a reservation button B4.

[0094] The departure date display area A9 of the fourth screen Pi4 is an area for displaying the dates of the journey displayed on the fourth screen Pi4, and is also used as a back button. When an operation for returning to the original screen is performed, such as by clicking on the departure date display area A9, the display of the fourth screen Pi4 is switched to the display of the screen before the fourth screen Pi4 was displayed.

[0095] The travel route display area A10 of the fourth screen Pi4 is an area for displaying details of a route using a means of transportation. The detailed display of the journey using the transportation means includes the recommended departure time, the departure stop, the transportation means name, the transportation means fare, the recommended arrival time, and the arrival stop. In addition, in cases where the fare for a section varies depending on the actual travel distance or travel time, the fare for the means of transportation may not be shown, or a note will be displayed indicating that the fare may vary from the average price for that section. When an area including the departure stop is operated, a map including the departure stop is displayed on a separate screen.

[0096] A travel route display area A10 is provided for each section. Figure 16 shows an example in which the travel itinerary display area A10 has a first travel itinerary display area A10a that displays details of the travel itinerary on the way to the first destination V1, and a second travel itinerary display area A10b that displays details of the travel itinerary on the way back from the first destination V1. The first travel itinerary display area A10a in Figure 16 shows an example for the outbound journey, where the recommended departure time is 11:00, the departure area is the first boarding / disembarking point P1, the means of transportation is a ferry with a fare of 1,000 yen, the recommended arrival time is 11:50, and the arrival area is the fifth boarding / disembarking point P5. The second travel itinerary display area A10b in Figure 16 shows an example for the return journey, where the recommended departure time is 14:00, the departure area is the sixth bus stop P6, the means of transportation is a sea taxi with a fare of 1,100 yen, the recommended arrival time is 14:20, and the arrival area is the fourth bus stop P4. When there are multiple destinations set on the second screen Pi2, or when three or more means of transportation are used, the travel route display area A10 is further provided with information relating to sections between one destination and another.

[0097] The visited place display area A11 of the fourth screen Pi4 is an area for displaying information about visited places. A visited place display area A11 is provided for each visited place. FIG. 16 shows an example in which one visited place (first visited place V1) is set and one visited place display area A11 is provided. When multiple visit places are set, multiple visit place display areas A11 are provided. When the visited place display area A11 is operated, for example by clicking on the visited place display area A11, the display is switched to the second screen Pi2 including the corresponding visited place.

[0098] The fare display area A12 of the fourth screen Pi4 is an area for displaying the total amount for using the means of transportation shown in the travel route display area A10 and information about the operators of each means of transportation. The fee display area A12 may include information regarding payment methods and cancellations. The fare display area A12 in Figure 16 shows an example in which the number of people reserved is 1, the total fare for the transportation means for the outbound and return journeys is 2,100 yen, the ferry operator used on the outbound journey (from the first bus stop P1 to the fifth bus stop P5) is the 12th operator CS2, and the sea taxi operator used on the return journey (from the sixth bus stop P6 to the fourth bus stop P4) is the 22nd operator CT2.

[0099] The reservation button B4 on the fourth screen Pi4 is used to instruct a reservation for the means of transportation for the journey shown on the fourth screen Pi4. FIG. 16 shows an example in which the reservation button B4 has a “Reserve all” button for reserving all of the indicated means of transportation, a “Reserve only P1→P5” button for reserving a portion of the indicated means of transportation (outbound journey), and a “Reserve only P6→P4” button for reserving a portion of the indicated means of transportation (return journey). The reservation button B4 changes depending on the number of means of transportation displayed in the travel route display area.

[0100] When the reservation button B4 is operated, for example, by clicking one of the reservation buttons B4, the first terminal M1 transmits to the itinerary guide server 30 a reservation instruction signal corresponding to the operated reservation button B4. The reservation instruction signal includes information about the terminal user (such as name and payment method) and the reservation details.

[0101] Based on the reservation instruction signal, the itinerary guide server 30 transmits reservation information to the server of the business associated with the reservation. Furthermore, when a reservation for the first transportation means is included in the reservation instruction signal, the first transportation means reservation status database DB3 is updated. For example, in the state shown in FIG. 16, when the "reserve all" button of the reservation buttons B4 is operated, the reservation instruction signal contains information about the user of the first terminal M1 and the reservation details for the outbound and return journeys.

[0102] The itinerary information server 30, which receives the reservation instruction signal, transmits reservation information to the server SS2 of the 12th operator CS2 for a ferry that departs from the first boarding and disembarking point P1 at 11:00 on October 2, 2019 and arrives at the fifth boarding and disembarking point P5 at 11:50. In addition, the itinerary information server 30 that receives the reservation instruction signal transmits reservation information to the server ST2 of the 22nd operator CT2 for a sea taxi that departs from the 6th bus stop P6 at 14:00 on October 2, 2019 and arrives at the 4th bus stop P4 at 14:20.

[0103] Furthermore, the itinerary guide server 30 that has received the reservation instruction signal updates the first transportation means reservation status database DB3 (see FIG. 17). Figure 17 shows an example in which, from the state of Figure 5, a reservation for one person has been added for sea taxi S22 of the 22nd operator CT2 from the 6th bus stop P6 to the 4th bus stop P4 for the time period from 14:00 to 16:00 on October 2, 2019.

[0104] (effect) Taking into account the stay time at the destination (stay time threshold), the recommended departure time for the departure area and the recommended departure time for the destination are output. Therefore, when moving from the departure area to the arrival area, it becomes possible to calculate a journey from the departure area to the arrival area, including sufficient time to stay at the destination. In addition, the itinerary is calculated including the first means of transportation that does not have a time schedule, such as taxis. This makes it possible to provide itinerary guidance even in areas such as remote islands where the number of second means of transportation with a time schedule is low.

[0105] For the first means of transportation that does not have a time schedule, such as a taxi, route guidance is provided using those that can be reserved. This increases the chances of following the recommended route compared to a form of route guidance that does not take reservation availability into account.

[0106] The itinerary calculation process and output process are carried out using the first transportation means that is reserved by other users and has available vacancies. This makes it possible to improve the operational efficiency of the operator of the first transportation means compared to a form in which the itinerary calculation process is carried out without considering the reservation status of other users.

[0107] When multiple places to be visited are set, it becomes possible to know the order in which the multiple places to be visited are to be visited, taking into account the duration of stay at the multiple places.

[0108] (An example of an application that proposes a different itinerary later) Depending on the reservation status of other users, the journey calculation process and the output process may be executed again after a predetermined time (e.g., two hours) has elapsed since the journey calculation process and the output process were executed. In this case, the itinerary calculation process includes calculating the recommended departure time and the recommended departure time from the destination (first calculation), and calculating, a predetermined time after the first calculation, the recommended departure time and the recommended departure time from the destination using a first means of transportation that is reserved by another user and has available boarding space (second calculation). The output process outputs the calculation result after a predetermined time has elapsed (the result of the second calculation) instead of the calculation result before the predetermined time has elapsed (the result of the first calculation), and an operation button (reservation button) for instructing a change to the reservation.

[0109] We will explain an example in which, between the state in Figure 17 and a specified time has elapsed, a reservation is added for the 22nd operator CT2's sea taxi S22 from the first boarding and alighting point P1 to the fifth boarding and alighting point P5 for the time period from 10:00 to 12:00 on October 2, 2019, with space available for six passengers (see Figure 18).

[0110] In this case, in the itinerary calculation process, a second calculation is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first calculation, using the first means of transportation that has been reserved by another user and has available space (the sea taxi S22 of the 22nd operator CT2). In the output step, the display of the result of the first calculation in the first movement path display area A10a is switched to the display of the result of the second calculation.

[0111] Specifically, for the outbound journey, the first calculation showed a route with a recommended departure time of 11:00, departure area of ​​Stop 1 P1, transportation by ferry with a fare of 1,000 yen, recommended arrival time of 11:50, and arrival area of ​​Stop 5 P5, whereas the second calculation showed a route with a recommended departure time of 10:30, departure area of ​​Stop 1 P1, transportation by sea taxi with a fare of 1,900 yen, recommended arrival time of 11:10, and arrival area of ​​Stop 5 P5. In addition, the content of the fee display area A12 is changed. In addition, the display of the reservation button B4 can be switched to a "Change reservation with proposed content" button for accepting the proposed content based on the second calculation and making the reservation change, or a "No change" button for choosing not to accept the proposed content based on the second calculation and not to make the reservation change.

[0112] At this time, the part switched to displaying the result of the second calculation is displayed in a more emphasized state than when the result of the first calculation was displayed. Fig. 19 shows an example of an emphasized display in which the first travel path display area A10a, the fare display area A12, and the reservation button B4 include a thick frame.

[0113] This makes it possible to prepare an itinerary that is more optimal for users and businesses than the results of the first calculation.

[0114] When the result of the second calculation is displayed, the charge may be displayed at a discount from the normal charge. Specifically, possible formats include displaying the fare obtained by deducting a specified discount rate (for example, 10%) from the regular fare, displaying the same fare as that displayed in the first calculation result, and displaying the discounted fare that is previously recorded in travel time / fare database DB2 and used when displaying the results of the second calculation.

[0115] When the reservation button B4 is operated, for example, by clicking one of the reservation buttons B4, the first terminal M1 transmits to the itinerary guide server 30 a reservation instruction signal corresponding to the operated reservation button B4.

[0116] When the reservation instruction signal includes changed reservation details, the itinerary guide server 30 transmits reservation information to the server of the business associated with the reservation based on the reservation instruction signal.

[0117] For example, in the state of FIG. 19, when the "change reservation with proposed content" button of the reservation button B4 is operated, the reservation instruction signal includes information of the user of the first terminal M1 and the changed reservation content for the outbound journey.

[0118] The itinerary information server 30, which receives the reservation instruction signal, sends reservation cancellation information to the server SS2 of the 12th operator CS2 for the ferry that departs from the first boarding point P1 at 11:00 on October 2, 2019 and arrives at the fifth boarding point P5 at 11:50. In addition, the itinerary information server 30, which receives the reservation instruction signal, transmits reservation information to the server ST2 of the 22nd operator CT2 for a sea taxi that departs from the first bus stop P1 at 10:30 on October 2, 2019 and arrives at the fifth bus stop P5 at 11:10.

[0119] Furthermore, the itinerary guide server 30 that has received the reservation instruction signal updates the first transportation means reservation status database DB3 (see FIG. 20). Figure 20 shows an example in which, from the state of Figure 19, a reservation for one person has been added for sea taxi S22 of the 22nd operator CT2 from the first bus stop P1 to the fifth bus stop P5 for the time period from 10:00 to 12:00 on October 2, 2019.

[0120] Also, in the state shown in FIG. 19, when the "no change" button of the reservation button B4 is operated, the reservation instruction signal contains information about the user of the first terminal M1 and a message indicating that the outbound reservation will not be changed.

[0121] (Setting whether boarding and alighting points are registered or not) In this embodiment, the itinerary calculation process and the like have been explained assuming that both the 21st operator CT1 and the 22nd operator CT2 have permission to use sea taxis for all of the first and eighth boarding and alighting points P1 to P8. However, it is possible that at some boarding and disembarking points, at least one of the 21st operator CT1 and the 22nd operator CT2 does not have permission to use sea taxis. In this case, the combination of the stop and the operator for which the use is not permitted is excluded from the first transportation means identified in the itinerary calculation step. For example, if the 21st operator CT1 does not have permission to use a sea taxi for the first boarding and disembarking point P1, the itinerary calculation process is performed under the condition that the sea taxi of the 21st operator CT1 is not used when traveling using the first boarding and disembarking point P1.

[0122] (Accessing other companies' databases without having your own database) In this embodiment, a form has been described in which the recording unit 33 of the itinerary guide server 30 records a first transportation means database DB1, a travel time / fare database DB2, a first transportation means reservation status database DB3, a second transportation means database DB4, and a visited place database DB5. However, the recording unit 33 of the itinerary guidance server 30 may not hold these databases, and instead, as necessary, the itinerary guidance server 30 may access the server SS1 of the 11th operator CS1, the server SS2 of the 12th operator CS2, the server ST1 of the 21st operator CT1, and the server ST2 of the 22nd operator CT2 to obtain information such as reservation status.

[0123] (Not limited to day trips) In addition, in the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the itinerary calculation step and the like are performed so that travel is made from the departure area to the arrival area via a visiting place on the same date. However, a travel itinerary calculation step may be performed so that travel from the departure area to the arrival area occurs via visiting places within a period of multiple days. In this case, in the condition setting step, not only the departure date but also the arrival date is set.

[0124] (Place of accommodation) In addition, in the present embodiment, an example has been described in which a journey calculation step and the like are performed so that travel from a departure area to an arrival area is performed via a visit place where the average stay time is about several tens of minutes. However, the place of visit may also be an accommodation facility such as a hotel. In this case, the information regarding the stay time includes not only the stay time but also the time period of the stay (for example, from 10 pm to 9 am the following morning).

[0125] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 1 Route guidance system 30 Route guide server 31 Communications Department 33 Recording Department 35 Control section A1 Visited place thumbnail display area A2 Refine settings area A3 Name display area A4 Visited place details display area A5 Setting instruction area A5a~A5c 1st setting instruction area~3rd setting instruction area A6 Selection input area A6a to A6c 1st selection input area to 3rd selection input area A7 Selection confirmation area A7a~A7c 1st selection confirmation area~3rd selection confirmation area A8 Search criteria confirmation area A9 Departure date display area A10 Travel process display area A10a 1st travel stroke display area A10b 2nd travel stroke display area A11 Visited place display area A12 Price display area B1 Route creation instruction button B2 Visit location setting button B3 Search button B4 Reservation button CS1 11th operator CS2 12th operator CT1 21st operator CT2 22nd operator DB1 First Transportation Database DB2 Travel time and fare database DB3 First transportation reservation status database DB4 Secondary Transportation Database DB5 Visited Places Database M1~M3 1st terminal~3rd terminal ML1 1st main island ML2 2nd main island L1 1st island L2 2nd island P1~P8 1st stop~8th stop V1~V6 1st visit place~6th visit place S11~S14 21st operator's sea taxi S21~S23 22nd operator's sea taxi SS1 11th operator server SS2 12th operator server ST1 21st operator's server ST2 22nd operator's server T1 1st hour (interval between communications with each server) T2 Second Hour (allowable time for discrepancies between the desired departure time and the recommended departure time)

Claims

1. a condition setting step in which the terminal displays a display prompting a user to set at least one of first information including a departure area, a desired departure time departing from a stop corresponding to the departure area, an arrival area, and a desired arrival time arriving at a stop corresponding to the arrival area, and second information including a destination located on a route moving from the departure area to the arrival area, and at least one of a desired arrival time arriving at a stop corresponding to the destination, and a desired departure time departing from a stop corresponding to the destination; a journey calculation step of calculating at least one of a recommended departure time for departing from a stop corresponding to the departure area and a recommended departure time for departing from a stop corresponding to the visit destination, using at least one of the first and second transportation means, based on the information set in the condition setting step, information related to a first transportation means, information related to a second transportation means, and information related to a stay time at the visit destination; an output step of outputting a calculation result of the travel distance calculation step to the terminal, the first transportation means is a public transportation facility that transports passengers without a time schedule for traveling a predetermined section at a predetermined time, the second transportation means is a public transportation facility having the time schedule; The information regarding the first transportation means includes a travel time using the first transportation means between a boarding / alighting station corresponding to the departure area and a boarding / alighting station corresponding to the visit destination, and a travel time using the first transportation means between a boarding / alighting station corresponding to the visit destination and a boarding / alighting station corresponding to the arrival area, The information regarding the second transportation means includes the time schedule of the second transportation means, When the first information is set in the condition setting step, the input method of the departure area, the desired departure time, and the arrival area and the desired arrival time includes a display for prompting the user to set conditions for creating an itinerary for each item, and after each item is set, a display for prompting the user to set the next condition is displayed; When the second information is set in the condition setting step, the first screen and the second screen are displayed, the first screen includes a destination thumbnail display area including images of candidate destinations; the second screen includes detailed information of a candidate destination selected by a user's operation from among the candidate destinations displayed in the destination thumbnail display area, A trip guidance program in which, when a predetermined operation is performed by a user while the second screen is displayed, the candidate visiting places displayed on the second screen are set as the visiting places of the second information.

2. The itinerary calculation step calculates at least the recommended departure time and a recommended arrival time for arriving at a boarding / alighting station corresponding to the arrival area, 2. The itinerary guidance program according to claim 1, wherein, instead of the output step, a display is displayed prompting the user to change at least one of the information set in the condition setting step based on a comparison result between information regarding the stay time at the visited place and a difference time obtained by subtracting the total travel time included in the itinerary calculated in the itinerary calculation step from the total itinerary time between the recommended departure time and the recommended arrival time.

3. The information relating to the first transportation means includes reservation information for the first transportation means, The output step includes outputting an operation button related to an instruction to reserve the first transportation means to the terminal; 2. The itinerary guidance program according to claim 1, wherein the itinerary calculation step calculates at least one of the recommended departure time and the recommended departure time from the destination using the first transportation means that is reservable.

4. The itinerary guidance program according to claim 3, wherein the itinerary calculation step calculates at least one of the recommended departure time and the recommended departure time from the destination using the first means of transportation that is reserved by another user and has available boarding space.

5. the itinerary calculation step, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the calculation of at least one of the recommended departure time and the recommended departure time from the destination, calculates at least one of the recommended departure time and the recommended departure time from the destination using the first transportation means that is reserved by another user and has available boarding space; the output step includes outputting, to the terminal, a calculation result after the predetermined time has elapsed, an operation button for instructing to change the reservation, and an operation button for instructing not to change the reservation, instead of the calculation result before the predetermined time has elapsed; 4. The route guidance program according to claim 3, wherein the calculation result after the lapse of the predetermined time is displayed with an emphasis on an area that is different from the calculation result before the lapse of the predetermined time.

6. The condition setting step sets the second information, When a first visiting place and a second visiting place are set as the visiting places, the itinerary calculation step includes calculating a visiting order of the first visiting place and the second visiting place, 6. The itinerary guidance program according to claim 1, wherein the visiting order is calculated based on the information set in the condition setting step, information relating to a first means of transportation, information relating to a second means of transportation, information relating to a stay time at the first visit location, and information relating to a stay time at the second visit location.

7. 7. The itinerary guidance program according to claim 6, wherein the first and second visiting places are set by selecting a candidate visiting place while the first screen is displayed and performing the predetermined operation for a plurality of candidate visiting places while the second screen is displayed.

8. a condition setting step for setting at least one of first information including a departure area, a desired departure time departing from a stop corresponding to the departure area, an arrival area, and a desired arrival time arriving at a stop corresponding to the arrival area, and second information including a destination located on a route moving from the departure area to the arrival area, and at least one of a desired arrival time arriving at the destination stop corresponding to the destination, and a desired departure time departing from the destination stop corresponding to the destination; a journey calculation step of calculating at least one of a recommended departure time for departing from a stop corresponding to the departure area and a recommended departure time for departing from a stop corresponding to the visit destination, using at least one of the first and second transportation means, based on the information set in the condition setting step, information related to a first transportation means, information related to a second transportation means, and information related to a stay time at the visit destination; a terminal having a route guide program installed thereon, the terminal executing an output step of outputting the calculation result of the route calculation step on the terminal, the first transportation means is a public transportation facility that transports passengers without a time schedule for traveling a predetermined section at a predetermined time, the second transportation means is a public transportation facility having the time schedule; The information regarding the first transportation means includes a travel time using the first transportation means between a boarding / alighting station corresponding to the departure area and a boarding / alighting station corresponding to the visit destination, and a travel time using the first transportation means between a boarding / alighting station corresponding to the visit destination and a boarding / alighting station corresponding to the arrival area, The information regarding the second transportation means includes the time schedule of the second transportation means, When the first information is set in the condition setting step, the input method of the departure area, the desired departure time, and the arrival area and the desired arrival time includes a display for prompting the user to set conditions for creating an itinerary for each item, and after each item is set, a display for prompting the user to set the next condition is displayed; When the second information is set in the condition setting step, the first screen and the second screen are displayed, the first screen includes a destination thumbnail display area including images of candidate destinations; the second screen includes detailed information of a candidate destination selected by a user's operation from among the candidate destinations displayed in the destination thumbnail display area, A terminal in which, when a predetermined operation is performed by a user while the second screen is displayed, the candidate visiting locations displayed on the second screen are set as the visiting locations of the second information.

9. a condition setting step of displaying on the terminal a condition setting screen for setting at least one of first information including a departure area, a desired departure time departing from a stop corresponding to the departure area, an arrival area, and a desired arrival time arriving at a stop corresponding to the arrival area, and second information including a destination located on a journey moving from the departure area to the arrival area, and at least one of a desired arrival time arriving at the destination stop corresponding to the destination stop, and a desired departure time departing from the destination stop corresponding to the destination; a journey calculation step of calculating at least one of a recommended departure time for departing from a stop corresponding to the departure area and a recommended departure time for departing from a stop corresponding to the visit destination, using at least one of the first and second transportation means, based on the information set in the condition setting step, information related to a first transportation means, information related to a second transportation means, and information related to a stay time at the visit destination; a route guide server having a route guide program installed therein, the route guide server executing an output process for outputting a calculation result of the route calculation process to the terminal, the first transportation means is a public transportation facility that transports passengers without a time schedule for traveling a predetermined section at a predetermined time, the second transportation means is a public transportation facility having the time schedule; The information regarding the first transportation means includes a travel time using the first transportation means between a boarding / alighting station corresponding to the departure area and a boarding / alighting station corresponding to the visit destination, and a travel time using the first transportation means between a boarding / alighting station corresponding to the visit destination and a boarding / alighting station corresponding to the arrival area, The information regarding the second transportation means only includes the time schedule of the second transportation means, When the first information is set in the condition setting step, the input method of the departure area, the desired departure time, and the arrival area and the desired arrival time includes a display for prompting the user to set conditions for creating an itinerary for each item, and after each item is set, a display for prompting the user to set the next condition is displayed; When the second information is set in the condition setting step, the first screen and the second screen are displayed, the first screen includes a destination thumbnail display area including images of candidate destinations; the second screen includes detailed information of a candidate destination selected by a user's operation from among the candidate destinations displayed in the destination thumbnail display area, When a predetermined operation is performed by a user while the second screen is displayed, the candidate visiting places displayed on the second screen are set as the visiting places of the second information, the itinerary guide server.

10. a condition setting step in which the terminal displays a display prompting a user to set at least one of first information including a departure area, a desired departure time departing from a stop corresponding to the departure area, an arrival area, and a desired arrival time arriving at a stop corresponding to the arrival area, and second information including a destination located on a route moving from the departure area to the arrival area, and at least one of a desired arrival time arriving at the destination stop corresponding to the destination, and a desired departure time departing from the stop corresponding to the destination; a journey calculation step of calculating at least one of a recommended departure time for departing from a stop corresponding to the departure area and a recommended departure time for departing from a stop corresponding to the visit destination using the first transportation means based on the information set in the condition setting step, information related to a first transportation means, and information related to a stay time at the visit destination; an output step of outputting a calculation result of the travel distance calculation step to the terminal, the first transportation means is a public transportation facility that transports passengers without a time schedule for traveling a predetermined section at a predetermined time, The information regarding the first transportation means includes a travel time using the first transportation means between a boarding / alighting station corresponding to the departure area and a boarding / alighting station corresponding to the visit destination, and a travel time using the first transportation means between a boarding / alighting station corresponding to the visit destination and a boarding / alighting station corresponding to the arrival area, When the first information is set in the condition setting step, the input method of the departure area, the desired departure time, and the arrival area and the desired arrival time includes a display for prompting the user to set conditions for creating an itinerary for each item, and after each item is set, a display for prompting the user to set the next condition is displayed; When the second information is set in the condition setting step, the first screen and the second screen are displayed, the first screen includes a destination thumbnail display area including images of candidate destinations; the second screen includes detailed information of a candidate destination selected by a user's operation from among the candidate destinations displayed in the destination thumbnail display area, A trip guidance program in which, when a predetermined operation is performed by a user while the second screen is displayed, the candidate visiting places displayed on the second screen are set as the visiting places of the second information.

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