JPH1153157A - Electronic timetable system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic timetable system by which the distribution staff of a timetable is unnecessitated, necessary timetable is obtained at necessary time by a user, with less consumption of forest resources and energy and the timetable is obtained and displayed by a small-sized and compact terminal. SOLUTION: The electronic timetable system is constituted of a timetable information provider 10 and the terminal 20. The terminal 20 is provided with a timetable information fetching device 21 to fetch timetable data from the timetable information provider 10, an information processor 22 to manage a question and input/output for a reply to the question when information is fetched and displayed, a display 23 to be used when the data are fetched and outputted and a storage device 24 to temporarily or constantly store the timetable data. The timetable data are obtained from the timetable information provider 10 by specifying the necessary timetable data on the terminal 20 or the timetable data are read from the storage device 24 in the terminal 20 and the obtained timetable data are displayed by the user.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic timetable system, and more particularly, to a system for displaying a timetable of a transportation system (train, bus, etc.), and more particularly, to a timetable data in which the timetable is digitized. And a timetable display system for receiving and displaying the timetable.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The following is an example of a conventional technique relating to a technique for obtaining timetable information of transportation means. (1) Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 9-91587 Utilizing PHS, obtains information on the nearest station and train information existing in the zone where the caller is located from the data service center, and uses transportation, transit, and use to the destination. Technology to get time information. However, in the case of the present technology, the terminal to be used is limited to the PHS, and the users are limited. Further, the convenience in the zone called by the PHS is pursued, and the convenience outside the zone is low. For example, time table information in a remote place cannot be obtained. (2) Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 9-81804 This is a technology that uses a wireless commuter pass to record train information and other information when a user passes an automatic ticket gate, and that the user can be notified at any time. The use value is high in that the information of the use section can be obtained without causing a problem. However, the user cannot select information, and obtains much unnecessary information. Further, since information outside the use section cannot be obtained, timetable information at a remote place cannot be obtained. (3) Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 9-6579 A technique of comparing information with time information of a transportation facility prepared in advance based on the current time, and inserting information that is convenient for the user into another image such as a television and displaying it. . This is convenient for the user when using transportation in the future, especially when the place such as a residence is fixed. However, there is no convenience when the user is moving. (4) Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 5-108902 A device in which reading means reads timetable data transmitted by a main device and displays it. The present technology does not allow a user to select information to be read, and includes a lot of information unnecessary for the user.

[0003]

In general, timetables of transportation means (trains, buses, aircraft, ships, etc.) are posted at stations, stops, etc., or distributed as printed materials to inform users. . When these timetables are posted, the user goes to a station, a stop, or the like, and memorizes the timetables or writes them down on paper and refers to them. When a timetable is distributed as a printed matter, the user obtains the printed matter and carries it to refer to it when necessary. However, the use of such a timetable has the following problems. 1. When a timetable is posted:-The user cannot confirm the departure time of a train or the like unless he / she goes to the posting place.・ It takes time and effort to copy the timetable.・ Similar operations must be repeated when the timetable is revised, and the timetable cannot be obtained in a timely manner. 2. When the timetable is distributed as printed matter:-Users may not be able to obtain the timetable due to lack of quantity.・ Distribution staff and sales staff are required for distribution. -Timetables for multiple stations / stops cannot be obtained in a timely manner.・ Especially when distributing timetables in booklet format, it consumes forest resources due to the use of paper.・ Especially when distributing the timetable in booklet format, a storage place is required. -Printing requires a lot of energy and cost.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and does not require timetable distribution personnel and the like, so that a user can obtain a necessary timetable when needed, and can obtain forest resources and energy. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic timetable system which consumes little and can obtain and display a timetable with a small and compact terminal.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic timetable system comprising a timetable information providing apparatus for providing timetable data as electronic information, and a terminal for processing the electronic information. The terminal includes a timetable information capturing device that captures the timetable data from the timetable information providing device, an information processing device that processes the captured timetable data and selects the captured timetable data, and a timetable data. A storage device for holding and a display device for displaying timetable data, wherein the terminal displays any of the timetable data specified by means of interactive with a user on the display device. The timetable is distributed between the user and the timetable information providing device, and when the user needs it, the necessary timetable can be selectively obtained with little effort. It can provide an easy-to-use timetable acquisition system that does not require cloth staff, and because it is a paper-free system, it can reduce the consumption of forest resources and energy, as well as the timetable storage space. And a small and compact timetable input and display system.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the first time information acquisition device has a non-contact communication function, and the storage device temporarily stores data only when the terminal is in operation. A time table data designated by the interactive means is taken in from the time table information providing apparatus by using the non-contact communication function and temporarily displayed on a display unit, so that the apparatus can be reduced in size and Since the information can be provided at low cost and the information cannot be stored in the terminal, the copyright of the data can be protected.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a memory card is used as the storage device, and the memory card is inserted into the timetable information providing device to capture and update timetable data. The time table data designated by the interactive means is read out from the memory card and displayed, so that the user can update necessary data as necessary, and the movement of the user can be performed. This allows the user to refer to the necessary information at any time, regardless of the user's location.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of the time table information providing apparatuses are connected to each other via a line, and are updated by a specific time table information providing apparatus. Characterized in that data can be shared by the other timetable information providing devices, so that the user side can reduce the number of connection points and can obtain timetable information rationally. It is.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the timetable information providing device and the terminal include the operation type data, the destination data, and the transit data included in the timetable data. An index created by associating a combination with a serial number as an index item is stored, and the timetable information providing device adds the serial number to time data representing an operation time in the timetable data and sends the serial number to the terminal. Having a function of transferring, the terminal prepares in advance a symbol associated with the serial number, on a display screen of the display device,
A function of displaying a correspondence between the index item and the symbol, and displaying the symbol corresponding to the time data in an additional space set corresponding to each of the time data, It is possible to provide a user with a conventional timetable that has various types in a formalized format and to refer to the timetable. In addition, by associating the display form of the terminal with this information, it is also possible for the user. The display is designed to be easy to understand.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the time table information providing device and the terminal may include operation type data included in the time table data,
For each of the three types of data, destination data and transit data,
Three types of indexes created by associating any one of the three types of data as an index item with a serial number are stored, and the timetable information providing apparatus stores, in the timetable data, time data representing an operation time. The terminal has a function of adding the three serial numbers extracted from each of the three types of indexes and transferring the serial numbers to the terminal. The terminal prepares a symbol corresponding to the serial number in advance, and displays the symbol. On the display screen of the device,
A function of displaying a correspondence between the index item and the symbol, and displaying the symbol corresponding to the time data in an additional space set corresponding to each of the time data, It is possible to provide the user with a conventional timetable that has various types in one formalized format and to refer to it. In addition, the classification is classified and the display of the terminal is also made to correspond to this information. The display is designed to be more easily understood by the user.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an electronic timetable system according to the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an embodiment of an electronic timetable system according to the present invention.
0 is a timetable information providing device, 20 is a terminal, 21 is a timetable information acquisition device, 22 is an information processing device, 23 is a display device, 2
Reference numeral 4 denotes a storage device. The timetable information providing device 10 in which the timetable data is stored is physically separated from the terminal 20 that appropriately displays the timetable information. The terminal 20 includes a timetable information capturing device 21 that captures timetable data from the timetable information providing device 10 and an information processing device 22 that manages input / output for questions and answers to questions when information is captured and displayed. And a display device 23 used when data is taken in or output, and a storage device 24 that temporarily or constantly stores timetable data.

When the user specifies the timetable information on the terminal 20, the user obtains the timetable data from the timetable information providing device 10, or reads out the timetable data from the storage device 24 in the terminal 20 and obtains the timetable data. The information is displayed according to the time table data obtained. In this case, the timetable data may be a character string, data having a predetermined format, or image information obtained by reading a timetable distributed on a leaflet basis with a scanner. Such an electronic timetable system is not only for railways, but also for buses, ships,
Applicable to transportation such as aircraft.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation up to displaying timetable data in the electronic timetable system of the present invention. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG. The electronic timetable system described here is, for example, when the user wants to know the timetable of the XXX station on the XXX station, the terminal 20 can use the PHS,
It is assumed that the terminal 20 has a memory card as the storage device 24, which has a non-contact communication function that can use a mobile phone, a modem, a network, or the like, and the terminal 20 always holds information.

First, the terminal power is turned on, the terminal 20 can be used, and it is displayed that the information processing device 22 is in the initial state. There are two types of timetable data that can be displayed: content newly acquired from the information providing device 10 or content stored in the memory card. The confirmation message is displayed on the display device 23. If information is to be obtained from new timetable data that is not stored in the memory card, the terminal is connected to the timetable information providing device 10 using, for example, a telephone function. After the connection, the timetable information providing device 10 operates a sequence for specifying timetable data, and transmits the question information to the terminal 20. Terminal 2
0 displays this question information on the display device 23. FIG.
5 shows an example of the question information displayed on the display device.

In response to the displayed question, the user enters
The answer is given above, and the result is transmitted to the timetable information providing apparatus 10 using the communication function. The timetable information providing device 10 that has received this transmits timetable data desired by the user to the terminal 20. The terminal 20 appropriately processes the received timetable data and displays the data on the display device 23 in a predetermined format. On the other hand, the information processing device 22 recognizes that the obtained timetable data is new information for the terminal 20, and writes it to the memory card as necessary. This writing is selectively performed when acquiring new data or updating data.

Although the communication with the timetable information providing apparatus 10 is performed by specifying one timetable information providing apparatus 10 here, the timetable information providing apparatus 10 which provides timetable data is used.
When there are a plurality of (for example, for each railway company), by connecting these plurality of timetable information providing devices 10 via a line, the number of timetable information providing devices 10 to which the user connects can be reduced, and desired information can be saved. The burden on the user to obtain it is reduced as much as possible.

As a means for providing information from the timetable information providing apparatus 10, it goes without saying that download from the Internet, telephone service, and the like can also be applied. Further, the provision of the timetable information to the terminal 20 may be such that the timetable data is directly written to the memory card by the timetable information providing device 10 without using the communication function as described above. In this case, for example, by displaying a question on a display provided in the timetable information providing apparatus 10 and providing input means, an information acquisition operation interactive with the user can be realized. If there is no memory card inside the terminal 20, the user refers to only the obtained timetable data using the temporary storage device.

Further, there are cases where the user does not actually store the route name for which he / she wants to obtain the timetable information. Therefore, depending on the question, the intended route / station name cannot always be specified. In such a case, by providing the timetable information providing apparatus 10 with a data search function, it is possible to provide a user with information obtaining means having a good interface. The search function
After connecting to the timetable information providing apparatus 10, similar to the question data specifying the station name and the stop name as described above, some other question data are transmitted from the timetable information providing apparatus 10 to the terminal 20, and based on the question data. The questions are displayed on the display unit 23. The user enters an answer to this question,
The response is transmitted to the timetable information providing device 10. Then, in response to the answer, the information providing apparatus 10 determines the station name, the stop name, and the like. If the answer method for the question is set to the selection method, the terminal 20 can select and input using a mouse, a toggle, or the like, so that it is easy for the user to handle.

In general, when a user wants timetable information, for example, when studying a schedule such as a trip, or as a reference for transportation when returning home or going out, or as a reference when transiting between transportations The request frequency is high when the user tries to move, such as when he wants to use it. Since the functions of the present invention can be realized by software, the functions of the present invention can be provided as software to a portable terminal on which an OS (operation system) is mounted, for example. By limiting the information obtained from the timetable information providing device 10,
If the amount of information is reduced (for example, XX station
(The last train information in the area) and a small display device such as a mobile phone. Therefore, when a mobile communication device (PHS, mobile phone, mobile terminal, mobile fax, etc.) is used as the terminal 20, the location where the information of the user is obtained is not selected, so that the convenience is further improved.

The timetable data provided by the timetable information providing device 10 includes at least transportation type data (bus / bus data).
Railroad ...), route name data (Tozai Line / JR Negishi Line ...), operation type data (Limited Express / Rapid / Express ...), destination data (Nishifunabashi / Otemachi ...), route data (via xxx), station name data (Otemachi, ...), operation direction (up / down) is required. At this time, by storing at least one of these data in the terminal as character information, the character information has a smaller data amount than the image information, so that the transfer time in communication can be shortened. In addition, since character recognition of character information is performed by software in terms of software, retrieval and sorting can be easily performed using this code. At the time of such transfer, the character information is not only handled as direct character information, but may be compressed into binary information or may be encrypted character information that cannot be directly decrypted. What is necessary is that it is character information in a state where it is developed on the terminal.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in a general time table, time data (departure time data, stop time, etc.) includes an operation type, a destination, and a route (these three will be simply referred to as types hereinafter). Is displayed. These items are
It is mixed and inconsistent by transportation. The timetables as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are shown in FIGS.
It can be defined as a table combining the above three types as shown in FIG. FIGS. 6A and 6B are examples of indexes set corresponding to FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively, and FIG. 6C is an index including transit point information used on a bus or the like. is there. Since the operation of the present invention is the same regardless of whether the object is a railway or a bus, the description proceeds on the assumption of a railway. A serial number (index number) is assigned sequentially from the top of the type index table, details of the combination are associated, and the data is transferred to the terminal as index data indicating the type. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6 (D), the above-mentioned index numbers are added to the time data of the time table one by one and transferred. The configuration of the time data shown in FIG. 6D is <departure time−index number>, but the format is not limited.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show examples of display on the terminal based on the time data shown in FIG. 6 (D). On the terminal side, a plurality of symbols corresponding to the received index number (symbols such as △ and △ shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) and an additional space for displaying the above symbols on the time data on the display screen (FIG. 7, FIG. 8 is prepared, and the content corresponding to the index number and the above-mentioned symbol are displayed, and one symbol is attached to the additional space. With such an image configuration, it is possible to consistently display different types of timetables on the display device in the same format. Of course, the display layout of the additional space is not limited to this embodiment.

The index number used here is used for the sake of convenience. If the terminal side can associate the classified index contents with the order of transmission, the index number can be used when transferring index data.
It is also possible to create an index at the terminal by transferring the number and contents of data of the type without transferring the index number.

Also, depending on the route and transportation, the above combinations may be very large. At this time, as shown in (A), (B), and (C) of FIG. 9, indexing is performed for each type, and the index is transferred to the terminal as index data. Further, a plurality of index numbers are added to the time data as shown in FIG. FIG.
The structure of the time data shown in (D) is <departure time−destination index, operation type index, transit index>, but here also the format of the time data is not limited as in the data form shown in FIG. It is not necessary to transfer the index number when transferring the index data. The terminal that has received the data prepares an additional space for each type on the display screen, replaces the received index number with a symbol predetermined on the terminal side, and displays the symbol in each additional space. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, the index number is appropriately encoded into one character string (for example, "B5" in the case of XXXX-257) by the information processing device on the terminal side, and is displayed in one additional space. Is also good. With these configurations, the information becomes more easily viewable for the user.

In the above-described embodiment, since the data to be handled is electronic information, for example, it is necessary to transfer information such as notification that OO to XX is not connected or various information such as advertisements as timetable information. By attaching a specific tag to the additional information so that the information processing device on the terminal side can recognize the information and adding the information to a predetermined area of the display unit, information convenient for the user can be provided together.

[0026]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a timetable is distributed between a user and a timetable information providing device, and when a user needs it, a required timetable can be selectively obtained with a small amount of labor. Therefore, it is possible to provide a user-friendly timetable acquisition system that does not require timetable distribution personnel or the like. Further, since the system does not use paper, the consumption of forest resources and energy can be reduced, the storage space for the timetable can be reduced, and a small and compact timetable input and display system can be provided. Further, since the information is electronic information, necessary notification information from the information provider can be transferred according to the timetable, and the convenience of the user and the information provider can be improved.

According to the second aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, since the storage medium used for the data to be displayed is a temporary memory, the apparatus can be provided in a small size and at low cost. Further, since the information cannot be stored in the terminal, the copyright of the data can be protected.

Effect of Claim 3 In addition to the effect of Claim 1, since data can be provided by a memory card, a user can update necessary data as needed. In addition, since the data exists inside the terminal, the user can refer to necessary information even when the user moves, regardless of the location of the user. In addition, data can be updated offline without having a communication device.

Effect of Claim 4 In addition to the effect of any one of Claims 1 to 3, it is possible to form a timetable information providing device having the role of an information center, and reduce the number of connection points on the user side. Time information can be obtained rationally. In addition, the user can obtain a plurality of timetables at an arbitrary station / stop by simply going to or connecting to one timetable information providing device, and can obtain the timetable with less labor.

Effect of Claim 5 In addition to the effect of any one of Claims 1 to 4, in addition to the combination of operation type, destination, and type data in the data to be transferred, it corresponds to one serial number index. By transferring the time table together, it is possible to provide the user with a conventional timetable having a variety of formats in one formatted format for reference. In addition, by associating the display form of the terminal with this information, the display becomes easy for the user to understand.

Effect of Claim 6 In addition to the effect of any one of Claims 1 to 4, each of the operation type, destination, and type of data to be transferred is associated with one serial number index. In this case, the conventional timetable having various formats can be provided to the user in one formalized format and referred to. In addition, the types are classified and the display of the terminal is also made to correspond to this information, so that the display becomes easier for the user to understand.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an electronic timetable system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation up to displaying timetable data in the electronic timetable system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of question information displayed on a display device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a general timetable for explaining an electronic timetable system according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of a general timetable for explaining the electronic timetable system according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a type index created by combining operation types and a configuration example of time data transmitted to a terminal.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example on a terminal based on the time data shown in FIG. 6;

8 is a diagram showing another display example on the terminal based on the time data shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a type index created for each operation type and a configuration example of data transmitted to a terminal.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example on the terminal based on the time data shown in FIG. 9;

[Explanation of symbols]

10 timetable information providing device, 20 terminal, 21 timetable information capture device, 22 information processing device, 23 display device,
24. Storage device.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An electronic timetable system comprising: a timetable information providing device for providing timetable data as electronic information; and a terminal for processing the electronic information. A time table information capturing device for capturing time table data, an information processing device for processing the captured time table data and selecting the time table data to be captured, a storage device for storing the time table data, and displaying the time table data. An electronic timetable system comprising: a display device configured to display any of the timetable data specified by the terminal in an interactive manner with a user on the display device. 2. The first-time time information capturing device has a non-contact communication function, and the storage device is a temporary memory that retains data only when the terminal is in an operating state, and is designated by the interactive means. 2. The electronic timetable system according to claim 1, wherein the timetable data is fetched from the timetable information providing device by using the contactless communication function and is temporarily displayed on a display unit. 3. A timetable data specified by the interactive means, wherein a memory card is used as the storage device, the memory card is inserted into the timetable information providing device, and timetable data is taken in and updated. The electronic timetable system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic timetable is read out from the memory card and displayed. 4. A plurality of timetable information providing devices are connected to each other via a line, so that timetable data updated by a specific timetable information providing device can be shared by other timetable information providing devices. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein:
An electronic timetable system according to any one of the preceding claims. 5. The timetable information providing device and the terminal include:
An index created by associating a combination of operation type data, destination data, and route data included in the timetable data with a serial number as an index item is stored, and the timetable information providing device includes: Having a function of adding the serial number to time data representing an operation time and transferring the serial number to the terminal, wherein the terminal prepares a symbol corresponding to the serial number in advance, and displays the display screen on the display device. Above, the function of displaying the association between the index item and the symbol and displaying the symbol corresponding to the time data in an additional space set corresponding to each of the time data is provided. The electronic timetable system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein 6. The timetable information providing device and the terminal are provided with three types of data, namely, operation type data, destination data, and route data included in the timetable data.
Three types of indexes created by associating any one of the types of data with the serial number as an index item are stored. The terminal has a function of adding the three serial numbers extracted from each of the types of indexes and transferring the serial numbers to the terminal, and the terminal prepares in advance a symbol corresponding to the serial number, and A function of displaying the association between the index item and the symbol on a display screen and displaying the symbol corresponding to the time data in an additional space set corresponding to each of the time data. The electronic timetable system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: