JP7520429B2 - PROGRAM AND INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a program and an information processing device.

Systems for easing traffic jams and crowding on public transport have been known for some time.

In this regard, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that awards points to users who commute during off-peak hours.

Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation, “Toei Transportation 2019 Summer Time Difference Biz Campaign”, [online], June 27, 2020, [Searched on November 3, 2020], Internet <URL: https://www .kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp/pickup_information/news/pdf/2019/sub_p_201906278624_h_05.pdf＞

Here, the technology in Non-Patent Document 1 gives the same points to users who have difficulty using public transportation during off-peak hours and to users who can easily do so. This means that it is not possible to give points that take into account the characteristics and preferences of each user, and there is a problem in that congestion cannot be alleviated efficiently.

The present invention was made in consideration of these problems, and its purpose is to provide a program and information processing device that can efficiently alleviate congestion by granting rewards that take into account the characteristics and preferences of each user.

To solve the above problem, the program according to the first aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as an acquisition means for acquiring a travel route used by a user, a calculation means for calculating the degree of difficulty for the user to use the travel route from the user's travel schedule, a determination means for determining whether the degree of difficulty is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and a granting means for granting a privilege to the user when the determination is affirmative.

In a second aspect of the present invention, the acquisition means acquires the time period during which the travel route was used, and the determination means makes a positive determination when the degree of difficulty is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and the time period during which the travel route was used is not included in a crowded time period.

In a third aspect of the present invention, the acquisition means acquires the travel schedule of each user, and the calculation means calculates the congestion time period for the travel route from the travel schedule of each user.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the computer is caused to function as a suggestion means for making a suggestion to change a travel plan when the travel route is registered during the calculated crowded time period.

In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the calculation means calculates the difficulty level to be high when the frequency of movement of the user during a time period in which the travel route is used is low in the travel schedule.

In a sixth aspect of the present invention, the calculation means calculates the difficulty level to be high when the frequency of use of the travel route by the user in the travel schedule is low.

In a seventh aspect of the present invention, the acquisition means acquires a travel time from a departure point to a destination point on the travel route, and the calculation means calculates the difficulty level to be high when the travel time from the departure point to the destination point on the travel route is longer than the average travel time from the departure point to the destination point on the travel schedule.

In an eighth aspect of the present invention, the calculation means calculates the difficulty level to be high when the amount of greenhouse gas emitted from the departure point to the arrival point on the travel route is small compared to the average amount of greenhouse gas emitted from the departure point to the arrival point on the travel schedule.

In a ninth aspect of the present invention, the acquisition means acquires the weather when the user uses the travel route, and the calculation means calculates the difficulty level to be high if the weather is bad.

The program according to the tenth aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as an acquisition means for acquiring a travel route used by a user, a calculation means for calculating a preference of the user for using the travel route from the travel schedule of the user, and an awarding means for awarding a privilege to the user according to the preference.

In addition, an information processing device according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition means for acquiring a travel route used by a user, a calculation means for calculating a degree of difficulty for the user to use the travel route from the user's travel schedule, a determination means for determining whether the degree of difficulty is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and an award means for awarding a privilege to the user when the determination is affirmative.

In addition, the information processing device according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition means for acquiring a travel route used by a user, a calculation means for calculating a preference of the user to use the travel route from the travel schedule of the user, and an awarding means for awarding a privilege to the user according to the preference.

According to the present invention, congestion can be efficiently alleviated by providing rewards that take into account the characteristics and preferences of users.

1 is a block diagram showing an example of an overall configuration of a schedule management system according to a first embodiment. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a server device shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a server device. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow for granting a reward in the schedule management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a benefit granting page displayed on the terminal device. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow for proposing a new travel route in the schedule management system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a proposal page displayed on a terminal device.

Below, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same components and steps in each drawing will be given the same reference numerals as much as possible, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted.

---First embodiment---
First, the first embodiment will be described.

<Overall composition>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a schedule management system 1 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the schedule management system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a server device 10 and one or more terminal devices 12. The server device 10 and the terminal devices 12 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a communication network NT such as an intranet, the Internet, or a telephone line.

The server device 10 is an information processing device (computer) that manages the schedules of one or more users. This server device 10 makes the schedules available for viewing or adds to the schedule based on instructions from the user via the terminal device 12.

The terminal device 12 is an information processing device operated by a user. The user operates the terminal device 12 to access the server device 10. Examples of the terminal device 12 include various devices such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, and a personal computer. It is preferable that the terminal device 12 has a function for acquiring the current location information of the terminal device 12, such as a GPS (Global Positioning System), and a function for detecting the acceleration applied to the terminal device 12, such as an acceleration sensor.

<Hardware Configuration>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the server device 10 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the server device 10 includes a control device 20, a communication device 26, and a storage device 28. The control device 20 is mainly configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 22 and a memory 24.

In the control device 20, the CPU 22 executes a predetermined program stored in the memory 24 or the storage device 28, etc., to function as various functional means. Details of these functional means will be described later.

The communication device 26 is configured with a communication interface for communicating with an external device. The communication device 26 transmits and receives (communicates) various types of information with, for example, the terminal device 12.

The storage device 28 is composed of a hard disk or the like. The storage device 28 stores various programs and information necessary for executing processing in the control device 20, as well as information on the processing results.

The server device 10 can be realized using an information processing device such as a dedicated or general-purpose server computer. The server device 10 may be composed of a single information processing device, or may be composed of multiple information processing devices distributed over a communication network NT. FIG. 2 shows only a portion of the main hardware configuration of the server device 10, and the server device 10 may have other configurations that are generally included in a server. The hardware configuration of the multiple terminal devices 12 may also have the same configuration as the server device 10, except for including, for example, an operating means, a display device, etc.

<Functional configuration>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server device 10. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the server device 10 has, as functional components, a storage means 50, an acquisition means 52, a search means 54, a calculation means 56, a determination means 58, an assignment means 60, and a suggestion means 62. The storage means 50 is realized by one or more storage devices 28. The functional components other than the storage means 50 are realized by the control device 20 executing a program stored in the storage device 28 or the like.

The storage means 50 is a functional means for storing, for example, a web page 50A, route information 50B, user information 50C, and a schedule 50D.

The web page 50A includes multiple web pages, such as a schedule list page that can list the user's schedule and a login page. The route information 50B includes, for example, the names and link information of each route of transportation means such as trains, buses, and taxis throughout Japan, as well as the departure time, arrival time, and fare of the transportation means on each route. The user information 50C is provided for each user and includes a user ID, name, gender, address, contact information, login ID, password, and granted benefits. The schedule 50D is provided for each user and includes location information, destination information at the location indicated by the location information, start time information of the destination indicated by the destination information, and end time information of the destination indicated by the destination information. The schedule 50D also includes a travel schedule between the user's schedules. This travel schedule includes past travel history and future travel plans, and the travel history and travel plans include route information, departure time, and arrival time. This route information includes the name and fare of the transportation means used (to be used) for travel from the departure point to the arrival point. The past movement history may be information (route, etc.) registered by the user as a movement plan, or information (route, etc.) actually used by the user obtained using the GPS of the terminal device 12, etc.

The acquisition means 52 is a functional means for acquiring various information related to the movement of users. In the first embodiment, the acquisition means 52 acquires the movement schedule of each user and the movement route used by each user. For example, the acquisition means 52 acquires (specifies) the movement route used by the user by referring to the position information for each predetermined time (e.g., one minute) acquired from the user's terminal device 12 and the movement schedule. This movement route includes the means of transportation and the movement route (links, nodes, etc.). The acquisition means 52 may acquire the position information for each predetermined time from the user's terminal device 12 sequentially, or may acquire it all at once.

The acquisition means 52 also acquires the time period during which the user used the travel route. For example, the acquisition means 52 acquires the time period in 30-minute increments. Specifically, if the time when the user started traveling from the departure point (departure time) was 7:40 and the time when the user finished traveling to the arrival point (arrival time) was 8:15, the acquisition means 52 acquires 7:30 to 8:30 as the time period during which the user used the travel route.

The acquisition means 52 also acquires the travel time from the departure point to the arrival point on the travel route. Specifically, if the time when the user starts traveling from the departure point (departure time) is 6:00 and the time when the user finishes traveling to the arrival point (arrival time) is 7:20, the acquisition means 52 acquires 1 hour and 20 minutes as the travel time from the departure point to the arrival point on the travel route.

The acquisition means 52 also acquires the weather when the user uses the travel route. Specifically, the acquisition means 52 acquires weather information for the range of the travel route during the time period when the user uses the travel route from an external server device. This weather information includes the weather (sunny, cloudy, rainy, etc.), temperature, wind speed, etc.

The search means 54 is a functional means for searching for travel routes. For example, the search means 54 refers to the route information 50B and searches for travel routes that can be used to travel from the departure point to the arrival point.

The calculation means 56 is a functional means for calculating various information. In the first embodiment, the calculation means 56 calculates the degree of difficulty for a user to use a travel route from the user's travel schedule (e.g., past travel history). This degree of difficulty is a value indicating the user's characteristics and preferences for using a travel route. For example, the degree of difficulty is lower the higher the characteristics and preferences for using a travel route, and higher the lower the characteristics and preferences. Below, a specific example of the calculation means 56 increasing the degree of difficulty is described.

(1) When the travel frequency during the time period when the travel route was used is low When the travel frequency during the time period when the travel route was used is low in the user's past travel history, the calculation means 56 calculates the difficulty level of the user using the travel route to be high. Specifically, when the time period when the user used the travel route is from 6:00 to 7:30 and the travel frequency during the time period in the user's past travel history is less than 5 times in the past month, the calculation means 56 increases the difficulty level of using the travel route by 5, and when the travel frequency during the time period is 5 times or more but less than 10 times in the past month, the calculation means 56 increases the difficulty level of using the travel route by 2.

(2) When the frequency of use of a travel route is low When the frequency of use of a travel route by a user is low in the user's past travel history, the calculation means 56 calculates the degree of difficulty of the user using the travel route to be high. Specifically, when the frequency of use of the travel route by the user is less than 5 times in the past month, the calculation means 56 increases the degree of difficulty of using the travel route by 3, and when the frequency of use of the travel route is 5 times or more but less than 10 times in the past month, the calculation means 56 increases the degree of difficulty of using the travel route by 1.

(3) When the travel time is long When the travel time from the departure point to the arrival point in the travel route used is long compared with the average travel time from the departure point to the arrival point in the user's past travel history, the calculation means 56 calculates the difficulty level to be high for the user using the travel route. That is, when the user uses a travel route with a travel time longer than the average travel time of the travel route used in the past, the calculation means 56 calculates the difficulty level to be high. Specifically, when the travel time from the departure point to the arrival point in the travel route used this time is 15 minutes or more longer than the average travel time from the departure point to the arrival point in the travel route used by the user in the past month, the calculation means 56 increases the difficulty level of using the travel route used this time by 3.

(4) When the amount of greenhouse gas is small When the amount of greenhouse gas emitted from the starting point to the arrival point on a travel route is small compared with the average amount of greenhouse gas emitted from the starting point to the arrival point in the user's past travel history, the calculation means 56 calculates the difficulty level of the user to use the travel route to be high. This amount of greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide amount) is determined in advance for each travel means, for example, 140 g/km for automobile (taxi), 60 g/km for bus, 20 g/km for train, 90 g/km for airplane, and 0 g/km for walking and bicycle. Specifically, when the average amount of greenhouse gas emitted from the starting point to the arrival point on a travel route used by the user in the past month is 100 g/km or more less than the amount of greenhouse gas emitted from the starting point to the arrival point on the travel route used this time, the calculation means 5 increases the difficulty level of using the travel route used this time.

(5) In Case of Bad Weather When the weather in the area of the travel route when the user uses the travel route is bad, the calculation means 56 increases the degree of difficulty for the user to use the travel route. Specifically, when the weather in the area of the travel route during the time period when the user uses the travel route is, for example, rain, the calculation means 56 increases the degree of difficulty for the user to use the travel route by 3. In addition, when the temperature in the area of the travel route during the time period when the user uses the travel route is, for example, 35° C. or higher, the calculation means 56 increases the degree of difficulty for the user to use the travel route by 3.

The calculation means 56 also calculates the congestion time period for the travel route from the travel schedule (travel plan) of each user. For example, the calculation means 56 calculates the difficulty level for the user to use the travel route only when the user uses the travel route outside the congestion time period for the travel route. The congestion time period refers to, for example, a time period when the utilization rate (congestion rate) of the travel route is equal to or higher than a threshold value (e.g., 80).

The determination means 58 is a functional means for determining whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied. In the first embodiment, the determination means 58 determines whether or not the degree of difficulty is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Furthermore, the determination means 58 makes a positive determination when the degree of difficulty is equal to or greater than the predetermined value and the time period during which the user uses the travel route is not included in the crowded time period.

The granting means 60 is a functional means for granting a privilege to the user. In the first embodiment, the granting means 60 grants a privilege to the user when the determination by the determination means 58 is positive. Examples of the privilege include points that can be used on the means of transportation or at facilities along the transportation route, discount coupons, free coupons, and the like. The points may have monetary value, for example, or may be necessary to enter a prize lottery.

The suggestion means 62 is a functional means for making various suggestions to the user's terminal device 12. In the first embodiment, when the user has registered a travel schedule (travel plan) that uses a travel route during the crowded time period calculated by the calculation means 56, the suggestion means 62 makes a suggestion to encourage the user to change the travel schedule (travel plan). Specifically, the acquisition means 52 periodically acquires the travel schedule (travel plan) registered by each user (e.g., at midnight every day). Next, the calculation means 56 calculates the crowded time period for each travel route based on the travel schedule (travel plan) acquired by the acquisition means 52. Next, when the user has registered a travel schedule (travel plan) that uses a travel route during the crowded time period calculated by the calculation means 56, the suggestion means 62 makes a suggestion to encourage the user to change the travel schedule (travel plan) to the user's terminal device 12. For example, the suggestion means 62 may suggest changing the travel route, departure time, or arrival time to one that will give the user a privilege (e.g., many points).

<Process flow for awarding rewards>
4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the process of granting a reward in the schedule management system 1 according to the first embodiment. The process of the following steps is started, for example, when the travel plan of the travel schedule registered by the user is completed. This timing is, for example, when the server device 10 receives information from the terminal device 12 that the user has arrived at the arrival point of the travel schedule. The content and order of the following process can be changed as appropriate.

(Step SP10)
The acquisition means 52 acquires the travel route used by the user and the time period during which the travel route was used. In the first embodiment, the acquisition means 52 acquires (specifies) the travel speed of the user based on the position information and time information acquired from the terminal device 12. Next, the acquisition means 52 acquires (specifies) the travel route used by the user based on the detection of a change in travel speed or acceleration near a station, bus stop, or intersection, or based on the travel schedule (travel plan) registered by the user. Then, the process proceeds to step SP12.

(Step SP12)
The acquisition unit 52 acquires the travel schedule of each user. In the first embodiment, the acquisition unit 52 acquires the future travel plans of each user. Then, the process proceeds to step SP14.

(Step SP14)
The calculation means 56 calculates the congestion time period for the travel route acquired in step SP10 from the travel schedule of each user. Then, the process proceeds to step SP16.

(Step SP16)
The determination means 58 determines whether or not the entire time period during which the travel route acquired in step SP10 was used is not included in the crowded time period calculated in step SP14. Specifically, the determination means 58 makes a positive determination when the time period acquired in step SP10 is 7:30 to 8:30 and the crowded time period calculated in step SP14 is 6:00 to 7:20. On the other hand, the determination means 58 makes a negative determination when the time period acquired in step SP10 is 7:45 to 8:45 and the crowded time period calculated in step SP14 is 7:00 to 8:30. Then, when the determination is positive, the process proceeds to the process of step SP18. On the other hand, when the determination is negative, the process ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 4.

(Step SP18)
The calculation means 56 calculates the degree of difficulty for the user to use the travel route acquired in step SP10. For example, the calculation means 56 increases the degree of difficulty when the user uses the travel route infrequently during the time period in which the user uses the travel route. The calculation means 56 also increases the degree of difficulty when the user uses the travel route infrequently. Then, the process proceeds to step SP20.

(Step SP20)
The determination means 58 determines whether the difficulty level calculated in step SP18 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. This predetermined value is, for example, 6. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP22. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the process ends the series of steps shown in FIG. 4.

(Step SP22)
The granting means 60 grants a privilege to the user. For example, the granting means 60 grants points to the user according to the difficulty level calculated in step SP18. Specifically, the granting means 60 grants 100 points to the user when the difficulty level is 10, and grants 70 points to the user when the difficulty level is 7. In response to this, the terminal device 12 receives a privilege granting page from the server device 10.

Figure 5 shows an example of a reward page 70 displayed on the terminal device 12.

As shown in FIG. 5, the reward page 70 has a reward information presentation area 72 and a reward balance presentation area 74. The reward information presentation area 72 displays the amount of rewards granted to the user (acquired by the user) based on the difficulty of the travel route used. The reward balance presentation area 74 displays the amount of rewards (balance) owned by the user.

Then, the process ends the series of steps shown in Figure 4.

＜Effects＞
As described above, in the first embodiment, the computer functions as an acquisition means 52 that acquires a travel route used by a user, a calculation means 56 that calculates the difficulty level for a user to use the travel route based on the user's travel schedule, a determination means 58 that determines whether the difficulty level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and an awarding means 60 that awards a benefit to the user if the determination is positive.

With this configuration, the difficulty level can be calculated based on the user's travel schedule, taking into account the user's characteristics and preferences, and rewards can be awarded based on that difficulty level, thereby efficiently alleviating congestion.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the acquisition means 52 acquires the time period during which the travel route was used, and the determination means 58 makes a positive determination if the degree of difficulty is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and the time period during which the travel route was used is not included in the crowded time period.

This configuration allows rewards to be given to users who avoid busy times, thereby efficiently easing congestion.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the acquisition means 52 acquires the travel plans of each user, and the calculation means 56 calculates the congestion time periods for the travel route from the travel plans of each user.

With this configuration, the system calculates crowded times based on travel plans registered in advance by each user, making it possible to calculate crowded times with greater accuracy than congestion predictions based on public transportation, etc.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the computer functions as a suggestion means 62 that makes a suggestion to change a travel plan when the travel plan uses a travel route during the calculated busy time period.

This configuration allows users who plan to use a travel route during peak hours to be prompted to change their travel plans, thereby efficiently alleviating congestion.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the calculation means 56 calculates the difficulty level to be high if the frequency of travel by the user during the time period in which the travel route is used is low in the travel schedule.

According to this configuration, for a user who travels infrequently during the time period in which the route is used, the difficulty level of the route is calculated to be high for the user, so that rewards can be given taking into account the characteristics and preferences of the user.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the calculation means 56 calculates the difficulty level to be high when the user uses a travel route less frequently in the travel schedule.

With this configuration, for a user who uses a travel route infrequently, the difficulty of using that travel route is calculated to be high, making it possible to provide rewards that take into account the characteristics and preferences of the user.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the acquisition means 52 acquires the travel time from the departure point to the arrival point on the travel route, and the calculation means 56 calculates the difficulty level to be high when the travel time from the departure point to the arrival point on the travel route is longer than the average travel time from the departure point to the arrival point on the travel schedule.

According to this configuration, if the travel time on a travel route used is longer than the average travel time to date, the difficulty level of the user using that travel route is calculated to be high, so that rewards can be given taking into account the characteristics and preferences of the user.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the calculation means 56 calculates the difficulty level to be high when the amount of greenhouse gases emitted from the departure point to the arrival point on the travel route is small compared to the average amount of greenhouse gases emitted from the departure point to the arrival point on the travel schedule.

According to this configuration, if the amount of greenhouse gases emitted on a travel route used is less than the average amount of greenhouse gases on different travel routes within the travel schedule, the difficulty level of the user using that travel route is calculated to be high, so that rewards can be given taking into account the characteristics and preferences of the user, and mobility management can be performed with the environment in mind.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the acquisition means 52 acquires the weather when the user uses the travel route, and the calculation means 56 calculates the difficulty level to be high if the weather is bad.

According to this configuration, if the travel route used is in bad weather, the difficulty level of the user using that travel route is calculated to be high, so that rewards can be awarded taking into account the characteristics and preferences of the user.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the computer functions as an acquisition means 52 that acquires a travel route used by a user, a calculation means 56 that calculates the user's preference for using a travel route from the user's travel schedule, and an awarding means 60 that awards a privilege to the user according to the preference.

With this configuration, the preferences of a user can be calculated from the user's travel schedule, and rewards can be given based on those preferences, making it possible to efficiently alleviate congestion.

---Second embodiment---
Next, a second embodiment will be described.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an acquisition means 52 acquires a travel route to be used for travel from the user's travel schedule (travel plans), a search means 54 searches for other travel routes different from the one travel route, a calculation means 56 calculates the usage frequency of the other travel route, a determination means 58 determines whether the usage frequency of the other travel route is less than a predetermined value, an awarding means 60 awards a benefit related to the other travel route to the user, and a suggestion means 62 suggests the other travel route to the user. Note that the configuration and functions of the schedule management system 1 according to the second embodiment, which are not described below, are similar to the configuration and functions of the schedule management system 1 according to the first embodiment.

In addition, in the second embodiment, the acquisition means 52 acquires, from the user's travel schedule (travel plans), a travel route to be used for travel from the departure point to the arrival point and a time period during which the travel route will be used.

In the second embodiment, the search means 54 searches for other travel routes that are different from the one travel route acquired by the acquisition means 52 and that can be used to travel from the departure point to the arrival point during the time period in which the one travel route acquired by the acquisition means 52 is used.

In the second embodiment, the calculation means 56 calculates the frequency of use of other travel routes from the user's travel schedule (e.g., past travel history). This frequency of use is indicated by a value between 0 and 100, and is, for example, 0 if the user has never used the travel route in the past month, and 100 if the user has used the travel route 20 or more times in the past month.

The calculation means 56 also calculates the utilization rate (crowding rate) of one travel route acquired by the acquisition means 52 during the time period in which the one travel route is used, and the utilization rates (crowding rates) of other travel routes. The calculation means 56 also calculates the utilization rate from each user's travel schedule. This utilization rate is calculated, for example, based on the capacity of the means of transportation and the number of users who plan to use the means of transportation, and is shown as a numerical value between 0 and 100, for example. Note that this utilization rate may be acquired from a server device of the transportation facility that operates the means of transportation.

In the second embodiment, the determination means 58 determines whether the usage frequency of the other travel route is less than a predetermined value. Specifically, the determination means 58 determines whether the usage frequency of the other travel route is less than a predetermined value and the usage rate of the other travel route is lower than the usage rate of the one travel route.

In the second embodiment, the granting means 60 grants the user a benefit related to the proposed other travel route. This benefit may be a free coupon or a discount coupon that can be used on a means of transportation (public transport) used on the other travel route, or a free coupon or a discount coupon that can be used at facilities on the other travel route. The granting means 60 also grants the user points according to the frequency of use of the other travel route. Specifically, the granting means 60 grants the user 90 points if the frequency of use is 10, and grants the user 60 points if the frequency of use is 40, for example.

In addition, in the second embodiment, if the determination is positive, the suggestion means 62 suggests another travel route to the user instead of the first travel route.

In addition, when there are multiple other travel routes to be proposed, the suggestion means 62 may preferentially suggest a travel route with a short travel time from the departure point to the arrival point, or may preferentially suggest a travel route with a small amount of greenhouse gas emitted in the travel from the departure point to the arrival point. In addition, the suggestion means 62 may introduce facilities on the other travel routes to be proposed. These facilities are, for example, facilities located at transfer points (stations or bus stops) on the other travel routes or along roads where the user can stop by, and examples of such facilities include newly opened stores and highly rated restaurants. For example, the suggestion means 62 causes the user's terminal device 12 to display a screen including an article introducing the facility and a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of a homepage showing detailed information.

<Process flow for proposing a new travel route>
6 is a flowchart showing an example of the process flow for proposing a new travel route in the schedule management system 1 according to the second embodiment. The process of the following steps is started, for example, at a regular timing. This timing is, for example, 13:00 every day. The content and order of the process can be changed as appropriate.

(Step SP30)
The acquisition means 52 acquires, from the user's travel schedule (travel plan), a travel route to be used for travel from the departure point to the arrival point and a time period in which the travel route is to be used. Then, the process proceeds to step SP32.

(Step SP32)
The search means 54 searches for other travel routes that are different from the one travel route and that can be used to travel from the departure point to the arrival point of the one travel route during the time period acquired in step SP30. Then, the process proceeds to step SP34.

(Step SP34)
The calculation means 56 calculates the utilization rate (congestion rate) of one travel route and the utilization rate (congestion rate) of other travel routes searched in step SP32 from the travel schedule (travel plan) of each user. If multiple other travel routes are searched in step SP32, the calculation means 56 calculates the utilization rate of each travel route. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP36.

(Step SP36)
The determination means 58 determines whether or not the utilization rate of the other moving route calculated in step SP34 is lower than the utilization rate of the one moving route. Specifically, the determination means 58 makes a positive determination when the utilization rate of the one moving route is 80 and the utilization rate of the other moving route is 50. Note that, when there are a plurality of other moving routes, the determination means 58 makes a positive determination when the utilization rate of some of the other moving routes is lower than the utilization rate of the one moving route. Then, when the determination is positive, the process proceeds to the process of step SP38. On the other hand, when the determination is negative, the process ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 6.

(Step SP38)
The calculation means 56 calculates the frequency of use of the other travel routes determined to have low utilization rates in step SP36 from the user's travel schedule (past travel history), and then the process proceeds to step SP40.

(Step SP40)
The determination means 58 determines whether the frequency of use of the other travel route calculated in step SP38 is less than a predetermined value. This predetermined value is, for example, 20. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP42. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the process ends the series of steps shown in FIG. 6.

(Step SP42)
The suggestion means 62 suggests to the user, instead of the one travel route, another travel route whose use frequency is determined to be less than a predetermined value in step SP40. Here, when there are multiple other travel routes whose use frequency is determined to be less than a predetermined value, the suggestion means 62 suggests the other travel routes based on a predetermined priority. For example, the suggestion means 62 preferentially suggests a travel route that takes a short travel time from the departure point to the destination point or a travel route that emits a small amount of greenhouse gases during travel. In response to this, the terminal device 12 receives a suggestion page from the server device 10.

Figure 7 shows an example of a proposal page 80 displayed on the terminal device 12.

As shown in FIG. 7, the proposal page 80 has a proposed information presentation area 82, a benefit information presentation area 84, and a change button 86. The proposed information presentation area 82 displays another travel route that is proposed to be used by the user instead of the one travel route. The benefit information presentation area 84 displays benefits that can be used on the proposed travel route. The change button 86 is a button for changing a travel schedule in which the one travel route is registered to another travel route.

Returning to FIG. 6, when the change button 86 is pressed on the proposal page 80, the granting means 56 grants the user a benefit (e.g., a free coupon or a discount coupon) that can be used for a means of transportation (transportation) used on another proposed travel route. Then, the process ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 6.

＜Effects＞
As described above, in the second embodiment, the computer functions as an acquisition means 52 that acquires, from the user's travel schedule, a travel route to be used for traveling from the departure point to the arrival point and a time period in which the one travel route is to be used, a search means 54 that searches for another travel route that is different from the one travel route and that can be used for traveling from the departure point to the arrival point during the acquired time period, a calculation means 56 that calculates the usage frequency of the other travel route from the user's travel schedule, a determination means 58 that determines whether the usage frequency of the other travel route is less than a predetermined value, and a proposal means 62 that proposes the other travel route to the user instead of the one travel route if the determination is positive.

This configuration makes it possible to suggest routes that are used less frequently by the user, so that even if the user cannot change the time period during which he or she travels, the user can be motivated to use a new route.

In the second embodiment, the computer functions as an acquisition means 52 for acquiring, from the user's travel schedule, a travel route to be used for travel from the departure point to the arrival point and a time period in which the one travel route is to be used, a search means 54 for searching for another travel route that is different from the one travel route and that can be used for travel from the departure point to the arrival point during the acquired time period, a calculation means 56 for calculating the usage frequency of the one travel route and the other travel route from the user's travel schedule, a determination means 58 for determining whether the usage frequency of the one travel route is higher than the usage frequency of the other travel route, and, if the determination is affirmative, a proposal means 62 for proposing the other travel route to the user instead of the one travel route.

This configuration makes it possible to suggest routes that are used less frequently by the user, so that even if the user cannot change the time period during which he or she travels, the user can be motivated to use a new route.

In the second embodiment, the calculation means 56 calculates the utilization rate of the one travel route and the utilization rate of the other travel route during the acquired time period, and the determination means 58 determines whether the utilization frequency of the other travel route is less than a predetermined value and whether the utilization rate of the other travel route is lower than the utilization rate of the one travel route.

This configuration suggests other travel routes that are less used, which can motivate the user to continue using new travel routes.

In addition, in the second embodiment, the calculation means 56 calculates the utilization rate of one travel route and the utilization rate of another travel route from the travel schedule of each user.

With this configuration, the system calculates busy times based on the travel schedules registered in advance by each user, making it possible to calculate utilization rates with greater accuracy than predicting utilization rates (crowding rates) for public transportation, etc.

In the second embodiment, the computer functions as an acquisition means 52 for acquiring, from the user's travel schedule, a travel route to be used for travel from the departure point to the arrival point and a time period in which the travel route is to be used, a calculation means 56 for calculating the frequency of use of the travel route from the user's travel schedule, a determination means 58 for determining whether the frequency of use of the travel route is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, a search means 54 for searching for another travel route that is different from the one travel route and that can be used for travel from the departure point to the arrival point during the acquired time period if the determination is positive, and a suggestion means 62 for suggesting the other travel route to the user instead of the one travel route in response to the search for the other travel route.

With this configuration, it is possible to suggest other travel routes to the user instead of the travel route that is frequently used by the user, so that even if the user cannot change the time period during which he or she travels, the user can be motivated to use a new travel route.

In the second embodiment, the calculation means 56 calculates the usage frequency of the other travel route, and the suggestion means 62 suggests the other travel route to the user if the usage frequency of the other travel route is less than a predetermined value.

This configuration makes it possible to suggest routes that are used less frequently by the user, so that even if the user cannot change the time period during which he or she travels, the user can be motivated to use a new route.

In addition, in the second embodiment, when there are multiple other travel routes to be proposed, the suggestion means 62 preferentially suggests a travel route that has a shorter travel time from the departure point to the arrival point.

With this configuration, other travel routes with shorter travel times are preferentially suggested, which can motivate the user to continue using new travel routes.

In addition, in the second embodiment, when there are multiple other travel routes to be proposed, the suggestion means 62 preferentially suggests a travel route that emits less greenhouse gases in the travel from the departure point to the arrival point.

This configuration allows for mobility management that takes the environment into consideration by preferentially suggesting alternative travel routes that emit less greenhouse gases.

In addition, in the second embodiment, the computer functions as a granting means 60 that grants the user a benefit related to the proposed other travel route.

With this configuration, benefits related to other travel routes are granted, which can motivate users to use new travel routes.

In the second embodiment, the benefit is a benefit that can be used on transportation used on other travel routes.

With this configuration, a special benefit that can be used on a means of transport used on another travel route is granted, which can motivate the user to use that means of transport, and thus motivate the user to use a new travel route.

In the second embodiment, the benefit is a benefit that can be used at facilities along other travel routes.

With this configuration, the user is given benefits that can be used at facilities on other travel routes, which can motivate the user to use those facilities, and thus motivate the user to use new travel routes.

In addition, in the second embodiment, the suggestion means 62 introduces facilities on other proposed travel routes.

With this configuration, facilities on other travel routes are introduced, providing an incentive to use those facilities, and thus motivating the user to use new travel routes.

---Modifications---
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. In other words, the above-described embodiment may be modified by a person skilled in the art as appropriate, and the modifications may be included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the characteristics of the present invention. In addition, the elements of the above-described embodiment and the modifications described below may be combined to the extent technically possible, and the combinations of these may be included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the characteristics of the present invention.

For example, in the first embodiment, the calculation means 56 has been described as increasing the difficulty level according to the user's past travel history, but the difficulty level may be increased according to the user's past travel history and/or future travel plans. For example, in the user's future travel plans, when the user's travel frequency during the time period in which the travel route is used is low, the calculation means 56 calculates the difficulty level for the user to use the travel route to be high. Also, for example, in the user's future travel plans, when the user's use frequency of the travel route is low, the calculation means 56 calculates the difficulty level for the user to use the travel route to be high. Also, for example, in the user's future travel plans, when the travel time from the departure point to the arrival point on the travel route used is long compared to the average travel time from the departure point to the arrival point on the user's future travel plans, the calculation means 56 calculates the difficulty level for the user to use the travel route to be high. Also, for example, when the amount of greenhouse gases emitted from the departure point to the arrival point on a travel route is small compared to the average amount of greenhouse gases emitted from the departure point to the arrival point in the user's future travel plans, the calculation means 56 calculates the difficulty level of the user using the travel route as high.

In the first embodiment, the calculation means 56 calculates the difficulty of the user using the travel route, but the calculation means 56 may calculate the characteristics and preferences. For example, when the frequency of use of the travel route by the user is high in the user's travel schedule, the calculation means 56 calculates the preference of the user to use the travel route to be high. Then, the granting means 60 grants a privilege to the user according to the calculated preference. Conversely, when the frequency of use of the travel route by the user is low in the user's travel schedule, the calculation means 56 calculates the preference of the user to use the travel route to be low. Then, the granting means 60 grants a privilege to the user according to the calculated preference. Here, the granting means 60 grants more points the lower the preference of the used travel route. Note that the granting means 60 may grant more points when the user changes a travel route with high preference (low difficulty) registered in the travel schedule to a travel route with low preference (high difficulty). Conversely, the granting means 60 may grant more points the higher the preference of the used travel route. Furthermore, the preference may be expressed as a parameter or as whether or not the user likes or dislikes using a travel route. That is, the calculation means 56 may calculate (determine) that a user likes to use a travel route when the frequency of use of the travel route by the user is high in the user's travel schedule. The calculation means 56 may calculate (determine) that a user dislikes using the travel route when the frequency of use of the travel route by the user is low in the user's travel schedule.

In the first embodiment, the determination means 58 determines whether the difficulty level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (e.g., 6), but the predetermined value may be changed depending on the user. For example, the predetermined value may be set higher for a user who has already been granted many benefits (points, etc.).

In the first embodiment, the determination means 58 makes a positive determination when the entire time period during which the travel route was used is not included in the crowded time period. However, the determination means 58 may make a positive determination when only a part of the time period during which the travel route was used is not included in the crowded time period. For example, the determination means 58 makes a positive determination when the time period during which the travel route was used is from 7:30 to 8:30 and the crowded time period is from 7:00 to 8:00.

In the first embodiment, the granting means 60 grants a bonus only when the determination means 58 makes a positive determination. However, the granting means 60 may grant a bonus according to the difficulty level. For example, the granting means 60 may grant points that are the calculated difficulty level multiplied by a predetermined number (e.g., 10).

In the second embodiment, the suggestion means 62 suggests another travel route when the usage frequency of the other travel route is less than a predetermined value, but this is not limited to the above. For example, when the usage frequency of one travel route is higher than the usage frequency of the other travel route, the suggestion means 62 may suggest the other travel route to the user instead of the one travel route. Specifically, the calculation means 56 calculates the usage frequency of the one travel route and the other travel route from the user's past travel history. Next, the determination means 58 determines whether the usage frequency of the one travel route is higher than the usage frequency of the other travel route. Then, when the determination is positive, the suggestion means 62 suggests the other travel route to the user instead of the one travel route.

In addition, the suggestion means 62 may suggest the other travel route to the user instead of the one travel route when the frequency of use of the one travel route is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Specifically, the determination means 58 determines whether the frequency of use of the one travel route is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Next, when the determination is positive, the search means 54 searches for another travel route that is available for travel from the departure point to the arrival point on the one travel route during the time period acquired by the acquisition means 52 and is different from the one travel route. Then, the suggestion means 62 suggests the other travel route to the user instead of the one travel route in response to the search for the other travel route. For example, when the frequency of use of the travel route of the XX line as the one travel route is high, the suggestion means 62 suggests to the user a travel route using the △△ line as an alternative travel route to the one travel route. In this case, the calculation means 56 may calculate the usage frequency of the other travel route that has been found, and the suggestion means 62 may suggest the other travel route to the user if the usage frequency of the other travel route is less than a predetermined value.

In the second embodiment, the calculation means 56 calculates the frequency of use of a travel route from the user's past travel history, but the frequency of use of a travel route may be calculated from the user's past travel history and/or future travel plans. For example, the calculation means 56 may calculate the frequency of use of a travel route based on the number of times the user has used the travel route and the number of times the user plans to use the travel route in the past month and in the future month.

In addition, the acquisition means 52 has been described as acquiring a single travel route to be used for travel from the departure point to the arrival point and a time period in which the single travel route is used from the user's travel schedule. However, instead of the user's travel schedule, the acquisition means 52 may acquire a single travel route to be used for travel from the departure point to the arrival point and a time period in which the single travel route is used from a travel route search website displayed on the terminal device 12. Also, the acquisition means 52 may acquire only the departure time instead of the time period. Also, the acquisition means 52 may acquire only the single travel route without acquiring the time period. In this case, the search means 54 searches for another travel route that is different from the single travel route and that is available for travel from the departure point to the arrival point regardless of the time period.

10: Server device (computer), 12: Terminal device, 50: Storage means, 52: Acquisition means, 56: Calculation means, 58: Determination means, 60: Assignment means, 62: Proposal means

Claims (4)

Computer,
An acquisition means for acquiring a travel route used by a user and a travel time from a starting point to a destination point on the travel route ;
a calculation means for calculating a difficulty level to be high when a travel time from the departure point to the arrival point on the travel route is long compared with an average time of travel from the departure point to the arrival point in a travel schedule of the user, the travel schedule including future travel plans and/ or past travel history;
A determination means for determining whether the difficulty level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value;
an awarding means for awarding a privilege to the user if the determination is affirmative;
A program that functions as a The calculation means uses an average time for travel from the departure point to the arrival point on a travel route included in the travel schedule as the average time.
The program according to claim 1. The travel schedule includes the travel history,
The calculation means uses, as the average time, an average time for travel from the departure point to the arrival point on a travel route used by the user within a past predetermined period included in the travel schedule.
The program according to claim 1 or 2. An acquisition means for acquiring a travel route used by a user and a travel time from a starting point to a destination point on the travel route ;
a calculation means for calculating a difficulty level as high when a travel time from the departure point to the arrival point on the travel route is long compared with an average travel time from the departure point to the arrival point on a travel schedule of the user, the travel schedule including future travel plans and/or past travel history;
A determination means for determining whether the difficulty level is equal to or greater than a predetermined value;
a granting means for granting a privilege to the user if the determination is affirmative;
An information processing device comprising:

Images