JP2023079299A - Search server, search system, and search method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a search server capable of suppressing opportunity loss of boarding on a single bus route.SOLUTION: A search server comprises a receiving unit and an information processing unit. The receiving unit receives a search condition. The information processing unit selects a plurality of bus stops on a single bus route as boarding candidate stops based on the search condition, and outputs information on buses which can be boarded that match the search condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to a search server, a search system, and a search method for searching for a boardable bus that matches search conditions.

The demand bus of the bus stop system determines the operation plan according to the user's reservation, and the user gets on and off at the stop.

Conventionally, in a reservation system for reserving a bus stop-based demand bus, a mechanism is adopted in which a reservation is made using a search result obtained by selecting one bus stop at which a user wishes to board.

JP 2018-160109 A (Fig. 3)

Therefore, the user selects one bus stop where he/she wishes to board (desired boarding stop), and searches for a demand bus that arrives after the desired boarding time. However, if the timing is bad, the latency can be very long.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1, it is assumed that the user's desired boarding stop is only the stop A closest to the user's home H1. In this case, when the user performs a search immediately after the demand bus No. 2 B2 has passed the stop A, the demand bus No. 3 B3 departing from the stop S one hour later is the search result.

If the waiting time is too long, the user may give up on boarding the demand bus. Therefore, there is a problem that opportunity loss of boarding occurs.

In addition, the bus search system of Patent Document 1 suppresses opportunity loss of boarding by searching boarding times at bus stops on a plurality of routes. However, in depopulated areas and the like, there are cases where multiple routes do not exist. Therefore, the system disclosed in Patent Literature 1 may not be able to effectively suppress the opportunity loss of boarding.

In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a search server, a search system, and a search method capable of suppressing opportunity loss of boarding on a single bus route.

An exemplary search server of the present invention comprises a receiving section and an information processing section. The receiving unit receives a search condition. The information processing unit selects a plurality of bus stops on a single bus route as boarding candidate stops based on the search conditions, and outputs information on buses that can be boarded that match the search conditions.

Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the exemplary present invention, it is possible to reduce opportunity loss of boarding on a single bus route.

A diagram schematically showing the operation status of the demand bus A diagram showing the overall configuration of a search system according to an embodiment of the present invention Diagram showing a configuration example of a search server Flowchart showing an operation example of the search server A diagram showing an example of a search condition input screen A diagram showing an example of a screen displaying search results

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a search system 1 (hereinafter referred to as "search system 1") according to one embodiment of the present invention. A search system 1 includes a search server 2 and an information terminal 3 . The search system 1 causes the search server 2 to perform a search based on search conditions, and causes the search server 2 to output search results. The search system 1 causes the information terminal 3 to display the search results output by the search server 2 .

The search server 2 receives the search conditions and selects a plurality of stops on a single bus route as boarding candidate stops based on the received search conditions. Also, the search server 2 searches for a boardable bus that matches the received search condition, and outputs the search result.

The search server 2 is capable of two-way communication with the information terminal 3 . The search server 2 is not limited to a server device set at a single location, and may be a distributed server device or a cloud server with components distributed and installed at multiple locations.

The information terminal 3 is a device owned and operated by a user, such as a smart phone, a tablet, or a personal computer owned by the user. A search application may be installed in the information terminal 3 . The search application installed in the information terminal 3 provides the search conditions input to the information terminal 3 to the search server 2 . Further, when the information terminal 3 does not have a search application installed, the information terminal 3 may access a search WEB site. In this case, the search WEB site provides the search server 2 with search conditions input from the information terminal 3 .

Note that the search system 1 is actually a system operated by a plurality of users, and each user has an information terminal 3 . However, in the following, for clarity and specificity of explanation, unless otherwise stated, only one user and the information terminal 3 possessed by the one user will be considered as the user and the information terminal 3. do.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the search server 2. As shown in FIG. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 3 , the search server 2 includes an information processing section 21 , a recording section 22 and a communication section 23 . The information processing section 21 , the recording section 22 and the communication section 23 are capable of two-way communication through the BUS 24 . It should be noted that the BUS 24 is not necessarily required to have an entity such as physical wiring, but may be a virtual connection or a conceptual connection.

The information processing section 21 is a computer including at least one processor. That is, the information processing section 21 is an information processing device. Specifically, the information processing unit 21 is a computer that includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown), a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory). is. The information processing section 21 performs processing and transmission/reception of information based on a program non-volatilely recorded in the recording section 22 and controls the search server 2 as a whole.

The communication unit 23 performs wireless communication with the information terminal 3 . The communication unit 23 is a receiving unit that receives data transmitted from the information terminal 3 . Also, the communication unit 23 is a transmission unit that transmits or outputs data to the information terminal 3 .

Next, operations of the search server 2 will be described with reference to FIG. The search server 2 performs the operations of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 while the search system 1 is in operation.

First, the information processing section 21 determines whether or not the communication section 23 has received search conditions from the information terminal 3 (step S10).

The information terminal 3 transmits search conditions to the search server 2 via an application, a website, or the like. In this embodiment, the search condition is input using a screen that the search server 2 displays on the screen of the information terminal 3 or the like when the information terminal 3 accesses the search server 2 .

For example, the information processing unit 21 displays a screen for inputting search conditions to the information terminal 3 that accesses the search server 2 using an application, a website, or the like. FIG. 5 is an example of a search condition input screen displayed on the information terminal 3 . On the input screen shown in FIG. 5, "home" is entered in the entry field IN1 for the place of departure, "bus stop G" is entered in the entry field IN2 for the destination, and "12/14/9" is entered in the entry field IN3 for the date and time of departure. 20 minutes past the hour” is entered.

If the arrival date/time software key K2 instead of the departure date/time software key K1 is selected by a touch panel, cursor, or the like, the departure date/time cannot be input, but the arrival date/time can be input. When the search execution software key K3 is selected by a touch panel, cursor, or the like, search conditions are transmitted from the information terminal 3 to the search server 2, and the communication section 23 receives the search conditions.

The information processing section 21 repeats the process of step S10 until the communication section 23 determines that the search condition has been received.

When the information processing section 21 determines that the communication section 23 has received the search condition, the information processing section 21 selects a plurality of stops on the single bus route as boarding candidate stops (step S20).

For example, as shown in the input screen shown in FIG. 5, when "home" is entered in the input field IN1 for the departure place of the search condition, the position of each user's home and the positions of a plurality of bus stops on a single bus route are displayed. are linked in advance and registered in the recording unit 22 . In this case, the information processing section 21 selects a plurality of bus stops on a single bus route as boarding candidate stops according to the registration contents recorded in the recording section 22 .

Further, for example, when "home" is entered in the entry field IN1 for the place of departure included in the search condition as in the input screen shown in FIG. may In this case, the information processing unit 21, according to the registered contents recorded in the recording unit 22 and the map information recorded in the recording unit 22, for example, selects a plurality of buses on a single bus route within a five-minute walk from the home. is selected as a boarding candidate stop. For example, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 1, the information processing unit 21 selects the bus stop A and the bus stop E, which are within a five-minute walk from the home H1, as boarding candidate stops.

In addition, when the information terminal 3 has a position information acquisition means such as GPS, the starting point included in the search condition is the "current location", and for example, multiple A stop may be selected as a boarding candidate stop.

In the example described above, the information processing section 21 automatically selects a boarding candidate stop based on the departure point included in the search condition. Therefore, the user does not need to input a plurality of stops as boarding candidate stops each time a search is performed. This improves convenience. However, the specification may be such that the user manually inputs a plurality of bus stops on a single bus route as departure points (candidate boarding stops) on the search condition input screen.

Please refer to FIG. Next, the information processing section 21 searches for a boardable bus that meets the search conditions (step S30). If the search conditions are as shown in the input screen shown in FIG. It is necessary to depart after 12:20 on the 14th and be on time. If the search conditions are as shown in the input screen shown in FIG. 5, the information processing unit 21 grasps the travel time from home to each of the boarding candidate stops and the timetable of the bus, and finds possible boarding conditions that meet the search conditions. Search for a bus. Note that if the specification is such that a plurality of stops on a single bus route are input as departure points (boarding candidate stops), the information processing unit 21 will grasp the travel time from home to each of the boarding candidate stops. You don't have to.

The information processing unit 21 sorts the buses that can be boarded that match the search conditions by, for example, the date and time of arrival at the destination as search results.

Please refer to FIG. Next, the communication unit 23 transmits or outputs the search result to the information terminal 3 (step S40). The information terminal 3 that has received the search result displays the search result as shown in FIG. The search results shown in FIG. 6 indicate that the operation status of the demand bus at 12:20 on September 14th is the situation shown in FIG. .

In the search results shown in FIG. 6, in order from the top in the search result display field D1, the search result R1 that reaches the destination the earliest, the search result R2 that reaches the destination the second earliest, the search result R2 that reaches the destination the third earliest, The arriving search result R3 is displayed.

The search result R1 for arriving at the destination earliest is a display of "12:23 departure → 12:25 departure at stop E → 12:38 arrival at destination" indicating the specific route to arrive at the destination earliest. be.

The search result R2 that arrives at the destination second earliest indicates a specific route that arrives at the destination the second earliest: "12:39 departure → 12:42 departure from stop E → 12:55 arrival at destination" ” is displayed.

The search result R3, which arrives at the destination the third earliest, indicates a specific route to arrive at the destination the third earliest: “13:02 departure → 13:04 departure from stop A → 13:28 arrival at destination” ” is displayed.

At 12:20 on September 14th, if the operation status of the demand bus is as shown in FIG. can only ride. However, by setting multiple stops (stop A and stop E) as boarding candidate stops as in the above example, it is possible to board the demand buses B1 and B2 that have already passed through stop A. becomes. That is, it is possible to suppress opportunity loss of boarding on a single bus route. From the bus operator's point of view, this can improve the boarding rate.

After completing the process of step S40, the search server 2 performs the process of step S10 again.

The above embodiments should be considered illustrative in all respects and not restrictive, and the technical scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of claims rather than the description of the above embodiments. It should be understood that all changes that fall within the meaning and range of equivalents of the claims are included.

For example, the search conditions may include additional conditions that are applied in addition to the bus operation conditions that are conditions related to bus operation. Additional conditions include, for example, conditions related to movement from the departure point to a stop, conditions related to waiting at a stop, and the like. The following (1) to (4), etc., can be given as conditions related to movement from the starting point to the stop, for example. Moreover, the following (5) etc. can be mentioned as conditions regarding the waiting|standby at a bus stop, for example.
(1) In case of rain, traveling from the starting point to the candidate boarding stop should not get wet as much as possible (2) Traveling from the starting point to the candidate boarding stop should be shaded as much as possible (3) Boarding from the starting point The condition that there are as few stairs as possible in the movement to the candidate stop (4) The condition that the gradient is as small as possible in the movement from the departure point to the candidate boarding stop (5) The condition that a chair is installed at the candidate boarding stop

Then, the information processing section 31 may sort the search results according to the additional conditions. For example, search results may be sorted with additional conditions having the highest priority. Further, for example, the date and time of arrival at the destination may be separated by a certain period of time, and the search results may be sorted according to the additional conditions within the certain period of time. By sorting the search results according to the additional conditions, it becomes easier for the user to find a bus transportation method that matches the user's preferences and user attributes.

A user's attribute is, for example, the user's age. When the user is a so-called elderly person, it may be difficult for the user to get on and off long stairs or walk on a road with a large gradient. Therefore, by using the above additional conditions (3) and (4), even if the user is an elderly person, it is possible to search for a bus stop that can be reached safely.

The above additional conditions (1) to (5) may be automatically applied based on the attributes of the user. In this case, the information terminal 3 has information about the attributes of the user and selects the conditions to be applied from the above additional conditions (1) to (5). Then, the information terminal 3 transmits the selected additional condition when transmitting the search condition.

Additional conditions (1) to (5) above may be applied in consideration of time of day and weather. For example, the position of the shade included in the above additional condition (2) changes based on the time of day and weather. Therefore, by applying the above additional conditions (1) to (5) in consideration of the time of day and the weather, a more effective search can be performed.

The search server 2 may have a database that records user attributes. In this case, the search server 2 performs a search considering which of the above additional conditions (1) to (5) should be applied, based on the attributes of the user.

Further, for example, the information processing unit 31 may search for a bus that can be boarded that meets the search conditions by allowing a combination with means of transportation other than buses. For example, it may be permitted to travel by taxi from the starting point to the boarding candidate stop. As a result, the search results are diversified, so that the chance loss of getting on a single bus route can be further suppressed.

Further, for example, the information processing section 31 may select a plurality of stops on a single bus route as candidate alighting stops based on search conditions. The plurality of alighting candidate stops may be automatically selected by the information processing unit 31 in the same manner as the boarding candidate stops, or may be manually input by the user. As a result, search results are diversified when, for example, there are restrictions on the date and time of arrival at the destination.

Further, for example, when a single bus route is a route for a demand bus, the information processing section 31 may accept a reservation for the demand bus. In this case, the information terminal 3 may prompt the user to reserve a demand bus on the screen displaying the search results. This makes searching and booking seamless for users, improving convenience.

Also, when a single bus route is a route of a bus other than a demand bus on which seat reservations are possible, the information processing section 31 may similarly accept seat reservations for the bus.

1 search system 2 search server 3 information terminal 21 information processing section 22 recording section 23 communication section 24 BUS

Claims (9)

a receiving unit that receives search conditions;
an information processing unit that selects a plurality of bus stops on a single bus route as boarding candidate stops based on the search conditions, and outputs information on available buses that meet the search conditions;
A search server, comprising: 2. The search server according to claim 1, wherein said search conditions include bus operation conditions, which are conditions relating to bus operation, and additional conditions, which are conditions applied in addition to said bus operation conditions. The additional conditions include at least one of conditions related to movement from the departure point to the stop or conditions related to waiting at the stop,
3. The search server according to claim 2, wherein said information processing unit sorts search results according to said additional condition. 4. The search server according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said information processing unit automatically selects a stop for said boarding candidate based on a departure point included in said search condition. 5. The search server according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said information processing unit allows a combination with means of transportation other than a bus and searches for a boardable bus that meets said search condition. 6. The search server according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the information processing unit selects a plurality of stops on the single bus route as candidate alighting stops based on the search conditions. The single bus route is a demand bus route,
7. The search server according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said information processing unit receives a reservation for said demand bus. a search server according to any one of claims 1 to 7;
an information terminal that transmits the search conditions and receives and displays search results by the information processing unit;
A search system comprising: A search method in which an information processing device selects a plurality of bus stops on a single bus route as boarding candidate stops based on search conditions, and outputs information on buses that can be boarded that meet the search conditions.

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