JP2015152950A - Travel information providing device and travel information providing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a travel information providing device and a travel information providing method for arousing the demand of travel merchandise by motivating a user to go traveling, and for enabling the user to easily find out his or her desired travel merchandise by expressing and introducing information related to a travel, not as simple information, in an easy-to-see and interesting manner to enable the user to become interested.SOLUTION: A travel information providing device (first server 1) includes: a data storage part 11 having a cartoon content database 21 or the like in which cartoon content as travel information is stored; a top screen transmission part 12; a cartoon list screen transmission part 13; a cartoon search part 14; a cartoon extraction part 15; a cartoon distribution part 16; an update history transmission part 17; a cartoon content management part 18; and a member information management part 19 as main components. The cartoon content includes a plurality of episodes (cartoon parts) having story nature and information (related travel merchandise part) related to travel merchandise associated with the cartoon.

Description

  The present invention relates to a travel information providing apparatus and a travel information providing method using a computer. In particular, the present invention distributes various information related to travel to an information terminal possessed by a user using a communication line such as the Internet, etc. The present invention relates to a travel information providing apparatus and method for sales.

Conventionally, various information can be obtained on the Internet. The information includes a lot of information that is useful when traveling, such as introducing various sightseeing spots, introducing local specialties and events, etc. , It may also motivate you to go on a trip.
Recently, in addition to personal computers used at home, mobile information terminals that allow users to browse the Internet freely even when they are away from home have become widespread, and more and more people are referring to the above information on the Internet. is increasing.
In addition, reservations and purchases of travel products such as accommodation facilities and package tours can be made on the Internet without going directly to a travel agency. Many people purchase travel products.

For example, the travel information providing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus that provides tourist spot information corresponding to a traveler's attributes without depending on a request or location information from an information terminal carried by the traveler. Has been.
Further, in the area information providing service system, server and method described in Patent Document 2, a system for searching for area information of a destination based on a request from a traveler's mobile phone and providing it to the traveler's mobile phone is disclosed. ing.

JP 2011-145834 A JP 2008-210167 A

However, although such conventional travel information providing devices and regional information providing service systems provide information related to travel, such information is simply information that introduces local information on tourist spots and destinations. Therefore, it is not deep enough to draw out the characteristics of each tourist destination with the culture and customs of each region.
In addition, the conventional information is simple information that simply introduces tourist spots etc. with photos and texts, so it is difficult to say that it is easy to see and intriguing for the user, thus lacking interest Simply introducing it was not enough information to motivate the user to travel to the location.

Especially for foreigners who are unfamiliar with the Japanese language, there is a possibility that the real goodness of the sightseeing spot etc. may not be sufficiently conveyed by the simple introduction by conventional photographs and texts. And since goodness is not communicated, there was an inconvenience that it was not motivated to actually want to go there and did not lead to the purchase of travel products.
In addition, even if you actually come to travel, foreigners are often not familiar with information on Japanese tourist spots, customs, culture, etc. There was a risk that it could not be enjoyed at all, could not lead to a repeater, or could not get good evaluation by word of mouth or the like.

  On the other hand, with the diversification of user needs, travel products have also been diversified, and the range of travel products is increasing and becoming more complicated. Therefore, simply searching the Internet also has the disadvantage that it is difficult for users to find travel information and travel products that they really need.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the object of the present invention is not to provide information on travel as simple information, but to introduce it in an easy-to-read and interesting way so that the user is interested. It is an object of the present invention to provide a travel information providing apparatus and a travel information providing method that can motivate a user to go on a trip to stimulate demand for travel products and make it easier for a user to find a desired travel product.

  According to the travel information providing apparatus of the present invention, the travel information providing apparatus that provides travel information to an information terminal connected to a communication network via the communication network, the travel information providing apparatus Has at least a storage unit and a calculation unit, and the storage unit includes a travel information storage unit that stores the travel information, and the travel information is a comic that expresses information about the trip in a comic composed of pictures and characters. And a related travel product unit configured from a travel product group related to the content of the cartoon and capable of accepting the selection of the travel product group from the information terminal, the computing unit from the information terminal A travel information distribution unit that searches and extracts travel information from the storage unit in response to a distribution request and distributes the travel information to the information terminal is provided. And a related travel product section that is composed of a travel product group related to the contents of the comic and that can accept the selection of the travel product group from the information terminal is displayed on the information terminal. It is solved by delivering as possible.

  According to the travel information providing method of the present invention, a travel information providing method for providing travel information to an information terminal connected to a communication network using a computer via the communication network, the computer comprising: A computer having at least a storage unit and a calculation unit, wherein the calculation unit of the computer expresses information related to travel stored in the storage unit as a cartoon composed of pictures and characters, and relates to the content of the cartoon The travel information including the related travel product unit configured from the travel product group and capable of accepting the selection of the travel product group from the information terminal is received from the storage unit in response to a distribution request from the information terminal. A travel information distribution step of searching and extracting and distributing the information to the information terminal is performed. The travel information distribution step expresses information related to the travel with a cartoon composed of pictures and characters. Distributing the cartoon part and the related travel product part that is configured from the travel product group related to the content of the cartoon and that can accept the selection of the travel product group from the information terminal so as to be displayed on the information terminal, It is solved by.

As described above, in the present invention, travel information is provided by distributing comics expressed by pictures and characters.
In this way, travel information such as information on sightseeing spots and gourmets throughout the country is not just information, but by means of comics, it is possible to uncover interest by introducing it to the user in an easy-to-understand and interesting way. It is possible to motivate the contacted user to actually go on a trip and to stimulate demand for travel products.
Further, by displaying information on the travel product group related to the comic together with the comic, it is possible to sell the travel product and make it easy for the user to find the desired travel product. The travel product group is a group of travel products such as multiple accommodations and package tours related to the content of the comics, such as “Mount Fuji tour” if the comics are related to Mt. Fuji. Shows what

In the case of comics, it is easy and easy to read with pictures because it is interesting and easy to read, and it is easy to become a topic in word-of-mouth such as SNS, so information spreads not only in Japan but also overseas via the Internet. Can also expect.
Japanese comics are especially popular with foreigners and are said to be loved by people all over the world. In this way, by incorporating the subculture that is superior to Japan, called manga, as a means of transmitting information and multiplying it with travel, it is possible to convey the appeal of Japan to foreigners in a favorable manner. It is possible to connect to the sale of travel products, such as taking action until you go to Japan, actually visiting Japan and traveling to the place.

In Japan, inbound (the number of tourists coming from outside of Japan) is very small compared to outbound, and the number of foreign tourists staying at a low level. Providing travel information through a new means of comics can also be expected as part of promotional activities for visiting Japan overseas, which can lead to an increase in the number of foreign visitors to Japan, in other words, inbound.
In addition, the increase in inbound is expected to have ripple effects not only in tourism but also in a variety of industries such as retail, dining out and distribution. Can contribute to value creation in new regions.

Here, the manga provides information with pictures and characters, and the story (story) is advanced by drawing the pictures dynamically, especially with the pictures as the subject. The character plays an auxiliary role in the picture, and indicates, for example, the dialogue or onomatopoeia of the character (character). In general, characters are often expressed in speech balloons or frames.
Cartoons that can experience various worlds are exciting as if the readers themselves are actually experiencing, even if the readers are not actually experiencing them, trying to read by applying themselves to the characters Because it can be used, it is popular regardless of nationality or age and gender.

In addition, the storage unit includes a travel product storage unit that stores travel products, and the calculation unit applies a reservation application for the travel products included in the travel product group when the selection of the travel product group is accepted. Reservation screen transmission means for transmitting a reservation screen that can be accepted to the information terminal, and the reservation screen transmission means includes information that guides the travel product when a character that has appeared in the cartoon reappears. It is preferable to deliver the data so that it can be displayed on the terminal.
In addition, the information processing terminal receives reservation application reception information capable of receiving a reservation application for the travel product included in the travel product group when the computing unit of the computer receives the selection of the travel product group. A reservation application reception information transmission step is performed, and the reservation application reception information transmission step distributes information that guides the travel product by allowing the character that appeared in the cartoon to reappear and display it on the information terminal. Are preferred.

In this way, after the user enjoys the comics and obtains the travel information, the user can move directly to the reservation site where the travel products related to the comics can be directly purchased. The increase in inflows to travel can lead to increased sales of travel products.
In particular, when a cartoon character reappears on the reservation screen and guides the travel product, the user can easily become familiar with it, stimulate the desire to purchase the travel product, and actually purchase the travel product.

The travel information providing device includes a first server including the travel information storage unit, the travel information search unit, the travel information extraction unit, and the travel information distribution unit, the travel product storage unit, and the reservation screen. It is preferable that the second server provided with the transmission means is separated.
Thereby, it can prevent that the load to one server concentrates, and can manage travel information and travel goods efficiently. In addition, when a server for pre-sale of travel products already exists, the server can be effectively used with a slight modification.

Moreover, it is preferable that the said character which comprises the said cartoon consists of languages other than Japanese.
This makes it possible to distribute information efficiently to foreigners in particular, making it easier for foreigners to use and encouraging visitors to Japan to increase inbound.
Languages other than Japanese are the languages of people around the world who are likely to visit Japan, assuming languages from around the world, such as English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Korean, Thai, etc. Is preferably covered.

Moreover, it is preferable that the cartoon part is composed of a story cartoon that introduces information related to the travel in a story style.
In this way, by providing storylines to comics that introduce travel information, you can enjoy reading in a tailored manner, and if you naturally introduce travel products from comics in the flow of the story, It can stimulate demand for travel products.

In addition, it is preferable that the cartoon part expresses information related to accommodation facilities, sightseeing spots, events, culture, customs, manners, gourmet, medical care, maps, or traffic in tourist spots.
As information on travel, the above information is expressed in cartoons, so that it is not just information that introduces tourist spots and local information of destinations, but also the culture and customs of each place. Because it is deep information that draws out the features enough, it can attract users of a wide range of age groups, regardless of gender, age and gender, from children to the elderly, and rediscover Japan's attractions such as tourist spots Can be connected.
Especially for foreign users, it is possible to simulate cross-cultural communication with cartoons, so that people can actually go to Japan and want to experience the same, which can stimulate demand for travel products.

It is preferable that the cartoon part expresses a story of another traveler as a cartoon.
In this way, the experiences of other people posted on bulletin boards, etc. (comments) can be converted into comics and provided to the user as travel information. For the user, real and timely information about the actual experiences of others can be obtained from the comics.

  According to the travel information providing apparatus and the travel information providing method of the present invention, it is desired to go on a trip by presenting information related to travel not simply as information but by expressing it in an easy-to-read and interesting manner so that the user is interested. Motivating the demand for travel products and making it easier for users to find the travel products they want.

It is a conceptual diagram of the communication system containing the travel information provision apparatus of this invention. It is the figure which showed the hardware constitutions of the travel information provision apparatus (a 1st server and a 2nd server). It is the figure which showed the structure of the 1st server from the functional surface. It is the figure which showed the structure of the 2nd server from the functional surface. It is the figure which showed an example of the structure of comic content. It is the figure which showed the file structure of comic content. It is the figure which showed an example of the item of comic content. It is the figure which showed roughly the flow of the screen transition displayed on a user's information terminal. It is the figure which showed roughly the flow of the screen transition displayed on a user's information terminal. It is the figure which showed roughly the flow of the process at the time of ID production | generation and login. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on a user's information terminal. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on a user's information terminal. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on a user's information terminal. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on a user's information terminal. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on a user's information terminal, (a) is a travel product list screen, (b) is a travel product screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on a user's information terminal. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on a user's information terminal. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on a user's information terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of a travel information provision method. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a comic delivery process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a comic delivery process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a travel product list screen transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a travel product list screen transmission process. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed in a comic management process. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed in a comic management process. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed in a comic management process. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed in a comic management process. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed in a comic management process. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed in a comic management process. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed in a comic management process. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed in a comic management process. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed in a comic management process. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed in a comic management process. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed in a comic management process. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed in a comic management process.

Hereinafter, an embodiment (this embodiment) of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the following, in order to explain the specific configuration according to the present embodiment, travel information for foreigners, particularly foreigners who are traveling in Japan or interested in Japan and considering traveling to Japan, is provided. A case example will be described.

First, a system constructed for realizing the travel information providing method of the present invention, that is, the configuration of the travel information providing system S will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a communication system including a travel information providing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the travel information providing apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the travel information providing system S of the present embodiment is configured by a computer managed by a travel agent such as a travel agency or an Internet provider affiliated with the travel agent, more specifically, a server computer. External communication in which a travel information providing device (hereinafter referred to as the first server 1 or the second server 2) and an information terminal 3 such as a personal computer, a smartphone or a mobile phone possessed by a user are made up of a mobile network such as the Internet, 3G, 4G, etc. It is configured by being communicably connected via the network NT.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first server 1 and the second server 2 include a CPU 1a as a calculation unit that performs control and data calculation / processing, a ROM 1b as a read-only storage device, and a main memory (main storage device). RAM 1c, communication interface (indicated as communication I / F in FIG. 2) 1d, hard disk drive (indicated as HDD in FIG. 2) 1e as an auxiliary storage device, input device 1f, and output from a display or printer It has apparatus 1g as a component.
In addition, the first server 1 and the second server 2 are preinstalled with various programs for exhibiting their functions.

In this embodiment, various data related to travel information such as comic content and travel products, which will be described later, are stored in a storage device mounted on the first server 1 or the second server 2, specifically, the hard disk drive 1e. .
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the storage device that stores various data related to travel information or the like may be a separate device from the first server 1 or the second server 2. A database server that can communicate with the first server 1 or the second server 2 may be used as a storage device for the data.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the function of the 1st server 1 and the 2nd server 2 is exhibited when various installed programs are read and executed by CPU1a.
The first server 1 and the second server 2 are managed by a travel agent or the like. As a method for providing the function to the user, for example, a method such as a cloud service or an ASP service can be used. It is.

The hardware configuration of the first server 1 and the second server 2 is as described above. Hereinafter, the configuration of the first server 1 and the second server 2 will be described again from the functional aspect with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. To do.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the first server 1 in terms of functions. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the second server 2 in terms of functions.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first server 1 includes a data storage unit 11, a top screen transmission unit 12, a comic list screen transmission unit 13, a comic search unit 14, a comic extraction unit 15, a comic distribution unit 16, and an update history transmission unit. 17, a cartoon content management unit 18 and a member information management unit 19 are provided as main components.
These are responsible for various data processing executed by the first server 1, and are configured by the cooperation of the above-described hardware components constituting the first server 1 and the installed program.

The data storage unit 11 stores various data, and is mainly composed of a hard disk drive 1 e mounted on the first server 1.
The data storage unit 11 includes a comic content database 21 and a member management database 22.
The data stored in the data storage unit 11 includes various programs stored in the database in addition to various programs installed in advance to operate the first server 1 as a travel information providing device. It is.

The comic content stored in the comic content database 21 is travel information (data file) created by the comic content management unit 18 to be described later, and is data distributed from the first server 1 to the user information terminal 3. .
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of comic content. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a file structure of comic content. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the item of the cross-cultural experience corner in the comic content.

As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, comic content is roughly divided into story comics and cross-cultural experience corners.
Story comics are subdivided into regions such as Hokkaido and Tohoku, for example, and episodes related to sightseeing spots, cultures, etc. in those regions are made into comics. Usually, one story is composed of a plurality of episodes (manga parts) having narrative characteristics.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the comic content, one file is formed for each episode of each story.
The comic content includes information related to the travel product related to the comic (related travel product section) at the end of all episodes, that is, the last page of each story. Here, travel information related to comics is, for example, “Mt. Fuji Tour” for comics related to Mt. Fuji, and “Sapporo Tour” or “Hakodate Tour” for comics related to Hokkaido. This is a group of travel products such as a plurality of specific accommodation facilities and package tours that are grouped together, and so-called travel product group.

  The cross-cultural experience corner is classified into genres such as gourmet, entertainment, cultural experience, event, and trivia as shown in FIG. In addition, if you are a gourmet, how to make okonomiyaki, gourmet information such as ramen stalls, cultural experience, the first full train, maiko play, how to enter a hot spring, Japanese table manners, how to spend an inn, Okinawa time, etc. Information about the unique culture of Japan is cartoonized.

  In addition, similar to story comics, this comic content includes information on travel products related to the comics at the end of all episodes, that is, the last page of each story. Here, information on travel products related to manga refers to, for example, Kyoto tours for manga introducing maiko play, and hot springs such as Kusatsu Onsen and Arima Onsen for manga introducing how to enter hot springs. This applies to travel products such as tours.

In this way, the content of comic content is information related to travel, but it is not limited to the content that directly guides tourist sites, but accommodation facilities, sights, events, culture, customs, manners, gourmet, medical care of tourist sites It also includes a wide range of contents that motivate you to go on a trip by introducing folk tales, cultures, etc. transmitted to each region, such as information on maps or traffic.
In addition, it may include various information useful for travel such as how to deal with sudden illness, injury, accident, etc.
Furthermore, an information exchange bulletin board or the like can be provided so that information such as experiences collected by user reviews can be converted into comics and sequentially updated as comic content.

This manga content is mainly intended to introduce foreign tourists to Japanese tourist destinations and cultures that are unique to Japan. More preferably.
For example, as an example of comic content, a comic with the following content is assumed.

By making the main character of the cartoon a first-year student working for a major travel agency, it is easy for the reader user to empathize, and it is easy to imagine a situation where the attractions such as sightseeing spots will be developed together. It is suitable for conveying various charms. In addition, if foreign characters are assigned to other characters in the comics, and the foreign characters are dark characters that represent their home countries, they can be easily used in campaigns in each country.
The comic story is preferably centered on a combination of travel and intercultural communication. For example, by adding the elements of Japan's travel from the perspective of a foreigner, not only will it become an interesting guide for Japan for foreigners, but even if Japanese people read it, new discoveries in their country and things they had never noticed until now Can be rediscovered.
At this time, the culture and customs of each country may be taken as an element of the story, and the friction between the Japanese and foreigners due to cultural differences may be expressed in an interesting way.
Furthermore, incorporating friendship and romance elements of the main character and other characters will increase the depth and fun of the storyline and make you feel more familiar.

The member information stored in the member management database 22 is data in which personal information such as the address, name, age, gender, telephone number, emergency contact information, and e-mail address of the member user is recorded. Further, in this member information, past travel product purchase records of each user may be recorded.
As described above, it is preferable that the user of the travel information providing system S in the present embodiment performs the registration procedure in advance and manages the member information. In addition, registration may be made free of charge so that more users can enjoy the topic by increasing the number of downloads.

  When the user logs in to the first server 1 from the information terminal 3, the top screen transmission unit 12 performs login authentication and transmits the top screen information to the information terminal 3 through the external communication network NT.

The comic list screen transmission unit 13 transmits the comic list screen information to the information terminal 3 through the external communication network NT.
More specifically, the comic list selection information transmitted from the information terminal 3 is received, and the comic list screen information corresponding to the comic list selection information is transmitted to the information terminal 3. Here, the comic list screen refers to a list screen on which titles of story comics and cross-cultural experience corners are displayed.

  The comic retrieval unit 14 receives the comic selection information transmitted from the information terminal 3 and applies the comic content corresponding to the comic information specified by the comic selection information from the comic content database 21 in the data storage unit 11. Search for.

  The comic extraction unit 15 extracts predetermined comic content detected by the comic search unit 14 from the comic content database 21 by the above processing.

The comic distribution unit 16 distributes comic content to the information terminal 3 through the external communication network NT.
More specifically, the predetermined comic content extracted by the comic extraction unit 15 by the above process is distributed to the information terminal 3 as comic information.
Further, when it is necessary to configure the designated comic information from a plurality of comic contents, the extracted plural comic contents are combined into one piece of comic information and then distributed to the information terminal 3.

  The update history transmitting unit 17 transmits update history screen information including new comic content and other newly added information to the information terminal 3 through the external communication network NT.

The comic content management unit 18 manages creation and change of comic content.
Specifically, uploading comic content, packaging comic content, and the like. Moreover, you may perform a campaign etc. and perform evaluation and ranking of each comic content.

  The member information management unit 19 performs processing such as registration and change of member information stored in the member management database 22.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, the second server 2 includes a data storage unit 31, a travel product list screen transmission unit 32, a travel product reservation screen transmission unit 33, a travel product sales unit 34, and the like as main components. I have.
These are responsible for various data processing executed by the second server 2, and are configured by the cooperation of the above-described hardware components constituting the second server 2 and the installed program.

The data storage unit 31 stores various data, and is mainly configured by a hard disk drive 1 e mounted on the second server 2.
The data storage unit 31 includes a travel product database 35 and the like. The data stored in the data storage unit 11 is installed in advance to operate the second server 2 as a travel information providing device. In addition to the various programs, various data stored in the database are included.

The travel product stored in the travel product database 35 is data in which information on travel products such as accommodation facilities and package tours is recorded. Specifically, a product description indicating detailed conditions and contents such as a tour title, a price, an accommodation facility name, a dish, an itinerary, and a privilege are recorded.
The travel products are preferably grouped by theme, and may be classified into a plurality of groups from various viewpoints. For example, travel products indicating “Mt. Fuji / Hakone Tour” are classified into the Shizuoka Group, Kanagawa Group, Mount Fuji Group, Mountaineering Group, Hot Spring Group, Cultural Heritage Group, and the like.

The travel product list screen transmission unit 32 transmits the travel product list screen information to the information terminal 3 through the external communication network NT.
More specifically, the travel product group selection information transmitted from the information terminal 3 is received, and the travel product contained in the group specified by the travel product group selection information is stored in the data storage unit 31. The corresponding travel product is searched and extracted from the database 35, and the extracted travel product is transmitted to the information terminal 3 as travel product list screen information.
Normally, the travel product list screen information often needs to be composed of a plurality of travel products. In that case, after creating the travel product list screen information by combining the extracted travel products, the information terminal 3 to send.

The travel product reservation screen transmission unit 33 transmits the travel product reservation screen to the information terminal 3 through the external communication network NT.
More specifically, for each individual travel product selected from the travel product list screen, a screen on which the travel product can be reserved (purchased) is transmitted to the information terminal 3.

The travel product sales unit 34 accepts reservations for travel products from the information terminal 3 through the external communication network NT.
Specifically, in addition to personal information such as the user's address, name, phone number, and email address sent from the information terminal 3, the number of people to stay, the date of stay, the type of room, the presence of meals, other options, etc. Reservation information that includes information on the service content of Then, reservation information is created based on the received information, and a reservation confirmation screen showing transaction conditions and the like is transmitted to the information terminal 3. When the reservation confirmation and the credit card information etc. for agreeing to the transaction conditions are received from the information terminal 3, the settlement processing is performed and the travel product is sold.
The payment processing may be performed using a payment server provided by a card company or the like.

Next, an operation of the travel information providing system S according to the present embodiment, that is, a travel information providing method will be described.
The travel information providing method according to the present embodiment is realized by using the first server 1 and the second server 2 as computers, in other words, in the travel information providing process executed by the first server 1 and the second server 2. The travel information providing method according to the present embodiment is applied.

First, the travel information providing method according to the present embodiment will be described together with a screen transition diagram displayed on the information terminal 3 of the user.
FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams schematically showing the flow of screen transitions transmitted from the first server 1 to the information terminal 3 and displayed on the screen of the information terminal 3.
In the present embodiment, a portable multifunction information terminal having a user interface device as a main user interface device such as a smartphone or a tablet will be described as the user information terminal 3. With such a portable information terminal, timely information can be obtained even at a travel destination.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the user is registered for the first time, the user is notified of successful login. From the next startup, the user registration is omitted and the user is notified.
In the travel information providing system S in the present embodiment, the screen configuration provided to the user information terminal 3 by the first server 1 is, for example, “content”, “update history”, “profile”, “setting”, “cooperation”. ”And transitions by an operation such as tab movement or flicking.
In the present embodiment, files or data are structured in a hierarchical structure, and each button described later is linked to a related page. When the user taps each button on the screen, the screen transitions to each corresponding page.

Here, user registration (ID generation) and login processing will be specifically described. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the flow of processing during ID generation and login.
Each user registered in the first server 1 has a unique 36-digit ID generated by the first server 1 so as not to overlap with other users. In the first server 1, information of each user is managed for each ID. The ID is associated with a nickname and a password.

As shown in FIG. 10, at the first activation, the user information terminal 3 transmits a UUID (unique user ID) reception request to the first server 1. When receiving the request, the first server 1 returns a UUID to the information terminal 3. The information terminal 3 stores the received UUID.
From the next activation, the information terminal 3 reads the stored UUID and transmits the UUID to the first server 1 to transmit a token reception request. When receiving the request, the first server 1 returns a token to the information terminal 3, and the information terminal 3 receives the transmitted token.
When registering a profile, a token is transmitted from the information terminal 3 to the first server 1, and the first server 1 registers the profile information input in the UUID associated with the received token.

In this way, the user logs in to the first server 1 by the UUID, and uses the token issued at that time (for example, an 80-digit ID), the information provided by the first server 1, that is, the content ( You can access information such as comics), profiles, and campaigns.
It is preferable that the token expires when it is not touched for a certain period of time, and the information cannot be accessed without logging in again.
In addition, since this login process is performed in the background, it is invisible to the user, but the UUID cannot be obtained unless it is executed according to the prescribed procedure, thus preventing unauthorized entry from the outside. Can do.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a top screen displayed on the information terminal 3 of the user.
In the present embodiment, when the login is completed, first, the top screen (FIG. 11) in the content tab is displayed on the information terminal 3.
On the top screen, buttons such as “story manga”, “intercultural experience corner”, “campaign”, and “Q & A” are arranged.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a table of contents for the story manga displayed on the information terminal 3 of the user, and is a screen developed when the “story manga” button shown in FIG. 11 is tapped.
On this screen, a list of story manga is displayed, and when the user selects and taps an episode of any story manga, the screen is switched and the manga content is displayed. For example, since episode 4 to episode 7 are displayed in FIG. 12, the user can select any episode from them.

  Various operation buttons are arranged at the top of the screen. Description will be made in order from the button on the left side of the screen. The home button is a button for returning to the first transitioned screen. The left arrow button is a button for returning to the previous page, and the right arrow button is a button for proceeding to the next page. The mail button is a button for tweeting this page to an SNS service set on a setting screen described later. However, when the SNS application is not set, guidance is performed on the download screen of the application. The circular arrow button is a button for updating the page with the latest information.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a story manga screen displayed on the user information terminal 3, and is a screen displayed when the predetermined episode shown in FIG. 12 is tapped.
Here, comic content composed of the above-described comic content data is displayed. A scroll bar is arranged at the bottom of the screen, and you can check the number of pages currently displayed. For example, here it is 24/96 pages. Up and down arrow buttons are arranged on the left and right of the scroll bar, and the page can be advanced or returned. Note that the page can also be scrolled up and down by flicking or swiping the screen.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the story manga screen displayed on the user information terminal 3, which is a screen displayed on the final page of the manga content.
On the last page 96/96 of the comic content, information related to travel products related to the comic is listed as related links. For example, when a manga with contents related to Shizuoka is distributed, travel product groups related to Shizuoka such as “Mt. Fuji Tour” and “Shizuoka Tea Picking Tour” are displayed on the final page.
The travel product group displayed here has a link to a list screen of travel products belonging to the travel product group, and the screen transits to the travel product list screen by tapping the travel product group. .

It should be noted that the subsequent processing related to the reservation purchase of travel products is provided by the second server 2 constructed as a separate server from the first server 1.
FIG. 15A is a diagram showing a travel product list screen displayed on the user's information terminal 3, and FIG. 15B is a diagram showing a travel product reservation item screen displayed on the user's information terminal 3. It is. In this embodiment, both the screens of FIGS. 15A and 15B are reserved screens.

For example, when the travel product group “Mt. Fuji Tour” is selected and tapped, a list screen of travel products such as various tours and accommodations related to Mt. Fuji is displayed as shown in FIG.
When the user continues to operate the information terminal 3 to select and tap a desired travel product from the list, a screen on which each travel product can be reserved as shown in FIG. Is displayed. In addition to the tour title, the travel product reservation screen displays a product description indicating detailed conditions and contents such as price, accommodation facility name, cuisine, and itinerary, a calendar for selecting a reservation date, and the like. At this time, the cartoon character may reappear on the reservation screen to guide the travel product.
In this case, assuming a reservation screen for foreigners, the screen is displayed in English.

  When the user agrees with the travel conditions, confirms the schedule, and sequentially inputs necessary items such as the number of people, the screen shifts from the reservation screen to the settlement screen (not shown). On the payment screen, the user inputs necessary personal information such as name and credit card number by selecting a button on the screen from the information terminal 3 or typing letters or numbers in the input field. Perform operations to pre-order travel products.

  In this embodiment, the travel product list screen and the travel product reservation screen are provided by the second server 2 that is separate from the first server 1. It is also possible to display up to the screen. In other words, when the travel product group displayed on the last page of the comic content is tapped, the first server 1 may be configured to allow reservation and sale of the travel product as it is.

On the other hand, when the “intercultural experience corner” button, “campaign” button, and “Q & A” button are tapped on the top screen (FIG. 11), the screen transitions to each corresponding page.
The screen displayed when the “intercultural experience corner” button is tapped is different from the content of each comic content, but the configuration is substantially the same as the screen displayed when the story comic button is tapped.
When the “Campaign” button is tapped, the page moves to a page on which advantageous campaign information is displayed, and when the “Q & A” button is tapped, the page moves to a page describing operation explanations. .

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an update history screen displayed on the information terminal 3 of the user, and is a screen displayed when the update history tab is tapped.
On this update history screen, update history information, that is, information newly added by the first server 1 is sequentially uploaded and displayed as topics. The update history can also be confirmed retroactively by flicking or swiping the screen. Each information has a link, and the screen transitions to the corresponding page by tapping.
For example, as shown in FIG. 16, “Delivery of story manga ep7” “How to eat udon” “Campaign to win a travel ticket!” “How to eat tempura” etc. Is displayed. As described above, as information displayed on the update history screen, not only newly added comic content information but also campaign information and the like are displayed as appropriate.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a profile screen displayed on the information terminal 3 of the user, and is a screen displayed when a profile tab is tapped.
On this profile screen, you can set and change your profile by entering your nickname, email address, and password and tapping the change button.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a setting screen displayed on the information terminal 3 of the user, and is a screen displayed when a setting tab is tapped.
In this setting screen, buttons for shifting to a screen where the user can view the terms of use and the privacy policy are arranged in addition to the social setting for setting links with various SNSs and the notification setting for switching ON / OFF of the PUSH notification.

Next, with regard to the travel information providing method according to the present embodiment, a specific flow of processing operations will be described in association with the first server 1, the second server 2, and the information terminal 3.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the travel information providing method.
In addition, transmission / reception of various data performed between the 1st server 1, the 2nd server 2, and the information terminal 3 demonstrated below is performed through the external communication network NT.

  First, the user's information terminal 3 transmits login information to the first server 1 (S101). Upon receiving the login information, the first server 1 transmits top screen information to the information terminal 3 that has transmitted the login information (S102). The information terminal 3 that has received the top screen information displays the above-described top screen (FIG. 11) on the display screen (S103). As a result, the user completes the login to the travel information providing system S.

  Next, when the user selects an arbitrary comic list from a story comic or a cross-cultural experience corner, the information terminal 3 transmits the comic list selection information to the first server 1 (S104). Upon receiving the comic list selection information, the first server 1 transmits comic list screen information to the information terminal 3 that has transmitted the comic list selection information (S105). The information terminal 3 that has received the comic list screen information displays the above-described comic list screen (FIG. 12) on the display screen (S106).

  When the user selects an arbitrary comic from the comic list screen, the information terminal 3 transmits the comic selection information to the first server 1 (S107). When the first server 1 receives the comic selection information, the first server 1 distributes the selected comic information (comic content or information combining a plurality of comic content) to the information terminal 3 that has transmitted the comic selection information (S108). . The information terminal 3 that has received the comic information displays the comic (FIG. 13) on the display screen (S109).

Here, the details of the comic distribution process executed by the first server 1 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21 are flowcharts showing the flow of the comic distribution process.
As shown in FIG. 20, when the first server 1 receives the comic selection information transmitted from the information terminal 3 (S201), the first server 1 searches for the specified comic content from the comic content database 21 in the data storage unit 11. To extract (S202). Then, the extracted comic content data is distributed as comic information to the information terminal 3 (S203).

In addition, the 1st server 1 is good also as comprising one comic, combining several comic content data, before delivering comic content data to the information terminal 3. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 21, when the first server 1 receives the comic selection information transmitted from the information terminal 3 (S301), the first server 1 searches for the specified comic content from the comic content database 21 in the data storage unit 11. The extracted comic content is temporarily stored in a main storage device such as the RAM 1c that can read and write data at high speed (S303).
If the comic content is a part of the comic specified by the comic selection information, that is, if the extraction of all the comic content constituting the specified comic is not complete (S304: NO), the comic content is further increased. Is retrieved and extracted (S302), and the extracted comic content is temporarily stored in a main storage device such as the RAM 1c that can read and write data at high speed (S303).
On the other hand, when the extraction of all the comic content constituting the designated comic is completed (S304: YES), a plurality of comic contents temporarily stored in the RAM 1c are read from the RAM 1c (S305), and they are combined with each other. One comic information is created (S306). Then, the created comic information is distributed to the information terminal 3 (S307).

The information terminal 3 to which the comic information is distributed by the above processing displays the related travel product group (FIG. 14) after displaying the comic on the display screen (S110).
When the user selects an arbitrary travel product group from the displayed travel product groups, the information terminal 3 transmits the travel product group selection information to the second server 2 (S111). When receiving the travel product group selection information, the second server 2 transmits travel product list screen information belonging to the selected travel product group to the information terminal 3 that has transmitted the travel product group selection information (S112). The information terminal 3 that has received the travel product list screen information displays the above-described travel product list screen (FIG. 15A) on the display screen (S113).

Here, the details of the travel product list screen transmission process executed by the second server 2 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23. 22 and 23 are flowcharts showing the flow of travel product list screen transmission processing.
As shown in FIG. 22, when the second server 2 receives the travel product group selection information transmitted from the information terminal 3 (S401), the travel product designated from the travel product database 35 in the data storage unit 31. A travel product belonging to the group is searched and extracted (S402). Then, the extracted travel product is transmitted to the information terminal 3 as travel product list screen information (S403).

In addition, the 2nd server 2 is good also as comprising one travel goods list screen combining several travel goods.
As shown in FIG. 23, when the second server 2 receives the travel product group selection information transmitted from the information terminal 3 (S501), the travel product designated from the travel product database 35 in the data storage unit 11 The travel product belonging to the group is searched and extracted (S502), and the extracted travel product is temporarily stored in the main storage device such as the RAM 1c that reads and writes data at high speed (S503).
If the travel product does not cover all of the travel product groups specified by the travel product group selection information, that is, all of the travel products constituting the travel product list screen corresponding to the specified travel product group have been extracted. If not (S504: NO), a travel product is further searched and extracted from the travel product database 35 (S502), and the extracted travel product data is read from and stored in the RAM 1c and other main memory at high speed. The storage in the apparatus temporarily (S503) is repeated.
On the other hand, when all of the travel products constituting the travel product list screen corresponding to the designated travel product group have been extracted (S504: YES), a plurality of travel products temporarily stored in the RAM 1c are read from the RAM 1c. (S505), combining them with each other to create one travel product list screen information (S506). Then, the created travel product list screen information is distributed to the information terminal 3 (S507).

Next, the comic content management process executed by the first server 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. The comic content management process described below is executed by the comic content management unit 18 of the first server 1 by an operation by the administrator of the first server 1 such as a travel agent.
FIGS. 24 to 35 are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed by the output device 1 g of the first server 1 in the comic content management process executed by the comic content management unit 18.

The comic content is created by being uploaded and packaged by the first server 1.
Specifically, as shown in the upload screen of FIG. 24, when the “select file” button is clicked, the comic content, that is, the comic created by the comic artist is converted into data from the comic content database 21. Select a file. Then, when the title and release date (or the next update date) are input and the “OK” button is clicked, the upload of the selected comic content is completed. The uploaded comic content can be released at the designated date and time.
At this time, it is preferable that each language is prepared by translating into multiple languages for foreigners all over the world.

Also, as shown in the package screen of FIG. 25, when a predetermined comic content is selected and a “make package” button is clicked, a package confirmation screen is displayed. When the “Yes” button is clicked on the confirmation screen, packaging of the selected comic content is completed.
The packaged comic content is displayed in the package list.

A campaign can be developed for the created comic content.
First, in order to create a campaign title, the “new creation” button shown in the theme creation screen of FIG. 26 is clicked to move to the new theme creation screen of FIG.
In the new theme creation screen, when a “select file” button is clicked, a campaign image is selected and registered from image files stored in another database or the like. The campaign displays the title, presents for this month, and the number of winners. To increase the types of gifts and the number of winners, the input box increases by clicking the “Add Present” button. When the campaign content is confirmed and the “Register” button is clicked, the theme confirmation screen shown in FIG. 28 is displayed.
On the theme confirmation screen, a campaign image, title, present, recruitment period, next notice, etc. are displayed. When the “Yes” button is clicked on the confirmation screen, creation of the theme is completed.

As shown in the posting list / excellent selection screen of FIG. 29, when the “campaign selection” button is clicked, the corresponding campaign is selected and the posters of the campaign are displayed. In the list of contributors, users can vote for contributors who think they are excellent. The list of contributors can be narrowed down and rearranged according to the number of votes and the order of posting.
The excellent contributor is displayed together with the user name, the number of votes obtained, the content of the posting, and the like when the “Publish excellent person” button is clicked. In addition, an excellent person can be canceled by clicking a “Remove checked user from excellent person” button.

On the winning announcement screen shown in FIG. 30, a grand prize or an excellent prize is selected. By clicking the “Select Checked Users as Grand Prize” or “Remove Checked Users from Grand Prize” buttons, the users selected in the check boxes are selected as Grand Prizes or Excellence Awards, respectively. Then, by clicking on the “Present announcement” button, the winner confirmation screen shown in FIG. 31 is displayed.
The winner's confirmation screen displays the user name and post text etc. of the grand prize and excellence prize, and the winner is made public when the “Yes” button is clicked on the confirmation screen.

  On the winning announcement screen shown in FIG. 32, a grand prize and an excellent prize are announced. At this time, when a user who makes a winning notification is clicked, an e-mail address is displayed, and a winning notification is made to the displayed e-mail address. At this time, by clicking on the “check that the winner has been notified” button is clicked, a mark indicating whether or not the winner has been contacted is given.

  Also, as shown in the content list screen of FIG. 33, the created comic content can be confirmed in a list. Here, the page number is edited by clicking. If the check box is checked and the “Delete” button is clicked, the corresponding comic content can be deleted.

In the WEB page creation screen shown in FIG. 34, a WEB page is created by HTML or simple text by inputting text or the like into the article body. At this time, each language is also input together. After the article text is input, a preview image is displayed on another screen by clicking the “Preview” button.
When the created WEB page is registered, it is displayed on the top page. In the top page configuration screen of FIG. 35, the configuration of the top page can be created and changed, such as editing of the content name and page description, selection of images, and setting of display non-display.

  The above embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and the present invention includes the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 1st server 2 2nd server 3 Information terminal 11 Data storage part 12 Top screen transmission part 13 Cartoon list screen transmission part 14 Cartoon search part 15 Cartoon extraction part 16 Cartoon distribution part 17 Update history transmission part 18 Cartoon content management part 19 Member Information management unit 21 Cartoon content database 22 Member management database 31 Data storage unit 32 Travel product list screen transmission unit 33 Travel product reservation screen transmission unit 34 Travel product sales unit 35 Travel product database S Travel information provision system NT External communication network

Claims (9)

A travel information providing apparatus that provides travel information to an information terminal connected to a communication network via the communication network,
The travel information providing device has at least a storage unit and a calculation unit,
The storage unit includes travel information storage means for storing the travel information,
The travel information is composed of a comic part that expresses information related to travel in a comic consisting of pictures and characters, and a travel product group related to the content of the comic, and accepts the selection of the travel product group from the information terminal. With possible related travel products department,
The calculation unit includes a travel information distribution unit that searches and extracts travel information from the storage unit in response to a distribution request from the information terminal, and distributes the information to the information terminal.
The travel information distribution means is composed of a comic part that expresses information related to travel in a comic consisting of pictures and characters, and a travel product group related to the contents of the comic, and accepts the selection of the travel product group from the information terminal A travel information providing apparatus that distributes a related travel product section capable of being displayed on the information terminal. The storage unit
A travel product storage means for storing travel products;
The computing unit is
Reservation screen transmission means for transmitting to the information terminal a reservation screen capable of accepting a reservation application for the travel product included in the travel product group when accepting the selection of the travel product group,
2. The travel information provision according to claim 1, wherein the reservation screen transmission unit distributes information that guides the travel product when a character that has appeared in the comic appears again and can be displayed on the information terminal. apparatus. The travel information providing device includes:
A first server comprising the travel information storage means, the travel information search means, the travel information extraction means, and the travel information distribution means;
The travel information providing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the travel information providing apparatus is separated into a second server including the travel product storage unit and the reservation screen transmission unit.   The travel information providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the characters constituting the cartoon are made of a language other than Japanese.   The travel information providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the comic section includes a story comic that introduces information related to the travel in a story style.   The said cartoon part expressed the information regarding the accommodation facility, tourist attraction, event, culture, customs, manners, gourmet, medical treatment, map, or traffic of a sightseeing spot in cartoon. The travel information providing device described in 1.   The travel information providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the comic section expresses an experience story of another traveler as a comic. A travel information providing method for providing travel information to an information terminal connected to a communication network using a computer via the communication network,
The computer has at least a storage unit and a calculation unit,
The computing unit of the computer is
The travel unit stored in the storage unit is composed of a comic part that expresses information related to travel in a comic consisting of pictures and characters, and a travel product group related to the contents of the comic, and accepts the selection of the travel product group from the information terminal. The travel information including an associated travel product section,
In response to a distribution request from the information terminal, search and extract from the storage unit, perform a travel information distribution step to distribute to the information terminal,
The travel information distribution step is composed of a cartoon part that expresses travel-related information as a cartoon composed of pictures and characters, and a travel product group related to the contents of the cartoon, and accepts the selection of the travel product group from the information terminal And a travel information providing method characterized in that a related travel product section capable of being displayed is distributed on the information terminal in a displayable manner. The computing unit of the computer is
A reservation application reception information transmission step of transmitting reservation application reception information capable of receiving a reservation application for the travel product included in the travel product group to the information terminal when the selection of the travel product group is received is performed. ,
9. The travel according to claim 8, wherein the reservation application reception information transmitting step distributes information that guides the travel product when a character that has appeared in the cartoon reappears so as to be displayed on the information terminal. Information provision method.