JP2022017886A - Information display program, information retrieval device, and information retrieval program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an information display program capable of presenting information useful for formulation of an action plan including the use of public transportation means to a user, an information retrieval device, and an information retrieval program.SOLUTION: An information retrieval system includes a user terminal 12, a traffic retrieval server 14, and a traffic management server 16 and provides information retrieval service presenting retrieval results relating to a moving route of public transportation means in response to a request of retrieval done by a user. The user terminal is functioned by reading and executing an information display program. Requirement means 30 of the user terminal requires the provision of status information to the traffic retrieval server. Acquisition means 32 acquires status information showing a traffic status relating to the operation or use of the public transportation means in association with a time from the traffic retrieval server. Display control means 34 displays a temporal change of the traffic status on display means 36 based on the status information acquired by the acquisition means 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to an information display program, an information retrieval device, and an information retrieval program.

Conventionally, various techniques for displaying or searching traffic information related to public transportation including railways have been proposed.

Patent Document 1 discloses a device that generates route map data indicating a route portion currently in operation in real time using route data and timetable data, and displays the route map indicated by the route map data. In addition, it is described in the same document that a section in which a mobile vehicle is congested, a section in which the operation is suspended or an operation failure is displayed so as to be distinguishable from other sections.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-207666

However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, even if the user can grasp the current operation state by visually recognizing the route map displayed in real time, the congestion, suspension or operation obstacle in a specific section is solved. It is difficult to predict the time that can be done. This makes it difficult for users to formulate an action plan using public transportation.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is an information display program, an information retrieval device, and an information retrieval device capable of presenting useful information to a user for formulating an action plan including the use of public transportation means. It is to provide an information retrieval program.

The information display program according to the first aspect of the present invention is an acquisition means for acquiring a computer by associating a situation information indicating a traffic situation indicating the operation or use of public transportation means with time, and the situation information acquired by the acquisition means. It functions as a display control means for controlling the display means to display the time change of the traffic condition based on the above.

In the information display program according to the second aspect of the present invention, the situation information is the first situation information showing the measurement result of the traffic condition at the reference time point and the second situation information showing the prediction result of the traffic condition at the time point after the reference time point. Includes status information.

In the information display program according to the third aspect of the present invention, the display control means combines the measurement result with the reliability of the measurement or the source of the data, or the prediction result with the reliability of the prediction or the operation. Control is performed so that the display means displays the image.

In the information display program according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the display control means controls the display means to arrange the traffic conditions in chronological order along one direction.

In the information display program according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the display control means controls the display means to display the traffic status while switching the traffic conditions every hour.

In the information display program according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the display control means controls the display means to display the traffic situation together with the route map of the public transportation means.

The information retrieval device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is a storage means configured to be able to construct a route database regarding the movement route and operation time of the public transportation means, and acquisition of measurement data regarding the operation or use of the public transportation means. With reference to the means, the prediction means for predicting the traffic condition of the public transportation means based on the measurement data acquired by the acquisition means, and the route database constructed by the storage means, the prediction is made by the prediction means. A search means for searching a movement route of the public transportation means after modifying the operating time of the public transportation means according to the traffic condition is provided.

The information retrieval program according to the eighth aspect of the present invention acquires measurement data regarding the operation or use of a storage means configured to enable the computer to construct a route database regarding the movement route and operation time of the public transportation means, and the operation or use of the public transportation means. The acquisition means to be used, the prediction means for predicting the traffic condition of the public transportation means based on the measurement data acquired by the acquisition means, and the route database constructed by the storage means, and the prediction is made by the prediction means. After modifying the operating time of the public transportation means according to the traffic condition, it functions as a search means for searching the movement route of the public transportation means.

In the information display program according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the information display device is a storage means configured to be able to construct a route database regarding the movement route and operation time of the public transportation means, and measurement data regarding the operation or use of the public transportation means. A terminal device capable of communicating with the information retrieval device by functioning as a first acquisition means for acquiring the data and a prediction means for predicting the traffic condition of the public transportation means based on the measurement data acquired by the first acquisition means. The second acquisition means for acquiring the traffic condition estimated from the measurement data or the situation information indicating the traffic condition predicted by the prediction means in association with time, and the situation information acquired by the second acquisition means. It functions as a display control means for controlling the display means to display the time change of the traffic condition based on the above.

According to the present invention, information useful for formulating an action plan including the use of public transportation can be presented to the user.

It is an overall configuration diagram of an information retrieval system incorporating a traffic retrieval server as an information retrieval device in one embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware configuration of the user terminal and the traffic search server in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the functional block of the user terminal in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the functional block of the traffic search server in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st operation of an information retrieval system. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure which the measurement data of FIG. 4 has. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure which the situation information of FIG. 4 has. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd operation of an information retrieval system. It is a figure which shows the 1st example of the confirmation screen displayed on a user terminal. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of the confirmation screen displayed on the user terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the 3rd operation of an information retrieval system. It is a figure which shows an example of the search input screen displayed on a user terminal. It is a figure which shows an example of the search output screen displayed on a user terminal.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In order to facilitate understanding of the description, the same components and steps may be designated as the same reference numerals as possible in each drawing, and duplicate description may be omitted.

[Configuration of Information Retrieval System 10]
<Overall configuration>
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an information retrieval system 10 in which a traffic retrieval server 14 as an information retrieval device according to an embodiment of the present invention is incorporated. The information retrieval system 10 provides an information retrieval service that presents search results regarding travel routes of public transportation means in response to a search request by a user. Here, "public transportation means" means transportation that can be shared by the general public and has a boarding / alighting station. Examples of public transportation include railroads, buses, aircraft, and ships.

Specifically, the information retrieval system 10 includes one or more user terminals 12 (corresponding to "terminal device"), a traffic search server 14 (corresponding to "information retrieval device"), and one or more traffic management. It is configured to include a server 16. Each user terminal 12 can communicate with the traffic search server 14 through the network NT. Similarly, each traffic management server 16 can communicate with the traffic search server 14 through the network NT.

The user terminal 12 is a stationary or portable computer owned by the user. The user terminal 12 is composed of, for example, a personal computer, a tablet, a smartphone, a wearable device, and the like.

The traffic search server 14 is a server computer that performs various controls related to the above-mentioned information retrieval service. In the example of FIG. 1, the traffic search server 14 is shown as a single computer, but instead of this, the traffic search server 14 may be a group of computers for constructing a distributed system. Further, the traffic search server 14 may be a cloud type server (so-called cloud server) or an on-premises type server.

The traffic management server 16 is a server computer that performs comprehensive control related to the management of public transportation means. The traffic management server 16 is configured to be able to collect various data for analyzing the traffic situation regarding the operation or use of public transportation means from various external devices by using a communication means (not shown). As an example of an external device, [1] a moving body of public transportation means 18, [2] transportation equipment provided at a stop, [3] transportation equipment provided around a moving route, and [4] a user of public transportation means. Examples include mobile terminals in possession.

<Hardware configuration>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the user terminal 12 and the traffic search server 14 in FIG. 1. The user terminal 12 shown at the bottom of the drawing includes a communication I / F 21, an input device 22, an output device 23, a processor 24, a memory 25, and a storage device 26. On the other hand, the traffic search server 14 shown on the upper side of the drawing includes a communication I / F 41, a processor 44, a memory 45, and a storage device 46.

The communication I / Fs 21 and 41 are interfaces for transmitting and receiving electric signals to and from an external device. As a result, the user terminal 12 can exchange various data with the traffic search server 14.

The input device 22 is a device including a mouse, a keyboard, a touch sensor, and a microphone. The output device 23 includes a device including a display and a speaker. The user terminal 12 constructs a graphical user interface (GUI) by combining an input function by the input device 22 and a display function by the output device 23.

The processors 24 and 44 may be general-purpose processors including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or may be dedicated processors including a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The memories 25 and 45 are non-transient storage media, and store programs and data necessary for the processors 24 and 44 to control each component. The storage devices 26 and 46 are non-transient storage media including, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) and a solid state drive (SSD).

<Functional block>
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block of the user terminal 12 in FIG. 2. By reading and executing the information display program stored in the memory 25 or the like, the user terminal 12 reads and executes the request means 30, the acquisition means 32 (corresponding to the “second acquisition means”), the display control means 34, and the display means 36. Functions as. The requesting means 30 is a means realized by the communication I / F 21, the input device 22 and the processor 24 of FIG. The acquisition means 32 is a means realized by the communication I / F 21 and the processor 24 of FIG. The display control means 34 is a means realized by the processor 24 of FIG. The display means 36 is a means realized by the output device 23 of FIG.

In the example of FIG. 8, the requesting means 30 requests the traffic search server 14 to provide the status information 70 described later in FIG. Specifically, the requesting means 30 provides the status information 70 corresponding to the confirmation condition by transmitting the condition necessary for specifying the movement route to be confirmed by the user (hereinafter referred to as the confirmation condition) to the traffic search server 14. To request. On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 11, the requesting means 30 requests the traffic search server 14 to provide the result information 72 described later in FIG. Specifically, the requesting means 30 requests the provision of the result information 72 corresponding to the search condition by transmitting the condition (hereinafter referred to as the search condition) necessary for searching the movement route to the traffic search server 14.

In the example of FIG. 8, the acquisition means 32 acquires the status information 70 (FIG. 4) corresponding to the confirmation condition transmitted by the request means 30 from the traffic search server 14. On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 11, the acquisition means 32 acquires the result information 72 (FIG. 4) corresponding to the search condition transmitted by the request means 30 from the traffic search server 14.

The display control means 34 controls the display means 36 to display the time change of the traffic condition based on the situation information 70 acquired by the acquisition means 32. For example, the display control means 34 may display [1] the traffic status in chronological order along one direction, or [2] display the traffic status on the display means 36 while switching the traffic status for each time. The displayed traffic status may be the status information 70 itself, or may be information processed from the status information 70 (for example, characters, figures, marks, etc.).

Further, the display control means 34 causes the display means 36 to display the measurement result of the traffic condition included in the situation information 70 together with the measurement of the data or the reliability of the source. "Reliability for measurement" is, for example, [1] sensor detection accuracy / detection method / number of installations / operating time, [2] data acquisition amount / acquisition frequency, and [3] external environment / time zone at the time of measurement. , [4] Correlation with the prediction result, and is comprehensively obtained based on various factors. "Reliability on the source" is comprehensively based on various factors including, for example, [1] attributes of the organization that provides the data, [2] various performances of external devices, [3] communication environment, and the like. Desired.

Alternatively, the display control means 34 causes the display means 36 to display the prediction result of the traffic condition included in the situation information 70 together with the reliability of the prediction or the operation. The "reliability for prediction" is, for example, [1] the reliability of the above-mentioned measurement or source, [2] the number of past predictions / prediction accuracy, and [3] the amount / type of data used for prediction. It is required comprehensively based on various factors including. "Reliability in operation" is based on various factors including, for example, [1] types of public transportation, [2] regions such as countries / cities / regions, [3] routes / transportation companies, etc. It is required comprehensively.

The display means 36 displays various images or videos in a predetermined display area according to the display control by the display control means 34. This image includes, for example, a confirmation screen 80 (FIG. 9), a confirmation screen 90 (FIG. 10), a search input screen 100 (FIG. 12), a search output screen 110 (FIG. 13), and the like.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block of the traffic search server 14 in FIG. 2. The traffic search server 14 reads and executes an information retrieval program stored in a memory 45 or the like, so that the acquisition means 50 (corresponding to the "first acquisition means"), the estimation means 52, the prediction means 54, the search means 56, It functions as a providing means 58 and a storage means 62. The acquisition means 50 is a means realized by the communication I / F 41 and the processor 44 of FIG. The estimation means 52, the prediction means 54, and the search means 56 are means realized by the processor 44 of FIG. 2, respectively. The providing means 58 is a means realized by the communication I / F 41 and the processor 44 of FIG. The storage means 62 is a means realized by the storage device 46 of FIG.

The acquisition means 50 acquires the measurement data 66 by communicating with the traffic management server 16. Further, the acquisition means 50 acquires the above-mentioned confirmation condition or search condition by communication with the user terminal 12.

The estimation means 52 estimates the operating state at a plurality of sampling time points by using a collection of data having different measurement times (that is, measurement data 66). Hereinafter, the data showing this estimation result is referred to as "estimated data 68". In addition to the measurement data 66, various information (route information, operation information, trend information, analysis information, etc., which will be described later) stored in the route DB 64 may be used for estimating the operation state.

The prediction means 54 predicts the traffic condition in the public transportation means for each hour by using the estimation data 68 obtained by the estimation of the estimation means 52. Hereinafter, the data showing this prediction result is referred to as "situation information 70". In addition to the estimated data 68, various information (route information, operation information, trend information, analysis information, etc., which will be described later) stored in the route DB 64 may be used for predicting the traffic condition. Further, the prediction means 54 may quantitatively or qualitatively obtain the reliability of the prediction of the traffic condition based on the reliability of the measurement or the source of the measurement data 66.

The search means 56 refers to the route DB 64 constructed by the storage means 62, and performs a search process for a movement route based on a given search condition. This search process is performed by switching the traffic prediction function on and off. Specifically, when the traffic prediction function is "off", the search means 56 performs a route search according to a standard timetable registered in the route DB 64. On the other hand, when the traffic prediction function is "on", the search means 56 corrects the operating time of the standard timetable according to the traffic condition predicted by the prediction means 54, and searches the route according to the corrected timetable. I do.

Hereinafter, the method of correcting the operating time will be described. First, the search means 42 reads out the status information 70 from the storage means 62, and then uses the traffic volume or the degree of congestion included in the status information 70 to determine the predicted fluctuation amount of the operation time in the movement route to be searched. Calculated for each section / section. Then, the search means 42 adds or subtracts the predicted fluctuation amount to the required time for each section included in the standard timetable, so that the operating time of the timetable is appropriately corrected for each hour and each section. That is, a timetable that reflects the prediction result of the traffic condition can be obtained.

In the example of FIG. 8, the providing means 58 provides the user terminal 12 with the status information 70 obtained by the prediction process by the predicting means 54. Specifically, the providing means 58 transmits the status information 70 corresponding to the confirmation condition to the user terminal 12 which is the transmission source of the confirmation condition. On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 11, the providing means 58 provides the user terminal 12 with the result information 72 obtained by the search process by the search means 56. Specifically, the providing means 58 transmits the result information 72 corresponding to the search condition to the user terminal 12 which is the transmission source of the search condition.

As the storage means 62, a database (hereinafter, route DB 64) relating to a movement route using public transportation means is constructed. In the route DB 64, for example, [1] station (node), section (link), line name, route information such as the number of lanes for each section, [2] timetable, train type (normal / rapid / limited express), etc. Operation information, [3] trend information showing trends in traffic conditions according to time zones, days, seasons, etc., [4] analysis information showing findings obtained by analysis of big data, etc. are included.

Further, the storage means 48 stores the data (that is, the measurement data 66) measured by various external devices in association with the measurement time point. The measurement data 66 may be raw data as obtained by measurement or may be processed data. As an example of the measurement data 66, [1] a detection signal of the position, speed, acceleration, steering angle, yaw rate, and vehicle body load of the moving body 18, [2] an operation signal indicating an operation state such as an accelerator and a brake, and [3] a camera. Examples include an image, an audio signal, the presence / absence / presence / absence of passing through a moving body 18, a detection signal indicating a distance from the moving body 18, [4] positioning information of a mobile terminal possessed by the user, and the like.

Further, the storage means 48 temporarily or permanently stores the estimation data 68, the situation information 70, and the result information 72. The estimation data 68 corresponds to data obtained by performing estimation processing on measurement data 66 having different measurement time points and converting them according to the same time. The situation information 70 is information indicating a traffic situation regarding the operation or use of public transportation means, and examples thereof include the traffic volume of the moving body 18, the ratio of the traffic volume to the standard traffic volume, and the boarding rate. The status information 70 is associated with a plurality of times. The status information 70 is, for example, a first status information showing a measurement result of a traffic condition at a reference time point (for example, a confirmation or search request time point) and a second situation showing a prediction result of a traffic condition at a time point after the reference time point. Contains information. The result information 72 is information indicating the search result by the search means 56, and examples thereof include a movement route, a departure / arrival time, a route name, and a fare.

[Operation of information retrieval system 10]
The information retrieval system 10 in the present embodiment is configured as described above. Subsequently, the operation of the information retrieval system 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 13.

<First operation>
First, the first operation of the information retrieval system 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 in addition to the flowchart of FIG. This "first operation" relates to the generation and update of the status information 70. The step SP10 in FIG. 5 is executed by the traffic management server 16, while the remaining steps are executed by the traffic search server 14.

In step SP10, the traffic management server 16 periodically or irregularly transmits the measurement data 66 acquired from the external device including the mobile body 18 to the traffic search server 14.

In step SP12, the acquisition means 50 of the traffic search server 14 acquires and collects the measurement data 66 transmitted in step SP10. The collected measurement data 66 is sequentially stored in the storage means 62 in a state associated with the measurement time point.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the measurement data 66 of FIG. The measurement data 66 includes [1] a "date and time" indicating the measurement time point of the data, [2] a "train ID" which is identification information of the moving body 18, and [3] an "operating state" indicating the current state of the moving body 18. It is data in a table format showing the correspondence between "" and ". Here, the operating state includes the position, traveling method (for example, route ID, ascending / descending), speed, and the like of the moving body 18.

In step SP14 of FIG. 5, the traffic search server 14 confirms whether or not the timing for starting the estimation of the traffic condition (hereinafter referred to as the estimation timing) has arrived. If the estimated timing has not yet arrived (step SP14: NO), returning to step SP12, the traffic search server 14 continues to collect the measurement data 66 until the timing arrives. On the other hand, when the estimation timing has arrived (step SP12: YES), the process proceeds to the next step SP16.

In step SP16, the estimation means 52 performs estimation processing on the latest measurement data 66 collected in step SP12, and acquires one or a plurality of estimation data 68. For example, when the reference time is set to 10:00 and the time interval is set to every 20 minutes, 4 of [1] 10:00, [2] 10:20, [3] 10:40, and [4] 11:00. Two estimated data 68 are obtained.

In step SP18, the prediction means 54 predicts the traffic condition regarding the operation or use of public transportation means for each hour by using the estimation data 68 obtained by the estimation in step SP16. As a result, status information 70 regarding public transportation can be obtained.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the situation information 70 of FIG. The status information 70 includes a "link ID" which is identification information of the [1] section, a "travel direction" indicating up / down of the [2] section, and a unit time of a train passing through the [3] section. It is table format data showing the correspondence between the "traffic volume" indicating the number of trains and the "congestion degree" indicating the degree of congestion (for example, the occupancy rate) in the vehicle or the station yard.

Hereinafter, returning to step SP12, the traffic search server 14 sequentially repeats the operations of steps SP12 to SP18. In this way, status information 70 regarding public transportation is sequentially generated or updated.

<Second operation>
Subsequently, the second operation of the information retrieval system 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 in addition to the flowchart of FIG. This "second operation" relates to the display of traffic conditions in public transportation. Steps SP36, SP38, and SP40 in the flowchart of FIG. 8 are executed by the traffic search server 14, while the remaining steps are executed by the user terminal 12.

In step SP30, the display control means 34 of the user terminal 12 causes the display means 36 to display a search screen (not shown) while the information search application is being started. This search screen is configured so that confirmation conditions can be specified by user input operations.

In step SP32, the requesting means 30 of the user terminal 12 confirms whether or not there is a request for status confirmation by the user. If there is no request for status confirmation (step SP32: NO), the process returns to step SP30, and steps SP30 and SP32 are sequentially repeated until a predetermined request operation is received. On the other hand, if there is a request for status confirmation (step SP32: YES), the process proceeds to the next step SP34.

In step SP34, the requesting means 30 requests the provision of status information 70 corresponding to the confirmation condition. Specifically, the requesting means 30 acquires the confirmation condition specified at the time of request in step SP32, and then associates this confirmation condition with the identification information (that is, the terminal ID) of the user terminal 12 to be associated with the traffic search server. Send to 14.

In step SP36, the acquisition means 50 of the traffic search server 14 acquires the confirmation condition presented by the user through reception from the user terminal 12.

In step SP38, the providing means 60 of the traffic search server 14 reads out the status information 70 corresponding to the confirmation condition acquired in step SP34 from the storage means 62.

In step SP40, the providing means 60 provides the status information 70 read in step SP38 to the user terminal 12. Specifically, the providing means 60 transmits the status information 70 to the user terminal 12 having the corresponding terminal ID.

In step SP42, the acquisition means 32 of the user terminal 12 acquires the status information 70 corresponding to the confirmation condition through the reception from the traffic search server 14.

In step SP44, the display control means 34 of the user terminal 12 creates display data indicating the confirmation screens 80 and 90 based on the status information 70 acquired in step SP42.

In step SP46, the display control means 34 causes the display means 36 to display the confirmation screens 80 and 90 created in step SP44. As a result, the confirmation screens 80 and 90 are displayed on the user terminal 12.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a first example of the confirmation screen 80 displayed on the user terminal 12. Five information fields 82, 84, 85, 86, 88 regarding traffic conditions are provided on the confirmation screen 80. The information column 82 shows the confirmation conditions including the route name and the reference time point (year / month / date / time). The information column 84 shows a route map including stations and sections (in the example of this figure, a section from A station to D station).

The information column 85 shows a bar graph in which the traffic volume of the train is arranged in chronological order along one direction (here, the left-right direction). This bar graph is a graph that visualizes the traffic flow for each section every 15 minutes from the reference time point (here, 10 o'clock). Each bar is color coded for each section. For example, a section with a large amount of traffic is expressed in a darker color, and a section with a small amount of traffic is expressed in a lighter color. That is, at [1] 10:00, the traffic volume is heavy in all sections from A station to D station, and at [2] 10:40, the traffic volume is medium in the section from A station to C station. Moreover, it is understood from this figure that the traffic volume in the section from C station to D station is normal.

The information column 86 shows a comparison table in which the required time from A station to D station is arranged in chronological order along the left-right direction. The upper part of the table shows the estimated time required every 15 minutes from the reference time. The lower part of the table shows the standard traffic volume for the required time based on the timetable.

As can be understood from the information columns 85 and 86, the section from A station to D station has a delay at 10 o'clock, but it is expected to return to normal operation status at 11 o'clock. The user can grasp the flow of public transportation at a glance by moving the line of sight along the left-right direction in the information fields 85 and 86. This will help the user to formulate an action plan, such as changing the schedule for boarding at 10 o'clock to 11 o'clock at the beginning.

The information column 88 quantitatively shows the reliability of the above-mentioned prediction result in the range of 0 to 100%. The closer this value is to 100%, the higher the reliability of the prediction, while the closer this value is to 0%, the lower the reliability of the prediction. By visually recognizing the information column 88 (80% quantitative value in the example of this figure), the user can decide for himself whether or not to trust the prediction result and formulate an action plan.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of the confirmation screen 90 displayed on the user terminal 12. On the confirmation screen 90, in addition to the above three information fields 82, 84, 88, two information fields 92, 94 regarding traffic conditions, a time selection unit 96, and a start instruction unit 98 are provided. There is. Since the information columns 82, 84, and 88 are the same as in the case of FIG. 9, the description thereof will be omitted.

The information column 92 shows a bar graph in which the traffic volume of the train is color-coded for each section. The information column 94 shows a comparison table of the required time from the A station to the D station. The time selection unit 96 is composed of a user control (here, a slider bar) in which a time can be selectively specified. The start instruction unit 98 is composed of a user control (here, a button) capable of instructing the start of the time series display.

The information fields 92 and 94 are switched to the display contents at the designated time according to the operation of the slider bar. Alternatively, the information fields 92 and 94 are sequentially switched to the display contents from the reference time point to 60 minutes later according to the operation of the button. The user can grasp the flow of public transportation at a glance by visually recognizing the display contents of the information fields 92 and 94, which are switched manually or automatically.

As described above, the second operation of the information retrieval system 10 is completed. As a result, the traffic situation in the public transportation means is presented to the user through the display.

<Third operation>
Subsequently, the third operation of the information retrieval system 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 in addition to the flowchart of FIG. This "third operation" relates to the search for a travel route in public transportation. Steps SP56, SP58, SP60, and SP62 in the flowchart of FIG. 11 are executed by the traffic search server 14, while the remaining steps are executed by the user terminal 12.

In step SP50 of FIG. 11, the display control means 34 of the user terminal 12 causes the display means 36 to display a screen for inputting search conditions (hereinafter, search input screen 100) while the information search application is running.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a search input screen 100 displayed on the display means 36 of the user terminal 12. On the search input screen 100, a route input field 102, a date and time input field 104, a selection field 106, and a button 108 labeled as [Search] are provided.

The route input field 102 includes a user control capable of inputting departure place information (for example, station name) regarding a departure place, and a user control capable of inputting destination information (for example, station name) regarding a destination. The date and time input field 104 has a first user control capable of inputting time information (for example, date and time) and a second user control capable of inputting a time definition (for example, at the time of departure or arrival). Be prepared. The selection field 106 includes a user control that can select on / off of the traffic prediction function.

In step SP52 of FIG. 11, the requesting means 30 of the user terminal 12 confirms whether or not there is a search request by the user. In the example of FIG. 12, the user terminal 12 confirms whether or not the operation of clicking or touching the [search] button 108 on the search input screen 100 has been accepted. If there is no search request (step SP52: NO), the process returns to step SP50, and steps SP50 and SP52 are sequentially repeated until a predetermined request operation is received. On the other hand, if there is a search request (step SP52: YES), the process proceeds to the next step SP44.

In step SP54, the requesting means 30 requests the provision of the result information 72 corresponding to the search condition. Specifically, the request means 30 acquires the search condition specified via the search input screen 100 at the time of the request in step SP52, and then associates this search condition with the terminal ID of the user terminal 12 to be associated with the traffic search server. Send to 14.

In step SP56, the acquisition means 50 of the traffic search server 14 acquires the search conditions presented by the user through reception from the user terminal 12.

In step SP58, the search means 56 of the traffic search server 14 sets the operating time of the timetable included in the route DB 64 for each section when the traffic prediction function is "on" among the search conditions acquired in step SP56. Correct. On the other hand, when the traffic prediction function is "off", the search means 42 uses the operation time of the timetable as it is without modifying it.

In step SP60, the search means 56 performs a search process for a movement route that matches the search conditions according to the timetable modified as necessary in step SP58. As a result, the result information 72 indicating the search result is generated.

In step SP62, the providing means 58 of the traffic search server 14 provides the result information 72 obtained in step SP60 to the user terminal 12. Specifically, the providing means 58 transmits the result information 72 to the user terminal 12 having the corresponding terminal ID.

In step SP64, the acquisition means 32 of the user terminal 12 acquires the result information 72 corresponding to the search condition through the reception from the traffic search server 14.

In step SP66, the display control means 34 causes the display means 36 to display the search output screen 110 including the result information 72 acquired in step SP64. As a result, the search output screen 110 is displayed on the user terminal 12.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the search output screen 110 displayed on the user terminal 12. Two information fields 112 and 114 relating to the search result are provided on the search output screen 110. The information column 112 indicates a travel route from a departure place (A station) to a destination (Z station), a departure / arrival time, a route name, and a fare. The information column 114 shows forecast information of traffic conditions (for example, event type, route name, estimated delay time, etc.). In addition, in order to make it easier for the user to visually recognize the possibility of delay, the mark 116 indicating a warning may be superimposed on the corresponding portion in the information column 112.

As described above, the third operation of the information retrieval system 10 is completed. As a result, the search result in the public transportation means is presented to the user through the display.

[Effect of the embodiment]
<1. Display of traffic information ＞
The information retrieval system 10 as an information display system includes one or a plurality of user terminals 12 and a traffic search server 14 capable of communicating with the user terminals 12. The traffic search server 14 has a storage means 62 configured to be able to construct a route DB 64 regarding a movement route and an operation time of a public transportation means, an acquisition means 50 for acquiring measurement data 66 regarding the operation or use of the public transportation means, and acquisition. A prediction means 54 for predicting the traffic condition of public transportation means based on the measurement data 66 acquired by the means 50 is provided. The user terminal 12 has an acquisition means 32 for acquiring the traffic condition estimated from the measurement data 66 or the situation information 70 indicating the traffic condition predicted by the prediction means 54 in association with time, and a situation acquired by the acquisition means 32. A display control means 34 for controlling the display means 36 to display the time change of the traffic condition based on the information 70 is provided.

Further, according to the information display method and program executed by the computer, the user terminal 12 acquires the status information 70 indicating the traffic status regarding the operation or use of the public transportation means in association with the time (step SP42 in FIG. 8). , Control is performed to display the time change of the traffic condition on the display means 36 based on the acquired status information 70 (step SP46 in FIG. 8).

By displaying the time change of the traffic condition in this way, the flow of the public transportation means or the user is visualized in a manner that is easy for the viewer of the display means 36 to understand. This makes it possible to present to the user information useful for formulating an action plan including the use of public transportation.

Further, the situation information 70 may include a first situation information showing a measurement result of a traffic condition at a reference time point and a second situation information showing a prediction result of a traffic situation at a time point after the reference time point. This makes it easier for the user to formulate an action plan before and after the reference time point while visually recognizing the public transportation means or the prediction of the flow of the user.

Further, the display control means 34 may control the display means 36 to display the measurement result together with the reliability of the measurement or the source of the data, or the prediction result together with the reliability of the prediction or the operation. .. By visually recognizing the reliability displayed together with the measurement result or the prediction result, the user can decide for himself whether or not to trust those results and formulate an action plan.

Further, the display control means 34 may control the display means 36 to arrange the traffic conditions in chronological order along one direction. By moving the line of sight along one direction, the user can grasp the flow of public transportation or the user at a glance.

Further, the display control means 34 may control the display means 36 to display the traffic status while switching the traffic situation for each time. By visually recognizing the change of display contents, the user can grasp the flow of public transportation or the user at a glance.

Further, the display control means 34 may control the display means 36 to display the traffic situation together with the route map of the public transportation means. This makes it easier for the user to visually understand the traffic situation together with the route map to further understand the flow of public transportation means or users.

<2. Search for traffic information ＞
The information retrieval system 10 includes one or a plurality of user terminals 12 and a traffic search server 14 capable of communicating with the user terminals 12. The traffic search server 14 refers to the route DB 64 constructed by the storage means 62 in addition to the storage means 62, the acquisition means 50, and the prediction means 54, and is a public transportation means according to the traffic condition predicted by the prediction means 54. Further, a search means 56 for searching a movement route of public transportation means after correcting the operating time is provided. The user terminal 12 displays the search result of the movement route on the display means 36 based on the acquisition means 32 that acquires the result information 72 indicating the search result by the search means 56 in association with each other and the result information 72 acquired by the acquisition means 32. A display control means 34 for controlling display is provided.

Further, according to the information search method and program executed by the computer, the traffic search server 14 acquires the measurement data 66 regarding the operation or use of the public transportation means (step SP12 in FIG. 5), and the acquired measurement data 66 is used. After predicting the traffic condition of the public transportation means based on (step SP18 in FIG. 5), referring to the route DB 64 constructed by the storage means 62, and correcting the operating time of the public transportation means according to the predicted traffic condition. , Search for a travel route for public transportation (step SP60 in FIG. 11).

In this way, by modifying the operating time of the public transportation means according to the predicted traffic condition, the search result considering the flow of the public transportation means or the user can be obtained. This makes it possible to present to the user information useful for formulating an action plan including the use of public transportation.

[Modification example]
The present invention is not limited to the above specific examples. That is, those skilled in the art with appropriate design changes to the above specific examples are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the features of the present invention. Further, the elements included in the above-described embodiment and the later-described modification can be combined as much as technically possible, and the combination thereof is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as the features of the present invention are included. ..

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the display contents of the information fields 92 and 94 of the confirmation screen 90 change according to the slide operation by the user has been illustrated and described. Instead, the display control means 34 has a display control means 34. Display control may be performed to automatically switch the display contents of the information fields 92 and 94 in chronological order according to the start operation by the user.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where only the traffic condition is displayed on the confirmation screens 80 and 90 has been described as an example, but in addition to this, the display regarding the proposal of the action plan in consideration of the traffic condition may be performed. For example, by proposing a departure time such that the average waiting time is equal to or less than the threshold value, it is convenient for the user who wants to reduce the waiting time until boarding as much as possible. Alternatively, by proposing a departure time such that the boarding rate is below the threshold value, it is convenient for users who want to avoid crowds in the train as much as possible.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the confirmation screens 80 and 90 and the search screen are displayed separately has been described as an example, but the operation in which both screens are linked may be performed. For example, when the display control means 34 receives an operation for designating a corresponding part (for example, a specific bar) of the information field 86 on the confirmation screen 80, the search input screen in which the time selected by the user is automatically input. You may start 100. Alternatively, when the display control means 34 accepts an operation for designating the corresponding location (for example, the mark 116) on the search output screen 110, the display control means 34 may activate the confirmation screens 80 and 90 regarding the route selected by the user.

10 ... Information retrieval system, 12 ... User terminal (terminal device), 14 ... Traffic search server (information retrieval device), 32 ... Acquisition means (second acquisition means), 34 ... Display control means, 36 ... Display means, 50 ... Acquisition means (first acquisition means), 56 ... Search means, 62 ... Storage means, 64 ... Route DB (database), 70 ... Situation information, 72 ... Result information

Claims (9)

Computer,
Acquisition means for acquiring status information indicating the traffic status regarding the operation or use of public transportation means in association with time,
A display control means that controls the display means to display the time change of the traffic situation based on the situation information acquired by the acquisition means.
An information display program to function as. The situation information includes a first situation information showing a measurement result of a traffic condition at a reference time point and a second situation information showing a prediction result of a traffic situation at a time point after the reference time point.
The information display program according to claim 1. The display control means controls the display means to display the measurement result together with the reliability of data measurement or source, or the prediction result together with the reliability of prediction or operation.
The information display program according to claim 2. The display control means controls the display means to arrange the traffic conditions in chronological order along one direction and display the traffic conditions on the display means.
The information display program according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The display control means controls the display means to display the traffic status while switching the traffic situation every hour.
The information display program according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The display control means controls the display means to display the traffic situation together with the route map of the public transportation means.
The information display program according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A storage means that can construct a route database related to the movement route and operation time of public transportation means,
An acquisition means for acquiring measurement data regarding the operation or use of the public transportation means, and
A prediction means for predicting the traffic condition of the public transportation means based on the measurement data acquired by the acquisition means, and a prediction means.
A search for searching the movement route of the public transportation means after modifying the operating time of the public transportation means according to the traffic condition predicted by the prediction means with reference to the route database constructed by the storage means. Means and
An information retrieval device. Computer,
A storage means that can construct a route database related to the movement route and operation time of public transportation means.
Acquisition means for acquiring measurement data regarding the operation or use of the public transportation means,
A predictive means for predicting the traffic condition of the public transportation means based on the measurement data acquired by the acquisition means,
A search for searching the movement route of the public transportation means after modifying the operating time of the public transportation means according to the traffic condition predicted by the prediction means with reference to the route database constructed by the storage means. means,
An information retrieval program to function as. Information retrieval device,
A storage means that can construct a route database related to the travel route and operating time of public transportation.
The first acquisition means for acquiring measurement data regarding the operation or use of the public transportation means,
A predictive means for predicting the traffic condition of the public transportation means based on the measurement data acquired by the first acquisition means.
To function as
A terminal device capable of communicating with the information retrieval device
A second acquisition means for acquiring traffic conditions estimated from the measurement data or situation information indicating the traffic conditions predicted by the prediction means in association with time.
A display control means that controls the display means to display the time change of the traffic condition based on the situation information acquired by the second acquisition means.
An information display program to function as.

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