Route Search System

Abstract

To provide a route retrieval system with which it is possible to retrieve an appropriate route in accordance with purposes.SOLUTION: A wireless router is preliminarily installed at each point, position information regarding installed locations or the communicable range of wireless routers are registered to a database server, and information to be dispatched at wireless router installed points is registered to the database server in advance. A user using a route retrieval system designates a place of departure and a destination, designates the purpose in the action range thereof, and retrieves the route that goes through a wireless router installed location that pertains to the purpose. The user travels exactly as the retrieved route, and when connected to a wireless router at any point, receives information that suits to the purpose or preferences of the user from among the dispatch information registered for each wireless router while continuing traveling.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique that is effective when applied to a route search system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the development of wireless mobile communication systems, it has become possible to easily carry out mobile data communication over a wide area. In addition, with the development of positioning technology using radio waves, it has become possible to obtain location information using the GPS (Global Positioning System) positioning system using artificial satellites. The fusion of these wireless mobile communication systems and positioning systems has led to the practical application of mobile data transmission systems and location management systems, which are also used in route search systems via public wireless and Wi-Fi communications.

[0003] In conventional navigation systems, it was common to search for a route by setting point A (start point) and point B (destination point), and then specifying additional conditions such as the shortest route between the points, a route with wide roads, etc. This search method was based on road information, and was intended to help users arrive at their destination as smoothly as possible.

[0004] JP 2017-50835 A discloses a technology that enables necessary information to be distributed to residents and for residents to post necessary information via a communication network such as the Internet or a regional intranet network by installing a Wi-Fi device in a place where GPS cannot be used, such as underground. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-50835 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] A conventional route search system will be described with reference to Figs. 5 and 6. Fig. 5 is a display example of the result of the route search method according to Comparative Example 1. Fig. 6 is a display example of the result of the route search method according to Comparative Example 2. Figs. 5 and 6 show a route from point A on the lower left side of each figure to point B on the upper right side of each figure. In the route search systems of Comparative Examples 1 and 2, a route search algorithm is generally used that passes through the shortest route RTA or the widest route RTB for the route from point A to point B. If the route search is for the purpose of moving from point A (current location) to point B (destination), there is no problem. However, if the movement from point A to point B is not simply a movement but a movement for another purpose, such as shopping or sightseeing, not only route information but also information on the purpose of stopping by, such as shops and tourist spots on the route, is required. In addition, the purpose is to move efficiently from point A to point B according to the purpose.

[0007] The object of the present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and is to provide a route search technology that is capable of searching for an appropriate route depending on the purpose at the time.

[0008] Other objects and novel features will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A brief summary of representative aspects of this disclosure is as follows.

[0010] According to one embodiment, A route search system for a wireless communication system including a plurality of wireless base stations, a management center including a database server, a GPS satellite, a plurality of mobile stations, and a wireless router installed at each point, comprising: the wireless base station has a communication area in which communication can be performed, and the mobile station located within the communication area can communicate with the wireless base station; The mobile station receives location information from the GPS satellites and is capable of acquiring location information of the mobile station, and the acquired location information is periodically transmitted to the management center via the wireless base station; The management center collects location information of the mobile stations located within the communication area through each of the multiple wireless base stations, registers the location information of the location where the wireless router is installed or the communication range of the wireless router in the database server, and registers information to be transmitted at the installation location of the wireless router in advance in the database server, and the starting point and destination are specified in the management center, and a purpose within the movement range is specified, The mobile station searches for a route that passes through the location of the wireless router related to the purpose; When connecting to the wireless router at each location, the user can receive information that matches the user's purpose and preferences from among the transmission information registered for each wireless router. death, During the route search, the system searches for candidate intermediate points, and searches for a route from the starting point to the next destination point based on the current location information and the congestion status of each intermediate point. When the system reaches the destination point, it repeats the same process of searching for a route to the next destination point based on the current location information and the congestion status of each intermediate point. . Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the route search system according to the embodiment described above, it is possible to search for an appropriate route depending on the purpose at the time. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wireless communication system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management center shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a display example on a display screen of a first route search result according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a display example on a display screen of a second route search result according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a display example illustrating a route search result according to Comparative Example 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a display example illustrating a route search result according to Comparative Example 2. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wireless communication system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management center shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. However, in the following description, the same components are given the same reference numerals and the repeated description may be omitted. Note that the drawings may be shown more diagrammatically than the actual embodiment in order to clarify the description, but they are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present invention. EXAMPLES

[0014] An example of a route search system according to an embodiment (Example 1) of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figs. 1-4. Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wireless communication system according to Example 1. Fig. 2 is a configuration example diagram of a management center of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a display example of a display screen of a first route search result according to Example 1. Fig. 4 is a display example of a display screen of a second route search result according to Example 1.

[0015] First, an outline of the route display method of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4. For example, a Wi-Fi router (also called a Wi-Fi spot) (102: see Fig. 1), which is a type of wireless router, is installed at each location in advance, and the location information (latitude, longitude) of the location where the Wi-Fi router (102) is installed or the communication range of the Wi-Fi router (102) is registered in a database server (210: see Fig. 1) of the management center 200. The information of the Wi-Fi router (102) to be registered can be information to be transmitted at the installation location of the Wi-Fi router (102) in addition to the location information (103: see Fig. 1). The information to be transmitted includes, for example, 1) information on the type of business of the store and the products and services it handles (product details, service details, product prices and arrival dates, store opening hours, etc.), and 2) tourist information such as facilities and places to visit, rest areas, restaurants, etc. in the case of a tourist spot, which are registered in advance in the database server (210). In addition, the information of the Wi-Fi router (102) (location information and information to be transmitted) to be registered in the database server (210) does not necessarily have to be registered in the database server (210), but may be connected to the Internet so that new information is constantly updated.

[0016] A user who uses this route search system specifies a starting point (which may be a current location) and a destination or a possible movement range on a display screen for setting route search conditions of a mobile station (106: see FIG. 1), and specifies a purpose within the movement range. The purpose is set according to the purpose at the time, for example, shopping or sightseeing. After setting, a route search is performed using the route search system of the present disclosure. The mobile station (106) may be a mobile phone terminal, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a car navigation system installed in a vehicle, a vehicle, etc. The display screen of the mobile station (106) may be a display screen of a mobile phone terminal, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a car navigation system installed in a vehicle, a display screen constituting the dashboard of a vehicle, etc.

[0017] In the route search system of the present disclosure, a search is performed for routes that pass through the installation locations of Wi-Fi routers (102) related to the purpose, and the route related to the search result is displayed on the display screen of the mobile station (106). For example, Fig. 3 shows an example of the display on the display screen of the search result of a route RTS for the purpose of shopping. Fig. 4 shows an example of the display on the display screen of the search result of a route RTT for the purpose of sightseeing. In this way, the route (RTS, RTT) will be different depending on the purpose.

[0018] When searching for a route, it is possible to set the time spent in the area and search for routes that can be completed within the specified time spent. For example, if the purpose is sightseeing, if the time spent is short, the route search will focus on major tourist spots. On the other hand, if the time spent is long, the route search will guide the user to every corner within the possible range. By registering the user's individual preferences as part of the search conditions, it is possible to include favorite restaurants and stores that stock favorite items in the route search for sightseeing purposes.

[0019] For example, if you want to do sightseeing in a city for three hours, you can search for the optimal route that matches your purpose and can be done within that location and time range. In this case, by registering the user's desired locations and priorities in advance, a more optimal route can be searched for. Here, the user's desired locations do not necessarily have to be place names or tourist attractions, but can also be searched for by entering abstract keywords such as "fun places" or "relaxing places."

[0020] Next, we will explain about the Wi-Fi spot (102) installed at the destination of the searched route. The Wi-Fi spot (102) is configured in advance to be connectable only to the mobile station (106) of the system user of this route search system.

[0021] When the Wi-Fi spot (102) detects a connection from the system user's mobile station (106), it distributes information about the location of the Wi-Fi spot (102), such as tourist information for a tourist spot, or advertising information for a store. The system user uses the mobile station (106) to search for a route and determine the route. When the system user determines the route, he or she receives a time-limited user ID and password for the Wi-Fi spot (102) on the route, and proceeds along the route while searching for connectable Wi-Fi spots (102). As a result, the system user's mobile station (106) is notified of useful information according to the purpose along with a Wi-Fi connection to a connectable Wi-Fi spot (102) on the route, and the system user is configured to be able to use the information.

[0022] A configuration example of a wireless communication system 100 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. A route search system according to the present disclosure can be used in the wireless communication system 100 shown in Fig. 1. The wireless communication system 100 constitutes an AVM (Automatic Vehicle Monitoring) system for vehicle management. In this example, the wireless communication system 100 includes a GPS satellite 101, a plurality of Wi-Fi spots 102 (102-1, 2,..., L), a plurality of public wireless base stations 104 (104-1, 2,..., M), a plurality of mobile stations 106 (106-1, 2,..., N), and a management center 200. The mobile stations 106 are a mobile phone terminal, a smartphone, a car navigation system installed in a vehicle, or the like.

[0023] Each mobile station 106 can obtain its own location information (latitude, longitude) by receiving location information from the GPS satellite 101. The location information obtained by the mobile station 106 is periodically sent to the management center 200 via the Wi-Fi spot 102 having the Wi-Fi communication area 103 (103-1, 2, . . . , L) to which the mobile station 106 belongs, or via the public wireless base station 104 having the public wireless base station area 105 (105-1, 2, . . . M) in an area where communication with the Wi-Fi spot 102 is not possible.

[0024] Next, the configuration of the management center 200 will be described with reference to the configuration example shown in Fig. 2. The management center 200 in this example includes a database server 210, a map server 220, and an information distribution server 230.

[0025] The database server 210 is a server that manages various data related to the operation of the route search system and a route search program (or a route search algorithm). The database server 210 in this example has a Wi-Fi spot information management unit 211 that stores and manages information about each Wi-Fi spot 102, a mobile station information management unit 212 that stores and manages mobile station information about each mobile station 106, and a user information management unit 213 that registers information on the hobbies and preferences of users who use this route search system.

[0026] The area information of the Wi-Fi spot 102 managed by the Wi-Fi spot information management unit 211 stores identification information of the Wi-Fi spot 102, information indicating the location (communication range) of the Wi-Fi spot 102, information indicating the time period during which information distribution is valid (hereinafter referred to as the valid time period), information on the currently connected mobile station 106, etc.

[0027] The information of each mobile station 106 managed by the mobile station information management unit 212 stores identification information of the mobile station 106, current location information of the mobile station 106, and the like.

[0028] The information for each user managed by the user information management unit 213 stores the user's identification information, the user's preferences (if shopping, what brands do they prefer? If sightseeing, what kind of buildings do they prefer? Do they prefer natural scenery? Do they prefer eating out?), and information about hobbies (sports, music, etc.).

[0029] The map server 220 is a server that performs route search from map information, and in this example, using information from the map data unit 222, based on input information of the starting point and the destination point, or input information of the starting point and the movable range, searches for a route connecting these points and calculates distance indicators (straight-line distance, route distance, expected travel time) in the route search unit 221, and has a function of outputting route search information. When searching for a route, the system searches for Wi-Fi spots 102 to be visited according to user information (information of the user's preferences) input from the database server 210 and the purpose of the current route search, and presents an appropriate route (RTS, RTT) as described in Figures 3 and 4. The output route search information is transmitted to the mobile station 106 of the user who used this route search system, and is displayed as a route search result on the display screen of the mobile station 106 (see Figures 3 and 4).

[0030] The information distribution server 230 searches for a mobile station 106 that matches the information that the Wi-Fi spot 102 is trying to distribute with information that the user of the mobile station 106 is expected to want, among the mobile stations 106 connected to each Wi-Fi spot 102, and inputs the search results to the information distribution instruction unit 232, which then performs information distribution to each mobile station (a mobile station that is a target of information distribution) 106. The distributed information is made displayable on the display screen of the mobile station 106 that is the target of information distribution. When the display area of ​​the display screen of the mobile station 106 is large, it is preferable that both the route search result and the distributed information can be displayed together on the display screen. On the other hand, when the display area of ​​the display screen of the mobile station 106 is small, it is preferable that one selected from the route search result and the distributed information can be displayed on the display screen (in this case, it is preferable to configure the display screen to be freely switched between the display of the route search result and the display of the distributed information).

[0031] Through a Wi-Fi spot 102 that can be connected from the user's current location, the user receives information that matches the preferred information registered in advance in the user information management unit 213 and the objective information of the current route search or is assumed to be necessary from the information that is scheduled to be distributed at the Wi-Fi spot 102. Possible methods of information distribution include a method in which the information itself is directly distributed from the management center 200 to the mobile station 106, and a method in which the management center 200 distributes only a notification to the mobile station 106 and the mobile station 106 goes to the management center 200 to obtain the information.

[0032] The route search system of the first embodiment can be summarized as follows.

[0033] This is a route search system for a wireless communication system 100 that includes a plurality of wireless base stations 104, a management center 200 including a database server 210, a GPS satellite 101, a plurality of mobile stations 106, and a Wi-Fi router 102 installed at each location. The wireless base station 104 has a communication area 105 in which communication is possible, and the mobile stations 106 located within the communication area 105 can communicate with the wireless base station 104. The mobile stations 106 can receive location information from the GPS satellite 101 and obtain location information (latitude, longitude) of the mobile stations 106, and the obtained location information is periodically sent to the management center 200 via the wireless base station 104. The management center 200 collects location information of the mobile stations 106 located within the communication area 105 through each of the plurality of wireless base stations 104. Location information of the location where the Wi-Fi router 102 is installed or the communication range 103 of the Wi-Fi router 102 is registered in the database server 210, and information to be transmitted at the installation location of the Wi-Fi router 102 is registered in advance in the database server 210. Furthermore, in the management center 200, a starting point and a destination are specified, and a purpose within the movement range is specified, and a route search is performed that passes through the installation location of the Wi-Fi router 102 related to the purpose. When the mobile station 106 connects to the Wi-Fi router 102 at each location, it receives information that matches the user's purpose and preferences from the transmission information registered for each Wi-Fi router 102.

[0034] The following are some possible ways to use this system:

[0035] (1) Set the starting point and the end point, and search for a route that passes through a location (Wi-Fi spot 102) that suits your purpose between them. Connect to the Wi-Fi spot 102 at each stop point, and follow the route to the end point while obtaining information at each point.

[0036] (2) Set the area you want to travel around, search for a route from the starting point (or your current location) that passes through points (Wi-Fi spots 102) that suit your purpose within the set area, connect to the Wi-Fi spots 102 at each stop, and follow the route to the end point while obtaining information for each point.

[0037] (3) A route is set that starts from the starting point (or current location) and passes through a location (Wi-Fi spot 102) that matches the user's purpose within the set area. However, all route information is not disclosed, and the route is displayed up to the next destination to guide the user. When the user reaches the destination, the route is displayed up to the next destination to guide the user. This is repeated to guide the user to the final destination. In other words, the route is not disclosed, and the route is displayed up to the next destination to guide the user. When the user reaches the destination, the route is displayed up to the next destination to guide the user, and this is repeated to guide the user to the final destination. When the entire route to the final destination is displayed, detailed information between the destinations is difficult to see, so by enlarging or displaying in detail only the route from the current location to the next destination, the user's convenience can be improved.

[0038] (4) In the above-mentioned method of use (3), the route search is performed up to candidates of the intermediate points. Based on the current location information and the congestion of each intermediate point, a route search is performed to the next destination point, and the user is notified. When the destination point is reached, the route search is performed to the next destination point based on the current location information and the congestion of each intermediate point, and the set area is traveled around. In other words, when the route search is performed, candidates of the intermediate points are searched up to the candidates of the intermediate points, a route search is performed to the next destination point based on the current location information and the congestion of each intermediate point, and when the destination point is reached, a route search is performed to the next destination point based on the current location information and the congestion of each intermediate point. The congestion of each intermediate point may be detected via a Wi-Fi router or a base station wireless device at each point.

[0039] (5) The user sets the starting point and the end point, and searches for a route that passes through a point (Wi-Fi spot 102) that suits the purpose within that section (area). The service provider includes points that the user is desired to stop at when searching for a route. Not all route information is made public, but the next destination is displayed and the user is guided there. In addition, the user does not only connect to the Wi-Fi spot 102 at the destination, but also goes to the location and takes a predetermined action (specific action: for example, reading a two-dimensional barcode on site with a mobile phone or smartphone to indicate that the user has stopped there), and the next destination is presented to the user. For example, if an active activity is performed at a certain destination, a route that allows the user to relax and unwind at the next destination can be searched for (such as stopping at a foot bath, hot spring, or coffee shop).

[0040] (6) When searching for a route, the system searches for waypoints within the area that match the user's preferences, and selects waypoints based on weighting (for example, for shopping, stores with a wide variety of products and high sales; for tourist spots, stores with high user ratings and a large number of users who stop by). In other words, if the route search returns multiple waypoints, the system can prioritize the places that the user must visit and the places that the user would like to visit if possible, allowing the user to be more effective within a limited time. Before leaving, the user can fill out a questionnaire to gather information about the user's preferences and wishes.

[0041] According to the route search system of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0042] 1) The system will enable users to not only view routes from their starting point to their destination, but also to search for routes based on their purpose and conditions.

[0043] 2) In addition, by connecting to a Wi-Fi spot 102 on the route, the mobile station 106 can receive distribution information that matches the user's purpose and preferences.

[0044] 3) For each stop, the next stop can be re-searched based on the conditions (congestion status) at the time of the search, allowing for optimal route search.

[0045] 4) The above-mentioned effects can be expected, and compared to the route search system in the comparative example, it becomes possible for the user to search for a route according to his / her purpose and receive the necessary information. EXAMPLES

[0046] Next, a wireless communication system according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of the wireless communication system according to the second embodiment. Fig. 8 is a configuration example diagram of the management center of Fig. 7.

[0047] The wireless communication system 100A shown in Fig. 7 is a vehicle dispatch system configured by an AVM (Automatic Vehicle Monitoring) system for vehicle management. The wireless communication system 100A in Fig. 7 differs from the wireless communication system 100 in Fig. 1 in that a vehicle dispatch center 300 having a plurality of vehicle dispatch terminals 310 (310-1, 2, ...) is provided.

[0048] In the wireless communication system 100A, the multiple mobile stations 106 include a device (e.g., a navigation device) that detects location information, an operation device that accepts input of various information from the crew, a wireless device that performs wireless communication with the wireless base station 104, and a wireless device that performs wireless communication with the Wi-Fi spot 102. As the mobile station 106, a dedicated wireless communication terminal may be used, or various mobile terminals such as a mobile phone terminal (e.g., a smartphone) that is generally available on the market or a tablet terminal with a wireless communication function, on which an application for a vehicle dispatch system that realizes the functions of each of the above devices is installed, may be used. In addition, in the mobile station 106, the wireless device that communicates with the wireless base station 104, the wireless device that performs wireless communication with the Wi-Fi spot 102, and the operation device into which the crew inputs the movement information and the like may be integrated or may be configured as separate devices. In the following description, the mobile station 106 will be described as being synonymous or nearly synonymous with a vehicle, and the above devices as the mobile station 106 are provided in each vehicle.

[0049] Each mobile station 106 can obtain location information including the position (latitude, longitude) and traveling direction of its own vehicle by receiving a signal from the GPS satellite 101. The location information obtained by the mobile station 106, together with the movement information of the mobile station 106 (vehicle), is periodically transmitted to the management center 200 via the wireless base station 104 having the communication area 105 in which the vehicle is located. The location information and movement information can be periodically transmitted to the management center 200 in any manner, such as every fixed time, every time the vehicle moves a fixed distance, or a combination of a fixed time and a fixed distance.

[0050] The vehicle status information refers to information indicating the vehicle status, and is input by the vehicle's crew (driver) operating the mobile station 106. Examples of vehicle status include "empty vehicle" indicating a moving state without a customer, "occupied vehicle" indicating a moving state with a customer, "paid vehicle" indicating a state in which the customer is paying the fare, "pick-up vehicle" indicating a moving state (dispatched vehicle) toward the location of the next customer (pick-up destination), and "resting vehicle" indicating a resting state without a customer.

[0051] Furthermore, when each mobile station 106 changes the vehicle status to "occupied vehicle" by having a new customer board the vehicle, it accepts input of the destination area (and location) of the customer from the driver and transmits it to the management center 200. Furthermore, when the vehicle status is "occupied vehicle" but is scheduled to become "vacant vehicle" soon, each mobile station 106 transmits an vacant vehicle schedule notification indicating that the vehicle status is scheduled to become "vacant vehicle" to the management center 200, either by operation of the driver or automatically.

[0052] In such an AVM system for dispatching taxis, a customer contacts the dispatch center 300 and requests dispatch by informing an operator of his / her pick-up destination, for example, current location information and necessary vehicle information. In the dispatch center 300, an operator operates the dispatch terminal 310 to transmit the customer information and necessary vehicle information to the management center 200. The management center 200 searches for the most suitable vehicle based on the customer's current location information received from the dispatch center 300 and the collected location information of the mobile station 106, and dispatches the vehicle to the customer's current location.

[0053] The management center 200 collects location information and behavior information of the mobile stations 106 present within its communication area 105 through each of the multiple wireless base stations 104, and manages each of the mobile stations 106. When the management center 200 receives a vehicle dispatch request including the location of the pickup destination (dispatch destination) of the customer who requested the vehicle dispatch (and information on the desired vehicle, etc.), the management center 200 searches (searches for vehicles) suitable for dispatch as candidates for dispatch based on the location information and behavior information of each of the mobile stations 106. After that, the searched vehicles for dispatch are ranked according to a predetermined priority criterion, and a dispatch instruction is sent to the mobile station 106 of the vehicle selected as the vehicle to be dispatched from among them.

[0054] The vehicle allocation center 300 transmits a vehicle allocation request to the management center 200 in response to the operation of the vehicle allocation terminal 310 by an operator who has accepted a vehicle allocation request from a customer. After that, when the vehicle allocation terminal 310 receives a list of candidate vehicles for allocation from the management center 200, it displays each of the candidate vehicles on a screen in order of priority, notifies the management center 200 of the vehicle selected by the operator as the vehicle to be allocated, and transmits an instruction to allocate the vehicle to the mobile station 106.

[0055] In addition to making a vehicle dispatch request to an operator at the vehicle dispatch center 300 by telephone, a customer can also make a vehicle dispatch request directly to the management center 200 without going through the vehicle dispatch center 300 by accessing the management center 200 via an Internet line using a taxi company's website or a vehicle dispatch request application installed on various commercially available mobile terminals (mobile phone terminals or tablet terminals). In this case, the management center 200 automatically selects the vehicle with the highest priority among the candidate vehicles for dispatch as the vehicle to be dispatched, and transmits a dispatch instruction.

[0056] Here, for example, consider a case where the customer is a tourist and the purpose of the ride is shopping or sightseeing. In this case, for example, the driver specifies the starting point (which may be the current location) and the destination or the possible movement range on the display screen for setting route search conditions of the mobile station 106, and specifies the purpose within the movement range. The purpose is set according to the purpose at the time, for example, shopping, sightseeing, etc. After setting, a route search is performed using the route search system disclosed herein. As a result, the routes RTS, RTT, etc. described in Figs. 3 and 4 are searched and displayed on the display screen. Thereafter, as described in the first embodiment, the purpose of the ride can be achieved by traveling the routes RTS, RTT, and various information can be obtained from the Wi-Fi spot 102.

[0057] The configuration of the management center 200 provided in the wireless communication system 100A will be described with reference to the configuration example shown in Fig. 8. The management center 200 shown in Fig. 8 differs from the management center 200 shown in Fig. 2 in that a vehicle dispatch server 400 and a vehicle dispatch database server 500 are provided. Note that the components of the management center 200 do not need to be located in the same place, and may be installed on different networks.

[0058] The vehicle allocation database server 500 is a server that manages various data related to the operation of the vehicle allocation system. The vehicle allocation database server 500 has an area information management unit 501 that stores and manages area information related to each area, a vehicle information management unit 502 that stores and manages vehicle information related to each vehicle, and a queue management unit 503 that stores and manages queue information related to orders (vehicle allocation requests) waiting for vehicle allocation.

[0059] The area information for each area managed by the area information management unit 501 stores the identification information for the area, information indicating the range of the area, information indicating search conditions for vehicles to be dispatched to customers in the area, and so on. In this example, it is assumed that a taxi company using this system divides its business area into several areas in advance and sets the area information for each area in the area information management unit 501. All locations within the business area will belong to one of the areas set here. It is also possible to set several areas within the business area by specifying their ranges, and set the areas outside these areas as a single area called "other areas." It is also possible to include areas outside the business area in "other areas."

[0060] The vehicle information of each vehicle managed by the vehicle information management unit 502 stores vehicle identification information, the current location information of the vehicle, information indicating the vehicle's current status, information on the destination area (and location) when the current status is "active vehicle", whether or not there is a vacant vehicle schedule notification, etc. The data managed by the vehicle information management unit 502 is updated as needed through communication with the mobile station 106.

[0061] The queue information (hereinafter simply referred to as "queue") managed by the queue management unit 503 is an arrangement by area of ​​order slips (dispatch waiting information) that record orders in which a customer has agreed to wait for a while when a search is performed according to an order (dispatch request) but no candidate vehicle (a vehicle suitable for dispatch) is found. The order slip records the order identification code (order number, etc.), order date and time, pick-up destination (dispatch destination) location, customer name, customer contact information (phone number, email address, etc.), maximum waiting time, etc.

[0062] The vehicle allocation server 400 is a server that searches for vehicles to be allocated using the vehicle allocation database server 500 and the map server 220. The vehicle allocation server 400 has a candidate vehicle search unit 401 that searches for and ranks vehicles suitable for allocation as candidates for allocation in response to a vehicle allocation request including the location of the pick-up point (allocation destination), a vehicle allocation instruction unit 402 that transmits a vehicle allocation instruction to a vehicle (mobile station 106) selected as a vehicle to be allocated from the vehicle candidates searched for by the candidate vehicle search unit 401, and a queue control unit 403 that adds order slips to the queues of each area and issues vehicle allocation instructions according to the queues of each area.

[0063] When the candidate vehicle search unit 401 receives a vehicle dispatch request including the location of the destination, it accesses the vehicle dispatch database server 500 using the vehicle dispatch request as a search condition, and searches (searches for) vehicles suitable for dispatch as candidates for dispatch based on area information of the dispatch area including the location of the destination specified in the vehicle dispatch request, location information and status information of each mobile station 106, and so on, and ranks each of the candidate vehicles for dispatch according to a predetermined criterion.

[0064] When searching for and ordering vehicles, if distance indicators between the location of the dispatch destination and the location of each vehicle are required, this location information is provided to the map server 220 to have the route search unit 221 calculate the distance indicator, and the result is acquired and used for searching for and ordering vehicles. Also, when there is a request for front-mounting conditions such as vehicle characteristics (model, body color, etc.) and driver characteristics (gender, age, etc.) in the dispatch request, vehicles that satisfy the request are given priority in searching for and ordering vehicles.

[0065] The vehicle dispatch instruction unit 402 notifies a vehicle (mobile station 106) selected by an operator of the vehicle dispatch center 300 (or automatically) as a vehicle to be dispatched from among the vehicle dispatch candidates searched for by the candidate vehicle search unit 401 of the location of the destination specified in the vehicle dispatch request, and issues a dispatch instruction to dispatch the vehicle to be dispatched to that location.

[0066] If the candidate vehicle for allocation is not found in the search by the candidate vehicle search unit 401, the queue control unit 403 creates an order slip, transmits it to the vehicle allocation database server 500, and adds it to the queue for the relevant area, on the condition that the customer has agreed to wait for a while. The customer's agreement may be obtained in advance when the vehicle allocation request is received, or may be obtained when the customer is informed that a candidate vehicle for allocation was not found. The queue control unit 403 also issues a dispatch instruction to a vehicle that meets predetermined conditions according to the vehicle allocation queue for each area. The order slip that is the subject of a dispatch instruction is deleted from the vehicle allocation queue.

[0067] The route search system of the second embodiment can be summarized as follows.

[0068] The route search system of the vehicle dispatch system is composed of a management center 200 including a plurality of wireless base stations 104, a database server 210, a vehicle dispatch center 300 composed of a plurality of vehicle dispatch terminals 310, a GPS satellite 101, a plurality of mobile stations (vehicles) 106, and a Wi-Fi router 102 installed at each point. The wireless base station 104 has a communication area 105 in which communication is possible, and the mobile stations 106 located within the communication area 105 can communicate with the wireless base station 104. The mobile stations 106 can receive position information from the GPS satellite 101 and obtain position information (latitude, longitude) of their own vehicle, which is the mobile station 106, and the obtained position information is periodically sent to the management center 200 via the wireless base station 104. The management center 200 collects position information of the mobile stations 106 located within the communication area 105 through each of the plurality of wireless base stations 104. The management center 200 also registers the location information of the location where the Wi-Fi router 102 is installed or the communication range 103 of the Wi-Fi router 102 in the database server 210, and registers information to be transmitted at the installation location of the Wi-Fi router 102 in advance in the database server 210. Furthermore, the management center 200 specifies a starting point and a destination, and a purpose within the movement range, and searches for a route that passes through the installation location of the Wi-Fi router 102 related to the purpose. When the mobile station 106 connects to the Wi-Fi router 102 at each point, it receives information that matches the user's purpose and preferences from the transmission information registered for each Wi-Fi router 102.

[0069] According to the second embodiment, by incorporating the route search system of the present disclosure into a vehicle dispatch system, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0070] The present invention has been specifically described above based on the examples, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and examples, and can be modified in various ways. For example, in the embodiment of the present invention, a Wi-Fi router is used as the wireless router, but it does not necessarily have to be a Wi-Fi router, and any wireless router that can realize the present invention, such as Bluetooth (short-range wireless communication for digital devices), UWB (Ultra Wide Band: ultra-wideband wireless communication), or wireless communication of a base station using 4G or 5G, can be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 101:GPS satellite 102: Wi-Fi spot (Wi-Fi router) 103: Wi-Fi communication area 104: Public wireless base station 105: Public wireless base station communication area, 106: Mobile station (smartphone, vehicle) 200: Management Center 210: Database server 211: Wi-Fi Spot Information Management Department 212: Mobile station information management department, 213: User information management department 220: Map server 221: Route search section 222: Map data section 230: Information distribution server 231: Notification mobile station search unit 232: Information distribution instruction section 300: Dispatch Center 400: Dispatch server 401: Candidate vehicle search section 402: Dispatch Instructions Department 403: Queue control unit 500: Vehicle dispatch database server 501: Area Information Management Department 502: Vehicle Information Management Department 503: Queue management unit

Claims

1. A route search system for a wireless communication system including a plurality of wireless base stations, a management center including a database server, a GPS satellite, a plurality of mobile stations, and a wireless router installed at each point, comprising: the wireless base station has a communication area in which communication can be performed, and the mobile station located within the communication area can communicate with the wireless base station; The mobile station receives location information from the GPS satellites and is capable of acquiring location information of the mobile station, and the acquired location information is periodically transmitted to the management center via the wireless base station; the management center collects location information of the mobile stations located within the communication area through each of the plurality of wireless base stations, registers location information of the location where the wireless router is installed or the communication range of the wireless router in the database server, and registers information to be transmitted at the installation location of the wireless router in advance in the database server; In the management center, a starting point and a destination point are specified, a purpose within the movement range is specified, and a route search is performed that passes through the installation locations of the wireless routers related to the purpose; When the mobile station is connected to the wireless router at each location, the mobile station receives information that matches the user's purpose and preferences from among the transmission information registered for each wireless router, This route search system is characterized in that, during the route search, it searches for candidates for intermediate points, searches for a route from the starting point to the next destination point based on information on the current location and the congestion status of each intermediate point, and when the destination point is reached, it similarly searches for a route to the next destination point based on information on the current location and the congestion status of each intermediate point, and repeats this process.

2. A route search system for a wireless communication system comprising a plurality of wireless base stations, a management center including a database server, a GPS satellite, a plurality of mobile stations, and a wireless router installed at each point, comprising: the wireless base station has a communication area in which communication can be performed, and the mobile station located within the communication area can communicate with the wireless base station; The mobile station receives location information from the GPS satellites and is capable of acquiring location information of the mobile station, and the acquired location information is periodically transmitted to the management center via the wireless base station; the management center collects location information of the mobile stations located within the communication area through each of the plurality of wireless base stations, registers location information of the location where the wireless router is installed or the communication range of the wireless router in the database server, and registers information to be transmitted at the installation location of the wireless router in advance in the database server; A starting point and a destination point are designated in the management center, and a purpose within the movement range is designated, and a route search is performed that passes through the installation locations of the wireless routers related to the purpose. When the mobile station is connected to the wireless router at each location, the mobile station receives information that matches the user's purpose and preferences from among the transmission information registered for each wireless router, A route search system that presents a user with the next destination when the user performs a specific, predetermined action at a point that matches the user's purpose.

3. In the route search system according to claim 1 or 2, A route search system characterized in that the route searched for by the route search is displayed on a screen.

4. The route search system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The route search system is characterized in that, when searching for a route, a stay time in the area is set, and a route that can be completed within a predetermined stay time is searched as a condition.

5. The route search system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, This route search system guides the user to the final point by displaying from the starting point to the next destination without disclosing all route information, and repeating the process of displaying on the screen up to the next destination and guiding the user when the user reaches the destination, thereby guiding the user to the final point.

6. The route search system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A route search system that selects the next waypoint based on an evaluation of the waypoint.

7. In the route search system according to claim 1 or 2, the wireless communication system includes a vehicle dispatch system; The route search system is characterized in that the vehicle dispatch system includes a vehicle dispatch center composed of a plurality of vehicle dispatch terminals.

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