JP2006146439A - Travel reservation support system, travel reservation method and server device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a travel reservation support system for sharply increasing the degree of freedom of the selection of a user by using a Web site, and for reserving a low cost package tour in a short time based on excellent operability. <P>SOLUTION: A server device 10 in a travel reservation support system presents candidate transportation information and candidate accommodation information retrieved as candidates to a user in the form of a list arranged like a matrix. Also, the server device 10 makes an inquiry about empty seats for each of public transports displayed in the candidate public transport information, and ends the inquiry when any empty seat is found, and makes an inquiry about the empty rooms of the accommodations displayed in the candidate accommodation information according to the inquiry about the empty seat from the user. Then, the server device 10 performs comprehensive charge calculation in the units of total number of travel person based on the combination of the transportations and the accommodations selected by the user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a travel reservation support system and a travel reservation method that support travel reservation using a website, and a server device used in these travel reservation support system and travel reservation method.

  In recent years, with the advancement of information technology including the Internet, various websites providing services for making travel reservations have been developed. For example, as a technique for reserving an air ticket via a website, there is one described in Patent Document 1, for example.

JP 2002-230382 A

  Specifically, this Patent Document 1 discloses an airline ticket reservation support apparatus that supports airline ticket reservation by an electronic procedure using a network. In particular, this airline ticket reservation support device includes a provisional reservation accepting unit that accepts provisional reservations for flying flights via a network, a monitoring unit that detects the confirmation of the fare for provisionally reserved flights, and a fee that cooperates with the monitoring unit. And a notification unit for notifying the user when the confirmation is detected. As a result, in this airline ticket reservation support apparatus, it is possible to efficiently make airline reservations online even for reservations that extend over frequently revised airfare fares.

  Also, in recent years, not only the so-called Expedia (EXPEDIA (registered trademark)), etc., but also the arrangement of transportation such as air mail, etc., the combination of the transportation and other travel products such as accommodation facilities can be used by the user. Services are also provided to arrange package tours that can be selected according to taste. Furthermore, an attempt has been made to provide an inexpensive fee for such a service for arranging a customizable package tour (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2002-83186 A

  Specifically, Patent Document 2 discloses a travel schedule creation method for creating a travel schedule using a computer system or a computer network. In particular, the travel itinerary method includes a step of selecting a first travel product and a list of second travel products together with information on profits related to the second travel product associated with the selected first travel product. And a step of applying a profit to the second travel product when the second travel product is selected. For example, in this travel itinerary creation method, in response to the user inputting a travel period, a departure place, a return place, and a destination, the traffic as the first travel product is conditional on the information entered by the server. Search for an institution. Subsequently, in this travel schedule creation method, the server searches for discount / privilege information associated with the transportation facility in response to the user selecting the transportation facility searched, and as a second travel product. Search accommodations in. And in this travel schedule preparation method, according to the user selecting the accommodation facility selected, the server applies the discount / privilege information associated with the transportation facility to the accommodation at the accommodation facility. . Thereby, in this travel schedule creation method, information is effectively presented to the user, and it is possible to create a travel schedule that is inexpensive and according to the user's preference.

  By the way, in the conventional service, travel products such as air tickets and accommodation facilities are sold as one unit and are sold by recruitment advertisements via paper media, the Internet, etc., so the user is designated in advance by the seller. There was a problem in that it was not convenient because it was necessary to select from a variety of travel products, and it was impossible to move away from a uniform travel plan.

  For example, in the conventional service, when accepting a reservation for an air ticket, only air flights designated in advance by the seller can be selected, so if the air mail is full, make a reservation. As an alternative, there was no room to book other airline flights or other flights on the same airline as an alternative. In the conventional service, the airline may be undecided. In this case, however, it is unclear whether or not the flight is actually performed, and the user's anxiety could not be dispelled. .

  Similarly, in the conventional service, when accepting a reservation for an accommodation facility, it is possible to select only the accommodation facility designated in advance by the seller. As an alternative, there was no room to book other accommodation as an alternative. In addition, in the conventional service, if there is a request for an upgrade or extension of the room of the accommodation facility, it will be expensive because a separate fee will be calculated. Even so, there are many expensive settings, leading to a phenomenon that impairs user convenience.

  Furthermore, the conventional services including the above-mentioned Patent Document 2 can reserve a customizable package tour, and are intended to reduce the price by adding discounts and benefits, etc. Regardless, since discounts and benefits that are determined in advance according to the selected travel product are uniformly applied, the user's choice is lacking in flexibility and the user's convenience is completely considered. There wasn't.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, greatly increasing the degree of freedom of the user's choice when booking a package tour, and applying a novel fee system according to the selected travel product A travel reservation support system and a travel reservation method capable of making a reservation by using a website in a short time with excellent operability, and the travel reservation support system. Another object of the present invention is to provide a server device used in the travel reservation method.

  A travel reservation support system according to the present invention that achieves the above-described object is a travel reservation support system that supports travel reservation using a website, and a user terminal possessed by a user who uses the travel reservation support system And a website for posting information necessary for making a travel reservation, and allowing the user to browse the website page in response to access from the user terminal, designated by the user A server device that arranges a travel reservation based on a desired condition, and the server device is a desired device specified by the user via a page of the website displayed on a display unit of the user terminal. Based on the conditions of the search, information about the transportation and accommodation that you are handling is searched and acquired, and the transportation equipment searched as a candidate The candidate transportation information indicating the accommodation facility information indicating the accommodation facility searched for as a candidate is arranged in a matrix as the other axis item orthogonal to the one axis. A search result page that displays a reference fee that is a guide when combining the transportation displayed in the candidate transportation information with the accommodation facility displayed in the candidate accommodation facility information. Display on the display means of the terminal, and in response to the vacant seat inquiry from the user via the user terminal, inquire about the vacant seat one by one for the transportation means displayed in the candidate transportation information, The inquiry is terminated when a vacant seat is found, and the accommodation displayed in the candidate accommodation information in response to a vacancy inquiry from the user via the user terminal. Inquire about the vacancies about the facility, and display the obtained inquiry result in the list above, display it on the display means of the user terminal, and select by the user via the user terminal Based on the combination of transportation facilities and accommodation facilities, a comprehensive fee calculation for each travel total number of people is performed.

  In such a travel reservation support system according to the present invention, when reserving a package tour combining transportation and accommodation facilities via a website, candidate transportation information and candidate accommodation facility information retrieved as candidates Are presented to the user in the form of a list arranged in a matrix, so that it is possible to intuitively grasp the combinations that the user should select according to preferences, and operability can be improved. . Moreover, in the travel reservation support system according to the present invention, since it is possible to provide a combination of all transportation facilities and accommodation facilities as a travel product, it is not a selection from a previously specified travel product, It is possible to greatly expand the user's freedom of choice when booking a package tour.

  Furthermore, in the travel reservation support system according to the present invention, when a vacant seat is inquired about a transportation facility, the vacant seat is found one by one for each transportation facility displayed in the candidate transportation information. Since the inquiry is terminated at this point, a situation in which the user waits for a long time for the inquiry can be avoided, and the operability can be improved. Furthermore, in the travel reservation support system according to the present invention, since the comprehensive fee calculation is performed in units of the total number of people based on the combination of the transportation and accommodation facility selected by the user, Compared with the case where a fee is charged for each traveler, it is possible to significantly reduce the fee.

  Here, in the travel reservation support system according to the present invention, when the plurality of transportation displayed in the candidate transportation information provides a plurality of travel products with different rates, respectively. The plurality of travel products are stored in the cache in the order of the lowest price. Then, the server device starts vacant seat inquiry from the travel product with the lowest charge among the plurality of travel products provided by the first transportation based on the information stored in the cache. Makes an inquiry about available seats for the cheapest travel product among a plurality of travel products provided by the second transportation. Furthermore, the server device has a plurality of the first transportation facilities provided when there is no vacant seat for the cheapest travel product provided by each of the transportation facilities displayed in the candidate transportation information. Query available seats for the next cheapest travel product.

  Thus, in the travel reservation support system according to the present invention, when inquiring for vacant seats one by one, after inquiring about vacant seats for the cheapest travel product in a certain transportation, If there are no vacant seats available for a high-priced travel product, and if there are no vacant seats, it is possible to avoid the situation of inquiring about vacant seats for travel products in the same transportation that is expensive for the user. Therefore, it is possible to satisfy the potential needs of users who want to check the availability of vacant seats in order from cheaper and cheaper travel products.

  In the travel reservation support system according to the present invention, the server device preferentially searches for a direct flight when a plurality of plans for one travel product are acquired as a query result. As a result, the travel reservation support system according to the present invention can satisfy the potential needs of the user who wants to book a direct flight that requires less time and effort.

  Furthermore, in the travel reservation support system according to the present invention, when the itinerary for visiting a plurality of cities is selected, the server device individually selects accommodation facilities that can be accommodated in each city and transportation between the cities. Inquire. Thereby, in the travel reservation support system according to the present invention, free travel settings can be realized, and the degree of freedom of selection by the user when reserving a package tour can be greatly expanded.

  Furthermore, in the travel reservation support system according to the present invention, the server device is designated by the user via the page of the website before searching for and acquiring information on the transport facility and accommodation facility being handled. Based on the desired condition, it is determined whether or not the breakdown of the number of travelers is within a predetermined rule. If it is determined that it is not within the rule, a predetermined message is displayed on the display means of the user terminal. Display.

  As described above, in the travel reservation support system according to the present invention, the number of travelers is not appropriate for the number of seats of transportation facilities or the number of rooms of accommodation facilities by determining whether or not the provisions for the breakdown of the number of travelers are prior to the search. In some cases, it is possible to prompt the user to respecify the condition, so that it is possible to avoid a situation in which redesignation must be performed after the search.

  Further, in the travel reservation support system according to the present invention, the server device individually manages selectable room types in the accommodation facility according to the presence or absence of meals, and is selected by the user via the user terminal. Calculate the charge according to the availability of meals and room type. As a result, in the travel reservation support system according to the present invention, like a conventional travel agent, a contract with an accommodation facility is included in advance with a price including breakfast and dinner, and this price is used as a travel product incorporated into the package plan. There is no need to sell, and the user can have a free choice.

  At this time, the server device displays information on the presence or absence of a meal on the display unit of the user terminal, and transmits detailed information on a reservation including the presence or absence of a meal to the user terminal. Thereby, in the travel reservation support system concerning this invention, the information regarding the presence or absence of the meal which needs to be displayed on a contract document can be notified to a user on the travel business law. In addition, the server device transmits information related to the reservation including the room type and the presence / absence of a meal to the terminal owned by the accommodation facility. Accordingly, in the travel reservation support system according to the present invention, when the user arrives and performs check-in, the accommodation facility can take measures such as distributing a meal ticket.

  Furthermore, in the travel reservation support system according to the present invention, the server device, when the retrieved transportation plan does not arrive during the departure date but arrives the next day, the accommodation facility from the departure date. Not as a check-in, but as a check-in from the next day. As a result, in the travel reservation support system according to the present invention, even if any plan is returned from the transportation, the appropriate number of accommodations is automatically calculated in consideration of the convenience of the user, and the accommodation facility is checked. The in-date can be determined.

  Furthermore, in the travel reservation support system according to the present invention, the transportation means is an air mail, and the server device obtains ticket issue date information together with a flight plan of the air mail, and based on the ticket issue date information. The product up to the day before the ticket issuance date is calculated and displayed on the display means of the user terminal, and the payment due date of the application fee is the date and time up to 15:00 after 3 days and the travel reservation support system The seller who provides the service automatically sets the payment of the application fee within a time range that can be confirmed, and displays it on the display means of the user terminal. As a result, in the travel reservation support system according to the present invention, tickets that were not present 35 days before travel, tickets 28 days before travel, tickets 21 days before travel, tickets 14 days before travel, tickets 7 days before travel, tickets 3 days before travel It is possible to sell products combining all regular discount fare products and accommodation facilities.

  At this time, the server device sets, for the searched flight plan, the day before the bank business day closest to the ticketing deadline date as the display deadline date of the product to be displayed on the display means of the user terminal, and Guidance for payment is given. Thereby, in the travel reservation support system according to the present invention, it is possible to make a contract in accordance with the travel business law even if the user makes a reservation immediately before travel.

  The travel reservation support method according to the present invention that achieves the above-described object is a travel reservation support method that supports a travel reservation using a website, and posts information necessary for making a travel reservation. The server device that opens the website to be accessed via the user terminal possessed by the user using the travel reservation support system, and the server device according to the access from the user terminal Based on a desired condition specified by the user via the step of displaying the page of the website on the display unit of the user terminal and the page of the website displayed on the display unit of the user terminal , A process of searching for and acquiring information about transportation facilities and accommodation facilities handled by the server device, and searching as candidates A candidate transportation facility information indicating the selected transportation facility as an item on one axis, and candidate accommodation facility information indicating an accommodation facility searched as a candidate as a matrix on the other axis item orthogonal to the one axis A search result page that displays a reference charge that is a guideline when combining the transportation facilities displayed in the candidate transportation information and the accommodation facilities displayed in the candidate accommodation information. 1 for the transportation displayed in the candidate transportation information in response to a step of displaying on the display means of the user terminal by the server device and a query of a vacant seat from the user via the user terminal. The vacant seats are inquired for each transportation facility, and when the vacant seats are found, the inquiry is terminated, and the vacancies are inquired by the user via the user terminal. Next, an inquiry about the vacancy about the accommodation facility displayed in the candidate accommodation facility information is performed, and an inquiry result page in which the obtained inquiry result is displayed in the list is displayed on the user terminal by the server device. A step of displaying on the display means, and a step of performing a comprehensive fee calculation in units of the total number of people by the server device based on a combination of the transportation facility and the accommodation facility selected by the user via the user terminal It is characterized by comprising.

  Furthermore, the server device according to the present invention that achieves the above-mentioned object establishes a website for posting information necessary for making a reservation for a trip, and changes the page of the website according to access from a user terminal. A server device that allows a user to browse and arranges a travel reservation based on a desired condition specified by the user, wherein the above-described website page is displayed on the display unit of the user terminal. Based on the desired conditions specified by the user, a means for searching for and acquiring information about the transportation and accommodation facilities being handled, and candidate transportation information indicating the transportation that was searched as a candidate are items on one axis. In addition, candidate accommodation facility information indicating an accommodation facility searched as a candidate is displayed as an item on the other axis orthogonal to the one axis. A search result that is a list arranged in a ricks shape and displays a reference charge that serves as a guide when combining the transportation facilities displayed in the candidate transportation information and the accommodation facilities displayed in the candidate accommodation information. A means for displaying a page on the display means of the user terminal, and one means of transportation for the means of transportation displayed in the candidate means of transportation information in response to a vacant seat inquiry from the user via the user terminal Inquiries about vacant seats one by one, and when the vacant seat is found, the inquiry is terminated, and the accommodation facility displayed in the candidate accommodation facility information in response to the vacancy inquiry from the user via the user terminal A means for displaying the inquiry result page on the display means of the user terminal, and the user terminal. Based on a combination of transportation and accommodation selected by the user through the machine it is characterized in that it comprises means for performing a comprehensive charge calculation for travel total number units.

  In such a travel reservation support method and server device according to the present invention, candidate transportation information and candidates retrieved as candidates when a package tour combining transportation and accommodation facilities is booked via a website. By presenting the accommodation facility information to the user in the form of a list arranged in a matrix, it is possible to intuitively grasp the combinations that the user should select according to preferences, and to improve operability be able to. Further, in the travel reservation support method and server device according to the present invention, since combinations of all transportation facilities and accommodation facilities can be provided as travel products, selection from previously specified travel products is possible. Instead, it is possible to greatly expand the degree of freedom of the user's choice when booking a package tour.

  Furthermore, in the travel reservation support method and server device according to the present invention, when making a vacancy seat inquiry about a transportation facility, one vacant seat is inquired for each transportation facility displayed in the candidate transportation information, Since the inquiry is terminated when a vacant seat is found, a situation in which the user waits for a long time for the inquiry can be avoided, and the operability can be improved. Furthermore, in the travel reservation support and server device according to the present invention, since the comprehensive fee calculation is performed in units of the total number of people based on the combination of the transportation facility and the accommodation facility selected by the user, Thus, compared with the case where a fee is charged for each traveler, a significant reduction in the fee can be achieved.

  In the present invention, it is possible to make a reservation for a low-priced package tour in a short time with excellent operability by greatly expanding the degree of freedom of the user's selection using a website.

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  This embodiment is a travel reservation support system that supports travel reservation using a website. This travel reservation support system is capable of making a reservation for a package tour via a website, and is not based on a pre-designated travel product as in the past, but with excellent operability. The degree of freedom of selection by the user can be greatly expanded.

  In the following description, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that a reservation is made for a package tour in which an air flight can be selected as a transportation facility and a hotel can be selected as an accommodation facility.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the travel reservation support system includes a server device 10 that opens a website for posting information necessary to make a travel reservation, and a user terminal possessed by a user who uses the travel reservation support system. Machine 20.

  The server device 10 is managed by a dealer who provides the service of the travel reservation support system, and opens a web site on which information necessary for making a travel reservation is posted. And the server apparatus 10 makes a user browse the page of a website according to the access from the user terminal 20, and arranges a travel reservation based on information input by the user.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the server device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 that comprehensively controls each unit, and a read-only ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores various types of information including various programs. ) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13 that functions as a work area, a storage unit 14 that stores various information in a readable and / or writable manner, and a communication unit 15 that communicates by connecting to an external network NT And an input operation control unit 16 that performs processing and control of an input operation via a predetermined operation device (not shown) as a user interface, and a display unit 17 that displays various types of information.

  The CPU 11 executes various programs including various application programs stored in the storage unit 14 and the like, and comprehensively controls each unit.

  The ROM 12 stores various information including various programs. Information stored in the ROM 12 is read under the control of the CPU 11.

  The RAM 13 functions as a work area when the CPU 11 executes various programs, and temporarily stores various information and reads the stored various information under the control of the CPU 11.

  The storage unit 14 stores a website for posting information necessary for making a travel reservation under the control of the CPU 11 and data related to a user who has registered as a member of the service of the travel reservation support system. Is stored as a database, and various stored information is read out. As the storage unit 14, for example, a hard disk or a device having a so-called RAID (Redundant Array of Independent (Inexpensive) Disks) configuration using a plurality of these hard disks can be used.

  The communication unit 15 is, for example, an analog line, a so-called Ethernet (registered trademark) LAN (Local Area Network), ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), or FTTH (Fiber To The). Various network communication lines such as Home), various wireless communication systems such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 802.11 wireless LAN or so-called Bluetooth (Bluetooth), or so-called FOMA (registered trademark), etc. Is an interface for connecting to a network based on various systems such as W-CDMA (Wideband-Code Division Multiple Access) system or CDMA-2000 system such as HDR (High Data Rate). Communicate with the outside.

  The input operation control unit 16 is a predetermined operation device (not shown) as a user interface operated by an administrator who manages the server device 10 such as a keyboard, mouse, keypad, infrared remote controller, stick key, or push button. The CPU 11 receives an input operation via the control signal and supplies a control signal indicating the operation content to the CPU 11.

  The display unit 17 is, for example, various displays such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), an organic electroluminescence display, or a cathode ray tube (CRT). It is a device, and displays an operation screen or the like viewed by an administrator under the control of the CPU 11.

  The server device 10 having such units includes, for example, a database stored in the storage unit 14 or the like based on information input by the user via the user terminal 20 under the control of the CPU 11. To search for and obtain information on transportation facilities such as airmail and accommodation facilities such as hotels, and send information indicating the search results to the user terminal 20. Further, when there is an inquiry about a vacant seat and a vacancy situation from the user via the user terminal 20, the server device 10 receives a reservation system (Computer Reservation System; not shown) via the communication unit 15. CRS) to inquire about the reservation status of the air ticket, or to access the database stored in the storage unit 14 or the like to inquire about the reservation status of the accommodation facility such as a hotel. And the server apparatus 10 transmits the information which shows the air ticket which can be reserved, and a hotel with respect to the user terminal 20 based on the inquired reservation situation. Further, when the user performs an input operation to make a reservation based on the inquiry result, the server device 10 arranges a reservation based on the information.

  The user terminal 20 is an information processing terminal possessed by a user who has registered as a member of the service of the travel reservation support system. For example, in addition to a personal computer connectable to the Internet, a mobile phone or a personal digital assistant (Personal Digital assistants (PDA) and other portable devices. Specifically, similarly to the server device 10, the user terminal 20 is configured to include each unit as illustrated in FIG. 2. As the storage unit 14 in the user terminal 20, a hard disk, a nonvolatile memory, or the like can be used. The storage unit 14 also includes a drive device that reads and / or writes various types of information on a storage medium such as a flexible disk or a memory card that can be attached to and detached from the main body.

  The user terminal 20 having such units accesses the server device 10 via a predetermined network NT such as the Internet, and displays a website page opened by the server device 10 on the display unit 17. The information input through the website page is transmitted to the server device 10.

  Now, in such a travel reservation support system, the user terminal 20 possessed by the user who has registered as a member of the service of the travel reservation support system accesses the server device 10, so that a predetermined website is stored. Reservations can be made through the page. Hereinafter, this series of processes will be described along the transition of the screen displayed on the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20.

  First, in the travel reservation support system, when the user terminal 20 accesses the server device 10, for example, a reservation top page of a website as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20. .

  That is, the reservation top page includes a package tour reservation page for making a reservation for a package tour, an air ticket reservation page for making a reservation only for an air ticket, a hotel reservation page for making a reservation only for a hotel, An optional tour reservation page for reservation of an optional tour, an insurance reservation page for reservation of travel disability insurance, and a rental car reservation page for reservation of a rental car at a travel destination correspond to tabs 51, By selecting 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, it is configured to be displayed so as to be switchable.

  Since the present invention focuses on booking package tours via the website, we will not detail airline tickets only, hotels only, optional tours, travel disability insurance, and car rental reservations. . That is, in the following, a state where the package tour reservation page is displayed by selecting the tab 51 will be described.

  The package tour reservation page includes a type designation area 61 for designating the number of visited cities as a trip type, an area designation area 62 for designating a travel destination area, and a schedule designation area 63 for designating a travel schedule. A passenger designation area 64 for designating the number of travelers, a seat / type designation area 65 for designating the seat class and type of the air ticket, and an airline designation area 66 for designating the airline to be used. A room number designating area 67 for designating the number of rooms of a hotel to be stayed is implemented.

  The type designation area 61 is provided for designating the number of visited cities, for example, whether the trip to be reserved is a trip that visits only one city or a trip that visits two cities. It is done. The user can alternatively select a selection item indicating the number of visited cities displayed in the type designation area 61 via his user terminal 20.

  The area designation area 62 is, for example, “Hawaii”, “North America”, “Europe”, “Asia”, “Asia Beach”, “Oceania”, “Micronesia”, “South Pacific”, “Indian Ocean Islands”, “Latin America” “,” “Middle East / Africa”, etc. are provided to specify the destination area. For example, the user selects a desired area from a character string indicating each area displayed in the area designation area 62 or selects a desired area from a map via the user terminal 20. By doing so, it is possible to select a desired area as a travel destination.

  The schedule designation area 63 is provided for designating a travel schedule such as a local departure date, departure time zone, departure airport (departure city), arrival airport (arrival city), and a box for directly inputting each condition as a character string. Or a combo box or the like in which each condition is registered so as to be selectable as a list. In the schedule designation area 63, when the fact that the visited city is one city is selected by the type designation area 61, two areas for designating the outbound schedule and the return schedule are set. Is selected as two cities, three areas are set for designating the outbound route to the first city, the outbound route to the second city, and the return route. When the schedule designation area 63 is configured in the form of a combo box, the cities belonging to the area designated by the area designation area 62 are displayed as a list of arrival airports (arrival cities). The user inputs conditions indicating the schedule directly in the schedule designation area 63 via his / her user terminal 20, or alternatively selects a desired item from the displayed list, A schedule can be specified.

  The number-of-people designation area 64 is provided for designating the number of travelers for each division based on the difference in fee, such as adults, children, and infants, and a box for directly inputting the number of travelers for each division as a character string, It is configured in the form of a combo box or the like in which the number of travelers is registered so as to be selectable as a list. The user inputs a numerical value indicating the number of people directly into the number of people designation area 64 via his / her user terminal 20, or alternatively selects a desired item from the displayed list, The number of travelers can be specified.

  The seat / type designation area 65 includes, for example, a seat class or a ticket of a boarding ticket for travel such as an economy class of a cheap ticket, an economy class of a cheap ticket and a discounted fare, a business class, and a first class. This is provided in the form of a combo box or the like in which seat classes and types are registered so as to be selectable as a list. The user can designate the seat class and type by selecting a desired item from the list displayed in the seat / type designation area 65 via his / her user terminal 20. .

  The airline designation area 66 is provided for designating an airline to be used. For example, an airline affiliate such as a European airline, a US airline, a Japanese airline, or a specific individual airline is listed. As a combo box or the like registered so as to be selectable. The user can designate an airline by selectively selecting a desired item from the list displayed in the airline designation area 66 via his / her user terminal 20. The airline designation area 66 is an optional designation item, and may be undesignated if it is not restricted by the airline used.

  The room number designation area 67 is provided for designating the number of rooms of the hotel to stay, such as a box for directly inputting the desired number of rooms as a character string, a combo box in which the number of rooms is registered as selectable as a list, etc. Consists of forms. The user inputs a numerical value indicating the number of rooms directly into the room number designation area 67 via his / her user terminal 20, or alternatively selects a desired item from the displayed list. The number of rooms can be specified.

  In the travel reservation support system, the user designates desired conditions via such a package tour reservation page displayed on the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20, and a search button provided on the package tour reservation page. By selecting 68, information indicating the specified condition is transmitted from the user terminal 20 to the server device 10.

  In response to this, the server device 10 determines whether or not the breakdown of the number of travelers is within a predetermined rule based on the information transmitted from the user terminal 20 under the control of the CPU 11.

  First, under the control of the CPU 11, the server device 10 has a breakdown of the number of adults, children, and infants designated by the number designation area 64, for example, “reservation cannot be made for nine or more at a time”, “children” Whether or not the reservation is not possible is determined according to the airline regulations such as “cannot be reserved only” based on the number limit logic as shown in FIG. Specifically, the server device 10 sets the number of adults whose age to age is ≧ 12 to the boarding date as A, the number of children as 2 ≦ age <12, C, and 0 ≦ age <2. When the number of people is E, the number of adults + children is 9 or less (A + C ≦ 9; first constraint) and one or more adults (A ≧ 1; second constraint) and It is determined whether the number of infants is equal to or less than the number of adults (A ≧ E; third constraint), and one child is equal to or less than 4 children (4A ≧ C; fourth constraint). .

  Then, when the server device 10 determines that the first constraint condition is not satisfied, that is, when it is determined that A + C> 9, for example, “seat restriction (9 in one order) (9 The message “Exceeded seat)” is displayed on the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20. Further, when the server device 10 determines that the second constraint condition is not satisfied, that is, when it is determined that A <1 (A = 0), for example, “one or more adults” Please display this message on the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20. Further, when the server device 10 determines that the third constraint condition is not satisfied, that is, when it is determined that A <E, for example, “the number of infants without a seat is equal to or less than that of an adult. Please send a message such as "" to the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20. Furthermore, when the server device 10 determines that the fourth constraint condition is not satisfied, that is, when it is determined that 4A <C, for example, “4 children for one adult” A message such as “Please give me a name or less” is displayed on the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20.

  As described above, when the server device 10 determines whether or not the rules for the breakdown of the number of travelers for the airline ticket are appropriate, the server device 10 subsequently determines whether or not the breakdown of the number of travelers for the number of hotel rooms is within a predetermined rule. To do.

  That is, the server apparatus 10 shows whether or not the number of rooms designated by the room number designation area 67 is within the room allocation rule assumed by the seller under the control of the CPU 11 in FIG. Judgment is made based on the person limit logic as shown. Specifically, the server device 10 is a four-bedroom which is a room type exceptionally existing in α, Hawaii, etc., in which the number of persons (two or less) that can be accommodated in a basic double room or twin room is α. If the number of people that can be accommodated in the child (4 or less) is β and the capacity is Σ = 2α + 4β, and there is an infant set without a bed (E ≧ 1) as a first constraint condition, for example, , “Infants are set without a bed (adult sleeping). Please specify the room type and the number of rooms if necessary.” A message is displayed on the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20. Let In addition, as a second constraint condition, the server device 10 has exceeded the capacity of the room but allows up to two persons (A + C ≦ Σ ≦ A + C + 2), and displays it on the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20. Causes the process to proceed to the next step without displaying anything. Further, as a third restriction condition, the server device 10 may, for example, indicate that “the designated room capacity total is more than 3 people when the room capacity is greatly exceeded (Σ ≧ A + C + 3)”. Please confirm the room type and the number of rooms again and specify again. ”A message such as“ is displayed on the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20 is displayed. Furthermore, as a fourth constraint condition, the server device 10 has, for example, a case where the child is an adult lying (1 ≦ C ≦ A + 1 and A + 1 ≦ Σ <A + C). If the child (A + C-Σ) will be accompanied by an adult, the message “Is it OK?” Is displayed on the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20, and if the message is acceptable, Proceed to the procedure, and if the message is not correct, let it be specified again. However, in this case, if there are two or more children than the number of adults, it is necessary to reserve one more room. In addition, the server device 10 provides a fifth restriction condition different from the fourth restriction condition when the child is an adult lying bed, and the number of designated rooms is equal to the number of adults (Σ = A) and the number of children does not exceed the number of adults (1 ≤ C ≤ A), so that no more than two children can sleep together in an adult bed is doing. Furthermore, as a sixth constraint condition, the server device 10 may have, for example, “the number of people exceeds the room capacity. If there are no adult beds (A> Σ), please change or add a room. Is displayed on the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20, and further prompts the user to reserve a room.

  It should be noted that when these first to sixth constraint conditions are shown in an easy-to-understand manner, it is as shown in FIG. That is, the server device 10 causes the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20 to display the above-described message that prompts re-designation when the number of people Σ designated by the user is A + C + 3 or more. Further, when the number of people Σ designated by the user is equal to or greater than A + C and equal to or less than A + C + 2, the server device 10 advances the process to the next procedure as it is. Furthermore, when the number of persons Σ designated by the user is A + 1 or more and less than A + C (A + C−1 or less), the server apparatus 10 is a child lying only when 1 ≦ C ≦ A + 1. The above-described message indicating the effect is displayed on the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20. Furthermore, when the number of people Σ designated by the user is equal to A, the server device 10 displays the above-described message indicating that the child will be lying only if 1 ≦ C ≦ A. Are displayed on the display unit 17. Further, the server device 10 is a case where the number of people Σ designated by the user is A + 1 or more and less than A + C (A + C−1 or less), and when A + 1 ≦ C, the server device 10 prompts the user to change or add a room. The above-described message is displayed on the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20. Further, when the number of people Σ designated by the user is less than A (A-1 or less), the server device 10 displays the above-described message for prompting room change / addition on the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20. Let

  As described above, the server device 10 provides guidance on the number of rooms of a plurality of types designated by the user and the number of rooms in consideration of the breakdown of the number of travel persons, the designated capacity of the room, and the child's lying condition. It is possible to judge the right or wrong.

  Under the control of the CPU 11, the server device 10 determines whether or not such a breakdown of the number of travelers is within a predetermined rule, and if it is determined that it is within the rule, the storage unit 14 or the like The database and the like stored in is accessed, and information on airline tickets and hotels that meet the specified conditions is retrieved and acquired. And the server apparatus 10 displays the search result page of a website as shown, for example in FIG.6 and FIG.7 on the display part 17 of the user terminal 20 as a search result.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the search result page displays a list 71 of information on airline tickets and hotels searched as candidates that match the specified condition, and as a candidate, as shown in FIG. A list 74 in which candidate airline information 72 indicating airlines selling the searched airline tickets and candidate hotel information 73 indicating hotels is arranged in a matrix is displayed.

  The candidate airline information 72 constitutes items on the horizontal axis of the list 74. The candidate airline information 72 includes information such as a logo of an airline that sells the air ticket searched as a candidate, and a list button 75 for displaying a list in which the logo and the airline name are associated with each other is provided as a separate window. Configured. On the other hand, the candidate hotel information 73 constitutes an item on the vertical axis of the list 74. The candidate hotel information 73 includes a photograph of a hotel searched for as a candidate, and is provided with a detail button 76 for displaying the details of the hotel as a separate window and a check box 77 for selecting the hotel as a candidate. Composed.

  In the list 74 in which the horizontal axis and the vertical axis are respectively defined by the candidate airline information 72 and the candidate hotel information 73, the information is displayed on all the airlines and candidate hotel information 73 displayed in the candidate airline information 72. It is possible to arbitrarily combine all the hotels that have been made. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, when five airlines and three hotels are displayed as candidates, the user can select 5 × 3 = 15 kinds of package tour products.

  Here, the list 74 displays a reference fee 78 which is a guideline when the airline displayed in the candidate airline information 72 and the hotel displayed in the candidate hotel information 73 are combined. Accordingly, the arrangement order of the airline and the hotel can be changed. For example, when the candidate airline information 72 is displayed side by side in the order of cheaper airlines from the left and the candidate hotel information 73 is displayed in descending order of the cheapest hotels, the reference fee 78 Of these, the combination of airline and hotel displayed at the top left is the cheapest combination. In addition, the display rule of the reference charge 78 in the list 74 is the total display for the designated number of people, and the display of XX yen is based on the room with the lowest charge in each hotel. It also means that each airline is based on the cheapest ticket. Therefore, the actual travel fee is recalculated according to the exact arrival time of the aircraft.

  In the travel reservation support system, it is possible to intuitively grasp the combinations to be selected by the user according to preferences by presenting the reference fee via the list 74 arranged in such a matrix. The operability can be improved. In the travel reservation support system, a combination of all air tickets searched for as candidates and a hotel can be provided as a travel product, which greatly increases the degree of freedom of the user's choice when booking a package tour. be able to.

  In the travel reservation support system, the user selects a check box 77 of a desired hotel through such a search result page displayed on the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20, and is provided on the search result page. By selecting the vacant seat / vacancy inquiry button 80, information indicating the selected condition is transmitted from the user terminal 20 to the server device 10.

  In response to this, the server device 10 inquires of the vacant seat and the vacancy for the combination of the air ticket and the selected hotel based on the information transmitted from the user terminal 20 under the control of the CPU 11. .

  That is, the server device 10 communicates with an airline reservation system (not shown) via the communication unit 15 under the control of the CPU 11 to inquire about the airline reservation status. At this time, since the server device 10 requires a long time of about 10 to 20 seconds for the vacant seat inquiry using the airline reservation system, it will be described in detail later for the convenience of the user. Instead of inquiring about the company at once, for example, inquiries are made only for the airline that is displayed on the leftmost in the list 74 as the cheapest price, and if there are no seats available, the next lowest price Inquiries are made one by one, such as inquiring about other airlines displayed to the right of the airline. Further, the server device 10 accesses a database or the like stored in the storage unit 14 or the like under the control of the CPU 11 and inquires about the reservation status of the selected hotel.

  When the server apparatus 10 makes such an inquiry under the control of the CPU 11, for example, an inquiry result page of a website as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is displayed as the inquiry result on the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20. To display.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the inquiry result page displays, as a character string, a list 81 of information on airline tickets and hotels searched as candidates for vacant seats and vacancies as a result of the inquiry, as shown in FIG. Like the list 74 shown in FIG. 7, the candidate airline information 82 indicating the airline that sells the airline tickets searched as candidates and the candidate hotel information 83 indicating the hotels are arranged in a matrix. A list 84 is displayed.

  Like the candidate airline information 72, the candidate airline information 82 constituting the items on the horizontal axis of the list 84 is made up of information such as the logo of the airline that sells the airline tickets searched as candidates, and the logo and the airline A list button 85 for displaying a list associated with company names as a separate window is provided. Further, the candidate airline information 82 is configured by providing a check box 86 for determining a reservation of the airline for an airline with a vacant seat. Further, the candidate hotel information 83 that constitutes the item on the vertical axis of the list 84 is, like the candidate hotel information 73, a photograph of a hotel searched for as a candidate, and the details for displaying the details of the hotel as a separate window. A button 87 and a check box 88 for determining a reservation for the hotel are provided.

  Also, in the list 84, as a result of the inquiry, inquiry result information 89 indicating the presence or absence of air ticket seats and the availability of hotels is displayed together with the reference fee 78 described above. Here, as described above, the server device 10 does not make an inquiry for all the airlines at the same time, but makes an inquiry for each company, and once the vacant seat is found, the inquiry is once ended. Along with this, the list 84 displays the inquiry results for the airline where the first available seat was found. Therefore, the user views the inquiry results for one airline company with vacant seats and the inquiry results for all hotels via the list 84. Thereby, in the travel reservation support system, it is possible to intuitively grasp the combinations that the user can make an immediate reservation, and avoid the situation where the user waits for a long time for an inquiry, The operability can be improved.

  The inquiry result page is provided with another airline inquiry button 90 for inquiring other airlines when the user does not want the airline where the seat was vacant. In response to selection of the company inquiry button 90, the airline displayed on the right of the airline that has a vacant seat in the list 84 is inquired.

  In the travel reservation support system, the user selects a check box 86 of a desired airline or a check box 88 of a hotel through such an inquiry result page displayed on the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20, By selecting the hotel room type selection button 91 provided on the inquiry result page, information indicating the selected condition is transmitted from the user terminal 20 to the server device 10.

  In response to this, the server device 10 selects a room type for the selected hotel based on the information transmitted from the user terminal 20 under the control of the CPU 11, for example, FIGS. 10 and 11. The hotel room type selection page of the website as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the hotel room type selection page displays selected hotel room type information 101 indicating information on the room type of the selected hotel.

  The selected hotel room type information 101 includes a photo of the selected hotel, etc., and selects a detail button 102 for displaying the details of the hotel as a separate window and a room type of the hotel such as a superior twin room or a standard twin room. And a radio button 103 for selecting automatically. Here, the fee displayed as the reference fee mentioned above is set based on the cheapest room in each hotel, and for rooms higher than that, the total charge for the specified number of travelers Will be displayed near the room name.

  In the travel reservation support system, the user selects a desired room type radio button 103 through such a hotel room type selection page displayed on the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20, and selects the hotel room type. By selecting the selection confirmation button 104 provided on the page, information indicating the selected condition is transmitted from the user terminal 20 to the server device 10.

  In response to this, the server device 10 calculates a final travel fee and the like based on the information transmitted from the user terminal 20 under the control of the CPU 11, and for example, as shown in FIG. And a selection content confirmation page that includes travel fees and the like are displayed on the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20. In the travel reservation support system, the user selects a reservation procedure button 111 provided on the selection content confirmation page via such a selection content confirmation page displayed on the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20. , Transfer processing to the reservation procedure.

  When the server apparatus 10 shifts the processing to the reservation procedure, the CPU 11 displays a predetermined terms page on the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20 (not shown) under the control of the CPU 11, requests consent, and then travels. An input page (not shown) for inputting information necessary for the reservation, such as a person's name and contact information, is displayed on the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20. Then, the server device 10 displays a final confirmation page (not shown) for confirming the final content on the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20 based on the input information, and an input operation for reservation confirmation is performed. Depending on the situation, airline tickets and hotel reservation processing. Further, the server device 10 displays a payment method selection page (not shown) on the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20 for selecting, for example, credit card payment, bank transfer, or convenience store payment as a payment method. The payment processing is performed based on the input information, and the series of reservation procedures is completed.

  In the travel reservation support system, the tabs 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, and 56 described above are provided on each page. Therefore, a reservation is made by selecting a necessary tab and switching pages. Applications for travel disability insurance accompanying package tours and reservations for rental cars and optional tours can be made at the same time, providing excellent operability to the user.

  Now, in the travel reservation support system, it is possible to improve the operability of the user by arranging the information about the airline and the information about the hotel in a matrix, but the user performs an input operation. Also from the viewpoint of processing performed by the server device 10 based on the information, an effective travel product presentation method is realized for the convenience of the user. Below, these effective methods are demonstrated.

  First, a description will be given of the ranking and search order of airline products.

  In the search result page described above, the charges classified for each airline are presented in the list 74. However, although the server device 10 does not display the charges on the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20, it is actually an airline. For airline tickets, which are travel products provided by one company, cash is saved in the order of low prices.

  Specifically, the server device 10 sets, for example, a group discount fare product or a cheap air ticket as the travel product A1, a regular discount air ticket as the travel product A2, a regular air ticket as the travel product A3, business class or first When the class air ticket is a travel product A4, these four travel products A1, A2, A3, A4 are stored in the cache in the order of low charges, that is, in the order of A1, A2, A3, A4. When the five airlines A, B, C, D, and E exist as search results, the server device 10 includes a list 74 on the search result page displayed on the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20. The travel products A1, B1, C1, D1, and E1 with the lowest charges for the airlines A, B, C, D, and E are compared and displayed from the left in the order of the airlines with the lowest charges.

  Here, as described above, the server device 10 inquires about vacant seats one company at a time. However, based on the information stored in the cache, the server device 10 inquires about the vacant seat for the cheapest travel product A1, and then the same airline. In this case, the vacant seat for the travel product A2 with the next highest fee is inquired, and if there is no vacant seat, the user will be inquired about the vacant seat for the travel product A3 which is expensive for the user.

  Therefore, in order to avoid such a situation, the charges in airlines with intense price competition tend to be in the order of A1 <B1 <C1 <D1 <E1 <A2 <B2 <C2 <D2 <E2 <... Focused on being strong. That is, when the server device 10 makes a vacant seat inquiry for each company, A1, B1, C1, D1, E1, A2, B2, C2, D2, E2,. Query in the order of. That is, the server device 10 starts the inquiry from the travel product A1 at the first airline A, and if there is no vacant seat for the travel product E1 with the cheapest charge at the last airline, Queries vacant seats for the travel product A2.

  Thereby, in the travel reservation support system, it is possible to satisfy the potential needs of the user who wants to check the availability of vacant seats sequentially from cheap travel products in a short time, and provide high convenience for the user.

  Next, presentation of a flight plan will be described.

  When the server device 10 makes an inquiry to the airline reservation system, there is a direct flight, a transit flight, or even a plurality of flights per day for the one travel product A1 described above. In many cases, a plurality of flight plans are acquired as inquiry results. Therefore, when there are a plurality of flight plans, the server apparatus 10 preferentially searches for direct flights.

  As a result, the travel reservation support system can satisfy the user's potential needs to reserve a direct flight that requires less time and effort, and can provide high convenience to the user.

  Next, how to deal with itinerary patterns in two or more cities will be described.

  As described above, the travel reservation support system supports not only one city but also an itinerary for visiting two or more cities. In other words, in the travel reservation support system, it is possible to individually select a plurality of hotels that can be accommodated in each city, and it is also possible to individually select air tickets between cities for air mail. . In the travel reservation support system, it is possible to individually inquire about hotels that can be accommodated in each selected city and air tickets between the cities.

  As a result, in the travel reservation support system, free travel settings can be realized, and the degree of freedom of selection by the user when reserving a package tour can be greatly increased.

  Next, setting of the child fee will be described.

  The charges in the conventional reservation system are set as shown in FIG. 13, for example.

  First, in the past, a basic charge for one adult was set as a basic unit. For example, when traveling for 3 nights with 2 adults, the price per adult is 60000 yen as the basic charge for an adult ticket and 2000 yen x 3/2 per room as the room charge. 30000 yen, 10% is added as a profit acquired by the travel agent, resulting in a total of 100,000 yen.

  On the other hand, there is no particular reason for the child fee, and it is the mainstream that a discount of about 5,000 to 10000 yen is made from the adult fee. Therefore, the charge per child is 90000 yen. Infant fees are generally around 10,000 yen.

  According to the International Airfare Rules, the child fee is 75% of the adult fee, and the infant fee that does not require a seat is 10% of the adult fee. Therefore, the child's air fare is 45,000 yen, and the infant's air fare is 6000 yen.

  To summarize the above, in the past, when only one room was booked as a hotel for a family trip with two adults and two children, one child must be accompanied by an adult, The total sales price is 100,000 yen x 2 people + 90000 yen x 2 people = 380,000 yen. On the other hand, the purchase price of a travel agent is an airfare of 60000 yen x 2 people + 45000 yen x 2 people = 210,000 yen and an accommodation charge of 60000 yen, which is very different from the selling price.

  On the other hand, in the travel reservation support system, for example, as shown in FIG.

  That is, in the travel reservation support system, as described above, since the entire family can stay in one room if the room allocation rule of the hotel is satisfied, the accommodation fee is calculated as one room. Therefore, in the travel reservation support system, for example, a profit of 10% is added to the conventional purchase price of 270,000 yen, which is 300,000 yen (75,000 yen per person).

  In this way, the travel reservation support system does not charge a fee for each traveler as in the past, but instead of the hotel price calculated according to the purchase price of the air ticket for which the difference due to age and the number of rooms required are calculated. By adding profits to the purchase price and calculating a comprehensive fee in units of the total number of people traveling, it is possible to make the selling price 20% to 30% lower than the conventional selling price, which is extremely effective for the user. is there.

  Next, the setting of the meal plan will be described.

  Conventional meal plans for travel agents are usually set when planning travel products. A travel agent contracts with a hotel in advance for breakfast and dinner, and sells this fee as a travel product incorporated into the package plan.

  On the other hand, in the travel reservation support system, the following method is used to allow the user to have a free selection right and no fixed setting is performed in advance.

  First, in the travel reservation support system, as shown in FIG. 11, the hotel room type selection page is displayed on the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20, but this hotel room type selection page is not particularly illustrated. Include items that can be specified for the presence or absence of meals. For example, in the travel reservation support system, even if the same room is selected on the hotel room type selection page, an item that allows selection of a: no meal, b: with breakfast, c: with dinner is provided. The room types that can be selected are individually managed according to the presence or absence of meals. That is, in the travel reservation support system, the database stored in the storage unit 14 or the like in the server device 10 is provided with an item indicating whether or not there is a meal together with the hotel room type, and can be displayed on the hotel room type selection page. deep.

  In the travel reservation support system, the user selects a desired room type together with the presence or absence of a meal through such a hotel room type selection page displayed on the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20, and the same room is selected. Compare travel fees according to the presence or absence of meals (total amount including travel companions), and select a desired plan.

  Here, in the travel business law, regarding the sponsored trip, the presence or absence of a meal needs to be displayed on the contract document. Therefore, in the travel reservation support system, the selection confirmation page as shown in FIG. Information on the presence / absence of a meal is displayed, and the server device 10 notifies the user by sending detailed information about a reservation including the presence / absence of a meal to the user terminal 20 via an e-mail or the like.

  On the other hand, in the travel reservation support system, information related to a reservation including the room type and the presence / absence of a meal is transmitted from the server device 10 to the terminal owned by the hotel from the server device 10 via an e-mail or the like. Thereby, the hotel side can take measures such as distributing meal tickets when the user arrives and performs check-in.

  Next, automatic setting of the number of nights based on the flight plan will be described.

  In the conventional reservation system, it is necessary to secure the flight of the airline company in advance and set the number of hotel stays at the arrival date and departure date of the flight.

  On the other hand, in the travel reservation support system, even if any flight plan is returned from the airline reservation system, the server apparatus 10 automatically calculates the appropriate number of nights. That is, in the travel reservation support system, after receiving the flight plan, the check-in date and time of the hotel is determined based on this.

  Specifically, in the travel reservation support system, as described above, the flight plan is searched based on the departure date of the departure place designated by the user and the departure date of the destination.

  At this time, in the travel reservation support system, if the flight goes through a city with a flight plan and arrives in the morning of the next day without arriving on the next day of departure, Searches for hotel vacancies, not as check-in from the departure date, but as check-in from the next day. On the other hand, in the travel reservation support system, even if the arrival date exceeds the departure date of the departure place, for example, if the arrival date is 2:00 am the next day, the user will want to stay. Treat as check-in on the departure date and search for hotel vacancies.

  As a result, the travel reservation support system automatically calculates the appropriate number of accommodations taking into account the convenience of the user, regardless of which flight plan is returned from the airline reservation system. The date and time can be determined.

  Next, a method for selling an air ticket with a ticket issue deadline in a package will be described.

  In recent years, airlines have increased the distribution of cheap flights and regular discounted fares (special excursion fares (sPecial EXcursion fare; PEX)), and the desire to secure reserved seats early, A cheap product may be sold when the strict condition that ticketing is made within 28 days prior to booking and within 3 days after the reservation is confirmed. Conventional travel agents combine these products excluding regular discount fares with hotels and sell products that offer discounts only as a bonus when bookings are completed 35 days before travel. In this case, if a discount is not provided, the usual product issued three days before travel is applied.

  On the other hand, in the travel reservation support system, in order to automatically make reservations for products with strict ticketing deadlines and regular discount fares among the cheap flights offered for packages, the following The method is adopted.

  First, in the travel reservation support system, the server device 10 issues the ticketing deadline together with the flight plan from the airline before displaying the search result page shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 on the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20. Get day information.

  As shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, the server device 10 calculates the products up to the day before the ticket issue date based on the ticket issue date information and displays them on the search result page. The parameters in the figure are defined in FIG. That is, the server device 10 excludes the product from the product combined with the hotel because, for example, the product issued on the 35th day before the travel cannot be purchased 30 days in advance. In addition, what considers the payment due date will be described later.

  Further, as will be described in detail later, the server device 10 sets the payment date and time of the user's application fee in accordance with the ticketing within 3 days, for example, the date and time up to 15:00 after 3 days and the service of the travel reservation support system. The providing distributor automatically sets the payment of the application fee within a time range in which the payment can be confirmed, and displays it on the display unit 17 of the user terminal 20.

  As a result, the travel reservation support system sells all products, that is, tickets issued 35 days before travel, tickets issued 28 days before travel, tickets issued 21 days before travel, tickets issued 14 days before travel, tickets issued 7 days before travel, tickets issued 3 days before travel. It becomes possible. It should be noted that such a product combining a regular discount fare and a hotel does not yet exist as well as systematized.

  Finally, a fee collection method in accordance with the Travel Business Law that allows for last-minute reservations will be described.

In the standard travel agreement sponsored by the Travel Act,
a) The application fee will be accepted retroactively 21 days prior to the day before travel. b) If it is after 21 days, full payment will be required. In both cases, the traveler will transfer the fee, Stipulates that the contract is finalized when the payment is confirmed.

  For this reason, in the travel reservation support system, it is necessary to display the above-mentioned products with ticketing restrictions and the product display according to the bank business day (exactly the JBA cooperative system operating day; Saturdays and Sundays are closed days) and the due date of payment. .

  Therefore, in the travel reservation support system, as shown in FIG. 18, various time limits are defined and operations to be performed for the time limits are defined.

  First, in the travel reservation support system, as shown in FIG. 15 to FIG. 17 and FIG. 19 to FIG. 21, all the flight plans returned from the airline reservation system based on the travel date designated by the user The standard is the ticket issue deadline date FINAL_LIMIT. This ticket issue deadline date FINAL_LIMIT is normally set at 15:00, three days before the travel date. In other words, in the travel reservation support system, it is necessary to issue a ticket according to the contents reserved in the airline reservation system by the final date of ticketing FINAL_LIMIT, and after the ticket is issued, the cancellation fee is paid to the airline. It becomes the object of.

  Here, in the travel reservation support system, it is necessary to collect a fee (application fee or full amount fee) from the user by the ticketing deadline date FINAL_LIMIT and confirm the payment by the Zenginkyo system. The JBA system cannot immediately confirm the deposit transferred on the holiday, and cannot confirm it unless it is early the next business day.

  Therefore, in the travel reservation support system, when the day before the ticketing deadline FINAL_LIMIT is a weekend or holiday, the closest bank business day is defined as GTO_FINAL_LIMIT, and the day before this bank business day GTO_FINAL_LIMIT (possible on weekends and holidays) ) Is defined as WEB_FINAL_LIMIT, and this date is set as the product display deadline date.

  Here, in the travel reservation support system, in the case of settlement by bank transfer, it takes some time for the data to be reflected in the Zenginkyo system. In the case of payment by payment, since data communication is completed immediately, the deadline date and time is set to 23:59 on the next day, and payment is instructed to the user.

  As a result, in the travel reservation support system, even if the user makes a reservation immediately before traveling, the user can make a contract as long as the fee is transferred at least by the next day.

  As described above, in the travel reservation support system shown as an embodiment of the present invention, the degree of freedom of selection by the user can be greatly expanded when a package tour is reserved. Further, in the travel reservation support system, it is possible to reduce the price by performing comprehensive price calculation in units of the total number of travel people. Furthermore, in the travel reservation support system, the information on the airline and the information on the hotel are arranged in a matrix form, and the user's operability can be improved by presenting the information according to the travel needs. . Furthermore, in the travel reservation support system, it is possible to reduce the inquiry time by inquiring one company at a time in the order of low charges when inquiring about vacant seats in an air ticket.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. For example, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that an air mail is used as a transportation facility and a hotel is used as an accommodation facility. It can be easily applied to transportation facilities and any accommodation facilities such as inns and pensions.

  Thus, it goes without saying that the present invention can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

It is a figure explaining the structure of the travel reservation assistance system shown as embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the server apparatus and user terminal in the travel reservation assistance system. It is a figure explaining the example of the reservation top page displayed on the display part of a user terminal in the travel reservation assistance system. It is a figure explaining the content of the number-of-persons limitation logic which a server apparatus performs in the travel reservation assistance system at the time of airline ticket reservation. It is a figure explaining the content of the number-of-persons limitation logic which a server apparatus performs in the travel reservation assistance system at the time of hotel reservation. It is the figure which showed the content shown to Fig.5 (a) clearly. It is a figure explaining the example of the search result page displayed on the display part of a user terminal in the travel reservation assistance system. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a search result page displayed on the display unit of the user terminal in the travel reservation support system, and a diagram for explaining the contents following FIG. 6. It is a figure explaining the example of the inquiry result page displayed on the display part of a user terminal in the travel reservation assistance system. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an inquiry result page displayed on a display unit of a user terminal in the travel reservation support system, and is a diagram illustrating content following FIG. 8. It is a figure explaining the example of the hotel room type selection page displayed on the display part of a user terminal in the travel reservation assistance system. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a hotel room type selection page displayed on the display unit of the user terminal in the travel reservation support system, and a diagram for explaining the contents following FIG. 10. It is a figure explaining the example of the selection content confirmation page displayed on the display part of a user terminal in the travel reservation assistance system. It is a figure explaining the example of the charge setting in the conventional reservation system. It is a figure explaining the example of the charge setting in the travel reservation assistance system. It is a figure explaining the example of the ticketing deadline date information in the travel reservation assistance system. It is a figure explaining the example of the ticketing deadline date information in the travel reservation assistance system, Comprising: It is a figure explaining the item following FIG. It is a figure explaining the example of the ticketing deadline date information in the travel reservation assistance system, Comprising: It is a figure explaining the item following FIG. It is a figure explaining the definition about various time limits and operation which should be performed about the time limits. It is a figure explaining the example of the ticket expiration date information in consideration of the payment due date of the fee in the travel reservation support system. FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining an example of ticket issue due date information in consideration of a due date for payment in the travel reservation support system, and is a diagram for explaining items following FIG. 19. FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining an example of ticket issue due date information in consideration of a payment due date in the travel reservation support system, and is a diagram for explaining items following FIG. 20.

Explanation of symbols

10 Server device 11 CPU
12 ROM
13 RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 Memory | storage part 15 Communication part 16 Input operation control part 17 Display part 20 User terminal 51,52,53,54,55,56 Tab 61 Type designation area 62 Area designation area 63 Schedule designation area 64 Person designation area 65 Seat type Designated area 66 Airline designated area 67 Number of rooms designated area 71, 81 List of information on searched air ticket and hotel 72, 82 Candidate airline information 73, 83 Candidate hotel information 74, 84 List table 75, 85 List button 76 , 87, 102 Detail button 77, 86, 88 Check box 78 Reference charge 89 Reference result information 90 Other airline inquiry button 91 Hotel room type selection button 101 Selected hotel room type information 103 Radio button 104 Selection confirmation button 111 Reservation procedure button

Claims (15)

A travel reservation support system that supports travel reservation using a website,
A user terminal owned by a user using the travel reservation support system;
Establishing a website for posting information necessary to make a travel reservation, allowing the user to browse the website page in response to access from the user terminal, and desired conditions specified by the user And a server device that arranges a travel reservation based on
The server device is
Based on the desired conditions specified by the user via the website page displayed on the display means of the user terminal, search for and obtain information on the transportation and accommodation facilities being handled,
The candidate transportation information indicating the transportation facility searched as a candidate is set as an item on one axis, and the candidate accommodation information indicating the accommodation facility searched as a candidate is displayed on the other axis orthogonal to the one axis. It is a list arranged in a matrix as an item, and displays a reference fee that serves as a guide when combining the transportation facility displayed in the candidate transportation facility information with the accommodation facility displayed in the candidate accommodation facility information Display the search result page on the display means of the user terminal,
In response to the vacant seat inquiry from the user via the user terminal, the vacant seats are queried one by one for the transportation displayed in the candidate transportation information, and the inquiry is terminated when a vacant seat is found. In addition, in response to a vacancy inquiry from the user via the user terminal, the vacancy inquiry about the accommodation facility displayed in the candidate accommodation facility information is performed, and the obtained inquiry result is listed above. Display the inquiry result page displayed in the table on the display means of the user terminal,
A travel reservation support system that performs comprehensive charge calculation in units of the total number of people based on a combination of transportation and accommodation facilities selected by the user via the user terminal. When the plurality of transportation displayed in the candidate transportation information provide a plurality of travel products with different rates, the server device caches the plurality of travel products in the order of the lowest prices. The travel reservation support system according to claim 1, wherein the travel reservation support system is stored in Based on the information stored in the cache, the server device starts an inquiry about vacant seats from the cheapest travel product among a plurality of travel products provided by the first transportation, and when there is no vacant seat, The travel reservation support system according to claim 2, wherein a vacant seat is inquired about a travel product with the lowest charge among a plurality of travel products provided by the second transportation. When there is no vacant seat for the cheapest travel product provided by each of the plurality of transportations displayed in the candidate transportation information, the server device provides a plurality of travel products provided by the first transportation The travel reservation support system according to claim 3, wherein vacant seats for travel products with the next lowest price are inquired. The travel reservation support system according to claim 1, wherein the server device preferentially searches for direct flights when a plurality of plans for one travel product are acquired as a query result. 2. The server device according to claim 1, wherein when an itinerary for visiting a plurality of cities is selected, the server device individually inquires about accommodation facilities that can be accommodated in each city and transportation facilities between the cities. Travel reservation support system. Before the server device searches and obtains information on the transportation and accommodation facilities that are handled, the server device breaks down the number of travelers based on the desired conditions specified by the user via the website page. 2. The travel according to claim 1, wherein whether or not is within a predetermined rule is determined, and if it is determined that the value is not within the predetermined rule, a predetermined message is displayed on the display unit of the user terminal. Reservation support system. The server device individually manages selectable room types in the accommodation facility according to the presence or absence of meals, and charges according to the presence or absence of meals selected by the user via the user terminal and the room type. The travel reservation support system according to claim 1, wherein the travel reservation support system is calculated. The server device displays information on the presence or absence of a meal on the display unit of the user terminal, and transmits detailed information on a reservation including the presence or absence of a meal to the user terminal. 8. The travel reservation support system according to 8. The travel reservation support system according to claim 9, wherein the server device transmits information about a reservation including a room type and the presence / absence of a meal to a terminal possessed by the accommodation facility. The above server device, when the searched transportation plan does not arrive during the departure date but arrives the next day, the check-in from the next day, not the check-in from the departure date, for the accommodation facility The travel reservation support system according to claim 1, wherein the travel reservation support system searches for a vacancy of the accommodation facility. The above transportation is by air,
The server device obtains ticketing due date information together with the flight plan of the flight, calculates the products up to the day before the ticketing due date based on the ticketing date information, and displays them on the display means of the user terminal. At the same time, the payment deadline for the application fee is 3 days later until 15:00, and the seller providing the travel reservation support system service automatically confirms the payment of the application fee. The travel reservation support system according to claim 1, wherein the travel reservation support system is set and displayed on the display means of the user terminal. The server device sets, for the searched flight plan, the day before the bank business day closest to the ticketing deadline date as the display deadline date of the product to be displayed on the display means of the user terminal, and pays the user The travel reservation support system according to claim 12, characterized by: A travel reservation support method for supporting travel reservation using a website,
Accessing a server device that opens a website for posting information necessary for making a reservation for travel through a user terminal possessed by a user using the travel reservation support system;
In response to access from the user terminal, displaying the page of the website on the display unit of the user terminal by the server device;
Based on the desired conditions specified by the user via the website page displayed on the display means of the user terminal, search for information on transportation facilities and accommodation facilities handled by the server device. A process of acquiring;
The candidate transportation information indicating the transportation facility searched as a candidate is set as an item on one axis, and the candidate accommodation information indicating the accommodation facility searched as a candidate is displayed on the other axis orthogonal to the one axis. It is a list arranged in a matrix as an item, and displays a reference fee that serves as a guide when combining the transportation facility displayed in the candidate transportation facility information with the accommodation facility displayed in the candidate accommodation facility information Displaying the search result page on the display means of the user terminal by the server device;
In response to the vacant seat inquiry from the user via the user terminal, the vacant seats are queried one by one for the transportation displayed in the candidate transportation information, and the inquiry is terminated when a vacant seat is found. In addition, in response to a vacancy inquiry from the user via the user terminal, the vacancy inquiry about the accommodation facility displayed in the candidate accommodation facility information is performed, and the obtained inquiry result is listed above. Displaying the inquiry result page displayed in the table on the display means of the user terminal by the server device;
And a comprehensive fee calculation in units of total number of travel by the server device based on a combination of transportation and accommodation facilities selected by the user via the user terminal. Travel reservation support method. Based on the desired conditions specified by the user by opening a website for posting information necessary to make a travel reservation, allowing the user to browse the website page in response to access from the user terminal A server device that arranges travel reservations,
Means for searching for and acquiring information about transportation facilities and accommodation facilities handled based on desired conditions specified by the user via the page of the website displayed on the display means of the user terminal; ,
The candidate transportation information indicating the transportation facility searched as a candidate is set as an item on one axis, and the candidate accommodation information indicating the accommodation facility searched as a candidate is displayed on the other axis orthogonal to the one axis. It is a list arranged in a matrix as an item, and displays a reference fee that serves as a guide when combining the transportation facility displayed in the candidate transportation facility information with the accommodation facility displayed in the candidate accommodation facility information Means for displaying a search result page on the display means of the user terminal;
In response to the vacant seat inquiry from the user via the user terminal, the vacant seats are queried one by one for the transportation displayed in the candidate transportation information, and the inquiry is terminated when a vacant seat is found. In addition, in response to a vacancy inquiry from the user via the user terminal, the vacancy inquiry about the accommodation facility displayed in the candidate accommodation facility information is performed, and the obtained inquiry result is listed above. Means for displaying the inquiry result page displayed in the table on the display means of the user terminal;
A server device comprising: means for performing comprehensive fee calculation in units of the total number of people based on a combination of transportation and accommodation facilities selected by the user via the user terminal.