Passenger information system

Abstract

To provide a boarding guidance system that informs a user of the result of a determination so as to whether a vehicle is the one the user intends to board, before the user boards.SOLUTION: When a request to search a route is made by a user terminal 100, a server 300 transmits the result of the search (route guidance) to the user terminal 100. When a vehicle to be boarded by the user is determined and information about the vehicle to be boarded is transmitted to a server 200, the server 200 transmits operation information of the vehicle to be boarded to the user terminal 100. When it becomes just before the boarding time received from the server 200, the user terminal 100 displays a positive notification on a display 110 of the user terminal 100 if the location on the user terminal 100 is the location where the vehicle is to be boarded.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a boarding guidance system.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-367088 (Patent Document 1) discloses storing "scheduled bus identification information", which is identification information of a bus that the user plans to board, in the user's mobile terminal. When the user passes through the boarding gate of the bus, "current bus identification information" is transmitted from the boarded bus to the mobile terminal, and "bus boarding correctness notification" is performed by comparing the "scheduled bus identification information" and the "current bus identification information".

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, after the user passes through the boarding gate of the bus, a "bus boarding correctness notification" is notified to the user's (user's) mobile terminal. Therefore, if the boarded bus is not the bus that the user plans to board, it is necessary to get off the bus once.

[0005] An object of this disclosure is to notify the user of the determination result as to whether the vehicle is the vehicle that the user plans to board before the user boards the vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The passenger guidance system disclosed herein includes a user terminal that is carried by the user and is equipped with a notification unit that provides notifications to the user. When a user sets a vehicle to be boarded, the passenger guidance system determines, based on the terminal location information of the user terminal, that the location of the user terminal is the boarding location of the vehicle to be boarded. In such a case, the notification unit notifies the user of the result of the determination of whether or not the vehicle is the vehicle to be boarded before the user boards the vehicle.

[0007] In this configuration, once a user's intended vehicle is set, the system determines whether the user's terminal's location is the boarding location for the intended vehicle, based on the terminal's location information. If the system determines that the user's terminal's location is the boarding location for the intended vehicle, the notification unit notifies the user of the determination result before the user boards the vehicle. This makes it possible to inform the user of the determination result regarding whether the vehicle is the intended vehicle before the user boards.

[0008] Preferably, the determination of whether or not a vehicle is the vehicle scheduled to be boarded may be made based on the current time information.

[0009] This configuration uses current time information to determine whether or not a vehicle is the vehicle the user is scheduled to board. For example, by taking into account factors such as whether the current time is before the boarding time, or when the current time is the scheduled boarding time, the system can suitably inform the user of the determination result regarding whether or not the vehicle is the vehicle the user is scheduled to board.

[0010] Preferably, the determination of whether or not a vehicle is the vehicle scheduled to be boarded may be made based on distance information between the vehicle scheduled to be boarded and the user terminal.

[0011] With this configuration, distance information between the vehicle to be boarded and the user's terminal can be used to inform the user of whether or not the vehicle is the vehicle they are scheduled to board before they board.

[0012] Preferably, the determination of whether or not a vehicle is the vehicle the user is scheduled to board may be made based on vehicle information captured by the user terminal.

[0013] With this configuration, the system uses vehicle information captured by the user's terminal to determine whether or not the vehicle is the one the user is scheduled to board, allowing for relatively accurate determination.

[0014] Preferably, the determination of whether or not a vehicle is the vehicle the user is scheduled to board may be made based on compass information acquired by the user terminal.

[0015] With this configuration, since the direction information acquired by the user terminal is used, it is possible to determine whether the vehicle is the vehicle the user is scheduled to board by taking into account the uphill / downhill direction of the vehicle's travel route. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to this disclosure, it will be possible to inform the user of whether or not the vehicle is the vehicle they are scheduled to board before they board the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This diagram schematically shows the overall configuration of the passenger guidance system according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] A flowchart showing an example of the operation process in Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation process in Embodiment 2. [Figure 4] A flowchart showing an example of the operation process in Embodiment 3. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation process in Embodiment 4. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the display in Embodiment 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of a passenger guidance system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The passenger guidance system 1 includes a user terminal 100, a server 200, and a server 300. The passenger guidance system 1 is a system for guiding a user (user) to correctly board a transportation facility 400 (for example, a bus (shared bus) 410, a train (railway) 420, etc.).

[0020] The user terminal 100 is a terminal carried by the user. The user terminal 100 may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, etc., or may be a wearable terminal such as a smartwatch.

[0021] The user terminal 100 includes, for example, a processor 101, a memory 102, a storage 103, a communication module 104, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module 105, a camera 106, and a display 110.

[0022] The user terminal 100 is capable of communicating with the server 200 and the server 300 via the network NW using the communication module 104. The GPS module 105 acquires information (GPS information) indicating the current position of the user terminal 100 and outputs the GPS information to the processor 101. The memory 102 is a volatile memory such as a RAM. The processor 101 realizes various processes by expanding and executing the system program and the control program read from the storage 103, which is a rewritable non-volatile memory, in the memory 102.

[0023] The display 110 is a mobile display such as an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) or liquid crystal display. The display 110 is configured to display various information according to control commands from the processor 101. In this example, the display 110 is a touch panel display that can accept user input. The display 110 corresponds to an example of the "notification unit" in this disclosure.

[0024] Server 200 is a server that manages the operation of transportation 400. Server 200 includes a processor 201, memory 202, a communication module 203, and a database 204. Server 300 is a server that provides route guidance (transfer guidance) for transportation 400. Server 300 includes a processor 301, memory 302, a communication module 303, and a database 304.

[0025] Server 200 is enabled to communicate with user terminal 100 and server 300 via a network NW using a communication module 203. The communication module 203 also receives location information and operating status from the transportation system 400. The processor 201 performs various processes by loading system programs and control programs read from storage (not shown) into memory 202 and executing them. For example, server 200 manages the operation of transportation system 400 based on the operation plan (diagram) stored in database 204. Server 200 generates operation information from the location information and operating status of transportation system 400. This operation information includes, for example, delay information, the current location of transportation system 400, and the arrival time at boarding locations (stations, stops).

[0026] Server 300 is capable of communicating with user terminal 100 and server 200 via a network NW using a communication module 303. Processor 301 performs various processes by loading system programs and control programs read from storage (not shown) into memory 302 and executing them. For example, server 300 provides route guidance based on the operation plan (timetable) of transportation 400 stored in database 304. When a user operates user terminal 100 and sets, for example, the boarding location (departure point), alighting location (destination), departure time or arrival time, server 300 performs a route search. Server 300 then provides (transmits) the search results (route guidance), such as "route information (route name), vehicle information, boarding location (station name, stop name, etc.), scheduled boarding time (scheduled departure time), transfer location, transfer time, alighting location, scheduled alighting time (scheduled arrival time)," to user terminal 100. Server 300 provides multiple search results (route guidance) that can be selected by the user as appropriate. The user terminal 100 and servers 200 and 300 are equipped with real-time clocks and can obtain the current time.

[0027] <Embodiment 1> Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation process in Embodiment 1. In step 10 (hereinafter, steps are abbreviated as "S"), the user terminal 100 is operated and the boarding location (departure point), alighting location (destination), departure time or arrival time, etc. are entered, and a route search request is sent from the user terminal 100 to the server 300. When the server 300 receives the route search request from the user terminal 100, in S30 it performs a route search and sends the search result (route guidance) to the user terminal 100. The search result (route guidance) includes at least route information (route name), vehicle information, boarding location (station name, stop name, etc.), and scheduled boarding time (scheduled departure time).

[0028] When the user terminal 100 receives search results (route guidance) from the server 300, in S11, the user selects the route they wish to take from the multiple route guidance options, and the vehicle the user will board is determined. Once the vehicle the user will board is determined, the user terminal 100 transmits information about the vehicle (including at least route information, vehicle information, boarding location, and boarding time information, hereinafter also referred to as "vehicle information") to the server 200.

[0029] When server 200 receives vehicle information from user terminal 100, in S20, it transmits the vehicle's operation information to user terminal 100. After transmitting the operation information to user terminal 100 in S20, server 200 proceeds to S21 to determine whether the scheduled boarding time for the vehicle has arrived. If the scheduled boarding time has arrived, S21 is affirmative, and the current process in server 200 ends. Until the scheduled boarding time for the vehicle arrives, S21 is negative, and the process returns to S20. Thus, the transmission of operation information from server 200 to user terminal 100 is repeated until the scheduled boarding time for the vehicle arrives, and the latest operation information is provided to user terminal 100. In this embodiment, the operation information includes at least the time the vehicle arrives at the boarding location (hereinafter also referred to as "boarding time"). The boarding time is determined by the vehicle's current location, boarding location (station, stop), delay information, etc.

[0030] When user terminal 100 receives operation information (boarding time) from server 200, in S12 it determines whether the current time is the time before boarding. The time before boarding is the time immediately preceding the boarding time (operation information) received from server 200, and may be, for example, 30 seconds before the boarding time. Until the current time becomes the time before boarding, S12 is checked as negative and the process in S12 is repeated. When the current time becomes the time before boarding, S12 is checked as positive and the process proceeds to S13.

[0031] In S13, it is determined whether the location of the user terminal 100 is the boarding location (station, stop) of the vehicle to be ridden. For example, the location information of the boarding location included in the route guidance (search guidance) received from the server 300 is compared with the current location information of the user terminal 100 obtained by the GPS module 105 to determine whether the location of the user terminal 100 is the boarding location of the vehicle to be ridden. If the location of the user terminal 100 is the boarding location, it is determined to be positive and the process proceeds to S14; if the location of the user terminal 100 is not the boarding location, it is determined to be negative and the process proceeds to S15.

[0032] In S14, the user terminal 100 is notified of boarding instructions by displaying a notification on the display 110. The content of the notification may be, for example, "The train / bus you are scheduled to board is arriving," or "The arriving train / bus is the vehicle you are scheduled to board. Please board." Alternatively, instead of displaying on the display 110, or in addition, the notification may be given by voice. The user terminal 100 may also be vibrated at the same time. After executing S14, this process is terminated.

[0033] In S15, a false notification is displayed on the display 110 of the user terminal 100 to inform the user that they cannot board the vehicle they were scheduled to board. The content of the false notification may be, for example, "The train / bus you were scheduled to board will not arrive. Please check your boarding location," or "You cannot board the train / bus you were scheduled to board. Please check your boarding location." Alternatively, instead of displaying the information on the display 110, or in addition, the notification may also be given by voice. Simultaneously, the user terminal 100 may be vibrated. After executing S15, this process is terminated.

[0034] According to Embodiment 1, when it is determined that the location of the user terminal 100 is the boarding location of the vehicle to be boarded, based on the terminal location information of the user terminal 100, the user (passenger) can be notified of the determination result of whether or not the vehicle is the vehicle to be boarded before boarding the vehicle.

[0035] (modified version) In the above embodiment 1, in S12, the time immediately preceding the boarding time (operation information) received from server 200 was used as the time before boarding. However, if operation information is not obtained (received) from server 200, or if operation information cannot be received from server 200, the time before boarding may be set using the scheduled boarding time included in the search result (route guidance) received from server 300. In this case, the time immediately preceding the scheduled boarding time received from server 300, for example, 30 seconds before the scheduled boarding time, may be set as the time before boarding, and the process in S12 may be executed.

[0036] <Embodiment 2> Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation process in Embodiment 2. In Embodiment 2, the processing of servers 200 and 300, and the processing of S10 and S11 in the user terminal 100 are the same as in Embodiment 1, so they are not shown or described.

[0037] Referring to Figure 3, when S11 is executed and operation information is received from server 200, in S13a, it is determined whether the location of user terminal 100 is the boarding location (station, stop) of the vehicle to be boarded. This process is substantially the same as the process in S13. If the location of user terminal 100 is not the boarding location, it is determined to be negative, and the process in S13a is executed repeatedly. When the location of user terminal 100 becomes the boarding location, it is determined to be positive, and the process proceeds to S16.

[0038] In S16, it is determined whether the distance L between the user terminal 100 and the vehicle to be boarded is shorter than a predetermined value α. The distance L can be determined by comparing the location information of the vehicle to be boarded, which is included in the operation information received from the server 200, with the location information of the user terminal 100. The predetermined value α may be, for example, 30 meters or 50 meters. If the distance L is shorter than the predetermined value α, it is determined to be positive and the process proceeds to S14. If the distance L is greater than or equal to the predetermined value α, it is determined to be negative and the process proceeds to S15b.

[0039] S14 is the same process as in Embodiment 1, and the boarding guidance is announced by displaying a notification on the display 110 of the user terminal 100, and the process ends.

[0040] In S15b, a false notification is displayed on the display 110 of the user terminal 100. The content of the false notification may be, for example, "Please wait until your scheduled train / bus arrives."

[0041] In S17, following S15b, it is determined whether the current time is the boarding time or not. If the current time is the boarding time, it is determined to be positive and proceeds to S15c. If the current time is before the boarding time, it is determined to be negative and returns to S16.

[0042] In S15c, a false notification is displayed on the display 110 of the user terminal 100. The content of the false notification may be, for example, "The train / bus you were scheduled to board will not arrive. Please search for a route again." Instead of displaying it on the display 110, or in addition, the notification may also be given by voice. At the same time, the user terminal 100 may be vibrated. When S15c is executed, this process ends.

[0043] In this second embodiment, when it is determined that the location of the user terminal 100 is the boarding location of the vehicle to be boarded, the user can be notified of the determination result of whether or not the vehicle is the vehicle to be boarded, using the distance information between the vehicle to be boarded and the user terminal, before the user boards the vehicle.

[0044] <Embodiment 3> Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation process in Embodiment 3. In Embodiment 3, operation information is not obtained from the server 200 (the server 200 may be omitted). The processing in S10 and S11 at the user terminal 100 is the same as in Embodiment 1, so its explanation is omitted. When the server 300 receives a route search request from the user terminal 100, in S30a it performs a route search and sends the search result (route guidance) to the user terminal 100. The search result (route guidance) includes at least route information (route name), boarding location (station name, stop name, etc.), scheduled boarding time (scheduled departure time), and vehicle identification information. The vehicle identification information only needs to be able to identify the vehicle from its appearance; in the case of a bus, it may be the license plate (automobile registration number plate), and in the case of a train, it may be the display content of the destination indicator (destination sign) and the train number (display content of the symbol indicator).

[0045] In the user terminal 100, S13a following S11 is the same process as S13a in Embodiment 2 (see Figure 3), and determines whether the location of the user terminal 100 is the boarding location (station, stop) of the vehicle to be boarded. If the location of the user terminal 100 is the boarding location, it is determined to be positive and proceeds to S100.

[0046] In S100, after instructing the user to take an image of the vehicle, the process proceeds to S101. For example, the user terminal 100 is vibrated to instruct the user to take an image of the vehicle they are about to board, and a message is displayed on the lower half of the display 110. The camera 106 is also activated, and the image captured by the camera is displayed on the upper half of the display 110, along with a shutter button. In S101, it is determined whether the user has taken an image. If no image has been taken, the result is negative and the process returns to S100. If the user has taken an image, the result is positive and the process proceeds to S102.

[0047] In S102, the image captured by the user is analyzed (image matching) to determine whether the image contains vehicle identification information (license plate, etc.) of the vehicle the user intends to ride (whether the captured image and the vehicle identification information match). If the captured image and the vehicle identification information match, the result is positive and the process proceeds to S14. If the captured image and the vehicle identification information do not match, the result is negative and the process proceeds to S15d.

[0048] S14 is the same process as in Embodiment 1, and the boarding guidance is announced by displaying a notification on the display 110 of the user terminal 100, and the process ends.

[0049] In S15d, a false notification is displayed on the display 110 of the user terminal 100 to inform the user that the captured vehicle is not the vehicle they are scheduled to board. The content of the false notification may be, for example, "This is not the train / bus you are scheduled to board." Alternatively, instead of displaying it on the display 110, or in addition, the notification may be given by voice. Simultaneously, the user terminal 100 may be vibrated. After executing S15b, the process proceeds to S17a. In S17a, it is determined whether the current time is the scheduled boarding time or not. If the current time is before the scheduled boarding time, it is determined to be negative, and the process returns to S100. If the current time is the scheduled boarding time, it is determined to be positive, and the process ends.

[0050] In this third embodiment, when the location of the user terminal 100 is determined to be the boarding location of the vehicle to be boarded, based on the terminal location information of the user terminal 100, the user can be notified of the determination result of whether or not the vehicle is the vehicle to be boarded before boarding the vehicle. Furthermore, since the determination of whether or not the vehicle is the vehicle to be boarded is made using vehicle information (vehicle identification information) captured by the user terminal 100, the determination can be made with relatively high accuracy.

[0051] <Embodiment 4> At the boarding location for the vehicle the user intends to board, in the case of trains, both inbound and outbound trains on the same line may arrive at the same platform. In the case of buses (route buses), bus stops for the same location may be located on opposite sides of the road, and on roads with one lane in each direction, the distance between inbound and outbound bus stops may be short. In such situations, even if GPS information determines that the user is at the boarding location (even if the location of the user terminal 100 is determined to be the intended boarding location), there is a concern that the user may board a different vehicle (going in the opposite direction) than the one they intended to board.

[0052] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation process in Embodiment 4. In Embodiment 4, operation information is not obtained from the server 200 (the server 200 may be omitted). The processing in S10 and S11 at the user terminal 100 is the same as in Embodiment 1, so its explanation is omitted. When the server 300 receives a route search request from the user terminal 100, in S30b it performs a route search and sends the search result (route guidance) to the user terminal 100. The search result (route guidance) includes at least route information (route name), vehicle information, boarding location (station name, stop name, etc.), and scheduled boarding time (scheduled departure time). The boarding location includes detailed information about the boarding location. In the case of a train, the detailed information may be the location of the boarding track (platform number) and the direction (east, west, north, south) of the track where the vehicle enters (arrives) at that platform, and in the case of a bus, it may be the location of the bus stop and the direction of the road at that bus stop.

[0053] In the user terminal 100, S13a following S11 is the same process as S13a in Embodiment 2 (see Figure 3), and determines whether the location of the user terminal 100 is the boarding location (station, stop) of the vehicle to be boarded. If the location of the user terminal 100 is the boarding location, it is determined to be positive and proceeds to S110.

[0054] In S110, the user is instructed to perform a compass operation on the user terminal 100, and then the process proceeds to S111. Figure 6 shows an example of the display on the display 110 in Embodiment 4. Figure 6(a) shows an example of the display of the compass operation instruction on the user terminal 100. The compass operation instruction prompts the user to "point the arrow on the display 110 towards the railway / road and operate the operation button." The user terminal 100 is equipped with a compass function, and by pointing the arrow on the display 110 towards the railway / road and operating the operation button, the direction of the railway / road as seen from the user terminal 100 can be obtained.

[0055] In S111, it is determined whether or not the user has performed a compass operation (whether or not the operation button has been pressed). If no compass operation has been performed, the process returns to S110 and continues with instructions for compass operation. If a compass operation is performed, it is determined to be positive and the process proceeds to S112.

[0056] In S112, it is determined whether the direction obtained by the direction operation (direction information obtained by the user terminal 100) matches the direction of the tracks on which the train enters (arrives) at the platform, or the direction of the road at the stop, as included in the detailed information of the boarding location. If the direction obtained by the direction operation matches the direction included in the detailed information, it is determined to be positive and proceeds to S14a. If the direction obtained by the direction operation does not match the direction included in the detailed information, it is determined to be negative and proceeds to S15e.

[0057] In S14a, the user terminal 100's display 110 is shown a confirmation notification to inform the user of boarding instructions, and the process ends. Referring to Figure 6, (b) is an example of the confirmation notification display. If the direction obtained by the compass operation matches the direction included in the detailed information, the user is facing the track where the vehicle to be boarded will arrive at the platform. Alternatively, the user is waiting for the vehicle to arrive at the stop where the vehicle to be boarded will arrive. Therefore, in Figure 6(b), the display 110 shows "Boarding OK" and "The train / bus arriving at XX:△△ is the vehicle you should be boarding," along with the current time. Alternatively, instead of displaying on the display 110, or in addition, the notification may be given by voice. The user terminal 100 may also be vibrated at the same time. Executing S14a ends the process.

[0058] In S15e, a false notification is displayed on the user terminal 100's display 110. Referring to Figure 6, (c) is an example of a false notification display. If the direction obtained by the direction operation does not match the direction included in the detailed information, the user is facing the opposite direction from the track to which the intended train will arrive at the platform where the intended train will arrive. Alternatively, the user is waiting for the train to arrive at a stop opposite to the stop where the intended train will arrive. Therefore, in Figure 6(c), the display 110 displays "Boarding NG" and "Your train will arrive on the opposite side." Furthermore, if the user operates the back button to perform the direction operation again, a message prompting the user to press the button will be displayed to return to the operation screen in (a), and the process will proceed to S17a.

[0059] In S17a, it is determined whether the current time is the scheduled boarding time. S17a is the same as S17a in Embodiment 3; if the current time is before the scheduled boarding time, it is determined to be negative and the process returns to S110. If the current time is the scheduled boarding time, it is determined to be positive and the process ends.

[0060] In this fourth embodiment, when the location of the user terminal 100 is determined to be the boarding location of the vehicle to be boarded, based on the terminal location information of the user terminal 100, the user can be notified of the determination result of whether or not the vehicle is the vehicle to be boarded before boarding the vehicle. Furthermore, since the direction information acquired by the user terminal 100 is used, it is possible to determine whether or not the vehicle is the vehicle to be boarded by taking into account the northbound / southbound trains departing from the same platform and the northbound / southbound buses departing from nearby bus stops.

[0061] (modified version) In Embodiment 4 described above, operation information was not obtained from the server 200. However, similar to Embodiment 1, operation information may be obtained from the server 200, and in S17a, it may be determined whether the current time is the boarding time or not. In this case, if the current time is before the boarding time, it is determined to be negative, and the process returns to S110. If the current time is the boarding time, it is determined to be positive, and the process ends.

[0062] The above embodiments 1 to 4 may be combined as appropriate, within a non-contradictory range, to provide boarding guidance to the user. For example, embodiments 1 and 4 may be combined, and the processing of S12 to S15 of embodiment 1 may be performed after the processing of S14a of embodiment 4. In this case, after the positive notification is given in S14a, when the time before boarding arrives (positive determination in S12), and when it is confirmed again in S13 that it is a boarding location (positive determination in S13), the positive notification in S14 is given. For example, embodiments 2 and 3 may be combined, and when a positive determination is made in S16 of embodiment 2 (Figure 3), S100 to S102, S15d, and S17a of embodiment 3 may be executed. In this case, when S102 is determined to be positive, the positive notification is given in S14.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the passenger guidance system 1 consisted of a user terminal 100 and servers 200 and 300. However, server 300 may perform route guidance and operation management. In this case, server 300 will have the functions of server 200. Furthermore, the processing that was performed on the user terminal 100 in the above embodiment may be performed on server 300 or server 200, and the user terminal 100 may have GPS and camera functions and notify the judgment results using its display 110, etc. If the judgment results are notified on the user terminal 100, each function (each process) may be processed by the user terminal 100, servers 200, or 300.

[0064] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1 passenger information system, 100 user terminals, 200 servers, 300 servers, 400 transportation companies, NW network.

Claims

1. Includes a user terminal that is carried by the user and equipped with a notification unit that notifies the user, When the user's intended vehicle is set on the user terminal, When it is determined that the location of the user terminal is the boarding location of the vehicle to be boarded, based on the terminal location information of the user terminal, and the distance between the user terminal and the vehicle to be boarded is shorter than a predetermined value, the notification unit notifies the determination result that the vehicle is the vehicle to be boarded. Based on the terminal location information of the user terminal, when it is determined that the user terminal is at the boarding location, and the distance between the user terminal and the vehicle to be boarded is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance, and the current time is the scheduled boarding time of the vehicle, the notification unit notifies that the vehicle to be boarded will not arrive. A passenger boarding guidance system that, before the user boards the vehicle they are scheduled to board, notifies the notification unit of the result of determining whether or not the vehicle is the vehicle they are scheduled to board.

2. A user terminal that is carried by the user and has a display and compass function, When the user's intended vehicle is set on the user terminal, the user terminal obtains compass information for the boarding location from the vehicle information received from the server. A passenger guidance system that, based on the terminal location information of the user terminal, determines that the location of the user terminal is the boarding location of the vehicle to be boarded, instructs the user to operate the operation buttons on the display to obtain a bearing, determines whether the vehicle arriving at the boarding location is the vehicle to be boarded based on whether the obtained bearing matches the bearing information, and notifies the result of the determination on the display.

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