JP2006277109A - Route search system and method, information processor for route search - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a route search system capable of providing information about congestion when searching for a route for a public transport means, while enabling a user to precisely select a route from a plurality of search results about a route search for the public transport means. <P>SOLUTION: The route search system comprises a route search server 20 and an event search server 30. Based on route search request information from an information terminal 10 for requesting a route search, the route search server 20 searches for a route that uses the public transport means. The event search server 30 searches for event information about events held in the vicinity of the route searched for. The route search server 20 outputs the route searched for and the event information searched for to the information terminal 10. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a route search system, a route search information processing device, and a route search method.

  There is known a route search service that provides information on transportation from a departure place to a destination. For example, when a user searches for a means of transportation to a destination using a mobile phone, the route search service searches for a plurality of routes such as a shortest route, a route with few transfers, and a route with a low usage fee. Search results indicating the plurality of routes are limited to information such as required time, cost, and transfer / transfer. The user selects one route from the search results.

  On the other hand, the degree of congestion of transportation means changes due to events taking place in the vicinity, such as concerts and baseball. Information regarding such events is often known only by participants and interested users. For this reason, when the selected route is used, there is a possibility of being involved in the congestion associated with the customer acquisition event. In addition, depending on the content of the event, there is a possibility of getting on with many users who have different hobbies and tastes from their own, and there may be a case of suffering mental pain. A technique capable of obtaining temporary congestion information such as information related to an event at the time of route search is desired.

  JP-A-2003-57057 discloses a parking lot information search method, a parking lot information search system, and a program. This parking lot information search method includes a storage stage, an input stage, a search stage, a route search stage, a required time calculation stage, and an output stage. In the storing step, the parking lot information of the parking lot is stored in the storage means. The input stage inputs the current location information of the current location of the mobile communication device, the first destination information of the first destination, and the second destination information of the second destination. In the retrieval step, the storage unit retrieves parking lot information of parking lots around the first destination. The route search stage includes first route information about a first route from the current location to the parking lot, second route information about a second round-trip route between the parking lot and the first destination, and the parking location. Route information constituted by third route information related to the third route from the parking lot to the second destination is searched. The required time calculation step calculates required time information related to the required time required for movement of the first route, the second route, and the third route. The output stage selects the same path information in which the required time of the required time information satisfies a predetermined condition from all the path information searched in the path search stage, and corresponds to the selected path information The parking lot information of the parking lot is output to the output unit of the mobile communication device.

JP 2003-57057 A

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a route search system, a route search information processing apparatus, and a route search method that allow a user to select a route more accurately in route search of public transportation means.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a route search system, a route search information processing apparatus, and a route search method that can provide information related to congestion in route search of public transportation means.

  Hereinafter, means for solving the problem will be described using the numbers and symbols used in the best mode for carrying out the invention. These numbers and symbols are added in parentheses in order to clarify the correspondence between the description of the claims and the best mode for carrying out the invention. However, these numbers and symbols should not be used for interpreting the technical scope of the invention described in the claims.

In order to solve the above problems, the route search system of the present invention includes a route search server (20) and an event search server (30). The route search server (20) searches for a route using public transportation means based on route search request information for requesting a route search from the information terminal (10). The event search server (30) searches for event information relating to an event performed around the searched route. The route search server (20) outputs the route information related to the searched route and the searched event information to the information terminal (10).
Here, the event information is information on the event itself, such as the event date, place, time, name and content, the number of participants, the station usage rate of participants, the passenger participation rate of passengers, the degree of congestion, etc. This is exemplified by information on public transportation associated with events.
According to the present invention, not only information on time, number of transfers, and fare, but also congestion information assumed along with an event is displayed together with route candidates. Therefore, the user can select a route in consideration of congestion information. Thereby, the user can move comfortably without suffering mental pain.

  In the above route search system, the event search server (30) may include an event information database (35) that stores public transport means and event information in association with each other.

  In the above route search system, the event information includes at least one of an expected number of participants in the event, an event holding time, an expected number of users to public transportation means related to the event, and an expected congestion rate of public transportation means associated with the event. It may contain one.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the route search information processing apparatus of the present invention includes a route search unit (21) and an event search unit (31). The route search unit (21) searches for a route using public transportation means based on route search request information for requesting a route search from the information terminal (10). The event search unit (31) searches for event information related to an event performed around the searched route. The route search unit (21) outputs the route information related to the searched route and the searched event information to the information terminal (10).

  The route search information processing apparatus may further include an event information database (35) that stores public transport means and event information in association with each other.

  In the above route search information processing apparatus, the event information includes the expected number of participants in the event, the holding time of the event, the expected number of users to the public transportation means related to the event, and the expected congestion rate of the public transportation means accompanying the event. May be included.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the route search method of the present invention includes (a) a step of searching for a route using public transportation means based on route search request information for requesting a route search from the information terminal (10). And (b) a step of searching for event information related to an event performed around the searched route, and (c) outputting route information related to the searched route and searched event information to the information terminal (10). Step.

  In the above route search method, the step (b) may include the step (b1) of searching event information with reference to an event information database (35) that stores public transport means and event information in association with each other. good.

  In the route search method described above, the step (b) includes (b2) outputting the route information to the information terminal (10), and (b3) requesting event information corresponding to the route information from the information terminal (10). A step of retrieving event information based on the event information request information.

  In the route search method described above, the event information includes at least one of an expected number of participants in the event, an event holding time, an estimated number of users for public transportation related to the event, and an expected congestion rate of public transportation associated with the event. It may contain one.

  In order to solve the above problem, the program of the present invention includes (a) a step of searching for a route using public transportation based on route search request information for requesting a route search from the information terminal (10); (B) a step of searching event information related to an event performed around the searched route, and (c) a step of outputting the route information related to the searched route and the searched event information to the information terminal (10). And causing the computer to execute a route search method.

  In the above program, the step (b) may include a step (b1) of searching for event information with reference to an event information database (35) that stores public transport means and event information in association with each other.

  In the above program, (b) step includes (b2) outputting route information to the information terminal (10), and (b3) event information requesting event information corresponding to the route information from the information terminal (10). A step of retrieving event information based on the request information.

  In the above program, the event information includes at least one of the expected number of participants in the event, the duration of the event, the expected number of users for public transportation related to the event, and the expected congestion rate of public transportation associated with the event. It may be included.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide information related to congestion in route search for public transportation means. And it becomes possible for a user to select a path | route more correctly from the some search result in the route search of a public transport means.

  Embodiments of a route search system, a route search information processing device, and a route search method according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  First, the configuration of an embodiment of a route search system (route search information processing device) according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a route search system of the present invention. The route search system 1 includes a route search server 20 and an event search server 30. The route search server 20, the event search server 30, and the mobile communication terminal 10 are connected via a communication network 40 so that bidirectional communication is possible.

  The mobile communication terminal 10 is a portable information processing apparatus, and is exemplified by a mobile phone, a PHS (Personal Handyphone System), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) having a communication function, and a notebook PC (Personal Computer) having a communication function. . The mobile communication terminal 10 includes a route request unit 11 and a display unit 12 as programs. The route request unit 11 outputs route search request information for requesting a route search to the route search server 20. Then, route search result information indicating the route search result is received from the route search server 20. The display unit 12 displays route search result information on the display device. The communication network is a communication network capable of bidirectional communication, and is exemplified by a public communication network such as the Internet.

  The route search server 20 is an information processing apparatus exemplified by a workstation or a PC. The route search server 20 includes a route search unit 21 as a program and a route database (DB) 25 as a program and data.

  The route DB 25 stores information related to public transportation necessary for route search. Public transportation is exemplified by public and private railways and buses. Information regarding public transportation is exemplified by information described in a timetable of a book.

  Based on the route search request information from the mobile communication terminal 10, the route search unit 21 refers to the route DB 25 and searches for at least one route using public transportation means to generate route information. The route information is exemplified by information such as a departure station, a transit station, an arrival station, a route name, a time, a fare, and the number of transfers for each searched route. Conventionally known methods can be used for route search using the route search unit 21 and the route DB 25. However, for the route information, all stations in the route (including bus stops, the same applies hereinafter) are searched and extracted. Then, the route search unit 21 outputs route event information transmission request information for requesting event information performed around the searched route to the event search server 30. The route event information transmission request information includes the route information or necessary information therein. Furthermore, the event information searched from the event search server 30 is acquired, route search result information including route information and event information is generated, and output to the mobile communication terminal 10.

  The event search server 30 is an information processing apparatus exemplified by a workstation or a PC. The event search server 30 includes an event search unit 31 as a program and an event information database (DB) 35 as a program and data. The event information DB 35 stores public transportation means and event information in association with each other. The event information is exemplified by information such as the name of the event, the place where the event is performed, the related station, the degree of congestion expected in public transportation, and the like. Based on the route information, the event search unit 31 refers to the event information DB 35 and searches for event information related to events that are performed around the searched route. The event information search using the event search unit 31 and the event information DB 35 is performed by comparing all the stations in the route included in the route information with the stations associated with the event included in the information of the event information DB 35. Search for related event information. Then, the event search unit 31 outputs the searched event information to the route search server 20.

  The route search server 20 and the event search server 30 may be the same server.

  FIG. 2 is a table showing the event information DB 35. The event information DB 35 stores public transportation means and event information in association with each other. Public transportation means are exemplified by a route 35-2 indicating a train route or a bus route where an event is held, and a station 35-3 indicating a nearest station of the place where the event is held. The event information includes an event date 35-1, an event 35-4 indicating the name and content of the event, an event location 35-5, an event time 35-6, and participation in the event. Expected number of participants (number of spectators) 35-7, station utilization rate 35-8 as a percentage of expected event participants using the station, event participation in public transport passengers Participant ratio (or expected number of passengers) 35-9 as an expected ratio of persons, and an expected congestion degree 35-10 of passengers of public transportation means. The degree of congestion 35-10 may be included regardless of whether there is an event.

  In addition, it is preferable that the event placed in the event information DB 35 is an event with a large number of participants that affects the congestion of public transportation. For example, an event in which the congestion rate increases by 20% or more. By doing so, the capacity of the event information DB 35 can be suppressed, the event information search time can be shortened, and the event information displayed on the display device of the mobile communication terminal 10 at a time can be reduced.

  FIG. 3 is a table showing the route search result information 50. The route search result information 50 includes route information and event information. The route information is exemplified by a route 50-1, a departure station 50-2, a transit station 50-3, an arrival station 50-4, a required time 50-5, a fare 50-6, and the number of transfers 50-7. In this case, the route information includes only the departure station, the transit station, and the arrival station among all the stations in the extracted route. The event information is exemplified by event content information 50-8, location information 50-9, and congestion degree information 50-10. Here, the event content information 50-8 includes the event 35-4, and may include the time 35-6 and the number of participants 35-7. The location information 50-9 is exemplified by the location 35-5 and the station 35-3. The congestion degree information 50-10 includes a congestion degree 35-10 and a participant ratio 35-9, and may include a station usage rate 35-8.

  Next, the operation of the embodiment of the route search system of the present invention (the embodiment of the route search method) will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the embodiment of the route search system of the present invention.

  The user inputs an access request to the route search server 20 (example: route search site on the Internet) to the mobile communication terminal 10 to search for a route to the destination. The route request unit 11 (example: Web browser) acquires an access request (step S1). Next, the route request unit 11 accesses the route search server 20 based on the input of the access request (step S2). The route search unit 21 of the route search server 20 transmits input screen information as an input screen for route search (step S3). The user inputs a departure station, an arrival station, a use time (a boarding time at the departure station or a desired arrival time at the arrival station) and the like on an input screen displayed on the display device by the display unit 12. The route request unit 11 generates route search request information including the input information (step S4). And it outputs to the route search server 20 (step S5).

  The route search unit 21 of the route search server 20 refers to the route DB 25 based on the route search request information, searches for at least one route using public transportation means, and generates route information (step S6). Then, route event information transmission request information for requesting event information that is currently or within a predetermined time (for example, within 12 hours) around each searched route is generated (step S7). The route event information transmission request information includes information on all stations along the route. The route search unit 21 outputs route event information transmission request information to the event search server 30 (step S8).

  The event search unit 31 of the event search server 30 refers to the event information DB 35 based on the route information, and searches for event information related to events such as concerts and baseball held in the area around the searched route, Extract (step S9). Then, the retrieved event information is output to the route search server 20 (step S10).

  The route search unit 21 generates route search result information including the acquired event information and route information (step S11). Then, route search result information is transmitted to the mobile communication terminal 10 (step S12). The route request unit 11 of the mobile communication terminal 10 displays route search result information on the display unit 12 (step S13).

  The route search is executed as described above.

  In the route search method, the route search server 20 transmits route information and event information to the mobile communication terminal 10 at a time in response to a route search request from the mobile communication terminal 10. However, first, it is also possible to transmit only the route information to the mobile communication terminal 10 and search the event information for only the route selected by the mobile communication terminal 10 and transmit it to the mobile communication terminal 10. is there. In that case, it is possible to reduce the time required to search for event information.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing route search result information displayed on the display device of the mobile communication terminal 10. In the display device, the route information “route 1 (A station → B station), time: 30 minutes, fare: 500 yen, transfer: 0 times” is displayed on the display screen as a search result. Furthermore, event information “Event: XX Grand Prix (combat system), Place: YY Hall (E station), Congestion degree: 150% (combat sports fan ratio 90%)” is displayed.

  “Route 1 (A station → B station)” corresponds to the departure station 50-2 and the arrival station 50-4. “Time: 30 minutes” corresponds to the required time 50-5. “Fare: 500 yen” corresponds to the fare 50-6. “Transfer: 0 times” corresponds to the number of transfers 50-7. “Event: XX Grand Prix (combat system)” corresponds to the event content information 50-8. “Location: YY Hall (E Station)” corresponds to location information 50-9. “Congestion level: 150% (combination fan ratio 90%)” corresponds to the congestion level information 50-10.

  As other route information, “route 2 (A station → C station → B station), time: 35 minutes, fare: 600 yen, transfer: once” is displayed. Furthermore, event information “event: no influence by event, congestion degree: 100%” is displayed. “Station C” corresponds to the transit station 50-3.

  For example, the user of the mobile communication terminal 10 looks at the display of the route search result information as shown in FIG. 4 and selects the route 1 when priority is given to time, and selects the route 2 when avoiding congestion. can do. That is, not only information on time, number of transfers, and fare, but also expected congestion information is displayed along with route candidates. Therefore, the user can select a route in consideration of congestion information. Thereby, the user can move comfortably without suffering mental pain. That is, the user can select the route more accurately in the route search of the public transportation means.

  According to the route search system of the present invention, the user of the mobile communication terminal 10 selects the best route by obtaining comprehensive information including not only the required time, fare, and number of transfers but also the expected congestion. can do. In particular, it can be said that a passenger who hates congestion can avoid congestion by giving priority to another route or shifting the time zone, and is a highly utilized system.

  In addition, the search site company (installer of the route search server 20) can provide more friendly information to the user of the mobile communication terminal 10 and thus can fix the user and acquire potential users.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a route search system of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a table showing the event information DB. FIG. 3 is a table showing route search result information. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing route search result information displayed on the display device of the mobile communication terminal. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the embodiment of the route search system of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Path | route search system 10 Portable communication terminal 11 Path | route request part 12 Display part 20 Path | route search server 21 Path | route search part 25 Path | route database (DB)
30 Event Search Server 31 Event Search Unit 35 Event Information Database (DB)
35-1 Date 35-2 Route 35-3 Station 35-4 Event 35-5 Location 35-6 Time 35-7 Number of Participants 35-8 Station Utilization 35-9 Participant Ratio 35-10 Congestion 40 Communication Network 50 Route search result information 50-1 Route 50-2 Departure station 50-3 Via station 50-4 Arrival station 50-5 Time required 50-6 Fare 50-7 Number of transfers 50-8 Event content information 50-9 Location information 50- 10 Congestion level information

Claims (14)

A route search server for searching for a route using public transportation based on route search request information for requesting a route search from an information terminal;
An event search server that searches for event information related to events performed around the searched route, and
The route search system, wherein the route search server outputs route information related to the searched route and the searched event information to the information terminal. The route search system according to claim 1,
The event search server includes an event information database that stores the public transportation means and the event information in association with each other. In the route search system according to claim 1 or 2,
The event information includes at least one of an expected number of participants in the event, a holding time of the event, an expected number of users to the public transportation means related to the event, and an expected congestion rate of the public transportation means associated with the event. Route search system including two. A route search unit for searching for a route using public transportation based on route search request information for requesting a route search from an information terminal;
An event search unit that searches for event information related to events performed around the searched route, and
The route search unit outputs route information related to the searched route and the searched event information to the information terminal. The information processing apparatus for route search according to claim 3,
An information processing apparatus for route search, further comprising an event information database that stores the public transportation means and the event information in association with each other. In the information processing device for route search according to claim 4 or 5,
The event information includes at least one of an expected number of participants in the event, a holding time of the event, an expected number of users to the public transportation means related to the event, and an expected congestion rate of the public transportation means associated with the event. Information processing device for route search. (A) searching for a route using public transportation means based on route search request information for requesting a route search from the information terminal;
(B) searching for event information relating to an event performed around the searched route;
(C) A route search method comprising: route information relating to the searched route and outputting the searched event information to the information terminal. In the route search method according to claim 7 or 8,
The step (b)
(B1) A route search method comprising a step of searching for the event information with reference to an event information database that stores the public transportation means and the event information in association with each other. In the route search method according to claim 7 or 8,
The step (b)
(B2) outputting the route information to the information terminal;
(B3) A route search method comprising: searching the event information based on event information request information for requesting the event information corresponding to the route information from the information terminal. The route search method according to any one of claims 7 to 9,
The event information includes at least one of an expected number of participants in the event, a holding time of the event, an expected number of users to the public transportation means related to the event, and an expected congestion rate of the public transportation means associated with the event. Route search method including two. (A) searching for a route using public transportation means based on route search request information for requesting a route search from the information terminal;
(B) searching for event information relating to an event performed around the searched route;
(C) A program for causing a computer to execute a route search method, comprising: a step of outputting route information related to the searched route and the searched event information to the information terminal. The program according to claim 11,
The step (b)
(B1) A program comprising a step of searching for the event information with reference to an event information database that stores the public transportation means and the event information in association with each other. The program according to claim 11 or 12,
The step (b)
(B2) outputting the route information to the information terminal;
(B3) A program comprising: searching the event information based on event information request information for requesting the event information corresponding to the route information from the information terminal. The program according to any one of claims 11 to 13,
The event information includes at least one of an expected number of participants in the event, a holding time of the event, an expected number of users to the public transportation means related to the event, and an expected congestion rate of the public transportation means associated with the event. Including one program.

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