JP7404489B1 - Route search system, route search program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a route search system that can search for the best possible alternative. [Solution] The route search system is configured such that the first candidate route, which has the highest time priority order with an earlier arrival time and a later departure time, is an arbitrary route that includes the desired seat facilities and the desired seat position. If the desired conditions are not satisfied, the predicted conditions that are predicted to be prioritized by the user as an alternative candidate are selected from the predicted condition table, depending on the combination of the desired seat facilities and the desired seat position. and determine alternative candidates based on the prediction conditions. [Selection diagram] None

Description

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act 1. Presentation in the “Journal of Cybernetics” published on October 1, 2020 2. Paper presentation at the “59th Railway Cybernetics Symposium” held on November 1, 2020

The present invention relates to a route search system, a route search method, a route search program, and a recording medium for searching a route when reserving a seat on a means of transportation.

Traditionally, passenger companies such as railways have been promoting automation and efficiency of station ticketing operations in order to respond to the declining workforce due to the declining birthrate and aging population, reduce operating costs, and improve the convenience of ticket purchasing. ing. Against this backdrop, in order to streamline the response at ticket purchase counters, we have searched for multiple routes from departure point to destination so that those wishing to purchase tickets can purchase tickets without having to rely on ticket purchase counters. Ticket vending machines that can do this already exist.

For example, according to the automatic ticket vending system described in Patent Document 1 below (hereinafter referred to as ``Publication Publication 1 Invention''), when the conditions such as ``boarding station'' and ``green seat'' entered by a person wishing to purchase a ticket are met. If no route is available, alternatives are presented in a predetermined order. The conditions entered by the person wishing to purchase a ticket include "green seat or non-reserved seat in a regular car," "(next) boarding train," "smoking seat or non-smoking seat," etc., and when presenting these as alternatives, the priority is For example, the first rank is predetermined as "smoking seat or non-smoking seat", the second rank is determined in advance as "boarding train", etc. According to this rule, if a "non-smoking seat" is selected by a ticket purchaser but the "non-smoking seat" is full, the alternative is a non-smoking seat on the same train. This may be a "non-smoking seat" on a train that departs later than the same train, but the "smoking seat" will be presented according to the first priority. If the ``smoking seats'' are full, the ``boarding train'' that will depart later will be presented according to the second priority.

Patent No. 3102650

However, since the disclosed document 1 presents the alternatives in an order arbitrarily determined by the ticket seller, the alternative desired by the ticket purchaser is not necessarily presented. As mentioned above, for example, if a ticket seller prioritizes "smoking or non-smoking seats" and the ticket purchaser selects "non-smoking seats," if the "non-smoking seats" are full, an alternative option will be offered. are primarily designated as ``smoking seats,'' but it is not always the case that a ticket purchaser who wants a ``non-smoking seat'' will settle for a ``smoking seat,'' and it is rather difficult to imagine that. Therefore, the invention in Document Publication No. 1 cannot present the optimal alternative desired by a person wishing to purchase a ticket.

The present invention has been proposed in view of the above circumstances. That is, the object of the present invention is to provide a route search system, a route search method, a route search program, and a recording medium that can search for the best possible alternatives proposed by humans in consideration of the user's wishes.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the route search system according to the present invention retrieves the departure point, stopover point, arrival point, date and time of departure and arrival at each location, seating equipment, and seat position of the means of transportation from the storage section. Based on the essential desired conditions selected by the user of the means of transportation, including the desired departure point, desired destination, desired departure date, and including the desired departure time or desired arrival time, the transportation corresponding to the said essential desired conditions. A primary route candidate search unit that searches for a plurality of primary route candidates, which are candidates for means, and a time-dominant order in which the earliest arrival time at the destination point and the later departure time at the departure point are the most dominant. A top first candidate is selected from the primary route candidates, and if the first candidate does not satisfy any desired conditions including the desired seat equipment and desired seat position selected by the user, the desired Based on the content of the seating equipment and the content of the desired seat position, a prediction condition for which the user is predicted to give priority as an alternative candidate is changed, and an alternative candidate is selected from among the primary route candidates based on the prediction condition. and an alternative candidate determination unit that determines the alternative candidate.

In the route search system according to the present invention, when the desired seat facility is selected and the desired seat position is not selected, the alternative candidate determining unit determines that the time priority order excludes the first candidate. It is characterized in that a facility priority candidate that is in a higher rank and whose desired seat facility is vacant is set as the alternative candidate.

In the route search system according to the present invention, when the types of seat equipment include reserved seats for ordinary cars, non-reserved seats for ordinary cars, and special reserved seats, and there is no equipment priority candidate, the alternative candidate determination unit The method is characterized in that the alternative candidate is a non-desired facility candidate that has a high time priority and has a vacant seat in a non-desired seat facility that is a type of seat facility other than the desired seat facility.

In the route search system according to the present invention, when the types of seat positions include window seats and aisle seats, the desired seat position is selected, and the desired seat equipment is not selected, the alternative The candidate determination unit is characterized in that the candidate determination unit sets, as the alternative candidate, a time superior candidate whose non-desired seat position, which is a type of seat position other than the desired seat position, is vacant.

In the route search system according to the present invention, the types of seat equipment include reserved seats in regular cars, non-reserved seats in regular cars, and special reserved seats, and the types of seat positions include window seats and aisle seats; In the case where the desired seat facility and the desired seat position are selected, the alternative candidate determination unit may select the desired seat facility if there is no first candidate whose desired seat position of the desired seat facility is vacant. The time-dominant first candidate whose non-desired seat position is a vacant seat and is a type of seat position other than the desired seat position is the alternative candidate, and the time-dominant first candidate is not available. In this case, the equipment location priority candidate whose time priority is higher than the first candidate and whose desired seat position of the desired seat equipment is vacant is the alternative candidate, and the equipment location priority candidate is If there is not, the non-desired position candidate whose time priority is higher than the first candidate and whose non-desired seat position of the desired seat facility is vacant is set as the alternative candidate, and the non-desired position candidate is set as the alternative candidate. If there is no position candidate, a non-desired facility desired position candidate whose desired seat position is vacant in a non-desired seat facility that is higher in the time priority order and is a type of seat facility other than the desired seat facility; is the alternative candidate, and if there is no candidate for the desired position of the non-desired facility, the non-desired facility has the highest time priority and the non-desired seat position of the non-desired seat facility is vacant. The method is characterized in that the position candidate is the alternative candidate.

The route search system according to the present invention is characterized in that the order of priority for the non-desired seat facilities is the reserved seat in a regular car, the non-reserved seat in a regular car, and the special reserved seat.

The route search system according to the present invention provides an additional service seat (for example, a seat near an oversized baggage corner near a space where oversized baggage corresponding to a predetermined size is placed, a non-smoking (seats near the smoking room, etc.) and regular seats other than the above-mentioned incidental service seats, and if the above-mentioned ordinary car reserved seats or the above-mentioned special reserved seats are selected as the desired seat facilities, the above-mentioned The alternative candidate determination unit is characterized in that it searches for the primary route candidate in which the regular seat is vacant, and the primary route candidate in which the incidental service seat is vacant, in this order.

The route search method according to the present invention provides a method for searching a route selected by a user of a means of transportation from a storage unit storing a departure point, a stopover point, a destination, a date and time of departure and arrival at each location, seat facilities, and seat positions of the means of transportation. A plurality of primary routes that are candidates for the means of transportation corresponding to the essential desired conditions, based on essential desired conditions that include a desired departure point, desired destination, and desired departure date, and also include a desired departure time or desired arrival time. A primary route candidate search procedure for searching candidates; and a primary route candidate search procedure that searches for candidates, and a first route candidate search procedure that searches for candidates, and a first route candidate search procedure that searches for candidates, and searches for first candidates whose time priority is highest, giving priority to those who have an earlier arrival time at the destination and a later departure time at the departure point. selected from route candidates, and if the first candidate does not satisfy any desired conditions including the desired seat facilities and desired seat position selected by the user, the details of the desired seat facility and the desired seat position; an alternative candidate determination step of changing prediction conditions that are predicted to be prioritized by the user as an alternative candidate based on the contents of the above, and determining an alternative candidate from among the primary route candidates based on the prediction condition. It is characterized by passing through.

The route search program according to the present invention is based on a route search program selected by a user of a means of transportation from a storage section in which the departure point, stopover point, destination, date and time of departure and arrival at each location, seating equipment, and seat position of the means of transportation are stored. A plurality of primary routes that are candidates for the means of transportation corresponding to the essential desired conditions, based on essential desired conditions that include a desired departure point, desired destination, and desired departure date, and also include a desired departure time or desired arrival time. A primary route candidate search procedure for searching candidates; and a primary route candidate search procedure that searches for candidates, and a first route candidate search procedure that searches for candidates, and a first route candidate search procedure that searches for candidates, and searches for first candidates whose time priority is highest, giving priority to those who have an earlier arrival time at the destination and a later departure time at the departure point. selected from route candidates, and if the first candidate does not satisfy any desired conditions including the desired seat facilities and desired seat position selected by the user, the details of the desired seat facility and the desired seat position; an alternative candidate determination step of changing prediction conditions that are predicted to be prioritized by the user as an alternative candidate based on the contents of the above, and determining an alternative candidate from among the primary route candidates based on the prediction condition. It is characterized by being executed by a computer.

A computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention is characterized in that a route search program is recorded thereon.

The route search system according to the present invention is capable of selecting a desired departure point selected by a user of a means of transportation from a storage unit that stores the departure point, stopover point, destination, date and time of departure and arrival at each location, seat equipment, and seat position of the means of transportation. Search for a plurality of primary route candidates that are transportation mode candidates corresponding to the required desired conditions, based on the required desired conditions including the destination, desired destination, desired departure date, and desired departure time or desired arrival time. The primary route candidate search unit selects from the primary route candidates the first candidate with the highest time priority, which gives priority to the one with the earlier arrival time at the destination and the later departure time at the departure location. If one candidate does not meet the arbitrary desired conditions including the desired seat facilities and desired seat position selected by the user, the user may choose an alternative based on the details of the desired seat facility and the desired seat position. and an alternative candidate determination unit that changes prediction conditions that are predicted to be prioritized as candidates and determines alternative candidates from among the primary route candidates based on the prediction conditions. In other words, the route search system uses prediction conditions, which are conditions under which the user is predicted to give priority as an alternative candidate when there is no route candidate desired by the user, based on the details of the desired seating facilities and the details of the desired seat position. The prediction conditions are changed based on the combination of the desired seat equipment details and the desired seat position details. Therefore, it is possible to search for the best possible alternative.

In the route search system according to the present invention, if the desired seat facility is selected, the desired seat position is not selected, and the first candidate does not satisfy these conditions, the route search system changes the prediction condition to the arrival time of the first candidate. It is assumed that priority is given to candidates who can sit in their desired seating facilities even if they are late. Therefore, the alternative candidate determination unit selects, as an alternative candidate, an equipment priority candidate whose time priority is higher than the first candidate and whose desired seat equipment is vacant.

In the route search system according to the present invention, if there is no facility priority candidate, the prediction condition is to prioritize candidates whose arrival time is as early as possible, although there is no choice but to sit in a seat other than the desired seat facility. Assume. Therefore, a non-desired facility candidate that is at the top in the time priority order and that is a type of seat facility other than the desired seat facility and has an empty seat is set as an alternative candidate. Here, the types of seat facilities include reserved seats in regular cars, non-reserved seats in regular cars, special reserved seats, and the like.

In the route search system according to the present invention, if a desired seat position is selected, a desired seat facility is not selected, and the first candidate does not satisfy these, the route search system changes the prediction condition to a seat other than the desired seat position. It is assumed that there is no choice but to give priority to candidates whose arrival time is as early as possible. Therefore, a time superior candidate whose non-desired seat position, which is a type of seat position other than the desired seat position, is vacant is set as the alternative candidate. Here, the types of seat positions include at least window seats and aisle seats. In fact, the types of seat positions include seats other than the window seat and the aisle seat, as well as seats located between the window seat and the aisle seat.

In the route search system according to the present invention, if there is no first candidate for which the desired seat position of the desired seat facility is vacant even though the desired seat facility and desired seat position are selected, the prediction condition is , it is assumed that there is no choice but to sit in a seat other than the desired seat position, but priority should be given to the candidate whose arrival time is as early as possible. Therefore, the time-based first candidate in which the non-desired seat position, which is a seat position of a type other than the desired seat position in the desired seat equipment, is the first vacant seat candidate is set as the alternative candidate.
If there is no first candidate with a time advantage (if the non-desired seat position of the desired seat facility is full in the first candidate), the prediction condition may be changed to a later arrival time. It is assumed that priority is given to candidates whose arrival time is as early as possible among those who can sit in the desired seat position of the desired seating facility. Therefore, an equipment position superior candidate whose time superiority is higher than the first candidate and whose desired seat position of the desired seat equipment is vacant is set as an alternative candidate.
If there is no candidate with superior facility location (the second candidate, third candidate...Nth candidate who is a primary route candidate other than the first candidate, and the desired seat position of the desired seat facility is full), the prediction will be made. Assume that the condition is that it is unavoidable to sit in a seat other than the desired seating position, but that priority is given to candidates who can sit in the desired seating arrangement. Therefore, an undesired position candidate whose time priority is higher than the first candidate and whose undesired seat position of the desired seat facility is vacant is set as an alternative candidate.
If there are no non-desired position candidates (in the second, third, and Nth candidates that are primary route candidates other than the first candidate, the non-desired seat position of the desired seat facility is full), Assume that the prediction condition is to give priority to candidates whose arrival time is as early as possible among those who can sit in the desired seat position, although it is unavoidable to sit in a seat other than the desired seat facility. Therefore, a non-desired facility desired position candidate that has a high time priority and is a seat facility of a type other than the desired seat facility whose desired seat position is vacant is set as an alternative candidate.
If there is no candidate for the desired position of the non-desired facility (if the desired seat position of the non-desired seat facility is full among the first, second, and Nth candidates that are primary route candidates), the prediction conditions are , it is assumed that there is no choice but to be unable to sit in the desired seat position of the desired seating facility, so there is no need to be particular about arbitrary desired conditions. Therefore, an undesired facility/undesired position candidate that is at the top in the time priority order and whose undesired seat position of the undesired seat equipment is vacant is set as an alternative candidate.

In the route search system according to the present invention, the priority order of undesired facility candidates is reserved seats in ordinary cars, non-reserved seats in ordinary cars, and special reserved seats. In general, non-desired facility candidates are searched according to the predicted ranking of the user's preferences in terms of price, fare, and comfort, so it is possible to search for the best possible alternative. .

In the route search system according to the present invention, when a reserved seat in an ordinary car or a special reserved seat is selected as the desired seat equipment, an additional service seat (for example, a seat with a predetermined size Seats near the oversized baggage corner (near the area where oversized baggage can be placed, seats near the smoking room (near the smoking room, etc.) and regular seats other than ancillary service seats are included, and the alternative candidate determination unit normally Search is performed in the order of primary route candidates with vacant seats and primary route candidates with vacant incidental service seats. With this configuration, it is possible to search for a more optimal alternative.

The route search method, route search program, and recording medium according to the present invention have the same effects as the route search system described above.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a route search system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an automatic ticket vending machine used in a route search system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Below, the route search system based on embodiment of this invention is demonstrated based on drawing. The route search system of the present invention searches route candidates for transportation means such as trains, buses, airplanes, ships, etc., but the present embodiment is based on the premise that the transportation means is railways. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an automatic ticket vending system S that realizes a route search system 100, which connects a station 1, which is a ticket office, and a system center 2 via a ticket vending business network N1 and an assist business network N2. and a call center 3 are shown interconnected.

At Station 1, there is an automatic ticket vending machine that is operated by a user who wishes to purchase a ticket and is equipped with a ticket vending function that sells the ticket specified by the user, and an operation support function that includes at least a microphone, speaker, and camera. 10 is installed and can be operated by the user. In addition, a unique identification number is assigned to each automatic ticket vending machine 10 so that each individual can be identified, and by using this identification number, all automatic ticket vending machines 10 included in the automatic ticket vending system S can be identified. It becomes possible to do so.

As will be described later, the automatic ticket vending machine 10 is equipped with a touch panel type display/operation panel, a ticket outlet for discharging tickets, a cash slot for inserting purchase fees, a card slot for inserting a credit card, etc. for payment, etc. By operating the display/operation panel while looking at it, the user can sequentially perform each step of the ticket vending operation. When selling tickets, the system center 2 connected via the ticket sales business network N1 communicates with the system center 2 to receive various information from the ticket sales operations management server 21, such as whether reservations for seat reservations are possible or not, and the determined ticket sales information is sent to the ticket sales operations. It is sent to the central server 21.

The automatic ticket vending machine 10 also includes a customer service camera that displays the user, a speaker that outputs the voice from the call center 3 operator, a microphone that sends the user's voice to the call center 3, and a presented application form and discount certificate. Equipped with a document camera to take pictures of documents such as documents, an application form collection port for collecting application forms and discount certificates, etc. Input information from customer service cameras and microphones (information for supporting users) is sent via the assist business network N2 to an audio/video terminal used by the operator of the call center 3 selected by the call center server 22 of the system center 2. 31, and an operator operates the reservation/ticketing terminal 32 in response to the user's request, thereby assisting the user in purchasing tickets. Note that the audio/video information supplied from the audio/video terminal 31 of the call center 3 is also supplied to the automatic ticket vending machine 10 of the station 1 via the assist business network N2, and the audio/video information from the operator of the call center 3 is automatically transmitted. displayed on the ticket vending machine 10.

Further, the automatic ticket vending system S is equipped with an AI automatic support function as a function to support users of the automatic ticket vending machine 10 without involving the operator of the call center 3. By connecting the AI server 23 installed in the system center 2 to the automatic ticket vending machine 10 at the station 1 via the assist business network N2, it is possible to use AI to provide customer service in the same way as a counter or operator. and reduce the burden on operators. In addition, since the AI automatic response function uses the user's utterances (voice), a consent screen regarding the use of voice is first displayed, and after the user consents, customer service using voice begins. With AI assist, the ticket sales operation management server 21 selects a route suitable for the user's request by asking the user for requirements such as departure station, arrival station, date and time of use, and number of people, and the automatic ticket vending machine 10 makes a proposal for the ticket to purchase. . When the user confirms the purchase details and makes a payment, the automatic ticket vending machine 10 performs ticket issuing processing and the ticket is delivered to the user.

Note that the station 1, system center 2, and call center 3 may be connected through a single network, but the ticket vending business network N1 used for normal ticket vending processing operations and the assist business network N1 used for audio/video support operations may be connected. By setting up a separate N2, support operations and ticket sales processing operations can be performed separately, and failures or accidents that occur in one network can be prevented from affecting the other network and causing further failures. Therefore, the reliability of the automatic ticket vending system S as a whole can be improved. Moreover, if the ticket vending business network N1 and the assist business network N2 are constructed as physically different networks, the existing automatic ticket vending system that is already equipped with the ticket vending business network N1 can be provided with audio and video support later. Another advantage is that functions can be easily added.

The ticket sales operation management server 21 is equipped with a storage unit, and stores information such as at least train departure stations, transit stations, arrival stations, departure/arrival dates and times at each station, and types of seat facilities (regular car reserved seats, regular car non-reserved seats, premium non-reserved seats). so-called green car non-reserved seats), special vehicle reserved seats as special reserved seats (so-called green car reserved seats and standing seats), types of seat positions (window seats, aisle seats, and window seats and aisle seats) ), incidental facilities (seats near the oversized baggage corner, seats near the smoking room, and regular seats), and whether or not there are vacant seats are stored as a database 24. Note that the database 24 may be included in the automatic ticket vending machine 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the automatic ticket vending machine 10 is equipped with a route search system 100, and includes a control section 11 that controls the entire device, and a display panel that displays various information for purchasing tickets and the like. The operation display 12, which is integrally equipped with a touch panel that accepts input operations by the customer, the receiver 13, which is a communication means for using the AI assist function, and the processing program, etc., for the control unit 11 to function are fixed. a terminal storage unit 14 for storing temporary information generated in the processing process, a communication unit 15 for communicating with the ticket sales operation management server 21 and the AI server 23 of the system center 2, and processing of purchase fees. The coin section 16, banknote section 17, and card processing section 18, which are used to perform It includes a ticket issuing unit 19, a primary route candidate searching unit 101, and an alternative candidate determining unit 102.

The control unit 11 includes, for example, a CPU, and is configured to issue tickets of types that can be handled by the automatic ticket vending machine 10 based on a predetermined control program (for example, a program stored in the terminal storage unit 14). It executes processing and is the heart that controls the entire automatic ticket vending machine 10. The control unit 11 controls the primary route candidate search unit 101 and the alternative candidate determination unit 102.

The operation display unit 12 is composed of a large touch panel display arranged so that the operation display surface appears at a position that enhances the customer's operability and visibility. If you touch an operation area such as a button image with your fingertip or the like, the touch panel can detect the contact with that operation area, so it is treated as a button operation. Note that, instead of using a large and expensive touch panel display like the operation display 12, operation buttons and the like are appropriately placed close to the left and right edges and the top and bottom edges of the display without a touch panel. By guiding the customer to operate any button on the display screen displayed on the device, the customer's input operation can be accepted by monitoring the sensor output of each button.

The handset 13 is provided near the operation display 12 (for example, on the left side), and is a communication device that captures the user's utterances (audio data) when the user uses it while looking at the operation display 12. Note that instead of the receiver 13, a sound collecting microphone or the like may be provided as a communication means to cut out surrounding environmental noise and capture the user's utterances.

The terminal storage unit 14 is a functional unit that stores various information and programs for the control unit 11 to perform ticket issuing control. For the terminal storage unit 14, for example, a semiconductor memory such as ROM or RAM can be used. The terminal storage unit 14 also has a function of storing and retaining various information input through customer operations temporarily or for a certain period of time.

The communication unit 15 is a functional unit that communicates with the system center 2, call center 3, etc., and can perform two-way communication using an appropriate communication protocol. Note that a first communication section specialized in communication functions corresponding to the ticket vending business network N1 and a second communication section specialized in communication functions corresponding to the assist business network N2 may be provided.

The coin section 16 and the banknote section 17 are functional sections for processing payment in cash at the time of ticket issuance. The coin section 16 handles coin deposits and withdrawals through a coin input port and a coin discharge port. The banknote section 17 handles deposits and withdrawals of banknotes through a banknote insertion slot and a banknote receiving slot. The card processing unit 18 is a functional unit for processing payment using a card at the time of ticket issuance. Cards that can be used for payment processing include credit cards and prepaid IC cards.Insert the card into the card slot, use the numeric keypad to perform security authentication such as a PIN number, and when the payment process is complete, the card will be inserted into the card slot. At the same time, the card is returned and the receipt and usage details of the card usage are ejected from the ticket insertion/receipt slot.

The ticket issuing unit 19 is capable of issuing tickets, etc. that the user desires, and after the payment process is completed, the ticket issuing unit 19 issues tickets (Shinkansen reserved seat ticket, conventional line reserved seat ticket, Shinkansen non-reserved seat ticket, conventional line non-reserved seat ticket). This is a functional department that issues reserved seat tickets for trunk transfers, reserved seat tickets for trunk transfers, single Shinkansen tickets, designated only tickets (excluding free type), change tickets, etc. Incidentally, ticketing refers to printing a Japanese or English notation on the printed surface as visible information, and ejecting a ticket piece with magnetic data recorded on the magnetic surface from the ticket insertion/receiving slot. At this time, a receipt etc. may also be output.

Next, the primary route candidate search unit 101 and the alternative candidate determination unit 102 will be explained in detail.

The primary route candidate search unit 101 searches for a plurality of primary route candidates, which are railway candidates corresponding to the essential desired conditions, based on the essential desired conditions selected and input by the user. Here, the required desired conditions include the desired departure station, which is the name of the station where the user will board, the desired destination, which is the name of the station where the user will get off, and the desired departure date, which is the date on which the user will use the railway. In addition, at least a desired departure time, which is the departure time desired by the user, or a desired arrival time, which is the arrival time desired by the user, is included. Note that the required desired conditions may include the desired number of users.

The primary route candidate search unit 101 searches for a railway route (or A railway route whose arrival time is the same as the desired arrival time or earlier than the desired arrival time is inquired of the ticket sales operation management server 21, and the plurality of returned candidates are acquired as primary route candidates and stored in the terminal storage unit 14. Remember.

The alternative candidate determining unit 102 selects the first candidate having the highest time priority from among the primary route candidates, and determines whether this first candidate satisfies the arbitrary desired conditions selected and input by the user. It is determined whether the route corresponds to a railway candidate (hereinafter referred to as a "condition-matching route"). If the first candidate is a condition-matching route, the alternative candidate determining unit 102 displays the condition-matching route on the operation display 12.

Here, the order of time priority is such that the earlier the arrival time at which the train arrives at the destination station, and the later the departure time at which the train departs from the departure station, the more dominant it is. Therefore, according to the order of time dominance, the railway that departs from the departure station at the latest time but arrives at the destination station at the earliest time after the desired departure time or before the desired arrival time is dominant. For example, if a desired departure time is selected and there are candidates who depart at different times and arrive at the same time, the candidate who departs at a later time will have an advantage. Furthermore, if a desired arrival time is selected and there are candidates who depart at the same time and arrive at different times, the candidate who arrives at an earlier time will have an advantage.

The optional desired conditions include at least desired seat equipment and desired seat position. The desired seating facility is either a reserved seat in a regular car, a non-reserved seat in a regular car, a premium non-reserved seat, or a reserved seat in a special car. The desired seat position is a window seat, an aisle seat, or a center seat. The optional desired conditions may include incidental facilities as an incidental service seat. The incidental facilities include, for example, seats near the oversized baggage corner, seats near the smoking room, and regular seats. Here, the term "seat near the oversized baggage corner" refers to a seat near the space where oversized baggage corresponding to a predetermined size can be placed, and the "seat near the smoking room" refers to a seat near the smoking room. refers to seats other than the seats near the oversized baggage corner and the seats near the smoking room. Ancillary facilities are attached to reserved seats in ordinary cars or reserved seats in special cars.

If the first candidate does not satisfy any desired conditions and does not correspond to a condition-matching route, the alternative candidate determining unit 102 selects one of the primary route candidates based on the details of the desired seat facilities and the desired seat position. An alternative candidate is determined from the above and displayed on the operation display 12. Specifically, the alternative candidate determination unit 102 stores prediction conditions that are conditions that are predicted to be prioritized by the user as alternative candidates, depending on the combination of the desired seat equipment details and the desired seat position details. or from the prediction condition table stored in the terminal storage unit 14. The alternative candidate determining unit 102 determines alternative candidates based on the prediction conditions, so that the route search system 100 can search for and present the most optimal possible alternative.

Here, there are patterns 1 to 4 for combinations of the details of the desired seat equipment and the details of the desired seat position. Pattern 1 is a case where neither the desired seat facility nor the desired seat position is selected by the user (in other words, "none" is selected). In pattern 1, since there is no vacant seat in the first candidate, if the first candidate does not correspond to the route that matches the conditions, it is predicted that the user will prioritize the alternative candidate because the desired seat equipment and the desired seat location In any case, it is a candidate that satisfies the essential desired conditions and arrives at the earliest possible arrival time (that is, the second candidate, third candidate, etc., which are next to the first candidate in terms of time advantage,...the Nth candidate). This is defined as prediction condition 1.

Pattern 2 is a case where only the desired seat facility is selected by the user, but the desired seat position is not selected. In pattern 2, since there is no vacant seat in the first candidate's desired seat facility, if the first candidate does not correspond to the route that matches the conditions, the user is predicted to give priority as an alternative candidate if the arrival time is If the candidate is a candidate who can sit at the desired seating facility even if it is later than the first candidate (i.e. second candidate, third candidate,... Nth candidate), and there is no vacant seat at the desired seating facility of the first route candidate, Predicted alternative candidates are candidates who have no choice but to sit in a seat other than the desired seat facility, but whose arrival time is as early as possible (i.e., first candidate, second candidate, third candidate, . . . Nth candidate). This is defined as prediction condition 2.

Pattern 3 is a case where the user does not select the desired seat facility but only selects the desired seat position. In pattern 3, if there is no vacant seat at the first candidate's desired seat position, it is predicted that the user will give priority to the alternative candidate because there is no choice but to sit at a seat other than the desired seat position, but the arrival time is too late. The earliest possible candidates (ie, first candidate, second candidate, third candidate... Nth candidate). This is defined as prediction condition 3.

Pattern 4 is a case where both the desired seat facility and desired seat position are selected by the user. In pattern 4, since there is no vacant seat at the desired seat position of the desired seating facility among the first candidates, it is predicted that the user will be prioritized as an alternative candidate if the first candidate does not correspond to the condition matching route. The following are:

If there is no first candidate whose desired seat position in the desired seating facility is vacant, it is predicted that the user will give priority as an alternative candidate because there is no choice but to sit in a seat other than the desired seat position, but the arrival time is the earliest possible candidate (ie, the first candidate).

If there is no first candidate with vacant seats other than the desired seat location in the desired seating facility, it is expected that the user will be prioritized as the next alternative candidate, even if the arrival time is later. are the candidates whose arrival time is as early as possible among those who can sit in the desired seat position of the desired seating facility (ie, the second candidate, third candidate, . . . Nth candidate).

If there is no second or third candidate whose desired seat position in the desired seating facility is vacant, the user is predicted to prioritize a seat other than the desired seat position as the next alternative candidate. There is no choice but to sit in the desired seating facility (i.e., second candidate, third candidate,... Nth candidate).

In the case where there is no second or third candidate in which a seat other than the desired seat position is vacant in the desired seat facility, there is no Nth candidate, the user is predicted to prioritize the desired seat facility as the next alternative candidate. There is no choice but to sit in a different seat, but among those who can sit in the desired seat position, these are the candidates whose arrival time is as early as possible (i.e., first candidate, second candidate, third candidate,... Nth candidate).

If the desired seat position other than the desired seat facility is vacant, the first candidate, second candidate, third candidate... If there is no Nth candidate, it is predicted that the user will prioritize the next alternative candidate. Since it is unavoidable that you cannot sit at your desired seat position in the seating equipment, you are a candidate regardless of any desired conditions. These circumstances in pattern 4 are defined as prediction condition 4. The processing by the alternative candidate determining unit 102 will be described below for each prediction condition.

<Pattern 1>
If neither the desired seat facility nor the desired seat position is selected by the user, the alternative candidate determination unit 102 first determines whether the first candidate is a condition matching route. Specifically, the alternative candidate determination unit 102 searches for vacant seat facilities from the first candidates in the order of reserved seats for regular cars, non-reserved seats for regular cars, reserved seats for special cars, and standing seats. When searching for regular car reserved seats and special car reserved seats, the alternative candidate determining unit 102 further searches for regular seats, seats near the oversized baggage corner, and seats near the smoking room in this order. If any of the seats is vacant, the alternative candidate determining unit 102 displays that candidate on the operation display 12 as a condition-matching route.

On the other hand, if the first candidate does not correspond to the condition-matching route, the alternative candidate determining unit 102 determines, according to prediction condition 1, that among the primary route candidates, the time priority is higher than the first candidate. Targeting the second candidate, third candidate... Nth candidate, candidates with vacant seat facilities from among the second candidate, third candidate... Nth candidate, regular car reserved seat, regular car non-reserved seat, special car seat. Search in the order of vehicle reserved seats and standing seats. When searching for regular car reserved seats and special car reserved seats, the alternative candidate determining unit 102 further searches for regular seats, seats near the oversized baggage corner, and seats near the smoking room in this order. If the second candidate, third candidate, or Nth candidate for which any of the seat facilities is vacant is not among the primary route candidates, the alternative candidate determination unit 102 says, "There was no train that met the desired conditions." Messages such as the following are displayed on the operation display 12.

<Pattern 2>
If the user selects only the desired seat facility and does not select the desired seat position, the alternative candidate determination unit 102 first determines whether the first candidate is a condition matching route. Specifically, the alternative candidate determining unit 102 searches for a desired vacant seat facility from among the first candidates. If the desired seat facility is a reserved seat for a regular car or a reserved seat for a special vehicle, the alternative candidate determination unit 102 further searches for a regular seat, a seat near the oversized baggage corner, and a seat near the smoking room in this order. If any of the seats is vacant, the alternative candidate determining unit 102 displays the first candidate as the condition-matching route on the operation display 12.

On the other hand, if the first candidate does not correspond to the condition-matching route, the alternative candidate determination unit 102 determines, in accordance with prediction condition 2, that among the primary route candidates, the time priority is higher than the first candidate. Targeting the second candidate, third candidate...Nth candidate, candidates whose desired seat facilities are vacant from among the second candidate, third candidate...Nth candidate (hereinafter referred to as "facility priority candidates"). Search for. If there is a vacant seat at the desired seating facility among the second candidate, third candidate, .

Since there is no vacant seat in the desired seat facility among the second, third, and Nth candidates, if there is no facility priority candidate among the second, third, and Nth candidates, the alternative candidate determination unit 102 , In accordance with prediction condition 2, among the primary route candidates, again targeting the first candidate with the highest time priority order, from among the first candidates, seat types other than the desired seat equipment (hereinafter referred to as " A search is made for a candidate whose seat (hereinafter referred to as "undesired seat facility candidate") is vacant (hereinafter referred to as "undesired seat facility candidate"). If there is a vacant seat in the first candidate's non-desired seating facility, the alternative candidate determination unit 102 displays the non-desired facility candidate as an alternative candidate on the operation display 12 along with a message such as "The desired seat facility is full."

If there is no vacant seat in the non-desired seating facility for the first candidate, the alternative candidate determining unit 102 selects the second, third,...Nth candidates whose time priority is next to the first candidate among the primary route candidates. An undesired facility candidate is searched from among the second candidate, third candidate, . . . Nth candidate in order of priority. If there is a vacant seat in the non-desired seating facility among the second candidate, third candidate, .

The order of priority for undesired seat facilities is reserved seats in ordinary cars, non-reserved seats in ordinary cars, and reserved seats in special cars. Therefore, for example, if the desired seat facility is a reserved seat in a regular car, the non-desired seat facilities are a non-reserved seat in a regular car and a reserved seat in a special vehicle, and if there are no vacant non-reserved seats in a regular car, then the unreserved seats in a special vehicle are available. Reserved seats are searched. If the desired seat facility is a special vehicle reserved seat, the undesired seat facility is a regular vehicle reserved seat or a regular vehicle non-reserved seat, and if there is no vacant regular vehicle reserved seat, an empty regular vehicle non-reserved seat is searched. be done.

As an example of pattern 2, for example, the required desired conditions and optional desired conditions are
Desired departure time: 9 o'clock Desired seat equipment: Reserved seat in a regular car Desired seat position: None, and the temporary route candidates are as shown in Table 1 below.

Even if the first candidate reserved seat for a regular car is full, the alternative candidate determining unit 102 searches for and presents a second candidate whose reserved seat for a regular car is vacant (A in Table 1). Therefore, even if the user arrives late, he or she can at least sit in the reserved seat of the regular car that he or she desires, so he or she can be satisfied. Even if the second candidate reserved seats in ordinary cars are full, the alternative candidate determination unit 102 searches for and presents the first candidates whose non-reserved seats in ordinary cars are vacant (as shown in Table 1). B). Therefore, even if the user is not able to sit in the reserved seat of the regular car that he or she desires, he or she can at least be satisfied because he or she can use the train that arrives earlier. Even if the first candidate non-reserved seat in a regular car is full, the alternative candidate determining unit 102 searches for and presents a second candidate whose non-reserved seat in a regular car is vacant (see Table 1). C). Therefore, even if the user is not able to sit in the reserved seat of the regular car that he or she desires, he or she can be satisfied because he or she can at least use a train that arrives earlier than the third option.

<Pattern 3>
If the user has not selected the desired seat facility but only the desired seat position, the alternative candidate determination unit 102 first determines whether the first candidate is a condition matching route. Specifically, the alternative candidate determining unit 102 searches for vacant seats from the first candidates in the order of reserved seats in regular cars, non-reserved seats in regular cars, green seats, and standing seats. In the case of a reserved seat in a regular car or a reserved seat in a special vehicle, the alternative candidate determining unit 102 further searches for a regular seat, a seat near the oversized baggage corner, and a seat near the smoking room in this order. If there is a vacant reserved seat in the regular car, the alternative candidate determining unit 102 searches for a desired vacant seat position from among the candidates. If there is a vacant seat at the desired seat position, the alternative candidate determining unit 102 displays the first candidate as the condition matching route on the operation display 12.

On the other hand, if there is no vacant seat at the desired seat position among the first candidates, the alternative candidate determination unit 102 selects a seat of a type other than the desired seat position (hereinafter referred to as " A candidate whose seat is vacant (hereinafter referred to as "time advantageous candidate") is displayed as an alternative candidate on the operation display 12 along with a message such as "The desired seat position is full." .

If the first candidate does not have a vacant seat at the desired seat position or a vacant seat at the non-desired seat position, the alternative candidate determination unit 102 selects the second and third candidates whose time priority is next to the first candidate among the primary route candidates. ...With the Nth candidate as the target, candidates whose desired seat position is vacant are searched from among the second candidate, third candidate,...Nth candidate in order of time priority. If there is a vacant seat at the desired seat position among the second candidate, third candidate, . If there is no vacant seat at the desired seat position for the second candidate, third candidate...Nth candidate, the alternative candidate determination unit 102 selects the second candidate, third candidate... Candidates: Search for time-dominant candidates from the Nth candidates. If the second candidate, third candidate...Nth candidate has a vacant seat at a non-desired seat position, the alternative candidate determination unit 102 selects the time-based candidate as an alternative candidate and operates the candidate with a message such as "The desired seat position is full." Displayed on the display 12.

As an example of pattern 3, for example, the required desired conditions and optional desired conditions are
Desired departure time: 9:00 Desired seat facilities: None Desired seat position: Window seat, and temporary route candidates are as shown in Table 2 below.

Even if the first candidate is a reserved seat in a regular car and the window seat is full, the alternative candidate determining unit 102 presents an aisle seat or a center seat (A in Table 1). Therefore, even if the user cannot sit in a window seat, the user can at least be satisfied because he or she can use the railway that arrives as early as possible. Even if the first candidate aisle seat is full, the alternative candidate determination unit 102 searches for and presents a second candidate whose window seat is vacant (B in Table 1). Therefore, even if the user arrives late, he or she can at least sit in the window seat of his or her choice, and thus be satisfied.

<Pattern 4>
If the user has selected both the desired seat facility and the desired seat position, the alternative candidate determining unit 102 first determines whether the first candidate is a condition matching route. Specifically, the alternative candidate determining unit 102 searches for a desired vacant seat facility from among the first candidates. If the desired seat facility is a reserved seat for a regular car or a reserved seat for a special vehicle, the alternative candidate determination unit 102 further searches for a regular seat, a seat near the oversized baggage corner, and a seat near the smoking room in this order. If there is a vacant seat, the alternative candidate determining unit 102 searches for a desired vacant seat position from among the candidates. If there is a vacant desired seat position among the candidates, the alternative candidate determining unit 102 displays the first candidate as the condition matching route on the operation display 12.

On the other hand, if the desired seat position of the desired seat facility among the first candidates is full, the alternative candidate determining unit 102 selects a seat position in the desired seat facility from among the first candidates in accordance with prediction condition 4. , a candidate whose non-desired seat position is vacant (hereinafter referred to as "first candidate with time advantage") is displayed as an alternative candidate on the operation display 12 along with a message such as "The desired seat position is full."

On the other hand, if there is no time-dominant first candidate and there is no first candidate whose non-desired seat position is vacant in the desired seating facility, the alternative candidate determining unit 102 selects one of the first route candidates according to prediction condition 4. , the desired seat position of the desired seating facility is vacant among the second, third, and Nth candidates whose time superiority order is next to the first candidate. Candidates (hereinafter referred to as "equipment position superior candidates") are searched in order of time superiority. If there is a vacant seat at the desired seat position of the desired seating facility among the second candidate, third candidate, .

On the other hand, if there is no superior candidate for the facility location and there is no second, third, or Nth candidate whose desired seat position in the desired seat facility is vacant, the alternative candidate determination unit 102 determines the , second candidate, third candidate... Among the Nth candidates, candidates for which the non-desired seat position of the desired seating facility is vacant (hereinafter referred to as "non-desired position candidate") are selected as alternative candidates. A message such as "The position is full" is displayed on the operation display 12.

On the other hand, if there is no non-desired seat position and there is no second candidate, third candidate,...Nth candidate whose non-desired seat position in the desired seating facility is vacant, the alternative candidate determination unit 102 performs the determination according to prediction condition 4. Then, among the primary route candidates, the first candidate with the highest time priority is selected again, and the candidates whose desired seat position in the non-desired seating facility is vacant (hereinafter referred to as "non-preferred seat facility") are Search for "desired equipment/desired location candidate"). If there is a vacant seat at the desired seat position of the non-desired seating facility in the first candidate, the alternative candidate determining unit 102 selects the non-desired facility desired position candidate as an alternative candidate and operates it with a message such as "The desired seat facility is full". Displayed on the display 12.

On the other hand, if there is no candidate for the desired position of the non-desired facility and there is no first candidate whose desired seat position of the non-desired seat facility is vacant, then from among the first candidates, the desired seat position of the non-desired seat facility is vacant. A candidate (hereinafter referred to as "undesired facility/undesired position candidate") is displayed on the operation display 12 as an alternative candidate along with a message such as "The desired seat facility and desired seat position are full."

If there are no undesired equipment desired position candidates and undesired equipment undesired position candidates among the first candidates, similarly undesired equipment desired position candidates and Search for undesired equipment and undesired position candidates.

As an example of pattern 4, for example, the required desired conditions and optional desired conditions are
Desired departure time: 9 o'clock Desired seat arrangement: Special vehicle reserved seat Desired seat position: Window seat, and temporary route candidates are as shown in Table 3 below.

Even if the window seat of the special vehicle reserved seat is full in the first candidate, the alternative candidate determination unit 102 presents the aisle seat or center seat of the special vehicle reserved seat (A in Table 3). Therefore, even if the user cannot sit in the window seat, he or she can at least sit in the reserved seat in the special train that he or she desires and be satisfied because he or she can use the train that arrives the earliest. Even if the aisle seats and center seats of the special vehicle reserved seats are full in the first candidate, the alternative candidate determination unit 102 searches for a special vehicle reserved seat with a vacant window seat from the second candidates. (B in Table 3). Therefore, even if the user arrives late, he or she can at least sit in the window seat of the reserved seat in the special vehicle that he/she desired, so he or she can be satisfied. Even if the window seat of the special vehicle reserved seat in the second candidate is full, the alternative candidate determination unit 102 searches for a special vehicle reserved seat in which the aisle seat or center seat is vacant from the second candidate. (C in Table 3). Therefore, even if the user arrives late, he or she can at least sit in the reserved seat in the special vehicle that he or she desires, and thus can be satisfied. Even if the aisle seats and center seats of the special vehicle reserved seats are full in the second candidate, the alternative candidate determination unit 102 selects the regular vehicle reserved seats with empty window seats again from the first candidate. Search and present (D in Table 3). Therefore, the user can be satisfied because he or she can sit at least in the window seat of his or her choice and use the train that arrives the earliest. Even if, in the first candidate, the window seat of the regular car reserved seat is full, the alternative candidate determination unit 102 searches for a regular car reserved seat from the first candidate where the aisle seat or center seat is vacant. (E in Table 3). Therefore, users can be satisfied because they can at least use the railway with the earliest arrival time.

In addition, when the above-mentioned route search system 100 is realized by software, it can actually be realized by comprising a computer's CPU, MPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and running a program stored in the ROM or RAM. . Therefore, a route search program that causes a computer to operate the functions of the primary route candidate search unit 101 and the alternative candidate determination unit 102 as a primary route candidate search procedure and an alternative candidate determination procedure is stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM. This can be achieved by recording and loading it into a computer. As a recording medium for recording the route search program, in addition to a CD-ROM, for example, a flexible disk, an optical disk, etc. can be used.

The route search system 100 may function as an ASP (Application Service Provider), or may be realized by downloading a route search program to a computer via a network such as the Internet. Furthermore, these hardware and software resources can also be provided in a form such as a cloud accessible via a network.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the claims.

1 Station 2 System center 3 Call center 10 Automatic ticket vending machine 11 Control section 12 Operation display 13 Telephone receiver 14 Terminal storage section 15 Communication section 16 Coin section 17 Banknote section 18 Card processing section 19 Ticket issuing section 21 Ticket sales operations management server 22 Call center server 23 AI Server 24 Database 31 Audio/video terminal 32 Reservation/ticketing terminal 100 Route search system 101 Primary route candidate search unit 102 Alternative candidate determination unit N1 Ticket sales business network N2 Assist business network S Automatic ticket vending system

Claims (13)

From a storage unit that stores the departure point, transit point, arrival point, date and time of departure and arrival at each location, seating equipment, and seat position of the means of transportation;
Based on the essential desired conditions including the desired departure point, desired destination, desired departure date, and desired departure time or desired arrival time selected by the user of the means of transportation, the above-mentioned a primary route candidate search unit that searches for a plurality of primary route candidates that are transportation mode candidates;
A first candidate is selected from the primary route candidates, which has the highest time priority order, with an earlier arrival time at the destination and a later departure time at the departure point, and the first candidate is selected from the primary route candidates. , an alternative candidate determining unit that determines an alternative candidate from among the primary route candidates when arbitrary desired conditions including the desired seat equipment and desired seat position selected by the user are not satisfied;
When the desired seat facility is selected and the desired seat position is not selected,
The alternative candidate determination unit
The equipment priority candidate whose time priority is higher than the first candidate and whose desired seat equipment is vacant is set as the alternative candidate;
A route search system characterized by: The types of seating facilities include reserved seats for ordinary cars, non-reserved seats for ordinary cars, and special reserved seats,
If there is no equipment priority candidate,
The alternative candidate determination unit
The alternative candidate is a non-desired facility candidate in which the time priority order is high and the non-desired seat facility, which is a type of seat facility other than the desired seat facility, is vacant.
The route search system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The types of seat positions include window seats and aisle seats,
When the desired seat position is selected and the desired seat facility is not selected,
The alternative candidate determination unit
a time superior candidate in which a non-desired seat position that is a type of seat position other than the desired seat position is vacant is set as the alternative candidate;
The route search system according to claim 1, characterized in that: From a storage unit that stores the departure point, transit point, arrival point, date and time of departure and arrival at each location, seating equipment, and seat position of the means of transportation;
Based on the essential desired conditions including the desired departure point, desired destination, desired departure date, and desired departure time or desired arrival time selected by the user of the means of transportation, the above-mentioned a primary route candidate search unit that searches for a plurality of primary route candidates that are transportation mode candidates;
A first candidate is selected from the primary route candidates, which has the highest time priority order, with an earlier arrival time at the destination and a later departure time at the departure point, and the first candidate is selected from the primary route candidates. , an alternative candidate determining unit that determines an alternative candidate from among the primary route candidates when arbitrary desired conditions including the desired seat equipment and desired seat position selected by the user are not satisfied;
The types of seating facilities include reserved seats for ordinary cars, non-reserved seats for ordinary cars, and special reserved seats,
The types of seat positions include window seats and aisle seats,
When the desired seat facility and the desired seat position are selected,
The alternative candidate determining unit
If there is no first candidate whose desired seat position in the desired seating facility is vacant;
The time-based first candidate whose non-desired seat position, which is a seat position of a type other than the desired seat position in the desired seating facility, is an empty seat is set as the alternative candidate;
If there is no first candidate with time advantage,
The equipment location priority candidate whose time priority is higher than the first candidate and whose desired seat position of the desired seat equipment is vacant is set as the alternative candidate;
If there is no candidate with superior equipment location,
An undesired position candidate whose time priority is higher than the first candidate and whose undesired seat position of the desired seat facility is vacant is set as the alternative candidate;
If there is no undesired position candidate,
The alternative candidate is a non-desired facility desired position candidate in which the time priority order is high and the desired seat position of a non-desired seat facility that is a type of seat facility other than the desired seat facility is vacant;
If there is no desired location candidate for the non-desired equipment,
Setting an undesired facility undesired position candidate whose time priority is high and whose undesired seat position of the undesired seat equipment is vacant as the alternative candidate;
A route search system characterized by: The order of priority for the non-desired seat facilities is the ordinary car reserved seat, the ordinary car non-reserved seat, and the special reserved seat,
The route search system according to claim 2 or claim 4, characterized in that: The ordinary car reserved seats and the special reserved seats include incidental service seats and regular seats other than the incidental service seats,
In the case where the above-mentioned ordinary car reserved seat or the above-mentioned special reserved seat is selected as the desired seat facility,
The alternative candidate determining unit
searching in the order of the primary route candidate in which the regular seat is vacant, and the primary route candidate in which the incidental service seat is vacant;
The route search system according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that: Desired departure point, desired destination, and desired destination selected by the user of the means of transportation from a storage unit that stores the departure point, transit point, destination, date and time of departure and arrival at each location, seat facilities, and seat position of the means of transportation. A primary route candidate search procedure for searching for a plurality of primary route candidates that are candidates for the transportation means corresponding to the essential desired conditions, based on essential desired conditions that include a departure date and also include a desired departure time or a desired arrival time. and,
A first candidate is selected from the primary route candidates, which has the highest time priority order, with an earlier arrival time at the destination and a later departure time at the departure point, and the first candidate is selected from the primary route candidates. , an alternative candidate determination procedure for determining an alternative candidate from among the primary route candidates when the arbitrary desired conditions including the desired seat equipment and desired seat position selected by the user are not satisfied; let me,
When the desired seat facility is selected and the desired seat position is not selected,
In the alternative candidate determination procedure,
The equipment priority candidate whose time priority is higher than the first candidate and whose desired seat equipment is vacant is set as the alternative candidate;
A route search program characterized by: The types of seating facilities include reserved seats for ordinary cars, non-reserved seats for ordinary cars, and special reserved seats,
If there is no equipment priority candidate,
In the alternative candidate determination procedure,
The alternative candidate is a non-desired facility candidate in which the time priority order is high and the non-desired seat facility, which is a type of seat facility other than the desired seat facility, is vacant.
8. The route search program according to claim 7. The types of seat positions include window seats and aisle seats,
When the desired seat position is selected and the desired seat facility is not selected,
In the alternative candidate determination procedure,
a time superior candidate whose non-desired seat position, which is a type of seat position other than the desired seat position, is vacant is set as the alternative candidate;
8. The route search program according to claim 7. From a storage unit that stores the departure point, transit point, arrival point, date and time of departure and arrival at each location, seating equipment, and seat position of the means of transportation;
Based on the essential desired conditions including the desired departure point, desired destination, desired departure date, and desired departure time or desired arrival time selected by the user of the means of transportation, the above-mentioned a primary route candidate search procedure for searching a plurality of primary route candidates that are transportation mode candidates;
A first candidate is selected from the primary route candidates, which has the highest time priority order, with an earlier arrival time at the destination and a later departure time at the departure point, and the first candidate is selected from the primary route candidates. , an alternative candidate determination procedure for determining an alternative candidate from among the primary route candidates when the arbitrary desired conditions including the desired seat equipment and desired seat position selected by the user are not satisfied; let me,
The types of seating facilities include reserved seats for ordinary cars, non-reserved seats for ordinary cars, and special reserved seats,
The types of seat positions include window seats and aisle seats,
When the desired seat facility and the desired seat position are selected,
In the alternative candidate determination procedure,
If there is no first candidate whose desired seat position in the desired seating facility is vacant;
The time-based first candidate whose non-desired seat position, which is a seat position of a type other than the desired seat position in the desired seating facility, is an empty seat is set as the alternative candidate;
If there is no first candidate with time advantage,
The equipment location priority candidate whose time priority is higher than the first candidate and whose desired seat position of the desired seat equipment is vacant is set as the alternative candidate;
If there is no candidate with superior equipment location,
An undesired position candidate whose time priority is higher than the first candidate and whose undesired seat position of the desired seat facility is vacant is set as the alternative candidate;
If there is no undesired position candidate,
The alternative candidate is a non-desired facility desired position candidate in which the time priority order is high and the desired seat position of a non-desired seat facility that is a type of seat facility other than the desired seat facility is vacant;
If there is no desired location candidate for the non-desired equipment,
Setting an undesired facility undesired position candidate whose time priority is high and whose undesired seat position of the undesired seat equipment is vacant as the alternative candidate;
A route search program characterized by: The order of priority for the non-desired seat facilities is the ordinary car reserved seat, the ordinary car non-reserved seat, and the special reserved seat,
The route search program according to claim 8 or claim 10. The ordinary car reserved seats and the special reserved seats include incidental service seats and regular seats other than the incidental service seats,
In the case where the ordinary car reserved seat or the special reserved seat is selected as the desired seat facility,
In the alternative candidate determination procedure,
searching in the order of the primary route candidate in which the regular seat is vacant, and the primary route candidate in which the incidental service seat is vacant;
The route search program according to claim 8 or claim 10. The route search program according to any one of claims 7 to 10 is recorded.
A computer-readable recording medium characterized by:

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