Route guidance application and recording medium

Abstract

The system can display route guidance using the shareholder benefits of transportation companies owned by the user. [Solution] A route guidance application that displays a route map using public transportation from a starting point to a destination on the screen 11 of a computer terminal (smartphone) 10 owned by the user, comprising: a shareholder information input screen 11A in which the user inputs shareholder information of public transportation owned by the user in advance; a starting point / destination point input screen 11B in which the user inputs at least the starting point and destination point; and a route guidance screen 11C that displays a route map that prioritizes the use of public transportation owned by the user, regardless of the number of transfers, travel time, and fare, according to the starting point and destination point entered in the starting point / destination point input screen 11B.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a route guidance application and a recording medium, and particularly to a route guidance application and a recording medium capable of associating a shareholder preferential system with a route guidance application that displays a route guidance map using transportation means from a departure point to a destination on a screen of a computer terminal owned by a user.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, route guidance using transportation means from a departure point to a destination through an Internet line has been available for free (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-078981, Patent No. 3187800, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-62021, Patent No. 5001328, etc.).

[0003] Also, in such various route guidance services, for example, those enabling route guidance using a commuter pass owned by a user (see, for example, Patent Document 1) and those introducing stores where various services and coupon tickets can be used (see, for example, Patent Documents 2 and 3) are also known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the various route guidance services mentioned above refer to the departure time from the starting point or the arrival time at the destination point, and provide multiple route guidance options prioritizing at least one of the following: number of transfers, travel time, or fare. They do not prioritize the routes of the holding company if the user owns shares in that company. As a result, despite owning shares, users were unable to fully utilize the preferential treatment programs offered by that company.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a route guidance application and recording medium that can display route guidance using shareholder benefits of transportation companies owned by the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a route guidance application that displays a route guidance map using public transportation from a starting point to a destination on the screen of a computer terminal owned by the user, characterized by displaying: a shareholder information input screen in which the user inputs shareholder information of public transportation owned by the user in advance; a starting point / destination point input screen in which the user inputs at least the starting point and destination point; and a route guidance screen that displays a route guidance map that prioritizes the use of public transportation owned by the user, regardless of the number of transfers, travel time, and fare, according to the starting point and destination point entered on the starting point / destination point input screen.

[0008] In other words, by inputting the shareholder information of the transportation company in which the user owns shares (for example, company name and number of shares owned), the route guidance screen will display a route map that prioritizes using the transportation company in which the user is a shareholder, regardless of the number of transfers, travel time, or fare. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, route guidance can be displayed using the shareholder benefits of transportation companies owned by the user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This diagram shows a route guidance application according to this embodiment, and is a front view of the main screen and user inquiry screen of a computer terminal owned by the user. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates a route guidance application according to this embodiment, and shows an example of a shareholder information input screen displayed on the screen of a user's computer terminal. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates a route guidance application according to this embodiment, and shows an example of a departure point and destination point input screen when shareholder benefits are prioritized and displayed on the screen of the user's computer terminal. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates a route guidance application according to this embodiment, and shows an example of a route guidance screen when shareholder benefits are prioritized and displayed on the screen of a user's computer terminal. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates a route guidance application according to this embodiment, and shows an example of how detailed information is displayed on the route guidance screen shown on the user's computer terminal. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates a route guidance application according to this embodiment, and shows an example of a departure point and destination point input screen that takes into account shareholder benefits displayed on the screen of a user's computer terminal. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates a route guidance application according to this embodiment, and shows an example of a route guidance screen that takes into account shareholder benefits displayed on the screen of a user's computer terminal. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates a route guidance application according to this embodiment, and shows an example of a departure point and destination point input screen displayed on the user's computer terminal screen when the user is not a shareholder. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates a route guidance application according to this embodiment, and shows an example of a route guidance screen displayed on the user's computer terminal screen when the user is not a shareholder.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Next, a route guidance application according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] In this embodiment, various computer terminals such as smartphones, tablet terminals, and notebook computers equipped with a storage unit capable of installing various applications, a control unit for executing the programs of these applications, and a liquid crystal display type screen having a display function (and an operation function) can be used. As an example, the case of using a smartphone will be described.

[0013] Also, for the convenience of explanation, the company names and route names of transportation companies are exemplified by existing ones. However, since the shareholder preferential conditions vary depending on the company, the number of shares owned, etc., the following explanation is not related to the actual shareholder preferential conditions and is merely an example.

[0014] Furthermore, the route guidance shown below varies significantly depending on the transportation means included in the route from the departure point to the destination point and specified conditions such as the departure or arrival time, etc. Therefore, it does not limit even the display route and priority order of the route.

[0015] A route guidance application that can utilize the shareholder preferential system of a transportation company whose shares are owned by the user according to this embodiment is pre-installed in the computer terminal 10 owned by the user (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as a "smartphone"). Therefore, hereinafter, since various processes are executed by the control unit of the computer terminal triggered by the activation of this application, the expression indicating that it is a function as the control unit is omitted, and the processing result mainly in the form of a screen display will be described.

[0016] As a result, as shown in Fig. 1(a), on the screen 11 of the smartphone 10, in addition to various icons, a route guidance icon 11a for starting the route guidance application of the present embodiment is displayed.

[0017] The screen 11 of the smartphone 10 has a touch panel type operation function. When the owner (user) taps the route guidance icon 11a, the route guidance application is launched, and as shown in Fig. 1(b), a user inquiry screen 11X is displayed.

[0018] On the user inquiry screen 11X, a message "Do you own shares in any transportation company (Are you a shareholder?)" and a "Yes" button and a "No" button are displayed.

[0019] When the user taps the "Yes" button, as shown in Fig. 2, a shareholder information input screen 11A is displayed.

[0020] On this shareholder information input screen 11A, for example, a name input field 12a, an address input field 12b, a card information input field 12c, a shareholder information input field 12d, etc. are displayed. Among these, the name input field 12a, the address input field 12b, and the card information input field 12c are not essential.

[0021] Note that the route search function according to the present embodiment can be used as a subscription-based service that can be used by the user paying a fee regularly on a monthly or annual basis. Therefore, the personal information input fields on the shareholder information input screen 11A may be those input at the time of subscribing to the above service. Also, in addition to the personal information input at the time of subscribing to the service, it is also possible to input only the personal information (for example, the name of the holding company and the number of shares held) that is essential for shareholder privileges, which is one function of the route search function. Furthermore, it is also possible to associate with other applications other than the route guidance application.

[0022] Furthermore, the shareholder information input screen 11A displays an exit button 12g to indicate the end of input, a route guidance button 12h to perform route guidance that prioritizes the use of the shareholder benefit program, and a route guidance button 12i to perform route guidance that uses (considers) the shareholder benefit program only in terms of fares.

[0023] Here, route guidance that utilizes (considers) the shareholder benefit system only in terms of fares will be explained in more detail later, but for example, if a route search prioritizes travel time and number of transfers, and the route includes a line operated by the holding company, then the shareholder benefit will be associated with the fare for that line.

[0024] In this embodiment, three modes are available: a shareholder benefit priority mode when the user taps the route guidance button 12h, a shareholder benefit consideration mode when the user taps the route guidance button 12i, and a normal mode when the user is not a shareholder of any of the above transportation companies.

[0025] (Shareholder benefits priority mode) When you tap the route guidance button 12h, the departure point and destination point input screen 11B is displayed on screen 11, as shown in Figure 3.

[0026] The departure point / destination point input screen 11B allows users to select route search results using a tab system, such as the route guidance tab 13a, which displays the route search results in normal mode on screen 11 (details below); the shareholder benefits tab 13b, which displays the route search results in shareholder benefits priority mode on screen 11; and the commuter pass tab 13c, which displays the route guidance results using a commuter pass on screen 11 as an application of normal mode. If the route guidance button 12h is tapped on the shareholder information input screen 11A mentioned above, the departure point / destination point input screen 11B with the shareholder benefits tab 13b selected will be automatically displayed on screen 11 from the start.

[0027] Furthermore, the departure point / destination point input screen 11B displays, for example, a departure point input field 13d, a destination point input field 13e, a waypoint input field 13f, a planned date and time of use input field 13g, and a departure / arrival selection field 13h for selecting whether to depart from the departure point or arrive at the destination point at the specified date and time of use.

[0028] Then, when the search start button 13i is tapped on the departure point / destination point input screen 11B, a route guidance screen 11C containing one or more route guidance maps, which are the search results, is displayed on screen 11, as shown in Figure 4.

[0029] If you wish to terminate the route search midway through the departure point / destination point input screen 11B, tapping the × icon (end button 13j) will close each application, and the main screen will be displayed on screen 11, as shown in Figure 1.

[0030] Thus, in this embodiment, the route guidance application can display a route guidance map using public transportation from the starting point to the destination on the screen 11 of the smartphone 10, and can display a shareholder information input screen 11A in which the user pre-enters shareholder information of public transportation companies owned by the user, a starting point / destination point input screen 11B in which the starting point and destination point are entered, and a route guidance screen 11C which displays a route guidance map that prioritizes the use of public transportation companies in which the user is a shareholder, regardless of the number of transfers, travel time, and fare, according to the starting point and destination point entered in the starting point / destination point input screen 11B.

[0031] Here, on the route guidance screen 11C, if the user uses a route for which they are not a shareholder, the fare for using that route is displayed in the fare column 14a.

[0032] On the other hand, if a user uses a route for which they are a shareholder, the fare calculated by referring to the shareholder discount information of the transportation company for the shareholder information entered on the shareholder information input screen 11A for that route will be displayed in the fare fields 14b and 14c. The total fare in this case will also be displayed in the total fare field 14d.

[0033] If multiple searched routes exist, you can switch between them by, for example, tapping route tabs 14e to 14g or by scrolling on screen 11.

[0034] Therefore, route guidance applications include information on discount rates (including various services) based on the number of shares held by each transportation provider.

[0035] Furthermore, the route guidance screen 11C includes, for example, detail buttons 15f that display detailed information for each point along the route in a pull-down (also called a drop-down) format, in addition to text information such as the name of the point and departure / arrival times, in the point display fields 15a to 15e along the route.

[0036] Tapping this details button 15f displays a pull-down menu screen 16, as shown in Figure 5. This pull-down menu screen 16 displays detailed information such as a congestion button 16a for displaying congestion status and congestion sections in text or map format, a boarding position button 16b for displaying vehicle location information convenient for the next transfer station or alighting station, and the boarding vehicle location in the case of reserved seats, etc., and a station map display button 16c for displaying a station map, as well as a shareholder discount store button 16d for displaying shareholder discount store information. Note that the type of each of these buttons is arbitrary.

[0037] For example, when the shareholder benefit store button 16d is tapped, the store information screen 17 is displayed in a pull-down format, and detailed information corresponding to each button can be displayed in a predetermined format. In addition, the congestion status displayed by the congestion button 16a can be automatically displayed, for example as shown in Figure 4, by replacing the names of the stations where congestion begins and ends, text information indicating that congestion is occurring (which can also be due to train service suspensions due to accidents, etc.), and the line segment from the congestion start station to the congestion end station with a different part (thickness, color, etc.) from other parts.

[0038] The store information screen 17 displays information about stores where the shareholder benefit program can be used (for example, restaurants and department stores). If necessary, tapping the reservation button 17a will display a reservation screen (not shown) where you can make a restaurant reservation.

[0039] Furthermore, the store information screen 17 displays a "Previous" button 17b and a "Next" button 17c for switching between (page-turning) store information in order from nearest to nearest, as well as a "MAP" button 17d for switching to a map display, in case there are multiple store listings.

[0040] This allows users of this app to make more effective use of the shareholder benefit programs offered by their own holding companies.

[0041] Note that, due to the size of the display space when the store information screen 17 is in a pull-down format, the display order is set to page-by-page from nearest to nearest. However, the display format can be changed or selected as appropriate, such as by store type, for example, by grouping stores into groups such as restaurant groups / shopping groups, or Japanese food / Western food, and then displaying them in order of nearest.

[0042] (Shareholder benefit consideration mode) Next, we will explain an example of the shareholder benefit consideration mode when you tap the route guidance button 12i to launch the route guidance application.

[0043] When you tap the route guidance button 12i to launch the route guidance application, the starting point / destination point input screen 11D with the route guidance tab 13a selected is automatically displayed on screen 11 from the beginning, as shown in Figure 6.

[0044] Here, if you enter the specified conditions such as the departure point and destination point as described above and tap the search start button 13i, as shown in Figure 7, a route guidance screen 11E will be displayed that prioritizes the number of transfers, travel time, and fare, regardless of whether the user is a shareholder of the transportation company.

[0045] In this case, for example, route guidance 14e, which prioritizes the number of transfers, shows a route with one fewer transfer than the route guidance using shareholder benefits. In other words, even if the route guidance using shareholder benefits involves a detour with more transfers or longer travel time, the route guidance that effectively utilizes shareholder benefits will be displayed as the priority.

[0046] In urban areas with well-developed railway networks, depending on factors such as travel distance, type of holding company, and time of departure, there may be no difference in the number of transfers or transfer time, or the alternative route may result in fewer transfers or shorter travel time.

[0047] Furthermore, in the guidance route shown in Figure 7, there is a route that ultimately utilizes the holding company's transportation services, so that route is displayed as is.

[0048] As a result, in the route guidance screen 11E, the route guidance 14e displays not only the fare column 14h showing the regular fare for using the JR Shinkansen (Kodama train), but also the fare column 14i showing the fare for the unreserved seat express ticket. In addition, the fare calculated by referring to the transportation company's shareholder discount information for shareholder information is displayed in the fare column 14c. Furthermore, the total amount of these is displayed in the total fare column 14d.

[0049] (Normal mode) On the other hand, if the user taps the "No" button on the user inquiry screen 11X in Figure 1(b), the departure point / destination point input screen 11F with the route guidance tab 13a selected will be automatically displayed on screen 11 from the start, as shown in Figure 8.

[0050] Here, if you enter predetermined conditions such as the departure point and destination point as described above and tap the search start button 13i, a route guidance screen 11G will be displayed, as shown in Figure 9, which will show a route guidance map that prioritizes the number of transfers, travel time, and fare according to the entered departure point and destination point, similar to existing route guidance applications of this type.

[0051] In this case, for example, in route guidance 14f that prioritizes fare, each route guidance is displayed in a known manner.

[0052] As a result, in the route guidance screen 11G, the route guidance 14f will display the regular fare in the fare fields 14j and 14k. In addition, the total amount will be displayed in the total fare field 14d.

[0053] Thus, in this embodiment, three modes are available: a shareholder benefit priority mode that executes route guidance prioritizing shareholder benefits, a shareholder benefit consideration mode that executes route guidance that results in the user receiving shareholder benefits along the route, and a normal mode that remains a publicly known (existing) route guidance application. In other words, it can be used universally by both users who are shareholders of any of the transportation companies and those who are not.

[0054] Therefore, for users who are shareholders, route guidance that prioritizes routes available according to their shareholdings in the transportation company can reduce fares even if the travel time increases.

[0055] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from its spirit and technical concept.

[0056] Specifically, in the above embodiment, when an address is entered in the address input field 12b on the shareholder information input screen 11A, the nearest point is automatically entered in the departure point input field 13d on the departure point / destination point input screen 11B. However, since the user may not necessarily be using the service from the nearest point, it may be possible to display a blank field for the user to manually enter the information. Also, when the information is entered automatically, it is conceivable that the user may be searching for a return trip (going back) rather than an outbound trip (going), so a swap button 13k to swap the departure point and destination point may be provided.

[0057] Furthermore, even if you are a shareholder in multiple companies, you can enter that information on the shareholder information input screen 11A, making it possible to handle not only railways and buses, but also all kinds of transportation (for example, airplanes and ferries).

[0058] Furthermore, depending on the shareholder benefit conditions, it is conceivable that a detour using the shareholder benefit route may end up being more expensive. In this case, a message such as "There is a cheaper route that does not use the shareholder benefit" may be displayed on the route guidance screen 11C.

[0059] Furthermore, if there are multiple routes utilizing shareholder benefits, it is possible to use a sorting function that prioritizes displaying one of the following conditions: number of transfers, travel time, or fare.

[0060] Furthermore, in recent years, transportation IC cards and other similar systems have become more diverse, with applications being developed for them. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately accommodate payment options such as credit card or debit card payments for later settlement (cashback or reduced billing).

[0061] Furthermore, the route guidance screen 11C may also display a route guidance map corresponding to a route map, or it may include information on places to stop by (for example, department stores of affiliated companies) at transfer points, etc., where shareholder benefits can be used.

[0062] Embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the attached drawings. However, it goes without saying that the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. It is clear that a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs can conceive of various changes, modifications, and combinations within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention as described in the claims. Therefore, these changes, modifications, and combinations also naturally fall within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0063] Furthermore, although not to be exemplified individually, the present invention may be implemented with various modifications without departing from its spirit. [Industrial applicability]

[0064] As described above, the route guidance application and recording medium according to the present invention have the effect of being able to display route guidance using the shareholder benefits of transportation companies owned by the user, and are useful for route guidance applications in general that display a route guidance map using transportation companies from the starting point to the destination on the screen of the user's computer terminal. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 10. Smartphone (computer terminal) 11 screens 11A Shareholder Information Input Screen 11B Departure Point / Destination Point Input Screen (Shareholder Benefit Priority Mode) 11C Route guidance screen (Shareholder benefit priority mode) 11D Departure Point / Destination Point Input Screen (Shareholder Benefit Consideration Mode) 11E Route guidance screen (shareholder benefit consideration mode) 11F Departure Point / Destination Point Input Screen (Normal Mode) 11G Route guidance screen (normal mode) 11X User Inquiry Screen

Claims

1. A route guidance application that displays a route map using public transportation from the starting point to the destination on the screen of a computer terminal owned by the user, A shareholder information input screen where the user enters shareholder information of the transportation company they own in advance, At a minimum, a starting point and destination input screen for entering the starting point and destination, The route guidance screen displays a route map that prioritizes using transportation companies in which the user is a shareholder, based on the departure and destination points entered on the departure and destination input screen. This route is calculated based on the shareholder discount information of the transportation company, rather than the regular fare. Based on the button operation on the aforementioned route guidance screen, a store information screen is provided that displays store information where the shareholder benefit program for shopping or dining can be used based on the shareholder benefit store information. Display and and, If a route utilizing shareholder benefits in terms of fares, and a detour where shareholder benefits can be received at stores that accept the shareholder benefit program for shopping or dining, is more expensive in terms of fares, then the route guidance screen will display a message indicating that not using the shareholder benefits is the cheaper route in terms of fares. A route guidance application characterized by the following features.

2. In the route guidance application described in claim 1, The aforementioned route guidance screen includes: When a user uses a route in which they are not a shareholder, the fare for using that route will be displayed. When a user uses a route for which they are a shareholder, the fare will be displayed calculated by referring to the shareholder discount information of the transportation company for the shareholder information entered on the shareholder information input screen. A route guidance application characterized by the following features.

3. In a route guidance application according to either claim 1 or claim 2, The route guidance application is installed on the computer terminal owned by the user. A route guidance application characterized by the following features.

4. In a route guidance application according to either claim 1 or claim 2, The route guidance application is installed on an internet server terminal that is accessible to the user's computer terminal via a telecommunications line. A route guidance application characterized by the following features.

5. In a route guidance application according to either claim 1 or claim 2, Applicable when the user is a shareholder of the transportation company, the system includes a shareholder benefit priority mode that prioritizes shareholder benefits when providing route guidance, and a shareholder benefit consideration mode that applies the shareholder benefit fare only to the route where a route is available in the route search results. A normal mode applicable when the user is not a shareholder of the transportation company, Execute A route guidance application characterized by the following features.

6. A recording medium characterized in that it stores the program for the route guidance application described in claim 1 and is readable by the computer terminal.

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