JP7640484B2 - Route Search System - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to technology that is useful when applied to route search systems.

In recent years, with the development of wireless mobile communication systems, it has become possible to easily carry out mobile data communication covering a wide area. In addition, with the development of positioning technology using radio waves, it has become possible to obtain location information using the GPS (Global Positioning System) positioning system that uses artificial satellites. The fusion of these wireless mobile communication systems and positioning systems has led to the practical application of mobile data transmission systems and location management systems, which are also used in route search systems via public wireless and Wi-Fi communications.

In conventional navigation systems, it was common to search for a route by setting point A (start point) and point B (destination point) and then specifying additional conditions such as the shortest route between the points or a route with wide roads. This search method was based on road information and was designed to help the user arrive at the destination as smoothly as possible.

JP 2017-50835 A discloses a technology that allows necessary information to be distributed to residents and for residents to post necessary information via a communication line network such as the Internet or a regional intranet by installing a Wi-Fi device in a place where GPS cannot be used, such as underground.

JP 2017-50835 A

A conventional route search system will be described with reference to Figs. 5 and 6. Fig. 5 is a display example of the results of a route search method according to Comparative Example 1. Fig. 6 is a display example of the results of a route search method according to Comparative Example 2. Figs. 5 and 6 show a route from point A on the lower left side of each figure to point B on the upper right side of each figure. In the route search systems of Comparative Examples 1 and 2, a route search algorithm is generally used that passes through the shortest route RTA or the widest route RTB for the route from point A to point B. If the route search is intended to move from point A (current location) to point B (destination), this is no problem. However, if the move from point A to point B is not simply a move but a move for another purpose, such as shopping or sightseeing, not only route information but also information on the purpose of stopping by, such as shops and tourist spots on the route, is required. In addition, the purpose is to move efficiently from point A to point B according to the purpose.

The objective of this disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and is to provide a route search technology that can search for an appropriate route depending on the purpose at the time.

Other objects and novel features will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

The following is a brief overview of the most representative aspects of this disclosure.

According to one embodiment,
A route search system for a wireless communication system including a plurality of wireless base stations, a management center including a database server, a GPS satellite, a plurality of mobile stations, and a wireless router installed at each point, comprising:
the wireless base station has a communication area in which communication can be performed, and the mobile station located within the communication area can communicate with the wireless base station;
The mobile station receives location information from the GPS satellites and is capable of acquiring location information of the mobile station, and the acquired location information is periodically transmitted to the management center via the wireless base station;
The management center collects location information of the mobile stations located within the communication area through each of the multiple wireless base stations, registers the location information of the location where the wireless router is installed or the communication range of the wireless router in the database server, and registers information to be transmitted at the installation location of the wireless router in advance in the database server, and the starting point and destination are specified in the management center, and a purpose within the movement range is specified,
The mobile station performs a route search that passes through the location of the wireless router related to the purpose;
When connecting to the wireless router at each location, the information that matches the user's purpose and preferences is received from among the transmission information registered for each wireless router.
During the route search, candidates for intermediate points are searched for, and a route search from the starting point to the next destination point is performed based on the current location information and the congestion status of each intermediate point. When the destination point is reached, a route search to the next destination point is repeated in the same manner based on the current location information and the congestion status of each intermediate point .

The route search system according to the embodiment described above allows you to search for an appropriate route depending on your purpose at the time.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wireless communication system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management center shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a display example of a display screen of a first route search result according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a display example of a display screen of a second route search result according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a display example illustrating a route search result according to the first comparative example. FIG. 6 is a display example illustrating a route search result according to the second comparative example. FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wireless communication system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management center shown in FIG.

The following examples are described with reference to the drawings. However, in the following description, the same components are given the same reference numerals and repeated description may be omitted. Note that the drawings may be shown more diagrammatically than the actual embodiment in order to make the description clearer, but they are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present invention.

An example of a route search system according to an embodiment (Example 1) of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1-4. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system according to Example 1. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management center shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a display example of a display screen showing a first route search result according to Example 1. Figure 4 is a display example of a display screen showing a second route search result according to Example 1.

First, an outline of the route display method of this example will be explained with reference to Figures 3 and 4. For example, a Wi-Fi router (also called a Wi-Fi spot) (102: see Figure 1), which is a type of wireless router, is installed at each point in advance, and the location information (latitude, longitude) of the location where the Wi-Fi router (102) is installed or the communication range of the Wi-Fi router (102) is registered in the database server (210: see Figure 1) of the management center 200. In addition to the location information (103: see Figure 1), the information of the Wi-Fi router (102) to be registered can also be information to be transmitted at the installation point of the Wi-Fi router (102). The information to be transmitted includes, for example, 1) information on the store's business type and the products and services it handles (product details, service details, product prices and arrival dates, store opening hours, etc.), and 2) tourist information such as facilities and places to visit, rest areas, restaurants, etc., if it is a tourist spot, which are registered in advance in the database server (210). Furthermore, the information about the Wi-Fi router (102) (location information and information to be transmitted) to be registered in the database server (210) does not necessarily have to be registered in the database server (210), but may be connected to the Internet so that new information is constantly updated.

A user who uses this route search system specifies a starting point (which may be the current location) and a destination or a possible range of movement on a display screen for setting route search conditions on the mobile station (106: see FIG. 1), and specifies a purpose within that range of movement. The purpose is set according to the purpose at the time, for example, shopping or sightseeing. After setting, a route search is performed using the route search system of the present disclosure. The mobile station (106) may be a mobile phone terminal, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a car navigation system installed in a vehicle, a vehicle, etc. The display screen of the mobile station (106) may be a display screen of a mobile phone terminal, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a car navigation system installed in a vehicle, a display screen constituting the dashboard of a vehicle, etc.

In the route search system disclosed herein, a search is performed for routes that pass through the locations of Wi-Fi routers (102) related to the purpose, and the route related to the search result is displayed on the display screen of the mobile station (106). For example, FIG. 3 shows an example of the display screen display of the search results of a route RTS for the purpose of shopping. FIG. 4 shows an example of the display screen display of the search results of a route RTT for the purpose of sightseeing. In this way, the route (RTS, RTT) will differ depending on the purpose.

When searching for a route, it is possible to set the amount of time spent in the area, and search for routes that can be completed within that specified amount of time. For example, if the purpose is sightseeing, and the stay is short, the route search will focus on major tourist destinations. On the other hand, if the stay is long, the route search will take the user to every corner of the possible area. By registering the user's individual preferences among the search conditions, it is possible to include favorite restaurants and stores that stock favorite items in the route search for sightseeing purposes.

For example, if you want to do sightseeing in a city for three hours, you can search for the optimal route that matches your purpose and can be done within that location and time range. In this case, by registering the user's desired locations and priorities in advance, a more optimal route can be searched for. Here, the user's desired locations do not necessarily have to be place names or tourist attractions, but can also be searched for by entering abstract keywords such as "fun places" or "relaxing places."

Next, we will explain the Wi-Fi spots (102) that are installed at the destinations of the searched routes. The Wi-Fi spots (102) are configured in advance to allow limited connection to the mobile stations (106) of users of this route search system.

When the Wi-Fi spot (102) detects a connection from a system user's mobile station (106), it distributes information about the location of the Wi-Fi spot (102), such as tourist information for a tourist spot, or advertising information for a shop. The system user uses the mobile station (106) to search for a route and determine the route. Once the system user has determined the route, he or she receives a time-limited user ID and password for the Wi-Fi spot (102) on the route, and proceeds along the route while searching for a connectable Wi-Fi spot (102). As a result, the system user's mobile station (106) is notified of a Wi-Fi connection to a connectable Wi-Fi spot (102) on the route, as well as useful information according to the purpose, and the system is configured to allow the user to use the information.

A configuration example of a wireless communication system 100 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. The route search system of the present disclosure can be used in the wireless communication system 100 shown in Fig. 1. The wireless communication system 100 constitutes an AVM (Automatic Vehicle Monitoring) system for vehicle management. In this example, the wireless communication system 100 is composed of a GPS satellite 101, multiple Wi-Fi spots 102 (102-1, 2, ..., L), multiple public wireless base stations 104 (104-1, 2, ..., M), multiple mobile stations 106 (106-1, 2, ..., N), and a management center 200. The mobile stations 106 are mobile phone terminals, smartphones, car navigation systems installed in vehicles, etc.

Each mobile station 106 can obtain its own position information (latitude, longitude) by receiving position information from the GPS satellites 101. The position information obtained by the mobile station 106 is periodically sent to the management center 200 via the Wi-Fi spot 102 having the Wi-Fi communication area 103 (103-1, 2, ..., L) to which the mobile station 106 belongs, or via the public wireless base station 104 having the public wireless base station area 105 (105-1, 2, ..., M) in an area where communication with the Wi-Fi spot 102 is not possible.

Next, the configuration of the management center 200 will be described with reference to the configuration example shown in FIG. 2. The management center 200 in this example includes a database server 210, a map server 220, and an information distribution server 230.

The database server 210 is a server that manages various data related to the operation of the route search system and route search programs (or route search algorithms). In this example, the database server 210 has a Wi-Fi spot information management unit 211 that stores and manages information about each Wi-Fi spot 102, a mobile station information management unit 212 that stores and manages mobile station information about each mobile station 106, and a user information management unit 213 that registers information about the hobbies and preferences of users who use this route search system.

The area information of the Wi-Fi spot 102 managed by the Wi-Fi spot information management unit 211 stores identification information of the Wi-Fi spot 102, information indicating the position (communication range) of the Wi-Fi spot 102, information indicating the time period during which information distribution is valid (hereinafter, the valid time period), information on the currently connected mobile station 106, etc.

The information for each mobile station 106 managed by the mobile station information management unit 212 includes the identification information of the mobile station 106, the current location information of the mobile station 106, etc.

The information for each user managed by the user information management unit 213 includes the user's identification information, the user's preferences (if shopping, what brands do they like? If sightseeing, what kind of buildings do they like? Do they like natural scenery? Do they like eating out?), and information about hobbies (sports, music, etc.).

The map server 220 is a server that performs route searches from map information, and in this example, using information from the map data unit 222, based on input information of the starting point and destination point, or input information of the starting point and movable range, searches for routes connecting these points and calculates distance indicators (straight-line distance, route distance, estimated travel time) in the route search unit 221, and has the function of outputting route search information. When searching for a route, the system searches for Wi-Fi spots 102 to be visited according to the user information (user preference information) input from the database server 210 and the purpose of the current route search, and presents an appropriate route (RTS, RTT) as described in Figures 3 and 4. The output route search information is transmitted to the mobile station 106 of the user who used this route search system, and is displayed as a route search result on the display screen of the mobile station 106 (see Figures 3 and 4).

The information distribution server 230 searches for a mobile station 106 that matches the information that the Wi-Fi spot 102 is trying to distribute with the information that the user of the mobile station 106 is expected to want from among the mobile stations 106 connected to each Wi-Fi spot 102, and inputs the results to the information distribution instruction unit 232, which then distributes the information to each mobile station 106 (the mobile station that is the target of the information distribution). The distributed information is made displayable on the display screen of the mobile station 106 that is the target of the information distribution. If the display area of the display screen of the mobile station 106 is large, it is preferable to be able to display both the route search results and the distributed information together on the display screen. On the other hand, if the display area of the display screen of the mobile station 106 is small, it is preferable to be able to display one selected from the route search results and the distributed information on the display screen (in this case, it is preferable to configure the display screen to be freely switched between the display of the route search results and the display of the distributed information).

Through a Wi-Fi spot 102 that can be connected to from the user's current location, the user receives information that matches the preferred information registered in advance in the user information management unit 213 and the objective information for the current route search, or is assumed to be necessary, from among the information that is scheduled to be distributed at the Wi-Fi spot 102. Possible methods of information distribution are either a method in which the information itself is directly distributed from the management center 200 to the mobile station 106, or a method in which the management center 200 distributes only a notification to the mobile station 106, and the mobile station 106 goes to the management center 200 to obtain the information.

The route search system of the first embodiment can be summarized as follows:

This is a route search system for a wireless communication system 100 that is composed of multiple wireless base stations 104, a management center 200 including a database server 210, a GPS satellite 101, multiple mobile stations 106, and Wi-Fi routers 102 installed at various locations. The wireless base station 104 has a communication area 105 in which communication is possible, and mobile stations 106 located within the communication area 105 can communicate with the wireless base station 104. The mobile station 106 can receive position information from the GPS satellite 101 and obtain position information (latitude, longitude) of the mobile station 106, and the obtained position information is periodically sent to the management center 200 via the wireless base station 104. The management center 200 collects position information of the mobile stations 106 located within the communication area 105 through each of the multiple wireless base stations 104. The location information of the location where the Wi-Fi router 102 is installed or the communication range 103 of the Wi-Fi router 102 is registered in the database server 210, and the information to be transmitted at the installation location of the Wi-Fi router 102 is registered in advance in the database server 210. Furthermore, in the management center 200, the starting point and destination are specified, and the purpose within the movement range is specified, and a route search is performed that passes through the installation location of the Wi-Fi router 102 related to the purpose. When the mobile station 106 connects to the Wi-Fi router 102 at each location, it receives information that matches the user's purpose and preferences from the transmission information registered for each Wi-Fi router 102.

The following are some possible ways to use this system:

(1) Set the start point and end point, search for a route that passes through a location (Wi-Fi spot 102) that suits your purpose between them, connect to the Wi-Fi spot 102 at each stop point, and follow the route to the end point while obtaining information at each point.

(2) Set the area you want to travel around, search for a route from the starting point (or current location) within the set area that passes through points (Wi-Fi spots 102) that suit your purpose, connect to the Wi-Fi spots 102 at each stop point, and follow the route to the end point while obtaining information for each point.

(3) The area to travel is set, and a route is searched for that passes through a location (Wi-Fi spot 102) that matches the purpose within the set area from the starting point (or current location), but not all route information is made public, and the next destination is displayed to guide the user. When the destination is reached, the next destination is displayed and the user is guided from there. This is repeated to guide the user to the final destination. In other words, not all route information is made public, and the next destination is displayed and the user is guided, and when the destination is reached, the next destination is displayed on the screen and the user is guided, and this is repeated to guide the user to the final destination. When the entire route to the final destination is displayed, detailed information between locations is difficult to see, so by enlarging or displaying in detail only the area from the current time to the next destination, user convenience can be improved.

(4) In the above-mentioned method of use (3), when searching for a route, it searches for candidate points to be passed through. Based on the current location information and the congestion level of each waypoint, it searches for a route to the next destination point and notifies the user. When the destination point is reached, it travels around the set area while repeating the process of searching for a route to the next destination point based on the current location information and the congestion level of each waypoint. In other words, when searching for a route, it searches for candidate points to be passed through, searches for a route to the next destination point based on the current location information and the congestion level of each waypoint, and when the destination point is reached, it repeats the process of searching for a route to the next destination point based on the current location information and the congestion level of each waypoint. The congestion level of each waypoint may be detected via a Wi-Fi router or base station wireless device at each point.

(5) The user sets the start point and end point, and searches for a route that passes through a location (Wi-Fi spot 102) that suits the purpose within that section (area). The service provider includes locations that the user is desired to stop at when searching for a route. Not all route information is made public, but the user is guided to the next destination by displaying it, and the next destination is presented to the user when the user not only connects to the Wi-Fi spot 102 at the destination but also goes to the location and takes a predetermined action (specific action: for example, scanning a two-dimensional barcode on site with a mobile phone or smartphone to indicate a stop), for example, if the user is actively engaged in an activity at a certain destination, the user can search for a route that allows the user to relax and unwind at the next destination (such as stopping at a foot bath, hot spring, or coffee shop).

(6) When searching for a route, waypoints that match the user's preferences within the area are selected by weighting the waypoints (for example, for shopping, stores with a wide variety of products or high sales; for tourist spots, high user ratings or a large number of users who stop by, etc.). In other words, if the route search returns multiple waypoints, the user can prioritize the places they must visit and the places they would like to visit if possible, allowing them to be more effective within a limited amount of time. Before departing, the user can fill out a questionnaire to gather information about the user's preferences and wishes.

The route search system of the first embodiment can provide the following advantages:

1) System users will be able to not only view routes from their starting point to their destination, but also search for routes based on their purpose and conditions.

2) In addition, by connecting to Wi-Fi spots 102 along the route, the mobile station 106 can receive distribution information that matches the user's purpose and preferences.

3) For each stop, the next stop can be re-searched based on the conditions (congestion status) at the time of the search, allowing for optimal route search.

4) The above-mentioned effects can be expected, and compared to the route search system in the comparative example, it becomes possible for users to search for routes according to their purpose and receive the necessary information.

Next, a wireless communication system according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 7 and 8. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system according to a second embodiment. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management center shown in Fig. 7.

The wireless communication system 100A shown in FIG. 7 is a vehicle dispatch system configured with an AVM (Automatic Vehicle Monitoring) system for vehicle management. The wireless communication system 100A in FIG. 7 differs from the wireless communication system 100 in FIG. 1 in that a vehicle dispatch center 300 having multiple vehicle dispatch terminals 310 (310-1, 2, ...) is provided.

In the wireless communication system 100A, the multiple mobile stations 106 include a device for detecting position information (e.g., a navigation device), an operation device for receiving input of various information from the driver, a wireless device for wireless communication with the wireless base station 104, and a wireless device for wireless communication with the Wi-Fi spot 102. The mobile stations 106 may be dedicated wireless communication terminals, or may be various mobile terminals such as commercially available mobile phone terminals (e.g., smartphones) and tablet terminals with wireless communication functions, on which a dispatch system application for implementing the functions of each of the above devices is installed. In the mobile stations 106, the wireless device for communicating with the wireless base station 104, the wireless device for wireless communication with the Wi-Fi spot 102, and the operation device into which the driver inputs information on the status of the vehicle may be integrated or may be configured as separate devices. In the following description, the mobile station 106 is described as being synonymous or nearly synonymous with the vehicle, but the above device as the mobile station 106 is provided in each vehicle.

Each mobile station 106 can receive signals from GPS satellites 101 to obtain location information including the position (latitude, longitude) and direction of travel of its own vehicle. The location information obtained by the mobile station 106, together with the status information of the mobile station 106 (vehicle), is periodically transmitted to the management center 200 via the wireless base station 104 having the communication area 105 in which the vehicle is located. The location information and status information can be periodically transmitted to the management center 200 in any manner, such as every fixed time, every time a fixed distance is traveled, or a combination of a fixed time and a fixed distance.

Vehicle status information refers to information that indicates the vehicle status, and is input by the vehicle's crew (driver) operating the mobile station 106. Examples of vehicle status include "empty vehicle", which indicates a state in which the vehicle is moving without a customer on board, "occupied vehicle", which indicates a state in which the vehicle is moving with a customer on board, "paid", which indicates a state in which the customer is paying the fare, "pick-up vehicle", which indicates a state in which the vehicle is moving (dispatched) to the location of the next customer (pick-up destination), and "rest", which indicates a state in which the vehicle is taking a break without a customer on board.

In addition, when a new customer boards a vehicle and the vehicle status is changed to "actual vehicle," each mobile station 106 accepts input of the customer's destination area (and location) from the driver and transmits it to the management center 200. In addition, when the vehicle status is "actual vehicle" but is scheduled to become "empty" soon, each mobile station 106 transmits an empty vehicle schedule notification indicating that the vehicle status is scheduled to become "empty" to the management center 200, either by operation of the driver or automatically.

In such an AVM system for dispatching taxis, a customer contacts the dispatch center 300 and requests dispatch by informing an operator of their pick-up destination, for example, current location information and necessary vehicle information. At the dispatch center 300, the operator operates the dispatch terminal 310 to transmit the customer information and necessary vehicle information to the management center 200. The management center 200 searches for the most suitable vehicle based on the customer's current location information received from the dispatch center 300 and the collected location information of the mobile station 106, and dispatches the vehicle to the customer's current location.

The management center 200 collects location information and status information of the mobile stations 106 present within its communication area 105 through each of the multiple wireless base stations 104, and manages each mobile station 106. In addition, when the management center 200 receives a vehicle dispatch request including the location of the pickup destination (dispatch destination) of the customer who requested the vehicle dispatch (and information on the desired vehicle, etc.), it searches (searches for) vehicles suitable for dispatch as dispatch candidates based on the location information and status information of each mobile station 106. After that, it ranks each of the searched candidate vehicles for dispatch according to a predetermined priority criterion, and transmits a dispatch instruction to the mobile station 106 of the vehicle selected for dispatch from among them.

The dispatch center 300 transmits a dispatch request to the management center 200 in response to the operation of the dispatch terminal 310 by an operator who has accepted a dispatch request from a customer. After that, when the dispatch terminal 310 receives a list of candidate vehicles for dispatch from the management center 200, it displays each candidate vehicle on the screen according to priority, notifies the management center 200 of the vehicle selected by the operator as the vehicle to be dispatched, and transmits a dispatch instruction to the mobile station 106 for that vehicle.

In addition to calling an operator at the dispatch center 300 to request a vehicle, a customer can also access the management center 200 via the Internet using a taxi company's website or a dispatch request application installed on various commercially available mobile terminals (mobile phone terminals or tablet terminals) to make a vehicle dispatch request directly to the management center 200 without going through the dispatch center 300. In this case, the management center 200 automatically selects the vehicle with the highest priority among the candidate vehicles for dispatch as the vehicle to be dispatched and transmits a dispatch instruction.

Here, for example, consider a case where the customer is a tourist and the purpose of the ride is shopping or sightseeing. In this case, for example, the driver specifies the starting point (which may be the current location) and the destination or the possible movement range on the display screen for setting route search conditions of the mobile station 106, and specifies the purpose within that movement range. The purpose is set according to the purpose at the time, for example, shopping, sightseeing, etc. After setting, a route search is performed using the route search system disclosed herein. As a result, the route RTS, RTT, etc. described in Figures 3 and 4 are searched and displayed on the display screen. Thereafter, as described in Example 1, the purpose of the ride can be achieved by traveling around the route RTS and RTT, and various information can be obtained from the Wi-Fi spot 102.

The configuration of the management center 200 provided in the wireless communication system 100A will be described with reference to the configuration example shown in FIG. 8. The management center 200 shown in FIG. 8 differs from the management center 200 shown in FIG. 2 in that a vehicle dispatch server 400 and a vehicle dispatch database server 500 are provided. Note that the components of the management center 200 do not need to be located in the same place, and may each be installed on a different network.

The vehicle dispatch database server 500 is a server that manages various data related to the operation of the vehicle dispatch system. The vehicle dispatch database server 500 has an area information management unit 501 that stores and manages area information related to individual areas, a vehicle information management unit 502 that stores and manages vehicle information related to individual vehicles, and a queue management unit 503 that stores and manages queue information related to orders (dispatch requests) waiting for dispatch.

The area information for each area managed by the area information management unit 501 stores the area's identification information, information indicating the range of the area, information indicating search conditions for vehicles to be dispatched to customers in the area, and so on. In this example, it is assumed that a taxi company using this system divides its business area into several areas in advance and sets the area information for each area in the area information management unit 501. All locations within the business area will belong to one of the areas set here. Note that it is also possible to set several areas within the business area by specifying their range, and set any areas outside these areas as a single area called "other areas." It is also possible to include areas outside the business area in "other areas."

The vehicle information for each vehicle managed by the vehicle information management unit 502 includes vehicle identification information, the vehicle's current location information, information indicating the vehicle's status, destination area (and location) information when the status is "actual vehicle," and whether or not there is a notification of an empty vehicle schedule. The data managed by the vehicle information management unit 502 is updated as needed through communication with the mobile station 106.

The queue information (hereafter simply referred to as "queue") managed by the queue management unit 503 is an arrangement by area of order slips (dispatch waiting information) that record orders for which a customer has agreed to wait for a while when a search is performed according to an order (dispatch request) but no candidate vehicle (a vehicle suitable for dispatch) is found. The order slip records the order identification code (order number, etc.), order date and time, pick-up destination (dispatch destination) location, customer name, customer contact information (phone number, email address, etc.), maximum waiting time, etc.

The vehicle dispatch server 400 is a server that searches for vehicles to be dispatched using the vehicle dispatch database server 500 and the map server 220. The vehicle dispatch server 400 has a candidate vehicle search unit 401 that searches for and ranks vehicles suitable for dispatch as dispatch candidates in response to a dispatch request including the location of the pick-up destination (dispatch destination), a dispatch instruction unit 402 that transmits dispatch instructions to a vehicle (mobile station 106) selected as a dispatch target from among the dispatch candidates searched for by the candidate vehicle search unit 401, and a queue control unit 403 that adds order slips to the queues in each area and issues dispatch instructions according to the queues in each area.

When the candidate vehicle search unit 401 receives a vehicle dispatch request including the location of the destination, it accesses the vehicle dispatch database server 500 using the vehicle dispatch request as a search condition, and searches for vehicles suitable for dispatch as candidates based on area information of the dispatch area including the location of the destination specified in the dispatch request, location information and status information of each mobile station 106, and the like, and ranks each of the candidate vehicles according to a predetermined criterion.

When searching for and ordering vehicles, if distance indicators between the location of the dispatch destination and the location of each vehicle are required, this location information is provided to the map server 220, the route search unit 221 calculates the distance indicator, and the result is obtained and used for searching for and ordering vehicles. In addition, if there is a request in the dispatch request for front-mounting conditions such as vehicle characteristics (model, body color, etc.) or driver characteristics (gender, age, etc.), vehicles that satisfy the request are given priority in the search and ordering of vehicles.

The dispatch instruction unit 402 notifies the vehicle (mobile station 106) selected by the operator of the dispatch center 300 (or automatically) from among the dispatch candidates searched for by the candidate vehicle search unit 401 of the location of the dispatch destination specified in the dispatch request, and issues a dispatch instruction to dispatch the vehicle to be dispatched to that location.

When no candidate vehicle for dispatch is found in the search by the candidate vehicle search unit 401, the queue control unit 403 creates an order slip, sends it to the dispatch database server 500, and adds it to the queue for the relevant area, provided that the customer has agreed to wait for a while. The customer's consent may be obtained in advance when the dispatch request is received, or may be obtained when the customer is informed that no candidate vehicle for dispatch was found. The queue control unit 403 also issues dispatch instructions to vehicles that meet specified conditions according to the dispatch queues for each area. The order slip that is the subject of a dispatch instruction is deleted from the dispatch queue.

The route search system of the second embodiment can be summarized as follows:

This route search system for a vehicle dispatch system is composed of a management center 200 including multiple wireless base stations 104, a database server 210, a vehicle dispatch center 300 composed of multiple vehicle dispatch terminals 310, a GPS satellite 101, multiple mobile stations (vehicles) 106, and a Wi-Fi router 102 installed at each location. The wireless base station 104 has a communication area 105 in which communication is possible, and the mobile station 106 located within the communication area 105 can communicate with the wireless base station 104. The mobile station 106 can receive position information from the GPS satellite 101 and obtain position information (latitude, longitude) of its own vehicle, which is the mobile station 106, and the obtained position information is periodically sent to the management center 200 via the wireless base station 104. The management center 200 collects position information of the mobile station 106 located within the communication area 105 through each of the multiple wireless base stations 104. The management center 200 also registers the location information of the location where the Wi-Fi router 102 is installed or the communication range 103 of the Wi-Fi router 102 in the database server 210, and registers in advance in the database server 210 the information to be transmitted at the installation location of the Wi-Fi router 102. Furthermore, the management center 200 specifies the starting point and destination, and the purpose within the movement range, and searches for a route that passes through the installation location of the Wi-Fi router 102 related to the purpose. When the mobile station 106 connects to the Wi-Fi router 102 at each location, it receives information that matches the user's purpose and preferences from the transmission information registered for each Wi-Fi router 102.

According to the second embodiment, by incorporating the route search system of the present disclosure into a vehicle dispatch system, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

The invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described above based on examples, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and examples, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible. For example, in the embodiment of the present invention, a Wi-Fi router is used as the wireless router, but it does not necessarily have to be a Wi-Fi router, and any wireless router that uses wireless communication to realize the present invention, such as Bluetooth (short-range wireless communication for digital devices), UWB (Ultra Wide Band: ultra-wideband wireless communication), or wireless communication at a base station using 4G or 5G, can be used.

101: GPS satellite 102: Wi-Fi spot (Wi-Fi router)
103: Wi-Fi communication area 104: public wireless base station 105: public wireless base station communication area,
106: Mobile station (smartphone, vehicle)
200: Management center 210: Database server 211: Wi-Fi spot information management unit 212: Mobile station information management unit,
213: User information management unit 220: Map server 221: Route search unit 222: Map data unit 230: Information distribution server 231: Notification mobile station search unit 232: Information distribution instruction unit 300: Vehicle allocation center 400: Vehicle allocation server 401: Candidate vehicle search unit 402: Vehicle allocation instruction unit 403: Queue control unit 500: Vehicle allocation database server 501: Area information management unit 502: Vehicle information management unit 503: Queue management unit

Claims (7)

A route search system for a wireless communication system including a plurality of wireless base stations, a management center including a database server, a GPS satellite, a plurality of mobile stations, and a wireless router installed at each point, comprising:
the wireless base station has a communication area in which communication can be performed, and the mobile station located within the communication area can communicate with the wireless base station;
The mobile station receives location information from the GPS satellites and is capable of acquiring location information of the mobile station, and the acquired location information is periodically transmitted to the management center via the wireless base station;
the management center collects location information of the mobile stations located within the communication area through each of the plurality of wireless base stations, registers location information of the location where the wireless router is installed or the communication range of the wireless router in the database server, and registers information to be transmitted at the installation location of the wireless router in advance in the database server;
A starting point and a destination point are designated in the management center, and a purpose within the movement range is designated, and a route search is performed that passes through the installation locations of the wireless routers related to the purpose.
When the mobile station is connected to the wireless router at each location, the mobile station receives information that matches the user's purpose and preferences from among the transmission information registered for each wireless router,
This route search system is characterized in that, during the route search, it searches for candidates for intermediate points, searches for a route from the starting point to the next destination point based on information on the current location and the congestion status of each intermediate point, and when the destination point is reached, it similarly repeats the process of searching for a route to the next destination point based on information on the current location and the congestion status of each intermediate point . A route search system for a wireless communication system including a plurality of wireless base stations, a management center including a database server, a GPS satellite, a plurality of mobile stations, and a wireless router installed at each point, comprising:
the wireless base station has a communication area in which communication can be performed, and the mobile station located within the communication area can communicate with the wireless base station;
said mobile station is capable of receiving location information from said GPS satellites and acquiring location information of said mobile station, said acquired location information being periodically transmitted to said management center via said wireless base station;
the management center collects location information of the mobile stations located within the communication area through each of the plurality of wireless base stations, registers location information of the location where the wireless router is installed or the communication range of the wireless router in the database server, and registers information to be transmitted at the installation location of the wireless router in advance in the database server;
A starting point and a destination point are designated in the management center, and a purpose within the movement range is designated, and a route search is performed that passes through the installation locations of the wireless routers related to the purpose.
When the mobile station is connected to the wireless router at each location, the mobile station receives information that matches the user's purpose and preferences from among the transmission information registered for each wireless router,
A route search system that presents a user with the next destination when the user performs a specific, predetermined action at a point that matches the user's purpose. In the route search system according to claim 1 or 2 ,
A route search system characterized in that the route searched for by the route search is displayed on a screen. The route search system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The route search system is characterized in that, when searching for a route, a stay time in the area is set, and a route that can be completed within a predetermined stay time is searched as a condition. The route search system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
This route search system guides the user to the final point by repeating the process of displaying on the screen the route from the starting point to the next destination point without disclosing all route information, and guiding the user to the final point when the user reaches the destination point by further displaying on the screen the route from the starting point to the next destination point. The route search system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
A route search system that selects the next waypoint based on an evaluation of the waypoint. In the route search system according to claim 1 or 2 ,
the wireless communication system includes a vehicle dispatch system;
The route search system is characterized in that the vehicle dispatch system includes a vehicle dispatch center composed of a plurality of vehicle dispatch terminals.

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