JP3512283B2 - Travel ticket sales support system - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system for supporting the sale of tickets designated by a seat (including a sleeper and a private room) of a transportation facility and the planning of a travel plan, and in particular, showing the state of vacant seats by an image. The present invention relates to a system that supports the ability to specify a customer's favorite seat, and an information processing apparatus used for the system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Many transportation means, such as railroads, buses, aircrafts, ships, etc., have reserved seats for which seats are reserved in advance. Therefore, tickets that specify seats are sold at train stations, travel agencies, and the like. For example, a terminal of a seat reservation system is installed at a station. Tickets are issued there by the following procedure.
First, the customer describes the candidate train orally or on a certain form and applies to the terminal operation staff at the station. In response to this, the terminal operation staff makes an inquiry about the vacant seat regarding the candidate train to the host computer of the seat reservation system through the communication line, and receives the vacant seat information. If there is a vacant seat, one of the seats is designated, the purchase application is sent to the host computer, the seat designation information is received, and a ticket is issued.

On the other hand, a person who plans a trip decides a destination, transportation, an itinerary, etc. by looking at guidebooks, travel magazines, various pamphlets issued by travel agencies, and the like.
It is common practice to find a tour that suits your needs and join it. When making a travel plan by yourself, first check the routes that can be taken to the destination, the transportation that can be used, the driving conditions, etc., from the map and timetable. If accommodation is required, information on accommodation facilities is collected to check whether or not there is a desired facility. Furthermore, if you have something you want to do locally, for example, if you have work, sports, etc., whether there is a facility etc. to do it, and what is the procedure for using it? Check if there are any. Then, make a travel plan. Even in the case of a tour, it is necessary to check the destination, transportation, accommodations, dates, costs, etc. of the tour in a pamphlet or the like.

When making further detailed inquiries about them or inquiring about the reservation status, it is general to make inquiries by telephone, inquiries at counters of agents, and the like.

[0005]

By the way, as described above, the conventional ticket vending is often performed by a computer. However, it is only an inquiry for vacant seats and issuance of tickets, and no additional services are considered. For example, showing the position of vacant seats in an image, and the scenery seen from the train seats,
I can't answer whether the right side or the left side is good. Even if you answer, it is
This is due to the personal experience of the staff, not the answer obtained as a system. Also, until setting the route to the destination and the means of transportation, the terminal cannot handle it. If the staff member tries to respond, it is necessary to check the map, check the timetable, set possible courses, and calculate the charges for each. This is not realistic as it takes a lot of time and effort. Also, there is a limit to trying to obtain tourist information at the agent's window because it is based on the personal knowledge of the staff.

[0006] A first object of the present invention is to provide a ticket for designating a seat in a transportation facility by displaying vacant seat information as an image so that a customer can easily select his / her favorite seat. It is to provide a ticket sales support system and an information processing device used for the system.

A second object of the present invention is to provide, for example, a landscape display method and a travel ticket sales support system which can automatically provide information regarding the view from the seat.

[0008] A third object of the present invention is to provide a travel planning support system capable of not only selling tickets but also providing tourist information.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above first object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a main computer that manages vacant seat information of a transportation facility and an inquiry and ticket for vacant seats to the main computer. In a travel ticket issuance support system that has a terminal for performing purchase processing of a seat and supports the issuance of a ticket for designating a seat, the main computer associates vacant seat information with seat map information indicating seat arrangement. Upon receiving a request for inquiry about the means for storing and a vacant seat, the storage means is searched to check whether or not there is a vacant seat. If there is a vacant seat, the vacant seat information is read out and the seat map information related to the vacant seat information is read out. , A means for sending to the requesting terminal, and means for generating information for permitting seat designation in response to ticket purchase decision information from the terminal and transmitting the information to the requesting terminal, wherein the terminal is an external device. In response to the inquiry request from the main computer, a means for inquiring about vacant seats regarding a specific transportation system to the main computer, and when vacant seat information and seat diagram information are received from the main computer, a seat map with vacant seats highlighted is generated. And a means for displaying and a means for generating ticket purchase decision information for a seat selected from the displayed empty seats and transmitting it to the main computer. Provided.

Further, according to the first aspect for achieving the second object of the present invention, in the landscape display method for displaying the landscape seen from the seat of the transportation facility, the view from the seat is displayed. From the recording medium in which the landscape data of at least is recorded, the landscape data regarding the specific seat is read according to the output instruction regarding the landscape data regarding the specific seat, and based on the read landscape data, the data from the specific seat is read. There is provided a landscape display method characterized by displaying a view on a display device.

According to the second aspect, a main computer that manages vacant seat information of a transportation facility and a terminal that inquires of the main computer to inquire about vacant seats and purchase tickets are provided. In the ticket issuing support system for travel supporting the issuing of a ticket for designating, the main computer receives the inquiry request for the empty seat, the means for storing the empty seat information and the seat map information indicating the seat arrangement in association with each other, The storage means is searched to check whether there is a vacant seat. If there is a vacant seat, the vacant seat information is read out, and the seat map information related to it is read out, and the means for sending it to the requesting terminal and the terminal For ticket purchase decision information, a means for generating information that allows seat designation and transmitting it to the requesting terminal, and a landscape data storing landscape data for displaying the view from the seat. And a means for receiving the instruction from the terminal and reading the scenery data along the transportation line from the scenery data means and sending it to the terminal. A means for inquiring about vacant seats regarding transportation to the main computer and a means for generating and displaying a seat map with vacant seats highlighted when the vacant seat information and seat diagram information are received from the main computer. A means for generating ticket purchase decision information for the selected seat from the vacant seats and transmitting it to the main computer, a means for receiving an instruction requesting landscape data and transmitting it to the main computer, and a means for transmitting the information to the main computer. Provided is a travel ticket issuing support system, which is provided with means for displaying landscape data.

Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention for achieving the third object of the present invention, a storage means for storing at least one of the tourist information and the tour information, and a predetermined question are stored. At least one of the means for displaying on the screen, accepting the input of an answer thereto, generating the search logical expression, and the tourist information and the tour information stored in the storage means based on the search logical expression. A travel planning support system is provided, which comprises means for searching information and displaying the result.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention provides a system for supporting the sale of travel tickets, a system related thereto, and an information processing apparatus used for realizing the system. Hereinafter, an outline of an embodiment of the present invention will be described first, and then details thereof will be described.

In the present invention, the main computer is
A storage unit is provided, and the storage unit stores the vacant seat information and the seat diagram information indicating the seat arrangement in association with each other. Thus, when an inquiry is made for an empty seat, the seat map corresponding to the empty seat can be known. Then, in the present invention, in response to an inquiry request for a vacant seat, the storage means is searched to check whether or not there is a vacant seat. If there is a vacant seat, the vacant seat information is read out and the seat diagram information related thereto is read out. And sends it to the requesting terminal. Further, in response to the ticket purchase decision information from the terminal, information that allows the designation of the seat is generated and transmitted to the requesting terminal. This allows the terminal to issue a ticket designating a seat.

On the other hand, the terminal accepts an inquiry request from the outside and makes an inquiry for a vacant seat for a specific transportation to the main computer. Also, when vacant seat information and seat diagram information are received from the main computer, a seat diagram in which vacant seats are highlighted is generated and displayed. This allows
The vacant seat and its distribution can be shown to the customer. Therefore, the customer can easily determine his / her favorite seat. In addition, the terminal selects a seat for which a ticket is issued upon receipt of a designation from the displayed vacant seats, and sends the information to the main computer. As a result, it becomes possible to issue a designation right for a desired seat.

The main computer also stores landscape data for displaying the view from the seat.
Thereby, the landscape data can be sent to the terminal in response to the request. In the terminal, the view from the specific seat is displayed on the display device based on the landscape data sent from the main computer.

Further, by storing at least one of the tourist information and the tour information in the recording means of the terminal, the desired information can be searched and retrieved as needed. In that case, a predetermined question is displayed on the screen by the means for generating the search logical expression. Then, the input of the answer to that is accepted and the search logical expression is generated. Based on this above search formula,
At least one of the tourist information and the tour information stored in the storage means is searched. The result is displayed on the display means. As a result, tourist information and the like can be obtained by computer search, so that it becomes possible for stations, travel agencies, and the like to respond to requests from customers.

The seats to which the present invention may be applied include:
Seats, sleepers for transportation such as trains, aircraft, buses, ships, etc.
A private room etc. can be mentioned. The present invention executes a process for designating these seats. It also guides travel services such as package tours, inquires about reservation status, and accepts applications. In this specification, the seat,
A space to be occupied such as a bed or a private room is simply referred to as a seat unless otherwise specified.

The matters supported by the present invention include, for example, requesting guide information regarding travel contents, inquiry of vacant seat information, ticket purchase application, and the like. It also includes requesting the provision of various information incidental to the application for travel tickets. For example, a visible display of empty seats, information showing the view,
For example, provision of an image of a landscape image or the like can be cited. Furthermore, it is possible to support the planning of travel plans.

According to the present invention, the guide information composed of video information and audio information is used to explain the explanations that were conventionally given by the staff members, and if necessary, the explanations were given by showing the paper materials. Can also be realized by playing. Moreover, the information can be appropriately selected according to the user's request, and necessary information can be obtained in a short time.

Therefore, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, a main system (main computer) 100 functioning as a host device or a server for performing processing relating to inquiries, sales, and the like, an inquiry for vacant seats and reception of ticket sales, A terminal system (terminal) 200 for providing guidance information to a user is provided. These are connected by a communication line 300 to exchange information. Although only one main computer 100 is shown in FIG. 1, it is not limited to one. It may be installed depending on the information source. For example, there may be a computer of a travel agency, a computer of a transportation facility such as a railway or an airline company, a computer of an event planning company, or a computer of a ticket sales agent that represents the sale of these tickets. The terminal 200 is set in a station, a bus terminal, an airport, a travel agency, or the like. In some cases, it can also be installed directly at the consumer, for example at the company. Furthermore, terminal 2
00 may be mounted on a train, an automobile, a ship, an aircraft, or the like.

The main computer 100 is a terminal 200
A large-capacity storage device 120 and a storage device control thereof that process a request from Part 1
30 and data compression / functioning as image processing means
A compression / decompression unit 140 that performs decompression, and a video processing device 150 that generates vacant seat image data based on the data read from the mass storage device 120 and that converts the image data into image data that matches the performance of the terminal to be transmitted. , A communication unit 16 functioning as a means for communicating with each terminal 200.
With 0 and. The system control unit 110 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 111 and a memory 112. The system control unit 110 realizes various functions of the system of the present invention by the CPU 111 executing programs stored in the memory 112. For example, in addition to processing for realizing each function such as storage, display, image processing, and communication, processing for realizing vacant seat information management means for managing information indicating a vacant seat state is performed. The main computer 100 also includes a display device, an input device, a printing device, etc., which are not shown in the figure. The communication unit 160 is configured to be able to connect to a plurality of lines at the same time, for example.

The terminal 200 has an information reproducing apparatus 210 for reading and using data from the recording medium 500 and a video / audio output apparatus 220 for transmitting information to the user by using video and audio. And an input device 250 and a printer 240 for operating the terminal 200. As the recording medium 500, for example, a large capacity magnetic disk device is used. Specifically, a hard disk device is used. Of course, it is not limited to the magnetic disk, and for example, an optical disk, in particular, a rewritable optical disk, for example, a magneto-optical disk may be used.

The information reproducing device 210 responds to a user request via the input device 250 by the main computer 1.
System control unit 211 that performs response processing while communicating with 00 and controls the system.
A recording medium drive 218 that reads data from the recording medium 500, a drive control device 214 that controls the operation of the recording medium drive 218, a compression / expansion unit 215 that performs data compression / expansion processing, and the main computer 100. And a communication unit 216 for communicating with the data read from the recording medium 500 and the communication unit 21.
The video processing device 217 is configured to generate a video from the data received in step S6 and send it to the video / audio output device 220. The system control unit 211 has a central processing unit (CPU) 211.
1 and a memory 2112. System control unit 211
The CPU 2111 executes a program stored in the memory 2112 to perform processing for realizing functions such as information storage, search, reproduction, display, communication, and image processing. The video processing device 217 also displays an image generated by the system control unit 211 in addition to the above-described video.

The recording medium drive 218 includes a drive mechanism for rotationally driving the magnetic disk, a read head and a drive mechanism thereof. Drive controller 2
Reference numeral 14 controls the magnetic disk rotation drive mechanism, the head drive mechanism, and the head read control. That is, the control for reading / writing data in the area designated by the system control unit 211 is performed. Therefore, the recording medium drive 218 and the drive control device 214 function as a data reading unit and a data writing unit, including the control function of the system control unit.

The ticket issuing section 219 is basically a printer and issues a ticket. Therefore, although not shown in the drawings, a ticket paper stocker, a paper feed mechanism, and a paper printing mechanism are provided. In addition, in order to mail the printed ticket to the applicant, a device for automatically enclosing it in a windowed envelope or the like may be added together with the invoice including the destination. In addition, for the convenience of the user, it is preferable that the ticket issuing unit 219 of the present invention be capable of printing a seat map in which a designated seat is highlighted. Further, a map indicating the position of the landing may be printed together. Note that the map of the landing, for example, is displayed on the printer 24, as will be described later.
When 0 is set, it is printed on a separate sheet.

As shown in FIG. 1, the video / audio output device 220 includes a display device 221 having a display device such as a CRT display and a liquid crystal display, and an audio reproducing device 222 having an amplifier and a speaker. It is desirable that the display device 221 be capable of color display. The display device 221 is more preferable as long as it can display a high-definition screen. However, it is not limited to that. For example, a home-use television receiver may be used. Further, the display device 221 may have a horizontally long screen. In this case, it is suitable for introducing movies and the like.

The video / audio output device 220 is shown in FIG.
Then, one is shown. However, in the present invention, it is preferable to dispose two units for the clerk and the customer so that both the clerk and the customer can see well. In this example, it is assumed that two units are arranged.

The input device 250 is composed of a keyboard 251 and a touch panel device 255 which are generally provided in a computer system. A mouse, a remote control device, or the like may be used together with or instead of these. The system of FIG. 1 is an example in which a remote control device 230 is further provided.

The touch panel device 255 has a touch panel 256 arranged on the front surface of the display device 221 for touch detection, and a touch panel drive device 257 for detecting a touch position. In addition, the system control unit 21
1, an image of an operation button (instruction operation area) is displayed on the display device 2
21, a means for displaying on the display screen, a means for storing a correspondence between an area touched for an instruction operation (instruction operation area) and a command assigned to the area for activating various functions. Software is provided that captures a signal indicating the detected touch position and refers to the stored correspondence based on the position to determine the command that activates the instructed function. I'll do it. As the instruction operation area in the correspondence relationship between the instruction operation area and the command, in addition to the display by means for displaying the instruction operation area, for example, a certain area including a specific display element displayed on the display device 211 is included. included. The instruction operation area includes one that is commonly displayed for a plurality of screens and one that is defined for each screen. Examples of display elements in which the instruction operation area is defined include line segments that make up a route map, symbols that display stations, and specific place names on a map. It should be noted that it is preferable to change the display mode of that portion from other portions in order to indicate that the area is instructable. For example, changing the color can be considered.

The compression / decompression unit 215 and the video processing device 217 operate under the control of the system control unit 211, and function as an image processing means for performing various image processes. Note that, of course, no processing is performed on data that does not require image processing. The compression / expansion unit 215 can also perform compression / expansion on data other than images. For example, communication data with the main computer 100, data read from the recording medium 500, and the like can be compressed / decompressed.

The communication unit 216, including the control function of the system control unit 211, means for requesting transmission of vacant seat information to the main computer 100, means for transmitting an application instruction, means for transmitting an instruction to decide / discard an application, It functions as a means for receiving vacant seat information, a means for receiving information indicating that the decision of application has been confirmed, and the like.

A general public network can be used as the communication line 300 for connecting the main computer 100 and the terminal 200. Of course, it may be connected to a dedicated line. The communication line 300 does not need to be a digital line, but a digital line is preferable for data transmission.

According to the present invention, when exchanging information between the main computer 100 and the terminal 200, the amount of data is reduced as much as possible to reduce the time required for communication, and
In order to reduce communication costs and response times, we are devising ways of holding information to be provided. That is, information such as travel information that does not fluctuate during a fixed period is provided as fixed information to the terminal 200 in advance,
The content is reproduced on the terminal 200. On the other hand, information such as vacant seat information whose contents change within a shorter period than the above-mentioned fixed period is managed by the main computer 100 as change information. As will be described later, the main computer 100 can collect the additional information and transmit it to each terminal 200 at any time to make up for it. Therefore, it is possible to deal with the fluctuation of fixed information as well.

By the way, when a ticket for an airplane, a ship, a railroad, etc. is sold or booked, the user particularly wants to know, in addition to the availability of seats, (1) seats that can be purchased (vacant seats) ) Is information indicating what position it is, that is, information on seat arrangement, and (2) view from the seat, for example, information indicating what the scenery of a window of a transportation system is, that is, There is landscape information. Since it is difficult to understand such information in the explanation by text or the explanation by voice, it is preferable to display it as an image so that it can be visually recognized. In this example, the seat stores and holds the seat information including one figure together with the vacant seat information for the retrial and provides the seat information to the terminal.

As the recording medium 500 for storing fixed information used on the terminal 200 side, a magnetic storage medium such as a magnetic disk or an optical recording medium such as a magneto-optical disk can be considered. In the example described below, the recording medium 500 is used. The reason for using a magnetic disk is that reading and writing can be performed easily and quickly. The data stored in the recording medium 500 is
It is fixed information, but it does not mean that it does not change at all. For example, the timetable of transportation may be revised, the operating equipment may be changed, the travel tour schedule may be changed, and the schedules of various events may be changed. In addition, data necessary for communication with the information providing source may be changed, for example, a telephone number may be changed, or the number of information sources may be increased or decreased. For that purpose, it is preferable that the recording medium can be easily rewritten. From this point, a magnetic disk is preferably used.

On such a recording medium 500, for displaying guide data composed of moving images, still images, voices and the like for introducing travel information and the like, and image data such as seat layouts and landscapes. Display data and communication data necessary for communication between the main computer and the terminal are recorded. In addition, information for supporting the use of the information stored in the recording medium 500, for example, an opening screen, a menu screen, an operation guide screen, and the like are recorded. Note that all or part of the data stored in the recording medium 500 is compressed and stored. Of course, depending on the amount of data, it may be stored without compression.

These data are stored by dividing the area as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, for example. That is, the recording medium 500 has a main track (guidance data track) 510 which is an area for storing guide data 510 including various tourist information and communication data which is an area for storing data required for communication. Truck 520
And a display data track 5 which is an area for storing display data used for displaying seat maps, landscapes, etc.
30 and a related data table track 540, which is an area for storing a related data table including related data for indicating the mutual relationship between the guide data, the communication data, and the display data. Such area division is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. Further, although it is divided in track units, this is not limited to track units either. For example, various divisions such as disk surface unit, cylinder unit, and sector unit are possible.

Next, the data stored in the recording medium 500 will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the guide data track 510, various pieces of tourist information 511, tour information 512, a timetable 513, a route map 514 and a charge table 515 are stored as guide data. Those data are
In addition to the respective information, section data indicating a link with a related data table track described later is stored. As the section data, for example, the address of the section to be linked is stored.

Of these, in the tourist information 511 and the tour information 512, in addition to character information, data consisting of video and audio relating to the introduction of the contents is also stored. Tourist information 5
11 stores guide information of each tourist spot, event information, guide information of transportation facilities, guide information of accommodation facilities, and the like. The event information is, for example, information indicating that various festivals, expositions, concerts, competitions, etc. are held. Further, the tour information 512 stores information indicating a destination, a course, a used transportation facility, a used accommodation facility, a meal content, a main tour place, an event, participation conditions, a minimum number of persons to be departed, and the like. further,
In this guidance data, an opening screen, a menu screen, an operation guidance screen, etc. are recorded.

Further, the route map 514 shows the route name and route code, vector data of line segments constituting the route, and attributes such as line thickness, line type, color, etc., symbols of each station, coordinates, station name code, The name of the city where the station is located, vector data of line segments indicating the boundaries of prefectures and cities, and the like are stored. In addition, the relationship data between the tourist destination name and its nearest station is also stored. The tourist destination name has a pointer linked to the tourist information.

The video processing device 217 displays these vector data as a diagram and displays the station name, place name, etc. at the coordinate position.

When these data include video and audio data, the data amount becomes enormous, so D
What is recorded on a VD (digital video disc) or the like may be used. In this case, a DVD reproducing device is separately connected, and the guidance data track 510 has a DV
The storage address of D is stored.

In the communication data track 520, as shown in FIG. 3, the telephone number of the communication destination and the identifier (I
D) and information indicating the type are stored as communication data 521 prepared for each communication destination, for example, communication destinations X and Y, and protocol data 525 storing communication protocol data indicating a communication protocol. Although not shown, in addition to this, there is data for billing. For example, it includes data to allow credit cards to be used. The communication destination here is mainly assumed to be one or more main computers.

The display data track 530 stores communication data sent from the main computer 100, for example, data for displaying seat arrangement, scenery, etc., for displaying on the terminal. Specifically, it stores data for conversion of the screen size, conversion when the number of colors does not match, and the like.

In the related data table track 540,
In order to communicate with a travel agency, transportation, etc., which is an inquiry destination, and to exchange necessary data, a division name 541 for setting a division for associating guide data with them and a display data track corresponding to the division , A communication data pointer 543 indicating a storage position of communication data, and a protocol data pointer 544 indicating a storage position of protocol data. The section name 541 may be, for example, information that links to related guidance information in the section. For example, a category name, category ID, etc. are used.

On the other hand, in the present invention, the main computer 1
Information is also stored in 00. Main computer 10
At 0, various data is stored in the mass storage device 120. The stored data is, as shown in FIG. 4, a transportation name information section 1260 indicating a transportation and a vacant seat information section 122 storing vacant seat information data corresponding to this transportation name.
0, equipment used in each transportation system, for example, a seat map section 1230 for storing seat map data of trains, buses, aircrafts, ships, etc., and a landscape storing landscape data showing the scenery viewed from these transport systems. FIG. 1270 and a terminal information unit 1240 that stores data regarding the performance of terminal information.
And a guidance data section 1280 which constitutes guidance data corresponding to the guidance data 510 shown in FIG.

However, the main computer 1 shown in FIG.
00 shows an example of handling tickets for trains, buses, etc. operated by railway companies. Therefore, the main computer 100 shown in FIG. 4 assumes the train and bus seats as the vacant seat information. Similarly, regarding landscapes, the landscapes along the railway and bus routes are also stored. The main computer of the airline, which is another main computer (not shown), stores vacant seat information and landscape information about the airline routes of the company and affiliated companies. Similarly, a main computer of a travel agency (not shown) stores vacant seat information about a tour handled by the travel agency, a seat map of transportation facilities used in the tour, and a landscape map.
In addition, the vacant seat information in the tour means the remaining number of the recruited number of each tour.

The transportation facility name information section 1260 is a list of transportation facility names for which ticket issuance is managed by the main computer 100, and the corresponding vacant seat information section 122.
A pointer indicating the storage position of 0 is stored. The transportation name may be a name of a railway company, a bus company, an airline company, a shipping company, or the like, and may be an identifier thereof.

As the vacant seat information data stored in the vacant seat information section 1220, the vacant seat information indicating the vacant seat among the seats for which the seat is designated by each transportation means and the storage position of the corresponding seat map data are shown. The pointer is stored.
As the vacant seat information, here, data for identifying seats that are vacant for all operating flights during the reception period is stored. For example, in the case of a railway, it has an operating date, a train number, a train name, a car number, a vehicle type, and a seat number (including a sleeper and a private room) as vacant seat information. The operating equipment may change depending on the driving situation. For example, the train set used may differ depending on the day. In addition, the aircraft may be operated with different seating arrangements. In this example,
For all flights included in the reception period,
Since each has vacant seat information, it is possible to handle even if the equipment used is different.

On the other hand, the seat drawing unit 1230 shows image data for showing the seat arrangement in the drawing, address information indicating the position of each seat on the drawing based on the image data, and an address of a pixel for displaying each seat. It has pixel address information and attribute information such as filling of vacant seats, seat grades, and vehicle types indicating types of non-smoking cars and smoking cars. Filling an empty seat is composed of information of a specific color for indicating that the seat is empty. The seat class, which is the attribute information, is, for example, information added to the seat address information, and can be data that specifies the display color of the pixel that displays the seat. Further, for example, in the case of a railway, a symbol indicating a green car and an ordinary car, a symbol indicating a non-smoking car and a smoking car, and the like may be written. For example, a character such as "G" can be written for a green car. In the case of an aircraft, characters such as “F”, “B”, and “E” indicating a class such as fast, business, and economy may be written. Of course, a specific color may be displayed together with the characters. Further, regarding the seats, a distinction between non-smoking seats and smoking seats may be displayed.

The pixel address information may be a relative address with respect to the address information indicating the position of the seat. Further, instead of the address indicating the position of each seat, pixel address information, which is a set of addresses of each pixel used when displaying the seat, may be used.

The data of the seat drawing portion 1230 includes a unit area, for example, one vehicle, or one predetermined area.
Image data indicating the seat arrangement for each section is stored. Here, as a general rule, seat plans are prepared for each type of vehicle. However, even if the formats are different, the same seat arrangement is provided in common. Therefore, if the vehicle types are the same, the same pointer is set as the pointer in the vacant seat information.

In the main computer 100, the terminal 20
It is necessary to store at least the data to be sent to 0. However, even in the main computer 100, in order to be able to see the seat arrangement, all data required for displaying the seat arrangement in the terminal 200 is required. Of course, although not shown, a display device is required.

The guide data section 1280 is used for the tourist information 128.
1, tour information 1282, timetable 1283, route map 12
84 and a tariff 1285. As described above, each of these pieces of information is basic data of information belonging to the corresponding section in each terminal 200. That is, when any of the data is changed, the data of the section of the main computer 100 in each terminal is corrected.

As the terminal information stored in the terminal information section 1240, the performance of the terminal that can be connected to the main computer 100 is stored for each type of terminal. Therefore, if there are four types of terminals to be connected, there are four types of α, β, γ and δ as shown in FIG. This terminal information includes information 124 indicating the type of terminal, as shown in FIG.
1, information 1242 indicating the screen size, information 1243 indicating the screen resolution, and information 1244 indicating the number of colors are stored.

Next, the operation of each section in this embodiment will be described with reference to the above-mentioned drawings.

In this example, at least one main computer 100 for managing ticket issuance and a plurality of terminals 2 are used.
00 is connected by a communication line 300. In each terminal 200, the guide information of the main computer 100 is stored in the recording medium 500. Main computer 100
When there are a plurality of units, the guidance information of each main computer 100 is divided and stored in each terminal 200. These pieces of guidance information are provided on the communication line 300
Can be stored in the recording medium of each terminal 200 via. In addition to this, when it is necessary to store a large amount of data, the guide information is stored in another recording medium, for example, an optical disk, a floppy disk, or the like, and the guiding information is transplanted to the recording medium 500 in each terminal 200. You may Further, subsequent replenishment, change, etc. can be sent to each terminal 200 via the communication line 300 at any time, so that the stored data can be updated.

The main computer 100 forms a file of the vacant seat information section 1220 for each transportation.
In this vacant seat information section 1220, vacant seat data regarding all seats to be sold is written. Further, the pointer of the seat diagram portion 1230 in which the corresponding seat diagram is stored is written.

Further, when the number of connectable terminals is newly increased, the main computer 100 registers the terminal information regarding the terminals in the terminal information section 1240. That is, information regarding the terminal 200 that is a new connection target, that is, the type of terminal, screen size,
It receives information about the screen resolution and the number of colors that can be used and registers it as terminal information. If the same terminal information is already registered, this registration can be omitted. As described above, the reason for registering the terminal information is that various computers are allowed to be used as the terminal, and therefore, depending on the terminal, the information sent from the main computer 100, particularly the image information, can be used. This is because the main computer 100 may generate image data according to the performance of each terminal and send the image data to the terminal in consideration of the fact that the image cannot be displayed as it is. Therefore, such a registration is not necessary when only terminals having the same performance are connected. In addition, the terminal side may convert the sent image so as to be suitable for the terminal itself. Also in this case, registration of the terminal information is unnecessary.

On the other hand, each terminal 200 reproduces the recording medium 500. Recording medium drive 218
Is driven under the control of the drive control unit 214 to read out necessary information from the target track. The read data is compressed and expanded by the compression / expansion unit 2 for compressed data.
The data is decompressed at 15, and then the video processing device 2
The necessary conversion for display is performed at 17, and the display device 2
21 and the audio device 222, respectively. Usually, first, the data of the opening screen is read from the guidance data track 510, displayed, and the input device 23
In accordance with the user's instruction / selection input from 0, the system control unit 211 determines the data to be displayed next, and instructs the drive control unit 214. Drive control unit 214
Drives the recording medium drive 218 in accordance with this instruction to read necessary data from the target track,
It is sent to the compression processing unit 215. For example, when a request for guidance data regarding certain travel information is received, the data is read from the recording medium 500 and displayed.

Further, on each display screen, in order to display the options for the next operation, the options to be displayed in the display data of the respective guidance information, for example, "next",
The options for instructing "previous", "return to menu", etc. are prepared in advance.

Next, when inquiring about sightseeing information or the like from the input device 250, a support system for that purpose is activated. The system control unit 211 interactively guides
Automatically set the search formula that suits your purpose. Then, the system control unit 211 performs a search based on the search logical expression or a specific search key. That is, the drive control unit 21
4 and the recording medium drive 218, the recording medium 5
The target data is extracted from the corresponding data track of 00. Then, the compression / decompression unit 215 decompresses the data, performs necessary conversion in the video processing device 217, for example, conversion for matching the display color, screen size, etc., and sends the data to the display device 221. Of course, if conversion is not necessary, this process can be omitted. Further, if there is audio information, the video-image ideal value 217 is subjected to necessary conversion and is sent to the audio reproduction device 222.

When applying for a tour or purchasing a ticket, the input device 250 receives information for specifying them, searches the related data table 540 using the partition 541 as a key, and the communication data pointer 543 and The protocol data pointer 544 is read out. Then, from the communication data track 520, data necessary for communication with the main computer 100 holding the vacant seat data, that is, as shown in FIG.
The communication data 521 indicating the type of D and the terminal and the communication protocol data 525 defining the communication procedure and the like are read and connected to the corresponding main computer 100 via the communication line 300 to request the transmission of vacant seat information.

On the other hand, in the main computer 100, the control unit 110 controls the arbitrary terminal 20 via the communication unit 160.
It accepts various requests such as inquiries and purchase applications sent from time to time. Further, when the reservation management of the event requiring the reservation is also performed, the reservation processing for the event is also executed. The system control unit 120 of the main computer 100 retrieves the transportation information 1260 from the mass storage device 120 using the transportation name as a key for inquiry about the vacant seat information requested via the communication line 300.
The corresponding vacant seat information section 1220 is found and the target vacant seat information is obtained. In addition, data is read from the corresponding seat drawing unit 1230 from the pointer included in the vacant seat information unit 1220. Then, the seat map data and the vacant seat information are subjected to compression processing as necessary, and are sent to the requesting terminal via the communication unit 160. In this example, the seat map is sent to the terminal in the form of vector data, but it may be converted into image data by the video processing device 150 and sent to the terminal 200.

When requested by the main computer 100, the video processing device 150 generates a seat map from the seat map data and displays the seat position indicated by the vacant seat information.
The pixel displaying the seat is filled based on the predetermined filling information indicating the empty seat. As a result, a seat map as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display device (not shown).

The vacant seats may be highlighted as long as the vacant seats can be distinguished from the other seats. For example, changing the display color, changing the brightness, blinking, erasing the display of seats that are not vacant, etc. may be mentioned.

On the other hand, when the system control unit 211 receives seat map data and vacant seat information via the communication unit 216, the compression / expansion unit 215 decompresses the sent data, and the video processing device 217 draws the data. Then, the necessary conversion is performed and the result is sent to the display device 221. Examples of the necessary conversion include conversion for matching display colors, screen size, and the like. Of course, if conversion is not necessary, this process can be omitted. In this state, the display device 2
At 21, a vacant seat is highlighted and a seat diagram is shown.

When there are a plurality of schedules, a plurality of time zones, etc., the main computer 100 determines that the specific schedule
Except when a specific time zone is designated, vacant seat information is sent to the terminal 200 for each. The terminal 200 temporarily stores these data and generates a seat map for the instructed date and flight.

Further, the terminal 200 can request the display of the landscape through the input device 250. This request can be sent together with information designating a route, a position, and a direction to show the landscape. Main computer 100
In response to this landscape display request, reads out the landscape data at the specified position from the landscape map portion 1270. At that time, the system control unit 110 knows the landscape map unit 1270 in which the landscape data regarding the route through which the flight passes is stored, based on the pointer of the vacant seat information unit 1220. Unless otherwise specified, the system control unit 110 reads out all the landscape map data along the line through which the flight passes, compresses the data in the compression / expansion unit 140 as necessary, and transmits the data via the communication unit 160. , To the requesting terminal 200.

In the terminal 200, when the sent landscape data is received via the communication unit 216, the sent data is decompressed by the compression / decompression unit 215, and the necessary conversion is performed by the video processing device 217. , Display device 221
Send to. Examples of the necessary conversion include conversion for matching display colors, screen size, and the like. Of course, if conversion is not necessary, this process can be omitted. In this state, the landscape is displayed on the display device 221. In addition,
If multiple landscape data are being sent, the terminal
It is temporarily stored in the recording medium 500. The display device 2
When a hard copy of the landscape displayed on 21 is required, it can be printed out by instructing the printer 240 to print.

When a ticket purchase instruction or a tour participation application is made, the system control unit 21
1 receives input of information for specifying a flight to be purchased, information for specifying a tour, etc., and sends it via the communication unit 216 to the main computer 100 that handles it. When purchasing multiple seats, the seat number designation corresponding to the number is accepted. In addition, the information specifying the flight to be purchased, the information specifying the tour, and the like are displayed on the display device 2 in order to be confirmed before the transmission.
21 is displayed. Then, the confirmation input from the input device 250 is accepted. When the confirmation input is made, the purchase decision information is sent to the main computer 100.

At this time, in addition to the ticket designating the seat, a ticket or the like can be purchased together. In that case, the procedure is also performed. That is, the terminal 200
In, the system control unit 211 also accepts an instruction when setting conditions for ticket purchase.

When the main computer 100 receives the ticket purchase instruction, the main computer 100 deletes the seat designated by the ticket from the vacant seat information data 1220. Similarly, if you accept an application to participate in a tour that received a purchase instruction,
Subtract the number of applicants from the remaining number of recruited personnel for the tour. Then, the reception confirmation information indicating the reception is sent to the terminal 20.
Send to 0.

When the terminal 200 receives the purchase application, the system control unit 210 searches the charge table 515 by using the information specifying the ticket to be purchased, and acquires the charge information. Then, they are summed up, and if necessary, other expenses, such as service charges and taxes, are added, and calculation is performed to add them, and the total sum is obtained. Then, the details and total of the charges are displayed on the display device 221. When inquiring about the charge, by giving an instruction to that effect, the charge can be calculated before the decision to purchase the ticket is made. For example, when priority is given to budget in the setting of conditions, an instruction to calculate a charge is issued along with other instructions.

In this example, the charge is calculated by the terminal, but it may be calculated by the main computer 10. In that case, the charge calculation program is stored in the memory 112.

The terminal 200 also carries out the procedure for collecting the ticket and the tour fee. For example, in the case of a credit card, select the type of card to use, ID
It accepts the input of data necessary for transactions by cards such as numbers and personal identification numbers, and transmits it to the main computer 100 together with the seat number. On the other hand, when payment is made in cash, the fact is input through the input device 250.

Next, the operation of the above-described embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the above figures and FIGS. 6 to 16. In addition to a system that supports the sale of tickets for travel, this embodiment is a travel guidance planning system that supports tourist information, tour information, and other tourist guidance support systems, destination decisions, and train decisions. Can also work. In addition, in this embodiment, one main computer 100 that manages ticket issuance and a plurality of terminals 20 are provided.
It is assumed that 0 is connected to the communication line 300. In each terminal 200, the guide information of the main computer 100 is stored in the recording medium 500. In addition,
The specific operation of each part of the hardware used has already been described and will not be repeated here.

First, the outline of the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the example of FIG. 6, starting with the selection of the menu, the selected support process is executed, the scenery confirmation process is executed as necessary, and the purchase process is executed. In this example, the operator verbally asks the customer, hears the verbal answer, and sequentially operates the input device 250 to obtain desired information and sell the ticket.

The system control unit 211 of the terminal 200 reads the menu data from the guidance data 510 of the recording medium 500 via the drive control unit 214, and the display device 2
The menu screen 1 is displayed on 20. On this menu screen 1, "1 tourist information",
"2 tour information", "3 route map", "4 timetable" and "5 vacant seat information" are displayed. Further, a message requesting selection of a menu is also displayed (step 60).
1). Then, it waits in this state and waits for the selection of the menu. When the menu is selected, the control unit 21
1 executes various processes according to the option (steps 602, 603, 604, 605, 606). In addition,
In this embodiment, when numbers and symbols are displayed as symbols of choices, by inputting the corresponding numbers or symbols on the keyboard 251, it is instructed to select the choices with the symbols. You can
In the present embodiment, since the touch panel 255 device is provided, touching the touch panel 256 in the area where numbers, symbols, etc. are displayed allows the user to give an instruction. When the touch panel 256 is touched, the touch panel drive circuit 257 operates,
A signal indicating the touch position is sent to the system control unit 211.
The system control unit 211 examines the contents of the predefined touch position corresponding to each screen and the options defined in the area, and interprets the contents of the instruction. The touch area is defined as, for example, an area 1a in a frame surrounding the numbers of the options, as shown in FIG. Similarly, FIG.
Also in FIGS. 9 and 10 and the like, areas 2a, 3a, 4a and the like including numbers or symbols of options are defined.

Here, in the menu, "4 timetables"
And “5 vacant seat information” are selected, the control unit 211
The train designation process (step 606) is executed. Also,
"1 sightseeing information", "2 tour information" and "3 route map"
When is selected, the control unit 211 executes the selected process (steps 603, 604, 605) and then executes the route determination support process (step 607).

After that, if it is necessary to confirm the scenery, scenery confirmation processing is performed. (Steps 608 and 609). Then, a purchase process is executed (step 610). And
If there is no instruction to end the support process in the terminal, the process returns to step 601 and the above process is repeated (step 611).

The details of the operation of this embodiment will be further described below.

First, the processing when the tourist spot determination support processing in FIG. 6 is selected will be described with reference to FIG. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the tourist information 511 is read from the guide data track 510 of the recording medium (HD) 500. Therefore, the system control unit 211
First performs search condition setting processing (step 70).
1). The search condition setting process can be performed by interactively selecting a menu. That is, the system control unit 2
Reference numeral 11 functions as a search means, displays the screens 2, 3 and 4 as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 on the display device 221, and executes the process for the search.

First, as shown in FIG. 8, a menu screen 2 having options such as "what do you want to do", "day trip / night", "where to go", "when", and "others" is displayed. . When these menus are sequentially selected, the system control unit 211 combines the selected items and sets a search logical expression for narrowing down the tourist information.

Here, for example, when "what do you want to do" is selected, a target menu screen 3 as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. If, for example, “hiking” is selected in this menu, a screen 4 for setting conditions for searching the purpose of hiking, as shown in FIG. 10, is displayed.
Then, for example, if "gather" is selected, various menus such as grape picking, mandarin orange picking, mushroom picking, and shellfish picking are displayed although not shown. If grape picking is selected here, the menu returns to the menu of FIG. Here, the system control unit 211 temporarily stores the codes “hiking” and “grape hunting” in the memory 2112.

Next, when the selection of the menu of "day trip / night" is received, the content is displayed, and if "day trip" is selected, the menu of FIG. 8 is returned again. Here, the system control unit 211 stores the “day trip” code in the memory 21.
Store in 12. Then, a menu about "Where are you going?" Is displayed. Here, a region name or the like is displayed as an option. However, if the "day / night" menu is specified, consider it and
Display only realistic regions as options. For example,
If "day trip" is selected, if it is the Tokyo base point, an area included in a part of the Kanto region and the central region is displayed as a menu. Here, for example, if Yamanashi Prefecture is selected, the system control unit 211 displays “Yamanashi Prefecture”.
Is stored in the memory 2112 and the screen 2 of FIG. 8 is displayed.

Furthermore, in FIG. 8, when the "when" option is selected, an option (not shown) indicating each month is displayed. Here, for example, if “October” is selected, the system control unit 211 determines that the memory 211
The code "October" is stored in 2 and screen 2 in FIG. 8 is displayed. Here, when “>: next” that specifies the next is selected, the system control unit 211 reads the code temporarily stored in the memory 2112 and assembles a search logical expression.

In this retrieval logical expression, options belonging to menus of different layers are combined by a logical product (*), and if a plurality of options of the same category belonging to the same menu are set, they are ORed. They are joined by (+). Although the options in FIG. 8 are in the same hierarchy, but the categories are different, they are combined by a logical product (*). In the above example: The search logical expression can be set in various ways. Further, all of the above conditions may not be specified. If there are items that are not set, the information cannot be narrowed down to that extent. Therefore, if it is desired to broadly search, the setting of conditions may be reduced.

Target tourist information = grape picking * day trip * Yamanashi * October The system control unit 21 sets such a search formula.
1 retrieves tourist information stored in the recording medium 500 (step 702). The system control unit 211,
The tourist information obtained as a result of the search is displayed on the video processing device 217.
To the display device 22 as shown in screen 2, for example.
1 and the audio data is reproduced by the sound reproduction device 22.
2 to play music, voice, etc. (step 70)
3). In this case, the system control unit 211 and the video processing device 217 function as an image processing unit. here,
Video and audio playback of tourist information on grape picking in Yamanashi Prefecture from the end of August to October. If there are multiple items of information, each time ">: Next" is selected,
Play sequentially. It should be noted that when "<: previous" indicating previous is specified, the previous information is reproduced. Here, when "1: list" is selected, the system control unit 211 reads a list of tourist information inquired so far from the guide data 510 of the recording medium 500 and displays it (not shown),
Wait for an instruction (step 704). When any one of the tourist spots is designated, the tourist spot determination support process is terminated and the route determination support process is performed.

Next, the processing when the tour decision support processing in FIG. 6 is selected will be described with reference to FIG. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, the tour information 512 is read from the guide data track 510 of the recording medium (HD) 500. Therefore, the system control unit 2
First, 11 collects the latest information (step 11).
01). In the case of a tour, the system control unit 211 makes an inquiry to the main computer 100 via the communication line 300 because there are changes, cancellations, urgent recruitment, and the like. Then, if there is new information, it is received via the communication line 300. Regarding the new information that has been received, regarding the change, the already-recorded matter is rewritten. Also, new tours will be added.
The canceled tour will be deleted. The process of this step may be performed after the search, but is preferably performed before the search input process. By doing so, the changed content can be added to the search target.

The system control unit 211 performs a search condition setting process (step 1102). In the search condition setting process, a screen similar to the screens shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 is displayed and the input of the search condition is accepted. Here, for example,
Assume that the following search formula is set.

Target tour information = skiing * 3 nights * Hokkaido * February The system control unit 211 retrieves the tour information of the guide data track 510 of the recording medium 500 in accordance with the above retrieval logical expression, and retrieves the target tour information. (Step 11
03).

The system control section 211 displays the retrieved tour information on the display device 22 as shown on the screen 5, for example.
1, and the audio data is displayed on the sound reproduction device 222.
To play music, voice, etc. (step 110)
4). In this case, the system control unit 211 functions as an image processing unit. Here, the information indicating that the Hokkaido ski tour will be held on 2 / 15-is reproduced as video and audio. Then, here, a message of "there is still an empty seat" which is the latest information is also displayed. If there is a plurality of pieces of information, they are sequentially reproduced each time ">: next" is selected. When "<: previous" is designated, the previous information is reproduced. here,
When “1: list” is selected, the system control unit 211
Reads out the list of tourist information inquired so far from the guide data 510 of the recording medium 500 and displays it (not shown), and waits for an instruction (step 1105). When any one of the tours is designated, this tour determination support process is ended and the process proceeds to the route determination support process.

In this example, "sports" is selected on the screen of FIG. 9, but other items can be selected together. For example, "hot spring" can be selected. In this case, the following search logical expression is set. Target tour information = (ski + hot spring) * 3 nights * Hokkaido *
February This will retrieve tour information that includes skiing and hot spring areas.

Next, the processing when the destination determination support processing in FIG. 6 is selected will be described with reference to FIG. In this case, although a rough destination has been set, it is suitable for assisting in determining the destination when the station name is not clear enough to decide the designation of the train. In this example,
As shown in FIG. 12, the route map information 514 is read from the guide data track 510 of the recording medium (HD) 500.

The system control unit 211 first performs a search condition setting process (step 1101). Although not shown, the search condition setting process displays a screen for questions similar to the screens shown in FIGS. 8 to 10. Where,
For example, if the route name (the route name of the transit route is also entered if there is a transit), and if it is unknown, it is requested to enter the departure point and the destination. In this case,
Enter the route name, place name, etc. from the keyboard. By preparing a route name list and touching the route name, the route name may be input. Alternatively, a place name list may be prepared in advance so that the place name can be input by touching the place name in the list.

Upon receipt of this input, the system control unit 211 first searches the route map information 514 when the route name is given, and if there is a route and a connection, the data of the transit route. Is read out (step 1202), and is converted into image data in the video processing device 217 and displayed on the display device 221 (step 1203). On the other hand, when the departure point and the destination are input, both routes in which the station is located are picked up. However, it is possible that a single route may not include both, so first select a route that includes either one. Among them, one line connecting the both and / or a series of lines that can be connected by a plurality of lines is further picked up. Then, these routes are tentatively displayed on the display device 221 via the video processing device 217. Then, the customer is requested to confirm the departure station and the like, and when the departure station is confirmed, the information is input. In response to this, the system control unit 211 selects only the route including the departure station. As a result, the route will be narrowed down. In this state, ask the customer to decide the target station,
The result is input (step 1204).

Next, the processing when "timetable" or "vacant seat information" shown on the screen 1 in FIG. 6 is designated will be described with reference to FIG. In this case, first, it is confirmed whether or not the travel planning is supported (step 1301). Here, when the travel planning support is not required, the input of information for specifying the train is accepted (step 1306). The system control unit 211 provides the customer with information for identifying the received train, that is, inquiry data including a boarding date and time, a boarding station, an alighting station, a train name and a seat type (normal seat, green seat, sleeper, private room, etc.). After requesting confirmation, the main computer 100 is queried for an empty seat (steps 1307 and 13).
08). If the non-smoking car can be designated, the fact can be included in the inquiry data. This inquiry data is
It is temporarily stored in the memory 2112. If there is a transfer, the same information is input even after the transfer. In addition, in order to specify the train, if it is necessary to specify the operating railway company, enter the transportation name.

When a notification that there is no vacant seat is received from the main computer 100, the system control unit 210
Displays on the display device 221 that there are no vacant seats (steps 1309 and 1310). Then, according to the instruction on the display screen, the process returns to step 1301 or step 601.

On the other hand, when there is a vacant seat, vacant seat information and seat diagram data are received via the communication unit 216, and the compression / expansion unit 2
After performing the necessary decompression processing in 15, the data is temporarily stored in the recording medium 500. Then, the image processing device 217 generates a seat map and displays it, for example, on the display device 221 as the screen 7 (step 1311). The seat layout is displayed for each vehicle. However, if possible, multiple vehicles may be displayed at once. If there are vehicles that are not displayed, ">:" appears on the display screen.
Wait for the "Next" command to display the next vehicle.
Then, the seat selection is accepted via the input device 250 (step 1312). When the seat selection is input, the inquiry data temporarily stored in the memory 2112 additionally includes information indicating the selected seat, that is, information identifying the car and the seat number.

Next, with reference to FIG. 14, a description will be given of a support process in the case where a route can be selected in the tourist destination decision support, the tour decision support and the destination decision support.

In each support process, the system control unit 210 displays a message on the display screen asking whether route determination support is required after a decision is made, and accepts an instruction for it (step 1401). Here, if this support is not necessary, the child processing is skipped. Then, when this support is required, input of necessary conditions such as a priority condition for route determination and a departure date is received from the input device 250 (step 1402). For example, priority is given to reaching the destination in the shortest time, leisurely travel, etc., cost reduction, cost travel, luxury travel, etc. For these, candidates may be prepared in advance, and they may be displayed on the screen for selection. The screen 8 of FIG.
This is an example. In this example, time and cost are listed. Either or both of these can be used as a condition. Although not shown, the conditions can be input interactively.

Next, under the inputted priority condition, the main computer 100 is queried for an available seat, and a route with an empty seat is selected. Then, in the route, calculation concerning the preferential condition, for example, required time, Calculate costs (Step 1)
403). A route with a high priority is selected from the obtained results, and the route is displayed on the display device 211, for example, on the screen 9 (step 1404). On screen 9,
The route of high priority is displayed while being relatively changed. For example, the color and line width are changed and displayed. It waits for a confirmation instruction in the child state (step 1405). If this is unsatisfactory and it is necessary to further search for another route, for example, when the instruction “>: next” is issued, it is asked whether the conditions are the same (step 1406). In this case, although not shown, when the instruction of "1: OK" is received, the process returns to step 1403. On the other hand, if “0: menu”, the process returns to step 1402. On the other hand, if the obtained result is acceptable, the instruction of “1: OK” displayed on the screen 9 is received, and the next step, that is, step 131 in FIG.
Go to 1.

Next, regarding the scenery confirmation processing of FIG. 6, FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. Here, based on the information that specifies the selected seat, the main computer 100 is requested to provide scenery data along the line of the train. At this time,
Information on the boarding section is also sent (step 1501). When the landscape data is received from the main computer 100 (step 1502), it is temporarily stored in the recording medium 500. Then, the scenery data is selected according to the position of the selected seat (step 150).
3). That is, if the seat is on the left side in the traveling direction, the landscape data that can be seen from the left window is selected. Then, the scenery data is selected and displayed on the display device in the order of progress of the train (step 1504). Here, when an instruction ">: next" (not shown) displayed on the display screen is made, the scenery at the next position is sequentially displayed until the end (steps 1504 and 1505). Then, if there is an instruction to view the scenery from another seat, for example, the seat on the right side of the treasure trove, the process returns to step 1503, the data on the right side is selected, and the same process is repeated thereafter (step 1506).

The purchase is performed by issuing a purchase confirmation instruction from the input device 250 on a purchase confirmation screen (not shown). The system control unit 211 sends a purchase confirmation instruction to the main computer 100. Then, when the seat designation permission is received from the main computer 100, the ticket issuing unit 219 is activated, the data regarding the seat is read from the memory 2112, and the ticket is printed. In this embodiment, at least the boarding station, the alighting station, the boarding date and time, the train name, the car number, the seat number, the seat type, and the fare are printed. In addition to this, a seat layout diagram in which the designated seat is highlighted is printed. The seat layout diagram may be printed on a separate sheet by the printer 240 instead of the ticket. In this case, not only the seat arrangement, but also the map of the boarding station and the exit station,
Transfer information, tourist information near the exit station, station lunch information, etc. may be printed. Further, guidance such as the departure time of the transit train and the departure time of the returning train may be printed.

Regarding payment, since there is a staff member, payment can be made by using a general credit card, cash, or prepaid card. Therefore, the process of payment method will not be described here. However, in the present embodiment, the charge calculation is performed as described above and the charge is displayed on the display device 221. In addition, the printer 24
Print output with 0.

If there is an answer that there is no vacant seat,
It is necessary to make an inquiry for a vacant seat again. Therefore, the temporary purchase state may be set when the seat is selected. That is, in this case, the seat selection information is sent to the main computer 100 as well.
Twenty corresponding seats will be temporarily purchased. For example, set a flag. Then, later, when the purchase is confirmed, sales processing is performed. In addition, when the flag is set, the system control unit 110 determines that the seat is not an empty seat when searching for an empty seat. Further, when the purchase is canceled, the flag is reset.

Here, the operation of the main computer 100 corresponding to the operation of the terminal 200 described above will be described with reference to FIG. The main computer 1
00 updates the latest information at startup. Then, the following processing is performed.

First, when the system control unit 110 of the main computer 100 receives a line connection request from any of the terminals 200 via the communication unit 160, the terminal 20 concerned.
Confirm communication data such as ID sent from 0, permit line connection, and connect line (step 160).
1). At this time, the timer is set. This timer interferes with the connection with other terminals when there is no communication for a certain period of time after the terminal 200 and the main computer 100 are connected, so a certain period of time for disconnecting the connection. Is for timing. Therefore, each time any one of the following steps 1602 to 1609 is executed, the process is reset and a new clock is started.

Next, it is checked whether or not the request from the terminal 200 is a tour information update request (step 1602). Here, if it is an update request, check whether there is update data,
If there is, update data is transmitted to the requesting terminal 200 (steps 1603 and 1604).

On the other hand, if it is not an update request, if there is no update data, and after the update data is transmitted, it is checked whether it is a vacant seat search (step 1605). In the case of vacant seat search, the vacant seat information section 1220 is searched to collect vacant seat information, and if there is a vacant seat, and if there is a vacant seat, the information is transmitted to the requesting terminal 200 (step 160).
6). In this case, the system control unit 110 of the main computer 100 searches the vacant seat information unit 1220 based on the information identifying the train received via the communication unit 160. In this example, we know it's a railroad, so
Only search for vacant seat information about the railway. If the railway company is known, the vacant seat information of the company is searched. At this time, if there is a transfer, a search is also performed. Then, if there is no vacant seat, the fact is transmitted to the request source terminal 200. In addition, if there is a vacant seat, the seat data for the vacant seat, including the amount of transfers, is stored in the vacant seat information section 12
It is read from the seat drawing section 1230 based on the pointer of 20. Then, the vacant seat information and the seat plan data are transmitted to the requesting terminal 200.

After this, or when the request is not for vacant seat search, it is checked whether or not it is a landscape search (step 160).
7). In the case of landscape search, the main computer 100
Searches for landscape data that includes the boarding section of the train. In the search, the corresponding landscape map is determined by referring to the pointer of the vacant seat information section 1220, and the landscape map that can be seen in the boarding section is further selected from among them. Then, the obtained landscape data is sent to the requesting terminal 200 (step 1608).

Then, it is checked whether the request is a purchase decision (step 1609). When it is not a purchase decision instruction, the timer is checked (step 1610), and if the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step 1602.
When the predetermined time has passed, disconnect the communication line,
The procedure returns to step 1601 (step 1611).

On the other hand, if the instruction is to make a purchase decision, it is checked whether or not the seat is still vacant (step 16).
12). If the seat is not vacant, a reply that there is no vacant seat is sent to the requesting terminal 200 (step 1613). At this time, it is more preferable to check whether or not there is another vacant seat in the same train and transmit the information together. As a case where such a situation occurs, there is a case where a purchase decision is made in advance from another terminal after inquiring about an empty seat. If there are still vacant seats, sales processing for the vacant seats is performed (step 1614). That is, as described above, the vacant seat information section 1220 sets the vacant seat to a non-vacant state. For example, it is deleted from the vacant seat list.
Then, a command for permitting seat designation is transmitted to the requesting terminal 200 (step 1615). After that, the above processing is repeated until the end of the job is instructed (step 1616).

In this embodiment, the communication unit 216 has a structure capable of controlling communication on a plurality of lines at the same time, so that communication with one terminal can be performed with another terminal. it can.

[0118]

According to the present invention, vacant seat information can be displayed as an image when a ticket for designating a seat for transportation is issued, and a customer can easily select his / her favorite seat.

Further, it is possible to provide information regarding the view from the seat.

Furthermore, not only ticket sales but also tourist information can be provided, and it is also possible to support travel planning when necessary.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of information included in a guide data track stored in a recording medium used in the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view schematically showing a data structure of data stored in an area other than the guide data track of the recording medium.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a data structure of data stored in a mass storage device of a main computer.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a train seat layout diagram.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of an operation flow of the terminal in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the tourist destination determination support processing in the above operation flow.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen example for inputting search conditions for setting a search logical expression in the tourist destination determination support process.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen example for inputting search conditions for setting a search logical expression in the tourist destination determination support process.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen example for inputting search conditions for setting a search logical expression in the tourist destination determination support processing.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of tour determination support processing in the above operation flow.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of destination determination support processing in the above operation flow.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the contents of a train designation support process in the above operation flow.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of route determination support processing in the above operation flow.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of landscape map display processing in the above operation flow.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation flow of the main computer in the embodiment in which the present invention is applied to ticket sales.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 ... Main computer, 110 ... System control unit, 120 ... Mass storage device, 130 ... Storage device control unit, 140 ... Compression / expansion unit, 150 ... Video processing device, 16
0 ... Communication unit, 200 ... Terminal, 210 ... Optical disc information reproducing device, 211 ... System control unit, 218 ... Recording medium drive, 214 ... Drive control unit, 215 ... Compression / decompression unit, 216 ... Communication unit, 217 ... Video processing device 219 ...
Ticket issuing unit, 220 ... Video / audio output device, 221 ... Display device, 222 ... Sound reproduction device, 230 ... Input device, 231
... remote control device (remote control), 240 ... printer, 250 ... input device, 300 ... communication line, 500
... recording medium, 510 ... guide data track (main data track), 520 ... communication data track, 530 ...
Display data track, 540 ... Related data table track.

Front page continuation (72) Inventor Hitoshi Yamadera 1-280, Higashi Koigokubo, Kokubunji, Tokyo (56) Reference Design, Hitachi, Ltd. (56) Reference JP 61-210491 (JP, A) JP 7-93599 (JP, A) JP 5-143627 (JP, A) JP 7-146898 (JP, A) JP 7-307932 (JP, A) Actual flat 7-14463 (JP, U) Takeyama Masatoshi's CD-ROM Wonderland, DOS / V POWER REPORT '95, Japan, Impress Co., Ltd., April 1, 1995, Issue 4, 107, Hideo Muto, Multi-occurrence field support language in relational DBMS , Information Processing Society of Japan, Research Report, Japan, Information Processing Society of Japan, May 19, 1986, Vol. 86, No. 28, 1-9 (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) ) G06F 17/60

Claims (12)

(57) [Claims] 1. A system for supporting the sale of travel tickets, which processes at least one terminal system for receiving a ticket purchase ticket from a customer and a ticket purchase application accepted by the terminal system. And at least one main system for sending the result to the terminal system of the application source, and the terminal system and the main system can communicate with each other via a communication line, and the terminal system is provided with image data. The display means for displaying, the image processing means for processing the image data to be displayed on the display means, the input means for receiving an instruction operation from the outside, and the first system for communicating with the main system. With the communication means, the main system stores vacant seat information indicating the vacant seats for each flight of each transportation system. In the seating layout data for visually indicating placement of the seat <br/> for each operational equipment Transportation
Seat information storage means for recording at least landscape data for displaying a view from a seat, and management of the above-mentioned vacant seat information, and, in response to a request from the terminal system, a seat layout diagram relating to the requested specific transportation means. The terminal system is provided with a vacant seat information management means for reading data and vacant seat information from the seat information storage means, and a second communication means for communicating with the terminal system. Is received, and at least the ticket purchase decision instruction is received, and the first communication means sends the instructed request for transmission of vacant seat information about the specific transportation system and the ticket purchase decision instruction to the ticket purchase decision instruction. According to the instruction of the input means, it is transmitted to the main system and the specific transportation system transmitted from the main system. Upon receiving the seat layout data and the vacant seat information, the image processing means generates vacant seat layout data which is a seat layout with the vacant seat highlighted, based on the received seat layout data and the vacant seat information. , The vacant seat layout is displayed on the display means, and the input means displays the scenery data regarding a specific seat.
Further output instructions, the first communication means causes the first communication means to display the scenery data about the specific seat.
A transmission request of the data to the main system, the image processing means is sent from the main system,
Based on the landscape data received via the first communication means,
The view from the particular seat is displayed on the display means.
In the main system, the second communication means sends a request for transmission of vacant seat information regarding a specific transportation and an instruction for purchasing the ticket from the terminal system. Meanwhile, the seat layout map data and the vacant seat information are transmitted to the terminal system, and the vacant seat information management means responds to a vacant seat information inquiry instruction regarding the specific transportation facility from the terminal system. The layout drawing data and the vacant seat information are searched, read from the seat information storage means, and the second communication means is caused to transmit them to the requesting terminal system,
For landscape data on a specific seat from the terminal system
According to the output instruction for the
Read out the landscape data related to specific transportation and
Send to the requesting terminal system via the second communication means
Then, in response to the decision to purchase the ticket, for the vacant seat information stored in the seat information storage means, the information related to the decided seat is removed from the vacant seat information, and the vacant seat information is updated. A ticket sales support system for travel. 2. The terminal system according to claim 1, wherein the image processing means provides a main unit.
From the scenery data received from the system, the above specific seat
Select the landscape data that corresponds to the
For travel, characterized by displaying the view from a fixed seat
Ticket sales support system. 3. The scenery data according to claim 2, wherein the scenery data is from an area where the transportation facility passes.
For each of the left and right sides of the traveling direction,
The image data is a representative landscape of the selected area.
Stored on a recording medium with information indicating the desired area
A landscape display method characterized by being performed. 4. The windshield relating to the specific seat according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the terminal system uses the first communication means.
When sending a request to send scene data to the main system,
The information about the vehicle section is also transmitted, and the main system uses the second communication means to generate a wind corresponding to the boarding section.
Sending information on the scene data to the requesting terminal system
A ticket sales support system for travel. 5. The guide information storage device according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the terminal system stores guide information for travel.
Search for the desired information from the guidance information storage means according to the step and the instruction
And input means for receiving an output instruction about the guidance information.
Only, the image processing means, guidance information the search means read out
Ticket sales for travel characterized by displaying on the display means
Sales support system. 6. The odor according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5.
Te, the terminal system further comprises a ticketing means, vacancy information management unit, an instruction to purchase decision of the ticket, the
When the seat is received via the communication means 1,
Check that there are still empty seats at the
Generate information indicating that a ticket purchase decision has been sent
The transmission to the original terminal system via the first communication means, the display means received via the second communication means,
The information indicating that the purchase of the ticket is permitted is displayed , and the ticket issuing means displays the information indicating that the purchase of the ticket is permitted.
When you receive the information, the information that specifies the seat for which you have applied is recorded.
A trip characterized by printing and issuing the printed ticket
Ticket sales support system. 7. Connected to one or more terminals via a communication line, and accepting an application from any terminal regarding designation of any one of a plurality of seats prepared in advance for transportation, An information processing apparatus for executing a process of, when the seat is vacant, sending permission to purchase a ticket for the seat to a requesting terminal, the information processing apparatus including a storage device, a communication unit, and a control unit. The device stores the vacant seat information indicating the vacant seats corresponding to the transportation facilities, the communication unit communicates with each terminal, and the control unit requests the transmission of the vacant seat information regarding the specific transportation facilities. When it is received via the communication unit, the vacant seat information about the specific transportation is read from the storage device, the information indicating the seat arrangement corresponding to the vacant seat is read, and these are used as seat information to communicate. Part And send to the requesting terminal
Then, a request to send landscape data for a specific seat is received.
And the wind about the particular transportation from the storage device.
The scene data is read and the request source is sent via the communication unit.
Send to the terminal and the landscape data will be
Image data for sequentially display the view from a particular seat
When a ticket purchase decision regarding a specific seat for a specific transportation system is received via the communication unit, the vacant seat information stored in the storage device includes information about the decided seat among the vacant seat information. And a vacant seat information managing means for performing processing for updating vacant seat information, generating information for permitting ticket purchase, and transmitting the information to the transmission source terminal via the communication unit. Information processing equipment. 8. A communication system can be connected to each of one or more main systems for managing vacant seat information of a plurality of prepared seats of the transportation system for each transportation system. , In an information processing device for issuing a ticket that designates one of a plurality of seats prepared in advance for transportation, the data recorded on a recording medium is reproduced, and the data transmitted from the main system is reproduced. An information reproducing device for displaying, an input device for receiving an instruction operation from the outside, and a display device for displaying image data are provided. The information reproducing device receives an inquiry instruction for vacant seat information via the input device. When,
Sends a request to send vacant seat information for the specified specific transportation facility to the corresponding main system via the communication unit, and receives vacant seat information and corresponding seat layout data from the main system via the communication unit. And above
About the scenery data about a specific seat via the input means
When all output instructions are input, the output section
Send a request to send scenery data for the specific seat.
System to the main unit via the communication unit.
From the system, a means for receiving landscape data, and based on the received vacant seat information and the corresponding seat map data, a seat map in which vacant seats are highlighted is generated and displayed on a display device, and the received scenery is displayed. Based on data
Then, the view from the particular seat is displayed on the display means.
An information processing apparatus, comprising: an image processing unit for sequentially displaying a particular transportation system in the order of progress . 9. A vacant seat inquiry system for inquiring vacant seats, comprising: a main computer for managing vacant seat information of transportation means; and a terminal for inquiring vacant seats to the main computer. And the seat map information indicating the seat arrangement are stored in association with each other, and the traffic from the seat is displayed in order to display the view.
A means for storing landscape data prepared for each institution and a request for inquiry of vacant seats, searching the storage means to check if there is a vacant seat, and if there is a vacant seat, read the vacant seat information and and read the seat diagram information involved, Ri sent to the requesting terminal, the transmission of landscape data for a particular seat
Upon receiving the request, from the storage means, the specific transportation
The landscape data regarding the
And means that feeding the arm, the terminal accepts the inquiry request from the outside, rows queries vacant for a particular transport to the main computer
Output request for landscape data for a specific seat
And send the scenery data about the specific seat.
When a request to send a request to the main computer and vacant seat information and seat map information are received from the main computer, a seat map with highlighted vacant seats is generated and displayed.
Then, when the landscape data is received from the main computer,
The means from which the view from the specific seat is displayed is displayed on the display means.
A vacant seat inquiry system comprising: means for sequentially displaying the order of progress of the institution . 10. A main computer for managing vacant seat information of transportation facilities, and a terminal for inquiring about vacant seats and processing for purchasing a ticket for the main computer to support issuance of a ticket for designating a seat. In the travel ticket issuing support system, the main computer stores the vacant seat information and the seat map information indicating the seat layout in association with each other, and stores the traffic from the seat to display the view from the seat.
A means for storing landscape data prepared for each institution and a request for inquiry of vacant seats, searching the storage means to check if there is a vacant seat, and if there is a vacant seat, read the vacant seat information and and read the seat diagram information involved, Ri sent to the requesting terminal, the transmission of landscape data for a particular seat
Upon receiving the request, from the storage means, the specific transportation
Reads the scene data relating to the means that feed the requesting terminal for ticket purchase decision information from the terminal, generates information that allows specification of a seat, and means for transmitting to the requesting terminal The terminal accepts an inquiry request from the outside and queries the main computer for vacant seats regarding specific transportation.
Output request for landscape data for a specific seat
And send the scenery data about the specific seat.
When a request to send a request to the main computer and vacant seat information and seat map information are received from the main computer, a seat map with highlighted vacant seats is generated and displayed.
Then, when the landscape data is received from the main computer,
The means from which the view from the specific seat is displayed is displayed on the display means.
A travel ticket comprising means for sequentially displaying the order of travel of the institution and means for generating ticket purchase decision information for a seat selected from the displayed empty seats and transmitting the ticket purchase decision information to the main computer. Issuance support system. 11. A method for supporting the sale of travel tickets, comprising processing at least one terminal system for receiving a ticket purchase ticket from a customer and a ticket purchase application received by the terminal system. And sending the result to the terminal system of the application source, and the terminal system and the main system can communicate with each other via a communication line. A first means for communicating between a display means for displaying data, an image processing means for processing image data to be displayed on the display means, an input means for receiving an instruction operation from the outside, and a main system. Communication means for receiving at least an instruction to inquire about vacant seat information and an instruction to purchase a ticket by the input means. Give, by the first communication means, transmission request vacancy information for the indicated specified transportation, and, an indication of the purchase decision of the ticket in response to an instruction of said input means, respectively transmitted to the main system At the same time, the seat layout map data and vacant seat information relating to the specific transportation system transmitted from the main system are received, and the vacant seat is highlighted based on the received seat layout map data and vacant seat information by the image processing means. The vacant seat layout data, which is a layout, is generated, and the vacant seat layout is displayed on the display means, and the main system stores vacant seat information indicating the vacant seat status in association with each flight of each transportation facility. while, and seating layout data for visually indicating placement of the seat <br/> for each operational equipment transportation
Seat information storage means for recording at least landscape data for displaying a view from a seat, and management of the above-mentioned vacant seat information, and, in response to a request from the terminal system, a seat layout diagram relating to the requested specific transportation means. and vacancy information managing means for reading data and vacant seat information from the seat information storage means, and a second communication means for communicating with the terminal system, by the second communication means, from the terminal system Receiving a request for transmission of vacant seat information about a specific transportation system and an instruction to decide to purchase the ticket, while transmitting seat layout map data and vacant seat information to the terminal system, and the vacant seat information management means causes the terminal system to operate. In response to an inquiry instruction for vacant seat information regarding a specific transportation facility from the seat, seat layout map data and vacant seat information relating to the specific transportation facility. And retrieve it from the seat information storage means,
The second communication means is caused to transmit to the requesting terminal system, and the terminal system uses the input means to generate landscape data regarding a specific seat.
Further, the output instruction for the seat is received, and the wind related to the specific seat is received by the first communication unit.
The image data transmission request is transmitted to the main system, and the image processing means transmits it from the main system.
The landscape data received via the first communication means.
Based on this, the view from the specific seat is displayed on the display means.
Displayed sequentially in the order of progress of a specific transportation system , the above main system converts the scenery data regarding a specific seat from the terminal system.
According to the output instruction for the
Read out the landscape data related to specific transportation and
Send to the requesting terminal system via the second communication means
However, when the ticket purchase application is determined by the terminal system, regarding the vacant seat information stored in the seat information storage unit, the information regarding the seat that has been determined is excluded from the vacant seat information, and the vacant seat information is obtained. A travel ticket sales support method characterized by performing an updating process. 12. A method for supporting the sale of travel tickets using a main system connected to one or more terminals via a communication line, wherein the main system provides vacant seat information indicating a vacant seat status for each traffic. stores in correspondence with each flight of the engine, a seat layout data for visually indicating placement of the seat <br/> for each operational equipment transportation
Seat information storage means for recording at least landscape data for displaying the view from the seat , and management of the above-mentioned vacant seat information, and, in response to a request from the terminal, seat layout map data relating to the requested specific transportation facility. And vacant seat information management means for reading vacant seat information from the seat information storage means, and communication means for performing communication with the terminal system, and accepts an inquiry instruction for vacant seat information from the terminal and responds to the instruction. The seat layout map data and the vacant seat information to be read are read from the seat information storage means, transmitted to the terminal, and the transmission request for the landscape data regarding the specific seat from the terminal is accepted, and the specific traffic corresponding to the request is received. Scenery data related to the institution, and the view from the specific seat can be displayed sequentially in the order of progress of the specific transportation.
Noh scenery data is read from the seat information storage means
The vacant seat information stored in the seat information storage means when the ticket purchase application is determined from the vacant seat information from the vacant seat information. A ticket sales support method for travel, characterized in that the ticket is removed and a process of updating vacant seat information is performed.