Information processing system, information processing program, and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an information processing system with which it is possible to improve convenience for users when a route including transfer to public transport from on-demand mobility is searched and displayed.SOLUTION: The information processing system comprises: search condition acquisition means for acquiring a route search condition; route search means for searching for a route on the basis of the route search condition; and route output control means for outputting a route as the result of search. When searching for a route that includes transfer from on-demand mobility to public transport, the route search means performs a search of the route using a time of the day, with a predicted vehicle allocation time of on-demand mobility up to an on-demand mobility boarding position taken into account, as the departure time from the on-demand mobility boarding position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing program, and an information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, in the field of MaaS (Mobility as a Service), on-demand mobility (also called on-demand transportation), which operates based on user requests rather than on timetables, is attracting attention. For example, some local governments are conducting demonstration experiments of on-demand bus transportation in order to operate bus businesses more efficiently.

[0003] In light of this situation, there is a demand for on-demand mobility to be incorporated into route searches. However, conventional route searches do not take into account the time it takes to arrange and board on-demand mobility (e.g., a taxi), and instead search for and display routes that depart by on-demand mobility at approximately the same time as the current time (or a time specified by the user). As a result, when transferring from on-demand mobility to public transportation, it is not possible to board the public transportation service displayed on the route in the search results, and it is necessary to search again after boarding on-demand mobility (or getting off on-demand mobility). This is inconvenient for users as it requires an extra step.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that displays the estimated arrival time of each taxi company to the departure point along with the time required from the departure point to the destination when displaying route information for traveling from a departure point to a destination by taxi alone. However, this is a route for a taxi alone, and there is no disclosure or suggestion about switching from a taxi to public transportation.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses a technology that searches for a route to a destination by considering the taxi waiting time at a stop near the destination (how long you wait at a taxi stand after getting off at the station) when searching for a route to transfer from a train to a taxi. However, this is only about transferring from a train to a taxi, and there is no disclosure or suggestion about transferring from a taxi to public transportation. In addition, what is considered is the waiting time at a taxi stand (where a taxi can be boarded without the user having to make arrangements), not the time it takes for the user to arrange a taxi and board it. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-211582 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2017-90212 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points. An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system, an information processing program, and an information processing method that can improve convenience for a user when a route including a transfer from on-demand mobility to public transportation is searched for and displayed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The information processing system according to the present invention comprises: A search condition acquisition means for acquiring route search conditions; a route search means for searching for a route based on the route search conditions; a route output control means for outputting the route as a result of the search; When searching for a route that includes a transfer from on-demand mobility to public transportation, the route search means searches for the route by setting a time that takes into account the predicted dispatch time of on-demand mobility to the on-demand mobility boarding location as the departure time from the on-demand mobility boarding location. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve convenience for a user when a route that includes a transfer from on-demand mobility to public transportation is searched for and displayed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the information processing system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the information processing system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the information processing system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, components having equivalent functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the components having the same reference numerals will not be repeated.

[0012] In the embodiments described below, taxis may be used as an example of "on-demand mobility," but "on-demand mobility" is not limited to taxis, and includes various on-demand services such as shared taxis, shared buses, demand buses, and services that can dispatch a means of transportation to a user's desired location (car delivery rental), as long as the service is operated based on a user's request and not on a timetable. "On-demand mobility" may also be an autonomous vehicle.

[0013] (Configuration of Information Processing System) 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. In the diagram, each functional unit performing each function can be said to be a means for performing each function.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 1, the information processing system 1 includes a terminal device 2 and a server 3. The terminal device 2 and the server 3 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network 4 such as the Internet. The network 4 may be either a wired line or a wireless line, and the type and form of the line are not important. At least a part of the terminal device 2 and the server 3 are realized by a computer.

[0015] The terminal device 2 is used by a user, and is, for example, an electronic device such as a mobile terminal, such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, a notebook computer, or a desktop computer.

[0016] 1, the terminal device 2 includes a terminal communication unit 21, a terminal control unit 22, a terminal storage unit 23, a terminal input unit 24, a terminal output unit 25, and a terminal positioning unit 26. Each unit is connected to each other via a bus so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0017] The terminal communication unit 21 is a communication interface between the terminal device 2 and the network 4. The terminal communication unit 21 transmits and receives information between the terminal device 2 and the server 3 via the network 4.

[0018] The terminal control unit 22 is a control means that performs various processes of the terminal device 2. The terminal control unit 22 may be realized by a processor in the terminal device 2 executing a predetermined program, or may be implemented in hardware.

[0019] The terminal storage unit 23 is a data storage such as an internal memory or an external memory (such as an SD memory card). Various data handled by the terminal control unit 22 is stored in the terminal storage unit 23. The terminal storage unit 23 does not necessarily have to be provided in the terminal device 2, and a part or the whole of the terminal storage unit 23 may be provided in another device communicatively connected to the terminal device 2 via the network 4.

[0020] The terminal input unit 24 is an interface for a user to input information to the terminal device 2, and is, for example, a touch panel or microphone in a mobile terminal, or a touch pad, keyboard, or mouse in a notebook computer.

[0021] The terminal output unit 25 is an interface that outputs various information from the terminal device 2 to the user, and is, for example, a video display means such as a liquid crystal display, or a sound output means such as a speaker. Specifically, for example, the terminal output unit 25 may display a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving operations from the user.

[0022] The terminal positioning unit 26 is a positioning means for measuring the current position of the terminal device 2. The terminal positioning unit 26 measures the current position based on positioning information from radio navigation means such as GPS and the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS). The terminal positioning unit 26 may use positioning information from autonomous navigation means such as an acceleration sensor or a geomagnetic sensor for positioning. Since the terminal device 2 moves together with the user, the position information measured by the terminal positioning unit 26 indicates the current position of the user.

[0023] Next, a description will be given of the server 3. As shown in Fig. 1, the server 3 has a server communication unit 31, a server control unit 32, and a server storage unit 33. Each unit is connected to each other via a bus or a network so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0024] Of these, the server communication unit 31 is a communication interface between the server 3 and the network 4. The server communication unit 31 transmits and receives information between the server 3 and the terminal device 2 via the network 4.

[0025] The server storage unit 33 is, for example, a fixed data storage such as a hard disk. The server storage unit 33 stores various data handled by the server control unit 32. For example, the server storage unit 33 includes a route network information database 33a including transportation network information, a map information database 33b including map information, and a vehicle dispatchable area database 33c.

[0026] Transportation network information is information that specifies transportation networks such as railroads and buses, and road networks. Transportation network information includes transportation route information, timetable information, fare information, etc. Road network information is expressed by a combination of data on nodes, which are nodes on the road network representation such as intersections, and data on links, which are road sections between the nodes.

[0027] The map information includes map data such as national and regional road maps, and map object information associated with the map data. The map object information includes shape information about the shapes of facilities displayed on the map, note information about notes displayed on the map, symbol information about symbols displayed on the map, etc. The map information may also include route map information about public transportation route maps.

[0028] The above traffic network information and map information may be updated at a predetermined timing.

[0029] The vehicle dispatchable area database 33c stores information on vehicle dispatchable areas (or vehicle undispatchable areas). Examples of vehicle dispatchable areas include narrow road areas, areas with heavy traffic, prohibited areas such as near taxi stands, and areas where a U-turn is required. In the case of a shared taxi, a vehicle dispatchable area may be an area where a pick-up would be a long detour or inefficient, for example, an area where the fare or time for a ride-sharing user already in the vehicle would increase by a predetermined value or more.

[0030] The dispatchable area (or non-dispatchable area) information may be updated in real time based on the vehicle's current or future travel conditions.

[0031] In addition, the server memory unit 33 does not necessarily have to be provided within the server 3, and part or all of the server memory unit 33 may be provided within another device that is communicatively connected to the server 3 via the network 4.

[0032] 1, the server control unit 32 includes a search condition acquisition unit 32a, a route search unit 32b, a route output control unit 32c, and a notification unit 32d. Each of these units may be realized by a processor in the server 3 executing a predetermined program, or may be implemented in hardware.

[0033] The search condition acquisition unit 32a acquires route search conditions from the user's terminal device 2. The route search conditions include information on the departure point, destination, and departure time (or arrival time). The departure point may be the current location of the terminal device 2 measured by the terminal positioning unit 26, or may be a specific location input (specified) by the user via the terminal input unit 24. The departure time may be the current time, or may be a specific time input (specified) by the user via the terminal input unit 24.

[0034] Based on the route search conditions acquired by the search condition acquisition unit 32a, the route search unit 32b searches for information on routes that satisfy the route search conditions by referring to the route network information database 33a and the map information database 33b.

[0035] When searching for a route including a transfer from on-demand mobility (e.g., a taxi) to public transportation (e.g., a train), the route search unit 32b acquires a predicted dispatch time of on-demand mobility to the on-demand mobility boarding position. Here, the on-demand mobility boarding position may be a departure point included in the route search conditions. Alternatively, the route search unit 32b may refer to the vehicle dispatchable area database 33c, and determine whether the departure point included in the route search conditions is an area where a vehicle can be dispatched, and if it is determined that the departure point is an area where a vehicle can be dispatched, acquire a predicted dispatch time to the on-demand mobility boarding position, with the departure point as the on-demand mobility boarding position. On the other hand, if it is determined that the departure point included in the route search conditions is an area where a vehicle cannot be dispatched, the route search unit 32b may identify an area where a vehicle can be dispatched near the departure point, and acquire a predicted dispatch time to the on-demand mobility boarding position, with the area where a vehicle can be dispatched as the on-demand mobility boarding position.

[0036] As a first example of a method for acquiring the estimated dispatch time, the route search unit 32b may refer to the route network information database 33a and the map information database 33b to search for a route from the current location of the on-demand mobility to the on-demand mobility boarding location, and calculate the estimated dispatch time based on the route information of the search result. In this case, the route search unit 32b may calculate the estimated dispatch time taking into consideration traffic congestion information on the route of the search result.

[0037] As a second example of a method for acquiring the estimated dispatch time, the route search unit 32b may use spatial and temporal statistics to estimate an approximate estimated dispatch time from the actual operation results in the target area and time (or time zone). Specifically, for example, the route search unit 32b may use a statistical model (spatio-temporal statistical model) constructed based on the actual data of past dispatch times in each area and time (or time zone) to estimate, as the estimated dispatch time, the average pick-up time in on-demand mobility dispatch for the user in the date and time information (weekday, holiday, day of the week, time zone, etc.) at the time of route search in the space in which the departure point input as the route search condition is located (administrative district such as a city, ward, town, village, etc. in which the departure point is located, within an area with a radius of a predetermined distance from the departure point, etc.).

[0038] As a third example of a method for obtaining the predicted dispatch time, the route search unit 32b may inquire of the on-demand mobility side (the vehicle's communication equipment or the operator's server) about the predicted dispatch time to the on-demand mobility boarding location, and receive the predicted dispatch time to the on-demand mobility boarding location from the on-demand mobility side as a response to the inquiry.

[0039] After acquiring the predicted dispatch time to the on-demand mobility boarding position, the route search unit 32b searches for a route by taking into consideration the predicted dispatch time as the departure time from the on-demand mobility boarding position. For example, referring to FIG. 3 described later, the route search unit 32b searches for a route by adding a predicted dispatch time 43 of "6 minutes" to a current time 40 of "11:04" to obtain "11:10", which is the departure time 46 from the on-demand mobility boarding position (here, the departure point 45). Alternatively, for example, the route search unit 32b may add a buffer of, for example, 1 minute to the acquired predicted dispatch time 43 (6 minutes) to obtain "11:11", which is the departure time 46 obtained by adding "6+1 minutes" to the current time 40 of "11:04". Also, for example, the route search unit 32b may add "6+2 minutes" to the current time 40 of "11:04" including the acquired predicted dispatch time 43 (6 minutes) and the user's operation time (for example, 2 minutes) required for vehicle dispatch arrangement, and set the departure time 46 as "11:12". When the on-demand mobility boarding position 47 is different from the departure point 45 (for example, when the departure point 45 is in an area where vehicle dispatch is not possible), the route search unit 32b may compare the acquired predicted dispatch time with the travel time for the user to move from the departure point 45 to the on-demand boarding position 47. Then, when the acquired predicted dispatch time is longer than the travel time for the user to move to the on-demand boarding position 47, the route search unit 32b may search for a route by setting a time that takes into account the predicted dispatch time (for example, a time obtained by adding the predicted dispatch time to the current time) as the departure time from the on-demand mobility boarding position. On the other hand, if the travel time taken by the user to travel to the on-demand mobility boarding location 47 is longer than the acquired predicted dispatch time, a route may be searched for by taking into account the travel time (for example, the time obtained by adding the travel time to the current time) as the departure time from the on-demand mobility boarding location.

[0040] When searching for a route that includes a transfer from on-demand mobility to public transportation, if the route search unit 32b obtains from the on-demand mobility side a time when the on-demand mobility can be boarded at the on-demand mobility boarding location in addition to the above-mentioned predicted dispatch time, the route search unit 32b may search for a route by using the time when the on-demand mobility can be boarded as the departure time from the on-demand mobility boarding location.

[0041] When searching for a route that includes a transfer from on-demand mobility to public transportation, the route search unit 32b may search for the route taking into account delay information of the public transportation.

[0042] The route output control unit 32c transmits an output control signal for outputting the route as a result of the search by the route search unit 32 to the terminal device 2, and outputs the route as a result of the search via the terminal output unit 25. After the route search by the route search unit 32, the route output control unit 32c may directly output one route as a result of the search via the terminal output unit 25 as shown in Fig. 3, or may output a list of multiple route candidates as a result of the search via the terminal output unit 25, and output one route selected from the list via the terminal output unit 25 as shown in Fig. 3.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, when displaying a route including a transfer from on-demand mobility (a taxi in the illustrated example) to public transportation (a train in the illustrated example), the route output control unit 32c displays pre-dispatch information 41 including at least a predicted dispatch time 43 of on-demand mobility to an on-demand mobility boarding position (here, the departure point 45) and a dispatch request button 42, before the display of the departure point 45. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the display is vertically scrolled, and the pre-dispatch information 41 including the predicted dispatch time 43 of "6 minutes" and the dispatch request button 42 is displayed before (above) the display of the departure point 45 of "3-8 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo". As shown in FIG. 3, the predicted dispatch time 43 may be displayed as a message such as "If we dispatch a taxi now, we will pick you up in ** minutes". In addition, the pre-dispatch information 41 may include an icon 44 indicating the type of on-demand mobility. In the example shown in Figure 3, the route with the departure time 46 from the on-demand mobility boarding location (here, starting point 45) of "11:10" obtained by adding the current time 40 of "11:04" to the predicted dispatch time 43 of "6 minutes" is displayed as the route search result.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 4, when the on-demand mobility boarding position 47 is different from the departure point 45 (for example, when the departure point 45 is in an area where a vehicle cannot be dispatched), the route output control unit 32c may display a route including a travel route from the departure point 45 to the on-demand mobility boarding position 47 as a route of the search result. In the example shown in FIG. 4, a route of travel by foot from the departure point 45, "3-8 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo" to the on-demand mobility boarding position 47, "X Park Front", is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the travel time for the user to travel to the on-demand mobility boarding position 47 is 2 minutes, and the predicted dispatch time 43 (6 minutes) is longer, and a route with a departure time 46 from the on-demand mobility boarding position 47 of "11:10", which is obtained by adding the predicted dispatch time 43 of "6 minutes" to the current time 40 of "11:04", is displayed as a route of the search result. Although not shown in the figure, if the travel time for the user to travel to the on-demand mobility boarding location 47 is, for example, 10 minutes and is longer than the predicted dispatch time 43 (6 minutes), a route with a departure time 46 from the on-demand mobility boarding location 47 of "11:14", which is calculated by adding the travel time of "10 minutes" to the current time 40 of "11:04", may be displayed as the route in the search results.

[0045] Returning to Figure 3, after the route output control unit 32c outputs the route as a search result, the route search unit 32b determines whether or not dispatching to on-demand mobility included in the route being output is impossible, and if it is determined that dispatching to on-demand mobility included in the route being output is impossible (for example, if someone else has already parked and gotten on the on-demand mobility), it automatically re-searches for a route that includes a transfer from another on-demand mobility to public transportation, and the route output control unit 32c may change the display of the route being output to the display of the route as a result of re-searching.

[0046] In addition, after the route output control unit 32c outputs the route as a search result, if time passes while the user is considering whether to dispatch on-demand mobility included in the route being output (for example, if the current time 40 is "11:09", and the user leaves the departure point 45 by taxi at "11:15", which is "6 minutes" later, which is the predicted dispatch time 43, and arrives at the transfer station "Harajuku" five minutes later, at "11:20", he or she will not be able to make the displayed train departing at "11:20"), the route search unit 32b automatically re-searches for a subsequent route (for example, a route that uses the train one stop after the train that departs at "11:20", or a route that uses a train on a different line that departs after "11:20"), and the route output control unit 32c may change the display of the route being output to the display of the route as a result of re-searching.

[0047] The notification unit 32d notifies the on-demand mobility included in the output route that the route search result has been output by the route output control unit 32c.

[0048] 3, when the user presses the vehicle dispatch request button 42 via the terminal input unit 24, the screen transitions to a vehicle dispatch flow for making a vehicle dispatch request to the on-demand mobility side. In the vehicle dispatch flow to which the screen transitions, the on-demand mobility boarding position (starting point 45 in the example shown in FIG. 3) may be automatically set as the vehicle dispatch destination.

[0049] After the on-demand mobility being displayed is dispatched (for example, after a dispatch request is executed through a dispatch flow by pressing the dispatch request button 42), as shown in FIG. 5, the route output control unit 32c changes the display of the pre-dispatch information 41 to the display of the post-dispatch information 51. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the dispatch request button 42 included in the pre-dispatch information 41 is changed to a dispatch cancellation button 52 for canceling the dispatch in the post-dispatch information 51. Although not shown, the dispatch request button 42 included in the pre-dispatch information 41 may be changed to a dispatch change button for changing the dispatch conditions in the post-dispatch information 51. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the post-dispatch information 51 includes a display of the time 53 until the vehicle is picked up. As shown in FIG. 5, the time 43 until the vehicle is picked up may be displayed as a message such as "We will pick you up in ** minutes." The post-dispatch information 51 may include a highlighting display indicating that the vehicle is being picked up. For example, the display of the time 43 until the vehicle is picked up may be flashing to clearly indicate that it is a value that changes every moment. In addition, in the post-dispatch information 51, the icon 54 indicating the type of on-demand mobility may flash so that the user can intuitively know that the vehicle is currently on its way to be picked up.

[0050] (Example of operation) Next, an example of the operation of the information processing system 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing system 1.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 2, first, when a user of the terminal device 2 inputs route search conditions via the terminal input unit 24, the route search conditions are transmitted from the terminal device 2 to the server 3, and the search condition acquisition unit 32a of the server 3 acquires the route search conditions (step S10).

[0052] Next, the route search unit 32b searches for information on a route that satisfies the route search conditions acquired by the search condition acquisition unit 32a by referring to the route network information database 33a and the map information database 33b (step S11).

[0053] When searching for a route including a transfer from on-demand mobility to public transportation (step S12: YES), the route search unit 32b acquires a predicted dispatch time of on-demand mobility to the on-demand mobility boarding position (step S12). In step S12, the route search unit 32b may refer to the route network information database 33a and the map information database 33b to search for a route from the current position of the vehicle to the on-demand mobility boarding position, and calculate the predicted dispatch time based on the route information of the search result. In this case, the route search unit 32b may calculate the predicted dispatch time taking into consideration traffic congestion information on the route of the search result. Alternatively, the route search unit 32b may predict an approximate predicted dispatch time using spatial and temporal statistics from usual operation records in the target area and time (or time zone). Alternatively, the route search unit 32b may inquire of the on-demand mobility side (the vehicle's communication equipment or the operator's server) about the predicted delivery time to the on-demand mobility boarding location, and receive the predicted delivery time to the on-demand mobility boarding location from the on-demand mobility side as a response to the inquiry.

[0054] In step S13, the route search unit 32b refers to the vehicle dispatchable area database 33c and determines whether the departure point included in the route search conditions is an area where a vehicle can be dispatched. If it is determined that the departure point is an area where a vehicle can be dispatched, the route search unit 32b may set the departure point as the on-demand mobility boarding position and obtain the predicted vehicle dispatch time to the on-demand mobility boarding position. If it is determined that the departure point is an area where a vehicle cannot be dispatched, the route search unit 32b may identify an area near the departure point where a vehicle can be dispatched, and set the area where a vehicle can be dispatched as the on-demand mobility boarding position and obtain the predicted vehicle dispatch time to the on-demand mobility boarding position.

[0055] Next, the route search unit 32b searches for a route by taking into consideration the predicted dispatch time to the on-demand mobility boarding position as the departure time from the on-demand mobility boarding position (step S14). For example, referring to Fig. 3, the route search unit 32b searches for a route by taking "11:10", which is obtained by adding "6 minutes" as the predicted dispatch time 43 to "11:04" as the current time 40, as the departure time 46 from the on-demand mobility boarding position (here, the departure point 45).

[0056] In addition, when the route search unit 32b obtains from the on-demand mobility side a time when the on-demand mobility can be boarded at the on-demand mobility boarding location other than the above-mentioned predicted dispatch time, the route search unit 32b searches for a route by setting the time when the on-demand mobility can be boarded as the departure time from the on-demand mobility boarding location (step S15).

[0057] Then, the route output control unit 32c transmits an output control signal for outputting the route searched for by the route search unit 32 to the terminal device 2, and outputs the route searched for via the terminal output unit 25 (step S16).

[0058] When displaying a route including a transfer from on-demand mobility to public transportation (step S17: YES), the route output control unit 32c displays pre-dispatch information 41 including at least a predicted dispatch time 43 of on-demand mobility to the on-demand mobility boarding position (here, the departure point 45) and a dispatch request button 42, before the display of the departure point 45, as shown in Fig. 3 (step S18). The notification unit 32d notifies the on-demand mobility included in the displayed route that the route search result has been displayed by the route output control unit 32c.

[0059] In step S18, as shown in Fig. 4, if the on-demand mobility boarding position 47 is different from the departure point 45 (for example, if the departure point 45 is in an area where vehicle dispatch is not possible), the route output control unit 32c may display a route including a travel route from the departure point 45 to the on-demand mobility boarding position 47 (a route traveled by foot in the illustrated example) as a route of the search result. The route output control unit 32c may display a mark 49 (button) for providing route guidance for the travel route together with the travel route from the departure point 45 to the on-demand mobility boarding position 47 (a route traveled by foot in the illustrated example).

[0060] After the route output control unit 32c outputs the route as a result of the search (after step S18), the route search unit 32b determines at a predetermined time interval whether dispatch to on-demand mobility included in the displayed route is impossible (step S19).

[0061] If it is determined that dispatch to an on-demand mobility included in the displayed route is not possible (for example, if another person has already parked and gotten on the on-demand mobility) (step S19: YES), the route search unit 32b automatically searches again for a route that includes a transfer from another on-demand mobility to public transportation (step S20).Then, the route output control unit 32c changes the display of the route being output to the display of the route resulting from the re-search (step S21).

[0062] With reference to FIG. 3, when a vehicle dispatch request button 42 included in pre-display information 41 is pressed by the user via the terminal input unit 24, the screen transitions to a vehicle dispatch flow for making a vehicle dispatch request to the on-demand mobility side. In the vehicle dispatch flow of the screen transition destination, the on-demand mobility boarding position (starting point 45 in the example shown in FIG. 3) may be automatically set as the vehicle dispatch destination. In the vehicle dispatch flow of the screen transition destination, the on-demand mobility boarding and disembarking positions and the route may be displayed on a map. When making a vehicle dispatch request, the fare for the on-demand mobility may be paid in advance (i.e., on-demand mobility may be available at a pre-determined fare).

[0063] After dispatching an on-demand mobility included in the displayed route (for example, after executing a dispatch request through a dispatch flow by pressing the dispatch request button 42), the route output control unit 32c changes the display of the pre-dispatch information 41 to the display of post-dispatch information 51 as shown in FIG. 5 (step S22). The post-dispatch information 51 may include a dispatch cancellation button 52 for canceling the dispatch of a vehicle (or a dispatch change button for changing the dispatch conditions). Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the post-dispatch information 51 may include a highlighting indicating that a vehicle is being picked up. For example, in the post-dispatch information 51, the display of the time 43 until pick-up may blink to clearly indicate that it is a value that changes every moment. Also, in the post-dispatch information 51, the icon 54 indicating the type of on-demand mobility may blink to intuitively indicate that a vehicle is currently being picked up.

[0064] Incidentally, as mentioned in the Background Art section, conventional route searches do not take into account the time it takes from arranging on-demand mobility to boarding it, and instead search for and display a route departing with on-demand mobility at the current time (or a time specified by the user). Therefore, when transferring from on-demand mobility to public transportation, it is not possible to board the public transportation service displayed on the route in the search results, and it is necessary to search again after boarding on-demand mobility (or after getting off on-demand mobility). This is inconvenient for users as it requires an extra step.

[0065] In contrast, according to the present embodiment, when the route search unit 32b searches for a route including a transfer from on-demand mobility to public transportation, the route search unit 32b searches for a route by setting a time that takes into account the predicted dispatch time of the on-demand mobility to the on-demand mobility boarding position as the departure time from the on-demand mobility boarding position, so that the user can get on the on-demand mobility displayed on the route in the search results and be in plenty of time to board the public transportation service that is the transfer point. Therefore, when a route including a transfer from on-demand mobility to public transportation is searched for and displayed, the user does not need to search again after getting on (or getting off) the on-demand mobility displayed on the route in the search results, which significantly improves convenience for the user.

[0066] According to the present embodiment, when the route output control unit 32c displays a route including a transfer from on-demand mobility to public transportation, as shown in FIG. 3, pre-allocation information including at least the on-demand mobility estimated dispatch time 43 to the on-demand mobility boarding position (here, the departure point 45) and the dispatch request button 42 is displayed in front of the display of the departure point 45. Therefore, the user can easily transition to a dispatch flow for making a dispatch request to the on-demand mobility side by pressing the dispatch request button 42 while referring to the dispatch estimated time 43. After dispatching the on-demand mobility, the route output control unit 32c changes the display of the pre-allocation information 41 to the display of the post-allocation information 51 as shown in FIG. 5. Therefore, the user can intuitively understand that the on-demand mobility included in the displayed route is heading to the pick-up point. Therefore, when a route including a transfer from on-demand mobility to public transportation is searched for and displayed, the convenience for the user is significantly improved.

[0067] At least a part of the information processing system 1 described in the above embodiment may be configured with hardware or software. When configured with hardware, a program that realizes at least a part of the functions of the information processing system 1 may be stored in a recording medium such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM, and may be read and executed by a computer. The recording medium is not limited to a removable one such as a magnetic disk or an optical disk, but may be a fixed recording medium such as a hard disk device or a memory.

[0068] Also, a program that realizes at least a part of the functions of the information processing system 1 may be distributed via a communication line (including wireless communication) such as the Internet. Furthermore, the program may be encrypted, modulated, or compressed and distributed via a wired line or wireless line such as the Internet, or stored in a recording medium.

[0069] Furthermore, the information processing system 1 may be operated by one or more information processing devices. When multiple information processing devices are used, one of the information processing devices may be a computer, and the computer may execute a predetermined program to realize the function as at least one of the means of the information processing system 1.

[0070] In the method invention, all the steps may be realized by automatic control using a computer. Alternatively, each step may be performed by a computer while the progress between steps is controlled manually. Furthermore, at least some of the steps may be performed manually.

[0071] Based on the above description, a person skilled in the art may be able to conceive additional effects and various modifications of the present invention, but the aspects of the present invention are not limited to the individual embodiments described above. Various additions, modifications, and partial deletions are possible within the scope of the conceptual idea and intent of the present invention derived from the contents defined in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1. Information Processing Systems 2 Terminal Equipment 21 Terminal communication unit 22 Terminal control unit 23 Terminal memory section 24 Terminal input section 25 Terminal output section 26 Terminal positioning unit 3 Server 31 Server Communication Department 32 Server control unit 32a Search condition acquisition part 32b Route search section 32c Path output control section 32d Notification Department 33 Server memory section 33a Route network information database 33b Map information database 33c Vehicle dispatch area database 4. Network

Claims

1. A search condition acquisition means for acquiring route search conditions; a route search means for searching for a route based on the route search conditions; a route output control means for outputting the route as a result of the search; The route search means, when searching for a route that includes a transfer from on-demand mobility to public transportation, obtains a predicted dispatch time for on-demand mobility to the on-demand mobility boarding location, and searches for the route by taking into account the predicted dispatch time as the departure time from the on-demand mobility boarding location.

2. A search condition acquisition means for acquiring route search conditions; a route search means for searching for a route based on the route search conditions; A route output control means for outputting the route as a result of the search, The information processing system, when displaying a route that includes a transfer from on-demand mobility to public transportation, displays pre-dispatch information including at least the predicted dispatch time of on-demand mobility to the on-demand mobility boarding location and a dispatch request button in an area opposite the display of the destination with respect to the display of the departure point, and after the on-demand mobility is dispatched, changes the display of the pre-dispatch information to a display of post-dispatch information.

3. The information processing system of claim 1, wherein when searching for a route that includes a transfer from on-demand mobility to public transportation, if the route search means obtains a time when on-demand mobility can be boarded at the on-demand mobility boarding location other than the predicted dispatch time, the route search means searches for the route by using the time when on-demand mobility can be boarded as the departure time from the on-demand mobility boarding location.

4. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the route of the search result includes a travel route from a departure point to an on-demand mobility boarding position.

5. After the route output control means outputs the route as a result of the search, the route search means determines whether or not it is impossible to dispatch a vehicle to on-demand mobility included in the route being output, and if it is determined that it is impossible, automatically searches again for a route including a transfer from another on-demand mobility to public transportation; 5. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the route output control means changes the display of the route being output to a display of the route resulting from re-searching.

6. 3. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the route output control means changes a vehicle dispatch request button included in the pre-dispatch information to a vehicle dispatch cancellation or change button in the post-dispatch information.

7. The information processing system according to claim 2 or 6, wherein the post-dispatch information includes a highlighted display indicating that a vehicle is being picked up.

8. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a notification means for notifying an on-demand mobility side included in the output route that the route search result has been output by the route output control means.

9. Computer, A search condition acquisition means for acquiring route search conditions; a route search means for searching for a route based on the route search conditions, which, when searching for a route including a transfer from on-demand mobility to public transportation, searches for the route by setting a time that takes into account a predicted dispatch time of on-demand mobility to a boarding position of the on-demand mobility as a departure time from the boarding position of the on-demand mobility; and An information processing program that causes the device to function as a route output control means for outputting a route as a result of the search.

10. Computer, A search condition acquisition means for acquiring route search conditions; a route search means for searching for a route based on the route search conditions; and An information processing program that functions as a route output control means that outputs the route resulting from the search, and when displaying a route that includes a transfer from on-demand mobility to public transportation, displays pre-dispatch information including at least the predicted dispatch time for on-demand mobility to the on-demand mobility boarding position and a dispatch request button in an area opposite the display of the destination with respect to the display of the departure point, and changes the display of the pre-dispatch information to the display of post-dispatch information after the on-demand mobility is dispatched.

11. 1. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising: Obtaining route search conditions; a step of searching for a route based on the route search conditions, in which when searching for a route including a transfer from on-demand mobility to public transportation, a time that takes into consideration a predicted dispatch time of on-demand mobility to a boarding position of the on-demand mobility is set as a departure time from the boarding position of the on-demand mobility, and the route is searched for; and outputting the route as a result of the search.

12. 1. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising: Obtaining route search conditions; searching for a route based on the route search conditions; An information processing method including a step of outputting a route resulting from the search, in which, when displaying a route including a transfer from on-demand mobility to public transportation, pre-dispatch information including at least a predicted dispatch time for on-demand mobility to the on-demand mobility boarding position and a dispatch request button is displayed in an area opposite the display of the destination with respect to the display of the departure point, and after the on-demand mobility is dispatched, the display of the pre-dispatch information is changed to a display of post-dispatch information.

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