JP2006171959A - Vacancy route search system, vacancy route search apparatus, and terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vacancy route search system for setting detailed seat conditions on the basis of the presence/absence of the vacancy of a traffic means, and for searching and guiding a plurality of routes (using traffic means) to a destination on the basis of this setting. <P>SOLUTION: This vacancy route search system 10 is provided with an operation database 37 for storing the operation data of each traffic means, a reservation information inquiring means 35 for inquiring about reservation information of each traffic means, a condition inputting means 22 for inputting route search conditions including seat conditions, a route searching means 36 for searching the traffic means being a route referring to the operation database 37 on the basis of the route search conditions, and for acquiring the reservation information relative to the retrieved traffic means from the reservation information database 51 by the reservation information inquiring means 35, and for selecting the traffic means matching the route search conditions, and an output means 23 for outputting the result of the route search. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention is a route search system using a transportation means which is a kind of navigation system, that is, a route for searching and guiding a route from a departure place to a destination using a transportation means such as an airplane, a train, a train, and a bus. This is related to the search system, especially when searching for the route from the departure point to the destination using transportation means, depending on the detailed seating conditions, to the destination based on the availability of seats in the transportation means used. The present invention relates to a vacant seat route searching system, a vacant seat route searching device, and a terminal device that can search and guide the route (transport means to be used).

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are known navigation devices and navigation systems that guide users by searching for map data, road data, a route from a desired departure point to a destination, and such navigation devices and navigation systems are automobiles. Car navigation device that is installed in the vehicle to guide the route to the driver, a communication navigation system that sends a route search request to the route search server using a mobile phone as a navigation terminal, receives the result, and receives route guidance, etc. Has been put to practical use.

  In particular, the communication-type navigation system is a system that uses a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone as a navigation terminal, and is also used as a navigation system for pedestrians. As a navigation system for pedestrians, it is preferable to add a route guidance function including transportation, and in addition to searching and guidance for walking routes, train time data is stored in a route search server, There is also a navigation system that has a function of guiding a route (boarding candidate train) to a desired destination station in addition to searching and guiding a walking route.

  There is also known a route search system that searches and guides a route from a departure place to a destination using transportation means such as an airplane, a train, a train, and a bus. In general, such a route search system is an operation data DB (in which operation data of each transportation facility is converted into a database on the basis of route search conditions such as departure date and time, departure place, destination and arrival time specified by the user. Database)), each of the available transportation means connecting the departure point and the destination, including connections, is sequentially traced as a route, and one guide route (transportation means such as a train) that matches the route search condition is selected as one. Configured to present one or more. As route search conditions, it is generally possible to specify conditions such as required time, number of transfers, and fares.

  For example, when the road network for route search in the pedestrian navigation system or the car navigation system includes roads A, B, and C as shown in FIG. 10, the end points, intersections, bending points, etc. of the roads A, B, and C The road connecting each node is represented by a directional link, and node data (node latitude / longitude), link data (link number) and link cost (link distance or link travel) of each link The road network data is composed of link cost data using the required time required for data). That is, in FIG. 10, ◯ and ◎ indicate nodes, and ◎ indicates a road intersection. Directional links connecting the nodes are indicated by arrow lines (solid line, dotted line, two-dot chain line). As for the links, there are links facing in the upward and downward directions of the road, but in FIG. 10, only the links in the direction of the arrows are illustrated for the sake of simplicity.

  When route search is performed using such road network data as a route search database, links linked from the starting node to the destination node are traced to accumulate the link cost, thereby minimizing the accumulated link cost. Search and guide the route. That is, in FIG. 10, when a route search is performed with the departure point as the node AX and the destination as the node CY, the road travels from the node AX along the road A, turns right at the second intersection, enters the road C, and reaches the node CY. The link cost is accumulated sequentially, and a route that minimizes the accumulated link cost is searched for and guided. Although other routes from the node AX to the node CY are not shown in FIG. 10, in reality there are other such routes, so a possible route from the node AX to the node CY is similarly searched. Of these routes, the route with the lowest link cost is determined as the optimum route. This method is performed by, for example, a well-known method called the Dijkstra method.

  Such a road network is static network data in which the link cost is fixed as schematically shown in FIG. 10 and the accumulated link cost is uniquely determined when the route is determined. The amount of data is also the road network. Is proportional to the amount of.

  On the other hand, for example, when the transportation network data of the transportation system is composed of the traffic routes A, B, and C as shown in FIG. 11, each station (in the aircraft route) provided on each traffic route A, B, C. Represents each airport) as a node, a section connecting each node is represented by a directional link, and node data (latitude / longitude) and link data (link number) are network data. In FIG. 11, ◯ and ◎ indicate nodes, ◎ indicates a transit point (such as a transfer station) on a traffic route, and a directional link connecting each node is indicated by an arrow line (solid line, dotted line, two points). This is indicated by a chain line). As links, there are links facing in the upward and downward directions of the traffic route. In FIG. 11, only the links in the direction of the arrows are shown for the sake of simplicity.

  However, the transportation network for transportation is basically different in link cost from the road network. That is, in the road network, the link cost is fixed and static. However, in the transportation network, as shown in FIG. 11, trains and airplanes (hereinafter referred to as individual trains and airplanes) that operate the traffic route are used. Each route is referred to as a means of transportation), the time of departure from a certain node and the time of arrival at the next node are determined for each means of transportation (specified by timetable data and operation data), and Individual paths may not always link to adjacent nodes. This is the case, for example, with express trains and trains that stop at each station. In such a case, a plurality of different links exist on the same traffic route, and the required time between nodes may differ depending on the transportation means.

  In the transportation network illustrated in FIG. 11, a plurality of transportation means (routes) Aa to Ac... Are connected to the same link of the transportation route A, and a plurality of transportation means (routes) Ca to Cc.・ There will be. Therefore, unlike a simple road network, the transportation network of a transportation system has a data amount proportional to the total number of means of transportation (routes of individual aircraft, trains, etc.) for each node, link, and link cost. Compared to the amount of data, the network data has a huge amount of data. Accordingly, much time is required for route search accordingly.

  In order to search for a route from a certain departure point to a certain destination using such transport network data, all the means of transportation that can be used (ride) when arriving from the departure point to the destination are searched. Thus, it is necessary to specify the transportation means that matches the search conditions. For example, in FIG. 11, when performing a route search in which the departure point is a node AX of the traffic route A and a certain departure time is specified and the node CY of the traffic route C is the destination, the route operates on the traffic route A. All of the transportation means after the departure time are sequentially selected as the departure route from among the transportation means Aa to Ac, and the transportation route C is operated on the basis of the arrival time at the transit node to the transportation route C. Among all the transportation means Ca to Cc..., All the combinations of transportation means after the time that can be boarded at the transit node are searched and the required time of each route and the number of times of transfer are accumulated and guided.

  For example, Non-Patent Document 1 described below (Kikuchi, “A method for searching for an optimal transit sequence for trains and airlines based on dynamic network representations” The method disclosed in “Applications to Actual”, Information Processing Society of Japan, April 1997, Vol. 38, No. 4, P. 915-926) can be used. Here, the dynamic network refers to a network formed by sequentially adding related nodes and links with time.

  By the way, in route search using transportation, even if a means of transportation (individual aircraft, train, train, bus) that matches the search conditions to be guided as routes is specified, the specified aircraft, train, train , If the bus is operated by a reserved seat and all reserved seats are reserved and there are no vacant seats, the aircraft, train, train, bus (transportation) is essentially a guide route It cannot be. In this case, a reservation system that searches for a route by adding the presence / absence of a reserved seat to the search condition is also provided as described below. In the present invention, hereinafter, a case where the presence or absence of a vacant seat is used as a search condition is referred to as a seat condition, and unless otherwise specified, the search condition includes the seat condition.

  In general, as a system for searching for available transportation means (aircraft and trains) on the condition of availability of a seat when traveling from a departure place to a destination using transportation means, an aircraft reservation system, a train reservation system, etc. Are known. Such a reservation system is generally configured to access a computer device having a reservation information database installed in a reservation center operated by each transportation facility to search for and reserve a transportation means having a vacant seat. The terminal device is installed at the reservation window of each station or the reservation window of a travel agency. Recently, it is now possible to make a reservation by accessing the computer device via the Internet from a computer device or mobile phone owned by the user. It is coming.

  Such a reservation system is different from a navigation system in which a plurality of candidate means of transportation are searched and guided, and the search condition is changed when a train that matches the search condition has no vacant seat and the seat condition is not satisfied and the reservation is impossible. In general, the search is performed interactively with an operator presenting the reservation status of the next candidate. In addition, many reservation systems are operated individually and independently for each transportation system, and users make reservations using the necessary reservation system individually, or at the travel agency window, the operator reserves each transportation system. It was necessary to request a search and reservation using the system.

  As a traffic reservation system that eliminates such inconvenience, for example, a system disclosed in the following Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-70963) is known. This traffic reservation system includes traffic information management means for managing information on various transportation means, and scheduling means for determining transportation means to a destination by performing scheduling by various combinations of various transportation means using the traffic information management means. And reservation means for executing reservation of transportation means determined by the scheduling means.

  In this traffic reservation system, in the lower left column of the official gazette, page 3, “If there is no vacant seat and reservation is impossible (No at step 107), the shortest route scheduler 11 again searches for the next shortest route, and scheduling is performed. If the transportation system (route) searched under a certain search condition has no vacant seats and cannot be reserved, the next transportation system (route) needs to be searched again.

  Also, the following Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-44553) discloses a travel plan providing method and a travel plan providing device. This apparatus is capable of providing a detailed travel guidance service even when a network is used. In other words, when the user of the browse terminal inputs and selects various conditions necessary for formulating a travel plan using the condition setting buttons on the menu screen and presses the search button, a travel plan formulation request is transmitted to the travel plan service center. The travel plan established by the center is displayed in the display area. When a plan being displayed is changed using the correction button group or slide button group, a request for changing the plan is sent to the center, and the travel plan redesigned by the center is displayed in the display area. It is a thing.

  In this device, if it is necessary to reserve a reserved seat or arrange a ticket to use the determined service flight, an instruction for confirming the vacant seat status of the service flight (transportation means) is sent via the instruction transmission / reception unit. Notify the institution diamond search / reservation request department. Then, the transportation schedule search / reservation requesting section is allowed to access the transportation reservation center to check the seat availability of the flight. As a result, if it is confirmed that there are no vacant seats, the transportation schedule search / reservation request section is an operating flight that operates the route section, and among the operating flights that arrive earlier than the scheduled arrival time, Next to the flight whose availability was not confirmed, search for the flight with the estimated arrival time close to the estimated arrival time, and determine that this flight is the flight that is boarded in the route section. Ask for availability. This process is configured to continue until an unoccupied flight is found.

  Further, the following Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-206482) discloses a program for a navigation system and a route search method. The navigation system includes a search condition setting processing unit that sets a route search section as a search condition, a route search processing unit that searches for a route based on the set search condition, and at least one designated seat route in the search route. A designated seat route determination processing means for determining whether or not a specified seat route is included, and a notification processing means for notifying an operator of a searched route including a designated seat route when the searched route includes at least one designated seat route And have. When at least one or more designated seat routes are included in the searched route, the operator is notified of the searched route including the designated seat route. According to this navigation system, it is possible to secure a seat when using public transportation on the searched route.

Kikuchi, “A method of searching for optimal transit sequences of trains and airlines based on dynamic network representation and its application to practical use”, Information Processing Society of Japan, April 1997, Vol. 38, No. 4, 915-926 JP-A-4-70963 (FIG. 1) JP 2003-44553 A (FIG. 1, paragraph [0133]) JP 2004-206482 A

  A route search system that searches and guides the route from the departure point to the destination using transportation means such as airplanes, trains, trains, and buses, and in particular, searches for the route from the departure point to the destination using transportation means. In the system that searches for and guides the route to the destination (transportation used) based on the availability of seats in the transportation means used, the transportation means that only needs to be reserved (individual trains that meet the search conditions) The user cannot perform satisfactory route guidance only by searching for a guidance route depending on whether there is a vacant seat in a designated seat of an aircraft).

  For example, in the transportation means (train, aircraft, etc.) from the departure point to the destination that meet the search conditions, even if there are no seats in the transportation means for all sections, In some cases, the reserved seat can be vacated from the middle, and even if there is no vacant seat in the designated seat, there may be a vacant seat in the section from the departure place to the destination. In addition, there may be vacant seats in a transportation means that operates on other transitable routes, or in another transportation means on the same route (a transportation means whose departure time is after the search condition). Such reservation status can be known in detail by collecting detailed reservation information. In the route search, for example, it is necessary to configure the system so that not only whether there is a vacant seat in the transportation means that matches the search conditions, but also a possible route can be searched one by one and a guide route can be provided to the user.

  In particular, when the transportation mode is an aircraft, if the search condition is that the user wants to leave a specific departure place at a predetermined date and arrive at a specific destination by the predetermined date and time, the flights that are candidates for the transportation mode are limited. When there is no vacant seat on the flight, the departure date / time and arrival date / time have to be changed, and the user is often forced to change the travel schedule. However, in the case of an aircraft, it travels a long distance at high speed, so if it is possible to search for a route that covers all operation network data, a route that meets the search conditions can be obtained by transferring flights at an unexpected waypoint. May still exist.

  As described above, the system is configured not only to check whether there is a vacant seat on the route that matches the search condition, but also to provide the guide route to the user by searching for possible combinations one by one, or as fast as an aircraft In order to make it possible to search routes covering all operation network data when using a long-distance transportation system, the network data is enormous and the combinations of routes are enormous. It is necessary to configure the system so that the route to be searched can be searched.

  However, in any of the systems disclosed in Patent Document 1 to Patent Document 3, first, after performing a normal route search, there is a vacant seat in a designated seat of the searched transportation means (train, aircraft, etc. serving as a guide route). If not, search again (Patent Document 1), search for another means of transportation on the same route (Patent Document 2), or exclude a non-vacant transportation system from the route search result ( However, there is a problem that a route search that satisfies the user's request cannot be performed because it is not possible to finely search for another means of transportation that substitutes for a section without vacant seats.

That is, in the systems such as Patent Document 1 to Patent Document 3, when the designated seat of the optimally searched transportation means (route) is full, the route search is performed again. Since the second, third,... Route is obtained, the route search processing increases at an accelerated rate if no vacant seat is found. In particular, since it is common to search with priorities given the shortest route and fare conditions, there is a tendency for similar means of transportation (routes) to be output continuously. If the transportation means (train or airplane) is full, it may be difficult to find a transportation means (route) to be guided.
In addition, in the case where a connection is required, only one of the flights is full and does not become a guide route. In the method of performing the route search first, an unnecessary search is eventually performed, and the load of the route search server is increased. In addition, the conventional technology pays attention only to the reserved seat, and if there is a free seat, it cannot be set in detail such that it is made a part of the guide route.

  As a result of various studies to solve the above problems, the inventor of the present application collects reservation information for each transportation facility, and operates based on route search conditions including the reservation information and seat conditions specified by the user. The present invention is configured to search a plurality of candidate routes with reference to network data, and to find out that the above-mentioned problems can be solved by providing an input means capable of finely specifying seat conditions. It has come to be completed.

  That is, the present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems, and when searching for a route from a departure place to a destination using a transportation means, a detailed seat based on the availability of seats in the transportation means used. An object of the present invention is to provide a vacant seat route search system, a vacant seat route search device, and a terminal device that set conditions and can search and guide a plurality of routes (used transportation means) to a destination based on the conditions. It is.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 of the present application is
In the vacant seat route search system that searches and guides the route using the transportation means from the departure point to the destination based on the input route search condition,
The vacant seat route search system includes:
An operation data database storing operation data of each means of transportation, a reservation information database storing reservation information of each means of transportation, a reservation information inquiry means for inquiring about reservation information of each means of transportation, and a route search including seat conditions A condition input means for inputting a condition, a traffic means to be a route is searched by referring to the operation data database based on a route search condition, and reservation information relating to the searched traffic means is reserved by the reservation information inquiry means And a route search means for selecting a transportation means that meets the route search conditions, and an output means for outputting the result of the route search.

  The invention according to claim 2 of the present application is the vacant seat route search system according to claim 1, wherein the condition input means has means for inputting, as a seat condition, that all transportation means can be reserved and are vacant. It is characterized by that.

  The invention according to claim 3 of the present application is the vacant seat route search system according to claim 1, wherein the condition input means has means for inputting, as a seat condition, a vacant seat when the transportation means can be reserved. It is characterized by that.

  Further, the invention according to claim 4 of the present application is the vacant seat route search system according to claim 1, wherein the condition input means has a free seat in the transportation means even if the transportation means is in a fully booked state. Has a means for inputting a seat condition as a route.

  Further, the invention according to claim 5 of the present application is characterized in that, in the vacant seat route search system according to claim 1, the condition input means has means for inputting as a seat condition that the transportation means can be used without reservation. To do.

  Further, the invention according to claim 6 of the present application is the vacant seat route search system according to claim 1, wherein the condition input means is capable of reserving a transportation means and has a free seat even if there is a vacant seat. Has a means for inputting a seat condition with the free seat as a route.

The invention according to claim 7 of the present application is
Based on the route search conditions including the seat conditions that have been input, search the route using the transportation means from the departure point to the destination by referring to the operation data from the operation data database storing the operation data of each means of transportation. In the empty seat route searching device to
The vacant seat route search device comprises:
Reservation information inquiring means for inquiring reservation information of each means of transportation, searching for means of transportation as a route with reference to the operation data database based on the route search conditions, reservation information regarding the searched means of transportation Route search means for selecting a traffic means obtained from the reservation information database by the reservation information inquiry means and meeting the route search conditions.

The invention according to claim 8 of the present application is the vacant seat route search apparatus according to claim 7,
A search condition including a seat condition that all transportation means can be reserved and is vacant is input.

The invention according to claim 9 of the present application is the vacant seat route search apparatus according to claim 7,
When the transportation means can be reserved, a search condition including an empty seat as a seat condition is input.

The invention according to claim 10 of the present application is the vacant seat route search apparatus according to claim 7,
A search condition including a seat condition as a route is input when there is a free seat in the transportation means even if the transportation means is in a fully booked state.

The invention according to claim 11 of the present application is the vacant seat route search device according to claim 7,
A search condition including that the transportation means can be used without reservation as a seat condition is input.

The invention according to claim 12 of the present application is the vacant seat route search device according to claim 7,
If the transportation means can be reserved and there is a vacant seat, but there is a free seat in the transportation means, a search condition including a seat condition with the free seat as a route is input.

The invention according to claim 10 of the present application is
Reservation information inquiry means for inquiring reservation status in a reservation information database storing reservation information of each means of transportation, and an operation data database storing operation data of each means of transportation based on route search conditions including inputted seat conditions The route is searched by using the transportation means from the departure point to the destination with reference to the operation data, and the reservation information relating to the searched transportation means is obtained from the reservation information database via the reservation information inquiry means. A route search means for selecting a means of transportation that matches the conditions, and a terminal device that transmits search conditions to a vacant seat route search device comprising:
The terminal device includes an input means for inputting a route search condition including a seat condition.

The invention according to claim 14 of the present application is the terminal device according to claim 13,
The condition input means includes means for inputting as a seat condition that all transportation means can be reserved and are vacant.

The invention according to claim 15 of the present application is the terminal device according to claim 13,
The condition input means has means for inputting, as a seat condition, a vacant seat when the transportation means can be reserved.

The invention according to claim 16 of the present application is the terminal device according to claim 13,
The condition input means includes means for inputting a seat condition for a route when there is a free seat in the transportation means even if the transportation means is in a fully booked state.

The invention according to claim 17 of the present application is the terminal device according to claim 13,
The condition input means has means for inputting that the transportation means can be used without reservation as a seat condition.

The invention according to claim 18 of the present application is the terminal device according to claim 13,
The condition input means includes means for inputting a seating condition using the free seat as a route when the transportation means can be reserved and there is a free seat even when the transportation means has a free seat.

  In the invention according to claim 1, when a route search condition including a seat condition is input from the input means, the route search means searches the transportation data to be a route with reference to the operation data database based on the route search condition. Then, the reservation information relating to the searched transportation means is obtained from the reservation information database by the reservation information inquiry means, and the transportation means that matches the route search condition is selected. Therefore, the user can set detailed seat conditions as route search conditions from the input means, and the route search system can easily select the transportation means (route) that matches the seat conditions and guide it to the user. become.

  The invention according to claim 2 to claim 6 is the vacant seat route search system according to claim 1, wherein the condition input means inputs various seats for inputting route search conditions that take into account the seat reservation status of the transportation means. Means for inputting conditions. Therefore, the user can input detailed seat conditions using the condition input means, and the route search means can search for a route (transportation means) that matches the input conditions.

  In the invention according to claim 7, when a route search condition including a seat condition is input, the route search means searches the transportation data database as a route by referring to the operation data database based on the route search condition. The reservation information relating to the searched transportation means is obtained from the reservation information database by the reservation information inquiry means, and the transportation means that matches the route search condition is selected. Therefore, the user sets detailed seating conditions as route search conditions from the input means, and the route search apparatus can easily select the transportation means (route) that matches the seating conditions and guide it to the user. become.

  Further, in the invention according to claims 8 to 12, in the vacant seat route search device according to claim 7, various seat conditions for inputting route search conditions taking into account the reservation status of seats of means of transportation are input. The transportation means that matches the seating conditions is selected. Therefore, the user inputs detailed seat conditions using the condition input means, and the vacant seat route search apparatus can select a route (transport means) that matches the input route search conditions.

  In the invention according to claim 13, the terminal device includes an input means for inputting a route search condition including a seat condition, and a reservation for inquiring about a reservation status in a reservation information database storing reservation information of each transportation means. Information inquiry means and a route using the means of transportation from the departure point to the destination with reference to the operation data from the operation data database storing the operation data of each means of transportation based on the route search conditions including the input seat conditions A route search means for obtaining reservation information relating to the searched transportation means from the reservation information database via the reservation information inquiry means, and selecting a transportation means that matches the route search conditions. Send route search conditions to the device. Therefore, the user sets detailed seating conditions as route search conditions from the input means, and the route search apparatus can easily select the transportation means (route) that matches the seating conditions and guide it to the user. become.

  Further, in the invention according to claims 14 to 18, in the terminal device according to claim 13, the condition input means sets various seat conditions for inputting a route search condition that takes into account the seat reservation status of the transportation means. It has a means to input. Therefore, the user inputs detailed seating conditions using the condition input means, and a route (transportation means) that matches the input conditions is selected from the route search device and can receive route guidance.

  Hereinafter, specific examples of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples and drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a vacant seat route search system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a seat condition pattern which is one of the route search conditions. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a data structure for storing seat information and reservation information for each means of transportation such as trains and airplanes in the reservation information DB. FIG. 4 is a screen configuration diagram showing the configuration of the input screen in the condition input means. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a seat condition that is one of the route search conditions. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a data structure of inquiries and responses to the reservation information DB. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining details of a data structure in the reservation information DB. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing procedure of the vacant seat route search system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the vacant seat route search system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The vacant seat route searching system 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a transportation means operated by a terminal device 20, a vacant seat route searching device 30 and various transportation facilities 60 to 6N that communicate via networks 11 and 12 such as the Internet. An operation data DB (database) 52 that stores operation data and a reservation information DB (database) 51 are configured.

  The terminal device 20 includes a control unit 21, a condition input unit 22, an output unit 23, a communication unit 24, and the like. Although not shown, the control unit 21 is a microprocessor having a RAM, a ROM, and a processor, and controls the operation of each unit by a control program stored in the ROM. The condition input means 22 is an input means consisting of numbers, alphabet keys, other function keys, selection keys, etc., and selects a desired menu from a menu screen displayed on the display means which is the output means 23, or Or the alphabet key is operated to input a route search condition. The communication means 24 is an interface for communicating with the vacant seat route searching device 30 via the network 11.

  The route search conditions include general route search conditions such as moving means, departure point, destination, departure date and time, arrival date and time, and in this embodiment, a route means of transportation (individual trains and aircraft). The presence / absence of a reserved seat and the variation of the vacant seat status can be input as a route search condition. Hereinafter, this is referred to as “seat conditions”. Details of the seat conditions will be described later.

  On the other hand, the vacant seat route searching device 30 includes a control unit 31, a route guide unit 32, a display unit 33, a communication unit 34, a reservation information inquiry unit 35, a route search unit 36, and an operation data DB 37. Although not shown, the control unit 31 is a microprocessor having a RAM, a ROM, and a processor, and controls the operation of each unit by a control program stored in the ROM. The display means 33 is a monitor display means of the vacant seat route searching device 30, and the communication means 34 is an interface for communicating with the terminal device 20 and the reservation information DB 51 via the networks 11 and 12. The route guidance means 32 is for editing the guidance route means (transport means such as individual trains and aircraft) searched by the route search means 36 into data for distribution to the terminal device 20. Reservation information inquiry means 35 inquires reservation information from reservation information DB 51 for a plurality of candidate routes (transportation means) searched by route search means 36 in accordance with the route search conditions, and selects a route that matches the seat conditions. Is.

  The reservation information DB 51 updates and accumulates reservation information for each means of transportation (train or aircraft) operated by each transportation means 60 to 6N, that is, information indicating whether a reserved seat is full or vacant. From a computer device (not shown) having a reservation information DB 51 to a reservation center of a travel agency, a reservation window terminal of each transportation facility, an empty seat route searching device 30 according to the present embodiment, or an individual who is an end user. Reservation information can be distributed to the PC, mobile phone, etc. via the Internet. In addition, the reservation information DB 51 includes the presence / absence of reserved seats and free seats for each means of transportation (trains and aircraft) operated by each transportation means 60 to 6N, grades such as ordinary cars, green cars, private rooms and sleepers, and non-smoking. Static data such as seat data regarding the presence or absence of seats and smoking seats is also stored. Then, in response to the inquiry about the transportation means from the reservation information inquiry means 35, it is possible to answer information such as whether or not a reserved seat or a non-reserved seat is provided in the relevant transportation means and information such as the presence or absence of a vacant seat.

  The operation data DB 37 is a database in which operation network data of each transportation means (train and aircraft) operated by each transportation facility 60 to 6N is accumulated, and a timetable of each transportation means operated by each transportation facility 60 to 6N. The operation network data created from is stored. The operation data DB 37 can also use an external database connected via a network in the same manner as the reservation information DB 51.

  The route search means 36 can search a plurality of guide routes that match the route search conditions with reference to the operation data DB 37 based on the route search conditions including the seat conditions input from the terminal device 20. The route search means 36 is a multimodal route search engine having a route search function using both walking and transportation. Such a route search engine is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-258184 (US). Japanese Patent No. 6349261). Further, the method disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 can be used for route search.

In this embodiment, when the searched means of transportation is full, this is not excluded and the route search is not performed, but “whether there is a free seat in the means of transportation to be searched”, “designated” It is possible to search for a route using the three conditions of whether or not there is a seat and “reservation information when there is a reserved seat (full or empty)” as a seating condition, and route according to the detailed request of the user I am going to do a search. The eight conditions obtained by mechanically combining the above three conditions are classified into patterns as shown in FIG. 2 and have the following meanings. That is, in FIG. 2, “0” in each column means “none”, and “1” means “present”.
P0: There are no free seats or reserved seats.
P1: Since there is no vacant seat even though there is no reserved seat, it is out of the route search conditions.
P2: All reserved seats are reserved.
P3: All car reserved seats are available.
P4: All cars are unreserved.
P5: Since there is no vacant seat even though there is no designated seat, it is out of the route search conditions.
P6: The reserved seat is fully reserved. There are free seats.
P7: Reserved seats are available. There are also free seats.

  The pattern of P0 to P7 is a basic pattern of train seats, and the reservation information DB 51 stores the seat information and reservation information for each train operated by each transportation facility as shown in FIG. The stored reservation information is updated at a predetermined cycle. That is, in FIG. 3A, the train number is used as an ID, and the presence / absence of free seats and reserved seats is stored as “0” and “1” for each grade of ordinary car and green car. “0” represents “none”, and “1” represents “present”. In addition, the presence / absence of a reserved seat is stored as “0”, “1”. “0” represents “none”, and “1” represents “present”.

  In the case of an aircraft, it can be stored in the same data structure. As shown in FIG. 3 (b), the flight number of the aircraft is used as an ID, and each seat grade (Economy Class Y, Business Class C, First Class F), The presence / absence of a non-reserved seat and a designated seat and the presence / absence of a designated seat are stored as “0” and “1”. “0” represents “none”, and “1” represents “present”. In the case of aircraft, reservation boarding is basically a rule, so there is no setting of free seats (because seats are determined by boarding procedures, in reality they are unreserved seats, but ticketing will be terminated upon reaching capacity) The seat type is treated in the same way as the reserved seat). The absence of a reserved seat indicates that there is no setting for that class, and the presence or absence of a vacant seat is also stored for each class. For example, the absence of a reserved seat in first class Y and business class C indicates that there is no seat setting for that class on the corresponding flight.

  The condition input means 22 of the terminal device 20 can input five kinds of seat conditions related to the conditions from P0 to P7. FIG. 4 is a screen configuration diagram showing the configuration of the condition input screen 70 constituting the condition input means 22 in the terminal device 20. The user inputs a route search condition from the terminal device 20 using the input screen of FIG. For example, when inputting in the input boxes 71 to 73 for departure place, waypoint, and destination, check the check boxes of the input categories of address, postal (postal code), telephone (telephone number), station / airport, and spot. To the corresponding input boxes 71-73. When the input category is checked, a pull-down menu is prepared in each of the input boxes 71 to 73, and a list selection screen for starting points, waypoints, and destinations prepared in advance is displayed and a desired place is selected and input. It can also be configured. The departure date / time and arrival date / time are input in the same manner. The check box of the input category of departure or arrival is checked, and a number is input in the input box 74.

  The moving means to be used and the seating conditions can be entered by checking the corresponding check box 75 shown in the figure. For example, when traveling by car and designating a route search taking into account the traffic jam situation, the corresponding check box may be checked and the route search button 76 may be clicked. If the traffic situation is not taken into account, only the check box of the car is checked and the route search button 76 is clicked. When traveling using the transportation system according to the present embodiment, the vehicle + walk check button is checked, and the check box of the desired option is checked from the check boxes of the grade option and the smoking option. Then, when the seat condition including vacant seat reservation in the transportation means (aircraft or train) as the route is used as the route search condition, check the “select reservation” check box, and the five expanded below A route search condition including a seat condition can be input by checking any of the check boxes, specifying a search condition, and clicking the route search button 76.

  The route search condition input in the terminal device 20 as described above is received by the route search device 30 via the communication unit 24 and the communication unit 34, and the route search unit 36 performs the route search. Of the moving means designated by the condition input means 22, the route search by walking and the route search by car are the same as those of a general navigation system, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, transportation is used as the moving means. The route search for the section to be performed will be described below.

In FIG. 4, check boxes for selecting the following five seat conditions are arranged under “select reservation”. In order from the top, there are “use all reserved seats”, “use all reserved seats”, “reserved seats if all reserved seats”, “use only free seats”, and “unreserved free seats (forecast)”.
“Use all reserved seats” corresponds to the seat condition that there are reserved seats and vacant seats, and the patterns of P3 and P7 in FIG. 2 correspond (abbreviated as complete reservation).
“Use all reserved seats” is a seating condition that uses reserved seats when there are reserved seats and vacant seats, and uses free seats when there are only free seats. P3, P4, and P7 patterns are applicable (abbreviated as reservation priority).
The “reserved seat if the designated seat is full” is a realistic seating condition that a free seat may be used if the designated seat is full. The patterns P3, P4, P6, and P7 in FIG. 2 are applicable (abbreviated as “free seat allowance”). This seat condition is the seat condition having the widest allowable range, but the pattern of P2 in FIG. 2 (when all seats of the transportation means are designated seats and there are no vacant seats) cannot be a route.

“Use only free seats” is a seating condition that seems to contradict the search for a vacant seat route (reservation) at first glance, but can find a route that can go to the destination anyway without reservation. If it is not possible to make a reservation because it is not determined whether or not it is necessary to go to the destination, it can be used to determine when the departure should be made even if a reservation cannot be made. The seat conditions correspond to the patterns P4, P6, and P7 in FIG. 2 (abbreviated as complete freedom).
“Non-crowded unreserved seats (forecast)” is a seat condition for unreserved and unreserved trains where the reserved seats are not full. If the reserved seats are full, the free seats are also expected to be congested, so conversely, the free seats of the train where the reserved seats are not fully seated are estimated and the seat conditions are assumed. In addition, trains with only non-reserved seats cannot predict the degree of congestion from the reservation status, but trains with only non-reserved seats tend to be operated only with unreserved seats in the first place because there is no need for reserved seats. Non-seat trains are also included in the seating conditions. This seat condition corresponds to P4 and P7 in FIG. 2 (abbreviated as vacant seat prediction).

  FIG. 5 shows this in an organized manner. Each of the columns R to V in FIG. 5 indicates the five seat conditions shown in the above description. Column R indicates complete reservation, column S indicates reservation priority, column T indicates that free seats are allowed, column U indicates complete freedom, and column V indicates seat conditions for vacant seat prediction. A means of transportation that matches a pattern with a check (check mark) in each column should be searched as a route. For example, in the case of a complete reservation, the transportation means in the reservation state satisfying the patterns P3 and P7 in FIG. 2, that is, a transportation means having a designated seat and a vacant seat and satisfying a route search condition other than the seat condition. It shows that transportation can also be selected as a route.

  When the route search condition including one of the five seat conditions is input to the terminal device 20, the input route search condition is sent to the vacant seat route search device 30. When the vacant seat search device 30 receives the route search conditions, the route search means 36 refers to the operation data DB 37 and matches general route search conditions such as moving means, departure place, destination, departure date and time, arrival date and time. A plurality of transportation means (routes such as trains and airplanes) are searched. Then, the reservation information inquiry means 35 inquires of the reservation information DB 51 whether or not each of the transportation means searched by the route search means 36 matches the seat condition sent from the terminal device 20.

  For example, as one of a plurality of guide routes searched by the route search means 35, reservation is made when three trains including transit (train numbers IDs X0001, X0002, and X0003) are obtained as a route search result. The information inquiry means 35 makes an inquiry to the reservation information DB 51 with the data structure shown in FIG. In other words, an inquiry ID (X0001, X0002, X0003) is attached to each train, and a reservation is made with the date of boarding, the train number, the boarding station, and the getting-off station (transfer station in the case of a connecting train) as data. Send to information DB51.

  Reservation information DB51 which received the inquiry returns seat information and reservation information of the corresponding train in the data structure shown in FIG. That is, “0” and “1” are answered for each inquiry ID regarding the presence of a free seat, a designated seat, and a designated seat availability. “0” represents “none”, and “1” represents “present”. The reservation information inquiry means 35 receives the reply from the reservation information DB 51 and sends the reply to the route search means 36. If the transportation means (route) searched by the answer does not match the seat condition, the route search means 36 makes a similar inquiry about the next candidate route via the reservation information inquiry means 35, and the guide route matches the seat condition. Select.

  For example, if the seating condition is a complete reservation and the searched means of transportation does not have a reserved seat, or if there is no designated seat, it does not meet the seating condition, there is a designated seat, and there is a seat in the designated seat. In some cases, the seat conditions will be met. In addition, when the searched route includes a connection, even one of the transportation means to be connected does not match the seat condition and cannot become a guide route.

  Details of the reservation information in the reservation information DB 51 will be described. As described above, the reservation information DB 51 constantly updates the reservation status of each means of transportation (train, aircraft, etc.) operated by each of the transportation facilities 60 to 6N. The details of the data structure of the reservation information DB 51 are as shown in FIG. 7, taking a train as an example. First, there is a train ID, and this ID is followed by all the periods that can be reserved from that day (Today). Periodic reservation status data is updated and stored sequentially. Reservation status data is divided into four types of seats for each train: “Normal car reserved seat smoking”, “Normal car reserved seat smoking”, “Green car reserved seat smoking”, and “Green car reserved seat smoking”. Each reservation status data is stored.

  Reservation status of each seat type “Normal car reserved seat smoking”, “Normal car reserved seat smoking”, “Green car reserved seat smoking”, “Green car reserved seat smoking” is stored in 32 bits from data B1 to B32 Is done. Bit B1 stores the presence / absence of reservation at the starting station, and stores the presence / absence of reservation at each stop station in order from bits B2 to B32. The reservation status is stored as “1” “0” in each bit. “1” indicates that the seat is full and there is no vacant seat, and “0” indicates that the seat is not full and there is a seat available.

  That is, the reservation status data for one seat type is composed of 32-bit data as described above, and the first bit (LSB) indicates the reservation status at the first station, that is, whether the seat is full. . The full seat is “1”. The reservation status at the next stop station is stored in the next bit. Since the data length is 32 bits, reservation states for 32 stations including the first station can be accumulated. In Japan, it is long enough. If there are more stop stations, the data length may be composed of an appropriate length such as 64 bits or 128 bits. If the number of stop stations is small, “0” may be accumulated for unnecessary upper bits. In the case of an aircraft, since there are not many transit points, a data length of 16 bits or 8 bits is sufficient.

  Next, the procedure of the above processing in this embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. First, in the process of step S10, route search conditions including the above-described general route search conditions and seat conditions are input from the condition input means 22 of the terminal device 20. The inputted route search conditions are sent to the vacant route search device 30, and the route search means 36 refers to the operation data DB 37 in the process of step S11, and determines general route search conditions (departure place, destination, departure date and time). Search for a plurality of guide routes (transportation means) that match the arrival date and time. When a search result is obtained in the process of step S12, a seat information request is made to make an inquiry about reservation information (seat reservation status) to the reservation information inquiry means 35 based on the route search result.

  The reservation information inquiry means 35 that has received the request for seat information sends the inquiry data described above in the processing of step S13 to the reservation information DB 51, makes an inquiry for reservation information (individual seat information request), and reserve information The DB 51 answers the reservation status for the inquiry in the process of step S14. The reservation information inquiry means 35 that has received the reservation status reply sends the reply to the route search means 36, and the route search means 36 determines whether the route matches the seat condition in the process of step S15, and the same applies to other routes. Repeat the process. Then, the route that matches the seat condition is selected.

  When the route that matches the seat condition is selected in the process of step S15, the route search means 36 sends the selected route, that is, the guide route (transportation means) that matches the route search condition including the seat condition to the route guide means 32, and the route The guide unit 32 transmits the data of the guide route to the terminal device 20. When receiving the guide route data, the terminal device 20 displays the guide route, that is, the guide route data as a result of the route search, on the output means 23 in the process of step S16.

  That is, in the vacant seat route search system shown in the first embodiment, the route search means 36 first refers to the operation data DB 37 by specifying the detailed route search conditions including the seat conditions by the condition input means 22, and then the seat condition Search for a plurality of guide routes that match the route search conditions other than, and then obtain a reservation status for determining whether or not the seat conditions match from the reservation information DB 51 via the reservation information inquiry means 35, The route that matches the seat condition is selected from the searched routes and is output to the output means 23. For this reason, when searching for a route from the departure point to the destination using transportation, detailed seating conditions are set based on the availability of seats in the transportation used, and the route to the destination is based on this. It becomes possible to search and guide a plurality of (used transportation means).

  It is desirable that the reservation information DB 51 reflects the reservation status of each transportation facility 60 to 6N in real time, but the reservation often fluctuates between the ticket sale date, the boarding day and the period of about two days before that. It is preferable to collect the reservation status corresponding to the period at a particularly short interval and reflect it in the database. The reservation information DB 51 may be installed on the same server as the vacant seat route searching device 30, and the operation data DB 37 may be arranged on a server connected to the vacant seat route searching device 30 through a network.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the vacant seat route search system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 9, the same components as those of the first embodiment in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The difference from the first embodiment is that the terminal device 20 and the vacant seat route searching device 30 in the first embodiment are configured by a vacant seat route searching device 80 which is an integral component. The vacant seat route searching device 80 according to the second embodiment includes a control unit 81, a condition input unit 89, a display unit 83, a communication unit 84, a reservation information collection inquiry unit 85, a route search unit 86, and an operation data DB 87. The control unit 81, display unit 83, communication unit 84, reservation information inquiry unit 85, route search unit 86, operation data DB 87 are the control unit 31, display unit 33, communication unit 34, reservation information inquiry unit 35, route in the first embodiment. The search unit 36 and the operation data DB 37 have the same functions. The condition input unit 89 in the second embodiment has the same function as the condition input unit 22 of the terminal device 20 in the first embodiment.

  Also in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the reservation information DB 51 may be installed on the same server as the vacant seat route searching device 30, and the operation data DB 37 is connected to the vacant seat route searching device 30 via a network. It is good also as a structure arrange | positioned at a server.

This system allows users to search their own routes as a personal computer with a terminal connected via the Internet or a mobile phone connected via a communication line, or ask the customer's wishes as a travel agency terminal. The operator may perform the processing.
In either case, it is possible to find a desired route by specifying detailed seating conditions without performing manual steps such as route search → vacant seat confirmation → detailed condition confirmation as in the prior art.
In particular, when the mobile phone is used as a terminal, the charging means is established, so that it is possible to immediately shift to the reservation from the search result. Since a desired route is displayed from the beginning without displaying a useless route even on a limited display screen of a cellular phone, an optimum search system is obtained.

  From a transportation standpoint, providing vacant seat information corresponding to this system makes it easier to acquire reserved passengers, and bypasses passengers whose reserved seats have flown to free seats until now. Can be expected to increase the unit price.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the vacant seat route search system concerning Example 1 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the pattern of the seat condition which is one of the route search conditions. It is a schematic diagram which shows the data structure which memorize | stores the seat information of each transportation means, such as a train and an aircraft, and reservation information in reservation information DB. It is a screen block diagram which shows the structure of the input screen in a condition input means. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the seat conditions which are one of route search conditions. It is a schematic diagram which shows the data structure of the inquiry and reply to reservation information DB. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the detail of the data structure in reservation information DB. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process sequence of the vacant seat route search system concerning Example 1. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the vacant seat route search system concerning Example 2 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the road network for a general route search. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the road network for the route search using a transportation system.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Vacant seat route search system 11, 12 ... Network 20 ... Terminal device 21 ... Control means 22 ... Condition input means 23 ... Output means (display means)
24 ... Communication means 30 ... Vacant seat route searching device 31 ... Control means 32 ... Route guidance means 33 ... Display means 34 ... Communication means 35 ... Reservation information inquiry means 36 ...・ Route search means 37 ... operation data DB (database)
51 ... Reservation information DB (database)
60 ~ 6N ... Transportation 1 ~ N

Claims (18)

In the vacant seat route search system that searches and guides the route using the transportation means from the departure point to the destination based on the input route search condition,
The vacant seat route search system includes:
An operation data database storing operation data of each means of transportation, a reservation information database storing reservation information of each means of transportation, a reservation information inquiry means for inquiring about reservation information of each means of transportation, and a route search including seat conditions A condition input means for inputting a condition, a traffic means to be a route is searched by referring to the operation data database based on a route search condition, and reservation information relating to the searched traffic means is reserved by the reservation information inquiry means A vacant seat route search system, comprising: route search means for selecting a traffic means that satisfies the route search conditions, and output means for outputting a result of the route search.   2. The vacant seat route search system according to claim 1, wherein the condition input means includes means for inputting, as a seat condition, that all transportation means can be reserved and are vacant.   2. The vacant seat route search system according to claim 1, wherein the condition input means has means for inputting, as a seat condition, a vacant seat when a transportation means can be reserved.   The said condition input means has a means to input the seat conditions used as a route, when there is a free seat in the said transportation means even if the transportation means is a full seat which cannot be reserved. Vacant seat route search system.   2. The vacant seat route search system according to claim 1, wherein the condition input means has means for inputting as a seat condition that a transportation means can be used without reservation.   The condition input means includes means for inputting a seat condition using the free seat as a route when the transportation means can be reserved and there is a free seat even if the transportation means has a free seat. Item 2. The vacant seat route search system according to Item 1. Based on the route search conditions including the seat conditions that have been input, search the route using the transportation means from the departure point to the destination by referring to the operation data from the operation data database storing the operation data of each means of transportation. In the empty seat route searching device to
The vacant seat route search device comprises:
Reservation information inquiring means for inquiring reservation information of each means of transportation, searching for means of transportation as a route with reference to the operation data database based on the route search conditions, reservation information regarding the searched means of transportation A vacant seat route search apparatus comprising: route search means for selecting a traffic means obtained from a reservation information database by a reservation information inquiry means and meeting a route search condition.   8. The vacant seat route searching device according to claim 7, wherein a search condition including a seat condition that all transportation means can be reserved and is vacant is input.   8. The vacant seat route searching device according to claim 7, wherein a search condition including a vacant seat as a seat condition is inputted when a transportation means can be reserved.   8. A vacant seat route searching device according to claim 7, wherein a search condition including a seat condition as a route is inputted when there is a free seat in the transportation means even if the transportation means is in a fully booked state. .   8. The vacant seat route searching apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a search condition including a seat condition that a transportation means can be used without reservation is input.   8. The search condition including a seat condition using the free seat as a route is input when the transportation means can be reserved and there is a vacant seat even if the transportation means has a free seat. Empty seat route search device. Reservation information inquiry means for inquiring reservation status in a reservation information database storing reservation information of each means of transportation, and an operation data database storing operation data of each means of transportation based on route search conditions including inputted seat conditions The route is searched by using the transportation means from the departure point to the destination with reference to the operation data, and the reservation information relating to the searched transportation means is obtained from the reservation information database via the reservation information inquiry means. A route search means for selecting a means of transportation that matches the conditions, and a terminal device that transmits search conditions to a vacant seat route search device comprising:
The terminal device comprises an input means for inputting a route search condition including a seat condition.   14. The terminal device according to claim 13, wherein the condition input means has means for inputting as a seat condition that all transportation means can be reserved and are vacant.   14. The terminal device according to claim 13, wherein the condition input means has means for inputting, as a seat condition, a vacant seat when the transportation means can be reserved.   The said condition input means has a means to input the seat conditions used as a route, when the said transportation means has a free seat even if the transportation means is a full seat which cannot be reserved. Terminal device.   14. The terminal device according to claim 13, wherein the condition input means includes means for inputting as a seat condition that a transportation means can be used without reservation.   The condition input means includes means for inputting a seat condition using the free seat as a route when the transportation means can be reserved and there is a free seat even if the transportation means has a free seat. Item 14. The terminal device according to Item 13.

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