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

Abstract

To present a fare to be actually applied, accurately, to a user on the basis of a time-of-day fare.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes: route acquisition means which acquires a route including a boarding section of a public transportation; fare information determination means which determines fare information of a time zone to which an estimated ticket-gate pass-through time of the public transportation on the acquired route belongs, in time-of-day fare information of the public transportation acquired in advance; fare calculation means which calculates a fare of the route on the basis of the determined fare information; and output means which outputs the calculated fare with the route.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in the London Underground, in order to alleviate congestion during peak hours when users are concentrated, a time-based fare has been introduced where fares during peak hours are set higher than those during off-peak hours. A fare presentation system that presents the time-based fare of the London Underground to a user terminal determines whether it is off-peak usage based on the time zone to which the departure time of the departure station belongs, and presents the fare corresponding to the determination result, for example, in accordance with the route search result.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when the time-based fare of the London Underground is actually applied, on the fare calculation system side of the London Underground, it is determined whether it is off-peak usage based on the ticket gate passing time of the departure station rather than the time zone to which the departure time of the departure station belongs. Therefore, in the current fare presentation system, the presented fare may differ from the actual applied fare, and it has been difficult to accurately present the fare actually applied based on the time-based fare to the user.

[0005] The present invention provides an information processing system, an information processing program, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing method capable of accurately presenting to the user the fare actually applied based on the time-based fare.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information processing system according to the present invention is A route acquisition method for acquiring a travel route that includes sections using public transportation, A fare information determination means for determining the fare information for the time period to which the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate of the public transportation on the acquired travel route belongs, from among the time-based fare information of the public transportation that has been acquired in advance, A fare calculation means that calculates the fare for the travel route based on the determined fare information, An output means for outputting the calculated fare along with the travel route, It is equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to accurately present to the user the fare that will actually be applied based on the time-of-day fare. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows a schematic configuration of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This flowchart shows an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a conceptual diagram showing time-based fare information as an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows a simplified display screen of a travel route, which includes route fare information and switching-related information indicating the switch to a higher fare according to the entry time, as an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows the detailed display screen of the travel route, following Figure 4. [Figure 6] This figure shows a simplified display screen of a travel route, which includes route fare information and switching-related information indicating a switch to a higher fare along the route, as an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows the detailed display screen of the travel route, following Figure 6. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the operation of the information processing system according to a second modified example of the first embodiment, illustrating the dynamic display of route fare information and switching-related information in response to changes in operational information. [Figure 9] This figure shows a simplified display screen of a travel route, which includes route fare information and switching-related information indicating the switch to a discounted fare according to the entry time, as an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the third modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows the detailed display screen of the travel route, following Figure 9. [Figure 11] This figure shows a detailed display screen of a travel route, including recommended entry information, as an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the fourth modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure shows the detailed display screen of the travel route, following Figure 11. [Figure 13] This figure shows a detailed display screen of the travel route, including standby recommendation information, as an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the fifth modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 14] This figure shows the detailed display screen of the travel route, following Figure 13. [Figure 15] This figure shows a display screen for trains to which a surcharge is applied, based on the departure station on the travel route, as an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the sixth modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 16] This figure shows an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the seventh modification of the first embodiment, specifically the off-peak last train search screen. [Figure 17] This figure shows the search results for off-peak last trains, following Figure 16. [Figure 18] This figure shows a simplified display screen of a travel route, including fare and point accrual information, as an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the eighth modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 19] This figure shows the detailed display screen of the travel route, following Figure 18. [Figure 20]It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 21] It is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the information processing system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 22] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 23] As an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the third embodiment, it is a diagram showing a display screen of the time schedule information when only the departure station is specified. [Figure 24] As an example of the operation of the information processing system according to a modification of the third embodiment, it is a diagram showing a display screen of the time schedule information when the departure station and the arrival station are specified. [Figure 25] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the display conditions of the switching-related information. [Figure 26] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the display conditions of the switching-related information different from FIG. 25.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In each figure, components having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions of the components denoted by the same reference numerals will not be repeated.

[0010] (First Embodiment) The information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment is a system that provides route fare information indicating the fare of the travel route together with the travel route from the departure place to the destination to a user of an electronic device such as a mobile terminal (smartphone, mobile phone, tablet terminal, etc.) or a personal computer (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "user").

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 1 comprises a terminal device 2, which corresponds to the aforementioned electronic device, and a server 3. The terminal device 2 and the server 3 are connected to each other via a network such as the Internet, enabling them to communicate with one another.

[0012] The network can be either wired or wireless, and the type and configuration of the connection are not restricted. At least a portion of terminal device 2 and server 3 will be implemented by a computer.

[0013] Terminal device 2 is used by the user to receive travel route and route fare information, and is an information processing terminal such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, terminal device 2 includes a communication unit 21, an input unit 23, an output unit 24, and a control unit 22.

[0015] The communication unit 21 is an interface for sending and receiving information between the control unit 22 and the server 3 via the network.

[0016] The input unit 23 is an interface for the user to input information into the terminal device 2, and may be, for example, a touch panel, microphone, touchpad, or dial buttons on a mobile terminal.

[0017] The output unit 24 is an interface that outputs various information from the terminal device 2 to the user, and is, for example, a video display means such as a liquid crystal display. As an example, the output unit 24 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) to accept operations from the user through the input unit 23. The output unit 24 may also have a speaker to output various information as audio.

[0018] Furthermore, the output unit 24 does not necessarily have to directly present information to the user. For example, the output unit 24 may output video signals or audio signals to video display means or audio output means connected to the outside of the terminal device 2, or it may output data to an externally connected printing device, or it may output data to a storage device inside or outside the terminal device 2 for storage.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the control unit 22 has an information display unit 221. The information display unit 221 receives from the server 3 the travel route to the destination, including the section using public transportation, and route fare information indicating the fare for the travel route. The travel route is searched by the server 3 according to the route search conditions transmitted from the terminal device 2 to the server 3. The fare for the travel route includes at least a portion of the fare for public transportation along the travel route. The fare for public transportation along the travel route is calculated based on the fare information for the time period to which the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate of public transportation along the travel route belongs, from the time-based fare information acquired in advance by the server 3. Time-based fare information is information that indicates that the fare for a certain travel section is the fare according to the time period. According to the time-based fare information, the fare may differ even for the same travel section if the time period is different. Details of the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate will be described later. The information display unit 221 outputs the route fare information along with the travel route via the output unit 24.

[0020] By outputting route fare information along with the travel route, it is possible to accurately present the user with the actual fare that will be applied based on time-of-day pricing.

[0021] Next, we will describe server 3. As shown in Figure 1, server 3 has a communication unit 31, a control unit 32, and a storage unit 33. Before describing the control unit 32, we will describe the communication unit 31 and the storage unit 33.

[0022] The communication unit 31 is an interface that transmits and receives information between the terminal device 2 and the control unit 32 of the server 3 via the network.

[0023] The storage unit 33 is, for example, a data storage device such as a hard disk, and stores various databases. The storage unit 33 does not necessarily have to be located within the server 3; it may be located in another device connected to the server 3 via a network.

[0024] The storage unit 33 has a route network information database 331.

[0025] The route network information database 331 is a database for route searching and includes, for example, transportation network information as route network information. Transportation network information is information that defines transportation networks such as railways and buses, and road networks. Transportation network information includes public transportation route information, timetable information, fare information, etc. Transportation network information may also include operational information such as delays.

[0026] Public transport fare information includes fare information broken down by time of day.

[0027] Information about transportation networks is represented by a combination of data for nodes in the route network representation, such as train stations, and data for links, which are the sections of track between these nodes. Similarly, information about road networks is represented by a combination of data for nodes in the road network representation, such as intersections, and data for links, which are the sections of road between these nodes.

[0028] Furthermore, although not shown in the diagram, the storage unit 33 may also include a map information database used for displaying maps and searching for locations. The map information may include map data such as road maps of the entire country or each region, and may also include map object information (annotation information, symbol information, etc.) associated with the map data. In addition, the storage unit 33 may also include a POI (Point of Interest) information database used for searching for facilities and setting destinations. POI information is information about facilities and events. POI information includes name information and location information of facilities and events.

[0029] Next, the control unit 32 of server 3 will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the control unit 32 includes a route search unit 321, which is an example of a route acquisition means; a fare information determination unit 322, which is an example of a fare information determination means; a fare calculation unit 323, which is an example of a fare calculation means; and a route / fare presentation unit 324, which is an example of an output means.

[0030] The route search unit 321 searches for and obtains a travel route from the departure point to the destination, including the use of public transportation, using route network information, in accordance with the route search conditions, including the use of public transportation, transmitted from the terminal device 2. The route search conditions include, for example, conditions for points such as departure point, destination, and intermediate points, as well as conditions other than points such as few transfers, short distance, and low fare.

[0031] The fare information determination unit 322 determines the fare information for the time period to which the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate of public transportation on the travel route, obtained by the route search unit 321, belongs, from the time-based fare information that has been previously acquired in the storage unit 33 as route network information. The estimated time of passing through the ticket gate is the time at which the user is expected to pass through the ticket gate of the departure station on the travel route, based on the time information on the travel route. The estimated time of passing through the ticket gate is, for example, the time obtained by subtracting a predetermined time from the departure time of the departure station of public transportation on the travel route. The predetermined time is, for example, a fixed time such as 5 minutes. The predetermined time may be set individually for each station and for each platform according to the distance from the ticket gate to the platform.

[0032] The fare calculation unit 323 calculates the fare for the travel route based on the fare information determined by the fare information determination unit 322.

[0033] The route and fare display unit 324 transmits route and fare information, which shows the travel route acquired by the route search unit 321 and the fare calculated by the fare calculation unit 323, to the terminal device 2 via the communication unit 31, thereby outputting the route and fare information along with the travel route to the terminal device 2. As described above, the transmitted route and fare information and travel route are output by the information display unit 221 of the terminal device 2 via the output unit 24.

[0034] The route / fare display unit 324 outputs transition-related information, which is information related to the transition of fare information, to the terminal device 2 when the current time or the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate is near the time when the fare information is switched based on the time-based fare information. For example, the route / fare display unit 324 may output transition-related information, which is information related to the transition of fare information, to the terminal device 2 when, in the time period to which the current time or the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate belongs (hereinafter referred to as the "relevant time period") as determined by the fare information determination unit 322, the current time or the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate falls within a predetermined time period from the time of the transition from the fare information of the previous time period to the fare information of the relevant time period, or within a predetermined time period from the time of the transition from the fare information of the relevant time period to the fare information of the next time period. In other words, the route / fare display unit 324 may output information related to the fare information change to the terminal device 2 when the current time or the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate is located near the beginning (within a predetermined range from the beginning) or near the end (within a predetermined range from the end) of the relevant time period. The predetermined time range may be a period of 5 minutes before and after the fare information change time. The change-related information is, for example, information (e.g., text information or icons) that notifies the user that the fare based on the changed fare information will be applied if they pass through the ticket gate of the departure station after the fare information change time. For example, the change-related information may be output in association with travel routes where the difference between the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate and the fare information change time is within 5 minutes.

[0035] Furthermore, the route / fare display unit 324 may switch and output related information if the fare information for the time period to which the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate belongs differs from the fare information for the time period to which the departure time of the departure station or the arrival time of the destination station belongs, or if the time period to which the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate belongs differs from the time period to which the departure time of the departure station or the arrival time of the destination station belongs.

[0036] Furthermore, if a user searches for a travel route from the departure station to their destination after passing through the ticket gate at the departure station, the current location when the travel route is obtained will be inside the ticket gate of the departure station along the travel route. In this case, the fare information determination unit 322 may estimate the expected time of passing through the ticket gate from the current time and use the estimated expected time of passing through the ticket gate to determine the fare information for the time period to which that time belongs.

[0037] As described above, the information processing system 1 of the first embodiment is configured such that the route search unit 321 acquires a travel route including the section using public transportation, the fare information determination unit 322 determines the fare information for the time period to which the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate of public transportation on the acquired travel route belongs from the pre-acquired time-based fare information for public transportation, the fare calculation unit 323 calculates the fare for the travel route based on the determined fare information, and the route / fare presentation unit 324 outputs the calculated fare along with the travel route to the terminal device 2. With this configuration, the time-based fares applicable to the use of public transportation at the station desired by the user can be presented to the user in an accurate and easy-to-understand manner.

[0038] (Example of operation) Next, an example of the operation of the information processing system 1 shown in Figure 1 will be described. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, first, the control unit 22 of the terminal device 2 displays a route search condition setting screen via the output unit 24 and accepts the setting operation of route search conditions, including the use of public transportation, via the route search condition setting screen. After displaying the route search condition setting screen, the control unit 22 sets the route search conditions according to the user's setting operation on the route search condition setting screen and sends the set route search conditions to the server 3 (step S21).

[0040] After the route search conditions are transmitted, the route search unit 321 of server 3 searches for and obtains a travel route from the departure point to the destination, including the section using public transportation, according to the transmitted route search conditions (step S31).

[0041] After the travel route is acquired, the fare information determination unit 322 of server 3 determines the fare information for the time period to which the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate of public transportation on the travel route belongs, from the time-based fare information pre-stored in the storage unit 33 (step S32). Time-based fare information is information that indicates the fare that is higher when passing through the ticket gate of the departure station during rush hour (peak hours) than when passing through the ticket gate of the departure station during non-rush hour hours (off-peak hours), as shown in Figure 3. In the example shown in Figure 3, if the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate is 8:00, the fare information determined by the fare information determination unit 322 will be the surcharge fare information for the time period from the first train to 9:30. Also, if the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate is 10:00, the fare information determined by the fare information determination unit 322 will be the normal fare information for the time period from 9:31 to 16:30.

[0042] After the fare information is determined, as shown in Figure 2, the fare calculation unit 323 of the server 3 calculates the fare for the travel route based on the determined fare information (step S33).

[0043] After the fare for the travel route is calculated, the route / fare display unit 324 of server 3 transmits route fare information showing the calculated fare, along with the travel route, to the terminal device 2 (step S34). At this time, the route / fare display unit 324 may generate switching-related information according to the time-of-day fare information, the current time, and the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate, and transmit the generated switching-related information along with the travel route and route fare information to the terminal device 2. For example, as shown in Figure 25, if the time period to which the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate determined by the fare information determination unit 322 belongs is 9:31 to 16:30, and the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate is a time (9:35) that falls within a predetermined time range (9:31 to 9:36) from the time of switching from the fare information of the previous time period (from the first train to 9:30) to the fare information of the current time period, the route / fare display unit 324 may display switching-related information on the terminal device 2. In this case, the information related to the changeover may be textual, such as, "If you pass through the ticket gate before 9:30, the fare will be 100 yen higher," or "The fare is calculated based on the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate at 9:35. Please note that if you pass through the ticket gate before 9:30, a surcharge will apply." Also, as shown in Figure 26, the route / fare display unit 324 may also display the changeover information on the terminal device 2 if the time period is 9:31 to 16:30, and the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate falls within a predetermined time range (16:25 to 16:30) from the time of change from the fare information for the current time period to the fare information for the next time period (16:31 to 18:30), specifically at 16:28. In this case, the information related to the changeover could be text-based, such as, "If you pass through the ticket gate after 16:31, the fare will be 100 yen higher," or "The fare is calculated based on the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate at 16:28. Please note that a surcharge will apply if you pass through the ticket gate after 16:31."

[0044] After the travel route and fare information is transmitted, the information display unit 221 of the terminal device 2 displays the travel route and fare information received from the server 3 via the output unit 24 (step S22). If switching-related information is received from the server 3, the information display unit 221 displays the switching-related information together with the travel route and fare information.

[0045] Figure 4 shows a simplified display screen SC1 of a travel route, which includes route fare information and switching-related information indicating the switch to a higher fare according to the entry time, as an example of the operation of the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment. For example, the route / fare presentation unit 324 may display the simplified display screen SC1 of the travel route shown in Figure 4 via the information presentation unit 221 and the output unit 24. The simplified display screen SC1 lists simplified information for multiple travel routes as a result of route searching from the departure point to the destination based on the current time. Route fare information I1 is displayed in association with each travel route. In the example shown in Figure 4, the route fare information I1 includes text information indicating the fare itself. In addition, the route fare information I1 corresponding to a travel route to which a surcharge fare is applied includes an icon indicating "surcharge," which is the type of fare. Note that the icon indicating "surcharge" is not limited to one pattern, but may be one of several patterns such as "surcharge 1" and "surcharge 2" according to the fare surcharge rate.

[0046] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 4, for travel routes where the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate falls within a predetermined time range (5 minutes before and after) of the fare information change time, the change-related information I2 is displayed in association with it. More specifically, for a travel route with a departure time of 16:36, the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate is 16:31, which is 5 minutes before the departure time. The estimated time of passing through the ticket gate at 16:31 is 1 minute (i.e., within 5 minutes) behind 16:30, the time when the fare information changes from normal fare information to surcharge fare information based on time-based fare information. Therefore, for a travel route with a departure time of 16:36, text information indicating that a surcharge will be applied if entering the ticket gate after 16:30 is displayed as the change-related information I2. By displaying such change-related information I2, users can easily understand that if they board a train after 16:36, they can reduce their fare by passing through the ticket gate at their departure station before 16:30.

[0047] Figure 5 shows the detailed route display screen SC2 following Figure 4. When an operation is performed on the simplified display screen SC1 to select a single route, namely a route with a departure time of 16:36, the route and fare display unit 324 displays the detailed route display screen SC2 as shown in Figure 5. In addition to the route and fare information I1 and switching-related information I2 displayed on the simplified display screen SC1, the detailed display screen SC2 also includes detailed information such as departure and arrival station names and route names.

[0048] Although not shown in the diagram, the route and fare display unit 324 may also display the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate on the detailed route display screen SC2.

[0049] As explained above, according to the first embodiment, by outputting route fare information along with the travel route, the actual fare that will be applied based on time-of-day fares can be accurately presented to the user. In other words, fare information that is in line with reality can be presented to the user. Furthermore, by outputting information related to the changeover, the applicable fare can be presented even more accurately and clearly.

[0050] (First variation) Next, a first modification will be described in which transfers between different public transportation systems are made along the travel route. Figure 6 is a diagram showing a simplified display screen of a travel route, which includes route fare information and transfer-related information indicating the switch to a higher fare along the route, as an example of the operation of the information processing system 1 according to the first modification of the first embodiment. The route / fare presentation unit 324 may display the simplified display screen SC3 of the travel route shown in Figure 6 via the information presentation unit 221 and the output unit 24. Similar to Figure 4, the simplified display screen SC3 lists simplified information for multiple travel routes, and route fare information I1 is displayed in association with each travel route.

[0051] In the example shown in Figure 6, each travel route on the simplified display screen SC3 is a route that involves transfers between different modes of transport. As shown in Figure 6, for travel routes where a surcharge applies to the public transport after the transfer (i.e., a travel route departing at 16:06), text information indicating that the fare will change to a surcharge midway through the journey is displayed as transfer-related information I2. By displaying such transfer-related information I2, the user can easily understand that they can save on fares by taking the train at 15:56, which is earlier than 16:06. On the simplified display screen SC3, for travel routes where a surcharge applies after the transfer, at least one of the following may also be displayed: the regular fare, the difference between the surcharge and the regular fare, and the surcharge period.

[0052] Figure 7 shows the detailed route display screen SC4 following Figure 6. When the user selects a route with a departure time of 16:06 on the simplified display screen SC3, the route / fare display unit 324 displays the detailed route display screen SC4 as shown in Figure 7. The detailed display screen SC4 displays text information I2, which is a different type of switching-related information than that on the simplified display screen SC3, stating that a surcharge will be applied when entering the ticket gate at the transfer station (Station B) after 16:30. On the detailed display screen SC7, at least one of the following may be displayed along with the surcharge: the regular fare, the difference between the surcharge and the regular fare, and the surcharge period. By displaying such switching-related information I2, the user can easily understand that the time-based fare applied during the journey changes.

[0053] (Second variation) Next, a second modified example will be described, which updates route fare information according to operational information. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the dynamic display of route fare information and switching-related information in response to changes in operational information, as an example of the operation of the information processing system 1 according to the second modified example of the first embodiment.

[0054] In the example shown in Figure 8, the route and fare display unit 324 updates the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate in accordance with changes in public transport operation information obtained from the public transport management server via the network. Specifically, if the travel route involves transferring between different public transport systems, the route and fare display unit 324 delays the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate at the transfer station (Station B) in accordance with the delay information (11 minutes delay) of the public transport system before the transfer (Route A).

[0055] The fare information determination unit 322 re-determines the fare information for the time period to which the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate belongs, in accordance with the update of the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate. Specifically, the fare information determination unit 322 re-determines that the fare information for the time period to which the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate belongs is surcharge fare information.

[0056] The fare calculation unit 323 recalculates the fare for the travel route based on the re-determined fare information. Specifically, the fare calculation unit 323 recalculates the fare for the travel route based on the surcharge fare information.

[0057] The route and fare display unit 324 transmits the newly calculated route and fare information I1, which includes a surcharge, and the switching-related information I2 to the terminal device 2. The information display unit 231 of the terminal device 2 displays the new route and fare information I1 and the switching-related information I2 received from the server 3 on the detailed display screen SC5. In this way, the route and fare information I1 and the switching-related information I2 are dynamically displayed according to the operating status, allowing the user to easily grasp the latest fare.

[0058] Furthermore, updating the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate based on delay information is not limited to connecting routes, but may also be applied to single routes. For example, if updating the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate in accordance with train delays causes the updated estimated time of passing through the ticket gate to fall within a period when fares are discounted, information to that effect may be displayed. In this case, for example, information such as, "The train is 10 minutes late, so you can take advantage of the discounted fare by delaying your time of passing through the ticket gate by 5 minutes," may be displayed.

[0059] (Third variation) Next, a third modified example in which discounted fares are applied will be described. Figure 9 is a diagram showing a simplified display screen of a travel route, which includes route fare information and switching-related information indicating the switch to discounted fares according to the entry time, as an example of the operation of the information processing system 1 according to the third modified example of the first embodiment.

[0060] Up to this point, we have described examples in which regular fares or surcharge fares are applied as time-based fares. In contrast, regular fares or discounted fares may also be applied as time-based fares. Accordingly, the route / fare display unit 324 may display the simplified route display screen SC6 shown in Figure 9 via the information display unit 221 and the output unit 24. Similar to Figure 4, the simplified display screen SC6 lists simplified information for multiple travel routes, and route fare information I1 is displayed in association with each travel route. Unlike Figure 4, the route fare information I1 includes not only text information and icons indicating regular fares and surcharge fares, but also text information and icons indicating regular fares and discounted fares. Note that the icon indicating "discounted" is not limited to one pattern, but may be one of several patterns such as "discounted 1" and "discounted 2" depending on the fare reduction rate. Furthermore, in addition to the information indicating regular fares and discounted fares, the route fare information I1 may also include information indicating surcharge fares as shown in Figure 4. In this case, the icon indicating a "surcharge" is not limited to a single pattern; it may be one of several patterns such as "surcharge 1" or "surcharge 2," depending on the fare increase rate. Alternatively, the increase / decrease rate may be displayed.

[0061] In the example shown in Figure 9, for travel routes where the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate (departure time - 5 minutes) falls within a predetermined time range (5 minutes before and after) of the fare information change time, the change-related information I2 is displayed in association with it. More specifically, for travel routes with a departure time of 16:36, the change-related information I2 displays text information indicating that a discounted fare applies if the ticket gate is entered by 16:30. By displaying such change-related information I2, users can easily understand that they can reduce their fare if they pass through the ticket gate at their departure station before 16:30. In the example shown in Figure 9, the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate is initially set to departure time - 5 minutes, but the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate may be reset to suit the user's travel situation based on the user's travel information (for example, the estimated time from passing through the ticket gate to arriving at the departure platform) obtained from the acceleration sensor etc. installed in the terminal device 2. For example, if the estimated time from passing through the ticket gate to arriving at the departure platform is short, the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate may be reset to the departure time minus 3 minutes.

[0062] Figure 10 shows the detailed route display screen SC7 following Figure 9. When the route / fare display unit 324 selects a route with a departure time of 16:36 on the simplified display screen SC6, it displays the detailed route display screen SC7 as shown in Figure 10. In addition to the route / fare information I1 and switching-related information I2 displayed on the simplified display screen SC6, the detailed display screen SC7 also includes detailed information such as departure and arrival station names and line names.

[0063] (Fourth variation) Next, a fourth modified example will be described, in which recommended entry information is output as transition-related information. Figure 11 shows a detailed display screen of the travel route including recommended entry information, as an example of the operation of the information processing system 1 according to the fourth modified example of the first embodiment.

[0064] In the example shown in Figure 11, the route / fare display unit 324 outputs entry recommendation information I3 to the terminal device 2 if the current location is near the departure station of public transport on the travel route, the current time or estimated time of passing through the ticket gate falls within a predetermined time range from the time of the switch from the fare information for the previous time period to the fare information for the current time period (i.e., the time range around the fare information switch), and the fare information for the current time period is higher than the fare information for the previous time period. Furthermore, the route / fare display unit 324 also outputs entry recommendation information I3 to the terminal device 2 if the current location is near the departure station of public transport on the travel route, the current time or estimated time of passing through the ticket gate falls within a predetermined time range from the time of the switch from the fare information for the current time period to the fare information for the next time period, and the fare information for the next time period is higher than the fare information for the current time period. The route and fare display unit 324 determines whether the current location is near a departure station of public transportation on the travel route, for example, based on whether the distance from the current location to the ticket gate of the departure station is within a predetermined threshold distance.

[0065] In the example shown in Figure 11, the route and fare display unit 324 displays entry recommendation information I3 on ​​the detailed display screen SC8 of the travel route to which the normal fare applies. Entry recommendation information I3 is text information indicating that there is only a short time remaining before the fare increases. On the detailed display screen SC8, along with route fare information I1 showing the normal fare, a button B1 is displayed that accepts the operation to display the timetable of the next train.

[0066] Figure 12 shows the detailed route display screen following Figure 11. When button B1 is operated on the detailed display screen SC8 in Figure 11, the route / fare display unit 324 displays the timetable of the following train, as shown in Figure 12. The route / fare display unit 324 may display in a selectable display mode between the timetable TT of the following train and the detailed route display screen SC9 corresponding to the following train. The detailed route display screen SC9 corresponding to the following train may include route fare information I1 indicating the surcharge fare.

[0067] According to the fourth modification, by displaying information recommending entry, users can easily understand that they can avoid fare increases if they enter quickly.

[0068] (Fifth variation) Next, a fifth modification will be described, in which standby recommendation information is output as switching-related information. Figure 13 is a diagram showing a detailed display screen of the travel route including standby recommendation information, as an example of the operation of the information processing system 1 according to the fifth modification of the first embodiment.

[0069] In the example shown in Figure 13, the route / fare display unit 324 outputs waiting recommendation information I4 to the terminal device 2 if the current location is near the departure station of public transport on the travel route, the current time or estimated time of passing through the ticket gate falls within a predetermined time range from the time of the switch from the fare information for the previous time period to the fare information for the current time period (i.e., the time range around the fare information switch), and the fare information for the current time period is cheaper than the fare information for the previous time period. Furthermore, the route / fare display unit 324 also outputs waiting recommendation information I4 to the terminal device 2 if the current location is near the departure station of public transport on the travel route, the current time or estimated time of passing through the ticket gate falls within a predetermined time range from the time of the switch from the fare information for the current time period to the fare information for the next time period, and the fare information for the next time period is cheaper than the fare information for the current time period. The route and fare display unit 324 determines whether the current location is near a departure station of public transportation on the travel route, for example, based on whether the distance from the current location to the ticket gate of the departure station is within a predetermined threshold distance.

[0070] In the example shown in Figure 13, the route and fare display unit 324 displays waiting recommendation information I4 on the detailed display screen SC10 of the travel route to which the surcharge applies. Waiting recommendation information I4 is text information indicating that there is only a short time remaining until the discounted fare is applied. On the detailed display screen SC10, a button B2 is displayed that accepts the operation to display the timetable of the next train, along with route fare information I1 indicating the surcharge. In the example shown in Figure 13, button B2 contains text information indicating that the timetable of the next train will be displayed, the reduced fare for the next train (100 yen), and the estimated arrival delay time to the destination (10 minutes). Note that the fare may be displayed on button B2 instead of the reduced fare for the next train.

[0071] Figure 14 shows the detailed route display screen following Figure 13. When button B2 is operated on the detailed display screen SC10 in Figure 13, the route / fare display unit 324 displays the timetable TT for the next train, as shown in Figure 14. The route / fare display unit 324 may display in a selectable display mode between the timetable TT for the next train and the detailed route display screen SC11 corresponding to the next train. The detailed route display screen SC11 corresponding to the next train may include route fare information I1 showing the normal fare.

[0072] According to the fifth modification, by displaying information recommending waiting, users can easily understand that they can avoid fare increases by waiting to enter the facility.

[0073] (Sixth variation) Next, a sixth modification will be described, which displays trains subject to surcharges based on the departure station on the travel route. Figure 15 is a diagram showing a display screen for trains subject to surcharges based on the departure station on the travel route, as an example of the operation of the information processing system 1 according to the sixth modification of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 15, the route / fare display unit 324 may display a figure A indicating the position of trains subject to surcharges based on the departure station (Station H) on the route map along the travel route, using a different display method (for example, color) than figure B indicating the position of trains subject to normal fares. The route / fare display unit 324 may, for example, calculate the positions of trains subject to surcharges and trains subject to normal fares based on timetables and operation information. By displaying the positions of trains subject to surcharges, users can intuitively grasp the fare of the train they intend to board, and can also take action to avoid boarding trains subject to surcharges. The route and fare display unit 324 may further display a figure (not shown) indicating the location of trains with discounted fares, based on the departure station (Station H) on the route map, along the route map of the travel route, using a different display method (e.g., color) than figure B indicating the location of trains with normal fares and figure A indicating the location of trains with surcharges. This makes it possible for the user to take action to board a train with a discounted fare.

[0074] (Seventh variation) Next, we will describe a seventh modified example that outputs information about the last train. Figure 16 shows: Figure 17 shows an example of the operation of the information processing system 1 according to the seventh modification of the first embodiment, specifically the off-peak last train search screen SC12. Figure 17 shows the off-peak last train search results SC13, following Figure 16. The route and fare display unit 324 may output last train information indicating the last train from the departure station of public transportation on the travel route to which the off-peak time period (discounted time period) fare information, which is the fare information before switching to the peak time period (surcharged time period), applies. In the example shown in Figure 16, the information display unit 221 displays the off-peak last train search screen SC12 as one aspect of the route search screen and accepts a route search that includes a search for the last train on the travel route to which a discounted or normal fare applies (hereinafter referred to as the off-peak last train). Specifically, the off-peak last train search screen SC12 accepts input of the departure station, the destination station, and the input to execute the search. When button B3, which instructs the search to be executed, is pressed on the off-peak last train search screen SC12, the route search unit 321 acquires the off-peak last train information, and the route and fare display unit 324 displays the off-peak last train search results SC13 as the last train information. In the example shown in Figure 17, the off-peak last train search results SC13 includes a detailed screen of the off-peak last train's travel route, route and fare information I1, and switching-related information I2.

[0075] The route search unit 321 may search for routes that are entirely off-peak, not just those involving off-peak last trains. Furthermore, the route and fare display unit 324 may display information indicating that a route is off-peak if it is found, even if an off-peak last train search is not performed. Additionally, an off-peak first train search may be performed when switching from peak to off-peak time. Although not shown in the diagram, text information or marks such as "off-peak first train" and "off-peak last train" may also be output.

[0076] According to the seventh modification, outputting information about the last train before the fare change makes it easier for users to take actions to avoid being charged the surcharge.

[0077] (Variation 8) Figure 18 shows a simplified display screen SC14 of a travel route including fare and point accrual information, as an example of the operation of the information processing system 1 according to the eighth modification of the first embodiment. Figure 19 shows a detailed display screen SC15 of the travel route, following Figure 18. Up to this point, we have described an example in which time-of-day fares are applied to a travel route, but depending on the public transportation used, it is conceivable that points may be awarded instead of time-of-day fares. In that case, the route / fare display unit 324 may display point accrual information I5 on the travel route to which points are applied, as shown in Figures 18 and 19.

[0078] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described in which the fare for a travel route is calculated without considering the estimated time of passing through ticket gates along the travel route. Figure 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing system 1 according to the second embodiment. Up to this point, examples have been described in which the fare for a travel route is calculated considering the estimated time of passing through ticket gates along the travel route. In contrast, the information processing system 1 in the second embodiment is configured to calculate the fare for a travel route without considering the estimated time of passing through ticket gates along the travel route. Specifically, as shown in Figure 20, after the travel route is acquired (step S31), the fare information determination unit 322 determines the fare information for the time period to which the departure time belongs, considering the current time, timetable, time-specific fare information, departure time of the departure station on the travel route, etc. (step S32). Then, the fare calculation unit 323 calculates the fare for the travel route based on the determined fare information (step S33). The other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment and its modified versions. Alternatively, the fare information for the time period to which the arrival time of the destination station on the travel route belongs may be determined, and the fare for the travel route may be calculated based on the determined fare information. Additionally, information such as "The fare is currently A yen because the departure time falls within the time period (XX:XX to YY:YY), but the fare will be reduced to B yen if you pass through the ticket gate before (or after) YY:YY" may be provided.

[0079] Furthermore, the information processing system 1 may also choose not to consider the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate when outputting the switching-related information. For example, the route / fare display unit 324 may output the switching-related information to the terminal device 2 when the departure time of the departure station or arrival time of the destination station on the travel route is located near the switching time of the fare information based on the time-based fare information. In this case, the route / fare display unit 324 may output the switching-related information to the terminal device 2 when the departure time or arrival time belongs to a predetermined time range from the switching time from the fare information of the previous time range to the fare information of the time range, or from the switching time from the fare information of the time range to the fare information of the next time range.

[0080] According to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the processing load on the server 3 can be reduced because it does not require the processing of calculating the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate.

[0081] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment that outputs a timetable based on time-of-day fare information will be described. Figure 21 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the third embodiment. Figure 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing system 1 according to the third embodiment.

[0082] As shown in Figure 21, the information processing system 1 in the third embodiment further includes, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, a station designation information acquisition unit 325, which is an example of station designation information acquisition means, and a timetable presentation unit 326, which is an example of output means.

[0083] As shown in Figure 22, in the third embodiment, the terminal device 2 transmits station designation information, including the designation of at least the departure station of public transport, to the server 3 in accordance with user operations for displaying the timetable (step S211).

[0084] The station designation information acquisition unit 325 acquires station designation information transmitted from and received from the terminal device 2. The fare information determination unit 322 determines the fare information for each departure time of the departure station specified by the station designation information acquired by the station designation information acquisition unit 325 from the time-based fare information of public transportation acquired in advance by the storage unit 33 (step S311).

[0085] The determination of fare information may be performed by considering the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate at the departure station of the public transport. Specifically, the fare information determination unit 322 may calculate the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate for each departure time at the departure station and determine the fare information for the time period to which each of the calculated estimated time of passing through the ticket gate belongs from the time period fare information. Alternatively, the determination of fare information may be performed by the same method as in the second embodiment without considering the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate at the departure station of the public transport.

[0086] Furthermore, the determination of fare information may be performed accurately by taking into account delays in departure times according to the operation information. Specifically, if the travel route involves transferring between different public transportation systems, the fare information determination unit 322 may delay the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate of the connecting public transportation system by the delay time of the preceding public transportation system, and then determine the fare information for the time period to which the delayed estimated time of passing through the ticket gate belongs.

[0087] Next, the timetable display unit 326 outputs a timetable that includes at least the departure time of the departure station in a manner corresponding to the determined fare information. Specifically, the timetable display unit 326 generates timetable information in a display manner corresponding to the determined fare information (step S312).

[0088] The timetable information is, for example, information in which fare-related information related to the fare determined by the fare information determination unit 322 is displayed in association with the departure time. The fare-related information is, for example, the type of fare such as "surcharge" and "regular".

[0089] The generation of timetable information may be performed considering whether the departure time is near the time when the fare information changes. Specifically, if the departure time is near the time when the fare information changes, the timetable display unit 326 may display the same change-related information I2 as in the first embodiment in the timetable.

[0090] The timetable display unit 326 may display time periods in a display manner corresponding to time-specific fare information at the edge of the timetable. Specifically, the timetable display unit 326 may use different display manners (e.g., colors) for time periods to which normal fare information applies and time periods to which surcharge information applies.

[0091] Next, the timetable display unit 326 transmits the generated timetable information to the terminal device 2 (step S313).

[0092] Next, terminal device 2 displays the timetable information received from server 3 (step S212).

[0093] Figure 23 shows a timetable information display screen SC16 as an example of the operation of the information processing system 1 according to the third embodiment, when only the departure station is specified. In the example shown in Figure 23, the timetable information display screen SC16 displays a timetable for the departure station (Station A) specified in the station specification information, with a series of departure times and the fare type I6, which is an example of fare-related information for each departure time, associated with each other. In addition, the time zone t (05, 07, 09, etc.) is displayed at the edge of the timetable. This time zone t may be displayed in a display manner corresponding to the time zone fare information. The timetable information display screen SC16 scrolls in conjunction with the user's scroll operation.

[0094] According to the third embodiment, by outputting a timetable in a manner corresponding to the fare information for each departure time among the time-of-day fare information, the time-of-day fare applicable to boarding at the station desired by the user can be presented to the user in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0095] (modified version) Next, we will describe a modified version in which the timetable further includes the arrival times of public transport destination stations. Figure 24 shows the timetable information display screen SC17 when the departure station and destination station are specified, as an example of the operation of the information processing system 1 according to a modified version of the third embodiment.

[0096] Figures 21 to 23 illustrate an example where the station designation information includes only the departure station of the public transport. In contrast, in this modified example, the station designation information further includes the arrival station of the public transport in addition to the departure station. Accordingly, as shown in Figure 24, the timetable display unit 326 displays route fare information I1 for the travel route from the departure station (Station A) to the arrival station (Station F) as fare-related information. Furthermore, if the travel route between the departure station (Station A) and the arrival station (Station F) involves transfers between different public transports, the timetable display unit 326 may switch to displaying related information I2 associated with the transfer station (Station B), as shown in Figure 24.

[0097] Furthermore, the time-based fares applicable to this invention are not limited to narrowly defined time-based fares that fluctuate for specific time periods such as from XX:XX to △:△, but may also be broadly defined time-based fares that fluctuate for broader time periods including, for example, days of the week, months, short periods, etc. The route presentation unit 321 may search for low-fare travel routes considering broadly defined time-based fares, and the route / fare presentation unit 324 may present the searched route and fare to the terminal device 2. By presenting low-fare travel routes that consider broadly defined time-based fares, it is possible to contribute to alleviating congestion. In addition, the search and presentation of low-fare travel routes may be performed by considering even broader variable fares than broadly defined time-based fares.

[0098] Furthermore, the time-based fares in this invention do not necessarily have to be applied to the use of commuter passes within the designated commuter pass zone. The points shown in Figure 18 may also be applied to the use of commuter passes.

[0099] At least a part of the information processing system described in the above-described embodiment may be configured with hardware or with software. If configured with software, a program that realizes at least a part of the functions of the information processing system may be stored on a recording medium such as a flexible disk or CD-ROM, loaded into a computer, and executed. The recording medium is not limited to removable ones such as magnetic disks or optical disks, but may also be a fixed recording medium such as a hard disk drive or memory.

[0100] Furthermore, programs that implement at least some of the functions of an information processing system may be distributed via communication lines such as the Internet (including wireless communication). In addition, such programs may be encrypted, modulated, or compressed and distributed via wired or wireless lines such as the Internet, or stored on a recording medium.

[0101] Furthermore, the information processing system may be made to function using one or more information processing devices. When multiple information processing devices are used, one of the information processing devices may be a computer, and the computer may execute a predetermined program to realize the function of at least one means of the information processing system.

[0102] Furthermore, in the invention of a method, all steps may be automatically controlled by a computer. Alternatively, each step may be performed by a computer while the progress between steps is controlled manually. Furthermore, at least a portion of all steps may be performed manually.

[0103] Based on the above description, those skilled in the art may conceive of additional effects and various modifications of the present invention, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the individual embodiments described above. Various additions, modifications, and partial deletions are possible without departing from the conceptual idea and spirit of the present invention derived from the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0104] 1. Information Processing System 2 Terminal devices 3 servers 321 Route presentation section 322 Fare Information Determination Unit 323 Fare Calculation Department 324 Route and Fare Display Section

Claims

1. A route acquisition method for acquiring a travel route that includes sections using public transportation, A fare information determination means for determining the fare information for the time period to which the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate of the public transportation on the acquired travel route belongs, from among the time-based fare information of the public transportation that has been acquired in advance, A fare calculation means that calculates the fare for the travel route based on the determined fare information, An output means for outputting the calculated fare along with the travel route, Equipped with, The output means further outputs switching-related information related to the switching of the fare information, The aforementioned switching-related information is output by an information processing system when the current time, departure time from the departure station, arrival time at the destination station, or estimated time of passing through the ticket gate falls within a time period near the switching of fare information based on the aforementioned time-based fare information.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate is the time obtained by subtracting a predetermined time from the departure time of the public transport station on the travel route.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aforementioned switching-related information is output in at least one of the following cases: when the fare information for the time period to which the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate belongs differs from the fare information for the time period to which the departure time of the originating station of the public transport on the travel route or the arrival time of the public transport on the travel route belongs; and when the time period to which the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate belongs differs from the time period to which the departure time of the originating station or the arrival time of the destination station belongs.

4. The fare information determination means updates the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate in accordance with changes in the operation information of public transportation, and re-determines the fare information for the time period to which the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate belongs in accordance with the update. The fare calculation means recalculates the fare for the travel route based on the re-determined fare information, The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the output means outputs the recalculated fare.

5. The aforementioned switching-related information is used when the user's current location is near the departure station of public transportation on the travel route, the current time or the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate falls within a time period around the fare information switching period based on the time-based fare information, and the fare information after the switching is higher than the fare information before the switching. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which outputs information as an entry recommendation to encourage entry into the ticket gate area of ​​the departure station.

6. The aforementioned switching-related information is provided when the user's current location is near the departure station of public transportation on the travel route, the current time or the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate falls within the time period when the fare information based on the time-based fare information is switched, and the fare information after the switch is cheaper than the fare information before the switch. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which outputs information as a waiting recommendation to encourage waiting to enter the ticket gate area of ​​the departure station.

7. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fare information determination means estimates the expected time of passing through the ticket gate from the current time when the user's current location at the time the travel route is acquired is inside the ticket gate of a departure station of public transport on the travel route, and determines the fare information for the time period to which the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate belongs using the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate.

8. Computers, Route acquisition means for acquiring travel routes that include sections using public transportation. A fare information determination means that determines the fare information for the time period to which the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate of the public transportation on the acquired travel route belongs, from among the time-based fare information of the public transportation that has been acquired in advance. A fare calculation means for calculating the fare for the travel route based on the determined fare information, and Output means for outputting the calculated fare along with the travel route, To make it function as, The output means further outputs switching-related information related to the switching of the fare information, The aforementioned switching-related information is output by an information processing program when the current time, departure time from the departure station, arrival time at the destination station, or estimated time of passing through the ticket gate falls within a time period near the fare information switching period based on the aforementioned time-based fare information.

9. An information processing system comprising multiple computers connected in a communicative manner, A route acquisition method for acquiring a travel route that includes sections using public transportation, A fare information determination means for determining the fare information for the time period to which the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate of the public transportation on the acquired travel route belongs, from among the time-based fare information of the public transportation that has been acquired in advance, A fare calculation means that calculates the fare for the travel route based on the determined fare information, An output means for outputting the calculated fare along with the travel route, Equipped with, The output means further outputs switching-related information related to the switching of the fare information, The aforementioned switching-related information is output when the current time, departure time from the departure station, arrival time at the destination station, or estimated time of passing through the ticket gate falls within a time period near the fare information switching point based on the aforementioned time-based fare information. In order to make the information processing system function, An information processing program for causing at least one of the above-mentioned computers to function as at least one of the above-mentioned means.

10. Multiple information processing devices connected in a communicative manner, A route acquisition method for acquiring a travel route that includes sections using public transportation, A fare information determination means for determining the fare information for the time period to which the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate of the public transportation on the acquired travel route belongs, from among the time-based fare information of the public transportation that has been acquired in advance, A fare calculation means that calculates the fare for the travel route based on the determined fare information, An output means for outputting the calculated fare along with the travel route, Equipped with, The output means further outputs switching-related information related to the switching of the fare information, The aforementioned switching-related information is output when the current time, departure time from the departure station, arrival time at the destination station, or estimated time of passing through the ticket gate falls within a time period near the fare information switching point based on the aforementioned time-based fare information. In order to make the information processing system function, An information processing device characterized by comprising at least one of the above-described means.

11. The route acquisition method involves the step of acquiring a travel route that includes sections using public transportation, The fare information determination means includes the step of determining the fare information for the time period to which the estimated time of passing through the ticket gate of the public transportation on the acquired travel route belongs, from the time-based fare information of the public transportation that has been acquired in advance. The fare calculation means includes the step of calculating the fare for the travel route based on the determined fare information, The output means outputs the calculated fare along with the travel route, The output means further outputs switching-related information related to the switching of the fare information, Equipped with, The aforementioned switching-related information is output when the current time, departure time from the departure station, arrival time at the destination station, or estimated time of passing through the ticket gate falls within a time period near the switching of fare information based on the aforementioned time-based fare information.

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