Program and Information Processing Device

Abstract

To propose a traffic service corresponding to local policies.SOLUTION: A program causes a computer to function as storage means 50 for storing priority information including a priority orders for proposing traffic services in association with each of a plurality of kinds of traffic services traveling in a certain region, acquisition means 52 for acquiring a movement request including a departure place and an arrival place from a user, extraction means 54 for extracting a traffic service on the basis of the priority orders in the case that at least one of the departure place and the arrival place is included in the certain region, and control means 56 for proposing the extracted traffic service to the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program and an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique for proposing a route that matches search conditions specified by a user has been known.

[0003] Regarding this, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for proposing a route that matches search conditions including a departure place, a destination, a use date and time, a transportation means permitted to be used (for example, an airplane, a bullet train, an express train, a route bus, etc.), and an order of route display (for example, in ascending order of required time, in ascending order of fare, in ascending order of the number of transfers, in ascending order of less walking (short distance of a walking route), etc.).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, even when there is a policy regarding the use of transportation services in a region (for example, a municipality) (for example, reducing environmental impact, giving priority to the elderly, improving the return rate of driver's licenses, alleviating congestion and traffic jams, effectively utilizing fewer transportation services, promoting consumption, etc.), it is not possible to propose a route according to the policy.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a program and an information processing apparatus capable of proposing a transportation service according to a regional policy.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problems, a program according to a first aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as: a storage means for storing priority information, including a priority order for proposing transportation services, associated with each of several types of transportation services operating in a certain area; an acquisition means for obtaining a travel request from a user, including a departure point and an arrival point; an extraction means for extracting transportation services based on the priority order if at least one of the departure point and the arrival point is included in the certain area; and a control means for proposing the extracted transportation services to the user.

[0008] Furthermore, in a second aspect of the present invention, the priority information includes priority levels corresponding to user attributes, and the extraction means extracts transportation services based on priority levels corresponding to the attributes of the user who made the travel request.

[0009] Furthermore, in a third aspect of the present invention, the aforementioned attributes include at least one of the following: elderly, pregnant, raising children, disabled, and a person who has surrendered their driver's license.

[0010] Furthermore, in a fourth aspect of the present invention, the travel request includes the date and time of use, the extraction means extracts a plurality of transportation services based on the priority, the acquisition means obtains usage information from the transportation companies providing the extracted plurality of transportation services, indicating whether or not the transportation service is available at the date and time of use, and the control means proposes to the user the transportation service with the highest priority among the available transportation services based on the usage information.

[0011] Furthermore, in a fifth aspect of the present invention, the acquisition means acquires a request for use of the proposed transportation service from the user, and the control means transmits a reservation request based on the travel request to the transportation service provider that provides the transportation service for which the request for use was made.

[0012] Furthermore, in a sixth aspect of the present invention, the priority information includes the priority order corresponding to each of the multiple regions.

[0013] Furthermore, the information processing device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention includes: storage means for storing priority information, including priority order for proposing transportation services, associated with each of a plurality of types of transportation services operating in a certain area; acquisition means for acquiring a travel request from a user, including a departure point and an arrival point; extraction means for extracting transportation services based on the priority order if at least one of the departure point and the arrival point is included in the certain area; and control means for proposing the extracted transportation services to the user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to propose transportation services that are in line with local policies. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information provision system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows an example of the hardware configuration of the server device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This block diagram shows an example of the functional configuration of the server device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the information included in priority information. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow performed by each functional means shown in Figure 3 in the information provision system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a movement request page displayed on the screen of the first terminal device. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of an information page displayed on the screen of the first terminal device in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow performed by each functional means in the information provision system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a logistics request page displayed on the screen of the first terminal device. [Figure 10]It is a diagram showing an example of an information - providing page displayed on the screen of the first terminal device in the second embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For ease of understanding of the description, the same reference numerals are attached to the same components and steps in each drawing as much as possible, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0017] ---First Embodiment--- First, the first embodiment will be described.

[0018] <Overall Configuration> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information - providing system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the information - providing system 1 includes a server device 10 and a plurality of terminal devices 12. These devices are configured to be communicable with each other via a communication network NT such as the Internet or a telephone line network.

[0020] The server device 10 is an information - processing device (computer) that performs various controls related to information provision. This server device 10 proposes various services according to the user's requests via the terminal device 12.

[0021] The terminal device 12 is an information - processing device operated by a user or an administrator. Examples of this administrator include an administrator of a transportation agency that provides transportation services (mobility to move users) and an administrator of a logistics agency that provides logistics services (mobility to move goods). The user or administrator operates this terminal device 12 to access the server device 10. These terminal devices 12 include, for example, a first terminal device 12A and a second terminal device 12B. Examples of the terminal device 12 include a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, and the like.

[0022] The first terminal device 12A is a device operated by each user.

[0023] The second terminal device 12B is a device operated by the administrator of each organization.

[0024] <Hardware Configuration> Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 10 shown in Figure 1.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the server device 10 comprises a control device 20, a communication device 26, and a storage device 28. The control device 20 is mainly composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 22 and memory 24.

[0026] In the control device 20, the CPU 22 executes a predetermined program stored in the memory 24 or storage device 28, thereby functioning as various functional means. Details of these functional means will be described later.

[0027] The communication device 26 consists of a communication interface and the like for communicating with external devices. The communication device 26, for example, sends and receives various types of information with the terminal device 12.

[0028] The storage device 28 is composed of a hard disk or the like. The storage device 28 stores various programs and information necessary for executing processing in the control device 20, as well as information on the processing results.

[0029] The server device 10 can be implemented using an information processing device such as a dedicated or general-purpose server computer. Furthermore, the server device 10 may consist of a single information processing device or multiple information processing devices distributed across the communication network NT. Also, Figure 2 only shows a portion of the main hardware configuration of the server device 10; the server device 10 may have other configurations that are generally found in servers. Similarly, the hardware configuration of the multiple terminal devices 12 may be similar to that of the server device 10, except for the inclusion of, for example, operating means and display devices.

[0030] <Functional configuration> Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server device 10 shown in Figure 1.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the server device 10 has a functional configuration comprising a storage means 50, an acquisition means 52, an extraction means 54, and a control means 56.

[0032] The memory means 50 is a functional means for storing, for example, a web page 50A, organization information 50B, user information 50C, and priority information 50D.

[0033] Webpage 50A includes multiple webpages, such as a login page and a navigation request page. Organizational information 50B includes, for example, the routes (links) of transportation services throughout Japan, the names and IDs of stations and bus stops (nodes), timetables (departure and arrival times) for routes and stations, fares, service areas, contact information, etc. This transportation service is provided by, for example, transportation companies (railway operators, bus operators, taxi operators, etc.). This transportation service includes fixed-route (non-demand) mobility such as railways and buses, shared-ride on-demand mobility such as shared taxis, individual on-demand mobility such as private taxis, private cars, walking / cycling, etc. This transportation service may also include postal vehicles that collect and deliver mail, and delivery vehicles that collect and deliver parcels. Contact information includes, for example, access information for obtaining usage information from transportation companies (e.g., email address or URL). User information 50C includes each user's unique identifier (user ID), login ID, password, username, contact information, attributes, etc. Contact information may include a phone number, email address, or user ID for a messaging application. Attributes may include at least one of the following: elderly (e.g., 65 years or older), disabled, pregnant, raising children, or having surrendered a driver's license. These attributes may also be included in the mobility request described later.

[0034] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the information included in priority information 50D.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4, in the first embodiment, the priority information 50D includes priority levels (set values) that suggest transportation services, associated with each of the multiple types of transportation services available in a given area. For example, numerical values ​​are set for priority levels for fixed routes (railways, route buses), on-demand shared services (shared taxis), on-demand individual services (individual taxis), private cars, and walking / cycling. These priority levels are set, for example, by the administrator of a local government. Furthermore, Priority Information 50D includes priorities corresponding to user attributes. Additionally, Priority Information 50D includes priorities corresponding to multiple regions. The priority list includes "#N / A" for transportation services that are unavailable in the area or that are not recommended for use. For example, in town A, the policy regarding the use of transportation services is "reducing environmental impact," and transportation services with low exhaust emissions per user are given higher priority. Similarly, in town B, the policy regarding the use of transportation services is "prioritizing the elderly, etc.," and for users who are elderly, pregnant, raising children, or disabled, transportation services with short travel times (waiting times) are given higher priority, while for users with other attributes, transportation services with low fares are given higher priority. Similarly, in town C, the policy regarding the use of transportation services is "improving the rate of driver's license surrender," and for users who have surrendered their driver's licenses, transportation services with short travel times (waiting times) are given higher priority, while for users with other attributes, transportation services with short travel times and low fares are given higher priority. Similarly, in town D, the policy regarding the use of transportation services is "alleviating congestion and traffic jams" and "effectively utilizing limited transportation services," and transportation services that can accommodate a large number of users simultaneously are given higher priority. Furthermore, in other areas, such as those where no policies regarding the use of transportation services have been established, a predetermined order of priority is set.

[0036] Returning to Figure 3, the acquisition means 52 is a functional means for acquiring various requests and information from the terminal device 12. In the first embodiment, the acquisition means 52 acquires a travel request from the user. Specifically, the acquisition means 52 receives a travel request (instruction to search for transportation services) from the first terminal device 12A operated by the user, including the user's departure point and destination point. The departure point is the planned location where the user will begin their journey (address, station, bus stop, facility, etc.). The destination is the planned location where the user will end their journey. The travel request also includes the date and time of use of the transportation service (departure date and time and arrival date and time). This date and time of use is a date and time after the current date and time. In addition, the travel request may also include other information such as the availability of a seat, the availability of a wheelchair, and the transportation service that the user permits to use.

[0037] Furthermore, the acquisition means 52 acquires usage information from multiple transportation service providers extracted by the extraction means 54, regarding whether the transportation service is available on the route searched by the control means 56 and the date and time of use included in the travel request. Specifically, the acquisition means 52 receives usage information regarding the date and time of use and route included in the travel request from each of the second terminal devices 12B of the multiple transportation service providers extracted by the extraction means 54. This usage information includes reservation availability information for on-demand transportation services, scheduled operation information (including service suspension information) for fixed routes, and weather information (rain or snow) in the case of walking or cycling.

[0038] Furthermore, the acquisition means 52 acquires usage requests for transportation services proposed by the control means 56 from the user. Specifically, the acquisition means 52 receives a transmission of a usage request for a transportation service proposed by the control means 56 from the first terminal device 12A operated by the user. This usage request is, for example, a reservation instruction to reserve the proposed transportation service.

[0039] The extraction means 54 is a functional means for extracting transportation services to propose to the user. In the first embodiment, the extraction means 54 refers to priority information 50D and, if at least one of the departure and arrival points included in the travel request is included in a certain area, extracts transportation services based on the priority corresponding to that area. Specifically, if the departure and arrival points included in the travel request are included in town A, the extraction means 54 extracts one or more transportation services (e.g., walking / cycling) with a high priority corresponding to town A (in the order of walking / cycling, fixed route, shared on-demand service, individual on-demand service).

[0040] Furthermore, the extraction means 54 extracts transportation services based on priority levels corresponding to the attributes of the user who made the travel request. Specifically, the extraction means 54 refers to the attributes of the user information 50C and, when the user who made the travel request is elderly, disabled, pregnant, or raising children, and the departure point included in the travel request is in Town B, it extracts multiple transportation services (for example, individual on-demand type, shared on-demand type, and fixed route) that have a higher priority level corresponding to the attributes of the elderly, etc. in Town B.

[0041] The control means 56 is a functional means that controls the entire information provision system 1. In the first embodiment, the control means 56 proposes the transportation services extracted by the extraction means 54 to the user. Specifically, the control means 56 refers to the agency information 50B to search for a route that uses the extracted transportation services at the date and time of use included in the travel request, and generates an information provision page that includes the transportation services and the travel route. Subsequently, the control means 56 causes the information provision page to be displayed on the first terminal device 12A of the user who made the travel request.

[0042] Furthermore, the control means 56 proposes to the user the transportation service with the highest priority among the available transportation services, based on the usage information acquired by the acquisition means 52. Specifically, the control means 56 refers to the priority information 50D and generates an information provision page that includes the transportation service with the highest priority among the available transportation services in the usage information, and displays the information provision page on the first terminal device 12A of the user who made the travel request.

[0043] Furthermore, the control means 56 transmits a reservation request based on the travel request to the transportation service provider that has received a travel request from the user. Specifically, when the acquisition means 52 acquires a travel request from a user for a transportation service, the control means 56 transmits a reservation request based on the user's travel request to the second terminal device 12B of the transportation service provider. This reservation request includes, for example, the travel request (departure point, arrival point, date and time of use) and user information (user ID, username, contact information, attributes, etc.). By transmitting this reservation request, the user can reserve the use of the transportation service.

[0044] <Processing flow> Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by each functional means shown in Figure 3 in the information provision system according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, the processing of the following steps begins, for example, when a user logs into the information provision system on the first terminal device 12A and selects the move request menu. Note that the order and content of the following steps can be changed as appropriate.

[0045] (Step SP10) The first terminal device 12A receives a web page 50A redirection request page from the server device 10 via the communication network NT and displays it on its screen.

[0046] Figure 6 shows an example of a move request page 100 displayed on the screen of the first terminal device 12A.

[0047] As shown in Figure 6, the travel request page 100 is provided with a location input area 102, a usage date and time input area 104, and a send button 106. The location input area 102 shows input fields for entering the departure location and the arrival location. The usage date and time input area 104 shows input fields for entering the usage date (travel date) and the departure time or arrival time that the user plans to use. If the usage date, departure time, or arrival time is not entered, a travel request will be made according to the current date and time. The send button 106 is a button for sending the travel request entered by the user in each input field to the server device 10.

[0048] Returning to Figure 5, the process moves on to step SP12.

[0049] (Step SP12) The acquisition means 52 acquires a travel request, including the departure point, destination point, and date and time of use, based on the fact that the transmit button is pressed on the first terminal device 12A operated by the user. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP14.

[0050] (Step SP14) The extraction means 54 extracts one or more transportation services by referring to the user information 50C and priority information 50D of the user who made the travel request. For example, if at least one of the departure and arrival locations included in the travel request is in town C, and the user's attribute is that they have surrendered their driver's license, the extraction means 54 extracts multiple transportation services (individual demand type, shared demand type) that have a higher priority (individual demand type, shared demand type) corresponding to a driver who has surrendered their driver's license in town C. Then, the process moves on to the processing in step SP16.

[0051] (Step SP16) The control means 56 refers to the engine information 50B and searches for a route that uses one or more transportation services extracted in step SP14. Then, the process proceeds to step SP18.

[0052] (Step SP18) The acquisition means 52 obtains usage information from the second terminal device 12B of the transportation company that provides one or more transportation services extracted in step SP14, regarding whether the transportation service is available on the route searched in step SP16 and the date and time of use included in the travel request obtained in step SP12. Then, the process moves on to the processing in step SP20.

[0053] (Step SP20) The control means 56 generates an information provision page that proposes one or more transportation services, including the transportation service with the highest priority among the transportation services available in the usage information acquired in step SP18. For example, if, among the individual demand type transportation services and the shared demand type transportation services extracted in step SP14, the control means 56 generates an information provision page that includes the shared demand type transportation service and its route. Then, the process moves on to the processing in step SP22.

[0054] (Step SP22) The first terminal device 12A receives the information provision page generated in step SP20 from the server device 10 via the communication network NT and displays it on its screen.

[0055] Figure 7 shows an example of an information provision page 110 displayed on the screen of the first terminal device 12A in the first embodiment.

[0056] As shown in Figure 7, the information provision page 110 includes a transportation service information area 112, a use button 114, and a back button 116. The transportation service information area 112 displays the transportation services proposed by the information provision system 1, i.e., the available transportation services with the highest priority, the date and time of use, and the route. The use button 114 is a button for sending a request to use the proposed transportation service to the server device 10. The back button 116 is a button for transitioning to the travel request page and searching for transportation services again.

[0057] Returning to Figure 5, the process moves on to step SP24.

[0058] (Step SP24) The acquisition means 52 receives a request from the first terminal device 12A to use the transportation services included on the information provision page, in response to the press of the use button. Then, the process proceeds to step SP26.

[0059] (Step SP26) The control means 56 transmits a reservation request based on the travel request acquired in step SP12 to the transportation service provider that received the usage request in step SP24. The process then completes the series of processes shown in Figure 5.

[0060] <Effects> In the first embodiment described above, the computer functions as a storage means 50 for storing priority information, including the priority order for proposing transportation services, associated with each of several types of transportation services operating in a certain area; an acquisition means 52 for acquiring a travel request from a user, including the departure point and destination; an extraction means 54 for extracting transportation services based on priority if at least one of the departure point and destination is included in a certain area; and a control means 56 for proposing the extracted transportation services to the user.

[0061] This configuration allows for the proposal of transportation services to users based on local priorities, thus enabling the suggestion of transportation services that align with local policies.

[0062] In the first embodiment, the priority information includes priority levels corresponding to the user's attributes, and the extraction means 54 extracts transportation services based on the priority levels corresponding to the attributes of the user who made the travel request.

[0063] This configuration allows for the provision of transportation services to users based on priorities corresponding to their attributes, thereby enabling the proposal of transportation services that align with local policies regarding user attributes.

[0064] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the attributes include at least one of the following: elderly, pregnant, raising children, disabled, and driver who has surrendered their driver's license.

[0065] This configuration allows for the provision of transportation services to users based on priorities corresponding to at least one of their user attributes (elderly, pregnant, raising children, disabled, driver's license surrendered), thus enabling the proposal of transportation services that align with local policies regarding each user attribute.

[0066] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the travel request includes the date and time of use, the extraction means 54 extracts multiple transportation services based on priority, the acquisition means 52 obtains usage information from the transportation companies providing the extracted multiple transportation services, indicating whether the transportation service is available at the date and time of use, and the control means 56 proposes to the user the transportation service with the highest priority among the available transportation services based on the usage information.

[0067] This configuration improves user convenience by suggesting the most available and highest-priority transportation service from among the extracted multiple transportation services.

[0068] In the first embodiment, the acquisition means 52 acquires a request for use of a transportation service proposed by the user, and the control means 56 transmits a reservation request based on the travel request to the transportation service provider that provides the requested transportation service.

[0069] This configuration allows users to easily book the proposed transportation services, thereby improving user convenience.

[0070] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the priority information includes priorities corresponding to each of the multiple regions.

[0071] This configuration allows for the proposal of transportation services to users based on priorities in each of multiple regions, thus enabling the suggestion of transportation services tailored to the policies of each region.

[0072] ---Second Embodiment--- Next, a second embodiment will be described.

[0073] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it proposes logistics services to the user for transporting goods (e.g., merchandise) (e.g., home delivery). In other words, in the second embodiment, if there is a policy regarding the use of logistics services in the region, it can propose logistics services that correspond to that policy. The configuration and functions of the information provision system according to the second embodiment, which are not described below, are the same as those of the information provision system according to the first embodiment.

[0074] In the second embodiment, web page 50A includes a logistics request page.

[0075] In the second embodiment, the organization information 50B includes, for example, the routes (links) of logistics services located throughout Japan, the names and IDs of logistics bases (nodes), schedules (dispatch and arrival times) related to the routes and logistics bases, charges (delivery fees), delivery areas, deliverable items, contact information, etc. This logistics service is provided by, for example, logistics organizations (delivery companies, courier companies, moving companies, etc.). Examples of logistics services include fixed-route (non-demand) transportation methods such as rail and air routes, and on-demand transportation methods such as delivery by transport vehicles or bicycles from logistics bases to designated or arbitrary locations. This logistics service may also include taxis and buses. Examples of contact information include access information (e.g., email address or URL) for obtaining usage information from logistics organizations.

[0076] In the second embodiment, the priority information 50D includes priority levels (set values) for suggesting logistics services, associated with each of the multiple types of logistics services operating in a given area. For example, numerical values ​​are set for priority levels for walking / cycling (demand-responsive), transport vehicles (demand-responsive), and fixed routes (non-demand-responsive). The priority list includes "#N / A" for logistics services that are unavailable in the region or for which we do not propose their use.

[0077] In the second embodiment, the acquisition means 52 acquires a logistics request from the user. Specifically, the acquisition means 52 receives a logistics request for goods (a search instruction for a logistics service) from the first terminal device 12A operated by the user, including the origin and destination of the goods or service provider. The origin is the planned location where the transportation of the goods will begin (e.g., a store or warehouse). The destination is the planned location where the transportation of the goods will end (e.g., the user's home or a friend's home). The logistics request also includes the date and time of use of the logistics service (date and time of dispatch and date and time of arrival) and the item (e.g., product name or product category).

[0078] Furthermore, the acquisition means 52 acquires usage information from multiple logistics service providers extracted by the extraction means 54, regarding whether the logistics service is available on the route searched by the control means 56 and the date and time of use included in the logistics request. Specifically, the acquisition means 52 receives usage information regarding the date and time of use and route included in the logistics request from each of the second terminal devices 12B of the multiple logistics service providers extracted by the extraction means 54. This usage information includes information on the availability of on-demand logistics services, transportation schedule information (including service suspension information) for fixed routes, and weather information (rain or snow) in the case of walking or cycling.

[0079] Furthermore, the acquisition means 52 acquires a request from the user for the logistics service proposed by the control means 56. Specifically, the acquisition means 52 receives a request from the first terminal device 12A operated by the user for the logistics service proposed by the control means 56. This request is, for example, a reservation instruction to reserve the proposed logistics service.

[0080] In the second embodiment, the extraction means 54 refers to the priority information 50D and extracts logistics services based on the priority corresponding to a certain region if at least one of the origin and destination included in the logistics request is included in a certain region. Specifically, if the origin and destination included in the logistics request are included in town A, the extraction means 54 extracts one or more logistics services (e.g., walking / cycling) that have a higher priority (in the order of walking / cycling, fixed route, transport vehicle) corresponding to town A.

[0081] Furthermore, the extraction means 54 extracts logistics services based on priority levels corresponding to the attributes of the user who made the logistics request. Specifically, the extraction means 54 refers to the attributes of the user information 50C, and when the attributes of the user who made the logistics request are elderly, disabled, pregnant, or raising children, and the destination included in the logistics request is in Town B, it extracts multiple transportation services (e.g., transport vehicles, walking / cycling) that have a higher priority level corresponding to the attributes of the elderly, etc. in Town B.

[0082] In the second embodiment, the control means 56 proposes the logistics services extracted by the extraction means 54 to the user. Specifically, the control means 56 refers to the organization information 50B to search for a route that uses the extracted logistics services at the date and time of use included in the logistics request, and generates an information provision page that includes the extracted logistics services. Subsequently, the control means 56 causes the information provision page to be displayed on the first terminal device 12A of the user who made the logistics request.

[0083] Furthermore, the control means 56 proposes to the user the logistics service with the highest priority among the available logistics services, based on the usage information acquired by the acquisition means 52. Specifically, the control means 56 refers to the priority information 50D and generates an information provision page that includes the logistics service with the highest priority among the available logistics services in the usage information, and displays the information provision page on the first terminal device 12A of the user who made the logistics request.

[0084] Furthermore, the control means 56 transmits a reservation request based on the logistics request to the logistics organization that provides the logistics service requested by the user. Specifically, when the acquisition means 52 acquires a request for use of a logistics service from a user, the control means 56 transmits a reservation request based on the user's logistics request to the second terminal device 12B of the logistics organization that provides the logistics service. This reservation request includes, for example, the logistics request (origin and destination, date and time of use) and user information (user ID, username, contact information, attributes, etc.). By transmitting this reservation request, the user can reserve the use of the logistics service.

[0085] <Processing flow> Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow performed by each functional means in the information provision system according to the second embodiment. Furthermore, the processing in the following steps begins, for example, when the user logs into the information provision system on the first terminal device 12A and selects the logistics request menu. Note that the order and content of the following steps can be changed as appropriate.

[0086] (Step SP30) The first terminal device 12A receives the logistics request page of web page 50A from the server device 10 via the communication network NT and displays it on its screen.

[0087] Figure 9 shows an example of a logistics request page 120 displayed on the screen of the first terminal device 12A.

[0088] As shown in Figure 9, the logistics request page 120 includes a location input area 122, a usage date and time input area 124, an item input area 126, and a send button 128. The location input area 122 displays input fields for entering the origin and destination. The usage date and time input area 124 displays input fields for the user to enter the usage date (transportation date) and the dispatch or arrival time of the item. If the usage date, dispatch time, or arrival time is not entered, a logistics request based on the current date and time will be made. The item input area 126 displays input fields for the user to enter the items of goods they wish to transport. Additionally, the item input area 126 displays an additional field for adding new items. The send button 128 is a button for sending the logistics request entered by the user in each input field to the server device 10.

[0089] Returning to Figure 5, the process moves on to step SP32.

[0090] (Step SP32) The acquisition means 52 acquires a logistics request, including the origin, destination, date and time of use, and item, based on the fact that the transmit button is pressed on the first terminal device 12A operated by the user. Then, the process proceeds to step SP34.

[0091] (Step SP34) The extraction means 54 extracts one or more logistics services by referring to the user information 50C and priority information 50D of the user who made the logistics request. For example, if at least one of the origin and destination included in the logistics request is in town C, and the user's attribute is that they have surrendered their driver's license, the extraction means 54 extracts multiple logistics services (transportation vehicle, walking / bicycle) that have a higher priority (in the order of transport vehicle, walking / bicycle, fixed route) corresponding to a driver who has surrendered their driver's license in town C. Then, the process moves on to the processing in step SP36.

[0092] (Step SP36) The control means 56 refers to the engine information 50B and searches for a route that uses one or more logistics services extracted in step SP34. Then, the process proceeds to step SP38.

[0093] (Step SP38) The acquisition means 52 acquires usage information from the second terminal device 12B of the logistics organization that provides one or more logistics services extracted in step SP34, regarding whether the logistics service is available in the usage date and time included in the logistics request acquired in step SP32 and in the route searched in step SP36. Then, the process moves on to the processing in step SP40.

[0094] (Step SP40) The control means 56 generates an information provision page that proposes one or more logistics services, including the logistics service with the highest priority among the logistics services available in the usage information acquired in step SP38. For example, if, among the transport vehicle and walking / cycling extracted in step SP34, the transport vehicle is available and walking / cycling is unavailable, the control means 56 generates an information provision page that includes the logistics service and route for the transport vehicle. Then, the process moves on to the processing in step SP42.

[0095] (Step SP42) The first terminal device 12A receives the information provision page generated in step SP40 from the server device 10 via the communication network NT and displays it on its screen.

[0096] Figure 10 shows an example of an information provision page 130 displayed on the screen of the first terminal device 12A in the second embodiment.

[0097] As shown in Figure 10, the information provision page 130 includes a logistics service information area 132, a use button 134, and a back button 136. The logistics service information area 132 displays the logistics services proposed by the information provision system 1, i.e., the available logistics services with the highest priority, the date and time of use, and the delivery route. The use button 134 is a button for sending a request to use the proposed logistics service to the server device 10. The back button 136 is a button for transitioning to the logistics request page and searching for logistics services again.

[0098] Returning to Figure 8, the process moves on to step SP44.

[0099] (Step SP44) The acquisition means 52 receives a request from the first terminal device 12A to use the logistics service included in the information provision page, in response to the press of the use button. Then, the process proceeds to step SP46.

[0100] (Step SP46) The control means 56 sends a reservation request based on the logistics request obtained in step SP32 to the logistics service provider that received the usage request in step SP44. The process then completes the series of processes shown in Figure 8.

[0101] <Effects> In the second embodiment described above, the computer functions as a storage means 50 for storing priority information, including the priority order for proposing logistics services, associated with each of several types of logistics services operating in a certain region; an acquisition means 52 for acquiring logistics requests for goods, including the origin and destination, from a user; an extraction means 54 for extracting logistics services based on priority if at least one of the origin and destination is included in a certain region; and a control means 56 for proposing the extracted logistics services to the user.

[0102] This configuration allows for the proposal of logistics services to users based on regional priorities, thus enabling the provision of logistics services that align with regional policies.

[0103] In the second embodiment, the priority information includes priority levels corresponding to user attributes, and the extraction means 54 extracts logistics services based on priority levels corresponding to the attributes of the user who made the logistics request.

[0104] This configuration allows for the provision of logistics services to users based on priorities corresponding to their attributes, thereby enabling the proposal of logistics services that align with regional policies regarding user attributes.

[0105] In the second embodiment, the attributes include at least one of the following: elderly, pregnant, raising children, disabled, and driver who has surrendered their driver's license.

[0106] This configuration allows for the provision of logistics services to users based on a priority order corresponding to at least one of their user attributes (elderly, pregnant, raising children, disabled, driver's license surrendered), thus enabling the proposal of logistics services that align with local policies regarding each user attribute.

[0107] In the second embodiment, the logistics request includes the date and time of use, the extraction means 54 extracts multiple logistics services based on priority, the acquisition means 52 obtains usage information from the logistics organizations providing the extracted multiple logistics services, indicating whether the logistics service is available at the date and time of use, and the control means 56 proposes to the user the logistics service with the highest priority among the available logistics services based on the usage information.

[0108] This configuration improves user convenience by suggesting the logistics service with the highest priority among the multiple logistics services that have been extracted.

[0109] In the second embodiment, the acquisition means 52 acquires a request for use of a logistics service proposed by the user, and the control means 56 transmits a reservation request based on the logistics request to the logistics organization that provides the logistics service for which the request was made.

[0110] This configuration allows users to easily book the proposed logistics services, thereby improving user convenience.

[0111] In the second embodiment, the priority information includes priorities corresponding to each of the multiple regions.

[0112] This configuration allows for the proposal of logistics services to users based on priorities in each of multiple regions, thus enabling the provision of logistics services tailored to the policies of each region.

[0113] ---Variations--- It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. That is, any design modifications made to the above embodiments by those skilled in the art are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the features of the present invention. Furthermore, the elements of the above embodiments and the modifications described later can be combined to the extent that it is technically possible, and any combination thereof is also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as it retains the features of the present invention.

[0114] For example, in the first and second embodiments, the control means 56 was described as proposing services (transportation services, logistics services) based on priority corresponding to the region. However, the proposed services may be changed based on the ranking of services based on their convenience (for example, an overall ranking based on waiting time, number of transfers, fare per unit distance, travel distance, etc.). For example, the control means 56 proposes services based on points (scores) corresponding to the high priority of the services in the priority information 50D and points corresponding to the ranking of services based on their convenience in the route search. Specifically, the control means 56 adds the priority (value) of the services in the priority information 50D and the ranking (value) of services based on their convenience in the route search, and proposes services with a low added value.

[0115] Furthermore, the control means 56 may prioritize suggesting a service (transportation service, logistics service) if the user possesses a pass for that service (e.g., a pass for elderly support, a pass for disabled persons, a pass for pregnant women, a pass for childcare support, a pass for those who have surrendered their driver's license, a commuter pass, etc.). In this case, the user information 50C includes, for example, information on the various passes the user possesses.

[0116] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the control means 56 was described as generating an information provision page that includes available services (transportation services, logistics services) in the usage information. However, if, for example, no available services exist, alternative means (alternative means) may be proposed. For example, the acquisition means 52 acquires the user's purpose of travel in a travel request, and the control means 56 proposes alternative means according to that purpose of travel. Specifically, the control means 56 may propose working in a shared office if the purpose of travel is "commuting," propose remote learning if the purpose of travel is "going to school," or propose telemedicine if the purpose of travel is "seeing a doctor." Also, for example, the acquisition means 52 acquires the purpose of transporting goods in a logistics request, and the control means 56 proposes alternative means according to that purpose of transport. Specifically, the control means 56 may propose using a mobile supermarket if the purpose of transport is "delivery of groceries."

[0117] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the control means 56 was described as proposing a logistics service for transporting goods, but it may also propose a transportation service (mobility) for moving service providers (for example, doctors, massage therapists, home helpers, etc.).

[0118] ---Note--- [Additional note 1] Computers, A storage means for storing priority information, including the priority order for proposing logistics services, associated with each of several types of logistics services operating in a certain region. A means for obtaining logistics requests for goods from a user, including the origin and destination of the goods. If at least one of the origin and destination is included in the aforementioned region, an extraction means for extracting logistics services based on the priority order, Control means for proposing the extracted logistics services to the user, To make it function as program. [Additional note 2] The aforementioned priority information includes priority levels corresponding to user attributes, The extraction means extracts logistics services based on priority levels corresponding to the attributes of the user who made the logistics request. The program described in Appendix 1. [Additional note 3] The aforementioned attributes include at least one of the following: elderly, pregnant, raising children, disabled, and driver who has surrendered their driver's license. The program described in Appendix 2. [Additional note 4] The aforementioned logistics request includes the date and time of use, The extraction means extracts a plurality of logistics services based on the priority order, The acquisition means acquires usage information from the logistics organizations that provide the extracted logistics services, indicating whether or not the logistics service is available at the specified date and time of use. The control means, based on the usage information, proposes to the user the logistics service that is available and has the highest priority. The program described in any one of the appendices 1 through 3. [Additional note 5] The acquisition means acquires a request from the user for the proposed logistics service, The control means transmits a reservation request based on the logistics request to the logistics service provider that has received the request for use. The program described in any one of the appendices 1 through 4. [Additional note 6] The aforementioned priority information includes the aforementioned priority corresponding to each of the multiple regions, The program described in any one of the appendices 1 through 5. [Additional note 7] A storage means for storing priority information, including the priority order for proposing logistics services, associated with each of several types of logistics services operating in a certain region, A means for obtaining logistics requests for goods from a user, including the origin and destination of the goods, If at least one of the origin and destination is included in the aforementioned region, an extraction means for extracting logistics services based on the priority order, Control means for proposing the extracted logistics services to the user, An information processing device equipped with the following features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0119] 10...Server device (computer), 12...Terminal device, 50...Storage means, 52...Acquisition means, 54...Extraction means, 56...Control means

Claims

1. Computers, A storage means for storing priority information, including the priority order for proposing a particular means of transport, associated with each of several types of means of transporting goods operating in a certain region. A means for obtaining logistics requests for goods from a user, including the origin and destination of the goods. If at least one of the origin and destination is included in the aforementioned region, an extraction means for selecting the means of transport based on the priority order, Control means for proposing the extracted transport means to the user, To make it function as program.

2. The aforementioned priority information includes priority levels corresponding to user attributes, The extraction means extracts transportation means based on priority corresponding to the attributes of the user who made the logistics request. The program according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned attributes include at least one of the following: elderly, pregnant, raising children, disabled, and driver who has surrendered their driver's license. The program according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned logistics request includes the date and time of use, The extraction means extracts a plurality of transport means based on the priority order, The acquisition means acquires usage information from logistics organizations that provide the extracted multiple means of transportation, indicating whether or not the means of transportation is available at the time of use. The control means, based on the usage information, proposes to the user the available transportation means with the highest priority. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The acquisition means acquires a request from the user to use the proposed means of transport, The control means transmits a reservation request based on the logistics request to the logistics organization that provides the transportation means for which the request was made. The program according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned priority information includes the aforementioned priority corresponding to each of the multiple regions, The program according to claim 1.

7. A storage means that stores priority information, including the priority order for proposing a particular means of transport, associated with each of several types of means of transporting goods operating in a certain region, A means for obtaining logistics requests for goods from a user, including the origin and destination of the goods, If at least one of the origin and destination is included in the aforementioned region, an extraction means for selecting the means of transport based on the priority order, A control means for proposing the extracted transport means to the user, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

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