Information processing system, information processing method and program

Abstract

To provide a technology that can improve the convenience of transportation services. [Solution] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing system comprising at least one processor, the processor being configured to execute the following steps by reading a program, wherein in the reception step, a user's designation of one of a plurality of means of transportation is accepted, in the identification step, a candidate point from which the designated means of transportation can be started is identified based on location information indicating the user's current location, and in the display control step, a map of a display range corresponding to the designated means of transportation is displayed, the map being displayed to include the current location and candidate points within the display range.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that enables a search for facilities taking into consideration a user's means of transportation. In Patent Document 1, a facility search device for searching for facilities includes a facility database that stores facilities present in an area on a map, a means estimation unit that estimates a user's means of transportation, a condition determination unit that determines at least one of a first condition that represents the size of a search range for facilities on the map and a second condition that represents the shape of the search range for facilities on the map, according to the user's means of transportation estimated by the means estimation unit, and a facility search unit that searches for facilities from the facility database using the condition determined by the condition determination unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-092429 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in improving the convenience of transportation services.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a technology that can improve the convenience of transportation services. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing system comprising at least one processor, the processor being configured to execute the following steps by reading a program, wherein in a reception step, a user's designation of one of a plurality of means of transportation is accepted; in a determination step, a candidate point from which the designated means of transportation can be started is identified based on location information indicating the user's current location; and in a display control step, a map of a display range corresponding to the designated means of transportation is displayed, the map being displayed to include the current location and candidate points present within the display range.

[0007] According to this aspect, the convenience of information regarding tickets for using transportation services can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing hardware constituting an information processing system 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram showing functions realized by a control unit 23 and the like in a user terminal 2. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of information processing according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an activity diagram showing the flow of information processing according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a map screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 2. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a map screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 2. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0010] Incidentally, the program for realizing the software appearing in one embodiment may be provided as a non-transitory computer-readable medium, or may be provided so that it can be downloaded from an external server, or may be provided so that the program is started on an external computer and its functions are realized on a client terminal (so-called cloud computing).

[0011] Furthermore, various information processing according to an embodiment may realize input and output corresponding to the input. Here, the form of information referenced in such information processing (hereinafter referred to as reference information) is not limited as long as an output is obtained as a result of the input. The reference information may be, for example, rule-based information such as a database, a lookup table, or a predetermined function (including a decision formula such as a regression formula constructed using a statistical method), a trained model that has previously learned the correlation between input and output, or a generative AI such as a large-scale language model (these models include parameters that establish the correlation between input and output) or a visual language model that can output a desired result in response to a prompt.

[0012] In one embodiment, a "unit" may include, for example, a combination of hardware resources implemented by a circuit in the broad sense and software information processing that can be specifically realized by these hardware resources. In one embodiment, various information is handled, and this information is represented, for example, by physical values ​​of signal values ​​representing voltage and current, high and low signal values ​​as a binary bit set consisting of 0 or 1, or quantum superposition (so-called quantum bits), and communication and calculations can be performed on a circuit in the broad sense.

[0013] Furthermore, a circuit in the broad sense is a circuit realized by at least an appropriate combination of a circuit, circuitry, processor, memory, etc. The processor may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated circuit. That is, it includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)), etc.

[0014] 1. Hardware Configuration In this section, the hardware configuration of this embodiment will be described.

[0015] 1 is a configuration diagram showing an information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. The information processing system 1 includes a user terminal 2 and an information processing device 3, which are connected via a network 4.

[0016] The user terminal 2 and the information processing device 3 are assumed to be, for example, smartphones, tablet terminals, personal computers, workstations, or other computers, but the details are not limited thereto. Note that in Fig. 1, the user terminal 2 is depicted as a collection of individual smartphones (2-1, 2-2, ... 2-n), but in this specification, an individual terminal may also be referred to as the user terminal 2.

[0017] In one embodiment, the information processing system 1 is comprised of one or more devices or components. For example, if the information processing system 1 is comprised only of a user terminal 2, the information processing system 1 can be the user terminal 2. If the information processing system 1 is comprised only of an information processing device 3, the information processing system 1 can be the information processing device 3. More specifically, the information processing system 1 may include elements selected from the group consisting of the user terminal 2 and the information processing device 3. The elements not selected may not be included in the information processing system 1, but may be external elements electrically connected to the selected elements. These components will be described below.

[0018] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing hardware constituting the information processing system 1. As shown in Fig. 2(A), the user terminal 2 has a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, a control unit 23, a display unit 24, and an input unit 25, and these components are electrically connected via a communication bus 20 inside the user terminal 2. The explanation of the communication unit 21, the storage unit 22, and the control unit 23 is substantially the same as the explanation of the communication unit 31, the storage unit 32, and the control unit 33 in the information processing device 3, which will be described later, and therefore redundant explanation will not be repeated.

[0019] The display unit 24 may be included in the housing of the user terminal 2, or may be externally attached. The display unit 24 displays a graphical user interface (GUI) screen that can be operated by the user. This is preferably implemented by using a display device such as a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or a plasma display, depending on the type of user terminal 2. Here, the display unit 24 will be described as being included in the housing of the user terminal 2.

[0020] The input unit 25 may be included in the housing of the user terminal 2, or may be externally attached. For example, the input unit 25 may be implemented as a touch panel integrated with the display unit 24. A touch panel allows the user to input tapping, swiping, and the like. Of course, a switch button, a mouse, a QWERTY keyboard, or the like may be used instead of a touch panel. That is, the input unit 25 accepts an operation input made by the user. The input is transferred as a command signal to the control unit 23 via the communication bus 20, and the control unit 23 can execute predetermined control or calculation as necessary.

[0021] The input unit 25 may have a function to identify location information of the current location of the user terminal 2. Specifically, the user terminal 2 may have a function (positioning system) to identify latitude and longitude information of the user terminal 2 by receiving signals from a GPS (Global Positioning System) or the like. The current location of the user terminal 2 may be identified based on information about an access point connected for Wi-Fi or mobile communication.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2(B), the information processing device 3 has a communication unit 31, a memory unit 32, and a control unit 33, and these components are electrically connected within the information processing device 3 via a communication bus 30.

[0023] The communication unit 31 is preferably a wired communication means such as USB, IEEE1394, Thunderbolt (registered trademark), wired LAN network communication, etc., but may also include wireless LAN network communication, mobile communication such as 3G / LTE / 5G, Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication, etc. as necessary. In other words, it is more preferable to implement it as a collection of multiple communication means. In other words, the information processing device 3 communicates various information with the user terminal 2 via the communication unit 31 and the network 4.

[0024] The memory unit 32 stores various pieces of information defined above. This may be implemented, for example, as a storage device such as a solid state drive (SSD) that stores various programs and the like related to the information processing device 3 executed by the control unit 33, or as a memory such as a random access memory (RAM) that stores temporarily required information (arguments, arrays, etc.) related to the program operations. Alternatively, a combination of these may be used. In particular, the memory unit 32 stores various programs and the like related to the information processing device 3 executed by the control unit 33.

[0025] The control unit 33 processes and controls the overall operations related to the information processing device 3. The control unit 33 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) not shown. The control unit 33 realizes various functions related to the information processing device 3 by reading out predetermined programs stored in the storage unit 32. That is, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 32 is specifically realized by the control unit 33, which is an example of hardware, and can be executed as each functional unit included in the control unit 33. These will be described in further detail in the next section. Note that the control unit 33 is not limited to being single, and multiple control units 33 may be provided for each function. A combination of these may also be used.

[0026] 2. Functional configuration In this section, the functional configuration of this embodiment will be described. As described above, the information processing system 1 includes at least one processor, and the processor is configured to include the following units by reading a program. In other words, the program causes a computer to function as each unit of the information processing system 1.

[0027] 3 is a block diagram showing functions realized by the control unit 23 and the like in the user terminal 2. The user terminal 2, which is an example of the information processing system 1, includes a reception unit 231, an identification unit 232, an acquisition unit 233, and a display control unit 234.

[0028] The receiving unit 231 is configured to be able to execute a receiving step. In the receiving step, the receiving unit 231 is configured to receive input of various information. The receiving unit 231 may receive information detected via the input unit 25 as input.

[0029] The specifying unit 232 is configured to be able to execute a specifying step. In the specifying step, the specifying unit 232 specifies various pieces of information to be used in information processing based on the information acquired by the accepting unit 231 and the acquiring unit 233.

[0030] The acquiring unit 233 is configured to be able to execute an acquiring step. In the acquiring step, the acquiring unit 233 is configured to acquire various pieces of information from the outside. The acquiring unit 233 may acquire information from the outside via the communication unit 21.

[0031] The display control unit 234 is configured to be able to execute a display control step. In the display control step, the display control unit 234 controls processing for displaying various types of information on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 2.

[0032] The display control unit 234 draws a screen to be displayed on the display unit 24 based on information received from the information processing device 3 and information stored in the storage unit 22. For example, the display control unit 234 may generate visual information constituting a screen to be displayed on the display unit 24 based on various data stored in the storage unit 22. The visual information includes images including still images or videos, icons, messages, etc. The various data may be identified by the identification unit 232 or may be acquired from the information processing device 3 or an external server. The display control unit 234 may draw a screen including various images and visual information based on display information received from the information processing device 3, or may execute processing to display various screens drawn by the information processing device 3 on the display unit 24. That is, at least a part of the functions of the display control unit 234 may be executed by the control unit 33 of the information processing device 3.

[0033] 3. Information Processing This section describes each step of the information processing method executed by the information processing system 1. The information processing method is executed by a processor included in at least one of the user terminal 2 and the information processing device 3 reading out a program.

[0034] 3.1 Overview of Information Processing Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of information processing of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the receiving unit 331 receives a user's designation of one of a plurality of transportation modes (step S1). The identifying unit 332 identifies a candidate point from which the user can start using the designated transportation mode, based on location information indicating the user's current location (step S2). The display control unit 334 displays a map with a display range corresponding to the designated transportation mode (step S3). The map is displayed so as to include the current location and candidate points that exist within the display range. According to this embodiment, the usability of the map is improved. 3.2 Details of information processing

[0035] In the information processing system 1, digital tickets (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as tickets) for various transportation services offered by transportation operators are provided. A user can use the tickets to use transportation services by displaying the tickets on their own user terminal 2. Tickets include so-called visually inspected tickets and tear-off tickets, etc., which can be used by displaying them on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 2.

[0036] The user terminal 2 is a terminal device carried by a user who uses a transportation service. The information processing device 3 is an information processing device that provides a platform that enables the acquisition and use of tickets for various transportation services provided by multiple transportation operators. The information processing device 3 enables the user to acquire and use tickets in response to the user terminal 2 accessing the platform by executing a predetermined application. Hereinafter, the business that provides the functions of the platform may be referred to as a platform provider.

[0037] On this platform, users can use tickets for buses, trains, etc., and can also perform processes (such as dispatching vehicles and paying fares) to use taxis, shared bicycles, etc. Furthermore, a map showing potential locations from which users can start using each means of transportation is displayed on the user terminal 2. This allows users to easily grasp the means of transportation currently available, encouraging them to use means of transportation via the platform.

[0038] Fig. 5 is an activity diagram showing the flow of information processing in this embodiment. The information processing shown in Fig. 5 is mainly executed by the control unit 23 of the user terminal 2. The user terminal 2 executes a predetermined application and accepts a designation of the type of transportation desired by the user. That is, the accepting unit 231 accepts a designation of one of a plurality of transportation modes by the user (activity A101).

[0039] Next, the identification unit 232 identifies the display range of the map to be displayed on the display unit 24 based on the accepted mode of transportation (activity A102). The display range of the map may be identified, for example, as the scale of the map (display magnification) or as the distance from the user's current location.

[0040] In this embodiment, the display range of the map is set in advance according to the type of transportation. For example, a different scale is set for each type of transportation, such as "bus 1:X" and "taxi 1:Y." The scale may be set in any manner, such as proportional representation or zoom level. Information regarding the display range of the map for each transportation is recorded in advance in the storage unit 22 or the storage unit 32.

[0041] Next, the identification unit 232 identifies a candidate point where the user can start using the specified transportation means based on the location information indicating the user's current location (activity A103). The candidate point is a point within the identified display range where the user can board a vehicle or the like that provides transportation by the transportation means, and includes, for example, a bus stop, a train station, a terminal for a ship or an airplane, a store where a car can be rented, and a spot where a bicycle or an electric scooter can be rented or returned (such as a cycle port). In addition, in the case of a transportation means that the user can board at any point, such as a taxi, the candidate point may be a point where a passing vehicle can be easily found (e.g., the probability of finding a vehicle within a predetermined time is equal to or greater than a predetermined value), a point where it is easy to board by reserving a ride (e.g., the additional cost of dispatching a ride is equal to or less than a predetermined value), or even "the main street closest to the current location."

[0042] The map display range may be preset for each mode of transportation so that a predetermined number of candidate points (for example, 2 to 5 points) are likely to be displayed. It is preferable that the predetermined number differs depending on the mode of transportation. For example, in the case of buses, it is preferable that a small number of candidate points are displayed within a relatively small area. On the other hand, in the case of bicycle sharing, it is preferable that a large number of candidate points are displayed within a relatively large area. It is also preferable that in the case of taxis, a large number of candidate points are displayed within a relatively small area.

[0043] Furthermore, the map display range set for each type of transportation may be preset to differ depending on the region where the user is located. For example, since the absolute number of candidate locations is smaller in rural areas compared to urban areas, it is preferable to set the map display range wide to avoid a situation where none of the candidate locations are displayed. Therefore, the map display range may be set at a scale obtained by multiplying the basic scale set for each transportation by a coefficient corresponding to the region where the user's current location is located.

[0044] Furthermore, the map display range set for each type of transportation may be varied depending on the number of candidate locations actually included in the display range. For example, if the number of candidate locations within the map display range is less than a predetermined number, the map display range may be widened. In this case, it is preferable to vary the map display range up to a predetermined upper limit of the display range. This upper limit of the display range may also be varied depending on the region to which the user's current location belongs, etc.

[0045] Here, the receiving unit 231 may further receive a destination specified by the user (activity A104). The destination is a location specified by the facility name and latitude and longitude input by the user. Furthermore, the identifying unit 232 identifies a travel route for traveling from the user's current location to the destination based on the transportation means specified by the user. If the user needs to transfer from the transportation means selected by the user to another transportation means, the point at which the transfer should be made may be identified as an intermediate destination. Then, the identifying unit 232 identifies a travel route based on the current location, the intermediate destination, and the destination. That is, the identifying unit 232 identifies a travel route by the transportation means from the current location to the intermediate destination, and a travel route from the intermediate destination to the destination. Furthermore, a travel route from the current location to the destination via each candidate location may be identified.

[0046] Then, when the receiving unit 231 receives the designation of a destination, the identifying unit 232 identifies a candidate point that satisfies the display conditions from among the candidate points (activity A105). The display conditions include a first condition regarding the positional relationship between the current location and the candidate point, and a second condition regarding the positional relationship between the candidate point and the destination. The first condition is a condition indicating the ease of travel for the user to the candidate point. The second condition is a condition indicating the ease of travel for the user from the candidate point to the destination (or intermediate destination). The ease of travel is identified by the travel distance and the length of time required for travel. For example, even if a candidate point is located near the user's current location, control is performed to prevent a candidate point that is not easy to travel from the candidate point to the destination (or intermediate destination) from being displayed.

[0047] Specifically, even if there are multiple candidate points within a predetermined distance from the user's current location, if at least one of the travel distance and travel time from there to the destination exceeds a threshold, it may be determined that the display condition is not met. As a result, for example, candidate points located in the opposite direction from the destination may be controlled not to be displayed.

[0048] If the receiving unit 231 does not receive a destination designation, the identifying unit 232 identifies all identified candidate locations as candidate locations to be displayed on the map. Note that if the number of candidate locations exceeds a threshold, the number of candidate locations to be displayed may be limited based on a predetermined display condition. In this case, the display condition may be the first condition described above, and a predetermined number of candidate locations may be displayed in order of proximity to the current location, for example.

[0049] Next, the acquisition unit 233 acquires availability information indicating whether or not it is possible to start using the transportation means at the candidate point (activity A106). Availability information is information indicating whether or not it is easy to start using the transportation means at the candidate point. For example, in the case of transportation means that operate based on a predetermined schedule, such as a bus or train, availability information is information indicating whether or not the transportation means is operating according to the schedule. If the transportation means is suspended or delayed for more than a predetermined time, it indicates that the transportation means is unavailable. In the case of transportation means that can be started by renting a car, bicycle, or the like at the candidate point, availability information is information indicating the inventory status of available vehicles. If there is no inventory or the inventory is below a predetermined number, it indicates that the transportation means is unavailable. In the case of transportation means that a user can start using at any point, such as a taxi, availability information may be the time required for the nearest vehicle to reach the candidate point or the distance between the nearest vehicle and the candidate point, and if these exceed a threshold, it indicates that the transportation means is unavailable.

[0050] The feasibility information is managed in an external server device provided by a transportation company that provides each transportation means, and is acquired by the information processing device 3 via the network 4. The acquisition unit 233 of the user terminal 2 acquires the feasibility information from the information processing device 3 via the network 4. Note that the acquisition unit 233 may acquire the feasibility information by directly accessing the external server device.

[0051] If there is no candidate point within the display range of the map, the identification unit 232 identifies whether another means of transportation can be used as an alternative (activity A107). For a means of transportation (second means of transportation) different from the means of transportation (first means of transportation) designated by the user, the identification unit 232 identifies a display range of the map corresponding to the second means of transportation, and identifies candidate points within the display range. The acquisition unit 233 acquires availability information for the identified candidate points of the second means of transportation. If an available candidate point is identified, the identification unit 232 identifies the second means of transportation as an alternative. Note that the identification unit 232 may identify candidate points within the display range of the map corresponding to the first means of transportation, rather than the display range of the map corresponding to the second means of transportation.

[0052] If the second transportation means is available as an alternative means, the acquisition unit 233 acquires coupon information related to coupons that can be used when using the transportation means (activity A108). For example, when the identification unit 232 identifies an alternative means, information related to the identified transportation means is transmitted to the information processing device 3 along with user information for identifying the user. The information processing device 3 transmits information indicating that the transportation means has been identified as an alternative means to a server device of a transportation business that provides the transportation means. The information processing device 3 receives the coupon information issued by the server device. In the user terminal 2, the acquisition unit 233 acquires the coupon information via the information processing device 3. When a coupon is used in the user terminal 2, information related to the usage history is transmitted to the server device. This allows it to be identified that the alternative means was used as a guide to the application.

[0053] The coupon associated with the coupon information can be used when using the second means of transportation, and may be configured to provide a fare reduction, for example, when purchasing a ticket to use the means of transportation or when making a payment for the fare before or after using the means of transportation. In addition to a fare reduction, the coupon may be configured to provide a special benefit such as a tangible or intangible gift or the right to apply for a campaign.

[0054] Then, the display control unit 234 causes the display unit 24 to display a map of the display range corresponding to the specified transportation mode (activity A109). The map is displayed so as to include the user's current location and candidate points that are present within the display range. This aspect improves the usability of the map. Note that, when the display control unit 234 has not received a destination specification from the user, the display control unit 234 displays the map so as to include all identified candidate points. This improves the visibility of candidate points related to a specified transportation mode. Furthermore, the display control unit 234 may display, on the map, candidate points that satisfy the above-mentioned display conditions from among the identified candidate points. This improves the visibility of candidate points that are suitable for traveling to a destination, etc. Furthermore, the display control unit 234 may display candidate points in a manner corresponding to the availability information. This improves the visibility of candidate points that are actually available.

[0055] Furthermore, if there is no candidate point where the first transportation means can be used within the display range, the display control unit 234 presents the user with a second transportation means different from the first transportation means. A candidate point where the second transportation means can be used exists within the display range corresponding to the second transportation means. This makes it easier for the user to find a transportation means suitable for the user. Furthermore, the display control unit 234 presents a coupon to be given to the user along with the second transportation means. This makes it possible to encourage the user to use an alternative transportation means. Note that the display control unit 234 may present the second transportation means to the user without presenting a coupon.

[0056] If the user's request to change the mode of transportation is not accepted, the process ends. On the other hand, if the request to change the mode of transportation is accepted, the process returns to activity A101 and continues. For example, if the user cannot find a candidate point for the desired mode of transportation while viewing the displayed map, the user can change the mode of transportation and reconsider candidate points for another mode of transportation. Also, by selecting a mode of transportation presented as an alternative, the user can consider candidate points for that alternative mode. This improves the usability of the map.

[0057] 3.3 Specific examples of information processing This section further describes specific examples of processing executed in the information processing system 1. The processing related to each specific example of processing will be described with reference to the activity diagram shown in Fig. 5 as appropriate. In other words, each specific example of processing can be included in the scope defined in the overview and details of the information processing described above.

[0058] 6 and 7 are examples of screens whose display is controlled by the display control unit 234 in the information processing system 1. FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show examples of map screens displayed on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 2. In FIG.

[0059] <Setting the map display range according to the mode of transportation> Map screens 600A to 600C shown in Fig. 6 are examples of screens on which maps are displayed. Map screen 600A is an initial screen on which a map is displayed when no means of transportation is selected. Map screen 600B is a screen on which a map is displayed when "shared bicycle" is selected as a means of transportation. Map screen 600C is a screen on which a map is displayed when "taxi" is selected as a means of transportation.

[0060] The map screen 600A includes a current location icon 610 and a transportation area 620. The current location icon 610 indicates the user's current location identified based on location information acquired by the user terminal 2. The transportation area 620 includes selection buttons 621 to 624, which are objects for receiving designation of transportation from the user. The selection button 621 is a button for collectively designating all transportation means. The selection button 622 is a button for designating a shared bicycle. The selection button 623 is a button for selecting a taxi. The selection button 624 is a button for selecting a ticket that the user can use or purchase.

[0061] The map screen 600A displays a map of the display range in the initial state. In this case, no candidate icons corresponding to any means of transportation are displayed. When the selection button 622 is operated on the map screen 600A, the screen transitions to a map screen 600B. The map screen 600B displays a map of the display range corresponding to the type of transportation selected: shared bicycles.

[0062] The map screen 600B includes a current location icon 610, a transportation area 630, and a candidate location 640. The transportation area 630 is an area that shows the currently specified transportation method, and indicates that a shared bicycle has been specified. The candidate location 640 includes candidate location icons 641 to 643 where use of a shared bicycle can be started. The candidate location icons 641 to 643 are arranged at positions corresponding to the location information of the candidate locations. The candidate location icons 641 and 642 indicate candidate locations where there is a stock of bicycles that the user can ride. The candidate location icon 643 indicates a candidate location where there is no stock of bicycles that the user can ride. In other words, the candidate locations are displayed in a manner according to the availability information. Note that candidate locations where there is no stock need not be displayed.

[0063] Note that by operating the transportation area 630, the transportation area 620 may be displayed on the map screen 600B, and the selection buttons 621 to 624 may be displayed. Then, by operating at least one of the selection buttons 621 to 624, the designated transportation means is changed. In other words, the accepting unit 231 may accept the designation of a second transportation means different from the first transportation means after accepting the designation of a first transportation means.

[0064] The map screen 600C is a screen to which transition occurs when the selection button 622 is operated on the map screen 600A or the map screen 600B. The map screen 600C displays a map of a display range corresponding to a taxi as a type of transportation means.

[0065] The map screen 600C includes a current location icon 610, a transportation area 650, and a candidate location 660. The transportation area 650 is an area showing the currently specified transportation means, and indicates that a taxi has been specified. The candidate location 660 includes candidate location icons 661-662 from which a taxi can be used. The candidate location icon 661 indicates a candidate location from which the user can easily take a taxi. The candidate location icon 662 indicates a candidate location from which the user cannot easily take a taxi. In other words, the candidate locations are also displayed on the map screen 600C in a manner according to the availability information. Note that the candidate location icon 662 from which the user cannot easily take a taxi does not need to be displayed.

[0066] Here, when the selection button 623 is operated on the map screen 600B, it is preferable that the map displayed on the display unit 24 be continuously updated to the map screen 600C. For example, if the display range of the map on the map screen 600C is narrower than that on the map screen 600B, the display range is controlled to be narrowed in stages from the display range on the map screen 600B to the display range on the map screen 600C. That is, during the transitional period when the map screen 600B is switched to the map screen 600C, an animation in which the display range of the map is continuously updated is displayed on the display unit 24, thereby improving the visibility of the map.

[0067] Preferably, the current location indicated by the current location icon 610 continues to be displayed at a predetermined reference position within the display range. The reference position is a point on the display unit 24 indicating predetermined coordinates or an area including the predetermined coordinates. Therefore, updating of the display range may be controlled so that the position of the current location on the display unit 24 does not deviate from within a predetermined distance including the predetermined position of the display unit 24. This prevents the user from losing track of the current location even when the display range is updated. The current location may be located at the center of the display unit 24 or at a position offset from the center. For example, the current location may be offset downward from the center of the input unit 25 or in the opposite direction to the destination. In other words, in response to receiving the designation of the second transportation mode, the display control unit 234 continuously updates the display range so that the display range corresponding to the first transportation mode changes to the display range corresponding to the second transportation mode. The current location is displayed at a predetermined reference position within the display range, regardless of the update of the display range. This improves the visibility of the current location when the display range is updated.

[0068] Note that the map screen 600A may initially display a map with the selection button 621 selected. In this case, the reception unit 231 may accept designation of all means of transportation, and candidate locations where use of the shared bicycle, taxi, and transportation corresponding to the ticket can be started may be displayed on the map screen 600A. The reception unit 231 may also accept designation for more than one of the selection buttons 622 to 624. In this case, candidate locations where use of the selected multiple means of transportation can be started may be displayed on the map screen 600A. In other words, the reception unit 231 accepts designation of a first means of transportation, as well as a second means of transportation different from the first means of transportation.

[0069] In this case, the display range of the map may be set to the display range of the transportation means with the largest display range, the display range of the transportation means with the smallest display range, or the average display range of all transportation means. In other words, the display control unit 234 displays a map with a display range determined based on the display range corresponding to the first transportation means and the display range corresponding to the second transportation means. This improves the visibility of candidate points related to multiple different transportation means.

[0070] <Providing alternative transportation options> 7 show examples of map screens 700A and 700B. Map screen 700A is displayed when a specific transportation mode is selected but there are no available candidate locations. Map screen 700B is displayed when a candidate location for an alternative transportation mode is selected.

[0071] The map screen 700A is a screen to which the user transitions when the selection button 622 is operated on the map screen 600A shown in FIG. 6, for example. The map screen 700A includes a current location icon 710, a transportation area 720, a display area 730, and a transition button 740. The current location icon 710 is an object indicating the user's current location. The transportation area 720 is an area indicating the currently specified transportation means, and indicates that a shared bicycle has been specified. The display area 730 is an area indicating that no candidate points at which the selected transportation means can be used are present within the display range. The transition button 740 is an area displaying information regarding candidate alternative transportation means, and operating the transition button 740 transitions the screen to the map screen 700B. The alternative transportation means is the transportation means identified in activity A107 in FIG. 5. Furthermore, if a coupon is identified in activity A108, the transition button 740 may display information suggesting that the user can use the coupon.

[0072] The map screen 700B is a screen to which transition occurs when the transition button 740 is operated on the map screen 700A. The map screen 700B includes a current location icon 710, a transportation area 750, a candidate location icon 761 (candidate location 760), and an operation area 770. The transportation area 750 is an area showing the currently specified transportation means, and indicates that a taxi has been specified. The candidate location icon 761 indicates that taxis are easily available at the location. When the candidate location icon 761 is selected, the operation area 770 is displayed. The operation area 770 includes a transition button 771 and a coupon area 772. The transition button 771 is an object for transitioning to a screen for executing taxi dispatch. When the transition button 771 is operated, the user terminal 2 accesses an external server that accepts taxi dispatch requests, and proceeds with processing related to taxi dispatch. The coupon area 772 is an area where information about coupons granted to the user is displayed, and for example, a code (character string) for identifying the coupon is displayed. The user can acquire a benefit associated with the coupon by entering the coupon code on a screen for dispatching a taxi. Note that, when taxi dispatching is managed by the information processing device 3, operation of the transition button 771 may transition to a screen for dispatching a taxi within the application.

[0073] 4. Variations The information processing system 1 according to this embodiment may adopt the following aspects.

[0074] In the present embodiment, the display range of the map set for each mode of transportation may be adjusted depending on the region where the user is located, etc., but this is not limited to this. For example, in the case of a mode of transportation that the user can use by using a ticket, the display range of the map may be set depending on the type of ticket the user owns. For example, if the ticket is for tourism, the display range may be set to be wide, and if the ticket is a commuter pass for commuting to work or school, the display range may be set to be narrow. Furthermore, depending on the type of ticket, the display range of the map may be set to include candidate points where the user can start using the mode of transportation corresponding to the ticket, or the display range of the map may be set to include candidate points where the user can start using a mode of transportation other than the mode of transportation corresponding to the ticket. In the latter case, for example, if the user has a bus or train ticket for tourism that is available (or has started using), the display range of the map may be set to be wide for other modes of transportation such as a shared bicycle. This allows the user to reach the candidate points while sightseeing in the city using other modes of transportation, providing the user with an experience suited to the purpose of the ticket.

[0075] The display range of the map may be set based on external information, such as weather information and disaster information, acquired by the acquisition unit 233. For example, the display range may be set to be narrower when it is raining or the temperature is high. The display range may be set to be wider when a disaster, such as an earthquake or the suspension of public transportation, occurs. The external information may include information about upcoming events or advertisements offering discounts on merchandise, and the display range may be set based on locations where services related to the advertisements are provided (so that the locations are included on the map). The display range may also be set based on user attribute information, such as the user's age, gender, medical condition, etc. The display range may also be set based on a determination result of whether the user should walk, based on the user's activity history (number of steps, exercise, etc.) and biometric information. For example, for a user who has a low activity history and is therefore recommended to walk, the display range of the map set for each mode of transportation may be widened. The device may also be configured to encourage the user to walk by presenting a display object recommending candidate locations far from the user's current location. A coefficient for adjusting the display range may be set in association with each of the above information.

[0076] The availability information may also include information indicating whether the display range of the map itself allows the user to start using the transportation means. For example, if the user can specify a location where the user can start using the transportation means (such as a taxi), the availability information may include information indicating whether the display range of the displayed map is an area where the user can start using the transportation means. The availability information may also be acquired before the display range of the map corresponding to the transportation means is identified (activity A102). For example, when a taxi is specified as the transportation means, it is first determined whether the user's current location belongs to an area where the user can start using the transportation means. If the area is within the display range of the map corresponding to the transportation means, a candidate point within the display range may be identified. On the other hand, if the area is not within the display range of the map corresponding to the transportation means, an area outside the display range of the map corresponding to the transportation means that is most easily accessible to the user (the boundary between the inside and outside of the area) may be identified, and a candidate point within the area may be identified. In this case, the display range of the map may be specified (zoomed out) to include the identified candidate point, regardless of the display range of the map corresponding to the transportation means.

[0077] 6 is selected as a means of transportation, candidate locations may be displayed taking into consideration ticket information related to the ticket. For example, the section (bus stops or stations) of the means of transportation that can be used with a ticket that the user can use or purchase may be identified, and locations where the use of the means of transportation can be started using the ticket may be displayed as candidate locations. Furthermore, when the selection button 624 is operated, information related to the ticket (such as the name of the ticket and a transition button to a screen where the ticket can be purchased) may be displayed on the map along with the candidate locations.

[0078] In this embodiment, the transportation service available using the ticket may be any means of transportation, such as a bus, train (railroad), tram, subway, airplane, ship, ferry, sightseeing boat, water bus, cable car, monorail, or other transportation that operates along a predetermined route based on a timetable, etc. The transportation service may also be an on-demand means of transportation that operates according to user demand, such as a taxi, car (including rental cars and car sharing), bicycle (including rental bicycles and shared bicycles), electric kick scooter, drone, helicopter, motorcycle, etc.

[0079] 5.Other In the above embodiment, the reception unit 231, the identification unit 232, the acquisition unit 233, and the display control unit 234 are described as functional units realized by the control unit 23 of the user terminal 2. However, at least some of these may be implemented as functional units realized by components other than the user terminal 2. Furthermore, while the user terminal 2 and the information processing device 3 store various pieces of information and control information processing, multiple external devices may be used in place of any of these. That is, various pieces of information and programs may be distributed and stored in multiple external devices using blockchain technology or the like. Furthermore, at least one of the devices included in the information processing system 1 may be installed outside the country in which the functions of the information processing system 1 are performed.

[0080] Furthermore, it may be provided in the following aspects.

[0081] (1) An information processing system comprising at least one processor, the processor being configured to execute the following steps by reading a program: a reception step receiving a user's designation of one of a plurality of means of transportation; a specification step specifying a candidate point from which the designated means of transportation can be started based on location information indicating the user's current location; a display control step displaying a map of a display range corresponding to the designated means of transportation, wherein the map is displayed to include the current location and the candidate points present within the display range.

[0082] According to this embodiment, the usability of the map is improved.

[0083] (2) In the information processing system described in (1) above, in the reception step, after receiving the designation of a first means of transportation, a designation of a second means of transportation different from the first means of transportation is received, and in the display control step, in response to receiving the designation of the second means of transportation, the display range is continuously updated from the display range corresponding to the first means of transportation to the display range corresponding to the second means of transportation, and here, the current location is displayed at a predetermined reference position within the display range, regardless of the update of the display range.

[0084] According to this aspect, the convenience of the map is improved, and in particular, the visibility of the current location when the display range is updated is improved.

[0085] (3) In the information processing system described in (1) or (2) above, in the reception step, a designation of a second means of transportation different from the first means of transportation is received along with a first means of transportation, and in the display control step, the map of the display range determined based on the display range corresponding to the first means of transportation and the display range corresponding to the second means of transportation is displayed.

[0086] According to this aspect, the usability of the map is improved, and in particular, the visibility of candidate points related to a plurality of different modes of transportation is improved.

[0087] (4) In the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (3) above, in the display control step, if the user does not specify a destination, the map is displayed so as to include all of the identified candidate locations.

[0088] According to this aspect, the convenience of the map is improved, and in particular, the viewability of candidate points related to a predetermined transportation mode is improved.

[0089] (5) In the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (3) above, the receiving step further receives a destination designation by the user, and the display control step displays, on the map, the candidate locations that satisfy display conditions among the identified candidate locations, wherein the display conditions include a first condition regarding a positional relationship between the current location and the candidate location, and a second condition regarding a positional relationship between the candidate location and the destination.

[0090] According to this aspect, the usability of the map is improved, and in particular, the visibility of candidate points suitable for travel to the destination is improved.

[0091] (6) In the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (5) above, in the acquisition step, availability information indicating whether or not it is possible to start using the transportation means at the candidate location is acquired, and in the display control step, the candidate location is displayed in a manner corresponding to the availability information.

[0092] According to this embodiment, the usability of the map is improved, and in particular, the visibility of candidate points that are actually available is improved.

[0093] (7) In the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (6) above, in the display control step, if there is no candidate location within the display range where the use of the first means of transportation can be started, a second means of transportation different from the first means of transportation is presented to the user, and here, the candidate location where the use of the second means of transportation can be started is present within the display range corresponding to the second means of transportation.

[0094] According to this embodiment, the convenience of the map is improved, and in particular, it becomes easier for the user to find a suitable means of transportation.

[0095] (8) In the information processing system described in (7) above, in the display control step, a coupon to be granted to the user is presented along with the second means of transportation, and the coupon can be used when using the second means of transportation.

[0096] According to this aspect, the usability of the map is improved, and the user can be encouraged to use alternative means of transportation.

[0097] (9) An information processing method, comprising the steps of the information processing system according to any one of (1) to (8) above.

[0098] (10) A program that causes a computer to execute each step of the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (8) above. Of course, this is not the case.

[0099] Finally, while various embodiments of the present invention have been described, these are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel embodiments may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Such embodiments and modifications are intended to be included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the accompanying claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1: Information processing system 2: User terminal 23: Control section 231: Reception 232: Specific part 233: Acquisition Department 234: Display control unit 3: Information processing equipment 4: Network 600A: Map screen 600B: Map screen 600C: Map screen 610: Current location icon 620:Transportation area 630:Transportation area 640: Candidate site 650:Transportation area 660: Candidate location 700A: Map screen 700B: Map screen 710: Current location icon 720:Transportation area 730:Display area 740: Transition button 750: Transportation area 760: Candidate location 770: Operation area 771: Transition button 772: Coupon area

Claims

1. An information processing system, At least one processor is provided, the processor being configured to execute the following steps by reading a program: In the reception step, a designation of one of a plurality of transportation means by the user is received, In the identification step, a candidate point at which the designated transportation means can be used is identified based on location information indicating a current location of the user; In the display control step, a map of a display range corresponding to the designated transportation means is displayed, and the map is displayed so as to include the current location and the candidate locations that are present within the display range; In the receiving step, after receiving the designation of a first transportation means, a designation of a second transportation means different from the first transportation means is received; In the display control step, in response to receiving the designation of the second transportation means, the display range is continuously updated from the display range corresponding to the first transportation means to the display range corresponding to the second transportation means, wherein: An information processing system in which the current location is displayed at a predetermined reference position within the display range, independent of updates to the display range.

2. An information processing system, At least one processor is provided, the processor being configured to execute the following steps by reading a program: In the reception step, a designation of one of a plurality of transportation means by the user is received, In the identification step, a candidate point at which the designated transportation means can be used is identified based on location information indicating a current location of the user; In the display control step, a map of a display range corresponding to the designated transportation means is displayed, and the map is displayed so as to include the current location and the candidate locations that are present within the display range; In the display control step, if no destination designation by the user is accepted, the map is displayed so as to include all of the identified candidate points.

3. An information processing system, At least one processor is provided, the processor being configured to execute the following steps by reading a program: In the reception step, a designation of one of a plurality of transportation means by the user is received, In the identification step, a candidate point at which the designated transportation means can be used is identified based on location information indicating a current location of the user; In the display control step, a map of a display range corresponding to the designated transportation means is displayed, and the map is displayed so as to include the current location and the candidate locations that are present within the display range; In the acquisition step, availability information indicating whether or not it is possible to start using the transportation means at the candidate point is acquired; In the display control step, the candidate locations are displayed in a manner corresponding to the feasibility information.

4. An information processing system, At least one processor is provided, the processor being configured to execute the following steps by reading a program: In the reception step, a designation of one of a plurality of transportation means by the user is received, In the identification step, a candidate point at which the designated transportation means can be used is identified based on location information indicating a current location of the user; In the display control step, a map of a display range corresponding to the designated transportation means is displayed, and the map is displayed so as to include the current location and the candidate locations that are present within the display range; In the display control step, if the candidate point at which utilization of the first transportation means can be started is not present within the display range, a second transportation means different from the first transportation means is presented to the user, An information processing system, wherein the candidate location at which use of the second transportation means can begin is present within the display range corresponding to the second transportation means.

5. In the information processing system according to claim 4, In the display control step, a coupon to be given to the user is presented together with the second transportation means, and The coupon can be used when using the second means of transportation.

6. An information processing method, comprising: A method comprising the steps of the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A program, A program that causes a computer to execute each step of the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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