Automatic contact system, user terminal and server

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention makes reservations and grasps the situation to ensure the use of transportation means used when moving to see or stay by using a vehicle or the like according to an action plan, and each facility such as play or accommodation at a destination. Regarding the automatic communication system, user terminal and server to be performed.

【0002】

Many people plan their own trips and various trips (tours) using various means of transportation such as short-distance or long-distance, or travel agencies and affiliated companies such as railways apply for participation in recruitment. Running. When traveling through such various means of transportation, it takes time and effort to make a reservation for the means of transportation and the use of various facilities such as accommodation and amusement parks, so it is desirable to be able to make a reservation easily. ing.

【0003】

[Conventional technology]

The applicant of the present application has previously proposed an invention relating to a guidance information presentation device, a guidance information presentation processing method, a recording medium on which a guidance information presentation program is recorded, a recording medium for a guidance script, and a guidance script generation device (Japanese Patent Application No. No. 10-330960, filed on November 20, 1998). This invention is hereinafter referred to as the previously proposed invention, and its contents are outlined below.

【0004】

The proposed invention can provide not only information on points, routes, facilities, etc., but also practical or virtual guidance along a route to a certain place, not only for moving the place but also for the passage of time. Fig. 13 shows the block configuration of the proposed system for the purpose of providing guidance information in a format that can be used for various systems and devices.

【0005】

In the system shown in FIG. 13, a series of instructions for time, place, and guidance information data (text data, video data, audio data, etc.) recorded in various formats are described in a markup language or the like. Instructions are time (eg, departure time, transit time, start time, end time, etc.), location (eg, departure point, transit point, arrival point, intersection, transfer point, facility location, etc.) or (and). It is a unit of a script whose constituent elements are guidance information including one shot or partial data of various media (map, text, audio, music, image, video, etc.). For example, at a point A on a certain route, it means an instruction that "when at the point A, the audio data (aaa, wav) and the image data (xxx.jpg) explaining the point A are output".

【0006】

A series of such instructions described using a markup language description format such as XML (eXtensible Markup Language) is called a guidance (or navigation) script here (sometimes abbreviated as a navigation script). .. The guidance script is stored and managed in the center 90. Alternatively, it is stored in various media 93 such as a magnetic disk or a CD-ROM, and is read out by the user terminal 80.

【0007】

The operation input unit 81 of the user terminal 80 responds to the user's search request from the guidance script stored in the center 90 from the network access unit 82 via the network 92, or via the media access unit 83. Select a desired script from the guidance scripts stored in the media 93 and pass it to the script conversion unit 84. The script conversion unit 84 parses the guidance script and converts it into structured data for guidance. When the instruction processing unit 85 is in a situation where the user is actually using the guidance script while moving (navigation mode), the situation acquisition unit 86 tells the user's current situation (current time, current position, etc.). ) Is obtained, the route information of the structured data for guidance is complemented, and the guidance information is output from the guidance output unit 88 based on the structured data for guidance according to the situation.

【0008】

When the user uses the guidance script in a virtual situation (in the simulation mode), the instruction processing unit 85 obtains the virtual current time or the virtual current position from the situation generation unit 87 and guides the user. It complements the route information of the structured data for, and outputs the guidance from the guidance output unit 88.

【0009】

For example, there is a guide script that guides the route from Tokyo Station to Rainbow Bridge via the Kyobashi Interchange (IC). Output of voice data "It's Tokyo Station" at Tokyo Station Two minutes later, the audio data "Welcome to the tour" is output and the image data of the tour outline is displayed. Output of voice data "Kyobashi IC" at Kyobashi IC Output of audio data "Soon Rainbow Bridge" 3km before Rainbow Bridge It is assumed that the instruction to instruct the output of the voice data "Rainbow Bridge", ..., is described in Rainbow Bridge.

【0010】

The operation input unit 81 reads this guidance script from the center 90 via the network 92 or the like according to the user's instruction, and when the script processing is started, the script conversion unit 84 converts the guidance script and has a guidance structure. Generate conversion data. Based on the structured data for guidance, the instruction processing unit 85 first extracts the description of the points and routes in the instruction, and displays the route outline with reference to the database unit 89 in which the map information and the like are stored. After that, GPS (Global Position System) The current position and the current time of the user are acquired from the situation acquisition unit 86 by the above, and the instruction is processed accordingly. As a result, the point where the user is located is "Tokyo Station" at Tokyo Station, and when 2 minutes have passed since then, "Welcome to the Tour" is announced by voice by the guidance output unit 88, and the image data of the tour outline is displayed. indicate. Furthermore, at the Kyobashi IC, "It's Kyobashi", "It's a Rainbow Bridge soon" 3km before the Rainbow Bridge, and "It's a Rainbow Bridge" when you arrive at the Rainbow Bridge. Therefore, the user can receive appropriate guidance at an appropriate time and at an appropriate place while traveling along the route of the tour.

【0011】

Such a guidance script describes a series of instructions regarding time, place, and guidance information using tags in the markup language description format. The generated guidance script is as easy to read and write as the existing markup language, and easy to search and process. Therefore, it becomes clear to the creator what the data of the guidance script means, and that the sequence of instructions described therein is described in the order in which they should be guided.

【0012】

In addition, instructions can be rearranged, serialized, parallelized, optimized, etc., and data can be structured (hierarchized, grouped), etc., and guidance on various times and places can be presented. It will be easier to create and modify guidance information. In addition, since the guidance script acquired from the center 90 or the like is converted into the structured data for guidance corresponding to the own terminal, one guidance script can be used in various devices and systems. On the other hand, the user will also be able to obtain guidance along the instruction series (time series or distance series). Furthermore, not only can the guidance information be obtained along the actual position in the navigation mode, but also the guidance of a certain route can be virtually experienced in the simulation mode. This guidance script can be easily created and edited using an existing editor, and by registering the generated guidance script in the center, etc., this guidance script can be created via the network, etc. Anyone can use the guidance information anywhere.

【0013】

On the other hand, systems for booking various tickets for hotels, amusement parks, theme parks, museums, etc. exist for individual facilities, but these systems are organic according to the user's behavior (or movement) plan. There is no system to connect to.

【0014】

Several studies have been conducted on agents that help users and servers exchange various types of information.

【0015】

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

Even if the user goes to the location of the facility that has been moved according to the plan, etc., we often encounter situations where the facility is out of business hours or cannot be used because it is full.

【0016】

On the other hand, if each facility it is known or in advance how many people will come to how much of the time, but can be subjected to a variety of measures to that, it was difficult to guess this. For example, in various stores, if the number of visitors can be predicted, effective inventory management can be performed, and in restaurants and hotels, preparations for welcoming customers can be made accurately.

【0017】

Reserving all seats or obtaining transportation tickets in advance for an action plan is a cumbersome task, and travel agencies mainly handle such tasks.

【0018】

The present invention is an automatic contact system for contacting facilities and transportation means related to actions such as movement by means of transportation according to an action plan to make reservations for use, advance notice of arrival, and grasp the status of destination facilities, and a user. The purpose is to provide terminals and servers.

【0019】

[Means for solving problems]

The present invention is to provide a guide for the script that describes the action plan that go anywhere in advance and in what order in advance, guiding script contacts with the location of such facilities and means of transportation or stop by intend to use in its action plan Describe in the description, and when the action is executed or in the simulation, contact the facility or transportation means to reserve the facility use and / or give a notice of arrival before actually using or stopping by. In addition, at that time, by receiving notification of information including the status of the facility, it is possible to make a reservation or give a notice to another facility.

【0020】

For the description of such an action plan, the guidance script of the previously proposed invention (Japanese Patent Application No. 10-330960) outlined above can be used.

【0021】

FIG. 1 shows the first principle configuration of the present invention, which is a configuration in which a guidance script is processed on a user terminal. FIG. 2 shows the second principle configuration of the present invention, which is a configuration in which the guidance script is processed on the server by receiving information from the user terminal.

【0022】

In Fig. 1, 1 is a user terminal, 2 is a server that holds the contents of a guidance script, 3 is a network that can be accessed from user terminal 1 via wired or wireless, and 4 is a means of transportation (railway that transports passengers, aviation, Represents various facilities (actually, the server of each facility) that are planned to be used or stopped by according to the action plan such as a company such as a ship, a station, etc., a hotel, an amusement facility, a theme park, etc. 10 in the user terminal 1 is a guidance script processing unit, 100 is a facility or means of transportation to be used for reservation of use, notification of arrival and notification when arrival, receipt of facility status, etc. Communication means for processing, 11 is communication means for communicating with transportation means and facilities via wired or wireless to network 3, 12 is position detection means, 13 is time grasping means, 14 is storage, 15 is It is an input / output unit that includes an input means for the user to input an operation, information on a guidance script, and an output means for presenting information indicating the situation responded from the facility.

【0023】

In the case of FIG. 1, the user specifies a desired action plan from the input / output unit 15 to the server 2 via the communication means 11 of the user terminal 1 and the network 3, and requests a corresponding guidance script. A wide variety of action plans are stored in advance on the server 2 as guidance script contents, and the contents are selected or specified by the user terminal 1 by selecting a menu or by searching for a condition input, and are selected or specified. The guidance script, which is the content, is downloaded to the user terminal 1 and stored in the storage unit 14.

【0024】

At the time of this download, the communication means 100 of the guidance script processing unit 10 checks the contents and detects that there is a facility that requires a reservation, and activates the communication means 11 to activate the communication means 11 and various means of transportation set in the guidance script. The contact information (telephone number, IP address, etc.) to the facility is used to make a call to one of the corresponding facilities 4 via the network 3, and the facility 4 is processed for reservations and the like. At this time, if the facility side 4 cannot receive the reservation (such as being full), a reply is returned to the user terminal, and the user terminal 1 presents the status information to the input / output unit 15 and cannot accept the reservation. Specify from the input / output unit 15 whether or not the change can be made to another alternative facility or course.

【0025】

In addition, do not make a reservation at the time of download (when reservation is unnecessary or impossible, when the date and time to go out is uncertain, etc.), a certain number of days before or on the day when you actually move to the facility, the script processing unit for guidance Reservation processing can also be performed by activating 10 contact means 100. Further, the position detecting means 12 and the time grasping means 13 can generate an output, and the reservation process can be performed according to a certain time and place (distance) before arrival.

【0026】

In various means of transportation and facility 4, when this reservation information is received, the reservation and customer data are updated in real time by registering in the reservation management and customer management system in the facility, and the accurate number of users can be determined. You can always keep track of it.

【0027】

After the user makes a reservation, when the user terminal 1 is moved by a car, train, etc. according to the guidance script, the content and position detection means of the guidance script of the storage unit 14 in the guidance script processing unit 10 of the user terminal 1. Depending on the position or time of 12 or the time grasping means 13, when it is detected that a certain time before or a certain distance is approached to arrive at the facility to be used or stopped by, the estimated time to arrive at the corresponding facility or transportation is determined. Notice.

【0028】

As reservations by the contact means 100 of the user terminal 1 described above, for example, reservations for seats in restaurants, movie theaters, concerts, etc., reservations for various facilities such as hotel rooms, limited express tickets for railways, tour tickets, etc. Tickets and seat reservations are included.

【0029】

Next, in the second principle configuration of the present invention shown in FIG. 2, each reference numeral 1 to 4 corresponds to each part of the same reference numeral in FIG. 1, and 1 has a configuration in which the inside is simpler than that of the user terminal in FIG. A user terminal provided, 1a is an input / output unit that inputs a request for a necessary guidance script and outputs a presentation when information corresponding to the request is sent from the server 2, and 2 holds a guidance script and makes a reservation. A server that performs processing, 20 is a guidance script processing unit, 200 is a guidance script selected in user terminal 1, and 200 is a reservation for use by contacting the facility or transportation means to be used according to the movement of the user terminal according to the movement of the user terminal. Communication means for notifying arrival and notification of arrival, receiving the status of the facility, etc., 21 is communication means, 22 is position detection means, 23 is time grasping means, and 24 stores script content for guidance. It is a storage part.

【0030】

In the case of FIG. 2, the reservation process executed by the guidance script processing unit 10 of the user terminal 1 in the configuration of FIG. 1 is performed by the communication means 200 of the guidance script processing unit 20 of the server 2 in this second principle configuration. In response to a request from the user terminal 1, reservations, arrival notices, arrival notifications, etc. are executed according to the position and time, and the result is notified to the user terminal 1, and the user terminal 1 simply inputs. The difference is that it has a simple structure that displays the contents of the information of the guidance script and the result of the reservation when it is received, but there is a difference in the function of making reservations and notices for facilities and transportation means. Therefore, the detailed explanation of the operation in FIG. 2 is omitted.

【0031】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The following data structure is used for the method of attaching the contact information to the facility and the means of transportation of the guidance script of the present invention. Note that "point" is the facility, "latitude" is the latitude, "longitude" is the longitude, "addresss" is the address (address), "phone" is the phone number, "route" is the route (means of transportation), and "http" is. Hyper text transfer protocol, "cgi" is a common gateway interface, and "ip" is an Internet protocol (Internet Protoco).

【0032】

Facilities (hotels, cinemas, baseball fields, etc.) <point> <name> A </ name> <latitude> N35.11.11.111 </ latitude> <longitude> E135.22.22.222 </ longitude> <address> City 1-1 </ address> <phone> 03-1234-XXXX </ phone> <http> http://www.foo.domain.co.jp/foo.cgi </ http> <ip> 192.168.1.200 </ ip> <e-mail> foo@domain.co.jp </ e-mail> </ point> Transportation (train, plane, ship, etc.) <route> <name> A </ name> <means > train </ means> <category> JR </ category> <category> × line </ category> <duration> 40min </ duration> <distance> 30Km </ distance> <cost> 700yen </ cost> <phone> 03-5678-XXXX </ phone> <http> http://www.foo.domain.co.jp/foo.cgi </ http> <ip> 192.168.1.200 </ ip> <e-mail> foo@domain.co.jp </ e-mail> </ route> By having such a contact, it is possible to communicate via a network by telephone, TCP / IP connection, HTTP (CGI), or E-mail.

【0033】

FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the user terminal according to the present invention, and corresponds to the user terminal shown in the principle configuration shown in FIG. 1 above. In the figure, 1 is the same user terminal with the same code in Fig. 1, 11 is the communication unit (corresponding to the communication means in Fig. 1), 2a is the content server that holds various guidance scripts, and 2b is the guidance script. Guidance script editor for creating, adding, modifying, etc. (Although it is provided outside the user terminal 1 in the configuration shown in Fig. 3, the user terminal 1 may be provided with this to create a guidance script. ), 4a, and 4b are destination facilities set in the guidance script corresponding to a specific action plan, respectively. In addition, 101 to 104 in the user terminal 1 constitute the guidance script processing unit 10 of FIG. 1, 101 is a guidance structure holding unit that holds the data of the guidance script, and 102 is to the destination facilities 4a and 4b. Information provision unit according to time / place, 103 is a transmission data creation department that creates transmission data such as reservation (use of facilities and transportation), notice (a certain time before arrival), notification (at the time of arrival), 104 Is the reception data interpretation unit that interprets the received data including the response to the reservation and notice from the destination facility (reservation acceptance notification, refusal notification, etc.), 105 is the destination facility when the refusal notification is received for the transmission of the reservation. This is a modification unit that modifies the guidance script (including accommodation facilities) and the guidance script held in the guidance structure holding unit 101 by modifying the plan such as transportation means. In addition, 12, 13 and 15 in the user terminal 1 correspond to each part having the same code in FIG. 1, and 12 is a current position acquisition unit equipped with a GPS mechanism for detecting the latitude and longitude of the current position (position detection in FIG. 1). (Corresponding to the means), 13 is the current time acquisition unit equipped with a clock (corresponding to the time grasping means in FIG. 1), and 15 is the user presentation unit (corresponding to the input / output unit in FIG. 1).

【0034】

The communication unit 11 of the user terminal 1 is connected to the content server 2a, the guidance script editor 2b (when provided outside the user terminal 1), and the destination facilities 4a and 4b via the network (3 in FIG. 1). However, in FIG. 3, network 3 is not shown.

【0035】

Figure 4 shows the processing flow of the user terminal. First, by accessing the content server 2a, the guidance script corresponding to the action plan is downloaded (S1 in Fig. 4). At this time, the user terminal 1 receives the list of a large number of action plans held in the content server 2a from the user terminal 1 to the content server 2a, presents the list to the user presentation unit 15, and the user selects a favorite one from the list. To do. Specifically, by selecting the area (area) to go out and the genre ("sightseeing", "walking", "date", etc.), the content of the guide script that matches the specified genre in the specified area. Downloaded from server 2a.

【0036】

As a result, the guidance script is held in the guidance structure holding unit 101 of the user terminal 1, and at the same time, the information providing unit 102 according to the time / place has the contact information of the destination facility included in the guidance script. Is searched, and the communication unit 11 makes a reservation inquiry to the corresponding facility in the destination facilities 4a and 4b using the contact information detected first (S2 in Fig. 4). On the other hand, when receiving the response notification from the destination facility, it is determined whether the received content is a refusal notification (S3 in Fig. 4), and if it is a refusal notification, the original action plan is changed (do not stop at that facility) (Same as S4), or cancel the action plan itself. The response notification is interpreted by the received data interpretation unit 104 in Fig. 3, and if it is a reservation refusal notification, the correction unit 105 is driven to change the plan (change of facilities such as hotels, transportation means, and routes). Then, make a reservation for the changed facility or means of transportation and set it in the guidance structure holding unit 101. Inquiry processing to multiple facilities (S2 to S4) is performed for multiple stop-by facilities (destination facility 4b, etc. in Fig. 3) without making inquiries to the next facility in order after the inquiry for one facility is completed. Can be executed in parallel.

【0037】

After completing the necessary reservation inquiries for each facility to stop by, the guidance script is executed (S5 in Fig. 4). This execution date may be a date and time after the date when the reservation is made. When the guidance script is executed, the position of the user terminal 1 (user) is determined by the current time and the current position from the current position acquisition unit 12 and the current time acquisition unit 13 that a certain time has passed before arriving at each facility. When the information providing unit 102 according to the time / place detects that the distance between the destination facility and the destination facility has become a certain distance and the user can arrive at the facility in a certain time, the transmission data is transmitted. The creation unit 103 creates transmission data including the estimated arrival time, calls the corresponding destination facility from the communication unit 11, transmits the transmission data (estimated arrival time), and contacts (S6 in FIG. 4).

【0038】

After this notification of the estimated time, when the user of the user terminal 1 moves and detects that the position acquired by the current position acquisition unit 12 matches the position of the target destination facility and arrives at the destination facility 4a, it is determined. The transmission data creation unit 103 creates transmission data for the arrival report, and the communication unit 11 notifies the destination facility 4a of the arrival report (S7 in FIG. 4).

【0039】

In the second principle configuration of the present invention shown in FIG. 2 above, the server 2 has a function of making a reservation to a destination facility or a means of transportation (including changing a plan), notifying an arrival forecast, and reporting an arrival. Since it can be realized by providing the same configuration as the mechanism shown in FIG. 2 and the same program as the processing flow shown in FIG. 4, the configuration and processing flow of the server 2 are not shown.

【0040】

Fig. 5 shows the basic configuration of the facility to stop by using the guidance script, and Fig. 6 shows the processing flow at the facility.

【0041】

In Fig. 5, 4 is a facility such as a hotel, movie theater, or playground (actually, it represents the server of each facility), 40 is a receiver that arrives from a network (Internet, telephone, etc.) and receives received data, 41. Is a transmitter that transmits data to the network, 42 is a reservation system that manages daily reservation information for the facility, and 43 is a customer management system that collects and manages personal information (age, hobbies, etc.) of facility users.

【0042】

Explaining the processing operation in the facility using Fig. 6, A. in Fig. 6 is the reservation processing, and when the guidance script corresponding to the action plan selected by the user is first downloaded on the user terminal, When a reservation inquiry is made to the facility (S2 in Fig. 4 above), the reservation data (number of people, date and time information, etc.) is received by the receiving unit (40 in Fig. 5) of this facility (A in Fig. 6). .S1). For this reservation content, check the availability information (whether the hotel etc. is available), business hours (whether the reserved time is open), etc. with the reservation system (42 in Fig. 5) (A. in Fig. 6). S2), determine if it is accepted (S3). If it turns out that it cannot be accepted as a result (when there is no space or when it is not open), a rejection notice is sent to the user from the transmitter (41 in Fig. 5) (S4 in A. in Fig. 6). ), If accepted, make a reservation for the seat (or room number) using the reservation system (42 in Fig. 5), contact the user from the transmitter (41 in Fig. 5), and contact the user (S5 in A. in Fig. 6). ), Grasp the number of people reserved (S6).

【0043】

B. in Fig. 6 is the reception process of the estimated arrival time, and when the estimated arrival time sent from the user terminal (S6 in Fig. 4 above) is received (S1 in B. in Fig. 6), the congestion status is checked. (Same S2). The congestion information detected by the check is notified to the user from the transmitter (41 in Fig. 5) as a response to the user (S3 in B. in Fig. 6). On the other hand, the reservation system performs processing that reflects the estimated number of people arriving after a certain period of time according to this estimated arrival time in the maintenance of the venue, the maintenance of the parking lot, etc. (S4 in B. of Fig. 6). This process includes contacting the person in charge (telephone, etc.).

【0044】

C. In Fig. 6 is the processing flow when the arrival notification sent from the user terminal is received when arriving at the facility. When the arrival information is received (S1), it is reflected in the customer management system (43 in Fig. 5) (S2 in C. in Fig. 6), and benefits (discounts and gifts) are given to the user (S3).

【0045】

Next, FIG. 7 shows a mutual transmission / reception operation sequence between the user terminal 1 and the server 4 of each facility, and summarizes the operations described in the configurations and processing flows shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 above. That is, when the user terminal 1 downloads (Fig. 7) and a reservation inquiry is sent (same a), the congestion status of whether or not seats are available in the reservation system 42 (Fig. 5) (reservation reception? , (Rejection?), Etc. (b in Fig. 7), and at the same time, a greeting (event information, etc.) can be notified (c in Fig. 7). After that, in order to execute the action plan by the user, when the user terminal is started (Fig. 7), the execution of the guidance script is started.

【0046】

After that, when approaching a certain distance from each facility scheduled to stop by, the user terminal notifies the facility of the estimated arrival time (d in Fig. 7), and the user terminal is notified of congestion information, etc. from the facility. It will be sent (same as e). After that, when the user terminal arrives at the facility where the user terminal stops, a notification of arrival from the user terminal is sent by event processing (Fig. 7) according to the time and place, and this is done on the facility side. When the message is received, the customer management system operates and a notification of a gift such as a privilege is sent to the user terminal (same as above).

【0047】

Using the configuration and processing function of the present invention shown in FIGS. 3 to 7, the following specific example 1 can be carried out.

【0048】

Specific example 1: Date plan As a date plan, it is assumed that there is a plan of "go to concert X, eat at restaurant Y, and stay at hotel Z." Such plans may be created by individuals, but magazines and the like usually prepare some recommended plans on the Internet, and such contents are provided by the content server (2a in Fig. 3). In that case, the user searches for a plan that suits the purpose from the plan list of the server by narrowing down the conditions, etc., and if he / she wants to execute it, downloads the content of the guidance script to his / her terminal (S1 in Fig. 4). ). After downloading, notify Concert X, Restaurant Y, and Hotel Z of the downloaded information. If this user publishes his / her attribute information, he / she also sends the attribute information (gender, age, hobbies, etc.). If there is something that needs to be reserved here, each facility will process the reservation.

【0049】

If the reservation is already full at this time, the information is sent to the user terminal. If Hotel Z is fully booked here, the user terminal displays the response and informs the user to inquire whether to stop staying at the hotel, search for an alternative hotel, or stop the entire plan. Here, when the user chooses to search for an alternative hotel, the system queries the content server and asks them to search for an alternative hotel. The content server proposes another hotel V in response, and if the user approves this, a new plan has been created, and if the user is satisfied with this, the user executes this plan on the day. become. The user can also experience the plan of the day by simulation in preparation for the day.

【0050】

Then, when this action plan on the day is executed on the user terminal (S5 in Fig. 4), the information that the execution has started (and the estimated arrival time if possible) is notified to the equipment of each facility, and each If necessary, the facility will prepare to welcome the customer, and at this time, if the user information is disclosed, it may be possible to prepare according to the person's taste. When this action plan is executed in this way, the system can perform appropriate processing according to the time and place according to the execution plan.

【0051】

You can also get directions so you don't get lost. Information such as "I will arrive soon" will be provided to each facility 30 minutes before arriving at the place. By doing this, the restaurant can provide services such as serving food as soon as customers come. In addition, the user can know the congestion status immediately before. On the user terminal, the real-time status of the facility may be confirmed at any time by clicking the facility on the map shown on the GUI (Graphic User Interface). At the hotel, the reception process can be done very easily. Finally, each facility can provide after-sales service to users accurately by giving benefits to the users who use it. In this way, the same can be done for tourism plans such as those offered by ordinary travel agencies.

【0052】

Specific example 2: Example of a business trip plan FIG. 8 shows an example of a business trip plan created by the present invention. In this example, by creating a business trip plan with a guide script, it is possible to automatically make reservations for vehicles and accommodations. The user creates a business trip plan by entering the departure place and destination, the departure date and time, etc. using a GUI editor or the like. This instruction series is described using a markup language description format such as XML and output as a guidance script. By downloading this guidance script to your own terminal (user terminal) loaded with the guidance script engine, the process shown in Fig. 4 above is executed, and you can use the Shinkansen and airplane tickets that are the means of transportation and the accommodation hotel that is the facility. The process of making a reservation is automatically performed, and if you actually execute it, it will surely convey your information to the destination.

【0053】

In the case of the business trip plan shown in Fig. 8, the departure point, destination, departure time, day trip, etc. are decided as shown in A., and then the company line name from the departure point by each means of transportation, as shown in B. Decide the name of the limited express, the station of the transfer, the time, etc. From the transfer process shown in B., it is possible to create a guidance script using the XML description format in which a part of it is shown in C. of Fig. 8 by the editor. By downloading this guidance script to the user terminal (S1 in FIG. 4), a reservation inquiry (S2 in FIG. 4) is executed, and in this example, the seat reservation (Shinkansen) shown in D. in FIG. 8 is performed.

【0054】

The communication means for making a reservation according to the present invention will be described.

【0055】

FIG. 9 shows the block configuration of the reserved communication means, and FIG. 10 shows the flow of communication processing.

【0056】

Each block in Fig. 9 describes the function of the communication means for reservation, 60 is the guide script content downloaded and held in the user terminal, and 61 is each with contact information in the guide script. The host name (contact information) of the facility, 62 is the estimated arrival time estimation unit that calculates the estimated arrival time from the current position and the location of the destination facility, and 63 is the execution date and time input unit that sets the date and time to execute the plan by the guidance script. , 64 is a user information holding unit that sets and holds the user's name, age, hobbies, etc., 65 is a transmission information creation unit, 66 is a user terminal presentation unit, 67 is an HTTP request message creation unit, 68 is a data reception unit. 3 is the Internet used as a network for communication, and 4 is the server (host 1, host 2, host 3) of multiple facilities.

【0057】

In FIG. 9, 60 to 68 are included in the same mechanism as the user terminal 1 shown in FIG. 3, but the block configuration is different from that in FIG. 60,61 is in the guidance structure holding unit 101 in Fig. 3, 62,63 is in the information providing unit 102 according to the time / place in Fig. 2, and 65,67 is in the transmission data creating unit 103 in Fig. 3, 68. Corresponds to the communication unit 11 in FIG. 3, and 66 corresponds to the user presentation unit 15 in FIG.

【0058】

In the examples of Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, the HTTP protocol is used as the reservation means. The flow of reservation communication processing will be described with reference to FIG. First, from the guidance script content (60 in Fig. 9), the contact information for each facility and means of transportation is extracted (S1 in Fig. 10). This searches the guidance script as a key to use phonep, http, ip, e-mail, etc. from the contact method tags according to the system, and extracts the contents of the information with the contact method tag. Here, it is assumed that the contents of the <http> tag are extracted. This indicates the server-side connection destination using the HTTP protocol. In the example of FIG. 9, each server 61 of host 1 to host 3 corresponds to this. In addition, since the server side instructs how to process with CGI here, specify the CGI program name as follows.

【0059】

http://www.serverl1l.co.jp/cgi/xxx1.cgi http://www.serverl2l.co.jp/cgi/xxx2.cgi http://www.serverl3l.co.jp/cgi/xxx3.cgi Here, when servicing on the server side, it may be necessary to specify the branch name if it is a facility server, the section to be used if it is a transportation server, and so on. This is because one server may handle various requests. Therefore, in such a case, a parameter is added and specified in advance. For example, even if you contact the server of a railway company to inform them of the section, you cannot tell which section it is, so if you use the section between Tokyo and Osaka, you can write as follows.

【0060】

http://www.JR.co.jp/cgi/xxx1.cgi?SECTION=TokyoOsaka Next, retrieve the username and contact information (64 in Figure 9) (S2 in Figure 10). This usually reads what is set on the terminal side. Furthermore, information such as gender, age, and user's preference is also set as attribute information, and if the user permits, it is sent to the server of each facility as attribute information according to these. As a result, the receiving facility will be able to respond to the customer. Alternatively, when downloading the guidance script on the content server, the user may be prompted to input the user name, contact information, attributes, etc., and this may be sent to the user terminal according to the guidance script. In this case, if you want to use it multiple times, you can manage it by ID (identification number) once you enter it, and then you only have to enter the ID. By doing this, customer management can also be performed on the content server.

【0061】

Username: Taro Yamada Contact: yamada@provider-name.ne.jp (Gender: Male) (Age: 28) (Disliked food: tomatoes) (Remarks: Wheelchair) Furthermore, if the arrival time is specified in advance, it is taken out here (S3 in Fig. 10). In the guidance script, it is also possible to specify the arrival time at each point (the usage time of the facility). In this case, if the user inputs the date and time to be used when downloading the guidance script, the date and time of arrival at that point (facility) can be known. Even if the arrival time is not clearly specified, if the time required to reach it is known (if this is not described, it will be calculated from the means of transportation and distance), the system can easily calculate and obtain it. it can.

【0062】

From this information, data sent to the server is created (S4 in Fig. 10, 65 in Fig. 9), and an HTTP request message is created for each server (S5 in Fig. 10, 67 in Fig. 9).

【0063】

For host 1 POST /cgi/xxx1.cgi HTTP / 1.0 HOST htto: //www.serverll1.co.jp CONTENT-LENGTH: 100 CONTENT-TYPE: text / plain NAME = Taro Yamada & E-Mail = Yamada@provider-name.ne.jp & ARRIVE-TIME = 1999/4 / 1-10:00 & STATUS = DownLoad For host 2 POST /cgi/xxx2.cgi HTTP / 1.0 HOST htto: //www.serverll2.co.jp CONTENT-LENGTH: 100 CONTENT-TYPE: text / plain NAME = Taro Yamada & E-Mail = Yamada@provider-name.ne.jp & ARRIVE-TIME = 1999/4 / 1-1: 2 & STATUS = DownLoad For host 3 POST /cgi/xxx3.cgi HTTP / 1.0 HOST htto: //www.serverll3.co.jp CONTENT-LENGTH: 100 CONTENT-TYPE: text / plain NAME = Taro Yamada & E-Mail = Yamada@provider-name.ne.jp & ARRIVE-TIME = 1999/4 / 1-1: 2 & STATUS = DownLoad At this time, if the server side wants to send the category information of the facility written in the guidance script, the above parameter enumeration part can be similarly added with the following values and sent.

【0064】

NAME = Taro Yamada & E-Mail = Yamada@provider-name.ne.jp & STATUS = DownLoad & SECTION = TokyoOsaka & CATEGORY = Musashino Line In this way, data is sent and received between each host via the Internet using the HTTP protocol (S6 in Fig. 10), and a response message is received from the server side as needed (S7 in Fig. 10 and 68 in Fig. 9). Is displayed on the user terminal (S8 in Fig. 10, 66 in Fig. 9). When the user sees this and changes the plan, or when the reply is that the facility is not accepted, the system automatically changes the plan on the user terminal so as not to stop at the facility.

【0065】

When making a reservation, if a reservation is required in advance, the following message may be added from the beginning. In addition, this may be confirmed with the user when the system contacts each server.

【0066】

& REQUEST = Reservation In addition, once the facility is contacted, the facility server makes a reservation as a response, or a questionnaire is created for other items that require a meeting and sent back to the user, and the user answers this. If the facility is a hotel, you can select the type of room, and if the facility is a means of transportation (vehicle), you can select the type of seat.

【0067】

On the server side, the CGI program processes the data sent according to the HTTP protocol, exchanges information with the reservation system and customer management system, and returns the information to the user. This is the same process that the server-side program does when an individual reserves a hotel, airline ticket, or train ticket on a web browser.

【0068】

When the server side needs to issue a ticket, the ticket data may be sent as a response, and the user may record it on an IC card or the like, or simply print it to treat it as a ticket. Furthermore, if the request is sent with an address or e-mail address as the user's personal data, it can be sent by mail at a later date or as an e-mail attachment.

【0069】

The examples explained in relation to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 above are images of data exchange performed when the guidance script is downloaded, but they also came near the facility at the start of navigation. It can be realized by exactly the same processing when it arrives or when it arrives. The only difference is that it changes the values of ARRIVE-TIME and STATUS.

【0070】

ARRIVE-TIME can send an accurate predicted time as it gets closer to the facility. If the time is unpredictable, you can handle it by sending data on the current latitude and longitude where the user is. From this value, it is possible to easily determine how close the user is on the server side. In this case, send the following data instead of ARRIVE-TIME. However, N represents north latitude and E represents east latitude.

【0071】

PRESENT-POSITION = N35.40.39.0E139.46.18.1 For "STATUS" to identify the data when the user is in the state, set a value such as "DownLoad" when downloaded, "Start" when departing, and "Near" when near. And send it. [0072]

In this example, the method realized by using the HTTP protocol is shown, but it may be exchanged by e-mail, and even if the person in charge responds on the server side (facility side), it is a simple exchange, so the client side. It is also possible to process automatically by using voice synthesis and recognition technology on the (user terminal).

【0073】

Next, three examples of ~ as the contents of the guidance script (action plan) necessary for processing the reservation according to the present invention are shown below. Note that corresponds to the date plan of Specific Example 1 above, and corresponds to the business trip plan of Specific Example 2 above.

【0074】

Guidance script (action plan) described only at the point (facility) <naviscript version = "0.3"> <title> Date plan </ title> <duration> 5hour </ duration> <expense> 15,000 yen / person </ expense> <navi> <seq> <inst> <point> <name> Concert venue X </ name> <latitude> N35.11.11.111 </ latitude> <longitude> E135.22.22.222 </ longitude> <http> http://www.consertX.co.jp/xxx1.cgi </ http> </ point> </ inst> <inst> <point> <name> Restaurant Y </ name> <latitude> N36.33.33.333 </ latitude> <longitude> E136.44.44.444 </ longitude> <http> http://www.restrantY.co.jp/xxx2.cgi </ http> </ point> </ inst> <inst> <point> <name> Hotel Z </ name> <latitude> N37.55.55.555 </ latitude> <longitude> E137.66.66.666 </ longitude> <http> http://www.hotelZ.co.jp/xxx3.cgi </ http> </ point> </ inst> <seq> </ navi> </ naviscript> Guidance script (action plan) written only by means of transportation <naviscript version = "0.3"> <title> Shin-Urayasu-Hyogo </ title> <duration> 4 hours 9 minutes </ duration> <distance> 611.2km </ distance> <expense> 16,110yen / 1 person </ expense> <navi> <seq> <inst> <route> <name> Musashino Line Shin-Urayasu-Tokyo </ name> <means> train </ means> <category> JR </ category> <category> Musashino Line </ category> <duration> 19min </ duration> <distance> 16.1km </ distance> <cost> 190yen </ cost> </ route> </ inst> <inst> <route> <means> walk </ means> <duration> 20min </ duration> </ route> </ inst> <inst> <route> <name> Nozomi Tokyo-Shin-Kobe </ name> <means> train </ means> <category> JR </ category> <category> Shinkansen </ category> <duration> 166min </ duration> <distance> 589.5km </ distance> <cost> 6420yen </ cost> <http> http://www.JR.co.jp/reserve.cgi?TokyoKobe </ http> </ route> </ inst> <inst> <route> <name> Kobe Municipal Subway Shin-Kobe-Sannomiya </ name> <means> train </ means> <category> Kobe Municipal Transportation Bureau </ category> <duration> 3min </ duration> <distance> 1.3km </ distance> <cost> 180yen </ cost> </ route> </ inst> <inst> <route> <name> Walking Sannomiya-Sannomiya </ name> <means> walk </ means> <duration> 5min </ duration> </ route> </ inst> <inst> <route> <name> Tokaido / Sanyo Main Line (local) Sannomiya-Hyogo </ name> <means> train </ means> <category> JR </ category> <duration> 7min </ duration> <distance> 4.3km </ distance> <cost> 160yen </ cost> </ route> </ inst> </ seq> </ navi> </ naviscript> For facilities that do not need to be contacted, the contact information may be removed, or even if there is contact information, the terminal may determine whether or not it is necessary to contact the terminal before sending only the necessary information. In this case, you may enter the contact information only for the Shinkansen, which you should make a reservation for, or you may enter the contact information for the regular train to check the occupancy rate.

【0075】

Guidance script (action plan) that describes the location (facility) and transportation method together ) <naviscript version = "0.3"> <title> Romantic Road-Swiss Alps and London-Rome Paris 12 days </ title> <duration> 12 days </ duration> <expense> 328,000 yen / person </ expense> <navi> <seq> <inst> <route> <name> JL Tokyo-Rome </ name> <means> plain </ means> <category> JL </ category> <duration> 12hour </ duration> <http> http://www.JL.co.jp/xxx.cgi?TokyoRome </ http> </ route> </ inst> <inst> <point> <name> Beverly Hills </ name> <category> HOTEL </ category> <category> ClassA </ category> <latitude> N35.55.55.555 </ latitude> <longitude> E135.55.55.666 </ longitude> <http> http://www.hills.co.jp/book.cgi </ http> </ point> </ inst> <inst> <route> <name> City tour </ name> <means> bus </ means> <category> ABC Tour-Agency </ category> <duration> 3hour </ duration> <HTTP> http://www.ABC.co.it/tour.cgi </ http> </ route> </ inst> <inst> <point> <name> Vatican Museums </ name> <category> museum </ category> <latitude> N35.55.55.777 </ latitude> <longitude> E135.55.55.999 </ longitude> <http> http://www.Vatican.co.va/xxx.cgi </ http> </ point> </ inst> ......... <inst> <route> <name> JL London-Tokyo </ name> <means> plain </ means> <category> JL </ category> <duration> 12hour </ duration> <http> http://www.jl.co.jp/xxx3.cgi?LondonTokyo </ http> </ route> </ inst> </ seq> </ navi> </ naviscript> An optimal ticket purchasing system can be configured using the principles of the present invention. 11 and 12 show the configuration and processing flow of the optimum ticket purchase system according to the present invention.

【0076】

In FIG. 11, each code of 101, 103, 104, 11, 2a, 2b, 4a, 4b corresponds to each part of the same code in FIG. 3, and the other codes represent elements peculiar to this configuration. That is, 1a is a ticket purchasing terminal, 11 is a communication unit, 101 is a guidance structure holding unit, 103 is a transmission data creation unit, 104 is a reception data interpretation unit, 106 is an optimal ticket recommendation module, 107 is a ticket database, and 108 is an input. User interface including means and output (display) means, 2a is a content server, 2b is a guide script editor, 4a, 4b are destination facilities, 4c is a means of transportation (railway, air, bus, etc.) to purchase passenger tickets Agency, etc.). In this case as well, the ticket purchasing terminal 1a is connected to the content server, the means of transportation 4c, and the destination facilities 4a and 4b via a network such as the Internet (not shown).

【0077】

The operation of FIG. 11 will be described with reference to FIG. In order to be able to obtain the best ticket for executing the entire guidance script (action plan), the ticket database 107 may be obtained via the network or externally so that the latest information is reflected. Is updated regularly by.

【0078】

First, the content of the required action plan is acquired from the content server 2a, and is held in the guidance structure holding unit 101. From this, the received data interpretation unit 104 extracts the facilities and means of transportation that require a ticket (S1 in Fig. 12). Specifically, take out the list of required paid tickets and free tickets (seat reservation, etc.), supply the paid ones to the optimal ticket recommendation module 106, and refer to the ticket database 107 here for optimal. Search for and recommend tickets (cheap cost, fit the scheduled time) (S2 in Figure 12). In the case of a travel ticket, if there is a set of transportation and facility (hotel, etc.) usage fee, we recommend that ticket, and if a tour ticket is more advantageous for transportation, we recommend that tour ticket. To do. In this case, not only is the price cheap, but there may be user preferences (commemorative ticket, premier ticket, etc.), so we propose some ideas to the user and ask the user to select from them using the user interface 108. You can also do it. When the ticket is selected, the transmission data creation unit 103 creates the necessary ticket reservation data, and the corresponding contact information included in the content is reached via the communication unit 11 via the transportation means 4c or the destination facility 4a, By connecting to 4b, data can be sent and a ticket can be purchased (S3 in Figure 12). For free seat reservations, the reception data interpretation unit 104 activates the communication unit 11 via the transmission data creation unit 103, and similarly, data for reservation is sent to each facility to make a reservation. It can be carried out.

【0079】

The present invention can also be used when a person with a disability moves. In other words, a person who travels with a wheelchair or stroller decides an action plan for the day in advance, and creates an action plan script that has the same structure as the guidance script and sets the contact means of the stop-by facility. .. Then, while doing this, if you act, you will be automatically contacted wherever you go, so the staff at the station or facility should prepare in advance assistance for getting off and moving stairs, etc. Can be done.

【0080】

[Effect of the invention]

According to the present invention, it is possible to automatically make a reservation to a means of transportation or each facility when an action plan (guidance script) is downloaded from a content server or when a person applies for a proposed tour. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from being unable to open the facility or being full after going to the facility as in the past.

【0081】

In addition, when moving according to the process of the guidance script, by notifying the facilities of the destination of the arrival schedule, the tourist facilities etc. estimate the number of visitors and prepare and manage the facilities (admission restrictions etc.) accurately. It becomes easy to do, and it is possible to respond to schedule changes by knowing in advance.

【0082】

On the facility and transportation side, any customer can be prepared in advance, so the quality of service can be improved by providing a server with a margin and a service that does not make you wait. Furthermore, it helps to predict the number of visitors and can manage inventory appropriately.

【0083】

Further, the system for reserving tickets according to the present invention makes it possible to accurately reserve tickets and the like according to the schedule.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

It is a figure which shows the 1st principle structure of this invention.

[Figure 2]

It is a figure which shows the 2nd principle structure of this invention.

[Fig. 3]

It is a figure which shows the structure of the user terminal by this invention.

[Fig. 4]

It is a figure which shows the processing flow of a user terminal.

[Fig. 5]

It is a figure which shows the basic structure of the facility which stops by a guide script.

[Fig. 6]

It is a figure which shows the processing flow in a facility.

[Fig. 7]

It is a figure which shows the mutual transmission / reception operation sequence between a user terminal and a server of each facility.

[Fig. 8]

It is a figure which shows the example of the business trip plan created by this invention.

[Fig. 9]

It is a figure which shows the block structure of the communication means of reservation.

[Fig. 10]

It is a figure which shows the flow of communication processing.

[Fig. 11]

It is a figure which shows the structure of the system of the optimum ticket purchase by this invention.

[Fig. 12]

It is a figure which shows the processing flow of the optimal ticket purchase system.

[Fig. 13]

It is a figure which shows the block composition of the proposed system.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 User terminal 10 Guidance script processing unit 100 means of contact 11 Communication Department 12 Position detection means 13 Time grasping means 14 Memory 15 Input / output section 2 Guidance script content server 3 network 4 Various facilities (servers)