New Feature Utilizing Generative AI and Image Recognition Technology to Verify Route Search Results Against Digital Signboards and Bus Stop Information

Tokyo, Japan - February 18, 2025 - NAVITIME JAPAN Co., Ltd. (CEO: Keisuke Onishi, Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo) is launching a innovative new feature in its travel/navigation app, Japan Travel by NAVITIME, designed to help inbound travelers confidently navigate Japan's public transportation system.

By leveraging generative AI and image recognition technology, users can now verify real-world transportation signage--such as digital signboards at train stations and bus stops--against their route search results. This new feature aims to prevent taking the wrong trains and to reduce anxiety for international travelers unfamiliar with Japan's transportation network.

With this feature, users can activate their smartphone camera within the app to scan digital signboards at train stations, bus stops, and LED displays on buses. The AI then cross-references this information with the user's route search results and determines if they are at the correct location and if they are boarding the right vehicle.

If the AI confirms a match, the scheduled time will be highlighted in green, and a boarding icon will appear, assuring the user they are on the correct route. If there is a mismatch, an alert will notify the user that the displayed transportation information does not match their planned route, helping to prevent boarding mistakes. Users can also access a list of stops and a timetable of upcoming departures for additional verification (available as a premium feature).

Japan's train and bus systems are highly efficient but can be challenging for visitors due to language barriers and complex station layouts. Even with translation apps, signage inconsistencies and unique Japanese expressions can make navigation difficult. This feature is particularly useful in regional areas where multilingual signage is limited, helping travelers explore Japan with greater ease and confidence.

Background
"Japan Travel by NAVITIME" is a navigation service designed for inbound travelers to Japan. The service provides comprehensive support in thirteen languages, covering the entire journey from pre-trip planning and reservations to in-trip navigation and post-trip experience sharing.

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for travel to regional areas in Japan. However, users have expressed concerns regarding insufficient multilingual support. Even when multilingual support is available, travelers often face difficulties in verifying transportation details on-site, such as determining whether the vehicle in front of them is the correct one. Additionally, translation apps struggle to provide accurate translations due to inconsistent signage formats and the complexity of Japanese expressions.

Utilization of Generative AI
NAVITIME JAPAN developed this feature in response to growing demand for smarter travel solutions. With advancements in AI, particularly GPT-4o, real-time image analysis via smartphone became viable, allowing this innovative function to be integrated into Japan Travel by NAVITIME. Unlike other transportation apps that provide general schedules, this feature uniquely analyzes real-world conditions to verify if a specific train or bus matches the planned route.

Since March 2024, NAVITIME JAPAN has been offering "NAVITIME Travel AI," a service designed to enhance the travel experience. With the latest update, we have introduced image recognition technology, allowing users to confidently board the correct train or bus to their destination.

While some services already utilize image recognition for individual route information or timetables, NAVITIME JAPAN's unique technology integrates multiple route details. Our AI specifically identifies the trains and buses listed in the route search results and comprehensively presents the necessary information. This innovation is a key differentiator for our company as a provider of advanced route search services.

About Japan Travel by NAVITIME
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Pricing for Premium Features (in USD, as of the press release date)
30 days: $14.49
90 days: $29.99
365 days: $109.99

Japan Travel by NAVITIME is a navigation application for foreign visitors to Japan. It seamlessly supports everything from planning; navigation and information during your trip; and sharing your travel experiences after returning home. Main functions include door-to-door route search, walking navigation, car navigation, spot search (free Wi-Fi, baggage storage, etc.), sightseeing articles, trip planning, itinerary posting, model plans, and hotel and activity reservations. In addition, data obtained from the application is analyzed and used to discover local tourism resources and tourism policies. In addition to helping travelers comfortably enjoy their visit to Japan, the application also contributes to the revitalization of the tourism industry.

Related Press Releases
▶(September 25, 2024) "Japan Travel by NAVITIME" Supports Inbound Travel Planning with Generative
▶(March 29, 2024) Launch of "NAVITIME Travel AI," an Automated Travel Planning Service Powered by Generative AI

"NAVITIME" is a registered trademark of NAVITIME JAPAN Co., Ltd.