JP2008273516A - Information distribution system, information distribution server, communication terminal, and its program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information distribution system capable of providing each station time table and a train time table in a method which a user can easily understand, an information distribution server, a communication terminal, and its program. <P>SOLUTION: The information distribution system is composed of the information distribution server 1 equipped with operation time DB12 and station time DB11; and the communication terminal 2 equipped with a display portion 21 and an operation input portion 22, receiving input screen information inputting either one of a route or get-on time, and transmitting input information to the information distribution server 1. The information distribution server 1 is provided with a time table page editing portion 13 adding a link to a station time table of a stop station to arrival time information of the operation time table, and adding a link to the operation time table to station start/arrival time information of the station time table. When a get-on station, get-on time, and a route name are received, the station time table of the route of the get-on station is returned. When station start/arrival time information is received, the operation time table corresponding to the station start/arrival time information is returned on the basis of the link. When the arrival time information is received, the station time table corresponding to the arrival time information is returned on the basis of the link. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information distribution system, an information distribution server, a communication terminal, and a program thereof, and in particular, an information distribution system that can provide each station timetable and train timetable of a route from a departure place to a destination in a manner that is easy for a user to understand. It is to provide an information distribution server, a communication terminal, and a program thereof.

  Conventionally, there is a timetable to know the departure time of transportation such as trains or buses, but this timetable is only bound to the departure time and arrival time of transportation, and the timetable is For those who do not use bookbinding, it was very difficult to use. Therefore, in recent years, instead of such a bound timetable, electronic timetables that hold timetables as data and can display desired timetable data immediately have been proposed and widely used. A typical example is that this electronic timetable is used to display the shortest route to the destination and the required fare, etc. just by entering the departure point, destination and departure time. Many techniques are also introduced in patent literature (see, for example, patent literatures 1 and 2).

  The electronic timetable system described in the following Patent Document 1 stores each page of the timetable as image data in a storage unit, displays map information including at least a route connecting the station and the station on the screen, and the displayed map information Specify the route name, boarding station, getting-off station, desired boarding time or desired boarding time, and search the timetable data stored in the storage unit based on the specified information, and the corresponding page of the searched timetable data Is displayed. In the search for timetable data, the storage unit stores a plurality of station names that exist for each page of the timetable, the earliest time data on the page, the first station name corresponding to the time data, and the latest time. Information about the data and the second station name corresponding to this time data is stored, the estimated publication time of each page at the station designated by the user is obtained, the estimated publication time obtained and the time data designated by the user Based on the above, the corresponding page of the timetable is searched. Thereby, the timetable can be searched more quickly.

  In addition, the table display device described in Patent Document 2 below includes a storage unit that stores parameters for each cell of the table, an individual mode that displays cells according to the parameters as a table, and displays the table regardless of the parameters. Display control means for performing control having a merge mode. Thus, if each train has its destination station (end station of that train) as a parameter, the user can specify the destination station to display the time of the train to the user's destination station. The time of other trains (for example, a train that ends at a station on the way or a train that branches off in the middle and goes to another direction) can be erased and not displayed. In addition, the time of the train with the shortest travel distance (the train with the closest destination station) is selected and displayed among the trains that go to the user's destination station. You can also select and display a train.

JP-A-9-305109 (paragraph [0004]) JP 2000-306027 A (paragraphs [0004] and [0014])

  However, in the electronic timetable system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the electronic timetable data can be searched based on the route name or the station name, but the display content displayed as the search result is limited to one. The search result is displayed only after a condition that can be entered is input, and it cannot be said that the user has sufficient flexibility when performing a route search. In addition, since it is necessary to display map data as the search method, a relatively large storage capacity and display screen are necessary. Therefore, there is no problem when a personal computer is used as an output terminal. It is difficult to adapt to small portable communication terminals such as (Personal Digital Assistant).

  In addition, the table display device disclosed in Patent Document 2 is adapted for a route search in a portable terminal used outdoors, but when the destination to the destination can be reached by a single line. Although it is possible to display a good route, if the route from the departure point to the destination needs to pass through multiple routes, the user must select the train, bus, etc. that he / she wants to ride from multiple single tracks one by one. As with the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1, only information with a low degree of freedom can be provided.

  On the other hand, when a route search is performed in a mobile communication terminal such as a mobile phone or PDA, for example, the display area is relatively small, and therefore data that can be displayed on the display means at a time is limited. Therefore, a plurality of pages are generally switched and displayed in order to display the requested information. In such a route search, when it is necessary to transfer a plurality of routes on the route from the departure point to the destination, it is necessary to change the display contents each time. In addition, since the means for selecting the display contents is limited to the keys of the portable terminal, a method capable of performing a good display and a highly flexible input operation under such conditions is desired.

  Furthermore, in order to know the time of trains that are frequently used for commuting on a daily basis, it is often performed to search the timetable with a portable communication terminal. In such a case, the route itself Since the user already knows, the time display of the train is regarded as important. However, in the conventional route search, it is inevitably difficult to obtain the information desired by the user because the search is made with an emphasis on the shortest route and the transfer method of different variations. In order to sit on a seat, it is impossible to cope with various situations such as delaying one train to be boarded at a station where the transfer is performed.

  As a result of various studies on information distribution systems that can perform good display even under the above-described conditions, the present inventors have displayed the route operation time and the train / bus station passing times passing through each station in association with each other. It has been found that if it is possible to select one hour at a time when a transfer or the like occurs, good display can be achieved even in a limited display area, and operation input with a high degree of freedom for the user can be realized. It has come.

  That is, an object of the present invention is to provide an information distribution system, an information distribution server, a communication terminal, and a program thereof that can provide each station timetable and train timetable in a manner that is easy for the user to understand.

In order to achieve the above object, an information distribution system according to claim 1 of the present invention is an operation time database storing operation time tables including arrival times of all stop stations such as trains and buses, and arrivals and departures from each station. A station time database storing one or a plurality of route information such as trains and buses, and a station time table composed of station arrival and departure times for each route information, and at least the operation time table and the station time table. Display means for displaying and operation input means for inputting various parameters such as train, bus and other route names, boarding station, boarding time, arrival time, station departure and arrival time, input information in the operation input means A communication terminal for transmitting to the information distribution server, an information distribution system comprising:
The communication terminal receives input screen information for inputting either or both of a route and a boarding time from the information distribution server, displays the information on the display unit, and inputs the route or boarding time inputted by the operation input unit. A function of transmitting either one or both to the information distribution server,
The information distribution server further attaches a link to the station timetable of the stop station to arrival time information of all the stop stations in the operation timetable, and station arrival / departure time information such as trains and buses in the station timetable A timetable page editing means with a link to the operation timetable is provided, and when the boarding station, boarding time and route name such as trains and buses are transmitted in the communication terminal, the station timetable of the boarding station route is When the station arrival / departure time information in the station timetable is specified and transmitted in the communication terminal, the station is transmitted based on the link attached by the timetable page editing means. An operation timetable for trains, buses, etc. corresponding to the arrival / departure time information is transmitted to the communication terminal in correspondence with the designated station departure / arrival time, and arrival time information in the operation timetable is designated and transmitted at the communication terminal. When said Based on the link attached by the timetable page editing means, the operation timetable of the selected route at the disembarking station corresponding to the arrival time information or the station timetable of the disembarking station corresponding to the designated arrival time It transmits to a communication terminal, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. Note that the arrival time data in the operation timetable may exist, for example, when there is no arrival time data depending on buses, routes, or small stations. In that case, the departure time data is used as arrival time data. It shall be diverted. Such diversion is not a problem in most cases because the stop time between the arrival time and the departure time is generally short.

  The invention according to claim 2 relates to the information distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the communication terminal further includes storage means for storing a history of boarding stations and getting-off stations input by the operation input means. And the fare starting from the boarding station stored in the storage means is displayed in association with each stop station in the operation timetable.

  Further, the invention according to claim 3 relates to the information distribution system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the route search is further completed, the communication terminal finally selects from the boarding station stored in the storage means. A route indexing unit that obtains a route by sequentially tracing the selected train, bus, etc. in the direction of the boarding station from the last selected getting-off station. The displayed route is displayed on the display means.

  The invention according to claim 4 relates to the information distribution system according to claim 1, and the information distribution server is configured such that when the arrival time information in the operation timetable is specified and transmitted in the communication terminal, Refer to the arrival time, obtain a station timetable of the disembarking station corresponding to the arrival time information based on the link attached by the timetable page editing means, and among the station arrival and departure times in the station timetable, It is characterized in that a time at which the user can board is determined from the arrival time, the station timetable is edited based on the determination result, and then the edited station timetable is transmitted to the communication terminal.

The information distribution server according to claim 5 is an operation time database storing an operation time table including arrival times of all stop stations such as trains and buses, and one to a plurality of route information such as trains and buses that arrive and depart from each station. And a station time database storing a station timetable composed of station departure and arrival times for each route information, and an information distribution server comprising:
The communication terminal receives input screen information for inputting either or both of a route and a boarding time from the information distribution server, displays the information on the display unit, and inputs the route or boarding time inputted by the operation input unit. A function of transmitting either one or both to the information distribution server,
The information distribution server further attaches a link to the station timetable of the stop station to arrival time information of all the stop stations in the operation timetable, and station arrival / departure time information such as trains and buses in the station timetable A timetable page editing means for adding a link to the operation timetable, and when receiving information indicating that the route and the arrival time information or the station arrival / departure time information such as a train or bus are selected, the timetable page editing means Based on the attached link, the station timetable of the getting-off station corresponding to the selected arrival time information or the operation timetable of the train, bus etc. corresponding to the selected station arrival / departure time information is associated with each time information. It is characterized by replying.

  The invention according to claim 6 relates to the information distribution server according to claim 5, and refers to the arrival time and corresponds to the arrival time information based on the link attached by the timetable page editing means. To obtain the station timetable of the getting-off station, determine the time that can be boarded from the arrival time among the station arrival and departure times in the station timetable, and after editing the station timetable based on the determination result, The edited station timetable is returned.

The communication terminal according to claim 7 includes display means for displaying at least an operation timetable and a station timetable, and various parameters such as a train, a bus route name, a boarding station, a boarding time, an arrival time, a station arrival and departure time, and the like. An operation input means for inputting, and a communication terminal for transmitting input information in the operation input means to an information distribution server,
The information distribution server includes an operation time database storing an operation time table including arrival times of all stop stations such as trains and buses, one to a plurality of route information such as trains and buses that arrive at and from each station, and the route information. Station time database storing station timetables consisting of station arrival and departure times, and arrival time information for all stop stations in the operation timetable with links to the station timetables of the stop stations, A timetable page editing means for attaching a link to the operation timetable to station arrival and departure time information such as trains and buses,
The communication terminal receives input screen information for inputting either or both of a route and a boarding time from the information distribution server, displays the information on the display unit, and inputs the route or boarding time inputted by the operation input unit. The information distribution server has a function of transmitting one or both of them to the information distribution server, selects a boarding station, a boarding time, and a route name such as a train and a bus by the operation input means, and selects the selected information from the information distribution server. The station timetable of the route of the boarding station is received, the station arrival / departure time information in the station timetable is designated by the operation input means, and the designated station departure / arrival time information is designated as the information distribution server. By receiving the operation timetable of trains, buses, etc. corresponding to the designated station departure / arrival time information by transmitting to, specifying the arrival time information in the operation timetable by the operation input means, By transmitting designated arrival time information to the information delivery server, the operation time table of the selected route at the getting-off station corresponding to the designated arrival time information or the station time table of the getting-off station is received. To do.

  The invention according to claim 8 relates to the communication terminal according to claim 7, further comprising storage means for storing the history of the boarding station and the getting-off station inputted by the operation input means, and the storage means A fare starting from the stored boarding station is displayed in association with each stop station in the operation timetable.

  Further, the invention according to claim 9 relates to the communication terminal according to claim 7 or 8, and further when the route search is completed, from the boarding station stored in the storage means to the last selected exit station. The route is provided with route indexing means for obtaining the route by sequentially tracing the selected train, bus, etc. from the last selected getting-off station in the direction of the boarding station, and the route obtained by the route indexing means is displayed on the display. It is characterized by displaying on a means.

The program according to claim 10 includes an operation time database storing an operation time table including arrival times of all stop stations such as trains and buses, one to a plurality of route information such as trains and buses that arrive and depart from each station, and To a computer constituting an information distribution server comprising a station time database storing a station timetable consisting of station arrival and departure times for each route information,
A process of transmitting input screen information for inputting either or both of a route and a boarding time to the communication terminal;
A link to the station timetable of the stop station is attached to the arrival time information of all the stop stations in the operation timetable, and a link to the operation timetable is added to the station arrival / departure time information of the train, bus, etc. in the station timetable Processing as a timetable page editing means with
When it is received that the route and the arrival time information or the train arrival / departure time information such as trains and buses are selected, the exit corresponding to the selected arrival time information based on the link attached by the timetable page editing means A process of returning a station timetable of a station or an operation timetable of a train, a bus, etc. corresponding to the selected station departure / arrival time information corresponding to each time information;
Is executed.

  The invention according to claim 11 relates to the program according to claim 10, wherein the process of returning the station timetable of the arrival station selected based on the link or the operation timetable of a train, a bus, etc. With reference to the arrival time, a station timetable of the disembarking station corresponding to the arrival time information is obtained based on the link attached by the timetable page editing means, and the arrival of the arrival and departure times of the stations in the station timetable It is characterized in that a time at which the user can board the vehicle is determined from the time, the station timetable is edited based on the determination result, and then the edited station timetable is returned.

By providing the above configuration, the present invention has the following excellent effects. That is, according to the information distribution system of the first aspect of the present invention, the communication terminal receives input screen information for inputting either or both of a route and a boarding time from the information distribution server and receives the input screen information on the display means. Displaying and having the function of transmitting either one or both of the route and the boarding time input by the operation input means to the information distribution server, the information distribution server displays the arrival time information for all the stop stations in the operation timetable. With a link to the station timetable of the stop station, equipped with timetable page editing means to attach a link to the operation timetable to the station arrival and departure time information of trains, buses, etc. in the station timetable, When the boarding time and the name of the route such as a train or bus are transmitted, the station timetable of the route of the boarding station is returned corresponding to the boarding time, and the station departure / arrival time information in the station timetable is designated and transmitted. And link Based on the link, when the arrival time information in the operation time table is specified and transmitted, the getting-off station corresponding to the arrival time information is returned. By returning the operation timetable of the selected route or the station timetable of the getting-off station, the station timetable and the operation timetable are displayed alternately when the user searches for the route. Thus, it is possible to easily display the arrival time at the target station and the station departure / arrival time of the route to be boarded even when a plurality of trains are connected. In addition, since the station arrival and departure times and arrival times in each timetable can be selected one by one, it is possible to provide information with a high degree of freedom for the user.

  Further, according to the invention of claim 2, in addition to the effect of the information delivery system of claim 1, the communication terminal side is provided with storage means for storing the selection history of the boarding station and the getting-off station. It is possible to additionally display the charges from the departure point to each stop station in the operation timetable to be displayed, and to easily display the charges to the stop station.

  According to the invention of claim 3, in addition to the effect of the information distribution system of claim 1 or 2, a route indexing means is provided in the communication terminal, and the distance between the last selected exit station and the departure station The final route can be accurately displayed by determining the reverse route.

  According to the invention of claim 4, in addition to the effect of the information delivery system of claim 1, when the arrival time information is received on the information delivery server side, it is based on the link attached to the arrival time information. Of the station departure / arrival time information in the acquired station timetable, the station departure / arrival time information that is later than the arrival time is grayed out or cannot be selected, so that the user cannot substantially transfer. It is possible to prevent a route from being selected.

According to the information distribution server of claim 5, the communication terminal receives input screen information for inputting either one or both of a route and a boarding time from the information distribution server and receives the information on the display unit. Displaying and having the function of transmitting either one or both of the route and boarding time input by the operation input means to the information distribution server, the information distribution server is information on arrival times at all stops in the operation timetable With a link to the station timetable of the stop station, and a timetable page editing means for attaching a link to the operation timetable to the station arrival and departure time information of the train, bus etc. of the station timetable, boarding station, boarding time When a route name such as train or bus is received, the station timetable of the route of the boarding station is returned corresponding to the boarding time, and when station arrival / departure time information is received, it corresponds to the station departure / arrival time information based on a link Train, bus When the arrival time information in the operation timetable is received, the station timetable of the disembarking station corresponding to the arrival time information is returned based on the link so that the user can When performing a search, the station timetable and the operation timetable are actually received alternately, and the arrival time to the target station and the station arrival and departure times of the route to be boarded are transferred to multiple trains. It will be possible to provide even when riding. In addition, since the station arrival and departure times and arrival times in each timetable can be selected one by one, it is possible to provide information with a high degree of freedom for the user.

  According to the invention of claim 6, in addition to the effect of the information distribution server of claim 5, when the arrival time information is received, the station time acquired based on the link attached to the arrival time information Of the station arrival / departure time information in the table, the station departure / arrival time information later than the arrival time is grayed out or cannot be selected, so that the user can select a route that cannot be substantially changed. Can be prevented in advance.

According to the invention of claim 7, the information distribution server includes an operation time database storing an operation time table composed of arrival times of all the stop stations such as trains and buses, and 1 such as trains and buses that arrive at and depart from each station. Or a station time database storing a plurality of route information and a station timetable composed of station arrival and departure times for each route information, and arrival time information at all the stop stations in the operation timetable to the station timetable of the stop station A timetable page editing means that attaches a link and attaches a link to the operation timetable to the station arrival and departure time information such as trains and buses of the station timetable,
The communication terminal receives input screen information for inputting either or both of the route and the boarding time from the information distribution server, displays the information on the display unit, and displays the route or boarding time inputted by the operation input unit. It has a function of transmitting either one or both to the information distribution server, selects a boarding station, boarding time, and a route name such as a train, a bus, etc. by the operation input means, and transmits the selected information to the information distribution server. By receiving the station timetable of the route of the boarding station, specifying the station departure / arrival time information in the station timetable by the operation input means, and transmitting the designated station departure / arrival time information to the information distribution server, Receives the train / bus operation timetable corresponding to the specified station arrival / departure time information, specifies the arrival time information in the operation timetable by operation input means, and distributes the specified arrival time information as information In order to receive the operation timetable of the selected route at the disembarking station corresponding to the designated arrival time information or the station timetable of the disembarking station by transmitting to the server, when the user searches for a route, Substantially the station timetable and operation timetable will be displayed alternately, even if you arrive at the target station and the station departure / arrival time of the route you are boarding, even if you are getting on multiple trains It can be easily displayed. In addition, since the station arrival and departure times and arrival times in each timetable can be selected one by one, it is possible to provide information with a high degree of freedom for the user.

  Moreover, according to the invention of claim 8, in addition to the effect of the communication terminal of claim 7, since the storage means for storing the selection history of the boarding station and the getting-off station is provided, the operation timetable provided from the information distribution server It is possible to additionally display the charges from the departure point to each stop station, and to easily display the charges to the stop station.

  According to the invention of claim 9, in addition to the effect of the communication terminal of claim 7 or 8, a route indexing unit is provided, and the route between the last selected getting-off station and the departure station is reversed. By tracing and determining, the final route can be displayed accurately.

  Moreover, according to the invention of Claims 10-11, the information delivery server which can have the effect of Claims 5-6 can be provided by mounting this program in the computer which comprises an information delivery server. .

  Hereinafter, the best embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment shown below exemplifies an information distribution system, an information distribution server, a communication terminal and a program for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and the present invention is specified to these. It is not intended and other embodiments within the scope of the claims are equally applicable.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an information distribution system according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing functions of each component constituting the information distribution system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. The flowchart which shows the processing process by the side of the communication terminal in the information delivery system which concerns on Example 1, FIGS. 4-7 is schematic explanatory drawing which shows the content displayed on the display part of a communication terminal in time series.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the information distribution system S according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes an information distribution server 1 and a communication terminal 2 connected to a network 3. The communication terminal 2 includes a mobile phone, a PDA, and the like. Hereinafter, a case where the mobile phone is applied will be described.

  The information distribution server 1 is connected to a plurality of communication terminals 2 via a network 3 and transmits desired timetable information in response to a request for timetable information from the communication terminal 2. Station time DB (database) 11 that stores one or more route information such as trains and buses to and from the station, and a station timetable consisting of station departure and arrival times for each route information, and arrival times of each stop station such as trains and buses The operation time DB (database) 12 which memorize | stored the operation timetable which consists of, the timetable page edit part 13, and the transmission / reception part 14 which transmits / receives various information are provided. In addition, although it demonstrated as what has station time DB11 and operation time DB12 in the information delivery server 1 here, station time DB11 and operation time DB12 are acquired suitably from the other information delivery server in the network 3, for example. The information distribution server 1 does not necessarily have to have the station time DB 11 and the operation time DB 12. The station timetable includes not only trains and buses but also other transportation route information and station arrival / departure time data.

  Since the timetable page editing unit 13 displays the station timetable and the operation timetable in association with each other, the station arrival / departure time information in the station timetable includes a link to the operation timetable of the train corresponding to this departure / arrival time. The station arrival time information in the operation timetable is attached with a link to the station timetable of the station corresponding to this arrival time. Further, the link may be fixedly added to each time information, or may be dynamically added based on information transmitted from the communication terminal 2. However, when a link is fixedly attached, the data capacity transmitted from the information distribution server 1 to the communication terminal 2 becomes relatively large. Therefore, a dynamic link is preferably used, and a link is given below by a dynamic link. I will explain it as a thing.

  The communication terminal 2 is, for example, a mobile phone and has various functions such as a call function and an Internet function. Here, only functions used in the information distribution system S of the present invention will be described. The description of the members used only for realizing the function will be omitted. The communication terminal 2 includes a display unit 21 including a liquid crystal display device that displays an operation timetable, a station timetable, and the like, at least a route name such as a train and a bus, a boarding station, a boarding time, an arrival time, a station arrival and departure time, etc. In order to transmit / receive data to / from the information distribution server 1 via the network 3, the operation input unit 22 including a plurality of keys for inputting various parameters, the control unit 23 for controlling various functions of the communication terminal 2, and the network 3. Transmission / reception unit 24.

  Below, operation | movement seen from the communication terminal 2 side is demonstrated with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3, and FIGS. 4-6 about operation | movement of the information delivery system S in a present Example. In the following description, a case will be described in which the departure point is “Tokyo” station and the destination is “small desk” station, and a plurality of trains are transferred from the departure point to the destination. Also, the layout of the display page shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 is preset on the information distribution server 1 side, and the date / time input fields 43 as shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 6 (c), 44 is controlled so that the date and time when the communication terminal 2 requests information is displayed as a default.

  First, when the communication terminal 2 selects the start of the information distribution system of the present invention (corresponding to “2. Station timetable search” in FIG. 4A), an input screen of the departure station is displayed (FIG. 4). 4 (b)). Here, in step S11, “Tokyo” station is input to the station name input field 41 as the departure station by operating the operation input unit 22 (see FIG. 4C), and when it is transmitted to the information distribution server 1, the characters “Tokyo” are displayed. A list of station names including columns is returned (see FIG. 4D). Here, when “1. Tokyo” is selected and transmitted, an input screen for the route and boarding time is returned and displayed in step S12 (see FIG. 5A). In this route and boarding time input screen, the route, date and time can be entered, and among these, the route entry field 42 is entered at the “Tokyo” station designated as the departure station in the information distribution server 1. Since the route information is extracted from the station timetable and the route information is transmitted to the communication terminal 2, a route to be boarded from the plurality of extracted routes can be selected from the pull-down menu 42A. Yes. In addition, the date entry field 43 is designed to directly input the date of boarding, and the time entry field 44 can select the scheduled time of boarding by the time unit, which is also selected from the pull-down menu 44A. You can select the boarding time.

  When a desired route, date, and time are input to the above-described input fields by operating the operation input unit 22 and then the search button is pressed (step S13), information is distributed from the input information as shown in step S14. The corresponding station timetable is extracted and transmitted on the server 1 side, and the station timetable is displayed on the display unit 21 (see FIG. 5B). The station timetable shown here is composed of station departure / arrival times of the boarding station, information indicating the type of train such as limited express and ordinary train, and parameters of destination information. In FIG. 5B, the station timetable is shown as a result of selecting “Tokaido Main Line Atami direction” as the route and selecting 13:00 as the time.

  Next, in step S15, the user refers to various parameters in the station timetable displayed on the display unit 21, selects a train to ride, and presses the station arrival and departure times of the selected train (FIG. 6 ( a), the station departure / arrival time information of the train on the information distribution server 1 is transmitted. In this case, the regular train for Hiratsuka departing at 13:53 is selected.

  Upon receiving the station time information selected in step S15, the information distribution server 1 transmits a train operation timetable corresponding to the station time information to the communication terminal 2 as shown in step S16, and displays it on the display unit 21. An operation timetable is displayed (see FIG. 6B). This operation timetable is composed of a station where the train stops and a parameter of the time when the train stops. And a user selects the station which gets off in step S18 in order to change (Yes in step S17) from this operation timetable, and transmits the arrival time information of the station which gets off to the information delivery server 1. Here, 14:17 Yokohama is selected.

  When the getting-off station is selected in step S18, the process returns to step S12 and the input screen for the route and boarding time at the selected getting-off station (Yokohama) is displayed (see FIG. 6C). When the user inputs a desired route, date, and time into the input fields by operating the operation input unit 22 (see FIG. 6D), and the search button is pressed (step S13), as shown in step S14. Then, the corresponding station timetable is extracted from the input information on the information distribution server 1 side and transmitted, and the station timetable is displayed on the display unit 21 (see FIG. 7A). At this time, “Keihin Tohoku Line Omiya direction” is selected as the route in each entry field, and the time is selected at 14:00. The station timetable transmitted from the information distribution server 1 according to the selection condition and displayed on the display unit 21 displays the train at the station arrival / departure time at 14:00, but the arrival of the getting-off station selected / transmitted in step S18. From the time information, the station arrival / departure time information 45 of a train that cannot be changed is displayed so that only trains that can be changed are selected by being grayed out or not selected.

  In step S15, the user refers to various parameters in the station timetable displayed on the display unit 21, selects the train to be picked up from the selectable train information, and the station arrival and departure times of the selected train. (See FIG. 7B), the station arrival / departure time information of the train that gets on the information distribution server 1 is transmitted. Here, the 14:25 departure for the local train Hachioji is selected.

  As a result of the process in step S15, the operation timetable of the selected train is displayed on the display unit 21 in step S16 (see FIG. 7C), and the arrival time of the destination “Kosuku” station is displayed. Therefore, since it is not necessary to transfer after that (No in step S17), the series of processes is terminated.

  Through the above-described steps, the user can select the station, route, boarding time, getting-off station, etc. to be transferred one by one on the communication terminal 2 side, so that the user can provide highly flexible information, and the station timetable and operation time Since the tables are displayed alternately without performing any special operation, it is possible to provide information that is easy for the user to understand.

  Next, the operation of the information distribution system S of the present invention viewed from the information distribution server 1 side will be described mainly with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing steps on the information distribution server side in the information distribution system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The information distribution server 1 replies to the information in a timely manner with respect to the information transmitted from the plurality of communication terminals 2, and first, in step S21, whether or not the information on the route and the boarding time has been received. Is detected and received, the station timetable of the boarding station on the route corresponding to the boarding time received in step S22 is obtained from the station time DB 11, and then the boarding time is obtained from the boarding time received in step S23. Recognize possible train station departure and arrival times. In addition, when the information of a route and boarding time is received in step S21, the boarding station is already decided.

  Then, in step S24, a timetable editing process for graying out or making the selection impossible for the station departure / arrival time information for the boarding / departing time recognized in step S23 occurs, and in step S25, the timetable editing process is performed. The edited station timetable is returned to the communication terminal 2, and the process returns to step S21 to enter a standby state.

  If it is detected in step S21 that the route and boarding time information has not been received, it is detected in step S26 whether or not the arrival time information has been received. If the arrival time information is received, the timetable page editing unit 13 attaches a link corresponding to the arrival time information to the received arrival time information in step S27. By referring to the station time table of the station corresponding to the arrival time information, the station time DB 11 is acquired. Next, from the arrival time information received in step S28, the arrival / departure time of a train that can be boarded is recognized, and the process proceeds to step S24. Here, when the arrival time information is received in step S26, the boarding station is already determined.

  Then, in step S24, a timetable editing process for graying out or making it impossible to select the station arrival / departure time information for the boarding / departing time recognized in step S28 has occurred. The edited station timetable is returned to the communication terminal 2, and the process returns to step S21 to enter a standby state.

  When it is detected in step S26 that arrival time information has not been received, it is detected in step S29 whether or not station arrival / departure time information has been received. Here, station arrival / departure time information has been received. In step S30, the timetable page editing unit 13 attaches a link corresponding to the station arrival / departure time information to the received station departure / arrival time information. By referring to this link, the station departure / arrival time information is added. The train operation timetable corresponding to is acquired from the operation time DB 12. And in step S31, the said operation timetable is returned with respect to the communication terminal 2, and it returns to step S21 and will be in a standby state.

  If it is detected in step S29 that the station departure / arrival time information has not been received, it is detected in step S32 whether or not the boarding station information has been received. If no reception has been received, the process returns to step S21 and waits. If it is in a state and received, the route information of the boarding station received in step S33 is extracted from the station time DB 11, and the route and boarding time request is returned to the communication terminal 2 together with this route information, and then the process returns to step S21. Return to standby mode.

  The information distribution server 1 composed of the above-described steps is adapted to appropriately respond to various information transmitted from the plurality of communication terminals 2 when a large amount of information is transmitted at once. Even if there is, it can respond quickly.

  The information distribution system S ′ according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the present embodiment, only a part of the communication terminal 2 of the information distribution system S of the first embodiment is different and the other points are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment. The same reference numerals are given to the common parts, and the description thereof is omitted, and only different components will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing the function of each component constituting the information distribution system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 shows the processing steps on the communication terminal side in the information distribution system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing contents displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal, and FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a route indexing method in the route indexing unit.

  In addition to the processing of the first embodiment, the information distribution system S ′ according to the second embodiment stores route information in the communication terminal 2 and displays the search progress after the route to the destination is displayed. In addition to displaying the route from the departure point to the destination, the fare from the departure point to the destination is also displayed. The communication terminal 2 further uses the station and train selected by the user as history information. A history storage unit 25 for storing, and a route indexing unit 26 for determining one route from the departure point to the destination from information searched after a series of route display ends are provided.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the information distribution system S ′ according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 10, FIGS. 4 to 7A, and FIG. In the following description, it is assumed that the starting point, the destination, and the route to the destination are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  In this embodiment, when the communication terminal 2 first selects the start of the information distribution system of the present invention (corresponding to “2. Station timetable search” in FIG. 4A), in step S41, the departure station, The history storage unit 25 starts storing the history of the destination and the route to be searched later, and starts calculating the fare from the departure place in step S42. The fare is calculated from the departure point information using the departure point information stored in the history storage unit 25. This charge calculation need not be performed in the communication terminal 2, for example, when the operation timetable is acquired on the information distribution server 1, the fare information may be added at the same time, or for the charge calculation on the network You may make it perform charge calculation using the server of this. Regarding this fee display method, various methods such as a method of storing a search history for each communication terminal 2 by providing a storage unit on the information distribution server 1 side and calculating a fee thereby can be considered. When the station departure / arrival time information is transmitted to the information distribution server 1 and stored in the history storage unit 25 of the communication terminal 2, the departure point information is also transmitted at the same time, so that the link attached to the station departure / arrival time information is transmitted. What uses the method of adding the charge information from a departure station to the acquired operation timetable is demonstrated.

  Next, in step S43, the departure station is input by operating the operation input unit 22 (see FIG. 4C) and transmitted to the information distribution server 1, and a list of station names including the input character string is returned (FIG. 4). 4 (d)). When a desired station name is selected and transmitted, an input screen for route and boarding time is returned and displayed in step S44 (see FIG. 5A). After a desired route, date, and time are input to the input fields in the input screen by operating the operation input unit 22, when the search button is pressed (step S45), from the input information as shown in step S46. The corresponding station timetable is extracted and transmitted on the information distribution server 1 side, and the station timetable is displayed on the display unit 21 (see FIG. 5B).

  Next, in step S47, the user refers to various parameters in the station timetable displayed on the display unit 21, selects a train to ride, and presses the station arrival and departure times of the selected train (FIG. 6 ( a), the station departure / arrival time information of the train on the information distribution server 1 is transmitted. Upon receiving the station time information selected in step S47, the information distribution server 1 transmits a train operation timetable corresponding to the station time information to the communication terminal 2 as shown in step S48, and displays it on the display unit 21. An operation timetable is displayed (see FIG. 6B). Although not shown in FIG. 6B, in this operation timetable, in addition to the stop station information and the arrival time information of the stop station by the process of step S42, the operation time table shows the movement from the departure station to each stop station. Such fare information has been added. And a user selects the station which gets off in step S50 in order to change (Yes in step S49) from this operation timetable, and transmits the arrival time information of the station which gets off to the information delivery server 1.

  When the getting-off station is selected in step S50, the process returns to step S44 and the input screen for the route and boarding time at the selected getting-off station is displayed (see FIG. 6C). When the user inputs a desired route, date, and time into each input field by operating the operation input unit 22 (see FIG. 6D), and the search button is pressed (step S45), as shown in step S46. Then, the corresponding station timetable is extracted from the input information on the information distribution server 1 side and transmitted, and the station timetable is displayed on the display unit 21 (see FIG. 7A). The station timetable transmitted from the information distribution server 1 according to the selection condition and displayed on the display unit 21 displays the train at the station arrival / departure time at 14:00, but arrives at the exit station selected / transmitted in step S50. From the time information, the station arrival / departure time information 45 of a train that cannot be changed is displayed so that only trains that can be changed are selected by being grayed out or not selected.

  In step S47, the user refers to various parameters in the station timetable displayed on the display unit 21, selects a train that the user wants to ride from the selectable train information, and the station arrival and departure times of the selected train. Is pressed (see FIG. 11A), the station arrival / departure time information of the train on the information distribution server 1 is transmitted. As a result of the process of step S47, the operation timetable of the selected train is displayed on the display unit 21 in step S48. The operation timetable displayed here includes stop station information and stop station arrival time information. In addition to this, fare information relating to movement from the departure station to each stop station is added.

  Since the arrival time of the destination is displayed in this operation timetable, there is no need to change trains after that (No in step S49), and therefore corresponds to the destination in the column of the stop station in FIG. The charge display in the fare / route column 46 (in FIG. 11B, “small desk” is ¥ 540) is pressed, and a series of route searches is completed. At this time, pressing of the charge display means the end of the route search. When this charge display is pressed, whether or not to display a route is selected in step S51. If the route display is not performed here, the process is terminated as it is, and if the route display is performed, the process proceeds to step S52.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the route display method in step S52 is a step in which the user selects station A as a departure station and selects a route from station B to destination E station via station D. Assuming that the history of searching for the trains 1 to 4 remains in the history storage unit 25, the train 2 is a train that has been searched but not actually boarded, as can be seen from FIG. Such a history can occur due to operational mistakes and re-selection of train types. Therefore, in order not to reflect such a search history in the final route display, the route indexing unit 26 reverses the searched train from the destination (E station) to the departure point (A station). Trace and recognize as a single route, and display this route as the final route search result. In this way, only the route used is displayed without fail, and the accurate search result can be displayed.

  The route and the fee determined by the above method are displayed as shown in FIG. 11C, and after this display is made, a series of operations is terminated.

  As described above, the information delivery system S ′ according to the second embodiment of the present invention provides user-friendly information by calculating a fee and displaying a final route in addition to a route search. become able to. Here, the charge display and the route display are described at the same time, but the function implemented in the communication terminal 2 may be only one of these functions.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an information distribution system of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing functions of the respective constituent members constituting the information distribution system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing steps on the communication terminal side in the information distribution system according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the contents displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal in time series, FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the contents displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal in time series, FIG. 6 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the contents displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal in time series, FIG. 7 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the contents displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal in time series, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing steps on the information distribution server side in the information distribution system according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing the function of each component constituting the information distribution system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing steps on the communication terminal side in the information distribution system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing contents displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal, FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a route indexing method in the route indexing unit.

Explanation of symbols

S Information distribution system 1 Information distribution server 2 Communication terminal 3 Network 11 Station time DB
12 Operation time DB
13 Timetable page editing unit 14 Transmission / reception unit 21 Display unit 22 Operation input unit 23 Control unit 24 Transmission / reception unit 25 History storage unit 26 Route indexing unit

Claims (11)

Consists of an operation time database that stores operation timetables consisting of arrival times of trains, buses, etc., and information on one or more routes such as trains and buses that arrive at each station, and station arrival and departure times for each route information. A station time database that stores a station timetable, an information distribution server comprising: a display means for displaying at least the operation timetable and the station timetable; names of trains, buses, etc., boarding stations, boarding times, arrival times And an operation input means for inputting various parameters such as station arrival and departure times, and a communication terminal for transmitting input information in the operation input means to the information distribution server,
The communication terminal receives input screen information for inputting either or both of a route and a boarding time from the information distribution server, displays the information on the display unit, and inputs the route or boarding time inputted by the operation input unit. A function of transmitting either one or both to the information distribution server,
The information distribution server further attaches a link to the station timetable of the stop station to arrival time information of all the stop stations in the operation timetable, and station arrival / departure time information such as trains and buses in the station timetable A timetable page editing means with a link to the operation timetable is provided, and when the boarding station, boarding time and route name such as trains and buses are transmitted in the communication terminal, the station timetable of the boarding station route is When the station arrival / departure time information in the station timetable is specified and transmitted in the communication terminal, the station is transmitted based on the link attached by the timetable page editing means. An operation timetable for trains, buses, etc. corresponding to the arrival / departure time information is transmitted to the communication terminal in correspondence with the designated station departure / arrival time, and arrival time information in the operation timetable is designated and transmitted at the communication terminal. When said Based on the link attached by the timetable page editing means, the operation timetable of the selected route at the disembarking station corresponding to the arrival time information or the station timetable of the disembarking station corresponding to the designated arrival time An information distribution system for transmitting to a communication terminal.   The communication terminal further comprises storage means for storing the history of the boarding station and the getting-off station input by the operation input means, and the fare starting from the boarding station stored in the storage means The information distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the information distribution system is displayed in relation to the stop station.   When the communication terminal further completes the route search, the route from the boarding station stored in the storage means to the last selected getting-off station is selected from the last selected getting-off station, the selected train, bus, etc. The information distribution according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising route indexing means for obtaining a route by sequentially following the directions toward the boarding station, and displaying the route obtained by the route indexing means on the display means. system.   When the arrival time information in the operation timetable is specified and transmitted in the communication terminal, the information distribution server refers to the arrival time and based on the link attached by the timetable page editing means Obtain a station timetable of the disembarking station corresponding to the time information, determine a time that can be boarded from the arrival time among the station departure and arrival times in the station timetable, and based on the determination result, determine the station timetable 2. The information distribution system according to claim 1, wherein after the editing, the edited station timetable is transmitted to the communication terminal. From the operation time database that stores the operation timetable consisting of the arrival times of all the stop stations such as trains and buses, from one to a plurality of route information such as trains and buses to and from each station, and the station arrival and departure times for each route information An information distribution server comprising a station time database storing station timetables,
The communication terminal receives input screen information for inputting either or both of a route and a boarding time from the information distribution server, displays the information on the display unit, and inputs the route or boarding time inputted by the operation input unit. A function of transmitting either one or both to the information distribution server,
The information distribution server further attaches a link to the station timetable of the stop station to arrival time information of all the stop stations in the operation timetable, and station arrival / departure time information such as trains and buses in the station timetable A timetable page editing means for adding a link to the operation timetable, and when receiving information indicating that the route and the arrival time information or the station arrival / departure time information such as a train or bus are selected, the timetable page editing means Based on the attached link, the station timetable of the getting-off station corresponding to the selected arrival time information or the operation timetable of the train, bus etc. corresponding to the selected station arrival / departure time information is associated with each time information. An information distribution server characterized by replying.   Refer to the arrival time, obtain a station timetable of the disembarking station corresponding to the arrival time information based on the link attached by the timetable page editing means, and among the station arrival and departure times in the station timetable, 6. The information distribution server according to claim 5, wherein a time when the vehicle can be boarded is determined from an arrival time, and the edited station time table is returned after editing the station time table based on the determination result. . A display means for displaying at least an operation timetable and a station timetable, and an operation input means for inputting various parameters such as a train, a bus route name, a boarding station, a boarding time, an arrival time, a station departure and arrival time, A communication terminal for transmitting input information in the operation input means to an information distribution server,
The information distribution server includes an operation time database storing an operation time table including arrival times of all stop stations such as trains and buses, one to a plurality of route information such as trains and buses that arrive at and from each station, and the route information. Station time database storing station timetables consisting of station arrival and departure times, and arrival time information for all stop stations in the operation timetable with links to the station timetables of the stop stations, A timetable page editing means for attaching a link to the operation timetable to station arrival and departure time information such as trains and buses,
The communication terminal receives input screen information for inputting either or both of a route and a boarding time from the information distribution server, displays the information on the display unit, and inputs the route or boarding time inputted by the operation input unit. The information distribution server has a function of transmitting one or both of them to the information distribution server, selects a boarding station, a boarding time, and a route name such as a train and a bus by the operation input means, and selects the selected information from the information distribution server. The station timetable of the route of the boarding station is received, the station arrival / departure time information in the station timetable is designated by the operation input means, and the designated station departure / arrival time information is designated as the information distribution server. By receiving the operation timetable of trains, buses, etc. corresponding to the designated station departure / arrival time information by transmitting to, specifying the arrival time information in the operation timetable by the operation input means, By transmitting designated arrival time information to the information delivery server, the operation time table of the selected route at the getting-off station corresponding to the designated arrival time information or the station time table of the getting-off station is received. Communication terminal.   Furthermore, storage means for storing the history of the boarding station and the getting-off station input by the operation input means is provided, and a fare starting from the boarding station stored in the storage means is associated with each stop station in the operation timetable. The communication terminal according to claim 7, wherein the communication terminal is displayed.   Further, when the route search is completed, the route from the boarding station stored in the storage means to the last selected getting-off station, the train, bus, etc. selected from the last getting-off station to the boarding station direction 9. The communication terminal according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising route indexing means for obtaining a route by tracing in order, and displaying the route obtained by the route indexing means on the display means. Consists of an operation time database that stores operation timetables consisting of arrival times of trains, buses, etc., and information on one or more routes such as trains and buses that arrive at each station, and station arrival and departure times for each route information. In a computer constituting an information distribution server comprising a station time database storing station timetables,
A process of transmitting input screen information for inputting either or both of a route and a boarding time to the communication terminal ;
A link to the station timetable of the stop station is attached to the arrival time information of all the stop stations in the operation timetable, and a link to the operation timetable is added to the station arrival / departure time information of the train, bus, etc. in the station timetable Processing as a timetable page editing means with
When it is received that the route and the arrival time information or the train arrival / departure time information such as trains and buses are selected, the exit corresponding to the selected arrival time information based on the link attached by the timetable page editing means A process of returning a station timetable of a station or an operation timetable of a train, a bus, etc. corresponding to the selected station departure / arrival time information corresponding to each time information;
A program characterized in that is executed.   The process of returning the station timetable of the arrival station selected based on the link or the operation timetable of the train, bus, etc. refers to the arrival time, and based on the link attached by the timetable page editing means Obtaining a station timetable of the disembarking station corresponding to the arrival time information, determining a time that can be boarded from the arrival time among the station departure and arrival times in the station timetable, and based on the determination result, the station timetable 11. The program according to claim 10, wherein a process of returning the edited station timetable is executed after editing.

Images