JP7499495B2 - Information processing system, information processing program, and information processing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing program, and an information processing method.

Currently, expectations are high for shared mobility in the context of MaaS (Mobility as a Service). Demonstration experiments of sharing services using shared bicycles, car sharing, electric kick scooters, etc. are being carried out in various locations.

As sharing services such as bicycle sharing and car sharing become more widespread in the future, it is expected that there will be an increased demand for route search that suits different usage styles.

Patent Document 1 discloses a device that searches for a vehicle depot near a destination based on location information of the vehicle depot where the vehicle is rented and returned and location information of the destination. In the device of Patent Document 1, if the expected stay time at the destination is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, the destination is changed to a vehicle depot near the destination and a route is searched for.

JP 2005-242599 A

Sharing services are available with two pricing structures: pay-per-use (one-way) and flat-rate (free passes such as one-day passes), and the purposes for which users use the service differ between pay-per-use and flat-rate. Specifically, one-way services are intended for everyday use (commuting to work or school, etc.), whereas free passes such as one-day passes are often intended for traveling around while sightseeing.

However, when conventional route search services output a route using a shared bicycle, the route always passes through a port for returning the shared bicycle, and the route guidance does not necessarily match the user's purpose.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points. An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system, an information processing program, and an information processing method that can provide route guidance that matches the user's purpose for using shared mobility.

The information processing system according to the present invention comprises:
A search condition acquisition means for acquiring route search conditions;
a route search means for searching for a route based on the route search conditions;
A usage status acquisition means for acquiring information on a user's usage status regarding sharing mobility;
an output control means for controlling output of a route that passes through a port and a route that does not pass through the port in order to return the sharing mobility according to a usage state of the user;
Equipped with.

The present invention makes it possible to provide route guidance that is in line with the user's intended use of shared mobility.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a table showing an example of a usage state information database that stores a user's usage state regarding shared mobility. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a first mode of operation of an information processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a second mode of operation of the information processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a third mode of operation of the information processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a fourth aspect of the operation of the information processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the information processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the information processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the information processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the information processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the information processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the information processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a tour route in a tourist area that is output in accordance with information on a user's usage state.

Below, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that in each drawing, components having equivalent functions are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions of components with the same reference numerals will not be repeated.

In the embodiments described below, "sharing mobility" refers to a means of transportation (mobility) that is shared by multiple users. In the following, bicycles (shared cycles) are used as an example of "sharing mobility," but this is not limited to this, and it may also be automobiles (car sharing) or micromobility such as electric kick scooters.

In the embodiment described below, a "free pass" refers to a pass (permit) that allows a user to use a specified means of transportation (for example, a shared mobility such as a shared bicycle) operated and managed by a specified business operator free of charge during a specified validity period, without any restrictions on the distance, time/time of use, number of times of use, or fee. A user may hold multiple free passes at the same time, as long as at least one of the validity period, business operator, and means of transportation is different. A free pass held by a user may be one purchased by the user, or may be one purchased by another user and then transferred to the user. In order to prove to a business operator that the user holds a free pass when using a means of transportation, the information on the free pass may be converted into, for example, a two-dimensional code and printed on a paper medium or magnetically recorded, or may be electronically recorded in the memory of a terminal device 2 such as an IC card, smartphone, or wearable terminal. A free pass may be a free pass that is valid for a period of several hours to several days and is mainly used for sightseeing, or a free pass that is valid for a period of one to several months and is mainly used for commuting to work or school. The free pass may be a subscription-based free pass that can be continued (renewed) by paying the fee for the next valid period at the end of the valid period.

The "free pass" may also be a limited-use free pass that allows a user to use a specified means of transportation (e.g., shared mobility such as a shared bicycle) for free within a specified valid period up to a predetermined distance, usage time/time period, number of uses, or usage fee, by referring to the row in FIG. 2 that shows "flat rate + pay as you go" as the usage type. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the limited-use free pass allows a user to use a shared bicycle for free for up to 15 minutes per use within a specified valid period (e.g., one day, one week, one month, etc.), but if the user exceeds 15 minutes, a fee will be charged (100 yen for every 15 minutes).

In addition, the "free pass" is not limited to one that is purchased and held by the user before using the means of transportation (a prepaid free pass), but may also be one that, when the means of transportation is used on a "per-use" (one-way) basis, and the cumulative total of usage fees during the same period as the validity period of the free pass going back from the present time to the past exceeds the purchase price of the free pass, the free pass is placed in the same state as if it had been purchased when the usage fee was first paid during that period (a postpaid free pass).

First Embodiment
An information processing system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. In the diagram, each functional unit performing each function can be said to be a means for performing each function.

As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes a terminal device 2 and a server 3. The terminal device 2 and the server 3 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a network 4 such as the Internet. The network 4 may be either a wired line or a wireless line, and the type and form of the line are not important. At least a portion of the terminal device 2 and the server 3 are realized by a computer.

The terminal device 2 is used by a user, and is, for example, an electronic device such as a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or wearable terminal, a notebook computer, or a desktop computer.

As shown in FIG. 1, the terminal device 2 has a terminal communication unit 21, a terminal control unit 22, a terminal storage unit 23, a terminal input unit 24, and a terminal output unit 25. Each unit is connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other.

The terminal communication unit 21 is a communication interface between the terminal device 2 and the network 4. The terminal communication unit 21 transmits and receives information between the terminal device 2 and the server 3 via the network 4.

The terminal control unit 22 is a control means that performs various processes of the terminal device 2. The terminal control unit 22 may be realized by a processor in the terminal device 2 executing a predetermined program, or may be implemented in hardware.

The terminal storage unit 23 is a data storage such as an internal memory or an external memory (such as an SD memory card). Various data handled by the terminal control unit 22 is stored in the terminal storage unit 23. The terminal storage unit 23 does not necessarily have to be provided in the terminal device 2, and a part or all of the terminal storage unit 23 may be provided in another device that is communicatively connected to the terminal device 2 via the network 4.

The terminal input unit 24 is an interface through which the user inputs information into the terminal device 2, such as a touch panel or microphone in a mobile terminal, or a touch pad, keyboard, or mouse in a notebook computer.

The terminal output unit 25 is an interface that outputs various information from the terminal device 2 to the user, and is, for example, a video display means such as a liquid crystal display or an audio output means such as a speaker. Specifically, for example, the terminal output unit 25 is a video display means, and may display a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving operations from the user.

Next, the server 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the server 3 has a server communication unit 31, a server control unit 32, and a server storage unit 33. Each unit is connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a bus or a network.

Of these, the server communication unit 31 is a communication interface between the server 3 and the network 4. The server communication unit 31 transmits and receives information between the server 3 and the terminal device 2 via the network 4.

The server storage unit 33 is, for example, a fixed data storage such as a hard disk. The server storage unit 33 stores various data handled by the server control unit 32. For example, the server storage unit 33 includes a route network information database 33a including transportation network information, a map information database 33b including map information, a usage status information database 33c, and a port information database 33d.

Transportation network information is information that defines transportation networks such as railroads and buses, and road networks. Transportation network information includes transportation route information, timetable information, fare information, etc. Road network information is expressed by a combination of data on nodes, which are junctions on the road network representation, such as intersections, and data on links, which are road sections between the nodes.

The map information includes map data such as national and regional road maps, and map object information associated with the map data. The map object information includes shape information about the shapes of facilities displayed on the map, note information about notes displayed on the map, and symbol information about symbols displayed on the map. The map information may also include route map information about public transportation route maps.

The above traffic network information and map information may be updated at a predetermined timing. The traffic network information and map information are used for route search.

In the usage status information database 33c, information on the usage status of the user regarding the sharing mobility is stored for each user, for example, obtained from the server of the business that operates and manages the sharing mobility or the user's terminal device 2. Here, the information on the usage status of the user regarding the sharing mobility may include information indicating whether the sharing mobility is currently being used (whether the sharing mobility has already been rented and not yet returned) or whether the usage form of the sharing mobility is "pay-per-use" (no valid free pass held, chargeable from the beginning for each use), "flat rate" (a valid free pass held, free with no usage restrictions), or "flat rate + pay-per-use" (a valid free pass held with usage restrictions, free for a certain usage time for each use, chargeable after the certain usage time has passed). In addition, the information on the usage status of the user regarding the sharing mobility may include information indicating the remaining time that can be used for a flat rate (for example, free).

Figure 2 is a table showing an example of the usage status information database 33c. In the example shown in Figure 2, for a user with ID 10001, the fact that the usage mode of the sharing mobility is "pay-per-use" (i.e., the user does not have a valid free pass) and the fact that the sharing mobility is currently being used (already rented) are linked and stored. Also, for a user with ID 10002, the fact that the usage mode of the sharing mobility is "flat rate" (i.e., the user has a valid free pass) and the fact that the sharing mobility is not currently being used (not yet rented) are linked and stored. Also, for a user with ID 10003, the fact that the usage mode of the sharing mobility is "flat rate + pay-per-use" (i.e., the user has a valid free pass with usage restrictions) and the fact that the sharing mobility is not currently being used (not yet rented) are linked and stored.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, for a user with ID 10001 who uses sharing mobility on a pay-as-you-go basis, if the cumulative usage fee for a period of time equal to the validity period of the free pass (e.g., one month), going back from the present time to the past, exceeds the purchase price of the free pass, the information on the user's usage status (usage pattern) stored in the usage status information database 33c may be automatically changed (updated) so that the free pass is in the same state as when the usage fee was first paid within that period of time (i.e., a post-pay free pass).

In the example shown in FIG. 2, for a user with ID 10003 who is using sharing mobility at a "flat rate + pay as you go" rate, if the user uses the sharing mobility for the first 5 minutes and then returns it to the port, the remaining 10 minutes can be carried over and used (free of charge), then the information on the user's usage status (remaining time available for use at a flat rate) stored in the usage status information database 33c may be automatically changed (updated) in that way.

In the port information database 33d, location information of the port where shared mobility is rented and returned and information on the usage status (number of units that can be rented and number of units that can be returned) are periodically obtained and stored, for example, from the server of the operator that operates and manages the shared mobility.

Note that the server storage unit 33 does not necessarily have to be provided within the server 3, and part or all of the server storage unit 33 may be provided within another device that is communicatively connected to the server 3 via the network 4.

As shown in FIG. 1, the server control unit 32 has a search condition acquisition unit 32a, a route search unit 32b, a usage status acquisition unit 32c, a destination information acquisition unit 32d, and an output control unit 32e. Each of these units may be realized by a processor in the server 3 executing a predetermined program, or may be implemented in hardware.

The search condition acquisition unit 32a acquires route search conditions (such as departure point, destination, departure date and time, or arrival date and time, etc.) input by the user via the terminal input unit 24 of the terminal device 2 from the terminal device 2 along with the user's identification information (user ID). Note that the departure point and departure date and time in the route search conditions are not limited to those actively input by the user via the terminal input unit 24; for example, the search condition acquisition unit 32a may acquire the current location information of the user's terminal device 2 as the departure point of the route search conditions, and the current time as the departure time of the route search conditions.

The route search unit 32b searches for information on routes that satisfy the route search conditions acquired by the search condition acquisition unit 32a, by referring to the route network information database 33a, the map information database 33b, and the port information database 33d.

The usage status acquisition unit 32c identifies the user based on the user's identification information acquired by the search condition acquisition unit 32a, and acquires the user's usage status regarding sharing mobility, for example, by referring to the usage status information database 33c. When information on the user's usage status regarding sharing mobility is stored in the terminal storage unit 23 of the user's terminal device 2, the usage status acquisition unit 32c may acquire information on the user's usage status regarding sharing mobility from the user's terminal device 2. Instead of acquiring information on the user's usage mode (i.e., "pay-per-use", "flat rate", or "flat rate + pay-per-use") each time by referring to the usage status information database 33c or from the user's terminal device 2 each time, the usage status acquisition unit 32c may automatically determine that the free pass held by the user is valid (i.e., the usage mode is "flat rate" or "flat rate + pay-per-use") during the validity period of the free pass and use it.

The destination information acquisition unit 32d identifies the destination of the route based on the route search conditions acquired by the search condition acquisition unit 32a, and acquires destination information indicating the travel distance or travel time to the destination, or the attributes of the destination, for example, by referring to the route network information database 33a or the map information database 33b. Here, the travel distance or travel time to the destination refers to the distance or time required to travel to the destination using a shared mobility. If the user is currently using a shared mobility, it is the travel distance or travel time from the departure point (current location) to the destination, and if the user is not currently using a shared mobility, it is the travel distance or travel time from the port (rental port) through which the user passes to rent the shared mobility to the destination. The destination attribute may be, for example, information indicating whether the destination is a facility where a transfer of transportation means such as a station or bus stop (getting off the shared mobility) is expected, or information indicating whether the destination is a facility where a long stay is expected, such as an accommodation facility, or a facility where a short stay is expected, such as a convenience store. The destination information may include port information of the shared mobility. If a port for shared mobility is provided at the destination, the output control unit 32e, which will be described later, may output a route that passes through the port depending on the user's usage status acquired by the usage status acquisition unit 32c. When a user parks a shared mobility at a port provided at the destination, a return process or a continuation process is executed depending on the user's usage status regarding the shared mobility (continuation means that other users cannot borrow it). In addition, if the destination information does not include port information, it may include area information where a moving object such as a shared mobility can be parked. Furthermore, if a port in the vicinity of the destination is closer to the destination than a bicycle parking lot provided at the destination, the output control unit 32e may output a route that passes through the port depending on the user's usage status acquired by the usage status acquisition unit 32c.

The output control unit 32e transmits an output control signal to the terminal device 2 to output information about the route searched by the route search unit 32b, and outputs the information via the terminal output unit 25.

As an example, when the route searched by the route search unit 32b is a route that uses at least shared mobility, the output control unit 32e may control the output of a route that passes through a port and a route that does not pass through a port to return the shared mobility, depending on the information on the user's usage status acquired by the usage status acquisition unit 32c.

Specifically, for example, when the user's usage mode of the shared mobility is "pay as you go", the output control unit 32e determines that the route via the port (return port) P2 is the optimal route for returning the shared mobility, and outputs this via the terminal output unit 25 (see Figures 7 and 11). As a result, the user can travel along the proposed route and arrive at the destination after returning the shared mobility, preventing the usage fee for the shared mobility from increasing while spending time at the destination. Also, for example, if the user uses only 5 minutes of the first 15 minutes and returns it to the port, the remaining 10 minutes may be used within a specified period (such as the same day) without additional charge (see Figure 2). If the total exceeds the first 15 minutes, a usage fee of 100 yen per 15 minutes may be charged thereafter.

On the other hand, when the user's usage of the shared mobility is "flat rate," the output control unit 32e determines that the route that does not pass through a port (return port) for returning the shared mobility (i.e., a route that goes directly to the destination) is the optimal route, and outputs this via the terminal output unit 25 (see Figures 8 and 12). As a result, the user can travel along the proposed route and arrive at the destination in the shortest distance while still using the shared mobility, thereby saving the effort and time of returning the shared mobility. In addition, because the user is using the shared mobility at a "flat rate," the usage fee for the shared mobility does not increase while the user is at the destination. Therefore, route guidance that is in line with the user's purpose for using the shared mobility can be realized.

When the user's usage mode of the shared mobility is "flat rate + pay-as-you-go," the output control unit 32e compares the remaining time available for use at the flat rate (for example, 15 minutes for first-time use, or 10 minutes if the user uses only the first 5 minutes and then returns the vehicle to the port) with the sum of the time required from the rental port to the destination + the expected stay time at the destination + the time required from the destination to the return port, and if the latter exceeds the former, determines that the route that passes through the return port is the optimal route, and if the latter does not exceed the former, determines that the route that does not pass through the return port (i.e., a route that leads directly to the destination) is the optimal route, and may output only information about the optimal route via the terminal output unit 25, or may output information about both routes while outputting the optimal route in an identifiable manner. If the user's usage of the shared mobility is "flat rate + pay as you go" (for example, see FIG. 2, the first 15 minutes of each usage are free, and after the first 15 minutes, it costs 100 yen/15 minutes), the output control unit 32e may determine that the route that passes through the return port is the optimal route and output it if it takes less than 15 minutes to reach the destination. In addition, if it takes more than 15 minutes but less than 30 minutes to reach the destination, the output control unit 32e may output a route that passes through multiple return ports for free (a route that heads to the destination while repeatedly returning to a port within 15 minutes), or a route that does not pass through multiple ports and directly passes only through ports near the destination (costs 100 yen), or the above routes may be output as selectable routes.

As another example, when the route searched by the route search unit 32b is a route that uses at least shared mobility, the output control unit 32e may control the output of a route that passes through a port and a route that does not pass through a port to return the shared mobility, depending on the destination information acquired by the destination information acquisition unit 32d (i.e., the travel distance or travel time to the destination, or the attributes of the destination).

Specifically, for example, when the travel distance or travel time to the destination is long, or when the destination is a facility where a transfer of transportation means (disembarking the shared mobility) is expected, the output control unit 32e determines that the route that passes through port (return port) P2 is the optimal route for returning the shared mobility, and outputs this via the terminal output unit 25 (see Figures 7 and 11). This allows the user to travel according to the proposed route and arrive at the destination after returning the shared mobility, preventing the inconvenience of having to search again for a return port for the shared mobility to transfer after reaching the destination.

On the other hand, if the travel distance or travel time to the destination is short and the destination is not a facility where a transfer of transportation means is expected, the output control unit 32e determines that a route that does not pass through a port (return port) for returning the shared mobility (i.e., a route that goes directly to the destination) is the optimal route, and outputs this via the terminal output unit 25 (see Figures 8 and 12). As a result, when going to a nearby convenience store, for example, the user can travel according to the proposed route to arrive at the destination in the shortest distance while still using the shared mobility, thereby saving the effort and time of returning the shared mobility. The output control unit 32e may also output a return route if the travel distance or travel time to the destination is short.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the output control unit 32e displays a route that passes through port (return port) P2 to return the shared mobility, the output control unit 32e may display a button B2 to transition to the display of a route that does not pass through the return port P2 along with information about the route. When the user selects (touches) the button B2 via the terminal input unit 24, the output control unit 32e outputs information about the route that does not pass through the return port P2 from the terminal output unit 25 (see FIG. 8).

Conversely, as shown in FIG. 8, when the output control unit 32e displays a route that does not pass through port (return port) P2 to return the shared mobility, the output control unit 32e may display a button B2 for transitioning to a display of a route that passes through return port P2 along with information about the route. When the user selects (touches) the button B2 via the terminal input unit 24, the output control unit 32e outputs information about the route that passes through return port P2 from the terminal output unit 25 (see FIG. 7).

As shown in FIG. 9, when the output control unit 32e displays a route that does not pass through port (return port) P2 to return the shared mobility, the output control unit 32e may display a button B3 for outputting information on the route searched by the route search unit 32b on the map together with information on the route. Although not shown, when the output control unit 32e displays a route that passes through port (return port) P2 to return the shared mobility, the output control unit 32e may display a button B3 for outputting information on the route searched by the route search unit 32b on the map together with information on the route. When the user selects (touches) the button B3 via the terminal input unit 24, the output control unit 32e outputs information on routes R1 and R2 searched by the route search unit 32b on the map (see FIG. 10).

The output control unit 32e may output both a route R2 that passes through the port (return port) P2 to return the shared mobility, and a route R1 that does not pass through the port, and may output the optimal route in a manner that allows the user to identify the optimal route depending on the usage state of the user. In the example shown in FIG. 10, when the route R1 that does not pass through the return port P2 is the optimal route, the route R1 is output with a message M1 "Direct to destination (optimal route)" attached so that the user can identify that the route R1 is the optimal route. Note that as long as the optimal route can be identified, the form is not limited to the presence or absence of the message (text information) "optimal route", and may include differences in the color or thickness of the route display, the presence or absence of blinking, etc.

Although not shown in the figure, the output control unit 32e may output route R2 that passes through port (return port) P2 to return the shared mobility, along with the required time or the difference in time compared to route R1 that does not pass through return port P2.

Referring to FIG. 10, the output control unit 32e may output a route to a bicycle parking lot or parking lot G1 at the destination as a route R1 that does not pass through the port (return port) P2 to return the shared mobility, instead of the shortest link to the representative point of the destination or the route to a pedestrian entrance (entrance) G2 at the destination. This allows a user who arrives at the destination using the shared mobility to save time and effort in searching for the location of the bicycle parking lot or parking lot G1 at the destination, and route guidance that is more in line with the user's purpose for using the shared mobility can be realized. Although not shown in the figure, the output control unit 32e may additionally output a walking route from the bicycle parking lot or parking lot G1 at the destination to the representative point of the destination or from the bicycle parking lot or parking lot G1 to the pedestrian entrance (entrance) G2 at the optimal destination.

When the user selects (touches) route R2 that passes through return port P2 via the terminal input unit 25 on the map displayed on the terminal output unit 25, the output control unit 32e may output detailed information about the route R2 (see FIG. 8) via the terminal output unit 25. On the other hand, when the user selects (touches) route R1 that does not pass through return port P2 via the terminal input unit 24 on the map displayed on the terminal output unit 25, the output control unit 32e may output detailed information about the route R1 (see FIG. 7) via the terminal output unit 25.

When the route searched by the route search unit 32b is a route that uses at least shared mobility, the output control unit 32e may control the output of a route that passes through a port and a route that does not pass through a port to rent shared mobility, depending on the user's usage status acquired by the usage status acquisition unit 32c.

Specifically, for example, when a user is not currently using a sharing mobility, the output control unit 32e outputs information about a route that passes through the port (lending port) P1 to rent the sharing mobility via the terminal output unit 25 (see Figures 7 and 8). On the other hand, when a user is currently using a sharing mobility, the output control unit 32e outputs information about a route that does not pass through the port (lending port) to rent the sharing mobility via the terminal output unit 25 (see Figures 11 and 12). As a result, a user who is currently using a sharing mobility can travel according to the proposed route, avoiding a needless detour via the lending port and arriving at the destination in the shortest distance. Therefore, route guidance that is more in line with the user's purpose for using the sharing mobility can be realized.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8, when the output control unit 32e outputs a route that passes through port (lending port) P1 to borrow sharing mobility, the output control unit 32e may output suggestion information (for example, a button for transitioning to a sharing mobility reservation screen) B1 proposing to reserve sharing mobility together with information on the route. This allows the user to conveniently reserve sharing mobility immediately from the display screen of the route that uses sharing mobility.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the route searched by the route search unit 32b is a route that uses at least shared mobility, the output control unit 32e may control the output of the tour route in the tourist area according to the information on the user's usage state acquired by the usage state acquisition unit 32c. Specifically, for example, when the user's usage mode of shared mobility is "flat rate" (i.e., the user has a valid free pass), the output control unit 32e determines that the tour route in the tourist area is the optimal route and outputs it via the terminal output unit 25. Also, for example, when the user's usage mode of shared mobility is "flat rate + pay-per-use" (i.e., the user has a valid free pass with usage restrictions), the output control unit 32e determines that the tour route in which the time required from the lending port P1 to the return port P2 falls within the time available for a fixed rate (for example, 6 hours) is the optimal route and outputs it via the terminal output unit 25.

(First mode of operation)
Next, a first aspect of the operation of the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flow chart showing the first aspect of the operation of the information processing system 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, first, when a user of the terminal device 2 inputs route search conditions (e.g., departure point, destination, departure date and time, or arrival date and time, etc.) via the terminal input unit 24, the route search conditions are transmitted from the terminal device 2 to the server 3 together with the user's identification information (user ID), and the search condition acquisition unit 32a of the server 3 acquires the route search conditions together with the user's identification information (step S10).

Then, the route search unit 32b searches for information on a route that satisfies the route search conditions acquired by the search condition acquisition unit 32a by referring to the route network information database 33a, the map information database 33b, and the port information database 33d (step S11).

Next, the usage status acquisition unit 32c identifies the user based on the user's identification information acquired by the search condition acquisition unit 32a, and acquires the user's usage status regarding sharing mobility, for example by referring to the usage status information database 33c (step S12). If information on the user's usage status regarding sharing mobility is stored in the terminal storage unit 23 of the user's terminal device 2, the usage status acquisition unit 32c may acquire information on the user's usage status regarding sharing mobility from the user's terminal device 2.

Next, when the route searched by the route search unit 32b is a route that uses at least sharing mobility, the output control unit 32e controls the output of a route that passes through a port and a route that does not pass through the port to return the sharing mobility, according to the information on the user's usage status acquired by the usage status acquisition unit 32c.

That is, the output control unit 32e determines whether the user can use the sharing mobility at a fixed rate based on the information on the user's usage status acquired by the usage status acquisition unit 32c (step S13).

If the user can use the sharing mobility at a fixed rate (step S13: YES), the output control unit 32e determines that a route that does not pass through a port (return port) is appropriate for returning the sharing mobility (step S141).

On the other hand, if the user cannot use the shared mobility at a fixed rate (step S13: NO), the output control unit 32e determines that a route via the port (return port) is appropriate for returning the shared mobility (step S142).

The output control unit 32e also determines whether the user is currently using (already renting) the shared mobility based on the information on the user's usage status acquired by the usage status acquisition unit 32c (step S15).

If the user is currently using (already borrowing) sharing mobility (step S15: YES), the output control unit 32e determines that a route that does not pass through a port (lending port) is appropriate for borrowing sharing mobility (step S161).

On the other hand, if the user is not currently using sharing mobility (has not yet borrowed it) (step S15: NO), the output control unit 32e determines that the route via the port (lending port) is appropriate for borrowing sharing mobility (step S162).

Then, the output control unit 32e transmits an output control signal for outputting information about the optimal route to the terminal device 2 and outputs the information via the terminal output unit 25 (step S17).

Specifically, for example, if the user is not currently using sharing mobility and cannot use sharing mobility at a fixed rate, as shown in FIG. 7, the output control unit 32e outputs, as the optimal route, a route that goes through port P1 to borrow sharing mobility and through port P2 to return the sharing mobility.

In addition, when the user is not currently using shared mobility and can use shared mobility at a fixed rate, as shown in FIG. 8, the output control unit 32e outputs, as the optimal route, a route that goes through port P1 to borrow shared mobility, but does not go through any port (goes directly to the destination) to return the shared mobility.

In addition, when a user is currently using sharing mobility and cannot use sharing mobility at a fixed rate, as shown in FIG. 11, the output control unit 32e outputs a route that does not go through a port to borrow sharing mobility, but goes through port P2 to return the sharing mobility, as the optimal route.

In addition, when a user is currently using sharing mobility and can use sharing mobility at a fixed rate, as shown in FIG. 12, the output control unit 32e outputs, as the optimal route, a route that does not go through a port to borrow sharing mobility and does not go through a port to return the sharing mobility (goes directly to the destination).

As a variant, as shown in FIG. 4, the output control unit 32e may output both routes that go through the port and routes that do not, and transmit an output control signal to the terminal device 2 to output the optimal route in an identifiable manner, via the terminal output unit 25 (step S18).

According to the present embodiment described above, when a user can use sharing mobility at a flat rate, a route that does not pass through a port (return port) for returning the sharing mobility (i.e., a route that leads directly to the destination) is output as the optimal route, so that the user can travel along the proposed route and reach the destination in the shortest distance while still using the sharing mobility, thereby saving the effort and time of returning the sharing mobility. In addition, because the user can use sharing mobility at a flat rate, the usage fee for sharing mobility does not increase while the user is at the destination. Therefore, route guidance that matches the user's purpose for using sharing mobility can be realized.

In addition, according to this embodiment, if a user is currently using shared mobility, a route that does not pass through a port (renting port) to rent the shared mobility is output as the optimal route, so that the user can travel according to the proposed route, avoiding unnecessary detours via the lending port and being able to reach the destination in the shortest distance. Therefore, route guidance that is more in line with the user's purpose for using shared mobility can be realized.

(Second mode of operation)
Next, a second mode of operation of the information processing system 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the second mode of operation of the information processing system 1. In the second mode, the steps up to the step where the usage status acquisition unit 32c acquires information on the usage status of the user related to sharing mobility (steps S10 to S12) are the same as those in the first mode described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the second aspect, the destination information acquisition unit 32d identifies the destination of the route based on the route search conditions acquired by the search condition acquisition unit 32a, and acquires destination information indicating the travel distance or travel time to the destination, or the attributes of the destination, for example, by referring to the route network information database 33a or the map information database 33b (step S22).

Then, when the route searched by the route search unit 32b is a route that uses at least shared mobility, the output control unit 32e controls the output of a route that passes through a port or a route that does not pass through the port to return the shared mobility, according to the destination information acquired by the destination information acquisition unit 32d (i.e., the travel distance or travel time to the destination, or the attributes of the destination).

That is, based on the destination information acquired by the destination information acquisition unit 32d, the output control unit 32e determines whether the travel distance or travel time to the destination is long, and whether the destination is a facility where a transfer of transportation means (disembarking from a sharing mobility vehicle) is expected (step S23).

If the travel distance or travel time to the destination is long, or if the destination is a facility where a transfer of transportation means (disembarking from the shared mobility) is expected (step S23: YES), the output control unit 32e determines that the route via port (return port) P2 is the optimal route for returning the shared mobility (step S142).

On the other hand, if the travel distance or travel time to the destination is short and the destination is not a facility where a transfer of transportation means is expected (step S23: NO), the output control unit 32e determines that the optimal route for returning the shared mobility is a route that does not go through port (return port) P2 (i.e., a route that goes directly to the destination) (step S141).

Also, similar to the first aspect described above, the output control unit 32e determines whether the user is currently using (already renting) the shared mobility based on the information on the user's usage status acquired by the usage status acquisition unit 32c (step S15).

If the user is currently using (already borrowing) sharing mobility (step S15: YES), the output control unit 32e determines that a route that does not pass through a port (lending port) is appropriate for borrowing sharing mobility (step S161).

On the other hand, if the user is not currently using sharing mobility (has not yet borrowed it) (step S15: NO), the output control unit 32e determines that the route via the port (lending port) is appropriate for borrowing sharing mobility (step S162).

Then, the output control unit 32e transmits an output control signal for outputting information about the optimal route to the terminal device 2 and outputs the information via the terminal output unit 25 (step S17).

As a variant, as shown in FIG. 6, the output control unit 32e may output both routes that go through the port and routes that do not, and transmit an output control signal to the terminal device 2 to output the optimal route in an identifiable manner, and output the signal via the terminal output unit 25 (step S18).

According to the second aspect described above, if the travel distance or travel time to the destination is short and the destination is not a facility where a transfer of transportation means is expected, a route that does not pass through a port (return port) for returning the shared mobility (i.e., a route that goes directly to the destination) is output as the optimal route. Therefore, when going to a nearby convenience store, for example, the user can travel according to the proposed route to arrive at the destination in the shortest distance while still using the shared mobility, thereby saving the effort and time of returning the shared mobility. Therefore, route guidance that is in line with the user's purpose for using the shared mobility can be realized.

At least a part of the information processing system 1 described in the above embodiment may be configured with hardware or software. When configured with hardware, a program that realizes at least a part of the functions of the information processing system 1 may be stored on a recording medium such as a flexible disk or CD-ROM, and may be read and executed by a computer. The recording medium is not limited to removable recording media such as magnetic disks and optical disks, but may also be fixed recording media such as a hard disk device or memory.

In addition, a program that realizes at least a part of the functions of the information processing system 1 may be distributed via a communication line (including wireless communication) such as the Internet. Furthermore, the program may be encrypted, modulated, or compressed and distributed via a wired line or wireless line such as the Internet, or stored on a recording medium.

Furthermore, the information processing system 1 may be operated by one or more information processing devices. When multiple information processing devices are used, one of the information processing devices may be a computer, and the computer may execute a predetermined program to realize the function as at least one of the means of the information processing system 1.

In addition, in the method invention, all processes (steps) may be realized by automatic control using a computer. Alternatively, each process may be performed by a computer, while progress control between processes may be performed manually. Furthermore, at least some of the processes may be performed manually.

Based on the above description, a person skilled in the art may be able to conceive additional effects and various modifications of the present invention, but the aspects of the present invention are not limited to the individual embodiments described above. Various additions, modifications, and partial deletions are possible within the scope of the conceptual idea and intent of the present invention derived from the contents defined in the claims and their equivalents.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Information processing system 2 Terminal device 21 Terminal communication unit 22 Terminal control unit 23 Terminal storage unit 24 Terminal input unit 25 Terminal output unit 3 Server 31 Server communication unit 32 Server control unit 32a Search condition acquisition unit 32b Route search unit 32c Usage status acquisition unit 32d Destination information acquisition unit 32e Output control unit 33 Server storage unit 33a Route network information database 33b Map information database 33c Usage status information database 33d Port information database 4 Network

Claims (15)

A search condition acquisition means for acquiring route search conditions;
a route search means for searching for a route based on the route search conditions;
A usage status acquisition means for acquiring information on a user's usage status regarding sharing mobility, including information indicating whether the usage form of sharing mobility is "pay-per-use" or "flat rate" or information indicating the remaining time available for use at a flat rate;
an output control means for controlling output of a route that passes through a port and a route that does not pass through the port in order to return the sharing mobility according to a usage state of the user;
An information processing system comprising: The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the output control means controls the output of a route that passes through a port and a route that does not pass through a port in order to rent a sharing mobility service, depending on the usage status of the user. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the output control means outputs the optimal route, either a route that passes through the port or a route that does not pass through the port, depending on the usage status of the user, to return the sharing mobility. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the output control means outputs both a route that passes through a port and a route that does not pass through the port in order to return shared mobility, and outputs an optimal route in a manner that allows identification according to the usage status of the user. A search condition acquisition means for acquiring route search conditions;
a route search means for searching for a route based on the route search conditions;
a destination information acquisition means for acquiring destination information indicating a travel distance or travel time to a destination, or an attribute of the destination;
an output control means for controlling output of a route that passes through a port and a route that does not pass through the port in order to return sharing mobility according to the destination information;
An information processing system comprising: The system further includes a usage status acquisition means for acquiring information on a user's usage status regarding sharing mobility,
The information processing system according to claim 5 , wherein the output control means controls the output of a route that passes through a port and a route that does not pass through a port in order to rent sharing mobility, depending on a usage state of the user. The information processing system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the output control means outputs an optimal route, either a route that passes through the port or a route that does not pass through the port, depending on the destination information to return the shared mobility. The information processing system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the output control means outputs both routes that go through the port and routes that do not go through the port to return shared mobility, and displays the optimal route in a identifiable manner according to the destination information. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the output control means outputs the route information on a map. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the output control means outputs a route to a bicycle parking lot or a car park located at the destination as a route that does not pass through a port for returning shared mobility. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein when the output control means outputs a route that passes through a port to borrow shared mobility, the output control means outputs proposal information proposing to reserve shared mobility together with information about the route. Computer,
A search condition acquisition means for acquiring route search conditions;
a route search means for searching for a route based on the route search conditions;
A usage status acquisition means for acquiring information on a user's usage status regarding sharing mobility, including information indicating whether the usage form of sharing mobility is "pay-per-use" or "flat rate" or information indicating the remaining time that can be used at a flat rate; and
an output control means for controlling the output of a route that passes through a port and a route that does not pass through a port in order to return sharing mobility according to a usage state of the user;
An information processing program that functions as a Computer,
A search condition acquisition means for acquiring route search conditions;
a route search means for searching for a route based on the route search conditions;
A destination information acquisition means for acquiring destination information indicating a travel distance or travel time to a destination, or an attribute of the destination; and
an output control means for controlling output of a route that passes through a port and a route that does not pass through a port in order to return sharing mobility according to the destination information;
An information processing program that functions as a 1. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising:
Obtaining route search conditions;
searching for a route based on the route search conditions;
A step of acquiring information on a user's usage status regarding sharing mobility, including information indicating whether the usage form of sharing mobility is "pay-per-use" or "flat rate", or information indicating the remaining time available for use at a flat rate;
An information processing method comprising: a step of controlling output of routes that pass through a port and routes that do not pass through a port to return shared mobility depending on the usage status of the user. 1. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising:
Obtaining route search conditions;
searching for a route based on the route search conditions;
acquiring destination information indicating a travel distance or travel time to a destination, or an attribute of the destination;
An information processing method comprising: a step of controlling output of a route that passes through a port and a route that does not pass through the port to return shared mobility in accordance with the destination information.