Traffic support terminal, traffic support control device, and traffic support system

Abstract

To provide a transportation support system that protects vulnerable road users.SOLUTION: A traffic support control device includes: a position information acquisition unit 33 that acquires position information of a transport support terminal 3-1 that a traveler can carry; a determination unit 23 that determines whether the traveler is in a state requiring support based on information regarding vulnerable travelers including at least one of disability information, long-term care information, pregnant woman information, chronic illness information, and physical condition information and the location information of the traveler carrying the transport support terminal 3-1; and a warning unit 35 that generates a danger warning from the transport support terminal 3-1 carried by the traveler when the traveler is determined to be in a state requiring support.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This case relates to a traffic assistance terminal, a traffic assistance control device, and a traffic assistance system. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a pedestrian crossing assistance device that determines the possibility of contact with a vehicle and issues a warning based on a preset walking speed of the pedestrian or a walking speed according to the pedestrian's age. The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 makes it possible to set a walking speed in advance (a numerical value for the walking speed) and issue a warning according to the pedestrian's age. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-287678 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 allows for the walking speed to be set in advance and for walking speed to be taken into account depending on age, but does not take into account information on people who are more likely to be victims of traffic accidents, such as the elderly, young children, and disabled people (hereinafter referred to as vulnerable road users).

[0005] For example, information on vulnerable road users may include information that depends on age, such as the elderly and young children, as well as information on people with disabilities, people requiring care, pregnant women, chronic illnesses, physical condition on that day, and mental state.

[0006] Furthermore, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, if it is determined that a pedestrian and a vehicle are about to come into contact, a warning is given to the pedestrian and a caution is given to the driver of the vehicle. However, if the pedestrian is a vulnerable road user, for example, there is a risk that a collision will not be avoided by simply issuing a warning.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a traffic assistance terminal, a traffic assistance control device, and a traffic assistance system that can protect vulnerable road users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above problems, and can be realized in the following aspects or application examples.

[0009] (1) The traffic assistance terminal according to this application example is a traffic assistance terminal portable by a moving person, and includes a memory unit that stores information about vulnerable road users, including at least one of disability information, information about needing care, information about pregnant women, information about chronic illnesses, physical condition information, and mental condition information about the moving person; a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information about the traffic assistance terminal; a communication unit that is capable of wireless communication with an external device; and a warning unit that issues a warning in response to information from the external device, wherein the communication unit transmits at least information about the vulnerable road users and the location information to the external device, and the warning unit issues a danger warning when the external device determines that the moving person is in a state requiring assistance based on the information about the vulnerable road users and the location information and receives warning information from the external device.

[0010] According to this invention, by issuing a danger warning to vulnerable road users who are in need of assistance, it is possible to notify the vulnerable road users of the danger and to protect them.

[0011] (2) The traffic assistance control device according to this application example can set a level according to the level of assistance required for at least one of the disability information, care requirement information, pregnant woman information, chronic disease information, physical condition information, and mental state information. According to this example, each piece of information can be set according to the level of assistance required.

[0012] (3) The traffic assistance control device according to this application example includes a communication unit capable of communicating with a plurality of traffic assistance terminals that can be carried by the traveler; a judgment unit that judges whether the traveler is in a state requiring assistance based on information about the traveler that includes at least one of disability information, care requirement information, pregnant woman information, chronic illness information, physical condition information, and mental state information, and location information of the traffic assistance terminal; and a warning information transmission unit that transmits danger warning information to the traffic assistance terminal carried by the traveler that has been judged to be in a state requiring assistance.

[0013] According to this case, vulnerable road users who require assistance can be notified of danger, and vulnerable road users can be protected.

[0014] (4) In the traffic assistance control device according to this application example, the determination unit may determine whether the moving person is in a state requiring assistance by checking whether the movement history of the traffic assistance terminal satisfies a determination condition based on the location information of the traffic assistance terminal. This makes it possible to determine whether the moving person is in a state requiring assistance.

[0015] (5) The traffic assistance system according to this application example includes a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information of a traffic assistance terminal that can be carried by a traveler; a determination unit that determines whether the traveler carrying the traffic assistance terminal is in a state of needing assistance based on information about vulnerable road users, including at least one of disability information, care requirement information, pregnant woman information, chronic illness information, physical condition information, and mental state information, and the location information; and a warning unit that issues a danger warning from the traffic assistance terminal carried by the traveler when it is determined that the traveler is in a state of needing assistance.

[0016] According to this invention, by issuing a danger warning to vulnerable road users who are in need of assistance, it is possible to notify the vulnerable road users of the danger and to protect them.

[0017] (6) In the transportation assistance system according to this application example, the determination unit may determine whether the moving person is in a state requiring assistance by checking whether the movement history of the transportation assistance terminal satisfies a determination condition based on the location information. This makes it possible to determine whether the moving person is in a state requiring assistance.

[0018] (7) The traffic assistance terminal according to this application example is a traffic assistance terminal portable by a traveler, and includes a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information of the traffic assistance terminal, a communication unit capable of wireless communication with an external device, and a warning unit that issues a warning in response to information from the external device, wherein the communication unit transmits at least the location information to the external device, and the warning unit issues a support suggestion warning suggesting support for the vulnerable road user who is in a state of needing support when the warning unit receives information from the external device indicating the presence of a vulnerable road user who is in a state of needing support based on the results of a determination made by the external device as to whether the vulnerable road user is in a state of needing support.

[0019] According to this invention, when there is a vulnerable road user in need of assistance, a warning suggesting assistance is issued, suggesting assistance for the vulnerable road user, thereby enabling assistance for the vulnerable road user to be expected and protecting the vulnerable road user.

[0020] (8) The traffic assistance control device according to this application example includes a communication unit capable of communicating with multiple traffic assistance terminals that can be carried by mobile persons; a determination unit that determines whether a first mobile person among the multiple mobile persons is in a state of needing assistance based on information received from the multiple traffic assistance terminals via the communication unit; and an information transmission unit that transmits support suggestion information suggesting assistance for the first mobile person in a state of needing assistance to a second traffic assistance terminal carried by a second mobile person other than the first mobile person that is present within a predetermined range of the first traffic assistance terminal carried by the first mobile person determined to be in a state of needing assistance.

[0021] According to this case, when there is a moving person in need of assistance, a warning suggesting assistance is issued, suggesting assistance for the moving person in need of assistance, so that assistance can be expected for the moving person in need of assistance, and the moving person can be protected.

[0022] (9) In the traffic assistance control device according to this application example, the determination unit may determine whether the moving person is in a state requiring assistance by checking whether a movement history of the traffic assistance terminal satisfies a determination condition based on location information of the traffic assistance terminal included in the information received from the plurality of traffic assistance terminals. This makes it possible to determine whether the moving person is in a state requiring assistance.

[0023] (10) The traffic assistance system according to this application example includes a traffic assistance terminal carried by each of a plurality of moving persons; a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information of the plurality of traffic assistance terminals; a determination unit that determines whether a first moving person among the plurality of moving persons is in a state of needing assistance based on the location information; and an information transmission unit that transmits support suggestion information suggesting assistance for the first moving person in a state of needing assistance to a second traffic assistance terminal carried by a second moving person other than the first moving person that is present within a predetermined range of a first traffic assistance terminal carried by the first moving person determined to be in a state of needing assistance.

[0024] According to this case, when a first moving person is in a state requiring assistance, information suggesting assistance for the first moving person in a state requiring assistance is sent to a second transportation assistance terminal carried by a second moving person, which is expected to result in the second moving person providing assistance to the first moving person, thereby protecting the first moving person.

[0025] (11) In the traffic assistance system according to this application example, the judgment unit may determine whether the first moving person is in a state requiring assistance by checking whether the movement history of the traffic assistance terminal satisfies a judgment condition based on the location information, thereby making it possible to determine whether the first moving person is in a state requiring assistance. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] This case will protect vulnerable road users. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a traffic assistance system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the transportation assistance terminal shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a management server illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control in the management server shown in FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating control in a state in which the transportation assistance terminal shown in FIG. 1 is able to communicate with the management server. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating control in a state in which communication with the management server is not possible in the transportation assistance terminal shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The following describes embodiments (application examples) of the present invention with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly described in the embodiments. The configurations of the following embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, they can be selected or combined as needed.

[0029] [1. Configuration] Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a traffic assistance system 1 according to this application example. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the traffic assistance terminal 3 shown in Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the management server 2 shown in Fig. 1.

[0030] The traffic assistance system 1 detects when a vulnerable road user, such as a pedestrian, needs assistance (a state requiring assistance), notifies the vulnerable road user of the danger, and suggests assistance to users around the vulnerable road user (supporters who carry the traffic assistance terminal 3 and can protect the vulnerable road user), thereby generating an opportunity for mutual assistance and providing an environment in which vulnerable road users can be protected. In addition, in this traffic assistance system 1, not only humans but also animals such as dogs and cats may be treated as moving persons (vulnerable road users).

[0031] Users of the traffic assistance system 1 may include vulnerable road users, vehicle drivers, and supporters. Supporters may be pedestrians who are able to provide support such as protecting and helping vulnerable road users. Supporters may be people who have registered in advance to agree to providing support such as protecting and helping vulnerable road users. A user is an example of a moving person.

[0032] Each user is assigned a unique identification in advance. Hereinafter, the identification information that identifies a user may be referred to as a user ID. As mentioned above, animals such as dogs and cats may be treated as vulnerable road users, and therefore users may include animals other than humans.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, traffic assistance system 1 includes management server 2, network 4, and multiple (three are shown in FIG. 1) traffic assistance terminals 3-1 to 3-3. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between traffic assistance terminals 3-1 to 3-3, they will be referred to as traffic assistance terminal 3. In the example shown below, a vulnerable road user carries traffic assistance terminal 3-1, a supporter carries traffic assistance terminal 3-2, and a vehicle driver carries traffic assistance terminal 3-3. Note that while FIG. 1 shows one of each of traffic assistance terminals 3-1 to 3-3, there may be one or more of each, or a combination of the respective numbers may be used.

[0034] The traffic assistance terminals 3 (3-1, 3-2, 3-3) are terminal devices carried by each user of the traffic assistance system 1. The users are an example of travellers who travel while carrying the traffic assistance terminal 3.

[0035] 2, the traffic assistance terminal 3 is configured as a computer including, for example, a processor 51, a memory 52, an interface 53, a storage device 54, a GPS receiver 55, an emergency switch 56, a motion sensor 57, and a speaker 58. The traffic assistance terminal 3 also includes a battery (not shown), and each component operates using power supplied from this battery.

[0036] The memory 52 stores various types of data, programs, and other information. The memory 52 may be, for example, one or both of a volatile memory such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and a non-volatile memory such as a persistent memory (PM).

[0037] GPS receiver 55 receives signals transmitted from GPS satellites and identifies the location of the traffic assistance terminal 3 in which it is installed (hereinafter referred to as "own traffic assistance terminal 3").

[0038] Interface 53 is an example of a communication interface that controls the connection and communication between its own traffic assistance terminal 3 and the management server 2 or other traffic assistance terminals 3. For example, interface 53 may include an adapter that complies with wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication, etc. This allows the traffic assistance terminal 3 to connect to network 4 via interface 53 and be connected to the management server 2 and other traffic assistance terminals 3 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0039] Interface 53 may also include an adapter that complies with wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). This allows the traffic assistance terminal 3 to be wirelessly connected to other traffic assistance terminals 3. This wireless communication also makes it possible to determine the distance between the traffic assistance terminal 3 and the other traffic assistance terminal 3. Furthermore, for example, if the other traffic assistance terminal 3 is mounted on a vehicle, wireless communication via interface 53 can detect whether the vehicle is close to the traffic assistance terminal 3.

[0040] The storage device 54 stores various types of data, programs, and other information. Examples of the storage device 54 include semiconductor drive devices such as SSDs (Solid State Drives), and various storage devices such as nonvolatile memories. Examples of nonvolatile memories include flash memories, SCMs (Storage Class Memory), and ROMs (Read Only Memory). The storage device 54 may also be a magnetic disk device such as HDDs (Hard Disk Drives). The storage device 54 may store programs that implement all or part of the various functions of the transportation assistance terminal 3.

[0041] The speaker 58 is an output device that outputs sound. The emergency switch 56 is a switch that is operated by the user of the transportation assistance terminal 3, and is turned on by pressing the switch or performing other operation input when the user desires assistance for themselves in an emergency or the like.

[0042] Motion sensor 57 includes, for example, an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor, and detects the movement of its own traffic assistance terminal 3. Based on the signal detected by this motion sensor 57, processor 51 can determine whether its own traffic assistance terminal 3 is walking or stopped. The method of determining whether the user is walking or stopped based on the signal detected by motion sensor 57 is realized, for example, in the pedometer function of a smartphone and is well known, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0043] The transportation assistance terminal 3 may also include an input device, an output device, or both. Examples of input devices include buttons and keyboards. Examples of output devices include monitors. The transportation assistance terminal 3 may also include a touch panel or the like that combines these input and output devices.

[0044] The processor 51 is an example of an arithmetic processing device that performs various controls and calculations, and is a control unit that executes various processes. The processor 51 is communicably connected to the memory 52, the GPS receiver 55, the interface 53, the storage device 54, the speaker 58, the emergency switch 56, and the motion sensor 57 via a bus.

[0045] The processor 51 expands the program stored in the storage device 54 into the memory 52 and executes it, thereby realizing the processing of the second communication unit 31, the memory control unit 32, the location information processing unit 33, the second judgment unit 34, and the notification unit 35 shown in Figure 1.

[0046] The programs for implementing the functions of the second communication unit 31, the storage control unit 32, the location information processing unit 33, the second determination unit 34, and the notification unit 35 are provided in the form of being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, such as a flexible disk, a CD (CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, etc.), a DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, HD DVD, etc.), a Blu-ray disc, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a magneto-optical disk. The traffic assistance terminal 3 then reads the programs from the recording medium, transfers them to an internal or external storage device, and stores them for use. Alternatively, the programs may be recorded on a storage device (recording medium), such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, or magneto-optical disk, and provided to a computer from the storage device via a communication path.

[0047] The second communication unit 31 communicates wirelessly with the management server 2 via the interface 53 and the network 4, and transmits and receives various information, commands, etc. between the management server 2 and other transportation support terminals 3. The second communication unit 31 is an example of a communication unit capable of wireless communication with the management server 2 (external device).

[0048] The memory control unit 32 stores information about the user carrying the transportation assistance terminal 3 in the memory device 54. For example, the memory control unit 32 may store a user ID in the memory device 54. The memory control unit 32 also stores information about vulnerable road users in the memory device 54. The information about vulnerable road users may be, for example, information indicating that the user is a vulnerable road user, and may include at least any of disability information, care requirement information, pregnant woman information, chronic disease information, physical condition information, and mental state information.

[0049] It is also possible to set a level according to the level of support required for each piece of information, such as disability information, care requirement information, pregnant woman information, chronic disease information, physical condition information, mental state information, etc. The level of support required is information that indicates the degree of need for support, and may be, for example, the severity of the condition or the degree of difficulty in walking.

[0050] By setting a level for each piece of information according to the level of assistance required, it is possible to realize flexible system operation, such as issuing a warning according to this level. For example, if the level of assistance required is high, values ​​such as the speed of the traveler's own traffic assistance terminal 3 and the distance from the traveler may be notified as a warning at an earlier stage than if the level of assistance required is low. Furthermore, this level setting may be set in the management server 2 from each traveler's own traffic assistance terminal 3 via the network 4, or it may be set in the management server 2 from another terminal via the network 4.

[0051] The storage device 54 is an example of a storage unit that stores information about a vulnerable road user regarding the moving person. The storage control unit 32 may store information indicating that the moving person is a supporter in the storage device 54.

[0052] The location information processing unit 33 acquires location information indicating the location of the traffic assistance terminal 3 using the GPS receiver 55, and transmits the acquired location information to the management server 2. The location information processing unit 33 is an example of a location information acquisition unit that acquires the location information of the traffic assistance terminal 3.

[0053] The second determination unit 34 determines whether the user carrying the own traffic assistance terminal 3 is in a state requiring assistance. The second determination unit 34 determines whether the user carrying the own traffic assistance terminal 3 is in a state requiring assistance by checking whether predetermined determination conditions are met.

[0054] The judgment condition for determining whether the user carrying the own traffic assistance terminal 3 is in a state requiring assistance may be, for example, that the own traffic assistance terminal 3 is stopped and that a vehicle is approaching the own traffic assistance terminal 3. When such a judgment condition is met, the second judgment unit 34 judges that the user carrying the own traffic assistance terminal 3 is in a state requiring assistance.

[0055] Furthermore, the second determination unit 34 determines that the transportation assistance terminal 3 is in a state requiring assistance when the emergency switch 56 of the transportation assistance terminal 3 is turned on.

[0056] If at least one of these judgment conditions is met, i.e., if the user carrying the traffic assistance terminal 3 is in a state requiring assistance, the second judgment unit 34 decides to issue a warning notification to the user of the traffic assistance terminal 3, informing them of impending danger.

[0057] Furthermore, when the user carrying the own traffic assistance terminal 3 is in a state of needing assistance, second determination unit 34 decides to send an assistance suggestion notification to other traffic assistance terminals 3 that exist within a specific range from the own traffic assistance terminal 3, notifying them of the presence of a user (vulnerable road user) in a state of needing assistance. Second determination unit 34 sends an instruction (command) to send an assistance suggestion notification to other traffic assistance terminals 3 that exist within a specific range from the own traffic assistance terminal 3 via interface 53.

[0058] The second determination unit 34 may cause the support suggestion notification to be sent only to users who are registered as supporters among other traffic assistance terminals 3 that exist within a specific range from the own traffic assistance terminal 3. Furthermore, when the second determination unit 34 sends an instruction to send a support suggestion notification to traffic assistance terminals 3 around the own traffic assistance terminal 3, the second determination unit 34 may cause the notification unit 35 of the own traffic assistance terminal 3 to output a report that a support suggestion notification has been sent. This can provide a sense of security to vulnerable road users.

[0059] Furthermore, when the emergency switch 56 of the transportation assistance terminal 3 is turned on, the second determination unit 34 may notify the management server 2 that the emergency switch 56 has been turned on.

[0060] Furthermore, it may be possible to switch between indoor (IN) and outdoor (OUT) modes depending on the location of use (the location where the transportation assistance terminal 3 is located). As a result, the second determination unit 34 may notify the management server 2 that the person has become a vulnerable road user in need of assistance when, for example, the emergency switch 56 is on and the location is outdoors (OUT) depending on the location of use. The second determination unit 34 may also notify the management server 2 that the person has become a non-vulnerable road user in need of assistance when the emergency switch 56 is on and the location is indoors (IN).

[0061] The indoor (IN) and outdoor (OUT) modes may be switched manually, or may be switched by a predetermined communication (communication that can determine a specific location, such as Wi-Fi). For example, when communicating via Wi-Fi, it may be determined that the device is indoors (IN). Also, the indoor (IN) and outdoor (OUT) modes may be switched based on current location information determined from GPS or the like and preset location information.

[0062] Furthermore, when the mode is switched to indoors (IN), some functions may be suspended, such as in a sleep state, or the power may be turned off, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0063] The function of the second determination unit 34 may only function when the own traffic assistance terminal 3 is not connected to the network 4. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the own traffic assistance terminal 3. Furthermore, the function of the second determination unit 34 may only function when the user of the own traffic assistance terminal 3 is a vulnerable road user. This makes it possible to reduce the load on the own traffic assistance terminal 3.

[0064] For example, if the information about vulnerable road users stored in storage device 54 contains information indicating that the user is a vulnerable road user, it may be determined that the user carrying its own transportation assistance terminal 3 is a vulnerable road user. Furthermore, if the information about vulnerable road users stored in storage device 54 corresponds to at least one of the following cases: disability information indicates that the user has a disability, care requirement information indicates that the user needs care, pregnant information indicates that the user is pregnant, chronic illness information indicates that the user has a chronic illness that interferes with walking, etc., physical condition information indicates that the user has a symptom that interferes with walking, etc., or mental state information indicates that the user has an abnormal symptom, it may be determined that the user carrying its own transportation assistance terminal 3 is a vulnerable road user.

[0065] When the notification unit 35 receives an instruction (command) to issue a danger notification from the notification control unit 24 of the management server 2 described below, the notification unit 35 issues a danger notification to the user carrying the traffic assistance terminal 3. The instruction (command) to issue a danger notification from the notification control unit 24 of the management server 2 is an example of warning information from the management server 2 (external device).

[0066] The danger notification may be made, for example, by outputting a sound from speaker 58 notifying that a predetermined danger is approaching, or by displaying a message notifying that danger is approaching on a display device (not shown).

[0067] The notification unit 35 issues a danger notification to the user carrying the traffic assistance terminal 3 when the second judgment unit 34 judges that the user carrying the traffic assistance terminal 3 is in a state requiring assistance and decides to issue a danger notification.

[0068] The notification unit 35 issues a danger warning when the management server 2 (external device) determines that a moving person is in need of assistance based on information about vulnerable road users and location information, and receives warning information (an instruction to issue a danger notification) from the management server 2.

[0069] Furthermore, when the notification unit 35 receives an instruction (command) from the notification control unit 24 of the management server 2 to issue a support suggestion notification, the notification unit 35 issues a support suggestion notification to the user carrying the transportation assistance terminal 3 itself.

[0070] When the notification unit 35 receives information indicating the existence of a vulnerable road user in a state of needing assistance from the management server 2 based on the results of a determination made by the management server 2 (external device) as to whether the vulnerable road user is in a state of needing assistance, the notification unit 35 issues a support suggestion warning suggesting assistance for the vulnerable road user in a state of needing assistance.

[0071] The support suggestion notification may be made, for example, by outputting a predefined sound from speaker 58 notifying that the vulnerable road user is in a state of needing support, or by displaying a message on a display device (not shown) notifying that the vulnerable road user is in a state of needing support.

[0072] Furthermore, when notification unit 35 receives an instruction (command) from another transportation assistance terminal 3 to issue a support suggestion notification, notification unit 35 also issues a support suggestion notification to the user carrying transportation assistance terminal 3 of its own.

[0073] Furthermore, when the notification unit 35 receives a report instruction from the notification control unit 24 of the management server 2 or the second determination unit 34 of its own transportation assistance terminal 3 to the effect that a support suggestion notification has been made, it may output a report to nearby supporters that a support suggestion notification (request for support) has been made. The report that a support suggestion notification has been made may be made, for example, by outputting a sound from the speaker 58 indicating that a predetermined support suggestion notification has been made, or by displaying a message indicating that a support suggestion notification has been made on a display device (not shown). This can provide a sense of security to vulnerable road users.

[0074] The vehicle may be equipped with at least the functions of the second communication unit 31, the location information processing unit 33, the interface 53, and the GPS receiver 55 of the transportation assistance terminal 3 described above. This makes it possible to easily grasp the relative positional relationship between the transportation assistance terminal 3 of the vulnerable road user and the vehicle.

[0075] The notification unit 35 is an example of a warning unit that issues a warning in response to information from the management server 2 (external device, traffic assistance control device). The danger notification is an example of a danger warning, and the assistance suggestion notification is an example of an assistance suggestion warning.

[0076] The management server 2 manages each traffic assistance terminal 3. The management server 2 is an example of an external device and also an example of a traffic assistance control device. The management server 2 is a computer with server functions, and as shown in FIG. 3, includes, for example, a processor 41, a memory 42, an interface 43, and a storage device 44.

[0077] The memory 42 stores various types of data, programs, and other information. The memory 42 may be, for example, a volatile memory such as a DRAM, or a non-volatile memory such as a PM, or both.

[0078] The interface 43 is an example of a communication interface that controls the connection and communication with the traffic assistance terminal 3. For example, the interface 53 may include an adapter that complies with LAN communication. This allows the management server 2 to connect to the network 4 via the interface 43 and be connected to the traffic assistance terminal 3 so that it can communicate with them.

[0079] The storage device 44 stores various types of information such as various data and programs. Examples of the storage device 44 include various storage devices such as a magnetic disk device such as an HDD, a semiconductor drive device such as an SSD, and a non-volatile memory. The storage device 44 may store a program that realizes all or part of the various functions of the management server 2.

[0080] The processor 41 is an example of a processing unit that performs various controls and calculations, and is a control unit that executes various processes. The processor 41 is communicably connected to the memory 42, the interface 43, and the storage device 44 via a bus.

[0081] The processor 41 expands and executes a program stored in the storage device 44 in the memory 42, thereby realizing processing as the first communication unit 21, the user management unit 22, the first judgment unit 23, and the notification control unit 24 shown in Figure 1.

[0082] The programs for realizing the functions of the first communication unit 21, user management unit 22, first determination unit 23, and notification control unit 24 are provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, such as a flexible disk, CD (CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, etc.), DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, HD DVD, etc.), Blu-ray disc, magnetic disk, optical disk, or magneto-optical disk. The management server 2 then reads the programs from the recording medium, transfers them to an internal or external storage device, and stores them for use. Alternatively, the programs may be recorded on a storage device (recording medium), such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, or magneto-optical disk, and provided to a computer from the storage device via a communication path.

[0083] First communication unit 21 communicates wirelessly with each traffic support terminal 3 via interface 43 and network 4, and transmits and receives various information, commands, and the like to and from traffic support terminal 3. First communication unit 21 is an example of a communication unit that can communicate with multiple traffic support terminals 3 that can be carried by the traveler.

[0084] The user management unit 22 manages information related to users of the traffic assistance system 1. For example, the user management unit 22 may manage information on whether or not a user is a vulnerable road user and information on whether or not a user is a supporter, in association with a user ID.

[0085] Whether or not a user is a vulnerable road user may be determined by the user himself / herself, or the system may determine this for users who meet certain conditions based on information such as age and health condition. Furthermore, the system may analyze the user's movement history based on location information transmitted from the transportation assistance terminal 3, and based on the analysis results, may determine that the user is a vulnerable road user if certain conditions are met, such as the average walking speed being equal to or less than a threshold.

[0086] For users who are vulnerable road users, information related to age (such as the elderly or infants), information related to people with disabilities, information related to people requiring care, information related to pregnant women, information related to chronic illnesses, information related to the user's physical condition on that day, information related to the user's mental state, etc. For users who are supporters, information such as whether or not the user has a rescue license and a history of support provided to vulnerable road users in the past may be managed. For users who fall into both categories, information on both the user as a vulnerable road user and a supporter may be managed. In this case, information on the user's willingness to become a supporter may be set and managed.

[0087] Furthermore, based on the location information transmitted from each transportation assistance terminal 3, user management unit 22 manages the current location of each transportation assistance terminal 3, that is, the current location of each user, and the movement status (for example, movement speed) of each user.

[0088] The user management unit 22 may manage the above information about users using a database. The information that constitutes the database may be stored in the storage device 44. In addition, information about vulnerable road users for each user may be stored in this database.

[0089] The first determination unit 23 determines whether a vulnerable road user is in a state of needing assistance. Based on the location information of the transportation assistance terminal 3 of the vulnerable road user, the first determination unit 23 detects the vulnerable road user in a state of needing assistance by checking whether the movement history of the transportation assistance terminal 3 satisfies predetermined determination conditions.

[0090] The first judgment unit 23 is an example of a judgment unit that judges whether the user (moving person, first moving person) is in a state requiring support based on information about vulnerable road users transmitted from the transportation support terminal 3 and the location information of the transportation support terminal 3.

[0091] For example, first determination unit 23 may determine that the user carrying transportation assistance terminal 3 is a vulnerable road user when information indicating that the user is a vulnerable road user is stored in the information on vulnerable road users transmitted from transportation assistance terminal 3. Furthermore, first determination unit 23 may determine that the user carrying transportation assistance terminal 3 is a vulnerable road user when, for example, the information on vulnerable road users transmitted from transportation assistance terminal 3 corresponds to at least one of the following cases: disability information indicates that the user has a disability; care requirement information indicates that the user needs care; pregnant information indicates that the user is pregnant; chronic illness information indicates that the user has a chronic illness that interferes with walking, etc.; and physical condition information and mental state information indicates that the user has a symptom that interferes with walking, etc.

[0092] The judgment condition for detecting a vulnerable road user in need of assistance may be, for example, that the current location of the traffic assistance terminal 3 of the vulnerable road user is at an intersection and that the moving speed of the traffic assistance terminal 3 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. The first judgment unit 23 judges that a vulnerable road user who satisfies such judgment condition is in need of assistance.

[0093] Furthermore, for example, the current location of the traffic assistance terminal 3 of the vulnerable road user may be at an intersection, and a vehicle may be approaching the traffic assistance terminal 3, as a judgment condition for detecting a vulnerable road user in need of assistance.

[0094] Furthermore, the criteria for detecting vulnerable road users who require assistance may include the fact that the vulnerable road user is in a dangerous situation, for example, when the current location of the traffic assistance terminal 3 of the vulnerable road user is on a road without a sidewalk or on a narrow road, and when a vehicle is approaching the traffic assistance terminal 3 at a predetermined speed or faster (within a predetermined distance).

[0095] When at least one of these determination conditions is satisfied, the first determination unit 23 determines that the vulnerable road user (first moving person) is in a state requiring support.

[0096] Hereinafter, the transportation support terminal 3 of the vulnerable road user who is determined to be in a state of needing support may be referred to as the support-requiring transportation support terminal 3-1. The support-requiring transportation support terminal 3-1 is an example of a first transportation support terminal carried by a first moving person who is determined to be in a state of needing support.

[0097] Also, for example, when the emergency switch 56 of any of the traffic support terminals 3 is turned on, first determination unit 23 may determine the user of the traffic support terminal 3 whose emergency switch 56 is turned on as a vulnerable road user in a state of needing support. Furthermore, based on the location of use of any of the traffic support terminals 3, if the emergency switch 56 is on and outdoors (OUT), first determination unit 23 may determine the user of the traffic support terminal 3 whose emergency switch 56 is turned on as a vulnerable road user in a state of needing support. Furthermore, when the emergency switch 56 is on and indoors (IN), first determination unit 23 may determine that the user is not a vulnerable road user in a state of needing support. In other words, the fact that the emergency switch 56 of any of the traffic support terminals 3 is turned on and the location of use of the traffic support terminal 3 may be included in the determination conditions for detecting a vulnerable road user, etc. in a state of needing support. In this way, first determination unit 23 determines that the user (vulnerable road user, etc.) of the traffic support terminal 3 whose emergency switch 56 is turned on has entered a state of needing support.

[0098] The first determination unit 23 may determine whether all users managed by the user management unit 22 are in a state requiring assistance, without limiting the determination to vulnerable road users. This makes it possible to protect users other than vulnerable road users.

[0099] In addition, the first determination unit 23 determines to issue a danger notification to a vulnerable road user determined to be in a state requiring assistance, notifying the user that danger is imminent.

[0100] Furthermore, first determination unit 23 determines to send a support suggestion notification to other transportation support terminals 3-2 and 3-3 that exist within a specific range from support-requiring transportation support terminal 3-1, notifying them of the presence of a vulnerable road user in a state of needing support. Transportation support terminals 3-2 and 3-3 are examples of second transportation support terminals carried by a second moving person other than the first moving person that exist within a predetermined range from support-requiring transportation support terminal (first transportation support terminal) 3-1 carried by a first moving person determined to be in a state of needing support.

[0101] The first determination unit 23 may send the support suggestion notification only to users who are registered as supporters among the other transportation support terminals 3-2 and 3-3 that exist within a specific range from the support-requiring transportation support terminal 3-1.

[0102] The notification control unit 24 sends, via the interface 43, an instruction (command) to issue a danger notification to the transportation support terminal 3-1 (transport support terminal 3-1 requiring assistance) of a vulnerable road user who the first judgment unit 23 has determined to be in a state requiring assistance.

[0103] In addition, notification control unit 24 sends an instruction (command) via interface 43 from support-requiring transportation support terminal 3-1 to other transportation support terminals 3-2 and 3-3 that exist within a specific range to issue a support suggestion notification. If it is not possible to send an instruction (command) to a supporter, it may send an instruction (command) to issue a support suggestion notification to transportation support terminals 3-2 and 3-3 that have set information on supporters and potential supporters even if they are inside or outside the specific range. Furthermore, even if there are no other transportation support terminals 3-2 and 3-3 within the specific range from support-requiring transportation support terminal 3-1, it may send an instruction (command) to issue a support suggestion notification to transportation support terminals 3-2 and 3-3 that have set information on supporters and potential supporters even if they are outside the specific range.

[0104] Furthermore, when the notification control unit 24 transmits an instruction to the transportation assistance terminals 3-2 and 3-3 around the support-requiring transportation assistance terminal 3-1 to issue a support suggestion notification, the notification control unit 24 may output a report to the support-requiring transportation assistance terminal 3-1 that the support suggestion notification has been issued. This can provide a sense of security to the vulnerable road users.

[0105] The notification control unit 24 is an example of a warning information sending unit that sends danger warning information (instructions to issue a danger notification) to the support-requiring transportation support terminal 3-1 carried by a user (vulnerable road users, mobile persons) who is determined to be in a state of needing support.

[0106] In addition, the notification control unit 24 is an example of an information transmission unit that transmits support suggestion information suggesting support for a mobile person in a state of needing support to a second transportation support terminal 3-2 carried by a second mobile person (supporter) other than the first mobile person (vulnerable road user) who is located within a predetermined range from a first transportation support terminal 3-1 carried by the first mobile person (vulnerable road user) who has been determined to be in a state of needing support.

[0107] [2. Control] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control in the management server 2 of FIG.

[0108] The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 may be started, for example, when the management server 2 is started, and may also be repeatedly executed periodically.

[0109] In step S1, the first communication unit 21 acquires location information from each transportation assistance terminal 3. In step S2, the first determination unit 23 detects vulnerable road users who require assistance by checking whether there are any vulnerable road users who satisfy predetermined determination conditions.

[0110] In step S3, the first determination unit 23 checks whether there is a vulnerable road user in need of assistance. If there is no vulnerable road user in need of assistance (NO in step S3), the process returns to step S1. If there is a vulnerable road user in need of assistance (YES in step S3), the process proceeds to step S4.

[0111] In step S4, the notification control unit 24 sends, via the interface 43, an instruction to issue a danger notification to the transportation support terminal (transport support terminal requiring assistance) 3-1 of the vulnerable road user who the first judgment unit 23 has determined to be in a state requiring assistance.

[0112] In step S5, the notification control unit 24 sends an instruction (command) from the support-requiring transportation support terminal 3-1 to other transportation support terminals 3-2 and 3-3 that exist within a specific range to issue a support suggestion notification. In step S6, the notification control unit 24 reports to the vulnerable road user that a support suggestion notification has been sent to surrounding users. Specifically, the notification control unit 24 causes the support-requiring transportation support terminal 3-1 to output a report that a support suggestion notification has been sent to the transportation support terminals 3-2 and 3-3 surrounding the support-requiring transportation support terminal 3-1. Then, the process returns to step S1.

[0113] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the control of the transportation assistance terminal 3 in FIG. 1 in a state where communication with the management server 2 is possible.

[0114] The processing shown in the flowchart of Figure 5 may be started, for example, when the transportation assistance terminal 3 is started up, or may be executed repeatedly at regular intervals. The support transportation assistance terminal 3-1 carried by the vulnerable road user performs the processing of steps S11, S12, S13, S14, S16, and S17 in the flowchart of Figure 5. Meanwhile, the transportation assistance terminals 3-2 and 3-3 carried by supporters around the support transportation assistance terminal 3-1 perform the processing of steps S11, S12, S14, and S15 in the flowchart of Figure 5.

[0115] In step S11 , the location information processing unit 33 uses the GPS receiver 55 to acquire location information indicating the location of the transportation assistance terminal 3 , and transmits the acquired location information to the management server 2 .

[0116] In step S12, the notification unit 35 checks whether an instruction (command) to issue a danger notification has been received from the notification control unit 24 of the management server 2. If an instruction to issue a danger notification has been received (YES in step S12), the notification unit 35 issues a danger notification to the user carrying the transportation assistance terminal 3 in step S13. Then, the process returns to step S11.

[0117] If an instruction to issue a danger notification has not been received (NO in step S12), the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the notification unit 35 checks whether an instruction to issue an assistance suggestion notification has been received from the notification control unit 24 of the management server 2. If an instruction to issue an assistance suggestion notification has been received (YES in step S14), the notification unit 35 issues an assistance suggestion notification to the user carrying the transportation assistance terminal 3 in step S15. Then, the process returns to step S11.

[0118] Furthermore, if the confirmation result in step S14 indicates that a support suggestion notification has not been received (NO in step S14), then in step S16 the notification unit 35 confirms whether a report instruction to the effect that a support suggestion notification has been sent has been received from the notification control unit 24 of the management server 2. If the confirmation result indicates that a report instruction to the effect that a support suggestion notification has been sent has been received (YES in step S16), then in step S17 the notification unit 35 outputs a report to nearby supporters that a support suggestion notification (request for support) has been sent. Thereafter, the process returns to step S11. Also, if the confirmation result in step S16 indicates that a report instruction to the effect that a support suggestion notification has been sent has not been received (NO in step S16), the process returns to step S11.

[0119] 6 is a flowchart for explaining the control in a state in which the traffic assistance terminal 3 in FIG. 1 cannot communicate with the management server 2. In other words, communication control is performed between the traffic assistance terminals 3.

[0120] The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 may be started, for example, when the transportation assistance terminal 3 is started up, or may be repeatedly executed periodically.

[0121] In step S21, the second determination unit 34 determines whether the user carrying the own traffic assistance terminal 3 is in a state requiring assistance by checking whether a predetermined determination condition is met. If the user carrying the own traffic assistance terminal 3 is in a state requiring assistance (YES in step S21), the process proceeds to step S22.

[0122] In step S22, the notification unit 35 issues a danger notification to the user carrying the local traffic assistance terminal 3 (3-1). In step S23, the second judgment unit 34 sends an instruction (command) to other traffic assistance terminals 3 (3-2, 3-3) within a specific range from the local traffic assistance terminal 3 (3-1) to issue an assistance suggestion notification, notifying them that there is a user (vulnerable road user) in a state of needing assistance. In addition, in step S24, the notification unit 35 reports to the vulnerable road user that the assistance suggestion notification has been sent to surrounding users. Specifically, the notification unit 35 outputs a report that the assistance suggestion notification (request for assistance) has been sent to the traffic assistance terminals 3 (3-2, 3-3) of supporters surrounding the local traffic assistance terminal 3 (3-1). Then, the process returns to step S21.

[0123] Also, if the result of the check in step S21 shows that the user carrying the transportation assistance terminal 3 is not in a state requiring assistance (NO in step S21), the process returns to step S21.

[0124] [3. Action and Effects] The present embodiment described above has the following advantages.

[0125] In each transportation support terminal 3, information regarding vulnerable road users, including at least one of disability information, information regarding need for care, information regarding pregnant women, information regarding chronic illnesses, physical condition information, and mental state information, is stored in the memory control unit 32, and the second communication unit 31 transmits at least information regarding vulnerable road users and location information to the management server 2.

[0126] In the management server 2, the first determination unit 23 determines whether a vulnerable road user is in a state requiring assistance based on information and location information about the vulnerable road user, including at least one of disability information, care requirement information, pregnant woman information, chronic illness information, physical condition information, and mental condition information, transmitted from each transportation assistance terminal 3. By including at least one of disability information, care requirement information, pregnant woman information, chronic illness information, physical condition information, and mental condition information in the information about the vulnerable road user, settings tailored to individual users can be made. Furthermore, by including physical condition information in the information about the vulnerable road user, temporary changes in the user's physical condition, such as having a cold, can be reflected. Furthermore, by including mental condition information in the information about the vulnerable road user, temporary user conditions, such as mood or depression on that day, as well as long-term user conditions, such as mood or depression, can be reflected. The notification control unit 24 then transmits an instruction to issue a danger notification to the transportation assistance terminal 3-1 of the vulnerable road user determined by the first determination unit 23 to be in a state requiring assistance.

[0127] In the traffic assistance terminal 3, when the notification unit 35 receives an instruction to issue a danger notification from the notification control unit 24 of the management server 2, it issues a danger notification to the user (vulnerable road user) carrying the traffic assistance terminal 3.

[0128] This will allow vulnerable road users to know when they are in need of assistance and take action to respond as necessary, thereby protecting them.

[0129] Furthermore, in the management server 2, the notification control unit 24 sends an instruction to issue a support suggestion notification to other transportation support terminals 3-2 and 3-3 that exist within a specific range from the support-requiring transportation support terminal 3-1. When the notification unit 35 in the transportation support terminals 3-2 and 3-3 receives an instruction to issue a support suggestion notification from the notification control unit 24 of the management server 2, the notification unit 35 issues a support suggestion notification to the user carrying the transportation support terminal 3.

[0130] This allows supporters around vulnerable road users to know that they are in need of assistance and can provide assistance to them as needed, thereby protecting vulnerable road users.

[0131] Furthermore, when a vulnerable road user requests assistance in an emergency, the second determination unit 34 of the traffic assistance terminal 3-1 notifies the management server 2 by pressing the emergency switch 56 of the traffic assistance terminal 3-1 or by other operation input. This also causes the first determination unit 23 in the management server 2 to determine that the user (vulnerable road user) of the traffic assistance terminal 3-1 whose emergency switch 56 has been turned on is in a state requiring assistance. The first determination unit 23 then sends instructions to other traffic assistance terminals 3-2 and 3-3 within a specific range from the assistance-requiring transportation assistance terminal 3-1 to issue an assistance suggestion notification. When the notification unit 35 of the traffic assistance terminals 3-2 and 3-3 receives an instruction to issue an assistance suggestion notification from the notification control unit 24 of the management server 2, the notification unit 35 issues an assistance suggestion notification to the user carrying the transportation assistance terminal 3.

[0132] This allows supporters around the traffic support terminal 3-1 whose emergency switch 56 is turned on to know of the presence of a vulnerable road user who needs assistance, and to provide assistance to the vulnerable road user as necessary, thereby protecting the vulnerable road user.

[0133] Furthermore, when the traffic assistance terminal 3-1 is in a state where it cannot communicate with the management server 2, such as when it is inside a tunnel, the second determination unit 34 in the traffic assistance terminal 3-1 determines whether the user carrying the traffic assistance terminal 3-1 is in a state where assistance is required. If the user carrying the traffic assistance terminal 3-1 is in a state where assistance is required, a danger notification is sent to the user of the traffic assistance terminal 3-1, informing them that danger is approaching.

[0134] This also allows vulnerable road users to know that they are in need of assistance and to take action to respond as necessary, thereby protecting them.

[0135] In addition, if a user carrying the traffic assistance terminal 3-1 is in a state of needing assistance, the traffic assistance terminal 3-1 sends an assistance suggestion notification to other traffic assistance terminals 3-2 and 3-3 within a specific range of the traffic assistance terminal 3-1, informing them that there is a user (vulnerable road users) in a state of needing assistance.

[0136] This allows supporters around vulnerable road users to know that they are in need of assistance and can provide assistance to them as needed, thereby protecting vulnerable road users.

[0137] The first determination unit 23 detects vulnerable road users who require assistance by checking whether the movement history of the transportation assistance terminal 3-1 satisfies predetermined determination conditions based on the location information of the transportation assistance terminal 3-1 of the vulnerable road user. This allows the first determination unit 23 to detect vulnerable road users who require assistance.

[0138] In addition, when a support suggestion is sent to supporters in the vicinity of the support-requiring transportation support terminal 3-1, the support-requiring transportation support terminal 3-1 outputs a report that a support suggestion (request for support) has been sent to the supporters in the vicinity, thereby giving a sense of security to the person with limited mobility.

[0139] [4. Other] The transportation assistance system 1 described in the above embodiment is merely an example. For example, in the above embodiment, when a user carrying a transportation assistance terminal 3-1 is in a state of needing assistance, the first determination unit 23 and the second determination unit 34 determine to send an assistance suggestion notification to other transportation assistance terminals 3-2 and 3-3 within a specific range of the transportation assistance terminal 3-1 requiring assistance, notifying them that a user (vulnerable road user) is in a state of needing assistance. In this case, the first determination unit 23 and the second determination unit 34 may set priorities for multiple transportation assistance terminals 3 and cause the assistance suggestion notification to be sent to some of the transportation assistance terminals 3 with higher priorities. This can prevent many supporters from gathering around a vulnerable road user in a state of needing assistance.

[0140] For example, a traffic assistance terminal 3 carried by a user who has a rescue license or a user who has a history of providing assistance to vulnerable road users may be given a higher priority, and this can be implemented with appropriate modifications.

[0141] Furthermore, for example, the management server 2 or the traffic support terminal 3-1 may grasp the positional relationship between the support-requiring traffic support terminal 3-1 and other traffic support terminals 3-2 and 3-3, and notify the supporter of information indicating the position (direction and distance) of the support-requiring traffic support terminal 3-1 along with a support suggestion notification.

[0142] Furthermore, the judgment conditions used by the first judgment unit 23 and the second judgment unit 34 to determine whether a user carrying the transportation assistance terminal 3 is in a state requiring assistance are not limited to those described above, and various conditions can be set. The conditions can be self-managed while respecting the privacy of the user carrying the transportation assistance terminal 3, or information can be shared with a registered support network in which the person requiring assistance has unique common settings. This can be used by setting judgment conditions for schools, hospitals, facilities, etc.

[0143] Furthermore, when a vehicle is detected approaching a vulnerable road user, the traffic assistance terminal 3 carried by the vehicle driver or the traffic assistance terminal 3 mounted on the vehicle may be made to notify the vehicle of the proximity to the vulnerable road user. This allows the traffic assistance terminal 3 mounted on the vehicle to enhance vehicle control and cooperation, thereby improving the safety of the vehicle and the safety of the vulnerable road user.

[0144] Furthermore, in consideration of reducing radio wave risks (for example, the effect of radio waves on pacemakers, etc.), communication restrictions (such as lengthening the communication interval or temporarily suspending communication) may be imposed on the own traffic assistance terminal 3. For example, if the own traffic assistance terminal 3 is equipped with a device that may be affected by radio waves, such as a pacemaker, the above-mentioned communication restrictions may be imposed on the own own traffic assistance terminal 3 and other own traffic assistance terminals 3 in the vicinity of the own location.

[0145] Furthermore, the traffic assistance terminal 3 may be provided with a vibration function, and notifications may be given by vibration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0146] 1. Traffic assistance system 2 Management server (traffic assistance control device) 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, 3 Traffic assistance terminal 4 Network 21 First Communications Department (Communications Department) 22 User Management Department 23 First Judgment Department (Judgment Department) 24 Notification control unit (warning control unit, warning information transmission unit, information transmission unit) 31 Second Communications Department (Communications Department) 32 Memory control unit 33 Location information processing unit (location information acquisition unit) 34 Second Judgment Department 35 Notification section (warning section) 41,51 processor 42,52 memory 43,53 Interface 44,54 Storage device (storage unit) 55 GPS receiver 56 Emergency Switch 57 Motion Sensor

Claims

1. A transportation assistance terminal that can be carried by a traveler, a storage unit that stores information about the traveler who is vulnerable to transportation, including at least one of disability information, care requirement information, pregnant woman information, chronic disease information, physical condition information, and mental state information; a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information of the transportation assistance terminal; a communication unit capable of wirelessly communicating with an external device; a warning unit that issues a warning in response to information from the external device, the communication unit transmits at least information about the vulnerable road user and the location information to the external device; The warning unit issues a danger warning when the external device determines that the moving person is in a state requiring assistance based on the information about the vulnerable road user and the location information and receives warning information from the external device. A traffic assistance terminal characterized by the above.

2. At least one of the disability information, care requirement information, pregnancy information, chronic disease information, physical condition information, and mental state information can be set to a level according to the level of support required.

2. The traffic assistance terminal according to claim 1, wherein:

3. a communication unit capable of communicating with a plurality of transportation assistance terminals that are portable by the traveler; a determination unit that determines whether the moving person is in a state requiring assistance based on information about the vulnerable road user, including at least one of disability information, care requirement information, pregnant woman information, chronic disease information, physical condition information, and mental condition information, and location information of the transportation assistance terminal; a warning information sending unit that sends danger warning information to the transportation assistance terminal carried by the moving person who is determined to be in the assistance-requiring state; A traffic assistance control device characterized by:

4. The determination unit determines whether the moving person is in the assistance-requiring state by checking whether the movement history of the transportation assistance terminal satisfies a determination condition based on the location information of the transportation assistance terminal.

4. The traffic assistance control device according to claim 3, wherein:

5. a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information of a transportation assistance terminal that is portable by the traveler; a determination unit that determines whether a traveler carrying the transportation assistance terminal is in a state requiring assistance based on information about vulnerable road users, including at least one of disability information, care requirement information, pregnant woman information, chronic disease information, physical condition information, and mental condition information, and the location information; and a warning unit that issues a danger warning from the transportation assistance terminal carried by the moving person when the moving person is determined to be in the assistance-requiring state; This is a traffic assistance system characterized by the above.

6. The determination unit determines whether the moving person is in the assistance-requiring state by checking whether the movement history of the transportation assistance terminal satisfies a determination condition based on the location information.

6. The traffic assistance system according to claim 5, wherein:

7. A transportation assistance terminal that can be carried by a traveler, a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information of the transportation assistance terminal; a communication unit capable of wirelessly communicating with an external device; a warning unit that issues a warning in response to information from the external device, the communication unit transmits at least the position information to the external device; The warning unit issues a support suggestion warning suggesting support for the vulnerable road user who is in a support-requiring state when the warning unit receives information indicating the presence of the vulnerable road user who is in a support-requiring state from the external device based on a result of a determination made by the external device as to whether the vulnerable road user is in a support-requiring state. A traffic assistance terminal characterized by the above.

8. a communication unit capable of communicating with a plurality of transportation assistance terminals that are portable by the traveler; a determination unit that determines whether a first moving person among the plurality of moving persons is in a state requiring assistance based on information from the plurality of transportation assistance terminals received via the communication unit; an information transmitting unit that transmits support suggestion information suggesting support for the first moving person who is in the support-requiring state to a second transportation assistance terminal carried by a second moving person other than the first moving person, the second moving person being present within a predetermined range from a first transportation assistance terminal carried by the first moving person who is determined to be in the support-requiring state; A traffic assistance control device characterized by:

9. The determination unit determines whether the moving person is in the assistance-requiring state by checking whether the movement history of the transportation assistance terminal satisfies a determination condition based on location information of the transportation assistance terminal included in the information received from the plurality of transportation assistance terminals.

9. The traffic assistance control device according to claim 8, wherein:

10. a transportation assistance terminal carried by each of a plurality of travelers; a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information of the plurality of transportation assistance terminals; a determination unit that determines whether a first moving person among the plurality of moving people is in a state requiring assistance based on the location information; an information transmitting unit that transmits support suggestion information suggesting support for the first moving person who is in the support-requiring state to a second transportation assistance terminal carried by a second moving person other than the first moving person, the second moving person being present within a predetermined range from a first transportation assistance terminal carried by the first moving person who is determined to be in the support-requiring state; This is a traffic assistance system characterized by the above.

11. The determination unit determines whether the first moving person is in the assistance-requiring state by checking whether the movement history of the transportation assistance terminal satisfies a determination condition based on the location information.

11. The traffic assistance system according to claim 10,

Images